New Bio Format IDEA

Hera Ledro

FFF's resident Furry novelist
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Well, I've been doing a lot of thinking on RP stuff lately, and I was a little upset when they changed around the Bio Format. The last one wasn't perfect or anything, but it was good. So, I got around to thinking, "What if I could come up with a format that others liked?" So, we enter present day and I've come up with an idea for a format.

This is mainly directed to mods and stuff, but I'd still like to hear the opinions of other members as well. What do you guys think of this Bio Format? It's not perfect or anything (far from it), so I expect some criticism :) Get to it, chop chop :P

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ORPG/URPG/RPB - A brief declaration of what kind of RP your character is intended for. Required Section<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:eek:ffice" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Name – Your Character’s Name, including any Middle names that they may have. Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Title – any title that you have decided to grace your character with. If you are giving them a title that is generally relatable to good and evil, you must say whether the title is because of their alignment or if it is just a title that shows the kind of magic/skills/abilities they rely on. Optional Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Alignment – Your character’s moral alignment, in terms of Good or Evil. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Race – Your character’s race. Briefly describe the physical appearance of the race, no less than one large paragraph (6 sentences). Also, if your character has several bloodlines, describe the appearance of each one, and the effect that each race has on his abilities (give specific details in the Abilities Section). Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Gender – Male or Female or Ambiguous? Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Age – Give a general estimate on the age of your character, in Earth Years. If not in Earth years, give us an estimate of how many Earth years are in one of your character’s years. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Appearance – Describe what your character looks like naked. Butt naked (please keep outright sexual content to a minimum). Give us a muscular structure, any defining features on his/her skin/outer layer, the shape of the body, etc. Give us details on the hair colour, shape of the hair, eye colour, ear shape, facial shape, number of fingers on your character (if not human), etc. Leave nothing out, and be as imaginative and descriptive as possible. If your character has a transformation, do not describe it here, and place it in a transformation section. Should be no less than 3 medium-sized paragraphs (4 sentences each). Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Attire – This is what your character wears. If your character regularly wears armour, state this here and DO NOT describe the armour here. Say “Armour to be described in the corresponding section.”
<o:p></o:p>
If, however, your character does not regularly wear armour, describe your characters attire here. Give us everything from tightness to colour to patterns to embroidery, etc. This includes hats, shoes, leg-wear, body-clothing, socks, etc. Should be no less than 2 medium-sized paragraphs (4 sentences each). Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Personality – A summation of who your character is. Give us details on how your character acts, how they treat others, what they say, how the react, etc. Once again, be very imaginative, and leave as little as possible out. Should be at least 2 medium-sized paragraphs (4 sentences each), but it is recommended that it be much longer than this. Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
First Impression – A brief summary of how you would feel if you met your character. It is not suggested that you write “I would feel.” Say things like, “If he were asked…he would react by…” and things like that, but try and keep the outright situational references to a minimum. Should be at least 1 large paragraph (6 sentences). Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Strength – This is a section completely devoted to the physical strength of your character. Describe to us his/her brute strength, such as how much he/she can lift, how much damage they can do to a brick wall, for example, in a single punch.
<o:p></o:p>
It is also useful to state how much damage a punch would do to an opposing character if the opponent’s health was at 500 (with minimal defensive capabilities), and give your damage a numerical value. Remember to keep this within the God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Speed – This is a section devoted to the speed of your character. In this section, state how quickly you can run at top speed (after a ten second build-up), how quickly you can sidestep, and how fast your attacks are. Once again, keep this within the God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Endurance – This is a section devoted completely to the endurance of your character. State how much damage (in numerical values, if you prefer) you would take from a weak blunt attack (i.e. a punch). Also, state the stamina of your character, in terms of how long they can fight for, how long they can run, etc. before they have to take a short breather. Keep this within God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Reflexes – This is a section devoted to the reflexes of your character. State how quickly your character can react, such as how long it will take for them to realize they’re being attacked, if they can react to a bullet, etc. Keep this within God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Fighting Style – In this section, state how your character fights. Give details on their methods, such as if they resort to cowardly tactics, if they fight with honour, etc. Also, state the actual style of fighting, such as a specific martial arts style or street fighting, etc. and make sure to describe what the essential tactics for each of those styles are. Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Weapons – Self-explanatory, really. In this section, describe the weapon(s) that your character carries. If it is a specific relic or ancient weapon, describe its history. Also, state any effects these weapons will have on your magic or abilities, as well as any inherent properties that are embedded in the weapon. Make sure to describe each detail specifically, with as much imagination as you can put into it. Remember, your weapon should not be indestructible, as that takes away from the preciousness of it to your character, and its importance. Originality is greatly encouraged here. Each weapon should have at least one large paragraph (6 sentences) to describe it. If your character does not use weapons, state it here. Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Armour – In this section, you describe the appearance and properties of the armour your character wears. If your character does not wear armour, state it here. Describe the appearance of the armour, give details on patterns or entricacies of the armour. Describe the hardness of it, what materials it is made out of, and what magical properties or otherwise it may have. Should be at least two medium-sized paragraphs (4 sentences each). Required Section<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Abilities – This is NOT magic, that has its own section. State any specific physical abilities your character has. For each ability, you must describe the general appearance, the theoretical effects, and the duration of any long-standing skills. These skills can range from the use of artefacts, such as pendants, to a shout or power up that gives you more strength. If your character uses Chi, Ki, or any other form of bodily/mental/external energy to fuel their attacks, you must state it here, as energy is not technically magic. For each skill, you should have at least 1 medium-sized paragraph (4 sentences each).
<o:p></o:p>
Also, if you are using energy, you should state how much of your energy each energy attack will cost you, in terms of fractions. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Magic – This is the section where magic goes. In here, you state the type or element (Fire, Earth, Air, Wind, Water, Lightning, Aether, Arcane, Necromancy, etc.) of your magic, and for each type, state the appearance and theoretical effects of this magic. If, for example, you sport Necromancy and decide to raise corpses, describe how long the skill takes before it is complete, how much energy it takes, what the undead will look like, what abilities/strength they have, etc. This applies to all magics, and each should be described in the most precise detail you can manage. Each section should be at least one large paragraph (6 sentences), though it is advisable to do more. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Other Skills – These are skills that don’t really fit in the other sections. This also applies to any Transformations or physically-altering skills you may have. Describe each skill in detail, in terms of appearance, effects, and energy cost. Optional Section
<o:p></o:p>
History – This is a history of your character, and should be one of the single largest parts of your bio. Don’t make it so that it’s a journal of your life, but don’t make it too brief either. Make sure to outline the highlights of your character, such as major events he encountered in travels, when she found her weapon, why they have their title (if they have one), etc.
 
