Guild News 10.12.12

[Guru]

General News

Newsletter and Comrade Anniversary

On August 8, 2011 Contra Fates announced the creation of a new Staff position called the Comrades whose purpose was to help new users around the forum and generally make it a friendlier place. Many applied and on the first of September the new Comrades were announced. There have been several waves of Comrades, with new Comrades in as others left for various reasons as the position and its responsibilities changed and were further defined.

Most of the work of the Comrades happens behind the scenes but their most visible contribution is this Newsletter. The brainchild of Guru, one of the Original Comrades who is now also a Moderator, it is assembled collectively by the Comrade team. Coming out every other week in an effort to expose more people to the happenings of the Guild it has seen some changes and new additions just as the team has. Now a year old we Comrades have been contemplating why it is we do what we do and what we enjoy about it.

In lieu of an interview we decided to answer two questions and give you all little more insight into the Comrades of RPG and what brings us here.

What Made you apply for the position or accept it when offered?

Lets see. At the time, I was already trying to help out the community in any way I could. I was doing reviews for Writer of the Week, which it was known as at the time and I had actually already began putting together my concept for Guild News. When the Comrade idea came up, I had already been dissapointed when hiring for Contest managers had already flew by and I was gone during that time. I liked the idea of helping the community in further ways than I had already been doing. So, Comrades was my answer. I signed up and before I knew it, I was one.

When I joined the guild it was my first experience, not only with a forum but with text based role play of any sort. I was enamored and dove right in, stunned that such a fun hobby had existed without my knowledge. I made a few mistakes because there just wasn’t anything overtly helpful out there for a complete newbie such as I was. The FaQ wasn’t quite what I was looking for and while there were a sea of users, who was I supposed to ask for advice? Not to mention I didn’t even know the questions that needed asking. Certainly it was nothing worth troubling the Mods about. So I blindly fumbled through some rookie mistakes and people were for the most part good about it. But then in browsing the threads I stumbled upon one that bemoaned the loss of all the “good RPers” and predicted the Guild’s immanent down-fall. I was troubled. Here I was, so filled with enthusiasm, with newly won skills and this place was going down?

Eventually I figured out that the Guild wasn’t dying and that the people bitching were engaging in a time old tradition of “old fags” vs “new fags” the likes of which crop up every now and again in off-topic. But it wasn’t a good feeling and when I saw the news thread about the Comrades position being created I thought I'd go for it even though I wasn’t even a one year veteran. I thought it might be nice for those new and bewildered people to have someone to ask those seemingly simple questions, to be pointed in the right direction when they couldn’t find something without having to fumble around for the answers the way I had. So I applied and to my surprise was selected to be one of the first crop of Comrades on the Guild. It’s been an interesting year as we have figured out what exactly our positions entail and think up new ways to make this place more new-person friendly.

Because I didn't want to risk Lillian being better than me at something

I'll be honest, I can't quite remember what it was that convinced me to send in an application to become a Comrade. It might have been as simple as me enjoying greeting the newcomers to the forum and I figuring that trying to join the second wave of Comrades might have been the next logical step up. Then again, it might have just been me wanting the chance to put a bit more effort into helping the Guild out at the time. As tacky as it sounds, that's probably closest to the truth. At least I wasn't pestering anyone to become a moderator, eh? Of course, I might have just had nothing to do and thought it'd be a laugh... for fear of being kicked out, let's just ignore that possibility.

On an entirely serious note, it would have been a mix of the first two reasons that got me in the mood for applying. Greeting newcomers was always fun and still is, and I'd be lying if I said having more of an impact on Roleplayer guild wasn't an appealing prospect. Being a Comrade mixed the two together, and brought in a whole other bunch of interesting responsibilities. So why not?

Plus the italicised username is pretty.

I never knew about the Comrade back then and I wasn't sure of their role or power as well. I managed to find my way around surprisingly well though. It had never occurred to me before in taking up on the mantle of Comradeship either but I've been observing them for some time after I joined in. I wasn't much of a stalker back then until a good close friend of mine (Lillian Thorne) was chosen. That's when I started looking into the role of a Comrade a little closer. That's when I realized just how much load there were for them. Honestly, I thought there were not enough credit for their effort and the pressure they'd to face and put up with when dealing with different types of people.

