ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
I am starting to write a story now that my creativeity is mostly back.. soo I have a summery in mind but so as nto to give a lot of things away to readers I will only speak it in PM or IM to my co-writers..
Basically I need people that would be willing to help me RP the story out I can write a lot of it but some fresh Ideas and sub plots would be awsome.
Apply in PM, and I'd love it better if my fellow writers were over the age of 17 for obvious Reasons that this story may get a little heated
The rating is Teen/NC-17 (well for much later chapters anyway, it starts at the Teen rating for Blood, Gore, and Basic Starcraft stuff
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Wait, so, you want some people to take on the personality of a character, role play them, and write the story based on that?
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Basically that would be it, We would all write the story, each of us writing parts and putting them together, While I would like this to be done in Email.. I can do it in PMs, that way if needed we can Edit each other and add more to what they say.
Its a format Ive seen used remarkably well to produce Storylike posts, if written correctly it can look like one person wrote the whole thing even if written by many Minds.
the summery I have so far will be sent in PMs to thsoe that are for sure helping.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Not to tell you how to do things but I think it would be a good idea to give a brief description of at least the setting. That way, those who are interested have some idea what they're getting into and/or might inspire some to get involved. After all, some people prefer doing Protoss or even Dark Templar only while others are more familiar with Terrans while some are game for anything.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
As I said This is still open for revision, but it's what I have so far. This summery bases mostly around My own OC.. but of course I will be revising it when I get for sure people to help write for particular characters. Protoss, Zerg, Terrans, Hybrids.. Bring it.. I want to make this the best SC Story since the Actual books (well I'll attempt anyway with help)
Heres the Summery Based for My OC: Illyanna
Illyanna is a Terran and Zerg hybrid, working under Raynor, her hybrid nature is not physical save the markings over her back and chest, therefore she has been able to hide it well and sort of blend in. Raynor has so far been unaware of this and has kept her close because of her talents in Strategy (that being remarkable as it is). There is only one problem with her supposed nice life...
The Overmind will not rest until he has her once again. Anytime the zerg attacks usually it's to grab her. Kerrigan also has this idea, the reason being is that she also holds another Strain of DNA within her, Essentially she holds the body of a Terran, the mind of a Protoss and the adaptability and Survival instincts of a Zerg. This makes her a quite beautiful, smart, adn deadly person to deal with, but also a tad unstable when it comes to some Things. Duran knows what she is fully and is Toying with her, often comming to her, seducing her little by little, trying to make her doubt her friends. Zeratul is unsure what she is but will eventually find out.
This Starts off about the time Raynor breaks off Ties with Mengks and goes forward all the way through Brood War and Beyond. As this is a fanfic, Obvious I am not going to stick to Straight cannon plots and ideas, I will be adding my own and maybe leaving some out, but I will discuss that with the Co-writers.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
I think it's an interesting story concept, two things spring to mind for me:
1) How did Illyanna come into being? Basically did the Overmind create her, and if so, how did she break away? Or is there another force that created her?
2) You said she has the mind of a Protoss, what do you mean by that?
As I said, I think it could be an interesting story, and explaining these two things could help it a lot, in my mind.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
I have a few concerns with the overall idea; namely:
- Your main character has several features which are reminiscent of a Mary Sue; namely that she has all the advantages of the different races yet none of their drawbacks. Yes, she has some slight 'markings' of her Zerg-ification but these are easily hidden and not disfiguring even though previous examples show they normally are. Moreover, she is a Terran/Zerg/Protoss hybrid when current lore indicates that this is not supposed to be conventionally possible (outside Duran's experiments). So, the question to ask is if the Protoss aspect necessary?
