Psychology to DnD [Archive] - Wizards Community

Psychology to DnD [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Epicuris
11-16-03, 03:03 PM Getting ready to start a new homebrew campaign in which I'm only playing. (A nice change, I must admit.) I've decided to base my next character on a psychology paper I did on the importance of personal strengths. At the completion of the paper, I discovered I really liked the results as the basis for a character. However, I am having difficulty determining what class would bring his roleplaying aspects out best. Here are the five strengths he will be based on.

Sense of Humor: While he is not ignorant to true danger or sarrow, he has a natural optimism and a way to turn a phrase that helps lighten the hearts of others around him and sees him through the hardest moments in his life. He's a character that laughes through his problems instead of cries. You could see him saying something like Legolas, who is facing almost certain death, and then, "Or would you like me to find you a box?"

Creative Thinking: Many are smarter than him. Many have more experience, but there are very few who have his ability to turn a disadvantage into an advantage or see something in a way no one else does. He's a first to use old spells in creative ways or suggest a stupid plan that turns into a roaring success.

Writing: A way with words and rare insights makes his prose sparkling. Both his escape and personal therapy, his love of words is apparent.

Belief in the Romantic: He is a romantic through and through. It is not simply a belief in romantic relationships, but in a deep-seeded belief that nothing is impossible and a fool's hope is still hope. He will never give up the fight and only death will end it.

Confidence: Very little in his life is quantifiable. It is all about what truly values in life and this gives him a deep belief in himself and others. It may be impractical, it may be an illusion to deny the harshness of the reality they are facing, but he still holds himself up to the challenge.

These are his major attributes. He will evolve as I roleplay him, of course, but I need a class to start with. Any suggestions will be appriciated and thank you ahead of time.
Araciel
11-16-03, 07:10 PM only one word came to mind reading that:

Bard
Morka
11-17-03, 10:08 AM Bard, of course. Or cleric of Sune, Sharess, Lliira, Milil, Lathander... Or even an elven ranger worshipping Correllon, a gnomish illusionnist worshipping Garl Glittergold, even a dwarven fighter, follower of Haela. Finally, a good mix of almost everything, or like it is called in D&D, a bard! :D
However, one thing to consider: this is the opposite of a powerful character. So, even if he is a fighter, give him a good score in INT and CHA.
Kethka
11-17-03, 10:19 AM Bard; no contest.
Mindlesstool669
11-18-03, 03:20 PM Bard. . .If you want to go the same conventional normal route that tends to be the crtuch of most D&D players. The same crutch that causes most campagins to merely be diffrent flavors of the same formula.

I say play him as a Druid.

With there ballanced perspective on the world around them it would be a good match with his humor despite grim circumstances.

Their magic is as often as non-conventional as conventional, this along with their shape change ability allow for some rather unique and improvised tactics.

As far as his sparkling personality. . . Interaction with the aloof and often playfull and joyous elves could contribute.

His middle ground intiligence would fit in fine. Wisdom and Charisma are much more important.

This said. . .be a druid.
Or be the same bard everyone has played a hundred times.
Epicuris
11-18-03, 04:48 PM Originally posted by Mindlesstool669
This said. . .be a druid.
Or be the same bard everyone has played a hundred times.

I was feeling that way personally as well. As much as I appriciate everyone who posts to my threads, I was hoping to see a little variety, some creative curves to interpretation.

The more I think about it, I like the idea of a druid who lifts dampened spirits instead of always screaming, "Die and may your blood nourish the earth!" It would be a nice change.
Araciel
11-18-03, 10:19 PM hahahahah HAHAHAH

play a fighter who kills stuff then
or a rogue who steals stuff

there's nothing wrong with playing tried and tested character archetypes. i think that with the advent of 3.5 and even 3.0 people have been looking for the "cool new character" or "the new Drizzt" personally, i can see why everyone is fascinated by unconventional characters, i really can. but not every one is a good idea.

it may sound like i'm being defensive, and maybe subconscioulsy i am, but i'm just sayin you asked for our opinions and we gave 'em. i wonder what would have happened if i had said "play a halfling barabarian"
Mindlesstool669
11-18-03, 10:49 PM I'm not saying playing a half-orc barbarian or an gnomish illusioninst is a sin. . . just repetative and cliche.

I'm a novelist first and foremost. . . A DM second.
In any good book you need cliche' charachters. . .The average human with 16 strength and 10 intelect is going to be a fighter class. Thats well and fine.

A stand out charachter will almost always have a unique level to it. Some of the BEST charachters suck. . . Statisticly that is.

