Questions about Backgrounds and Histories

SelenitySelenity My first MC to stay in Serenwilde
Hello! So I'm looking into writing a background/history because I'm interested, and because it's a requirement for a guild task. Follow? Cool!

So, I looked at the in-game help file regarding this, and I'm left with a couple of questions.

  1. Are histories and backgrounds written in first person (from the perspective of your character) or third person (narrating what is going on to/with your character)?
  2. How much information is too much information?
  3. If your character has a background/history/past that involves an NPC, is this alright to mention in the background/history? Not talking about a stark romance, being a love child, or any cultish rituals or anything like that.

Thanks for your help and responses!

Comments

  • edited October 2014
    1. It is written by your character.  It depends on your character if it should be written in first or third person.  Daganev prefers thirdperson, as he wants his thoughts to be guarded.  If writing your initial background in first person, remember to that you lost your memory after entering the portal of  fates.

    2. Whatever the reader is willing to bear.

    3. Don't be shy to include NPCs if it's reasonable and not Mary Sue.

    Oh and which guild has backgrounds as a requirement? very cool.
  • SelenitySelenity My first MC to stay in Serenwilde
    I fail, this should have been a question. Anyway!

    Spiritsingers. They also have guild tasks involving placing in the Bardics and Artisanals. Gods help me. ;_;

    1. It's written by my character? First person it is then!
    2. Which means that I should probably aim for 1500 words or less.
    3. I ran my character through the Mary Sue Litmus Test (... good at playing instruments and an exceptional singing voice is on the test and I checked it, despite being a Spiritsinger... also clicked for languages even tho she's a Bookbinder...) and scored a 29. If we drop the music and the languages, she's a 18. Pretty sure she's safe then in terms of being a Mary Sue. Strangely, the thing I was wondering about didn't even appear on the Mary Sue litmus test.
  • DaraiusDaraius Shevat The juror's taco spot
    Does the guild require you to use the actual background/history mechanic? You can't edit those once they're written, so be careful. Also have a look at Tsianina's background for an idea of the alternative possibilities you can pursue.
    I used to make cakes.

    Estarra the Eternal says, "Give Shevat the floor please."
  • SelenitySelenity My first MC to stay in Serenwilde
    Daraius said:
    Does the guild require you to use the actual background/history mechanic? You can't edit those once they're written, so be careful. Also have a look at Tsianina's background for an idea of the alternative possibilities you can pursue.
    Yes, I think so. It's actually a requirement, too. I'd log in to double check but I'm getting ready for class.
  • SelenitySelenity My first MC to stay in Serenwilde
    Only worth two points. ;_; But yeah, from GHELP TASKS

    Self-Knowledge: Submit a personal history or background to the Hall of
    Records (HELP HISTORY), comprising a substantive, well-written account
    which reveals something about your past and perhaps explains something
    about your present. 2 points

    The other ones with bardics + artisanals...

    -------------
    Below are all worth 10 points, as they are more assosiated with the
    outer realms.
    -------------
    ________
    High Bard: Through the submission of bardics, earn the rank of High Bard
    from the Bardic Council of Vesteran Honours.
    ________
    High Master: Through the submission of artisanals, earn the rank of High
    Master from the Artisanal Council of Vesteran Honours.

    ________
    Maestro: Through the submission of bardics, earn the rank of Maestro
    from the Bardic Council of Vesteran Honours.
    ________
    Sculptor: Through the submission of artisanals, earn the rank of
    Sculptor from the Artisanal Council of Vesteran Honours.
    ________
    Sketcher: Through the submission of artisanals, earn the rank of
    Sketcher from the Artisanal Council of Vesteran Honours.
    ________
    Storyteller: Through the submission of bardics, earn the rank of
    Storyteller from the Bardic Council of Vesteran Honours.
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