<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Re: Character Decisions</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I do appreciate your taking the time to walk me through this part; its so important for a character to have depth</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>You are most welcome, my Lady. :)  I wholeheartedly agree!<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   As to energy Manipulations – I like your idea of her mastering a unique sub-specialty!  I will go wrestle with your naming rules and see if I can come up with a name you like. I am so glad you like the idea of her mending things! I will look up your Meilarma or Meilaoima clan and I am sure to use that idea, too. </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Meilarma = of Wood, Meilaoima = of Growth.  Just in case you were a bit confused on those references.<br/><br/>Initial pondering: Mei'ikaoi Daomasu, or Teilaoi Daomasu, perhaps?<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I have several ideas in mind for her consequences! <br/>   First, what I'd like to do is to have some of what she's mending get into her fingers. It would  take a little bit heal up; not too long, perhaps a d3 (one three sided die) hours or so. That will make for really good descriptions and cause her to hesitate, not just indiscriminately fix it all. <br/>   Second, I will make her develop a sensitivity to and fondness for whatever/whoever she heals. If she fixes a Kimono, she doesn't -want- to give it back, and she'll be furious if it is mistreated or torn again! <br/>   Third, if she tries to mend too many items different in nature from each other too close together (while the other substance is still floating about her body), she has a chance of 'mixing' the elements … she might get a swath of red silk kimono in the middle of your battle armor, or a touch of plant stem in your arm! Eewww! But fun.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>This sounds absolutely spot-on and fantastic. :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I have not yet worked out 'critical fail' consequence or an 'over channeling' consequence, but I definitely will have at least a general theme for each of those for you by the time my character is ready to be submitted. </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"critical fail," in most cases, should be the lose of one's physical form and identity, and finding one's sentient essence dispersed into a state of omni-sentience/presence until you can be given a new form.  Presently, this is limited to the concept of reincarnation/rebirth.  Later on, I hope to include automatonic forms as an alternative.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Isn't that picture lovely? I'm so excited that I found it!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yes!!  I'm very excited that you found it, too! :3<br/> <br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">    I definitely like the Imperial relative idea; her markings could be caste-origin; I am leaning towards a Hindi-inspired notion where placement is caste and the actual design reflects her magical powers … color could be clan related … it would be a whole heraldic code.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I like where you are going with this. :3<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   &lt;reads your post about making her an albino&gt; &lt;squeeeeeeeeee&gt;<br/>   Oh, you are brilliant, Clockwork, my dear! I love her being an albino! <del>Hmm is there a way, if I am approved, for me to send you the whole file, or should I try to re-find it online and send you a link so you can modify it to pure albino? Or I can ask for help to modify it … we've got photo-shop … whatever you think is best!</del> <strong><em>(done :3)</em></strong> I am tempted to say a 'learning' experience made her albino … and we'll have to work up how serious the daylight/eye issues are.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><em>&lt;blushes vividly&gt;</em><br/><br/>So glad you like the idea. :3<br/><br/>I remember reading once that albinos are prone to either really light blue or pink eyes.  Light blue eyes tend to be a little less light-sensitive than pink eyes.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Since you are giving me a free hand with my clan, I will probably make up a smallish clan; perhaps100 persons total, some 10 or so named, and given basic character sketches, and I'll also work out a fairly detailed family tree, since she's an Imperial Relation.<br/><br/>   I have this rather glorious notion of the starting story, complete with several possible story arcs for getting her out of the clan. <br/>   Right now my image of her is that she's avoided a marriage due to her intensive training and an indulgent father, who is some sort of brother/cousin to her clan Lord. He is a very good general (though she believes him to be the best in the world, lol). The scene starts at a massive funeral for her father, two of her older brothers and about half of her clan's warriors; they were betrayed, and attacked by overwhelming forces but held their line (thus to avoid dishonor). <br/>   She is stressed by the loss of her father, worried the clan lord won't recognize her still-living brother's right to determine her fate, and scared because they are thinking of sending her youngest brother (a child of her parent's old age) off to the temple.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>More spot-on, delightful brainstorming, my Lady!  Carry on! :3<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Re: World Building Questions</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">1.What were her parents up to, and how so skilled if clearly not in a monastery! A mystery abounds there.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>All Paramnari are biologically skillful with energy manipulation.    I wanted there to be a clear, enviable difference between the Paramnari and the Nu Logikirum, because the Paramnari are still deeply in-tune with their mysticism and open-mindedness to the unknown that defines Axiom.<br/><br/>Her parents would, each, have probably studied for a time as Idaeo'an.  It is not forbidden to leave the Monaznar after swearing one's lifebound oaths.  Similarly, the head Idaeo'suzei of the Monaznar is often succeeded by the <em>sentient choice</em> of the Taesa (Shrine), rather than strictly by their death.  Many factors may influence this.