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Xebulon Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 2112
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:40 am Post subject: New member character creation advice |
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xivk wrote: | Ill take the asking for ideas option then. |
Well, you'll want to decide a few basic first. If you're new to creating characters in general or for a specific setting it's always good to follow the K.I.S. (or Keep It Simple) principle. You can always expand upon a character at a later date.
1) Will your character be male or female? In most cases it's easier to go with your actual gender.
2) What is your character's species? This can be as simple or exotic as you want but bear in mind some places might have restrictions. For example: In Bon Bon Vanessa has stated that fictional species (i.e. dragons, unicorn, vampires, etc.) do not exist. Therefor being "exotic" would be being an unusual species, such as the Bearcat ([url]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binturong[/url]) or having an unusual background. Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to choose a more common species, like a Welsh Corgi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Welsh_Corgi).
3) What is your character's personality like? This doesn't need to be too detailed just yet but it's good to have a basic idea. Usually a good idea to keep it simple to begin with.
4) Why is you character there? This is more for people who want to roleplay but there's no reason why you can't answer this one if you want to. Again, this can be as complex as you want but unless you have a particular idea in mind, I'd recommend keeping it simple. For a place like Bon Bon, your character could just be there on vacation, it doesn't have to have any special reason. Granted, it can be fun to create an intricate backstory for your character but it can also complicate and/or limit things down the road depending on how you've extablished your character.
If you have questions or want advice, never be ashamed to ask someone. There are plenty of people here who would be happy to help. Just remember, in the end it's your character, not anyone else's. _________________ I like old jokes. With them I know when to laugh. |
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Kasumi Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 159
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:27 am Post subject: |
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We should sticky this since I think that this topic comes up more than once.
If you are interested in using your character to roleplay, then the general rule is: If there's a thread that strikes your fancy, and if there's an opportunity for your character to enter the conversation/scene, then you are welcome to do so.
Roleplaying does take some effort, however, and you'll probably need to login daily to check on the threads. As a non-roleplayer myself, I can say that the scenes can move surprisingly fast.
If you are interested in writing fan-fiction set in the PBB universe, then I've got the impression that you can post your stories here also. While the stories probably won't be considered canon, many people like reading it. The only caveat is if you use other people's characters, then the polite thing to do is to ask them for permission first. |
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JohnnyPsycho Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 2311
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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A little positive, undirected criticism (if you don't mind), since this is a common thing among roleplayers and first-time authors...
Try to avoid making your character too good or talented at everything. Try to stick to one or two skill sets or talents (artistic, martial, scientific, etc.) and focus on just those. That doesn't mean you can't add depth by giving your character some competence with another, completely unrelated set of skills every so often... maybe a scientist character took fencing lessons as a youth, or a martial artist happened to be the designated cook during his days sequestered in training in some far away dojo or temple. But if your character seems to "coincidentally" run into situations where they display more than average competence too often, you're likely running into Mary Sue territory. _________________ Johnny's Fanfics (including Sureshot! A Bon Bon Tale)
Johnny's backstory
Johnny, Mark II (Project Aten character) |
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Chaosengine Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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Incompetence seems to add more to character than perfection. _________________ "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.
The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free...
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
And if you're lucky then the god's a she..." |
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Mystic Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1462
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject: |
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Think of a tic your character might have. A few bad habits or an interesting hubris can make a character stand out too. Don't be afraid to give your character flaws, as these help define them as well.
Does the character have a temper? A phobia? A weakness to chocolate? These can help make for interesting situations. _________________ Oh, I'd tell myself
What good do you do
Convince myself |
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JohnnyPsycho Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 2311
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:25 pm Post subject: |
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Another aspect to creating a character fursona is to answer "what does my character do for a living?" In other words, what is their career or trade? Do they come from a family with money and influence, or did they have to make their own way in life? Did they have to recieve special schooling, or did they teach themselves the skills they use to survive? Sometimes, this can be related to the question of how your character got to Bon Bon, but not always.
For some of us, these questions are simple when we can simply put our characters into jobs we have in real life, or careers we aspire to attain. It may also relate to hobbies or interests; for example, if you had fun building model ships as a kid, maybe a career as a shipwright/shipbuilder would be a right fit for you. Just be creative...
Another thing to remember is that Pleasure Bon Bon is set in the late Victorian period in Europe, more precicely in 1895. Vanessa, the story's creator, has gone through a lot of effort to recreate the historical setting. If you're wondering whether or not your ideal career even existed at the end of the 19th century, don't hesitate to ask for help... there's a few forum members here that are history buffs who will help you out. _________________ Johnny's Fanfics (including Sureshot! A Bon Bon Tale)
Johnny's backstory
Johnny, Mark II (Project Aten character) |
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xivk Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 4287
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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So much to read and learn. @_@
"passes out" x_x
but thinking of ideas while going on Xebulons list something like this?
1)Male
2)rabbit or cat... or interesting mix
3)personality is bit of a loner, doesnt talk much unless being talked too, and is interested in many things.
4)Why he would be in bonbon... enjoying the sights, maybe open shop, "borrow" a few things. ^_^ _________________ Fursona Info.
I am the ghost of games... What i am, all i will be
-Xivk |
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JohnnyPsycho Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 2311
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henkcobra Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 4122
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:37 am Post subject: |
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Quote: | may I suggest rabbit, if only because there seems to be an inexplicable shortage of lagomorphs in Bon Bon |
Hey Johnny Six-meals... are you sure this isn't because you're a coyote, and jackalopes, a normal coyote staple, have been kinda lean on the menu |
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JohnnyPsycho Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 2311
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:42 am Post subject: |
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First off, Jackalopes are largely mythical, save for my boss at the Wild West show. You must mean jackrabbits, which are indeed a staple of my less devoloped, four-legged cousins.
But yes, I do have an ulterior motive for wanting more bunnies, rabbits, and hares (all of the two-legged variety) in town. You see, uh... *shuffles his feet nervously* ...I sort of... have a thing for girl bunnies. They're so sweet, and soft, and those ears... and the soft little cottony tails... *trails off, his face beet red*
There just seems to be an over-abundance of canine and feline characters to choose from, even among the Royal Members, but the only named bunny in Bon Bon seems to be Creamy Donut. Just seems a bit unfair to us bunny-lovers... So yeah, in a certain respect, bunnies have been sort of lean on the "menu". I figure maybe a boy bunny would attract more girl bunnies to show up...
BTW, to Henk... you need to slow down on the booze, son. Seriously, I'm just saying this as a friend... _________________ Johnny's Fanfics (including Sureshot! A Bon Bon Tale)
Johnny's backstory
Johnny, Mark II (Project Aten character) |
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Symphony Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 2620
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:46 am Post subject: |
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JohnnyPsycho wrote: |
There just seems to be an over-abundance of canine and feline characters to choose from, even among the Royal Members, but the only named bunny in Bon Bon seems to be Creamy Donut. Just seems a bit unfair to us bunny-lovers... So yeah, in a certain respect, bunnies have been sort of lean on the "menu".
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There's also Marigold, who can be seen in issue 3 page 25.
and yes, more bunnies would be nice. Whether male or female. _________________ Constance Mayflower's bio
Constance Mayflower's diary
The Mayflower Diaries |
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xivk Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 4287
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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Ok then, bunny it is. _________________ Fursona Info.
I am the ghost of games... What i am, all i will be
-Xivk |
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henkcobra Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 4122
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xivk Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 4287
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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My info's up there but again
1)Male
2)rabbit/bunny
3)personality is bit of a loner, doesnt talk much unless being talked too, and is interested in many things.
4)Why he would be in bonbon... enjoying the sights, maybe open shop, "borrow" a few things. ^_^ _________________ Fursona Info.
I am the ghost of games... What i am, all i will be
-Xivk |
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Mystic Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1462
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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There is also the bunny lass of Greycat's design, and we've seen a few un-named ones here and there. I thought Vanessa said it was up to the members to name and give backgrounds for any background characters she hasn't already claimed to have plans for? *Crosses her arms with a "take that" look to Johnny* Besides, felines are better with their tongues. _________________ Oh, I'd tell myself
What good do you do
Convince myself |
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henkcobra Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 4122
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peter_wolf Rank: Veteran
Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 993
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject: |
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i would have to say a feline's tongue is better because of the bumps it has that would feel great on your man hood _________________ you all saw it, the orphanage attacked me first. |
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henkcobra Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 4122
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Tadelesh Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 31 Jul 2008 Posts: 1578
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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Henk, calm down, lad. She said nothing derogatory about snakes' tongues. All she said was that cats' tongues are better than rabbits' tongues.
I have to agree with Johnny, though. There is a distinct lack of lapine characters, and they're second on my list of favourite furries (below, of course, felines ). A male is a start. Let's just hope for some females too. _________________ Wow, sarcasm! That's original. |
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xivk Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 4287
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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So shall I try making a thread then? _________________ Fursona Info.
I am the ghost of games... What i am, all i will be
-Xivk |
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Chaosengine Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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I've been thinkin' about usin' a Rat who happens to be a miner. Two ideas nobodies used yet.
Plus with him bein' underground all the time would explain why he never gets laid. _________________ "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.
The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free...
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
And if you're lucky then the god's a she..." |
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Tadelesh Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 31 Jul 2008 Posts: 1578
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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I suppose a mine is similar in a way to a sewer, so fitting for a rat. That is intriguing, though; unique in species and occupation.
Most miners, I'm sure, had wives at home they went back to after the day's work was done. Though I suppose that's a valid excuse. _________________ Wow, sarcasm! That's original. |
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Tsavo Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 283
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Ashton Gray Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 4668
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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Well, considering Mr. Simon Blue made, and probably maintains, his wealth by owning a diamond mine, I'd say, if you're going to be a miner in Bon Bon, you'd be working in his diamond mine. _________________ Silentium est aurum |
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peter_wolf Rank: Veteran
Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 993
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 6:42 am Post subject: |
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ya a miner now i don't have to go so far to get my rocks it was a real hassle having to get them form the other towns... _________________ you all saw it, the orphanage attacked me first. |
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Chaosengine Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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Workin' for Simon, huh? My boss will be a psycho with a gun, but considering what happened to the "Mollies" it would be a step up. _________________ "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.
The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free...
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
And if you're lucky then the god's a she..."
Last edited by Chaosengine on Sat Jan 31, 2009 5:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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LabrnMystic Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 2568
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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I think you have something going there Chaos. The closest thing we have to that is Betty the mouse.
As far as Miners and their wives, that depends. Plenty were single, what with cave ins and gas leaks causing many fatalities. I could see why they'd never bother getting married with their high risk jobs, but instead frequent the Delight Castle. _________________ The suspense is killing me. I hope it will last. |
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henkcobra Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 4122
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Chaosengine Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307
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Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:46 am Post subject: |
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Well, I've written his backstory and posted it in the "history" thread. Give me your honest opinions... _________________ "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster.
The bars are temples, but the pearls ain't free...
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
And if you're lucky then the god's a she..." |
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