RP meme - four times
There is a meme going around which I started off not bothering with. I don't generally follow these things. Then I finally got to thinking. The obvious character for me to dissect is Sir Robert of Chester, but he is really two conflicting characters in the same skin. So in that vein, for those of you who are interested...
List, for one or more characters:
1) a proper character flaw
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
4) a true, but uncharitable description
5) and a redeeming feature
The in-character Robert
1) A proper character flaw
Sir Robert does not know when to stop. This can be seen in his violent outlook, his disrespectful attitude, and his bloodymindedness when he want something done. He does not know when his behaviour has become inappropriate.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert treats those inferiors whom he likes with something far too much like equality, giving people who are patently ignoble honours that are beyond them. He speaks to his pig-girl, and has acknowledged all of his bastards, even the ones with peasant mothers. Equally, he fails to show proper respect to knights.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Oh dear... Without the obvious examples, we still have a list to choose from. The iconic one is how he will chatter through court with his friends, undercutting what his master is saying.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Sir Robert is a thug who was too naive to ignore his mother when she filled his head with stories of how to behave. He has relied heavily on his martial skill and when that has failed him luck and the efforts of others kept him alive. It took him five years to learn that not every challenge was a fight.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert's prowess and fame make up for all else. He is, after all, a knight.
The deconstructed Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert is incapable of being happy with what he has, because there is always something just out of his reach.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert is always bullying people. He uses his fame and his strength to get his own way.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Robert manipulates not his friends per se, but their expectations. He plays the thug so that when he decides not to, they will be surprised enough to follow suit. And, alas, vice-versa.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert is weak. He cannot bring himself to kill off the thuggish part of him, and he does not have the strength to deny his nobler part and be happy.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert is chivalrous. He tries his best to protect others, and to live right, and most of the time he succeeds.
The Obnoxious Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert does not think enough. His cogitation often happens after violence.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert forgives people he does not have the right to forgive; those who are his master's enemies.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Sir Robert consistently acts as a trigger for the bad behaviour of his fellows, making it difficult to keep their attention, and wearing on the King's temper.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert tries, but he does not try hard enough. Other details hardly matter.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert's support over the years has been one of the reasons for his master's success. Without the unhinged part of Sir Robert's brain, there might be no Rex after the King's name.
The meta Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert has a low honour score, which makes it hard to behave charitably.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert's personality means he can be used as a threat, and often his.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Robert and Taurinus would work a lot better together if their personalities were not so different as to be amusing.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert is maxed out in certain combat stats, but weak in others, meaning his reputation is based mostly on luck. His lordly habits were largely picked up over the past few game-years, and as such are not to be compared to his combat numbers.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert can be relied on to be in the middle of any valid fight, making it easy to start them, or have them started.
List, for one or more characters:
1) a proper character flaw
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
4) a true, but uncharitable description
5) and a redeeming feature
The in-character Robert
1) A proper character flaw
Sir Robert does not know when to stop. This can be seen in his violent outlook, his disrespectful attitude, and his bloodymindedness when he want something done. He does not know when his behaviour has become inappropriate.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert treats those inferiors whom he likes with something far too much like equality, giving people who are patently ignoble honours that are beyond them. He speaks to his pig-girl, and has acknowledged all of his bastards, even the ones with peasant mothers. Equally, he fails to show proper respect to knights.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Oh dear... Without the obvious examples, we still have a list to choose from. The iconic one is how he will chatter through court with his friends, undercutting what his master is saying.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Sir Robert is a thug who was too naive to ignore his mother when she filled his head with stories of how to behave. He has relied heavily on his martial skill and when that has failed him luck and the efforts of others kept him alive. It took him five years to learn that not every challenge was a fight.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert's prowess and fame make up for all else. He is, after all, a knight.
The deconstructed Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert is incapable of being happy with what he has, because there is always something just out of his reach.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert is always bullying people. He uses his fame and his strength to get his own way.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Robert manipulates not his friends per se, but their expectations. He plays the thug so that when he decides not to, they will be surprised enough to follow suit. And, alas, vice-versa.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert is weak. He cannot bring himself to kill off the thuggish part of him, and he does not have the strength to deny his nobler part and be happy.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert is chivalrous. He tries his best to protect others, and to live right, and most of the time he succeeds.
The Obnoxious Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert does not think enough. His cogitation often happens after violence.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert forgives people he does not have the right to forgive; those who are his master's enemies.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Sir Robert consistently acts as a trigger for the bad behaviour of his fellows, making it difficult to keep their attention, and wearing on the King's temper.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert tries, but he does not try hard enough. Other details hardly matter.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert's support over the years has been one of the reasons for his master's success. Without the unhinged part of Sir Robert's brain, there might be no Rex after the King's name.
The meta Robert
1) a proper character flaw
Robert has a low honour score, which makes it hard to behave charitably.
2) an example of behaving badly in background/with NPCs
Robert's personality means he can be used as a threat, and often his.
3) an example of behaving badly with PCs
Robert and Taurinus would work a lot better together if their personalities were not so different as to be amusing.
4) a true, but uncharitable description
Robert is maxed out in certain combat stats, but weak in others, meaning his reputation is based mostly on luck. His lordly habits were largely picked up over the past few game-years, and as such are not to be compared to his combat numbers.
5) and a redeeming feature
Robert can be relied on to be in the middle of any valid fight, making it easy to start them, or have them started.