Yup. I - well, sometimes it's NOT me. Serious. Sometimes it's the RP, the character, AND the game itself. It all melds into this "outside the conscious" thing that just.... happens. And sometimes.... it's kind of scary.
You know I understand perfectly what you're talking about! *grin*
Yes, I do know it. Thanks. <3!
[[Now, for those who are maybe confused.... Yes I am role playing stuff that does not happen in game period. Seriously, nothing in Morthal happens that would (in the vanilla game) allow for the sort of things I post.
But that's the beauty of the game that Beth gave us. There's room for my interpretation of Morthal, Idgrod, Aslfur and his relationship with his wife, and the mine (which is a mod), and Roggi. THAT is the superlative that Beth gives me - I can insert these things into a roleplay and not worry that they'll be out of place or feel as if they belong in some other game entirely - because Beth did NOT set so many things in stone.... And bless them.... Thank you gamesas....]]
Neil... Both stories... very nice!! I like them both and Nora should just go with the flow. The Ole Man... might have to watch out for Bel!!
Serethil.... spooky! but I love it,...& Roggi's a happy camper!!
Neil... IMO...emotion can be written in many way's... find one that you are comfortable with. I tend to draw on pieces of past experience...how did I feel...why.
When I was 15 a man broke into our house, I was the only one home....this is how I would write it: I sat in my room, the full moon a cold light shining through the windows. My fingers wrapped around the cool metal of my flute, as I thought about the song I had been practicing just a moment ago, I had hit a few sour keys. I was bringing the flute back to my lip's when I heard the rattle of the front door knob, my first thought, that my brother had forgotten his keys....again. I heard a thump as something heavy hit the thick wood, a short pause and a louder thump and a crack of wood, not my brother, he would have come in the unlocked garage door.
I gripped my flute harder and thought about the pistol in my parent's room, but it was across the house, I would have to pass the front door. I stood and hurried to the hallway and stood next to the fridge, where I could see the front door via two mirrors one on either side of the kitchen. The third hit to the door splintered the frame and the door swung inward. I saw nothing but a shadow as it passed the front windows, coming towards the bedrooms. I thought for a brief moment about slipping around the fridge and through the kitchen and out the front door, but it was already to late, he was almost to the hallway entrance. I did the only thing I could think of at that moment, I took a deep breath and swung my flute back and as the man entered the hallway, I swung it with all the force 12 yr's of fast-pitch softball and tending horses had given me. I heard the crunch of both metal and bone as the key end of the flute hit the man square in the nose.
He reeled back against the wall and I kicked him in the knee, which crumpled with a loud popping sound, as he hit the floor on one knee, both hands flat, I hit him on the back of the head with the flute, which sent him to the floor and pieces of my flute flying. Knowing that he could not follow me, I ran out the door and down to the only neighbor's house with a light on and called the police.
As this is something that actually happened to me, I could tell you each and every emotion that I felt...as I felt them... but why? Could you not feel the fear...the terror that a 15 y/o girl would... having a grown man break into her home and her alone? IMO the "your" imagination can come up with those emotions...why...because you can imagine how I felt. I was terrified and panicy ...but I did what I thought was needed at that time.
What I am saying is...you can evoke emotion's through a situation, without ever saying... " I was afraid" or "Nora, was Elated".. it's all in how you write.
Edit:...sorry for the wall of text.
That's an amazing story, and amazingly told, Areial! Thank you for sharing it. Of course I could feel the emotions that you were experiencing, but when I start to try to write of emotional experiences I seem to just draw a blank. It's not that I'm a stranger to emotions, just a stranger to sharing it, I suppose. When I do try, and I read what I wrote, it just sounds kinda dumb in my own ears because I never seem to say what I intend to.
My love stories sound like something from a Jim Stafford album:
"I got silly and I found a frog,
Down yonder by a hollow log,
and I shook it at her.
I said this frog's for you..."
For some people, writing emotion can be something you learn. But for others, it's never going to happen, because they're just not comfortable with sharing that sort of thing, even in roleplay. It's okay, either way.
