Jump to content


Photo

How to Make A Show-Accurate OC


  • Please log in to reply
40 replies to this topic

#1 skwoogle

skwoogle

    I AM THE OLDFAG

  • Builder
  • 55 posts
  • minecraft:
    skwoogle

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:03 AM

Hello!
Many of you may look at this thread and think:"Hey, I know how to make an OC already. Heck, I have one that is fantastic!"
Now for some of you this may be true. However, looking at the multitude of bad OCs that have come out of our fandom, a lot of people don't know what to do, what can be considered acceptable, and what makes sense in our show's universe.
That is why this thread exists. It is a place where you can ask for opinions on your character, look for suggestions on how to get started, and learn what you do NOT do.
Let's get started!

THE DO'S AND DON'TS:

Do:
  • Make the character one of the 3 established races (earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn). In general, the alicorns should be avoided, but I'll explain later.
  • Make the character fit into the show. The occupation, backstory, and family lineage should all make sense and allow for good use in RPs.
  • Make the character have flaws. Each character isn't perfect. Look at the show, as all the mane 6 have some large character flaws. Crazy even...
Don't:
  • Make the character best friends with the mane 6. This character is unique. Although the show may exist around the central characters, yours is not one of those. Having places in back story where they could have crossed paths with them is fine, but your character should make their own story. There is an entire universe, let the character evolve into something without being forced into the constraints around show characters.
  • Make the character a relative of any show character. As said before, the character should be your own. Claiming to be Celestia's brother or Twilight's long-lost cousin makes little to no sense, except for the rare RPs where this may exist. In general a good rule to follow is to be original and avoid the show as much as possible.
  • Make a character that is an alicorn/has bat wings/ has metal wings/ has a broken horn. This one can be contested. For the most part, alicorn OCs are frowned upon because they tie in to the show too much, they are amazingly overpowered, and leave no room for a real character to shine through. However, if the character has a convincing back story and is not the MOST POWERFUL BEING EVER, then they can be okay. Batwings make no sense on a pony, and there is no real way to explain it (bat/pony shipping doesn't fit in to the universe). Metal wings can make sense in a steampunk or futuristic RP, but for the general world they do not. Finally, broken horn can make sense, but make sure if you can EXPLAIN it.
THE BAD OC:
I'm going to make a random bad OC here, trying to hi-light what not to do.

Spoiler


So, as you can see, this is a red and black zebra alicorn with bat wings and a broken horn (don't laugh, I've seen stuff like this before). Now for the story.

Spoiler


Now there are numerous problems with this character. First off, it looks ridiculous. If you look at the show, you will NEVER see a character looking like this. The bat wings don't make sense, and I never explain the broken horn (although I probably could). Now with the story. Already with the first line this has invalidated the whole show. This will never work. Also my character cannot be expanded upon. Sure, I can say she likes fruit and going to the spa, but that doesn't really help my character have depth. It is powerful, and that is her characterization.

So, that's it! I hope that upon reading this that you are a bit more enlightened on what to do, and if you need any tips just post below! Also, any suggestions to this guide are accepted too!

#2 Npaws

Npaws

    And now my watch begins

  • Builder
  • 1821 posts
  • minecraft:
    Npaws

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:10 AM

What do you think of mine? I made it with the pony creator. Posted Image I couldn't really add a cutie mark.

#3 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:14 AM

Now there are numerous problems with this character. First off, it looks ridiculous. If you look at the show, you will NEVER see a character looking like this. The bat wings don't make sense, and I never explain the broken horn (although I probably could). Now with the story. Already with the first line this has invalidated the whole show. This will never work. Also my character cannot be expanded upon. Sure, I can say she likes fruit and going to the spa, but that doesn't really help my character have depth. It is powerful, and that is her characterization.

So, that's it! I hope that upon reading this that you are a bit more enlightened on what to do, and if you need any tips just post below! Also, any suggestions to this guide are accepted too!


Where did the batwings even... who the heck thought "HEY! My two favorite animals are bats and ponies! Let's slap em together!"

Edited by Golfmann14, 03 January 2013 - 04:14 AM.


#4 Quoth the Raven

Quoth the Raven

    I'm just here for roleplay

  • Builder
  • 1010 posts
  • minecraft:
    stardragon1000

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:19 AM

Hm. Well, I could post my two OCs. One of them has a slight interaction with Pinkie, though... but just once! I hope it isn't a problem...
EDIT: Nevermind, I derped and didn't read that you posted something about that. So we're good :D
Here's my OC, Nightingale.
Spoiler


And my Ponysona, Amber.
Spoiler


Oh, and you wanna know what's sad Golf? Those stupid bat ponies are canon...
Posted Image

Edited by stardragon, 03 January 2013 - 04:40 AM.


