The RPlague

[Legolas]

I think people like to play characters such as elf maidens with uknown pasts and amazing sword skills because it makes them more interesting,

But it doesn't. It makes them 'mysterious' to the writer, perhaps (and that might be fun for the writer), and select preteens, but those characters don't serve much purpose in literature, and do not find proper usage often. They're annoying to readers and reduce story depth.

Legolas was great with a bow and arrow. Is that what helped him add most to the story? Not hardly. Aragorn was a really tough guy. Is that what helped him add most to the story? No.

And how about partial amnesia in Gandalf himself-- as he "awoke" after his battle with the Balrog?

Such a special case is hardly likely to repeat.

[ May 01, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]