Alarich Von Zarovich - your opinion? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alarich Von Zarovich - your opinion? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Altaris13
08-11-05, 04:23 PM This is a description of a Human Warlock I will soon be playing in my weekly Ravenloft campaign. He is from Barovia, of the line of Von Zarovich (as in Count Strahd.) Though good-aligned, he is both arrogant and yet charismatic. However, I am having difficulty in developing a character history for Alarich.

This a role-play intensive campaign, and I have a personality traits in mind. I am fairly sure I was able to illustrate the stronger traits through his desc below.

What I'd like:
Comments, critiques on the description. Please tell me what this description says to you. What kind of person do you think Alarich is? How does he present himself? What sort of first impression do you get?

Alarich Von Zarovich
Pale and dark both fit this tall, regal figure. Midnight hair blows
in the wind, or hangs past the man's shoulders when the air is still. When
settled upon his shoulders, the black-blue hair only accentuates the
deathly palor of Alarich's skin. Eyes black as coal gaze from under thick
brows. While the eyes may be windows to the soul, these eyes are guarded
and cold. High cheekbones and a thin nose give this man angular, severe
features. A pointed, clean shaven chin and long ears perhaps hint at a
touch of fey in the man's family history. The almond shape to his eyes
almost confirm such suspicions. A slender mithral circlet graces the
figure's brow. A thin, pale scar follows his jawline on the left.
Though wide of shoulder, Alarich has never been called 'broad.' His
form is thin, even gaunt. A cloak of royal purple hemmed in silver hangs
from a silver-plated clasp, the hood thrown back so that all may look upon
the man's face. A true-silver chain shirt is worn over the man's black
leather vest. A dark blue, long sleeved tunic is worn underbeneath. About
his waist is a wide leather belt with several pouches and map cases. From
a belt hook hangs an exceptionally crafted, cold-iron mace. Upon his right
arm, opposite the mace, the man carries a true-silver heavy shield
emblazoned with the sigil of House Von Zarovich. Oiled black leather pants
are only briefly seen before being enveloped by knee high, turned-down,
high-heeled dark blue boots.
Like the rest of him, Alarich's fingers are a hint of unusual
heritage, for they are long and spidery. In cold weather, elbow-length,
furred leather gloves provide plenty of warmth. But when he can, the man
prefers to show off his pair of rings. Disparate though they are, both are
finely crafted. The left is wrought of cold iron and topped by an obsidian
eye. The right hand bears a ring of platinum holding a small diamond. The
most unusual adornment Alarich has though is his medallion. It dangles by
a silver loop from a studded leather choker, the amulet itself is ivory
carved into a snarling wolf's head.
Gingerbread Guy
08-11-05, 06:59 PM Hi Altaris,

Well, if you want my opinion, he looks exactly like what you'd expect from a borderline evil sorcerer/necromancer/warlock. You're playing in Ravenloft, which makes it that much harder to avoid being cliche. For the sake of originality, I suggest throwing in a few details that are perhaps out of line with, if not directly opposing the stereotype.

Why oh why must everyone make their warlocks black-haired? Do they all need to be gothic in dress, cosmopolitan in attitude and utterly pompous and arrogant in behaviour? The first word that popped into my head when I read the description was "stereotype". I'm willing to excuse most of it because you're in Ravenloft, which itself is horribly affected by vampire stereotypes.

That being said, its quite nicely written. If I must be picky, I'd say that its a little laiden on the adjectives and generally a little too-detailed (no one cares or is paying any attention to what kind of gloves he's wearing). Really, though, there's only so much that can come out of his apperance. You want him to be judged on his behaviour rather than his looks and fashion sense, right?

If I may rant on a related topic, I really despise the rediculous picture in Complete Arcane and I totally blame it for the stereotype surrounding warlocks. Honestly, who wears an outfit with skulls all over it? How does anyone even go about buying something like that. Does he just walk into a tailor's shop and say "Yeah, hi, uhm.. I'm looking for something in the black and red tight leather with skulls motif. That one looks good, but.. can you put more skulls on it? Like, skull knee pads. Functional, and yet fashionable, am I right?"

Sorry, felt like I had to rant. lol Obvously Alarich isn't that cliche. Maybe you can tell us more about his personality, mindset, goals and so on? I think we'd all be happy to help you come up with a good background.

~Ginger
Altaris13
08-12-05, 08:34 AM LOL!
I know what you mean about the warlock in CA. He is rather amusing looking. The dark hair & pale skin came about not because he is a Warlock, but because of his heritage. The people of Barovia tend to be 'Slavic' in appearance and demeanor.

I did use a lot of adjectives and perhaps a bit much description. This comes from my enjoyment of writing and the time I spent MUSHing.

Alarich's arrogance is a family trait. The Von Zaroviches are expected to wear the best and most expensive gear & accoutrement possible. They are raised knowing that they alone rule the land of Barovia and that the peasants are born to serve them.

