I got a stack of loose-leaf paper at least two dozen thick now for my story.
I rather like the main character. He's someone I've never really written before, and it's fun.
I'm not worrying about proper nouns; I'm giving bullshit "top of my head" names to half the characters and places. I rather like Vallyn as a name, but I've had a few people poke fun at it so far, so I might change it later.
General Writing
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Maxine MagicFox
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SirthOsiris
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Weeaboolits
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I had an idea for a story today, centered around a cursed sword. A cliche concept, sure, but I think it's a fun premise.
Well, when I say idea for a story, I really mean an idea for a lead character, a demon slayer named Lier, whose sword has become cursed by the grudges of its victims and is slowly transforming her into a demon herself.
I'm debating on whether or not I should set the story in the same world as one of my others in which it might work, but I'm not sure if I want to make demons a common element in that world, since the story already set there centers around witches, which are quite a handful on their own. Demons do exist in that world, though, since they're used in some of the magic.
Main reason I'm considering using that world is to avoid creating another one, since I have a nasty habit of getting so caught up in characters and setting that I forget about the plot and never get around to getting things written.
Well, when I say idea for a story, I really mean an idea for a lead character, a demon slayer named Lier, whose sword has become cursed by the grudges of its victims and is slowly transforming her into a demon herself.
I'm debating on whether or not I should set the story in the same world as one of my others in which it might work, but I'm not sure if I want to make demons a common element in that world, since the story already set there centers around witches, which are quite a handful on their own. Demons do exist in that world, though, since they're used in some of the magic.
Main reason I'm considering using that world is to avoid creating another one, since I have a nasty habit of getting so caught up in characters and setting that I forget about the plot and never get around to getting things written.
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Sampson
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Recently came up with what is probably the best way to end that story that's been growing inside my head for, like, ever.
Here's a good idea of what it's like (it's the Umineko Ep.8 song, and you might want to turn off annotations quickly so that you don't accidentally spoil yourself--if you're into the VN, of course):
[spoiler][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YyVpNKA7vs&feature=related[/youtube][/spoiler]
Here's a good idea of what it's like (it's the Umineko Ep.8 song, and you might want to turn off annotations quickly so that you don't accidentally spoil yourself--if you're into the VN, of course):
[spoiler][youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YyVpNKA7vs&feature=related[/youtube][/spoiler]
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Weeaboolits
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I just end up adding and changing things, and then if I actually do get some plot figured out, I have to revise it again.
I had one story I actually finished once, but it sucked, so I did a rewrite, and then rebooted the rewrite about 3 times. It's kinda funny, because it's not really recognizable anymore, the rules of the world have changed significantly and the entire original cast was abandoned.
As it stands now, there's too many characters and subplots, it's kind of a clusterfuck of everyone doing their own thing at the same time. I'm considering breaking it up into several stories, since it'd otherwise likely be confusing.
That story's fun to work on though, it's a fantasy setting, but it's a bit restrained, since the magic of the world has strict rules by which it abides, for example, you could probably turn someone into a frog, but you'd likely have to dedicate your entire life to developing that spell, and be some sort of prodigy to manage it without killing them, and no way you'd be able to do it with their mind intact. Magic is mostly limited to stuff like fireballs, though there are some unique ones.
I had fun with the races:
[spoiler]-Common-
The most prolific type (hence being refereed to simply as Commons), their reflexes are slower than those of elves or heibres, but have a greater level of control over their mana than elves, as such, it is easier for them to become casters. Having both an adequate mana pool and a high level of control over their mana, humans tend to gravitate toward magic rather than physical combat, as the other races have a distinct advantage over them in the latter.
-Elf-
Weaker and less resilient than commons, but have much faster reflexes and more inate agility than even heibres, their mana pool is larger than that of humans, though they lack the level of control over their mana that humans enjoy. Thaumavivism (healing magic) is the art that tends to come most naturally to elves, although strikemagic is also common, allowing them to compensate for their lack of brute strength through use of their mana, paired with their speed and agility, elves can be very capable hand-to-hand fighters.
Elves can easily be distinguished by their elongated ears, they tend to be somewhat smaller and more slender than humans. Blonde hair and blue eyes are very common traits among elves.
