Okay, so I found this template ( atau set of guidelines if anda will) and wanted to share it with anda guys. Also, each guideline will carry a huraian of what it's really asking.
The Fancharacter Guide
Is this character based on Sonic Team's atau Archie's portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog? This is pretty self-explanatory. Is your character based on Sonic Team's portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog atau Archie's? If your character is Archie-inspired, the guidelines are much lebih loose since Archie has done a whole lot lebih with their characters and has jumped many boundaries unheard of in the game continuity. However, if your character is inspired sejak the games, which is what most are based off of, then anda got some strict guidelines to follow.
Character Image (if available): An image of your character can be critical in measuring their originality. If your character's depiction does not conform to the anatomy, size proportions, and keseluruhan feel of a Sonic character, then it should be discarded and not included in your final profil draft. Some people use human figure-esque anthropomorph pictures for their Sonic characters. That's lame, see? Sonic characters aren't shaped much like humans. Sonic characters have large heads, feet, hands, no visible neck, wiry; spaghetti-like limbs (however, the legs seem to have a lebih noticeable angular bend at the knees than the arms do), and a generally small body (for the compact ones like Sonic). Very, VERY general anatomy and the bipedal form are the only things they have in common with humans. So if anda have a character image, make sure that it is not only very impressively-drawn, but also make sure it conforms to the Sonic-style anatomy.
Name: Picking a name for your creation can sometimes be difficult. For others, it just hits them out of nowhere. (I usually conjure up a name during the initial 'imagination' phase of creating a fancharacter when I'm still thinking them up.) But then there are those who have trouble with it. First, anda must take into account the names of Sonic characters. Sonic characters' names seem to be no lebih than actual words and nouns. Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Blaze, Shadow, Bean, Bark, Vector… there are no actual human names like Daniel, Robert, William, Jerry, atau anything like that. Amy is the only exception, so your options might just be a little lebih loose with girls. Just make sure not to make them too realistic sejak naming your Sonic character Victoria atau Joanne atau something. Changing those names to a much lebih simple, yet cool shortened version works, however. Vicky and Jo. See? Pretty good Sonic names with a hint of realism.
Back in the day, Sonic characters were named to somehow emphasize their abilities. Sonic, since he runs fast. Tails, since he has two tails. Knuckles to tunjuk his pointed knuckles. Even Eggman was named to showcase his egg-shaped physique. Fancharacters are notorious for having Sonic-like names that do not emphasize their abilities at all. In fact, when Blaze first came out, many thought she was just a stupid fancharacter gone in the spotlight because of her name and fancharacter-ish appearance… even though that doesn't make sense, since her appearance is actually original. But then later, her name revealed to be true to her ability since she can apparently control fire.
So remember, when naming your Sonic fancharacter, make sure to use a real word atau noun that fits their abilities atau personalities. If anda insist on using real names, try to make them as short and cool-sounding as anda can. anda can also make up a totally original name, but it takes some thought since it can end up sounding silly.
As for surnames, anda can use them as well. And your boundaries are unlimited with surnames. Just avoid making the surname the same thing as the character's species. "Hedgehog" is not Sonic's last name.
And then there are those peminat-peminat who give their fancharacters Japanese names. Look, for those of anda who do that… I am sure you're quite proud that anda managed to Google up an archive of Japanese names and surnames, but giving them to your Sonic character without full knowledge of the culture anda are obviously trying perpetuate through him/her is basically an insult to the Japanese culture. Not to mention, it is insanely cliché and unoriginal. So unless your character is meant to express the culture inside and out, don't give your character some badass Japanese name that anda don't even fully understand. It makes a fool out of you, and everyone will hate anda for it.
Nicknames: Nicknames, for the most part, are your call. Most nicknames can be morphed versions of the character's real name, atau can be totally different names that express personality traits of the character atau their abilities. I.E., a character with electric elemental abilities would have a nickname such as Sparky atau Zap-head atau something along those lines. However, don't think I am encouraging anda to make an electric elemental character. Elemental adepts are overused.
Age: Age is your call. Just make sure the age accomodates the characters gimmick and personality.
Race: Race (AKA species for anthros) is extremely important to your Sonic character. Try to think outside the box on this, even if it means having to choose a species that doesn't happen to be your kegemaran animal. My kegemaran animal before I made my character, Teck, was a cheetah. But I instead made Teck a porcupine (he is an ooold character, back when porcupines were actually rare in the fancharacter base).
Try your best to avoid species commonly seen in the games, ESPECIALLY hedgehogs. anda can bet your left leg that 75% of Sonic fancharacters are hedgehogs. They are easy to design, variable, and quite hardy… but in the end, very unoriginal. They are too common. Foxes are also becoming progressively common because of the increasing number of Tails fans, so stay away from those too. And unless your fancharacter is based off of Archie, do not make it an echidna. Knuckles is the last of his race in the game continuity, and anda should make it stay that way.
Other commonly used species include cats, wolves, hybrids, and porcupines. A note on porcupines: don't make your character a porcupine just so anda have an excuse to give your character quills and look like a hedgehog without actually being a hedgehog. That's how most porcupines are used. Porcupines are NOT hedgehogs. They aren't even in the same animal kingdom order. Hedgehogs are not rodents like porcupines are. If anda want to use a porcupine, make the character LOOK the part, instead of like a hedgehog atau echidna with lebih quills. THINK.
Gender: The gender is your call. Male atau female, atau neither (in case your character is asexual atau is a robot). Just try to make the gender fit the race and personality. Female characters should be smaller and petite animals. It's kind of weird to imagine a female buaya character, although it is possible and original. I've seen it done. Also, there is no need to secure your sexuality sejak staying away from creating a fancharacter that happens to be the opposite sex. Don't let that stop anda from making an original character, even if it is a boy and you're a girl atau vice versa. Nobody really cares. In fact, my female character, Zenith, is probably my most popular one.
Height: The height depends entirely on the race and age. If your character is a compact animal that is no taller than a foot and is no longer than two feet tops (i.e. foxes, house cats, small dogs, porcupines, shrews, hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, etc., etc), then your character's height should not exceed 4 and a half feet if they are over 20 years of age. 20 and under would be even shorter. But for much larger Haiwan like crocodiles (ala Vector), elephants, giraffes, rhinos, dinosaurs, komodo dragons, livestock, etc., etc., then the character's height should be no taller than 7 feet. Remember, just use the official characters for reference. Sonic characters are naturally SHORT.
Weight: Weight is very diverse with Sonic characters. If they are big, they should weigh a lot. Vector is obviously not fat, but he is nearly 6 feet tall, and he weighs 200 kilograms. That's a lot of weight. But Sonic only weighs a mere 77 lbs, which is still kinda heavy for something as slim and compact as him. Just make sure to make the weight fit in with the height, age, and race. Since weight is such a variable statistic, NEVER copy from official characters unless there is no other alternative.