If you want conventional charachters why don't we all just make human pesants. . . Because it's boring. (usualy).

I've palyed and DM'd for a hundred human fighters and a thousand elven wizards. . . a halfling barbarian is a CHALLENGE and unique charachter I'd pick up over a halfling rogue anyday.

As far as the subconcious balh blah blah. . . at least you can admit it on some level. . . more then most. By the way. . .I am a dick. I'd apologize before hand. . . but I'm a dick.
JosephKell
11-18-03, 11:18 PM Originally posted by Mindlesstool669
I'm not saying playing a half-orc barbarian or an gnomish illusioninst is a sin. . . just repetative and cliche.Repectfully disagree. High Str, High Con, Low Int, Low Cha, Low Wis Half-Orc Barbarian is always cliche... but a Moderate Intellegence, Moderate Charisma Barbarian could be a "Curious Savage" that only recently discovered more developed society.I'm a novelist first and foremost. . . A DM second.
In any good book you need cliche' charachters. . .The average human with 16 strength and 10 intelect is going to be a fighter class. Thats well and fine. A High Strength, High Constitution Fighter is more cliche than the Barbarian (if only because they existed back in 1st and 2nd ed).A stand out charachter will almost always have a unique level to it. Some of the BEST charachters suck. . . Statisticly that is. If by this you mean go off pure optimization to fill a thought, we are on the same wavelink. I am running a game where only two characters are multiclassed* (and only one of them has a Prestige Class), yet all of them are very unique and distinctive.If you want conventional charachters why don't we all just make human pesants. . . Because it's boring. (usualy).I've made a Peasant... no one can swing a hoe like him...I've palyed and DM'd for a hundred human fighters and a thousand elven wizards. . . a halfling barbarian is a CHALLENGE and unique charachter I'd pick up over a halfling rogue anyday.Halfling Barbarians are funny... They can swarm... like the flying monkeys of the Wizards of Oz (2 twigy points for mentioning a movie older than I am!).As far as the subconcious balh blah blah. . . at least you can admit it on some level. . . more then most. By the way. . .I am a dick. I'd apologize before hand. . . but I'm a dick. At least you are honest.
wdarkk
11-19-03, 02:10 AM If you want unconventional, be an ELF Illusionist who uses magic to pretend to be a Gnome.
Mindlesstool669
11-19-03, 04:40 PM One of my favourite charachters was a Dwarven Wizard. . .
Araciel
11-20-03, 06:21 PM Yes, i'm a dick also....don't worry bout it!
From one dick to another, this is what makes bein one so much fun!

A conventional character can be made unconventional. An unconventional character can be made conventional.

Say the human fighter with the 16 str and 10 int, who uses a greatsword has a drug addiction, as can be found in "lords of darkness"

or the halfling barbarian, though more challenging to play than perhaps a half-orc barbarian, is a ghostwise halfling, found in the Forgotten Realms, and being a barbarian is common, for that race at least.

(can ya tell i like FR?)

A conventional fighter, though when lined up with all of the 1,000,000,000 other conventional fighters will look the same, but can be different on many levels, right down to how he ties his boots, shoes, sandals, what have you.

In closing, mindless, we're all right on some level in these forums, because it is what matters to each of us that is truly important. The support or negative criticism of others should have no bearing on what we do, though sometimes it does help, and is VERY entertaining!

It's a shame when I log in and only I am on the CD board, but fifty are on the CO board....sad.

I like to write, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to do so!

(maybe i should change my signature to that)
The One and Only...
11-21-03, 08:07 PM Play a dwarven paladin.

For originality's sake.
Rogue_Jedi_99
11-24-03, 08:49 PM I think unlike most of the answers you got that you shopuld play a wizard. You should play a good wizard who helps those in need ans loves greatly. Perhaps a gnomish wizard to add to your sense of humor.
Strife
11-25-03, 02:20 PM I would say a swashbuckler, or if you don't want to ever see a swshbucker again :D, a ranger or rogue with a touch of berserker.

You'll probably get as many recomendations as there are people on the board... so pick you favorite, all classes could fit that personlity, Heck, he could even be evil! ...with a morbid sense of humor ofcourse :D
zioth
11-25-03, 04:30 PM I admit, the first thing that came to mind was Bard. That's the obvious choice. My next thought was that he could be a sorcerer.