Areial, yeah - that was amazing. Scary. But you won - though I hope your flute was insured!
Ake...#71
Oh that was WONDERFUL, sis! Ake being sweet and witchy all at the same time.... Heh. Narri got a comeuppance again....
Neil.... Thank you..... I think all you can do is try... don't make it "me"....writing about "me" is scary... I'm a retail manager and I still can't talk to a large group of people without stuttering and turning bright red, even when I know each and everyone of those people and have no problems talking to them individually. But Serethil is correct, you may learn to write emotions or not, but your stories are amazing anyway.
Serethil...thanks...errr no, it wasn't insured. I finished out the school year with the teachers flute ( lucky their ) and saved the money to buy another by the next year.
Andra.... lmao... that was funny! loved it!
Thanks Sere and Areial....it was fun to write. hehe
Woo, new thread! Great updates all around, I love the variety of stories here. It’s especially fun to see the same quests and locations through very different eyes.
neil, Bel’s return to Hell was a shock to read. Outstanding that she has found a way to possibly turn the tables on the Old Man someday. You have to love an indomitable spirit. Nora vs. Whiterun sounds like quite a mess! Funny and fortunate that everyone got over it before she returned. On the topic of writing emotions, I think it can work when emotions are inferred by the reader from the way things are described in the story, and for me that’s very engaging. That’s how Bel’s interlude read for me. Her emotional journey was all there in the interlude, just not spelled out in the words.
Serethil, woo, Roggi struck gold! I loved the joyful greetings when Veri returned home to family. Her thoughtful gifts were lovely. I am shivering over Idgrod’s words while she was Seeing. It sounds like a very hard road for Veri. I know what you mean about things coming from “outside the conscious.” That’s beautifully put. I’ve described it as understanding more things than you’re thinking about, but I like your words much better!
monkey, the bag scene was my favorite yet. Aza’s dance as he’s drawn to and repelled by the same things is beautifully done. Great to see some of Alois’s internal cracks that he usually hides with that blinding sunny personality. I love how you’re weaving threads from different playthroughs into one story. Five! Awesome.
Andra, dealing with Sidgeir always makes me want to bathe, even when I’m only reading about him. Kerik shows himself as a solid partner here. His anticipation of building a future with Ake warmed the heart. Ha, loved Ake dealing with Solaf! All of Falkreath is going to be terrified of her!
Areial, that’s an amazing story and great example of showing the events and letting the reader experience the emotion without telling them what to feel. Lots to learn there, thank you for sharing it!
That was really enjoyable reading, Andra...
Well, Solaf probably didn't really believe her, deep down...but the seed of doubt would scare the daylights out of most guys, LOL Thanks!
Hehe, thanks Grits!
Gotta be some humor in life too.....
Thanks Grits. I really appreciate all of you - you're all far too kind to me!
Veri's Tale:
The carriage ride gave me time enough – too much honestly – to think over those words my great aunt had given me. As a prophecy, it was exactly as they all seemed to be: loose, amorphous, nothing concrete…. But since I knew her as a Seer of much ability, I had to get to the bottom of the words. They seemed - freighted with doom. But then, wasn't just dealing with dragons doom-full? Of course it was. I didn't think she had meant just dealing with dragons though.... I thought there was likely some deep knowing within her that I would face far worse than a few dragons. Well, that's an idea guaranteed to hand one nightmares - though that night was calm enough. The next day I was back in Riften.
I went to Madesi first, giving him the gems, the tusk, and the gold ore. He was nicely thankful - and septims are a lovely thing to jingle in a purse. I bowed myself away, leaving him to begin crafting his necklaces. I ignored the slimy man who had classed me as a small-time thief, and went into the inn. I settled at a table around a little corner from where Keerava stood behind the bar, and waited for Talen-Jei to finish serving others.
