[Legolas]

In DnD terms, you can rarely kill someone of near-equal level with a single blow. But, in r/l, two or three nasty dagger cuts, or an undodged blow from a sword (especially a doublehanded one) can easily cause your death. A single arrow piercing your head and you're a goner.

Of course you can say
"The dwarf rained blow after blow upon the gnome, until finally, after 37 hits, the gnome fell down, dead"
But it's much more interesting to change the facts a bit, say the dwarf chopped down the gnome in three mighty strokes.

This does not change the fact that the dwarf is the winner and the gnome didn't stand a chance. But it DOES make the fighting more interesting than:

"The dwarf swung his axe. The dwarf swung his axe again. And another time. And once more. He kept on hitting the gnome. He punched the gnome in the face with his free hand. He struck the gnome again..."

Just remember that it is not always the fight itself that counts, and you don't have to relate every move. f course you can kill in a few blows, and it makes your character seem more of a hero.


As to the flawed character, I've begun to discover that part myself some time ago. Legolas was a bit too perfect, simply because he was a hero. So I cut down a bit, made a few tiny mistakes, overlooked certain things on purpose. I went as far as making him near unreasonable when he encounters his racial enemy.

But I think I should not go much farther even though I would like to. Legolas' character is a bit of a mix between lachonic and mysterious (mainly because he originates from middel earth instead of the forgotten realms) and I want to keep it that way.

Nonetheless, I've been thinking about creating a new character, probably a feralan, some kind of wizard, a Lu Tze (read discworld) kind of character or a complete oaf with a lot of luck. Simply because it's more entertaining.
That doesn't mean I will forget Legolas though, as he is, in a way, more like me than any new character can ever be. But I think experimenting with characters pays off, if you invest plenty of time in them.


So far I've had only good roleplaying experiences here, though I think it's too bad people lose interest halfway through the game or don't have the time to continue. Nothing you can do about that of course.
And, I've found out you don't even need a DM if you're all being reasonable. In the Hazardous Times thread there is no DM, and no plot. Yet we adventure, rp and have a good time. One of the advantages of such a thread is that you can join at any given time.


Advice?
Create a character you feel happy with, and which represents you.
Remember: What you know your character does not have to know too
If you feel you're not having fun in a thread anymore, don't just dssapear but post that you leave the party instead, so people will know you are no longer taking part, at least until you chose to return.
Don't be afraid to use your spells as a mage. In fact, try to use your most basic spells in an unconventional way. That is fun, and the effects are often greater than when you use them normally
Never forget your character. Background determines many of your actions, so make a good one. Also remember trivial things and take the time to pray, care for your weapons, catch a meal and so on.
Don't be afraid to allow minor cuts, nor to retreat from combat. Sure, you are a honourable person, but does that mean you have to fight to the death (usually of the other character) or does the character have a moral of it's own and a will to live?

It is up to the DM to place you in situations where you CANNOT be the hero and have to realise your limits. After that, there should be a number of reminders to keep you humble if you cannot do so yourself.

Supercharacters sound like fun, but if you have no equals, what's the challenge? Go write a story about the character instead and post it in GD.
Naturally, if you agree with some ohters you are ALL godlike, and fight eachother or more godlike beings, everything is put in perspective and you can enjoy your game.

Finally, though each part benefits from having a leader, this does not have to be you. You can lead the group without pushing yourself forward, and leave others room to play their own game.
We all like heroes, but most of us want to be that hero themselves. In an RPG, you should always remember you are not the only player (unless you are)


EDIT: Oh, join us at Hazardous Times before the story gets interesting (nothing important has happened yet, though it is about to. I think), as we've only got Larry, Mistral and myself so far. (Mistral playing multiple characters, Larry doing the same and me being about to introduce my feralan)