Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Elvis Gone Warlock 10-22-05, 07:02 PM	Does anyone have any idea how I should roleplay the following gestaltcharacter? Name: Kodranish Race: Drow Class: Warlock15//Wilder5/Thrallherd10 Alignment: Neutral Evil Deity: Wee Jas Feats of Note: Leadership Basically, this character is obsessed with power over others, and has a herd of undead slaves, a herd of believers, and a herd of followers. He's also a duke among the drow, with his own castle, subjects, etc. He's on the edge of dwarven lands, and masterminding an assault upon them. Obviously, all of his mental ability scores are very high, but he lost his legs in a battle with a mind flayer in his youth. He goes around all day on a Carpet of Flying that is mentally keyed to him so that it obeys his every thought. In other words, a fun character to play. Only one problem. I have basically no experience playing as evil characters! I really need help...any suggestions?
nihility 10-22-05, 08:11 PM	Well, what you have there is essentially a classic villain. I'd start by thinking about movies and books you like that feature a mentally powerful but physicially crippled villain. Try to figure out what makes them tick and act the way they do. That should give a start.
Elvis Gone Warlock 10-22-05, 11:27 PM	Well, what you have there is essentially a classic villain. Really? Does it seem cliche? Crap...I'm back to square one then.
nihility 10-22-05, 11:57 PM	Really? Does it seem cliche? Crap...I'm back to square one then. It's only really cliche if you don't give it any depth. So long as you don't fall prey to the "evil = one-dimensional nutcase" mindset, you'll be fine. I would start with villains you know for inspiration and ideas for motivation, then go through the normal concept-building exercises with those in mind. For example, I had a lawful-evil psionic monk who wanted to assemble some evil artifact that had been taken apart, which is about as classic a villain goal as you could ask for. However, I fleshed out his past - he was a do-nothing who was sent off to the army to "fix him up" at his uncle's advice. The army was supposed to teach him discipline and respect. It actually taught him pig-headed stubborness and that violence was a good way to solve problems. I expanded his personality - he was more lawful than evil, and would rather pass up an opportunity to advance his goals than dishonor himself, and he only fought when doing so would be "lawful" as he understood it. I also thought about how to reflect his evil - he was ruthless and methodical in combat, fighting in a defensive fashion until he could exploit a weakness or trap his opponent. For example, he once defeated a paladin by ego-whipping the paladin's mount to 0 charisma (and hence, into a coma), then manifesting an inward-facing wall of fire around it. He then killed the paladin while the paladin tried to drag his horse out. He was a very fun character to play, and his quest made it very easy for the DM to create plot hooks.
Elvis Gone Warlock 10-23-05, 01:28 AM	Thank you very kindly for your help. :clap: :bow: