-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (07-26-98) | Dune III Character Profile README | Dune III 0.9b -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. General Information 2. Questions to Consider 3. Steps to Finalize Your Initial Profile 4. Credits -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. General Information --------------------------------------------- This README document is a tutorial in creating and maintaining your character's background (aka profile). Character backgrounds are created to resolve those issues simple skill stats can never deal with. They give your character continuity, explain your place in the RP spectrum, and give reasons why you might react certain ways to given situations. Importantly, backgrounds are personal, they're not meant to be passed around and critiqued by others than your faction head, nor are they public information. They are, however, you. It is extremely important you focus on your character *not* you the typist. Although most people put themselves into their characters, you cannot make the mistake of being from the 20th century. Start by writing out what you think your background would be right now without reading this document but using your knowledge of the Dune theme so far. Include name, history, tendencies, and education. Where do you begin? Create a character that's believeable and realistic. Every person has a background, this involves where you came from, what sort of environment you grew up in, and what major life events affected you. If you can't think of any clear examples, start with your own life: -> What major things help to shape you as you are today? -> How did you develop likes or dislikes? -> Use that same thought process to creating your character's background. Another good starting point is characters in a favorite book, movie, or TV series. What makes Lavar Burton's character in _Roots_ so powerful? Why does Mel Gibson's father figure in _Ransom_ generate sympathy? How did Shakespeare create Hamlet, making him so believe, personable, and real? You'll want to develop some strengths and weaknesses into your character profile: all people have strengths and flaws. Figure out, based on your background, what sort of strengths and flaws your character might have and expliain why? Take into consideration a character you think you can play effectively, decipher why you can play them well. Some of the best Role-played characters are those close to the player's own characteristics because they are believeable. Of course, focus on making a Dune-themed character, no Ronald McDonalds or Luke Skywalkers. Re-read your background. On the first draft I usually find people's backgrounds are lacking depth and detail. This will explain how your character acts, why he acts that way. For example, if your bio says "Lived in a distant village without many friends" then a tendency might be "extremely introverted and paranoid." Or, if you were "raised by peace-nik parents and loves all life" then the reason you won't join the military is obvious, but you better have a darn good explanation if, in an RP scenario, you kill someone: it wouldn't fit your profile. Remember, tendencies are linked to your character's weaknesses and strengths. Finally, profiles are never static, they change and alter themselves as you RP. For example, say you are a peaceful scientist and your outpost is attacked. In a fit of rage and survival you kill many invaders. You decide to change your scientific analysis from discovering naturally occurring energy sources into how they could be exploited for weaponary and defensive installations. While certain core facts never change (like place of birth), some tendencies change so you must provide reasons for the changes. Where can I find more information? The channel "theme" was established for, among general theme-related issues, questions about writing, revising, and perfecting profiles. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2. Questions to Consider --------------------------------------------- When putting together your profile, consider the following questions. -What is the character's name? -What is the character's sex? -What is the character's physical size? -What is the color of the character's hair, eyes, and skin? -What is the character's general appearance? Does the character stand erect or stooped? Dress anachronistically, stylishly, or inauspiciously? Look intimidating or casual? Is the character attractive? Is there something distinctive in the shape of its head, face or limbs? What might someone seeing the character for the first time think? -What is the character's age? -What was the character's family? What did the character's parents do? What was the family's means of support? Were the parents married, separated, divorced? What was family life like? Does the character have any siblings? Where are they now? What do they do? Does the character keep in contact with them? Did the character ever know his birth family? If not, who or what was his surrogate family? -Has the character begun his own family? Is the character married? divorced? separated? Does he have children? If not, does he want to have children? -Where or how was the character educated? -Has the character ever done anything else for a living? -What are the major events in your character's life? - Have there been any deaths that have shaped you? - Have there been any accomplishments your proud of? - Have you had good/bad things happen to you? -What about the character's political and religious beliefs? -What is the character's moral code? Will the character kill? Why? When did the character decide that he could? Does he think killing is acceptable? Under what circumstances? Where does the character stand on related issues like capital punishment, abortion, and euthanasia? Does the character adhere to a personal sexual ethics code, or even think about it? -What is the character's personality? Is the character pessimistic? idealistic? radical? conservative? resigned? easy-going? militant? aloof? intese? bombastic? obsessive? superstitious? extroverted? introverted? ambivalent? rational? opinionated? passionate? questioning? -Does the character have goals? Is this all the character ever wants to do? Doe she have any ambitions beyond the here and now? Is he satisfied with the way things are? If not, why not, and does he plan to change things? How? How long will that take, and is the character willing to wait that long? -What special qualities does the character possess? -Are there certain things the character just cannot do? get close to people? perceive himself realistically? work well with others? think clearly under stress? handle money well? -What does the character hate? -What does the character love? -If someone were to approach you and threaten you, what would be your reaction? -If someone were to promise you great riches to betray your house, what would you do? **Remember, when dealing with tendencies, keep them general. One person's strength could be viewed as another person's weakenss.** I.E., You commit your loyalties strongly to your house. Strength: people in the house can trust you explicitly. Weakness: you may be blinded by your loyalties to problems of the house. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3. Steps to Finalize Your Initial Profile --------------------------------------------- You should simultaneously decide what sort of character you want to play while looking for a job. Tailor your job search to as closely as possible match your desired character. Now you're ready to write drafts of your character profile. Go through a few drafts with your potential faction head. When you are both satisfied, create a final character profile using the template found on the web site at http://www.fremen.org/muds/dune3/ under 'Character Profiles'. Send this completed profile to dune3-profiles@fremen.org for archiving. You are now ready to proceed through the character generation system online, finally enabled to best answer what your characters natural abilities and skills should be. At this point, you are ready to begin role-play! -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4. Credits --------------------------------------------- Basis for Section 1 courtesy of the Tholian University, written by Airam and Milliav. Basis for Section 2 courtesy of Zami, Rivelo, and FASA Shadowrun.