Legends of Equestria - Forum

General Category => Pony Off-Topic => Pony Off-Topic Archive => Topic started by: Renatan on 2014 Apr 27, 22:45:47

Title: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Apr 27, 22:45:47
So I thought I'd make this so people could say what they personally thought made an OC bad. Please be respectful of everyone's opinion! Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it will ALWAYS be bad.

I personally believe that if you have to question an OCs very existence something is wrong there. This tends to happen with alicorns as alicorns are royalty and gods but some OCs don't reflect this. Some people think their alicorn will be accepted more if they aren't royalty but that isn't true as it tends to raise more questions than it avoids. Of course, alicorns aren't the only ones that can feel out of place. Any race can if he/she isn't explained well. It's okay if people think "what??" when they first see your character but once they read his/her description they should find it makes sense. If they don't your character needs edits! I'll admit that I have a few OCs (some aren't MLP related though) that aren't explained and seem out of place in the universe they are in. I think we all break some of our own rules every now and then though, right? :ajshifty:

Another problem I have is those flat, personality dead characters. Every fandom seems to have people who do this: a character should never, ever, ever be described as only "sweet, kind, caring" or "violent, cruel, proud", ect... They need depth! A nice person is more than JUST nice! And a violent person tends to have many personality traits, they don't dedicate their entire life to fighting or whatever 24/7! Stop it!  >:( If I, a mere child, am able to do this I know teenagers and adults can.

So to summarize: A character should never feel unnatural in his/her environment and a character should not follow only 2 or 3 personality traits. It's boring and unrealistic. Heck, even cats and other animals that can't talk have developed personalities!

Sorry about any strange writing. I'm a bit tired  X3
So, what do you guys think breaks an OC? If you disagree with something another person says please politely tell them why. Everybody has different views on things and no opinion is better than the others. Thanks!  <3
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.


Or all of the above at the same time. Like an alicorn dragon pony who is Rainbow Dash's brother.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 28, 00:14:33
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.


Or all of the above at the same time. Like an alicorn dragon pony who is Rainbow Dash's brother.
  :nod: I agree
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Apr 28, 00:29:26
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.


I see your post...

Spoiler: show

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/7/568363/large.png)(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/5/567601/large.png)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/15/575383/thumb.png)
*Thumbed for your protection

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/28/586779/large.png)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/10/571639/large.png)


... And I raise you one Alex.

And maybe a forward of Predator Drone(s).

Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/2/11/549295/large.png)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/3/4/566481__safe_comic_anon_artist-colon-elslowmo_commercial_predator+drone_sears.png)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2013/2/16/244803__safe_solo_oc_oc+only_original+species_artist-colon-jessy_plane+ponies_predator+drone.png)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2013/2/16/244802__safe_parody_disney_original+species_plane+ponies_the+jungle+book_predator+drone.png)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Verdant Tome on 2014 Apr 28, 01:20:15
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.


Or all of the above at the same time. Like an alicorn dragon pony who is Rainbow Dash's brother.

Agreed, and I raise you non-canon races and species. And demons. Especially demons, or demon-possessed characters.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 28, 08:27:47
Another topic, disliking alicorn OCs. Why am I not surprised?

Overpowerd, extreme saturated colours (pure black,white, neon blue etc.), illogical family relation with characters from the show (though logical non-family is ok), dark and back background, not having fears or weaknesses, casual finding of powerful and unique items that have only benefits to the character.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Astranacus on 2014 Apr 28, 09:14:19
I don't think Alicorns are necessarily the problem, they are just stereotyped into a bad category which people associate them with. There are definitely a few bad ones but I have also encountered several good alicorn OC's from different people not just in design but also personality and story.

I think the problem is more of what people aspire to. When they make their own OC their own role model, that is without fault they often become a "mary sue". I tend to like balance in characters as well as being carefully thought through, because when an OC is made to be omniscience then the character is flawed. Because they are limited to only what the creator knows unless they do their research.



Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Chishio Kunrin on 2014 Apr 28, 13:17:14
Mary Sues, definitely.

Usually the kinds of ponies or beings you would never expect to see in the show. While they're fun to draw, they're not really good for roleplaying, fanfictions, and the like. Though, crossover fanfics are a different story.

Related to a main character, especially if it's one of the mane six. Things like sister, brother, cousin, uncle, aunt, whatever.

If you think alicorns are generalized, look at recolors, especially Rainbow Dash recolors. Though, people hate recolors for a more logical reason - it's just so boring, and the Rainbow Dash recolors seem to be a lot more common than the other recolors. I want to see what you can come up with, not your color palette of someone from the show!

Now, here's something that I don't really think makes an OC really poor, but it's something that I kind of dislike... Unreasonable cutie marks/talents.
Example: I understand that video games are canon in MLP, but the only video games we've seen so far in the show have been arcade games. Why is your pony's cutie mark an Xbox controller or an Xbox 360 logo?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Benict on 2014 Apr 28, 13:55:05
CREATIVITY!!!! >:O

but in seriousness if the character is something you would never see in the show than chances are your OC is to far out in the left field. Also like has been stated already alicorns, just no.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Apr 28, 16:47:53
Quote from: Benict on 2014 Apr 28, 13:55:05
CREATIVITY!!!! >:O

but in seriousness if the character is something you would never see in the show than chances are your OC is to far out in the left field. Also like has been stated already alicorns, just no.


I don't actually mind OCs that would never make it to the show. Sometimes having weird characters can be GOOD. Think about it: OCs are commonly made for fanfiction. Fanfiction almost always explores things that the show wouldn't or couldn't do, so why not include characters that can't be canon?  ^-^

I dunno, is that just me?

Oh, and I feel the need to mention this (I forgot before): rainbow characters bother me to no end. It's fine to give your character 1 or 2 extra hair colors (such as a light pink mane/tail with a blue streak and a purple streak) but please, for Celestia's sake, don't give them rainbow hair, rainbow eyes, a multicolored rainbow horn or rainbow tipped wings, and then top it off with rainbow stripes or spots. That's just overkill! I don't even know why people would want to do that  :I Maybe give them a little rainbow hair bow or bracelet but keep it small. So no rainbow colored hat, shoes, outfit, makeup, ect... in all one outfit. That's just ridiculous.

*Rainbow rant over*
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 28, 18:42:59
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 28, 08:27:47
Another topic, disliking alicorn OCs. Why am I not surprised?

Overpowerd, extreme saturated colours (pure black,white, neon blue etc.), illogical family relation with characters from the show (though logical non-family is ok), dark and back background, not having fears or weaknesses, casual finding of powerful and unique items that have only benefits to the character.
The reason a lot of ponies don't like Alicorn OC's is not because they're 'OP' or 'Mary Sues', it's usually because all those alicorn OC's are making Alicorns look like a common day thing, Lauren Faust Didn't want Cadace to be an Alicorn because she said it'd make them look too common.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Verdant Tome on 2014 Apr 28, 18:56:06
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 28, 08:27:47
Another topic, disliking alicorn OCs. Why am I not surprised?

I'll go on record and state that the reason I dislike alicorn OCs is because most people who've made alicorn OCs, in my experience, have done so really, really poorly. Making an OC an alicorn strikes me as an attempt by its creator to make the character seem cool, or unique, or whatever, when to me, it just makes it look Sue-ish and unoriginal.

That said: well-made alicorn OCs, with well-written backstories that justify their being an alicorn and are believable, along with realistic limits to their power, are perfectly fine by me; I actually like them more because they break that mold of Alicorn Sue characters.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Apr 28, 20:20:48
Lol, I'm not surprised there's a thread about how bad OC's can get. As someone who posted a lot in the thread about making OC's look good...

Long lists, verry long lists.

Where to even start?

I'll start by splitting my dislikes into 2 categories.

1. Appearance is bad
&
2. Terrible Character Backstory/Background (#cringe)

Too lazy to write long rant... Maybe later... :P
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Apr 28, 20:40:15
Yeah, and with Rainstorm, for the most part I purposely used ideas and traits that I'd never seen in another OC. And I think that's the secret. Do something you've never seen before! Everybody's seen alicorns, and weird, stripey, fanged, insane OCs, and people keep making them. If there were only a few such characters, then it would be okay. And in my eyes, that's why a character like Rainstorm is good. I've never seen another pony OC similar to him.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Princess Oliver on 2014 Apr 28, 21:08:39
The only thing that makes a bad OC is a bad backstory IMO.
Simpler characters need simple backstory, I believe you can have a character of any design, as long as the style of the character fits the personality and 'design' of the character it shouldn't matter if they a a black red tipped alicorn with lighting hair.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Randam Saiko on 2014 Apr 28, 21:25:57
Spoiler: The following may have exceptions if the writing/back story is written well enough. • show

Spoiler: Any form of god,deity, etc (Excluding brokenly OP) • show

Example of a decent leveled being: Goddess of the Serpent River.
Example of a definite no: God of the Sea.

Having key involvements in world building (EX: Founded Canterlot, created the changlings, etc)
Being a genetic fusion of anything possible (to a certain point)

Spoiler: Just No. • show

OP Powers (Resurrection, Destroy worlds, etc)
Was a massive key part of any main character's character.
Evil lord of all shadows, darkness, lord of blood, death, pain, yadda yadda yadda...
Unclear or non-existent motives for their actions
No restriction/limit to their powers and abilities (Even emotional restrictions)
Color scheme where it's a mix match of the most flashiest options available.



Spoiler: Nutshell • show
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Pm0JQOZ.jpg[/img]
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Apr 28, 21:40:43
Quote from: Randam Saiko on 2014 Apr 28, 21:25:57Color scheme where it's a mix match of the most flashiest options available.
Heh heh, guilty of that here...
(http://s6.postimg.org/eozwni5ep/Yellow_Light.png)
On purpose of course. He's purposely over the top neon bright and stuff. But at least he's not any of the other stuff you said...

Post Merge

Wow... The "Normal OC" looks almost exactly like Puddlewalker, down to the eyes! Only difference being wings.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Apr 28, 22:37:48
Quote from: Randam Saiko on 2014 Apr 28, 21:25:57
Spoiler: Nutshell • show
(http://i.imgur.com/Pm0JQOZ.jpg)
Dear most OC pony,

Come by my place, we'll fix you up so those poniples laughing behind your back will just SCREAM in awe when they see you hehehe. :]

also
*pets normal OC* :3

Quote from: Yellowpikmin476 on 2014 Apr 28, 21:40:43
Quote from: Randam Saiko on 2014 Apr 28, 21:25:57Color scheme where it's a mix match of the most flashiest options available.
Heh heh, guilty of that here...
Spoiler: show
(http://s6.postimg.org/eozwni5ep/Yellow_Light.png)

On purpose of course. He's purposely over the top neon bright and stuff. But at least he's not any of the other stuff you said...
Heheheh, gimme a few hours wit him and I'll make him look manelier. ;)

Any color combination can work, honest. Just. needs. some. adjustments. ovO
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Apr 28, 22:59:18
Quote from: Randam Saiko on 2014 Apr 28, 21:25:57
Spoiler: Nutshell • show
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Pm0JQOZ.jpg[/img]



Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2012/7/18/47734/large.gif)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: ManeFlame on 2014 Apr 28, 23:23:45
Honestly, as far as mane 6 relatives, I can forgive it when it's Applejack. Seriously, her family is freaking enormous, she's probably got kin dotting the maps out there.

