You Deserve A Calm Relationship That's Good For Your Mental Health, Heart, And Nervous System. A Lover

one thing i need to start living by is “become the thing that you want” if i want friends who throw themed parties maybe i should start throwing those parties. if i want someone who writes me love letters maybe i should start writing letters for the people i love. if i want to hang out at museums and pretty cafes maybe i should invite my friends to these places. and maybe even then i won’t find the kind of people i want to be around. but then i would have become the exact person i want to be around. and maybe that’s good enough.

So you want to make an OC?: A Masterpost of Ways to Create, Develop, and Make Good OCs!

i made this masterpost in hopes that it helps you in making your own OCs ah;; it can also apply to developing RP characters i suppose! if you’d like to add more resources then go for it sugar pea (´ヮ`)!

EDIT (10/16/18): edited my disclaimer (below) before diving into the huge chunk of information here! also included new resources and links to writing disabled and nonbinary characters. happy researching! <3

1. i made this post when i was like 14? 15? so as such: the information researched here is very, very old. a lot of it, imo, is no longer relevant! especially with language use (ESPECIALLY if you’re reblogging the old version of the post that had links to an article about gender/sexuality. i’ve removed that. i’ve removed also the mary sue/gary stue chunk because my values have changed since) the point is, the resources here will not always fit in with what we need as time goes on.

2. these resources are not law!! i made this post because i was and still am very passionate about ocs. this resource was intended to be a sounding board for when u have ideas you want to further delve into and you’re not entirely sure where to begin. it’s not the only resource out there, and sometimes, the best sounding board will be you!!! follow ur heart. ocs are fun. this post was never, ever meant to tell you how to write your own characters but help broaden ur knowledge if u found urself limited in an area (this was first made with a white, abled, cishet audience in mind!)

3. i’ve gotten some great notes and commentary on this post and things i want to explore more since making this post roughly 5 years ago. things are very, very different. i have better resources for a LOT of these, and have more i want to tack on! but i simply can’t find the time for it, so until I do: i’ve removed a lot of links here that i found harmful and irrelevant to today, but i haven’t combed through all of them and can’t lead you to what i think is best. research yourselves! you’ll learn lots.

4. and in closing, thanks for reading! this a/n got off on a tangent so that’s that, LMAO. go forth and develop your ocs!!! and tell me about them!!! or tell me if you have fresh sources or a better perspective or just wanna call me out. this post is 100% open to criticism because it’s imperative to keep growing and learn as much as possible and be as whole and mindful as possible. this world is full of diverse, incredible creators who have contributed so much to telling their stories. let their knowledge guide you, not a silly post made 5-6 years ago. <3

How to Write Better OCs:

basic tips on how to make your oc even better

tragic backstory? learn how to write one/make yours great

writing specific characters

a wordier, great guide on how to develop your character

kick out those vague descriptions and make them AWESOME

Character Development:

how to actually make an OC

Q&A (to develop characters)

more Q&As

giving your character a backstory

how to write an attractive character

Diversity

adding more racial diversity

masterpost on writing more diversity into your story

cultures of the worldguides to drawing different ethnicities (not just a great art reference, but also really helpful in appearance descriptions!)

disability resources: fuckyeahcharacterdevelopment: writing disabled characters, disability-writing-advice, actuallyblind, cripplecharacters

nonbinarycharacter blog! (huge thanks to @writersshock for this and the following resources to writing nb characters!)

6 tips for writing genderqueer & nb characters

writing nonbinary characters: a primer

Villains

villain generator

need an evil sounding name for your evil character? bam

villain archetypes

what’s your villain’s motive for being a villain?

Relationships

character perceptions (What your character thinks of themselves and what others think of them)

how to write strong relationships between two characters

8 ways to write better characters and develop their relationships with others

OCxLove Interest Handbook 

develop your couple with good ol’ Q&A!

how to write realistic relationships

how to write relatives for your characters (this is more OC related to a canon character, but will help in writing family members in general)

ARCHETYPES

12 common archetypes

8 archetypes for male/female characters

female archetypes (goes pretty indepth from two main categories)

a list of archetypes

NAMES

how to name your character

random name generator

most common surnames

surnames by ethnicity

APPEARANCE

tips for better design

basic appearance generator

pinterest board for character design (includes NSFW and images of skeletons/exposed muscle (?) so tread carefully!)

