Convergence

Let me start off by saying: I am biased here, so take this post with a grain of salt. My overall opinion of Alicorn OCs can be summed up by Mr. Horse. That being said, let me elaborate on a couple of points: 1. The lowest common denominator. As OP mentioned, the human brain makes large generalizations and connection to help it cut down the amount of processing required for the onslaught of information the brain receives everyday. This is the reason why stereotypes and "knee-jerk" reactions occur. Lets face it, there are a ton of really terrible alicorn OCs in this fandom, just take a look at the Everfree Character Database to see what I mean. The result is that most people are overly critical of all alicorn OCs (including good ones), due to the brain associating them with all the terrible ones in existence. This reaction also comes into play with characters that have overly traumatic pasts or over the top color schemes. Does this make all Alicorn OCs bad? No way. It is just an added challenge that writers have to overcome, and make sure their character stands out from the lowest common denominator in at least one way. This is challenging and time consuming, but the diamond in the rough is always a very memorable character. The following points regard roleplaying with alicorn OCs 2. For lack of a better word, I will call it integratibility. Every roleplayer has an equal right to play out his or her character and mindset. With such a polarizing subject as an alicorn OC, many players will have a knee jerk reaction to dislike the idea of roleplaying with an alicorn. Every player has their own individual head cannon for the MLP universe. For some players, including me, non-royalty/cannon alicorns either do not exist or they have very specific consequences. The result is, if an OC is an alicorn, their immediate association is that they are superior by being either: more important/royal or more powerful. This problem gets more complex as GM headcanons and plans are considered. The GM may want to explore a world that implies or explores the relationship between alicorns and other ponies. Having an alicorn OC implies that alicorns are a common thing, jeopardizing the GMs chain of events and story arch. That being said, with proper planning between roleplayers and GM, an alicorn OC can be a very beneficial experience to an RP. However, many players do not realize, or do not want to do all the work and planning necessary to integrate their alicorn into a roleplay's world. More standard pony races imply less about the world around them and therefor fit into the context of pretty much any roleplay. 3. Purpose. If your character deviates from the norm, there should be a reason for it. A good reason that can be explored throughout the course of an RP that proves interesting to the other roleplayers in an RP. Being different for the sake of being different, in this case being an alicorn, rarely works out well. As i mentioned earlier, roleplaying as an alicorn provides an added stress not only for the designer, but the other roleplayers and GM. If there is really no reason that character is an alicorn, that added work is really for nothing as it doesn't make the roleplay more interesting. Lets face it, I have not seen an alicorn OC that brings a novel culture or mindset that is extremely interesting. Unlike other races where different cultures and personalities can be explored, an alicorn is largely the same as other ponies except for having the ability to both fly and use magic. As a whole, they really bring nothing new to an RP. Yes, this is a generalization, but from personal experience most alicorn OCs I have encountered fit this framework. Wow, that was far larger than I intended. Sorry for the rant.

There is nothing wrong with having a character that has a tragic past, per se. However, often times overly dramatic pasts are overdone to the point of cliche. I bet you can think of many characters (OC and in other fiction) that have had say, their parents killed in front of them or orphaned into an abusive home. While there is nothing wrong with that, the character has to be exceptional in order to distinguish itself from the many other characters that have a similar story arch. And if they are not, well they tend to leave a sour taste in roleplayers' mouths after sifting through so many similar backstories. Also, at many times, a depressing back story is used as a crutch to make others have an emotional response to your character, which is very clear to other experienced role players. Your character should provoke responses by either being original or being exceptionally well thought out and detailed. If you want to make a character with a tragic backstory, I suggest that one should make sure that character has a reason for that backstory and that the backstory isn't overly cliche (see above).

@PathfinderCS Well, I think I can speak for all of us when I say, you will be missed! However, I admire your self awareness to be able to pull out before any harm is done. Hope you work through whatever is on your plate, and that it all goes well.

