Well, with tabletop RPGs, especially when you aren't playing online and are actually sitting face to face across the table from someone, you can see parts of a person you didn't otherwise know existed.
And some of those parts are ugly.
I mean, I'm not saying that just because you play a character who is selfish, dickish, or outright evil is that necessarily a commentary on you as a person.
But, that said, it can be disturbing sometimes to see the glee and seamless transition a person makes if they play a character who is particularly unpleasant.
It's why I prefer people not to play evil-aligned, sadistic, or sociopathically self-absorbed characters. Not only are these types of characters typically disruptive to the group as a whole (especially if they're the only evil dude in the group) but maaaaan... there is just a point where playing a real terrible person that accurately makes everyone at the table uncomfortable and tells me some not-so-nice things about who you might be, deep down.
I mean, sometimes RPGs can serve a somewhat therapeutic function, in a way, allowing a person to express mindsets or desires they acknowledge as unacceptable to do in reality. Within the context of the game allows you to explore them safely and without people necessarily casting a suspicious eye on you.
But, there's just a level where that shit becomes really uncomfortable and you start looking at the person in a really negative light.
my friend mark played a cultist who kidnapped a drunk woman and eviscerated her, and then harvested her organs for some dark ritual.
our paladin was not pleased. Drowned him in a dirty puddle of water on the street as i recall.
you've just given me an idea
glee!
bear in mind, I may not use it, but it's a thought
Well, with tabletop RPGs, especially when you aren't playing online and are actually sitting face to face across the table from someone, you can see parts of a person you didn't otherwise know existed.
And some of those parts are ugly.
I mean, I'm not saying that just because you play a character who is selfish, dickish, or outright evil is that necessarily a commentary on you as a person.
But, that said, it can be disturbing sometimes to see the glee and seamless transition a person makes if they play a character who is particularly unpleasant.
It's why I prefer people not to play evil-aligned, sadistic, or sociopathically self-absorbed characters. Not only are these types of characters typically disruptive to the group as a whole (especially if they're the only evil dude in the group) but maaaaan... there is just a point where playing a real terrible person that accurately makes everyone at the table uncomfortable and tells me some not-so-nice things about who you might be, deep down.
I mean, sometimes RPGs can serve a somewhat therapeutic function, in a way, allowing a person to express mindsets or desires they acknowledge as unacceptable to do in reality. Within the context of the game allows you to explore them safely and without people necessarily casting a suspicious eye on you.
But, there's just a level where that shit becomes really uncomfortable and you start looking at the person in a really negative light.
my friend mark played a cultist who kidnapped a drunk woman and eviscerated her, and then harvested her organs for some dark ritual.
our paladin was not pleased. Drowned him in a dirty puddle of water on the street as i recall.
you've just given me an idea
glee!
As one of the two remaining evil people in Glossolalia, I'm not pleased by this.
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AntimatterDevo Was RightGates of SteelRegistered Userregular
edited April 2009
ahahahaha
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Metzger MeisterIt Gets Worsebefore it gets any better.Registered Userregular
edited April 2009
I, as the true neutral half-orc barbarian of the party, was pretty fucking stunned that our goody-goody type paladin dude would plant booted foot on the back of, essentially, a weakling magic user's head and straight up hold his head down in a puddle of god-knows what until he was dead.
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AntimatterDevo Was RightGates of SteelRegistered Userregular
I, as the true neutral half-orc barbarian of the party, was pretty fucking stunned that our goody-goody type paladin dude would plant booted foot on the back of, essentially, a weakling magic user's head and straight up hold his head down in a puddle of god-knows what until he was dead.
I don't think any of the characters I've played have ever actually been evil. Looking back, though, all of the entertaining ones have been at least a little unhinged.
I think if I were DMing, hypothetically, I would only let my players play evil characters under controlled circumstances. They'd have to follow some guidelines or they'd all have to be an evil group of baddies bent on stopping the good guys as a team or something.
I don't think any of the characters I've played have ever actually been evil. Looking back, though, all of the entertaining ones have been at least a little unhinged.
almost all of my characters have turned out to be pretty much true-neutral.
I think I'm going to run my pure spellslinger as an immoral prick that only works with a party because it furthers his own ends. He won't be evil per se, but he will definitely be that guy who reminds the party what side their bread is buttered on concerning magic. He'll also be the one to never, ever put himself in harm's way for the good of anyone unless he's got something to lose.
Vincentia "Mysticalis" is Unaligned and kind of a fraud, and fame and he IS fortune mad but I thought him up with the idea that he'd develop into a legitimate hero over time.
I think the closest I've ever gotten to playing an evil character were:
A. An AI in a post-apocalyptic sandbox game that wanted to cyborg all of humanity in a ridiculously circuitous grab for power that involved a lot of transhumanist propaganda and theatrical speeches.
