Character Races/Entities

**Lord of Chaos** · 11/28/06, 06:57 PM

First off, I'd like to ask a Mod to sticky this. This is going to be important, and I feel it will be a rather insightful help to those people out there, in taking their characters' development a step further and a step smarter.

This is an off-the-fly guide I am creating for Races and Entities. I think they need to be defined. Thing is, everyone will be able to add insight and maybe even some suggestions (or Races/Entites) to it, and if they're logical and unique (like, someone posts an elf, and then someone posts a race that looks and acts pretty much like an elf, it won't fly), they will be added.

Now that that's out of the way! I say on to it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Archetypes~

First, we're going to delve into the classes archetypes for Races and Entities... no, I'm not talking humans, elves, dwarves, etc. I'm speaking of a more broad term:

-- Humanoids
-- Manifests
-- Constructs
-- Gods
-- Others (Ghosts, animals, etc.)

Humanoids: Humanoids are the beings that resemble humans in some way, shape, or form. This is more than likely the broadest category. Humanoids can range in variance from cyborgs to lizard men to... well, humans. Their abilities, appearances, and other related issues can vary greatly. They are the most common in what we know as the Omniverse. In creating a character, a humanoid will more than likely be your first, and

Manifests: Manifests are... well, they don't exactly go by the definition of the word manifest. They are also known as embodimentsThey are gatherings, creations from something. Usually, a manifestation is of some source. For instance, Valyon (my primary character) is a manifestation of Magick. Mitsukai has a character that's the manifestation of life if I'm not mistaken. These beings are usually extremely powerful, even rivaling Gods, but they do have weaknesses, and can be taken down in battle, just like any other character.

Constructs: Constructs are usually... well, created. They don't have to be humanoid in appearance. A golem is a construct. A Djinn (Genie) is a kind of construct of ancient magic. These beings usually have a heightened life span or are even sometimes immortal, because they are connected to a creator or an object. That creator or object, must be destroyed. Most constructs don't have a mind of their own.

Gods: Gods are... well, Gods. They take their own appearances. Most usually take a humanoid appearance. Their powers are unrivaled, and even unimaginable in some instances. Father Chaos is a God, the God of Gods really. Gods are rarely used as characters, and most of the time, when mentioned in an RP, are NPC's (Non-Playable-Characters) of some sort. Take caution when creating (or playing a prefabricated) God.

Others: These are basically all those who don't fit into the other categories. They can range from animals (like a lion, or a Dragon (though a Dragon isn't technically an animal for the record)) to ghosts (though it could be argued that ghosts and the like are manifestations). These creatures don't see too much play nowadays, but can be very fun and entertaining. Some are very powerful, while some are very weak. Their appearances vary the greatest among the Archetypes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll edit this later with further categories. If there is anything you want to see in particular, let me know.

~~Mitsukai~~ · 11/29/06, 09:19 AM

Well I suppose you could include Death Gods. Because Japanese culture is actually rather vague on the subject, I created an omniversal standard for Death Gods based entirely on various anime and manga depicting them.

I'll add more information if anyone is interested in hearing about them, but I didn't put much effort into shinigami, because... well you'll find out later.

You can better define them if you like.

**Lord of Chaos** · 11/29/06, 09:34 AM

Well, I'm not sure which category I'm going to go into first... if I go Gods, I think I'm really just going to divide them into something like that (Death Gods, Life Gods, Elemental Gods) or their respective Pantheons... Thanks for the suggestion though.

Laughing Stock · 11/29/06, 01:54 PM

I would prefer a further development on the undead and other such ethereal forms if possible with its own section.
I would also like to see a further elaboration on:

Dragons...
Griffons...
Unicorns...
Pegasus'...
Vampires...
Werewolves...
Elves...
Orcs...
A rough depiction of Angelic or Demonic Beings and what constants exist through them (such as: Angels are usually portrayed as Good and Demons Evil)...
Phoenix...
Elemental Beings...
Giants...
Faerie...
Wraiths...

Hmm... I ask for quite a bit, it seems... I suppose it is only fair that I at least provide a few of them... I'll probably have them up within a few days. As to what I'll be doing, though... not even I know that. >.>

I'd would also advise that, if any other is going to create their own unique, exciting and at least vaguely intriguing race or species that they take the time to post a description of that race or species or... whatever in here, if only for the sake of informing others what's so special about them.

**Lord of Chaos** · 11/29/06, 05:10 PM

Well, I'm actually going to post an ideal template for race/entity creation. You're welcomed to help me with that Laughing Stock. I'm thinking a name, do they possess gender (some people laugh, but it is important), peaceful, good, evil (neutral, lawful, or chaotic) etc etc.

