Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 06:41 AM	Hello everyone! I refer to the excellent guides written by galahad, etc... The example of "Dietrich Zaubertrank" should get more attention in the next PHB :) I created a character and my DM specifically asked me to give him some serious in depth description. Gwar "silvertooth" Derogar Description: Being a gold dwarf, Gwar’s looks evoke nobility and bravery…at first sight. His dark brown hair doesn’t seem to get any meticulous attention by any servant using an expensive comb. Moreover, his beard, one of the prides of his clan, isn’t as short and shiny as theirs. These gold dwarves try to differ from the “run-of-the-mill” dwarves that you find in muggy caves, and try to display their wealth. For example, members of the clan will have their own barber just to make sure they’ll don’t look like their diverging brethren. Gwar’s silent pride is his “own” beard; over the years it has grown to attain 15 inches, which has caused major disarray within his family. Looking like a shield dwarf is considered like an insult to his brothers, which prefer their “uniqueness”. Today, Gwar’s kin has accepted him as he is thanks to his parents who secretly invented some morbid story to explain an anomaly in their sons beard growth. Gwar’s beard is held together by a simple copper ring and is divided, depending on his daily state, in three to five braids. Even though his beard doesn’t get any exaggerated care, it still looks unsoiled and, bizarrely, has made him more and more popular; some of his entourage refer to him as “the handsome radical”. His broad shoulders and his thorax reveal Gwar’s strength and stamina and we can assume that he has been training thoroughly. His other pride is the result of an odd adventure, his silver tooth, hence his nickname. His moods: Mentioning the fact that he styled his beard depending on his moods seems important, as dwarfish moods are legendary. Gwar is a cheery fellow, always ready to invite his friends at the inn for a pint of fresh ale. Nothing spectacular, as each dwarf has this trait of character. Gwar seems, nevertheless, able to divide his life in two parts, fun and work whereas many dwarves tend to confuse these terms. Being a paladin meant order; Gwar knew it and imposed to himself an iron discipline. On the other hand, Gwar didn’t stop to enjoy life at the tavern, and considered it as a matter of recreation. To sum up, on the one hand, Gwar has the capacity to follow strict rules, thinking that they are necessary, and on the other a dwarf that wants to take pleasure in his lifetime. History: Gwar has definitely never failed his clan and his family; however he’s always tried to establish an unspoken protest. His unusual beard is the consequence of a two folded adolescence: on the one hand he’s always acted with respect towards his parents but on the other hand he felt that something was wrong with the respect he paid to rules he hadn’t wanted. His mother, Derna “Sunlit” Derogar (born Eribor) earned her nickname both because of her pale light brown skin and her wisdom. Even if she always stood in the shadow of her husband, everyone paid her great respects for her interventions that stopped the attempt of a great migration of some of the gold dwarves (wanting to move to human cities) where she insisted that migrations would bring the downfall of their city and finally of their race. Her great past is, alas, only a souvenir and getting married and becoming mother has tied her to the strict bonds imposed by the clan’s codex. Nevertheless, Derna has always imposed her iron will regarding her children’s education. His father, Marnel “Laughloud” Derogar, a wealthy and well known merchant, former soldier and hero fighting the dangerous species of the underdark, in his mid hundred twenties, has turned into a decadent dwarf spoilt by easy success. His once tough and strong body has vanished to be replaced by a plump and chubby ensemble of limbs. Some tend to substitute his nickname, referring to his comradeship in the age of the crusades led by the gold dwarves’ armies, by Marnel “Feast’n’decay” Derogar. Enjoying secret orgies made by a cousin, a member of a nearly hostile clan, Marnel has fallen deep into the swamp of corruption. Surprisingly, his attitude towards his son didn’t seem to be influenced by his new way of enjoying life. He made sure that Gwar could go to the monastery’s school. Gwar may not be the brightest, he still understood that his father was going awry, but as he had to abide by his clan’s codex, he couldn’t by any meanings start an investigation that would dishonor his family. And so, quietly, Gwar tried to forget about his father’s “mishaps” that grew bigger. Meanwhile, his teaching at the high monastery was advancing and Gwar felt that fighting for his kin, for his family, for his clan wouldn’t be enough to live an upright life. His father’s treacherous relatives were only feeding Gwar’s silent anger versus manipulation and decadence. One thing was clear to Gwar, he didn’t want to end like his father, and through his father’s downfall he knew that glory wasn’t in any way a friend of the righteous. Serving the monastery had become an option for Gwar who saw in his deity a way to