Ah, Abigail. That name. Something about that name – it’s a subconscious favorite of mine. Always left rooting for the character with that name, and I don’t know why. I guess the whole theory about names shaping a person applies?
I like the name myself as well but to be honest, I just revamped a character idea I had a long time ago.
Originally she was a boy.
You know, I’m not one to talk when I say this (one of my characters is 18 as well), but as soon as I see that older-teenage age, I get skeptical. I always expect the rebellious, sexy, badass orphan with a really cool weapon and disregard for the world because it’s hip. Thankfully, only the cool weapon applied to Abigail – who felt like a breath of fresh air, to me. Some people have their distinctive ways of taking on Apocalyptica; they warp it through their writing and make it personally unique – an entirely new outlook on the world. That’s what I felt you did with Abigail. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is, but something about the way you wrote the CS was different. Nicely different, though. And it shows what you’re like as a writer; you don’t appear to be the typical writer we’ve had in Apocalyptica before, at all. Your style of writing, the way you word things, your ideas, it’s all fresh.
I tend to get a feel for my character before I write out the CS so in a sense, the character herself wrote it. I also look at the world through my characters eyes, feeling out that sense of her, so though details or other minor things might not be mentioned, it’s because in a way Abbie didn’t note them- not me. And being such a group driven by wanting to shape the RP and be innovative, I see your style fitting in neatly. So it’ll be nice to have something new presented.
Basically, Abigail is a well-rounded interesting character. There's a strong story to support her, the nice downfalls and uppity-moments that make it seem like typical life (fall in love, they get mauled - you know, typical life things), and how the apocalypse changed her over time. I feel like she'd be perfect for a trilogy of YA novels - like Katniss Everdeen meets
Land of the Dead. Boom, that could sell millions right there.
Ironically I've recently sen Hunger Games and I think Land of the Dead.
The idea of her appearing reliant on others throughout the post-apocalypse makes her more intriguing. She seems somewhat strong, but not a warrior. She’s not like the other characters; she won’t fight, because – and not to belittle her – she doesn’t seem to know how, really. She has that aspect of being a child to her that I like. So that alone makes me appreciate Abigail on a different level altogether.
Considering she had to grow up way too soon, I wanted an innocent but endearing quality to her and I’m glad I hit the nail on the head with that. For Abbie, it’s easier to run then fight and yeah, she can fight but not on the omg she’s Xena level fighting. She's prone to mistakes, sloppy kills and she’s able to learn and take from others to make her own. Right now it’s more like the bash the head and run/keep moving away the danger sort of fighting.
You also created an interesting over-arching sense of needing that accompanying community in her CS, if you know what I mean? From what you explained, it felt like she was always around people; she always had people to lean on. And when you have characters who’ve become independent, it’s nice to see someone who isn’t really the loner. Because she feels like she’d meld into any group effortlessly, but not just become a face in the crowd. So I see potential with that alone; her reliance on human contact paired with the survival instinct. And, obviously, I see her growing from that.
I thought about the modern world, we are very social animals from the time we’re born-no matter how you look at it, even orphanages have that sense of connection and being around people- until we’re adult there’s some sort of interaction with a group or others. In reality, I can’t see a person -even in an environment like this- being a total isolated loner and not going stir crazy. Besides, what fun is it if you have to be a lone wolf?
Her whole history was interesting. Easy to read because of how fluid it was, and never falling flat. And just how her mom died... the idea of getting “last minute supper ingredients” turning to losing your mother? Brutal. From that innocence to sheer morbidity. You’re a cruel one. Not even kidding, that bit actually got to me; it genuinely bothered me. And then you go ahead and kill Kathrin. That’s showing promise that you’re going to entertain with how heartless things will get.
I advise you to stay away from my other rps if you think that was disturbing, that’s minor at least to me, hehee. Life isn’t fair why pretend that it is? I’m into making my characters suffer both physically and mentally so expect some cruelty. As for Kathrin, despite what Abigail believes, it wasn’t an infected that killed her and will likely being using that creature sheet after a few posts with Abigail. Though if I can’t make a creature that meets approval –warning it might be influenced by a few games: silent hill, obscure, condemned, resident evil, and left 4 dead- if not then I left where a zombie might have killed the woman.
I think I like Abigail the best because she’s simple – in a good way, of course. There’s nothing flashy about her, nothing too dramatic. She's nothing remarkably special. But that alone makes her feel more real, and you play on that more. Of the three CS’s presented tonight, I see Abigail easily being the one to grow the most. There’s so much to do with her character, and I’m excited to see how it’ll all play out. Because I think you made a character that’s not strong at all, but who has so much to learn; it’ll be fantastic to see gradually unfold. And that right there just makes Abigail a fascinating character to watch.
Just one little suggestion? I feel like beefing up her personality might help. Her entire CS makes it clear what she’s like, but there’s still a bit of a grey area. Even though I get the impression of who she is, I feel like there’s more about what
else she is that needs to be touched upon. More to add that touch of 3D humanity.
Refer to what I answered to Shon Harris
Also, I love the ideas throughout of how to survive creatively in the apocalypse. A makeshift solar oven?
It was something on tv that I thought was neat while watching some cartoons, there was a second grade class that used black construction paper, foil, plastic pizza boxes then set them out in the sun for a long period of time to make bagel pizzas. It’s not as effective as a manufactured one but it can cook and heat small food items using the sun. I would have to do some research again to make sure I know how to construct it and not BS my way through. I enjoy characters that turn and fiddle things into something and since Abbie’s been taught not to waste anything, the world is full of good pickings if you are willing to do the work. Interesting. If you don’t touch upon her knack for salvaging and making useful items, I will be so let down. That’s one topic I absolutely love. So if you get accepted and happen to have an interest in that subject as well (and didn’t just use it as a passing mention that got my hopes up), expect some collaborative ideas on my behalf. I always wanted to explore the realm of survivalist upcycling.
I look forward to it if I get accepted
But I wonder – and maybe you plan to not reveal this right away, so if that’s the case, feel free to ignore it: what happened to Kurtis? Will he show up again? I feel like he just left so abruptly – there
has to be more to it!
There’s more to it but I’m still fiddling around with a few ideas in my head over him as well as open to ideas, get my best ones when I brainstorm with others. I figured as I/we sort it out, it could be revealed in the IC as time goes (especially allowing him to woven into other people’s plots through group association or something like that) but yes he and Abbie will meet again since it’s foreshadowed in the CS. He’s the one that calls her Abs often and easily pissed off when she doesn’t use any of the basic fighting he taught her, he knows she’s stronger then she wants to admit