IQ: The IQ here is one of the unusual fields in this template. I'm sure an IQ is something anda never thought you'd have to decide for your fancharacter. But here is a rule of thumb: the lebih information, the BETTER. The IQ is pretty much your call, but make sure not to go overboard. 300 atau above is unfair: Eggman is supposed to be the smartest. If anda want your character to be intelligent, make him intelligent in other things not commonly seen in the games.
ALWAYS make sure anda have the intelligence and knowledge to back your character's expertise up. It would just be plain dumb for some illiterate idiot to make a fancharacter with a knack for physics, right? Especially when he uses that fancharacter in fanfics/comics/RPGs a lot, and has the character use his 'expertise' in physics. Because most of the time, the creator doesn't know WTF he is talking about, making both him and his/her fancharacter look stupid.
Always try to make your fancharacter as about as intelligent as anda are. Your intellect should topi, cap your fancharacter's. Because if your fancharacter is real intelligent, others will expect him to be that way, thus you'd need to be real intelligent as well. Here is a good scale of realistic IQs that I lazily googled up. Remember, Eggman's is unique: 300 is literally impossible, except for him.
Below 30: Illiterate; basically retarded
30-50: Pretty stupid; education level is about 1st atau 2nd grade
50-60: Capable of executing only simple tasks
60-74: Forest Gump's IQ was 75, so anda get the picture
75-89: Below average; 8th-12th grade education level
90-100: RIGHT below average: high school graduation education level
100-115: Average intelligence
111-125: Slightly above average intellect, easily capable of a Master's Degree
126-132: Above average intelligence: capable of being a college professor
133-140: Quite intelligent, no limitations on career potentiality
141- 150: Highly intelligent: capable of being a gifted physics/math professor
151 -160: Extremely intelligent: Nicolaus Copernicus' IQ was around this area
160-220: Maximized intelligence statistic: Einstein, Shakespeare, Newton. These are 1 in a million
Again, make sure your character's IQ matches your literacy and knowledge on things. That way, if anda express your character's intellect a lot, whether it be through an RPG, his role in a fanfic atau comic, atau sejak other means, anda won't come off like a complete dumbass since your character will be knowledgeable in things anda can relate to.
Marital Status: Is your character married, atau perhaps hooked up with a girl/guy, atau single?
DOB: tarikh of Birth… since the tahun in the games is unknown, do not senarai the tahun the character was born. bulan and hari do fine. But if your character is Archie-inspired, look into what tahun it is in the comic buku and then do the math.
Birth Place: Where was your character born? If anda insist on making up a location, try to be as creative as anda can. Otherwise, use an official location such as South Island, Westside Island, Capital City, Station Square (unless anda believe Sonic X is canon and your character isn't human), atau a zone.
Residence: The residence is where your character currently resides. Doesn't have to be the birthplace. Try to think of an actual place instead of making your character a wanderer atau some mysterious shadowy figure. That's lame and stupid.
Occupation: An occupation is not a 'wanderer' atau 'loner.' Unless your character gets paid for wandering and being alone, then it isn't a freakin' occupation. An occupation is an actual JOB where the character seeks revenue.
Social Class: Another definition for social class is what type of clique your character fits into. Prep, goth, wasp, yuppie, hardcore vigilante, loner, average joe? anda decide.
Economic Class: Economic class comes in three sects: the lower class, the middle class, and the upper class. anda can divide them a bit lebih to assert technicality sejak saying upper-lower class, atau mid-upper class, but anda get the point. If your character has no money and is financially-challenged, he/she is lower class. If your character has enough to get by, he/she is middle-class. sejak now, anda should know that upper class is self-explanatory.
Alignment: Does your character exhibit a righteous, vigilant state of mind, an immoral, power-driven state of mind, atau is he unconcerned and indifferent? Escape the trend and try making a baddie atau at least an anti-hero atau indifferent character.
bahagian, atas Speed: bahagian, atas speed is a subject of Debat for anthro Sonic fancharacters. Whatever anda do, never make your character as fast as atau faster than Sonic/Shadow. Sonic/Shadow are the fastest Sonic characters, and it shall STAY that way. Making your character faster than Sonic is totally unoriginal and takes away from Sonic's fame and thunder.
"But in the games, all the characters are very fast and can run through loops and mobius strip obstacles!" Yes, I'm sure you're saying that to yourself. But does that mean they can zoom way over 760 MPH like Sonic? No, it doesn't.
The thing with most fans, including myself at one point, is that they underestimate the power of speed. A roller coaster can pull off loops and mobius strip-like turns at a mere (in comparison to the 400+ MPH commonly associated with Sonic characters) 120 MPH. Who's to say Knuckles, Amy, Espio, etc., etc. aren't running at 120 MPH? anda have no proof that Knuckles atau Rouge can blast up to 700 MPH. Take into account all of the speed-increasing things in Sonic games such as slopes and speed boosters, which can so much as double to quadruple the character speed, making it SEEM like they come off as naturally fast when they're really not. So I've made an update to the original speed scale to display your speed options for your fancharacter if anda want them to be original…
- Slow Runner (10-40 MPH) (i.e. Fang, Bark, Big, Storm)
- Below Average Runner (45-80 MPH) (i.e. Tails [when running on feet], Vector)
- Average Runner (85-130 MPH) (i.e. Rouge, Knuckles, Wave)
- Above Average Runner (135-155 MPH) (i.e. Cream, Jet, Tails [when tails spin], Charmy, Mighty)
- High Speed Runner (160-175 MPH) (i.e. Espio, Amy)
- Gifted Runner (180 MPH and beyond) (i.e. Sonic, Tails [when in flight], Shadow)
The last one (Gifted Runner) should be off limits to your fancharacter. 180 MPH tops is plenty for your fancharacter to run through any basic Sonic game zone entirely without a problem. Most importantly, it makes Sonic's speed ability stand out all the more.
Basic Stats: 1 - lowest, 10 - highest (added numbers cannot exceed 40)
Agility -
Speed -
Strength -
Defense -
Evasiveness -
Dexterity -
Intelligence -
Battle skill -
The basic stats are pretty self-explanatory and are lebih of a utility field to define what the character can and cannot do efficiently in battle. Make sure the Speed stat accomodates your character's bahagian, atas speed. Slow runner would be around 1-2, below average would be 2-3, average would be 4-6, above average would be 7-8, and a high speed runner would be a 9 atau 10. Otherwise, just senarai the stats accordingly and make sure they match your character's strengths and weaknesses. Even everything out, and make sure the added numbers do not exceed 40.
Special Attacks: Special attacks are simple. Basically, anda just senarai your character's attacks. For example, Shadow's special attacks include the roll, spinball jump, spin dash, light speed dash, Chaos Spear, Chaos Control, Chaos Blast, etc., etc.
