Sorry for the lack of updates; I've had a lot of personal things going on and nothing to add honestly. I might just make everyday wordpress day until it's done, if I have nothing to add. Personal blog maybe on Friday.
QUESTIONING THE CREATORS!
Hey readers!
This blog was based on an idea I had about interviewing my friends who were part of the original roleplay for Aren Chronicles called Last Arena. Five out of Six of these people were original members who allowed me to use their characters to bring Vortex of Souls, previously known as Sorcerer’s Tome, to life. The sixth person made a character to specifically help me with the novel version due to me running into a roadblock and needing a new character with different set of powers and skills.
I’m questioning the creators of: Tenkai. Silverwind/Teo. Toshiro, Yasu, and Balthazar. Kyra and Gavran. Ainariel. With the last one being created for the novel, Kava. I hope their answers shed some light on the character development and motives.
*Still waiting for answers from Tenkai and Kyra’s creators. Will update when and if they answer.*
Onto the questions!
Author note: (Ainariel has yet to be seen outside of a subtle wave in Prelude to Vortex of Souls.)
Nick: They have been portrayed perfectly, considering Bud and I were so closely in discussion about the book.
How would you feel about romantic relationships with your characters if it helps progress their personal story and what type of relationship would it be? (Some characters already are.)
Jared: If it is earned and makes sense story-wise while not ruining the characters involved, no qualms.
Katt: I hope that Kava has many intimate interactions with others, but I really am not wanting her to settle down into a romantic relationship where she becomes overly reliant on said partner to feel whole.
Sami: Indifferent.
Nick: Toshiro has already been in a relationship in the book itself. As for the other two, I’d prefer they not have some kind of romantic flings or marriages.
What are some things I can do, as the author, to help your characters grow in a meaningful way?
Jared: Just if you get yourself stuck, ask me how my character would handle the situation. but I would need context, a list of skills, he’s acquired, etc. to make a good judgment.
Katt: I feel like I work well with the author, with creating most things (if not everything) I envision Kava to become in the future. She is essentially me after all, and I trust that my Bestie will always run thoughts by me when regarding this very meaningful character in his Novel.
Sami: Given that Ainariel is dead, she could grow into just about anything really.
Author note: The original is definitely dead but we still have the new version who has to be kept alive for future stories. Her character had a big impact on me.
Nick: Just continue to talk it over with us, just to get into our heads on how we would act as said characters.
If the opportunity arises in the future; who would be interested in an Aren Chronicles t-shirt? (This is a serious question. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. These would be paid for by me.)
Jared: What would it look like? And will all the shirts be different (as in each character gets their own shirt?) Or just one kind of shirt?
Katt: Of course! I would love to do whatever is possible to support this novel and help boost it Into higher popularity and interest.
Sami: Absolutely (I’d like to pay for mine).
Nick: Would always love me some merch.
Any additional thoughts?
Jared: I have to do math now? Crap….um……42 lol
Katt: I appreciate the author giving a voice to those who were involved in the story, even if they are no longer involved.
Sami: I’m on Facebook maybe an hour a week and rarely if ever post anything but I do read a bit. I know I haven’t commented/messaged/posted anything about this, but I do want to say that I’m proud of you Bud. I know the last little bit here has been challenging and trying, that your drive and desire may be sluggish, but you will get through this. Give yourself time, take what steps you can to do the things you want to do. No more. No less.
Nick: Keep doing what you are doing, Bud. It’s fantastic that you are making these roleplays a reality so that others can read and comment on it.
This is only four of the people that are listed above but when the others have responded, if they respond, I’ll update this blog. I just want them all to know that I appreciate the words they’ve shared and they help they gave whether it was in the novel version or the roleplay version. Everyone who has answered questions for me is appreciated.
Thank you for the answers, the time needed to answer them, and the time you gave to the roleplay or work in the novel. It’s greatly appreciated and will always be.
Bud Gaines
Author of Aren Chronicles
Hey readers!
This blog was based on an idea I had about interviewing my friends who were part of the original roleplay for Aren Chronicles called Last Arena. Five out of Six of these people were original members who allowed me to use their characters to bring Vortex of Souls, previously known as Sorcerer’s Tome, to life. The sixth person made a character to specifically help me with the novel version due to me running into a roadblock and needing a new character with different set of powers and skills.
I’m questioning the creators of: Tenkai. Silverwind/Teo. Toshiro, Yasu, and Balthazar. Kyra and Gavran. Ainariel. With the last one being created for the novel, Kava. I hope their answers shed some light on the character development and motives.
