So you want to kill someone? Read This.

There is a saying in the world of vampires: “Even a broken tool has it’s uses.”

 

What this means is, even someone you see no value in… even someone who is working against you, is something that you can make use of in your own personal jyhad. Dead characters have no value to you and so, final death, should be your very final option on a long list of ways to deal with other characters who cause your character problems or irritation.

 

Today my blog is going to address character death. This topic is one I feel very strongly about and be assured I will revisit it later as there is so much more about this that can be said, than can be put into one blog.

Too often, as players, it’s easy to look at our sheet of bad ass powers and realize that getting rid of an ic problem is as simple as killing it. Whether it’s npcs or pcs, it’s tempting to decided that some people just need a good killing. However, before you make that very big decision to kill a character… consider the following:

 

• What way could this person be of use? Can’t come up with something, talk to the staff, they may have a list of good things that even the most inept character is useful for.
• Am I irritated with the character or the player? If it’s just the player then it stands to reason I won’t like his/her character any better than this one… and perhaps worse if the next character has a chip on his shoulder due to the player’s anger over the loss of his/her last pc. Really nasty or story-less character death doesn’t teach players a lesson… it only makes them bitter.
• Is my character’s existence really in mortal danger because of this character? If not, consider that maybe the challenges they create for your character are more fun to play with than without! Even the smurfs had gargamel, and while worthless, the drama he brought to the table kept us kids watching.
• Is this character your nemesis? Every good hero or villain needs one. If this person is playing the devil to your god (or vice versa) then talking to the player about how you can begin a game of besting one another back and forth could make for GREAT blogging and rp. But, be sure to keep the lines of communication open so you don’t ever think the worst of each other as players!
• What other ways can I punish this person? If you’re in a position to realistically take power or lives from other characters then you might consider the following: Taking a favorite ghoul, blood bonding 1 2 or even 3 steps, making your enemy give over contacts allies or influences to you, stripping status, humiliation, physical scars (yep vampires can scar with ag damage so branding someone leaves a lasting memory they’re not soon to forget), breaking bones and forcing them to heal them wrong (think of a bone that sets wrong OUCH), taking money from them or items they love… and so many more!
• Can I make this enemy my ally? Sometimes people have their characters do stupid stuff because they are bored, upset or don’t know what to do with their concept anymore. By talking to the player you might be able to offer them a constructive storyline that they’d find fun and enjoyable but be forewarned… not everyone will think your idea of fun is fun. Be flexible in helping the other player out and cautious; sadly some players seem to enjoy being destructive in character more than building good story and attempting to help them might bite you in the butt if you‘re not watchful.
• Do I have blackmail on this person? Sometimes the threat of what you could do to them… is enough to make some people stop targeting you (for a while.) Do they have a nasty feeding habit? Do they feed from other vampires (imagine what the harpy might imply about your enemy if you had proof he and his vampire lover were biting each other behind closed doors! Diablerist who can’t go without vamp blood? Oh yeah!), do they risk the masquerade, do they have ties to the sabbat, do the go back on boons, do they have ties to the anarch movement, was their sire someone infamous… these and many more are good blackmail material on other vamps. Make use of it!
• Talk. Sometimes other players don't get what they are doing wrong or why it's got you so pissed at them. Don't be afraid to say to another player "Dude, where are you going with this because all I can see is..." If they don't want you as their enemy it's their chance to rethink things.

I’m sure there are a ton more things that can be thought up but for now, here’s some to wet your whistle. Reply with your own alternative suggestions to players considering character death - if it’s solid I’ll add it to the list!

 

Til’ next time!

DeAnna Ross
MGP... Exec. Sec. Tech/Services