DEFAULT special attacks for pretty much any Sonic character include the roll and spinball jump. There aren't a lot of Sonic characters that can't do those two skills, so anda can give your character the roll and spinball jump sejak default. The spindash is also a pretty common attack that is very learnable as well, but not as much as the spinball jump. I'd say the spindash is usable for your fancharacter if he/she is around Vector's bahagian, atas speed atau faster.
The homing attack is also negotiable for VERY fast characters, since the speedsters in Sonic Heroes used it. Amy is the only exception. So, I'd say if your character is a High Speed Runner, anda can use the homing attack too. Light Dash and Chaos Control are off limits. Your character using Chaos Control is basically ripping off of Shadow. In fact, using a bunch of Chaos Emerald-fueled abilities as a whole is basically ripping off of Shadow and is just your attempt to make your character look like some cheap and godly piece o' crap.
If anda want to have some kind of power sumber fuel your character's REAL special attacks, keep to the damn tradition and make it power rings. Do not involve the Chaos Emeralds, time stones, Chaos rings atau any of those things with your character's special attacks. Not even official characters use Chaos Emeralds to fuel their special attacks. Only Shadow does, and we all know Shadow is enough of a power trip as it is.
Abilities & Aptitude: Abilities and aptitude is where anda senarai the special things your character can do naturally: what they were gifted with. Like, if your character has the power to control fire, atau is abnormally powerful atau has keen hearing/smelling/vision instincts, is a very good swimmer, etc., etc, this is where they would go. Basically, this is where Sonic's amazing speed ability would be listed.
If Sonic Team-inspired, try not to go Harry Potter here and use a bunch of magic atau elemental abilities. Blaze introduced elemental powers (control over fire) into the world of Sonic, but anda gotta remember, she comes from an alternate world. So there is no proof there are any elemental characters on Sonic's world. Nobody is going to be impressed with your character's goofy ice/electric/fire/earth/wind atau water powers. It's overused. So don't bother.
I f anda are completely clueless as to what original abilities to give your character and you're desperate, never forget to look at your character's species. If anda are using a labah-labah character, there are a ton of abilities and aptitude right there: web-shooting, high agility, awesome climbing, etc., etc. The species can bestow upon the character quite a few abilities. However, don't go too crazy. Even though Sonic characters may be animals, they seem to be lacking of many of their species-given traits. Last time I checked, echidnas can't glide and climb. They can, however, dig very well. Also, remember not to borrow abilities and aptitude from official characters. Not only does that tunjuk laziness, but it is also unoriginal.
On a very important note, don't forget the realism of your character's abilities. Realism is applied to special attacks as well, so listen up. If your character has unrealistic abilities, they also take away from originality. If your character is a api, kebakaran atau electric adept, at least try to come up with a plausible scientific model on how they acquired those powers and how those powers work. Making your character use Supernatural abilities is already a huge kill on realism in the first place, but anda can save the realism a bit and completely save the originality if anda give a very accurate solution on how the ability works and how it is scientifically sensible. Think with science and abide to the laws of physics, atau else your character is unoriginal AND unrealistic. The Sonic universe may be quite surreal, but physics is still applied.
Hobbies & Talents: This is easy. What are your character's hobbies and what is he/she talented at? Music? Math? Singing? Mechanics? Painting? Cooking? It could be anything. Things that would go in here also include some unique personal traits such as your character's talent to always point out strange things to a compulsive extreme, observe things and gather information, atau have a very good knack at memorization.
Weaknesses: These do no include weaknesses already mention in Basic Stats
Weaknesses are critical to even your character out if they are very powerful. Try to give them some very severe battle-oriented and physical weaknesses. Don't make everything mental such as how they are too egotistical. And for the Cinta of God, don't make their friends, loved-ones, atau family one of their weaknesses. EVERYONE has a weakness for their friends, loved-ones and family. That doesn't count.
Personal facts
Friends: Just senarai your character's friends. If anda insist that your character has a friendship with an official character, don't make it too intimate. The most it could be is an average friendship.
Rivals: A rival defines someone who can stand up against your character with equal fortitude and strengths. Try not to make an official character a rival of your character unless a plausible reason is presented, because all that says about your fancharacter is, "OMG, MY CHARACTER IS BETTER THAN SONIC, TAILS, KNUCKLES AND SHADOW PUT TOGETHER HAHAHAHAA LOLERZ!"
Enemies: Enemies are self-explanatory. Eggman would only fit in here because he plays out his schemes on a monumental, sometimes global scale and EVERYONE knows and dislikes him. Otherwise, senarai your character's personal enemies.
Known relatives: Naming your character's relatives is a BIG up in originality, and shows anda put a lot lebih effort in the character and went that extra mile. Whatever anda do, avoid two things: do not biologically relate your fancharacter to official characters. All that is is some lame-ass, pathetic attempt of yours to make your fancharacter stand out and seem lebih special than others. And for the Cinta of God, escape the cliché of making your character's parents and relatives all dead. anda can still make your character an angstball without having to kill his poor parents.
Likes/Favorite activities: senarai the things your character likes to engage in atau any odd personal habits he has that he enjoys doing. Cooking, cleaning, dating, taking walks, adventuring, eating, meditating, going out to enjoy the city life… all of those are good examples of what'd go here.
Dislikes/Least kegemaran activities: Same as the above, except anda instead senarai what your character dislikes. And don't senarai obvious things such as seeing his relatives atau Friends hurt. We all hate that.
Gourmet of choice: Obviously, anda just senarai your character's kegemaran foods here. Describing little trivial facts like this up originality. If your character is compact and fit, just make sure that he doesn't eat too much high fat foods in case he has a low activity level. Because if he did, then he wouldn't be fit atau compact.
Beverages of choice: Same as the foods, except with drinks.
kegemaran color(s): Self-explanatory: your character's kegemaran color atau colors.
Miscellaneous trivia: senarai any other Rawak facts and bits of trivia here.
Personality: The personality of your character can affect their originality to a high extent. anda should always avoid giving your character an overused and cliché conduct and mannerisms. So far, the most commonly used personalities in Sonic fancharacters are complete opposites: one, try to avoid making your character a heroic, laid back, perfectly courteous, upstanding and confident individual with a knack for doing good (copying off Sonic, basically). And on the other side of the scale, avoid making your character a dark, dreary, and sad angstball. anda can adopt aspects of the aforementioned personalities, but always try to describe any redeeming atau degrading qualities of the personality. Even the most noble Heroes have pet peeves atau downsides. Mostly, it takes describing details. Because in the long run, everybody has a similar personality… it's just the small details that influence our matter of opinion and perspective on things that makes us all different. So for the personality, be as in depth and idealistic as anda possibly can.
