Hey all. Here is a list of resources that are very helpful when you want to develop a new character. Remember that it's always important to have an established character for RP purposes. Also make sure you know what you're writing about, i.e. if you make a Zabrak you should know at least a bit about Zabrak history so you don't contradict it.
Mary Sue TestFound HereAlternate testThis one is especially important. After you've finished making a character you should always run them through this test. Briefly explained, a mary sue is a character that is just too good with no meaningful flaws (Wesley Crusher is a common example). Mary Sue characters are not fun for other people to RP with as they never fail at anything and are the best at many things. Don't make a mary sue character and expect to engage in any meaningful RP in the Society.
SWTOR Life RP Series by MJFound HereCharacter creation postThis series was written by a pretty advanced RPer and he covers a lot of varying aspects of RPing from character creation to how to run a good event. I recommend everyone at least skim some of the articles. The character creation ones are particularly helpful to think about when crafting a new character.
Amalgamation of RP ResourcesFound HereRP Character Creation Tips100 Questions to ask about your characterCreating Character DepthThis is a group of links to some great RP resources for character development as well as some other RP info concerning various races. Some of the links are dead but a majority are good. I've also highlighted what I think are two of the most helpful above.
Roleplaying resources for Jedi and SithHow to roleplay as a Jedi MasterHow to roleplay as a Jedi KnightTo be a DarthPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5You may need to register
Here to view the first two, but all the articles concern how to actually portray the role of a Jedi or a true Sith. There is a growing belief among many RPers that people that give their character a title like Jedi Master or Darth are really MINOs and DINOs (Master or Darth in name only) because their characters dont' have the backstory/roleplaying to back up the title. They just show up, announce they're a darth or master and demand respect. Those articles do a good job of illustrating a better way to RP to make your character more believable in those roles.
Springhole.net Character Writing ResourcesCharacter Creation Articles/ToolsRandom Generators for skills, names, settings, etc.Building Better BackstoriesCharacter Creation 101Creating believable, effective tragic backstoriesTips for giving better character descriptionsCommon Problems in RP CharactersHelpful "how-to" articles for RPing as a certain archetypeHow to plot/manipulateTips for writing believable long-term relationshipsBasic Tips for writing a BadassTips for writing powerful characters that aren't Mary SuesTips for writing/RPing an attractive characterHow to RP geniuses/intellectualsHazards of wardrobeRoleplaying an assassinHow to write effective cover upsThese are obviously more general than just the world of TOR and Star Wars but they're still helpful. I've linked what I find are the most helpful, but there are more on the site. Do remember while the writer of these articles is involved with RP that touches and pertains to Canon characters that the RP community, and Leadership of the Fillorean Society, don't condone RP that relates to canon characters in the Star Wars universe.
SWTOR RP Assorted ArticlesMiscellaneous and one off articlesThe Murderous Coatstand TestA pdf regarding Imperial SocietyAn article regarding character skill as effected by ageThese are random and one-off articles from SWTOR-RP. They deal with things to take into consideration both during character creation and in RP events/situations in general. The "pdf regarding Imperial Society" is a particularly good analysis of what life is like in the Empire and what the various roles in it are. It's a good thing to keep in mind when RPing within the Empire.
RP Articles by The LiskEquipment Series Part I - WeaponryEquipment Series Part II - ArmorEquipment Series Part III - TrinketsConflict Series - Part IConflict Series - Part IIConflict Series - Part IIIThese articles are of good quality but questionable application. The equipment series is great for thinking about how you present yourself within SWTOR and a bit for how you portray your character generally. I'm going to include this because it just happened: There are divided minds about the applicability of the conflicts articles series. Ixidor and I just went round and round for nearly an hour regarding whether or not it was valuable beyond a limited set of circumstances. Regardless, I'd encourage you to read it all. The long and short being that you need to think about your character and whether what they're doing makes sense and what is the best way for conflict to take place in the context of the storylin you're writing for your character.
RP Articles by TakraelDefining Features: TragedyDefining Features: BadasseryDefining Features: Wants and NeedsDefining Features: RomanceDefining Features: SympathyArticle praising RPing the "everyman"Character Reflection is ongoing and importantA Victim's Guide to GMs: Rug PullersA Victim's Guide to GMs: RailroadersA Victim's Guide to GMs: Dicey TypesHoly Links, Batman! As might be apparent I thought the articles by Takrael (the author of the "Writing the Empire" pdf above) were well done though not necessarily always applicable. The defining features series is a nice overview of things to think about when you're either writing or RPing your character. They're not particularly in-depth but they're a good mental tug to get you to think of things you may not otherwise think about. The victim's guide series centers on actual RP events and the types of GMs you might find in them and the bad or good aspects of each. It also touches on the value of dice roll systems in introducing randomness to RP storytelling. Finally, the character reflection and "everyman" article encourage people to think about the type of RP they're engaging in and to always be reflective on how your character might improve, even if you created them and their backstory years ago.
If you find any other resources you think would be helpful, send me a link via PM.
