IMPORTANT: Aliens in Star Wars - what do you plan on using?

[Therakill]

The race I will be using is a Devaronian

 

[OhNoesBunnies]

I've got a Twi'lek and I'm currently working on revising my non-DOTR Zygerrian for this timeline.

 

[3.14Wookie]

I will be using a Wookie. Is it okay if I give it a translator so I can talk?

 

[Dmitri]

Cybernetic, person, or droid?

 

[Dravro ordo]

I go be using a dathomiran and Iktotchi it my first time ever play as Iktotchi

 

[Strel Cadera]

Rattataki for sure! I've been reading up on just about everything and now have my character in the works as I'm typing this! :D I'm pumped for the new storyline!

 

[Green Ranger]

I'll be brief, since it's been a long day, but I wanted to put this up a) before I forget, and b) so you folks can chime in while I'm sleeping :P

Basically, I have two ideas on how to approach a species list:

1) The first idea is the one I've had in my head for a few weeks now, and that's basically that the list of approved species would list all species that have been applied for, along with individual stipulations for use for some of the other species with more superhuman qualities and individual stipulations on them. For example, Dashade would be allowed, but have the stipulation that they only have limited resistance to more indirect Force usage, such as mind-effecting powers, or that Shi'ido can shapeshift, but only to creatures of roughly the same mass.

2) The alternative idea that I came up with tonight is that we paint almost all species with the same brush and limit their in-combat abilities, but allow more freedom of out combat. So for example, any natural, biological advantage wouldn't be allowed to be used in PvP battles without consent, but in more story-based RP or with the consent of the other RPers, any innate, biological abilities can still be used. So, using the above examples, in typical dedicated combat scenarios a Dashade would still be vulnerable to the Force, and a Shi'ido would have to use their 'preferred form' in combat, but in RPs where members consent to it, then you'd be allowed the full use of your abilities, as written.

Thoughts?

 

[Braden]

I'll be brief, since it's been a long day, but I wanted to put this up a) before I forget, and b) so you folks can chime in while I'm sleeping :p

Basically, I have two ideas on how to approach a species list:

1) The first idea is the one I've had in my head for a few weeks now, and that's basically that the list of approved species would list all species that have been applied for, along with individual stipulations for use for some of the other species with more superhuman qualities and individual stipulations on them. For example, Dashade would be allowed, but have the stipulation that they only have limited resistance to more indirect Force usage, such as mind-effecting powers, or that Shi'ido can shapeshift, but only to creatures of roughly the same mass.

2) The alternative idea that I came up with tonight is that we paint almost all species with the same brush and limit their in-combat abilities, but allow more freedom of out combat. So for example, any natural, biological advantage wouldn't be allowed to be used in PvP battles without consent, but in more story-based RP or with the consent of the other RPers, any innate, biological abilities can still be used. So, using the above examples, in typical dedicated combat scenarios a Dashade would still be vulnerable to the Force, and a Shi'ido would have to use their 'preferred form' in combat, but in RPs where members consent to it, then you'd be allowed the full use of your abilities, as written.

Thoughts?

I would pick number one. I know it will potentially be more work for the admins but I think the second hand approach will cause more hassle. As people will either complain that there character species specific effects don't work in PvP or will just forgoe using other species because there are all the same just look different.

 

[Therakill]

I would pick number one. I know it will potentially be more work for the admins but I think the second hand approach will cause more hassle. As people will either complain that there character species specific effects don't work in PvP or will just forgoe using other species because there are all the same just look different.

I agree

 

[Gabeness]

I'm going to be using a Mirialan and a Hapan.

 

[Saul]

I'll be brief, since it's been a long day, but I wanted to put this up a) before I forget, and b) so you folks can chime in while I'm sleeping :p

Basically, I have two ideas on how to approach a species list:

1) The first idea is the one I've had in my head for a few weeks now, and that's basically that the list of approved species would list all species that have been applied for, along with individual stipulations for use for some of the other species with more superhuman qualities and individual stipulations on them. For example, Dashade would be allowed, but have the stipulation that they only have limited resistance to more indirect Force usage, such as mind-effecting powers, or that Shi'ido can shapeshift, but only to creatures of roughly the same mass.

2) The alternative idea that I came up with tonight is that we paint almost all species with the same brush and limit their in-combat abilities, but allow more freedom of out combat. So for example, any natural, biological advantage wouldn't be allowed to be used in PvP battles without consent, but in more story-based RP or with the consent of the other RPers, any innate, biological abilities can still be used. So, using the above examples, in typical dedicated combat scenarios a Dashade would still be vulnerable to the Force, and a Shi'ido would have to use their 'preferred form' in combat, but in RPs where members consent to it, then you'd be allowed the full use of your abilities, as written.

Thoughts?

