SleepingSilence

Post a random fact about yourself.

Are we being morbid? Okay. Uh. I'm basically convinced that I'm probably going to die early (in the grand scheme) of life.

I was born with the umbilical cord wrapped twice around my neck. Which certainly left a lasting impression. And I had previously been described as a ticking time bomb, with dried blood clots in my lungs when I was 18. (And now I'm perfectly aware, one blood clot can mean instant death. Thanks internet.) Which added yet another health concern that lasts forever and usually only happens to incredibly old people and it's not even genetic. So I won the health lotto. Another side is injury can be much more severe, and I've already been attacked by strangers in unavoidable circumstances. Thankfully, I don't seem to have any of my dad's health issues and my weight is good. At least my mental health isn't really a factor in my livelihood anymore. But I have a feeling that won't really matter. So crossed fingers I live long enough to care for those that need it. And that my friends don't beat me to it, through their own misfortunes that I can't imagine happen to most of the population.

But, that's not really a current/pressing concern on my mind. So no worries.

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

I don't agree that it was obvious that your character would need someone resourceful and cunning. Especially with a title like the savage and the subservient. You can't have it both ways. I have a female who is cunning but she wouldn't have been a slave. Although I might have been able to make her one. I have a woman who is social but again not a slave.

@KatherinWinter

Assuming our characters have to follow a strict and linear path based on the title that already has a additional explanation given in IC to describe the inhabitants of the world in a general matter. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Even so, Bastian has clearly shown to be someone to rush into things and his impulsivity is the antithesis of thoughtful planning. It don't think you need someone book smart, and maybe someone in a cell wouldn't be well traveled or knowledgeable about the world. And you don't lie.

It does me question what she did do while imprisoned...she had to have done or learned something that would be useful right? Like pickpocketing, or picking a lock. Yes, having brains to go with brawn, and someone who can make rational plans would be immensely useful...

Liz's strength is fighting for others but he hasn't needed her to do that. At the stables she was prepared to defend the horses even though she isn't a fighter. She had even grabbed the arm of the mage closest to her. There was no clear threat when Bastian's wagon was moved.

@KatherinWinter

I misremembered that scene. You're correct. Though, that still shows that I most certainly have given you chances for you and her character to shine or stand out.

Going into the city alone would have been hard but doable. That wasn't the problem. The problem was that she was expected to something I had no logical way for her to do. He didn't say go to this person and ask these questions. Instead he sent her into a gambling hall to find someone with a bounty on their head. Finding someone like the Blade Beauty isn't as simple as finding a butcher or even a boundy hunter. Someone with the reputation of the Bladed Beauty isn't going to be easy to find nor is asking usual "How do I find such and such" going to work. Once I had a way for Liz to search for the Bladed Beauty that made sense given the reputation of the woman I would have done so without an issue. But in the situation described not even my criminal character would have been able to do what Bastian wanted.

Liz was a slave. In ever book I've read that comes with restrictions as well as a way for others to identify them.

@KatherinWinter

Nothing is undoable in a fantasy story/setting. Let's make that clear.

Not every action characters do need to pay off in their favor. Maybe characters will make bad decisions and pay for them. But the only problem is if it was out of character for either to do what they did. And it wasn't. So there is no problem with Bastian hoping that his partner could do the unthinkable.

But practically, his assumption was you'd not only be safer in the northern side of town. (Not a completely incorrect/out of place thing to do, for him to have you go to where he thinks is safer.) So even if you debate, could she have done what she was sent to do at the northside. There's literally already an additional benefit for her to go there. (In Bastian's eyes.)

Remember again, in dialogue. She is NOT well known, she's known by her rare clientele. She's basically known more, in this city by the people and nowhere else.

But disregarding that, you yourself are on their side. A criminal in a place full of criminals. You're acting like she'd stand out because of her criminal necklace. But she's going to an illegal gambling ring. She's in good company. She also has the whole beastkind uprising that the humans in the city are now protesting in the streets together for such purposes.