*Still waiting for answers from Tenkai and Kyra’s creators. Will update when and if they answer.*
Onto the questions!
To the Original group for “Sorcerer’s Tome”, what made you interested in joining the story, other than just being asked?
Jared: Dude that was SO long ago I have no idea. I think it was to play a different character but still keep to my hobbies. and a Shaman seemed to be a good idea considering I’m a very spiritual person.
Sami: Honestly, my interest in joining Sorcerer’s Tome stems from the opportunity to try writing something that was very much outside my comfort zone (two-fold). Up to that point, the only verse I had written in was Star Wars. Additionally, Ainariel is a departure from the type of characters I had written.
Nick: One of the starting members. I wanted to be involved in a grand story with many characters.
To the Novel created characters, what made you want to create a new character for the story, other than being asked? (This is for the one person who created a character for the novel specifically.)
Katt: Honestly, I was interested in joining the story because it was a beautiful escape from reality that I didn’t want to come back from. In order to really bring the characters together with a new companion to help them, I felt I could offer a bit of myself into the story which filled in the need that was being asked for at the time.
Nick: Name changes were primarily made for the novel. They were made as for no legal actions can be made towards the author of the books.
Author Note: He didn’t have to answer this question but he was right.
Which character or characters did you create?
Jared: Silverwind and his grandson. Oh, I also did a different version of BakMei, who was a legendary kung fu master, mostly based on the kill bill version but if continued back then he would have been a combination of all versions I’ve seen in old films plus the historical person.
Katt: I created Kava Jasper.
Sami: As I recall, you already had the foundational/structural base for Ainariel Leralonde created.
Author note: I’m glad you remember because I did not lol.
Nick: Toshiro Shigekazu, Yasu, and Balthazar
What inspired the character(s) creation?
Jared: Mostly the idea of a shaman that had summoning power plus a few historical powers (like fire gazing, etc). summoning of course based in Yu-Gi-Oh for the signer dragons. Being that the Akakiryu is based on an ethereal fire version Quetzalcoatl, and the six signer dragons are a representation of parts of him.
Katt: She was inspired by the version of myself that I always wanted to be: the warrior woman who couldn’t submit to authority and always had a free spirit no matter who she was around. I created certain aspects of her character based on a tarot card reading, which is so fitting, because she is a Witch in the novel. I still aim my own standards on “What would Kava do?”
Sami: For character discovery/mindset, it was Poison Ivy (unoriginal – I know).
Nick: Many video games and anime characters. Personality and such were brought on by many media outlets.
What were some story lines you wanted to see happen for your character(s) that may or may not have happened?
Jared: I DID want to do a final synchro summon to combine all the 6 dragons plus Q’ spectral form to restore the character into its full power.
Katt: I want to see her continue her life unrestrained and refuse to settle down into a relationship. As someone who struggled all my life with codependency, I wanted to see her be whole, without any need for someone else to make her feel “Whole and Complete” as a person.
Sami: Less story lines and more backstory development, I think. To explore Ainariel before and during her “fall” in greater detail.
Author note: Hit me up if you want to talk about this. Exploring past Ainariel would be an interesting read.
Nick: Toshiro’s first discovery of his abilities. Yasu’s training with the monks. Balthazar’s redemption arc.
What are some things you would have changed about your characters?
Jared: As of now I don’t know. It’s been too long, honestly. i usually have my characters a bit too stoic so probably would have lightened Silverwind up a bit. Kind of have him have two mindsets. In combat or on task, very focused; but outside of the group’s mission, be a bit less reserved.
Katt: I would have wanted to see her explore her inner demons more, as she continued her journey into wholeness. It is a little vague on some of the details she had to overcome with her identity crisis after she released the stored up negativity from the Jet Crystal.
Sami: Off the top of my head, nothing.
Nick: Nothing. I spoke with the author during the process on how the characters were done.
What are some things you would have changed about the roleplay itself?
Jared: I guess to have actually continued it but at the time I wasn’t in the right headspace. Maybe explore more and be a bit less linear. like having some of the characters have to go separately and do their own kind of a D&D type story with Bud running the direction or overarching aspect and the individual playing their character.
Katt: I would have loved to see more participation from others as well as myself. This is a growing passion of mine, and it is hard to manage my time properly as a mother and a Writer.
Author note: This information from listening to me complain about the past and the issues that went along with it lol.
Sami: For my part of it, nothing.
Nick: Maybe being more involved. I was mainly an idea person and not an actual person who came up with writing.
