Alts 101: Why I think they break immersion
-
I'm putting this post up because I've seen a lot of alts IG lately.
While I am not entitled to tell you how to enjoy CoA, I think it's important a few of these points be reiterated so people playing alts can understand why myself and others might find playing with them and their numerous characters less desirable.
Alts can provide some minor fun at times, whether you'd like to test a build or weigh a new concept. Maybe you're between characters. I've been there. However, I have found lately that people are getting involved in plots/relevant RP on two separate PCs. This can be extremely frustrating for me as a PC. It's immersion breaking. It takes away from others fun. Not to mention, it can get your character deleted.
If you're between characters and often playing different ones, I politely ask that you refrain from getting involved in my plots and RP, simply on the premise that I don't want you to play both sides of the plot. It can be very irritating when players do this. It has happened to me before and I'm sure it will happen again. While I'm sure some people can handle being mature with OOC spoilers, many simply cannot and will abuse them for IC gain or even change actions which would normally be IC in order to prevent something they actually know will happen OOCly, etc.
Successful PCs are built by sticking to one and developing it. If you're constantly between PCs, chances are you're not going to get much done and it will not be very exciting for you. When developing a character think about what you really /want/ to play and play as that character, not you. Sometimes it can be frustrating but it is always worth it. I know how difficult developing a character can be, especially pre-creation. I find a few basic personality traits help me when I begin, so that I can develop more obvious ones to me through playing IG.
If anyone would like help developing a PC/concept, I will gladly make myself available, as I'm sure most of the DM team would too. Honestly, I'm willing to do anything to see less alts and more awesome. I enjoy having as many people as possible involved with plots and I love including people but if you're going to play as an alt, I'm not only going to leave you behind but OOCly encourage others to do the same to avoid having plots disrupted or ruined.
Again, I'm in no way trying to tell anyone how to play. Simply discouraging something that probably should be left behind in favour of building a cool PC.
-
One of the problems I encounter is longevity in a character. I end up with alts mostly because it feels likes plots can sometimes be taken over by groups who are somewhat exclusive . Not in that they turn people away, but in that they are so much more available to one another. My last two characters were essentially alone, carrying a plot that was started and known about by another player, but who was unavailable. Alts to me feel like a safe way to go because of this. Perhaps this is misguided?
-
Alts are fine. But if you get involved on both sides of something. Choose one of the characters to play. Because if you start messing things up and metagaming, then I will simply choose one for you, and the other will be deleted.
Again, alts are -fine- metagaming or playing both sides of a conflict are -not-
-
You can play alts whenever you want, keep in mind when you are in a faction/playing an app character that we expect you to play those more
Never use your alts in things your main is involved with, plots, conflicts, etc. Cause that pretty much guarantee meta gaming
No need to exclude characters cause they are alts IG, if there are issues/concerns speak with a DM for reassurance in the matter
Main importance: Have fun, enjoy the game but keep to the rules so everyone can have a fun time no matter their playing style :)
-
I generally try not to engage in Plots with alts. Questing is fine. But One Plot, One PC.
What I see however, is a propensity for Cannon Fodder on DM Events, who have no prior connection to the plot involved. I don't think that is a bad thing, because people want to get involved. But there are drawbacks to that too.
-
Of the same attitude. I prefer ppl showcasing courtesy to other ppl' plots by sticking to one char at the time. Also I have a real hard time investing time on other ppl' alts since I know it's just an alt for a week or something and u never know when they quit it etc..
-
Alts are stupid. Play one if you want, but there is nothing to be gained by doing so beyond perhaps setting up the next PC you wish to play.
-
I try to stick to one character. Makes little sense to play a lot for me.
There are far more talented players here then me, and I treat their chars' secrets and plots as gifts I receive through mine. I need to stick to my char if I am to get these 'gifts'.It is pretty disappointing when my plot-idea, job offer or agenda gets ignored by the same player's 12 chars. Not to mention when they roll higher for the best item after a DM quest. ;)
-
Alts are for trolling.
-
I always wondered what's your main DM-account.
-
I always wondered what's your main DM-account.
AHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHA!!!! HAHAHA!AHAHAHAH!!!!
Gold.
-
I agree with Dobby. Just because something is not against the rules doesn't make it a good idea. Also AaronFF wins thread.
-
As someone who had played either just one character for a while, or many alts at once, here is my take. Play an alt if you feel the need. But if your main is getting into serious stuff maybe you should let your alts fade back. You will noticed when you should do this because you find you have to log a specific character in just to do things to push a plot or idea or even just an interaction much more often than you do all your others.
Not every adventurer is the "main" character, not everyone shines all the time. Sometimes alts are a good thing. Feeling stuck with your main? Have that alt quest fighter you like to just bash crap with? Nothing wrong with that, go bash stuff then come back to your main refreshed. Sometimes you just need to step away from something to get your mind around something you are stuck with.
And why would you want to get involved with both sides of a plot using different characters? Do it with one!
-
Caylee was an alt when i got stuck with Szarne–- had a blast.
Merry was an alt when I got tuck with Cormac-- Had a blast, niether Szarne or Cormac made it back in game, Both Merry and Caylee wound up having decent stories, Even if Merry was short.Alts are great to get out of a rut, and can become mains if they feel right. But I made sure to not get involved with Szarnes or Cormacs Plots with either alt, even after they were established.
-
If I play an alt, it is usualy a none-serious or steriotypical trope. In some rare cases it is just a comic relief troll that I am doing to get RP without any worry about what happens to them. Sometimes your main's plots just get too heavy and you need to step away and just have some good old fashioned fun. I tend to get too involved and invested in my mains sometimes and having a simple alt where all I do is something mindless and fun, helps me keep on track with my main instead of retiring them. I probably could have kept alot of stories going if I had done this before, then again…. sometimes when I start an Alt and they turn out being really fun I abandon the main for this character... most of my most successful character I've ever made were originally alts I made between my "real" concepts because they were just more fun.
-
I play alts when I am between main chars because questing is fun.
-
alts are -fine- metagaming or playing both sides of a conflict are -not-
-
If i play an alt, they are for pure rp and do not get involved in plots or important conflicts. My mains are always serious characters, who get involved in plots and join factions, so i like a light hearted break every now and then
-
I usually play alts to test stuff (new features that may still be buggy), to do a cool challenge (ie. solo Ladies Challenge at level 1 while naked), or when there is only 2-3 low levels on to help them quest.