Physical Appearance
Color:
Skin Color (i.e. muzzle, arms):
Eye Color:
Hair/Quill Style:
Nose:
Ears:
Tail:
Other bodily features:
Appearance is one of the biggies that influence character originality. Think outside the box. If anda are using a unique species, try to use as much assets from the real-life appearance of the animal as anda can, but try to avoid taking away the Sonicized basis anda are trying to accomplish in the first place. Make them contrast from official characters as much as anda can. Give them different shaped eyes, muzzle, tummy, chest, physique, ears, head-dressing (hair, quills, and horns), and all other kinds of stuff. It takes a lot of thought, but if anda dedicate enough concentration, anda can make something hot. Also, there is no problem using the official characters for very light and vague reference. Just don't base that much off of them.
And for those of anda who insist on using your beloved hedgehogs, at least try to make your hedgehog look unique. There is no problem in giving them a furry muzzle (afterall, we all thought echidnas have skin muzzles, but Pachacamac clearly revealed a very furry muzzle) to express ruggedness. It would also do anda a world of good to give them larger ears, different shaped eyes, or, God forbid, a totally different set of quills and chest fixture instead of just modifying Sonic's. Basically, the objective is to make your fancharacter's appearance as distinctive as possible, but still cool enough so anda are comfortable with him/her.
Attire:
Attire is pretty much your call. Just make sure to think outside the box, as always. For male Sonic characters, clothing isn't even necessary, but you're welcome to give them outfits if anda like. Just, if anda would like to make your fancharacter look lebih official, the best thing to do would be to not go nuts: a shirt/jacket atau a pair of pants alone is all they'd need. Also, here is a rule of thumb on realism: if your character is real fast and agile, either don't give them a pair of pants atau make them wear a fitted pair of runner's shorts. Because your precious hedgehog atau serigala, wolf isn't going to be able to run at 175 miles an jam in a pair of Lee Dungarees.
Items & Weapons: Items and weapons are your call as well. Just make sure anda have some good knowledge of the weapon/firearm, gadget, atau doodad your character is using so anda don't come off as a dumbass when having them use it in a fanfic, comic, atau RPG. Also, stick to weapons that conform to the technological age seen in the Sonic games, which itself, is pretty diverse and extensive. So anda should do fine. And sejak NO means should anda give your character a Chaos Emerald. That is freakin' stupid and is only some stupid attempt to make your character lebih powerful. Not even official characters walk around with Chaos Emeralds. Your fancharacter should have to go out and try to collect them just like everyone else.
Vehicles: This is easy. Does your character own a vehicle? Try to provide an indepth huraian of the vehicle and maybe even its engine specs. Try not to go overboard on the technology of the vehicle. A vehicle is a good alternative for very slow fancharacters, and if anda give them the right set of wheels, it can also give them a real cool image. Envision a tough, wild and tenacious menanggung, bear character unfortunately telah diberi very low running speed cruising around in a rugged, roaring muscle car atau truck. Pretty original and at the same time helpful to the fancharacter not only since it fixes his speed problem, but also adds to his robust image.
Themesong: Giving your character a themesong is an important decision and if your character is very unique and technical, then it would be difficult to find one for them. If anda do want to give your character a themesong, try to make sure the themesong expresses how your fancharacter acts atau maybe even his abilities, talents, papar of the world, atau his facet. This expression should be achieved through the tone, beat, and lyrics of the themesong. (Yes, the song should preferably have lyrics to comply to the style of the video games.)
Back Story: And finally, the backstory. The history of your fancharacter. Believe it atau not, this doesn't affect their originality as much as anda think. But it will still do anda a world of good to try to make a very interesting and engaging back story for your character. If your character is Sonic Team-based, try your best to not involve the official characters too much with your character's back story. A brief encounter and subtle friendship is okay, but don't make them too intimate. Your fancharacter is your OWN innovation. anda shouldn't rely on official characters to somehow make him/her look lebih special.
Many people tend to have their fancharacters have some horrible past event with Eggman. Like, let's say Eggman captured him atau his parents and turned them all into robots and/or killed them atau something. Even though having your character have a past with Eggman is lebih sensible than another official character (since, hey, Eggman does his stuff on a global scale, perhaps he DID run into your fancharacter once), try to avoid it anyway. And do NOT make Eggman come off as ridiculously diabolical and vile if your character is Sonic Team-based. Eggman really isn't all that evil. Refer to his profil on the Real Character Profiles sub-section and get'cho learn on.
Otherwise, your job is to escape the cliché. Make your character's backstory vibrant, interesting, and eventful. Not too casual and simplified, but not too stereotypical either. It's all too common if your fancharacter is some renegade do-gooder with a sense of justice because his loved ones were killed atau some stupid crap like that. anda can do better than that. In the end, it all just takes thought.
Yeah, I know. That's a lot of information to absorb. But those tips should guide anda on how to go about making your fancharacter. No matter what, it all just takes a whoooole lot of thought. Thought is all that is needed. Because originality is the key to a good fancharacter. Here are some real basic rules to follow when filling out your profile:
(1). Do NOT make things very vague and minor. Always fill out each field with the utmost detail and description. Be insanely indepth… PARAGRAPHS even. Try to word everything as poetically and vividly as anda can to make people lebih interested in learning about your creation.
(2). Do NOT provide 'Unknown' for a lot of fields. One atau two is the before it gets unoriginal. All it shows is that you're a lazy oaf. Your fancharacter may not know his age, birthplace, atau how he came to be. But you, the creator, most certainly do.
(3). As mentioned frequently, keep your fancharacter's ties to the official characters on the low. A few brief encounters atau a very subtle friendship is acceptable. Anything beyond that is not cool. Make your fancharacters have relations with your other fancharacters atau perhaps other people's fancharacters. anda do not need to make your character Sonic's atau Espio's super, duper BFF, atau Amy's boyfriend to make him look special.
(4). If your character is a robot, its abilities should be capped sejak its hardware and frame. Otherwise, robot characters have limitless possibilities. If your fancharacter is made solely for battle, a robot is a good choice. Otherwise, anda need to stay in the line of physics and make sense with your character's abilities and powers. Also make sure to be descriptive about your robot character. senarai its hardware specs and background data.
(5). Most of all, as berkata quite often: Think outside the box!!!! Let your imagination go nuts. If anda just sit back, rest one hand behind your head and rub your chin with the other and THINK, anda can conjure up a lot of original and creative things to contribute to your fancharacter. It's not that hard. It just takes time, thought, and most of all, patience. It's not gonna happen just like that; and even if it does, chances are, it's pretty damn lousy.
Conclusion: Fancharacters are a force beyond reckoning in this fanbase. No matter how many people may be against them, they can't be stopped. lebih and lebih pop up, and lebih and lebih people are impressed sejak their fancharacters without realizing how completely and utterly crappy they are. This page is meant to guide anda down the right path to make your fancharacter something that is worth being admired in the fanbase. Because let's face it, many cheap, unoriginal fancharacters are admired just because they have a good picture Berlakon as a shell. A good appearance is only the half of it. They need to have a good gimmick and set of specs too. So overall, I hope this page has helped anda a little. Good luck.