I'll try and illuminate on many of those races when I can. I should be able to put up detail on all of them... or at least 90% of them.

Laughing Stock · 11/30/06, 05:08 PM

If so, then may I suggest the following for a template:

Name: (rather self-explanatory)

Life Expectancy: (This could range from a few mere hours to several millennia billions, trillions or perhaps even forever)

Gender: (As you described, LoC: whether they have a gender or not)

Class: (Humanoid, Undead, Creature, God, Manifest, etc)

Intelligence: (For humans and such, this could be varied yet limited, but for animals or undead creatures this could expand well into either direction. Yeah, you can probably tell by now I REALLY want an undead archetype)

Alignment: (This could probably be preformed in a D&D-esque manner)

Abilities: (If any. No crazy stuff or uber-powerful abilities unless you can supply a valid reason, please)

Appearance: (Do they have 7 blood-red eyes? 26 hairy legs? Do they display the characteristics of a rabbit, or have the appearance of an earthworm? Use your imagination)

Gender-Specific Features - Male (Remember: the males are more likely to contain physical attributes, such as longer horns, than their female companions)

Gender-Specific Features - Female (It is likely that the females, besides having the capacity to give birth, will probably have the superior intellect to their brutish companions. Or it can be the other way around. Or they could have completely different abilities over one another or none at all)

Gender-Specific Features - Children (The children will usually have undeveloped aspects usually seen on males and females. For instance, smaller horns or hairless bodies. Of course, you could have the child evolve into the parents, much like a caterpillar into a butterfly, and can therefore have them look completely different from the adult variety)

Strengths: (You can have as many as you want, really, but at least try to keep it balanced)

Weaknesses: (I would advise having more or greater weaknesses than strengths. Yes, even if your species is omnipotent, they still must have at least one crucial flaw or many, many minor ones)

Brief Explanation: (Doesn't really have to be brief if you don't want it to, but at least have two paragraphs. Of course, this can range from their creation to their prowess in battle... even to how they raise their young. No reason to skimp out on this part, folks. You should have plenty to say)

Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment... take what you want from it, use all of it or ignore it if you feel so inclined.

**Lord of Chaos** · 11/30/06, 06:01 PM

That would work great. Maybe take out defining features and put in appearance? Then put Defining Features underneath maybe... or gender-specific features.

Hip-Hop · 11/30/06, 11:33 PM

Yeah, all this is very, very cool guys. I've had a new species floating around in my head called "NuSongs" for quite awhile now, I might post it utilizing that template of yours. Keep up the good work.

**Blackest Night** · 12/01/06, 01:24 AM

I would like to ask for some more definition on the categories. Are the avatars of a God or diety referred to as Manifests or as a God? If someone were to create a Matrix-esque character like an Agent, what category would it fit under?

Forgive me, as this will sound very ignorant, but I just want to clarify that my Vices fit into the Manifests category, correct?

Antlion · 12/01/06, 01:28 AM

Question...depending on how it was derived and how it is used...what breaks the boundry of a character that is a "God" or "Demi-God" being "God Modding"? I need to know, I am working on my new character's biography...and he is pretty much ...strong. Yes, he has weaknesses, but he is pretty much the perfect...feh. Just answer the question.

Laughing Stock · 12/01/06, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackest Night

I would like to ask for some more definition on the categories. Are the avatars of a God or diety referred to as Manifests or as a God? If someone were to create a Matrix-esque character like an Agent, what category would it fit under?

Forgive me, as this will sound very ignorant, but I just want to clarify that my Vices fit into the Manifests category, correct?

Regardless of my perceived inadequacy to answer such questions considering this is not my idea, I shall attempt answer them nevertheless.

I can imagine the avatars of a deity being constructs, actually, because for what reason would a God risk death by creating a being on par with it?

"These beings usually have a heightened life span or are even sometimes immortal, because they are connected to a creator or an object."

The God itself could easily be the creator and it is much more than likely that an avatar would be connected in some manner with he or she that created it, which I believe only serves to establish my belief.

As for an Agent, I believe he would also serve as a construct. For instance, they have no mind of their own, instead bound to the whim of that which had created them, correct? They are also bound to the machine that created them and as such will cease to exist should said machine cease to exist?

As for the Vices, well... they were gifted to Pandora by the God's, which would imply that the Vices were in fact created by the God's. Therefore, they would also qualify as constructs. Lust also searches for a method of destroying himself through the use of the object he spawned from, if I am not mistaken.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatal Advent

Question...depending on how it was derived and how it is used...what breaks the boundry of a character that is a "God" or "Demi-God" being "God Modding"? I need to know, I am working on my new character's biography...and he is pretty much ...strong. Yes, he has weaknesses, but he is pretty much the perfect...feh. Just answer the question.