-Heibre-
Stronger and faster than commons, as well as more resilient, although their reflexes aren't quite as fast as elves. Though their ability to control their mana exceeds that of humans, their mana pool is far too inadequate for most magical arts. Due to their muscular structure, their bodies are less capable of producing the necessary proteins to sustain them, forcing them to compensate through vampirism or high-protein diets. Heibres are despised by some due to their superficial similarities to nosferatu (demonic vampires, nosferatu are more similar to a traditional vampire). Predatory heibres are not well regarded even amongst their own race. Strikemagic tends to come more naturally to heibres than the other arts, due to its low mana demands and highly physical focus.
Heibres can easily be distinguished by their highly developed hypodermic fangs, they tend to be somewhat larger and more muscular than commons. Black hair and red eyes are very common traits among heibres.
Sometimes referred to derogatorily as "bloodworms" or simply "vampires".
-Bhesson-
A physically adept race native to T'ro (the largest, most rural region of the story's setting), the Bhesson are incapable of using magic, but have immense physical strength, acute senses and fast reflexes.
Notable physical traits include their large irises which shine in the dark like those of an animal.
-Dorthi-
An unusual mechanical race from the Outlands (a region beyond the border of where the story is set), very few have been seen within the region, the few that do end up on this side of the Dusklands (the region where demons dwell, forming the border between the Umbra and the Outlands) tend to gravitate toward Nuark, due to its level technological progress. Being an Outland race, they have only a limited capacity for magic, it appears to be partially reliant on a component called a "mana capacitor". In addition to having metallic outer shells, they tend to have mana guards built into their frames. Their origin is unknown, but it is likely that they are somehow related to humans, as they have a similar type of mana. Despite their having been around for a very long time, little is really known about them due in part to their meager numbers and their self repair systems (they almost never need to be repaired manually, so little is known about their mechanical components).
Dorthi can easily be distinguished from the other races by their outer shell, which is primarily mechanical, they generally have an at least partially organic head and internal organs. In terms of size and appearance, they can vary wildly. A dorthi's age cannot be solely from its appearance, however most dorthi are extremely old, so this is of little importance.
-Dalk-
The Dalk are strange, semi-humanoid insects of extremely high intelligence and magical ability, they dwell within the vast underground cave system of the Umbra. Their bodies contain amounts of Reunston (a mineral that conducts mana, its presence in blood facilitates the use of magic) that far exceed the lethal level for humans. Although they are not hostile toward humans, their inhuman and intimidating appearance makes it difficult for them to integrate into human society. They have a different viewpoint of death from humans, they do not bury their dead, in fact, they will often trade the corpses to Bhessons for food, they often will also come up to trade various resources with humans, such as minerals and remains from slain beasts.
Dalk do not have eyes, they rely on their acute smell, hearing and ability to sense heat.
Physically, they are semi-humanoid with an insect-like appearance, they have two sets of arms, one set is fairly similar to those of a human, the other pair is attached closer to their back and has enormous hooked claws. Their abdomen had a large hook at the end. Their natural speaking tone is on a frequency inaudible to humans, also, when talking they do not pause to inhale, but rather continue speaking while they do so. They do not use their lungs as their primary method of respiration, instead relying on tracheal breathing like most insects, this gives their abdomen an odd pulsating motion.
Dalk are not easily offended, as such they are sometimes unintentionally rude.
The Dalk hatch from eggs, they have a larval state before entering a cocoon to metamorphose into their adult form.
The adult form of a Dalk is known as a Dalk Mej[/spoiler]
The Dalk are probably my favorite, since they're the most unique race.
I had one story I actually finished once, but it sucked, so I did a rewrite, and then rebooted the rewrite about 3 times. It's kinda funny, because it's not really recognizable anymore, the rules of the world have changed significantly and the entire original cast was abandoned.
As it stands now, there's too many characters and subplots, it's kind of a clusterfuck of everyone doing their own thing at the same time. I'm considering breaking it up into several stories, since it'd otherwise likely be confusing.