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">2.Is it common for Karmic Ties (such as the instant bond in your story) to occur between people</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Yes, but none of the examples you mentioned really seemed to be the glove that fits that hand.  I would say that it is more akin to the <em>recognition</em> of <em>belonging</em> to that other person... kind of like the concept of soul mates... but is not limited to the concept of romance.  This can be <em>any</em> kind of bonding; and may include other relationships outside of the usual 1:1 boundaries.  When Maokeisu found Asaomun, she was only three years old.  Thence, their relationship was affirmed as teacher/student, to begin with.  But they <em>knew</em> that they belonged to each other and their lives should be intertwined from that moment therefrom.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">And even if -you- the GM know … do the characters??</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Players would choose, before implementing the idea, whether their <em>character(s)</em> should recognize the bond for what it is, and how they plan for their character to act thereupon.<br/><br/>Case-by-case basis, essentially.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">3.Are the children sent to temple often chosen that way, by the monks themselves? If so are they then taken by force, even if the family would rather not? If such a bond is denied by one or both parties, are there long-ranging consequences?</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>It is not uncommon for a Taesa to send its Primary Idaeo'suzei on a pilgrimage to find a particular individual.  Details are often cryptic and vague, in this regard.<br/><br/>However, this is not an exclusive method.<br/><br/>Johnny first coined the idea of parents taking their child(ren) to a Monaznar (probably the one that their Clan's Primary energy is associated with directly and/or that they support with worship, respect, tithes, etc.).  This would consign the child to a fate therein, as an Idaeo'an, until they were of a mature enough age/mindset to decide whether they wanted to stay at the Monaznar, or strike out into the world with only their own wit to support their selves, or return to their Clan, or...<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">4.Do your monks marry and have children, or not?</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>They don't have to, but may form relationships among those Beholden to them and bear offspring, as a result.  These children would be raised within the confines of the Monaznar, by default, or given to the Idaeo'suzei's clan for other training, or given unto the staff of the Param... etc.<br/><br/>Any male Paramnaran is entitled to have as many, or as few, individuals Beholden to them.  If that also includes males, then it is politely overlooked as the male Beholden's choice.  There is not very much in the way of conflict concerning relationships that defy procreation-friendly standards.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Oh! For how long have things been going poorly? If it is feasible, I'd like her to have at least a dim memories of the good times, before the current ruler.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Asaomun was 3 when the old Param was 157.  He died that same year, and she is now... let me think...<br/><br/>... 19 taokuneii.  So it's been 16 taokuneii that the new Param has been in responsibility of the Ikaoi Taesa temple.  The Paramnari do <em>not</em> understand why the Taesa has not chosen a successor, given the circumstances, but do not dare question it outside of carefully-guarded whispers.  There is probably corruption, of some nature, at play.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   On your world, I suspect that my character would be related to the Imperial family through the female line? Do they kill off other imperial sons when one inherits, or could her father have been the imperial relation? And do you have rules about how close it could or could not be?</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I was almost to the point of suggesting sister/daughter/niece.  Though, with your idea concerning the funeral (and I do love what you suggested with that), then feel free to adjust the family tree accordingly.<br/><br/>The only time a male of the Imperial family encounters foul play is when that current Param suffers the appropriate psychological imbalance required to perceive a threat to his position.  This is because the Taesa is the ultimate decider regarding inheritance... and has been known to step in and overrule a blood heir's "rightful privilege."  Obviously something's a bit out of sorts with that, though, now.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">     Is this the sort of game where I -must- give her combat abilities? Aside from studying Tai Chi (which she does because it enhances her healing, as it is related to understanding and controlling Chi) I haven't given her any; if you envision the sort of world where combat is common, I'll give her a few more skills due to having a loving and indulgent family. If not, I'll simply try to figure out how her magic might help in combat, like perhaps she can weaken weapons and armor?</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>A female Paramnaran is <em>discouraged</em> from learning combat skills/abilities.  I do realize that there were female Samurai, but the concept is considered extremely dishonorable to the female individual, <em>and</em> their clan, if they choose the fighter's path.<br/><br/>Combat between the clans is a common part of their feudal existance, however it is the males that do the fighting and defense of their clans.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Oh, and I had yet another question! Is the armor on my continent the traditional bamboo/lacquered armor of the Japanese? Or metal? And speaking of background questions ...</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>A combination of bamboo/lacquered and saokei. :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Can you give maybe a thumbnail sketch of three of four precepts of the monks/monastic/local religion as adapted for this world? I just went to the wikki Buddhism site and it was a bit overwhelming. I wouldn't mind a short list; it needn't be exhaustive! I can keep web searching if you haven't parsed that down to a finite body of knowledge yet.