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sparkindarknessAnd I am doubly proud that that is the longest possible title and I did it by accident. :) Yes, simple things amuse me.
Anyways, the meme. I'll post something proper later. Honest, more faery boys.
Gacked from Klgaffney, who in turn gacked it off someone else I think...
The tested: (and testy)
Darren {spark in darkness} ("D")
Rick {spark in darkness} ("R")
Ian {Predator's Predator} ("I")
Sitharensor {Light & Dark} ("S")
Ilatheril {Light & Dark} ("Il")
Ethan {Generation Gap... why did I call it that... did I expect Radoslav and Ethan to slash? Ye gods, I was drunk!} ("E")
Character's Name
-Is the character's name your own, your nickname, your screenname, or a slight variant- for example, Kelli instead of Kelly? (10 points)
Nope, on all points. I wouldn't inflict my REAL name on anyone. And the name everyone uses is pleasantly boring.
-Is the character's name a noun or verb not often used by other people in your world for that function? (4 points)
Nope. Everyone has sensible names (for their cultures). I hate naming characters.
-Is the character's name completely inappropriate to the setting, such as a Japanese name in a world with no other trace of Japanese language or culture? (5 points).
Nope... well maybe Ethan, since it's kind of an old fashioned name (though it's suddenly made a huge come back), but he IS old. Wait, 2 points for Darren. Yes, it's a perfectly sensible name, but all of a sudden the rest of his family got a mix of celtic and eastern European names and he kind of stands out. Someone can make me very happy and tell me Darren and Katherine have celtic routes.
Running Total:
D = 2
-Is the character's main name a pseudonym? (2 points)
...that she chose as a reminder of her past? (Add 2).
...that is more "profound" or "cool" than her original name? (Add 1).
...that anyone with half a brain could use to connect the character with her original name, such as "Emilia" instead of "Emily?" (Add 4 points).
No. Hey, I'm doing well!
-Is the character named after a famous hero of the world or an animal? (2 points)
...And she has a mystical connection with that hero or that animal? (Add 4).
That would require me putting far too much effort into naming. Oh, 2 pts to Sitharensor, because most Seelie are named after an ancestor.
Running Total:
S = 2
D = 2
-Is the character's name a modern one in a medieval setting, such as Tiffany or Brittany? (3 points).
Nope.
Character's Appearance
-Does the character have an eye color that is unusual/rare among her people or species? (1 point)
...that is unique among her people/species? (2 points).
...that is nonexistent in nature? (Silver eyes with blue lightning bolts, etc.) (4 points)
Ethan has blood red eyes - all vamps do, but he can't hide it very well (1pt) Darren has extremely dark blue eyes, almost unique in humanity, but not for clan camaalis. Hey, it's a plot device! (1pt). The sidhes' eyes are perfectly normal for their species.
RT:
S = 2
D = 3
E = 1
-Do the character's eyes get described more often than anyone else's? (2 points)
...long after the reader should know what she looks like? (3 points)
...with many adjectives that are close variations of each other? (Blue eyes that are also called azure, cerulean, 'like a summer sky,' cobalt, etc.) (4 points).
Oh gods, yes. 9 points for everyone.
Rick: Hey, wait, this is so unfair! Look at his writing, look at his favourite sexy actors! Look at his BOYFRIEND for fuck's sake! Our writer has a severe unnatural fetish about eyes.
Darren: True. I think he would drool over quasimodo if he had nice eyes.
*thwap muses*
RT:
S = 11
D = 12
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 9
R = 9
-Does the character have long, silky hair that flows down to the middle of her back or ankles? (2 points)
...that never gets dirty or tangled in branches? (Add 2 points)
...that she can leave free without braiding and never have to wash or tend? (Add 2 points).
...that remains free in the midst of battle? (Add 3 points).
Rick: *falls over laughing*
Sitharensor: I believe this also counts as an obssesive fetish. He himself would score the first 2 points.
Ilatheril: And get a huge negative score for the rest.
*glares at muses* I wish to make it clear that my muses are not personifications of any fetishes. Understand? Good.
Look, I know I don't mention them fixing their hair, but they do have to tend it... honest. Besides, all the boys with long hair have magic as well! That helps, right!
Darren: I'm a sorcerer. Since when did the powers of the outerdark include a hair salon? *raises eyebrow sceptically* A Necromancer? I am not having a zombie body servant. Or a daemonic one.
*sigh* I'm guilty, aren't I? Well, Ian's is just longer than shoulder length :p I'm also taking sex to be equivalent to battle. So that's 9pts to Darren. 8pts to Sitharensor and Ilatheril (they CAN use their magic to tend their hair, and their glamour - so half points).
RT:
S = 19
D = 21
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Does the hair have some unusual marking, like a white streak that does not follow a scar or multiple colors? (3 points)
Amazingly... no! Darren's is black... really really black, I admit... but it's not unnatural or anything. Honest...