My beastkind didn't need help. He was offering help. There was no reason to fight for my beastkind. He didn't need Bastian. He wasn't asking for their help. He simply wanted to offer his aid.

@KatherinWinter

You are thinking from an out of character prospective, not Elizabeth's. Yes, that beastkind offered help. Though intruding and being sly wasn't the best way to approach someone who just a bit ago got thrown down a waterfall by another suspicions aid. (who again, he couldn't merely turn back.)

Though if he also was troubled and in a similar situation I can't imagine he didn't also need or want allies/reinforcements. So it would be bizarre for a kindred spirit to not need any help of his own, but give up and permanently do so when he knows kids lives are on the line. (and he'd have to assume Bastian is just a worried parent.)

So disregarding questioning that characters morals and actions. Elizabeth didn't have a trust issue with your beastkind. She promised to help Bastian, she wanted to help Bastian. She obviously knows of the danger, knows Bastian's reckless and wants to be freed. So Elizabeth has every reason to convince Bastian to have him cool off a little and accept the help. Saying you didn't see a reason why Elizabeth should since it's Bastian's screw up (not mine mind you, he acted perfectably in character) Seems more petty than Elizabeth actually seems to be.

I didn't expect the kidnappers to take the kids in front of the Beastkind. However there are usually reasons that people get targeted for kidnapping which would give the Beastkind leads. Were they taken for revenge? That tells him where to look. Were they take for money? That tells him where they might go. Depending how much time has passed since his kids were taken he could pick up their trail using his sense of smell. Right now he seems to have nothing.

@KatherinWinter

He already was able to assume to wasn't for money, because no evidence and note was left. Nor had he been contacted. I've already described this in IC. It would only give him answers for revenge if he had a clue who wanted vengeance on him.

And for the record, his kids are being kidnapped for reasons that have nothing to do with him. But his father. (he's kind of important, hence why I bring him up multiple times. 3 times is a pattern kind of deal.) But he doesn't know that, and it makes no sense for him to have answers in this case.

He had a lead given to him from his friend, that lead him to the city that had another lead that will actually have the names of the kidnapping victims. Frankly, in a magical world with all that can happen. He's actually making pretty decent progress all things concerned. Even if it is, favorable luck and unfortunate circumstances. (which is kind of the curse in a nutshell.)

I would have taken control of the northside when Liz went off alone IF I had some clue how this world works. But things that seem logical to me don't seem to work in the world you are building.

@KatherinWinter

We are both supposed to be building the world. That is the point. We agreed upon doing this before we started.

I will not change the course of the story. I hate when people do that. Especially when I have a clear goal.

You seem to have a road map you want them to follow. So I am following that.

I don't think you are picking up my ideas. And I admit they are subtle. Maybe too subtle. I don't like pushing the plot. Especially when I am not sure that my idea will help or hurt. I don't like it when people push the story away from the main goal of the plot.

@KatherinWinter

The red and blue statements are in conflict. You don't want to change the story because you don't like that. You don't want to introduce ideas because you're aren't sure if they'll work. BUT. I'm the problem, if I cannot somehow go in a direction you yourself claim you aren't making on purpose. So what else can I reasonably do?

If you don't want to push the plot, in general. I would have been fine just doing the story/plot myself so you wouldn't have needed to worry about it.

But my biggest contention is I'm confused on all the questioning of my character and story (like it's connected to me personally.) Like seemingly getting insulted by Bastian's actions toward your NPC character. Throwing that idea, like a baby with the bathwater. Because Bastian who was already -not- in a good mood. Was grumpy because a second stranger acted suspicious and interrupted their journey. You have not provided a single world element, character, or detail that I haven't acknowledged in IC.

Especially when the character is suppose to be SUBMISSIVE to the other character.

@KatherinWinter

I'm sorry but I already explained why this is a cop-out. You can still control the story without using Elizabeth to do it. You could add drama through environment or characters.

