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Opinions on an idea for a character: George-VanVilshingstein

Discussion in 'Character Discussion' started by Julius Mayne, Aug 19, 2014.

?

Do you think the idea of George is a good one?

  1. Yes, and I would like to see him roleplay on the server.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  2. No, I would not like to see him on the server

    4 vote(s)
    26.7%

  3. Yes, but he needs a bit more work as a character

    6 vote(s)
    40.0%

  4. No, unless he gets a bit more work on his character

    5 vote(s)
    33.3%
  1. Julius Mayne

    Julius Mayne Member

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    Some of you have probably had limited interaction with a character by the name of Professor George VanVilshingstein. Now, I have played as him before as sort of a way to test the waters with the idea of the character and he seems kind of.... okay to people. Not really bad, not particularly amazing but this just could be because I have not played with him all that often.

    Here is the basic idea of the character, crazy German scientist who is on a quest to create the perfect consistency for snow cones. Yes, snow cones. Now, I understand that this is almost a joke, but it won't be the only thing he invents. However, instead of having him invent weapons (Intentionally) , I want him to have the most hair brained ludicrous ideas you could think of. Nothing with the intent to kill, but with the intent to solve the problems that no one really wanted to see solved. He's also old and somewhat senile, so that should help.

    Now, I do want some tips for this so I would really appreciate the feedback. I do need specific tips in talking with a German accent and maybe some roleplaying tips when it comes into terms of his inventions. I don't know what area I would have him specialize in.
     
    #1 Julius Mayne, Aug 19, 2014
  2. OdinOnlineAlive

    OdinOnlineAlive New Member

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    [​IMG]

    Macgyver.

    He is Macgyver.

    But German.

    ...

    MacGerman?


    Honestly, this server has too many German scientist. Where are all the russian biologists and italian industrialists? Why only wannabe Nazi Scientists?
    The idea for some inventor who makes useless stuff is pretty good though.
     
    #2 OdinOnlineAlive, Aug 19, 2014
  3. CaptainBritton02

    CaptainBritton02 Man of War

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    http://www.yourepeat.com/watch?v=AvxTRADi_0U
     
    #3 CaptainBritton02, Aug 29, 2014
  4. Leschinsky

    Leschinsky Bohemic Tendencies

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    He seems alright? . .
    It's kind of an overused trope at this point; dottering old mad-scientist doing useless work.
    [​IMG]
    It's played solely for laughs anymore, and comedy is incredibly hard to accomplish in an RP scenario without feeling like forced "zaniness".
    If you wanted to do someone that, while a "mad scientist" style character, but could be taken more seriously, please refer to;
    [​IMG]
    Dr. Bishop from Fringe. ((I just started watching this though it's a few years old shh))
    He has strange quirks, an estranged son, and seemingly random outbursts concerning his work.
    When focused, he constantly remarks on memorable foods he's had in the past.
    "When in Cabot, I had the most wonderful fruit salad, though, I'm not normally the kind of guy to go for a, fruit salad."
    He's one of the two brains in the show, a veteran in fringe science from working for the CIA in the 70's and 80's.
    . . .
    I'm not saying "just play Bishop", of course, but, maybe draw some inspiration for a more down to earth, realistic take on the mad scientist genre of character?
    That's my two cents on the matter.

    TLDR; Comedy is a fool's errand, so play a character from a show I like.
     
    #4 Leschinsky, Aug 29, 2014
  5. Toadkid1234

    Toadkid1234 New Member

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    I believe a character should have a true, core motive, and then build around that with little habits, preferences, quirks, flaws, etc. which can either impede or promote his ability to strive for that motive. This makes for a more realistic character. Motives include galactic peace, freedom for all, safety for all, personal happiness, etc.

    A good thing to stay away from is building your character around something temporal, such as completely opposing some faction or some character. This means once said faction or character ceases to exist, your character no longer has anything to strive for and is essentially dead inside.

    I fully think your idea of a senile old scientist is a good path to follow, but a difficult one as well as it is easy to cross the line from a legitimately interesting character to a complete joke. Possibly your character at heart wants to make a difference and make something everyone will love and appreciate, but because of some mental issues (possibly a traumatic event in his past or a mental illness) he decides to work on seemingly mundane projects.

    I dont consider myself anywhere near the experience level of some people here, (I'm only just approaching my one year of roleplaying mark) so take my advice with a grain of salt. Hope this helps!
     
    #5 Toadkid1234, Aug 29, 2014
  6. Twitch

    Twitch Wayward Star

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    #6 Twitch, Aug 29, 2014
  7. Toadkid1234

    Toadkid1234 New Member

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    #7 Toadkid1234, Aug 29, 2014
  8. November

    November Previously Sermane
    Staff Member

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    #8 November, Aug 29, 2014
  9. Olivia

    Olivia New Member

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    You can't get much more German scientist than that. The name is a bit too much for me, pretty sure that last name doesn't even exist in Germany let alone the whole world.
     
    #9 Olivia, Aug 29, 2014
  10. Spinach Pirate

    Spinach Pirate The Adorable Spinach

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    I think he should not be a German scientist, he should still be a scientist, just not German
     
    #10 Spinach Pirate, Aug 29, 2014
  11. Felonious

    Felonious Restart Monkey

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    There are an awful lot of German scientists (both Human and otherwise). And if he is going to be German, perhaps look up actual German surnames. Since he's Human, there's no reason he wouldn't have a surname from his home country.
     
    #11 Felonious, Aug 29, 2014
  12. Julius Mayne

    Julius Mayne Member

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    Well, the character is meant primarily to be satirical, however, I will take the opinions into account. I want to develop a well rounded, very fun character so I appreciate anymore feedback you may have. Any ideas on his ethnicity, the name is staying, sorry.
     
    #12 Julius Mayne, Aug 29, 2014
  13. Julius Mayne

    Julius Mayne Member

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    I like the idea that Toadkid suggested, so if anyone has any ideas for a sort of main "goal" or motive for him to follow, I'm up for feedback and suggestions.
     
    #13 Julius Mayne, Aug 29, 2014
  14. Toadkid1234

    Toadkid1234 New Member

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    Well he should be your character. I like to put a little bit of myself in my characters, because it makes them all the easier to play as. You dont have to go as far as I did and make your character entirely based on your dream job/life (Ray) but you could throw some core value you have into the mix (like love for nature, curiosity, exploration, whatever you find important), which makes your character all the more interesting.
     
    #14 Toadkid1234, Aug 29, 2014
  15. Julius Mayne

    Julius Mayne Member

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    I'm thinking something very warm hearted. Something that seems completely innocent and simple, but goes about it in only the way he can.
     
    #15 Julius Mayne, Aug 29, 2014
  16. VaporDispersion

    VaporDispersion Superflappy Dogefish

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    Stein? Shillingstein? Luise's gonna have a field day with that guy.
     
    #16 VaporDispersion, Sep 2, 2014
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