-Does the character's hair get described more often than any other character's? (2 points)
...at inappropriate times, such as in the midst of battle? (Add 2 points).
*groans*
Rick: Remember the fetish thing? Ow!
Quiet!
Alright, guilty. Any boy with long hair gets it described in depth, especially during sex. 4pts to the faerie boys and Darren.
RT:
S = 23
D = 30
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Does the character's appearance have a "reason" other than you just wanting her to look that way? (Blue eyes to prove that she's the reincarnation of a goddess, white streak to show that she's blessed, etc.) (4 points)
Do I get points for having a reason or not? The sidhe are fairly typical of their race, Ian and Rick are just pretty. Ethan has a reason (not telling, though it's fairly obvious) for looking OTT vampiric, and I'm trying to emphasise that most of Darren's family looks alike with distinctive features (the inbreeding you know). So 2pts to each, because I'm not sure of the question.
RT:
S = 23
D = 32
E = 12
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Do other characters rhapsodize on about her beauty? (3 points) (Add 2 points if the character is one who wouldn't normally do this, like a taciturn soldier).
Yeah, alright, but never in an inappropriate fashion. Most of them have lovers who are willing to go nuts of how gorgeous their other half is, and Ian's main weapon is seduction. 3pts to everyone but Ethan (poor Ethan)
RT:
S = 26
D = 35
E = 12
I = 12
IL = 20
R = 12
-Does she cause dramatic effects with her beauty, such as people fainting or traffic accidents? (5 points)
Gah... how corny is this. And I'm TECHNICALLY guilty of it. Sorry, my sidhe are BEAUTIFUL block caps important. It's not exclusive to Sitharensor and Ilatheril, it's a sidhe thing. Wars have been stopped by the awe inspiring beauty, charisma and presence of the sidhe. That's the main reason they rule. If either went among humans without a cloak fo glamour, then they would stop traffic.
RT:
S = 31
D = 35
E = 12
I = 12
IL = 25
R = 12
-Does she have scars that, no matter how ugly they would probably look in real life, just "add to her attractiveness?" (3 points)
Both Ian and Darren have scars, but they're body, not facial, and pretty subtle. They're not pretty, but they're not ugly. They just are.
-Does she have an unusual or symbolically significant marking or birthmark? (3 points).
Good gods no!
Background
-Does your character have:
...one dead parent? (1 point)
...two dead parents? (2 points)
...one or two murdered parents? (3 points) (Add 2 points if they were killed in front of her).
...dead parents who stayed alive long enough to make dramatic death speeches? (3 points) (Add 5 points if they were wounded in the heart or throat).
Oh dear... This is bad... this is very bad. Actually, now I think of it, not all that bad. Rick's parents are alive (arseholes, but live ones)
Rick: Unfortunately.
Darren: *glares* Don't say such things. It tempts fate.
Darren's got both parents. Same with Sitharensor. That leaves Ethan, Ilatheril... and Ian.
Ethan: That doesn't count! I'm immortal, my parents weren't. Old age is the ultimate killer.
Anyway. That's 2pts for Ethan. Ilatheril's mother died during the war - 1pt death, 3pts murder.
Sitharensor: *begins to comment on whether war is murder before thinking and deciding to shut up*
Ian... Well, I'm not revealing plot not yet revealed, but 10pts.
RT:
S = 31
D = 35
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Is the character an orphan/foundling/of unknown descent? (2 points).
...who will dramatically rediscover her heritage? (Add 2 points).
...who was raised as a peasant but is really a descendant of royalty? (Add 7 points, and I would ask you to please reconsider. Everyone and their mother has done this plotline to death).
Yuck, no! What am I, a fairy tale writer?! Go buy a disney video!
Was her family abusive? (3 points). (Add 2 points for every form of abuse on the list that your character has suffered).
-Neglect.
-Verbal abuse.
-Emotional abuse.
-Physical abuse.
-Sexual abuse.
-Being locked up.
-Being denied food or water.
-Family killed her pet/tore apart her stuffed animal.
Rick: Yes! I get points here.
You so don't.
Rick: What? Oh come one!
I'll give you 2 points for their homophobia, but that's it. They didn't disown you or anything.
Now, the others? Darren gets 19pts. Yes, he's messed up. I think Ilatheril might as well...
Ilatheril: What? I wasn't abused!
Ummm... you wouldn't convince an impartial jury of that.
Ilatheril: I've got the casting vote. I'm Unseelie - it's our ways. Not abuse. And don't claim neglect - father didn't have much choice in the matter.
Still...
Ilatheril: I mean it. I'll hear no slander on my family about children!
Ok... I'll not go there.
RT:
S = 31
D = 45
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Is the character the object of a prophecy? (10 points, and consider that note about reconsidering repeated here).
...whose coming has been delayed by a sadistic god by "destiny" for several hundred years? (Add 5 points).
