Frizan

RPGC #23: InGlorious - Discussion

So I have actually finished my story. Wooo

Inspiration hit me like a truck and from there I tapped it out in a few hours.

However, I have a small issue: it’s 2,086 words. I don’t want to shorten it more, because I feel I’ll lose some of the story if I do. But I’m willing to if needed.

The Rules ask to keep it under 2,000. 86 isn’t too much over. May I submit my slightly too long story?

Edit: 2,048 and dropping.

@Crimson Raven

Whittle down as far as you can, without compromising the overall story of course. Your entry is not far above the limit, but I would like all entries to be as close to 2000 words as possible.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 2 (Completed)

Leif on his death bed

RPGC #23: InGlorious - Discussion

Feel free to direct any feedback or questions here! Please keep discussion relevant to the associated contest. All other Guild posting rules also apply.

RPGC #23: InGlorious - Prompt and Entries

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Heroes unite! There are ne'er-do-wells afoot! A maiden cries for help in a distant tower! Brutish thugs harass the fair citizenry of the land! You have been chosen by a higher power to fight these evils and restore peace and light to our world, and so you shall. Be it by blade, magic, arrow or raw cunning, these villains shall never see their wicked machinations come to fruition, and you will be the hand of justice that ensures this!

And when it is all done, when all the maidens have been rescued and all the gangs sent to their new barred homes, your job will be complete...or will it? Surely there is more out there, more malicious entities that cannot be redeemed, that seek only to destroy and maim. Of course there are, you simply have not come across them yet. But you will be ready, always vigilant.

It is your mission. You will destroy evil wherever you find it, and little does the average peasant know, there is evil under every rock and around every corner! The simple folk must be protected at all costs. You are their hero, after all, their savior, their one true hope. Whether they understand your actions or the measures you must take or not, you shall defend them against evil.

You know best, of course.

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Contest Rules

1. For this contest, the focus shall be on a person or peoples of great prestige "going bad", for lack of a better term. Be it a great hero chosen by the gods or a mere "man of the people", I want you to show how exactly one can go too far in performing their duties. Maybe they're just egocentric, perhaps they've always been a bit of a blood knight, it is up to the writer how they wish to show their characters' descent into what they hate the most.

2. Feel free to write from the perspective of an outsider observing the main cast's actions. Explain what the average person might think about seeing someone they held so highly fall so low.

3. Your heroes must, yes, perform some very unheroic things during the story. But, try to show their thought process. Surely they still believe that they are doing the right thing, they just don't know the true impact of their actions.

4. Please keep entries under 2000 words.

As a bonus objective: If you wish, you can build up your heroes around specific vices; lust, greed, pride, etc. Again, more of a bonus, not a requirement for a complete entry.

Grounds for disqualification

1. Plagiarism.

2. Your entry having no clear connection to the prompt.

3. Gratuitous violence or gore.

4. No explicit sex scenes. Fade to black is fine.

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The deadline for RPGC #23 shall be Wednesday, May 8th. Please post all entries in this thread, and direct all questions and feedback to my PM box or the associated Discussion thread, and I will gladly answer them.

Please hold off all votes and critiques until the proper thread has been erected for this prompt.

Mahz's Dev Journal

@Mahz

All I want to request is that the contests section be put a bit higher on the main page. As it stands, it is below even the literal test forum, and above only one other subforum, that being Suggestions/Problems. I could host ten contests a week and advertise in the status bar, but if people don't actually see it on the main page it may as well be just a myth to them. "Contests section? What contests section?" - Most people, probably.

It's honestly a bit baffling that the persistent world sits far above everything else, save for the News subforum while the contests section may as well be in the Guild equivalent of the Underdark.

The Elder Scrolls: Fruits of Contention - Chapter 2 (Completed)

4 PM, Last Seed 16
Administrator's Office, Evermore Castle

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"Real smooth, Runner Boy."

He could hear Roze's voice as clear as day; she'd no doubt find the Imperial's amateur infiltration amusing. For whatever reason he honestly didn't expect the guards to find the dagger, but then again, he only had experience with robbing small shops. Even at that he was a little rusty, however. Disregarding Sagax's skill, or lack thereof, he was still smart enough to surrender the weapon without protest, verbal and nonverbal. He didn't bother trying to offer excuses to the guards, a waste of breath honestly, but he was offered a convenient out by the aged Breton. Sagax gladly accepted his invitation, giving a courteous bow to the guards before leaving.

The man's office was not sizeable, but it was very clean and well organized. Short stacks of papers were placed symmetrically on one end of the desk, with an hourglass and bust of the Duchess on the other, the bust angled perfectly to be facing directly toward whoever may be sitting at the desk. A set of cabinets on the back wall were lined with plates and vases painted with landscapes and historical figures. There were pieces with more abstract artwork, but curiously there seemed to only ever be one at a time, placed between the other articles on the shelves as if to separate them. A few paintings varying in size and content filled the wall next to the door, and a circular window took up the wall at the other end of the room, letting in more than enough light to fill the space.

