And I have no idea what to post.
A group AJ has joined has a contest for $5 entry for an unthemed short story of 3.5K words.
Any suggestions on what AJ could write?
Love to hear what you’d all like to see.
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In a time where the world is currently head over heels messed up we need to take care of ourselves. AJ’s life hasn’t changed all that much, but it’s allowing her and her family to tend to some much needed things the past few days. Being at home allowing her to make that change a little easier and with less reprecussions. When life returns to normal they’ll need to make some adjustments but right now it’s working. One can only hope.
But these times call for self care too. So you need to take care of yourselves just as much if not more in this time of great chaos.
So I’m offering some things I’ve found to be helpful. I didn’t write any of it, nor did AJ just some little tips from others to help you out.
The Quarantine Quest is a self care made by the Hero’s Journal people.
Home – 30 days of yoga that Adrienne started back in January. This is Day 0. You can follow along on her channel. It’s never too late to work on yoga. [[ As a side note, AJ is starting this program tomorrow. You can check my facebookpage out for the link to more information too. ]]
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AJ’s trying her hand at some illustration.
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It’s Ryan’s turn to answer the questions. You will have to forgive him he’s old.
What is your darkest childhood memory?
My darkest childhood memory is finding my little sister strung up like a scarecrow to be fed to the wolves because she was different.
What bad habit are you struggling to overcome?
I talk too much. I listen too long. I try to help when help isn’t wanted. I’ve been studying so many things in my long life that it’s hard not to.
Why does your journey matter to you personally?
I finally get to pave my own path. Well not exactly my own since I’m bound to a vampire until the ends of time. I wouldn’t change my path mind you, I am grateful to live this long and this well. My journey matters because now that I’m bound to Ant and through him to Nox, I can help in a way I’ve never been able to being bound to the scariest vampire in the world. My path is unlimted now.
What does a perfect world look like to you?
There is no such thing as perfect world.
What smell or scent reminds you of your childhood home?
I can’t remember the smell of home. I can’t remember the vision of my mother or father, I imagine they look like myself and Mia. But I can’t remember home anymore than I can remember where I was 100 years ago. I don’t stay in one place for very long until now.
What is your biggest regret?
I have no regrets. Not in 800 plus years.
Who was your childhood sweetheart?
I was sweet on a girl, would have married her if my parents had let me, but it was more arranged than anything.
What do you fear losing the most?
I fear losing my connection to people. I was bound to Cari for so long that I was afraid I might have. That all humanity was lost, but I was wrong, I’m still here, and I have a chance to make it all better.
Is there a secret spot you like to retreat to? If there is, why that spot?
There is this spot in Italy that I love. Countryside, vineyards – yes lots of wine. It’s picturesque and beautiful and quiet. I miss the quiet but city life works for me too if I can go back and visit. It’s not too far from Cari’s Villa near Rome. It’s nice.
Do you have a family member that’s ever let you down? If so, how has that affected you?
Both of my parents, I guess. But that was a long time ago, they have long since died.
Are you afraid to be alone?
I’m never alone. That’s the down side to being Chevalier. For over 800 years I’ve had someone else in my head. A tight bond that we can’t break – well we couldn’t until Nox came into the picture.
Are you proud of who you are?
I guess. I’m not horrified by the person I’ve become. Can I do better? Of course.
What keeps you up at night?
Hardly anything at all keeps me up at night. Nothing scares me. I don’t worry about anything. After 800 years of life you kinda just go with it. I’ve seen it all before.
What was your favorite stuffed animal or toy as a kid?
Uh….. I don’t know. That’s a long far off away time since I was a kid.
What was your worst injury ever?
Probably too many too count if I were just human. I can’t think of anything that didn’t heal quickly tho.
What song makes you think of your crush?
I don’t have a crush. I don’t have relationships besides those with Cari over the years.
What was your bravest moment?
My bravest moment was drinking blood from a vampire so that I could live forever and save my sister’s life. It was a bargain we made with Cari. I became her food, if she saved my sister. I have not regretted any moment.
Who can make you smile no matter how bad you feel?
Ant makes me smile. When he was a boy he could make me laugh, now he is just a sarcastic jerk that seems to keep on going. But the others all said it true too. That little girl of Nox’s can make anyone smile. That telepathy of hers lets her see just what she needs to to make that frown turn upside down.
What is one thing you always carry with you?
A sword. Yes Ant and I learned from the same person. My pocket of shadow’s isn’t quite the same as his as I can’t actually use the power, but with what I’ve come to realize now is a rune stone I can use it just like Cari does because I was tied to her, and thankfully sitll can with Ant. Though we have had to tweak it a bit – thankfully Nox is here to help with that.
Who is one person you would never ever want to see again? Why?
I could do without seeing any of the old mobsters from back in the day. They liked to profit off of Cari’s blood lust. Those were some dark times for us.
What, to you, is the worst way to die?
Fire has got to be the worst way to die. Funny knowing that Nox went through that – and survived.
You can bring one person back to life. Who would you choose and why?
I’d bring back Jimmy Hendrix so I could listen to him jamming in real time. But then I think Vincent Van Gogh could do some beautiful paintings, and that episode of Dr. Who was like epic when they showed him how he’d become so popular and respected in the future. But then you can’t forget the unforgettable ‘sex’ and ‘your mother’ are the root of all problems with Freud. I’d love to see how he’d react to today’s world.
Is it easy to admit when you’ve made a mistake?
Mistakes? What are those? Yeah I can admit when I’m wrong or made a mistake but it rarely happens.
Is it easy for you to forgive others? (Truly?)
I’m going to say no. I’m pretty sure I’m pretty pissed at my parents for what they did to Mia.
You’re on your death bed. Who do you want by your side?
The love of my life… But one I haven’t met her yet, and two I probably won’t be dying in a bed. That is not my life and it never will be.
