Forms and resources - Holistic Character Assessment Toolkit

Character’s Overview Form

The “Characters Overview Form” is designed to facilitate the general development of characters within stories or games, encompassing their personalities, backgrounds, and narrative roles.

Following the established trend from the Story/Game form, this template plans to include external resources for each field to enrich character creation and development, with future intentions to compile and offer internal resources within the H-CAT site. This approach ensures creators are well-equipped to craft characters that are complex, engaging, and reflective of a diverse spectrum of experiences.

Overview of Main Characters

Introduce the main characters of your story or game, detailing their unique personalities, backgrounds, and roles in the narrative. Highlight what sets each character apart and how they are central to the plot’s progression. This introduction should provide an engaging and vivid picture of the characters who will lead your narrative.

Overview of Antagonists

Introduce the antagonists, elaborating on their characteristics, backgrounds, and the roles they play in the story or game. Explain their motivations, objectives, and the nature of the conflict they present to the protagonists. Describe what makes each antagonist unique, including their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they contribute to the dynamic of the narrative.

Role of Supporting Characters

Outline the supporting characters, elaborating on how they contribute to and interact with the main storyline. Describe their relationships with the main characters and their significance in the broader narrative, emphasizing how they add depth, conflict, and support to the main storyline.

Dynamics and Relationships

Delve into the various relationships and dynamics among your characters, including friendships, rivalries, family connections, or romantic links. Explore how these relationships influence the plot and the development of the characters, and how they drive the story or gameplay forward.

Character Development Arcs

Describe the evolution and growth of your characters throughout the story or game. Focus on their personal journeys, including challenges they face, shifts in their beliefs or attitudes, and the impact of their experiences on their decisions. These arcs are crucial for adding complexity and realism to your narrative.

Representation and Diversity

Discuss the diversity and representation within your narrative, highlighting characters from various cultural, social, and identity backgrounds. This section should reflect your commitment to creating a narrative world that is inclusive and representative of a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Story/Game Form

The “Story/Game” form is designed to assist creators looking to craft the title and foundational elements of their story or game. This tool aims to assist creators in making their stories or games engaging, memorable, and well-aligned with audience expectations from the very start.

This form lists external resources for further assistance in the first field, and plans to continue the trend for each following field with future intentions to compile and offer internal resources within the H-CAT site. This structured approach ensures creators have robust support in crafting narratives and gameplay experiences that deeply connect with their intended audience from the outset.

Story/Game name

This is the Title of the post and your story or game. It should be engaging, reflective of the content, and memorable. It sets the tone and gives a first impression of the story/game’s theme.

. It should:

1. Fit the Genre: Align with the mood and style of your story or game.

2. Invite Curiosity: Be intriguing, but not confusing.

3. Be Clear: Easy to understand, pronounce, and remember.

4. Stand Out: Unique and, for games, trademark-checked.

5. Resonate with Audience: Test and refine based on feedback.

A great title sets the tone and sparks interest right from the start.

External resource breakdown:

Fit the Genre: For insights on aligning your title with the mood and style of your story or game, you can refer to genre-specific guidelines1. https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-match-your-book-title-to-your-genre/
Invite Curiosity: To learn how to craft titles that catch readers’ attention and invite curiosity, consider exploring strategies for engaging titles2. https://blog.daisie.com/mastering-titling-guide-to-effective-titles/
Be Clear: For making your title easy to understand and remember, look into tips for crafting concise and impactful titles3. https://brilliantio.com/story-titles-ideas/
Stand Out: To ensure your title is unique and stands out, you might find guidelines for creating catchy content titles helpful 4. https://www.wikihow.com/Come-up-With-a-Good-Title
Resonate with Audience: And for a title that resonates with your audience, it’s beneficial to understand how to create content that connects with them on a deeper level 5. https://www.thatsclutch.com/blog/understanding-your-audience-how-to-write-content-that-resonates

These resources should provide you with a comprehensive approach to crafting a title that not only stands out but also deeply connects with your intended audience. Remember, the title is often the first impression a reader has of your work, so it’s worth investing time to make it impactful.

Internal resources breakdown:

I plan to make blog posts for each one myself at some point.

Featured Image

Genre

The specific category or categories your story/game falls into, such as fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, horror, etc. This helps set audience expectations and guides the thematic and stylistic choices of your story/game.