follow. It didn’t mean he would abandon his jolly fellows from the tavern, it just meant that something hat to lead him on the right path. Fighting with an axe against the underdark was a viable way for Gwar. But evil wasn’t just an enemy like the beholders a few miles under their city, it had become omnipresent and hiding behind masks and disguises. Becoming a paladin meant becoming a protector of the righteous that didn’t know where evil was ambushed, thus he considered his father as a victim. This thought had become a leitmotiv for Gwar who believed in the innocence of his father. The harsh awakening was inevitable, as soon as he discovered that his father had become a manipulator himself. Blinded by anger that he tried to restrain, Gwar decided to go on quests to serve his almighty mentors. His stubborn will to do good became predictably easy to misuse for the priests of Gwar’s deity. For a certain amount of time, Gwar endured the exuberant wishes of his masters, thinking that serving his religion was the right thing to do, even if his own interest didn’t coincide with the priests’ one. Blinded by the aching memory of his father’s failure, who had followed his own plans, he persisted following more and more absurd orders. Gwar’s goal was to eventually purify the gold dwarves’ society, but his deity kept him away from his city, sending him out into the infinite caves and corridors of the underdark. After a few years, he began to feel unsure about his own religion that was using him as a tool of strength. Gwar wasn’t as indoctrinated as his fellow paladins and started to doubt of his deity’s right. Killing evil wasn’t a great deal for Gwar, as he knew that getting rid of creatures of the underdark meant preserving his kin, but was his religion preserving the good? All that he saw was destruction. He first tried to counter his mentor’s orders, got a mild warning asking him to obey for the wealth of the community at first, but Gwar insisted on the fact that he felt something was wrong. Angry, Gwar fled, rejecting the bonds of the paladin, trying to find his own path by remaining honest and trustful. He mocked himself the “stranded paladin”, and fought for the ones that he supposed in distress, becoming a man of honor and leaving his past as a man of Faith behind. Silvertooth: His nickname is a result of an odd adventure that he is likely to tell at the inn. Pride is everything for a dwarf, and being proud of his silver tooth this story holds a special place in Gwar’s heart. His jolly character and his adoration for ale have brought him strife and quarrel. For his twentieth birthday, Gwar took a stroll in the dwelling of the drunken brawlers. This absurd project was the outcome of a bet between him and his uncle. Not knowing what was awaiting him, Gwar started a drinking contest with a half-dwarf brawler called Credes “the pit” Brewer. The name should have warned Gwar what kind of drinker he will encounter, nevertheless the contest took place. Drinking a dozen pints of ale wasn’t a problem for a dwarf, drinking a dozen of unknown booze was. Gwar remembers the contest till the first gallon was finished. Afterwards, everything is just a blurry souvenir. He recalls waking up on a stone bed surrounded by a few gnomish dentists bent over his head, mumbling some word in their dialect. Still drunken, Gwar caught a few words as “tooth” “replace” and “fearsome master dwarf”. An instinctive finger to his mouth confirmed his nebulous thought; he had, somehow lost a tooth. Still in his drunken jolly, he urged them to replace his tooth...by melting his clan’s silver ring. The gnomes, in awe, had to accept the strange proposition coming from the “master dwarf”. A couple of hours later, Gwar stood up, ran to the next mirror and, to the great surprise of the four little dentists, began to laugh like a seahorse showing his new shining tusk. His deity is Torm... I didn't want to go into the details how he got there, but the idea is, that some of his father's "friends" told him to do so, as it would be a good publicity for Torm to have the son of a well known merchant as a recruit. I will try to develop this idea in one of my next posts N.B.: it still has to be finished, his specific character traits (how he expresses anger, joy,...) are still to be written... I'm still unsure how to reveal bits of the story to the other players. Any tips? I'm beginning at level 1, but the story as i have written it, means that Gwar will be a level 4 pal, continuing as a fighter. afterwards, who knows what he will become, but i plan to make him a dwarven defender (A defender of good, refusing to serve a corrupted deity) thanks for your attention :) Mr.Croissant