Hmmm... no. I don't like prophecy. Technically Darren's path was laid out on his Pathlighting, but that wasn't prophecy, just an analysis of talent. It's be like me taking someone with brilliant language skills and predicting he'll be a linguist. And the whole 'he'll cause death and destruction' thing is expectation, not prophecy.
Is the character running away from home? (4 points).
...despite knowing diddlysquat about surviving in the world outside? (Add 3 points).
Darren did for pretty obvious reasons, and technically he knew nothing, but learned quickly. And had... skills anyway. Rick left home early, but didn't run away. He can pick up a phone any time.
Rick: I'll cut my hand off first.
RT:
S = 31
D = 52
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Are the bad guys/good guys looking for the character? (3 points).
Yes, desperately. And yes, they are good guys AND bad guys :)
Darren: Good guys. They do no wrong...
RT:
S = 31
D = 55
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Skills and Special Abilities
Each skill from the following list is worth 1 point. If your character can perform the skill perfectly the first time, without any training whatsoever, then each is worth 3 points.
Sword-fighting.
Knife-throwing.
Archery.
Bare-handed combat.
Destructive magic (flinging fireballs and the like).
Healing.
Singing beautifully.
Speaking to animals.
Shapeshifting.
Speaking to gods.
Speaking more than two languages.
Elemental magic.
Witchcraft.
Mental powers (telepathy, telekinesis).
Oooook. Darren has destructive magic and multi-lingual. Rick has healing, speaking to animals, shapeshifting, witchcraft and elemental powers TECHNICALLY. It all takes getting the right spirits to do the right tasks. Ian has sword fighting, knife-throwing, archery and bare-handed combat (but he REALLY works at them). Interestingly, he can't use guns. Ethan has bare hand combat and the effortless thing (he's a vampire. He's a lot faster, stronger and tougher than a human). Sitharensor & Ilatheril All fo them except the god thing. Magic is what the sidhe DO! The knife throwing gets the no training thing - they've never thrown knives but a combo of extremely good senses and perfect hand-eye co-ordination would make them extremely good at it.
SO Darren - 2, Rick - 5. Ian - 4. Ethan - 3. Sitharensor & Ilatheril - 15
RT:
S = 46
D = 57
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 43
R = 17
Is the character the "chosen" of a goddess/prophecy/elemental force/animal/big blue alien from Planet Yarkzarin? (5 points).
Nope. I repeat, I like not these prophecies.
Does the character manage to do things that would be impossible for anyone else (such as dress as a man when she has big busty breasts, survive falls from tall buildings with all bones intact, walk on a broken leg?) (4 points).
They do nothing which is impossible for someone of their species.
Does the character perform magic that most people in your world cannot perform? (2 points).
This is awkward. The sidhe can do magic of their species. In Rick &n Darren's world, while there is genertic magic most magic users could use (cantrips) in general you can only use magic if you have the inborn talent for it. And you inborn talent will be reserved for JUST 1 type, 2 if you're really powerful, 3 if you're very special.
So I'll give Darren 2pts for having 3 types of magic - again though, 2 or even 3 powers isn't unusual in Clan Camaalis because of millenia of selective breeding.
Add one point for every condition that applies to your character's magic.
She can do magic normally reserved for:
People of higher levels of training.
The opposite gender.
Another species.
Another type of mage.
People descended from a different bloodline.
The gods.
Actually, I'll give Sitharensor and Ilatheril a point each here.
RT:
S = 47
D = 59
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 17
Is your character THE most powerful/best mage or fighter in the world? (7 points).
*sigh* This just doesn't really apply in my world. Darren is the best sorcerer in the world - because he's the ONLY living sorcerer in the world! If comparing base magic strength, regardless of power, then no, he isn't. Not by a fair margin actually. He's also not especially well trained. The problem is that Sorcery is so destructive compared to most magics.
Darren: *glares* and, I might add, useless in nearly every other situation.
True. Sorcery is frankly crap magic. It's good at one thing - breaking stuff. And pretty poor at most other stuff. Daemonology and Necromancy aren't much better.
Personality and Relationships
These are worth 2 points each.
Does your character have only flaws that:
Are not really flaws, like "too much compassion" or "too much wit?"
Do not inconvenience her, like not being able to cook but then never having to cook?
Are bad habits, such as biting her nails?
Can be airbrushed away at the end of the story, like timidity or arrogance that miraculously vanish?
No. Flaws are brilliant plot points, if you're not going to use them properly then don't bother.
Does your character instantly win the trust and affection of all the good characters? (4 points).
...alienate/make spiteful or jealous or fearful the bad ones? (Add 3 points).
...make other characters obsess over her even when she's not around? (Add 4 points).
Don't be daft. All of these cut out huge amounts of interesting plot you can put in!
...completely change another character's personality, such as redeeming a villain, or making the jealous bitch into her worshipper? (Add 5 points).
Ok... I'm giving this to Rick. He's managed to pull Darren back from suicidal, and even make him happy at times.
RT:
S = 47
D = 59
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 22
Do the character and her love interest fall in love...
