From my point of view it's an entirely different thing though, one 'eats the gods to gain their powers' and the other simply follows a philosophy of 'letting' the old fade, perhaps recreating some elements that might be key to staying 'him', but always replacing old with new over-time. Even if he did somehow do something like Aldrich, it would fade over time as everything about him does, not to mention that absorbing a boss soul and gaining a 'larger advantage' from it, is still designed, at least in my head, to pale in comparison to actually 'being a boss'.

That's one of the things I think I have a problem with this the most, actually. How exactly does taking a different 'philosophy' about something, translate to him inherently changing how souls work? As in, how does he do this? Simply taking a different stance and beliefs about hollowing and the nature of undead, doesn't mean they'd work differently for him, does it? I'm not saying I want a long winded explanation about the entire mechanics, just that he is, fundamentally changing how souls have been shown to work for Undead.

Now, if he wasn't 'Undead', then this whole situation can be avoided by saying he's something else entirely, but I'm not sure how that would work.

I mean, my character, Alia views Undead as nothing more than people, and doesn't have anything against them herself. She basically has a similar view that your character would have if I read Asta correctly, in that moving forward and making new experiences is needed for any undead. Focusing so much on one thing makes on obsessed, and when you accomplish one goal, just move forwards towards another and engage in jolly co-operation with your comrades.

So would that automatically make her whatever he is? I don't really see it as a philosophy honestly, more of just a personality trait. From what you've described at least, anyways.

That said, in 'RP' I would not picture bosses the same way as in the game. In a way, we're all on the same level as bosses [save for the 'giant monster/god slayer/eater/inherently over-powered bosses] in that from an RP perspective you're not whittling away at a health bar, but just trying to break them successfully. Like Ornstein for instance, We wouldn't need to 'beat the fuck out of him' to win like in the game, he seemed more like a nimble but dangerous style, so it'd likely be more about managing to get in 'that good hit' that manages to turn the tide... I hope that makes sense XD

True, true, this is an RP and mechanics are going to inherently work differently.

Also, sorry if this is long-winded, I actually rather like debate, especially when it's a mature debate with someone who's actually thinking instead of screaming obscenities and slurs [curse those youtube feminists]

Ahahaa, no no, it's fine! I rather like debates myself. Its quite difficult to find someone to calmly discuss things with who won't immediately resort to obscenities. It's quite annoying, though I wish I had more time on my hands at the moment so I could do this a bit better xP

I think, so far, my real concern has been said above. How does him taking a...lets say 'keep moving forward philosophy' immediately change how souls work for him? Because as I said, Alia is likely going to be quite of a similar mindset, so would that immediately make her like him?

As far as I am concerned, it is an interesting mechanic, but as I said to @Shoryu that it might not properly portray in this RP, or in RP in general. It is more something that feels well prepared to be implemented in a Tabletop/Pen-and-Paper, rather a Play-by-Post RP. My own doubt left me to see what the group thinks of it.

So from what I have read, you appear to be on my side, that the mechanic looks well made, but should be addressed in a proper gaming system, am I right?

@SimplyDebonair
Your character looks good to go. You can post him over at CHAR.

As for the size of the group and such, what do you think should we go on: Start IC soon or wait for a few more jolly cooperationists? I was thinking of posting soon, maybe Saturday.

Also, my last group left the RP after telling me that I was focusing it too much on combat. How much combat is "enough" for you and how much is "too much", so I have a general idea where to go with the encounters.

As far as I am concerned, it is an interesting mechanic, but as I said to @Shoryu that it might not properly portray in this RP, or in RP in general. It is more something that feels well prepared to be implemented in a Tabletop/Pen-and-Paper, rather a Play-by-Post RP. My own doubt left me to see what the group thinks of it.

So from what I have read, you appear to be on my side, that the mechanic looks well made, but should be addressed in a proper gaming system, am I right?

I can agree with that, yeah. We're not really using stats here, so it would be sort of hard to factor in things like Like Soul Level and what his character gains 'stat-wise'.

Also, my last group left the RP after telling me that I was focusing it too much on combat. How much combat is "enough" for you and how much is "too much", so I have a general idea where to go with the encounters.

I'm all for a lot of combat. That's basically just the entire premise of the Soulsborne series, I think. However, there also needs to be some downtime, I think, that allows for character development and things. Maybe not much - perhaps just a simple conversation when everyone is gathering around a bonfire after a hard fought battle.

Maybe run into some odd creature or another, that seems peaceful. Needs some sort of moral dilemma thrown in there as well, occasionally, perhaps.

This is what I have so far :>

oh my, much to read :D lesse, in order...

It's not so much changing how souls work, as it is changing how 'he' interacts with them, and I suppose in the same way how it changes the effect they have on 'him'.