Your childhood bully has grown up to be a philanthropist. Do you praise him and give to his cause? Or do you turn a shoulder to him and scoff?
For a good cause…. but not because of the person I knew.
Who would you want to raise your child if you die unexpectedly?
If I had a kid, and I died who would I want to raise my kid? None of these asshats. Nox and Alex will screw the kid up. Ant would probably end up treating my kid like I had treated him. Izzy might do an okay job if she survives her child birth. Oh wait I shouldn’t mention that one lest Nox hear me and starts freaking the fuck out. Yeah I want him raising my kids. I tease of course. Any one of them would do great – Rider would do great too.
Do you suffer from a reoccurring nightmare? If so, what happens in it?
“I am the terror that flaps in the night. I am the surprise in your cereal box. I am Darkwing Duck!” – the answer is no by the way.
What do you notice first about a person?
Uh… them? There legs? I don’t know. I don’t really pay much attention… honestly personality. I didn’t pay all that money to earn multiple PhDs to not pay attention to their body language, personality and all the little things.
Do you find it difficult to praise others?
No. Though few do anything praise worthy smirk
Which color do you feel looks best on you?
Emerald Green – Think Green Arrow back in Smallville Days!
What’s your drink of choice?
I’ll usually stick with water, but I’ve been known to drink the Koolaid.
Which parent do you take after more? (If they know their parents)
Honestly I have no idea it’s so long ago.
What quality about your parent do you admire? Abhor? (If they know their parents)
See the answer above
Do you wish to be a loner? Or have a family one day? (Or if they already have a family, do they enjoy family life or regret it?)
I am never truly alone but I’d love to have my own family. Though having kids is probably not on the agenda. I might get a girl pregnant, but in 800 years I’ve yet to do so. And I have tried.
What odd habits or ticks do you have?
I psychoanalyze people even if they don’t want me to.
Have you traveled to other lands? Or planets, even?
I have never been off earth but every where else – yes!
Do you feel a need to fix or repair problems that don’t directly involve you?
Every fucking day and every fucking second – it’s so fucking hard to stay in my own lane. Or at least that’s what I’m told.
How do you view other races or cultures?
Nothing really surprises me anymore.
Do you worry about what the future will bring?
One big happy family – at least for me and mine. The rest of you, who cares grins
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So last night AJ wanted to watch the iHeart Radio Concert live from their couches with Elton John.
Found out today it’s streaming all day, you can watch it too: We’ve already watched it.
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It’s Rider’s turn to answer questions. I know it’s a little early but it’s done. Ya’ll will get what you get.
I’m thinking of posting the next story as it comes out. We’ll see. AJ has changed the last three stories she’s started writing so we are a little leery of doing so at the moment. Don’t want to get your hopes up and then stop mid story.
What is your darkest childhood memory?
Lake and I got lost in the woods once. We were like 6 and we were following a fox and her kits and we got lost . We couldn’t find our way back and it got dark. Our dad found us a few hours later huddled together against a tree waiting. We had remembered to stay put.
What bad habit are you struggling to overcome?
I bite my nails – always have it’s the only anxious trait I have.
Why does your journey matter to you personally?
I never expected I’d be what I am. I’m not exactly old enough to lead a pack but here I am. I think it’s all Nox. But he doesn’t. I don’t quite get it. He says something about magic. But I just want to learn more about this world – my mom kept it from me. But it’s part of me.
What does a perfect world look like to you?
I don’t think I have any idea what a perfect world looks like. My mom to be a live and love my older brother would be grand. To have known him for more the past five years of my life too.
What smell or scent reminds you of your childhood home?
I’ll have to go with Nox on this one, apple pie reminds me of mom all the time.
What is your biggest regret?
That I didn’t get to know my big brother growing up.
Who was your childhood sweetheart?
I didn’t/don’t have a childhood sweetheart.
What do you fear losing the most?
My family. I’ve already lost my mom, I don’t think I could take losing my dad or brothers right now. Which includes Matt (and all of my nieces and nephews)
Is there a secret spot you like to retreat to? If there is, why that spot?
Not really. The kitchen but it’s not a secret.
Do you have a family member that’s ever let you down? If so, how has that affected you?
My mom. But it was magic making her hate my brother. But for a long time I was disappointed she couldn’t love him specially after I got to know him – he is just so awesome. Sweet and caring, the heart on that guy is so frigging big. I can’t imagine not ever knowing him.
Are you afraid to be alone?
Absolutely. Isn’t everyone.
Are you proud of who you are?
I’d like to think so. I still have a lot of growing up to do, but I’m getting there.
What keeps you up at night?
Right now, I have a lot of responsibility. Alot keeps me up at night – all that responsiblity
What was your favorite stuffed animal or toy as a kid?
I didn’t have a favorite stuffed animal. I was too much a guy, my mom says I used to carry around a tiger I called Tony – original I know. But I don’t remember him much. I think mom trashed him after he was covered in much slime of babydom.
What was your worst injury ever?
I broke my foot playing soccer.
What song makes you think of your crush?
I don’t have a crush. Never had a crush I still think of either.
What was your bravest moment?
Becoming pack leader of a bunch of strangers cause of my brother.
Who can make you smile no matter how bad you feel?
Lake is my person who I know can cheer me up. But now I think Cass is the best person to do it.
What is one thing you always carry with you?
I always carry with me a photo of my family when we were last all together. I even have glued Nox into the picture
Who is one person you would never ever want to see again? Why?
I don’t know. I don’t ever not like someone that much. No one has really hurt me that badly.
What, to you, is the worst way to die?
Burning to death, drowning, anything that takes a long time.
You can bring one person back to life. Who would you choose and why?
My mom so she could learn to love Nox like he deserved and needed to be loved.
Is it easy to admit when you’ve made a mistake?
Yeah, I do it all the time.