Applejack: Always related.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Dream Bolt on 2014 Apr 29, 00:00:47
Quote from: ManeFlame on 2014 Apr 28, 23:23:45
Honestly, as far as mane 6 relatives, I can forgive it when it's Applejack. Seriously, her family is freaking enormous, she's probably got kin dotting the maps out there.

Applejack: Always related.


So true. :]

I think it's a bad OC when it's too obviously trying to be noticed. Flashiness, overpoweredness (that's a new word I just made. Put it in the dictionary.), canon-relations, non-canon things like antlers or dragon wings, and tragic backstories all just seem to say, "LOOK AT ME!!!"

I do excuse somewhat tragic backstories for characters when they are based on the creator's real life, but still, this is Equestria. Things do tend to be nicer there, so keep it mild. After all, many of us like MLP because it's a beacon of cute happiness in a world of dark angst. 0:)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 01:15:02
Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 28, 18:42:59
The reason a lot of ponies don't like Alicorn OC's is not because they're 'OP' or 'Mary Sues', it's usually because all those alicorn OC's are making Alicorns look like a common day thing, Lauren Faust Didn't want Cadace to be an Alicorn because she said it'd make them look too common.


Well Lauren doesn't have anything to do with the show for 2 seasons now. What she intended or wanted is irrelevant now.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 01:33:35
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 01:15:02
Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 28, 18:42:59
The reason a lot of ponies don't like Alicorn OC's is not because they're 'OP' or 'Mary Sues', it's usually because all those alicorn OC's are making Alicorns look like a common day thing, Lauren Faust Didn't want Cadace to be an Alicorn because she said it'd make them look too common.


Well Lauren doesn't have anything to do with the show for 2 seasons now. What she intended or wanted is irrelevant now.
she still created the world, and as far as we've seen there have been no changes, adding to it? yes, but no changes.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 01:40:35
She may have but anything that isn't in the show can be changed , no matter what she wanted or intended. That includes more alicorns.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 01:53:06
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 01:40:35
She may have but anything that isn't in the show can be changed , no matter what she wanted or intended. That includes more alicorns.
There has been no proof of more alicorns so I'm going to assume they're still going by Lauren's ideas, unless they changed it and told nopony.




A thing I reeaalllyyy dislike is people that make their OC's have rainbow in their mane, it just seems to lack imagination, like they just stole it from Rainbow Dash!

Also when they give their OC's a cutiemark when the race doesn't have them, Griffons, Donkeys, Dragons, Even horses(we saw the ones from saddle Arabia in the episode with parasprites I beleave) don't have cutiemarks!
I think Zebra's can have them, because Zekora has something similar...
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 02:03:24
So you're saying that we knew in advance that Twilight had a brother who was going to marry an alicorn princess and it wasn't just leaked?  And Lauren had intended it? o.O
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 02:37:59
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 02:03:24
So you're saying that we knew in advance that Twilight had a brother who was going to marry an alicorn princess and it wasn't just leaked?  And Lauren had intended it? o.O
She's only 1 more Alicorn, and Hasbro actually made a book series of an epic adventure of how she became an Alicorn.
Saying that there's 1 more Alicorn doesn't prove that they're a common race, and we're staying a bit off topic here so I'll stop here...
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Chishio Kunrin on 2014 Apr 29, 06:58:48
Quote from: Yellowpikmin476 on 2014 Apr 28, 20:40:15
Yeah, and with Rainstorm, for the most part I purposely used ideas and traits that I'd never seen in another OC. And I think that's the secret. Do something you've never seen before! Everybody's seen alicorns, and weird, stripey, fanged, insane OCs, and people keep making them. If there were only a few such characters, then it would be okay. And in my eyes, that's why a character like Rainstorm is good. I've never seen another pony OC similar to him.

Like my deaf earth pony OC?
She's a cutie. :3 I made her because I randomly felt like coming up with a deaf pony and decided I wanted an OC who works with glass.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 07:31:59
Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 02:37:59
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 02:03:24
So you're saying that we knew in advance that Twilight had a brother who was going to marry an alicorn princess and it wasn't just leaked?  And Lauren had intended it? o.O
She's only 1 more Alicorn, and Hasbro actually made a book series of an epic adventure of how she became an Alicorn.
Saying that there's 1 more Alicorn doesn't prove that they're a common race, and we're staying a bit off topic here so I'll stop here...


It does prove that Hasbro can change whatever they want and if they want to make an entire country with only alicorns, they can and will do so.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 29, 07:48:51
As much as I rag on really cruddy, unoriginal OC designs, I still think all OC's are perfectly valid.
They can be horribly unoriginal, entirely self-indulgent and total self-insert wish-fulfillment fantasies, but at the very least you're still doing something creative. So long as people are having fun with it, I honestly don't mind :] (Mary-sue's and all!)

Why when I was a youngin', I used to draw romantic pictures of myself and my favorite anime character as a couple :3
....granted, I wasn't even that young...I....I was still doing that stuff at like...age 17...
But I'm 25 now, so...so it was totally a long time ago!! YEAH!!

Also Batman is a total gary-stu, but nobody cares 'cause it's perfectly normal for men to have fantasies about being ultra-cool, dark & broody billionaire playboys :U
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Apr 29, 08:45:51
Quote from: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 29, 07:48:51
As much as I rag on really cruddy, unoriginal OC designs, I still think all OC's are perfectly valid.
They can be horribly unoriginal, entirely self-indulgent and total self-insert wish-fulfillment fantasies, but at the very least you're still doing something creative. So long as people are having fun with it, I honestly don't mind :] (Mary-sue's and all!)

Why when I was a youngin', I used to draw romantic pictures of myself and my favorite anime character as a couple :3
....granted, I wasn't even that young...I....I was still doing that stuff at like...age 17...
But I'm 25 now, so...so it was totally a long time ago!! YEAH!!

Also Batman is a total gary-stu, but nobody cares 'cause it's perfectly normal for men to have fantasies about being ultra-cool, dark & broody billionaire playboys :U
Yes, OC's minimum amout of creativeness. YESH it makes sencts!

Wait what? Battumannu?!?!??!? O:
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: ManeFlame on 2014 Apr 29, 13:46:08
Quote from: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 29, 07:48:51
As much as I rag on really cruddy, unoriginal OC designs, I still think all OC's are perfectly valid.
They can be horribly unoriginal, entirely self-indulgent and total self-insert wish-fulfillment fantasies, but at the very least you're still doing something creative. So long as people are having fun with it, I honestly don't mind :] (Mary-sue's and all!)

Why when I was a youngin', I used to draw romantic pictures of myself and my favorite anime character as a couple :3
....granted, I wasn't even that young...I....I was still doing that stuff at like...age 17...
But I'm 25 now, so...so it was totally a long time ago!! YEAH!!

Also Batman is a total gary-stu, but nobody cares 'cause it's perfectly normal for men to have fantasies about being ultra-cool, dark & broody billionaire playboys :U


Both of DC's biggest heroes are super Mary-Sues. >_> That's why I tend to not like their stories.

You totally dated Tuxedo Mask, didn't you? It's ok. We won't tell.

Honestly, going back on subject, I can't really complain about OCs with names that seem "obvious." I mean, Rainbow Dash is fast and has a rainbow mane and tail. Pinkie Pie is pink and bakes pies or uses them as gags. Fluttershy is a fluttery natured, shy girl. Filthy Rich is... filthy rich, and on and on.Honestly, there's probably more "unoriginal names" in the show than in the fandom. Not that I don't enjoy either.  lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 29, 14:29:43
I don't know, I know a bad oc when I see it. Sometimes the ocs aren't bad but I jsut hate them for some reason. Wait I'll find you something.
Spoiler: show
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/230/0/0/cm___fury_reference_sheet_by_mr_tiaa-d6iqcyh.png)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/274/0/3/shiver_pony_reference_by_alicornparty-d6ovswk.jpg)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/086/7/b/slipstream_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7bq1c0.png)
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/098/e/b/gari_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7dppnv.png)
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/085/8/f/exo_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7ai4mm.png)

sorry if I offend anyone, I jsut don't like those ponies.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Apr 29, 14:31:33
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 29, 14:29:43
I don't know, I know a bad oc when I see it. Sometimes the ocs aren't bad but I jsut hate them for some reason. Wait I'll find you something.
Spoiler: show
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/230/0/0/cm___fury_reference_sheet_by_mr_tiaa-d6iqcyh.png)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/274/0/3/shiver_pony_reference_by_alicornparty-d6ovswk.jpg)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/086/7/b/slipstream_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7bq1c0.png)
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/098/e/b/gari_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7dppnv.png)
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/085/8/f/exo_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7ai4mm.png)

sorry if I offend anyone, I jsut don't like those ponies.



I like these ponies.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Brick Stonewood on 2014 Apr 29, 17:21:18
I would like to go on record saying that I believe all OC's are bad.

In terms of appearance, you can have a cool idea, but only if nobody else has done it. Heterochromia is a really cool trait the first time you see it, and then you realize how overdone it is. Any one trait is probably either overused already or trying too hard to make the character a unique snowflake. Or surprisingly often, both.

In terms of backstory, the only acceptable route is to create a character that is basically inconsequential to the universe. They can't interact with canon characters in any meaningful way, and they can't be anyone we should have already heard of.

So by that logic, an example of a good OC would be a donkey named Horatio who lives in Manehattan and lost mobility in his front left leg in an accident while he was working at a ball bearings factory. And in just about any other universe, that kind of character would be perfectly acceptable, but because we're all fans of a happy horse world where anything more than slightly depressing is out-of-place, that's not a particularly good OC either. To make him fit with the universe, we would have to give Horatio back the mobility in his leg. If we do that, he loses the one unique character trait we've given him, and he's just a donkey. Probably a sad donkey because he works in a ball bearings factory. (He could have collected on disability and used the extra time to learn how to sing, but the accident never happened because it's too dark, so he can't sing very well, and he still has to work.)

So, without giving him any supernatural abilities that a donkey wouldn't have, giving him any significance to anything that appears in canon, adding anything too dark or depressing to appear in the show, or making a really boring character, how would we get Horatio to the point where we can call him a "good OC?" Personally, I'd say the only thing to do would be to scrap his entire backstory and make him a brave and daring sea captain with many tales of his heroic exploits aboard his faithful ship, the H.M.S. Ballbearingsfactory. There's just no easy way to make a character without some kind of spectacular role seem interesting.

