I recently had a case with a friend of mine. My character, Wolf blade, uses dual blades and, some time back, I decided they should be the blades of a fallen hero called Ghost Sabre so I call them the 'Ghost Sabre Blades'. I have no dominion over the name but, recently, a global friend asked if it was OK if he called his new toon Ghost Sabre. It was fine. Also nice to be asked.
'You lose more of your femininity every day Doroe. It's very appealing.' - SLEDGEHAMMER!
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Are the previously-discussed characters unoriginal? Not touching that one with a ten foot bargepole.
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Same here, it's definately not worth starting a row over.
I do have ONE question though, directed at the players of historical characters. What would you do if another player turned up, playing exactly the same character? Bear in mind that, as they pay their subs too, they have equal rights to portray a public domain historical figure as you do.
In fact, I'm kinda curious as to what anyone would do, if faced with 2 characters claiming to be the same person. I think I'd be inclined ignore both and save myself the aggravation.
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I'm Sparticus?
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
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Same here, it's definately not worth starting a row over.
I do have ONE question though, directed at the players of historical characters. What would you do if another player turned up, playing exactly the same character? Bear in mind that, as they pay their subs too, they have equal rights to portray a public domain historical figure as you do.
In fact, I'm kinda curious as to what anyone would do, if faced with 2 characters claiming to be the same person. I think I'd be inclined ignore both and save myself the aggravation.
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There are a few ways you can get round stuff like that, ok so there a bit flangey but thats offten the nature of things in an roleplay game with no ruling body..
For example, and the first thing that pops into my head..
Say Mr Smith had just watched braveheart when it was shown on TV last saturday. He then thought wow wouldnt that be cool i'll play William Wallice!
and then say on the same night Mr Clark had just watched braveheart when it was shown on TV last saturday. He then thought wow wouldnt that be cool i'll play William Wallice!
both turn up at the GG the next night.. Now there has to be some way this guy has come back from the dead.. twice.. be it parle worlds, fault in the fabic of time? it don't matter. The thing is there is always a way around it in a setting like this one. It could lead to some interesting r.p
If done well i think i'd love to see it.
As a player on the outside looking in id be inclind to pass it off as nether were infact who they said they were, and ether copies from another time or place or in a more down to earth char's eyes.. just dressed up to look like sombody they read about in a book, to give them an edge against thugs?
or sumin like that anyway
As long as everybody else ether rolls with it or leaves it well alone and nobody trys to say you can't do that! then it shouldnt effect anything to much, there for everybody logs off happy at the end of the night?
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As long as everybody else ether rolls with it or leaves it well alone and nobody trys to say you can't do that! then it shouldnt effect anything to much, there for everybody logs off happy at the end of the night?
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Such a reaction would be preferable, but knowing our RP community, probably not very likely. 
We tend to be a touchy bunch, especially about our characters! 
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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Same here, it's definately not worth starting a row over.
I do have ONE question though, directed at the players of historical characters. What would you do if another player turned up, playing exactly the same character? Bear in mind that, as they pay their subs too, they have equal rights to portray a public domain historical figure as you do.
In fact, I'm kinda curious as to what anyone would do, if faced with 2 characters claiming to be the same person. I think I'd be inclined ignore both and save myself the aggravation.
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I'm pretty much with you on this, Floaty. Of these things are flamewars made. On the other hand, we as (theoretically 
) responsible and mature RPers have a duty to avoid letting things like this happen in the first place. After all, worst case scenario, it's not exactly hard to play a character that is based on an historic public domain individual, while having a different name and different backstory.
To take such a person and say that your character actually is that person, and that you therefore have the exclusive right to play that person in the setting, strikes me a rather arrogant attitude.
I will point out that I do not have an opinion one way or another on the characters in question, since I have never seen them played, have barely skimmed the threads here about them, and don't actually care enough to bother - But I will point out the response I got to a question I asked Bridger last year at Bristol Comic Expo, which was "How much do we, the players, actually own our characters?" I forget his exact words, but the answer boiled down to "Not a whole hell of a lot." By utilising a public domain character in game such as CoH, you could potentially be creating a legal minefield for NCSoft.
The only way to be sure would be to /petition yourselves. (I'm certainly not going to do it, because I really don't mind one way or another.)
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise ; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.*
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To take such a person and say that your character actually is that person, and that you therefore have the exclusive right to play that person in the setting, strikes me a rather arrogant attitude.