If the roleplay was to ever return, would anyone be interested in rejoining it? (There are no plans to bring it back right now. I’m just curious.)
Jared: Sure. I need to restart the majority of one we started but I haven’t been able to focus on things outside of work once I get home.
Katt: I’d be totally interested in joining, I just need to work on my time management and actually follow through on finishing projects that are started.
Sami: If I had the time, absolutely. As is, I have owed my current writing group since August and have struggled to accomplish much.
Nick: Yes. I really found Toshiro to be more like me and the kind of struggles he went through remind me of myself as well. Also, being able to write with my friends again would be nice.
If you’ve gotten to read your characters’ new interpretations; what are your thoughts on how they’re being portrayed?
Jared: I’ve read a few things and I’m happy with how Silverwind/Teoctlamazqui is being portrayed as of now.
Katt: Thankfully I was present in a roundabout way the entire time, and there were no “New Interpretations” needed, as she was and is a newish character.
Sami:
Jared: Dude that was SO long ago I have no idea. I think it was to play a different character but still keep to my hobbies. and a Shaman seemed to be a good idea considering I’m a very spiritual person.
Sami: Honestly, my interest in joining Sorcerer’s Tome stems from the opportunity to try writing something that was very much outside my comfort zone (two-fold). Up to that point, the only verse I had written in was Star Wars. Additionally, Ainariel is a departure from the type of characters I had written.
Nick: One of the starting members. I wanted to be involved in a grand story with many characters.
To the Novel created characters, what made you want to create a new character for the story, other than being asked? (This is for the one person who created a character for the novel specifically.)
Katt: Honestly, I was interested in joining the story because it was a beautiful escape from reality that I didn’t want to come back from. In order to really bring the characters together with a new companion to help them, I felt I could offer a bit of myself into the story which filled in the need that was being asked for at the time.
Nick: Name changes were primarily made for the novel. They were made as for no legal actions can be made towards the author of the books.
Author Note: He didn’t have to answer this question but he was right.
Which character or characters did you create?
Jared: Silverwind and his grandson. Oh, I also did a different version of BakMei, who was a legendary kung fu master, mostly based on the kill bill version but if continued back then he would have been a combination of all versions I’ve seen in old films plus the historical person.
Katt: I created Kava Jasper.
Sami: As I recall, you already had the foundational/structural base for Ainariel Leralonde created.
Author note: I’m glad you remember because I did not lol.
Nick: Toshiro Shigekazu, Yasu, and Balthazar
What inspired the character(s) creation?
Jared: Mostly the idea of a shaman that had summoning power plus a few historical powers (like fire gazing, etc). summoning of course based in Yu-Gi-Oh for the signer dragons. Being that the Akakiryu is based on an ethereal fire version Quetzalcoatl, and the six signer dragons are a representation of parts of him.
Katt: She was inspired by the version of myself that I always wanted to be: the warrior woman who couldn’t submit to authority and always had a free spirit no matter who she was around. I created certain aspects of her character based on a tarot card reading, which is so fitting, because she is a Witch in the novel. I still aim my own standards on “What would Kava do?”
Sami: For character discovery/mindset, it was Poison Ivy (unoriginal – I know).
Nick: Many video games and anime characters. Personality and such were brought on by many media outlets.
What were some story lines you wanted to see happen for your character(s) that may or may not have happened?
Jared: I DID want to do a final synchro summon to combine all the 6 dragons plus Q’ spectral form to restore the character into its full power.
Katt: I want to see her continue her life unrestrained and refuse to settle down into a relationship. As someone who struggled all my life with codependency, I wanted to see her be whole, without any need for someone else to make her feel “Whole and Complete” as a person.
Sami: Less story lines and more backstory development, I think. To explore Ainariel before and during her “fall” in greater detail.
Author note: Hit me up if you want to talk about this. Exploring past Ainariel would be an interesting read.
Nick: Toshiro’s first discovery of his abilities. Yasu’s training with the monks. Balthazar’s redemption arc.
What are some things you would have changed about your characters?
Jared: As of now I don’t know. It’s been too long, honestly. i usually have my characters a bit too stoic so probably would have lightened Silverwind up a bit. Kind of have him have two mindsets. In combat or on task, very focused; but outside of the group’s mission, be a bit less reserved.
Katt: I would have wanted to see her explore her inner demons more, as she continued her journey into wholeness. It is a little vague on some of the details she had to overcome with her identity crisis after she released the stored up negativity from the Jet Crystal.
Sami: Off the top of my head, nothing.
Nick: Nothing. I spoke with the author during the process on how the characters were done.