When he approached my table, I held out the gems to him. I swear there were tears in his eyes as he took them. "Now, please, sera. I need to know how to find this man who is in hiding from the Thalmor. I realize you may become endangered by telling me - but there are many who are already in much danger because of the Thalmor. I'm trying my best to stop them, and the dragons. I can't do it if people - good people - like you, won't help me." I held his eyes, and put the absolute truth in my own for him to see. He swallowed noisily. Eventually he dropped his eyes from mine, and nodded.
"Yesss lady. You are right. We have much here, of life, of possessions. A home, a business. Soon, a family if Keerava will take me as spouse. And though Riften is not - a good place.... well, we have had good of it. So. Come to us tonight when all is quiet. Light no lights. We will await you in our own rooms." He pointed them out to me. "I will explain to Keerava. Oh, you will want a room for the night, won't you?"
"Of course." I handed over the septims, plus some for a meal and a mug. "I will see you later then. Thank you." He bowed slightly, and went behind the bar. I wished them well, I hoped they would be happy, and have the family he'd spoken of. AFTER I got the answers I needed....
Serethil...very nice update... I like that Talen-Jei didn't just blert the information out... it make's his fright all the more evident.
Well, that's one of the things the game's pretty bad at really. NO ONE tells a secret in full voice before the divines and Maven Black-Briar, for pete's sake! Now THAT would be suicide.... But NPCs do that all the time....
Sere, I like Veri's sensitivity to Talen-Jei, and though he feared consequences, he's trying to do right. Same as Veri, through her honor. Very good!
Yeah, you know, it's funny. I've been a pretty upright upstanding citizen my entire life. I don't cheat on taxes, if someone undercharges me at wallyworld I point it out to her, I fudge the speed limit a bit but not enough for the county mounties to get uptight over it (not to mention that they KNOW WHERE I LIVE.... you CANNOT hide trucks like we drive.... this one's white, but still isn't like any other truck in the area - and the one that burned up a year ago was the ONLY ONE LIKE IT IN THE ENTIRE STATE.... nope, can't hide out....)
So.... obviously.... Veri's Honor is part of me. And - I like that. I do. I think.... this tale I'm writing here.... That's going to be its title: Veri's Honor.
I like Veri. A lot. I wasn't sure I would when I started her (I don't always like the girls once I start playing them - some of those I still play a long while, but many of them - well, they go to Sovngarde early....) but she's grown on me. Into me.... Um. There we are with that "player to character" dichotomy again....
Serethil... I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I see stories like this last update as being "layered".Generally, the more layers thre are, the better the tale. Maybe that doesn't make much sense, but in this case I see a layer in which Veri seeks her answers, and a layer of interplay in the personal lives of Talen and Keerava, and yet another layer of intrigue where dangerous information is exchanged in the dark of night. When the layers are so nicely merged, it makes for a satisfying tale, yes indeed.
I grew up reading Asimov, Heinlien, Niven, Zelazny, but one of my favorites was Andre Norton... and she told her tales much in the same way you have been telling us of Veri - a mixture of fantasy and mysticism. Just sayin'...
Oh, that you would "see" something of Norton in what I've posted. You don't know.... you made me cry. Andre Norton was my first real sci-fantasy love. I too have read all those great names you posted, and loved every one of them (including some you didn't mention - EE "Doc" Smith, ER Eddison, Misty Lackey, Marion Zimmer Bradley and Tolkien of course). I return to Norton the same way I return to Misty Lackey and Tolkien several times a year. I'm verging on re-immersion in Norton right now - I don't read just Witch World or anything specific, I have her books all set into "coherence" in the bookcase (they are among those I didn't give away last fall) and I just grab a handful in a given area to read.
Truthfully.... you gave me something to think about. I have a series of books in process (for a lot of years now, because they have issues.... eh, what doesn't?) Layering - I haven't ever thought about fiction - sci fi and fantasy - in that aspect. So, perhaps my situation with those books will profit from your perspective!
