Below is my ideal character. In answering this question, just consider his attributes and skills. His gear should be considered secondary.

Attributes:

Intelligence, Wisdom, Strength, Constitution, and Endurance

His Gear:

On his person, he is decked out in leather armor, w/ moulded plate armor covering his chest, back, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, thighs, and shins. He wears leather gloves and boots. He'll wear fur instead of leather in the cold months. He wears a cloak ,with the hood down. In the shadow of the cloak, you can barely make out his features.

He has a longsword strapped to his back, a short sword on his hip, a dagger strapped to his leg, and a bow strung w/ arrows hung across his bag. On his leather belt is a money pouch, usually concealed by his cloak. He also walks around with a staff, that aids in balance on rough terrain, and doubles as a bowstaff.

In his pack, he carries food, water, and a first aid kit made out of herbs.

Skills:

He has intermediate skill with his swords and bow. He has basic skill w/ the bow.

He is knowledgable of plants, animals & their benefits.

He is knowledgable of people. (psychology, sociology, and politics)

He commands elemental magic (lightning & wind)

Personality:

His outward appearance is quiet and keeps to himself mostly.

He opens up around those he knows, revealing a depth of character.

Those who know him, know that he's a deep thinker (philosophical), is brutally honest, thirsts for knowledge and truth, has a strong sense of justice, is curious, loves to have fun, thinks happiness is the purpose in life, enjoys the outdoors (the mountains and surrounding terrain in particular [think the Rockies] ), hates sand (it gets everywhere), the ocean, swamps, and thick forests (think SouthEastern USA).

Those who seek his help know that he's a problem solver, protects the innocent, and is an avenger.

I scribbled this out in a matter of 15min. to sort out my thoughts. After reading it, it's no wonder I have a hard time getting into MMORPG's. There's no depth in character in any of these MMORPG's, and good luck with me finding a class that would have everythign I added above.

What do you all think?
 

What you describe sounds like a LOTRO ranger (Aragorn anyone?) or maybe Drizzt... This character are a bit like munchkin, which is ok in a book as they are unique.

In a MMO settings, I'm afraid such a character would be unbalanced. Unless all those capacity are only built over over (a long) time... kind of like both Aragorn and Drizzt have had quite a few years to hone thier skills, seeing as they have a very long life span.

Neither Drizzt or Aragorn are intermediate with a sword...

Sounds like you described little bits and peices of every class thats ever been in a MMO.

But on a serous note, Take a look at FFXIV. They are going to have somthing you are looking for. :D

Vanguard Saga of Heroes: Ranger 7.3/10
 

LotrO: Hunter 7.5/10

Age Of Conan 7.8/10

Dungeon&DragonsOnline: Ranger 8.2/10

Don't alway's let the game-mechanics dictate what you are, but let your mind free............

Originally posted by Valgar1

Neither Drizzt or Aragorn are intermediate with a sword...

Argorn is intermediate with a sword but Drizzt is a master for sure.

 Pretty much a druid maybe ?

Any game with set classes is going to be a disappointment for someone that wants to build a specific character concept.

Perhaps you should explore the (few) skill-based MMO options if you really want a character of a specific build.

As to the specifics of appearance - it's unlikely that any MMO will be able to fit your mental image of a character exactly.  Perhaps in Second Life (not sure) and certainly in a text-based MUD (yes, they still exist), but otherwise you're at the mercy of a third-party for your apperance options.

Virtually everything under your "Personality" heading is purely up to you to portray.  There isn't anything in any game that stops you from portraying a character as you have described.  If you don't already - try getting tapped into the various RP communities that exist (often underground or off the beaten path) in most MMOs.

If you're not tied to the idea of swords and sorcery, Fallen Earth would allow you to approximate your character build (with mutations in place of the magic powers) - but it's a post-apocalyptic setting which may not be to your liking.  It's also very new and still suffering from teething issues (if that sort of thing bothers you - balance and stability issues mostly).