B. A mute sorcerer girl in a setting where sorcerers were hunted and exterminated, turned remarkably bitter and violent. She gleefully made an orc think it was burning to death when it finally turned out she would have to use her powers.
I run a game for Callius and Natasha, and they're fine, as I expected them to be, but I know them both well enough to know they aren't the sort that would cause a problem. My wife wanted to play and I straight said no, because I don't want that relationship to be affected by the fact that I'm the DM and she's just another player instead of my wife when I pick up my books. I love her and would love to play with her and include her, but not if I'm in any position of decision making or power over her. I don't need those sorts of dynamics going on.
So you'd play with her as a fellow player? I can see that. If people want to make our game a regular thing I'm sure we could work out a DM rotation of some sort. Speaking of, is everyone up for this Sunday?
Waiting on word from Cal, but things are up in the air right now as to whether he'll have time. And there's a chance I'll be taking off for a short road trip, but I'll wait until after the game if it is on.
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FishmanPut your goddamned hand in the goddamned Box of Pain.Registered Userregular
edited April 2009
Evil is fine, so long as it's the type of evil that can get along with others. I've run a halfling-mafioso type, who understood the importance of 'family' and belonging, and a highly intelligent sociopath whose morality and sense of justice was roughly analogous to that of the 'Mercykillers' from Planescape.
I also DM a regular group that includes my wife. This rarely, if ever, leads to any problems, at least that I can see. In fact, knowing one of my players as well as I know her, and her motivations and decision making processes, I actually think there are times it leads to a better game.
I run a game for Callius and Natasha, and they're fine, as I expected them to be, but I know them both well enough to know they aren't the sort that would cause a problem. My wife wanted to play and I straight said no, because I don't want that relationship to be affected by the fact that I'm the DM and she's just another player instead of my wife when I pick up my books. I love her and would love to play with her and include her, but not if I'm in any position of decision making or power over her. I don't need those sorts of dynamics going on.
So you'd play with her as a fellow player? I can see that. If people want to make our game a regular thing I'm sure we could work out a DM rotation of some sort. Speaking of, is everyone up for this Sunday?
Waiting on word from Cal, but things are up in the air right now as to whether he'll have time. And there's a chance I'll be taking off for a short road trip, but I'll wait until after the game if it is on.
Alright, hope Cal works it out because I really want to clobber some goblins.
I picked arcane power up along with martial power earlier today.
I really, really, really like the familiar feat. It's almost like a multiclass feat, you get a skill bonus, a neat little power, and also a minion to send out scouting who can't die, or who at least won't stay dead longer than 5 minutes.
FishmanPut your goddamned hand in the goddamned Box of Pain.Registered Userregular
edited April 2009
Yeah, I got back a couple days ago. Still, all good fun. I'm about to head out for lunch to see if i can find the PHBII and a copy of Okami for wii.
Been seriously busy unpacking, moving furniture ('cause we had some rooms painted while we were away), catching up on world/local/friends/internet events, changing project teams at work (because I am apparently in high demand) and now I have to prep a kobold warren before tomorrow nights game.
Anyone able to think of a good mount for kobold in 4e? They used to use Dire weasels in 3.5, but so far there's no direct analogue for that in 4ed. I guess I could use Riding Lizards or Rage Drakes from the Adventurers Vault, but it just seems like so much scaly-type overkill.
Anyone able to think of a good mount for kobold in 4e? They used to use Dire weasels in 3.5, but so far there's no direct analogue for that in 4ed. I guess I could use Riding Lizards or Rage Drakes from the Adventurers Vault, but it just seems like so much scaly-type overkill.
I can't think of anything unintelligent, but what about a Kobold riding on an ogre's back?
Master Blaster!
Actually a Kobold in some kind of specially-made seat for riding an ooze of some kind would be rad.
The rat familiar is one of my current favorites, it can make thievery checks at it's owner's bonus +2. I have a delightful mental picture of a rogue/wizard multiclass handing their familiar different thief's tools while it patiently works at unlocking a door, trying to teach it's owner how to do it properly.
B. A mute sorcerer girl in a setting where sorcerers were hunted and exterminated, turned remarkably bitter and violent. She gleefully made an orc think it was burning to death when it finally turned out she would have to use her powers.
I think I'm going to run my pure spellslinger as an immoral prick that only works with a party because it furthers his own ends. He won't be evil per se, but he will definitely be that guy who reminds the party what side their bread is buttered on concerning magic. He'll also be the one to never, ever put himself in harm's way for the good of anyone unless he's got something to lose.
I can't wait to run this guy.
Sounds like a perfect chance to play a Deva, with the whole furthers his own ends, long-term goals thing.
The immoral bit might hurt him, I can't see Devas being anything worse than inscrutable in their dealings. Unless they didn't mind coming back as a Rakasha.