Looks okay, it doesn't include many of the useless fields of the old Bio format.

My suggestions:
Numeric values - Don't use them. Let's not give people the illusion that higher numbers equal being better. Also numerical stats don't translate well into roleplay battle fighting strength.

Alignment - I think this should be part of a characters personality. I don't really think it requires it's own field.

Skills - The things mentioned here seem like they could just as well be abilities. So the things given as example there should move to abilities. Instead skills should mention what area's a character is SKILLED in.
For example if you character is Indiana Jones he would be very knowledgeable about archaeology and history. Also he would have skill in using whips.

Godmod vs powermod - The whole forum still seems to confuse the meaning of those two. Powermodding is making (or playing) your character as if (s)he was so strong it's just not funny anymore. Godmodding is taking over control and using other people's characters. (taking over others characters is playing god I don't know how people can confuse it with powermodding aka powergaming)


Perhaps it's better to rearrange things a little by making the following distinction in the latter few sections:
- Physical Abilities
-> Includes the sections:
Strength
Speed
Endurance
Reflexes
Abilities

- Supernatural powers
-> Includes
Magic of various origin. Even though it might not be named magic many things can be included here. For magic I recommend dividing the magic into magic types (these types can be elements for example). Each magic type available to your character should include a few specified spells as examples of what is does.

TIP: Try to give a small explanation on the origin of the magic you use. This might be helpful during RPG's.

Also includes:
Paranormal gifts
Psionic powers
Other unsorted powers of super natural origin.

- Mental Skills
-> This section would cover pretty much your character has learned during his life. Magic is an exception to this, since magic usually requires long explanations.
Don't use to much detail. Simply listing what area's the character is skilled in and to what extend is enough.
 
Last edited:
All righty, I'll go ahead and post my thoughts on this whole dealie. ^_^ I'm only gonna quote things that I actually have an opinion on. Obvious things like the character's name, age, etc. are gonna be left out of this critique. You know... 'cause they're obvious things we need.

