RPG Character Psychology

I've come across the work of the psychologist Carl Jung only really in passing, and most recently through Sharon Blackie's writing. Progress on the game is slow, sporadic and unfocussed just now. In the haze my thoughts drifted to the concept of archetypes, which can be a helpful storytelling tool. I dimly recalled the concept of the Jungian archetypes, and realised that I didn't actually know what they were. After a bit of reading, I think they provide some useful ways to think about designing RPG Characters.

If you're not familiar with Jungian archetypes, there's a lot of writing about them on the internet. The summary I have open just now is from Positive Psychology.

What I found really useful is that for each archetype we get: What they represent, their approach, their desires, fears and challenges they may face. 

Designing the Paths for Player Characters in Legends of Alba, I'm thinking a lot about game mechanics and, honestly, getting a bit worn down by them. But once I started thinking about the Paths in these terms, (what are they actually about?) I felt more energised about them.

The archetypes don't map directly to the Paths but elements of them do, and that's been helpful to get down some touchstones and notes about the 'spirit' of each Path.

Warrior - Archetypes: Caregiver, Innocent, Orphan

Fights as part of the Chief's warband to protect their Clan. They defend the people around them and the values they believe in through physical strength. They're down to earth, folk relate to them, and they tend to put the needs of others first. They don't fear death, instead fearing failure, loss and being the ones left behind. Risks for Warriors come from rushing headlong into action and not considering their own needs. Question: What do you fight for?

Hunter - Archetypes: Explorer, Hero 

Roams the wilderness, provider and protector both. However a life in the wilds put them at risk of losing touch with the communities they serve. Values independence, tends to put their own needs first, and relies on their honed skill, keen senses and sharp reflexes. Fears complacency and the danger unseen. Question: What stalks you from the dark shadows of the wilds?

Bard - Archetypes: Sage, Jester, Lover, Creator

Maintains the Clan's collective memory by knowing the histories and tales. Interested in folk and relationships. Wants to be the centre of the attention and put a new spin on an old tale, fears being hated or worse, forgotten. Values knowledge, the arts and making connections. Bards risk folly in the pursuit of perfection, preservation of the past and revelry in the present at the expense of the future. Question: What will you leave behind?

Druid - Archetypes: Magician, Ruler, Rebel

Upholds the Law of The Land, the balance between nature and civilisation. Fears the wasteland and the ambition of rulers. Wants to use a light touch, solve problems before they exist, and find the perfect solution. Not afraid of challenging authority, though as wielders of their own power in the form of magic they risk falling to the same corruption as those who rule. Values planning, subterfuge and the natural world. Question: What does the Law of The Land mean to you?

-Till Next Time!