This, however, I cannot answer, as such answers have not been provided. I would imagine that acts such as consuming the Omniverse would be out of the question, yet... hmm... I suppose it would depend on the power level of this 'demi-god'.

**Lord of Chaos** · 12/01/06, 03:41 PM

Laughing stock... I already posted...wait....where the Hell did it go?!!?

This is REALLY starting to tick me off. I quoted both of them and everything, just like you. >.< Maybe I exed out before I posted it... Anyway, you're right about avatars. Agents on the other hand would...well depending on what Blackest Night means. I mean, he just said an Agent-type character...it could still be a humanoid... o.O But it would probably be a construct.

Vices... I kind of see them as manifestations more than constructs. That one really is kind of iffy for me...

Fatal, it all depends on the semantics used. Technically, there is a way to get an instant kill without God Moding. That's what I'm going to do to Mits. ^_^ Technically though, they are cheap kills, even though it's not YOUR fault if your character is developed well enough... there's more to this subject, I'll have to enlighten another day. Got class now.

KHFanatic4565 · 12/02/06, 04:38 AM

Then you divide it further/further until you reach the core of role-playing: creativity, for example. I find that creating your own races are so much more interesting. My Shades can be used as an example if such exists. Thus, things that may be can or can't be. My head isn't straight at the moment; forgive my impertinence.

Eikre · 12/04/06, 03:37 PM

Actually, i'd like to help out Laughing Stock with the races aspect of this, and sub-races would be intresting...Eikre is an Avariel...which is a sub-race of elves, but they are not merely "Elves with wings stapled to their back", their entire body mimics closer to a humanoid eagle than anything else.

Also, cultures would be something quite intresting to research. Falling back to elves, there are extreme differences between the common drow, and the common avariel, even if exceptions exist. (Like Drizzt Do'Urden, and Eikre)

And I don't think there is a way to cover all of the gods, even with the standard D&D pantheons, it would take alot of time and effort to classify, and explain each one.

**Lord of Chaos** · 12/04/06, 05:07 PM

Not necessarily. If we were to take them and classify them by Pantheon instead of each individual God, it wouldn't take so long. All in all there are 16 Official Pantheons (most D&D related) but there are others from other things.

As for cultures, let's not move too fast for the time being.

11/28/06, 06:57 PM	#1
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Character Races/Entities First off, I'd like to ask a Mod to sticky this. This is going to be important, and I feel it will be a rather insightful help to those people out there, in taking their characters' development a step further and a step smarter. This is an off-the-fly guide I am creating for Races and Entities. I think they need to be defined. Thing is, everyone will be able to add insight and maybe even some suggestions (or Races/Entites) to it, and if they're logical and unique (like, someone posts an elf, and then someone posts a race that looks and acts pretty much like an elf, it won't fly), they will be added. Now that that's out of the way! I say on to it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~Archetypes~ First, we're going to delve into the classes archetypes for Races and Entities... no, I'm not talking humans, elves, dwarves, etc. I'm speaking of a more broad term: -- Humanoids -- Manifests -- Constructs -- Gods -- Others (Ghosts, animals, etc.) Humanoids: Humanoids are the beings that resemble humans in some way, shape, or form. This is more than likely the broadest category. Humanoids can range in variance from cyborgs to lizard men to... well, humans. Their abilities, appearances, and other related issues can vary greatly. They are the most common in what we know as the Omniverse. In creating a character, a humanoid will more than likely be your first, and Manifests: Manifests are... well, they don't exactly go by the definition of the word manifest. They are also known as embodimentsThey are gatherings, creations from something. Usually, a manifestation is of some source. For instance, Valyon (my primary character) is a manifestation of Magick. Mitsukai has a character that's the manifestation of life if I'm not mistaken. These beings are usually extremely powerful, even rivaling Gods, but they do have weaknesses, and can be taken down in battle, just like any other character. Constructs: Constructs are usually... well, created. They don't have to be humanoid in appearance. A golem is a construct. A Djinn (Genie) is a kind of construct of ancient magic. These beings usually have a heightened life span or are even sometimes immortal, because they are connected to a creator or an object. That creator or object, must be destroyed. Most constructs don't have a mind of their own. Gods: Gods are... well, Gods. They take their own appearances. Most usually take a humanoid appearance. Their powers are unrivaled, and even unimaginable in some instances. Father Chaos is a God, the God of Gods really. Gods are rarely used as characters, and most of the time, when mentioned in an RP, are NPC's (Non-Playable-Characters) of some sort. Take caution when creating (or playing a prefabricated) God. Others: These are basically all those who don't fit into the other categories. They can range from animals (like a lion, or a Dragon (though a Dragon isn't technically an animal for the record)) to ghosts (though it could be argued that ghosts and the like are manifestations). These creatures don't see too much play nowadays, but can be very fun and entertaining. Some are very powerful, while some are very weak. Their appearances vary the greatest among the Archetypes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'll edit this later with further categories. If there is anything you want to see in particular, let me know.

