The Impossibles is different from the other games here at NPG. Sure, each game has its own unique vibe, but they all have one thing in common; they all have rules. This one does not. I'm thinking of The Impossibles as a "de-regulated RP"; one where there's no dice rolling, where the needs of the narrative are more important than following the rules. There are no character stats, no parameters for character creation, no hit points, magic points, +1 bonuses or any of the other accoutrements associated with most games.

As such, it's extremely important that those playing this game be mature and capable of putting the needs of the story and the fun of all the players/storytellers involved before their own desires to kick a**. It's not too hard to imagine that with super heroes, the powers can get out of hand very quickly - and while the mods here will still be approving profiles before play, it needs to be said that the story comes first. No God-modding. Especially here. If you start up, you'll get a warning. If you keep it up, you risk being banned from this particular game.

Keep in mind that role-playing is a collaborative process; everyone wants to contribute to telling a great story. If this is your honest desire, you shouldn't have any problems here. But if you want to be an unstoppable god among men with no real contribution to the story, you might want to consider another game.

That said, consider these guidelines when creating your character:

1. Most super-hero type characters have only a single power which they use for varying effects. It's fairly uncommon for a character to have several different unrelated powers - the ones who do are considered to be powerhouses. I'm not saying you can't have more than one power, but if you do, have a way to explain it within the context of your character, his backstory, or the larger context of his main power. Wolverine, for example, has the mutant power of rapid healing. His adamantium claws and skeleton were grafted into him because he was the only subject who could survive such a procedure. Or Spider-man may have super strength, agility, stamina, a danger sense, and the ability to shoot webs...but these all relate to his core power; doing whatever a spider can.

2. Other characters may have a relatively weak or very focused power. To make up for this, they have a number of skills or other mundane advantages which put them on the same playing field as other characters. Take, for instance, Cyclops who can shoot concussive blasts of energy...not much else you can do with that. But he's a brilliant tactician and possesses a number of technical skills from piloting a jet to group leadership. Perhaps the best example of a skilled hero is Batman, who has no powers but manages to keep pace with other powered beings through training, tenacity, tools, and tactics (yay for alliteration). Just as with powers, however, don't go overboard. No one is good at everything. This brings me to my third point...

3. Weakness. Everyone has them. It may not be something as obvious as Kryptonite. Your character may have to rely on an external power source (such as Iron Man's suit) and, when cut off from said source, he becomes powerless. Or maybe your character's weakness is something more personal...maybe he has a secret sin that he can't tear himself away from like drug or sex addiction. Maybe he cares greatly for someone else such as a wife or sibling and that person could be used to get to him. Everyone has a weakness. Giving your character one is the most surefire way to make him well-rounded and enjoyable to play...plus, it puts you on everyone else's good side. wink

4. Be sure you include just how your character got his powers in your backstory. Power changes people irrevocably. No matter who you were, when something as momentous as becoming able to fly happens, your entire life changes. Not only that, your outlook on life changes as well...especially in the context of a world that (mostly) hates and fears post-humans. What does your character want to do with his power? What are his dreams? Does he want to use his power for good, for evil, or for entirely selfish reasons? Where your power comes from and where its going are critical elements to rounding out your character.

If you follow these simple guidelines when creating your character, you're sure to stay well within the vague boundaries between playing fair and being a power gaming butt-wipe. Thanks for taking the time to read all of this and feel free to post any further comments or suggestions you have to other players for making a well-rounded character!