Again, thank you. And.... well, the "mysticism" - it wasn't planned.... In fact.... the whole thing wasn't planned. "COME CLEAN you miscreant!" Eh.... seriously. I made Verinne when I started playing Skyrim again in October 2015 (I'd played off and on for years, but October 2015 was when I decided that Skyrim was going to be home again for the long run). She didn't have a "last name" for a while.... and then in November sometime she told me her history. (Um, yeah. If you don't want to go there it's okay.)
Then.... things just happened. She had to deal with talking to Balgruuf about why she was even in Skyrim. He could have simply classed her as a murderer, and "off with her head"! He didn't. Veri began to see that things weren't all black and white....
She found her way to family in Morthal. And - well, the whole RP and her story has gotten almost larger than I had envisioned. That happens, sometimes.....
So, on another tack entirely, I hear music the entire time I'm reading something that resonates (pun intended sorry).... And both Ake and Ailynn are giving me music. In this case, it's the - hmm not sure what it would be called - "love theme" I guess? - from Pretty Woman. Now, this is one of my all time favorite movies, starring two of my all time fav actors.... but that's not really the point. The point is that.... this theme to me means those involved should pay attention - because.... it's a lifetime....
Welcome to the club with Sere, Areial , and me. I never get tired of those authors!
Norton....Crystal Song, Witch World, The Forunners....so many and all wonderful.
Journal of Benzava
Volume IV
21st of Frostfall, 4E 201
Well, I did not anticipate Nchuand-Zel being that strong of an egg to crack. I expected automatrons, but I did not expect those evil, twisted beings. Calcelmo seemed just as surprised as I was to find out they were down there. 'Falmer' he called them. More like devil-goblins. By Sithis, I'll be happy if I never have to fight a group of them again. Still....I ended up with a pretty good haul of soul gems. At least now, I can properly enchant my Nordic bow. I suppose I should take care of that now, before I rest for the night. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'll be hitting the road again.
Journal of Benzava
Volume V
29th of Frostfall, 4E 201
Traveling to the Rift was an excellent idea, as it turns out. A plethora of much needed alchemy ingredients everywhere I looked. Being rewarded with that spell tome at Treva's Watch was an even better bonus. Sithis knows, that will come in handy.
This town.....Riften....it's nice here. I have no interest in the Thieves Guild, but the town itself has a similar feel to Markarth. Just not as grand. Ah well, tomorrow should bring some more success, I hope. I showed the treasure map I found many moons ago to a local, and he assured me the bridge pictured was due east of the city, on the main road. Hopefully, this turns out to be a pretty nice cache, and not a fools errand...
Journal of Benzava
Volume V
30th of Frostfall, 4E 201
My curiosity got the best of me today. I noticed some torches near a cave entrance, to the east of Riften, where I searching for that hidden treasure. I thought maybe I could explore the cave quickly, and see if there were any toadstools of worth. I did not expect to find such a large castle....and occupied, nonetheless. The Dawnguard that I've been hearing about.
It's quite an impressive setup. But, I can tell they don't trust me. I could care less about who they pay me to eliminate, whether they be mortal or not, so focusing on vampires matters little to me. A nice sum of coin has been promised, though, so for now I think will check out this Crypt they have dispatched me to. Isran...I do not like that man. I think he saw right through my guise as an alchemist. My gut tells me he is shrewd enough to know an assassin when he sees one. He does have an impressive stronghold, though.
Still...I feel there is something bigger at play here. I don't know what I will find, but, my instincts have never let me down, yet.
Hopefully that blasted bard downstairs puts a lid on it soon.
Journal of Benzava
Volume V
4th of Sun's Dusk, 4E 201
I decided to waylay Dimhollow, for now. It's been almost two fortnights since I left the Sanctuary, and oddly enough, I missed my family. Nazir and Babette are doing very well and Cicero is....well, he's Cicero. They even managed to find a new recruit, but he seemed a little intimidated to speak to me. He'll come around, I'm sure. The Night Mother was kind enough to give me a contract while I was passing through. It seems I'll be off to Solitude, after I investigate the Crypt.
Hopefully that fool Tolan didn't barge in ahead of me, and ruin any chance of investigating quietly. Only tomorrow will tell.