...within a few months? (2 points).
...within a week? (4 points).
...within a day? (6 points).
...at first sight? (8 points).
Rick gets within a week. TECHNICALLY Darren gets it as well - but that's not really true, just because I kind of skipped quite a huge amount of plot. Rick falls in love really quickly (it was lust and interest at first sight), Darren loves belonging, having a home and having someone who cares about him long before he loves Rick, he's got the months. Sitharensor and Ilatheril don't love each other... not yet anyway. If ever.
And BTW, isn't this a bit weird to give points to 'a few months'. What kind of relationships does the maker of this quiz have?! You don't have to spend years with someone before loving them.
RT:
S = 47
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 26
Are they soulmates or reincarnated lovers who have been together before? (10 points).
Ilatheril and Sitharensor get 5 points apiece. And yes, they're still not in love. They're not reincarnated lovers, but they are soul mates.
RT:
S = 52
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 26
Does the character cause out-of-character reactions in others, such as making the arrogant mage care more about her than his research, or impatient thieves put up with her whining about everything? (6 points).
Rick makes Darren happy, which is out of character... but that doesn't really count. 3 pts I think.
RT:
S = 52
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 29
Does the character never make:
Big mistakes? (2 points).
Small mistakes? (3 points).
Factual mistakes? (4 points)
Perceptual mistakes? (She knows who's good and who's evil, etc.) (5 points)
They're fallible, trust me on this.
Are the character's perceptions identical with objective reality? (20 points). This is the biggest sign of a Canon Mary Sue.
Nope. That would be rather boring...
Is there never any true competition for the main character? (5 points).
Darren can have 2pts for this. His family can compete with him, but he faces them in combat, and he is VERY good at killing stuff.
RT:
S = 52
D = 63
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 29
Is she the only one with any true personality? (7 points)
I hope not. I try to give everyone personalities - but they may not get as much screen time as these do.
For Male Characters Only
Do all the women/men love him? (5 points)
LOVE? Nope. Lust maybe (the sidhe) but not love.
Is he a maverick who goes against the authorities but never gets in trouble? (5 points).
What? Ian breaks a few dozen laws, but I'd hardly call him a maverick. Ah, he;s behind on points, he can have them.
Ian: *cold stare*
RT:
S = 52
D = 63
E = 17
I = 31
IL = 49
R = 29
Does he brood about things? (2 points)
Rick: *grabs Darren and pushes him forward* YES!!!
Yup, Darren is the king of brooding, followed by Ethan and Ian, both are fond of brooding.
RT:
S = 52
D = 65
E = 19
I = 33
IL = 49
R = 29
...that are not his fault? (Add 4 points).
Not Darren actually... he only broods about what he is and what he has done... so yes, it is all his fault... umm... technically.
Rick: *glares* That is so fucking unfair!
Ian is the king of brooding over things that aren't his fault. Ethan broods about life, not misdeeds.
Ian: I do not. I think of my failures, nothing more.
My point is made.
RT:
S = 52
D = 65
E = 19
I = 37
IL = 49
R = 29
...and the majority of his life is consumed by his angst? (Add 9 points).
All the muses together: *lower crown on Darren's head* We hail thee! King of angst!
Ethan and Ian are pretty good candidates as well.
RT:
S = 52
D = 74
E = 28
I = 46
IL = 49
R = 29
Your Relationship To The Character
Do you fantasize about being the character? (3 points)
...falling in love with/having sex with her? (4 points)
...falling in love with/having sex with her love interest? (5 points).
Do you act as the character outside the story (in a character journal, in an RPG, dressing up as her, etc.)? (8 points).
Ummm... Really no... REALLY REALLY no.
Do you think the character is above criticism? (8 points).
Hardly. I'll join in bashing them happily.
Does the character bear a marked physical resemblance to you? (4 points)
I am short and have long hair. That's about it as far as resemblance goes. Alright, I'll give Darren 4 for that, but I have dark skin and eyes. And I aren't that pretty either.
IS the character you? (15 points).
They're PART of me, but me, me? No. I don't think so.
And tallying it up...
0-80: Excellent character-building. Go you forth and give the world a good fantasy character.
81-175: Well, she might have some Sueish traits, but as long as you don't get carried away, you've still done well.
176-250: Sue. Go after the points you've probably earned in the personality and skills sections, and try to make others' reactions to her and her own powers a little bit more realistic.
251-299: Um. You can pull this off if you're a really, really good writer. I would advise against it, though.
300+: Completely and utterly Sueish. She needs to be hacked and burned. Or at least get some of those ridiculous cliches chopped off.
results:
Sitharensor = 52
Darren = 78
Ethan = 28
Ian = 46
Ilatheril = 49
Rick = 29
Why I do declare! I am biased, and must have fudged the results. How vain of me.
Anyways, the meme. I'll post something proper later. Honest, more faery boys.
Gacked from Klgaffney, who in turn gacked it off someone else I think...