After reading your post a couple more times, though, I think it might be interesting to make him a palladin. The 'belief in the romantic' part fits right in, and the rest of it makes for a very interesting palladin -- one who was accepted into an order for his abilities, but who retains his personality. Starting with one level of sorceror might be a good idea if you want to emphasize the creative spell use part.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Epicuris 11-16-03, 03:03 PM	Getting ready to start a new homebrew campaign in which I'm only playing. (A nice change, I must admit.) I've decided to base my next character on a psychology paper I did on the importance of personal strengths. At the completion of the paper, I discovered I really liked the results as the basis for a character. However, I am having difficulty determining what class would bring his roleplaying aspects out best. Here are the five strengths he will be based on. Sense of Humor: While he is not ignorant to true danger or sarrow, he has a natural optimism and a way to turn a phrase that helps lighten the hearts of others around him and sees him through the hardest moments in his life. He's a character that laughes through his problems instead of cries. You could see him saying something like Legolas, who is facing almost certain death, and then, "Or would you like me to find you a box?" Creative Thinking: Many are smarter than him. Many have more experience, but there are very few who have his ability to turn a disadvantage into an advantage or see something in a way no one else does. He's a first to use old spells in creative ways or suggest a stupid plan that turns into a roaring success. Writing: A way with words and rare insights makes his prose sparkling. Both his escape and personal therapy, his love of words is apparent. Belief in the Romantic: He is a romantic through and through. It is not simply a belief in romantic relationships, but in a deep-seeded belief that nothing is impossible and a fool's hope is still hope. He will never give up the fight and only death will end it. Confidence: Very little in his life is quantifiable. It is all about what truly values in life and this gives him a deep belief in himself and others. It may be impractical, it may be an illusion to deny the harshness of the reality they are facing, but he still holds himself up to the challenge. These are his major attributes. He will evolve as I roleplay him, of course, but I need a class to start with. Any suggestions will be appriciated and thank you ahead of time.
Araciel 11-16-03, 07:10 PM	only one word came to mind reading that: Bard
Morka 11-17-03, 10:08 AM	Bard, of course. Or cleric of Sune, Sharess, Lliira, Milil, Lathander... Or even an elven ranger worshipping Correllon, a gnomish illusionnist worshipping Garl Glittergold, even a dwarven fighter, follower of Haela. Finally, a good mix of almost everything, or like it is called in D&D, a bard! :D However, one thing to consider: this is the opposite of a powerful character. So, even if he is a fighter, give him a good score in INT and CHA.
Kethka 11-17-03, 10:19 AM	Bard; no contest.
Mindlesstool669 11-18-03, 03:20 PM	Bard. . .If you want to go the same conventional normal route that tends to be the crtuch of most D&D players. The same crutch that causes most campagins to merely be diffrent flavors of the same formula. I say play him as a Druid. With there ballanced perspective on the world around them it would be a good match with his humor despite grim circumstances. Their magic is as often as non-conventional as conventional, this along with their shape change ability allow for some rather unique and improvised tactics. As far as his sparkling personality. . . Interaction with the aloof and often playfull and joyous elves could contribute. His middle ground intiligence would fit in fine. Wisdom and Charisma are much more important. This said. . .be a druid. Or be the same bard everyone has played a hundred times.
Epicuris 11-18-03, 04:48 PM	Originally posted by Mindlesstool669 This said. . .be a druid. Or be the same bard everyone has played a hundred times. I was feeling that way personally as well. As much as I appriciate everyone who posts to my threads, I was hoping to see a little variety, some creative curves to interpretation. The more I think about it, I like the idea of a druid who lifts dampened spirits instead of always screaming, "Die and may your blood nourish the earth!" It would be a nice change.
Araciel 11-18-03, 10:19 PM	hahahahah HAHAHAH play a fighter who kills stuff then or a rogue who steals stuff there's nothing wrong with playing tried and tested character archetypes. i think that with the advent of 3.5 and even 3.0 people have been looking for the "cool new character" or "the new Drizzt" personally, i can see why everyone is fascinated by unconventional characters, i really can. but not every one is a good idea. it may sound like i'm being defensive, and maybe subconscioulsy i am, but i'm just sayin you asked for our opinions and we gave 'em. i wonder what would have happened if i had said "play a halfling barabarian"
