Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos
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tfw
- Thread starter Morningstaarr
- Start date
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Morningstaarr"]
I'll be blunt - very rarely does anyone just get given a Master. You have to attract one, approach one, persuade one that you're the person they should involve themselves with as an Apprentice.
You can achieve this best by writing in threads with us (Dominions etc), forming some relationships with other Sith, maybe proving you've got what it takes to rise through the ranks (and maybe make us want to get you there).
I'll be honest, I've seen some of your IC posts, and I can't claim to be impressed. 1-2 paragraphs at the most? Often one at the most. That's not writing, it's chatroom RP, and that's going to put off a lot of seasoned writers who could help you improve. Most of us here like a good narrative: a story isn't just "I did this" or "He said that". Who is your character? What do they think? Why do they act as they do? Put simply, write in a way that makes us feel your character, makes us want to know more about them. Being blunt, right now I'm not really learning anything about your character beyond what his actions are, and that's...boring.
Nothing wrong with doing that to start with, btw - I've known a lot of writers, good and bad, start out with that sort of writing. But the big question here is this: do you want to develop yourself as a writer, and move beyond that? Or is this where you're comfortable? It'd be useful for us to know now, so it gives us a better idea of where you're looking to go with your writing and, just maybe, give us a sense of "Yeah, I'd like to help with that".
I'll be blunt - very rarely does anyone just get given a Master. You have to attract one, approach one, persuade one that you're the person they should involve themselves with as an Apprentice.
You can achieve this best by writing in threads with us (Dominions etc), forming some relationships with other Sith, maybe proving you've got what it takes to rise through the ranks (and maybe make us want to get you there).
I'll be honest, I've seen some of your IC posts, and I can't claim to be impressed. 1-2 paragraphs at the most? Often one at the most. That's not writing, it's chatroom RP, and that's going to put off a lot of seasoned writers who could help you improve. Most of us here like a good narrative: a story isn't just "I did this" or "He said that". Who is your character? What do they think? Why do they act as they do? Put simply, write in a way that makes us feel your character, makes us want to know more about them. Being blunt, right now I'm not really learning anything about your character beyond what his actions are, and that's...boring.
Nothing wrong with doing that to start with, btw - I've known a lot of writers, good and bad, start out with that sort of writing. But the big question here is this: do you want to develop yourself as a writer, and move beyond that? Or is this where you're comfortable? It'd be useful for us to know now, so it gives us a better idea of where you're looking to go with your writing and, just maybe, give us a sense of "Yeah, I'd like to help with that".
Morningstaarr
Active Member
[member="Tirdarius"] The post was more of a joke but I see what you mean. Some of the stuff people post is really amazing and I'd like to start writing better. I don't really know where to start though.
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Morningstaarr"]
My rule is this: whenever you write, always try and pay attention to several details:
End of the day, within this faction, I want to see that the writer (and their character) has a sense of direction: why are you Sith? What's your aim? Are you seeking power, aiming for revenge, a natural psychopath/sadist, or do you have political motivation, or something more complicated? What drives the character? Why do they want to be here? What direction do they plan to take?
At the end of the day, writing a Sith is, perhaps, one of the most complex things you can do on the board - there are more difficult characters to write, but done well, a Sith character can be by far the most detailed and nuanced thing out there. Why? 'cause we're 'Evil'. We're labelled evil, many act in evil ways...explain that! Not 'just because'. A person who does 'evil' things will have reasons for it: they may even have 'good' motives. Explore yours! That's half the fun of it.
But, seriously, I'd be curious to see what kind of Sith you'll write. That, more often than not, tells us who should look to apprentice you - it's near enough imperative, unless you're starting out carte blanche and want us to help you shape the character. That part's up to you
My rule is this: whenever you write, always try and pay attention to several details:
- Character thoughts (particularly in response to words/actions of other writers)
- Environmental/sensory - what do they see, smell, hear etc
- Speech - respond to others, or craft a monologue
- Actions: do you fight (and, if so, how?), run, steal, pick up an item etc etc
End of the day, within this faction, I want to see that the writer (and their character) has a sense of direction: why are you Sith? What's your aim? Are you seeking power, aiming for revenge, a natural psychopath/sadist, or do you have political motivation, or something more complicated? What drives the character? Why do they want to be here? What direction do they plan to take?
