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Tweak says, "Pegasus c whut u did thar."

Skye (sceldridge) wrote in rp_tutorials,
@ 2013-04-24 23:24:00

Entry tags:

question: character creation, resources: character creation

Vital Statistics and the Art of Guestimation
When filling out vital statistics about my characters, like height and weight, I always look to their initial play-by. Most celebrities have their height listed somewhere on the Internet. Some even have full measurements. However, more often than not, their weight is not listed. This is when I look to the art of guestimation. To be honest, I've never been good at guessing anyone's height or weight or even the square footage of a house. I'm a writer; numbers aren't my forte.

So, what is a writer to do when the overwhelming need to guestimate something like weight is encompassing? Or rather, what do you roleplayers do? Most Web sites that calculate BMI take into account age and the body's "average"* growth rate, so I imagine in teens, BMI tends to differ drastically when considering bodily development, self-image issues, and fad diets. Should I just list a body type, e.g. athletic, muscular, slim, etc., and just be done with it?

*I say that carefully because we all know everyone's body is different.

	nebari 2013-04-25 08:16 am UTC (link)
	There are some sites out there where people compare height and weight of most celebrities, but usually I write something like 'muscular' - etc. Because really, the only times you're going to need someone's weight is in an elevator or something. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	sceldridge 2013-04-25 03:15 pm UTC (link)
	Well, it wasn't so much as a need as it was "there's this field in my character profile," and I just wanted to fill it out. But I agree, elevators and maybe some theme park rides are the only times you're ever going to need someone's weight—unless you're a doctor. (Reply to this) (Parent)