I don’t think your current character is an underdog – actually in several of the end scenarios that are possible for this game, he is the only one that walks away not dead or in prison.

He is badly situated with respect to his goals, of course…the criminals see him as a drug warrior and the cops see him as a washout. I can’t wait to see how this develops as his goals change…

You have yet to truly transcend metagaming, my young padawan. Sometimes the play’s not the thing. And combat monsters can be a great roleplaying challenge.

Ofttimes combat is the only time in a game session when dice are involved. By making a character who will curb stomp anything short of a tac-nuke, you take away the power of the system. That is, you are weakening the effects of the ruleset by giving more power to the players (including the GM) and the setting.

Here is an example. Destructogotha Killbert Everyoneslayer can slay any monster in the book in under three rounds. For most fights, he hits and kills without ever having to even pick up the dice. The GM can either try to keep throwing more ridiculously overpowered threats at the party, or start focusing on other aspects of the campaign. It’s like writing for Superman. Either you throw yet another planet-killing menace at him, contrive yet another way for the bad guy to get kryptonite, or you can choose to do neither of these, and actually make a new and interesting story.

For our purposes with the DKE example we are going with option III. You see, DKE’s player has transcended metagaming. He knows that combat involving this overpowered character is either pointless or silly. Or both. A better story option for this character would be to focus on his inability to do much else besides fighting. Yes, Destructogotha can save the city against the tyrannous Megafiendlord with one punch to the nose, but he can’t hold down a job and is facing eviction on his apartment. Other options for plot points could be the simple fact that DKE cannot be everywhere at once, and may not be able to rescue the rest of the party when they get into scraps elsewhere. Or, the focus for the character could be his weakness for calendars with pictures of cats, or how he is just starting to get into stamp collecting.

There is more to the game than killing things and taking their stuff. The character of DKE highlights this. However, there is more to the game than just the story, as well. Making such a character that cannot be defeated in combat was one challenge. Making that character fit into the group–and doing so without slighting anyone or making them all feel useless in a fight–is another. Most important is having a good time with your friends and sharing ideas; making memories that will last a lifetime.

@Paul I hope you’re agreeing with my world view and not calling me an egotist

@Jason True enough, although I think if he gets out of this alive he’ll be lucky.

@Herbert Also true. One of the things I like about Midian, and 4e, is that they’re open for roleplaying bits in the manner you describe. People just need to play the games that way, though.

@MountZionRyan Houses of the Blooded was BUILT to do exactly this.

I think you have to be clear on preferences and that you don’t overshadow another’s enjoyment with getting your particular itch scratched. So understandings and codes of conduct arise. Those other circles express similar concerns from time to time. Or so I’m told.

DKE may have been designed with a need to be muy macho. Their player may want to vent; to be given subplot #32 (live in the real world) may not be their cup of joe. Standing on a pile of corpses howling in triumph may be. As long as player motivations are compatible and character motives can get along with some jostling you can find common ground.

DKE may be able to kill every mofo in the room. Does it stop a war? Or does it start one? Or will he start it to prove his skill? How many gunslingers come after him to win his crown? Or lawmen to bring this killer to justice? Will revenge motivate children to follow their fathers into battle against him?

Actions have consequences. Characters tend to have a strong focus as they want this kind of competence or behavior in game.

Berin – you sound a pleasure to GM. Reading Carlos’ journal has sparked a few ideas of my own and I have always found Senor Corley’s World of Darkness stuff edifying.

PLaying a combat-oriented game system for a story-driven game is a little silly.

Your silly is my fun. I can do exactly that and have fun. So I do. Games where the only rules are for combat means that combat is the only thing with restrictions. The players and gamemaster can freeform the hell out of the character and story bits. Many people do. Many people have, for decade. And they’ve had fun doing it.

Anyone playing a story-driven game should not ever play in a game system where a character can get that powerful

Wow. You realize these are just, like, GAMES, right? And people can play them any way that they please? And that there’s really no WRONG way to play any game so long as everyone is having fun? Sorry if I sound like an asshat, but I’m hoping that you didn’t mean for your comment to come off as the elistist horsecrap I took it to be.

Whatever works for you, man that’s the way to do it. Different play styles, different tastes, different strokes. Plenty of room for everybody. But please, never tell me what I can’t do with a game. It’s a game, not rocket surgery.