Switch the bow for a pistol, the hood for a wide-brimmed hat and  the character that you're describing is somewhat reminiscent of a Witch Hunter in WAR.

That sound like a character u would be n Dungeons and Dragons, the real kind. The character u want is some type of Warden or Ranger for sure but he wouldnt be in a MMORPG because he would be too good tho. Maybe one like it but a little gimped tho.

Pretty much the answers I expected. I've played practically every MMO out there, including the newly released ones. Guess I'll have to keep my eye on the future then.

Those who suggested Rangers or Ranger variations, a Ranger is a master with the bow, and does not cast elemental magic. This character would be late 20's, so if he progressed as I'd like him to, he'd be good at dual wielding swords, and good at the magic he knows, and still basic with the bow. The bow is simply for hunting, since trying to kill an animal with a sword is hopeless as is frying an animal with lightning. Besides, it doesn't take much to learn to shoot a bow.

Being good at multiple things is certainly believable, which is an annoying thing about MMO's. They act like you can only be good at one thing. Take a real life for a good example. A Marine with 4 years of training and practice is excellent with ranged weapons, tactics, endurance, and strength. Add a year or two, and that Marine is also better than most at hand-to-hand combat. My point is that it doesn't take long for a smart person to learn and absorb a skill. You don't need to be a Master at something to be impressive at it and better than most.

So my character concept is certainly believable in a balanced sort of way, it's just that developers don't care to try. The Thane and the Death Knight were close in concept. DDO allows the exact creation of my character, but the way things are balanced in that game, I'd be gimp as shit, lol.

Aside from the personality, sounds like a Red Mage to me (FFXI).

Doubt any game will provide the depth you are looking for, total customization but has to be uber powerful too?

In fact, games are going the opposite way, people always chasing the FOTM build so game makers are accomodating them to let everyone be equal.

Aren't MMORPGs role playing? If everybody was capable of all these characteristics, it wouldn't be a RPG will it?

You seem to be looking for the master of everything. You question why MMOs don't have characters that are good at multiple things, but the answer is so obvious you should know it, and that's for the sake of balance. You can't shoot lightning, use a bow, and a sword with master profiency while wearing leather clothing. Well, you can do all these things, but in doing so you are not going to be as proficient as someone who focuses solely on magic, solely on their bow, and solely on their sword. In comparison to the guy who can perform magic, you can in turn have proficient sword and bow skills that he lacks, while also having magic; but you can't expect to have the same magic profiency as the guy who has made it his prime and sole focus.

If you're looking for someone who can do a little bit of everything, you're looking for a hybrid class. Though a hybrid of bow, magic, and sword is beyond my knowledge of any MMOs based on class. There may be some skill-based MMOs down your alley. But if you are looking to be the master of everything, then you're looking for Rock vs. Rock. MMOs are Rock vs. Paper vs. Scissors.

The character you are looking for is called a Bard, a Bard that never took up or no longer pursues his or her musical career.  The closest you will find in regards to game mechanics would probably be DDO.

Originally posted by Wakawakaz

Aren't MMORPGs role playing? If everybody was capable of all these characteristics, it wouldn't be a RPG will it?

So far, the term "Warden" fit the best. The role would be DPS, the class would be Warden. Look at the skills, he isn't OPed. The ability to do a variety of things makes him intermediate at best at all of those things, and basic in the bow. Not OPed at all. All it'd take to beat me is a lightning resist potion, some proficiency in a weapon better than intermediate.

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Originally posted by arrecks
Aside from the personality, sounds like a Red Mage to me (FFXI).

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Odd, I didn't see in there where he wanted to be a walking juice bar :-).