11/29/06, 09:19 AM	#2
~~Mitsukai~~ Banned Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I must be dreamin'. Age: 17 Posts: 1,464 Rep Power: 0	Re: Character Races/Entities Well I suppose you could include Death Gods. Because Japanese culture is actually rather vague on the subject, I created an omniversal standard for Death Gods based entirely on various anime and manga depicting them. I'll add more information if anyone is interested in hearing about them, but I didn't put much effort into shinigami, because... well you'll find out later. You can better define them if you like.

11/29/06, 09:34 AM	#3
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Re: Character Races/Entities Well, I'm not sure which category I'm going to go into first... if I go Gods, I think I'm really just going to divide them into something like that (Death Gods, Life Gods, Elemental Gods) or their respective Pantheons... Thanks for the suggestion though.

11/29/06, 01:54 PM	#4
Laughing Stock Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The world of wit and whimsy... why? Posts: 221 Rep Power: 3	Re: Character Races/Entities I would prefer a further development on the undead and other such ethereal forms if possible with its own section. I would also like to see a further elaboration on: Dragons... Griffons... Unicorns... Pegasus'... Vampires... Werewolves... Elves... Orcs... A rough depiction of Angelic or Demonic Beings and what constants exist through them (such as: Angels are usually portrayed as Good and Demons Evil)... Phoenix... Elemental Beings... Giants... Faerie... Wraiths... Hmm... I ask for quite a bit, it seems... I suppose it is only fair that I at least provide a few of them... I'll probably have them up within a few days. As to what I'll be doing, though... not even I know that. >.> I'd would also advise that, if any other is going to create their own unique, exciting and at least vaguely intriguing race or species that they take the time to post a description of that race or species or... whatever in here, if only for the sake of informing others what's so special about them. Last edited by Laughing Stock; 11/29/06 at 02:01 PM.

11/29/06, 05:10 PM	#5
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Re: Character Races/Entities Well, I'm actually going to post an ideal template for race/entity creation. You're welcomed to help me with that Laughing Stock. I'm thinking a name, do they possess gender (some people laugh, but it is important), peaceful, good, evil (neutral, lawful, or chaotic) etc etc. I'll try and illuminate on many of those races when I can. I should be able to put up detail on all of them... or at least 90% of them.

11/30/06, 05:08 PM	#6
Laughing Stock Keyblade Wielder Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The world of wit and whimsy... why? Posts: 221 Rep Power: 3	Re: Character Races/Entities If so, then may I suggest the following for a template: Name: (rather self-explanatory) Life Expectancy: (This could range from a few mere hours to several millennia billions, trillions or perhaps even forever) Gender: (As you described, LoC: whether they have a gender or not) Class: (Humanoid, Undead, Creature, God, Manifest, etc) Intelligence: (For humans and such, this could be varied yet limited, but for animals or undead creatures this could expand well into either direction. Yeah, you can probably tell by now I REALLY want an undead archetype) Alignment: (This could probably be preformed in a D&D-esque manner) Abilities: (If any. No crazy stuff or uber-powerful abilities unless you can supply a valid reason, please) Appearance: (Do they have 7 blood-red eyes? 26 hairy legs? Do they display the characteristics of a rabbit, or have the appearance of an earthworm? Use your imagination) Gender-Specific Features - Male (Remember: the males are more likely to contain physical attributes, such as longer horns, than their female companions) Gender-Specific Features - Female (It is likely that the females, besides having the capacity to give birth, will probably have the superior intellect to their brutish companions. Or it can be the other way around. Or they could have completely different abilities over one another or none at all) Gender-Specific Features - Children (The children will usually have undeveloped aspects usually seen on males and females. For instance, smaller horns or hairless bodies. Of course, you could have the child evolve into the parents, much like a caterpillar into a butterfly, and can therefore have them look completely different from the adult variety) Strengths: (You can have as many as you want, really, but at least try to keep it balanced) Weaknesses: (I would advise having more or greater weaknesses than strengths. Yes, even if your species is omnipotent, they still must have at least one crucial flaw or many, many minor ones) Brief Explanation: (Doesn't really have to be brief if you don't want it to, but at least have two paragraphs. Of course, this can range from their creation to their prowess in battle... even to how they raise their young. No reason to skimp out on this part, folks. You should have plenty to say) Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment... take what you want from it, use all of it or ignore it if you feel so inclined. Last edited by Laughing Stock; 12/11/06 at 10:31 AM. Reason: A clean-up...

