The Species Issue

[KiT]

Okay so I've noticed people generally don't want to be one of the listed species. People also tend to like to mix traits of different species to create a more unique character or give their character specific stats. Now I'm not going to enforce selection of a pre-set species unless my partner agrees, but from now on, I hope people will stick to a pre-set species, because it seriously goes better with the land layout and fantasy rpg. In the world of Halcyon, characters are supposed to draw forth their energy from the geographical jewels of their home region. If you have a character with an unlisted species, it's hard to determine your magical stats. Also, if you mix breeds, it becomes harder to determine which traits you'll have. While I do approve of an open rpg, I do wish that some requirements be followed to differentiate this rpg from others. I do like to see creativity in almost all senses, but there honestly should be an "expected victor" in each battle. For example, if an Elf fights a Dolphinae in the Forest, generally the Elf should win, unless the Dolphinae character is an avatar for a good strategist rp'er.

[Ragnarok]

Don't you think it would be easier for those who mixed species to just have the players choose where their chara comes from? As you said, people like to mix species. So have them decide where their chara originated from (bay, volcano, etc.) and just make that their 'strongpoint' or whatever. That solves the problem. But when i looked through, you assume each chara specializes in one element. What happens to those that don't specialize in any one element, but go in all realms (fire, ice, etc.)?

And just as a side-note, you may want to put the english translations for the anthro breeds. (ie: usagi is rabbit, neko is cat) cause not everyone may know japanese. Moreover, I think you should consider more holy/unholy character species such as demons, dragons, fairies, etc.

[S'apphyre]

well, i think a way to solve this issue is to put a rule that says each creature must choose only ONE element. no crosses, or that may be either unfair or too messy. maybe after this game has been running for a while, there may be additions to types of beings and other changes. for now though, this is my suggestion to solve the problem, if there is any.

~

P.S. sorry Kit and KiT if i was not supposed to post here! i wasn't sure. you can delete this after reading if you would like.

[KiT]

" Don't you think it would be easier for those who mixed species to just have the players choose where their chara comes from? "
KiT: No, I honestly don't. Humans can come from all areas, but it probably wouldn't make sense for somebody who's half elf to come from the water. There must be a balance between creativity and uniformity, or else you just get insanity.

"What happens to those that don't specialize in any one element, but go in all realms?"
KiT: Okay, when I made the species, I tried to make things balanced, so the natural stats and attributes I gave to each species should make it readily able to compete with the others, therefore you shouldn't need extra magic. Basically, the only people who should have multiple elements of magic are the Usagi, who are usually all magic. I also wanted to refrain from mixing negating elements. For example, I see people in other rp's who will be ice AND fire, claiming to have the powers of both, but not accepting the weaknesses of either one.

Basically, what I'm trying to avoid are unfair characters. I'm not saying I'm an expert or anything, cause I'm not. But the one thing I've found that almost absolutely ruins rpgs, are people who create insanely powerful characters and don't listen to reason. Plus I'm seriously not into banning people or disciplining people.

"you may want to put the english translations for the anthro breeds"
KiT: I had already put the translations for kitsune and neko. The only one I forgot was Usagi.

[Ragnarok]

*/shrugs* you did? sorry.
Anyhoo, I find that limiting to one element is horribly boring and annoying. It doesn't make a lot of sense either. I understand some people specialize, but no one knows ONLY one type of magic. ie: Usually a character may specialize in, say, fire, but he/she also knows some basic water magic (ie making a mist) and some healing. That covers three types of magic so wouldn't be allowed if you limited to one element only. I understand the problem with uberly powerful but... *shrugs* why punish those who know more and/or learn more? I think that if you can recite off spells/attacks from the top of your memory cause you went through the trouble of memorizing them, you should be able to use them in the RPG.
I understand if they're hella lame (ie: fireball! The fireball the size of a sun came from her hands and she threw it directly at her oppnent so the person couldn't escape. ~or~ Pollen bullet! A bullet of pollen was sent at the opponent, making him sneeze.) Yeah, lame ones are stupid and shouldn't be allowed but still, good ones that have limits should be allowed and thus, players who can come up with realistic spells or know realistic spells, even if they come from different elemental types, should be allowed.
Thus, I don't believe that limiting magic types should be allowed. Not only is that abusive to players who work more, but you're also encouraging that each person stay within each person's country because there's no reason for them to go elsewhere. You're stopping education and the passing of knowledge to other people that aren't from your terra. (after all, with only one type of magic, there's no reason for any fire users to come in contact with water or ice users.) Remember! It's not only what you do, but what you justify!

[KiT]

I suppose it is better to diversify with magical abilities. I was debating with myself over creating a list of "basic spells" that everybody should have. For example, almost all species should have the ability to heal small cuts and wounds and stuff, but only the angelix would have the ability to heal groups of people or resurrect others. I guess everybody should be able to diversify if they want, but I still feel that one element should be used as a primary and a basis for elemental strengths and weaknesses over other people. About the demons and fairies... I thought of that, but I thought I could separate 'demon' into two categories. The first are 'youkai' demons, which are basically the anthros, so that's out of the way. The second are 'demon' demons, but I noticed that when people want that, they usually go as a "dark angel" or "fallen angel" or some other gothic nonsense, so I didn't make a demon category. Fairies... Okay I don't even know where to begin with that. I think your definition of 'fairy' might be different from mine, cause otherwise, I'm pretty sure nobody wants to be a fairy. And I know nobody's gonna want to be a Golem either, cause they're just not "cool," but I wanted to make a rock and earth based creature.