Inwardly, I told myself if there's a way for me to help them (when I'm free and able especially), then I would. The day comes as a surprise to me. I disappeared from the site for some time due to real life matters and upon my return, I've received the opportunity to be... a Comradebot (as Alphakoka puts it). There's my chance, I thought. I almost turn it down though for fear that my random and busy schedule may hinder with the responsibility I'm about to shoulder. Almost.. But I just couldn't say no for an opportunity to help and contribute to the site with what I can from halfway around the world. Besides, it's one way to make a name for myself while being under the radar... sort of.. I just hope I could live up to at least the expectations of the majorities if not everybody.

What is your favorite part of being a Comrade?

As time consuming as it can be sometimes, it is definitely enjoyable. I enjoy working with my fellow comrades brainstorming ideas and helping each other out dealing with new members who may have been more interested toward things that one comrade does over another. I have made quite a few new friends just greeting people, but on top of that, found a closeness with my fellow comrades that I would probably not had, had I not signed up. I also enjoy doing the Guild News. That is kind of my pride and joy, and I am happy to have my fellow comrades helping me with it every other week.

I would have to say that I really like greeting people. I like giving them a few kind words, a few links as needed. I try to always check back to see if they need anything further whether they are new to RP or just new here. I like to think it makes this place of words on a screen a little more human and approachable, not just a huge wall of screen names and threads. Not to mention that I get to meet some really great people and writers, some of whom I RP with on a regular basis and for which I am very grateful.

Greeting newcomers is always fun, so I enjoy that. It gives me a chance to chat to some new people on the forum, and that;s never a bad thing. I do, however, think I've enjoyed brainstorming with the other Comrades most of all. Usually it's over the Guild Newsletter and how it can be improved, and while I've never been great at coming up with (sensible) ideas myself that doesn't mean it isn't fun talking about it when the topic arised. The comic for example was one thing that spawned from our discussions, and I think that's been going pretty well so far. It was my idea to use Marvel characters for each of us Comrades though... sort of. I said Guru should be Wolverine and it led on from there.

Easy, when those who sought help is satisfied with the assistance and answers we've given. Closely behind that favorite part would be witnessing the users' satisfaction over our contribution on RPGuild.

Comrade Anniversary Special

In celebration of the Comrade Anniversary, we bring to you a special edition of the Guild News! We had our comrades put together a little profile of themselves for your enjoyment! We also have Guild banners created by members of the community during the recent Artist of the Month Contest! Check them out! If you would like to participate, we are always accepting new banners! Do enjoy!

Guru, resident Irishman and lead man of the Comrades. He no doubt loves his beer, but he has another secret love, romantic comedies topped with all the cliche. As a child, he originally moved to the southern U.S. and later found himself living in Michigan, which he hates because it caused him to have an odd mixture of Accents on top of his already deep voice. In High School, Guru loved to do it all, from playing American Football and Wrestling, to joining the Theatre, Marching band, and even sign language club to various foreign language clubs. He loves Writing, Drawing, betting on football games, hanging with his little sister, and Potatoes which he has millions of recipes for. Among his dislikes are bugs which makes him very uneasy, armpits, and sudden weather changes which always manages to make him sick for weeks. It does not help that he has 10+ people living in his house at any given time.

Lillian Thorne, only "Known" female member of the Comrades. She gets her kicks flooding the introduction boards of the site greeting new members. When she is not doing that, she loves her Mythology based Roleplays, making Graphics that are almost exclusively covered in red and black, and baking Guru cakes with stout. She has once dyed her hair crimson red and is considering doing it again. This is how much this girl loves red, but she loves what she loves, including corsets, driving cars with black widows on the hood, and sexy D&D Dice. She is even flexible to the point of being able to point her toes behind her simultaneously, achieving about a 100 degree angle to her feet. That is a girl you bring home to mother! Do not put her in the dark with a bunch of raccoons though! They scare her! However, she loves long walks on the beach under a red moon.

