You, as a gaming aficionado, have probably heard of the term Powergamer: the stereotypical roleplayer who min-maxes their character to become the most effective violence machine. But, dear reader, there is another type of powergamer. The in-character powergamer. These are the people who roleplay a specific type of character in every game. Whether satisfying a inner need or simply for a challenge, they derive some satisfaction from occupying these specific roles. Here I have identified 5 types of Powergamers.
The Brutalist
Sometimes confused with the stereotypical powergamer, the Brutalist is a slightly different animal. While they will have a higher concern for their stats then most Role players, this character brings about most of their violent behavior in dialogue. Instead of standing back during role playing sessions waiting for combat to start, they will use their skills to intimidate, provoke, or just plain insult others at every opportunity. They are the barbarians always challenging knights because they don’t like his look, the mercenaries willing to fight a king for not paying him fairly, or the space Gorillas who gets fidgety when a debate takes too long.
The Wordsmith
The Wordsmith’s weapons are, unsurprisingly, their words. They can be powerful negotiators, fervent peacekeepers, or lying scoundrels, but they all use dialogue as their weapon. They find as much satisfaction in debate as any other characters would during combat. They can be found mediating between differing houses, debating an AI on the nature of existence, or trying to convince an ancient being that maybe destroying humanity isn’t that necessary.
The Casanova.
Sometimes combined with the Wordsmith, the Casanova focuses on using their talents to seduce various beings across the roleplaying realms. These characters will look upon a barmaid, a king and a demonic multi phallic seductress with the same inner thought…. “can I f^$k it?” They can be found in bars, asking the GM if it’s also attached to the local whorehouse, in space games trying to have sex with various alien species or in an urban fantasy trying to hit it off with a Fae queen.
The Chaotician
The Chaotician loves going in the wrong direction in a funny way. His actions can be contrary to the rest of the group’s will and can bring about chaotic but amusing consequences. They are the Malkavians trying to buy someone’s head while it is still attached, the mad scientist creating a violent giant robot with no off switch, or the mage who might have mistakenly turned his teammates into chickens during a very important mission. But, the Chaotician must ride a fine line between amusing and perplexing. For he can go down a road that will confuse the players and drag the story in a weird and not initially funny direction. Like trying to make glasses out of horse poop. I mean, who does that. Really…
The Unforgivable
No! Get out! Get the F$^k out! What the F$^k is wrong with you. No, I don’t care if that’s what you think your character would do. The fact you did that makes me question why I even invited you. Marcy still wont come out of the bathroom and Bob is puking his chicken sandwich all over my floor. You need help! Get out and if I see you again, I will burn your character sheet, put the ash into a rocket and fly it into space. GOD!
Are you guilty of powergaming? What other types have you seen at your table? Tell us below!
Fandible.Com is now on Patreon! If you enjoy our weekly blog posts and actual play podcasts, please consider supporting us.