B. A mute sorcerer girl in a setting where sorcerers were hunted and exterminated, turned remarkably bitter and violent. She gleefully made an orc think it was burning to death when it finally turned out she would have to use her powers.
de... Delirium?
I don't know... I can only think of one fictional character named Delirium, and that doesn't really match up.
I think I'm going to run my pure spellslinger as an immoral prick that only works with a party because it furthers his own ends. He won't be evil per se, but he will definitely be that guy who reminds the party what side their bread is buttered on concerning magic. He'll also be the one to never, ever put himself in harm's way for the good of anyone unless he's got something to lose.
I can't wait to run this guy.
Sounds like a perfect chance to play a Deva, with the whole furthers his own ends, long-term goals thing.
Yeah that doesn't sound anything like a Deva. Typical Deva are, you know, kind, self-sacrificing, that sort of thing. Specifically, according to the article from Monday, they would never let a friend die without at least offering to take his place. Remember, they reincarnate and know it, so they're well aware that death isn't the end for them like it would be for anyone they know.
The Deva I'm playing won't kill a sentient creature unless absolutely necessary. That may be a little extreme, but it's more in line with typical Deva attitude.
The rat familiar is one of my current favorites, it can make thievery checks at it's owner's bonus +2. I have a delightful mental picture of a rogue/wizard multiclass handing their familiar different thief's tools while it patiently works at unlocking a door, trying to teach it's owner how to do it properly.
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As one of the two remaining evil people in Glossolalia, I'm not pleased by this.
I just need a Hydro Implant
Secret Satan
I'm really sorry if he is.
he's better now that he's gotten some development
I mean, look at Gary's infamous margarita parties.
For verisimilitude I kinda like throwing in a ruling emotion that can act as a hamartia of sorts.
EDIT: The margarita party was the most cruelly devious thing I've ever witnessed.
I can't wait to run this guy.
Secret Satan
A. An AI in a post-apocalyptic sandbox game that wanted to cyborg all of humanity in a ridiculously circuitous grab for power that involved a lot of transhumanist propaganda and theatrical speeches.
B. A mute sorcerer girl in a setting where sorcerers were hunted and exterminated, turned remarkably bitter and violent. She gleefully made an orc think it was burning to death when it finally turned out she would have to use her powers.
I also DM a regular group that includes my wife. This rarely, if ever, leads to any problems, at least that I can see. In fact, knowing one of my players as well as I know her, and her motivations and decision making processes, I actually think there are times it leads to a better game.
Also, Arcane Power came out today. It is seriously tempting to go and buy it.
Alright, hope Cal works it out because I really want to clobber some goblins.
Secret Satan
Anything particularly great in it? Obviously there is the whole familiar thing.
Secret Satan
Well, I play a Warlock, so I'm interested in the new powers as well as whatever paragon paths and epic destinies they've introduced.
And familiars look awesome as well.
I really, really, really like the familiar feat. It's almost like a multiclass feat, you get a skill bonus, a neat little power, and also a minion to send out scouting who can't die, or who at least won't stay dead longer than 5 minutes.
Meaning everyone won't have one.
Secret Satan
Been seriously busy unpacking, moving furniture ('cause we had some rooms painted while we were away), catching up on world/local/friends/internet events, changing project teams at work (because I am apparently in high demand) and now I have to prep a kobold warren before tomorrow nights game.
Anyone able to think of a good mount for kobold in 4e? They used to use Dire weasels in 3.5, but so far there's no direct analogue for that in 4ed. I guess I could use Riding Lizards or Rage Drakes from the Adventurers Vault, but it just seems like so much scaly-type overkill.
I mean, a little servant who can't die for him to bark orders at? Hell yeah.
I can't think of anything unintelligent, but what about a Kobold riding on an ogre's back?
Master Blaster!
Actually a Kobold in some kind of specially-made seat for riding an ooze of some kind would be rad.
Secret Satan
I think I may use some of my tax return money to buy Open Grave, Arcane Power, Martial Power, and the Manual of The Planes.
I keep a pocket journal in my back left pocket opposite my wallet; it's quick, easy, and I have a 50/50 chance of not getting my pocket picked.
Arcane power wasn't in the store yet, either. Sometimes it takes longer for splatbooks to cross the ocean, so I wasn't surprised.
de... Delirium?
I don't know... I can only think of one fictional character named Delirium, and that doesn't really match up.
Yeah that doesn't sound anything like a Deva. Typical Deva are, you know, kind, self-sacrificing, that sort of thing. Specifically, according to the article from Monday, they would never let a friend die without at least offering to take his place. Remember, they reincarnate and know it, so they're well aware that death isn't the end for them like it would be for anyone they know.
The Deva I'm playing won't kill a sentient creature unless absolutely necessary. That may be a little extreme, but it's more in line with typical Deva attitude.
Stop thinking about me