u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_550

Basically looking for protagonists new to the supernatural world who by the skin of their teeth end up surviving long enough to make a name for themselves.

Basically people who can use the image of power or exaggerated ruthlessness to their advantage. Particularly to compensate for strength they don’t actually have. Publicity stunts tend to be calculated moves on their part.

Even better if they can successfully bluff enemies stronger than they are through reputation alone.

Whether it’s anti heroes or villains trying to turn over a new leaf and make up for past mistakes or a good hearted person doubling down on their convictions in the face of adversity when the world tells them to submit. What stories have the protagonist become more heroic the further they go on their journey?

One of my favorite aspects of Lord of the Mysteries is how Klein uses shapeshifting to craft various identities in order to leverage each identity’s reputation and the expectations of others to his advantage to take actions his other identities cannot.

What other stories out there attempt something similar?

Would prefer a protagonist whose power set supports the social interaction and information gathering aspects of the story.

Obviously given the nature of these books I don't expect the mc getting their ass handed to them to be a recurring feature. But I am curious what books or authors out there can effectively write loss or suffering setbacks and more importantly how they can dust themselves off, assess the damage, and get back up for another round.

Basically looking for, preferably niche, titles that pay attention to the way you have been building your character. Most dialogue heavy CRPGs have this feature looking for lesser known ones that give you options or restrict you depending on your stats.

One of my favorite aspects of BG 2 in particular was the way it gave additional characterization to your party members through banter, personal quests and interjections. I realize Icewind Dale is less story focused compared to BG but for anyone who tried the popular NPC mods how successful are they in adding characterization?

Basically looking for stories in which the pressure and stress of their circumstances is constantly being applied on the protagonist like a pressure cooker and the effects take a mental strain on them.

The enemies and conflict won’t stop coming but there is no time to rest as the tower of cards might collapse the moment they turn their back.

The tabletop inspired games are a no-brainer but aside from those what games would you recommend give you a bunch of class options and abilities to experiment with in a single build?

While not necessarily survival horror but that can be included. Basically looking for RPGs in which you are being hunted by horrific monstrosities but you still have some ability to overcome them and progress.

Games along the the lines of

- Darkest Dungeon

- Bloodborne

- Look Outside

- Fear and Hunger

- Stygian