Re: [HoE] Wasted West Archetypes:The Kid.

[DarrinBrig@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/28/98 1:24:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
deadlander@juno.com writes:

> P.S.  Why do these games insist on having the
>  child/ewok/cute-little-pooka character template?  Does anyone out there
>  seriously play these archtypes for more than an adventure or two (or for
>  laughs at a con)?  I'm just wondering.

This is actually a fairly complex question, but in an attempt to be less than
erudite about it...

The Kid archetype is not only prevalent in many mythical structures, fairy
tales, and more modern fiction, it also has several places within RPGs.  Many
people enjoy playing younger characters because they like to approach the game
with a more innocent viewpoint.  And *yes*, I have seen a lot of people choose
these archetypes because they *want* to play them.  And trust me, when you've
got an entire group full of macho lesbian chainmail-bra-clad battle babes
being played by testosterone-starved keyboard-jockeys, someone who wants to
play a character that isn't directly involved with the "Who can do the most
damage/kill the most things" contests that some RPGs devolve into can be a
welcome breath of fresh air.

Remember, gamers can be broken into four semi-distinct groups: Munchkins, Real
Men/Women, Roleplayers, and Loonies. While your gun-toting
Bloodthirsty+Vengeful+Mean As A Rattler pistoleros are going to generally be
king on the table, having outlets for the Roleplayers and Loonies is
necessary, and can bring something to the game that might be overlooked by
more combat-conscious characters... and if need be, gives the "battle babes"
something to shoot at if things get slow.