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.

1 hour ago, Golbez said:

I quite like this character, reminds me a little of the Unsullied from GoT.

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 is

Special 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.

In high school, yeah I had really no study habits... Then got to university and well, nearly got my ass kicked

I'm now in my last semester, and have got my study habits down pat and have been personally very successful with them. For memorizing/theory based courses I consult lecture notes and the text book and jot down notes (usually in word) for absolutely every fact/theory that may or may not be important. I do this because I personally absorb absolutely nothing from reading alone. From that alone, I can usually pin point significant areas and focus further studies on them. Then, I usually make charts/tables/flow charts or diagrams of each major theory/component, and then try to draw links between each diagram. Finally, I will go over practice questions/exams if any are available.

For more analytical/calculation intensive courses I usually skip all of the above sections. I skip straight to doing questions. I do as many questions as I can find, as many times over as I have time for. Practice, practice, practice till every question becomes like second nature to you. I only consult textbooks/other resources if I come across a problem/problem type that I struggle with or cannot do. For these types of questions/study, google is your best friend. You would be shocked how many detailed answers you can find by simply typing in the question word for word into google.

Hey guys Convergence here, formerly known as Golden Shield. For those lurkers out there, I don't judge, might know that I have tried drawing ponies before. However, I had some very poor results. That combined with the sole fact that I was actually trying to draw ponies in the first place (I was new to the fandom at that time), wounded my confidence greatly. I quit drawing and actually never looked back for about a year.

Until recently, for whatever reason, I have gotten a strong urge to try drawing again. Learning from my mistakes last time, I think my problem was that I was simply trying to draw something. I never took the time to learn the basic tools, and frustrated myself when I failed to draw anything decent. What a shocker, right? Now instead, I am going about this with a different attitude, I am not learning to draw to create something great, but to merely try to learn a skill. Consequently, I have delved into many online guides, and I have found that most agree on one thing: just to get comfortable using a pencil. Drawing straight lines, curved lines, shapes, patterns, symbols and simple designs. To sketch anything and everything around you, and to do it quickly. Look at your result, try to see what looks "wrong" about it, try to draw it better the next time and throw the original aside. So I guess in other words: practice, practice, practice.

So that is where I am at now, filling pages with different designs and shapes while trying to keep a loose, light and comfortable grip on my pencil. And actually, in a couple of days I actually have seen some minor, but noticeable results. Namely, I can draw circles a little more accurately and much more quickly. It may not seem like much, but to me, I think that is a major achievement. It is a 'first step'.  I guess my question is this, are there any good/essential resources you can think of for a beginner sketcher/drawer? Furthermore, as a guy who said that "I simply cannot draw," or "I have absolutely no artistic talent," for 20 years of his life, I kind of want to share my journey of learning the basics to eventually grappling more advanced mechanics. Would you guys think it would be a good idea for me to start a thread dedicated to the practices I am using to gain the fundamentals on drawing, or is that more appropriate somewhere else. The thing is, I don't really want to do this by myself; I want to share my journey.   

Hey Arylett, I am pretty sure I played in one of your RPs before. It was my first RP, and I played as Granite Wing. This one seems similar and just as interesting. I believe you are still taking applications, right?

Edit: I am thinking of a new character and will post a sheet after work tonight. I think Hearth would be a good fit for this RP. Let me know what you think.

Cheers!

Alright then, I would Like to join up with Whisper. I'll send you a PM to talk about the details of her fighting, but basically she primarily fights with three daggers she manipulates with her magic. She is very strong in one on one fights, but is vulnerable to groups of enemies. 

Hmmm, I might join up. Two questions, do you need to be familiar with titanfall to join, because I am not. The second, can I have an OC that brings a knife to a gunfight?

My reaction would be this:

Whisper arrived at the train station just in time to hear the tail end of Crowley's speech. His grim warning made her smile. She was not one to take needless risks, but she often found herself fighting for her own life. This is why she was here, to fight and to protect. To conquer the shadows or be consumed by them. She simply watched silently as Crowley finished and flew away. 

She then approached the group, her appearance only barely resembling the pony that left the castle moments ago. A silver-grey dress clung tightly to her body and swirled around her neck and legs in a simple but elegant pattern. the material swayed gently as Whisper moved, glimmering brightly as it caught the light. Almost as if it were made from diamond. Her black mane radiated light as it cascaded down her neck and curled about the top of the dress. A simple black leather saddlebag hung from her side.

@@Torrent505

Whisper couldn't help but chuckle as the others gawked at the luxurious train. "This is nothing compared to what I have seen." Figuring that the train conductor was beyond frustrated by now, she began walking towards the entrance of the train.

