From:	Mach <mach@****.CALTECH.EDU>
Subject:	Re: New person in town... :-)
Date:	Tue, 11 Aug 1998 15:01:09 -0700

On Tue, 11 Aug 1998, Jean-Paul wrote:

> I thought I'd introduce myself before entering in on the ShadowrunTK list.

Always a good idea.

> I am a GM for several players in my local area, but when the chance arises I
> really do enjoy playing a Character of mine, Baloo, who is a Troll and found
> at a young age he was a follower of bear. He's by no means a typical Troll,
> as you will all no doubt appreciate with him dealing with Magic. To date
> I've not heard of anyone else doing likewise (although having said that,
> that might change :-).

Well, a Troll Shaman is not something unheard of around here (talk to
Jaimie Nicholson about his Troll Shark Shaman: Thirstein (a.k.a.
Thunderstone) for a recent, high-profile example), but new characters are
always welcome. In fact, given the age of the list, and the number of
people that have come and gone, developing a completely and totally
original idea is almost impossible (which is not to say that it hasn't
been done). The main thing is to come up with a character that is
"unique" enough to be able to stand up on their own and, more importantly,
stand alone as a good character in their own right. This has less to do
with an original character concept, as it does the actual depiction and
use of the character in the fiction you will be writing or assisting with.
In fact, I would recommend to anyone that it is better to write well and
develop a solid character than it would be to come up with something
original or elaborate, although originality is generally a good thing.
Good fiction is, of course, the only goal we are "playing" towards.

--My two yen

Jeff