Is it easy for you to forgive others? (Truly?)
I guess. But I don’t know. Few have ever needed it.
You’re on your death bed. Who do you want by your side?
My brothers (and my family but mostly my brothers)
Your childhood bully has grown up to be a philanthropist. Do you praise him and give to his cause? Or do you turn a shoulder to him and scoff?
I’m not as good natured as Nox so even though I have no bully I would say no. A dick is a dick is a dick.
Who would you want to raise your child if you die unexpectedly?
If I had kids. My brother probably. I bet he and Matt will have lots of kids anyway – just like Nox.
Do you suffer from a reoccurring nightmare? If so, what happens in it?
Not really.
What do you notice first about a person?
Their shining personality. I’m a eyes kinda guy tho.
Do you find it difficult to praise others?
Not really. If someone does a good job they should know it.
Which color do you feel looks best on you?
Emerald Green. I don’t know!
What’s your drink of choice?
Water with lemon
Which parent do you take after more? (If they know their parents)
My dad.
What quality about your parent do you admire? Abhor? (If they know their parents)
My dad. I mean he’s doing the whole Doctors Across Borders now that mom is gone. He’d never have done that with Mom here, she’d never have allowed us to stay with Nox.
Do you wish to be a loner? Or have a family one day? (Or if they already have a family, do they enjoy family life or regret it?)
I need family.
What odd habits or ticks do you have?
I don’t think I have any. I’m anal about my workouts.
Have you traveled to other lands? Or planets, even?
To just New York City
Do you feel a need to fix or repair problems that don’t directly involve you?
Only Nox. Everyone else no.
How do you view other races or cultures?
With respect. I grew up human. I am Therian now, but I didn’t know any of it existed before now.
Do you worry about what the future will bring?
Yeah I guess. I’m ruler of a pack now and I’m still learning things. I could screw up a whole lot of people.
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So yesterday I posed a question on Facebook. I didn’t expect any answers from anyone but it got me thinking.
And then AJ’s alpha said I’d be freaking out over it all cause being inundated with were blood, we as were’s as a community would be suffering through all this social distancing in 2020. Dumb ass virus!
But still, back to the topic, I would be so freaking out. I would lock myself in my bedroom and probably starve if I didn’t have vampire friends. Or I’d move into Alex’s apartment and we’d live alone. No one allowed but Alex. And Alex couldn’t leave cause I know I’d fucking get sick the moment he did. I catch everything. So hate my human heritage in that. My one weakness – the fucking common cold!
I can see myself in mass anxiety panic in the corner of my room – stay away. And Alex laughing at me then growling at me to get in bed and then he’d wrap his arms around me and keep me safe. I’m so fucking easy! But as I remind Alex – just for him.
But really what about vampires? They can’t catch it they aren’t alive, but are they carriers? Like a mosquito or a tick? AJ come on! Find me that answer in your big book of secrets!
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Series: World Lore
- Classify your race.
Dragons are one of the first races of long lived supernaturals. - Give a general overview.
Dragons are shape shifters. They are born in human form but when they reach puberty they can take on the form of a dragon. The stronger a dragon is the larger their dragon form. All Dragons can bend the elements though power comes from size and varies from dragon to dragon. - Give them personality traits.
Dragons are typically seen as wise and intelligent creatures with hoarding issues. - Give them a physical description.
Dragons can shape shift into any human form they like, many do so over the years to hide their age. A dragon’s true shape is that of its dragon form, their size and color of scales can vary. All dragons bear the brand of their clan on their bodies which translates to a tattoo in human form. - Describe the clan or tribe.
Dragons are part of one of five clans. They usually join the same clan as their parents as they are branded at birth. On rare occasion a youngling is given the choice – usually when the youngling was orphaned young. - Explain the relationship between your race and other races.
Dragons keep to themselves. They do not typically mate with humans but the biology is compatible. This is a decree by the Golden Clan to keep the Venatori from mating with the netherdragons that result from the copulation of human and dragon. - Give your race a History.
Dragons were once hunted as sport – the medival times saw them as dangerous, and they were thought to be extinict. They were just hiding in plain sight. The Dragons are secretive and beyond this very little is know about the Dragons. - Explain your race’s alignments.
Dragons are typically lawful neutral. - Create a map showing their setting.
Dragons can be found anywhere in the world, however they prefer large cities like New York City as they can blend in easier. - Explain their religion.
Very little is know of Dragon religion. - Describe your race’s language.
Dragons have their own language to hear if you are not a dragon typically means your death. - Explain your race’s physical attributes.
Dragons are strong and have keen eye sight. They can shape shift into any manner of humanoid they desire as well as their one and only dragon form. - Think about your creatures’ occupations.
Dragons do whatever they can. If they can use their occupation to supply their hoarding addition then all the better. - Explain how advanced they are.
No more advanced than humans, however they have a better understanding of magic and the supernatural than most beings as it is their culture to disseminate that knowledge through the ages. - Describe the other civilizations your race interacts with.
Dragons keep to themselves mostly hardly interacting with anyone outside of their clan – except in the case of their jobs. - Describe your race’s magical or special powers.
Dragons can shape shift into any humanoid creature and their one true dragon self at will. They can bend the 4 elements and understand the umbra better than most. - Come up with population statistics for your race.
Dragons make up .5% of the population of earth that’s about 37 million dragons around the world.
- Classify your race.
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AJ isn’t quarantined yet. Nor is she bored. We have lots going on. But all across the world the landscape of your lives are changing – mine isn’t. I’m the same old world. Still stuck in 2017. I think my world just change drastically not that AJ doesn’t plan on doing that anyway so no big deal but it’s gonna change.
But with everyone home and bored, AJ wants to advertise the First Age. My home and birth place. A place AJ still absolutely loves. And you get the benefit of coming to play with me – in my first incarnation anyway.
