Originally Posted by Vitani
Originally Posted by Lake Plisko
Originally Posted by Boblawblah
but when everyone has some crazy backstory, they all start to blend together as not that exciting.

Definitely agree with this point. Don't want to get too far off topic, but I think games like Pillars of Eternity did a good job of this. I think it is awesome if some of the origins/companions have big, crazy, over the top stories. But I wish there were a few more "I'm just an adventurer who wants to tag along to help/have fun" types. They want to explore, they find you interesting and they themselves have interesting personalities - but the fate of the world is not resting on their shoulders. Same thing with having a couple of 'hired guns' who are only in it for the money, treasure, fame, etc.

I think the big, grand, crazy stories are awesome. I'm excited to see what happens with most of the origins/companions - Gale included.

Just wish there were more 'basic' or 'grounded' stories included with them as well.
That's the thing - basic wouldn't cut it. We are talking about a bunch of people who get kidnapped by a cult to become their "true souls". Who would you like on your side - a city guard or a badass barbarian straight from the Blood War? A grave robber or a vampire spawn? A random librarian or a former Chosen of Mystra?

Well having a more basic or grounded story doesn't mean that the character can't be powerful. I can come up with basic ones off the top of my head.

- A Rogue/Assassin 'sell sword' you meet at a pub who offers his services for gold or treasure. You can tie a couple of minor quests to said Rogue and then they just have a snarky attitude and provide amusing/interesting/alternative commentary about the world and quests.
- A Paladin hero who wants someone like-minded/good to adventure with in order to continue to fulfill their oath. They could have similar smaller quests and provide an entirely different take on quests.
- A unknown Bard looking to make a name for themselves by following around the powerful hero to write songs/stories about them.

I dunno - I am sure it would be easy to come up with more and more of them. So if you ask me "Would you take one of those characters or the HELLMACHINE WITH THE BLAZING HEART CHEST THING THAT ENGULFS HER IN FLAMES?!??!?!?" my answer would be - I guess it depends on my character, their personality and what I am looking for at that particular time. I don't see why chest-machine girl would be more appealing than any of the three options that I gave so long as they have an interesting personality/fit the party.