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Well that is diffrent. That would get the same reaction as a player saying "i can do this, this, and this! Why? because im uber and like to think im better than you" ( yes i've left that vauge becuase knowing my luck i'll give an example that has happend and start a new fight)
Simply ignore them. The
IC reason by not beleiving them or somthing else that means you can just not get involved.
Nice idea FFM but i doubt that much has changed since i went away.
and i do remeber way back.. There were two toons at the GG very very closely based on Batman. They got on Very well and the roleplay was good between them froma by standers point of veiw.
Because nether said I am batman! and slight twists on there back story. it worked well
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Nice idea FFM but i doubt that much has changed since i went away.
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Hmm? What idea? I didn't have an idea... You sure you're not mixing my posts up with Shadowe's? Or do you mean the "Just ignore both of them" bit from mine?
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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and i do remeber way back.. There were two toons at the GG very very closely based on Batman. They got on Very well and the roleplay was good between them froma by standers point of veiw.
Because nether said I am batman! and slight twists on there back story. it worked well
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Ah yes, Nevermore and.. um.. I forget the other one's name. I think they worked because neither claimed to BE Batman, they were just tributes to him. Tribute characters are great and rarely cause such problems, unless someone's being a jerk.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
The other one you are thinking of is Night Hunter. Of course, we also had the Robin tribute/homage character, Ultimune, who wanted to be Nevermore's sidekick (but he already had the Nightwing-esque sidekick in Alex Reed/Ravensclaw) and became Night Hunter's.
sorry i think i was in shock for aggreing with you..
your line.. " Such a reaction would be preferable, " and then going on to say that this tends not to be the case, what i should of said
Yeah thats the idea, but we know thast not often the case, and i doubt that has changed since ive been away
was it Night Stalker? can't remeber nice bloke tho!
ah thanks Z!
For me (and I helped Vlad with same solution), I came up with an acceptable solution. In both the Dracula comics and the series Buffy the vampire its accepted that legion of vampires even at early stage started to use famous names in order to secure some fame of their own. Using that persons name as leverage.
Some of those during the ages actually started to believe that they where the real thing.
I use the real name of Elizabeth... and I play her as if she is the real thing. Her arrogance will place all others she meet as a wannabe. But the chance, even far away, will always be there that she herself is a brain washed fake... Without knowing so.
Also.. on villains I use her real name.. she can travel around rather safely without getting caught. When she walks around in Paragon she is not using her real name, but her cover as Comtessa Eliza Thabyro.
As you see.. over the past 1,5 years I have thought about this. And I have met players who had alts like Elizabeth Bathory or Blood Countess. I have never actually met the characters themself online at the same time I was a a meeting... so I never ever had the problem of using this explenation. But I have a way on how to react. Worst case we would end up in a fight... both believing we are her, bith claiming the other is a froud. But it would be ic fight, as I would prob enjoy the PT with the player about the history we both have worked out.
I am not claiming I own any rights at all!!
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
TBH, I think your version of the historical Blood Countess is sufficiently different to be classed as a homage character anyway, not a copy. Afterall, the real Countess Bathory didn't actually bathe in blood.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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The only way to be sure would be to /petition yourselves.
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I actually did this a while back with Crimson Archer. The waiting for a reply from the GMs was agonising, but thankfully it was favourable and I can now play in peace!
Formerly @Crimson Archer, now @CA
The Militia - Protecting Paragon City through roleplaying since June 2006!
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The only way to be sure would be to /petition yourselves.
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I actually did this a while back with Crimson Archer. The waiting for a reply from the GMs was agonising, but thankfully it was favourable and I can now play in peace!
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What? How come they didn't react on the fact that Crimson Archer is a blatant rip-off of Green Arrow?
At least GoodGuy is purely original. I mean, how many invulnerable, superstrong, flying heroes with laser-beam eyes and a spandex costume with a big letter on their chest is there out there? 
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TBH, I think your version of the historical Blood Countess is sufficiently different to be classed as a homage character anyway, not a copy. Afterall, the real Countess Bathory didn't actually bathe in blood.
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I know that.. its part of the legend. The people who lived in the area at the time where suficiently scared to make some stuff up. But as she bloody tortured and killed over 600, it was easy to use it to form blood rituals and make her a vampire...
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At least GoodGuy is purely original. I mean, how many invulnerable, superstrong, flying heroes with laser-beam eyes and a spandex costume with a big letter on their chest is there out there?
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hehehe... I have an super-strength/invulnerable tanker with lasereyes, super speed, fly on Defiant... called Uebermensch, after Niesche...