While I'm at it, "suppose" to. Doesn't even mean you "need" to. Does any real human/character do things without a hint of protest or defiance? But that doesn't need to be answered, because it isn't relevant. (like the character's role in the story has anything to do with how a world/plot can shape.)

1. Bastian's long term friend didn't give them anything. At least not much. Not enough to make him an influential part of the story. They could have gotten that information anywhere.

@KatherinWinter

He not only gave him the single piece of information that allowed him to continue the journey. (he gave Bastian his first real lead.) He gave him information regarding the slave trade, that got him interested in going to you. (So he's the reason your character and mine were introduced. And he gave Bastian the money to pay for Elizabeth too.) He has given us a second horse, a bigger wagon and many extra supplies. (some of those can/may just come up later.) He isn't the only connection they have to the assassin guild's. But Bastian's thinks that's the reason they've helped and will continue to help him. So for a character impaled and killed quite quickly, he was pretty darn helpful.

2. I am undecided how this curse will affect the plot or the relationship. I don't fully understand it yet.

@KatherinWinter

One thing I was considering introducing was, you being able to calm Bastian down exceedingly fast and enable him to better control his curse. Through affectionate action and words. This makes sense because, A. Bastian has dead wife problems and you look just his wife. B. When you kissed, Bastian felt something special. (Bastian is clearly bashful/comfortable around her too.) But wasn't going to bring it up yet, since it was an odd circumstance. C. It is a romance story, and Beauty and the Beast is a nice parallel. D. Adding another reason why he picked you, and how they'll both need each other in the story/plot.

3. You don't need an assassin's guild to have tunnels. But I can see how the tunnels cut the travel time down. I have no problem with that.

@KatherinWinter

But the assassin guild is connected to his father and the curse and the kidnappings. So it's plot relevant, and it was clearly foreshadowed that, that wasn't the last time they'd be seeing the guild in the story. But out of all the places, to assist kidnapping (that's bigger than he is aware.) Also, while fast travel could have been done in other ways. Since I had more planned. It just makes more sense that out of any place to have widespread underground tunnels, would be a place with powerful influence.

5. The uprising makes sense but I doubt it will have much of an impact on the story sense Bastian doesn't care one way or the other.

@KatherinWinter

This was something I didn't plan on really expanding too deeply into. This was purely for world building and gives a sense that going anywhere unfamiliar will likely be a rather dangerous place. But it also isn't wrong to have a world that lives outside your characters interactions.

Whenever I do this plot the Beastkind has a suspect. Bastian doesn't have to know exactly who took his kids. But he seems to have no suspects. He is going off of rumors. That is a terrible way to try to find someone especially in a world like this one. When I question something it is because I am not sure I understand what is wanted or needed. I want a clearer understanding of what is happening so that my character can react. I don't mean to come across as critical but I can't always follow your train of thought.

@KatherinWinter

Bastian was given a lead by his friend. He knows this Bladed Beauty lady has connections with his kidnappers, she's done work for her rare clientele which also gives her more likability to remember and know more information about the kidnappers, and he figures correctly that she's in her home city, where she's safe. (and as you can now tell.) Is kind of trapped at, due to the massive mob of uprising Beastkind at the entrance. Bastian doesn't know why or who took his kids, because that was the intention of the criminals. They do not even want Bastian at all. He doesn't factor into any of his enemies plans. They wanted the kids. (At least that was the direction I intended to go.)

I apologize if I come across in a negative way. I understand that I haven't explained much. I figured like most stories, information would be shown in IC. In due time. I can understand now that you'd prefer me to give you a detailed explanation OOC before moving forward in IC. So you can more easily follow along and I'd hope give you confidence to contribute to the story itself?

So, I also apologize the long stall of this roleplay. If you wish for me to continue by starting off with an explanation of what my next several post intend to accomplish. I can post such things and continue the roleplay. And get back to posting in IC more regularly.

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

@KatherinWinter I apologize for not directly @ mentioning you in posts, makes it take longer for you to realize you've been messaged.