#5 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:26 AM

Hm. Well, I could post my two OCs. One of them has a slight interaction with Pinkie, though... but just once! I hope it isn't a problem...
You know what, I'm gonna quit stuttering and put my OCs out here for you.
Here's my OC, Nightingale.

Spoiler


And my Ponysona, Amber.
Spoiler


Oh, and you wanna know what's sad Golf? Those stupid bat ponies are canon...
Posted Image

Crap... Well at least they made sense then...

#6 Npaws

Npaws

    And now my watch begins

  • Builder
  • 1821 posts
  • minecraft:
    Npaws

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:30 AM

The guards with the bat wings are Luna's personal guards.

#7 DingusMcgee

DingusMcgee

    Lunchmoney Lewis

  • Pony
  • 696 posts
  • minecraft:
    DingusMcgee

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:31 AM

Bat Ponies are as far as we know, luna's guards. (I guess.) they have no origin.


EDIT: Ninja'd on a ponies thread. Impossible!

Edited by O5-X, 03 January 2013 - 04:32 AM.


#8 skwoogle

skwoogle

    I AM THE OLDFAG

  • Builder
  • 55 posts
  • minecraft:
    skwoogle

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:45 AM

While the bat-ponies are canon (technically), they are seen only once and basing a story accurate OC on one does not make sense. As or all the OC's posted so far, they do make sense art-wise. I can't say for the back stories, but as long as you can look at it and say Yes, this could exist in the show then it is okay.

#9 Quoth the Raven

Quoth the Raven

    I'm just here for roleplay

  • Builder
  • 1010 posts
  • minecraft:
    stardragon1000

Posted 03 January 2013 - 04:53 AM

Hurray! Except probably my little shenanigans picture.

#10 Luna Lens

Luna Lens

    Hiya

  • Administrator
  • 2617 posts
  • minecraft:
    Princess_Luna

Posted 03 January 2013 - 07:39 AM

[redacted by user]


Edited by Laser_Lens_4, 17 May 2013 - 10:26 PM.


#11 High Orbit

High Orbit

    To you we give our cannon salute

  • Builder
  • 799 posts
  • minecraft:
    Ymlong

Posted 03 January 2013 - 07:52 AM

If judging by appearance, then, would Orbit clear the lines?

I know the wings are not-quite canon, it's not the first time I've received such a comment, but I was checking more of the color scheme.
Just for triangulation's sake.

Spoiler


Orbit has a general backstory, but because of it's adaptability (It's more or less the same in every RP he is in, and he is in ALL of my RP's) there is no straight version I can currently write out right now.

#12 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 01:37 PM



She doesn't really have a story, but in terms of physical appearance, would you consider her a bad OC?

She's quite good. The colors are a bit to flashy too be canon though, but that's about it.


Edited by Golfmann, 17 May 2013 - 11:33 PM.


#13 Blazuhira Miller

Blazuhira Miller

    Granter of bad times.

  • RP Moderator
  • 3614 posts
  • minecraft:
    iDazzumHD

Posted 03 January 2013 - 01:42 PM

I think those bat wings on Luna's chariot pullers were some kind of magical nightmare night costume.

#14 RunningWolf251

RunningWolf251

    It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.

  • Builder
  • 2087 posts
  • minecraft:
    kibamoon

Posted 03 January 2013 - 02:01 PM

You guys know there's already a thread to ask for oc critique, right? That way this one doesn't get cluttered with rp-related stuff in the ponies forum. And if you post your oc critique questions in the rp forum, more people who have had their hooves in rp will be able to see it and help you on that end.

http://www.brohoof.c...-debate-thread/

Otherwise, good points. I would like to state that yes, alicorns can be made, but I would suggest that only if you're capable of handling one should you even think about using one in an rp. There are clear situations where an alicorn oc can be used and most rp's do not fit the bill for this. Again, there are rare occasions, but the rp itself must have been constructed around having an alicorn in it for it to really be acceptable. I wouldn't want a bunch of people as alicorns in the University Days rp, but I would have been more accepting if there had been an alicorn presented in the Long Road to Normal because the people there were experienced enough to have known how to deal with one mid-rp.

For every rule, there is an exception, but don't rely on exceptions.