The Fancharacter Guide
Is this character based on Sonic Team's atau Archie's portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog? This is pretty self-explanatory. Is your character based on Sonic Team's portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog atau Archie's? If your character is Archie-inspired, the guidelines are much lebih loose since Archie has done a whole lot lebih with their characters and has jumped many boundaries unheard of in the game continuity. However, if your character is inspired sejak the games, which is what most are based off of, then anda got some strict guidelines to follow.
Character Image (if available): An image of your character can be critical in measuring their originality. If your character's depiction does not conform to the anatomy, size proportions, and keseluruhan feel of a Sonic character, then it should be discarded and not included in your final profil draft. Some people use human figure-esque anthropomorph pictures for their Sonic characters. That's lame, see? Sonic characters aren't shaped much like humans. Sonic characters have large heads, feet, hands, no visible neck, wiry; spaghetti-like limbs (however, the legs seem to have a lebih noticeable angular bend at the knees than the arms do), and a generally small body (for the compact ones like Sonic). Very, VERY general anatomy and the bipedal form are the only things they have in common with humans. So if anda have a character image, make sure that it is not only very impressively-drawn, but also make sure it conforms to the Sonic-style anatomy.
Name: Picking a name for your creation can sometimes be difficult. For others, it just hits them out of nowhere. (I usually conjure up a name during the initial 'imagination' phase of creating a fancharacter when I'm still thinking them up.) But then there are those who have trouble with it. First, anda must take into account the names of Sonic characters. Sonic characters' names seem to be no lebih than actual words and nouns. Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Blaze, Shadow, Bean, Bark, Vector… there are no actual human names like Daniel, Robert, William, Jerry, atau anything like that. Amy is the only exception, so your options might just be a little lebih loose with girls. Just make sure not to make them too realistic sejak naming your Sonic character Victoria atau Joanne atau something. Changing those names to a much lebih simple, yet cool shortened version works, however. Vicky and Jo. See? Pretty good Sonic names with a hint of realism.
Back in the day, Sonic characters were named to somehow emphasize their abilities. Sonic, since he runs fast. Tails, since he has two tails. Knuckles to tunjuk his pointed knuckles. Even Eggman was named to showcase his egg-shaped physique. Fancharacters are notorious for having Sonic-like names that do not emphasize their abilities at all. In fact, when Blaze first came out, many thought she was just a stupid fancharacter gone in the spotlight because of her name and fancharacter-ish appearance… even though that doesn't make sense, since her appearance is actually original. But then later, her name revealed to be true to her ability since she can apparently control fire.
So remember, when naming your Sonic fancharacter, make sure to use a real word atau noun that fits their abilities atau personalities. If anda insist on using real names, try to make them as short and cool-sounding as anda can. anda can also make up a totally original name, but it takes some thought since it can end up sounding silly.
As for surnames, anda can use them as well. And your boundaries are unlimited with surnames. Just avoid making the surname the same thing as the character's species. "Hedgehog" is not Sonic's last name.
And then there are those peminat-peminat who give their fancharacters Japanese names. Look, for those of anda who do that… I am sure you're quite proud that anda managed to Google up an archive of Japanese names and surnames, but giving them to your Sonic character without full knowledge of the culture anda are obviously trying perpetuate through him/her is basically an insult to the Japanese culture. Not to mention, it is insanely cliché and unoriginal. So unless your character is meant to express the culture inside and out, don't give your character some badass Japanese name that anda don't even fully understand. It makes a fool out of you, and everyone will hate anda for it.
Nicknames: Nicknames, for the most part, are your call. Most nicknames can be morphed versions of the character's real name, atau can be totally different names that express personality traits of the character atau their abilities. I.E., a character with electric elemental abilities would have a nickname such as Sparky atau Zap-head atau something along those lines. However, don't think I am encouraging anda to make an electric elemental character. Elemental adepts are overused.
Age: Age is your call. Just make sure the age accomodates the characters gimmick and personality.
Race: Race (AKA species for anthros) is extremely important to your Sonic character. Try to think outside the box on this, even if it means having to choose a species that doesn't happen to be your kegemaran animal. My kegemaran animal before I made my character, Teck, was a cheetah. But I instead made Teck a porcupine (he is an ooold character, back when porcupines were actually rare in the fancharacter base).
Try your best to avoid species commonly seen in the games, ESPECIALLY hedgehogs. anda can bet your left leg that 75% of Sonic fancharacters are hedgehogs. They are easy to design, variable, and quite hardy… but in the end, very unoriginal. They are too common. Foxes are also becoming progressively common because of the increasing number of Tails fans, so stay away from those too. And unless your fancharacter is based off of Archie, do not make it an echidna. Knuckles is the last of his race in the game continuity, and anda should make it stay that way.
Other commonly used species include cats, wolves, hybrids, and porcupines. A note on porcupines: don't make your character a porcupine just so anda have an excuse to give your character quills and look like a hedgehog without actually being a hedgehog. That's how most porcupines are used. Porcupines are NOT hedgehogs. They aren't even in the same animal kingdom order. Hedgehogs are not rodents like porcupines are. If anda want to use a porcupine, make the character LOOK the part, instead of like a hedgehog atau echidna with lebih quills. THINK.
Gender: The gender is your call. Male atau female, atau neither (in case your character is asexual atau is a robot). Just try to make the gender fit the race and personality. Female characters should be smaller and petite animals. It's kind of weird to imagine a female buaya character, although it is possible and original. I've seen it done. Also, there is no need to secure your sexuality sejak staying away from creating a fancharacter that happens to be the opposite sex. Don't let that stop anda from making an original character, even if it is a boy and you're a girl atau vice versa. Nobody really cares. In fact, my female character, Zenith, is probably my most popular one.
Height: The height depends entirely on the race and age. If your character is a compact animal that is no taller than a foot and is no longer than two feet tops (i.e. foxes, house cats, small dogs, porcupines, shrews, hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, etc., etc), then your character's height should not exceed 4 and a half feet if they are over 20 years of age. 20 and under would be even shorter. But for much larger Haiwan like crocodiles (ala Vector), elephants, giraffes, rhinos, dinosaurs, komodo dragons, livestock, etc., etc., then the character's height should be no taller than 7 feet. Remember, just use the official characters for reference. Sonic characters are naturally SHORT.
Weight: Weight is very diverse with Sonic characters. If they are big, they should weigh a lot. Vector is obviously not fat, but he is nearly 6 feet tall, and he weighs 200 kilograms. That's a lot of weight. But Sonic only weighs a mere 77 lbs, which is still kinda heavy for something as slim and compact as him. Just make sure to make the weight fit in with the height, age, and race. Since weight is such a variable statistic, NEVER copy from official characters unless there is no other alternative.