Target Audience:

The specific demographic you are aiming to reach. This includes age groups (children, teens, adults) and might also consider factors like interests, reading or gaming preferences, and cultural backgrounds. Understanding your audience helps tailor the content and presentation of your story/game.

Medium

The format in which your story is told or your game is played. This could be a novel, short story, video game, board game, tabletop RPG, webcomic, etc. Each medium has its unique storytelling methods and audience engagement techniques.

Synopsis/Game overview

A brief but engaging overview of the story or game. For stories, this should include main plot points, key characters, and setting. For games, outline the main objectives, gameplay mechanics, and setting. This is the hook that catches the interest of your audience.

Setting

Detailed description of the environment or world where your story/game takes place. This should paint a picture of the physical landscapes, cultural settings, and the overall atmosphere of the world. The setting is crucial for immersion and context.

Time Period

The specific time frame in which your story/game is set. This could be a historical era, a futuristic landscape, or a completely fictional timeline in a fantasy world. The time period can influence the story/game’s cultural, technological, and societal backdrop.

Forms New Approach to User-Centric tools for Creativity

In my journey to develop H-CAT: Holistic Character Assessment Toolkit, I realized the importance of forms. Focusing on them provided a practical and impactful starting point. This insight shaped my approach to H-CAT’s development, focusing on the creator’s common challenges. I found it especially pertinent in tabletop gaming, narrative creation, and world-building. My current efforts utilizing collapsible sections; shown in my story and game forms, are as follows:

Comprehensive Forms with Detailed Field Descriptions:
- Each form within H-CAT is meticulously designed to eliminate the guesswork often associated with creative tools. Every field comes with a detailed description, providing clarity and guidance. My personal experience has revealed flaws in current tools. These tools’ unclear prompts tend to obstruct, rather than aid, the creative process.
Integrated Overviews and Resources:
- Accompanying each field description is a bulleted overview, presented in a collapsible section for easy navigation. Below this, creators will find collapsible sections. They’ll contain a curated selection of internal and external resources, all based on the overview. The structure provides creators with instant access to a vast array of knowledge. Ranging from ancient folklore to modern psychological theories. So, this wealth of information serves to both inspire creators and guide the development of their narratives and characters.
User-Centric Design Philosophy:
- Drawing from personal frustrations and the limitations I have encountered with other platforms, I am dedicated to embedding a user-centric philosophy into every aspect of H-CAT. The design of the forms, including features such as collapsible sections, is not an afterthought but an integral part of the H-CAT experience. My goal is to create a tool that seamlessly aligns with creators’ workflows, enhancing their creative freedom, research processes, and efficiency.

To show you what the collapsible sections might look like this is a field from my Story/Game form:

Field: Story/Game name

Field description: This is the Title of the post and your story or game. It should be engaging, reflective of the content, and memorable. It sets the tone and gives a first impression of the story/game’s theme.

Overview collapsible section:

. It should:

1. Fit the Genre: Align with the mood and style of your story or game.

2. Invite Curiosity: Be intriguing, but not confusing.

3. Be Clear: Easy to understand, pronounce, and remember.

4. Stand Out: Unique and, for games, trademark-checked.

5. Resonate with Audience: Test and refine based on feedback.

A great title sets the tone and sparks interest right from the start.

External resource breakdown collapsible section:

Fit the Genre: For insights on aligning your title with the mood and style of your story or game, you can refer to genre-specific guidelines1. https://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-match-your-book-title-to-your-genre/
Invite Curiosity: To learn how to craft titles that catch readers’ attention and invite curiosity, consider exploring strategies for engaging titles2. https://blog.daisie.com/mastering-titling-guide-to-effective-titles/
Be Clear: For making your title easy to understand and remember, look into tips for crafting concise and impactful titles3. https://brilliantio.com/story-titles-ideas/
Stand Out: To ensure your title is unique and stands out, you might find guidelines for creating catchy content titles helpful 4. https://www.wikihow.com/Come-up-With-a-Good-Title
Resonate with Audience: And for a title that resonates with your audience, it’s beneficial to understand how to create content that connects with them on a deeper level 5. https://www.thatsclutch.com/blog/understanding-your-audience-how-to-write-content-that-resonates

Internal resources breakdown collapsible section:

I plan to make blog posts for each one myself at some point by using my own knowledge and from communicating with the future community.