Now, of course, if we were going to use Horatio for a roleplay of some kind, we could start with an ostensibly bland backstory and add development as the story progressed, but in doing so, we're not creating a good OC so much as working with a banal one until it becomes one. Horatio can't be created as a good character all at once, because character development isn't something you can fit into a personality description. It has to happen within a universe, and it has to involve dynamics between multiple characters, or between a character and their environment. You can write good characters by yourself, of course, but you can't write good characters in a vacuum just by slapping together a few concepts that you might like, because that's not how it works in real life. People are shaped by their surroundings, and characters need to be the same way.

If you take any character from any piece of fiction out of that framework and try to envision them just by themselves, without the rest of the story, they're going to appear to be "too ______," for this reason. Pinkie Pie, by herself, is too manic and hyperactive. Romeo is too naive to exist. Francis Begbie is too homicidal to go through life without being put in jail forever. Atticus Finch is too perfect. Tyler Durden has so many things wrong with him, I don't even. The reason those are good characters has very little to do with the initial concepts that make them up, and at some point, just after those concepts were created, there was no more to them than any OC you might have come up with, and they were, therefore, bad characters. The only way to make a good character is to make a character and then put them somewhere. The best way to make a good character is to make two.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Apr 29, 17:30:58
Quote from: Chishio Kunrin on 2014 Apr 29, 06:58:48
Quote from: Yellowpikmin476 on 2014 Apr 28, 20:40:15
Yeah, and with Rainstorm, for the most part I purposely used ideas and traits that I'd never seen in another OC. And I think that's the secret. Do something you've never seen before! Everybody's seen alicorns, and weird, stripey, fanged, insane OCs, and people keep making them. If there were only a few such characters, then it would be okay. And in my eyes, that's why a character like Rainstorm is good. I've never seen another pony OC similar to him.

Like my deaf earth pony OC?
She's a cutie. :3 I made her because I randomly felt like coming up with a deaf pony and decided I wanted an OC who works with glass.
Exactly. Never seen a pony OC that was deaf, or one who works with glass, and this is both. See, this is exactly what I'm talking about, ideas that you use because nobody else has, that's what makes it interesting.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: ManeFlame on 2014 Apr 29, 17:37:22
Quote from: Brick Stonewood on 2014 Apr 29, 17:21:18
[...]Wall O Text![...]

Well technically, two ponies have been in wheelchairs, with one having muscular dystrophy. At least, I believe that's what the Make A Wish OC had in Trade Ya. So it could actually be possible to have, in the confines of the show's rating, a character disabled from an accident.
Heck, half of Leap of Faith was. lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Brick Stonewood on 2014 Apr 29, 20:55:45
Oh, you know what? That might be completely valid, actually. I keep forgetting I stopped watching after the third season. Well, anyway, the main point I'm trying to get across is just that characters aren't capable of being any good when you're looking at a page describing the character rather than using them in a story or roleplay or something.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Apr 29, 21:00:25
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 29, 14:29:43
I don't know, I know a bad oc when I see it. Sometimes the ocs aren't bad but I jsut hate them for some reason. Wait I'll find you something.
Spoiler: show
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/230/0/0/cm___fury_reference_sheet_by_mr_tiaa-d6iqcyh.png)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/274/0/3/shiver_pony_reference_by_alicornparty-d6ovswk.jpg)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/086/7/b/slipstream_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7bq1c0.png)
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/098/e/b/gari_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7dppnv.png)
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/085/8/f/exo_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7ai4mm.png)

sorry if I offend anyone, I jsut don't like those ponies.
Ooooh sooo prettty. Uh, I can see why some people would'nt like these (not quite in line with what you'd see in canon to say the least.) but majoorrrr points for creativity. Mmmmmmm spread the ingenuity everywhere! :D
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Prince-Puri on 2014 Apr 29, 21:57:08
My only real pet-peeve against OCs is if they have powers on top of powers. Just give them one or two and be done with it and try not to make said powers too extraordinary unless there's a good reason for it (there's a reason for cutie marks!).

I have an OC known as Imagine Star-
Spoiler: show
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/112/5/4/imagine_star_by_prince_puri-d7fmbr9.png)


(Her design is not finished entirely. I have to change her cutie mark to a star with a streak behind it)

In RP, she's a blind pegasus pony who manages a bar known as Starry Night in Manehatten. She's not clumsy, but she definitely doesn't know where to go the moment she steps out of her bar. Her special talent is the ability to be a guiding light (all that happens is that she glows like some nightlight and uses this light to help others understand the issues in a situation *she's an appeaser, not a fighter*). This talent helps her diffuse tension in her bar. Other than that, she hates going outside and is a little behind on the times.

As my Pony Persona, she's my figure head who explains why I hate/love something or somewhere.

Does it sound too Mary-Suish?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 23:40:38
Quote from: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 29, 07:48:51
As much as I rag on really cruddy, unoriginal OC designs, I still think all OC's are perfectly valid.
They can be horribly unoriginal, entirely self-indulgent and total self-insert wish-fulfillment fantasies, but at the very least you're still doing something creative. So long as people are having fun with it, I honestly don't mind :] (Mary-sue's and all!)

Why when I was a youngin', I used to draw romantic pictures of myself and my favorite anime character as a couple :3
....granted, I wasn't even that young...I....I was still doing that stuff at like...age 17...
But I'm 25 now, so...so it was totally a long time ago!! YEAH!!

Also Batman is a total gary-stu, but nobody cares 'cause it's perfectly normal for men to have fantasies about being ultra-cool, dark & broody billionaire playboys :U
I personally think your OC's were great, they fit in the show cannon quite well!
I don't think an OC can be 'too boring' because some of the shows most loved ponies like...

Octavia: Plays a cello
Lyra: Plays a harp
Bon Bon: (Not confirmed) makes candies...

Those all could seem 'boring' but MLP isn't about FLASHY and WOW struff, besides season finals most episodes are rather calm, so an OC can't be 'boring' in my book.

And in DC's defense Suparmane-I mean SuparMan is THE FIRST SUPER HERO EVER! so he deserves the 'OverPoweredness'.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 30, 00:37:05
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 29, 14:29:43
I don't know, I know a bad oc when I see it. Sometimes the ocs aren't bad but I jsut hate them for some reason. Wait I'll find you something.
Spoiler: show
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/230/0/0/cm___fury_reference_sheet_by_mr_tiaa-d6iqcyh.png)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/274/0/3/shiver_pony_reference_by_alicornparty-d6ovswk.jpg)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/086/7/b/slipstream_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7bq1c0.png)
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/098/e/b/gari_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7dppnv.png)
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/085/8/f/exo_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7ai4mm.png)

sorry if I offend anyone, I jsut don't like those ponies.


The art for these OC's are actually quite nice :O Some of them might even be okay "original characters", but I don't think any of them would work in FiM's canon-universe.

Whenever I see OC's like that, I just call 'em Sparkle Horses :] Virtually harmless but not "friendship is magic"-y.

Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 23:40:38
I personally think your OC's were great, they fit in the show cannon quite well!


Aww thank you! <3 To be honest a lot of my OC's don't really have backstories, they're mostly just ponysonas. Some do have backstories though, I know Digibrony put a lot of thought into his character's backstory even though I just designed him to figuratively "smile for the camera".

The only OC I have that has a genuine personality is my OC Globe Trotter, but I never gave her a color palette and I wrote her background so long ago (2011) that it's probably awful now :'U
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Apr 30, 00:38:43
Quote from: Prince-Puri on 2014 Apr 29, 21:57:08
As my Pony Persona, she's my figure head who explains why I hate/love something or somewhere.


Oh dear, another bullhorn.

At least you're not forcing your words through the mouth of a canon character in a weak-wristed attempt at making a stand in the worst possible way.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 30, 00:53:07
Quote from: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 30, 00:37:05
Aww thank you! <3 To be honest a lot of my OC's don't really have backstories, they're mostly just ponysonas.

Ponysona's don't really need a back story seeing as their's is usually yours, also most OC's don't need back stories ether.

Once again, Octavia, Lyra, BonBon(Technically Sweetie drops but Bon Bon sounds cuter ;) ) none of them have a back story! but they're still loved wonderful characters.
Adding TO MUCH to a pony can make them too complex, one thing I like about your OC's Mizuki is that they're simple, like the show!

"an artist work is not finished when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away" is a good quote, I always saw this as "Don't try to spakle it up with doohickys and thingamajigs, only use the BEST parts to it"

A Pizza tastes good if it has fresh cheese, good ripe tomatoes, and fluffy fresh bread.
but when you start adding gross tasting but pretty looking stuff it may LOOK nice, but it'll taste like a baked bad :x

Wow, I'v been rambling here! all in all I'm not saying Complex is bad, just TO complex can get over board.

But I <3 your OCs because they're pleasingly simple like the show!
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: snowflurry on 2014 Apr 30, 01:16:43
for me if find it a poor OC when they start mixing different types of ponies just because it looks good, for example:

a pony with zebra stripes, bat pony ears, eyes, and fangs, changeling holes and dragon wings.

it just doesn't make any sense, how did this pony come to be.



On a side note, does my OC sound bad?

FEEL FREE to skip this part if you don't want to read a chunk about my OC, I tend to get carried away when I write/type


He is a unicorn called Snowflurry, he has a deep dark blue coat, a long wild mane that is royal blue that as it travels down changes to sky blue, icy blue, and finally white, same with his tail. light blue eyes and hooves (possibly white hooves, not quite sure).

He is an orphan who was raised by zebras, he originally was at an orphanage where he didn't fit in because he has trouble with talking to other ponies, he stutters, gets tongue tied and generally gets nervous.

He has a scar down his right side and a cracked horn, caused by being trapped in the orphanage when it caught fire. Because of this he generally hates heat and gets nervous around fire

Since his horn is cracked he has difficulty using magic in general, he can do simple magic like levitating ordinary objects as long as they aren't to heavy, but he excels at water and ice magic, as well as simple transformation spells (e.g. ice to glass), but if he tries other types of magic it causes migraines and if he pushes himself through other powerful magic spells it causes his horn to crack even more, damaging it more.

To compensate for his lack of magical abilities he delved into studying alchemy and potions and soon found a passion for the art, which his foster/adoptive parents helped hem develop and grow.

His cutie mark is a frozen/icy potion bottle

In his spare time he likes to make miniature ice sculptures, and the ones he really likes he turns into colored glass

By the time he grew up he became a competent aspiring potion maker and heard from his parents that a amazing potion maker lived it a town called ponyville and decided to head there to learn all he could from this potion master.

Since he has quite a difficult time communicating with other ponies, he often doesn't talk directly to others unless he is close to them, and even then not when in large crowds, instead he often leaves notes and gifts, including miniature glass statues

(I know the whole orphanage fire, scar and cracked horn aren't really quite in theme with the show, oh well. p.s. no one died in the fire (side note he got caught in there cause he thought his only friend was trapped in there for she was bedridden, but I digress))




Sorry for the longish description and thanks for reading, (trust me I could have gone way more in-depth XD) I think I have thinned it down to the most important parts that shape the main idea of my OC (but I have been known to write walls of text from here to kingdom come)

I will get round to writing the full thing in the OC section soon, I promise
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Tiger on 2014 Apr 30, 01:27:45
I think my main pet peeve about OCs are those that are named based off their talent. Which doesn't make sense, since ponies don't get their talent the minute they're born.