Grif of Hearts, the red headed step child of the comrades. Not much is truly known about this tentacle loving Comrade, but we managed to get some interestings facts from behind the scenes! Grif lives in ole' Britannia, ah do. As a child, he used to watch the film 'Dumbo' religiously, to the point of wearing out the tape. Twice. Grif likes Fezes, green curry flavored food, Lobster Pizza, and any kind of game he can get a hold of. Unbeaten in Monopoly, a decade running! He has always wanted a pet snake, but afraid his cat will eat it! Grif dislikes Lucid Dreaming-as he is afraid of his own thoughts, technology in most sci-fi films/games/roleplays, and fears that, if his life ever flashes before his eyes, an unhealthy amount of it will be him sitting in front of some kind of game console. Grif can always be found in spam, it is just fitting.

Lyzan, the newest member of the Comrades. This big guy can be scary, with a birthmark that looks like a laughing skull, scars all over him, he is obviously a contender in a fight, once saving his brother and winning. Though, do not let that fool you. He is a big softy. Where most people assume he gets his scars from fighting, he actually got from, first, onto a wooden balancing beam at the age of 12 and bumped into the edge of a door about 7 years after that during one of his lovesick moment. Another hard to spot one on the left side of his head, also cause by accident. He was arrested at the age of 13 for stealing a romance novel, Loves animals and insects always turning on the Discovery channel first thing at a hotel as he does not have that channel at home. He sometimes even purrs or growls in his sleep, he is told. If anything is sure, he is a resiliant guy. His favorite food is fried rice, which he can cook himself, but has troubles making his favorite drink, Icecream Soda. Remember to remind him when it is his birthday though. He is kind of forgetful. Lots of knocks on his head. Of course, you can find him most of the time in the Arena section of the forums.

Winning Entry by TopGun

Role Playing News

Featured Interest Checks

Title: Special, "One character" roleplay?
GM: Ace Riku
Level: Free

So, the basic idea I have here is this: We all control one character. I don't have any specific storyline in mind yet, except we'd be controlling someone with a multi-personality disorder. That way people with different role play styles can mix together in a way. I feel like this would be unique and interesting, any takers?

Title: Cardinal Academy for the Gifted
GM: White Light
Level: Casual

Cardinal Academy for the Gifted

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[Story]
Cardinal Academy for the Gifted is a six-year academy consisting of hundreds of students and faculty members all of which possess special 'traits' and 'abilities' that make them other-worldly or supernatural beings. The Academy is specially designed to house and educate these individuals in a wide variety of topics ranging from every-day life with their special gifts and even control of some of the more hazardous gifts. These young minds ranging in ages from 13-18 eat, sleep, live, and learn all within the walls of the enormous gothic building.

[Academy hierarchy]
Cardinal Academy is split up into four 'Clans'. Three of which are for students ages 13-16; the last being reserved for all of the 17-18 year olds.

Fire Clan
The official color of the Fire Clan is red and is proudly displayed on clothing, banners, accessories, and other items of importance. The official symbol of the Fire Clan is the sword and depictions of them can be found likewise on many important articles possessed by the students.

Air Clan
The official color of the Air Clan is white which is displayed proudly by the students of this Clan. The official symbol is a sun which is also displayed proudly on important articles.

Earth Clan
The official color of the Earth Clan is black and displayed by the students within this Clan. The official symbol is a pitchfork or trident, displayed upon items of clothing and other such articles.

Water Clan
The Water Clan is reserved for 17-18 year old students. It is considered the "graduating clan". Once students reach 17 they "graduate" to the Water Clan to finish up their studies and head on out into the world. Its official colors are a mix of the red, white, and black. The official symbol is a pyramid or triangle.

Title: Riders of Ara [High Fantasy]
GM: iShadow
Level: Advanced

Alright. I initially came up with the Land of Ara a couple months ago before I went on a little RP-hiatus. Now that I'm back, I wanted to use the world for a smaller plot than originally intended. This story will follow a group of adventurers who are tasked to find a rogue sorcerer who has summoned a demon that they are to exorcise. The premise is simple, and don't worry because the plot will surely thicken. So this and all the information above is nothing more than the pitch.

There will be more relevant setting details (like the initiation, or mythology, politics, etc) when I work on the OOC. To briefly overview Ara (to give a broader vision of the world beyond our plot), it's just a medieval age of humans on a huge continent that consists of extraordinary landscapes, combined with the fantasy aspects I have already discussed and an original/unique form of technology (that I needn't explain because it's unrelated to Rangers and anything that will probably happen in the story).

