@SoulFire Brilliant post! I love the new characters. Just a note: Cliffcross, in the map at least, is simply a crossing in the mountains. It's not a city. But... it can be if you want! Like I said, the map is open to changes, and I'll happily modify it to whatever you request. The map is only really meant to be a way for us to "synchronize" what the world looks like in our heads. So, describe what you want Cliffcross to be and I'll implement the change. Alternatively, we can keep Cliffcross as is and you can make changes to your post to reflect that. Either is fine @Gravy : Until I get the Wiki working, can you put the map in the lore encyclopedia thread? It'll be easier to access that way.
@SoulFire OMG! I LOVE what you wrote! The whole thing adds so much and ahhH!! *Chef's Kiss* And @ps102 - Yes, I can put the map on the Lore Encyclopedia. I will go find it! Speaking of, do you think we need another OOC thread as this one is getting pretty long.
Not a problem. Do you have any specific requests on what it should be like in the map, surroundings, etc? Think of it as world building and describe it to me.
@SoulFire - Brilliant! And so very well written! That's fine. I think it is better to keep it all in one. @Homer Potvin - is there a maximum length for a thread?
If there is, we haven't found it yet. We started a second version of some of the lounge threads, like Happy and Not Happy after like 500 pages. You're good for a bit.
Generally very very big threads start causing server errors at around 500 to 1000 pages especially if they have lots of pictures or external links. This one is no factor
I'm aware. I got back to Greece three days ago and I'm just settling down again. I'll try to write my post today.
I'm writing the entry now and it has me thinking—do we have a protagonist in this story? Some research online suggests that our story is an ensemble—a type of story that has multiple leading characters. We certainly have antagonists—the queen and the royals below her. Thoughts?
Wow, that is a really good thought. The character that has most captured my imagination so far is Olive. Should we make this Olive's story?
I find that epic fantasy pretty often has a large ensemble but have a primary protagonist that is often the one to be the most important in the climax. I think Olive is a great pick. She fits the "destined hero" trope with her budding magic powers, exploring a new/unfamiliar world due to her amnesia, and the Rebellion's desire to groom her into a position of authority / power. I would argue Ravenna has potential in this role too, but I think it's pretty clear she's on a path to righteous sacrifice.
The new rag-tag team of mages I introduced in the last entry I think I intend to be a sort of uninformed followers of the government, but I can totally see their arch being joining the rebellion... At least I can see that being true of Olten and Wren. Perhaps Pria would end up aligning with the Kingdom in the long run.
This is true! We don't have a main character yet. I suppose it would help the story if we did. I do agree with this. Olive does seem like the best choice for the main character, because I agree with what Soulfire said about it. She is the perfect MC of a fantasy story. Doesn't understand her powers, needs to learn them and is kind of a weird social position. And thanks, I think Ravenna would be more of the main side-character. Because yes. I do think she's on the path to righteous sacrifice. I think she's going to die doing something meaningful for Olive's sake or the Tavern. So maybe she's more like Bucky Barns and Olive is Capitan America. To give an idea. I do like the idea of Olive being a central part of the plot. But also, I think Katara might be a bit over-looked as she also has connections with the High Scientist. What if it's a trio? With Olive being Harry Potter and the other two being still important, but ultimately side characters, like Ron and Hermione. Most importantly though, I do agree with Olive as the MAIN character in all this.
New post made... Lots of discussion. I'm happy with Olive taking a main role, but I don't want that to mean that other characters will receive any less focus. There are so many interesting characters in there, I want to see an arc for pretty much all of them! I'm not sure if this is realistic but one can dream. I don't read much fantasy, to be completely honest with you! I've always leaned towards more character-driven stories (think literary fiction). This was the case even back when I was writing Sci-Fi. I only recently started writing more fantasy when I noticed that it tends to be liked much more than anything else I write. I seem to have a knack for it. I love those new characters. I'm interested to see more screen time dedicated to them. I agree with this setup if everyone else is happy with it. Side note, I really want to see Katara get more screen time. She has so much potential for all kinds of conflict and contribution to the overall story. There is also the role of deuteragonist and tritagonist, however. Those might be more appropriate titles than "side characters" for Katara and Ravenna.
That sounds like a great idea! Bossman supposedly sends them for some tavern-related quest, but it's really about something else. Because he is sneaky like that...
I think we keep things as they are. But are aware that Olive is the main focus. I think over time, events will merge toward Olive. I can see all the strings, but I can't explain how I know it will all merge. I totally understand this and appreciate the concern. I do think that Olive is the main, but yes. Other characters will get arcs. I think if we are aware of all the characters getting time in the sunshine, it will help balance things. I mean, my next post will be all about Ravenna and very little about Olive. But it's still a spotlight scene for Ravenna. So, it's just a matter of balance. I do think with so many characters, one has to choose an X amount of important characters. I agree. I do think Katara could use some more screen time. I had an interesting thought about her. What IF she does learn she's the High Scientist's daughter and has a villain to redemption arc? Like, she leans into being snobby and above everyone else, goes and lives with her dad. Then, comes back eventually when she realizes how twisted he is/causes bad things to happen. But in the end, she will be a redeemed hero who had a fall to the darkside. Thoughts, @Louanne Learning? I don't know those terms. But I agree! I think Olive, Katara and Ravenna are a trio somehow. But yes, that way, they all get equal attention, but Olive is the main key to resolving the story plot. Agreed! I don't know why or when, but I do think this could be fun. Maybe it has something to do with Roman? Or something? Or maybe they are on a quest to get Olive's memories back? I donno.