Trydan 07-05-04, 08:50 AM	Good background. Nice! Originally posted by Mr.Croissant I'm still unsure how to reveal bits of the story to the other players. Any tips? Okay, there seem to be three main areas: the tooth, his father and his paladinhood. These should be the hooks into the past, that the DM (via NPCs) or the other characters can latch onto. Starting with the "tooth". What I would suggest, is that initially, you start by saying things like: "Gwar smiles broadly, flashing a prominant silver tooth". Alternatively, there could be a dwarven expression "to knock on silver" (like "to touch wood" - "auf Holz klopfen"), so whenever something untoward happens, you bare your teeth, and tap them with your knuckle. Sooner or later, someone will ask. For parents, it always helps to occasionally ask a fellow character about something. "So, <name>, tell me about your father". This could be reciprocated. Alternatively, explain to fellow player that you wish to discuss your past, and give them a clue. Only they will know and the other players (and DM) will see it as spontaneous role-playing. Finally, consider saying things like "What would my father say if he saw me know", followed by shaking you head and sighing. Finally, there is the issue of being a paladin. When trying to decide something, make a point of incorporating your paladinhood into the factors. For example: "Yes, I know that we could justifiably burn down the thieves guild, but we must reason with them first. It is my duty as a paladin to redeem-before-smiting. And anyway, they are people too, as my father is. *sniff*". Just one last point, though. Remember that this background is somewhat further removed from your character. Thus, don't suddenly throw it all at your fellow players at once. Savour it, and put it out in small quantities. And make sure that Gwar is a well-established figure, before you start working on his family.
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 09:18 AM	Thanks for the fast reply! The "to knock on silver" idea is great! As you mentioned it, i still have a lot to do on the character itself. I thought it might be a good idea to await the first dozen hours played to see how he exactly acts (the main traits exist, the depth will follow ^_^) His father isn't something he is proud of that's for sure, but i think that he isn't likely to tell everyone how he has ruined his life, as the "outer world" isn't aware of his father's downfall...Instead i imagine that he would answer hastily that nothing is wrong with his family (doesn't want to dishonor it) or simply avoid such situations. Gwar (as i see him now; = means he will/could change) is on the one hand opressed by the bonds of the clans codex/authority and abides by the rules but on the other hand he wants things to change, but quietly. Thanks a lot for the tips how to introduce his history!! His paladinhood is an important point as it is a source of hope for Gwar (the run-of-the-mill "i want to make things better") but will also become his doom (he will eventually mistrust his mentors to become a loner, more and more becoming a fighter). I think that his first experiences as a paladin sent out by Torm on a quest will gradually change him into someone capable of recognizing his mentors as corrupted and treacherous (same people as his father's manipulators). I also had the idea to connect Gwar to Torm by several messages he will receive during quests he is achieving with the other players. I think that these will give him some opportunities to get more and more angry against his masters (maybe not against his gods :) ) what could be a viable solution to make this exchange possible? Ponny express? the internet? satellite phone? or the classic eagle carrying letters? :) Maybe you can share your brilliant ideas :) Thanks again! Mr. Croissant
Persephone Imytholin 07-05-04, 09:35 AM	Just quickly: Love the post! Not a single mention of abilities or skills... In my opinion, your background is a shade dark and angsty to just throw out. Maybe one small point a session, as a spinoff from you background, would be comfortable. Pick important moments for your character to feel, without interrupting the story or stealing the spotlight. Plus, you want to keep the party discovering your character, so never tell your whole story. You could use parts of your background as a tool for relieving 'dull' moments; maybe Gwar catches sight of a child in the street, watching his father do something - even if it's completely ordinary - with a childish kind of awe. If you use this sparingly, to complement your character and the story as a whole, then your DM will probably give you a couple of hooks to slip in more about your character. Lastly, Gwar may wish to distance himself a little further from Marnel's depravity, and instead choose to bear his mother's maiden name until, one day, he might be able to redeem his father and his society.
Trydan 07-05-04, 09:43 AM	Originally posted by Mr.Croissant what could be a viable solution to make this exchange possible? Ponny express? the internet? satellite phone? or the classic eagle carrying letters? :) In our campaign world, we have letters carried by albatrosses. These birds are capable of flying [i]long[/] distances, and are magically enchanted to ensure that they find their recipient. As they are expensive, they tend to only be used for bearing tidings of disaster - thus a superstision (sp?) has developed regarding these birds, and to see one is usually regarded as an omen of something. We found that this is better than the cliche eagle or owl post concepts used in things like the Harry Potter books, etc.. It also imposes a more realistic idea than invoking technology or heavy-duty magic, and it takes time, to stop it from being abused by players to hold long-ranger conversations.