#15 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 02:53 PM

You guys know there's already a thread to ask for oc critique, right? That way this one doesn't get cluttered with rp-related stuff in the ponies forum. And if you post your oc critique questions in the rp forum, more people who have had their hooves in rp will be able to see it and help you on that end.

http://www.brohoof.c...-debate-thread/

Otherwise, good points. I would like to state that yes, alicorns can be made, but I would suggest that only if you're capable of handling one should you even think about using one in an rp. There are clear situations where an alicorn oc can be used and most rp's do not fit the bill for this. Again, there are rare occasions, but the rp itself must have been constructed around having an alicorn in it for it to really be acceptable. I wouldn't want a bunch of people as alicorns in the University Days rp, but I would have been more accepting if there had been an alicorn presented in the Long Road to Normal because the people there were experienced enough to have known how to deal with one mid-rp.

For every rule, there is an exception, but don't rely on exceptions.

You basically said everything I was thinking. >: |

Well then...

Are the mechanical wings canon? I don't think so...

#16 Microburst

Microburst

    Back to the Ponies

  • Builder
  • 502 posts
  • minecraft:
    epicfail18081

Posted 03 January 2013 - 03:30 PM

The title of the Topic is:

How To Make A Show-Accurate OC.

The first paragraph is:

Hello!
Many of you may look at this thread and think:"Hey, I know how to make an OC already. Heck, I have one that is fantastic!"
Now for some of you this may be true. However, looking at the multitude of bad OCs that have come out of our fandom, a lot of people don't know what to do, what can be considered acceptable, and what makes sense in our show's universe.
That is why this thread exists. It is a place where you can ask for opinions on your character, look for suggestions on how to get started, and learn what you do NOT do.
Let's get started!

It is a place where you can ask for opinions on your character, look for suggestions on how to get started, and learn what you do NOT do.

This isn't a discussion thread about whether bat-ponies are canon, this is pretty much an OC critique thread (Which we already have one of).

#17 Distortion_

Distortion_

    Quite exquisite indeed.

  • Banned
  • 2399 posts
  • minecraft:
    Distortion_

Posted 03 January 2013 - 03:53 PM

what do you think of my oc, I tried to make her look a bit nongalant, and an in your face alternative look. (tried not to go overboard, but did give her a few accesories)

Posted Image

This isn't a discussion thread about whether bat-ponies are canon, this is pretty much an OC critique thread (Which we already have one of).

wich is also almost abandoned. this thread is not exactly the same thing, the criticising is just an element of the topic.

Edited by Distortion_, 03 January 2013 - 03:55 PM.


#18 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 05:11 PM

This isn't a discussion thread about whether bat-ponies are canon, this is pretty much an OC critique thread (Which we already have one of).

Actually I don't think it is an OC critque thread. It's more like a public service message. As for the bat wings and whatever, it is a related conversation that has to do with the original post, so therefore is appropriate. Other people just kinda turned this into an OC thread... which isn't really a bad thing necessarily.

#19 RunningWolf251

RunningWolf251

    It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.

  • Builder
  • 2087 posts
  • minecraft:
    kibamoon

Posted 03 January 2013 - 05:23 PM

wich is also almost abandoned. this thread is not exactly the same thing, the criticising is just an element of the topic.


Not abandoned and I wouldn't consider it necrobumping to post an oc there for critique. I would rather see a necrobump with a real purpose (as opposed to necrobumping in the Shenanigans thread, for example) and someone actually get some useful information from the bump that will then be useful to them during an rp.


Are the mechanical wings canon? I don't think so...


I've never seen mechanical wings in the show. I'm pretty sure they came from a steampunk rp somewhere long before and probably not from brohoof's members. It just spread and is now kinda half-accepted in places.


That is why this thread exists. It is a place where you can ask for opinions on your character, look for suggestions on how to get started, and learn what you do NOT do.


Then shouldn't it be in the rp help section...?

Edited by RunningWolf251, 03 January 2013 - 05:24 PM.


#20 Defective

Defective

    Hey! Where's the gummi shark filling?

  • Retired Admin
  • 2333 posts
  • minecraft:
    DefectiveTurret

Posted 03 January 2013 - 05:59 PM

I already know my OC is walking the fine line between herpaderp and canonable. I've vowed to keep his mechanical wing and android design to more sci-fi RPs, but even as a simple Earth pony, his striped hoofless gloves and lab coat sort of dance on the edge of "ehh" for some people. As an OC, he isn't purely built for the series, he's a ponification of my longest running android OC, Aaron. (How long-running? How about 13+ years? Yeah, I'm kind of attached to the fella.)

