ATTENTION Writers AND RPers!

[LyLunah]

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

[Visions of Khas]

Wait, so, you want some people to take on the personality of a character, role play them, and write the story based on that?

[LyLunah]

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.

[mr. peasant]

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.

[LyLunah]

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.

[Draco97]

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.

[mr. peasant]

I have a few concerns with the overall idea; namely:

1. 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?
   
   
2. 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.

[Quirel]

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.

[mr. peasant]

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.

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.

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.

[Sarov]

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.