Some characters come with handfuls of strength, abilities, gifts and skills. It seems like they can do it all and then some. Powerful characters can be very intimidating at times, especially when your character is just a human.
The meek shall inherit the earth, they say, but remembering that is tough when your lowly David is facing off against Goliath.
Remember, Goliath had a weakness. Everyone does. Characters have weaknesses too, no matter how big, powerful, strong, magical or supernatural the character may be.
It’s still quite common to hear a player say, “This isn’t fun. My human character doesn’t have a hope in hell. That supernatural character is too powerful.”
We believe that there is no such thing as too powerful. Everyone has a weakness. There are only players who have no interest in finding the chinks in the armor, who want the easy solution presented to them.
There are certainly situations that are more difficult. Yes, human characters may find it a complex challenge to face supernaturals with all sorts of abilities. The game can seem unbalanced.
But it is not. There are abilities humans have that supernaturals don’t have. There are weaknesses that supernaturals must hide lest they be hunted down and killed. There are even mental triggers and cracks. A tough exterior or a high ego likely hides a very tender spot of emotion.
Ever see a grown man cry? Trust me; they do and can. But you need to find the right button to push.
Players must use their brains to find solutions, solve mysteries or reveal the hidden weaknesses. A defeatist attitude that sees only the character strength never goes far. If all you can see is what a character can do, give up.
Or look deeper. Find the weakness. Look for the tender spot. Reveal the softer side. Discover the fault. Delve deep and dig.
You may realize there’s a very human side to every supernatural.
People who make this complaint are lame-os.
Scott’s last blog post..MINE
Hugely powerful creatures that are not PCs can play two roles:
First is to be a force of nature or destruction. Imagine a world where a behemoth-like beast rampages and destroys every sign of civilisation it finds. Not many cities, there.
Second is to force player characters to make tough choices, which do a good story make. A dragon demanding one maiden a month or it will start rampaging provokes a reaction. What if the only known way to destroy the dragon is a pact with the devil? What will you do?
Tommi’s last blog post..WoAdWriMo
I loved some of the magic-type items you could get in WoD. There’s nothing quite like the look on the face of the court full of vampires when the lone outsider pulls out his artifact that functions as a tiny piece of sunlight. XD
Jack’s last blog post..Travelling
@ Scott – Hehehe… Don’t worry. I’ve heard this complaint often, and it usually comes from people who aren’t feeling like thinking too hard on the solutions. They come around in the end.
@ Tommi – I personally love the huge drama that comes with tough decisions. Even the most powerful character in the world has a weakness and finding it, then slamming with it, makes for great scenes.
@ Jack – Oh damn. Nice one. A sliver of sun, anyone?
@Jack: Like that sun bomb in VanHelsing. Gotta love it.
“Players must use their brains to find solutions, solve mysteries or reveal the hidden weaknesses.”
Hell, this is my favorite part of RPGs. I’m so glad you wrote this article. I think I asked one or both of you not long ago why someone would NOT want to play a super if given the choice. Now I get it, and I think the challenge would be really fun.
Nicole’s last blog post..What Comes Around