@Scribblegroove As Dancer handed the letter to the pegasus, his eyes widened slightly when he mentioned The Mother. A name he has not heard often in Equestria, to hear a stranger in this land mention Her was shocking at the least. But not nearly as surprising as when the pegasus introduced himself as Crowley. That name. Him mentioning The Mother left a bad taste on Dancer’s tongue. But he had a long time to prepare for this, and he was ready. Strange, Crowley was nothing like how Dancer pictured him. Dancer did not show a hint of his distaste. Instead, he expressionlessly stared into Crowley’s eyes. Dancer listened, but didn’t register what Crowley was saying, giving him only a slight nod after the pegasus finished speaking. @PonyOfWar@EQ_Theta Turning around to look at the red stallion that Crowley pointed to, Dancer saw a large, hardened looking Pegasus. He looked strong, but lacked the posture of a Blade. As War introduced himself, it dawned on Dancer that he appeared completely comfortable meeting a Zebra. Strange, Dancer was not used to that. Nodding at the respect War showed for him, Dancer responded, “fate has lead us down a strange path, has it not?” The pony standing next to War had a far more familiar introduction. When meeting Dancer, most ponies appeared to be either very cautious or very excited to meet Dancer. Salve was definitely the latter. Dancer stared blankly at Salve while he introduced himself. Not understanding his technical language and not having the patience at the moment to discern the meanings of his complex language. Something about how Zebras are similar to Ponies, Dancer definitely didn’t think so, and that Salve was a doctor. Dancer had heard about doctors, they train to heal others, but aren’t born with the gift. Dancer felt a pang of sympathy, in a land without Soothsayers, somepony must try to fulfill their roles, an impossible task. Not wanting to offend the doctor, Dancer refrained from stating that he does not plan to get injured and if he does he surely does not want anyone but a soothsayer working his wounds. Instead, he simply stated, “I have heard the rumours to. They hold little truth.” When Salve turned to War to whisper a question to other stallion, Dancer turned away with a slight smirk on his face. This was something he was used to. Either to talk about how strange Dancer himself is or to ask each other a question that they are for some reason too afraid to ask. Walking away from the group, he retreated into his own thoughts. Until out of the corner of his eye, he saw Crowley doing the same. The only other one that had secluded himself was Crowley. That would not do. Dancer would be different. Had to be different: his death would mean something. Turning back to War and Salve, he forced a small smile onto his lips. The smile was small and awkward, clearly Dancer was not used displaying this gesture. Nodding at War, “if your really are a true warrior, that is something I would like to see. We should practice before our journey begins. Perhaps I could teach you some skills from my homeland.” Turning to Salve, “The same for you Salus Veta. But perhaps a story over a hearth would be more enlightening for you.” @Dark Horse Hearing a loud, condescending introduction, Dancer inhaled sharply, then returned to his regular demeaner. “A foal that thinks he can best a Khan.” Turning around to face the source of the outbreak, “wait.” Approaching the purple Pegasus, he gazed into his eyes. Speaking softly, without judgement in his voice, “yes. The teammates that you will respect. That you will treat as your equal, right?”

@Golbez Yeah sorry I have been so quiet lately. Not usually like me. Been putting off writing my post for far too long. I will buckle down and get it done now. edit: all done. Out of curiosity, Am I being too spiritual or different with Dancer's character. I am quite enjoying it, but want to make sure that he is still interesting to everyone else. Should I tone his character down a bit?

Wait....... damn it!

It had been a long journey, mainly because Dancer preferred to walk and that he was never really sure where he was going. So he walked through cobbled roads, thick patches of vibrant grass and forests with trees rising up to the sky. He walked alone, something he was very used to. Letting his mind wander and marvel at the miraculously green landscape. Something Dancer had never known until recently. The cruel twists of fate were not lost to him. To be judged unworthy of his homeland, to somehow survive and find a home so fertile and now to be personally called upon by the leaders of this land; it made no sense. This could be his fate, the reason for his banishment and why he found Equestria. Alternatively, this could be a trick, a test to see if he was still loyal to The Mother above all else and not these pony princesses. Although, he had nothing to lose. Already he was deemed unfit for The Mother's embrace. So, Dancer walked. Walked to Canterlot to meet his fate. Feeling the weight of his sword on his shoulder, Dancer reflected that it has been to long since he has danced. He missed the beauty of The Mother and the intensity of death. The need to fight, to dance, to be a Blade, drove his steps more than anything else. This is how Dancer found himself in Canterlot. Walking through crowded streets of ponies, all of them busy but happy. Foals playing in the streets without blades on their hooves. Not for the first time, Dancer wondered what it would be like to be born in Equestria. To never experience true hunger, the one and only true desperation. To be whatever you wanted to be. This glorious freedom was the source of Equestria's weakness. In such a fertile land there could never be a true warrior, a true Blade. That was the only reason why Dancer could think that the princesses would call upon him. They needed a warrior, a Blade something that Equestria could never have. Approaching the castle, Dancer could see many guards in shells of armor. A desperate attempt to cheat fate in battle, but such a crutch only made Equestrian warriors weaker. One of the guards led Dancer to a courtyard where many ponies where gathered. Apparently, this was to be his new tribe. None of them appeared to be warriors, at least not to the extant of a Zebrican Blade. A couple appeared to have the stiff, rigid posture common to Equestrian warriors. A pose that Dancer could never guess the use of in combat. Approaching the group, the lean muscles of his shoulders and hips rolled frictionlessly, a posture that could be mistaken for a cocky swagger. It was merely the gait of one that trained his whole life in acrobatics, agility and endurance. @PathfinderCS Jolting to a sudden stop, Dancer's body tensed, "is... is that pony glowing?" He stared in alarm until recalling stories of Crystal ponies from the Crystal Empire. They were somehow different than regular ponies. They were shinier. So, was this a crystal pony then? Realizing he was staring, and feeling bad as Dancer himself has received that exact same stare plenty of times, Dancer smiled at the mare and averted his gaze. @PonyOfWar @EQ_Theta Walking closer, Dancer overheard two stallions talking of the one war he remembered hearing that Equestria had. The changelings. Hearing the emotion in their voices, they were clearly disturbed still by that one war. "I suppose war is disturbing to Equestrians. They are our way of life." Then the large red stallion began talking of the concern he had for these criminals, these thieves. Thieves are impure and as such they always fall to a true Blade. Dancer was not worried. @Scribblegroove Trying to recall what his close friend told to him to do, Dancer approached the one pony that appeared as if he belonged there. A pegasus with green eyes; he was clearly in charge. Slipping his sword sheath off his back and untying a piece of paper from his sword hilt. A scrap that apparently had importance in this land. Handing the paper over to the pegasus, Dancer re-strapped his blade to his shoulder, Dancer cleared his throat and said in a deep voice with a heavy accent, "they have asked for a Blade, and the Blade has answered." Pounding his chest with his left hoof and nodding to the group, a gesture of respect in his homeland. "It appears you are now my brethren. I am Dancer, I know you all are curious about me. Ask me anything."

