Thinslayer

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

Makes sense. Besides, I just had an idea for how I'm going to write this that should keep it fairly simple, so expect a post today.

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

Still working on it. I've been mulling over ways to get us past the Council.
* Dragon attack? Like, should Abraxas suddenly attack the castle and force an evacuation?
* Spy for the dragon is suddenly revealed? What does he do, detonate?
* Do a timeskip? One minute, we're in council, next minute, THIS IS SPARTA!!
* Wait it out and just nudge it to go faster?

Once I figure out how this is going to happen, I'll have the next post up in a hearbeat. Until then...I may need a couple more days. :3

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

Question to everyone about foreign languages.

While Darkwatck01 and Lumiere are currently the only players using one, I may choose to dabble in it at some point too. For both my own sake and others, I'd like to gauge player preferences on the subject. Should we...

• Write just the foreign language, and let the players translate? Pros: It preserves the mystery of the foreign language. If the whole point of using that language in the story is to avoid being understood, translating it would ruin the story beat. Using foreign languages also lends an authentic atmosphere to the writing, which can be lost if translated. Players should not be pulled out of the experience; they should be immersed into it. Cons: The players may miss out on crucial interactions, and it can be frustrating to players who would rather not waste effort translating or don't have the resources to. Additionally, it could be taken as an expression of distrust- as if the other players aren't capable of roleplaying characters who don't grasp a foreign language.
• Write both the foreign language and its translation together? Pros: This gets to keep part of the mystery of the foreign language, while also giving players a ready means of interpreting it. Consider putting the translation in a footnote. Cons: Whether it's translated on the spot or in a footnote, the reader must break from immersion to read the translation. If it's translated on the spot, it makes using the foreign language redundant. If it's translated in a footnote, the player will either have to break their train of thought to go read it, or check it out long after the context is lost.
• Write only the translation? Pros: This allows players to see the full text of the foreign language speakers, and lets them share in whatever story beats the text has to offer. Cons: There is a higher risk of godmoding- from other players. Where a foreign language might would leave us personally clueless as to its meaning and we write accordingly, a translated language can convey the usual array of thoughts and feelings, which can bleed into our responses when they shouldn't. Additionally, secrets cannot be hidden behind a translated foreign language. The characters might not know them, but the players will, and sometimes keeping the secrets from the players is more important.
• Compromise! Use foreign languages when no other characters know it, and translate when one or more characters do know it? Pros: This gets to keep all the perks of a foreign language, while also maintaining a degree of plausibility when other characters can understand it. Cons: Judging who knows it and who doesn't can be tricky. Make a mistake, and a firestorm starts. Sticking to one or the other, translate or no translate, reduces conflict potential by introducing consistency.

Your thoughts, everyone?

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

Lore: Black Belt Around the World

Several hundred years ago, men first observed the twinkle in the stars. In recent years, scientists have come to learn that this is not merely atmospheric fluctuations producing the twinkle; rather, their light is briefly cut off entirely. While optical observation has been unfruitful, magical observation has revealed something interesting: Those shapes have massive mana concentrations.

Just outside the Havens' sphere of influence, incidentally...

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

We can wait a bit then, sure. Maybe I'll write some more short stories in the meantime. :D

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

@Pie Flavor@AtomicNut@unicorgi
Want any help? :3

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

@unicorgi I figured as much. Thanks!

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

@Pie Flavor I always imagined Alexander to be the Voice of Wisdom in the room, sort of like a mild-mannered Gandalf. I want to hear this guy talk in his Touch of Grey tone, break the underlying fear in the room with poignant humor and an insightful remark. I confess I'm a little disappointed there won't be a post this round. :(

@AtomicNut Similarly, I've been dying to hear the Prince mutter some snide remarks under his breath, just loud enough for his brother to hear, but quiet enough for no one to quite make out what he said. General Hedstrong, who's standing beside him (I haven't written that bit yet) would probably choke back a laugh.

@unicorgi Ysabelle's still a mystery! I'm keen to see how she handles the presence of Count Runeglass, and Prince Dragan's mood. I have a feeling there's gonna be fireworks. >:D

Come on guys, I didn't accept your character sheets just to fill out the roster. I'm a fan of these characters! I wanna see them in action, and I don't care how short the post is. Please don't skip?

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

@unicorgi That makes sense; thank you. I apologize for getting upset.

I'll reply to your PM shortly. :)

The Faraway Land: Knights vs Dragons (CLOSED)

Unicorgi was kinda put into a tough spot. They gambled their whole post on a PC who rebuffed them, and no openings came up for interaction with any other PCs. Most other PCs are tied down with other things, so you couldn't feasibly help unicorgi even if you wanted to.

Basically, the ball's in my court now. I can help unicorgi get back into the groove of things, but I'll need unicorgi's cooperation for that.