At the end of the day, writing a Sith is, perhaps, one of the most complex things you can do on the board - there are more difficult characters to write, but done well, a Sith character can be by far the most detailed and nuanced thing out there. Why? 'cause we're 'Evil'. We're labelled evil, many act in evil ways...explain that! Not 'just because'. A person who does 'evil' things will have reasons for it: they may even have 'good' motives. Explore yours! That's half the fun of it.
But, seriously, I'd be curious to see what kind of Sith you'll write. That, more often than not, tells us who should look to apprentice you - it's near enough imperative, unless you're starting out carte blanche and want us to help you shape the character. That part's up to you
[member="Morningstaarr"]
I guess I got lucky. The master that took me was the second guy I asked. This isn't the best time, really, lots of people on LOA for Christmas/whatever other holidays they celebrate. I'm sure it'll pick up soon
I guess I got lucky. The master that took me was the second guy I asked. This isn't the best time, really, lots of people on LOA for Christmas/whatever other holidays they celebrate. I'm sure it'll pick up soon
Setzi Lunelle
Searching for Eleos's Altar
This is great advice for new and seasoned writers alike. Thanks for posting it!
[member="Tirdarius"]
[member="Tirdarius"]
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Darth Azurea"] Ever my pleasure
Garivald
Active Member
@Tirdarius
I'm so happy that I saw this thread. Thank you very much for your advise. This should help me improve my writing skills immensely
I'm so happy that I saw this thread. Thank you very much for your advise. This should help me improve my writing skills immensely
Morningstaarr
Active Member
[member="Tirdarius"] Admins should really make a thread with this in it and pin it. You're awesome.
God amongst mere mortals
@Morningstaarr
And if you cant find a master then screw em all and teach yourself how to use the force. I did it with several of my force users.
And if you cant find a master then screw em all and teach yourself how to use the force. I did it with several of my force users.
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Galanoth Kaal"] Yup, and it's called 'bad writing'. There's a reason we have a training system on the board, and that's why.
Darth Ferus
Wanderer
[member="Tirdarius"]
That was pretty rude to just say.
[member="Galanoth Kaal"]
You as well.
[member="Morningstaarr"]
There's no reason to tell anyone to screw off, and self teaching can be as well written or as poorly as any other thread. It's a viable option, and can be done well like anything else.
That was pretty rude to just say.
[member="Galanoth Kaal"]
You as well.
[member="Morningstaarr"]
There's no reason to tell anyone to screw off, and self teaching can be as well written or as poorly as any other thread. It's a viable option, and can be done well like anything else.
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Fortuna"] I used to be more diplomatic with things like that, but sometimes a dose of bluntness is required. And it is our job to maintain standards around here. Can't say I'm thrilled to see anyone recommending actions like that in the One Sith faction. That's very much contrary to the standards we've set.
Darth Ferus
Wanderer
[member="Tirdarius"]
I've personally.never seen any standards but to play fair and have fun.
If doing an awesome thread where your character learns a skill that they start using to eventually get better at through use, what's the problem? This is a writing site, not a paper game.
End of the day, do what's fun and fair. I can't see anything wrong it that.
I've personally.never seen any standards but to play fair and have fun.
If doing an awesome thread where your character learns a skill that they start using to eventually get better at through use, what's the problem? This is a writing site, not a paper game.
End of the day, do what's fun and fair. I can't see anything wrong it that.
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Fortuna"] From where do they learn the skill? And how do they improve without any sort of instruction? The whole "I taught it to myself and became a master" thing is both impractical and terrible writing.
Laira Darkhold
Well-Known Member
Never had a real master. Had a couple of training threads with a couple people, never a master.
Darth Ferus
Wanderer
[member="Tirdarius"]
You assume self training threads are people teaching themselves.
Its not.
Self training threads involve learning from anything. Be it a holocron, an NPC, or something inbetween. There's a reference in the newest movie to people just learning things, but details are spoilers.
As a cook, I try new things without instruction to create new things. Is it so impossible for people to learn how to better use skills through simple use? People can lift weights easier as they continue to lift them as another example.
Again. This site is for fun. If you're having fun, and being fair.
You assume self training threads are people teaching themselves.
Its not.