Personally I think ponies are better if named off appearance (Eg Derpy... heh), or perhaps based off something their parents knew, inspiring them to name the pony based off that object or thing. (Eg Applejack. Then again, most of the Apple family has Apple in their name...)

It's because of this that I actually get a bit annoyed at some of the canon character's names, like Fluttershy (how would they know she would be shy?) and Scootaloo (how would they know she'd be good at a scooter?).


But I think I also share the pet peeve of alicorns with other people, since alicorns are simply so rare in the show that it's not likely to have so many existing OC alicorns. Although mainly because of the over-poweredness of alicorns. Like, come on. Magic AND flight, and also the strength of Earth Ponies? Seriously...

And sometimes, flashy designs are a downfall. Most of the time, actually. There are simple, cool OCs like Coffee Talk or Sea Drizzle from Ask King Sombra on tumblr that have good background stories, making them good characters. I'd much rather see characters like those rather than neon-coloured ponies screaming "LOOK AT ME" without any sort of story.

I'd go on and on about what I think bad OCs are and what aren't, but I think I'd be talking for too long, so I'll just stop here   X3
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Chishio Kunrin on 2014 Apr 30, 01:45:12
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 29, 14:29:43
I don't know, I know a bad oc when I see it. Sometimes the ocs aren't bad but I jsut hate them for some reason. Wait I'll find you something.
Spoiler: show
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/230/0/0/cm___fury_reference_sheet_by_mr_tiaa-d6iqcyh.png)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/274/0/3/shiver_pony_reference_by_alicornparty-d6ovswk.jpg)
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/086/7/b/slipstream_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7bq1c0.png)
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/098/e/b/gari_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7dppnv.png)
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/085/8/f/exo_ultimate_reference_guide_by_centchi-d7ai4mm.png)

sorry if I offend anyone, I jsut don't like those ponies.

Those OC's are rather pretty. I bet they're fun to draw. In terms of just drawing pictures of them, I like them. In terms of RP... I don't think I like the first one in terms of RP. I might not like the second one either. But the others, I'm not sure about.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 30, 01:51:58
Quote from: Tiger on 2014 Apr 30, 01:27:45
I think my main pet peeve about OCs are those that are named based off their talent. Which doesn't make sense, since ponies don't get their talent the minute they're born.


:s well...Sweet brew's cutie mark is in making tea...Only reason I justify it though it because his Mom was VERY 'Bray'tish and he loved tea sense the day he had it, which he was like...3...maybe less...and I doubt he'd get his cutiemark at THAT age...

Also, all of this is based off of the REAL me, So I thought it makes more sense, because I can't argue with the world seeing as it happened... except the part about a tattoo appearing on my rump. lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Chishio Kunrin on 2014 Apr 30, 02:07:45
Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 29, 23:40:38
Octavia: Plays a cello
Lyra: Plays a harp
Bon Bon: (Not confirmed) makes candies...

Actually, Lyra plays a lyre, not a harp. Huuuge difference. And that's actually what Lyra's name is derived from - her lyre cutie mark. Lyres and harps are shaped totally differently.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 30, 02:14:27
Quote from: MrEmu on 2014 Apr 30, 00:53:07
Quote from: Mizuki on 2014 Apr 30, 00:37:05
Aww thank you! <3 To be honest a lot of my OC's don't really have backstories, they're mostly just ponysonas.

Ponysona's don't really need a back story seeing as their's is usually yours, also most OC's don't need back stories ether.

Once again, Octavia, Lyra, BonBon(Technically Sweetie drops but Bon Bon sounds cuter ;) ) none of them have a back story! but they're still loved wonderful characters.
Adding TO MUCH to a pony can make them too complex, one thing I like about your OC's Mizuki is that they're simple, like the show!

"an artist work is not finished when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away" is a good quote, I always saw this as "Don't try to spakle it up with doohickys and thingamajigs, only use the BEST parts to it"

A Pizza tastes good if it has fresh cheese, good ripe tomatoes, and fluffy fresh bread.
but when you start adding gross tasting but pretty looking stuff it may LOOK nice, but it'll taste like a baked bad :x

Wow, I'v been rambling here! all in all I'm not saying Complex is bad, just TO complex can get over board.

But I <3 your OCs because they're pleasingly simple like the show!


I don't know what to say other than omg thank you!!  D: <---happy tears!

Quote from: Tiger on 2014 Apr 30, 01:27:45
I think my main pet peeve about OCs are those that are named based off their talent. Which doesn't make sense, since ponies don't get their talent the minute they're born.

Personally I think ponies are better if named off appearance (Eg Derpy... heh), or perhaps based off something their parents knew, inspiring them to name the pony based off that object or thing. (Eg Applejack. Then again, most of the Apple family has Apple in their name...)

It's because of this that I actually get a bit annoyed at some of the canon character's names, like Fluttershy (how would they know she would be shy?) and Scootaloo (how would they know she'd be good at a scooter?).


Y'know, some people believe that naming a child can actually shape their personality or destiny. :o Perhaps in Equestria, this is a thing that actually happens? I mean the land is pretty darn magical, I imagine words have a magic all their own! (perhaps anyway)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 30, 07:50:57
Oh right about the ponies I posted (they got a lot of replies  :o ) I don't like them because, well, their designs are good but not for a pony. They could be good if ummm they were something else. The last one looks like an alien and the first one is a cat dragon horse?! But I don't like the design of the second one. It's too ugly :x
sometimes ponies can look really good but when I read their backstory all I can say is "w0t  >:/ "
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Apr 30, 09:00:59
Some people have trouble making their story line up. Still, prettttty poniiiiiesssss! ovO
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: teacloud on 2014 Apr 30, 14:56:33
This doesn't necessarily make an OC bad.. but,
I don't like plain mane/tail styles. There's a test you can do to check the uniqueness of your design.
If you black out the character and can still tell it apart from other characters, you're good to go.
However, I find tons of OCs copying the RD mane style-- just plain down. If you saw an outline of
Pinkie or Rarity for example, it'd be hard to mix them up with anyone else. However, if you blacked
out Rainbow's colors, you could easily mistake her for Derpy. Because pony's body styles all look the
same (usually), the mane and tail is what really sets them apart aesthetically.

Alicorns bother me for almost all reasons mentioned above.

And I think that OCs with musical talents are horrendously overdone.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Apr 30, 16:33:41
I don't like OCs who are insane. Not in appearance, I mean like actually insane. And creepy. And I don't like OCs with too much "special" stuff, like fangs, and stripes, and weird eyes, and irregular wings, etc. On some circumstances I don't mind, sometimes actually like, an OC with just one, no more, of those previously mentioned things. Like if they're a vampire, okay, fangs, fine. Zebra, stripes, okay. Weird eyes, not common, but I can be fine with it. Dragon/Bat pony, with dragon/bat wings, cool. More than one of any of those things at once? Even just two? No, just no. Any one of those things can make your OC slightly more interesting, but when you push it... it comes out kinda creepy.

One thing I kinda like(and have done) is a non-pony creature. For example, I have an OC that is a deer. And another that is a changeling.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Asterian Starfall on 2014 Apr 30, 17:38:15
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.

I have to argue a little bit on that.

Alicorns --- Okay, there is little argument for that, however, there is a possibility to justify the character being an alicorn. If the creator can come up with a valid and believable reason for making a character an alicorn, it is fine. Sadly, very few know how to accomplish this without destroying the character's believability. I know I can not do this.

Blood Relation --- Not always. I read a story recently under the title "She Knows How to Treat a Lady" in which the writer managed to make a believable character of direct blood relation to Trixie. Now maybe the ruling is a little warped due to perception and the fact we are talking about a rival, not a Mane Character, but I found the story more touching with Clementine.

By the way, here's the link to that story!
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/97807/she-knows-how-to-treat-a-lady
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Prince-Puri on 2014 Apr 30, 17:49:38
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Apr 30, 00:38:43
Quote from: Prince-Puri on 2014 Apr 29, 21:57:08
As my Pony Persona, she's my figure head who explains why I hate/love something or somewhere.


Oh dear, another bullhorn.

At least you're not forcing your words through the mouth of a canon character in a weak-wristed attempt at making a stand in the worst possible way.


Eh... it'll be a long while before she's officially seen as that.

I think that's sort of stupid; using the canon characters to get something done. How about you use yourself?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Naura on 2014 May 17, 16:57:55
After reading all of this... time to fix my Oc page (Gonna add stuff, not delete, I realized how poorly I had described it, must fix naow)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 May 17, 17:08:35
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Apr 30, 07:50:57
Oh right about the ponies I posted (they got a lot of replies  :o ) I don't like them because, well, their designs are good but not for a pony. They could be good if ummm they were something else. The last one looks like an alien and the first one is a cat dragon horse?! But I don't like the design of the second one. It's too ugly :x
sometimes ponies can look really good but when I read their backstory all I can say is "w0t  >:/ "


You know, Shiver was actually featured on a Tumblr blog called Terrible Pony OCs. Personally, I don't HATE her design but it is a bit cluttered. I think they just need to cut back on the accessorys a bit.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 May 17, 22:07:29
Quote from: Asterian on 2014 Apr 30, 17:38:15
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.

I have to argue a little bit on that.

Alicorns --- Okay, there is little argument for that, however, there is a possibility to justify the character being an alicorn. If the creator can come up with a valid and believable reason for making a character an alicorn, it is fine. Sadly, very few know how to accomplish this without destroying the character's believability. I know I can not do this.

Blood Relation --- Not always. I read a story recently under the title "She Knows How to Treat a Lady" in which the writer managed to make a believable character of direct blood relation to Trixie. Now maybe the ruling is a little warped due to perception and the fact we are talking about a rival, not a Mane Character, but I found the story more touching with Clementine.

By the way, here's the link to that story!
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/97807/she-knows-how-to-treat-a-lady


To do something on this - whether to add or counter I don't know:

A good case of alicorns I'd invoke would be out of Fallout Equestria. In so far as I've read, they're handled pretty well and they work well within the narrative.

In FOE's case they're the stories version of the Super Mutant and do have a slavish obedience for their version of The Master.  Though they're broken out of that system by the end.

Project Horizons also explores FoE alicorns in a different way, while keeping to the cores of the core-FoE alicorns. Particularly in Lacuane, one of a few who are permitted some free-will from the rest. This though comes with the crate-loads of typical angst and anguish that's a theme in PH.


Per Blood-relations, I could invoke the Satyr [Abominations] as being an exception to the conception that being blood-related is a poor choice. Though it could be strengthened given the nature of the Satyr's source thread to not enforce any form of canon. But there are OCs directly related to the mane cast and other ponies through being their offspring that lumps them into this "rule" (so to speak); as well as the non-canon species one.

Satyrs could probably be argued to the bitter end, since they're somewhere between a pony and a full-fledged humanization which is wholly controversial. More so if Equestria Daily is taken as a complete representation of the whole fandom.

