A pleasant thought about powergaming

[ Well-intentioned but half-baked post deleted by author; see my later reply ]

As a preface, I simply want to talk, and I’m pretty bad at expressing my intentions correctly. I do not want to argue, nor do I intend to offend anyone, but I feel the need to say something about this topic. Apologies in advanced.

Hey-hello, I am one of those people here who does list his powers and abilities because he plays fantasy characters in a pretty chill RP space. While I appreciate how it seems like you’re trying to be kind about the subject of people like myself (I can’t actually tell, I’m not very good at gauging that), I’d like to simply put down the idea that some people have a much different interest in RP that does not instantly revolve around being a completely normal person in a rift-shattered world, and that sort of thing brings this on.

Some of them like to be particular about what they can do / what they have as to give others a chance to know what they can do before interaction. I personally do this to draw interest to what my characters can and will want to do, how they interact with the world, ways to give me more descriptive possibilities without looking like I’m just pulling a rabbit out of any old hat. No, Its gotta be that hat, the one I described there.

But, referring back to the original post, none of what you talk about really deals with powergaming. Powergaming is forcing someone into actions they didn’t agree to, just saying “I did it” and getting on with it, instead of leaving the question for others: “How can I change this situation?” So, if what you are really talking about is simply a character with powers and abilities that exceed a normal person’s, then why label them as someone who forces another into a situation they don’t want to be in?

Additionally, I know it might not be your true intention have it feel like a mock, but I have never took kindly to being laughed at and seen as a child for my appearance or my actions. What you perceive- through your own words- as laughable, childish play, is simply the method in which some people feel most comfortable interacting. It has little to do with how long someone has been roleplaying, and quite simply is their preferred style; maybe its per character, or maybe its just them.

All in all, what I mean to say is that there is a difference between the way someone creates their character, and how they play them. If they are simply listing off things their character can do in ‘powers and abilities’ or having sort-of dramatic moments that don’t exactly appeal to a relaxed style of play, that doesn’t mean they are or should be labeled as a powergamer right from the first moment.

Simply smile, maybe give a wave and a note that you’re preoccupied through your actions, and then you’ll find their true colors in the moments you find them around you.

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You know what, you are correct. While I meant my original post in good humor and celebration about how wonderful the text medium is for role-playing, I can see how it could be taken negatively or patronizingly.

I have withdrawn it; it’s really more of a thing to post in a personal blog than a public discussion space. I appreciate the insight! Keep making and playing awesome characters. :slight_smile:

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You too, keep having fun, alright? I appreciate my time around yah even if in passing, so no hard feelings!