jrrt@hogpd.UUCP (R.MITCHELL) (05/14/84)
I agree that the most fun aspect to role-playing games is the actual playing of the role. Over the last 7 years, I've had opportunities to run virtually all the permutations of race, class, and alignment in D&D/AD&D, and every one is a fresh, exciting challenge. To emphasize the role-playing, and to help focus the player's attention on the character's personality, it's become common in the groups I've played in to write fairly detailed "character histories" that provide some color and explanation for the PC's motivations. As an example, I enclose one such character history for my favorite Druid, Caitlin duVert. As with all my characters, Caitlin 's history reflects her Secondary Skills, alignment, class, languages known, and one "tragic flaw" that I incorporate into a PC to make their lives more challenging. Caitlin is the only (?) surviving daughter of Galen Grim-faced, a human Ranger, and Lenora, a human Druid. The family lived by themselves in the woods, off the regular trails. Galen earned a small stipend from the local ruler to keep an eye on the area, but most of the family's time was spent caring for their farm and their large brood of children. Caitlin was the youngest child, and was particularly favored by her mother because of all the children, only Caitlin was interested in Druidic knowledge. Thus, Caitlin learned about woodlore at an early age. This idyllic existence ended suddenly (as you knew it would). Galen had noticed an infiltration of humanoid nasties into the forest, and had hampered their incroachment by a series of ambushes, etc. In retribution, the bad guys discovered Galen's home and wiped out everyone(?) who was home. Caitlin had been out collecting oak leaves, and had missed the massacre. Galen was out on patrol, and so was also missed. Galen arrived home to see his house in flames and Caitlin the only apparent survivor. He swore a mighty oath of vengeance, and taking Caitlin deep into the woods he began a vendetta that sorely pressed the invaders. Unfortunately, he was never able to get help from that local ruler, whom Galen suspected of being subverted. The evil forces got unnerved by the violent campaign against them, so they called in some high-powered help. An Evil High Priest arrived, but Galen managed to defeat him in a fair fight. With his dying breath, the EHP cursed Galen, "May you live the rest of your life as a troll!" [Note from Rob: This DM allowed a "Death Curse" that could have almost the power of a Wish, if a tough die roll was made.] The curse worked, and Galen lost all his Ranger abilities, but fortunately he retained his intellect. Galen had a hard time convincing Caitlin that this monstrousity was actually her father, but eventually she saw the light. Galen continued his attacks, but his days were numbered. The guys in black hats had called in more help -- this time a Wizard of Fire [See *The Dragon* volume #17, with slight modifications]. Caitlin was in the battle, but after seeing her father incinerated by a fireball she fled. After a few weeks of aimless meandering, she encountered a band of dwarven mercenaries who had come in response to a plea for help Galen had sent out months before. Most of the badn continued on, but a few were assigned to escort Caitlin back to the Dwarven Keep. Caitlin did not want to go, but the dwarven axes were persuasive. they meant well, but clearly didn't understand this tragic human. Caitlin spent several years with the dwarves, during which time she learned Dwarvish and a bit about mining. The dark, enclosed fortress, the bleak landscape, and the memory of her family, all combined to ensure her misery. She kept her wits about her and slowly saved some money. Several weeks ago, she saw her chance and escaped. She met and joined a merchant caravan which brought her into town yesterday. Because of her past, Caitlin can barely tolerate fire. She despises non-Druidic/Clerical magic. Dwarves aren't her favorite critters, either. Lastly, she's going to have problems next time she meets a troll, because the only one she's ever seen has been her benevolent, loving father...