clothing ref masterpost

DETAILS

give your character better powers

a list of professions

proactive vs reactive characters

positive and negative traits

interest generator

skills generator

motivation generator

123 ideas for character flaws

list of phobias

again, this is to help inspire you or help establish your OCs! i hope you get a lot of info and help from this ahh ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

get off dating apps. the love of your life is from a video game!

unpopular take

ghost isn’t aggressive or overly dominant in any sense. in almost all of his voice lines, he’s calm and collected or simply quiet, especially in his banter and life lessons with soap during the gameplay. he doesn’t like being smacked around in bed, nor does he like smacking around others he loves. he’s had too much trauma from being smacked around, neglected, degraded, assaulted, everything that comes from torture and war that he physically can’t bring himself to do it in relationships.

he’s surprisingly gentle, something that you didn’t really expect going from his outward appearances. in the beginning all of his touches are soft and easy, as much as he can be, like a ghost grazing your skin. he never pushes your limits, respects the boundaries you set up when it comes to what you will and won’t do because he knows what it’s like for those to be crossed without his consent. (the comics are brutal to read, his story is fucked.) it takes him awhile to open up enough to actually get in bed with you, even just cuddling and holding one another.

he’s sensitive when it comes to his feelings regarding you, he’s lost everything he’s loved before so it’s a new experience for him. he worries a lot that he’ll lose you too somehow. he knows he’s not good with words or showing his care most of the time outwardly, something he’s picked up over his time serving. so he tries extra hard with the more subtle indicators, picking up small gifts that remind him of you, when you finally get to spend time together he offers his undivided attention, placing his hand over ledges he knows you bump into often, going out of his way to leave you a coffee when he has to go, etc.

when you finally trust each other enough to actually sleep with one another, he’s so careful. he’s afraid to hurt you, to scare you away, to accidentally push past your limits. he doesn’t like being rough with you, he doesn’t think you deserve that sort of treatment, doesn’t want to feel like he’s working again. he likes slow and close, the stark contrast of genuine intimacy he’s unused to being welcomed with open arms. missionary where he’s leaning close over you, bodies flushed, eye contact, noses brushing against each other, telling you how good you are for him, how much he really loves you. after the deed is done, he’s just as careful. doesn’t want you or him to feel used in any way, talking, holding one another close, kissing your forehead, cheeks, nose, carefully cleaning you up, etc. he’s gentle to you, for you.

one of my favorite things about dragon age romances is the varying Flavors™️ of emotional damage they feed you near the end of each game.

for instance, lucanis dellamorte is here to slay your enemies and burn down the world if it even looks at you the wrong way. "i thought i would never see you again," he quietly tells rook, and there is regret in every one of those words. "if i have to kill every blighted creature in thedas to keep you safe, i will. my heart beats for you," he promises.

meanwhile altar-boi cullen rutherford is a DISASTER who literally falls to his knees before a statue of his god. he is seeking SPIRITUAL ABSOLUTION from the divine bc the very idea of putting you into harm's way is unforgivable, and then he breaks his prayer to murmur, "when the time comes, you will be thrown into his path again. andraste preserve me, i must send you to him. whatever happens, you will come back. allow me this. to believe anything else would… i can't."

my god, the buffet. these men are absolutely pathetic. i would DIE for them.

Showing 'Love' in Writing

Gazing into each other’s eyes with a soft smile.

Holding hands and gently squeezing.

Brushing a strand of hair behind the ear.

Speaking in a tender, affectionate tone.

Sharing inside jokes and laughing together.

Leaning in close to whisper sweet words.

Giving a lingering, gentle kiss on the forehead.

Wrapping arms around each other in a warm embrace.

Blushing when receiving a compliment.

Touching foreheads and closing eyes.

Smiling uncontrollably when thinking of the other person.

Caressing the cheek or back of the hand.

Playfully teasing each other with a grin.

Preparing a favorite meal or surprise.

Writing heartfelt notes or letters.

Holding each other close while watching a movie.

Taking care of each other when sick or tired.

Sharing dreams and hopes for the future.

Listening attentively and showing genuine interest.

Expressing gratitude for each other’s presence.

Jealousy Starters

"Why do you need to talk to them?"

"You seem to enjoy their company more than mine."

"Are you cheating on me?"

"I saw how you looked at them."

"Why did they text you?"

"You never laugh like that with me."

"Who were you with last night?"

"You’re always so secretive with your phone."

"I bet you’re hiding something from me."

"I don’t trust your friends."

