Shattered Kingdoms

So you want to make a elf only for mudsex reasons then?

I think people can get too retentive about these things.

Yes, I agree picking an adjective to give you a code-level advantage in PK sucks, is twinky and should get slapped. A large hellion on a large horse, or a shining sprite with a spirit steed, or a peacable male elf grouped with a peacekeeper templar, for example.

But beyond that, it's just a label to stop us having to fret and baffle over which one of the half dozen "a male elf is here" elves in the room just winked at you.

So as long as your adjective isn't offensive, and doesn't completely and intentionally destroy the ambience of the game I couldn't care less. It's just a tag. I'd much rather see a fairly unique one that I could reference easily rather than have to count whether it's the 1.hairy-toed or 3.hairy-toed male halfling I'm going to have to skewer to get my lunch-sized sack back

Quoted for truth. Very good points.

I think it's also worth noting that people should stay true to their adjectives, when they refer to a personality trait or somesuch. It always irks me to see a very, very talkative/outgoing "quiet male poop". I've nothing against the adjective, but it's hard to determine whether you want your character to be quiet or not by the time you're a novice, which is evidence to the idea that less limiting adjectives (physical traits) are probably better in the long run. If you can stick with the concept of the adjective, more power to you, but once you pick it, follow through with it, even if it makes it hard.

I was the first 'swarthy' male anything. That was Dkaynai's when I had his orignal 'fun-loving' adjective changed.

Auspicious was pretty good for a HP of Yizashi, but out of the guidelines we're drawing out here.

Statuesque for Ulrich which was perfect.

I don't remember Vincento's, was it yellow-eyed?

And now we have magnetic which I think is heaps good for my bard though it's not a phyiscal trait, I think it does its job.

Not to pick on you in particular, but the problem is it does more than it's job. You've moved beyond describing what someone sees to forcing a judgement upon them.

An aristocratic, pure-blood deep-elf might not be impressed by half-elves in general. Why should his player see "magnetic" on his screen? It surely can't be helping him stay IC. It's not nearly as bad as descriptions like "You quiver with fear at the sight of this warrior.", but the same principle applies.

Granted, any adjective is a judgement against the norm: how does this character stick out? But physical adjectives like tall have the advantages of being both indisputable and obvious. A tall character is indeed above the average height for his race, in the eye of any observer. Nor does it take lengthy study to make the observation.

On the other hand, I'd have to spend quite some time with a character to consider him "quiet". And would I necessarily consider him that instead of shy, respectful, or meditative?

Pick a valid adjective instead. Let your personality shine forth in word and deed, and allow other players to make their own judgements.

You make good points, I just like to bring out that it elicits the feeling I want people to have when they first see my char. I'm not saying what's so magnetic about him, just that he has some quality somewhere that makes him so, or perhaps if you don't find him so, you can see how others might. I like to look at the game with a measure of abstractions so I don't have a coronary when people or certain things don't line up 100%.

Uh...I've spent a LOT of time around said character, and unless you mean magnetism in terms of repulsion, I have no idea wtf you're talking about. :/

Animal magnetism? He makes you just want to eat him up?

Really, how so? I'm honestly curious as to what anyone could be repulsed by Cyril.

If you want to complain about things like 'magnetic', 'quiet', etc then you should also be aware that things like 'yellow-eyed' (any colour really) is a bit naff when the person you are looking at is sleeping or wearing a visored helm, etc. Whatabout hair colour? I am flame-haired, but what if i go bald when i age?

Then look at all the adjectives describing a myriad of tatoos.... how on earth do i know you have 'picturesque village scene' tattoed on your arse, when i am standing in front of you getting a new hair cut thanks to the razor sharp sword you are hitting me with...

basically, all i am saying is don't lose to much sleep over it.... there will always be a time when your adjective doesnt fit.... there will be a 'booksh' elf coming to a MUD near you soon