Mindlesstool669 11-18-03, 10:49 PM	I'm not saying playing a half-orc barbarian or an gnomish illusioninst is a sin. . . just repetative and cliche. I'm a novelist first and foremost. . . A DM second. In any good book you need cliche' charachters. . .The average human with 16 strength and 10 intelect is going to be a fighter class. Thats well and fine. A stand out charachter will almost always have a unique level to it. Some of the BEST charachters suck. . . Statisticly that is. If you want conventional charachters why don't we all just make human pesants. . . Because it's boring. (usualy). I've palyed and DM'd for a hundred human fighters and a thousand elven wizards. . . a halfling barbarian is a CHALLENGE and unique charachter I'd pick up over a halfling rogue anyday. As far as the subconcious balh blah blah. . . at least you can admit it on some level. . . more then most. By the way. . .I am a dick. I'd apologize before hand. . . but I'm a dick.
JosephKell 11-18-03, 11:18 PM	Originally posted by Mindlesstool669 I'm not saying playing a half-orc barbarian or an gnomish illusioninst is a sin. . . just repetative and cliche.Repectfully disagree. High Str, High Con, Low Int, Low Cha, Low Wis Half-Orc Barbarian is always cliche... but a Moderate Intellegence, Moderate Charisma Barbarian could be a "Curious Savage" that only recently discovered more developed society.I'm a novelist first and foremost. . . A DM second. In any good book you need cliche' charachters. . .The average human with 16 strength and 10 intelect is going to be a fighter class. Thats well and fine. A High Strength, High Constitution Fighter is more cliche than the Barbarian (if only because they existed back in 1st and 2nd ed).A stand out charachter will almost always have a unique level to it. Some of the BEST charachters suck. . . Statisticly that is. If by this you mean go off pure optimization to fill a thought, we are on the same wavelink. I am running a game where only two characters are multiclassed* (and only one of them has a Prestige Class), yet all of them are very unique and distinctive.If you want conventional charachters why don't we all just make human pesants. . . Because it's boring. (usualy).I've made a Peasant... no one can swing a hoe like him...I've palyed and DM'd for a hundred human fighters and a thousand elven wizards. . . a halfling barbarian is a CHALLENGE and unique charachter I'd pick up over a halfling rogue anyday.Halfling Barbarians are funny... They can swarm... like the flying monkeys of the Wizards of Oz (2 twigy points for mentioning a movie older than I am!).As far as the subconcious balh blah blah. . . at least you can admit it on some level. . . more then most. By the way. . .I am a dick. I'd apologize before hand. . . but I'm a dick. At least you are honest.
wdarkk 11-19-03, 02:10 AM	If you want unconventional, be an ELF Illusionist who uses magic to pretend to be a Gnome.
Mindlesstool669 11-19-03, 04:40 PM	One of my favourite charachters was a Dwarven Wizard. . .
Araciel 11-20-03, 06:21 PM	Yes, i'm a dick also....don't worry bout it! From one dick to another, this is what makes bein one so much fun! A conventional character can be made unconventional. An unconventional character can be made conventional. Say the human fighter with the 16 str and 10 int, who uses a greatsword has a drug addiction, as can be found in "lords of darkness" or the halfling barbarian, though more challenging to play than perhaps a half-orc barbarian, is a ghostwise halfling, found in the Forgotten Realms, and being a barbarian is common, for that race at least. (can ya tell i like FR?) A conventional fighter, though when lined up with all of the 1,000,000,000 other conventional fighters will look the same, but can be different on many levels, right down to how he ties his boots, shoes, sandals, what have you. In closing, mindless, we're all right on some level in these forums, because it is what matters to each of us that is truly important. The support or negative criticism of others should have no bearing on what we do, though sometimes it does help, and is VERY entertaining! It's a shame when I log in and only I am on the CD board, but fifty are on the CO board....sad. I like to write, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to do so! (maybe i should change my signature to that)
The One and Only... 11-21-03, 08:07 PM	Play a dwarven paladin. For originality's sake.
Rogue_Jedi_99 11-24-03, 08:49 PM	I think unlike most of the answers you got that you shopuld play a wizard. You should play a good wizard who helps those in need ans loves greatly. Perhaps a gnomish wizard to add to your sense of humor.
Strife 11-25-03, 02:20 PM	I would say a swashbuckler, or if you don't want to ever see a swshbucker again :D, a ranger or rogue with a touch of berserker. You'll probably get as many recomendations as there are people on the board... so pick you favorite, all classes could fit that personlity, Heck, he could even be evil! ...with a morbid sense of humor ofcourse :D
zioth 11-25-03, 04:30 PM	I admit, the first thing that came to mind was Bard. That's the obvious choice. My next thought was that he could be a sorcerer. After reading your post a couple more times, though, I think it might be interesting to make him a palladin. The 'belief in the romantic' part fits right in, and the rest of it makes for a very interesting palladin -- one who was accepted into an order for his abilities, but who retains his personality. Starting with one level of sorceror might be a good idea if you want to emphasize the creative spell use part.