I strongly prefer number 2. This would discourage people from using their races to powerbuild their characters for really wonky stuff. Generally, most people pick humans. 90% of people that pick aliens pick aliens balanced against humans, aliens which don't have superhuman abilities. The other 10% choose aliens with some sort of ability specifically usable in combat. In essence, if we go with number 2, the only people it impacts are the people trying to use their race choice for a meta advantage. The key point here is consent - if you really want to use your Rishii's ability to fly about like special snowflake, you can ask your opponent if they're ok with it. Normally, they should be, and by and large this rule will never negatively impact anyone that isn't trying to be abusive.

But if people are signing up for main battles with ordinary, non-powerbuild characters and someones designed a character specifically to kill Jedi and shows up in a thread with a perfect storm of racial traits and combat abilities, and the opposing Jedi player never had a choice about who he was facing, it undermines the value of RP and character development and overemphasizes the value of character creation.

 

[Oreus]

I don't think race is picked for combat. I usually choose an alien because I like not bring a human and the RP quirks that come with alien races. Plus to me it is boring to do just humans when we have a big galaxy of aliens. So I disagree with that idea of people only choosing it for meta game combat. Maybe some do, or a lot, but not everyone.

I like both options really but I'm not a huge min maxer so whatever works best for everyone I'm cool with it.

 

[Pernicious]

I'll be writing as a droid.

 

[Internecion]

I like the ruling; it gives players that want the freedom for character development in the terms of where they can go unobstructed: via a Shi'ido passing through governmental check points simply by replicating physical characteristics of guards and check point attendant's features. How will that apply on the terms of Faction to Faction role play? Under context of a Shi'ido Sacred Band of Ziost intelligence agent bypassing security measures to Border Alliance and Republic check points to gain IC information, that can be used in the overall plot and territory expansion? I'm assuming there will be checks and balances per species trait on the account of that, but how do you regulate factors like that?

 

[Tsunami]

I have never considered a Dashade till now.

 

[+SpaceJesus+]

I will be using a Nautolan

I strongly prefer number 2. This would discourage people from using their races to powerbuild their characters for really wonky stuff. Generally, most people pick humans. 90% of people that pick aliens pick aliens balanced against humans, aliens which don't have superhuman abilities. The other 10% choose aliens with some sort of ability specifically usable in combat. In essence, if we go with number 2, the only people it impacts are the people trying to use their race choice for a meta advantage. The key point here is consent - if you really want to use your Rishii's ability to fly about like special snowflake, you can ask your opponent if they're ok with it. Normally, they should be, and by and large this rule will never negatively impact anyone that isn't trying to be abusive.

But if people are signing up for main battles with ordinary, non-powerbuild characters and someones designed a character specifically to kill Jedi and shows up in a thread with a perfect storm of racial traits and combat abilities, and the opposing Jedi player never had a choice about who he was facing, it undermines the value of RP and character development and overemphasizes the value of character creation.

I suppose this is possible, but I think that with some more well kept screening and some common sense in character approval should help with this. Plus, limiting species based abilities kinda takes away from the variety and fun in the Star Wars universe. Wookies should be uber strong in a fight because they are wookies, and part of the fun of playing as a wookie is being a big hairy brute with a lot of strength. If a species has some really OP advantages (like the Yuuzan Vong being immune to force powers) then they can easily be banned.

I do agree that trying to keep characters specifically made to target certain kinds of characters from developing should be done though.

I don't think race is picked for combat. I usually choose an alien because I like not bring a human and the RP quirks that come with alien races. Plus to me it is boring to do just humans when we have a big galaxy of aliens. So I disagree with that idea of people only choosing it for meta game combat. Maybe some do, or a lot, but not everyone.

I like both options really but I'm not a huge min maxer so whatever works best for everyone I'm cool with it.

I am inclined to like the first as well. This is basically what I'm saying: not capitalizing on the innate abilities of certain species takes away from the overall experience. Plus, a strong RPer should be able to find solutions to any disadvantages they are species wise. A smart one might even be able to turn those advantages against them.

 

[Topher Ridge]

Yo I'm probably going to end up making a Kel'dor Jedi or Sith at some point. Not enough Kel'dor love on the site!

To throw my 2 cents in. I personally like option 1 more. Mostly because if you look at most races they usually have a racial weakness as well. I mean look at Wookies for example. They are of course one of the most physically strong species in the galaxy, but they're usually portrayed as being very slow and lumbering. Think about it, have you ever seen a Wookies move extremely quickly?

 

[3.14Wookie]

Cybernetic

 

[Painus]

I'm inclined to agree with the general consensus of favoring option 1. You see far more people picking alien species for their RP potential, rather than their single genetic trait that makes them possess a dubious advantage over a human in combat. Everyone bleeds the same. Making every species similar in regards to combat limits the variety the character picked that species for, since they'd have no reason not to just pick a human instead.

 

[Halcyon]

Just casting my vote, I'm also in favor of option 1. I got nothing in particular to add ATM because my reasons for choosing it have already been said by other people who also favored the first option, and I share their opinions on the matter.

As a side note though, I don't think there will be that much work involved in making a list - definitely more than with option 2, still - if anyone who posted on this thread stating their intended species is the one to highlight the racial traits of said species and forward them to the admins. Then, they could just put it all together and balance it. Just my 2 cents.