- You've set the story during the events in SC1; specifically after Kerrigan's infestation and before the Overmind's death. This is a time frame during which everyone's activities are well documented in canon. Moreover, there is only a very brief period of time between Kerrigan's rebirth and when Raynor joins the Protoss forces full time, during which he never leaves Char. It would be difficult to explain how Tassadar and Zeratul weren't able to sense the Protoss influence in her (or the Zerg influence for that matter). So, the question to ask is if you are willing to clash with lore or would you rather set it to a different time period (e.g. between SC:BW and SC2 where the timeline is less clear cut)?
Just my two cents.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
I have a few concerns with the overall idea; namely:
Your main character has several features which are reminiscent of a Mary Sue; namely that she has all the advantages of the different races yet none of their drawbacks. Yes, she has some slight 'markings' of her Zerg-ification but these are easily hidden and not disfiguring even though previous examples show they normally are. Moreover, she is a Terran/Zerg/Protoss hybrid when current lore indicates that this is not supposed to be conventionally possible (outside Duran's experiments). So, the question to ask is if the Protoss aspect necessary?
Pointed out what I was going to.
In addition, she is the focus of attention of the Overmind, Raynor, Kerrigan, Zeratul, and Duran. Everybody not inside the UED, it seems. Whereas capturing the attention of CCs does not indicate Mary Sueness, it does point it's finger and waggle its eyebrows suggestively.
In addition, she is smart (an able tactician) and beautiful (More indicative than CC attention, generally). No real flaws are apparent, although I do admit that you only gave a summary.
Here's some links that might help. They certainly helped me.
http://www.forresterlabs.com/limyaael/rant129040 < Character flaws.
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/365539.html < Making good obstacles.
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/33610.html < Writing female characters in general.
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/258678.html < Character flaws
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/152437.html < Hybrids
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/120163.html < General writing advice
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/255215.html < Special abilities
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/138379.html < Villains
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/40395.html < What I think every sci-fi author ought to be forced to read every day for a week.
http://limyaael.livejournal.com/369908.html < Motivational motivations.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Quirel
In addition, she is the focus of attention of the Overmind, Raynor, Kerrigan, Zeratul, and Duran. Everybody not inside the UED, it seems. Whereas capturing the attention of CCs does not indicate Mary Sueness, it does point it's finger and waggle its eyebrows suggestively.
Actually, I don't really see that as a negative point. It makes sense for all the characters (even canon ones) in a story's 'mini-universe' (especially for a short story) to focus/have a connection with the main character. Otherwise, why have them in the story in the first place? It's if they act out of character because of it that it is a problem. And in this case, it actually does fit their respective personalities to go after her.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Quirel
I am generally very wary of these 'How to create a character' guides. When not used properly (which is often the case since those who do generally don't bother using them), people often wind up with Anti-Sues (in a deliberate attempt to avoid creating a Mary Sue) or very artificial-feeling characters since they just draw up a table with a list of positive and negative traits that have no bearing on one another. Personally, I dislike character engineering and prefer a more organic approach.
My advice is to start with a few basic traits or a concept of a character and then build from there, by filling the details of the consequences of those traits or how those traits arise. Then, build it up layer by layer. You'd be surprised how rounded a character you actually have on your hands without realising it. All characters can be rounded. It all depends on how deep you look and how you choose to develop them.
Using LyLunah's character as an example, she is said to be a brilliant strategist. What other traits go well with it? Perhaps, she has a cold personality and doesn't fraternise with the rest of the crew. She could be purposefully preventing herself from getting to know them as people because she's afraid it would affect her judgment. Or conversely, maybe she's a brilliant strategist because she's cold and distant? Now, you can start to think what the consequence of this combination of traits (this cold, calculating tactician) will be. Could this lead her to be regularly at loggerheads with Raynor (since he's driven more by what's morally right than what needs to be done)? Suddenly, you've added a degree of depth to the character and have set up some conflict for her. And all because you decided she's to be a good tactician.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
I am generally very wary of these 'How to create a character' guides. When not used properly (which is often the case since those who do generally don't bother using them), people often wind up with Anti-Sues (in a deliberate attempt to avoid creating a Mary Sue) or very artificial-feeling characters since they just draw up a table with a list of positive and negative traits that have no bearing on one another. Personally, I dislike character engineering and prefer a more organic approach.
