I agree about more weight and struggles making the character's journey that much more... significant. Their growth and their story that much more compelling.
This is set in a fantasy setting after all. The trials the characters face should be more dramatic than what we ourselves are able to deal with in real life.
And yet we do step into our characters' lives, because that is what makes each of their interactions real, their relationships more meaningful, and it makes the character's reactions all that much more affecting.
I too got into the similar boat (HAHA PUN) as Askier with the kidnapping storyline. Itar and I decided what would happen on the boat offscreen and I agreed to somethings for the story sake. The entire arc, and the tragic irony that was created by a poor plan but with good intentions was made that much more dramatic because both Askier and Roen really did suffer on that boat. But it did leave me with  "huh... how the heck do I get my character out of this state of mind..." feeling for days. And she is definitely more subdued right now, as those who I have RPed with since will notice.
Now I am really looking forward Roen's growth having survived the ordeal. But definitely, IC stories do occupy my thoughts when I am not in game. But it is in a good way, something that gets my creative juices flowing, and makes me either grin silly or shake my head at random moments thinking about things.
This is set in a fantasy setting after all. The trials the characters face should be more dramatic than what we ourselves are able to deal with in real life.
And yet we do step into our characters' lives, because that is what makes each of their interactions real, their relationships more meaningful, and it makes the character's reactions all that much more affecting.
I too got into the similar boat (HAHA PUN) as Askier with the kidnapping storyline. Itar and I decided what would happen on the boat offscreen and I agreed to somethings for the story sake. The entire arc, and the tragic irony that was created by a poor plan but with good intentions was made that much more dramatic because both Askier and Roen really did suffer on that boat. But it did leave me with  "huh... how the heck do I get my character out of this state of mind..." feeling for days. And she is definitely more subdued right now, as those who I have RPed with since will notice.
Now I am really looking forward Roen's growth having survived the ordeal. But definitely, IC stories do occupy my thoughts when I am not in game. But it is in a good way, something that gets my creative juices flowing, and makes me either grin silly or shake my head at random moments thinking about things.
