Define "awhile"...
6-7 years? Then...yes...
:/
... I make characters in my off time...
So, yeah.
From time to time.
i make characters or character tweaks in my spare time all the time. i have extreme Altoholism or Alt-Itis. millions of minor variants flood my brain every minute.
I used to. Then I got lazy.
I easily have character ideas for 10x more characters than I'll get to play. It used to be about 3x, then I got herolab and it kinda got out of hand.
I asked for HeroLab for Christmas, but Santa ignored that one...
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I post at least one or two character builds a month over in the Advice subforum, but I never get to be a player. I really like theorycrafting, though. I do my sheets by hand. Hero Lab is above this college student's budget.
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One reason I took up GMing was I kept suiciding my characters to make new ones. :-/ In the GMs chair, I can just make NPC after NPC...
I make what I consider to be builds, rather than characters. By the time I find a new game, I'll probably want to play something else.
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My variation on this is that I am almost never, ever a player. I am just about always the GM.
For decades and decades now.
Sometimes when I see a mini I really like, and I start to work on him, I will think, "man, I'd love to play this guy as a PC."
And then, maybe I'll stat him up. Even though I know I'll likely never get to play him.
I invite you to look at THIS.
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?
I started a thread about solo playing a while back. Very few actually got into it, unfortunately.
However, if you don't have a group, you should investigate playing solo...get an AP or Module and run it, though combat becomes more of the focus than roleplaying in that style (at least for me), and you need to try to play the enemies as effectively as you can (in many ways, it's a lot like a board game, but different as well as you are following an ap or module).
Just a thought, where you can make a PC...and then test drive/play around with it.
Me, I have a group, but we don't play as often as I'd like, and one of the group is now going with 5e currently...soooo...even less PF time.
So, in my spare time...I also do solo PF games on my own time...outside those groups...despite how unpopular it seems to be amongst the inhabitants of these boards.
It's also a good way to learn obscure rules and other things better...as they can pop up from time to time...or other things as you investigate not only your own characters, but the enemies and how you can most effectively try to wipe your own party out with them.
I have gone through this phase before.
When I was hugely into 3e I started building characters I knew would never see play. It was like a weekly thought exercise in theory crafting. How high could I make my saves? How many classes can I add to a warrior build before it losses effectiveness? How about the same with a caster? You get the idea. Most of these test characters ended up in the waste basket after being finished. But occasionally I might have retooled ideas from one or two for actual play.
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I haven't built characters with no intention to run them since I was in high school, playing AD&D 1e.
These days, I build characters specifically for the campaign I'm going to play in (or will run as NPCs in games I'm running.)
I find theorycrafting really boring, to tell the truth. I build my own PCs organically, reacting to the events of the campaign. I rarely plan more than a level or two ahead.
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These days, I build characters specifically for the campaign I'm going to play in (or will run as NPCs in games I'm running.)
I find theorycrafting really boring, to tell the truth. I build my own PCs organically, reacting to the events of the campaign. I rarely plan more than a level or two ahead.
I'm the GM 90% of the time and therefore almost never get to build a PC for myself. But when I do I do much the same as you.
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I started D&D 1e back in 1977 and played a regular weekend game with 5 people until I joined the US Army, where I played many other games in addition to D&D. I got out of the army in 1987, where I met my current group playing AD&D 2e. One passed away, but 10 years later his daughter and friends joined our group and we're still playing today. I have contiguously played in varying groups for 37 straight years without a break. I've never been in a situation where I without a group since I started playing, so experiments of no group or only one player has never occurred for me.
All the freaking time. My mythweavers probably has close to fifty pages, only one of which I actually play. That said, most of the ideas end up inspiring NPCs when I DM so it works out. Frankly some work better as NPCs anyway.
So currently I lack a group but I have the itch to make some characters. So I'm wondering if anyone made characters when they know won't be played for a while?Raving Dork has a whole thread dedicated to characters that he's made, and not played, and for the bulk, probably never will play.
And I'm grateful for his work. I've used several of the characters he's created as NPCs in my games.
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And I'm grateful for his work. I've used several of the characters he's created as NPCs in my games.So currently I lack a group but I have the itch to make some characters. So I'm wondering if anyone made characters when they know won't be played for a while?Raving Dork has a whole thread dedicated to characters that he's made, and not played, and for the bulk, probably never will play.
That seems like a good way to humble a group of optimizers!
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?
I guess. A lot of the hero builds I've posted could certainly be repurposed into villains if I ever needed an NPC fast.
Is there a link to your creations?