Yeah. That's it. I think... So here are the basic rules:

Blah blah blah, the usual. If you're violating any of the rules, don't worry, I'll tell you.

This is going to be a small, more closely-knit RP. Because of this I only want 5 people MAX, 4 is optimal but I'll take an extra to prepare for any unexpected dropouts. What you should know about me as a GM, is that I don't take CSes first come first serve either. I haven't come up with an official CS, but I'm not a stickler for these kind of things, in the OOC I'll have an official one, but if you have your own thing, whatever, I don't care -- as long as it's good.

Done. Ok. Voila, the Interest Check. Are you interested? Because I am tired from writing all that out.

Questions, comments, suggestions: shoot.

Also yes, obviously I haven't proofread this yet. I will might, for now it's still just an interest check.

EDIT: Something you should know about my preferred storytelling style -- I like to keep things dark, so not all is happy and well in the land of Ara, neither will it be. So yes, blood, mature shit. Prepare for it.

Featured Roleplays

Title: Blood Guts and Zombie Brains
GM: Chazz
Level: Free

This is your typical shoot'em up zombie survival game, a band of strangers are hold up inside an old farmhouse surrounded by thousands of zombies.
You have the choice of staying and fighting off the zombies or leaving, and hoping to come across a safe zone that has not been infected yet.

Title: The Odd Little Old Inn in the Middle of the City
GM: Takaru
Level: Casual

In every city, every town, every village, there's that one house. No one is really sure when it was built - it seems like it simply was always there. It has weathered the ages and has seen its fair share of inhabitants. No, they weren't ever suspicous or anything of the like - but it's just a little odd. Sometimes they're warehouses. Sometimes they're just old shacks. And sometimes they're the odd little old inn in the middle of the city.

Title: Shadows of Olympus: Chapter Three
GM: Lillian Thorne
Level: Advanced

Kate Helens walked home late from the office as if she owned the world. Perhaps that was because she once had, at least a small part of it. Once upon a time she had been called Hecate, but now she was more frequently known as Ms. Helens and that was fine. Even so, the night was her time and she’d never feared it. This city had been her home off and on for a great many years. Riddled with crossroads it supplied her with small trickles of power that kept her sated. The recent events with her fellow gods only increased the wisps of power that came to her from the whispered prayers of the faithful and those who had come to believe after witnessing the battle in these very streets. She’d not been there to defend this city and so she wasn’t as well fed as Athene or Hephaestus or the others who had been seen, but she’d never exactly been starved either.

She looked down as the phone in her pocket chimed, slipping her finger over the face of it to unlock it and began to read the notes about her meetings the next day, just sent by her assistant. Because she was occupied with her phone the missed the sounds of footsteps behind her, a rookie mistake that she would have been embarrassed to admit to had anyone been given the chance to ask. When she did hear the sound of shuffling footsteps behind her she rolled her eyes and readied herself to cast something nasty at the purse snatcher behind her. She was a goddess after all, it might drain her resources but it would be worth it. She turned, hand held high, a dense ball of darkness pulsing within her palm only to freeze. It wasn’t a purse snatcher, it wasn’t even a pair. It was at least a dozen and all of them looked at her with a strange expression on their faces. It was something akin to lust and hunger but twisted, a distant relative at best.

They were the usual sort for the most part, hollow eyes people with varying degrees of jaundice or tooth loss depending on their preferred poison. Some of them were the sort to shake cups at you listlessly from doorways, change clanging in the bottom of it. A few of them were not the usual sort. A young girl, probably in high school stood in the back, her face flushed and her manner nervous but still she looked at Kate with that same hungry expression. Not far from her, as if they sought each other out for normality’s sake was a business man, approaching thirty and fighting it if his body were any indication, there was muscle under his suit.

That was when she saw it. A small pulsing golden light flickered under his skin and then disappeared. Once she saw it on him she began to see it on the others. There was no rhythm to it, just the occasional appearance under their skin, on all parts of their bodies, gone as soon as it was noticed. She was unsettled by the appearance and began to back away slowly, knowing not to run. She’d been around Artemis enough to know that you never turn and run if you wished to avoid being hunted. It didn’t matter. They weren’t animals. Animals would have been kinder.

