A Thirst for Power: Favorite Dungeons and Dragons Characters

As an experienced Dungeon Master (DM) and player, my journey in Dungeons and Dragons (DD) has been filled with memorable characters. Some stand out as powerful and influential, while others remain as quirky and memorable friends. Here, I explore some of the favorite characters, from my early days to more recent adventures, and speak about the thrill of character creation and the power dynamics within DD games.

The Elven Thief/Magic User

My first long-term character in DD was an elven thief/magic user, and I consider it a classic example of what made first edition DD so special. The rules allowed for multi-classing, and for elves, this provided a unique path not available to humans. With the addition of a Girdle of Giant Strength, my character's one attack became even more powerful. This combination made every encounter a thrilling challenge, demonstrating how creative and dynamic character design could be in early editions of the game.

The Duergar Cleric/Assassin

Another memorable character was a Duergar (drow) cleric/assassin who joined a party that started in the Village of Homlet. The fact that Unearthed Arcana had just been released in first edition added an extra layer of excitement to the character build. This drow, being one of the party's evil characters, was a highlight of our adventures, even if it was not always the most ethical path. This allowed for a range of interesting role-playing and storytelling opportunities, especially when we played the evil PCs in a world full of moral ambiguity.

The Overpowered Mage - From Mundane Wizard to Godhood

One of my most defining characters was a 21st-level mage who essentially became a demigod. This mage was fun for a while, but eventually, became too powerful. With 270 psionic points, she could teleport to any plane of existence, much like the character Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty. The cursed tome, "The Codex of the Infinite Planes," granted her the teleportation power, and she became a nemesis to the Greek Gods due to the tome's influence. I eventually retired her as a god to maintain the game's balance, but not before she left an indelible mark on the game world.

Dim - The Brutal, Dumb and Heroic Half-Ogre Warrior

One of the most memorable and unique characters I ever created was Dim, a half-ogre warrior. This was a relatively new race in 1982, but my DM allowed me to roll up one as a fighter. I wanted Dim to be even more ogre than human, so the DM let me roll for an STR of 18/00 (19 in modern DD), and gave him a height of 8'6" to further distinguish him. Dim's low intelligence and wisdom were a price I paid for his immense strength. He was dumber than most ogres, had a hair trigger temper, but he could still hold his own in melee combat due to his overwhelming physical prowess. Despite his challenges, Dim's character provided endless laughs and memorable moments with his blundered attempts at magic and aggressive behavior.

Conclusion

These characters, and countless others, have been the driving forces of many memorable gaming experiences. From the dynamic combination of a thief and magic user, to the overpowered mage who became a god, and the brutal, yet heroic half-ogre warrior, the world of DD is filled with endless possibilities for character creation and adventure. Whether it's a journey of power or a story of quirkiness, the magic of DD lies in the hands of those who create unforgettable characters and stories.