11/30/06, 06:01 PM	#7
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Re: Character Races/Entities That would work great. Maybe take out defining features and put in appearance? Then put Defining Features underneath maybe... or gender-specific features.

11/30/06, 11:33 PM	#8
Hip-Hop Obama for Mankind Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tryna beat life cuz I can't cheat death Age: 16 Posts: 2,662 Rep Power: 6	Re: Character Races/Entities Yeah, all this is very, very cool guys. I've had a new species floating around in my head called "NuSongs" for quite awhile now, I might post it utilizing that template of yours. Keep up the good work.

12/01/06, 01:24 AM	#9
Blackest Night High Priest of Sloanism Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Depends upon the day and if there is free pizza. Age: 19 Posts: 3,347 Rep Power: 9	Re: Character Races/Entities I would like to ask for some more definition on the categories. Are the avatars of a God or diety referred to as Manifests or as a God? If someone were to create a Matrix-esque character like an Agent, what category would it fit under? Forgive me, as this will sound very ignorant, but I just want to clarify that my Vices fit into the Manifests category, correct?

12/01/06, 01:28 AM	#10
Antlion Slow motion action replay Join Date: May 2006 Age: 15 Posts: 2,327 Rep Power: 8	Re: Character Races/Entities Question...depending on how it was derived and how it is used...what breaks the boundry of a character that is a "God" or "Demi-God" being "God Modding"? I need to know, I am working on my new character's biography...and he is pretty much ...strong. Yes, he has weaknesses, but he is pretty much the perfect...feh. Just answer the question.

12/01/06, 03:41 PM	#12
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Re: Character Races/Entities Laughing stock... I already posted...wait....where the Hell did it go?!!? This is REALLY starting to tick me off. I quoted both of them and everything, just like you. >.< Maybe I exed out before I posted it... Anyway, you're right about avatars. Agents on the other hand would...well depending on what Blackest Night means. I mean, he just said an Agent-type character...it could still be a humanoid... o.O But it would probably be a construct. Vices... I kind of see them as manifestations more than constructs. That one really is kind of iffy for me... Fatal, it all depends on the semantics used. Technically, there is a way to get an instant kill without God Moding. That's what I'm going to do to Mits. ^_^ Technically though, they are cheap kills, even though it's not YOUR fault if your character is developed well enough... there's more to this subject, I'll have to enlighten another day. Got class now.

12/02/06, 04:38 AM	#13
KHFanatic4565 Oblivion Angel Join Date: May 2005 Location: In Eternal Twilight Age: 17 Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 6	Re: Character Races/Entities Then you divide it further/further until you reach the core of role-playing: creativity, for example. I find that creating your own races are so much more interesting. My Shades can be used as an example if such exists. Thus, things that may be can or can't be. My head isn't straight at the moment; forgive my impertinence.

12/04/06, 03:37 PM	#14
Eikre W.S.N.B.M./O.N.B.P. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Senior Leader's Course, Cold Lake Air Base, Alberta. Age: 17 Posts: 1,538 Rep Power: 5	Re: Character Races/Entities Actually, i'd like to help out Laughing Stock with the races aspect of this, and sub-races would be intresting...Eikre is an Avariel...which is a sub-race of elves, but they are not merely "Elves with wings stapled to their back", their entire body mimics closer to a humanoid eagle than anything else. Also, cultures would be something quite intresting to research. Falling back to elves, there are extreme differences between the common drow, and the common avariel, even if exceptions exist. (Like Drizzt Do'Urden, and Eikre) And I don't think there is a way to cover all of the gods, even with the standard D&D pantheons, it would take alot of time and effort to classify, and explain each one.

12/04/06, 05:07 PM	#15
Lord of Chaos Future Attorney of Life Join Date: Nov 2004 Age: 20 Posts: 5,258 Rep Power: 10	Re: Character Races/Entities Not necessarily. If we were to take them and classify them by Pantheon instead of each individual God, it wouldn't take so long. All in all there are 16 Official Pantheons (most D&D related) but there are others from other things. As for cultures, let's not move too fast for the time being.

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