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 09:51 AM	Again, thanks for the *asfastaslightning* answer, i really enjoy it :) For those interested in figures :) Gwar "silvertooth" Derogar Gold dwarf --- 1st level paladin Str. 14 Dex. 12 Con. 14 Int. 10 Wis. 12 Cha. 16 Fighting with a dwarven war axe (masterwork) inherited. wearing a chainshirt carrying a heavy wooden shield AC: 17 I took endurance as first feat, because it is clearly more realistic as he is sent out by Torm from the Great Rift (forgotten realms) and has to get through the plains of the Shaar, etc etc (800 miles approx) Being more endurant means that he takes his tasks seriously, and is well prepared. (A paladin only thinking of battle would have selected weapon focus for example) Refusing his father's name would dishonor his family and his clan. As Gwar wants at all costs keep his family "clean" in appearance, he isn't going (imo) to reject the name of his father. Instead, he would try not to be identified as "the son of" but as himself, thus trying to forge a new reputation for his family's name. Thanks for the feedback :) Mr.Croissant
Persephone Imytholin 07-05-04, 09:55 AM	I personally like the idea used by Garth Nix toward the end of Lirael (chapter 43, if you have a copy) - the message-hawk. The bird flies to the recipient, and then relates a message in the sender's voice - up to what will fit in the hawk's mind. This cuts messages pretty short, keeping it from being a good tool for lengthy correspondence. Or, IIRC, ravens were used in the Song of Ice and Fire books.
Persephone Imytholin 07-05-04, 09:59 AM	Alas, poor figure-free thread. I knew it, Horatio... And damned be everyone else's faster responses. Grr.
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 10:03 AM	Sorry, tried to limit the figures :) :D Still, a few lines of figures are necessary, but i understand your preference for backgrounds and anecdotes as i am myself a defender of the "leavethefigs'home" philosophy :)
Persephone Imytholin 07-05-04, 10:07 AM	My philosophy's closer to "characters that you can't play freeform stay off my table". Numbers can be fun, but I just couldn't be bothered reading about most of them; that, or I think they're broken, and waste months fixing them.
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 10:11 AM	The funpart about numbers is how one of my fellow players uses them :) quote "well if you choose skill focus, dex 20, xyz ranks...bla..bla...bla...i am hundred percent sure that i can hide in plain sight at level 4 with a plus 15 bonus on hide" [edit] Master Galahad_knight, i ask for your benediction, could you maybe, in your infinite mercy, read my char and comment it :) Thanks in advance *bow* [edit]
Trydan 07-05-04, 12:10 PM	Originally posted by Mr.Croissant The funpart about numbers is how one of my fellow players uses them :) quote "well if you choose skill focus, dex 20, xyz ranks...bla..bla...bla...i am hundred percent sure that i can hide in plain sight at level 4 with a plus 15 bonus on hide" Hihi... as DM, I'd ensure that either a) most NPCs has the skill "spot in plain sight" or b) that the character would be so adept at hiding that he'd just never get any attention in shops, negotiations, etc. despite jumping up and down, yelling, etc. carrying a heavy wooden shield Okay... now improve on that. Is it a particular type of wood? Is is painted? Does it have leather, rawhide or an iron rim? Is it round or kite-shaped? And then ask "why?" to all of these characteristics. PS: I like shields. There are lots of possibilities there for creating character identity. Master Galahad_knight, i ask for your benediction, could you maybe, in your infinite mercy, read my char and comment it Thanks in advance *bow* Oooo... aiming to attract the attention of the The Master ;) :D
Mr.Croissant 07-05-04, 01:03 PM	Fortunately i caught your attention right at the beginning Master Trydan ("the other master of the -howtobuildacharacter- guide") :D Wasn't so fortunate with Galahad ^_^ The shield description lacks indeed some precision :) my bad As Gwar has developed a bizarre love for silver (seriously, who is going to volunteerly ask for a SILVER tooth) i want him to evolve in this direction. Remarks like "made of steel? pah, i prrreferrr good'ol silver, mind yeh!!" make him an intriguing character, and i still have to describe why he has such a faible for silver. First idea that came to my mind was a gold allergy but that seems totally misplaced ^_^ Back to our shield, a wooden shield because it fits 100% a dwarf. (tough'n'rough) Given the fact that he IS loyal to his deity (at the beginning) he will probably have a holy sign curved into the wood. What kind of sign? Torm's sign is a metal gauntlet/glove instead of using this boring proof of fanatism ( :) ) Gwar would use a mysterious language (known, not invented) to express