But they're cute and they don't know what they're missing.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MrEmu on 2014 May 19, 08:24:00
Quote from: teacloud on 2014 Apr 30, 14:56:33
This doesn't necessarily make an OC bad.. but,
I don't like plain mane/tail styles. There's a test you can do to check the uniqueness of your design.
If you black out the character and can still tell it apart from other characters, you're good to go.
However, I find tons of OCs copying the RD mane style-- just plain down. If you saw an outline of
Pinkie or Rarity for example, it'd be hard to mix them up with anyone else. However, if you blacked
out Rainbow's colors, you could easily mistake her for Derpy. Because pony's body styles all look the
same (usually), the mane and tail is what really sets them apart aesthetically.

Alicorns bother me for almost all reasons mentioned above.

And I think that OCs with musical talents are horrendously overdone.

lol, hye, I'd rather have an totally normal mane style then see one more OC steal CloudChaser or Vinyl Scratchs mane! :] but yeah, I totally agree....well...just don't look at my Ponysona's mane...okay? :s lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: DashieFanBoy on 2014 Jun 16, 13:50:15
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Apr 27, 22:51:51
Alicorns.
Hybrid species.
Extracanon powers.
Blood relative to a canon character.


Or all of the above at the same time. Like an alicorn dragon pony who is Rainbow Dash's brother.


Oh... Because my OC is Rainbow's Brother. V_V   D:
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: equestrianAce on 2014 Jun 23, 15:00:01
OCs with neony, rainbow designs. Or OCs that have black and red everywhere. Demon ponies or possessed ponies. Alicorn ponies in general seem to be Mary Sues/Gary Stus. Stripes, spots, demonic pupils, antlers. Generic personalities such as "violent", "sweet", or "weird" and making that their only trait.

My OC is kind of generic, but I guess I'll tell you about her anyway. Her name is Feathera Quillpen. She is a unicorn pony with a green coat and a black mane kept in a braid. Her talent is writing, hence, her cutie mark is a quill. She is mostly quiet as she doesn't really know how to socialize. She has a couple friends, but mostly prefers to stay quiet around every other pony. She hopes to become a writer someday and is currently writing a book. Feathera also has a good sense of humor, though she amuses herself way too much.

Likes: Writing, Cooking, Sightseeing, Shopping.
Dislikes: Dishonest Ponies, Drawing, Being Adventurous, Interacting With Other Ponies.
What do you think of her?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Jun 23, 15:52:33
I agree with all that, except neon is good.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Naura on 2014 Jun 25, 07:50:01
When it comes to Alicorn Oc's, I usually can accept them as long as they got a good reason to be princess, like, we got the princess of sun, of moon (including stars), of love and of friendship. I had a plan on a princess, may or may not use it, and it was supposed to be the princess of Joy/enjoyment. Not the best idea, but if an alicorn doesn't have a good reason of alicorn powers, I just have a hard time to accept it...
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Jun 25, 09:31:07
Quote from: Naura on 2014 Jun 25, 07:50:01
When it comes to Alicorn Oc's, I usually can accept them as long as they got a good reason to be princess, like, we got the princess of sun, of moon (including stars), of love and of friendship. I had a plan on a princess, may or may not use it, and it was supposed to be the princess of Joy/enjoyment. Not the best idea, but if an alicorn doesn't have a good reason of alicorn powers, I just have a hard time to accept it...


Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/28/638802/large.jpeg)

All hail Queen Whiskey.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Jul 30, 21:32:59
I'm not sure if I've already mentioned this but another thing that bothers me is when people make a blind/deaf/lame pony to try and be "special" or seem all accepting towards disabled people but end up making a slap in the face to them.

Don't know what I mean? Take Snowdrop, an ever so popular OC whom I only recently realized how awfully she is written. *Before someone mentions how my avatar is/was Snowdrop that's because I like her DESIGN, not her "personality" if you could call it that.* During the entire episode short thingy most of everything she did added up to her complaining about being blind. She had no personality outside of "I'm so sad because I'm blind and no one likes me! Boo hoo I wish I could seeee  D: Audience, are you pitying me yet? I'm a sad little guuuuuuurl! :c"

First of all, let's address the class: kids aren't that mean. Sure some might bully her but most wouldn't. Most kids would be really interested in talking to a blind child! The class was written lazily and without a second thought. Also, why wasn't Snowdrop in a blind school? If Earth has them I'm sure Equestria does too! She shouldn't even be in a regular public school!

Snowdrop: Great design, horrendous personality. She just complains about being blind and wishes she could see. Most peope don't realize something, something that Snowdrop's creators also missed: blind people focus on everything that ISN'T their blindness. Why waste time on that? They can pretty much do everything a seeing person can do with just a few acceptations so why would they get all hung up on it? It also seems that Snowdrop was born blind so she'd care even less probably. She doesn't know what it would have been like to see so she wouldn't personally miss anything. It's not like she fell in love with colors and such only to learn that she would never see them again (the only time it is acceptable to write a character mourning their loss of vision for a short while. Don't let it consume them.

I'll stop harassing Snowdrop now. My point is making deaf or blind or lame OCs is just fine but remember that they are people too! Don't focus on what they don't have, focus on what they do have. What do they like? What can they do? What are challenges they face? It's fine to mention their disability but don't make it all they exist for. I'm making a deaf filly OC (and her mother, father, and perhaps a grandmother too) but I make her deafness what she ignores. She's still a child; she's curious, likes to play and explore, she's outgoing and uses affection as a way to display emotions that she can't voice, she can get into mischief and misbehave. She's more than a slightly flawed body. She's a living creature with a soul and personality. She exists and wants to make the most of it.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Jul 31, 09:20:51
When I read that, I  remembered another trait some fail OCs share. They lost one or both of their parents early in their life, and in their adolescent years go on a quest to find them. :l seriously? If you lost your parents that early they might be dead or don't want to see you. Not to mention you don't know how they look and why does it matter anyway, you grew up without them. You're an adult now, why would you need parents anymore?
Ps. This doesn't apply to pony characters exclusively.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Jul 31, 09:37:08
Those two. All my yes.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: S_Realm on 2014 Jul 31, 09:41:49
Eh? I thought this topic had died a quiet death. Now we're gonna get all these people's asking for help on making their OC's look pretty. Problem is there's so many people who need help. Where to even start?  DD: (they all need help!!!)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Naura on 2014 Jul 31, 10:25:39
When somepony goes like:
"This Oc of mine lives (now I'll just use some examples) In a volcano/ in the castle in canterlot/ at this tiny island outside ponyville that nopony knows it exists."
I mean like, some places, like the volcano, just no. You can't live inside one! not even if your talent is fire >:O And in a castle? Okay, maybe some guards sleep there and so, but living in like the princesses castle for no good reason is just stupid! They wouldn't (probably) even allow that. And for the last. If your Oc doesn't happen to live early in the ages of equestria, then how is it supposed to live on a place nopony knows that it exsists? Maybe a place in everfree, but that's because of reasons, almost more than one pony must know where you're home is, if not you are a lone pony who doesn't have any friends...


TL;DR Living in bizarre places is not a trait any oc should have...
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 11:50:49
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Jun 25, 09:31:07
Quote from: Naura on 2014 Jun 25, 07:50:01
When it comes to Alicorn Oc's, I usually can accept them as long as they got a good reason to be princess, like, we got the princess of sun, of moon (including stars), of love and of friendship. I had a plan on a princess, may or may not use it, and it was supposed to be the princess of Joy/enjoyment. Not the best idea, but if an alicorn doesn't have a good reason of alicorn powers, I just have a hard time to accept it...


Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/28/638802/large.jpeg)

All hail Queen Whiskey.


My OC is an alicorn and he's a prince. What's so bad about that? He could marry the other three alicorns (Princess Cadance is already married though)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Naura on 2014 Jul 31, 12:01:48
Oh, I didn't mean that having a prince alicorn is bad, I meant why they're a prince/princess is usually weird and bad.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Jul 31, 12:09:10
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 11:50:49
My OC is an alicorn and he's a prince. What's so bad about that? He could marry the other three alicorns (Princess Cadance is already married though)


Stating it like that makes him look bad. There are thousands of Prince alicorns that are black with white/red/gray and etc. What's different between your OC and theirs? Why is he a prince? Any reason he is an alicorn? Any explanation why as to how he is a male alicorn? Since most think only mares can be alicorns.

People make a lot of assumptions in everyday. So without features to distinguish your OC from the bad, it's largely assume he is bad too.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 12:15:07
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Jul 31, 12:09:10
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 11:50:49
My OC is an alicorn and he's a prince. What's so bad about that? He could marry the other three alicorns (Princess Cadance is already married though)


Stating it like that makes him look bad. There are thousands of Prince alicorns that are black with white/red/gray and etc. What's different between your OC and theirs? Why is he a prince? Any reason he is an alicorn? Any explanation why as to how he is a male alicorn? Since most think only mares can be alicorns.

People make a lot of assumptions in everyday. So without features to distinguish your OC from the bad, it's largely assume he is bad too.

He's a special alicorn, but yeah I know what your talking about. I just feel alicorns could be male too.

Post Merge

Quote from: Naura on 2014 Jul 31, 12:01:48
Oh, I didn't mean that having a prince alicorn is bad, I meant why they're a prince/princess is usually weird and bad.

I am weird in general so I guess it doesn't bother me
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Jul 31, 12:18:40
Define special alicorn. Alicorns are already special if you ask the majority of the fandom and making him even more 'special' feels cheap.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 12:24:45
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Jul 31, 12:18:40
Define special alicorn. Alicorns are already special if you ask the majority of the fandom and making him even more 'special' feels cheap.

Sorry about that. I don't use the right terms sometimes.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Mango Dolphin on 2014 Jul 31, 14:06:45
In truth, what I believe to be a bad character isn't just the lack of consistency, overly bright neon colors whereas I am very guilty of, relation or relationship with a canon character, cliche use of species, generic and sometimes even invalid excuses for a personality, or amping up their powers to an 11, but the lack of the character doing something worthwhile and lacking a situation where they must work hard to see the light of day. They're made just to be special, make you feel special, and super powerful. But what's the point when they're going to get out of it anyways? And in roleplays, even when you aren't allowed to powerplay, that OC has nothing to worry about because they're going to get out of it easy anyways. What's the point?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Jul 31, 18:10:05
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Jul 31, 09:20:51
When I read that, I  remembered another trait some fail OCs share. They lost one or both of their parents early in their life, and in their adolescent...


Though not directly relevant to the questing part later I do front to challenge this baseless assumption with:

Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/4/566801/large.png)
Father never mentioned, if not: then very little. Effectively gives up on mother when she goes to chase a mare into the wide world.

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/1/10/520291/large.png)
Never knew her father because Stable 99 tradition and likely died long ago. Mother dies mid-story before she's forced to gas her entire Stable and become homeless and parentless

(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2012/11/4/142241__safe_solo_oc_fallout+equestria_close-dash-up_fallout+equestria-colon-+project+horizons_stare_oc-colon-scotch+tape.png)
Mother dies early in story, effectively orphaning her. Later parental drama involving opiate-addicted father.