My advice is to start with a few basic traits or a concept of a character and then build from there, by filling the details of the consequences of those traits or how those traits arise. Then, build it up layer by layer. You'd be surprised how rounded a character you actually have on your hands without realizing it. All characters can be rounded. It all depends on how deep you look and how you choose to develop them.
Using LyLunah's character as an example, she is said to be a brilliant strategist. What other traits go well with it? Perhaps, she has a cold personality and doesn't fraternize with the rest of the crew. She could be purposefully preventing herself from getting to know them as people because she's afraid it would affect her judgment. Or conversely, maybe she's a brilliant strategist because she's cold and distant? Now, you can start to think what the consequence of this combination of traits (this cold, calculating tactician) will be. Could this lead her to be regularly at loggerheads with Raynor (since he's driven more by what's morally right than what needs to be done)? Suddenly, you've added a degree of depth to the character and have set up some conflict for her. And all because you decided she's to be a good tactician.
Several things that I just have to stress about beautiful people: There are obvious upsides and some not-too-thought-about downsides. Some downsides include:
- It is easier for other people to recognize you.
- It is harder to keep hidden.
- The character/person can become the focus of very negative attention such as people become obsessed about her, stalking her or the like.
- Several people will probably dislike her for her looks.
- People may assume she is stupid, especially if the character is a blond.
The biggest one is the negative reaction and recognizing one. The more distinct someone appears, whether having a recognizable pattern of scars or being very beautiful or very ugly (more so than normal), the easier it is to remember their face. Which would make it hard for that person to remain 'in the background', anonymous etc.
Some downsides to being Zerg:
- The urge to destroy or consume.
- Coloration changes: Hair color, eye color, skin color.
- Spikes, carapace, fangs, claws and other protrusions.
- Susceptibility to the 'call' of the Swarm.
- Most likely a change in voice.
I have yet to have seen a canon Infested Terran that has remained more or less human looking in terms of appearance (this does not include anatomy: two legs, shape of the face, facial features etc). Also most Infested Terran have their voice changed whether that echo/bass like a Protoss/Kerrigan or it getting deeper.
And that's not all of the downsides that I could think of.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
Actually, I don't really see that as a negative point. It makes sense for all the characters (even canon ones) in a story's 'mini-universe' (especially for a short story) to focus/have a connection with the main character.
It's all in how it's played.
Connections, per se, are actually quite safe, because it gives more room to retain the CC's personalities.
Having the character as the focus is a whole 'nother ball of wax, hein? In this respect, far too many FF authors give (Consciously or not) their OCs personality-warping auras.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
Otherwise, why have them in the story in the first place? It's if they act out of character because of it that it is a problem. And in this case, it actually does fit their respective personalities to go after her.
Duran. Seducing. Her.
That's mostly what I was focusing on...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
I am generally very wary of these 'How to create a character' guides. When not used properly (which is often the case since those who do generally don't bother using them), people often wind up with Anti-Sues (in a deliberate attempt to avoid creating a Mary Sue) or very artificial-feeling characters since they just draw up a table with a list of positive and negative traits that have no bearing on one another. Personally, I dislike character engineering and prefer a more organic approach.
I don't know.
I don't really see it as character engineering or "How to create a character". Mostly, what Limyaael does is point out tropes that people use, and gets people to think about them. If you're creating unoriginal characters from a 'HTCACG', it's because you still aren't thinking about what you're putting into your character. You're just picking up a shopping cart, walking down the supermarket aisle of Characterization, and picking out traits at random.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
My advice is to start with a few basic traits or a concept of a character and then build from there, by filling the details of the consequences of those traits or how those traits arise. Then, build it up layer by layer. You'd be surprised how rounded a character you actually have on your hands without realising it. All characters can be rounded. It all depends on how deep you look and how you choose to develop them.