Originally posted by Douhk

You seem to be looking for the master of everything. You question why MMOs don't have characters that are good at multiple things, but the answer is so obvious you should know it, and that's for the sake of balance. You can't shoot lightning, use a bow, and a sword with master profiency while wearing leather clothing. Well, you can do all these things, but in doing so you are not going to be as proficient as someone who focuses solely on magic, solely on their bow, and solely on their sword. In comparison to the guy who can perform magic, you can in turn have proficient sword and bow skills that he lacks, while also having magic; but you can't expect to have the same magic profiency as the guy who has made it his prime and sole focus.

If you're looking for someone who can do a little bit of everything, you're looking for a hybrid class. Though a hybrid of bow, magic, and sword is beyond my knowledge of any MMOs based on class. There may be some skill-based MMOs down your alley. But if you are looking to be the master of everything, then you're looking for Rock vs. Rock. MMOs are Rock vs. Paper vs. Scissors.

Please reread my OP, because you are puting words in my mouth by implying that I wanted to be a Master at everything..

One of the major flaws with people, this forum community in particular, is that people assume a lot more than they actually think. Any person who took the time to actually read and comprehend my post, and think about it, wouldn't reply with anything having to do with balancing issues. Anyone who thinks, would also not assume I haven't played enough MMO's to know these things either.

But thanks for replying with a bunch of things I already knew.

Originally posted by nate1980

Originally posted by Douhk

You seem to be looking for the master of everything. You question why MMOs don't have characters that are good at multiple things, but the answer is so obvious you should know it, and that's for the sake of balance. You can't shoot lightning, use a bow, and a sword with master profiency while wearing leather clothing. Well, you can do all these things, but in doing so you are not going to be as proficient as someone who focuses solely on magic, solely on their bow, and solely on their sword. In comparison to the guy who can perform magic, you can in turn have proficient sword and bow skills that he lacks, while also having magic; but you can't expect to have the same magic profiency as the guy who has made it his prime and sole focus.

If you're looking for someone who can do a little bit of everything, you're looking for a hybrid class. Though a hybrid of bow, magic, and sword is beyond my knowledge of any MMOs based on class. There may be some skill-based MMOs down your alley. But if you are looking to be the master of everything, then you're looking for Rock vs. Rock. MMOs are Rock vs. Paper vs. Scissors.

 

Please reread my OP, because you are puting words in my mouth by implying that I wanted to be a Master at everything..

One of the major flaws with people, this forum community in particular, is that people assume a lot more than they actually think. Any person who took the time to actually read and comprehend my post, and think about it, wouldn't reply with anything having to do with balancing issues. Anyone who thinks, would also not assume I haven't played enough MMO's to know these things either.

But thanks for replying with a bunch of things I already knew.

Never heard of what you are describing and I have played a lot of MMO's over the last 10 years.

Vanguard's Ranger sounds close but not quite what you are looking for. Skilled with a bow but does best in melee. Some of his attacks are lightning and poison based. He has two swords, one by each side attached to his belt and a bow on the back. He does not use 2 handed swords however nor is he a spell caster, although he can cast root and snare but no nukes.

Intelligence, Wisdom, Strength, Constitution, and Endurance all stats which is part of the game and the characters although you favor 3 of them over all others.

Description:

The Ranger
is an offensive fighter that is skilled in melee and ranged combat. His ties to nature give him many useful skills such as roots, snares, foraging, and animal charming. The Ranger can switch from being a damage dealer to fighting defensively by using his evade and parry abilities.

Sigil's Official Description

One of the most skilled martial combatants in all the world. A ranger's awesome displays of combat prowess are a wonder to behold and a nightmare to face. Using unique fighting styles, the ranger is able to fight defensively, offensively or various points in between, depending on the circumstance. The Ranger is also a very skilled archer, having many special skills when using a bow in combat.

Most of your description is personal roleplaying and not really descriptive of a real ingame character in any MMO. You have to search the solo rpg market if you want character background and personality to matter in the game. The only game i can think off which will have great character depth is SW:TOR. But only time will tell ...