(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/6/11/650529__solo_oc_monochrome_semi-dash-grimdark_simple+background_armor_fallout+equestria_fallout+equestria-colon-+project+horizons_oc-colon-rampage_thorns.png)
Laundry list of issues including but not limited to not knowing her lineage as well as being responsible for murdering her own foal. Can't kill herself out of the guilt.

(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2013/4/22/305550__safe_oc_text_fallout+equestria_fallout+equestria-colon-+project+horizons_trading+card_oc-colon-morning+glory_artist-colon-rinmitzuki.png)
Her roll in her relevant story fluctuates between looking for her mother on the side to "what in the blazing wastelands happened to her".

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2013/10/12/446895/large.png)
The ENTIRE PLOT of Pink Eyes is pretty much Puppysmile's quest for her mom.


You can't really say such a thing is a defacto universal truth to a terrible OC since I can probably dig up an exception in the FoE-verse, which is the biggest fannon universe I've really bothered with. But not being a "canon" species, having lost their parents, being an alicorn, or any card I've seen pulled here doesn't mean that they're terrible. I can still keep finding exceptions that disprove the rule.

So, in the ultimate end:
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/7/8/670385__safe_monochrome_cute_foal_fallout+equestria_artist-colon-madhotaru_raider_steel+ranger_battle+saddle_applejack%27s+rangers.png)


Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Jul 31, 11:50:49
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Jun 25, 09:31:07
Quote from: Naura on 2014 Jun 25, 07:50:01
When it comes to Alicorn Oc's, I usually can accept them as long as they got a good reason to be princess, like, we got the princess of sun, of moon (including stars), of love and of friendship. I had a plan on a princess, may or may not use it, and it was supposed to be the princess of Joy/enjoyment. Not the best idea, but if an alicorn doesn't have a good reason of alicorn powers, I just have a hard time to accept it...


Spoiler: show
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/28/638802/large.jpeg)

All hail Queen Whiskey.


My OC is an alicorn and he's a prince. What's so bad about that? He could marry the other three alicorns (Princess Cadance is already married though)

You ain't even got the prestige modifier, kid.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Luminescence on 2014 Jul 31, 19:21:44
Firstly, As said below, there is one constant I have found in practicaly everything. "For every rule, there is an exception, even this." So I can only say for most OC's what problems might be.

A big thing that bothers me, is names. Chances are, if your name includes things like: Master, King, Boom, Rainbow, Explosions, Power, yada yada, It needs some more, muchness. This is a leading tip off that the following OC may just be a Power Point Stew in a pony shape. Sometimes not even pony shaped.

Second thing, Names. Different thing. If I can read your name, and imedeatly guess what your talent is, it makes me intrigued. Usually, it means you can't think of something else that would fit. EXEPTION 1: Like a recent OC I've talked to, sometimes the they have a family name that is what things are related to. Example: The Apple Family EXEPTION 2: Recently, I've figured, "Since there are so many canon ponies with clearly cutiemark related names, perhaps at the cutie cienera, there is a renaming ceramony if they wish. It would explain a lot..."

Third thing. OP. Usually handled poorly.

Fourth thing. They aren't normal... This is a bit esoteric, but a lot of OC's seem just so... off. They can have tragic backstories, that isn't a problem. Equestria can't all be sunshine and rainbows, look at Manehatten, an alicorn couldn't get a cab. They can even be outrageously colored, but if they aren't handled well, it feels so... off. I want to say things like, stiff and ridged, almost mechanical, but that doesn't cover everything. It is almost as if you can feel them being used. It doesn't feel organic.

Sorry If I am just being a bit strange, this is just what I think of as bad.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Jul 31, 20:34:19
Quote from: Naura on 2014 Jul 31, 10:25:39
When somepony goes like:
"This Oc of mine lives (now I'll just use some examples) In a volcano/ in the castle in canterlot/ at this tiny island outside ponyville that nopony knows it exists."
I mean like, some places, like the volcano, just no. You can't live inside one! not even if your talent is fire >:O And in a castle? Okay, maybe some guards sleep there and so, but living in like the princesses castle for no good reason is just stupid! They wouldn't (probably) even allow that. And for the last. If your Oc doesn't happen to live early in the ages of equestria, then how is it supposed to live on a place nopony knows that it exsists? Maybe a place in everfree, but that's because of reasons, almost more than one pony must know where you're home is, if not you are a lone pony who doesn't have any friends...


TL;DR Living in bizarre places is not a trait any oc should have...


Heh, I may be slightly guilty of that one. I have an OC Dark Grave who lives in a cottage outside Ponyville hidden in a small forest thingy (Of which everyone seems to assume is the Everfree. Bro. Dark Grave doesn't want to live in Hell on... Equestria. ) But it's not unknown that it's there. Some ponies know it's there but they don't know exactly who lives there. Others just assume it's abandoned. So I'm pretty sure it's not as bad as being like "she lives in a secret cave outside Ponyville nopony knows about!" but it isn't completely guiltless either.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2014 Jul 31, 20:38:58
Now I'd say my OC Rainstorm has a pretty good example of a home that's interesting but not outrageous. He simply lives in Ponyville in a house under endless rain! Renatan's is a good example too.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: VeronicaLolzXD on 2014 Aug 01, 17:42:15
Um.....

I'm a pegasus..

However, my first OC was an alicorn...
So....Yeah. Alicorns aren't really OP if you give them a lot of bad qualities, so that makes them quite hated if you make the mistake of not giving a bad quality.


Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Knowlegeseeker on 2014 Aug 02, 03:54:57
Having a cutie mark that means the same thing as a canon character. That's unforgivable. :c
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 02, 09:30:04
Quote from: VeronicaLolzXD on 2014 Aug 01, 17:42:15
Um.....

Well, I am a alicorn/pegasus.

Basically, you can decide on what race to call me.

In LoE, I plan on being a pegasus due to the fact of no alicorns in LoE.

However, my first OC was an alicorn...
So....Yeah. Alicorns aren't really OP if you give them a couple of bad qualities, so that makes them quite hated if you make the mistake of not giving a bad quality.

A bad quality example:  Midnight Blue (My OC) can be mean if she believes in something strongly, like somepony gives up and Midnight believes that the pony can do it, that's where that begins.

A stronger bad quality is like Bob really hates sweet ponies.

So yeah................... ;)
MY HANDS ARE TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:O

Why doesn't LOE have any other races then the main 3? Just wondering.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 02, 10:05:43
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.

So let me get this straight. If all the races of ponies were available, no one would use the 3 main races because everypony would be other races and the fact that most ponies in Equestria except royalty are alicorns and that Changelings are considered bad are just some of the reasons for not having these races in LOE. I understand now since your basically a normal, typical pony in LOE going to adventures and stuff similar to the Mane 6.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 03, 01:07:06
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 02, 10:05:43
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.

So let me get this straight. If all the races of ponies were available, no one would use the 3 main races because everypony would be other races and the fact that most ponies in Equestria except royalty are alicorns and that Changelings are considered bad are just some of the reasons for not having these races in LOE. I understand now since your basically a normal, typical pony in LOE going to adventures and stuff similar to the Mane 6.


Everyone knows best pones are Zebras, but no one wants to be Detrot. In conclusion: ban Zebras.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 04, 00:16:04
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.


Earth ponies would still reign supreme in my book.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 00:41:31
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 04, 00:16:04
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.


Earth ponies would still reign supreme in my book.

No they won't. Everypony should know that the alicorns are the most powerful. After all, look at what Celestia and Luna do. THEY RISE THE SUN AND THE MOON!!!!!!! And I'm sure that Cadance and Twilight have really important positions to be alicorns. My OC BTW is also a alicorn. Don't ask me why! I've received enough from members telling me that I shouldn't have chosen the alicorn race!  :l
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 00:55:23
Since when do MMOs permit you to play as a God out the gate? Isn't the counter-intuitive?

I might expect that from a single-player strapped game, but never multiplayer games.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: EliteAspect on 2014 Aug 04, 01:23:22
People who make their ponies overpowered.

being able to breathe fire, shoot lightning, fly, talk to planets, whatever. you name it.

its annoying me that almost every gameplay video on LoE on YouTube has players picking to be a pegasus....so mainstream....
i mean seriously, what happened to earth ponies..?  :l
Spoiler: show

like Octavia, AKA me AKA best pony
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 04, 04:01:26
Quote from: EliteAspect on 2014 Aug 04, 01:23:22
People who make their ponies overpowered.

being able to breathe fire, shoot lightning, fly, talk to planets, whatever. you name it.

its annoying me that almost every gameplay video on LoE on YouTube has players picking to be a pegasus....so mainstream....
i mean seriously, what happened to earth ponies..?  :l
Spoiler: show

like Octavia, AKA me AKA best pony



The reason for that is that the game is not finished. Being a pegasus provides with quick exploration and avoiding the holes that may cause you to fall off the map. Once it's finished you'll see that the pegasi numbers will dwindle.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 04, 06:42:53
I doubt they will. But I love being an Earth pony and climbing on tops of trees or buildings. It confuses people lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 09:20:13
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 04, 06:42:53
I doubt they will. But I love being an Earth pony and climbing on tops of trees or buildings. It confuses people lol

One, they probably will somewhat drop a little. Two, how can Earth ponies clime trees anyway? And Three, I prefer unicorns and alicorns the best over Pegasus and Earth. I am on the other hand concerned now that I won't be able to play LOE unless I'm a Pegasus. I chose to be a unicorn in LOE due to the fact that there is no alicorn option.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:12:28
Raidenpone is best type of pone anyways.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 20:19:04
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:12:28
Raidenpone is best type of pone anyways.

What's Raidenpone?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:27:07
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 20:19:04
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:12:28
Raidenpone is best type of pone anyways.

What's Raidenpone?


The following presentation is made benefit by: Program For the Continued Benefit of the Learning of LoE to Important Things by DB.

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/22/633894/large.png)

Raidenpone.

Raiden's best moment. (http://youtu.be/4yl1ZDymR2Y)

Though on second thought, being Jetstream Samhorse would be better...

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/8/1/688184/large.png)

At least you get to be Sam (http://youtu.be/ywm3rSOehak) in Rising. But it all goes into relation... And he has best song (http://youtu.be/oXRLoiD7G2k).

Spoiler: Related • show

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/2/26/561827/large.jpg)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/4/5/593125/large.png)
"Friendship is magic" - Now there's a pretty meme. Exquisite!

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/1/564035/large.jpg)
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/216/b/c/bulkdowner_by_aaronmk-d7tpp05.png)
RED S-S-SUN. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chPJ7x9iMw0)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 20:30:10
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:27:07
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 20:19:04
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:12:28
Raidenpone is best type of pone anyways.

What's Raidenpone?


The following presentation is made benefit by: Program For the Continued Benefit of the Learning of LoE to Important Things by DB.

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/22/633894/large.png)

Raidenpone.