"Why did you stay out so late?"

"Who is more important to you, me or them?"

"You never make time for us anymore."

"Are they more interesting than me?"

"You didn’t tell me you were meeting them."

"I feel like you’re replacing me."

"Why do you need to dress up for them?"

"Are you trying to impress someone else?"

"Why didn’t you invite me?"

"I bet you wish you were with them instead."

Cullen Dialogue Transcripts | DA: Origins | Broken Circle: Part 1

As I said before, I am not doing every possible combination (PC wise) because I just don’t have that kind of time. I pulled what I thought was relevant out of the few YouTube vids that had other combos. Since this is a royal pain, I thought I would share what I have transcribed for others to use as they please. Also, Origins dialogue is a confusing mess, hopefully how I’ve mapped it out makes sense.

DA: Origins Series: Mage Origin | Broken Circle Part 2 | Broken Circle Part 3

[PC enters room just below Harrowing Chamber to find Cullen stuck within a magical cage on his knee and bowed as if in prayer]

Wynne: “(Gasps) It’s a templar. He’s still alive…I think. We must help him!”

[PC approaches cage, goes to cutscene]

Cullen: “This trick again? I know what you are. It won’t work. I will stay strong…” *Note: He says this no matter the PC, but since Wynne is locked into your party, I suppose the “trick” could be her—in that the demon/mages were using people he recognized during his t*rture. Otherwise, it doesn’t really make sense (imo) for any PC outside of a mage. Unless he was hallucinating and seeing something else before realizing it wasn’t real.

Mage PC Options: A String—

Are you alright?

Cullen! Don’t you recognize me? (Mage only)

A templar, and it seems he is a prisoner.

What won’t work? *Note: The options vary in wording based on the PC, but the general thought behind the options is the same.

Options 1 & 3 & 4 – (To “The boy is exhausted”) Option 2– Cullen: “Only too well…how far they must have delved into my thoughts…”(To “The boy is exhausted”) Wynne: “The boy is exhausted. And this cage…I’ve never seen anything like it. Rest easy…help is here.” Cullen: “Enough visions. If anything in you is human…k*ll me now and stop this game.”

*No Leliana and/or Non-Mage PC— Cullen: “You broke the others, but I will stay strong, for my sake…for their’s…Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather d*e.”

*With Leliana— Leliana: “He’s delirious. He’s been t*rtured…and has probably been denied food and water. I can tell. Here, I have a skin of—“ Cullen: “—Don’t touch me! Stay away!”

Female Mage Only— Cullen: “Sifting through my thoughts… Tempting me with the one thing I always wanted, but could never have…”* *If Zevran is present— Zevran: “Someone was quite the little heart-breaker when they were an apprentice. My, my.” Cullen: “Using my shame against me… My ill-advised infatuation with her… A mage, of all things.”

Male Mage— Cullen: “Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather die.”

Cullen: “I am so tired of these cruel jokes… These tricks… these…(sobs)”

PC Options: B String (Female Mage Options)—

Uh…I don’t think I should be hearing this.

Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.

This is no trick. We’re here to help.

(All) Cullen: “Silence! I’ll not listen to anything you say. Now begone! Still here? But that’s always worked before. I close my eyes, but you are still here when I open them.” *Note: This is how he responds to B String no matter the options/PC

Mage PC Options: C String—

Just tell me where the surviving mages are.

Makes you wish you hadn’t said those things, doesn’t it? (Female Mage Only)

I’m real, and I’m here to help you.

I am no trick of the mind.

You’re pretty dense, aren’t you? *Note: Again, options’ wording is different based on PC, but gist is the same.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are talking about?” Option 2 (Female Mage Only)– Cullen: “I am beyond caring what you think. The Maker knows my sin, and I pray that he will forgive me.”

A. There is nothing wrong with liking someone. B. Why does it cause you so much pain? C. I’m sorry if I ever led you on. It would never have worked.

Option 2A/2C— Cullen: “It was the foolish fancy of a naive boy. I know better now.” Option 2B— Cullen: “You are a mage and I, a templar. It is my duty to oppose you and all you are.”

All other options— Cullen: “Don’t blame me for being cautious. The voices…the images…so real” (To “But why have you returned…”)

Cullen (Mage PC): “But why have you returned to the tower? How did you survive?”

Cullen (Non-mage PC): “Did Greagoir send you? How…how did you get here?” (Go to E String)

Mage PC Options: D String—

I defeated everything in my way. Now it’s Uldred’s turn.