It's not impossible to say he 'is' something else as well, given the theme of 'change' with him with the whole 'replacing things that fade away' element, he practically 'has' become something different. No 'god eater' mind you, but... something I never really bothered to 'name' different because it's just easier to say he's a different kind of undead :P

The whole premise assumes that, as undead in the souls universe, things are fading away from them, memories, souls, personality, at least this has been my observation with all of the NPCs who have actual stories, each one slowly loses a bit more as time goes on, and it seems as though you're the only one who doesn't... then again, 'the chosen one' isn't 'us' and they don't seem to have anything defined to lose but souls.

If we included this mechanic, then ironically, she might be similar in her own way, but if she doesn't go about it the same way he does, or does so in a way that simply replaces 'her' with more of 'herself' then she'd practically still be just undead, if one quite capable of not going hollow.

This is of course assuming that his philosophy is the same as hers and vice-verse, which it might 'not' be.

I wouldn't personally describe it as a 'keep moving forward' philosophy, so much as a differing philosophical view on undeadening/hollowing, things like that. He actively replaces what is naturally fading away from him with new experiences, new souls, and so on, welcoming the 'change' rather than struggling to hold on to what 'is/was/isn't anymore'.

...

And yes, it's much too common that people resort to screaming and insulting, especially in the modern age when raving lunatics are free to verbally assault you and call disagreeing with them a hate crime or 'internet violence'... But oh god, I'm not going to get political up in 'here', I rather leave that bit of entertaining rigamarole to youtube!

And you're both right, it would be cool to have in a game, good luck there XD The RP version generally depends on 'me' to utilize it in a fair and balanced manner that doesn't break the flow for other players, and probably anyone else feeling free to call me a shit if I go over-board with it :3...

...

I'll admit, it's also a cool way to experiment with gains/losses depending on what he fights a lot of, or when he chooses to avoid fighting something because it might be 'unhealthy' for him in some way... Technically, I could also do the same if I were to replace his absorption gimmick with a skillset in Soul forging, so he can deliberately store up and refine those effects/armors/weapons [not unlike his role in a previous RP would have 'been'], which would take longer ontop of the other balancing factors, as well as utilizing other limiting factors, like having to deliberately replace something he's got equipped/attuned already.

Also @darketernity, I suggest starting sooner than later XD if we've got a few lively people interested in wrecking face, all the better. I'd say bump the Interest check and kick off the IC once the currently active are done with their CSes :D.
... I guess that means me, since everyone else is done it seems. XD

As for combat, I'm also for a lot of combat. 'too much' would be 'almost all combat and nothing else' XD I enjoy a healthy balance of exploration, fighting, interaction, and so on :3 I also enjoy base building, settlement/kingdom management, and things like that >3> We could totally pick a spot to use as a 'home base' for us to have less combaty times in XD

As for the size of the group and such, what do you think should we go on: Start IC soon or wait for a few more jolly cooperationists? I was thinking of posting soon, maybe Saturday.

Oops. Missed this.

As for when to start, I think it'd be a good idea to go ahead and start. We can always add more people later, if they want to join in jolly undead slaying co-operation.

@Shoryu
Honestly, from the way you've explained things, I think it could be somewhat feasible. After all, a lot of Dark Souls lore is left up to interpretation for the individual player, and you don't strike me as someone who would make the character overpowered.

So...I guess I have no strong opinion one way or another. I'll leave it up to the GM's and others to decide if they want it.

Room for one more?

@Lauder
Character is fine. If you feel like it, you can add a picture later on. Post the character in the CHAR.

@POOHEAD189
You can join in.

As for posting. I will see and try to post either sometime soon this day or tomorrow.

@Shoryu
I will allow your character for the time being, unless someone decides to disagree and throw in a veto by tomorrow.

@Shoryu
I will allow your character for the time being, unless someone decides to disagree and throw in a veto by tomorrow.

Wunderbar! :D I shall cross mine fingers >3>

Okay. I will throw in an IC post for you guys. Sorry for the long wait. I was spontaneously in the Warcraft movie yesterday.

xD

It's cool. Looking forward to it!

There you go. IC is up. I still take people joining. Pitch in a sheet and I'll manage a way for you to get in (if the story is progressed a little).

Also, @Shoryu you can add your character to the CHAR section.

Most excellent, and got me a post up, had some fun with the bit at the end, sure as sure.

Because every souls RP needs one! Don't worry, I'll keep it safe.

Ahh, my favorite school of magic in the Dark Souls series, an excellent choice.

...I feel like Artyom is the only proper undead in the party. Everyone else is an Unkindled.

@Bright_Ops Nah, the one hunter of unkindled fellow isn't an unkindled, to be fair, he is hollowed though. And just wait for a certain pilgrim to come along, the unkindled will be hollowing in no time!

Ahh, my favorite school of magic in the Dark Souls series, an excellent choice.

I prefer hexes.

Hexes are awesome, yo.

Pyromancy's a close second.

...I feel like Artyom is the only proper undead in the party. Everyone else is an Unkindled.

I was honestly thinking about making another character as an Undead, if possible at all.

(Typo warning; cellphone)

@Ezmeralda you are good to go.

Alright, should I hop in too, or wait a bit?