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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Henry" data-source="post: 1688215" data-attributes="member: 158">Actually, I think his was a very valid goal, and a common version of fantasy to emulate. We want to create such a character because such a character is fun. It's the sort of character read about in fantasy all the time - the deadly gunslinger who only draws when he must, but he finishes fights in record time because violence is contrary to his goals. One very valid goal of RPG's is to play a character type whom you find cool on TV, movies, or in novels, and the world-renowned deadly swordsman/gunman is one of them. Actually, such a character WOULD be pointless to challenge in melee combat; such a character would be better challenged by roleplaying situations, with circumstances that a sword would be useless in, such as a greedy merchant evicting a poor family, or a rampaging dragon who never sets foot on the ground, but strafes from above, or a corrupt noble who must be deposed legally instead of by force.The thing is, it's not the only version of heroism, nor is it necessarily the most fun. While it's your cup of tea, the underdog story is not the only way to go, and it may not be the mold he wishes to cast a character in.Actually, the Rings Trilogy (or more specifically the movie version) showed exactly WHY a master swordsman could not do it. Sauron was unstoppable when he had the ring; an army of master swordsmen and bowmen could not stand up to him (how many elves were killed in the opening scene I wonder?) Even without the ring, his minions were legion, and no one person could think to stand against him. The situation was not solved by force of arms, but by both cleverness, and force of determination (and an unusual helping of luck).On the contrary, such a character could have numerous flaws, hubris being one of them. Such a character is due for both a comeuppance and an epiphany as much as anyone.Examples of stories of powerful heroes and their journeys:Beowulf (strangles a monster bare-handed)The Norse Legends (misadventures) of Thor & LokiHeracles (no man could stand against him, but in the end his pride and a poisoned coat did him in)Samson (slew a thousand men in a manner that would make a Dark Sun Fan proud; in the end, he failed his god, and redeemed himself with his dying act)To show more modern examples - how about Martin Riggs from the Lethal Weapon movies? Here's a guy who is the macho cop from Hell - yet contemplates suicide every day, until his partner and their family begin him back on the path to find a reason to live. There's a lot of heroic drama in someone who HAS the skills - but hates themselves for it. There's also drama in having the skills, but not being able to do a darned thing with them, and needing to "walk a different path" to accomplish the goal.</blockquote>

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