Agreed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mr. peasant
Using LyLunah's character as an example, she is said to be a brilliant strategist. What other traits go well with it?
Well, if she's partly Infested, perhaps she has a mild penchant for Human Wave tactics? I mean, she probably doesn't drop the hammer every time someone coughs, but she has a slightly harder time seeing casualties as a tragedy?
If so, how would the people beneath her relate to her? Certainly, nobody likes working for someone who makes great sacrifices (other people's, natch) to gain her objectives. Take a look at Ulysses S. Grant. Even though his constant hammering was draining his forces faster than they were draining the Confederate forces (Confederates... another corrolary!), those tactics won the war. Didn't make him popular.
And if she has the "Mind of a Protoss", or perhaps even Zerg characteristics, how would she relate to Ghosts? In one of the mission breifings, they were talking about how drawn the Zerg are to psionics, and Ghosts emmitted psionic signatures that covered a good-sized area, certainly as big an area as the Hyperion. And if Raynor has Ghosts, will any of them be able to sense the difference between a human and an infested?
And if she has some Zerg biology, how does that affect how she goes to the doctor? Does she avoid conflicts because of the risk of being discovered that way? Would that conflict with her Zerg-like instincts? What kind of medical screening does Raynor have on the Hyperion? One might imagine that Zerg Parasites and spores might be a problem after engagements...
I left out the Protoss bit for the most part, as that was rather vague.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
Alright well As i might have stated that Idea was merely a rough draft. I've been looking at all of your suggestions and Ideas.. That was why I wanted co-writers to help with this. I have bene told that a few of my characters lean that way and I want the help to make it not so.. She does have a lot of flaws..
Such as:
She really doesn't see deaths as a tragedy, She avoids the Doctor altogether because she hides what she is From everyone she can. I originally wanted to say that she could hide what she is to ghost.. But Im limiting it to only powerful Ghosts, ya know like ones that have the experience and know how to breach mental barriers Those kinds, it still means she can be foudn out even by Protoss such as Zeratul, ARtanis, etc I am currently writing a little Prolouge as it is, Fleshing out her Background and giving a general start to the Story. When I post it I would love to have everyone's Feedback, for that is the only way to grow as a writer.
In another standpoint, Yes I said she is beautiful, She is similar to the looks of Kerrigan (who I thought as beautiful both Terran and infested forms) I say her outer appearence ahsn't been that noticeable on the grounds of saying Duran possibly got better at his Experiments to not make it so noticeable (again ill work that out with someone that knows the Character very well)
I refuse to have my character fully become a Mary sue so I do urge people to give me Advice. the prolouge should be up in a couple Days if not soon.
Re: ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!
WEll Guys here's the Prolouge I have written, I'd LOVE the Feedback so do give Constructive Critique only please.
The Creation of Illyanna
Over the many decades I have seen and dealt with a lot of strange things, I was a trained ghost, but I had become something much more. My name is Illyanna, and I am a hybrid. To put point blank and simple, I am a combination, an experiment created by Samir Duran in all his insanity. As a Terran born with psychic Abilities, naturally I was put into the Ghost program by the damned confederates. I will take you now back in time to where it all began...
I was a Ghost, fresh out of the Academy, Assigned to a man whose name I cannot recall. He was cruel, an asshole to the Nth degree, I hated him. My mind was sharp and I had always been Cold and distant to my Co-workers and fellow crew mates, yet I could whip up a battle plan that most times successful, even if it left be feeling alone at the end of the day. I suppose that was what drew him to me, His ways were strange and a little off, yet I could never see through his mind to see what he was up to. By the time I found out what he was up to, it was too late for me. In the dead of night he and some guards captured me, took me away to some strange moon. The walls jammed my senses, I was trapped in that small room with naught but my hearing and sight. Screams were around me, I saw strange Alien creatures I had come to find out were called Zerg.. Other Aliens, tall and bipedal These I had heard were Protoss. One time I was weak, thrown into a cell right next to one. I started talking to him, trying to find out where I was and what I was up against. The Protoss told me his name was Sykoras. I started calling him Sy or Sykor for short and eventually he stopped arguing about it. He told me only that this place was a place of horror, Creatures were doing the will of a strange man who claimed to be something called an Ihan-ri.. I had little idea what that meant so I didn't ask yet. He told me experiments took place here, on Zerg and Protoss Alike.. He said he was the first of my kind to be seen here, and I was a little confused at first weather or not he meant Terrans or Ghosts. He said my mind was similar to his yet it wasn't. I told him I was a ghost, a Psychic for easier term of phrase. He seemed curious and soon enough I learned a lot about Protoss and their ways, before Duran's men took him away, and I never saw him again.