That story's fun to work on though, it's a fantasy setting, but it's a bit restrained, since the magic of the world has strict rules by which it abides, for example, you could probably turn someone into a frog, but you'd likely have to dedicate your entire life to developing that spell, and be some sort of prodigy to manage it without killing them, and no way you'd be able to do it with their mind intact. Magic is mostly limited to stuff like fireballs, though there are some unique ones.
I had fun with the races:
[spoiler]-Common-
The most prolific type (hence being refereed to simply as Commons), their reflexes are slower than those of elves or heibres, but have a greater level of control over their mana than elves, as such, it is easier for them to become casters. Having both an adequate mana pool and a high level of control over their mana, humans tend to gravitate toward magic rather than physical combat, as the other races have a distinct advantage over them in the latter.
-Elf-
Weaker and less resilient than commons, but have much faster reflexes and more inate agility than even heibres, their mana pool is larger than that of humans, though they lack the level of control over their mana that humans enjoy. Thaumavivism (healing magic) is the art that tends to come most naturally to elves, although strikemagic is also common, allowing them to compensate for their lack of brute strength through use of their mana, paired with their speed and agility, elves can be very capable hand-to-hand fighters.
Elves can easily be distinguished by their elongated ears, they tend to be somewhat smaller and more slender than humans. Blonde hair and blue eyes are very common traits among elves.
-Heibre-
Stronger and faster than commons, as well as more resilient, although their reflexes aren't quite as fast as elves. Though their ability to control their mana exceeds that of humans, their mana pool is far too inadequate for most magical arts. Due to their muscular structure, their bodies are less capable of producing the necessary proteins to sustain them, forcing them to compensate through vampirism or high-protein diets. Heibres are despised by some due to their superficial similarities to nosferatu (demonic vampires, nosferatu are more similar to a traditional vampire). Predatory heibres are not well regarded even amongst their own race. Strikemagic tends to come more naturally to heibres than the other arts, due to its low mana demands and highly physical focus.
Heibres can easily be distinguished by their highly developed hypodermic fangs, they tend to be somewhat larger and more muscular than commons. Black hair and red eyes are very common traits among heibres.
Sometimes referred to derogatorily as "bloodworms" or simply "vampires".
-Bhesson-
A physically adept race native to T'ro (the largest, most rural region of the story's setting), the Bhesson are incapable of using magic, but have immense physical strength, acute senses and fast reflexes.
Notable physical traits include their large irises which shine in the dark like those of an animal.
-Dorthi-
An unusual mechanical race from the Outlands (a region beyond the border of where the story is set), very few have been seen within the region, the few that do end up on this side of the Dusklands (the region where demons dwell, forming the border between the Umbra and the Outlands) tend to gravitate toward Nuark, due to its level technological progress. Being an Outland race, they have only a limited capacity for magic, it appears to be partially reliant on a component called a "mana capacitor". In addition to having metallic outer shells, they tend to have mana guards built into their frames. Their origin is unknown, but it is likely that they are somehow related to humans, as they have a similar type of mana. Despite their having been around for a very long time, little is really known about them due in part to their meager numbers and their self repair systems (they almost never need to be repaired manually, so little is known about their mechanical components).
Dorthi can easily be distinguished from the other races by their outer shell, which is primarily mechanical, they generally have an at least partially organic head and internal organs. In terms of size and appearance, they can vary wildly. A dorthi's age cannot be solely from its appearance, however most dorthi are extremely old, so this is of little importance.
-Dalk-
The Dalk are strange, semi-humanoid insects of extremely high intelligence and magical ability, they dwell within the vast underground cave system of the Umbra. Their bodies contain amounts of Reunston (a mineral that conducts mana, its presence in blood facilitates the use of magic) that far exceed the lethal level for humans. Although they are not hostile toward humans, their inhuman and intimidating appearance makes it difficult for them to integrate into human society. They have a different viewpoint of death from humans, they do not bury their dead, in fact, they will often trade the corpses to Bhessons for food, they often will also come up to trade various resources with humans, such as minerals and remains from slain beasts.
Dalk do not have eyes, they rely on their acute smell, hearing and ability to sense heat.