Raiden's best moment. (http://youtu.be/4yl1ZDymR2Y)

Though on second thought, being Jetstream Samhorse would be better...

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/8/1/688184/large.png)

At least you get to be Sam (http://youtu.be/ywm3rSOehak) in Rising. But it all goes into relation... And he has best song (http://youtu.be/oXRLoiD7G2k).

Spoiler: Related • show

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/2/26/561827/large.jpg)
(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/4/5/593125/large.png)
"Friendship is magic" - Now there's a pretty meme. Exquisite!

(https://derpicdn.net/img/2014/3/1/564035/large.jpg)


Oh, alright. Don't know much about Raiden since I don't do gaming. Is this related to gaming though? Not much into gaming.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:31:11
Step out of the plebeian circles kid.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 04, 20:52:45
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 04, 20:31:11
Step out of the plebeian circles kid.

Fine then. Could've been a little more like Fluttershy and being kind and polite about it!  :c
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 03:29:36
I honestly prefer Vinyl as Raiden.
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/061/b/9/vinyl_the_ripper_by_shaadorian-d78kos9.png)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 09:24:38
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 04, 00:16:04
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.


Earth ponies would still reign supreme in my book.


XD I laugh with you only because earth ponies seriously need more love... and that's coming from a Pegasus >.<
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 10:52:44
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 09:24:38
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 04, 00:16:04
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 02, 09:35:21
Because nobody would use the standard races. And we don't know as much about other races compared to the normal ponies.


Earth ponies would still reign supreme in my book.


XD I laugh with you only because earth ponies seriously need more love... and that's coming from a Pegasus >.<

Well, Earth Ponies are special too. After all, they grow our food like the Apple Family. Sure, they don't have abilities like unicorns, Pegasus, or alicorns and have to hold things by their mouths a lot (Yuck, but understanding) but all ponies are special. Just like humans in our world.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 05, 15:47:29
Raiden is annoying.  >:O He works for uhh.. whoever he works for to get money for his family. But he also gets a super expensive cutting-edge suit of armor and katana. Go figure...
Also, worst pony EVER
http://bronies.wikia.com/wiki/Marisa_Ariel_Dempsey
Her cutiemark is the symbol of a band. A real world band. That she's not a part of.
She's a vampony.
Her father is a character from a videogame.
She's an element of harmony? Come on!
Also a time traveler.

Please, if you are making an OC, do NOT make one like this.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 16:31:49
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 05, 15:47:29
Raiden is annoying.  >:O He works for uhh.. whoever he works for to get money for his family. But he also gets a super expensive cutting-edge suit of armor and katana. Go figure...
Also, worst pony EVER
http://bronies.wikia.com/wiki/Marisa_Ariel_Dempsey
Her cutiemark is the symbol of a band. A real world band. That she's not a part of.
She's a vampony.
Her father is a character from a videogame.
She's an element of harmony? Come on!
Also a time traveler.

Please, if you are making an OC, do NOT make one like this.

That OC doesn't even make any sense at all! An OC should have similar characteristics and personality as yourself. It's basically as if you were randomly just taken to Equestria and transformed into a cute pony.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 16:39:06
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 16:31:49
That OC doesn't even make any sense at all! An OC should have similar characteristics and personality as yourself. It's basically as if you were randomly just taken to Equestria and transformed into a cute pony.


You don't know what an OC means...do you?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 16:41:26
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 16:39:06
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 16:31:49
That OC doesn't even make any sense at all! An OC should have similar characteristics and personality as yourself. It's basically as if you were randomly just taken to Equestria and transformed into a cute pony.


You don't know what an OC means...do you?

Yes, it means Original Character. Oh, I see what your saying now. lol  Your saying that OC's are actually supposed to be different in ways, but similar to you in terms of personality and such. I get it now. Like your talents might be different as a pony then human. Kind of misunderstood that on my part.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 16:44:46
O.C. isn't bound by anything except your imagination (and the boundaries of the world you're creating him/her in). It doesn't need/have to be similar to you in any shape or form.
Sonas on the other hand (ponysona, fursone, persona etc.) are representation of you in a world. Them being 1:1 with your personality, likes/dislikes and etc.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 17:06:24
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 05, 15:47:29
Raiden is annoying.  >:O He works for uhh.. whoever he works for to get money for his family. But he also gets a super expensive cutting-edge suit of armor and katana. Go figure...
Also, worst pony EVER
http://bronies.wikia.com/wiki/Marisa_Ariel_Dempsey
Her cutiemark is the symbol of a band. A real world band. That she's not a part of.
She's a vampony.
Her father is a character from a videogame.
She's an element of harmony? Come on!
Also a time traveler.

Please, if you are making an OC, do NOT make one like this.


I feel a sense of Twilight with this one... and I'm not talking about an alicorn.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 17:06:57
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 16:44:46
O.C. isn't bound by anything except your imagination (and the boundaries of the world you're creating him/her in). It doesn't need/have to be similar to you in any shape or form.
Sonas on the other hand (ponysona, fursone, persona etc.) are representation of you in a world. Them being 1:1 with your personality, likes/dislikes and etc.

I see what your saying. My OC is a alicorn that does things I could never do. Like everything about MLP, it's all about imagination and what you make it to be. My OC however does have my personality. I hope that answers your response.

Post Merge

Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 17:06:24
Quote from: Ramisha on 2014 Aug 05, 15:47:29
Raiden is annoying.  >:O He works for uhh.. whoever he works for to get money for his family. But he also gets a super expensive cutting-edge suit of armor and katana. Go figure...
Also, worst pony EVER
http://bronies.wikia.com/wiki/Marisa_Ariel_Dempsey
Her cutiemark is the symbol of a band. A real world band. That she's not a part of.
She's a vampony.
Her father is a character from a videogame.
She's an element of harmony? Come on!
Also a time traveler.

Please, if you are making an OC, do NOT make one like this.


I feel a sense of Twilight with this one... and I'm not talking about an alicorn.

What Twilight are you talking about then? A Twilight that's not part of MLP.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Blaze on 2014 Aug 05, 17:43:00
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 17:06:57
What Twilight are you talking about then? A Twilight that's not part of MLP.


I believe Cloudwilk is referring to the infamous vampire romance saga, Twilight. Trust me when I say that you probably don't want to know anything more than that about the book series.
After reading part of that mess of a backstory, I definitely see the Twilight-like qualities! lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 17:59:31
Quote from: Blaze on 2014 Aug 05, 17:43:00
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 17:06:57
What Twilight are you talking about then? A Twilight that's not part of MLP.


I believe Cloudwilk is referring to the infamous vampire romance saga, Twilight. Trust me when I say that you probably don't want to know anything more than that about the book series.
After reading part of that mess of a backstory, I definitely see the Twilight-like qualities! lol

Oh, the book series! lol What was I thinking about? I get so confused when talking about Twilight on this forum I'd think it meant the alicorn. Now I know. The qualities would fit it alright!
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 20:13:34
My faith in humanity has been restored with the lack of understanding in the Twilight saga. I, personally, can't say much about it since I've never read it or watched the movies... but I've learned a lot about a bad fanbase when I see one. I was getting a similar vibe with the Jersey Shore and Justin Bieber crew. Both those shows and music of which I have not viewed or listened to, and frankly, I feel no loss.

It just makes me feel self-conscious about jumping the bandwagon when I personally haven't experience it for myself... So I feel the need to point my err out.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 21:35:00
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 05, 20:13:34
My faith in humanity has been restored with the lack of understanding in the Twilight saga. I, personally, can't say much about it since I've never read it or watched the movies... but I've learned a lot about a bad fanbase when I see one. I was getting a similar vibe with the Jersey Shore and Justin Bieber crew. Both those shows and music of which I have not viewed or listened to, and frankly, I feel no loss.

It just makes me feel self-conscious about jumping the bandwagon when I personally haven't experience it for myself... So I feel the need to point my err out.

That's how I feel. I never bothered with Jersey Shore, Justin Bieber, or Twilight Saga. The only Twilight I like is that nice looking purple alicorn that lives in that new Friendship Castle in Ponyville. I have a crush on her and Fluttershy, BTW. SO CUTE!!! <3 <3

Moderator edit: Please refrain from smiley spamming in the future, thank you.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 05, 22:49:09
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 03:29:36
I honestly prefer Vinyl as Raiden.
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/061/b/9/vinyl_the_ripper_by_shaadorian-d78kos9.png)


Sshh. No more tears.

Moderator Note:Please do not post sensitive material in the forums.  Thank you
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 22:52:31
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 05, 22:49:09
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 03:29:36
I honestly prefer Vinyl as Raiden.
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/061/b/9/vinyl_the_ripper_by_shaadorian-d78kos9.png)


Sshh. No more tears.



Isn't that a little inappropriate for this forum?
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 05, 22:53:55
Quote from: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 05, 22:52:31
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 05, 22:49:09
Quote from: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 05, 03:29:36
I honestly prefer Vinyl as Raiden.
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2014/061/b/9/vinyl_the_ripper_by_shaadorian-d78kos9.png)


Sshh. No more tears.



Isn't that a little inappropriate for this forum?


No tears now. Only Collective Consciousness.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 06, 08:50:11
Psshhh... I like the dark side of MLP as well....  ovO
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Aug 07, 20:56:13
Guys, can we try to keep large images in spoilers?  X3
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 07, 21:12:32
Quote from: Renatan on 2014 Aug 07, 20:56:13
Guys, can we try to keep large images in spoilers?  X3

I'll try to. Thanks! I know now not to because it'll slow down the thread. BTW, cute profile pic of Snowdrop. If that's her name.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MoonBunni on 2014 Aug 08, 16:54:55
Simple:
-Don't overpower (godmod, ad weird powers that don't canonically exist, weird hybrids that don't canonically exist, etc.)  >:/
-Do not make them related to any canon characters  :s
-I'd recommend not putting them in any relations with the main six characters or any other important character (e.g. the princesses, shining armor, cmc trio, etc.), buuuut if it's that important and/or necessary.. alright. But good luck. lol
-No super weird cutie marks. Don't use overused stuff, nothing already used on an important character in the show, and make them unique and make sense!  ;)
-No ponies w/ effed up personalities (e.g. emo, crazy, etc.). That's weird. Stop it.  :l
-No possession, no grim dark junk (but that's imo... still no possession tho. dat is a nonono!!).  DD:
-PLEASE for the love of GOD do not put inappropriate gross nsfw junk with your OC's! DAS NASTYYYY  :I


But imo, w/ alicorns there are some exceptions (don't judge me aaaa)...
For example:
I have two alicorn OC's that I never use... but they're just there because I think making up old lore is cool. One is the Alicorn of Protection, and the other is the Alicorn of Hope. They're just normal alicorns but aren't rulers of anything and are basically "myths" (Basically, if a pony needs protection or hope, the pony can "call" on those alicorns as if they were deities, if the pony chooses to believe in them.). So really.. they aren't real.. in a sense. It's stupid and complicated, I know. It's kinda like Okami or something, where if you believe in them, you can see them. And if you don't, you don't see them.
So yeah... don't hate me.  >A<
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Rusty-Watch on 2014 Aug 08, 19:10:38
Might just be me on this, but it's a pet peeve of mine when people try to give a name to their OC like "Shining Blade" or "Dark Shadow" or "Silent Knife". It makes you look like you're a twelve year old on Xbox Live. All you need to do is add an XX to the start and end and you're golden.

