Would like imput and help with my OC (Winter Raven)

[Macklin 88]

 I Google searched a lot before finally deciding it would be ok to post this topic. I really would love input and advice about designing a pony OC, but didn't want to break any rules. In all my years of creative writing, fandom joining and roleplaying I have never had so much difficulty making an OC.

 

 My knowledge of Equestria is not perfect, and I haven't watched every episode yet but I don't think those are an absolute necessity for OC generation. Oh sure, having all the knowledge and exposure possible would be helpful but it shouldn't be necessary to do this. 

 

  I think a part of my issue is that the weight and value of OCs is so heavy here in comparison to any other fandom I have joined; they are so scrutinized...its intimidating. I may have not been posting a lot since joining last week, but I have been reading a lot, so to me, designing an OC feels like a very delicate operation that could spiral out of control at any moment. 

 

 While on one hand, I want to make sure my character isn't a Mary Sue, OP, too generic, or too complex in the eyes of the community. And on the other, I have to balance that against the fact that in the end, he is going to me my avatar. He is going to be my way to enjoy  and interact with the world and community more than I could without him. He needs to resonate with me and be something that I can call my own, so you can understand why I would want to strike a balance between the all those and still be unique.

 

 As I have stated in other threads, I only ever make one OC per fandom. That is not to say I won't change an OC I made if new information becomes available or if I do something wrong/impractical but only find out about it after I finish. I mean that per fandom, I will only ever have one OC. Hopefully you can understand why this is so important to me on a personal level.

 

 On top of the normal name structure and meaning, ensuring he fits within the mythos, has a plausible personality structure, doesn't feel like a blatant copy of an in-cannon character, and also has a decent enough back story that makes him unique but not stand out too far above and beyond anyone else. I also now have to worry about colour schemes, type of pony and of course, the ever important cutie mark design. I spent a lot of time reading all the resources I could find regarding cutie mark design because I know how defining it is. In many respects the cutie mark is more important than the name!

 

 Well now to go over what I have so far. I didn't make an official OC character reference sheet yet, those appear to be for finalized products that may only need minor tweaking where this is very much a major work in progress so far.

 

 I write. I can't draw to save my life, and vectoring is...I will say difficult but with added swearing. v.v So this visual is done using the generalzoi Pony generator on Devart.

 

 

 

 His name is Winter Raven, he's male and somewhere in his late teens, and as you can tell from the image he's an Equestrian Pegasus. His name and cutie mark were chosen because of the following spiritual interpretations:

 

 Winter: Winter is a time of healing, calm, and it is when the world can prepare to start a new cycle of growth and new life. Spring is when new life begins the journey, winter is when the preparations are made to start the journey.

 

 Raven: Ravens spiritually have always been teachers, and guides to new paths and new ways of thinking. They are also creative, resourceful and tend to have a wisdom about them that is sometimes there own and sometimes just the person reflecting their inner self onto them. They also tend to understand and enjoy the darkness as much as the light.

 

  He still doesn't have a full understanding of his cutie mark; in terms of what it means, his special gift or ability is. As far as he knows he has always been there to try and help people, if they want to talk or just need somepony to sit there and listen. When he gives advice though it isn't without permission, he has been known to help a pony see the forest for the trees so to speak. It is rumored that he knows secrets that some ponies have told him in a strict confidence, though he won't even admit to knowing any secrets.

 

 Personality wise, Winter Raven tends to be methodical, quiet, will only yell on rare occasions, and always seems to be a touch on the sad side (Even if he can't say as to why...)  As opposed to say Fluttershy, he isn't afraid of things. It isn't fear that makes him step back when things get loud, it is the chaotic, loud nature that bothers him; He is not a pony that likes to be rattled, over stimulated or flustered. He tends to not be shy, just that he become more timid the louder and more chaotic the world around him becomes, and just shies away when there is too much commotion; whether it would be a party gone awry, a huge screaming match or if a fight breaks out.

 

 That's what I have so far. Any input would be appreciated though I don't even know fi I have provided enough to technically be a character skeleton yet.

 

 P.S.  All my OCs are given 2 theme songs; one instrumental and one with vocals. For Winter Raven those songs are:

 

 Loreena McKennitt - Night Ride Across The Caucasus

 &

 Thomas Newman - Your Misfortune (None of My Own)

Edited December 16, 2013 by Macklin

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

Design looks really good. It seems as if he could be more along the lines of an Alicorn. Personality fits him quite well, but you really need to work on your grammar. That's one thing I'm picky about. 

[Macklin 88]

 Sorry about that; I was worried my grammar may be below my normal average. I ended up in a bit of a medical emergency last night and my head is still woozy today. I found a friend online who will look at it and send me a better rendition of the initial post which I will edit in.

Edited December 16, 2013 by Macklin

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

Okay. I could help you a little bit too. 

[That One Techpriest You Used To Know 2,286]

From this, make a backstory. Define the degree of his withdrawal- does he shy away, does he disappear, or... what?

[Macklin 88]

From this, make a backstory. Define the degree of his withdrawal- does he shy away, does he disappear, or... what?

 

 While I wait for the grammar edit of the original post let me answer this question. 

 

 While yes he physically shies away from those situations, he would never outright just disappear or bail on a situation. He looks for the quiet corner, or to find enough distance from a fight or argument where it doesn't feel to be pressing in on his personal space bubble anymore. 

 

 Oh and because I forgot to cover it in the original post I will add it here for now so you both can see the new information and tack it on to original post once that edit comes back. 

 All my OCs are given 2 theme songs; one instrumental and one with vocals. For Winter Raven those songs are:

 

 Loreena McKennitt - Night Ride Across The Caucasus

 &

 Thomas Newman - Your Misfortune (None of My Own)