The tested: (and testy)
Darren {spark in darkness} ("D")
Rick {spark in darkness} ("R")
Ian {Predator's Predator} ("I")
Sitharensor {Light & Dark} ("S")
Ilatheril {Light & Dark} ("Il")
Ethan {Generation Gap... why did I call it that... did I expect Radoslav and Ethan to slash? Ye gods, I was drunk!} ("E")
Character's Name
-Is the character's name your own, your nickname, your screenname, or a slight variant- for example, Kelli instead of Kelly? (10 points)
Nope, on all points. I wouldn't inflict my REAL name on anyone. And the name everyone uses is pleasantly boring.
-Is the character's name a noun or verb not often used by other people in your world for that function? (4 points)
Nope. Everyone has sensible names (for their cultures). I hate naming characters.
-Is the character's name completely inappropriate to the setting, such as a Japanese name in a world with no other trace of Japanese language or culture? (5 points).
Nope... well maybe Ethan, since it's kind of an old fashioned name (though it's suddenly made a huge come back), but he IS old. Wait, 2 points for Darren. Yes, it's a perfectly sensible name, but all of a sudden the rest of his family got a mix of celtic and eastern European names and he kind of stands out. Someone can make me very happy and tell me Darren and Katherine have celtic routes.
Running Total:
D = 2
-Is the character's main name a pseudonym? (2 points)
...that she chose as a reminder of her past? (Add 2).
...that is more "profound" or "cool" than her original name? (Add 1).
...that anyone with half a brain could use to connect the character with her original name, such as "Emilia" instead of "Emily?" (Add 4 points).
No. Hey, I'm doing well!
-Is the character named after a famous hero of the world or an animal? (2 points)
...And she has a mystical connection with that hero or that animal? (Add 4).
That would require me putting far too much effort into naming. Oh, 2 pts to Sitharensor, because most Seelie are named after an ancestor.
Running Total:
S = 2
D = 2
-Is the character's name a modern one in a medieval setting, such as Tiffany or Brittany? (3 points).
Nope.
Character's Appearance
-Does the character have an eye color that is unusual/rare among her people or species? (1 point)
...that is unique among her people/species? (2 points).
...that is nonexistent in nature? (Silver eyes with blue lightning bolts, etc.) (4 points)
Ethan has blood red eyes - all vamps do, but he can't hide it very well (1pt) Darren has extremely dark blue eyes, almost unique in humanity, but not for clan camaalis. Hey, it's a plot device! (1pt). The sidhes' eyes are perfectly normal for their species.
RT:
S = 2
D = 3
E = 1
-Do the character's eyes get described more often than anyone else's? (2 points)
...long after the reader should know what she looks like? (3 points)
...with many adjectives that are close variations of each other? (Blue eyes that are also called azure, cerulean, 'like a summer sky,' cobalt, etc.) (4 points).
Oh gods, yes. 9 points for everyone.
Rick: Hey, wait, this is so unfair! Look at his writing, look at his favourite sexy actors! Look at his BOYFRIEND for fuck's sake! Our writer has a severe unnatural fetish about eyes.
Darren: True. I think he would drool over quasimodo if he had nice eyes.
*thwap muses*
RT:
S = 11
D = 12
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 9
R = 9
-Does the character have long, silky hair that flows down to the middle of her back or ankles? (2 points)
...that never gets dirty or tangled in branches? (Add 2 points)
...that she can leave free without braiding and never have to wash or tend? (Add 2 points).
...that remains free in the midst of battle? (Add 3 points).
Rick: *falls over laughing*
Sitharensor: I believe this also counts as an obssesive fetish. He himself would score the first 2 points.
Ilatheril: And get a huge negative score for the rest.
*glares at muses* I wish to make it clear that my muses are not personifications of any fetishes. Understand? Good.
Look, I know I don't mention them fixing their hair, but they do have to tend it... honest. Besides, all the boys with long hair have magic as well! That helps, right!
Darren: I'm a sorcerer. Since when did the powers of the outerdark include a hair salon? *raises eyebrow sceptically* A Necromancer? I am not having a zombie body servant. Or a daemonic one.
*sigh* I'm guilty, aren't I? Well, Ian's is just longer than shoulder length :p I'm also taking sex to be equivalent to battle. So that's 9pts to Darren. 8pts to Sitharensor and Ilatheril (they CAN use their magic to tend their hair, and their glamour - so half points).
RT:
S = 19
D = 21
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Does the hair have some unusual marking, like a white streak that does not follow a scar or multiple colors? (3 points)
Amazingly... no! Darren's is black... really really black, I admit... but it's not unnatural or anything. Honest...
-Does the character's hair get described more often than any other character's? (2 points)
...at inappropriate times, such as in the midst of battle? (Add 2 points).
*groans*
Rick: Remember the fetish thing? Ow!
Quiet!
Alright, guilty. Any boy with long hair gets it described in depth, especially during sex. 4pts to the faerie boys and Darren.