something specific like "silvertooth"...that refers to himself. To be sure not to get in trouble with his order, he would hide his message behind a lyrical verse coming from their "bible" For example: a short verse in form of a tooth! What kind of wood? Gwar likes silver, thus he likes shiny white materials, he will prefer nearly white woods. A quick search in google (thanks!) results in mapple, lime tree and fir. Again a quick search in google (Thanks!) told me that mapple is a more solid woodtype than some others. Any other details? Again, his love for silver is expressed in the "fine tuning" of his shield. The classic 1/2 inch long pikes cover the center of the shield in a 10 inch diameter. To make sure his shield doesn't break apart at the first confrontation, he uses a serious amount of a silver/steel alloy to reinforce the edges. Unfortunately i'm no artist, but i can still try to draw it ^_^ *paintbrush, here i come* Finally, a touch of exageration, the whole shield would have the silhouette of a tooth (a sharp one, like a "V") I also had the idea, that he could name his tooth after one of the gnomish dentists or something like that, anyways, ideas are welcome! Thanks for the feedback! Mr. Croissant
Persephone Imytholin 07-05-04, 10:17 PM	Silver looks far more clean and pure than gold; perhaps it's this that attracts Gwar. The more valuable gold, with its yellowish taint, might remind him too strongly of the decadence which he's left. Plus, it's shinier.
Trydan 07-06-04, 02:27 AM	Originally posted by Mr.Croissant Gwar likes silver, thus he likes shiny white materials, he will prefer nearly white woods. A quick search in google (thanks!) results in mapple, lime tree and fir. Again a quick search in google (Thanks!) told me that mapple is a more solid woodtype than some others. Actually, you don't want maple, as it is too hard, and will readily split. Your best option here is limewood, as it is somewhat softer, but still fine grained. Thus, it is resiliant to splitting, and will absorb some of the shock of an incoming blow. Take a look at this article on shields (http://www.regia.org/shields.htm) for some more information (especially the second paragraph). I hope that helps.
Mr.Croissant 07-06-04, 06:22 PM	As i had my first (pre)adventure with some of my fellow players, i would like to share Gwar's personal journal with you :) ---------------- Spring, 12th year and 134th day serving the order Master Mignus summoned me this morning to give me following orders: Ride as swift as possible to Calimshan to help the Pasha Ramas in some deeds. You will meet a contact at Shaarmid. I didn't obtain any details, but i'm now following a nomad guide, Moktar Cormarak, willing to show me the path from the Great Rift to the far lands of Calimshan. I define our relationship as based on honour but his vineskin has clearly made the first contact easier. Living as a nomad wandering the Shaar plains is considered more than a privilege for the locals. (including riding/owning a Shaar's steed) I truly respect their traditions, but these plains don't impress me at all. Maybe this journey with Moktar will open my eyes on this matter, we shall see. We rode the whole day to arrive at a friendly nomad encampement. The evening ceremony of hospitality was pleasant but a pack of 6 gnolls interrupted our reunion. After a quick fight we finally gathered around a cup of vine. After many days of travelling, (drinking, singing and resting) we finally arrived at Shaarmid. As i was strolling through the narrow alleys, a hooded stranger sneaked up behind me to push me into a dark corner. There, he bluntly asked me in a sizzling voice "show me your silver tooth". I politely (but firmly) asked who i was talking to, and demanded that he removed his cloak. After a few sighs and a careful look around he pulled back his hood showing an ash-grey-black face with treacherous crystaline eyes. A drow named Gaara! The man so high in my master's esteem was sending me a drow to bring me to Calimshan. My surprise was even bigger than my anger! Slowly accepting this new unusual and unpleasant companion, i feel that my mentor owes me some explanations...these wretched elves, especially these, are not to be trusted. But he wasn't alone, and i soon met Hinniga, a shield dwarf as ugly and dumb as a gargoyle statue found in the deepest caves of the underdark. And here i am now, in company of two odd fellows; i'll try to keep our journey as short as possible, there's definately something foul going on... -------------------- hope you enjoy it, even if i had to write it in a hurry thanks for all your feedback! Mr.Croissant
