Creating A Character

[MamaBearJade 2090]

This guide has been created to help new applicants with creating an interesting and fun character. This will not write your application for you but it will help you get an understanding as to what we look for in roleplayers and applications.

 

The Application

 

Although the application seems daunting, it really is very simple. Start by filling in the easier stuff such as your MC name, your age, what time zone you live in, and talk a little about your roleplaying experience. Just fill in the OOC bit as best as you can. This is the easiest part of the application. Sometimes, if you want to make it so you are rewarding yourself, you can fill this out last.

 

Next is the Definitions. We ask for definitions to see how well you understand the words. Look them up and write them out as best as you can. Try to incorporate as much detail as possible. HOWEVER, do not copy the definitions. Use your own words to fill them out. Plagiarism is not accepted in Lord of the Craft and can land you a lengthy ban.

 

Next we ask that you develop a character you plan to use on Lord of the Craft. This is what gets a lot of people denied. Why? Because they do not develop the character at all. Have no fear, many have been denied once or twice before being accepted. Now its time to help you make a character.

 

Character Development

 

Question 1: What is the name of your character?

Answer: The name of your character can be anything you want it to be, however, try to fit the race. Pick something that fits the character, who they will be forever called. This decision can come after you start the biography as sometimes a name will reflect the person’s life. Elven names can even be used to describe the character, or for added effect, can be the exact opposite of who the character is. Play with the names, choose several names, just make something you feel connects to the character.

 

Question 2: What is the race of your character?

Answer: It never hurts to read up on the lore of your character. The race can be a deciding factor in who your character is. If you have a character who will be quiet and soft spoken, being an Orc would not be your best idea. Race can play a lot in the development of a character and even help decide how they would act. Always take this into account when making your character.

 

Question 3: What is the gender of your character?

Answer: This is the easiest question on here. Do you want to be male or female? Do you want to mix it up? Read up on different types of gender labels. This could add to interesting roleplay. Are you a girl who thinks she is a man? Well, then she may be a transgender female. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

 

Question 4: What is the age of your character?

Answer: Again, another easy question. However, this can also be tricky. Read the lore on your race before putting your age. It is never recommended to start as a fifty year old human or an eighteen year old elf. It just means that there is more restrictions on your character and less ability to grow. Read the lore and understand the ages of the race you wish to be. This will help you in the long run.

 

Question 5: What is the background story of your character?

Answer: This is what more players have trouble with. Its easy to make a background for your character if you read the lore, understand the timeline, and have a character in mind. Before you write, decide how your character is. Is your character the baker who wanted to save enough money to pull himself and his family out of poverty or is he the wannabe knight who struggles to get the recognition he feels he deserves? Once you know where your character stands presently, its easier to figure out where he came from. The baker had been born a farmer where his family lost their money due to a famine, leaving them sick and in poverty. The knight was the runt of the family, ridiculed by his brothers for being the weakest in the family. The possibilities are endless. However there is caution here. Try to avoid cliches. This will get you denied. Write as much as you can, their childhood, how they got to where you are now, what cities they lived in, what lands they visited. Quality is preferred over quantity, but having more to your story gives you more lore and shows you have fleshed out the character.

 

Question 6: What is your character’s personality?

Answer: Again, another question to think about. Being just “Nice” or “Mean” shows little character development. Try putting in a little more. Don’t be afraid to add in fears, likes, dislikes. Add enough to your character to give them depth. They could be the knight who is so scared of his own shadow that he would flee, yet is brave enough to tackle the bandits of the land to save a bunny. They could be the baker who is so afraid of going back into poverty he becomes obsessed with money in every aspect. Think about what your character went through, how this would make them, how this could change them. Every detail counts in the character development.

 

Question 7: What are your character’s ambitions?

Answer: Is your character the knight who was bullied or the baker who was in poverty? Think of what your character went through and what goals they want accomplish. The knight could want to gain the courage to show his family they can be proud of him, or they can be the baker who wants to create a name for himself and his family. Think of the infinite goals available to your character and pick something that will fit who they are and what they can achieve.

 

Question 8: What is your character’s special skills?

Answer: Does your character have something they are exceptionally good at? Lets look at the earlier examples. The Baker could be great at making pastries, able to pull old family recipes out of his head and create the greatest pies and custards ever seen, but secretly he has skill with a blade, able to create beautiful wooden sculptures that can be sold for a pretty penny, yet he is too nervous to do so. The Knight, although scared of his own shadow, could be great at befriending animals and people. He could also have a great skill with a bow, but is too afraid to shoot because of an accident in his past. Never try to apply as a master of something. Be adequate to advanced, but never master. Make it so you can expand, roleplay and grow more into the character. You could be the knight and find that you feel he should become an medieval vet instead. Leave yourself room to grow and roleplay.

 

Question 9: What are your character’s weaknesses?

Answer: Is your character terrified of moths? Is your character physically handicapped? Find something that your character has to overcome in roleplay. Make it something worth a challenge. Be the knight, terrified of his shadow. Someday he will have to face that fear to save the rabbit from a hunter. Be the baker who is so blinded by greed he has to try and change his ways to keep the family that has become so special to him. Remember, there are many possibilities to choose from and many you can go for.

 

Question 10: What does your character look like?

Answer: This is personally my favorite part. Sit down and describe what your character looks like. From the color of their hair to the scars on their body. Appearance can tell alot about a person. From the scraggly beard of a elder knight, to the scarred face of the butcher. Describing your character helps you imagine what they will look like. Here is also where you would post a screenshot of your Skin. This shows that you have something to represent your character. Make sure their skin matches the theme.