RT:
S = 23
D = 30
E = 10
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Does the character's appearance have a "reason" other than you just wanting her to look that way? (Blue eyes to prove that she's the reincarnation of a goddess, white streak to show that she's blessed, etc.) (4 points)
Do I get points for having a reason or not? The sidhe are fairly typical of their race, Ian and Rick are just pretty. Ethan has a reason (not telling, though it's fairly obvious) for looking OTT vampiric, and I'm trying to emphasise that most of Darren's family looks alike with distinctive features (the inbreeding you know). So 2pts to each, because I'm not sure of the question.
RT:
S = 23
D = 32
E = 12
I = 9
IL = 17
R = 9
-Do other characters rhapsodize on about her beauty? (3 points) (Add 2 points if the character is one who wouldn't normally do this, like a taciturn soldier).
Yeah, alright, but never in an inappropriate fashion. Most of them have lovers who are willing to go nuts of how gorgeous their other half is, and Ian's main weapon is seduction. 3pts to everyone but Ethan (poor Ethan)
RT:
S = 26
D = 35
E = 12
I = 12
IL = 20
R = 12
-Does she cause dramatic effects with her beauty, such as people fainting or traffic accidents? (5 points)
Gah... how corny is this. And I'm TECHNICALLY guilty of it. Sorry, my sidhe are BEAUTIFUL block caps important. It's not exclusive to Sitharensor and Ilatheril, it's a sidhe thing. Wars have been stopped by the awe inspiring beauty, charisma and presence of the sidhe. That's the main reason they rule. If either went among humans without a cloak fo glamour, then they would stop traffic.
RT:
S = 31
D = 35
E = 12
I = 12
IL = 25
R = 12
-Does she have scars that, no matter how ugly they would probably look in real life, just "add to her attractiveness?" (3 points)
Both Ian and Darren have scars, but they're body, not facial, and pretty subtle. They're not pretty, but they're not ugly. They just are.
-Does she have an unusual or symbolically significant marking or birthmark? (3 points).
Good gods no!
Background
-Does your character have:
...one dead parent? (1 point)
...two dead parents? (2 points)
...one or two murdered parents? (3 points) (Add 2 points if they were killed in front of her).
...dead parents who stayed alive long enough to make dramatic death speeches? (3 points) (Add 5 points if they were wounded in the heart or throat).
Oh dear... This is bad... this is very bad. Actually, now I think of it, not all that bad. Rick's parents are alive (arseholes, but live ones)
Rick: Unfortunately.
Darren: *glares* Don't say such things. It tempts fate.
Darren's got both parents. Same with Sitharensor. That leaves Ethan, Ilatheril... and Ian.
Ethan: That doesn't count! I'm immortal, my parents weren't. Old age is the ultimate killer.
Anyway. That's 2pts for Ethan. Ilatheril's mother died during the war - 1pt death, 3pts murder.
Sitharensor: *begins to comment on whether war is murder before thinking and deciding to shut up*
Ian... Well, I'm not revealing plot not yet revealed, but 10pts.
RT:
S = 31
D = 35
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Is the character an orphan/foundling/of unknown descent? (2 points).
...who will dramatically rediscover her heritage? (Add 2 points).
...who was raised as a peasant but is really a descendant of royalty? (Add 7 points, and I would ask you to please reconsider. Everyone and their mother has done this plotline to death).
Yuck, no! What am I, a fairy tale writer?! Go buy a disney video!
Was her family abusive? (3 points). (Add 2 points for every form of abuse on the list that your character has suffered).
-Neglect.
-Verbal abuse.
-Emotional abuse.
-Physical abuse.
-Sexual abuse.
-Being locked up.
-Being denied food or water.
-Family killed her pet/tore apart her stuffed animal.
Rick: Yes! I get points here.
You so don't.
Rick: What? Oh come one!
I'll give you 2 points for their homophobia, but that's it. They didn't disown you or anything.
Now, the others? Darren gets 19pts. Yes, he's messed up. I think Ilatheril might as well...
Ilatheril: What? I wasn't abused!
Ummm... you wouldn't convince an impartial jury of that.
Ilatheril: I've got the casting vote. I'm Unseelie - it's our ways. Not abuse. And don't claim neglect - father didn't have much choice in the matter.
Still...
Ilatheril: I mean it. I'll hear no slander on my family about children!
Ok... I'll not go there.
RT:
S = 31
D = 45
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Is the character the object of a prophecy? (10 points, and consider that note about reconsidering repeated here).
...whose coming has been delayed by a sadistic god by "destiny" for several hundred years? (Add 5 points).
Hmmm... no. I don't like prophecy. Technically Darren's path was laid out on his Pathlighting, but that wasn't prophecy, just an analysis of talent. It's be like me taking someone with brilliant language skills and predicting he'll be a linguist. And the whole 'he'll cause death and destruction' thing is expectation, not prophecy.
Is the character running away from home? (4 points).
...despite knowing diddlysquat about surviving in the world outside? (Add 3 points).