I used to create 1st edition AD&D characters just for the heck of it and I did the same for 2nd Edition. When I started Pathfinder and the Second Darkness AP, I started to fiddle around with other character classes for the NEXT game that would eventually happen. This was a good thing, since I had some ideas available when we started Runelords and then when my first character (magus) didn't work out I had something already in mind that I had worked on before. It wasn't too much to throw it together in the span of a week.
Even now, I am thinking up what to play next after the runelords game. hmmmmm.....
Is there a link to your creations?
My record keeping is pretty spotty, and aside from having started using Myth-Weavers a few months ago I don't collect them in one place. Best method would be to use my account page, which can show any character I ever posted to Paizo. I almost always post a thread if I make something I consider worthwhile.
Right on. Thanks!
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?
On these boards, any hint that a GM might use a character he did not specifically stat as an NPC, and that might be as "cool" and powerful as a PC, would earn that GM a boatload of hate mail as a player of a "DMPC."
And I am not that guy.
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?Not if you're using PC rules to make them, including PC level wealth, stats, and gear.
If one is trying to create a personal NPC Codex, as a source for on-the-fly NPCs. Wouldn't you also include an amount of wealth, stats and gear - as prep for a potential combat encounter.
When I design NPCs for my games, I am as comprehensive in fully stating and gearing up, as I am for PCs.
I have been gradually developing character concepts to go with (often clash with) the various APs, and have 3 of these linked from my profile. Originally none of them had their crunch done, but one of them was meant for RotL, and when a RotL recruitment thread popped up, I actually got off my rear and finished the crunch for this character. Unfortunately, recruitment closed without this character before I could finish, but I had gotten far enough that I decided to finish anyway. When I get a chance, I plan to do this for the other 2, and to make more character concepts. All of these are intended for play, but made with no guarantee that they will get into play.
* * * * * * * *
And if I were to create NPCs, I would absolutely consider all PC options to be on the table for them, even if not always all used. The players have enough advantages as it is, not only in action economy (which can be adjusted for), but also in brain economy (which cannot be adjusted for unless you have multiple GMs).
Often. PCs, NPCs (including retooling characters from published works), encounters, magic (or other) items, even roughing out adventure/campaign scenarios or alternate settings; for more than one system, too.
When inspiration strikes, I write down at least an outline or "rough" version of the concept. That way, even if I don't complete it immediately, I can always "finish" it later.
Also, it gives me a vast collection (over 30 years of tinkering) of material to pull out, possibly tweak a bit to match the specific circumstances, and drop into a given campaign/encounter on short notice; instead of having to "build from scratch." If you plan on staying with the hobby, I can only recommend that you keep on making characters and other stuff (and saving it); it makes for a richer experience in the long run as a player (exploring concepts you may not get a chance to play) and as a GM (giving you a ready collection of "stock" NPCs, villains, etc.).
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?On these boards, any hint that a GM might use a character he did not specifically stat as an NPC, and that might be as "cool" and powerful as a PC, would earn that GM a boatload of hate mail as a player of a "DMPC."
I stat my villain NPCs as if they were PCs :/ What can I say? I enjoy building characters, and that gives me ample opportunity. Bad guys being stronger isn't horrible as long as the bad guys don't massively outlevel the PCs and the PCs aren't going into battle with depleted resources. Also, if five PCs with appropriate stats and equipment can't kill one or two enemies of similar level with PC stats and equipment, there's a problem somewhere.
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?On these boards, any hint that a GM might use a character he did not specifically stat as an NPC, and that might be as "cool" and powerful as a PC, would earn that GM a boatload of hate mail as a player of a "DMPC."
And I am not that guy.
Well I don't run DMPCs, in fact, I prefer to GM and never play - playing PF bores me to death, running a game, on the other hand I find fulfilling. Of course, my players never seem to have a problem with the way I roll my NPCs - I've never detected this "hate" you speak of. Now as far as the rest of the PF community, thinking so - I don't care. I only game with one group, the same group since 1987. I don't plan on playing with anyone else, so what others like or dislike is completely meaningless to me. So hate all you want, I don't care at all. Again all my NPCs are created as if they were intended to be full PCs.
Well I don't run DMPCs, in fact, I prefer to GM and never play - playing PF bores me to death, running a game, on the other hand I find fulfilling. Of course, my players never seem to have a problem with the way I roll my NPCs - I've never detected this "hate" you speak of. Now as far as the rest of the PF community, thinking so - I don't care. I only game with one group, the same group since 1987. I don't plan on playing with anyone else, so what others like or dislike is completely meaningless to me. So hate all you want, I don't care at all. Again all my NPCs are created as if they were intended to be full PCs.Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?On these boards, any hint that a GM might use a character he did not specifically stat as an NPC, and that might be as "cool" and powerful as a PC, would earn that GM a boatload of hate mail as a player of a "DMPC."