Most of the elements you listed you are suposed to provide yourself through roleplaying or such... Deep thinker? If people dont get that impression is not because of your class choice. You list five atributes when you know, if youve had any experience with MMOs, that most clases are based around one or two, three at most. Keeps to himself but is knowledgeable of people (dont you find it contradictory) and is both a rugged outdoorsman and an intellectual and fights with both melee and magic and is both heroic and a lone wolf...

GET OVER YOURSELF. Its not games that lack depth, its you and your pretentious ideals... I remember your kind from my pnp days, guys like you chose hybrid or jack-of-all-trades classes and expected to be every bit as good as specialist in their roles. Always minmaxing and begging the DM to bend the rules for you. What a wacked ego... and you even have the nerve to shoot down the people trying to help you?

Just go through game forums and pick the game people complaint of being the most unbalanced, then roll the most OP class and buy gold so you can get uber gear. Dont forget to choose the rp server so you can constantly gloat about how deep you char is...

Edit; Come on!  Three blades (oh, yea, one concealed) a bow and elemental magic. Oh yea, but you want to look cool in leather armor... Dont you want a win button added to your UI?

My suggestion would be a game like Darkfall.  No classes.  You create your own class by leveling up the skills you want.

You have not described a class.  You've described a character.

Classes are a loose archetype which defines your abilities.  Characters are specific people, as you've described.

Nobody wants a game with an Aragorn class, where 20,000 players all look exactly like Aragorn.  Instead we usually have the "ranger" class, where you're free to create slight variations in character design but with the general fighting style of aragorn.

To be honest, you could probably create the character in Champions.  Archery skills, lighting magic, a cloak, dagger, short sword (or two) on back, and bow.

Despite that vague possibility, do you honestly think it's fair to demand that you won't play a game until it lets you create this extremely specific character?   I mean, it's not like people go around saying "I refuse to read any book unless it's about a dyslexic german midget named Ted."    That's just unreasonable.  And a little funny.

I'd say Shadowbane if it were still running.

Their rangers were pretty damn versatile in abilities. Ranged, melee, stealth, nature magic/lore, animal pets and taking animal form, tracking and some stuff I can't remember.

Of course, you couldn't really have all of these and excel at each. You had to choose how you wanted to build your character.

Originally posted by Caleveira

Most of the elements you listed you are suposed to provide yourself through roleplaying or such... Deep thinker? If people dont get that impression is not because of your class choice. You list five atributes when you know, if youve had any experience with MMOs, that most clases are based around one or two, three at most. Keeps to himself but is knowledgeable of people (dont you find it contradictory) and is both a rugged outdoorsman and an intellectual and fights with both melee and magic and is both heroic and a lone wolf...

GET OVER YOURSELF. Its not games that lack depth, its you and your pretentious ideals... I remember your kind from my pnp days, guys like you chose hybrid or jack-of-all-trades classes and expected to be every bit as good as specialist in their roles. Always minmaxing and begging the DM to bend the rules for you. What a wacked ego... and you even have the nerve to shoot down the people trying to help you?

Just go through game forums and pick the game people complaint of being the most unbalanced, then roll the most OP class and buy gold so you can get uber gear. Dont forget to choose the rp server so you can constantly gloat about how deep you char is...

Edit; Come on!  Three blades (oh, yea, one concealed) a bow and elemental magic. Oh yea, but you want to look cool in leather armor... Dont you want a win button added to your UI?

The title of the thread was an obvious rhetorical question. Of course no MMORPG has the class I described. I intended the thread to be more about talking about class concepts, but it didn't evolve to what I hoped. Instead, people like you came in here with a narrow perspective and mind, and decided it'd be much easier to insult than to approach the subject with an open mind. I'm not looking for a new MMORPG right now. I've played all of the ones on the market over the past 7 years.

As for your insults, I won't dignify them with a rebuttal or counter-insult. You obviously have some unresolved issues and prejudices and decided to vent your fustrations out on me, instead of the people you actually delt with that were as you described. This post from you has earned you 0 respect from me.