As I continue to refine and develop these features, my commitment is not only to meet the current standards but also to significantly elevate them by listening to feedback from the community. I envision H-CAT as a pioneering force that redefines the landscape of world-building and storytelling. This is more than a project; it is a journey to transform the way stories are crafted and characters are brought to life. Through H-CAT, I aspire to forge a deeper and more intuitive connection between creators and their creations, opening new horizons for innovation and creativity.

A look into H-CAT’s Story/Game form

Welcome to H-CAT’s all-encompassing Story/Game form! Discover the art of crafting engaging narratives and captivating gameplay experiences. With detailed insights on genres, target audiences, and settings, this guide empowers creators to refine their storytelling and gaming prowess. Learn to master the craft and unleash your creativity into immersive worlds and compelling adventures.

Story/Game name

This is the Title of the post and your story or game. It should be engaging, reflective of the content, and memorable. It sets the tone and gives a first impression of the story/game’s theme.

It should:

1. Fit the Genre: Align with the mood and style of your story or game.

2. Invite Curiosity: Be intriguing, but not confusing.

3. Be Clear: Easy to understand, pronounce, and remember.

4. Stand Out: Unique and, for games, trademark-checked.

5. Resonate with Audience: Test and refine based on feedback.

A great title sets the tone and sparks interest right from the start.

Featured Image

Genre

Target Audience:

Medium

Synopsis/Game overview

Setting

Time Period

What do you think of the form?

Are the descriptions clear, concise and intuitive?

Is there anything you’d add or change about the descriptions?

Are there any fields you think should be added?

What do you think of the description in the first field versus the rest of the descriptions. Does the list help keep it intuitive for various backgrounds?

I’m also thinking about putting a collapsible section in the descriptions for a numbered list, links into the actual forms for references and extra information or links; I go a little into those ideas in my road map, If there are any valuable links you would recommend for any of the fields please let me know by commenting on this post>

Holistic Character Profile: Communication Style

Mastering Character Interaction: The “Communication Style” Section of H-CAT

As we continue to navigate the rich landscape of the Holistic Character Assessment Toolkit (H-CAT), we turn our attention to the intricate dance of dialogue and demeanor — the “Communication Style” section. This essential component of our toolkit delves into the verbal and non-verbal symphony that defines character interactions, a key to unlocking the realism in our storytelling.

Fine-Tuning Dialogue Through “Communication Style”

1. Vocabulary: Our characters’ diction — from street slang to scholarly lexicon — paints a vivid picture of their social roots and intellectual realms.

2. Emotional Expression: A character’s capacity to exhibit joy, frustration, or sorrow with subtlety or dramatic flair adds layers to their narrative presence.

3. Conflict Management: Understanding whether a character faces confrontation head-on or sidesteps discord shapes their journey and growth within the story.

4. Curiosity and Inquiry: A character’s inclination to question the world around them can propel the plot and reveal their innermost traits and desires.

5. Maturity Level: The age of a character often belies their actual maturity, which influences how they are perceived and how they navigate their world.

6. Empathy and Relatability: The ability of a character to resonate with the emotional states of others can make them endearing or alienating to the audience.

7. Thoughtfulness and Reflection: Characters who ponder life’s larger questions or impulsively rush into action drive the story’s intellectual and emotional depth.

8. Optimism and Perspective: The lens through which a character views their universe—whether tinted with hope or shaded by cynicism—colors every word they speak.

9. Adaptability: A character’s versatility in communication not only reveals their social prowess but also their potential for growth and change.

10. Listening Style: Active listening can be as telling as speech, and a character’s responsiveness in conversations underpins their relational dynamics.

The Art of Conveying Character Through Conversation

By integrating these elements into our character’s communication styles, we craft a more authentic and engaging narrative. We learn not just what our characters say but how they say it, and, importantly, why they say it in that particular way. The dialogue becomes a powerful tool for character development, not just a means to move the plot forward.

Peering Into the Future: “Family Backstory Timeline Template”

Looking ahead, our journey with H-CAT will take us into the roots and origins of our characters with the “Family Backstory Timeline Template.” This upcoming section promises to offer us a chronological canvas to sketch the historical backdrop that has shaped our characters’ lives, providing a deeper understanding of their current motivations and behaviors.