ORPG/URPG/RPB - A brief declaration of what kind of RP your character is intended for. Required Section
Mmm...ORPG and RPB should be enough. In my opinion, whoever places up a URPG should feel free to decide what is expected in their URPG. Not only does this go for whether or not existing characters are allowed in the RP, but also how much of the template is expected out of the participants. I'm not entirely sure if I made sense or not, but I'll go on anyway.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Title – any title that you have decided to grace your character with. If you are giving them a title that is generally relatable to good and evil, you must say whether the title is because of their alignment or if it is just a title that shows the kind of magic/skills/abilities they rely on. Optional Section
<o:p>What should also be included here are regal titles. There are times when you come across a character who bears a status of nobility yet doesn't quite know where to place it. Titles like Lord/Lady, Duke/Duchess, King/Queen, etc. could be placed here.</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Race – Your character’s race. Briefly describe the physical appearance of the race, no less than one large paragraph (6 sentences). Also, if your character has several bloodlines, describe the appearance of each one, and the effect that each race has on his abilities (give specific details in the Abilities Section). Required Section
<o:p> I've said it in the shoutbox and I'm going to say it again here. If a person's set of characters is made up of the most common race you'll ever see in an RP (human), not only will seeing the same paragraph on what a human is be incredibly repetitive, but we'll end up seeing other people who will just copy/paste that paragraph into their own character. Besides; everyone knows what a human is. Everyone knows what a wolf is. Etc. etc. However, if the race is something that is not seen in the normal world, THAT is when it should be described in detail. Such as your Allise or a dwarf or a vampire or other races of that sort.</o:p>

Hera said:
Age – Give a general estimate on the age of your character, in Earth Years. If not in Earth years, give us an estimate of how many Earth years are in one of your character’s years. Required Section
If that person does not age similar to a human, there should be two numbers here; one for how old the character looks compared to a human and one for the character's actual age. Kinda like what I did with my Yakira Tovia character in the supposed Space RP.
<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Appearance
Hera said:
– Describe what your character looks like naked. Butt naked (please keep outright sexual content to a minimum). Give us a muscular structure, any defining features on his/her skin/outer layer, the shape of the body, etc. Give us details on the hair colour, shape of the hair, eye colour, ear shape, facial shape, number of fingers on your character (if not human), etc. Leave nothing out, and be as imaginative and descriptive as possible. If your character has a transformation, do not describe it here, and place it in a transformation section. Should be no less than 3 medium-sized paragraphs (4 sentences each). Required Section
<o:p> :omg: Didn't really have to include the whole 'butt naked' thing on there. You know how we nerds are. :P

Yes, I am aware that this is pretty much the whole Appearance list that I have in the current biography, but all crunched together into paragraph form. However, with some people, it's better to just list everything in that format because then it is certain that nothing is left out. If one writes up their character's appearance in paragraph form, it is easy to overlook something that could be important.
</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Hera said:
– This is a section completely devoted to the physical strength of your character. Describe to us his/her brute strength, such as how much he/she can lift, how much damage they can do to a brick wall, for example, in a single punch.
Hera said:
<o:p></o:p>
It is also useful to state how much damage a punch would do to an opposing character if the opponent’s health was at 500 (with minimal defensive capabilities), and give your damage a numerical value. Remember to keep this within the God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Speed – This is a section devoted to the speed of your character. In this section, state how quickly you can run at top speed (after a ten second build-up), how quickly you can sidestep, and how fast your attacks are. Once again, keep this within the God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Endurance – This is a section devoted completely to the endurance of your character. State how much damage (in numerical values, if you prefer) you would take from a weak blunt attack (i.e. a punch). Also, state the stamina of your character, in terms of how long they can fight for, how long they can run, etc. before they have to take a short breather. Keep this within God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Reflexes – This is a section devoted to the reflexes of your character. State how quickly your character can react, such as how long it will take for them to realize they’re being attacked, if they can react to a bullet, etc. Keep this within God-Modding rules of the forum. Required Section
I will have to agree that the God-Modding and Powergaming concepts are once again being confused. Despite repeating Drachnon, I'm gonna say it anyway; Powergaming refers to the person having their own character so ridiculously strong that there is no possible way to win against this person (*coughStryfe'sCharacterscough*). Thus, the Power in Powergaming. God-modding refers to controlling every aspect of the RP, mostly referring to controlling other people's characters. Thus, the God in God-modding.