One of them hissed, voice thick with need and phlegm “I can smell it, she’s full of it.”

It was as if the words were a switch, in unison they sprang at her, roaring inhumanly and moving faster than they had any right to. She stood no chance. They had her and she was buried under the lot of them. There was no time to think, no time to react, there was only time to die as hands and mouths found their way to her body, piercing her flesh and draining her dry.

Arena

Title: Harvester of Sorrows
GM: Black Jack
Type: Group

Bring it on, one and all! The more people the tougher the opponents! Lets see if you have the guts and skills to defeat HARVESTER OF SORROWS and survive the onslaught to get to him? I warn you this will be no easy task, many of you will die, others will get stronger. Take the challenge if you dare! But heed thy warning. If you lose to the Harvester's legions, your souls shall be devoured very quickly.

Off Topic News

Role Playing Discussion

Interesting discussions are always going on, come join in and chat about our mutual hobby

Have you ever written an RP post and cried while doing so?

Rose Swan wonders if you've ever written a post that brought a tear to your eye? Maybe a tragic death or a touching reunion. Be sure to let the people of RPG if you've ever come across such an emotional moment in roleplaying.

Official Contests

Don’t forget about RPG’s Official Monthly contests: Artists of the Month & Writer of the Month, the prize is a nifty colored user title not to mention the glory. The contestants work really hard and put out some outstanding work. Stop by and check it out and while you are there don’t forget to vote and comment on the contest entries. The more votes and comments, the more satisfying the victory is! The contests could always use more people. If you want to get involved and send in an entry, please see the Contest section of the site for rules and directions. Remember the more, the merrier!

This month's theme for WOTM is Mythology and voting is still open! Casual, Advanced

This Month's theme for AOTM is Stock Manipulation and is still accepting entries!

Featured Galleries

RPG has a lovely Gallery section that didn’t see enough encouragement and attention. If you have some scribbles lying around or some art you’d like to share start up a gallery and show people what you can do outside of an RP! While you are there take a moment to offer some encouragement and insight in another user's gallery, maybe they will return the favor. If you'd like your gallery to be featured be sure to send a PM to either Lyzan or Guru

Art Gallery: Hibiki's Place

HibikisEcho wondered if we accept computer GFXing here in RPG. Why don't we head on over and take a look at what Hibiki have in store for us. With a little pat on the shoulder and a few encouragement, we might see more of Hibiki's artwork.

Writing Gallery: Rii-chan's Story Telling Time

Auh14, Akari or Rii-chan have set up a thread that may as well be filled with stories. There's even a thread made especially for your feedback. On top of that, Rii-chan also take in requests or suggestion on what story you wanted to read. So drop by and find out what's in store for you.

Fun News

RPGuild:

by the Comrades

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HEHEEE!

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All featured RPs and Linked threads have been chosen by random based on the number of responses to the thread and how active they are. If you'd like to have a IntChk, Roleplay, or Gallery featured in the next Newsletter, please send a message to Guru. Your thread may or may not be used, depending on the number of entries and random choice. We are also always looking for banners to top the newsletter.

This Newsletter is brought to you by your Comrades. Enjoy!
Guru, Lillian Thorne, Grif of Hearts, Lyzan

Next Guild News: October 26th 2012

[TP]

Greatness, me peoples.

I need to start being a more productive member of Guild.

<.<

>.>

[Kyuki]

Yay Fun News!!! <3 Great newsletter comrades .

[Aragorn]

The Fun comic made me laugh.

[Q]

Thanks for featuring my interest check guys Awesome newsletter as always

[Kestrel]

I'm just going to put this out here; Lillian gave an interview.

I will proceed to cherish this moment. Next stop; GM-feature.

[Lillian Thorne]

Yes I suppose you could technically say that but really it was just answering questions that I posed. I am and will remain stubborn on the GM issue.

[Kestrel]

Nonsense. I now know what gets to you; group pressure.

[Aragorn]

Nonsense. I now know what gets to you; group pressure.

Do it Lillian-wait what is this GM feature thing?

[Lillian Thorne]

Nonsense. I now know what gets to you; group pressure.

That only makes me stubborn.