characters history

[Merlissa]

I was wondering how long my characters history should be? I have to give it to the DM (?) tomorrow and I haven't started it yet. But thats because I have so many ideas but I don't know how long it should be....

 

[Crothian]

As long as it needs to be. I've never asked for certain length because some histries are simple and can be written up in only a few pages. While others need to be twenty pages long for the depth and complexity the player wants.

 

[diaglo]

arrrr...250 words or less is a good line in the sand

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

Ahoy there, matey,

A history need only be as long as a history needs to be. It's really up to ye', lass.

Fer some, like me'self, it be rather wordy, fer others' it's shorter than a walk of the plank. Ye'll want to be givin' yer DM somethin' at least as a beginnin', so I'd suggest ye give 'em the basics fer now, and add to it, as it comes to yer mind, unless yer DM requests, otherwise.

Arrrrrrrr. An' Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day to ye and yer's

Djeta

EDIT : ps. I be figurin' from yer name that yer a "lass". Apologies if I be wrong and yer a "lad"

 

[Mallus]

One consideration is group size. A small group allows for more individually targetted storylines/adventures, so more backstory is fine, in fact, desirable for the DM [well, for me as DM].

I can't imagine a DM finding a way to incorporate the 5-page backstories for 6 PC's into a campaign [though maybe some can/do...]

 

[VorpalBunny]

As long as it needs to be. I've never asked for certain length because some histries are simple and can be written up in only a few pages. While others need to be twenty pages long for the depth and complexity the player wants.

Aye, Cap'n. A character's history be o' lot like a scullery maid's skirt. Long enough to be sure o' coverin' the important bits, but short enough to hold yer mate's interest (assumin' o' course yer mates are goin' to read it).

 

[Merlissa]

Ahoy there, matey,

A history need only be as long as a history needs to be. It's really up to ye', lass.

Fer some, like me'self, it be rather wordy, fer others' it's shorter than a walk of the plank. Ye'll want to be givin' yer DM somethin' at least as a beginnin', so I'd suggest ye give 'em the basics fer now, and add to it, as it comes to yer mind, unless yer DM requests, otherwise.

Arrrrrrrr. An' Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day to ye and yer's

Djeta

EDIT : ps. I be figurin' from yer name that yer a "lass". Apologies if I be wrong and yer a "lad"

yep i'm a lass. so is my character...so i hear all the halfling jokes

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

yep i'm a lass. so is my character...so i hear all the halfling jokes

Arrr. Good to meet another gamer lass like me'self. Haven't yet had the chance to play a halfling, but in due time... I'm rather fond of elves, half-elves and gnomes.

Aye, back to work with me now. Welcome to ENworld.

Djeta

 

[Wombat]

Arrrh!

An' ye be a-thinkin' o' tellin' yer tale t'strangers, eh? Aye, properly warned, ye be.

Be cogitatin' 'pon this matter a watch or so: tell ye ne'er all, on account of because some may hold this against ye. If ye enscribe ev'ry point o' yer life, there be no room for later improvements an' embellishments. A tale grows o' th' tellin' and t'detail too much will not allow for more of later -- and make sure t'get yer tot o' grog for what little ye do reveal!

So stick to basics, a few blandishments, and suchlike as make ye seem complete, but hold summat back and ye'll be the better of it.

An' while yer at it, do all peruse the fine habilments available here:

http://www.piratemod.com/PirateModMain.htm

 

[Desdichado]

Aye, Wombat sails a fine coarse by me. Ye'll want to be givin the Cap'n some ideas on yer character he can use, but ye'll be wanting to grow and develop as the campaign goes on, so there's no call to be dropping yer anchor too soon. Make'r short and sweet, that's my motto.