But, I LIKE this Cliché!

[Wicky_42]

Y'know what, thinking about how RPGs work - leveling you up though steadily harder challenges until you're powerful enough to beat the big-bad - if I was the big bad I'd organise regular death matches with anyone who wanted a shot at me. That way, would-be adventurers don't go through the whole 'killing all the henchmen and becoming super powerful' routine and I can casually dispatch them one at a time

Of course, using a well-trained stand in at the matches would be a good idea, but it would make a jokes-worth start to an RPG - to get sent straight up against the big bad and killed, right off the bat... then the real game starts and you (well, your new you - son or brother, maybe) carefully avoid getting your butt kicked, heh

 

[sageoftruth]

I love how the enemies I face are never overleveled (in RPGs with levels). While it may not make sense, I'd hate to run into a planet-destoying demigod right after leaving my burning homeland.

 

[Gwynnbleidd]

- Races -
Elves are ALWAYS gay or queer-looking (I am looking at YOU, Warhammer Online! I played a Highelf Archmage)
Orcs are bloodcrazy beasts with axes.
Dwarfs drink beer and arer absolute experts in working in mines and processing metal.
Humans can't do shit against the other races but tend to have the biggest realm under their control.
Undead are made of pure EVIL ... with onions!
Dragons love gold ... and the meat of peasants. Nothing else
Wolves are evil as well, but damn weak. Never seen a real wolf, huh?

- Politics -
Kingdoms or Tyrannies are best. Democracy is for the weak!
War must have a epic reason. Not just fighting against another cult or realm because of diplomatic reasons or scarce ressources, but against an EVIL, DEMONIC cult or realm to save the world.


- Magic -
Elemental magic (fire, earth, water, air) are almost mandatory, if magic is implied.
Light magic is good, dark magic is evil
Fire magic does the most damage

- Others stuff -
Warrior, mage, rogue, archer, priest ... what else do you need?
Guns (except old one-shot pistols) are prohibited. Absolutely. Might and Magic VI with its Laser blasters doesn't count!


That are the most common ones I can think of.