The 42nd Gecko said
You are aware that the Mad Old Wizard is also an aged warrior seeking honorable death in combat despite the fact that age has left him almost completely restricted to healing and buffing (Aka, a support mage?). Also, while a bit irreverent, I wouldn't call him mad.Just saying, you oversimplify, sir. There are idiosyncrasies within each archetype. The devil's in the details.The rogue for example, is very overtly rogue-ish, but, he also dreams of being a bard, of playing instruments. That's different.The Warrior-Sailor is a shrewd merchant and navigator, cleverer than his title implies.
Oversimplified you say? What ever makes you say this?
I doubt it. A trope is a trope, done before and hereafter.
It makes the roles predictable in a group, as each align to a particular niche.
Every adventuring party lays claim to the stock.
The thieving, romantic rogue has been fulfilled.
The leading, laconic warrior role has been fulfilled.
The supporting, veteran mentor role has been fulfilled.
The mage I desire to craft is one who seeks to alter the very fabric of reality, specializing in mysticism and alteration.
He would be believe himself to be above the petty squabbles of combat and as such, refrain from it unless absolutely necessary.
Preferring to catch up on his reading in the midst of battle in his protective mage armor.
And with that, I should be able to fulfill the mystifying, arrogant mage.
Then all which is required would be an alluring, kickass female.
And then we shall have an adventuring party worthy of a classical campaign...