Conclusion: The Symphony of Storytelling

The “Communication Style” section is another testament to H-CAT’s commitment to comprehensive character creation. As we weave the intricate tapestry of our narratives, understanding the nuances of our characters’ communication styles is paramount. This section is not just about enriching dialogue—it’s about giving voice to the silent whispers of our characters’ souls.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the H-CAT series, where we’ll explore how to trace the lineage of our characters’ traits to their familial and historical beginnings, offering even greater depth to the stories we tell.

Holistic Character Profile: Basic Details and appearance

The Holistic Character Assessment Toolkit (H-CAT) represents a groundbreaking platform in the realms of character development and storytelling. This expansive, community-driven platform is not just a toolkit but a collaborative space for storytellers, writers, and creatives to learn, grow, and innovate together.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the multifaceted nature of H-CAT, delve into the first two sections of the Holistic Character Profile, and preview the upcoming “Communication Style” section.

Overview of H-CAT’s Scope

1. Beyond Character Development: H-CAT extends its resources beyond character creation to narrative structure, plot development, and thematic exploration, offering a rich suite of story development tools.

2. Community-Driven Design: Emphasizing user input, H-CAT evolves through feedback and suggestions, making it a dynamic and ever-adapting toolkit.

Engaging with H-CAT

1. Active Participation: Users are key to H-CAT’s evolution, encouraged to use the tools for character and story development, and contribute ideas for improvements.

2. Feedback Mechanism: The platform features systems for feedback, ensuring user experiences shape future developments.

3. Community Forums: H-CAT fosters a collaborative environment with forums for discussion, advice, and shared storytelling experiences.

Utilizing H-CAT for Storytelling

1. Story Development Tools: H-CAT includes tools for plotting, theme exploration, and narrative structure, aiding in crafting well-structured stories.

2. Collaborative Storytelling: The platform supports joint narrative development and idea exchange, enhancing the storytelling process.

3. Resource Library: A library of resources and best practices, curated based on community and expert insights, supports storytellers in their craft.

Future of H-CAT

1. User-Driven Evolution: User feedback is central to H-CAT’s ongoing enhancement and expansion, adapting to the changing needs of storytellers.

2. Adapting to Trends: As storytelling trends evolve, H-CAT adapts, ensuring relevance and utility.

3. Growing Community: The aim is to cultivate a supportive environment for a growing community of storytellers and creatives.

Exploring the Holistic Character Profile

“Basic Details” Section

1. Character Name: A name that reflects cultural background or meaningful significance can profoundly influence character dynamics.

2. Race/Species: A character’s race or species, particularly if unique to the story’s world, impacts their interactions and experiences.

3. Age & Birthday: Age and time of birth can shape personality and pivotal story events.

4. Zodiac Sign: Zodiac signs can offer insights into personality if astrology is relevant in the story.

5. MBTI Type: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can deepen understanding of a character’s social interactions and behaviors.

6. Class/Level: Especially in RPGs, this defines skills and societal roles, crucial for the narrative arc.

7. Alignment: Moral and ethical alignment guides choices and actions.

8. Likes & Dislikes: Preferences and aversions can create relatable traits and plot developments.

“Appearance” Section

1. Eye & Hair Color: Colors can align with or challenge world norms, adding depth or rarity.

2. Hair Length, Style, Texture: Reflect personality, lifestyle, and societal norms.

3. Facial Hair: Cultural significance or personal choice can add depth.

4. Distinguishing Features: Unique traits add intrigue and narrative impact.

5. Clothing Style & Type: Mirror personality, status, or cultural affiliations.

6. Clothing Colors: Symbolic meanings or emotional representations.

7. Accessories: Decorative, functional, or sentimental roles.

Looking Ahead

The next blog post will explore the “Communication Style” section of the Holistic Character Profile, essential for crafting realistic dialogues and relationships.

Conclusion

H-CAT, with its community-driven approach and comprehensive tools, stands as an invaluable asset for creators in various media. The Holistic Character Profile, part of this toolkit, provides a structured approach to character development, ensuring the creation of compelling, multidimensional characters and narratives. Stay tuned for our next installment, which will enhance the narrative toolkit by focusing on character communication styles.

