Entry posted. This wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I know it's casual writing but I still want to write something good! It's also a great opportunity to experiment a little and vary my style. Some of the things I do here I never try on my own writing out of fear. I'm not in love with what I'm doing or anything but it is interesting! My writing style aside, the story itself is something I'm really enjoying so far.
I liked your depiction of Olive and the way you opened a vignette in the past. I was actually thinking of doing something similar at some point but it looks like you beat me to it, lol. You also did well to depict some of the struggles with attention and work. I totally loved that because it's so accurate! Staring out of windows is pretty common and it's something that many people do with that condition.
I am alive!! Honestly, about 90% better now, but I crashed and burned for awhile there. Anyway, I plotted out the next post. @ps102 is it okay if we add a little flirty-ness in the next scene with Olive? Just wanted to ask. Don't worry, I am NOT trying to shove characters together. I am the last person to do that. Anyway, let me know.
I'll have to decline that, sorry I'm just not very interested in romance stuff when it comes to Olive... at least not right now. I appreciate you asking though! Fictional romance is not something I'm good at writing. The last short story I wrote with romance stuff was the worst story I have ever written. I regret every word of it! But it is okay. I'm much better at writing other things
I was just saying this on another thread. It's one of the hardest things to write without sounding horrifically lame.
Cool! Will cut. I totally get it. I don't really like writing romance either. In fact, I actually try to have as little as possible in my books. Which is funny, because it happens somehow. But it's usually very in the background/not actually a big deal in the story.
Roleplay Reference Post I decided post a longer note here, rather than in the thread. Which you all can do, too. In short, I went the physical route. I thought it would be interesting if pieces of Ravenna were missing, like some kind of prisoner in the anime, Deadman Wonderland. (See the 'Too Bad for the Loser Show'- Note, it is graphic.) And then, I tried to figure out WHAT was missing and remembered the human liver can regenerate. So, I researched this further: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22930-hepatectomy-liver-resection I swear I read the following in the article above, but I was sick and phone surfing at the time. Because it's the kinda thing I research when sick, I guess. But somewhere I read that depending on how much of the liver is taken, it may not regrow too well. (Will research more and update!) Okay, I mis-read. According to Baylor Medicine, "Up to three quarters of the liver can be removed as long as the rest is healthy and can continue performing normal liver functions, which are essential for life. If the liver is not healthy, such as cirrhosis from hepatitis B or C virus infection, less liver can be removed safely." (https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/oncology/cancer-types/liver-cancer/liver-resection) So, technically, Ravenna may in fact have a full-sized liver again, but is still suffering from the trauma of having it removed. But that is also assuming she was in decent health when the surgery was done, which I doubt. So, there may be more factors here. According to Wikipedia, if the liver is damaged, it will have a harder time regenerating: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatectomy And MayoClinc backs this up: (or should I say the reverse): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502 I think the scientists were trying out different herbs and medicines that caused damage in some way. Anyway, I looked into phantom pain from organ removal and found 1 article: https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(13)00069-2/fulltext It says that this kind of pain has not been well-researched, but speculates that nerve endings are the cause. So, I played with that as this is fiction. Also, I assume in this world, the science community is starting from the bones up. I bet they first want to know what make humans function and didn't really care about putting people under or anything. If the scientists did anything, it was most likely drugs to keep people from moving, rather than under. Anyway, I tried my best to not go too graphic. Please let me know if I need to tone down- if I went over PG-13. It's hard to tell sometimes. Also, I went overboard with research, but that's how I write. Oops.
ANNOUNCEMENT As per the rules, I am posting here a possible modification for 'It Began in a Tavern' Roleplay rules: The max number of writers to be capped at 7. This is so the group remains small enough to foster understanding, consistency, and smoothness of gameplay. After the 7 seat 'table' is filled, we can make ANOTHER roleplay in the same world for others if they want to join. Then, if that happens, up to 3 people can write in both if they are able. Because we want seats for new-comers, but also it could be interesting to write two separate stories in the same world. What are your thoughts? I am posting this for opinions and thoughts. Please reply here: https://www.writingforums.org/threads/roleplay-interest-thread.177418/
I think we are agreed that the political structure at the top will be a queen advised by the High Scientist and High Mage? Here are the character profiles I came up with for the High Scientist and the High Mage. Would love to hear any feedback anyone has. Name: Barnabas Sex: Male Social Class: Scientist Age in human years (must be 18): 45 A brief description of appearance: (no pictures, please.): Youthful in appearance, Barnabas has chiseled good looks and long, dark hair. He is tall and lean and athletic, and his well-built form is shown off in his usual dress of leather tunic and pants. Background: Barnabas is the High Scientist. He and the High Mage (Hemios) counsel and advise the queen on all matters. Like Hemios, he is ambitious and has devoted his whole life to the queen’s service. Barnabas believes science should rule, and does not trust Hemios. Barnabas is unaware that Katara is his daughter. He gave up on anything approaching a loving relationship a long time ago. He has a serious disposition. Name: Hemios Sex: Male Social Class: Mage Age in human years (must be 18): 50 A brief description of appearance: (no pictures, please.): Hemios has wild, white hair, which compliment the blue velvet mage’s robes he usually wears. His eyes are puffy due to his daily indulgence in alcoholic honey mead, which has also caused him to put on a few pounds. He smiles and laughs easily. Background: Hemios (Greek for chemist) is the High Mage. He and the High Scientist (Barnabas) counsel and advise the queen on all matters. Like Barnabas, he is ambitious and has devoted his whole life to the queen’s service. Hemios believes magic should rule and does not trust Barnabas. He is a quick wit and can be very funny, and also he is secretly in love with the queen.
I like both these characters! Barnabas seems like the 'slutty advisor' and it's awesome. I like that Hemios is in love with the queen. That's really sweet.
I think my next post is mostly going to serve as an in-scene introduction to Nalki. I get the feeling that there's still a lot of world building details in flux so I'll leave that stuff up for you all to resolve.
That sounds like a plan! I look forward to reading your post! And feel free to add to world-building if you have any ideas.
@SoulFire I wanted to let you know it's currently your turn. I am sure you're aware, but wanted to let you know before Friday.
