Question: Can I interject real-world references IC? I'd like to throw in a few nods to video games or movies. Not in a blatantly obvious way, like mentioning the Dragonborn or Gondor, or memes (like "arrow to the knee" or "But it is not this day"), and certainly not in every post. Just subtle references that don't detract from the situation/scene.
Or is this going to be "serious business" and we'll have none of that?
@Mattchstick Depends on the situation I would say, there are going to be some pretty grim and (hopefully) dramatically tense moments and a tongue in cheek/obvious reference would probably not be the best place for this. But if its non-intrusive/its not a serious point in the story, go for it.
I mean the opening OOC post has a couple of references to other pieces of literature as it is.
Also, I am now writing the IC post. Sorry for the delay...
I know everyone is excited about posting. I will hold off until either tomorrow and Friday. That way I can comment on what others write as well; without metagaming of course. ;)
I know everyone is excited about posting. I will hold off until either tomorrow and Friday. That way I can comment on what others write as well; without metagaming of course. ;)
Oh good, can't wait for that. I'm going to go ahead and post this in advance:
Cedric Amberstone Cedric is young, which in Baldric’s experience is a liability. His unnecessary cheerfulness rubs him the wrong way too. Cedric is someone Baldy has his eye on. He needs to see what the young man is capable of.
"Sir" Wulfric York Baldric sees what Wulfric does. He appears to be a stron asset to the company appreciating his work. Baldric is unaware of “Sir” Wulfric’s lineage. He suspects something about him, but his general quiet demeanor and hard work speak volumes about his character.
Brádach 'The Piper' MacShana Baldric respects Bradach’s wisdom and years of experience. Bradach’s stories are very entertaining. They have captivated Baldy for years. The old man could have gone home at anytime. They both know it. The fact he has remained with the Company as long as he has speaks volumes about his character.
Gerard Gast With all young men in the Company, Gerard needs to prove his mettle to Baldric Durant. He perceives a false bravado or confidence the young man uses to camouflage his fears. Baldric believes that façade is a waste of time. He would prefer the young man be honest with everyone. Although Gerard can be overwhelming, Baldric does not mind the young man’s questions. He seems to follow him around like a little puppy sometimes.
I went ahead and made a relationships tab for Cedric as well. Subject to change, no doubt.
Lemenuel 'Lem' Arronson: Cedric respects Lem greatly. As someone far more experienced in war and life as a whole than himself, he is fully at Lem's command, regardless of rank. His hope is to learn the lessons Lem has already learned without going through so many of the hardships himself. Cedric honestly doesn't know if he could handle the things Lem has handled, or even survive them. He knows he would do well to heed any warnings or advice that Lem provides, though he really doesn't get to spend a lot of time around him, as Lem has more important things to do than simply give life lessons to a young man. Fortunately, Cedric's keen eyesight lets him pick up on Lem's mannerisms and behavior in adverse situations, allowing him to glean some knowledge without being formally taught.
Il Sposoletto: Il is the exact sort of fellow Cedric has an odd feeling about. While he is certainly easy to get along with, Cedric has caught a glimpse or two of Il's more aggressive, controlling side. As a whole, though, Cedric sees him as an intelligent, capable man, who would likely not abuse any control granted him. He has never asked or ordered Cedric to do something against orders given by a superior and doesn't seem like the sort of man to spread rumors or undermine authority, which ultimately overrules any discomfort Cedric may feel. After all, this is a hard, dangerous life, not suited for sophisticated folk of soft speech. Everyone has their rough edges, himself included, and if it came down to it Cedric would trust him with his life.
Baldric Durant “Baldy”: Baldric's experience and age has given him a healthy share of respect from Cedric, to the extent that he never uses the man's nickname in or out of his presence. Nothing about his gruff personality hinders this respect, and Cedric would just as soon stay completely out of Baldric's way if he were in a foul mood. He learned early on that Baldric does not share his sense of humor or optimistic tone and subsequently does his best to refrain from appearing so in front of him, though at times he does give a half-hearted attempt to cheer the man up, even though it is painfully obvious that Baldric will have none of that. He is the kind of man who will only ever be impressed by one's skill in battle. Maybe Cedric will have something to show for him someday.