Physically, they are semi-humanoid with an insect-like appearance, they have two sets of arms, one set is fairly similar to those of a human, the other pair is attached closer to their back and has enormous hooked claws. Their abdomen had a large hook at the end. Their natural speaking tone is on a frequency inaudible to humans, also, when talking they do not pause to inhale, but rather continue speaking while they do so. They do not use their lungs as their primary method of respiration, instead relying on tracheal breathing like most insects, this gives their abdomen an odd pulsating motion.
Dalk are not easily offended, as such they are sometimes unintentionally rude.
The Dalk hatch from eggs, they have a larval state before entering a cocoon to metamorphose into their adult form.
The adult form of a Dalk is known as a Dalk Mej[/spoiler]
The Dalk are probably my favorite, since they're the most unique race.
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SirthOsiris
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This is something I haven't shared yet. Mostly because, like my stories, nothing is finalized.
I made a document with a general physical and biographical description of each of the races in my stories, while the image provides a picture of something close to what they might look like, or just what I could find that's a close resemblance or idea.
[spoiler]
Descrepancies: 'Kobold' still sounds awkward. Keep in mind, I was introduced to the term via Suikoden, so it always makes me think of dog-men rather than giant rats. Also, they might end up more fox-like than wolves.
The fellans might get a name change, because I don't know if I like it. Also, they might be shorter or taller.
Inb4 lol lolis/shotas and furries, oh my.[/spoiler]
There might be more as they develop. I'm playing with the idea of a 'dark elf' spin off, and bringing back a harpy race from when I was writing the RPGs.
@Max: I seem to be having a similar problem with some of my main characters. Most just don't seem to have any glaring flaws. I don't think I try to write them to be exceptional, but I don't like writing in flaws that would have no real basis in the story, unless it ends up that way. Maybe they're all about going above that 'emo-ness' and becoming something: a leader; a peacemaker; a hero; someone who seeks 'truth.'
[hide]One main character, a princess, is mentally and emotionally unstable due to a violent incident which 'corrupted' her; she gained a power, but it isn't what one would call a 'happy power.' Her story is learning to properly control it while resolving the initial incident.[/hide]
I made a document with a general physical and biographical description of each of the races in my stories, while the image provides a picture of something close to what they might look like, or just what I could find that's a close resemblance or idea.
[spoiler]
Descrepancies: 'Kobold' still sounds awkward. Keep in mind, I was introduced to the term via Suikoden, so it always makes me think of dog-men rather than giant rats. Also, they might end up more fox-like than wolves.
The fellans might get a name change, because I don't know if I like it. Also, they might be shorter or taller.
Inb4 lol lolis/shotas and furries, oh my.[/spoiler]
There might be more as they develop. I'm playing with the idea of a 'dark elf' spin off, and bringing back a harpy race from when I was writing the RPGs.
@Max: I seem to be having a similar problem with some of my main characters. Most just don't seem to have any glaring flaws. I don't think I try to write them to be exceptional, but I don't like writing in flaws that would have no real basis in the story, unless it ends up that way. Maybe they're all about going above that 'emo-ness' and becoming something: a leader; a peacemaker; a hero; someone who seeks 'truth.'
[hide]One main character, a princess, is mentally and emotionally unstable due to a violent incident which 'corrupted' her; she gained a power, but it isn't what one would call a 'happy power.' Her story is learning to properly control it while resolving the initial incident.[/hide]
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Kinokokao
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I'm very purposefully not doing much planning for this story, to try and break myself of the habit of over-analyzing and researching. Right now, in fact, I want to draw a detailed map of the world, detail exactly what each civilization is like, draw up a couple family trees, etc. -- but, no! I'm forcing myself just to WRITE and not care what it says. I'm throwing in complete made-up bullshit to substitute for any proper nouns I might need -- character names, lands, languages, whatever, it's all just the first thing that pops into my mind. I'm purposefully hand-writing it so I can revise it when, if, I ultimately decide to type it up. I only have the most basic understanding of the plot; mostly I want to see where it naturally flows.
And it's killing me. But it's working. I just write and see what happens.
And it's killing me. But it's working. I just write and see what happens.