 "What are you waiting for?! Last one to find the dinning car hoofs the bill!" 

Laughing softly, Whisper turned to look at Wanderlust. "There is no reason we can't have some fun with this, but we can't waste this opportunity to finalize our plans." Whisper paused briefly and scratched the ground with her hoof, "we don't know what waits in the Crystal Empire and I have some preparations to make. I definitely do not want to be caught with a dull blade." Boarding the train, Whisper immediately searching for a table that she could work at.

Ill be posting soon, by some point tonight. Damn, I wonder why he got banned. I love zebras too much to see one go

Still interesting for me. I've noticed the lull in posting as well  

Whisper blankly stared at a random map as Crowley began talking. "The Crystal Empire then? Another place I have not been to in a while." Suddenly, Crowley paused mid speech, breaking Whisper's concentration as she looked up to study Crowley's face. Such a sudden pause was unnatural for him, he must have just realized something. Something important. Trying to guess his train of thought from his last couple of sentences, Whisper had no luck. All she could gather was it was in some form related to criminal activities and to some characteristic about Shining Armour. She knew better than to push him for information, but that would not stop her from taking a shot in the dark. "Worst case scenario, he thinks I'm insane, which he probably already thinks so."

As the Princesses left the room, Whisper couldn't help but roll her eyes. "The Oh, so important princesses. Pfft." However, she was somewhat relieved that it was finally time for action. An action that would only lead to meeting more royalty in a different castle, but action nonetheless. Before doing anything, Whisper looked around and reflected upon her group one last time. The only thing new she realized was that Wish Scribe seemed to be very confused by the fact she smiled at her. "I need to talk to her." 

In one swift movement, Whisper raised from her chair and began walking towards Crowley. A mischievous smile planted on her face. She whispered so that only he would hear, "Anything you say? How about a finishing blow?" The smile instantly washed off her face as she grew serious. Lifting her hoof in order to put it on his shoulder, Whisper attempted to gently bring his ear closer to her mouth. Even quieter she stated, "I know exactly what your thinking. I think you may be right, can't say I'm not jealous to see how it turns out. Keep a close eye on him." In her peripheral vision, Whisper tried to study his reaction. She just hoped that her guess was close enough. 

Turning around, she smiled and matched Crowley's tone, "as for equipment, there is little chance that I can't provide all that I will need. Which reminds me," she raised her voice to address the entire group, "it has been a while since I have been in Canterlot. I have a few friends I should say hello to before we depart. I'll be there before the train leaves."

At a brisk walk, Whisper caught up to Wish who by now had her bags on her back. With a gentle smile, she approached her and whispered, "I know you don't like who and what I am, and I understand that. I do. But I do know that you are struggling with something, Something that is haunting you." Lifting her hoof to her heart, Whisper continued, "I am to. I believe we have that in common. If you ever want to talk, I will be there." 

Without warning, she turned around and began to carefully retrace her steps through the castle. As if pretending that she did not know her way around the castle.

I am strongly INTJ. All tests rank me as over 50% preference for Introverted over extroversion, intuitive over sensing and thinking over feeling. My weakest type is Judging which fluctuates from a weak to strong preference of perceiving depending on my mood. INTJ labels me as a 'mastermind' in most charts, and in pony charts I am either Celestia or Luna. 

Please don't advance the story quite yet. I would like to post before that happens. I won't get a chance to for a couple hours

@@PathfinderCS, @, @@Driz

Whisper was about to answer Pathfinder, but Wish Scribe responded first. She seemed overly agitated, but Whisper could only guess what she was battling with. Her heart broke for the mare, Whisper could relate to her completely. Without looking up from her book, she tried to form a statement that would calm and console Wish, without appearing condescending. She didn't have much luck.

Whisper's concentration broke as Maya returned to the table. It was clear that she was trying to provoke Wish. The tension in Whisper's mind suddenly broke as anger flooded her. It took all of her willpower to not attack the mage, never mind staying calm and collected. Valiantly fighting the urge to throw a hoof at Maya, Whisper brought her hoof to her forehead in frustration. She hit herself far harder than she intended, but she felt no pain. "In the name of Dawn Breaker, the girl is already at her breaking point! Are you that freaking narcissistic?"

In slow, controlled movements, Whisper gently closed the cover of her book. She felt control returning to her as she let go of her emotions. She smiled warmly at Wish, trying to convey far more information than a simple body gesture. Trying to reassure her without words. Then breaking eye contact with Wish, Whisper turned to look sternly at Maya. She hoped her facial expression was not too cold. "Ancient magic you say? This book may interest you then. It has the symbol in it and refers to ancient magi and magic." She slid the book towards Maya nonchalantly.