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[03] Characters and Traits - Ander - 12-31-2008
CHARACTERS
As you’ve hopefully realized, we are a 100% custom character RPG. We did at one point use canons, but this is no longer the case. This section will cover the guidelines to creating your character, as well as what to do if you’d like to switch to a different one.
Character Creation
There are specific guidelines for this, as this is a bit trickier than simply having a canon character. Everything from naming to hybrids is covered.
Naming
This is pretty simple. You cannot name a custom character after a canon character. For example, no custom can run around with the name “Vegeta” or “Goku” or anything like that. Not even a derivative like “Trunks Jr.” or “Vegeta the IV.” Secondly, lay off the names of famous characters from anime, video games, and the like. A character cannot run around with the name “Sephiroth” or something like that. Thirdly, no duplicate names. For instance, if there is already a character named “Kane,” you can’t join as a character named “Kane” even if you use an alternate spelling. Fourthly and lastly, keep it appropriate.
History
Since there’s no canon blueprint for customs, joiners should feel a little bit more sense of freedom and creativity when it comes to making backgrounds. You can essentially be anyone you want, so long as it doesn’t conflict with the following rules.
- No blood or marital relations to any canons, customs, or past and current NPCs. In essence, you cannot be an ancestor, descendant, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, cousin, husband, or wife (or any of those in combination with half-, step-, grand-, great-, ex-, twin, or “long lost”
, to any canon character in the DB/Z/GT universe, any customs including the ones preceding the turnover, or any already-created NPC in the Chubbs universe. This includes clones and replicates (mechanical or otherwise), or alternate time/universe versions.
- No history involving another character or past and current NPC. Nobody knows anybody when they start out. So you can’t be good friends with Vegeta or swear vengeance on Goku for something he did to you.
- No Akira Toriyama history, or pretty much no DB/Z/GT history. We have our own history. Planet Vegeta was never blown up or ruled over by Frieza. There was no Ginyu Force. There was no alternate timeline where the Earth was terrorized by androids.
- No history conflicting with Chubbs history. Basically, you can’t make yourself king of Planet Vegeta or saying your character did something that somebody else did or things like that.
- No duplicate characters or references from outside the DB/Z/GT universe. You cannot have a character made similar or identical to somebody from a video game, anime, comic book, or the like. So no Ex-SOLDIER Clouds or Zanpakuto-toting Ichigos.
Appearance
When you create your character, you need to give a general description of your character, listing all the basic physical traits: hair color, body type, and etcetera. This is what you must adhere to when picking the pictures you use for avatars and signatures. If you say you have blonde hair and blue eyes, your images better be someone with blonde hair and blue eyes. Character images are approved in the Artistic Interpretation thread in the Workshop forum.
- If you want to change the person in your graphics, there must be a strong similarity to the preceding image. For instance, you can’t start off looking like Cloud and then jump to looking like Sephiroth. Something more along the lines of jumping from Cloud to Tidus would be more acceptable. We know that simple things like a haircut or a dye job or what have you can explain changes, but you must stay in the general area of the character description you started out with. Keep any deviations simple and reasonable.
- No canon look-a-likes. For example, you can’t have a picture of Vegeta, change his hair color to red, and say it’s a different person. You cannot use an image of a canon character for a custom, no matter what rationale you may use. The reason for this is that those characters are still active (whether as NPCs or not) in the Chubbs universe, and as such their likeness belongs to them. The only exception to this are the nameks, who can use any picture of any namek, so long as they aren’t using the exact same pictures or poses.
- No duplicate images. If somebody is already using a picture of Terry Bogard from SNK, you can’t use any Terry Bogard pictures. In instance of our original custom character, no one else is allowed to use pictures of Sasuke or Itachi from Naruto. This includes modified pictures, ala the change of hair color example used above. It’s basically first-come, first-serve. This is to prevent confusion of characters. As previously, nameks may use pictures of any nameks, so long as they aren’t using the exact same pictures or poses.
- Nameks must be asexual male. We once had a Nail who used the dragon balls to wish for a penis, but that’s about it.
- Full-blooded saiyans must have black hair and black eyes. Anything else, and you have to classify them as “half-saiyan.” Super Saiyan transformations must have blond hair and turquoise eyes; Super Saiyan transformations will always adhere to DBZ canon. Anything else, and it is considered a custom Power Up and cannot be called “Super Saiyan.”