Most of the Zaroviches are cruel and yet elegant, self-centered and yet attractive. They remind me a lot of the Tzimisce from White Wolf (which was part of the attraction in playing a Zarovich in all honesty.)

Alarich himself left home at a young age to escape the behind-the-doors depravity that riddles his House. He traveled to Darkon, far to the North, to study at the University there. He has a free-spirited nature, and didn't exactly get along well with much of the Dwarven folk who inhabity Darkon.

He is a womanizer and a drinker, has no trouble in telling the truth or in speaking false. Attachments mean very little to him for the most part, and yet he is still respectful of other people's wishes. If a woman says 'no,' then hey, no worries. He is not the type of person to force his opinions or desires on others.

His one obsession is the occult. It is also his legacy. The Zaroviches have a well-known secret for being exceptional spell casters, particularly wizards and alchemists. Many wizards dabble in dark practices. Alarich's warlock abilities are a manifestation of his grandmother's dalliances with other-worldly entities.
Gingerbread Guy
08-12-05, 09:33 PM Well, that sounds like a pretty good framework for a history right there. You don't need much more in the way of events than that.. just flesh out what you have.

Honestly, a character is NOT his history. Yes, he's a product of the events of his life, but thats not all he is. There's always this compulsion among RPers to come up with these wild, legendary and mind-blowing character histories. I guess people think that it will make their character more interesting and special and fun to play.. but only rarely is that the case.

In the same way, people often think that being from a cool, rare race will make their character intersting. Ooh, I'm a drow! Ooh, I'm a half-fiend! In the end, Bob the half-fiend looks mighty stupid sitting in a tavern with absolutely nothing better to do than nurse a beer and be purple.

Its the personality, viewpoint, morality, goals and behaviour that make a character interesting. I suggest you work more on that right now. You already have a fairly elaborate background just by virtue of his family background. Don't complicate things. ^_^

~Ginger
Altaris13
08-15-05, 11:31 AM Well, the character I'm replacing DOES have 13 pages of history. All the characters in this game have about that much. The game is very focused on the development of the characters, and much of the plots in the campaign are drawn from the characters' histories.

My post above is really just the basic concept. I could expand on a few things, but that isn't really going to give him much 'meat,' so to speak.

Sure, I can draw inspiration from what I have already and expand on it. I fully intend to do so. However, I'd like to add some events or subjects to the history & character that aren't immediately obvious.

