Wow, I totally missed getting on board with this thread. 
In general, I agree that PCs are, themselves, special, and that what makes a character intriguing has far more to do with who they are and how they act than what they can do. Being a realistic person with compelling motives, quirks, and opinions is the key to being an interesting character, regardless of what sort of power you wield. Naturally, that's how superheroes, including Superman, can be written compellingly. IMO, Superman is boring when Superman Solves Every Problem Because He's So Cool And The Writers Love Him. Superman is interesting when the writing focuses on his alienation, the consequences of power unbridled, the "Stranger in a Strange Land" angle, and other flaws and humanizing elements in his character.
Also, I'm totally glad the OP linked the Universal Sue Test. That's a terribly useful device for judging a new character concept, though as it mentions, one must be careful to consider the context of both setting and group dynamic when using it. (For what it's worth, L'yhta scores a 4 on the test. For all her bravado, she's pretty mundane.)
Personally, I don't assert power in RP that I don't have in game. L'yhta's talented and "book smart," but lacking in expertise (thus her relatively low level), and she's more skilled at conjury than arcanima or thaumaturgy. Thus, her level spread is 21 CNJ/16 ACN/6 THM. When she starts getting towards 50 in all three of those Disciplines, then I'll start saying that she has the actual skill to back up her boasts. She has no levels in Disciplines of War because she has no expertise in those areas. So, for me, level is directly related to power, and I don't level things my character wouldn't be good at -- though there's compelling arguments for other approaches, too. The important thing in RP is for all parties to have an agreement on the power levels involved.
In general, I agree that PCs are, themselves, special, and that what makes a character intriguing has far more to do with who they are and how they act than what they can do. Being a realistic person with compelling motives, quirks, and opinions is the key to being an interesting character, regardless of what sort of power you wield. Naturally, that's how superheroes, including Superman, can be written compellingly. IMO, Superman is boring when Superman Solves Every Problem Because He's So Cool And The Writers Love Him. Superman is interesting when the writing focuses on his alienation, the consequences of power unbridled, the "Stranger in a Strange Land" angle, and other flaws and humanizing elements in his character. Also, I'm totally glad the OP linked the Universal Sue Test. That's a terribly useful device for judging a new character concept, though as it mentions, one must be careful to consider the context of both setting and group dynamic when using it. (For what it's worth, L'yhta scores a 4 on the test. For all her bravado, she's pretty mundane.)
(09-03-2013, 01:28 PM)LilMomoshi Wrote: I've always taken the approach, in terms of power of my character and the skills they have, of directly relating this to the game. If they can't cast it in game, they can't cast it in RP. If it's a spell outside of their class (which, granted, will require some self-restrictions in this game) then they can't use it. Level isn't related to power, but it certainly is to skill and study, then.
How do you wonderful people approach this?
Personally, I don't assert power in RP that I don't have in game. L'yhta's talented and "book smart," but lacking in expertise (thus her relatively low level), and she's more skilled at conjury than arcanima or thaumaturgy. Thus, her level spread is 21 CNJ/16 ACN/6 THM. When she starts getting towards 50 in all three of those Disciplines, then I'll start saying that she has the actual skill to back up her boasts. She has no levels in Disciplines of War because she has no expertise in those areas. So, for me, level is directly related to power, and I don't level things my character wouldn't be good at -- though there's compelling arguments for other approaches, too. The important thing in RP is for all parties to have an agreement on the power levels involved.
The Freelance Wizard
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