Greagoir told me what happened; I knew I had to help.

I survived through quick wit and talent, of course.

Is it so surprising that I’ve returned? This was my home.

Options 1 & 2– Cullen: “Good…k*ll Uldred. K*ll them all for what they’ve done.” Option 3– Cullen: “Yes. How proud you are of your power. Just like Uldred and look what’s become of him now.” Option 4– Cullen: “As it was mine. And look what they’ve done to it. They deserve to d*e. Uldred most of all.”

Cullen: “They caged us like animals….looked for ways to break us. I’m the only one left…”*

Cullen: “They turned some into…monsters. And…there was nothing I could do.”

*(If Oghren is present) Oghren: “I think you need a tall mug of ale to calm you down, lad. I may need one myself, come to think…” Cullen: “That was inappropriate, dwarf. But what more could be expected from an ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen?” Oghren: “‘Ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen’…? (Chuckles) Have we met before?” Cullen: “What do you know about the mages’ evil, anyway? You didn’t see what they did to the others.”

Mage PC Options: D2 String—

Where are Irving and the other mages?

Uldred will pay for what he’s done.

You must stay strong.

Be thankful it wasn’t you.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” Options 2 & 3– Cullen: “And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.” Options 4– Cullen: “Don’t think I’m not grateful…but why should I live when my friends lie dead, their bodies and spirits broken? And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.”

Mage PC Options: E String—

I’ve heard talk of others. Of survivors.

We’re not all evil, Cullen.

Watch what you say to me. I am a mage. (Mage only) *Note: Differs for non-mage, but same gist.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” (To “Irving and the other mages”) Option 2– (To “Only mages”) Option 3– Cullen: “Did a mage not start this? Isn’t one of you to blame? “

Cullen: “Only mages have that much power at their fingertips. Only mages are so susceptible to the infernal whisperings of the demons”.*

Cullen (Non-mage PC): “To think I once felt pity for the Circle. Now, I’d like nothing more than to wipe their taint off the face of Thedas.”*

*Wynne: “This is a discussion for another time!” (Move to “Irving and the other mages…”)

Wynne: “Irving and the other mages who fought Uldred. Where are they?” Cullen: “They are in the Harrowing Chamber. The sounds coming out of there…oh, Maker.” Wynne: “We must hurry. They are in grave danger, I am sure of it.” Cullen: “You can’t save them! You don’t know what they’ve become.”

Mage PC Options: F String—

We can’t just kill them all.

I am a mage too, Cullen.

And you do?

I don’t understand. What are you afraid of?

Options 1 & 3 & 4– (To “They’ve been surrounded…”) Option 2– Cullen: “But you haven’t been up there. You haven’t been under their influence.” 

Cullen: “They’ve been surrounded b-by blood mages whose wicked fingers snake into your mind and corrupt your thoughts.”*

*If Alistair is present: “His hatred of mages is so intense…the memory of his friends’ death is still fresh in his mind.”**

Cullen: “You have to end it now before it’s too late!”

**Female Mage Only— Wynne: “He’s suffered pain and anguish like few have had to endure. That and his lust for revenge have confused the issue—“ Cullen: “—Do not presume to judge me, mage! I am thinking clearly—for perhaps the first time in my life.”

Part 2 of Broken Circle Here

(Expressions/Body Language During Conversation)

Addition: He also seems to say these two lines to a female mage—

Cullen: “When you knew me, I was an innocent. I wanted to be a knight, but I never really thought about why we were needed.”

Cullen: “Now, my eyes have been opened. The naivety I once had is gone forever. But I welcome the change as long as it helps me better serve the Chantry.”

I found these in this tumblr post, but could not get them to trigger, so I am not sure what’s required to make Cullen say them. In truth, I’ve never heard these lines in any of my playthroughs of DA:O or any available to watch online. If someone knows how to trigger them, I would greatly appreciate if you could tell me.

xxx

[Sources] Denny Ayard YouTube Enthusiast Gamer YouTube moarinternets YouTube

Note: Had to censor words so tumblr would show it in the main feed.

Broken Circle Part 2 Here

i’m realizing that i have so much time. i have time to grow my hair long. i have time to cut it all off and then to grow it back again. i have time to discover new hobbies and give up on things that no longer serve me. i have time to grow and change and travel and change my opinions and live differently than how i am now. i have so much time. take a deep breath and slow down