How to build your roleplay character: a light tutorial

Adapted from the old Apostles of the Crypt website entry on roleplay posted by Landor (RIP).

Roleplaying is one of the most fun things in Waterdeep but its not easy and it doesn't come without hard work. Therefore this light tutorial allows a swift look at the things needed to roleplay. There are many ways to roleplay and this tutorial does not cover them all, but you do not have to be elite to roleplay. All it requires is some imagination.

Step 1
At first, try to visualise your character. Then, try to describe the way he/she looks like and put that in your description. If you have a hard time doing this, it may help thinking of fantasy creatures or movies such as 'Lord of the Rings' for inspiration. Try to feel your character inside you, as in try to become your character emotionally. In a a way it is like acting, except you are the director, producer and actors all at once as you tell your own tale.

Step 2

• Is the character evil, good or neutral. Is the character aggressive or defensive, scared or scary? And so on, and so on. Think of the characters attitude and keep in mind why the character is that way.
• Where and when was the character born or created?
• Who was his/her family and were they important? And if so, why?
• Where did your character spend its youth?
• Why did your character spend its youth there?
• Is the character in a clan? (See the clan help for roleplay tips) Why did your character join this clan?
• Any plans for the future and if so, what are they?
• Does your character like ice cream? Does your character swim of have fun? These small things are the things that makes one character different from others.
• Does your characters have friends or enemies, and why are they enemies or friends?

Step 3
More personal stuff:

• How does your character react on things that happen in the Realms? Examples: the news, accusations, gossip, etc. 
• Is (s)he always out for fights?
• Is (s)he always out for money? For their own benefit?
• Is (s)he greedy?
• Is (s)he seductive?
• Is (s)he a born leader?
• Is (s)he respectful?
• Is (s)he the kind of person that shares what he/she has?
• Is (s)he selfish?
• What kind of language does (s)he use?
• What is your characters age? Does the appearance of your character fit the age?

Although this is not a complete list to build a character's personality, it is a start. Success and good luck!

Church of Destruction

Faction name: Church of Destruction
Faction type: Clan
Status: Defunct

Alignment: Chaotic neutral

The clan was started by Talos the Lord of Storm. It was bent on destruction and the chaotic nature of the clan has left little annals on its history, apart from what was written here:

Talos, the Stormlord, was the god of natural Destruction. Tornadoes, earthquakes, tidal waves, and landslides could all be laid at his feet. Though he rarely ever manifested himself, when he did, it was generally in the form of some destructive force- a fire consuming everything in its path, or a great whirlwind.Talos' symbol is three lightning bolts, each a separate color, radiating from a centeral point. Talos' priests were often madmen bent on their own destruction, who would do everything in their power to take as many others as they could along with them. 

Malar, who was also popular among the Talosians, was the god of the brutal hunt and bestial destruction. Mysterious disappearances of townsfolk and brutal maulings could be laid at his feet. Shunned in the civilized lands such as Cormyr and the Dales, he was popular in the north among barbarians, evil striders, and some druids.

As such, the Church of Destruction was often seen as a bunch of crazies and murderers. Their church kept no allies, proclaiming themselves as a clan of killers who reveled in sowing blood and carnage on the Realms.

Church of Celestia

Faction name: Church of Celestia
Faction type: Clan
Status: Defunct  

Alignment: Neutral good

This clan was based on the goodness in the realms, and opposed evil in any way it came, as it despised it. However, to despise evil or simply to wish to protect the realms, was not enough reason to justify membership. Membership required swearing to live by the ways of the goddess Celestia.

Their goddess Celestia did neither believe in unnecessary war, nor revenge or vengeance. Thus no other  member within the church was allowed to harbour such feelings as well. Celestia believed not only that there was good in anyone, but also that life was the greatest adventure. Those who were quick to anger or were subject to follow anyone without the knowledge as to why they did, were not allowed to call themselves a devoted follower. The Celestians considered patience and a kind word important, as these could do far greater things than anything else. Celestians also knew that the balance of good and evil had to remain in one form or another. And this was in part why they were more neutral good than good aligned.

Potential members had to be pure in their intentions, strong willed against temptation, honor-bound and required great patience to deal with the rest of the world and its faults.The Celestians realized that the purpose of their church was not an easy one, but it was seen as the purpose to protect and aid those in great need. Strength of mind and spirit was thus seen as essential and commitment as one for the rest of your lifetime.

The Church of Celestia eventually merged with several other organizations to form the Pax Faerunis.