Mr.Croissant 07-07-04, 04:30 PM	Too keep the thread alive, i'd like to throw in some possible ideas to improve the character of Gwar Derogar ;) First of all, what is the exact trigger that makes him change his mind about the Order and his mentors? I thought of a slow shifting from obedient to reluctant, but this is a far too simple scheme. As i mentioned in Gwar's journal, his mentors' friends using Drows as servants disturb our dwarf a bit. But even if he smells something is foul about it, he endures all troubles because he thinks that the Order will show him the right path through life. He will, imo, protest as soon as he doesn't think that some quest leads him to the path of good and righteousness. Maybe there should be a more brutal event that makes him change his mind. I also thought of the idea that the letters he will receive from the Order will make him more and more angry, as they will ask to finish some morbid task. (I can imagine Gwar cursing a piece of parchment:) ) Second, Gwar can be considered as a loner, even if he is an excellent diplomat. He mostly avoids others to ensure that he wont have to talk about his family (his father). Maybe he talks with his tooth from time to time, and if he does, what is its name? What would be his reaction if he knew the drow was a worshipper of a dark deity? Anger, rejection, diplomacy..? Maybe you can help me finding an answer :) Thanks again for your feedback, i appreciate every constructive criticism :D Mr. Croissant
Persephone Imytholin 07-09-04, 10:56 AM	Quotes, unless otherwise attributed, from Mr. Croissant "He will, imo, protest as soon as he doesn't think that some quest leads him to the path of good and righteousness. Maybe there should be a more brutal event that makes him change his mind. I also thought of the idea that the letters he will receive from the Order will make him more and more angry, as they will ask to finish some morbid task." Mayhap the Order gives him a task, which he undertakes in a good and righteous manner - and then the Order changes their mind about him. They start to watch him, and this makes Gwar steadily more suspicious - why would they bother when he's only doing what's good and right? Maybe he talks with his tooth from time to time, and if he does, what is its name? I'd say, don't go there. It's giving me a mental image like the Muppets crossed with LotR. :twitch:
Mr.Croissant 07-16-04, 06:06 PM	Well, well, it got quite calm around Gwar, so I thought I'd bump the thread with some new thoughts :) I tried to "rediscover" my own dwarf by comparing him to other characters, looking at what makes him different from others, etc... The small gimmicks (like his tooth) may be a nice detail, but they don't forge a character on their own... Traits like his incompatible love for ale (& the love for the fun following the dozen pints) and his oath he swore to defend justice through iron discipline make him unique. Why? because it simply provides tremendeous possibilities to "dig deeper". In my opinion this is what determines great characters in any novel. Let's take an example known to everyone of us: Drizzt Do'Urden isn't just the usual drow, the gap between him and his Lolth worshipping family is clearly the object of many questions. Why didn't he become a usual drow? because of his sister' treatement from 1 to 10, or because of his unusual birth (his mother uses the pain caused by the child's birth to cast a powerful spell) or because of the ritual where he SHOULD have been sacrificed (being under a sacrificial dagger of Lolth isn't a pleasant thing). ;) Let's try to return to our dwarf... He has an in-depth history that justifies some of his deeds, but some traits should remain mysterious...for example his ale'n'discipline philosophy. what could, in your opinion, make him more unique, more mysterious, more interesting? Again, the example of Drizzt helps, his friendship with (*page turning*) Zaknafein is intriguing. So, what do you think? :D Should he get a new pet friend? :D Hope you enjoy developing Gwar as much as i do :) Thanks for your attention! Mr. Croissant
Persephone Imytholin 07-17-04, 10:36 AM	To me, what determines a great character isn't that they have some kind of opportunity to dig deeper. Interest comes from tension, and tension comes from conflict. The greatest characters have that conflict, and Gwar seems to have a good deal of it already. It seems like Gwar doesn't need to be made artificially deep; instead, you might consider roleplaying his responses to the tension and conflict in the plot of your campaign. That's another factor in playing or writing a good character - they should change as a result of what happens to them, otherwise they haven't really earned their space in the game. If you look at characters like Frodo Baggins, Raistlin Majere, Tanis Halfelven, Sabriel, Lirael, and all the others I don't have time to name all show this kind of change based on the events surrounding them. As an aside, I personally don't know Drizzt beyond a couple of brief mentions in 2e The Drow of the Underdark. I just can't stand Salvatore's writing.