IQ: The IQ here is one of the unusual fields in this template. I'm sure an IQ is something anda never thought you'd have to decide for your fancharacter. But here is a rule of thumb: the lebih information, the BETTER. The IQ is pretty much your call, but make sure not to go overboard. 300 atau above is unfair: Eggman is supposed to be the smartest. If anda want your character to be intelligent, make him intelligent in other things not commonly seen in the games.
ALWAYS make sure anda have the intelligence and knowledge to back your character's expertise up. It would just be plain dumb for some illiterate idiot to make a fancharacter with a knack for physics, right? Especially when he uses that fancharacter in fanfics/comics/RPGs a lot, and has the character use his 'expertise' in physics. Because most of the time, the creator doesn't know WTF he is talking about, making both him and his/her fancharacter look stupid.
Always try to make your fancharacter as about as intelligent as anda are. Your intellect should topi, cap your fancharacter's. Because if your fancharacter is real intelligent, others will expect him to be that way, thus you'd need to be real intelligent as well. Here is a good scale of realistic IQs that I lazily googled up. Remember, Eggman's is unique: 300 is literally impossible, except for him.
Below 30: Illiterate; basically retarded
30-50: Pretty stupid; education level is about 1st atau 2nd grade
50-60: Capable of executing only simple tasks
60-74: Forest Gump's IQ was 75, so anda get the picture
75-89: Below average; 8th-12th grade education level
90-100: RIGHT below average: high school graduation education level
100-115: Average intelligence
111-125: Slightly above average intellect, easily capable of a Master's Degree
126-132: Above average intelligence: capable of being a college professor
133-140: Quite intelligent, no limitations on career potentiality
141- 150: Highly intelligent: capable of being a gifted physics/math professor
151 -160: Extremely intelligent: Nicolaus Copernicus' IQ was around this area
160-220: Maximized intelligence statistic: Einstein, Shakespeare, Newton. These are 1 in a million
Again, make sure your character's IQ matches your literacy and knowledge on things. That way, if anda express your character's intellect a lot, whether it be through an RPG, his role in a fanfic atau comic, atau sejak other means, anda won't come off like a complete dumbass since your character will be knowledgeable in things anda can relate to.
Marital Status: Is your character married, atau perhaps hooked up with a girl/guy, atau single?
DOB: tarikh of Birth… since the tahun in the games is unknown, do not senarai the tahun the character was born. bulan and hari do fine. But if your character is Archie-inspired, look into what tahun it is in the comic buku and then do the math.
Birth Place: Where was your character born? If anda insist on making up a location, try to be as creative as anda can. Otherwise, use an official location such as South Island, Westside Island, Capital City, Station Square (unless anda believe Sonic X is canon and your character isn't human), atau a zone.
Residence: The residence is where your character currently resides. Doesn't have to be the birthplace. Try to think of an actual place instead of making your character a wanderer atau some mysterious shadowy figure. That's lame and stupid.
Occupation: An occupation is not a 'wanderer' atau 'loner.' Unless your character gets paid for wandering and being alone, then it isn't a freakin' occupation. An occupation is an actual JOB where the character seeks revenue.
Social Class: Another definition for social class is what type of clique your character fits into. Prep, goth, wasp, yuppie, hardcore vigilante, loner, average joe? anda decide.
Economic Class: Economic class comes in three sects: the lower class, the middle class, and the upper class. anda can divide them a bit lebih to assert technicality sejak saying upper-lower class, atau mid-upper class, but anda get the point. If your character has no money and is financially-challenged, he/she is lower class. If your character has enough to get by, he/she is middle-class. sejak now, anda should know that upper class is self-explanatory.
Alignment: Does your character exhibit a righteous, vigilant state of mind, an immoral, power-driven state of mind, atau is he unconcerned and indifferent? Escape the trend and try making a baddie atau at least an anti-hero atau indifferent character.
bahagian, atas Speed: bahagian, atas speed is a subject of Debat for anthro Sonic fancharacters. Whatever anda do, never make your character as fast as atau faster than Sonic/Shadow. Sonic/Shadow are the fastest Sonic characters, and it shall STAY that way. Making your character faster than Sonic is totally unoriginal and takes away from Sonic's fame and thunder.
"But in the games, all the characters are very fast and can run through loops and mobius strip obstacles!" Yes, I'm sure you're saying that to yourself. But does that mean they can zoom way over 760 MPH like Sonic? No, it doesn't.
The thing with most fans, including myself at one point, is that they underestimate the power of speed. A roller coaster can pull off loops and mobius strip-like turns at a mere (in comparison to the 400+ MPH commonly associated with Sonic characters) 120 MPH. Who's to say Knuckles, Amy, Espio, etc., etc. aren't running at 120 MPH? anda have no proof that Knuckles atau Rouge can blast up to 700 MPH. Take into account all of the speed-increasing things in Sonic games such as slopes and speed boosters, which can so much as double to quadruple the character speed, making it SEEM like they come off as naturally fast when they're really not. So I've made an update to the original speed scale to display your speed options for your fancharacter if anda want them to be original…
- Slow Runner (10-40 MPH) (i.e. Fang, Bark, Big, Storm)
- Below Average Runner (45-80 MPH) (i.e. Tails [when running on feet], Vector)
- Average Runner (85-130 MPH) (i.e. Rouge, Knuckles, Wave)
- Above Average Runner (135-155 MPH) (i.e. Cream, Jet, Tails [when tails spin], Charmy, Mighty)
- High Speed Runner (160-175 MPH) (i.e. Espio, Amy)
- Gifted Runner (180 MPH and beyond) (i.e. Sonic, Tails [when in flight], Shadow)
The last one (Gifted Runner) should be off limits to your fancharacter. 180 MPH tops is plenty for your fancharacter to run through any basic Sonic game zone entirely without a problem. Most importantly, it makes Sonic's speed ability stand out all the more.
Basic Stats: 1 - lowest, 10 - highest (added numbers cannot exceed 40)
Agility -
Speed -
Strength -
Defense -
Evasiveness -
Dexterity -
Intelligence -
Battle skill -
The basic stats are pretty self-explanatory and are lebih of a utility field to define what the character can and cannot do efficiently in battle. Make sure the Speed stat accomodates your character's bahagian, atas speed. Slow runner would be around 1-2, below average would be 2-3, average would be 4-6, above average would be 7-8, and a high speed runner would be a 9 atau 10. Otherwise, just senarai the stats accordingly and make sure they match your character's strengths and weaknesses. Even everything out, and make sure the added numbers do not exceed 40.
Special Attacks: Special attacks are simple. Basically, anda just senarai your character's attacks. For example, Shadow's special attacks include the roll, spinball jump, spin dash, light speed dash, Chaos Spear, Chaos Control, Chaos Blast, etc., etc.