Self training threads involve learning from anything. Be it a holocron, an NPC, or something inbetween. There's a reference in the newest movie to people just learning things, but details are spoilers.
As a cook, I try new things without instruction to create new things. Is it so impossible for people to learn how to better use skills through simple use? People can lift weights easier as they continue to lift them as another example.
Again. This site is for fun. If you're having fun, and being fair.
The Traveler
Hyde
[member="Morningstaarr"]
I currently have taken 3 apprentices because they tracked me down and approached me, perhaps that might work for you. Find one, start a convo and see where it goes. you will find many willing to help you improve.
I currently have taken 3 apprentices because they tracked me down and approached me, perhaps that might work for you. Find one, start a convo and see where it goes. you will find many willing to help you improve.
Aspiring Jedi
[member="Fortuna"] True, but Holocrons are, in themselves, rare, and apprentices aren't likely to have access to them. I do find it fairly implausible for students to just teach themselves. Experimentation is one thing, but that's a whole different level.
And I'm a little flummoxed as to why people find it hard to find Masters. I'm training three students myself, as is [member="The Traveler"], and have been approached by two more. When someone says they haven't found a Master, I do question how hard they've been looking, because there are plenty of us who won't say 'no' to a training thread.
And I'm a little flummoxed as to why people find it hard to find Masters. I'm training three students myself, as is [member="The Traveler"], and have been approached by two more. When someone says they haven't found a Master, I do question how hard they've been looking, because there are plenty of us who won't say 'no' to a training thread.
Darth Ferus
Wanderer
[member="Tirdarius"]
When I was a wee lad long long ago, trying to learn, I was an unfortunate who didn't get acess to a master. Those who could teach were over burdened, and I had to scrounge around here and there to get training threads to learn something. Training threads that were sometimes abandoned by the master, leaving me with nothing.
We've recently had a huge influx of acolytes, but not much for teachers. When this character was Ferus I tried to teach as many as possible, but not everyone can do that.
To deny people the ability to do self training threads where they use an NPC master or a holocron (if they have access to it) or even natural experimentation (nothing crazy. Learning how to use choke after you've already learned how to grip and throw things for example) limits new members to scrounging around hoping that there's a teacher who isn't too busy. And as someone who has to do that, it sucked. My acolyte to knight had about a new teacher every one or two threads, and the same with knight to master, with around thirty training threads. Sure you meet new people, but not everyone has the time I did then. I don't now for example.
I'm not at all telling people to go lollearn force storm or dark side sorcery, but if you can find a feasible and fun way to write it yourself, and can't find a teacher, write a thread. Invite another acolyte and learn together. Having an actual teacher makes it easier to learn, but you dint always need them.
As soon as I get a laptop I shall be making NPC characters that acolytes of the One Sith can use to learn basics/advance acolyte level stuff. Overseers and Instructors. The people who find real masters for acolytes that prove themselves sort of thing. But that will be a while.
When I was a wee lad long long ago, trying to learn, I was an unfortunate who didn't get acess to a master. Those who could teach were over burdened, and I had to scrounge around here and there to get training threads to learn something. Training threads that were sometimes abandoned by the master, leaving me with nothing.
We've recently had a huge influx of acolytes, but not much for teachers. When this character was Ferus I tried to teach as many as possible, but not everyone can do that.
To deny people the ability to do self training threads where they use an NPC master or a holocron (if they have access to it) or even natural experimentation (nothing crazy. Learning how to use choke after you've already learned how to grip and throw things for example) limits new members to scrounging around hoping that there's a teacher who isn't too busy. And as someone who has to do that, it sucked. My acolyte to knight had about a new teacher every one or two threads, and the same with knight to master, with around thirty training threads. Sure you meet new people, but not everyone has the time I did then. I don't now for example.
I'm not at all telling people to go lollearn force storm or dark side sorcery, but if you can find a feasible and fun way to write it yourself, and can't find a teacher, write a thread. Invite another acolyte and learn together. Having an actual teacher makes it easier to learn, but you dint always need them.
As soon as I get a laptop I shall be making NPC characters that acolytes of the One Sith can use to learn basics/advance acolyte level stuff. Overseers and Instructors. The people who find real masters for acolytes that prove themselves sort of thing. But that will be a while.