Holistic Race Template: I. Core Race Description

I. Core Race Description:

This section outlines the basic essence of the race, touching on origin, physical traits, and inherent characteristics. It sets the stage for deeper exploration in the subsequent sections.

1. Origin

• Divine or Natural Creation Story: [How they came into existence.]

• Key Figures or Events Leading to Their Birth: [Pivotal moments or entities responsible for their creation.]

2. Physical Appearance

• Description of Form: [General appearance.]

• Unique Attributes Differentiating Them from Other Races: [Specific features or traits.]

Variations:

3. Core Traits

• Inherent Attributes: [Basic traits that are natural to them.]

• Emotional, Physical, or Spiritual Characteristics: [Deeper traits defining their nature.]

4. Society & Culture

• Spiritual or Religious Practices: [Beliefs and rituals.]

• Social Organization and Dynamics: [How their society operates.]

• Resource Management and Sustainability Practices: [Utilization and conservation of resources.]

• Forms of Artistic Expression: [Cultural arts, crafts, music, etc.]

• Disability and Accessibility: [How society accommodates individuals with disabilities and the level of accessible infrastructure.]

• Healthcare and Wellbeing: [Healthcare systems and societal attitudes towards physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.]

5. Defense & Interaction

• Protective or Defense Mechanisms: [Methods to safeguard themselves and their territory.]

• Interactions Within Their Race or With Other Races: [Social dynamics and communication.]

6. Challenges & Threats

• External Threats or Challenges Faced: [External adversities.]

• Internal Disputes or Issues: [Problems within their community.]

7. Historical Legacy

• Key Historical Events and Their Significance: [Major moments in their history.]

• Myths, Legends, and Folktales: [Stories passed down through generations.]

• Historical Revisions and Perspectives: [How history is narrated and interpreted, any notable historical revisions or different perspectives on key events.]

8. Lifestyle and Environment

• Lifespan, Maturity, and Reproduction: [Reproductive practices and lifespan.]

• Diet and Sustenance: [Typical diets and sustenance practices.]

• Migration and Settlement Patterns: [Settlement or migration tendencies.]

• Relation to Environment: [Interactions with, adaptations to, or modifications of the environment.]

• Climate and Geographic Influences: [How climate and geography shape lifestyle, migration, and settlement patterns.]

9. Race Evolution

• Potential for Evolution or Change: How might the race evolve or adapt over time, both physically and culturally?

• Past Evolutionary Stages: Historical stages or forms the race might have gone through.

• Potential for Evolution or Change: [How might the race evolve or adapt over time, both physically and culturally, including their adaptability to changing conditions.]

Ethically-Informed Race Creation Forms

Race Basics Form

General Overview:
Race Name: Enter the official designation for this race. Consider cultural significance and linguistic origins.

Reflective Overview on Ethical and Cultural Awareness

• In a few sentences, summarize your approach to creating this race with an emphasis on ethical and cultural considerations. How have you strived for respectful and accurate representation?

Encouragement for Detailed Exploration:• We recommend delving deeper into these considerations. Please refer to our comprehensive section on “Ethical and Cultural Awareness in Race Creation” for a more detailed exploration of these vital aspects. This section will guide you through a series of reflective questions and prompts to ensure a thoughtful and respectful approach to race creation.

Primary Habitat: Provide a synopsis of the race’s preferred living conditions and geographical preferences, including climate and terrain.
Appearance Summary: Describe the distinguishing physical features, typical stature, and common physical expressions of the race.

