Scattered Embers:Flames Rekindled Discussion Thread

[Bloodstalker]

This thread will be used for discussion, questions, and general brainstorming for the story thread Scattered Embers:Flames Rekindled.

First, an introduction into the story would seem to be needed.

This story is the result of an interest in returning to writing of certain members who contributed to the Dark Flame story threads. While the original Dark Flames story seems to have dwindled and ground to a halt, myself and some other writers

still have an interest in the characters that we created and developed in those stories. However, out of respect to the many writers who have contributed to those stories and eithere do not have the time or the inclination to pursue them further, the idea came about that rather than proceed with that story without the input of everyone who works hard to make the thread what it was, it would be a much better idea to make a fresh start so to speak, without locking the original thread into a conclusion without the input of everyone responsible.

This new story thread, it is hoped, will serve the dual propose of allowing writers who have an interest in continuing to explore thier characters to do so, as well as attempting to make it infinatly easier for those who have no connection to the original DF books to take part in an entirely new and fresh start without having to worry about any of the history of details of the older threads.As such, the story will take place five years after whatever conclusion (which has been left open in the event of the other threads reviving at some point) of Book 5.

For those members who have been involved in the DF threads, this allows the freedom to pick up their character in any way they see fit, or to abandon their old character and start fresh. What has gone on in the five year interlude is entirely up to each individual, as there is not preconceptions of anything, and no plot already set in stone. This is not a DF story per se as much as it is a story that will have characters who have appeared in the DF in addition to any new characters that may find their way into the story. There is no assumption that the members of the DF have stayed together over the years, and no assumption that they haven't. Anything is possible. To put it simply, this story has no direct ties to the DF stories outside
the obvious past histories and freindships that the characters had when they should meet. It is also an attempt to allow people to be able let their characters grow and gain from five years worth of expeience so as to allow more play in adding new deminsions to old characters.It also allows any members who do not feel that they have the time to contribute in an
ongoing basis to be allowed to pop in and out in cameo appearences without feeling that they are obligated long term to anything. It's entirely up to the indivudual how much, if at all, they wish to participate.

For new posters, it also avoids the complications that arise when trying to incorporate yourself into such a tightnit story with the history the DF had. I know from experience how daunting it can seem to attempt to join a story that has been going on for such a long time. By doing the story in this manner, it eliminates any need for new writers to worry about knowing the
history of the DF, as that history has no real bearing on whatever road this story may take save as to how the original DF character choose to portray their relationships with other DF characters. This story belongs as much to the new writer as it does to the DF writers. What character you write is entirely your decision, and how you relate to any other characters is between you and that character's writer. The only thing that is asked of anyone who contributes, new or old, are a few simple rules which are meant to promote good relations and an enjoyable writing environment rather to be restictive.

1. Above all else, it is asked that you respect everyone else and do not impose anything major on another character or another writers personal plotline that are bound to eveolve around their characters. This does not mean that a little light hearted teasing/playfullness wrong. It simply means to be courteous and not try and dictate to other writers. This is a collaboratvie effort, and if you want to try out an idea involving your character and aother, simply run it by them via this thread or PM.

2. this story is envisioned as a freeform collaboration, which means it is preffered that there be little extensive plot development taking place behind the scenes. It is understood that individuals will develop certain subplots with other characters outside the main storyline, and that a certain amount of planning and discussion go into these. However, it would be preferable if anything dealing with the main story as it develops be discussed openly and all members have a chance to share in the direction of the story.This makes everyone feel like they have as vital a role to play in shaping things as the next person, and makes the entire atmosphere much more welcoming. In essences, individual plotlines are at your discretion, but anything that effects the main story line and as a result all characters should be open to the entire communities input.

3.when posting, please remember that not all writers are available to post at the same rate or timetable. I myself have been guilty of this myself, so I understand the feeling of wanting to post but waiting on someone else. But the fact is, people have other things to do, and some writers may not be able to post at the pace that you do. While there is no set order to posting here, please be considerate and take other peoples plotlines and timetables into consideration before making a post that advances to the next day of the story for example. Instead of just advanceing the time frame of the story, perhaps a post developing your character, his/her background, etc..would be more constructive.

4. For the sake of story flow, please limit questions or comments to this thread, and reserve the actual story thread for in character posts.

This is all that is asked, and anyone is welcome to contribute. Remember, yes, we will be telling a story, but in the end, it's all good fun. Anyone who has any questions, or wants to contribute feel free to use this thread. It is for discussion after all.

[Sytze]

I am intrigued, to be honest. I am not sure if you allow everyone to participate in the story and I'm even less sure if I can measure up to the quality of writing you will post, since it is kind of hard to judge your own writings, but if it is possible, I would definitely want to join.

I could post fairly frequent, although the uni might be a bit of an obstacle every now and then. However, it should be possible to post regular and frequent.

I am wondering, though, do you need a character sheet, or will we build, expand and elaborate on our character in the story itself? If a character sheet is needed, could you perhaps post the one you had when you started writing on the DF books?

[dragon wench]

Originally Posted by Sytze

I am intrigued, to be honest. I am not sure if you allow everyone to participate in the story and I'm even less sure if I can measure up to the quality of writing you will post, since it is kind of hard to judge your own writings, but if it is possible, I would definitely want to join.

I could post fairly frequent, although the uni might be a bit of an obstacle every now and then. However, it should be possible to post regular and frequent.

I am wondering, though, do you need a character sheet, or will we build, expand and elaborate on our character in the story itself? If a character sheet is needed, could you perhaps post the one you had when you started writing on the DF books?