So what is the First Age? Here’s a bit AJ wrote to advertise on her Facebook timeline:
Bored? Like to write? Like the Wheel of Time? Even if you don’t. The First Age is a modern-day twist on the world Robert Jordan created with the Wheel of Time. Join us in a new age defined by returning gods, prophets, monsters, and an ever-changing landscape. Help us define this brand new world with every character’s decision. https://thefirstage.org
And me of course that should be mentioned again. Alex is there too – though we’ve never met. AJ is keeping us separate on purpose! How dare she!
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All other Character Interviews
It’s Ant’s turn to answer the questions. So without further adieu here are Anthony Giovanni – the son of the hound’s answers.
What is your darkest childhood memory?
My mother is my darkest memory – so everything in my childhood was dark. My mother is a psychopath – clinically diagnoses by todays standards, but back when I was a child she was stark raving mad. My mother is glaring at me about that. She was a prostitute, a theif and an assassin in life, and she kept the assassin part when she became a vampire and oh so much deadlier. I grew up with Aurora as my mother figure because my mother couldn’t raise me, so until my powers manifested – which did much earlier than they would have if I’d been full Primeval vampire my mother wasn’t raising me.
What bad habit are you struggling to overcome?
I should probably stop teasing Alex so much. He is my Chevalier after all. I’m bound to him for the rest of our lives or until he finally decides he really isn’t enough for Nox and leaves everyone high and dry. But the hatred Alex has for vampires is strong, and I do love to poke at that ever growing landscape.
Why does your journey matter to you personally?
I don’t want to be in my mother’s shadow. I don’t want to be the Son of the Hound. A cool name for myself is what I want. And with Nox I get that. I follow because he bound me forcefully but you either love Nox or you hate him. And I couldn’t do the latter. He’s broken, and once I realized that everything else made sense. I’m not in Nox’s shadow like I was my mothers, I’m his equal, he respects me. Not that my mother didn’t, but to the world I was hers. Yeah I am Nox’s, but standing by his side is not the same as standing by my mothers.
What does a perfect world look like to you?
There is no such thing as perfect. A world like that could never exist.
What smell or scent reminds you of your childhood home?
Mint tea. Mint curbs the appetite, even for a vampire. Maybe Nox should wear some mint. Aurora kept it on tap as a childhood. For herself, my mother and eventually myself. I can’t stand the stuff but I will admit to putting on a pot when food is scarce.
What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is I didn’t turn Isabel when she was Annibale back when I first met her. I knew she was my soul mate. And then she died, and then I found her but she didn’t know me even though I knew her. Finding Izzy has been extremely satisfying. Having her remember me glorious.
Who was your childhood sweetheart?
I didn’t have a childhood sweetheart. I didn’t have a traditional upbringing. My friends were my mother’s herd – my father, best friend was 50 some odd year old 16 year old.
What do you fear losing the most?
My sense of identity – particularly now that I have one outside of my mother’s shadow.
Is there a secret spot you like to retreat to? If there is, why that spot?
I don’t have a secret spot, but it’s a place only Primeval vampires can get to or myself and my mother. Sanctuary is peaceful if I stay with my father
Do you have a family member that’s ever let you down? If so, how has that affected you?
My mother? She was never there for me when I was growing up. But then she isn’t exactly here for me 800 plus years later either. But that is the nature of her condition. The fact that we have the relationship we do is heartening though
Are you afraid to be alone?
Yes, absolutely. It’s terrifying to think of being without Ryan or my mother. 800 years is a long time to form an attachment.
Are you proud of who you are?
Not really. Who am I? I’m just learning that I think. I’ve been the son of the hound for so long I don’t even know who I am.
What keeps you up at night?
I’m a fucking vampire! I’m up all night anyway!
What was your favorite stuffed animal or toy as a kid?
I didn’t have stuffed animals or traditional toys as a kid. I had a sword. I still have that sword though it’s more of a long dagger now.
What was your worst injury ever?
I’m a vampire I don’t really get hurt. Not in the traditional sense.
What song makes you think of your crush?
A song no one has heard in hundreds of years.
What was your bravest moment?
Leaving Annibale after she died. I was in love. I didn’t go to back to Italy with mother for a few decades.
Who can make you smile no matter how bad you feel?
Ryan can. He always has been able to. Probably why he’s my best friend.
What is one thing you always carry with you?
A sword – always!
Who is one person you would never ever want to see again? Why?
I don’t have any enemies that I haven’t already killed. And I have no one that has hurt me to the point of never wanting to see them again.
What, to you, is the worst way to die?
Straight up? fire!
You can bring one person back to life. Who would you choose and why?
I’d say Annibale but I have her in Iz so I’m good.
Is it easy to admit when you’ve made a mistake?
I don’t make mistakes.
Is it easy for you to forgive others? (Truly?)
Is it easy for anyone?
You’re on your death bed. Who do you want by your side?
I won’t have a death bed, I will just be dead.
Your childhood bully has grown up to be a philanthropist. Do you praise him and give to his cause? Or do you turn a shoulder to him and scoff?
No, but mostly because I didn’t have a childhood bully.
Who would you want to raise your child if you die unexpectedly?
If I had a child and I wasn’t around, Nox and Alex, or Ryan.
Do you suffer from a reoccurring nightmare? If so, what happens in it?
I am the nightmare, I don’t have them.
What do you notice first about a person?
Their heart beat.
Do you find it difficult to praise others?
Yes, praise was not given lightly.
Which color do you feel looks best on you?
Blood red.
What’s your drink of choice?
AB-
Which parent do you take after more? (If they know their parents)
That’s a hard one. My father I guess. In looks and personality. I’m not crazy like my mother.
What quality about your parent do you admire? Abhor? (If they know their parents)
My father’s ability to love my mother despite all the things he knows she’s done in her life as human and vampire.