Core Attributes:
Strengths: Detail the race’s innate advantages, such as resilience, intelligence, agility, or magical affinity. Reflect on how these strengths impact their survival and culture.
Weaknesses: Identify inherent disadvantages or susceptibilities that the race might have, which could include physical frailty, sensitivity to certain elements, or social vulnerabilities.
Special Abilities: Enumerate any unique or supernatural abilities intrinsic to the race, like enhanced senses, shape-shifting, or innate spellcasting capabilities.
Cultural Snapshot:
Societal Structure: Give an overview of the race’s societal organization, including hierarchies, governance, and communal living arrangements.
Key Traditions or Beliefs: Spotlight the central cultural practices, significant beliefs, and ethical standards that are integral to the race’s identity.
Common Interests: List prevalent pastimes, collective pursuits, or cultural hobbies that are widespread within the race.
Interaction Overview:
Preferred Communication Style: Describe the race’s typical methods of communication, whether it be verbal language, telepathy, sign language, or other forms.
Usual Stance on Outsiders: Summarize the race’s general attitude toward interaction with other races, ranging from xenophobic to welcoming.
Common Conflict Approaches: Characterize the customary ways in which the race handles disputes, whether through diplomacy, avoidance, or combat.
Basic History & Mythology:
Origin Story: Sum up the mythos or known history surrounding the race’s origins and early existence.
Historical Milestones: List significant events that have shaped the race’s development and place in the world.
Initial Goals & Aspirations:
Short-term Objectives: Outline immediate aims and endeavors the race is collectively working towards in the near future.
Long-term Vision: Define the race’s grand aspirations, societal dreams, and their desired legacy for future generations.

Subrace: [Name of Subrace]

Subrace Overview
Subrace Name: [Name, considering cultural significance and linguistic origins]
Primary Habitat: [Describe the specific environmental preferences of this subrace, including climate, terrain, and any unique geographical features of their preferred habitat.]
Appearance Characteristics: [Detail the unique physical features of this subrace, noting any specific variations from the main race, such as fur patterns, coloration, or other traits.]
Distinct Attributes
Strengths: [List the unique strengths or advantages of this subrace, like specialized abilities or adaptations to their habitat.]
Weaknesses: [Identify any specific vulnerabilities or challenges this subrace faces, which could include environmental sensitivities or social dynamics.]
Special Abilities: [Detail any unique abilities or skills that set this subrace apart, such as specialized shape-shifting capabilities, magic affinity, or enhanced senses.]
Cultural and Social Structure
Societal Organization: [Describe the social and familial structures, leadership, and governance specific to this subrace.]
Cultural Practices and Beliefs: [Highlight key cultural practices, beliefs, rituals, or traditions that are central to this subrace’s identity.]
Recreational Activities: [List common hobbies, pastimes, or cultural pursuits that are popular within this subrace.]
Interaction and Communication
Communication Styles: [Explain how this subrace typically communicates, noting any unique languages, non-verbal cues, or telepathic abilities.]
Relations with Outsiders: [Summarize this subrace’s general attitude and approach toward interaction with other races or subraces.]
Conflict Resolution: [Describe how this subrace typically handles disputes or conflicts, both internally and with outsiders.]
History and Mythology
Origin and Development: [Provide a brief history or mythological background specific to this subrace, detailing how they diverged or evolved from the main race.]
Historical Conflicts and Alliances: [Mention any significant historical events that have shaped this subrace, including conflicts, alliances, or major societal changes.]
Current Goals and Challenges
Immediate Objectives: [Outline the current, short-term goals or initiatives this subrace is pursuing.]
Long-term Aspirations: [Define the broader, long-term aspirations and dreams of this subrace, including their vision for their community and legacy.]

Ethical and Cultural Awareness in Race Creation

This section is dedicated to ensuring respectful and accurate representation of races in your storytelling. Please consider and address the following points:

1. Cultural Sensitivity and Representation • Describe how you’ve ensured the race’s portrayal is respectful and avoids stereotypes. • Have you consulted any cultural experts or members of a similar real-world community? If so, how did their input shape your race’s portrayal?

2. Diversity within the Race • Explain how your race includes diverse representations and avoids monolithic characterizations. • How do individual variations within the race reflect a broader spectrum of personalities and experiences?

3. Historical and Mythological Influences • Detail any real-world historical or mythological influences on your race’s development. • How have these influences been adapted to respect their origins while fitting into your story’s universe?

4. Inter-Racial Dynamics and Relations • Describe the dynamics between your race and others within your story’s universe. • How does this race perceive and interact with others, and what historical or cultural factors influence these interactions?

5. Evolution and Change Over Time • Discuss how you envision this race evolving culturally, socially, and physically over time within your story. • How do historical events, inter-racial relations, and internal developments contribute to this evolution?

6. Personal Reflection • Reflect on your own process in creating this race. What challenges did you face in ensuring ethical and culturally aware representation? • How has this process influenced your approach to character and race creation moving forward?