I do my best to keep him fairly normal, though. No huge advtantages, no sudden super-power god-moding - though his flaws are incredibly glaring at times, to a fault. He's a sweetheart, but he can go off his lovely little rocker if triggered the wrong way or under the right (wrong?) circumstances.

Otherwise, though, I was pretty pleased to see he fit into most of the Do's and Don'ts in a good way. :D Gives me a good idea of how to follow up on continually growing him as a character, too. I agree with all the stuff posted. It all seems very common-sensical, but I guess people slip by it easily enough. o3o;

Edited by DefectiveTurret, 03 January 2013 - 05:59 PM.


#21 greebster

greebster

    World's best mom!

  • Builder
  • 2530 posts
  • minecraft:
    greebster

Posted 03 January 2013 - 06:36 PM

I'll be sure to have this linked to my story. Thanks Skwoogle.

#22 hxfthxft

hxfthxft

    Honest

  • Admin
  • 2650 posts
  • minecraft:
    hxfthxft

Posted 03 January 2013 - 06:37 PM

My OC FrostFire
Spoiler


#23 iluvponies35

iluvponies35

    Hurray for Plane Ponies!

  • Builder
  • 773 posts
  • minecraft:
    crono23

Posted 03 January 2013 - 07:53 PM

Blazing Fire (Blaze):

Spoiler


#24 John Smith

John Smith

    Some guy

  • Pony
  • 396 posts
  • minecraft:
    skilby99

Posted 03 January 2013 - 08:10 PM

tell me if this is ok? (note: i havent worked on his backstory yet but his name is Skills)

Posted Image

#25 ConFused

ConFused

    Background Pony

  • Builder
  • 110 posts
  • minecraft:
    ConFusedLev

Posted 03 January 2013 - 08:13 PM

I have to rearrange her hair shape, but does my OC look decent?

Spoiler


EDIT: And also, I heard pastel colors are preferred in MLP


Edited by Zayles, 29 August 2013 - 09:31 AM.


#26 John Smith

John Smith

    Some guy

  • Pony
  • 396 posts
  • minecraft:
    skilby99

Posted 03 January 2013 - 08:15 PM

I have to rearrange her hair shape, but does my OC look decent?

Spoiler


EDIT: And also, I heard pastel colors are preferred in MLP


How did you animate that?!

#27 Blazuhira Miller

Blazuhira Miller

    Granter of bad times.

  • RP Moderator
  • 3614 posts
  • minecraft:
    iDazzumHD

Posted 03 January 2013 - 09:09 PM

How did you animate that?!

I can tell how. They recolored a rainbow dash gif I think.

If anyone makes an earth pony OC, they've instantly got green light IMO.

#28 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 03 January 2013 - 09:15 PM

I would also like to point out the issue of color. Black OC's are not canon. Only Luna Guards have something even similar. Even then they are a grey color instead of pitch black. Also, neon colors are not common either. Pastel colors are pretty much the only ones used in the show. If you don't know what they are, google them and you'll get a good idea of what i'm talking about. Hair also shouldn't be too flashy or neon.

#29 ConFused

ConFused

    Background Pony

  • Builder
  • 110 posts
  • minecraft:
    ConFusedLev

Posted 03 January 2013 - 09:20 PM


How did you animate that?!


I can tell how. They recolored a rainbow dash gif I think.

If anyone makes an earth pony OC, they've instantly got green light IMO.


I've made it in Flash.

Edited by Zayles, 26 November 2014 - 03:23 PM.


#30 John Smith

John Smith

    Some guy

  • Pony
  • 396 posts
  • minecraft:
    skilby99

Posted 03 January 2013 - 11:28 PM

tell me if this is ok? (note: i havent worked on his backstory yet but his name is Skills)

Posted Image


Is my OC ok then?

#31 8-bit

8-bit

    Background Pony

  • Pony
  • 4 posts
  • minecraft:
    chibianimal771

Posted 03 January 2013 - 11:52 PM

Is my OC ok then?



This is just my opinion, but you should ditch the black frocks. There isn't black anywhere else in his color scheme, so I would leave it out.

I also think you should change or add to his name. Skills is really basic, which sometimes can be good, (Believe me I don't want Miss supercalafragilisticexpialidouchious over here.) But in this case I think it cold be a bit more elaborate.

Everything else looks good to me!

#32 John Smith

John Smith

    Some guy

  • Pony
  • 396 posts
  • minecraft:
    skilby99

Posted 03 January 2013 - 11:57 PM

This is just my opinion, but you should ditch the black frocks. There isn't black anywhere else in his color scheme, so I would leave it out.