Do you wish to be a loner? Or have a family one day? (Or if they already have a family, do they enjoy family life or regret it?)
I want a family!
What odd habits or ticks do you have?
I use sex as a trade for feeding me. Though that’s fairly normal for a vampire. But I was raised to feed on the willing so I never take without consent.
Have you traveled to other lands? Or planets, even?
Only earth sadly – but I’ve been everywhere in the world several times over.
Do you feel a need to fix or repair problems that don’t directly involve you?
No. I do as I’m told and that’s usually to kill someone – until I met Nox.
How do you view other races or cultures?
Humans are food. The others could be food if I chose to figure out how to persuade them to let me feed. But humans are abundant enough and willing enough there is no need. The Venatori are bastards.
Do you worry about what the future will bring?
Not really. Like I said I do what I’m told.
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I think I told ya’ll about the contest AJ entered.
Well it’s been published up on their website. Go on and give it a read, would love a like or a comment there but you have to sign up for it so I’m not expecting much.
It was a fun exercise anyway – something like how things really go around here.
Just a Dream at Reedsy – for a contest entry “Write a story about characters who know they are ficitious”
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Yesterday I was supposed to post, and then I remembered last night, and I was going to then AJ got busy and she forgot what she was doing. Amid all this stuff going on I’ll forgive her since I know what’s been going on in her head better than most.
Anxiety not from the virus that is affecting the world in strange and apocalyptic ways (not as in the it’s causing the end of the world, but in the the world is shutting down because of it.) AJ’s anxiety stems from her kids not being home – they are safe, and they are probably safer up in the middle of no where than here with her, but given everything that’s happened over the past year and change AJ’s sorta on edge, sleep was a wonderful thing last night. And much needed to function. But mostly happened because AJ was exhausted.
But I was going to post that the Daily Spur had recently hit three thousand posts and 100 subscribers with little to no work from AJ. In case you are new around here, AJ created the Daily Spur back when the Daily Post shut down and has been producing random word, picture and music prompts for better than a year now (maybe more). It’s completely automated and there is a regular following and people using it. We are highly impressed with it’s following.
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Alex never came back to work for Poet.
If Alex never came back to New York to work for Poet, Nox would never have met him. That’s a given. But it would have a cascading effect on Nox’s story. The first notable entry would be Nox likely would never have moved out of the AU building. It was Alex’s encouragement that pushed Nox over the tipping point. Not to say that Nox wouldn’t later do this on his own, but it wouldn’t have been at this moment in the story.
Nox would have continued to live in the AU building, and he wouldn’t have needed his brothers to come out early since he wouldn’t be a mess because of the move (and because he met Alex).
Most of the Last Phoenix would be cut in half because there would be no Alex intermissions. Walker and Harvard wouldn’t have interrupted Nox, and he’d probably already have gone out with them. Nox would still have Drake and the twins by nature of the story. But Nox would still have the nightmare attached to him. His stressors would still be high.
The entirety of Taking Back Erebus would be gone. Which means Nox wouldn’t have the book to learn from. Ant might have gotten the book from Deacon before he gave it to Abraham (the master vampire of Las Vegas who Alex won the book from in a game with Deacon.) But if the book went to Abraham Nox wouldn’t have had it to learn about runes and likely Eddie wouldn’t have shown up.
Which probably means that Jesse found alternative plans for his sons. Probably even taking the boys with him. Which would mean the boys would have turned in a foreign country and likely been killed by the locals, but that’s not till the Fourth book.
The First Vestige would see a lot more problems in it. Several really big issues would come up. When Alec tests Nox by trying to Dominate him, Nox likely would have given in, the predominate reason he didn’t was because Alex would be pissed at him. His own vow of never being controlled again not nearly as big of a deal since he was supposed with friends. But that submission would have lost him Alec, and later Valentina. Alec could have sided with the winning side.
And then there is the whole Nox’s family being kidnapped. If Alex wasn’t there to become Chevalier to Ant, Ant would have been too weak to get them out of trouble and Nox would have had to go in and save them, which means that there would have been torture and pain for his family instead of a quick return home.
The fourth book might have played out more simply. There would be no party in the Hamptons. There would be no alpha for a brother, which is key to when the Venatori come to the Night Life building in the end. But even before that, Griffin wouldn’t have been there to save Nox’s life several times. There might have been other bodyguards, but you don’t know the events would have played out for certain.
Nox would not have a connection to Poet – to find out he’s Prometheus and the second Ascendant. And they wouldn’t have a lead to go on when the Venatori attack at the end of the Power of Succession.
But having all these negative things, there is one fact that still remains, Nox and Alex are soul mates and they, by theory, should be drawn to each other. And Alex knows this and fights it, but he would eventually have to give in. But maybe it’s not until Nox gets rid of that dumb ass nightmare.
So how does that happen when all the vampire Dream Walkers are all pretty evil folks which is why the Venatori hunt Dream Walkers to begin with. So who can help find the nightmare, and eventually kill the demon? Probably Ant’s dad and or grandfather, they aren’t very proficient in Dream walking but I bet they’d know a nightmare when they saw one sitting on Nox’s chest one night. They’d know how to kill it and keep it from attaching itself to Nox. And with the nightmare gone, Nox and Alex could start soul mate dreaming again – falling in love – again. And Alex would come back into his life. And they’d live happily ever after. And this is where Nox yells “not!” because he knows it won’t last long.
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Series: World Lore
Classify your race.
The Venatori are a Secondary Race – meaning they were not around at the time of creation and the beginning of the Clandestine Providence.
Give a general overview.
The Venatori are a mortal race bred into existence by the Venatori of the Aeternus as a means to give an advantage they lacked. They Venatori are stoked in tradition of their parent race but have given way as new things come along but not quickly and not without fighting tradition harshly.
