The Nature of Man (Leo Q&A)

[Leo Knight]

So, unfortunately, I wasn't quite as involved in this game as I like to be! Which is too bad, as it was an incredible game. As such, Leo might not be as developed as I sometimes like.

My inspirations for Leo were supposed to be various hitmen, like Martin Blank from "Grosse Point Blank". Unconsciously, I think he ended up a lot like Deckard from Blade Runner. Which makes sense. But the idea that he wasn't any more human than any of what the corporations considered less than human was a big theme with him. I hadn't intended on it exactly, but looking back, it fits together really well!

Leo was also my oldest character, and my most cynical character. I gave him some reason for doing some good from time to time, but it's certainly a big change from Captain Alderaan.

Ask if you've got questions!

[Boogiepop]

I was going to say, when you submitted Leo, I thought he was a far direction from what I've typically seen you play. I could see the Deckard similarity there. Were there some challenges when it came to playing someone who did dirty work, had a dark past, and was rather cynical? I think I've had myself hitting some walls with that sort but I'm interested to hear your findings!

Thank you for playing!

[Nadia Avaline]

As likely evidenced throughout play and elsewhere, I really enjoyed how Leo's makeup essentially pushed him toward being something of a father figure for Nadia!

Kind of relationship I didn't quite expect going into it, but one I love ever so much.

[Diana Harper]

Leo was fun! Sadly RL got in the way of interacting more, but I liked the interaction between the two

[Lina (NAG Mk3-19)]

You've said that in the LIna Q&A already, but I wish we had got that thread done!

Leo did read much differently from your previous characters I've played with. And although I haven't read as much of Leo and Nadia as I wanted to (got some reading now after the game is done at least!), his father-like relationship to her was noticeable - and quite interesting!

Two questions I guess:

1) Are there parts of Leo that were present in your head but never really came up in the game?

2) Aside from Nadia as something of a protegé (or daughter even!), do you feel he developed other particularly meaningful relationships to any of the other characters (PCs or NPCs), and how would you describe those?

[Leo Knight]

I was going to say, when you submitted Leo, I thought he was a far direction from what I've typically seen you play. I could see the Deckard similarity there. Were there some challenges when it came to playing someone who did dirty work, had a dark past, and was rather cynical? I think I've had myself hitting some walls with that sort but I'm interested to hear your findings!

Thank you for playing!

In truth, I don't think I found it very challenging! I always like playing characters with some sort of internal struggle, and a dark past is easy for that. As far as cynicism, well, it's cyberpunk! A solid slide towards cynicism from the real world. The key was giving him enough positive traits and interest to get involved that he would still do good things, and want to do good things. He just had a very casual attitude towards the lives of others, and what he was told to do.

Heh, come to think of it, I think almost the biggest difference is that Leo was my least flirty character. Normally, I can't help but flirt at least a little, but not with him! I feel like that's notable!

As likely evidenced throughout play and elsewhere, I really enjoyed how Leo's makeup essentially pushed him toward being something of a father figure for Nadia!

Kind of relationship I didn't quite expect going into it, but one I love ever so much.

I did expect it! Or similar. The best way to get a cynical badass caring about stuff? Give them a Bebe Yoda! So it was pretty much just a question of who Leo's would be. The clone angle gave me some fun stuff to play with; Leo believes in the personhood of Clones and Bioroids, mostly because he sees corps stomping on everyone. It's a sort of solidarity, except clones are even more trapped than he is, which is where he was trying to help Nadia out...

Leo was fun! Sadly RL got in the way of interacting more, but I liked the interaction between the two

Yeah, it was fun! Di really came off as from another world from Leo. She was another possible Bebe Yoda, as the bright young thing that needed protecting. Alas that he didn't get to beat up those goons...

1) Are there parts of Leo that were present in your head but never really came up in the game?

2) Aside from Nadia as something of a protegé (or daughter even!), do you feel he developed other particularly meaningful relationships to any of the other characters (PCs or NPCs), and how would you describe those?

1) Leo was actually super unhappy in his role as corporate cleaner, and wanted out. He hates the corporations, and wants to be free of them, but the retirement program is, like, super bad. There were some hints of that, but not many!

2) As mentioned above, there was a similar sort of protective relationship with Di. But different! Like, with her, it's more like he couldn't help but like the, well, somewhat empty-headed socialite.