Repeating Drachnon once again; Stay away from numerical values. This will just confuse new players into thinking that we work on a stats system rather than on common sense. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't wanna see new players being all "I punched you! -50 points!" ...so keeping that in mind; no numbers. Please.
<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Fighting Style
Hera said:
– In this section, state how your character fights. Give details on their methods, such as if they resort to cowardly tactics, if they fight with honour, etc. Also, state the actual style of fighting, such as a specific martial arts style or street fighting, etc. and make sure to describe what the essential tactics for each of those styles are. Required Section
<o:p> Not too shabby here. Sounds like the Offensive section that Rhea's old template had.</o:p>

<o:p></o:p>
Hera said:
Abilities
Hera said:
– This is NOT magic, that has its own section. State any specific physical abilities your character has. For each ability, you must describe the general appearance, the theoretical effects, and the duration of any long-standing skills. These skills can range from the use of artefacts, such as pendants, to a shout or power up that gives you more strength. If your character uses Chi, Ki, or any other form of bodily/mental/external energy to fuel their attacks, you must state it here, as energy is not technically magic. For each skill, you should have at least 1 medium-sized paragraph (4 sentences each).
Hera said:
<o:p></o:p>
Also, if you are using energy, you should state how much of your energy each energy attack will cost you, in terms of fractions. Required Section
<o:p></o:p>
Other Skills – These are skills that don’t really fit in the other sections. This also applies to any Transformations or physically-altering skills you may have. Describe each skill in detail, in terms of appearance, effects, and energy cost. Optional Section
These two sections are one and the same to me. Something that you are able to do well can also be classified as a skill, which may also include a list of fighting skills as well as a list of abilities that would be suitable for a homemaker.
<o:p></o:p>

Soooo yeah. That's my two cents.
 
:rolleyes: <-- insert halo here

Ok then, let's talk business :devil:

Drachnon said:
Numeric values - Don't use them. Let's not give people the illusion that higher numbers equal being better. Also numerical stats don't translate well into roleplay battle fighting strength.

You have no idea how much I agree with you. The only reason that I put them in is because I couldn't really find a more concise way of explaining what I meant, or similar concepts.

Alignment - I think this should be part of a characters personality. I don't really think it requires it's own field.

Skills - The things mentioned here seem like they could just as well be abilities. So the things given as example there should move to abilities. Instead skills should mention what area's a character is SKILLED in.
For example if you character is Indiana Jones he would be very knowledgeable about archaeology and history. Also he would have skill in using whips.

Godmod vs powermod - The whole forum still seems to confuse the meaning of those two. Powermodding is making (or playing) your character as if (s)he was so strong it's just not funny anymore. Godmodding is taking over control and using other people's characters. (taking over others characters is playing god I don't know how people can confuse it with powermodding aka powergaming)

Alignment - Understandable. I can definitely see that.

Skills - Once again, I can also see this, it's understandable.

Godmod vs. Powergaming - :O I feel stupid :wacky: Somebody slap me (that means I'm going to have to edit the rules on the first page of the LoD as well :nerd: )

Perhaps it's better to rearrange things a little by making the following distinction in the latter few sections:
- Physical Abilities
-> Includes the sections:
Strength
Speed
Endurance
Reflexes
Abilities

Actually, I debated that for a while, and then decided to give them each their own seperate section. Why? In all honesty, I'm not sure, but I think that it's because I was A) Very crazy (most likely), or B) Actually felt that each one deserved its own section because of the length I was asking for.

- Supernatural powers
-> Includes
Magic of various origin. Even though it might not be named magic many things can be included here. For magic I recommend dividing the magic into magic types (these types can be elements for example). Each magic type available to your character should include a few specified spells as examples of what is does.

TIP: Try to give a small explanation on the origin of the magic you use. This might be helpful during RPG's.

Also includes:
Paranormal gifts
Psionic powers
Other unsorted powers of super natural origin.

- Mental Skills
-> This section would cover pretty much your character has learned during his life. Magic is an exception to this, since magic usually requires long explanations.
Don't use to much detail. Simply listing what area's the character is skilled in and to what extend is enough.

I wouldn't call magic supernatural, it's not ghostly or anything. Magic is just as in tune with nature as rain is, supernatural is more along the lines of magic dealing with spirits, the aether, and other stuff like that. This is why I gave magic its own section. The same goes for Paranormal abilities.

Psionic powers would be more along the lines of the Mental Abilities. Psychic and Psionic skills generally are caused by mental work, as opposed to physical work. Also, you seem to be referring to Ki here (not Chi), as Ki is energy exeunted/controlled through sheer concentration and direction of mental energies, and has fewer limits than Chi, which is that same thing except for the body instead of the mind.