 

Character Examples

 

Timothy Deevos ~ The Knight

What’s your character called?: - Timothy “The Meek” Deevos

What race are they (and sub-race)?: - Human (Northerner)

What sex are they?: - Male

How old are they?: - Twenty Four

Give us a brief description of their life - their story, childhood, family: - Timothy was the middle child of three boys. His family was a well off group, all the boys taking squireship. Timothy was no exception. He loved to try and keep up with his brothers, however, he was a bit, unlucky. Unable to put his own feet forward without tripping over himself, he was an accident waiting to happen. Physically weak compared to his bigger brothers, he was often called the runt. When it came time to show who was best, he would often be found hiding in a room, afraid to step out into the sunlight.

Although he was weak and cowardly, he was able to complete his squireship and become a guard, though he was never put on important duty. His brothers both became guards of Abresi in the Lion Chapter and Teutonic Order. Timothy often would be found patrolling the emperor’s road, waiting to prove himself. Soon he found himself feeding the local wildlife. He soon befriended an injured rabbit and together they would walk down the road, patrolling, as intimidating as a scrawny knight and rabbit could really be.

What are they like (personality)?: - Timothy is a scaredy cat. He fears his own shadow, yet has a deep passion for animals. He wants nothing more than to prove he can be as good as his brothers despite being the smallest. His favorite thing to do is sit under the trees and feed the local wildlife near Abresi. He is a very kind hearted soul.

What are their ambitions?: - Timothy wants to become a knight and make his parents proud. Despite his limitations, he feels he can achieve this, though how, he does not know.

Do they have any special skills?: - Timothy has a knack with befriending animals and most people. He loves his pets and companions. He also is decent with a bow, but after an incident in his past, he refuses to shoot one. He refuses to talk about it, something to do with his brother’s posterior.

What are their weaknesses?: - Timothy is very skiddish and unable to stand up for himself. He will often run away from a fight. Physically weak due to his size and weight, he would not be able to stand up to a normal guard.

What do they look like?: - Timothy is a very scrawny man with a feint beard. His hair is a soft brown that seems greasy and messy. He is no taller than five foot nine and weighs as little as one hundred and sixty pounds. His armor often seems too big for him and his hands tremble when he holds his sword. A single scar marks his face over his left eye. His nose is oddly shaped as if broken several times.

 

Benjamin Harrold ~ The Baker

What’s your character called?: - Benjamin Harrold

What race are they (and sub-race)?: - Halfling

What sex are they?: - Male

How old are they?: - Sixty Three

Give us a brief description of their life - their story, childhood, family: - Benjamin was born a farmer in Lefarthing. His parents were farmers, his grandparents were farmers. He, however, prefered to bake. He always watched his mother cook and tries to learn what he could from her. However, their gentle life turned sour when a famine hit, destroying most of the crops. Now destitute and slowly starving, Benjamin found himself in a bind. He soon left his family, who were slowly getting back on their feet thanks to the halfling community. Out on his own, he changed his last name and bought a small bakery.

Using his skills in baking, he slowly started to become well known in Kralta and people would order his pastries. However, he soon found a fear of losing his money. He became greedy and pushed away any friends he had made, even a young halfling woman who fell for him. He continues to try and work his way towards nobility just by his baking, but even he believes it is impossible.

What are they like (personality)?: - Benjamin is normally a good natured person. He loves seeing smiles on his customers faces. However, he purposely makes his prices slightly too high just so he can make that extra mina. He has a goal for sure, and he is willing to make all necessary sacrifices.

What are their ambitions?: - Benjamin wants to become the worlds greatest baker and richest man. His greed having blinded him to any true personal goal.

Do they have any special skills?: - Benjamin is great at making pastries, able to pull old family recipes out of his head and create the greatest pies and custards ever seen, but secretly he has skill with a blade, able to create beautiful wooden sculptures that can be sold for a pretty penny, yet he is too nervous to do so.

What are their weaknesses?: - Benjamin is greedy. He will do what he can for a mina, even make pastries with medicine to make people ill. He is also very narrow minded unable to take criticism well and often getting himself in trouble.

What do they look like?: - Benjamin is a large halfling. His gut speaks volumes of how much he loves his own cooking. His eyes are a hazelnut color and his hair is a brownish blonde. He is clean shaven, believing his pastries should be whisker free..

[ski_king3 0]

A very nice guide, Jade. Pinned it for you :)

[MamaBearJade 2090]

thank you ski ^_^

i plan to point all my denials to this to help, i may expand more later

[Valon (Yokey) 168]

The time and effort put into writing this is obvious, and well worth it, considering how helpful and accurate it is. Lovely job.

[MamaBearJade 2090]

thankies~

[Hollowkira 36]

An Outstanding Guide 

[Merkaken 516]

I'm going to use the things you suggested to make a new character that I plan on sticking with. Cheers, great guide!

[MamaBearJade 2090]

thank you both

[CombatRolePlay 1863]

Oh, nice guide 

[MamaBearJade 2090]

thank you much

[Detective 101]

This was not like 6 months ago when I made mine...:/ But still its great!

[MamaBearJade 2090]

Thank you ^_^

[Ithenril 0]

Just another 'thank you' message passing through. This is really helping me out with my application! Fantastic guide!

[TheBareSheet 194]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.