I’m a tactical RPG fiend. I originally started playing Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis in 2002 based on articles in Nintendo Power. Later I got into Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones, and a few years after that, XCOM: UFO Defense.
A big part of my enjoyment of these games is the puzzle aspect of dealing with situations, but additionally, the characterization in some of the games really landed well. Knight of Lodis was pretty good for this, and Fire Emblem even moreso. The named characters felt real and had unique writing styles and viewpoints, and this was over time worked into my roleplay.
A particularly nice touch was having varying quotes in game for when various actions happened with characters, up to and including having them buy the farm. While killing my characters permanently is something I am not inclined to do, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make for an interesting thought exercise!
Beyond just dealing with taking the final bow, there’s other things explorable in character motivations. I do not think anyone is as simple as the D&D alignment chart, but the options there do allow some frameworks to be built for characters.
For one example, we’ll pick Lindsey today. She evolved entirely in character, but ultimately her morals are pretty simple, boiling down to only a few core points.
- Nobody has the right to decide for you (self-determination, freedom)
- Those with power, or the opportunity, should use that for betterment of others.
- Power does not itself make you good. Nor does it make you bad. It reveals who you are already.
Largely this falls into what I feel is a Chaotic Good mindset, and between these principles and that reference, I’ve gotten some pretty solidly consistent play from her over the last few years now that I’ve firmed up my play.
Some of my other chars fall elsewhere. Nathan is pretty Lawful Good, Thenyr is Neutral Good. Still working a bit on Richard and Melody. Aikine isn’t necessarily Good in and of herself…still working on that. Not that they always live up to these ideals they hold, but it helps to have an idea.