If that's not what you meant by mental skills, please calrify o_O I'm a little drowsy today (went to bed late last night and haven't had my coffee yet).

Lady Eterna said:
Mmm...ORPG and RPB should be enough. In my opinion, whoever places up a URPG should feel free to decide what is expected in their URPG. Not only does this go for whether or not existing characters are allowed in the RP, but also how much of the template is expected out of the participants. I'm not entirely sure if I made sense or not, but I'll go on anyway.

Understandable, you bring up a good point. XD However, I was merely pointing out that it would be a better idea to state this so that you don't accidentally use this character for an RPB when it's intended for a URPG. It's mainly for your own benefit, nobody elses. ;)

What should also be included here are regal titles. There are times when you come across a character who bears a status of nobility yet doesn't quite know where to place it. Titles like Lord/Lady, Duke/Duchess, King/Queen, etc. could be placed here.

Once again, understandable. I actually can't believe I left that out, it's so obvious... (I feel stupid :O)

I've said it in the shoutbox and I'm going to say it again here. If a person's set of characters is made up of the most common race you'll ever see in an RP (human), not only will seeing the same paragraph on what a human is be incredibly repetitive, but we'll end up seeing other people who will just copy/paste that paragraph into their own character. Besides; everyone knows what a human is. Everyone knows what a wolf is. Etc. etc. However, if the race is something that is not seen in the normal world, THAT is when it should be described in detail. Such as your Allise or a dwarf or a vampire or other races of that sort.

Actually, I agree with the human part, except for one thing: if your character is only partly human, and mainly that of another race. Humans have differing potentials, abilities, etc. for each person that uses them, and those traits can have differing effects based on the creation of your character. i.e. A gene for blonde hair which is recessive here might be (co-dominant?) with a gene for red hair in a vampire, so your character would have red hair and blonde hair. I guess I illustrated my ideas a little vaguely when I described it, but I want a description of the changes that are common amongst those of your kind, not necessarily just you.

If that person does not age similar to a human, there should be two numbers here; one for how old the character looks compared to a human and one for the character's actual age. Kinda like what I did with my Yakira Tovia character in the supposed Space RP.

One again wisdom flies from your mouth :dry:

:omg: Didn't really have to include the whole 'butt naked' thing on there. You know how we nerds are. :P

Yes, I am aware that this is pretty much the whole Appearance list that I have in the current biography, but all crunched together into paragraph form. However, with some people, it's better to just list everything in that format because then it is certain that nothing is left out. If one writes up their character's appearance in paragraph form, it is easy to overlook something that could be important.

Of course I had to put the butt naked thing in there! I also said, though, to keep outright sexually explicit material to a minimum. In other words, don't go waxing eloquent details about your character's dick or something, just give them an idea of your build, your muscular stature, your common posture, etc.

Ah, but if they/we overlook something that's important, then do we really have a right to approve/disapprove? Those who look over characters, as critiquers, onlookers, or mods, should look at every detail possible, and not ignore the finer ones just because we feel they are unneccessary. We wouldn't be doing our job then, would we.

I will have to agree that the God-Modding and Powergaming concepts are once again being confused. Despite repeating Drachnon, I'm gonna say it anyway; Powergaming refers to the person having their own character so ridiculously strong that there is no possible way to win against this person (*coughStryfe'sCharacterscough*). Thus, the Power in Powergaming. God-modding refers to controlling every aspect of the RP, mostly referring to controlling other people's characters. Thus, the God in God-modding.

Repeating Drachnon once again; Stay away from numerical values. This will just confuse new players into thinking that we work on a stats system rather than on common sense. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't wanna see new players being all "I punched you! -50 points!" ...so keeping that in mind; no numbers. Please.

I've already commented on the God-modding/Power-modding thing up with Drach's post.

Like I said in the shoutbox :P I agree, I just couldn't think of anything more concise.

Stop ganging up on me you two :sad2: Waaaaaaaaaa!

:devil:

These two sections are one and the same to me. Something that you are able to do well can also be classified as a skill, which may also include a list of fighting skills as well as a list of abilities that would be suitable for a homemaker.
<O:P></O:P>

Soooo yeah. That's my two cents.

Well, they are similar, but not the same. The Other Skills section is mainly for things that you don't feel fit in your Abilities section, such as certain Transformations because they require different criteria than your other skills.

And I'm glad to have your two cents, both of you, they really do help ;)
 
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