Give them personality traits.
All most all Venatori are steeped in tradition and have a hard time see outside of it much like the Aeternus. But their box is a little bigger and they can be persuaded to think outside of it if required.
Give them a physical description.
The Venatori look human but age slower. They take on the physical appearances of whatever regions they are born in. There is a slight variation in their physiology compared to a human in that they all have a unique protein in their blood that would identify them as not human. [more research needed on this for more information]. Physically all adult Venatori have a tattoo on their right temple of a pair of crossed swords. [This is a rune that addresses their ability to hide in plain sight allowing the humans to see what they expect to see.]
Describe the clan or tribe.
The Venatori maintain one main headquarters, since the European exodus to the New World the headquarters has been in New York City or it’s predecessor locations. This was where most of the immigrants coming came in at and where all supernaturals could also be recorded when they came over. They have headquarters in London and Sydney and smaller locations for their field hunters to find resources such as Ward, Colorado, New Orleans, Louisiana and Paris, France.
Explain the relationship between your race and other races.
The Venatori consider themselves above all the other races as they police the nationstate – or think they do anyway.
Give your race a History.
The Venatori are a secondary race created by an organization to better themselves and equip themselves with tools the Aeternus were unable to harness. They have remained in a static state since they overthrew the Aeternus their succession rights once were like those of other supernatural races in that the most powerful ruled, however as they became more civilized their ruling body became more about power as influence and not actual power of the Magnus.
Explain your race’s alignments.
The Venatori like to think they are Lawful Neutral, but they are hardly neutral. They lean more towards Lawful Evil.
Explain their religion.
The Venatori do not have a religion per say. Like the Aeternus they believe in the Umbra – all energy can neither be created nor destroyed only transfer states and sentience is only a form of energy embodied in flesh.
Describe your race’s language.
The Venatori speak English as it is the best language to blend into their surroundings, however as they are located around the world they speak whatever languages they need to to blend in.
Explain your race’s physical attributes.
The Aeternus look completely human. The only differences between humans and Venatori are the additional proteins in their blood.
Think about your creatures’ occupations.
There are only two occupations with in the Venatori – Hunters and Scrin. Hunters go out in the world and police the supernatural by hunting down rogue elements. The Scrin are the support people – teachers, librarians, scientists – anything and everything needed to support the Hunters.
Explain how advanced they are.
The Venatori are not very advanced technologically. They struggle with adapting new things, and therefore are stuck with early 90s era computer technology. They do supplement their tech with some magic, but a magic they cannot recreate only use what is available to them. They however have the most advanced genetic programs and medical technology in the world – the one thing they excel at.
Describe the other civilizations your race interacts with.
Most of the Supernatural races sneer at the Venatori, they fear them but they only obey because otherwise would mean to die. The Humans do not know they exist except for maybe in myths and fairy tales.
Describe your race’s magical or special powers.
The Venatori are all bred to be super strong, agile and have super healing abilities. Every Venatori also has some innate mental ability common to human paths – telepathy, empathy, precognition, etc. Some Venatori are also born with the magic of the dragons they are called Magnus they can bend one or more elements but only one at a time. However a very small percentage of Magnus can bend all the elements at the same time – they are called Cesari.
Come up with population statistics for your race.
About 1% of the earth’s population. In the year 2017 there are 7.53 billion beings on earth which would equate to 75.3 million Venatori. In NYC alone there are (8.623 million beings in NYC) 172K Venatori (2% of NYC population, 0.2% of the Venatori population) and the number has been increasing every year for the past 5 years.
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So to preface this, AJ has never watched Zombieland so this is all new to her, which means I have no reference. But I’ve been told these are some quotes to live by – specially now with everyone coming after me. Or if there is ever the Zombie apocalypse. Or maybe for the days of the Coronavirsus panic…? [rules from here]
Rule #1: Cardio
“When the virus struck, for obvious reasons, the first ones to go were the fatties.”Rule #2: Double Tap
“You had to get a gun and learn how to use it, which leads me to my second rule: the double tap. In those moments when you’re not sure the undead are really dead-dead, don’t get all stingy with your bullets. I mean, one more clean shot to the head.”Rule #2 (Deleted Scene): Ziploc Bags
“You got enough problems, moisture shouldn’t be one of them.”Rule #3: Beware of Bathrooms
“Don’t let them catch you with your pants down.”Rule #4: Seatbelts
“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”Rule #6 (Promotional Video): Cast Iron Skillet
“Big. Cast iron. Contrary to what you’ve seen, it won’t flatten a face, but the feel of it when you hit something, chills. Your whole arm vibrates.”Rule #7: Travel Light
“And I don’t mean just luggage.”Rule #12 (Promotional Video): Bounty Paper Towels
“If there is one way to describe Zombieland, it is ‘moist.’”Rule #15 (Promotional Video): Bowling Ball
“Nothing says massive head trauma like a bowling ball — preferably 16 pounds. Don’t use a little pink one.”Rule #17: Don’t be a Hero
As Columbus says, “Some rules are made to be broken.”Rule #18: Limber Up
“Going down that hill, it is very important.”Rule #29 (Promotional Video): The Buddy System
“We have each other’s backs.”Rule #31: Check the Back Seat
“No one back there but my duffel bag.”Rule #32: Enjoy the Little Things
“I hate to give credit to anyone who looks like Yosemite Sam, but I’m writing it down.” Thanks for this one, Tallahassee!Rule #33 (Promotional Video): Swiss Army Knife
“The Swiss army used that knife for a reason.” -
Today on AJ’s feed an article by KM Weiland popped up. One of those authors AJ follows for their writing advice. Today’s article was about ten qualities all likable hero’s must possess.
And I of course had to check myself up against those criteria. But I’m eager to hear what my average reader thinks as well. Do I stack up?