Well, as BS said, all new writers are *extremely* welcome. Indeed, encouraging 'fresh blood' is much of the point. So, if you are interested, that would be awesome. Don't worry so much about the frequency of your posting rate, personal schedules do take priority and that is understood. As far as writing quality goes, there has always been a wide range of writing within the DF, and what is most important is not so much things like grammar and spelling, but rather, creativity, imagination and the enjoyment of 'working' with others in a group setting.

While there is a history amongst the DF characters, this would truly be a fresh start which gives room for all kinds of different directions. The last thing we want to do is become bogged down, or beholden to a rigid storyline. Rather, we are hoping to keep the story as open and spontaneous as possible. This is not to say that different writers can't plan a little or create side plots, but we want to avoid anything so planned out that forward movement becomes nearly impossible.

About character sheets. I don't know how everyone else will feel, but I'm not certain we really need to worry about that too much. When the very first DF story took off, the characters developed as we wrote the story.
If people wanted to put up descriptions of their characters I don't at all see it as a problem, but it's not necessary either. Besides, if we don't know anything about a character initially, and they slowly unveil themselves, that is all part of the fun
And fun, is what this would be all about

[werebeargoddess]

It looks interesting to me also, and since I've got alot of time (summe vacation), I'd be happy to join, but I don't want to impose myself if you don't really want new people to join. I wasn't here when you started DF, and I never really followed the storyline of it, but I'll follow this one if I can.

[dragon wench]

Originally Posted by werebeargoddess

It looks interesting to me also, and since I've got alot of time (summe vacation), I'd be happy to join, but I don't want to impose myself if you don't really want new people to join. I wasn't here when you started DF, and I never really followed the storyline of it, but I'll follow this one if I can.

Well, as both BS and I have both stated, we would love for new writers to join, you would not be imposing yourself in the least

You don't need to have followed the old storyline. If you want to know a bit more about any of the old characters who become involved, then, by all means, feel free to read over some of the old threads, or just ask people about their characters. But, pre-knowledge isn't required.

Think of it sort of like IWD and IWD2. There is a connection between the two stories, but they are distinct entities, and you don't need to have played the first game in order to understand and enjoy the sequel
Besides, there is a five year interval, which means all of the old characters will have went through changes anyway.

[Bloodstalker]

Just to clarify, this story will only be connected to the DF threads by the past relations of the characters that have appeared in the DF. A great deal of thought went into trying to figure out how to make this thread as friendly as possible to older writers and new ones.

ALL writers are welcomed so long as they follow the basic requirements of respect and courtesy.

As to questions about whether your writing will measure up or not, all I can say is, measure up to who? No one here is a professional writer. The only reason for doing this is because we enjoy it. It's purely for the fun and the interaction with others.

And as DW said, if you want to post a character description, that's fine. But it isn't nessecary that you bring a fully developed, AD&D rules perfect character to the table. If anyone does want a character thread, I think a new one in this forum is much better than the old DF one, since this is it's own thing, and chracters from the older threads that do show up may not neccesarily be the same anyway.

[Aqua-chan]

I honestly don't know whether or not I should jump in again. I would have figured that things on this end would have slowed down for the summer, but work has been keeping my visits to GB extremely limited. Besides that, I've still got those other two stories floating around here (And I had no idea what the hell I was smoking that made it seem like a good idea to introduce TWO of them before they were finished. Or developed. Or, in the case of Raven, before I even thought about it).

The idea to recruit some new blood and creative energies is excellent, though. Even if I don't revive the old AC I'll still be watching the group's endeavors closely.

[Bloodstalker]

Well, good to see you AC.

I can understand the being busy and having too many irons in the fire. It would be great if you could join, but if you don't think you have the energy or time to devote to it, well, keep in mind you can always pop in for the odd special guest appearance type thing. Either way though, whether you activly participate in the story or not, it's nice to see you around once in awhile.

And hope things have at least slowed down enough to allow you to breathe semi-regularly

[Magrus]

I think I might like to join this place given DW's most gracious invitation. This could be quite entertaining.

[Sytze]

Then I would prefer a story without a character sheet. I simply asked, because I noticed that every fanfiction/story needs a character sheet nowdays. I prefer to be thrown in the depth and see how things turn out. This counts for the characters we're using, as for the history of the DF's, if you don't mind. I prefer to know nothing about them, just so it becomes easier to act as a complete stranger.

@AC, did you read that pm?

[Bloodstalker]

I think that's the best way to go with things as well. The history of any character that has DF origins isn't really needed. Though this does feature a few character from the old books, this, we're hoping, will be a fresh start for everyone involved. While DF characters would have established relationships with other DF characters, it doesn't stand to reason that everyone else would know about their history.

The actual story thread will likely be started sometime this weekend. Like I said, the only plot that will be there is whatever one happens to develop as the people posting get their bearings and start to get a feel for each other. It's not going to be something planned out put into motion, whatever happens will just evolve according to what people post.

[Magrus]

It sounds like fun. I might wait on deciding what to do until after I've read the first post and have an idea of what to expect and what not.

[thantor3]

A DF story organized under rules created by BS? That is chilling...
I think we should hire CE to do an impact statement assessing the potential effects on the GB community before proceeding further.

[Yshania]

So I wouldn't have to be the druid/ranger bar wench anymore? Oh my! A change of career!

[dragon wench]

I definitely would prefer to avoid anything like a character sheet.
That is just too formal for something intended as fun. It also tends to suggest a pre-ordained structure or framework, which is precisely what we'd like to stay away from. And, as I said before, I prefer the whole element of surprise

One question that has come up, is that of thread location. Do we want to keep the story here, or do we want to place it in SYM? When the old stories were in SYM, a lot of people used to enjoy reading them, and SYM is the hub of the GB community. On the other hand, writing the thread here provides a definite separation between the old and the brand new. And, as has been stated, the two are very much distinct and independant entities.

@Ysh, what?!? No bar wench role ?!?
BS won't be able to function

@Than,
lol!