While he was looking around the room, Sagax saw the Breton place his dagger in a small trunk. It was clear he would not be getting that back any time soon, and he hoped Piper and the others would come through and get him his sword back. Until then, he would just need to make do with whatever he could find if something happened. Things seemed calm at this point though, so Sagax didn't worry too much.

"Now, son, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"

Time to see if you can still work your magic, Sagax.

The Imperial stood straight, placing himself perfectly in the middle of the room in front of the desk. "As you have already deduced, my lord, I am Shay Cormac." He said with a bow. "I am quite far away from home, you see...I hail from Anvil, in Cyrodiil."

The Breton perked up a curious eyebrow. "Anvil? My word, yes are are far from home, boy. Why in the world are you here?" he asked, placing his clasped hands together on the desk.

Spin it Sagax, spin it...

The Imperial looked to the ground and let out a small sigh. "That, my lord, is a long story...." Sagax cleared his throat and folded his hands behind him, standing "at ease".

"You see, my lord, I am a wanderer. I come and go frequently and take jobs wherever I can find them. That is why I have so suddenly appeared on your list of servants."

His expression reflecting growing curiosity, the administrator continued his questioning. "I see...yes, I suppose that makes sense. But why? Surely, I would think that if one could find a steady line of work, they would stay put. Unless..." He pondered, leaning forward slightly. "Are you on the run, boy?"

"On the run...? Oh, no my lord, not at all!" Sagax responded, with an air of both shock and offense. "No no no, not on the run. In fact, I..." He paused for a mere moment, conjuring up further details of his fable in his head before putting them to word. "...I would actually be the one giving chase."

"You see, my lord, the reason why I find myself always on the move is because I am searching for my family."

"Your family, hm?" The man's voice maintained its tone of curiosity. It reminded Sagax of how his father would interview citizens. Impartial, but still wishing to get to the bottom of things. "What happened to your family, my boy?"

"Truth be told, my lord, I have no idea. That is why I am searching for them."

"You...don't know?"

"No, my lord. I was very young when they disappeared, my mother, father and young cousin. I woke up one day, and they were simply...gone. That very next day I was in an orphanage, the only thing to my name being that selfsame knife you found on me." Sagax explained, gesturing to the storage trunk. "Oh, and my lord, please accept my apologies for bringing it with me...I knew full well it would not be allowed, but it's all I have. It has always been so hard to leave behind. Truth be told, this has happened before." He added sheepishly.

"I see..." he finally said after several moments of pondering. "So you hope to find them by exploring the world? I doubt you have or will have much luck...I have never heard the name 'Cormac' before."

"Yes, such has been my dilemma, my lord. Everywhere I go, it is as if the name 'Cormac' does not exist. I searched all over Cyrodiil, across the mountains of Skyrim, and I have even trekked through the grand cities of Morrowind. I have found nothing, however."

"My my, you have had quite the journey, my boy." The administrator said as his eyes widened slightly in surprise. "I don't believe I would be able to help you myself, but I wish you luck...and I hope you are not planning on leaving us soon. As I said, we have been in need of extra hands..."

Sagax smiled and bowed. "I thank you for you kind words, my lord. And do not worry, I am no lout. When I am privileged enough to find work during my search, I stay and perform my duties faithfully. Some may receive their first lot of pay and leave, but I am not one of them.

"Most excellent." the Breton said while glancing at the hourglass next to him. The lower section had accumulated several inches of sand during their conversation. "Mmh, yes, about what I expected...well I believe I've kept you long enough, son. We should be receiving the majority of the guests soon, and I am certain they will be famished."

"Aha...aren't they always, my lord?"

"Indeed, and the Duchess knows it full well. Hm...there is still a little bit of time before the festivities start proper. The Duchess has ordered a bountiful stock of liqueurs and brews, and I would suggest you familiarize yourself with the catalogue, for I am certain some guests will have special orders."

"Of course, my lord, it would not do to disappoint the Duchess' esteemed guests. I will see to it immediately." Sagax said with another bow. "Oh, and my lord...I do know it is a tad improper for a servant to ask a favor of the higher members of the estate, but please, see that my dagger is safe. It truly is all I have left."

The administrator waved his hand. "I would not worry too much about it, as it will be perfectly safe here. Thieves do not last long unnoticed in our castle.

"Thank you, my lord. My greatest gratitude to you!" He bowed again...Sagax hoped he wasn't overdoing it. "I shall see to my duties; whatever the guests wish for, they shall have it post-haste."