@Techno Universal I'm sorry if this comes across as rude or mean spirited, it is not meant to be. I have been slightly upset with the tone you have taken in the last two posts in this thread. I am not sure if it is intentional, but you're responses have come across in a condescending manner which is not appropriate. Scribblegroove's main point is that a mechanical alicorn does not fit within his vision of Equestria for the purpose of this RP, which as a GM, that decision needs to be respected. One of the greatest skills that anyone can learn is how to really listen to constructive criticism. Scribblegroove has offered a few questions to help refine your character. It is, of course, your decision as to whether you think his suggestions are right. However, all criticism comes from a particular knowledge base, and listening to and accepting these criticisms will only enhance your knowledge and skill in particular fields as you can then reassure that your are right or learn new and better skills. Personally, I tend to agree that if it takes thousands of paragraphs to adequately represent Techno's personality and background, his character is not refined and focused enough to be considered in a finished state. I would be happy to share some of my concerns and suggestions with you, if you want to collaborate with me. I feel that with your creativity and a little more focus Techno and other characters you create would be a very positive experience for any RP. At this point in time, I feel like we have sidetracked in this OOC page for too long. If you would like to continue this conversation, I would suggest it would be better via PMs to either me or Scribble. Sorry if I overstepped my boundaries in writing this response, but I felt like I couldn't remain silent any longer.

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words! When designing Dancer, I realized his tribe like homeland would be perhaps too similar to Dothraki from GoT. Something I really did not want especially for a show that popular. So I tried to make their culture a bit more spiritual. Perhaps this made him seem more like Unsullied. Never thought of that but I sure get the connection now. I am very excited to see how Logic Bomb will react to Dancer who has a very spiritual outlook on life, forgoing logic and reason. If you want to chat some more about Dancer and his culture, hit me up with a PM :). I think that my mail-pony got lost. Once I get my letter, ill join the fray :P.

@Scribblegroove Thanks, glad to be back! Don't worry I plan to make my appearance soon. Seems like perfect timing for me to show up . Just to be a stickler, shouldn't I receive a letter prior to showing up :P?

Hmm, an adventure RP with some of my old friends? Sounds like too much fun to pass up. I suppose I'll throw out an application. This is perhaps the most 'out there' character I have ever made, but it was a lot of fun creating my own culture and homeland. Name: Dancer Race: Zebra Role: Guard/Soldier OC page link: here it isSpecial equipment: The sword of a Zebrican Khan. They say that a Khan's blade is imbued with the wisdom of a soothsayer and the spirits of every Khan that has held it. The thin blade appears as if it would shatter on impact but strangely shows no sign of wearing.

Hey guys, I am really interested in joining this RP, so you may see a lot more of me around here shortly I sent Hederik a PM to discuss a slightly different idea for my character creation. I will be posting an actual application pending his response.