When I created this plot the idea was to a Beastkind to lose their child and need a human to help them.

I put in a character that seemed to fit what you were looking for. Liz's personality presents many challenges. She is shy, has no confidence, inexperienced. But she will fight for others. But Bastian hasn't needed her only strength, besides healing.

@KatherinWinter

Even when we we were in the discussion phase of the story. I mentioned my character is a good fighter. The reason he needed a human plot-wise was certain sections/places had restrictions on Beastkind. Obviously needing someone resourceful, cunning or social to do what he couldn't do in those areas. So, I'm fine with the challenges Liz put into place. (Because I made my own IC challenges, in form of a curse. I also hoped that my character could help push your character out of some of those weaknesses. As I intended the same.) But you should be aware giving the antithesis of what he needed would lead to IC complications.

Her strength is fighting for others? How so exactly? She's already been in several situations were Bastian needed her to do something likely out of her comfort zone. Or times where standing up for injustice could have happened, but didn't.

We've established she doesn't actually know how to fight. When people attacked the horses at the stables, she really didn't say or do much. (granted it was a swift action.) She froze when confronted with people robbing Bastian's cart. Which again, was fine and made sense.

But she's hardworking, and was given one task that he required her for. (That was inevitable.) Going to this city which restricted Beastkind access. Then you told me in OOC, that action was impossible and couldn't be done by your character. The one action that very much required your character's help. Helk, even when Bastian was being too temperamental toward the stranger beastkind (your npc) Elizabeth could have been a bit assertive and persuasive in convincing Bastian to accept his help. Fighting for someone (verbally) that clearly needed it. But didn't, and she still behaved very passively and stayed out of the way.

Generally the beast knows who took their kids. They have a trail to follow but Bastian doesn't which is fine.

@KatherinWinter

My question would be, if you were a child-napper. The one with those kids in question is seemingly blood thirsty, fast and powerful. Would you attempt to take those child right in front of his face? Or when he was gone/away? And if away, would you be foolish enough to leave a note explaining who you were in great detail? Especially, in a world of magic. The fact that Bastian doesn't have all the answers. Not only is better for drama/story sake. But it just makes more rational sense to me, especially since that lack of information gives him the desire to seek help in the first place. But I digress.

He always had a trail. It just wasn't as straight forward. But we were at the point where I actually was going to give us that trail, but at the same time I wanted to introduce the romance aspect and push the curse further. (If/when we continue, you'll see.)

I can lead but I don't mind following if I understand the world. Ideal I prefer both parties to take turns but I know that isn't always possible.

@KatherinWinter

Here's the thing. I've purposely tried giving you several points that I left vague, in order for you to branch into your own world-building and designing your own scenarios and characters. Elizabeth going to the Northside by herself. In IC, it made sense for it to happen. The story was built for this, it wasn't random. And OOC, it gave you a perfect opportunity to craft the story how you wanted and change the story and move it to an unexpected direction. But you absolutely rejected the idea and seemed to completely give up on the idea without having an IC fix.

If you didn't think she could do the task given to her. Another option you had aside from talking to Bastian about it. Is to have something else happen instead. Have someone connected to my kidnappers somehow be here, and attempt to kidnap you too. It would force me in (OOC) to change the stories direction. And in IC, Bastian would reasonably go to a restricted area to rescue her. There's so much, in many parts of the story that you could have added something like that. But consciously decided against it.

I don't mind you building a world. But many of the elements seem to have no role so it seems like a waste of time and effort.

@KatherinWinter

Almost everything I've created has had purpose/builds the world. Here's things I've added thus far. (in simple terms.)

1. A long-time friend who has given Bastian the trail to find his kids, useful supplies and learning about the slave trade which he used to acquire you. (I also even gave a plot reason for him to be in that city, because he was babysitting his mad brother.)

2. A cursed item/necklace. (A character flaw, a way to progress through challenges and create problems, and plot related. Also possibly will add to romance.)