Just couldn't resist. And it's a real fun to play build.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
Well, DC currently have two Supermen flying around (The one from Kingdom Come has somehow crossed into the mainstream DC universe) so aren't they admitting there can be more than one?
Kidding....
'You lose more of your femininity every day Doroe. It's very appealing.' - SLEDGEHAMMER!
Actually DC have, from my understanding, said that they don't mind people creating DC rip-offs in CoH. Or words to that effect, anyway. It's a-certain-other-company-that-does-superhero-comics that's caused the troubles with Trademark infringement.
The wisdom of Shadowe: Ghostraptor: The Shadowe is wise ...; FFM: Shadowe is no longer wise.
; Techbot_Alpha: Also, what Shadowe said. It seems he is still somewhat wise ; Bull Throttle: Shadowe was unwise in this instance...; Rock_Powerfist: in this instance Shadowe is wise.; Techbot_Alpha: Shadowe is very wise *nods*; Zortel: *Quotable line about Shadowe being wise goes here.*
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TBH, I think your version of the historical Blood Countess is sufficiently different to be classed as a homage character anyway, not a copy. Afterall, the real Countess Bathory didn't actually bathe in blood.
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I know that.. its part of the legend. The people who lived in the area at the time where suficiently scared to make some stuff up. But as she bloody tortured and killed over 600, it was easy to use it to form blood rituals and make her a vampire...
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At least GoodGuy is purely original. I mean, how many invulnerable, superstrong, flying heroes with laser-beam eyes and a spandex costume with a big letter on their chest is there out there?
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hehehe... I have an super-strength/invulnerable tanker with lasereyes, super speed, fly on Defiant... called Uebermensch, after Niesche...
Just couldn't resist. And it's a real fun to play build.
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Damn you!
Wanted thaty name for a Fifth colum esq Superman tribute :P
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
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I do have ONE question though, directed at the players of historical characters. What would you do if another player turned up, playing exactly the same character? Bear in mind that, as they pay their subs too, they have equal rights to portray a public domain historical figure as you do.
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I never played a historical figure, apart from a couple who are kind of living history by being centuries old. However, I have such a perfectly clear answer that I can't very well not point it out. I would obviously assume that one or both are from alternate dimensions/timelines. Problem solved rather simply and perfectly n accordance with game canon. 
http://www.savecoh.com/
I have a habit of making toons that have rediculously grand concepts. There's Eternal Knightmare - The physical incarnation of fear itself. And the Primogen - The oldest vampire in the world.
While neither is based upon historical or public domain characters, they both have traits which are unique. Knights is effectively fear itself and thus has unhindered access to the fear of others. "Godplayer!" I hear you cry. No. I got around that by nerfing him enough to allow for fair RP (Sending OOC tells, blaming Pocket D's dampening field, etc). Should another player have a toon with a similar concept then it's pretty easy to work around it. Knights doesn't have to be the only avatar of fear (though I'd rather he was ).
Primogen on the other hand is the oldest and first vampire. However, rather than claim exclusivity to those traits, I made sure that those traits are speculative. He is rumoured to be the oldest and first. Should another player say his vampire is the oldest and/or first then thats fine. It'll pee on my parade a little, but they're entitled to make their character as they see fit.
It's about flexibility. Being the oldest, the biggest, scariest or whatever is just like being an historical or public domain character. You can assign those traits to your character but there'll likely be someone else who does the same. Alot of players want their characters to be uber kings of the universe, myself included. However, I know that can't happen. So I make my toons flexible, I co-operate with other RPers. My toons, despite their concepts, are flexible enough to interact with others with similar concepts. Of course thus far I haven't encountered any other toons quite like mine.
----- Union's finest underachiever -----
Farewell CITY of HEROES
The First, the Last, the One.
Union: @ominousvoice2059
Just renamed 'Fenris Greyback' to 'Jack Wulfe'...
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
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Just renamed 'Fenris Greyback' to 'Jack Wulfe'...
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And opening a book on how long it is before that gets Generic'd.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
[ QUOTE ]
Are the previously-discussed characters unoriginal? Not touching that one with a ten foot bargepole.
[/ QUOTE ]
Same here, it's definately not worth starting a row over.
I do have ONE question though, directed at the players of historical characters. What would you do if another player turned up, playing exactly the same character? Bear in mind that, as they pay their subs too, they have equal rights to portray a public domain historical figure as you do.
In fact, I'm kinda curious as to what anyone would do, if faced with 2 characters claiming to be the same person. I think I'd be inclined ignore both and save myself the aggravation.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.