Darren did for pretty obvious reasons, and technically he knew nothing, but learned quickly. And had... skills anyway. Rick left home early, but didn't run away. He can pick up a phone any time.
Rick: I'll cut my hand off first.
RT:
S = 31
D = 52
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Are the bad guys/good guys looking for the character? (3 points).
Yes, desperately. And yes, they are good guys AND bad guys :)
Darren: Good guys. They do no wrong...
RT:
S = 31
D = 55
E = 14
I = 22
IL = 28
R = 12
Skills and Special Abilities
Each skill from the following list is worth 1 point. If your character can perform the skill perfectly the first time, without any training whatsoever, then each is worth 3 points.
Sword-fighting.
Knife-throwing.
Archery.
Bare-handed combat.
Destructive magic (flinging fireballs and the like).
Healing.
Singing beautifully.
Speaking to animals.
Shapeshifting.
Speaking to gods.
Speaking more than two languages.
Elemental magic.
Witchcraft.
Mental powers (telepathy, telekinesis).
Oooook. Darren has destructive magic and multi-lingual. Rick has healing, speaking to animals, shapeshifting, witchcraft and elemental powers TECHNICALLY. It all takes getting the right spirits to do the right tasks. Ian has sword fighting, knife-throwing, archery and bare-handed combat (but he REALLY works at them). Interestingly, he can't use guns. Ethan has bare hand combat and the effortless thing (he's a vampire. He's a lot faster, stronger and tougher than a human). Sitharensor & Ilatheril All fo them except the god thing. Magic is what the sidhe DO! The knife throwing gets the no training thing - they've never thrown knives but a combo of extremely good senses and perfect hand-eye co-ordination would make them extremely good at it.
SO Darren - 2, Rick - 5. Ian - 4. Ethan - 3. Sitharensor & Ilatheril - 15
RT:
S = 46
D = 57
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 43
R = 17
Is the character the "chosen" of a goddess/prophecy/elemental force/animal/big blue alien from Planet Yarkzarin? (5 points).
Nope. I repeat, I like not these prophecies.
Does the character manage to do things that would be impossible for anyone else (such as dress as a man when she has big busty breasts, survive falls from tall buildings with all bones intact, walk on a broken leg?) (4 points).
They do nothing which is impossible for someone of their species.
Does the character perform magic that most people in your world cannot perform? (2 points).
This is awkward. The sidhe can do magic of their species. In Rick &n Darren's world, while there is genertic magic most magic users could use (cantrips) in general you can only use magic if you have the inborn talent for it. And you inborn talent will be reserved for JUST 1 type, 2 if you're really powerful, 3 if you're very special.
So I'll give Darren 2pts for having 3 types of magic - again though, 2 or even 3 powers isn't unusual in Clan Camaalis because of millenia of selective breeding.
Add one point for every condition that applies to your character's magic.
She can do magic normally reserved for:
People of higher levels of training.
The opposite gender.
Another species.
Another type of mage.
People descended from a different bloodline.
The gods.
Actually, I'll give Sitharensor and Ilatheril a point each here.
RT:
S = 47
D = 59
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 17
Is your character THE most powerful/best mage or fighter in the world? (7 points).
*sigh* This just doesn't really apply in my world. Darren is the best sorcerer in the world - because he's the ONLY living sorcerer in the world! If comparing base magic strength, regardless of power, then no, he isn't. Not by a fair margin actually. He's also not especially well trained. The problem is that Sorcery is so destructive compared to most magics.
Darren: *glares* and, I might add, useless in nearly every other situation.
True. Sorcery is frankly crap magic. It's good at one thing - breaking stuff. And pretty poor at most other stuff. Daemonology and Necromancy aren't much better.
Personality and Relationships
These are worth 2 points each.
Does your character have only flaws that:
Are not really flaws, like "too much compassion" or "too much wit?"
Do not inconvenience her, like not being able to cook but then never having to cook?
Are bad habits, such as biting her nails?
Can be airbrushed away at the end of the story, like timidity or arrogance that miraculously vanish?
No. Flaws are brilliant plot points, if you're not going to use them properly then don't bother.
Does your character instantly win the trust and affection of all the good characters? (4 points).
...alienate/make spiteful or jealous or fearful the bad ones? (Add 3 points).
...make other characters obsess over her even when she's not around? (Add 4 points).
Don't be daft. All of these cut out huge amounts of interesting plot you can put in!
...completely change another character's personality, such as redeeming a villain, or making the jealous bitch into her worshipper? (Add 5 points).
Ok... I'm giving this to Rick. He's managed to pull Darren back from suicidal, and even make him happy at times.
RT:
S = 47
D = 59
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 22
Do the character and her love interest fall in love...
...within a few months? (2 points).
...within a week? (4 points).
...within a day? (6 points).
...at first sight? (8 points).