3. Assassin Guild (Plot/Character related. Pushed plot forward. Tied into the curse, his friend and my character's father. Can use tunnels in story for quicker access to far away areas.)

4. Character that changes face/appearances. (Gives an even stronger push against why "Bastian should just know his kidnappers on the spot." So only supports my case, and it also is an element in just about every magical fantasy story. So not exactly out of left field. Also was going to use this character to get concrete information on Bastian's kidnappers.)

5. An uprising between Beastkind versus humans? (Makes perfect logical sense given how the world seems racist and exclusionary. I'd argue based on history and how most fantasy stories tend to work out. It would be outright stupid for this not to be apart of the eventually plot. Even if only used a backdrop.)

What elements specifically feel like a waste to you? If you get into specifics, that may be more helpful. So I can rationalize them and we can come to an understanding...

Worldbuilding isn't something I have a lot of experience with. It isn't that I don't like what your doing. I just don't always understand where you are going with your post. If I don't understand what is wanted or needed, it is hard to react.

I don't expect you to control everything but I also don't want to take control since your character is leading mine.

@KatherinWinter

Well I didn't have problems with you not doing a lot of world building. I didn't have problems with a typo here and there. I've said plenty of times, if you add or contribute in a way that's going in a different direction. I'd be more than happy to follow along and work with it in IC. (at least how my character would react to it.) I'm easygoing and can pick up the slack and still try to make the story/RP an enjoyable experience.

The problem comes in, when I feel things are questioned. But not in any curious way, that just comes across as rebuking ideas without actually coming up with solutions or suggestions of one's own. Like telling me that you think less of the character, for not knowing his kidnappers. Which seems a touch cruel.

But if it was you, and if it was actually a criticism of how I built the story. I think I've done more than enough in IC/OOC to justify that position. And really, the only counter was "this is how it was done before." But it didn't tell me how similar the rest of the story was, and why it would make sense for him to know his kidnappers with detailed information. Yet despite having such a wealth of information, not have already stopped them/be in hot pursuit and have the time/thought to randomly grab an inexperienced slave to assist him?

Or when I was told that you didn't think I was reading or properly reacting/acknowledging your posts. So that implies, I'm at fault for something. (Which I'm fine with concerns or mistakes, but they need to be well explained.)

But I was essentially accused of not putting in the basic effort required to roleplay. By not reading your posts carefully enough. Which also implied that you were reading your posts. But when my thought is, "Actually, I am putting in effort to reading the posts enough to notice all these grammatical/spelling mistakes." So, it feels like a kick in the teeth when I'm being told I'm not putting in basic effort to read the posts, when I question if they're being reread. Because if they were, I figured some of these mistakes would be edited out.

I hope you understand why/how I'm concerned in this roleplay. I want to know that we're both putting effort into this, because were enjoying ourselves. If you have something holding you back. I want to eliminate those barriers. So far, it really seems like you've had trouble going along with an introduced plot element that hasn't been outright explained. Which is why I suggested a less vague and focused/detailed narrative that has most the plot laid out. And, if it helps. I probably have an answer for just about every question you may have...if you want to know before it happens in IC. You've asked before, and are free to ask again.

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

(Posting delay for obvious reasons, and having friends over.)

@KatherinWinter That's what I figured. It's unfortunate, because I really have been trying to avoid that. I guess the question is, would you like to start over again or do a new roleplay instead?

It seems like you need a more straight forward plot line. Maybe we can checklist and line up plot elements in preparation, so you never feel lost. I'm willing to put the effort in, to make that possible. If you wish to contribute more, but feel like you can't in the direction I'm taking the story.

I guess that's why I asked, if you prefer leading or following or mixing story lines. Usually it tends to go either/or, because otherwise unless you're very used to role-playing. It will get confusing. I'll admit, I'm adding a lot of things to the plot. If it feels convoluted because I'm trying to make the world live outside our characters, I didn't intend for such.

Because, I'll say you've kind of set yourself up and sort of put limitations on yourself for no real reason. You made a character that won't make decisions, won't speak up. Which in itself doesn't lead to IC, actions in changing the story.