I also think you should change or add to his name. Skills is really basic, which sometimes can be good, (Believe me I don't want Miss supercalafragilisticexpialidouchious over here.) But in this case I think it cold be a bit more elaborate.

Everything else looks good to me!


Im not sure what to change it to or what to put at the end i may just leave it as there a probebly worse oc names out there

#33 8-bit

8-bit

    Background Pony

  • Pony
  • 4 posts
  • minecraft:
    chibianimal771

Posted 03 January 2013 - 11:58 PM

Im not sure what to change it to or what to put at the end i may just leave it as there a probebly worse oc names out there


Oh yes, I've heard much worse OC names. If you need help, i'm sure that there are plenty of ponies who would be willing to help.

Good luck~

Edited by 8-bit, 03 January 2013 - 11:59 PM.


#34 ǝzɐןb ʍoquıɐɹ

ǝzɐןb ʍoquıɐɹ

    nɟıɐʍ s,uǝןǝɹıʌ sı

  • Pony
  • 762 posts
  • minecraft:
    Creeper_Claire99

Posted 04 January 2013 - 01:07 AM

I have a new OC:
I don't have a name for her yet, but her special talent is basically working in an office building.
Posted Image

#35 Cyv001

Cyv001

    Amateur skinner

  • Builder
  • 67 posts
  • minecraft:
    Cyv001

Posted 04 January 2013 - 04:01 AM

Posted Image
Look at this dang ol' guy. His name's Gear Shift, by the way.

#36 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 04 January 2013 - 04:03 AM

I have a new OC:
I don't have a name for her yet, but her special talent is basically working in an office building.
Posted Image

That's an exhilarating talent xD

#37 Quoth the Raven

Quoth the Raven

    I'm just here for roleplay

  • Builder
  • 1010 posts
  • minecraft:
    stardragon1000

Posted 04 January 2013 - 04:38 AM

tell me if this is ok? (note: i havent worked on his backstory yet but his name is Skills)

Posted Image

I made that cutie mark :3

Seriously, though, back to the topic. I think that the color scheme is pretty good, although the black hooves stand out and in my opinion should only really be used on earth ponies. Other than that, he's looking okay!

Now for me to post a WIP OC (Still developing backstory) I know this one's design really isn't canon.. but, you know, the idea had been in my head for quite a while.
Posted Image
Now, most of the suggestions I want are for a backstory.

Edited by stardragon, 04 January 2013 - 04:41 AM.


#38 FaffleMaster

FaffleMaster

    Electric Boop-aloo

  • Builder
  • 2320 posts
  • minecraft:
    FaffleMaster

Posted 04 January 2013 - 04:48 AM

Makes clocks :L

Because.... gears.

#39 Caventh

Caventh

    Pour spiders on rainbows.

  • Retired Admin
  • 1042 posts
  • minecraft:
    Caventh

Posted 04 January 2013 - 11:36 AM

Isn't a tad narrow minded to say something like this?

  • Make the character one of the 3 established races (earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn). In general, the alicorns should be avoided, but I'll explain later.


The MLP world clearly exists in a fantasy world that has many mythical creatures pulled from many types of folklore, we should not limit ourselves to just ponies (Ponies OC IMO are kind of bland)

There is so much potential for adding in new fantasy creatures I'm surprised not many have done it.

I've put a lot of work into crafting a finely tuned fantasy creature into an OC that I would put it here, however since I'm converting her into a Non-MLP project of mine I'll withhold for now.

I challenge anyone to take a fantasy creature and convert it into MLP that could possibly make an appearance on the show.

Edited by Caventh, 04 January 2013 - 11:39 AM.


#40 Golfmann

Golfmann

    Supreme Potentate

  • Builder
  • 2768 posts
  • minecraft:
    Golfmann14

Posted 04 January 2013 - 03:14 PM

I'll be the leader of the timberwolves

xD maybe it's possibru....

Edited by Golfmann14, 04 January 2013 - 03:14 PM.


#41 Nittles

Nittles

    Hated by JelloCubez

  • Builder
  • 68 posts
  • minecraft:
    Nittles

Posted 05 January 2013 - 01:44 AM

A tip I think you should add, is don't be afraid of bright colors. Many OC creators (Myself included) give their OCs a muted pallete, in order to try and avoid the "a rainbow threw up on my OC" look. These ponies exist in the show, sure, but most will have one muted color and one bright one, at least.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the mane color is usually darker than the coat color.


0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users