Rick gets within a week. TECHNICALLY Darren gets it as well - but that's not really true, just because I kind of skipped quite a huge amount of plot. Rick falls in love really quickly (it was lust and interest at first sight), Darren loves belonging, having a home and having someone who cares about him long before he loves Rick, he's got the months. Sitharensor and Ilatheril don't love each other... not yet anyway. If ever.
And BTW, isn't this a bit weird to give points to 'a few months'. What kind of relationships does the maker of this quiz have?! You don't have to spend years with someone before loving them.
RT:
S = 47
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 44
R = 26
Are they soulmates or reincarnated lovers who have been together before? (10 points).
Ilatheril and Sitharensor get 5 points apiece. And yes, they're still not in love. They're not reincarnated lovers, but they are soul mates.
RT:
S = 52
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 26
Does the character cause out-of-character reactions in others, such as making the arrogant mage care more about her than his research, or impatient thieves put up with her whining about everything? (6 points).
Rick makes Darren happy, which is out of character... but that doesn't really count. 3 pts I think.
RT:
S = 52
D = 61
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 29
Does the character never make:
Big mistakes? (2 points).
Small mistakes? (3 points).
Factual mistakes? (4 points)
Perceptual mistakes? (She knows who's good and who's evil, etc.) (5 points)
They're fallible, trust me on this.
Are the character's perceptions identical with objective reality? (20 points). This is the biggest sign of a Canon Mary Sue.
Nope. That would be rather boring...
Is there never any true competition for the main character? (5 points).
Darren can have 2pts for this. His family can compete with him, but he faces them in combat, and he is VERY good at killing stuff.
RT:
S = 52
D = 63
E = 17
I = 26
IL = 49
R = 29
Is she the only one with any true personality? (7 points)
I hope not. I try to give everyone personalities - but they may not get as much screen time as these do.
For Male Characters Only
Do all the women/men love him? (5 points)
LOVE? Nope. Lust maybe (the sidhe) but not love.
Is he a maverick who goes against the authorities but never gets in trouble? (5 points).
What? Ian breaks a few dozen laws, but I'd hardly call him a maverick. Ah, he;s behind on points, he can have them.
Ian: *cold stare*
RT:
S = 52
D = 63
E = 17
I = 31
IL = 49
R = 29
Does he brood about things? (2 points)
Rick: *grabs Darren and pushes him forward* YES!!!
Yup, Darren is the king of brooding, followed by Ethan and Ian, both are fond of brooding.
RT:
S = 52
D = 65
E = 19
I = 33
IL = 49
R = 29
...that are not his fault? (Add 4 points).
Not Darren actually... he only broods about what he is and what he has done... so yes, it is all his fault... umm... technically.
Rick: *glares* That is so fucking unfair!
Ian is the king of brooding over things that aren't his fault. Ethan broods about life, not misdeeds.
Ian: I do not. I think of my failures, nothing more.
My point is made.
RT:
S = 52
D = 65
E = 19
I = 37
IL = 49
R = 29
...and the majority of his life is consumed by his angst? (Add 9 points).
All the muses together: *lower crown on Darren's head* We hail thee! King of angst!
Ethan and Ian are pretty good candidates as well.
RT:
S = 52
D = 74
E = 28
I = 46
IL = 49
R = 29
Your Relationship To The Character
Do you fantasize about being the character? (3 points)
...falling in love with/having sex with her? (4 points)
...falling in love with/having sex with her love interest? (5 points).
Do you act as the character outside the story (in a character journal, in an RPG, dressing up as her, etc.)? (8 points).
Ummm... Really no... REALLY REALLY no.
Do you think the character is above criticism? (8 points).
Hardly. I'll join in bashing them happily.
Does the character bear a marked physical resemblance to you? (4 points)
I am short and have long hair. That's about it as far as resemblance goes. Alright, I'll give Darren 4 for that, but I have dark skin and eyes. And I aren't that pretty either.
IS the character you? (15 points).
They're PART of me, but me, me? No. I don't think so.
And tallying it up...
0-80: Excellent character-building. Go you forth and give the world a good fantasy character.
81-175: Well, she might have some Sueish traits, but as long as you don't get carried away, you've still done well.
176-250: Sue. Go after the points you've probably earned in the personality and skills sections, and try to make others' reactions to her and her own powers a little bit more realistic.
251-299: Um. You can pull this off if you're a really, really good writer. I would advise against it, though.
300+: Completely and utterly Sueish. She needs to be hacked and burned. Or at least get some of those ridiculous cliches chopped off.
results:
Sitharensor = 52
Darren = 78
Ethan = 28
Ian = 46
Ilatheril = 49
Rick = 29
Why I do declare! I am biased, and must have fudged the results. How vain of me.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2004-03-01 10:16 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-03-03 02:25 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2004-03-03 05:06 pm (UTC)know what you mean. i finally had to wipe my bookmarks and start over just to get a handle on things... ~sniffle~ and now i just want to bawl because they're all goooonnnneeee...!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-03-06 10:21 am (UTC)