Hybrids
We’ve got no problem if you want to be half of one race and half of another. The races that we have are saiyan, namek, android, changeling, or generic (everything else). When you select a mixed race, you must pick a dominant half to determine your power up set. If you’re a half-human, half-saiyan character, you cannot have both generic and saiyan power ups: you’re either a Super Saiyan or you create your own power up. Bear in mind, nameks (asexual males) can only be combined with android, because even though they don’t reproduce with others they can still be fitted as machines.
Switching Characters
Fact of life: everybody thinks about it sooner or later. We have a firm “one-size-fits-all” policy about switching characters. If for whatever reason you are unhappy with your current character and would like to switch, you are free to do so. Keep in mind, there is a procedure, and there is a penalty.
First of all, make sure it’s completely and 100% what you want. Get a character you can see yourself going the distance with. All switches are dealt with in the Updates forum.
When you switch, everything is wiped, and your stats are reset. This means that you lose all current items, zeni, Abilities, Techniques, and Custom Techniques. You must choose new percentages for your stats, and your Combat Ability is halved. You also pick a new Trait, new Profession, and two new Abilities to start with. A new Character Bio will also be needed after the switch. The only thing you’re allowed to keep is any unspent XP you have accumulated, so you won’t be starting completely from scratch. Essentially, treat a switch as a new join application, minus the role-play sample.
It’s that simple. You don’t need to include a reason, there are no time limits, and no caps on how many times you can switch, so long as you are willing to pay each time you do so. This freedom should be exercised with thought and consideration. There will be no leniency if you “change your mind.” Once a switch request is put through, it will not be reversed, and a new switch must occur after the fact for any alteration.
Here are some things to remember about switching:
- You are not allowed to switch to a custom character or NPC that was used by someone else.
- Players returning to activity after an extended break may pick up their previous character with no penalty. If they are, however, choosing a completely new character, it counts as a switch.
- When you switch, you stay in the same location you are currently at.
- Switching does revive you. If your previous character was dead, your new one will be brought back to the realm of the living.
Room of Spirit and Time
[03] Characters and Traits - Ander - 12-31-2008
TRAITS
Traits are a newer addition to the role-playing aspect, and can be somewhat defined as an extension or additional characteristic of your custom’s personality and fighting style. While a Trait doesn’t necessarily have to fully classify your character, it is ideal if you pick a Trait that is close or identical to the way you like to portray that character. Traits offer something else besides just being a mere “quirk.” When your character gets into certain situations, it’s where their true qualities really shine. In those instances, your Trait might just “activate” and give you that much-needed edge over your opponent. Although they don’t provide any specific bonus to actual stats, Traits may be used as additional judging factors in grading things like fights and sagas.
When you create a custom, you pick one Trait out of our list. Once you pick a Trait, you’re not allowed to change it for that character.
Below is our selection to choose from.
Tenacious
Normally, getting beaten up doesn’t do much for a fighter’s morale. Those with this trait are the exact opposite – when they see death encroaching on the horizon, they just try all the harder for it. Because if you’re gonna lose, you might as well go down in a blaze of glory. And hey, with the extra “boost” there’s always the chance that you’ll pull a surprise win.
Efficient
Why go through all the trouble of a long, drawn-out fight when you could end it in one shot? Or try to, at least. Efficient fighters are at their best when they’re… at their best. This extra energy goes quickly, though, and it only takes a few minutes for you to lose your edge.
Compassionate
Seeing harm come to the things you love can be a traumatic experience for some. For others it can push them over the edge, unlocking powers you didn't know you had. While this extra strength have help you win the battle, you can only hope you haven't already lost the war.
Defiant
For some, the challenge of a strong opponent is what unlocks their hidden power. It doesn’t matter that their opponent is stronger, or faster, or smarter, or all of the above, they’re going to give it everything they’ve got and then some. Overwhelming odds is exactly where they shine. Fight the power!
Bully
While it may be “cool” or “heroic” to stand up against the big baddie, someone has to take of the underlings. Though it may not be as glamorous, you’re a pro at sweeping up the rabble. Anyone weaker than you better look out, because you’re going to show them exactly who’s in charge. Those with this attitude have no problem putting down the peasants, but when someone arises to match their power, they might not seem so tough anymore.
Lone Wolf
Some characters don’t shine in groups – often, they’d rather die than accept help from another. They can only reach their true fighting potential when they’re backed by the proud knowledge that they will live or die by their hand alone. Who needs help anyway?
Pack Mentality
While being the lone wolf can look pretty cool, it’s not without its flaws. You know how to work with your teammates to get the job done. There’s an art form to playing off of each other’s strengths, covering someone else’s weaknesses and proving that there is strength in numbers. When you’re fighting with at least two other healthy warriors, you’re really at your peak.