And I am not that guy.
I do the same thing, NPC's (and particularly villains) are stated out to provide a real challenge to the PC's. What I think some people are talking about is if you saddle the group with a long term helper NPC that is built to be just as powerful (or more) as a PC.
Well a lot of times when I make a character I'm not sure if it will end up as a PC for me, an NPC, or even a pre-gen for a guest player or a temp fill in for someone who's character dies.. so I make most of them with the full PC point buy unless it's an NPC class or I explicitly know it's going to be an NPC or villain. Even then I might use PC point buy if it's a significant "named" NPC or boss type villain.
I do usually use NPC gear values initially instead of PC WBL but that's only because we tend to play low-magic anyway and it's less painful to adjust up on the fly if I have to than it is to subtract.
I just make sure to adjust the CR accordingly if I use them as NPC's. Like CR = Level-1 instead of CR = Level-2.
Long as you do that it's perfectly fair. And of course keep an eye on the effect these NPC's can have on party WBL since it will end up being treasure heavy compared to monsters, but there are low treasure monsters out there to offset that, you just make sure it all comes out in the wash over time.
Is that seriously frowned upon? I do it all the time. I think the players appreciate having unique NPC's in the world that don't come out of a cookie cutter.
On those occassions where the party picks up an NPC to assist, or to fill a specific niche that the party doesn't have - I'll run the introduction of NPC with the PCs, but if that NPC would be required for one or more sessions of play - I hand control of the NPC to one of the more experienced players to run as a second PC. However our table consists of one GM who sometimes switches GM chairs with 2 other players, though I'm the primary GM, but there are six players (seven people total), so we seldom have unfilled niches, usually there are too many players, but we're used to that.
Most NPCs I draw up are villains, specific vendors or crafters that PCs visit to get stuff made between adventures, or the casual people parties meet in game. If I intend some casual person to truly be an NPC with levels of expert, then I usually don't stat them up. However, those NPCs that are more likely to be a social or combat encounters are always fully stated, geared (stuff to be taken by the party, when they die). Not only do I stat them, I usually include specific motivations, intentions, prejudices and preferences for each one as a simple short sentence note.
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I find theorycrafting really boring, to tell the truth. I build my own PCs organically, reacting to the events of the campaign. I rarely plan more than a level or two ahead.
i honestly don't even plan a level ahead:)
however you've inspired a new phrase that describes it perfectly Organic Gamer(tm) it sounds so annoyingly trendy/catchy its perfect:)in fact i find it annoying already:p
Isn't building a character that you don't actually use equivalent to an NPC - since you're "Not Playing"...?Not if you're using PC rules to make them, including PC level wealth, stats, and gear.If one is trying to create a personal NPC Codex, as a source for on-the-fly NPCs. Wouldn't you also include an amount of wealth, stats and gear - as prep for a potential combat encounter.
When I design NPCs for my games, I am as comprehensive in fully stating and gearing up, as I am for PCs.
Stat and WBL guidelines for NPCs use a different table.
NPCs with PC wealth are raised in CR by one.
I don't use that table for my games.
Since I don't play PFS, I am under specific restrictions nor inclusions for my home games. For the most part our table is not heavily house ruled, however, our NPCs are built more like PCs rather than using specific PF guidelines. An NPC's build is always CR adjusted in the building of it (for considerations like wealth level). Most encounters are CR +1 or +2, and not equal in power to the PCs - I have very smart and insightful players.
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If you're worried about PC-style adversaries giving the PCs too much loot, how about giving them PC stats/etc but build them to operate optimally with poor equipment? Have them be creative in making do with less -- the PCs should be wondering "How can these peons be giving us so much trouble"?
That is wonderful advice UnArcaneElection.
Nice one.
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I find theorycrafting really boring, to tell the truth. I build my own PCs organically, reacting to the events of the campaign. I rarely plan more than a level or two ahead.i honestly don't even plan a level ahead:)
however you've inspired a new phrase that describes it perfectly Organic Gamer(tm) it sounds so annoyingly trendy/catchy its perfect:)in fact i find it annoying already:p
And to totally ramp it up and tie it all together i wonder if i could host a table at Whole Foods, or is that going too far?