(05-24-2015, 08:56 AM)Steel Wolf Wrote: So...hey, I was just sort of curious/wanting to pick the brain of the RPC on this topic.
What happens when you put together a character that, after a pretty lengthy period of time, just sort of falls apart? Â Either the direction of their RP takes a turn you weren't expecting, or things just spin in some way that makes that character un-fun to play for yourself and for others. Â Or maybe there's a new class or race that just looks like WAY more fun. Â Or you have a new concept but OHLAWD dat MSQ gate. Â Either way, there's some defect in the character's lovability matrix, but there's also a HUGE deal of time and investment in the character, both emotionally as well as in relation to in-game advancement/items.
What do you do? Â Is it just a matter of "Fantasia and f**k it" or is there deeper thoughts on the matter? Â Has this happened to you, and what do you do?
Personally I find a situation like this very tug-o-war'ish. Â Like, there's a LOT of work and investment put down on this goofy little avatar and then just...something goes blah and you're caught between wanting to try again and wanting to salvage the situation.
When I first made Val, he was meant to be a selfish, womanizing bachelor that never settled for any woman and did whatever he wanted when he wanted to do it. I'd promised myself that he'd never actually fall for a woman and let it be that. ...Buuuut as most people know, that changed a few years ago.
It was kind of weird, for me, because I knew I was in control of the character and I just couldn't get my head around the idea of the character falling for the woman in question. She did things that would intrigue him and piss him off all at once, so naturally he gravitated towards her. In XIV, he managed to join a company and now occupies a higher position. He was meant to be a troublemaker that got into bar brawls and caused general good-hearted mischief and chaos where ever he went, be it by purposely insulting others or being an all-around, general dick. He can't much do that anymore, and I have to admit that the character has changed a lot from what I originally envisioned him to be. But I think that these kind of things should be embraced, right? I grew to like the changes and, despite me sometimes wanting to take him back to his roots at times, I find his new direction intriguing and fun to RP.
I agree that the situation can be very tug-of-warish as I've often gone back and forth on the matter. But I've put a lot into the character and I love the guy, so I've stuck with him and I think found a good balance in him needing to pick up this new mantle and grow up while holding on to what makes him, well.. him.Â
I don't think there's anything wrong with abandoning the character if that's what you want, or making another. And as others have said, I don't think the MSQ gate should keep you from RPing what you want to RP. If you've got a level 4 that you want to RP as an Astrologian or a Dark Knight, who cares if you don't exactly look the part? I always treat the game as a medium for the RP and not take what it shows/has at face value. The only problem I'd see you facing is the people that do, or those that ignore lower leveled characters for.. well. Whatever reason.