And you don't usually add any outside character details, environments or otherwise. So you can't effect the IC world, if you don't try adding to its overall shape. You also don't/rarely want to work with NPC's I've created, but not for my sake. Because I wanted this to be both our story. You could easily change the direction through NPC action, character action, environmental IC action. But you say you don't want to. Which, you don't -have- to. But if not doing anything, makes you feel like you're not getting involved enough. Well, there's an relatively easy fix for that...

If you don't like a story element I'm doing, or want to add your own. Like I've said. I'm about as free-going in IC story building as possible. But if you don't like the feel of randomness or strange/odd coincidences or plot elements in your fantasy. Then my suggestion to start anew and make a step by step plotline layout is open to try. We can always come back to the story if we wanted to.

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

@KatherinWinter I had changed my mind on the direction this was going.

But I do have a sincere questions regarding this. I'm going to be frank, hopefully it doesn't come across as too blunt.

Are you enjoying this roleplay? Like, do you actually want to do this?

If you feel like this particular story isn't going how you'd like. We can always start fresh with a different idea, or a new start. I'm not opposed to such. I wouldn't be offended if you'd preferred to try something else. I always wanted this to be an enjoyable experience for the both of us.

I didn't ever mean for my word lengths to be overwhelming. I certainly don't mind shorter posts or mistakes. But a lot of what you posted in IC, had multiple spelling errors or typos that seem like the post was rushed. You've stated so many times that you feel like you aren't pleased, whether with how you feel in comparison. Or more recently telling me that you think I wasn't acknowledging your contributions. Because from the very start and now, you questioned in OOC many times about my posts in particular. Without really providing alternatives scenarios.

I don't say anything as a personal complaint. I'm just uncertain that you're liking the roleplay. I don't want either of us to do this with no motivations, or if it feels like work opposed to entertainment.

What Are You Listening To?

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

A crowd clapped along to the tune of another song. Played by strings, without words they sing. The bar wrenches blew out each candle, putting back what had been knocked off the mantel. The men watched Elizabeth approach and stay, all falling silent. The woman shooed the drunk away ones away, all being compliant. Turning to the man dressed in fur, firmly nodding to her. He shuffled a deck of cards, the entrance and her exit blocked by guards. The men exchanged whispers followed by snickers. But Elizabeth couldn’t decipher what they were saying. The woman then folded her hands, like she was praying. Receiving the first two cards given out. She covered her face, masking the briefest pout. Dealing the other hands much faster, Elizabeth and the ten men received their cards shortly after. The dealer stood by his treasure stack, tossing Elizabeth a filled coin sack. Elizabeth felt a reassuring touch from behind, inexplicably giving her peace of mind. Seeing a plain young maiden wearing white, hair dark as the night. The maiden smiles at the woman, then departs. Elizabeth’s hand was a six and seven of hearts. The starting bet was already set...

“I hope you know how to play.” The woman finally spoke up, eyes fixated on Elizabeth. "Come on boys, you know we don't have all day."

The Savage And Subservient (SleepingSilence x KatherinWinter)

@KatherinWinter Apologies. I've been gone/afk most of Easter weekend, so I hadn't realized you had posted something until now. (Nor did the site show me that I had unread posts.) And today, I just helped my roommate move back in with me and I've been started participating in a month-long writing challenge. So, I guess you could say I've been occupied. But should be able to write something soon. Might get something quick done late tonight. (If I'm not doing something with my roommate. If so, I'll do it first thing in the morning.) so I don't keep you waiting longer.

Also, fire your phone's spellchecker. (if that's what you write on.) ;P I tease.

Current Mood in One Gif

>When you get fan comments from your writing, but it's for borderline fetish material/writing filler when you were very bored, that you forgot about for various reasons and you get asked when you're making a new chapter.

Current Mood in One Gif

>When yall been sick as fuck for 20 days in a row. Then you get woken up (early as fuck, thanks Spectrum.) and look like this...