Moderator note:Please refrain from using inappropriate language, thanks
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: MoonBunni on 2014 Aug 08, 20:24:27
Quote from: Rusty-Watch on 2014 Aug 08, 19:10:38
Might just be me on this, but it's a pet peeve of mine when people try to give a name to their OC like "Shining Blade" or "Dark Shadow" or "Silent Knife". It makes you look like you're a twelve year old on Xbox Live. All you need to do is add an XX to the start and end and you're golden.


Oh, and this, too. Agreed. DON'T EVER make stupid names!  lol
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Nala Valor on 2014 Aug 08, 23:12:02
The thing I hate the most about OCs is when someone missuse alicorns. Although yes some (and when I say some I really mean it. I think out of all the alicorns I saw on my time here, only one or two were "acceptable".)
The first way alicorns are miss used is by simply having no other reason then either his parents were unicorn and the other Pegasus or simply because. The reason an alicorns should be it is either, like Twilight, they accomplish something worthy of the title of princess/prince and gained the remaining part to become alicorns. Although this should be the rarest reason, it is still the best reason.
The second option is by magically gaining them. This could be achieved by a magic spell which should be temporary and not always be there, as in when it goes down, you can't just cast the spell again and already have the wings back.

The second reason why alicorn are misused is because most of them are used casually, as if they were simple civilian with little to no purpose in the hierarchy since most (and probably all future canon alicorns) are royalty. It makes little to no cence to have an alicorn OC since you would almost only do royalty duties (if you have any) or would be always crowded by everyone, somewhat like Twi and most likely like Celestia, and which would not probably not be the case.
The only good reason I can see a real utility to Alicorn OCs is a little something in theatre  called Deus Ex Machina. It's a somewhat long concept but if you don't know what it means, its basicly the high power that comes to fix the problem. I would have a lot of exemple but most of them are pg13 and higher so here's something close to one in the mlp universe.

The royal wedding 2 episode special, remember? Close to the end, the Mane 6 uses the elements of harmonie on Chrysalis, with no success. Then, Cadence did something with the power of love to banish her somewhere. That could be considered Deus Ex Machina since when you think about it, In the crystal empire episodes, she could of used the same power to banish the evil king that I forgot the name instead of just shielding and wasting her energy. Although yes some people might argue that this isnt really Deus Ex Machina but its the best exemple that we can understand without heading into more obscure exemple.

Woo, that was a lot of 'splainin' :p
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 10, 22:13:28
Quote from: Rusty-Watch on 2014 Aug 08, 19:10:38
Might just be me on this, but it's a pet peeve of mine when people try to give a name to their OC like "Shining Blade" or "Dark Shadow" or "Silent Knife". It makes you look like you're a twelve year old on Xbox Live. All you need to do is add an XX to the start and end and you're golden.


You're observation is beautiful.

Yea, I agree with the alicorn-misuse. I view alicorn's more as sort of god-like creatures of the pony world... a higher state of being only achieved by very super-duper few only when they manage to accomplish such an ultimate goal. Or.. have an essential role in the way the world works and not casually, either (For instance, not making snow fall but rather raising the sun and the moon...) They should have a respect with them. Alicorns here automatically equals princess. You must keep that in mind. u.u

Overpowering is never fun... especially when you get butt-hurt about something because your character can't dictate everyone else's  :l
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 11, 22:48:18
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 11, 21:38:47
I'm curious about the brief appearance of the horses from .. was it the pony version of India?... they were fascinating and it looked like their culture has a whole different establishment than the pony-world we know of.


Saddle Arabia. Or Arab horse.
Spoiler: show
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/A_beautiful_Horse_and_Rider_at_the_2006_Arabian_Horse_Nationals_%282536434720%29.jpg/800px-A_beautiful_Horse_and_Rider_at_the_2006_Arabian_Horse_Nationals_%282536434720%29.jpg)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Mizuki on 2014 Aug 11, 23:10:33
Temporarily locking this thread because it's going in a non-kid friendly direction. I'll open it back up soon with a helpful reminder to stay on topic the next time.

UPDATE: Alright, so the proper edits (and post removals) have been made. I'm gonna leave some causal reminders for everyone participating in this topic's discussion:

  • Stay on topic first and foremost. (What makes a poor OC?)

  • Stay away from topics that can get people all riled up; this can include but is not limited to-

    • gender roles

    • Patriarchal vs Matriarchal society

    • religious practices.


^If you want to talk about any of those things, do so in private messages. Be gross somewhere else >:/

Thank you for reading and sorry for the inconvenience! ^-^
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Night Pony on 2014 Aug 12, 14:32:40
Another things that makes a bad OC:
OC that's super old, most commonly older than the sisters. Often they are with 'mystery' as in their first name is lost/come from long distance land you've never heard of. Plus some have the ability to change their shape like changelings.  >:/
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Renatan on 2014 Aug 12, 14:51:51
Quote from: Rusty-Watch on 2014 Aug 08, 19:10:38
Might just be me on this, but it's a pet peeve of mine when people try to give a name to their OC like "Shining Blade" or "Dark Shadow" or "Silent Knife". It makes you look like you're a twelve year old on Xbox Live. All you need to do is add an XX to the start and end and you're golden.

Moderator note:Please refrain from using inappropriate language, thanks


Ah, I'm guilty!  lol I wasn't sure what to name Dark Grave. Loathe Flash isn't much better and I honestly want to change "flash" to something else. For shame, for shame. I'm a bad girl  X3

Yea, names can get a bit cliche. And isn't "Dark Shadow" a bit.. unnecessary? I mean, when have you ever seen a light shadow? They're all dark!

Anyways, I'm also not a fan of ponifacations. I mean, it's fine if you want to draw Sonic as a pony or whatever but don't actually make it an OC. First of all, it's not your character. Second of all, it usually breaks canon logic. So go and draw pony Spongebob or pony Amaterasu or pony Wheatley all you want but for goodness sake please don't try to pass it off as one of your OCs for a RP or fancition!
The only acception to this is if you were, for example, taking a video game storyline and rewriting it as it would happen in Equestria. That's fine.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 12, 18:25:06
I don't really care about the ponifications either way. They neither annoy or entertain me.  :I That seems to generate hate from others... the ponification... even though I really don't see it too much. I know there's a lot out there but I don't run into it for whatever reason as much.. that or I'm just so neutral I pay little attention to it. It definitely wouldn't be an OC...
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Bro1997 on 2014 Aug 12, 20:33:38
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 12, 18:25:06
I don't really care about the ponifications either way. They neither annoy or entertain me.  :I That seems to generate hate from others... the ponification... even though I really don't see it too much. I know there's a lot out there but I don't run into it for whatever reason as much.. that or I'm just so neutral I pay little attention to it. It definitely wouldn't be an OC...

Why is there any problems with ponifications? Every human deserves to be a pony.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 12, 23:26:50
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 12, 18:25:06
I don't really care about the ponifications either way. They neither annoy or entertain me.  :I That seems to generate hate from others... the ponification... even though I really don't see it too much. I know there's a lot out there but I don't run into it for whatever reason as much.. that or I'm just so neutral I pay little attention to it. It definitely wouldn't be an OC...


(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/5/18/630099__safe_spike_edit_maud+pie_metal+gear_metal+gear+rising_raiden_monsoon_ms+paint+skills_stains+of+time.jpg)
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 13, 01:50:07
I think we're all get off subject here, what makes a poor OC poor is when he doesn't have enough money to pay the bills.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 13, 07:22:18
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 13, 01:50:07
I think we're all get off subject here, what makes a poor OC poor is when he doesn't have enough money to pay the bills.


True dat. Too many unemployed OC's.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: NightFlame22 on 2014 Aug 14, 19:46:51
Quote from: cloudwilk on 2014 Aug 13, 07:22:18
Quote from: Midnight Breeze on 2014 Aug 13, 01:50:07
I think we're all get off subject here, what makes a poor OC poor is when he doesn't have enough money to pay the bills.


True dat. Too many unemployed OC's.

I know, right? I at least tried to make my OC have a job. (Although whether she's successful or not is another matter XD)

I know this has probably been said a bazillion times but I really just can't get into super dark colors on ponies. Like, if their mane is black and their coat is considerably lighter that's okay, but if their coat is super dark it really bothers me. >.<
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: spiritwolf98 on 2015 Mar 30, 20:50:31
Bad headcannon, bad backstory, Don't make the pony rainbow colored( I mean his/her fur)  And not like a cyborg pony mixed with some other weird magic..
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GoldenTerrabyte on 2015 Mar 30, 23:06:23
Just sayin', now that I can say this, badly made furry OCs are hardly different at all from badly made pony OCs, all the same stereotypes apply, dark overemotional pasts, crazy designs, over-hybridized, all that sort of thing.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Sunshine Smash on 2015 Mar 30, 23:43:16
Quote from: AaronMk on 2014 Aug 12, 23:26:50
(https://derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/5/18/630099__safe_spike_edit_maud+pie_metal+gear_metal+gear+rising_raiden_monsoon_ms+paint+skills_stains+of+time.jpg)

How did it take me so long to see this thread and not see that post? Considering I have.... Kinda an unhealthy obsession with all things Metal Gear.

Anyways, I think the people here are spot-on.

Terrible Backstory, Overpowered alicorn, the like.

I could see the cyborg pony working out, but only if it's in a small place, like a leg if it was badly damaged. And it doesn't give you mad Metal Gear Rising super strength. It just functions like a normal leg.
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: Artsy Crafters on 2015 Mar 31, 14:07:37
I feel like color choice is a big part about it because like if you were to make a pagan with Apple jacks color palette Pegasi should be more sky complimentary where eath ponies should be more earth themed
Title: Re: What makes a poor OC? Post your thoughts here!
Post by: GlassMirror on 2015 Mar 31, 19:21:40
 lol I remember my OC Relic was so boring and mary sue (I think. I still don't know what everyone means by mary sue still :I ) he used to look like this:
Spoiler: show
(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/104/2/a/relic_1st_gen__by_sakurafly101-d61ql19.jpg)

He was going to be some brat who lives in a forest away from everyone. He was just a Pegasus...

... 4 years later he looks like this:
Spoiler: without all the designs • show
(http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2015/061/e/8/relic_recent_update_by_sakurafly101-d8fadu3.png)


His story is much better (shorter in fact lol ), it makes sense, and he's now a hybrid (dragon pony). I don't get why many people don't like Hybrids all that much, but I think if you put a lot of thought into them then they could be a awesome OC. I had many people say Relic was really well made (well duh cause I was working on him for 4 years).

The point is that I like balanced, well made and not rushed, badly colored techno remix OCs that show off. Just no

ok bye :3