It pissed me off bit by bit, but soon enough it was my turn and I will never forget that moment in time. I was put to sleep yet I could see, I was awake yet I was not. Locked in a space where I could sense things but do nothing about them. My body was subjected to things I can only describe as horrible. DNA was introduced to mine, I figured out later it was zerg. For the longest time when I was put in my stronger cell, I was a feral beast, Snarling and Hissing and Roaring at anything that came close to me. I did love the fact I bit one guard that had stuck his hand too close to my mouth. Soon enough I came back to myself, when I looked at my Reflection in the water bowl they had given me, I was horrified. My Face had grown paler, my Hair had changed to a Greenish Black, my eyes were the color of Amber, they had been Blue before, I remembered that well. And then, I heard it.. Bit by Bit I heard the call.. I could hear whispers at first, just calling me ever so gently. It lulled me, told me to bide my time with my brethren.. Wait for the right time to strike.
Bide my time I did, for months I let them do as they wished, While my powers I tested almost daily, I found eventually that my talents as a ghost, my mind as a Terran was still present, my new form was faster, more agile. I reasoned it to a Cat or Feline, but the voice in my head said I was more akin to a Hydralisk and a Zergling.. I didn't understand a lot of it. But as time went on, I grew more stable. About a month later was my chance to strike, Duran had left to take care of something, and I gave the call to my Brethren, Roaring loudly at Feeding time as we Swarmed out. All of us Hybrids, the Zerg, the Protoss. I heard one mention that it would be the first and last time they allied with the Zerg scum.. I didn't care much. We overran the place. Each of us taking in groups and Fleeing, a good deal of us died. I, by this time, was looking more like my old self, My eyes were still Amber in color, my hair was still that strange color. But thankfully I managed to Dye it using stains. I drifted for gods know how long, before He found me. Jim Raynor..
Jim was a nice guy, I told him I had been attacked and taken this small shuttle and escaped. He seemed to buy it for now and that was all I cared for. He set me up on his ship, let me work with him. For a good long while everything was peachy keen.. Until I started getting sent into battle.. Jim never looked at me the same way after that first battle. A bunch of Marines had called me a Blood thirsty Bitch, One had said I resembled a Zerg, bent over a body like that. Raynor had taken me aside after that, confronted me.
“What the hell was that out there Illia?” He only half yelled at me, and I hissed back, my voice had taken on a strange distant whispering tone, akin to Kerrigan. “You said you wanted them dead Raynor.. I was merely lending my assistance.” For a while we stared each other down and he Looked me dead in the eye and Gave this question. “Just swear to me you won't harm My people or any Innocents Illia, and I want the truth from you.” I paused, thinking of how to respond when I spoke. “I know the difference Raynor, I'm just not too sure of myself in battle. Keep me up here, away from it.. and I'll be fine.” He nodded, and frankly every single one of his men Agreed with that little choice. They all started to Avoid me after that, and frankly I was happy with it. Even the local Medics started staying away from me after I had threaten to turn one into Mince meat. I am Illyanna, I am Terran age 27 and I am a Hybrid of Terran Ghost and Zerg. I have hidden myself from the one man that created me. But the Real story only begins here...