"Very good, see that they do. This is quite the important little get-together and the Duchess would hate for anyone to leave dissatisfied." The administrator then took out a small book from his breast pocket and began scribbling on its pages.

"Spoke with one Shay Cormac...approximately fiteen minutes...keepsake confiscated and locked in storage..." He muttered to himself before stowing the book away and looking back up to Sagax. "You are dismissed, Cormac. I also must see to my duties. So many lists, so many names, so little time..."

Sagax bowed and took his leave while the administrator rejoined the guards. "Master Delacourt." One spoke, handing him a list of servants that had yet to check in.

---

5:45 PM, Last Seed 16
Royal Garden, Evermore Castle

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The amicable Shay Cormac made his way through the crowds, plate of beverages balanced expertly on the flat of his palm. Of all the servants on the grounds, he was confident that he was the swiftest; he even had to refill his tray twice. Shay first delivered drinks to his compatriots, but sadly he had no news other than the Duchess' varied selections of wines in the castle cellar to deliver to Gustav. Of course, he also served the other guests in hopes of overhearing any juicy gossip. He was ever friendly, but he also made sure to not be intrusive; the only thing worse than a thirsty noble was an annoyed one. Shay spoke his niceties and compliments, and then went on his way. Eavesdropping, unfortunately, did not bring light to anything interesting. Mostly comments on the entertainment of the party and politics from their homelands. There was certainly conspiratorial talk, but none that pertained to the threat he and the others were hired to intervene against.

Shay could see no omens of an attack, and all seemed to be calm. However, the night was young, and anything could happen. It was hard to speak for Shay, but if any proved foolish enough to assault anyone within the castle, Sagax was going to be ready. They would be eliminated...through deadly force if necessary.

RPGC #22: Ode to Fury - Discussion

Feel free to direct any feedback or questions here! Please keep discussion relevant to the associated contest. All other Guild posting rules also apply.

RPGC #22: Ode to Fury - Prompt and Entries

Ode to Fury

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Winter's grasp ebbs and the green, though still struggling, returns to us. The sun's radiance spills over the world, dispelling the frost once again. We have seen fit to greet the warmth that bright yellow ball with the warmth of our hearts as people all over come together to share their love for each other.

But for all the warmth in the world, there is always the trace of cold hiding away in the darkest corners of the heart. Rage, hate, prejudice, all things we desperately try to overcome. Unfortunately, it is difficult to shake their grip, and some have a harder time of it than others. Despite their best intentions, they lose control and often ultimately end up hurting and destroying what they hold dear. These are the people that we shall focus on today.

Let their stories serve as cautionary tales against capitulating to the cold recesses of the heart.

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Contest Rules

1. The focus of the story must be on what happens when one gives in to the negative emotions listed above(rage, hate, prejudice, etc.). The character from whose eyes we see the story unfold from need not be the carrier of those negative aspects; you are more than free to relate the aftereffects from an outsider's perspective.

2. Your story can focus on whole entities rather than singular people overcome with these negative aspects(ex. two warring nations)

3. You must show how letting these negative aspects overcome them affects your character/s personally; even if it is not directed at those around them, actions can and usually do have wide reaching side effects that go beyond their intended target.

4. There are no winners in hate and war. These negative aspects are often catalysts for tragedy, and it will be no different here. The consequences for the actions of your character/s should be devastating and permanent. Really show why one must control themselves in the face of these aspects, lest their stories echo the ones told here.

Grounds for disqualification

1. Plagiarism.

2. Your entry having no clear connection to the prompt.

3. Gratuitous violence or gore.

4. We probably won't be experiencing any of this but I gotta cover all bases. No explicit sex scenes. Fade to black is fine.

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The deadline for RPGC #22 shall be Saturday, March 9th. Please post all entries in this thread, and direct all questions and feedback to my PM box or the associated Discussion thread, and I will gladly answer them.

Please hold off all votes and critiques until the proper thread has been erected for this prompt.

RPGC: General Discussion

I made the character contest. I must be an absolute mad man.

But yea, let me know how I did. I'm expecting a small turnout, with the next ones coming along better.

@BrokenPromise

I wish you luck! Sorry about not responding to your request earlier, been working ten hour days this week and I don't work a very relaxing job so I've been going to work, getting home and just crashing immediately. But it was on my list of priorities though, Promise! I promise!

If anyone else has ideas for mini-contests I suppose one could call them, PM me or tag me in this thread and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

RPGC #21: How The Guild Saved Christmas - Discussion

Congratulations are in order for @Calle for winning this contest! I enjoyed the kind of fairytale feeling Midwinter Demons gave off. For the record, though, I enjoyed all the entries!

Keep an eye on the Writing Contests sections, everyone, because I shall have the next one up Soon(TM)