KKINO I FUKKIN LOVE YOU MAN
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Maxine MagicFox
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@Sirth: for me, I always feel that overcoming a flaw is not only an absolute MUST in a story but should be so closely tied with the main story that the two of them are interchangeable. To me, my stories are not just about Fantasy-Object-A but how Character-A overcomes his/her flaw. I love character development very deeply.
Now, I've gotten a little work done on the story. At the moment it has become
"30 Things I Hate About Fantasy" as the title.
Each chapter is going to have the name of one of the things. For instance:
Chapter 1: There's Always a Lame Intro
and
Chapter 30: You have to leave the world behind
It continues with this emo girl who is very anti-fantasy, but really you discover it's not that she's anti-fantasy, but she loves fantasy so much that she holds my view: "It's SO Tolkien" or "It's SO Rowlings" "I'M SO DONE WITH THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER." And as the story progresses she finds that it's not necessarily the same things over and over but there's different things that should be enjoyed within the stories.
.... Chapters 2 - 29 are going to be, obviously, based off the plot (if I decide to tack in the frog scene it's probably going to be like Chapter #: There's Always Some Lame Magic-Monster)
Obviously, it's going to be a fun piece probably around the 11+ group. Thinking of making her around 12 years old, probably just starting middle school.
And, of course, this is all just IN THE WORKS and nothing is set in stone yet. :3 I'm just having fun with the many possibilities I can stick this character into.
Now, I've gotten a little work done on the story. At the moment it has become
"30 Things I Hate About Fantasy" as the title.
Each chapter is going to have the name of one of the things. For instance:
Chapter 1: There's Always a Lame Intro
and
Chapter 30: You have to leave the world behind
It continues with this emo girl who is very anti-fantasy, but really you discover it's not that she's anti-fantasy, but she loves fantasy so much that she holds my view: "It's SO Tolkien" or "It's SO Rowlings" "I'M SO DONE WITH THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER." And as the story progresses she finds that it's not necessarily the same things over and over but there's different things that should be enjoyed within the stories.
.... Chapters 2 - 29 are going to be, obviously, based off the plot (if I decide to tack in the frog scene it's probably going to be like Chapter #: There's Always Some Lame Magic-Monster)
Obviously, it's going to be a fun piece probably around the 11+ group. Thinking of making her around 12 years old, probably just starting middle school.
And, of course, this is all just IN THE WORKS and nothing is set in stone yet. :3 I'm just having fun with the many possibilities I can stick this character into.
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Maxine MagicFox
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I've never read it. ... Sounds too similar? Like to the point that I should change it? <_<; Then again, if I worry about every story that I might potentially be too similar to, I'd never be able to write anything. I trust your judgement, Kino. Should I alter it?
Edit: I wikipedia'd it. Hrrrm, I see what you mean. It does sound very similar, but the idea I have in my head I think is decently safe. It's not that "I'm" trying to write a criticism on fantasy, but it's in the eyes of my character who is just done with the genre.
Hrrrm... I'll still be very careful. I'll avoid picking the book up though so that way there isn't even a chance I could possibly be plagiarizing from it or might even be influenced by it.
I think also as I continue to think and develope this story, I'm also putting a lot of emphasis on the final chapter's title and I think it's becoming the real source of her issues. It's not that she doesn't appreciate the fantasy world around her but in a climatic scene I've thought up she's actually screaming how much she hates it - not because there's anything wrong with the world but because there's always an end and in every end the hero(ine) must go home. I think I'm going to turn this into her major conflict. In order to be happy at the end she has to come to turns with the fact that she is leaving.
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Drathi
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Y'know, I am wondering if I should just post my story here. XD It's something I am just writing for pure fun and to get me back into the swing of writing. It's just I don' know if I'd be able to post t in the art/writing section, when it isn't EO related
Also, I keep playing an outro for Older!Bunny and Kitten in my head to the song Mirai wa Lovers... xD Curse how catchy some of Patlabor's songs are.
Also, I keep playing an outro for Older!Bunny and Kitten in my head to the song Mirai wa Lovers... xD Curse how catchy some of Patlabor's songs are.
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