DEFAULT special attacks for pretty much any Sonic character include the roll and spinball jump. There aren't a lot of Sonic characters that can't do those two skills, so anda can give your character the roll and spinball jump sejak default. The spindash is also a pretty common attack that is very learnable as well, but not as much as the spinball jump. I'd say the spindash is usable for your fancharacter if he/she is around Vector's bahagian, atas speed atau faster.
The homing attack is also negotiable for VERY fast characters, since the speedsters in Sonic Heroes used it. Amy is the only exception. So, I'd say if your character is a High Speed Runner, anda can use the homing attack too. Light Dash and Chaos Control are off limits. Your character using Chaos Control is basically ripping off of Shadow. In fact, using a bunch of Chaos Emerald-fueled abilities as a whole is basically ripping off of Shadow and is just your attempt to make your character look like some cheap and godly piece o' crap.
If anda want to have some kind of power sumber fuel your character's REAL special attacks, keep to the damn tradition and make it power rings. Do not involve the Chaos Emeralds, time stones, Chaos rings atau any of those things with your character's special attacks. Not even official characters use Chaos Emeralds to fuel their special attacks. Only Shadow does, and we all know Shadow is enough of a power trip as it is.
Abilities & Aptitude: Abilities and aptitude is where anda senarai the special things your character can do naturally: what they were gifted with. Like, if your character has the power to control fire, atau is abnormally powerful atau has keen hearing/smelling/vision instincts, is a very good swimmer, etc., etc, this is where they would go. Basically, this is where Sonic's amazing speed ability would be listed.
If Sonic Team-inspired, try not to go Harry Potter here and use a bunch of magic atau elemental abilities. Blaze introduced elemental powers (control over fire) into the world of Sonic, but anda gotta remember, she comes from an alternate world. So there is no proof there are any elemental characters on Sonic's world. Nobody is going to be impressed with your character's goofy ice/electric/fire/earth/wind atau water powers. It's overused. So don't bother.
I f anda are completely clueless as to what original abilities to give your character and you're desperate, never forget to look at your character's species. If anda are using a labah-labah character, there are a ton of abilities and aptitude right there: web-shooting, high agility, awesome climbing, etc., etc. The species can bestow upon the character quite a few abilities. However, don't go too crazy. Even though Sonic characters may be animals, they seem to be lacking of many of their species-given traits. Last time I checked, echidnas can't glide and climb. They can, however, dig very well. Also, remember not to borrow abilities and aptitude from official characters. Not only does that tunjuk laziness, but it is also unoriginal.
On a very important note, don't forget the realism of your character's abilities. Realism is applied to special attacks as well, so listen up. If your character has unrealistic abilities, they also take away from originality. If your character is a api, kebakaran atau electric adept, at least try to come up with a plausible scientific model on how they acquired those powers and how those powers work. Making your character use Supernatural abilities is already a huge kill on realism in the first place, but anda can save the realism a bit and completely save the originality if anda give a very accurate solution on how the ability works and how it is scientifically sensible. Think with science and abide to the laws of physics, atau else your character is unoriginal AND unrealistic. The Sonic universe may be quite surreal, but physics is still applied.
Hobbies & Talents: This is easy. What are your character's hobbies and what is he/she talented at? Music? Math? Singing? Mechanics? Painting? Cooking? It could be anything. Things that would go in here also include some unique personal traits such as your character's talent to always point out strange things to a compulsive extreme, observe things and gather information, atau have a very good knack at memorization.
Weaknesses: These do no include weaknesses already mention in Basic Stats
Weaknesses are critical to even your character out if they are very powerful. Try to give them some very severe battle-oriented and physical weaknesses. Don't make everything mental such as how they are too egotistical. And for the Cinta of God, don't make their friends, loved-ones, atau family one of their weaknesses. EVERYONE has a weakness for their friends, loved-ones and family. That doesn't count.
Personal facts
Friends: Just senarai your character's friends. If anda insist that your character has a friendship with an official character, don't make it too intimate. The most it could be is an average friendship.
Rivals: A rival defines someone who can stand up against your character with equal fortitude and strengths. Try not to make an official character a rival of your character unless a plausible reason is presented, because all that says about your fancharacter is, "OMG, MY CHARACTER IS BETTER THAN SONIC, TAILS, KNUCKLES AND SHADOW PUT TOGETHER HAHAHAHAA LOLERZ!"
Enemies: Enemies are self-explanatory. Eggman would only fit in here because he plays out his schemes on a monumental, sometimes global scale and EVERYONE knows and dislikes him. Otherwise, senarai your character's personal enemies.
Known relatives: Naming your character's relatives is a BIG up in originality, and shows anda put a lot lebih effort in the character and went that extra mile. Whatever anda do, avoid two things: do not biologically relate your fancharacter to official characters. All that is is some lame-ass, pathetic attempt of yours to make your fancharacter stand out and seem lebih special than others. And for the Cinta of God, escape the cliché of making your character's parents and relatives all dead. anda can still make your character an angstball without having to kill his poor parents.
Likes/Favorite activities: senarai the things your character likes to engage in atau any odd personal habits he has that he enjoys doing. Cooking, cleaning, dating, taking walks, adventuring, eating, meditating, going out to enjoy the city life… all of those are good examples of what'd go here.
Dislikes/Least kegemaran activities: Same as the above, except anda instead senarai what your character dislikes. And don't senarai obvious things such as seeing his relatives atau Friends hurt. We all hate that.
Gourmet of choice: Obviously, anda just senarai your character's kegemaran foods here. Describing little trivial facts like this up originality. If your character is compact and fit, just make sure that he doesn't eat too much high fat foods in case he has a low activity level. Because if he did, then he wouldn't be fit atau compact.
Beverages of choice: Same as the foods, except with drinks.
kegemaran color(s): Self-explanatory: your character's kegemaran color atau colors.
Miscellaneous trivia: senarai any other Rawak facts and bits of trivia here.
Personality: The personality of your character can affect their originality to a high extent. anda should always avoid giving your character an overused and cliché conduct and mannerisms. So far, the most commonly used personalities in Sonic fancharacters are complete opposites: one, try to avoid making your character a heroic, laid back, perfectly courteous, upstanding and confident individual with a knack for doing good (copying off Sonic, basically). And on the other side of the scale, avoid making your character a dark, dreary, and sad angstball. anda can adopt aspects of the aforementioned personalities, but always try to describe any redeeming atau degrading qualities of the personality. Even the most noble Heroes have pet peeves atau downsides. Mostly, it takes describing details. Because in the long run, everybody has a similar personality… it's just the small details that influence our matter of opinion and perspective on things that makes us all different. So for the personality, be as in depth and idealistic as anda possibly can.