The top ten qualities required of a hero:
- Action
- Morality
- Selflessness
- Competence
- Loved by Others
- Bravery
- Determination
- Relatability (my spell check says this is not a word…)
- Wit
- Kindness
So I think I do well till we hit 8 and 9. Am I relatable? That’s where I come to you for help? Is my plight relatable? Do you put yourself in my shoes? Or is my world and my dilemmas something you can’t understand. AJ touches on some human issues in places, bullying and homophobia, abuse – probably a few other things but is the reality of my world too much? Is the magic over the top? Do I posses things you can’t get behind. Do I seem contrived and all powerful for the sake of being over powered. If you have a comment one way or the other I’d love to have an active conversation with you about it. AJ too, btw.
And Wit? I don’t think I’m funny. Sure I can come up with a few good lines. But is there wit involved? Again a question for those of you who have actually read my story.
And if you want to read more about those specific qualities and how they apply to heros read the linked article (Here I’ll even link it again.)
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AJ is part of an artsy Facebook group and they put out a Movie Poster challenge. Basically make a movie poster. So AJ decided to enter one that was about me. It’s not precisely right in names but it’s pretty epic if you ask me. AJ’s not quite happy with the color of the fonts, but she really likes it too.
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All other Character InterviewsSo it’s Alex’s turn to answer those 40 questions I did a few weeks ago. Let’s see what he has to say.
What is your darkest childhood memory?
I can’t think of anything specifically dark from my childhood. But now that I remember the dipshit Garrett attacking me in Nox’s dream that is likely the darkest memory I have. Forgetting that was probably for the best though.
What bad habit are you struggling to overcome?
I was a con man – that is hard to get over. Nox doesn’t much care, but I do. He’s too good. I should man up, right?
Why does your journey matter to you personally?
It’s my life? I’ve never been one to have a given direction. I just keep going with the flow.
What does a perfect world look like to you?
Like a big naive ball of profit, honestly. But I got this Pretty Boy who sees it things a lot different than I do. A perfect world would see him free of whatever chains attached to him, living a normal peaceful life with his family (and me). But mostly me!
What smell or scent reminds you of your childhood home?
Cheap perfume and cigarettes.
What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is letting my mom get in that car.
Who was your childhood sweetheart?
That’s a dumb question, Nox of course. He was the only one I had that cared about me for me and he didn’t even remember me.
What do you fear losing the most?
Nox. I’d love to be able to say something else, but I don’t think I could survive losing him again. We’ve been through a lot, I’ve even watched him die I can’t do that again.
Is there a secret spot you like to retreat to? If there is, why that spot?
My favorite spot is the beach. Any beach, but there is this one spot I love the most and until I came back to New York I hadn’t been able to visit it. The was the bad thing about giving up on the City forever.
Do you have a family member that’s ever let you down? If so, how has that affected you?
My mom let me down all the time when I was a kid. But I knew better, I knew our life was always about the con, so if it came down to it I was just a tool to be used.
Are you afraid to be alone?
I’d be lying if I said no, but I won’t elaborate.
Are you proud of who you are?
Not really. I mean I’m successful and have loads of money but that’s nothing to be proud of. I’m not a fucking hero like my Pretty Boy. I’ve no grand plan for my life. I’ve never been more than a grifter.
What keeps you up at night?
All the ways I could lose Nox. Vampires, werewolves, demons, fucking magic. His reckless behavior, his need to save everyone even if they don’t want to be saved. For everything I love about him it’s also what I hate about him.
What was your favorite stuffed animal or toy as a kid?
I didn’t have one. But I’ll go with Mushu since that’s who I was to Nox.
What was your worst injury ever?
I’ve never had a bad injury. Never broke my arm or leg. Not even sprained a wrist or finger.
What song makes you think of your crush?
Hmmm…..I’m going to go with Perfect – no not by Edward Sheeran! My Darkest Days
What was your bravest moment?
My bravest moment was letting my Pretty Boy run into me after 5 years especially after he flaked on me and set his dipshit friend to tell me off….Yeah I know the real story but still pissed about it.
Who can make you smile no matter how bad you feel?
I’d love to be able to say Nox, but if I’m feeling bad he’s feeling worse. Sometimes I think he’s an empath more than anything. And he might have some of that in him too for all the fuck we know. But Cass can cheer me up, she has this way about her, she’s never sad.
What is one thing you always carry with you?
My car keys. Even though I don’t actually drive anywhere, I’m the only one in the whole family that carries any sort of keys. Nox has keys but he never carries them, magic for the win I guess. So I’m strange, I don’t need the key to get in the house, but I still carry them. Growing up human and all.
Who is one person you would never ever want to see again? Why?
Garrett Spencer! I see him again I’ll probably kill him.
What, to you, is the worst way to die?
There are lots of horrible ways to die, but the worst? Burning alive I guess would have to be the worst.
You can bring one person back to life. Who would you choose and why?
Ghandi, or Abraham Lincoln or JFK someone who could have done more for this world.
Is it easy to admit when you’ve made a mistake?
I don’t make mistakes!
Is it easy for you to forgive others? (Truly?)
Not even slightly. My love for Nox is the only thing that let me forgive him. And the truth eventually, but if I didn’t love him he’d still be on my shit list.
You’re on your death bed. Who do you want by your side?
Nox.
Your childhood bully has grown up to be a philanthropist. Do you praise him and give to his cause? Or do you turn a shoulder to him and scoff?
Hell the fuck no! and I didn’t have any childhood bullies didn’t stay in the same place long enough to.
Who would you want to raise your child if you die unexpectedly?
I’m going to have to agree with Nox on this one. If we are both gone, Ryan is the best person to raise Quinn, the twins and the rest of our kids.
Do you suffer from a reoccurring nightmare? If so, what happens in it?
No. I don’t recall having any nightmares ever. Probably something to do with being a dream walker and all.
