So, guys, it seems we're at a roadblock once more. We have writers who post consistently (DQ, Fand, Jenna), those who post infrequently (myself, Grif, Dynamo), and those who are nigh MIA (Vernon, Dan). The thing is...I know that if I ask that question, everyone will still say they're jazzed about it and want to continue.
The question is, how can we get everyone involved again? Since this is a sequel, it's quite hard to attract new writers, and even more difficult to create and maintain motivations for existing characters.
Vernon has recently expressed a desire to change characters. We quickly came up with a way for it to work, and just like that he was re-energized and read to post in the storybook. I'll go over that after we talk a bit more about motivation.
It's my theory that when our characters our motivated, and feel strongly about that motivation, so are we. The majority of the problems in this storybook,as well as JiN, arose from our lack of character motivation, as well as a lakc of character involvement in the plot. We tried to fudge it with amazing character interaction, but I think that's starting to die down, since the relations between our characters have stagnated and we've lost some key player characters (Carmenia, Henry). It's time we got our characters involved in the PLOT.
The best way to do this, I think, is to introduce our characters to some hardcore conflict. Pain. Death. Anguish. Something that will give them a reason to take Seraph down, instead of "Just acuz he asked us to real nice and cuz he stole that one book thingy." If we find something that can unite the characters and give them something to be up in arms about, we can get excited about the storybook again, ourselves.
So I ask you--and I expect everyone who wants to continue posting to answer--what would boil your character's blood?
Back to plot ideas and Vernon's new character:
Here's what I have so far...
Seraph does not want the Master to reveal his location to the party--if the old man does so, the group will no longer have a use for Dreffan. Seraph can't have that. Furthermore, Seraph wants Finn. Badly.
So he acts quickly. The Master senses magic about, and advises the group leaves the cave. They do so, and Seraph ambushes them with some low-power minions, and a female drow at his side. This young, dark elf woman is the daughter of two dark elves that Valin had grown to befriend earlier in life before they were killed by the Children of Bane. (These were DQ and Zelithon's characters in Four Treasures) Working as a sellsword, she was approached by Seraph, who promised her gold and the delivery of the man who killed his parents--Valin, Seraph tells her.
When Seraph ambushes the group, he summons minions of Bane, lowly demons from the Nine Hells. The dark elf woman attacks Valin viciously, preventing him from getting to Seraph, who head straight for the Master. The demons are keeping the others at bay. Adian manages to dispatch his foe, and then heads for Seraph, who has just dispatched the Master. Seraph wheels around on him and grabs him by the neck, draining him. Then he sees Finn. He destroys the demon attacking her, then grabs her by both wrists and teleports away.
Once his minions are dispatched, the dark elf is all that remains. She surrenders, unable to do anything else. When she explains who she is, Valin, to the surprise of everyone around him, warmly greets her and offers her a place in their party. He explains to her that the Children of Bane, whom Seraph is now the leader of, killed her parents. Meanwhile, Adrian is comforted by Becky, who does all she can for him--he is dying. With his last breaths he professes his love for her. Zel also grieves for the loss of his Master.
Strengths
Provides character motivation:
--Becky: Avenge Adrian, rescue Finn
--Valin: Rescue Finn, Destroy Seraph
--Lireal: Avenge her parents
--Dreffan: destroy the evil that has taken his country (epiphany!)
--Sirloaz: Avenge Adrian, be free of Zaolris
--Zel: Avenge his Master
--Alden: Kill Seraph, Avenge Adrian, rescue Kira
--Ria: Rescue Kira
Weaknesses
Breaks up the group somewhat.
Rushes the plot slightly.
Now. I ask again. What would make you character's blood BOIL to make them track this guy down? What do you think of this idea? Help me make this thing glorious once more!
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