(09-03-2013, 08:27 PM)Theodric Brandt Wrote: A few pull it off tastefully, but the majority don't. If a character is blind, deaf or missing limbs then it shouldn't make them more powerful as a result.
It's the same with characters who are depicted as having scars on almost every inch of their body and yet are somehow meant to be considered as strong and capable combatants. Chances are if you've been struck enough times in combat that your hide is one big canvas of scars you're probably not that good of a fighter.
I think situations like Illidan Stormrage, Edward Elric, and Jet from CB probably influence a lot of people in that respect because those characters are special and unique in their worlds. I always assume that giving up physical sight, like in the case of Demon Hunters, gives many people as many drawbacks as benefits. Like... insanity... in that case, but otherwise -not- being able to physically see people makes things difficult. I went with a 'mute' once, who actually suffered the Curse of Tongues which rendered her unable to speak anything but Eredun. Incidentally, she didn't understand Eredun so many of the warlock or demon RPers who tried to converse with her only hurt her ears. This was mostly to practice my ability to emote to communicate points and while it turned out to be rather difficult, I steadfastly refused to explain what she was saying OOCly and was rewarded by having people interpret her actions they way one would have to interpret miming OOC. She could've gone to pen and paper, and did at times, but it was rather rare.
Still, not having words is a big drawback in and of itself. If you're in danger or trying to warn someone of something abstract very quickly, it's difficult to get your point across.
The scars thing, I can't wholly agree with if only because everyone has to start somewhere and if you were born with a sword in your hand -maybe- you never accumulated any terrible scars. If you were raised by particularly brutal fighters, you might have picked up numerous scars, each one teaching you when to move faster or more appropriately in a certain situation. Likewise, if you've moved on and continue to challenge even better fighters who specialize in what your weaknesses are, such as range, scars can continue to accumulate even if you are an 'expert' swordsman. Doesn't mean you're an expert at dodging arrows or fireballs to the face all the time.
I do like that you pointed that out though, because it does make sense to a degree, in many situations. Siobhain has scars on her forearms and shins, but her trainer was particularly disciplined-- pulling most of his strikes before they could land. Not all trainers are like this, however, and one might end up maimed, at least aesthetically, before they start picking up the harsh lessons.
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