What do you notice first about a person?
Their thoughts. It’s hard not to go there first when they are there for the looking.
Do you find it difficult to praise others?
Yes.
Which color do you feel looks best on you?
Black.
What’s your drink of choice?
A great whiskey on the rocks.
Which parent do you take after more? (If they know their parents)
I never met my dad so I’d have to say my Mom and since she’s not here to ask it has to be my Mom .
What quality about your parent do you admire? Abhor? (If they know their parents)
I don’t admire anything about my mom. She’s my mom. She was my world.
Do you wish to be a loner? Or have a family one day? (Or if they already have a family, do they enjoy family life or regret it?)
Before Nox, I was destined to live alone, die alone, etc. Now I can’t imagine life without family. How I’d want to live without them I can’t fathom. But don’t tell them that.
What odd habits or ticks do you have?
Do I have any? I suppose I tend to listen to a persons thoughts too much and while I try not to react to them that doesn’t always happen.
Have you traveled to other lands? Or planets, even?
I’ve been all over the US but not out of the 48 continental states.
Do you feel a need to fix or repair problems that don’t directly involve you?
Nope. That’s all Nox.
How do you view other races or cultures?
With skepticism. And I’m not talking other human races or cultures, the difference between us are different than the strange things that the supernatural races live by. How they can govern themselves and yet they fear the Venatori. The is nothing special about the Venatori. Just ruthless killers if you ask me.
Do you worry about what the future will bring?
Every fucking day! My life was predictable before Nox. Now I wonder if I’ll survive day to day.
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So AJ is taking a look at the races and was thinking about how things might look if my World were an RPG. Now that means we’ve been taking a look at character creation. How to keep a single character from overpowering another character is balancing act. Something that all RPGs have to take into consideration. At least you’d think that would be the case. But in most things that is not the case not 100% anyway.
But AJ’s giving it a shot. She’s trying to keep in mind me, and my brood, while giving the world a balanced look.
If you are interested in watching the information unfold, you can check out the google doc.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TGZHkEYChx6OEwZKGaI1DV_eJVT0Oui-bArKb1cE19M/edit?usp=sharing
I’ll share some of the things AJ’s having issues with.
The first part was determining a scale. Is it better to use numbers like in D&D, or maybe a plus minus system like Gurps, or maybe a dot system like in the White Wolf stuff.
But my world isn’t set up like any of those really so AJ has her own scale at the moment it’s a little bit of all of those things thrown in together. Skills that each ‘race’ has is a bit more difficult because AJ isn’t sure what we can all do.
However, she did pick up on one downside to being Ascendant that is the reason behind Prometheus/Poet’s 180. So that was something. It’s all rather fun looking at this in a technical type way. AJ’s not working a D&D number system, more like a ranking system. This is how good you are compared to someone else.
Me I get to be a god – cause I’m the hero. And through me my crew is more powerful – it’s one of the perks of being touched by the umbra! A reason for everything we do in the story explained.
The document is ever changing so go ahead and give it a look comment if you can, I don’t know if AJ set up that way or not (I forget).
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Series: World Lore
Classify your race: The Aeternus are one of the First races created, but are not thought to be extinct.
Give a general overview:
The Aeternus are an immortal race with a very small population.
Give them personality traits.
The Aeternus are confident and intelligent but they don’t have the capacity to think outside the box.
Give them a physical description:
The Aeternus look like humans in the real world so as to blend in with humanity. They are born, and age until they are 25 years of age, once they reach the age of 25, they live for another 25 years before they regenerate into a different form.
Describe the clan or tribe:
The Aeternus develop along side the humans in the same regions. They speak the same laugages as the humans in the region. They mix and mingle with them but are not part of them.
Explain the relationship between your race and other races:
The Aeternus believed they were created to watch over all other races. Though there was no ‘divine’ evidence of such a degree. But their immortality saw human history pass them by.
Give your race a History:
The Aeternus are now extinct replaced by a subspecies of their own making. The Aeternus had a job called ‘Venatori’ which was a job for hunting creatures down who violated the rules of the land. The Venatori as an organization saw that their way of doing things without thinking like a human was determental to their jobs so they started a breeding program that incorporated other races in the mix. They bred with humans eventually diluting their immortality to nothing. The Venatori also attempted to breed with vampires but the experiments failed miserably. The Dragons refused to breed with them but a few dragons mated with humans creating netherdragons, of which the Venatori were then able to breed with. These experimentations created magics inside of the Venatori. Eventually the Aeternus tried to eliminate the humanity of their race but in the end they ended their own race when the Venatori slaughtered them without mercy.
Explain your race’s alignments.
The Aeternus are typically aligned with Order.
Explain their religion.
The Aeternus do not have a religion in terms of worshiping a god. They believe they were created to oversee the other races. They believe magic is it’s own entity called the Umbra made up of energy both order and chaos reign in infinite capacity.
Describe your race’s language.
The Aeternus speak whatever language is available in the region as their sole society is integration into the humans,
Explain your race’s physical attributes.
The Aeternus look human.
Think about your creatures’ occupations.
The Aeternus have two basic occupations – Venatori and Scrin. The Venatori were the hunters/police, and the Scrin were the support for the hunters.
Explain how advanced they are
The race itself was not very advanced, but they did have an understanding of the basics of genetics and used it to create a warrior race with magical abilities.
Describe the other civilizations your race interacts with.
Other supernatural races feared the Aeternus. The humans on the other hand do not even know they exist.
Describe your race’s magical or special powers.
The Aeternus only difference from humans were their inability to think outside the box and their immortality.
Come up with population statistics for your race.
The Aeternus had a small population in their peak of existence there was approximately 140K Aeternus worldwide. About 1% of the earth’s population. [At present there is 1 living Aeternus]
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“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.”
—Proverb
The Mind of Nox 