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>This may take me some time.  If you could be more specific, still, that would be very appreciated.  :3  I like over-detailed niblets. :3<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I am going to write a funeral scene for my character's background story, so I've been going over Feudal Japan and Imperial China burial customs; do you have any particular customs/beliefs you do or do not want? I will be happy, of course, to alter my story if I include anything that doesn't mesh, but if you've a few firm ideas already it will simplify matters to know ahead of time!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Any of the customs from that inspiring era of the Asian cultures is perfectly plausible to include. :)  Carry on! &lt;3<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Re: World Building Answers</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">In addition, I will probably hassle you for a really challenging rival clan, whose dimensions and leader you'll need to invent</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Ok :)  Hassle away. &gt;:)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">and I suspect you'll need at least one really evil, truly despicable bad guy on each continent to move the plot along.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Paramnar: Evil, for sure.<br/><br/>Nu Logikus: Antihero?<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">    After I get my person and my clan sorted out, I'd be happy to help you with minor folks; usually, major ones sort of -have- to fall to the GM to create. &lt;pats your back gently.&gt; It's a lot of work running a whole world. But so satisfying!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>So very satisfying.  But I would <em>love</em> your help in further-developing my world.  Oh, this truly is going to become epic... 0-o<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   As for sub plots for Paramnar, don't let it distress you that there are fewer plots brewing there; it is a more rigid world, which means all plots must be more carefully balanced, and in addition you've had only one PC, who is sort of a GM second, as well, so that free flowing plots are likely to move a bit slowly. But I'll give you LOTS to work with here, which will help, and we can try to coax one or two more for each side; I find 3 – 4 players is ideal, usually, in terms of lots of interaction (they can always chat to each other while the GM is busy rolling, thinking and writing) and they will inspire each other, too! Its nice when characters are self-starting and have ideas of what they want and where they wish to go.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>I concur wholeheartedly. :3<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Ah, magic! I love magic. But yes, indeed, your world is very richly detailed – I can see why you needed to put in limits! We might want to eventually develop a board JUST for making characters, where we pare down the initial choices and put them in very clear order, with the unusual words used in deciding upon character creation decisions defined right in the text … but that must wait until we've made 10 or 15 characters and really know the essential questions and can make short, concise tables that delineate each common option … &lt;stops&gt; &lt;sheepish smile&gt; &lt;clears throat&gt; </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><em>&lt;purrs and blushes again, possibly more vividly than earlier&gt;</em><br/><br/>You are adorable, my Lady. :)  Do not ever feel the need to silence your delightful rambling and brainstorming, with me. :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I will be happy to help you both with plots and stories. Please feel free at any point to tell me no, or to remind me its -your- world!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Oh, YAY! ^_^<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Re: Everything Else</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I am sad that Lord Johnny can't play with us right now especially as he's helped so much in shaping the world, but I do understand! Real life first.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Aye, t'is saddening.  And I do hope that he is ok.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   Thank you for trusting me to keep OOC and IC straight; this way I can talk to Haloriel, and delightfully indulge in following both story lines! Yay! I have had to be very firm with myself and NOT tempt her into an indiscretion until I got a ruling for you, oh GM!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Heh.  Between you and Haloriel, I cannot wait to see what sort of brainchildren hatch. :)<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   The problem of needing so many NPCS is behind the massive Pern Project my family and I are undertaking; on Pern, you know, the dragon riders can go anywhere, at the drop of a hat. And so they -DO-.  I have to develop entire holds or cotholds or Gathers or Hatchings out of whole cloth on a moment's notice! You have all my sympathy!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>No, no... <em>you</em> have <em>my</em> sympathy o-0<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   &lt;dances&gt; You get to -build- robots! Oh, glorious! Marvelous! Yes, yes my dear we are indeed kindred spirits! I love them, too. I want to buy one of those little room cleaners as my very first robot. &lt;nods firmly&gt; But I've never built one! Good for you!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Only very rarely sometimes, unfortunately.  I rarely have the resources/opportunity.  But I did get to soldier together my own little, solar-powered gidget with eraser feet, once...  <em>&lt;fond memories, spaced out expression&gt;</em><br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   And yes, I love the Tower series … I've just begun running a Talent campaign for my family. &lt;eyes dance&gt; I made the old, non-profit Centers and the FTT company rivals. So much fun!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Ooh, I'd love to hear more about this, especially if you get approved. :3<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">   I'm really looking forward to writing with you in your lovely world!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>The feeling is assuredly mutual, my Lady!<br/></div></div>