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas that I can incorporate?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Altaris13 08-11-05, 04:23 PM	This is a description of a Human Warlock I will soon be playing in my weekly Ravenloft campaign. He is from Barovia, of the line of Von Zarovich (as in Count Strahd.) Though good-aligned, he is both arrogant and yet charismatic. However, I am having difficulty in developing a character history for Alarich. This a role-play intensive campaign, and I have a personality traits in mind. I am fairly sure I was able to illustrate the stronger traits through his desc below. What I'd like: Comments, critiques on the description. Please tell me what this description says to you. What kind of person do you think Alarich is? How does he present himself? What sort of first impression do you get? Alarich Von Zarovich Pale and dark both fit this tall, regal figure. Midnight hair blows in the wind, or hangs past the man's shoulders when the air is still. When settled upon his shoulders, the black-blue hair only accentuates the deathly palor of Alarich's skin. Eyes black as coal gaze from under thick brows. While the eyes may be windows to the soul, these eyes are guarded and cold. High cheekbones and a thin nose give this man angular, severe features. A pointed, clean shaven chin and long ears perhaps hint at a touch of fey in the man's family history. The almond shape to his eyes almost confirm such suspicions. A slender mithral circlet graces the figure's brow. A thin, pale scar follows his jawline on the left. Though wide of shoulder, Alarich has never been called 'broad.' His form is thin, even gaunt. A cloak of royal purple hemmed in silver hangs from a silver-plated clasp, the hood thrown back so that all may look upon the man's face. A true-silver chain shirt is worn over the man's black leather vest. A dark blue, long sleeved tunic is worn underbeneath. About his waist is a wide leather belt with several pouches and map cases. From a belt hook hangs an exceptionally crafted, cold-iron mace. Upon his right arm, opposite the mace, the man carries a true-silver heavy shield emblazoned with the sigil of House Von Zarovich. Oiled black leather pants are only briefly seen before being enveloped by knee high, turned-down, high-heeled dark blue boots. Like the rest of him, Alarich's fingers are a hint of unusual heritage, for they are long and spidery. In cold weather, elbow-length, furred leather gloves provide plenty of warmth. But when he can, the man prefers to show off his pair of rings. Disparate though they are, both are finely crafted. The left is wrought of cold iron and topped by an obsidian eye. The right hand bears a ring of platinum holding a small diamond. The most unusual adornment Alarich has though is his medallion. It dangles by a silver loop from a studded leather choker, the amulet itself is ivory carved into a snarling wolf's head.
Gingerbread Guy 08-11-05, 06:59 PM	Hi Altaris, Well, if you want my opinion, he looks exactly like what you'd expect from a borderline evil sorcerer/necromancer/warlock. You're playing in Ravenloft, which makes it that much harder to avoid being cliche. For the sake of originality, I suggest throwing in a few details that are perhaps out of line with, if not directly opposing the stereotype. Why oh why must everyone make their warlocks black-haired? Do they all need to be gothic in dress, cosmopolitan in attitude and utterly pompous and arrogant in behaviour? The first word that popped into my head when I read the description was "stereotype". I'm willing to excuse most of it because you're in Ravenloft, which itself is horribly affected by vampire stereotypes. That being said, its quite nicely written. If I must be picky, I'd say that its a little laiden on the adjectives and generally a little too-detailed (no one cares or is paying any attention to what kind of gloves he's wearing). Really, though, there's only so much that can come out of his apperance. You want him to be judged on his behaviour rather than his looks and fashion sense, right? If I may rant on a related topic, I really despise the rediculous picture in Complete Arcane and I totally blame it for the stereotype surrounding warlocks. Honestly, who wears an outfit with skulls all over it? How does anyone even go about buying something like that. Does he just walk into a tailor's shop and say "Yeah, hi, uhm.. I'm looking for something in the black and red tight leather with skulls motif. That one looks good, but.. can you put more skulls on it? Like, skull knee pads. Functional, and yet fashionable, am I right?" Sorry, felt like I had to rant. lol Obvously Alarich isn't that cliche. Maybe you can tell us more about his personality, mindset, goals and so on? I think we'd all be happy to help you come up with a good background. ~Ginger
Altaris13 08-12-05, 08:34 AM	LOL! I know what you mean about the warlock in CA. He is rather amusing looking. The dark hair & pale skin came about not because he is a Warlock, but because of his heritage. The people of Barovia tend to be 'Slavic' in appearance and demeanor. I did use a lot of adjectives and perhaps a bit much description. This comes from my enjoyment of writing and the time I spent MUSHing. Alarich's arrogance is a family trait. The Von Zaroviches are expected to wear the best and most expensive gear & accoutrement possible. They are raised knowing that they alone rule the land of Barovia and that the peasants are born to serve them. Most of the Zaroviches are cruel and yet elegant, self-centered and yet attractive. They remind me a lot of the Tzimisce from White Wolf (which was part of the attraction in playing a Zarovich in all honesty.) Alarich himself left home at a young age to escape the behind-the-doors depravity that riddles his House. He traveled to Darkon, far to the North, to study at the University there. He has a free-spirited nature, and didn't exactly get along well with much of the Dwarven folk who inhabity Darkon. He is a womanizer and a drinker, has no trouble in telling the truth or in speaking false. Attachments mean very little to him for the most part, and yet he is still respectful of other people's wishes. If a woman says 'no,' then hey, no worries. He is not the type of person to force his opinions or desires on others. His one obsession is the occult. It is also his legacy. The Zaroviches have a well-known secret for being exceptional spell casters, particularly wizards and alchemists. Many wizards dabble in dark practices. Alarich's warlock abilities are a manifestation of his grandmother's dalliances with other-worldly entities.
Gingerbread Guy 08-12-05, 09:33 PM	Well, that sounds like a pretty good framework for a history right there. You don't need much more in the way of events than that.. just flesh out what you have. Honestly, a character is NOT his history. Yes, he's a product of the events of his life, but thats not all he is. There's always this compulsion among RPers to come up with these wild, legendary and mind-blowing character histories. I guess people think that it will make their character more interesting and special and fun to play.. but only rarely is that the case. In the same way, people often think that being from a cool, rare race will make their character intersting. Ooh, I'm a drow! Ooh, I'm a half-fiend! In the end, Bob the half-fiend looks mighty stupid sitting in a tavern with absolutely nothing better to do than nurse a beer and be purple. Its the personality, viewpoint, morality, goals and behaviour that make a character interesting. I suggest you work more on that right now. You already have a fairly elaborate background just by virtue of his family background. Don't complicate things. ^_^ ~Ginger
Altaris13 08-15-05, 11:31 AM	Well, the character I'm replacing DOES have 13 pages of history. All the characters in this game have about that much. The game is very focused on the development of the characters, and much of the plots in the campaign are drawn from the characters' histories. My post above is really just the basic concept. I could expand on a few things, but that isn't really going to give him much 'meat,' so to speak. Sure, I can draw inspiration from what I have already and expand on it. I fully intend to do so. However, I'd like to add some events or subjects to the history & character that aren't immediately obvious. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas that I can incorporate?