Physical Appearance
Color:
Skin Color (i.e. muzzle, arms):
Eye Color:
Hair/Quill Style:
Nose:
Ears:
Tail:
Other bodily features:
Appearance is one of the biggies that influence character originality. Think outside the box. If anda are using a unique species, try to use as much assets from the real-life appearance of the animal as anda can, but try to avoid taking away the Sonicized basis anda are trying to accomplish in the first place. Make them contrast from official characters as much as anda can. Give them different shaped eyes, muzzle, tummy, chest, physique, ears, head-dressing (hair, quills, and horns), and all other kinds of stuff. It takes a lot of thought, but if anda dedicate enough concentration, anda can make something hot. Also, there is no problem using the official characters for very light and vague reference. Just don't base that much off of them.
And for those of anda who insist on using your beloved hedgehogs, at least try to make your hedgehog look unique. There is no problem in giving them a furry muzzle (afterall, we all thought echidnas have skin muzzles, but Pachacamac clearly revealed a very furry muzzle) to express ruggedness. It would also do anda a world of good to give them larger ears, different shaped eyes, or, God forbid, a totally different set of quills and chest fixture instead of just modifying Sonic's. Basically, the objective is to make your fancharacter's appearance as distinctive as possible, but still cool enough so anda are comfortable with him/her.
Attire:
Attire is pretty much your call. Just make sure to think outside the box, as always. For male Sonic characters, clothing isn't even necessary, but you're welcome to give them outfits if anda like. Just, if anda would like to make your fancharacter look lebih official, the best thing to do would be to not go nuts: a shirt/jacket atau a pair of pants alone is all they'd need. Also, here is a rule of thumb on realism: if your character is real fast and agile, either don't give them a pair of pants atau make them wear a fitted pair of runner's shorts. Because your precious hedgehog atau serigala, wolf isn't going to be able to run at 175 miles an jam in a pair of Lee Dungarees.
Items & Weapons: Items and weapons are your call as well. Just make sure anda have some good knowledge of the weapon/firearm, gadget, atau doodad your character is using so anda don't come off as a dumbass when having them use it in a fanfic, comic, atau RPG. Also, stick to weapons that conform to the technological age seen in the Sonic games, which itself, is pretty diverse and extensive. So anda should do fine. And sejak NO means should anda give your character a Chaos Emerald. That is freakin' stupid and is only some stupid attempt to make your character lebih powerful. Not even official characters walk around with Chaos Emeralds. Your fancharacter should have to go out and try to collect them just like everyone else.
Vehicles: This is easy. Does your character own a vehicle? Try to provide an indepth huraian of the vehicle and maybe even its engine specs. Try not to go overboard on the technology of the vehicle. A vehicle is a good alternative for very slow fancharacters, and if anda give them the right set of wheels, it can also give them a real cool image. Envision a tough, wild and tenacious menanggung, bear character unfortunately telah diberi very low running speed cruising around in a rugged, roaring muscle car atau truck. Pretty original and at the same time helpful to the fancharacter not only since it fixes his speed problem, but also adds to his robust image.
Themesong: Giving your character a themesong is an important decision and if your character is very unique and technical, then it would be difficult to find one for them. If anda do want to give your character a themesong, try to make sure the themesong expresses how your fancharacter acts atau maybe even his abilities, talents, papar of the world, atau his facet. This expression should be achieved through the tone, beat, and lyrics of the themesong. (Yes, the song should preferably have lyrics to comply to the style of the video games.)
Back Story: And finally, the backstory. The history of your fancharacter. Believe it atau not, this doesn't affect their originality as much as anda think. But it will still do anda a world of good to try to make a very interesting and engaging back story for your character. If your character is Sonic Team-based, try your best to not involve the official characters too much with your character's back story. A brief encounter and subtle friendship is okay, but don't make them too intimate. Your fancharacter is your OWN innovation. anda shouldn't rely on official characters to somehow make him/her look lebih special.
Many people tend to have their fancharacters have some horrible past event with Eggman. Like, let's say Eggman captured him atau his parents and turned them all into robots and/or killed them atau something. Even though having your character have a past with Eggman is lebih sensible than another official character (since, hey, Eggman does his stuff on a global scale, perhaps he DID run into your fancharacter once), try to avoid it anyway. And do NOT make Eggman come off as ridiculously diabolical and vile if your character is Sonic Team-based. Eggman really isn't all that evil. Refer to his profil on the Real Character Profiles sub-section and get'cho learn on.
Otherwise, your job is to escape the cliché. Make your character's backstory vibrant, interesting, and eventful. Not too casual and simplified, but not too stereotypical either. It's all too common if your fancharacter is some renegade do-gooder with a sense of justice because his loved ones were killed atau some stupid crap like that. anda can do better than that. In the end, it all just takes thought.
Yeah, I know. That's a lot of information to absorb. But those tips should guide anda on how to go about making your fancharacter. No matter what, it all just takes a whoooole lot of thought. Thought is all that is needed. Because originality is the key to a good fancharacter. Here are some real basic rules to follow when filling out your profile:
(1). Do NOT make things very vague and minor. Always fill out each field with the utmost detail and description. Be insanely indepth… PARAGRAPHS even. Try to word everything as poetically and vividly as anda can to make people lebih interested in learning about your creation.
(2). Do NOT provide 'Unknown' for a lot of fields. One atau two is the before it gets unoriginal. All it shows is that you're a lazy oaf. Your fancharacter may not know his age, birthplace, atau how he came to be. But you, the creator, most certainly do.
(3). As mentioned frequently, keep your fancharacter's ties to the official characters on the low. A few brief encounters atau a very subtle friendship is acceptable. Anything beyond that is not cool. Make your fancharacters have relations with your other fancharacters atau perhaps other people's fancharacters. anda do not need to make your character Sonic's atau Espio's super, duper BFF, atau Amy's boyfriend to make him look special.
(4). If your character is a robot, its abilities should be capped sejak its hardware and frame. Otherwise, robot characters have limitless possibilities. If your fancharacter is made solely for battle, a robot is a good choice. Otherwise, anda need to stay in the line of physics and make sense with your character's abilities and powers. Also make sure to be descriptive about your robot character. senarai its hardware specs and background data.
(5). Most of all, as berkata quite often: Think outside the box!!!! Let your imagination go nuts. If anda just sit back, rest one hand behind your head and rub your chin with the other and THINK, anda can conjure up a lot of original and creative things to contribute to your fancharacter. It's not that hard. It just takes time, thought, and most of all, patience. It's not gonna happen just like that; and even if it does, chances are, it's pretty damn lousy.
Conclusion: Fancharacters are a force beyond reckoning in this fanbase. No matter how many people may be against them, they can't be stopped. lebih and lebih pop up, and lebih and lebih people are impressed sejak their fancharacters without realizing how completely and utterly crappy they are. This page is meant to guide anda down the right path to make your fancharacter something that is worth being admired in the fanbase. Because let's face it, many cheap, unoriginal fancharacters are admired just because they have a good picture Berlakon as a shell. A good appearance is only the half of it. They need to have a good gimmick and set of specs too. So overall, I hope this page has helped anda a little. Good luck.
