But here is the thing, I never said my character wasn't banned from official dueling, or that they do not suffer from some form of penalty. In fact, I welcomed the possibility. That is what the discretion warning was for, placed for public viewing. It is a stigma they can never undo or rid of. I expect them to get treated poorly and viewed as some sort of criminal. Hench why they resort to monster hunting and doing other odd jobs. They might even be kept under unknowing surveillance. Who knows? I can only assume that since they were accepted by the GM, who obviously knows much more than I do, that this school pardons such things for some yet-to-be explained reason. Maybe the school has more authority over the government? Maybe these combat Academies are the ruling order in countries, since their students are the ones who will be fighting the 'wars'. I can't speak on your behalf, but it's not my character wanted to be cursed like that either. It's just how the cards were dealt to them. And so, they refuse using the bloody thing. Because that's what a moral person would do.

The main clinch here is choice. How a person chooses speaks volumes, more than any word or promise. The way I see it, a character's class is a reflection of their own personality. You don't randomly roll around a list of abilities, you craft each of them yourself, all with intention.

As I said before, I am a narrative-focused person. I value a good story and characters above all else. That is why I spend so much effort into thinking out my character and their consequences, their backstory, motivations, etc. Now, I'm not asking everyone to go ham as I will on everything. Because I know more than anyone, that I get a little too passionate about things. But I only expect at least some level of effort from my future peers.

To be frank, I already know this society is going to be twisted in some way, skewered into viewing violence is somehow okay. And I'm fine with that. It was largely an excuse.

My real gripe here, and I'll be honest, is that I don't think this character is at all well-developed. It feels cheap. Like a card-board cutout of the 'Yandere' archetype. A very similar rendition I have seen far too often at this point. With this level of effort, I can only assume what else they have neglected to even consider. Have they even thought about their role amongst the cast? How they will play off other characters personalities, or how their own might accent something unforeseen about the greater narrative? I am left to wonder.

However, that is only my personal concern. Maybe I'll be surprised. Maybe they'll pull a fast one on me, and break out with one of the greatest characters I've ever seen. But somehow, I doubt it. Call me cynical, an asshat even.

Anyway, I'll leave it as that. It is not my choice, anyhow. I shall accept the official ruling from the GM, whether I like it or not. All is left is to finish my concept drawings and contemplate how I spent a majority of my free afternoon debating with a complete stranger over the ethics of a fictional game set in a fictional society, in a fictional world, on an online forum.

Thanks for understanding. And I'd like to extend an apology to all parties involved. I don't mind differences in opinions or styles. In fact, it can promote great growth between individuals and helps keep things fresh. Besides, whenever I do go about these mini critiques, I don't try to do it to attack anyone personally.

If anything, I want so badly for them to improve.

I'm naturally critical, to myself included. If I didn't think Vatalla was a strong enough stand-alone character, I wouldn't have uploaded her in the first place. But even now, I still think I can work to improve her in a number of ways. After all, it is not a previous character I've ever used or anything, so there is bound to be unforeseen flaws. Whether someone doesn't like the design or concept in general, well that's out of my ability. I will still try to get along with them. Opinions will be opinions. Even my own shouldn't weight too much on other people. I try to call out potential problems to prevent shortcomings in the future, out of love for roleplaying as a kind of expressive art and journey.

And I agree to your second point. I am more than happy with being pleasantly surprised. That's why I'm willing to give it a shot if the GM doesn't find a problem with it. I just can't help but be pessimistic, being the jaded old geezer that I am. Surprised I haven't drowned myself in alcohol yet. And it wasn't my intention to kick @MordecaiThe 1st out of the roleplay forever. Maybe it might have been harsh, my first comment, so again, I apologize for it. I just would like to see a bit more effort. Pumping out characters so quickly is a bit concerning, honestly. Each one should be treated as a real person, not some kind of mass-produced text dump. I don't mind a cliche or unoriginal character or personality. Such a thing as 'originality' doesn't exist anymore. But still, I wholeheartedly respect an attempt. A character should be filled with passion and care, at least as equal to the quality of roleplay itself.

This roleplay, in my eyes, has a lot of potential, so it's a shame to have it wasted. You know?

Name:
Jamison Nicolle Taylor AKA "James"

Age:
17

Appearance:
Pictured is a well built young man, wearing an oil-stained tanktop and coveralls tied around his waist, with a harness strapped to his body, cords attached to his back and forearms. His normal rat's nest of brown hair has been wrangled into a short ponytail and his mismatched eyes are hidden behind tinted goggles. The scar above his left eye is visible, however, a bright pink divot where flesh was burnt and scraped from his skull and turning the once brown pupil pale blue. Whatever attractive features that may lay hidden on the plain-faced young man are marred by the manic grin splitting his face, revealing bright teeth and a missing left canine, as electricity dances between the twin tesla coils and his gauntleted fists.

Occupation:
3rd Year Student, Inventor, and member of the Monster Hunting Club

Class:
Ark Champion: Combining arcane science and old-fashioned brawn, James wades into the thick of combat absorbing damage meant for his comrades, advancing the battleline with every stomp of his boots. Should anything get a bright idea they will need to face the business end of a prototype hammer, able to slam into foes with the strength of a lightning bolt... sometimes. Working with what materials he can scrounge and whatever funding he can snag, James is still a commanding force on the battlefield, demanding attention as he slams into enemies and jumps between danger and his allies.

Class Skills:


Tablet Power:
Light of Inspiration- James is one of few individuals gifted with the Light of Inspiration, a force of creation that infests the minds of its bearers and pushes them to create "Wonders". Miracles of modern science, "Wonders" are leagues above whatever technology is around but are hampered by their unique crafting, the materials of their construction, and the eccentricities of their creators. To the bearers of the Light science is no field to learn, but instincts to be explored and for many of them the act of creation is enough for many, fading into obscurity as lone tinkerers, toymakers, and givers of trinkets. James' personal muse is the shaping of metal and the harnessing of energy.

Other:
-James is banned from competing in Batle Bots ternaments on a regional, national, and international level.

-Has a recipe for mathematically perfect S'mores.

-Is generally a giant dork.