Berislav Dąbrowski: Berislav is, among all the men, the one Cedric most wants to work with. They are particularly close in age and height, to the extent that he has on occasion been mistaken for the other man from behind. Berislav is certainly a talented, capable hunter and scout, and Cedric secretly hopes to someday outperform him if just for the sake of it. He has felt it slip into their work, something that Berislav does not seem to appreciate, but Cedric enjoys the challenge nonetheless, as long as the men in charge don't notice. He has caught on that the archer prefers to be alone, and tries to allow him to be, but it is rather difficult to stay away from someone you would love to go toe-to-toe with in an archery match. Besides, they are in this together. If he's persistent, perhaps he can draw Berislav out of that state of mind.
Sister Margaret of the St. Paciomios Monestary: The nun is a bit of a mystery to Cedric. Why she would choose to be out here in the wilds with such a rowdy bunch of folk is beyond him. He has heard her reason and isn't quite sure if he believes it. What sane man would send such a person to the Band of Fools? He has heard her doctrine and has displayed some interest in it, but he has never really gone any further than that. Her God must have some merit if she trusts Him enough to protect her here. Of course, despite their age difference, Cedric can't help but see her as a beautiful, single young woman. He is not openly flirtatious, well aware that such behavior would be a great offense to her. Cedric's duty to his Band outweighs his attraction to the lady, and he forces himself to focus on the priorities, but he wonders in his heart if he could ever get to know her just a little better.
Branimir Bradford: Cedric sees Branimir as exactly what he is: a leader, and a good one at that. Branimir displays all of the traits of an excellent commanding officer, and if he could grow up to have the traits of any man here, it would be him. And, as with any other man of war, Branimir has stories to share, often with a moral of some kind at the end. His dramatic character and openness make him the most interesting person to listen to when it comes to campfire stories, though he can't help but wonder if they are embellished just a bit. Even if they are, though, that's just a part of good storytelling. Unfortunately, Cedric often considers him outmatched by Brádach.
"Sir" Wulfric York: The only real time Cedric encounters Wulfric is when he needs the dents hammered out of his greaves or the arrowheads of his arrows sharpened up. He seems to be a kind enough fellow, but frankly Cedric just does not know him well enough to form a real opinion of him. He infrequently chides himself for not doing so, but it always seems to take second place to something else.
Brádach 'The Piper' MacShana: If anyone in the company can provide valuable lessons, it would be this very man. Where some see a grizzled old man who can't stop playing shrill music, Cedric sees an abundance of priceless information. Cedric rarely speaks to him, preferring to listen to anything he may have to say. He appreciates the efforts Brádach goes through to set an example to the younger members of the band, going as far as to reel in the feistiest of them. Brádach has made it clear on many occasions that Cedric must "prove himself" to him to truly earn his respect and affection, though Cedric isn't entirely sure what that means. Prove himself in battle? In humility to authority? Perhaps even in piping? Whatever the man's definition may be, Cedric intends to earn that respect in spades.
Gerard Gast: The important thing that Cedric tries to remember is that he himself is not exactly a big, brave adult either. He can't help but notice the negative impact Gerard's personality seems to have on the older men, who don't seem to share the joy and bravado that Gerard so readily displays, especially since his dear old man is within arm's reach. Either way, Cedric tolerates him, even returning the brash attitude as an encouragement. He can't help but worry that all of that will vanish someday on a field of battle, and doubts that he will be able to sustain himself if his father passes. Regardless, Cedric knows he is in no position himself to scold the young one, so he refrains from doing so, even though he has on multiple occasions heavily implied to Gerard that he ought to be elsewhere.
Oh hey, @Dziady, do me a favor and remind me to tell you about a nasty cavalry trap we can set up. It's really simple (all you need is a shovel) and, it sets my teeth on edge just thinking about it.
Ah, dang it. I was just about to mention how glad I was that no one had posted a wall of text after the initial IC. Then I got to @Jbcool's post. Haha. I hope everyone maintains 4-5 paragraphs for now, it's an absolute joy to read. In one of my previous RPs (High Casual), someone posted 20 paragraphs at once.
20 paragraphs. And they were big ones. Can't say I read it. Asked OOC if people wouldn't mind writing smaller posts and the response was something like "whaaa why would you say that."