What are some things you would have changed about the roleplay itself?
Jared: I guess to have actually continued it but at the time I wasn’t in the right headspace. Maybe explore more and be a bit less linear. like having some of the characters have to go separately and do their own kind of a D&D type story with Bud running the direction or overarching aspect and the individual playing their character.
Katt: I would have loved to see more participation from others as well as myself. This is a growing passion of mine, and it is hard to manage my time properly as a mother and a Writer.
Author note: This information from listening to me complain about the past and the issues that went along with it lol.
Sami: For my part of it, nothing.
Nick: Maybe being more involved. I was mainly an idea person and not an actual person who came up with writing.
If the roleplay was to ever return, would anyone be interested in rejoining it? (There are no plans to bring it back right now. I’m just curious.)
Jared: Sure. I need to restart the majority of one we started but I haven’t been able to focus on things outside of work once I get home.
Katt: I’d be totally interested in joining, I just need to work on my time management and actually follow through on finishing projects that are started.
Sami: If I had the time, absolutely. As is, I have owed my current writing group since August and have struggled to accomplish much.
Nick: Yes. I really found Toshiro to be more like me and the kind of struggles he went through remind me of myself as well. Also, being able to write with my friends again would be nice.
If you’ve gotten to read your characters’ new interpretations; what are your thoughts on how they’re being portrayed?
Jared: I’ve read a few things and I’m happy with how Silverwind/Teoctlamazqui is being portrayed as of now.
Katt: Thankfully I was present in a roundabout way the entire time, and there were no “New Interpretations” needed, as she was and is a newish character.
Sami:
Author note: (Ainariel has yet to be seen outside of a subtle wave in Prelude to Vortex of Souls.)
Nick: They have been portrayed perfectly, considering Bud and I were so closely in discussion about the book.
How would you feel about romantic relationships with your characters if it helps progress their personal story and what type of relationship would it be? (Some characters already are.)
Jared: If it is earned and makes sense story-wise while not ruining the characters involved, no qualms.
Katt: I hope that Kava has many intimate interactions with others, but I really am not wanting her to settle down into a romantic relationship where she becomes overly reliant on said partner to feel whole.
Sami: Indifferent.
Nick: Toshiro has already been in a relationship in the book itself. As for the other two, I’d prefer they not have some kind of romantic flings or marriages.
What are some things I can do, as the author, to help your characters grow in a meaningful way?
Jared: Just if you get yourself stuck, ask me how my character would handle the situation. but I would need context, a list of skills, he’s acquired, etc. to make a good judgment.
Katt: I feel like I work well with the author, with creating most things (if not everything) I envision Kava to become in the future. She is essentially me after all, and I trust that my Bestie will always run thoughts by me when regarding this very meaningful character in his Novel.
Sami: Given that Ainariel is dead, she could grow into just about anything really.
Author note: The original is definitely dead but we still have the new version who has to be kept alive for future stories. Her character had a big impact on me.
Nick: Just continue to talk it over with us, just to get into our heads on how we would act as said characters.
If the opportunity arises in the future; who would be interested in an Aren Chronicles t-shirt? (This is a serious question. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. These would be paid for by me.)
Jared: What would it look like? And will all the shirts be different (as in each character gets their own shirt?) Or just one kind of shirt?
Katt: Of course! I would love to do whatever is possible to support this novel and help boost it Into higher popularity and interest.
Sami: Absolutely (I’d like to pay for mine).
Nick: Would always love me some merch.
Any additional thoughts?
Jared: I have to do math now? Crap….um……42 lol
Katt: I appreciate the author giving a voice to those who were involved in the story, even if they are no longer involved.
Sami: I’m on Facebook maybe an hour a week and rarely if ever post anything but I do read a bit. I know I haven’t commented/messaged/posted anything about this, but I do want to say that I’m proud of you Bud. I know the last little bit here has been challenging and trying, that your drive and desire may be sluggish, but you will get through this. Give yourself time, take what steps you can to do the things you want to do. No more. No less.
Nick: Keep doing what you are doing, Bud. It’s fantastic that you are making these roleplays a reality so that others can read and comment on it.
This is only four of the people that are listed above but when the others have responded, if they respond, I’ll update this blog. I just want them all to know that I appreciate the words they’ve shared and they help they gave whether it was in the novel version or the roleplay version. Everyone who has answered questions for me is appreciated.
Thank you for the answers, the time needed to answer them, and the time you gave to the roleplay or work in the novel. It’s greatly appreciated and will always be.
Bud Gaines
Author of Aren Chronicles
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