Neither snow nor Rain nor Heat nor the Gloom of Unexpected Updates-

Shall Hinder the Coming of Your Blog- 

And that includes nasty storms as well!

That's right folks, we hit a bit of a bump this weekend, as Tebo helped get the site onto some newer and better things- things the site really needed- and things have been put a bit off course. In spite of these minor inconveniences, the blog shall go on!

So, with a nod of thanks to our tech support for the site (pushing through a nasty bug to boot), we move on with your regular installment of the weekly blog!

What's Happening Valucre?

Holiday Events Closing Soon, but not Quite- Well, due to the bit of downtime, all the Valucre sponsored Holiday events were pushed back 72hrs, giving people a chance to get last second submissions in for evaluation. Only one jack-o-lantern has shown up (Nice job btw ;) ), but we've had a good turn out for the writing submissions- thanks everyone! As for the Dark Festival, it too shall be wrapping up, with events closing on schedule, given that the events were longer term. However, if you missed it in the thread, here's the low down:  Dark Festival is to wrap up by Friday Midnight( 12:01am Saturday). What that means is that no new midway games can be started, and all attractions threads get locked. The costume contest will shut down for voting, but all current midway games still in progress will continue until completed or abandoned. The social lounge will remain open until interest wanes, or the games are all wrapped up, whichever comes first. Anyone with prize tickets can cash out after Friday, and cashouts are allowed for up to three days past the time the last game ends. So, if you were eager to get in on a game, you've got less than 48hrs to initiate one. If you want to do a game, we'll do a special: 10 tickets for 5vb, no admission cost. PM the key phrase: Under the Wire! to The Master of Ceremonies account by 3pm pst, and you get enough tickets to do a couple games. No regular tickets will be sold from here on out.

Thieves Guild Looking to Grow- I've already seen a few thieves coming out into the world, and I am sure more are to come. I think this adds a bit of interesting flavor to our RPs, as you never know who might spring up in an open thread to steal something nearby or even from you. If you like the rogue element, you should check out the thread here.

In Pursuit of Inquisitors- Ursa Madeum is still looking for some good men (or women) to join their ranks. If you think doing investigations- in ways that at the very least border on bullying and unethical- this could be right up your alley. I can tell you there is some intent to do some things with these guys for long term RP influence, so you might want to get in touch with Iron Fang, or check his thread here.

Where Men Find Glory- Morgan has put together what looks like could be one of our next major events, and I think people should really check it out. You can play as a gladiator or the owner of one, and use some investments to better odds of your champion pulling through. Hell, make a new set of characters if you wish to do something new and flavorful- and partner with someone. Maybe someone with decent VB and good coaching skills my want to take on a young prospect and help them wade through. In fact- I'll be the first. First person who in earnestness wants to go through this event and needs some help funding items and perhaps some coaching here and there- I'll be your owner. Check out the thread here.

A Couple Quick Messages-

1. The blog, starting this month, goes down by one update per month. This will tentatively be the update of the 29th, but if changes, I will let you know next week. On the off week, you get a newsletter. :)

2. Next week is NaNoWriMo- I know several of us have decided to take on the challenge, myself included. If you see a bit of activity dip, don't worry- it just means we're slaving away at a 50k word goal. Lend support to those you know who are brutalizing themselves with this. Your blog will update as usual, but I can't promise the same quality (I kid, I kid... or do I? 0_0) 

Question of the Week!

Well, I'm going to blame it on the hiccup, but I only had one response this week, bringing us to a total of six responses in the last two weeks, and a total of six people they came from. Perhaps the question was too similar to the last, who can say- it was what it was! :P Anyway, rather than keep rambling, I am going to just get on with giving the answer for this week, and then revealing the winner. Fortunately, this answer was broad and in depth, making it worth more than one answer (but not more than one entry into the drawing, sorry ;) ) 

What is your favorite Villain Archetype?

It's actually hard for me to pick just one that I enjoy playing. If I look the character I have played the longest he falls in multiple categories. He is the:

The TYRANT: the bullying despot, he wants power at any price. He ruthlessly conquers all he surveys, crushing his enemies beneath his feet. People are but pawns to him, and he holds all the power pieces. Hesitate before getting in this man’s way – he’ll think nothing of destroying you.

The BASTARD: the dispossessed son, he burns with resentment. He can’t have what he wants, so he lashes out to hurt those around him. His deeds are often for effect – he wants to provoke action in others. He proudly announces his rebellious dealings. Don’t be fooled by his boyish demeanor – he’s a bundle of hate.

The TRAITOR: the double agent, he betrays those who trust him most. No one suspects the evil that lurks in his heart. Despite supportive smiles and sympathetic ears, he plots the destruction of his friends. Never turn your back on him -- he means you harm.

The OUTCAST: the lonely outsider, he wants desperately to belong. Tortured and unforgiving, he has been set off from others, and usually for good cause. He craves redemption, but is willing to gain it by sacrificing others. Waste no sympathy on him - he’ll have none for you.

The SADIST: the savage predator, he enjoys cruelty for its own sake. Violence and psychological brutality are games to this man; and he plays those games with daring and skill. Run, don’t walk, away from this man – he’ll tear out your heart, and laugh while doing it.

That being said one of my favorite Movies/Books is American Psycho and I've had more Sadist like character's than anything else. I think there is a certain amount of freedom that comes with being a sadist. It's like being chaotic evil, you aren't limited in what you can or will do and you don't have to have the same reaction every time. It's not to be able to be free and impulsive especially when you practice such a large amount of control.

I think a lot of people probably see the sadist as a two dimensional character that just whimsically kills, I think there is a lot of potential to build a very deep character from what. There is a reason that he's so fucked up, and sometimes that back story can be brilliant. I mean what pushes a man to want to rip someone's ovaries out with his bare hands? It's probably something pretty damn good.

Out of all of the ones that I listed, which I like almost all of them equally, the sadist definitely takes the cake for me. I think a lot of people portray them as shallow characters, but when done right they most definitely can be some of the deepest, most complex, engaging, and even potentially hilarious character types..... depending on what your sense of humor is.

One heck of an answer, I thank the person who sent that in for giving some length to this section! 

Alright, the moment you've been waiting for- who is winning the E-card this month? 

Six entrants, each with an equal chance. I used a random dice generator and three 6d100, and got 2433, a hideously large number, but it brought me to this week's winner:

Congratulations K1b22, you have won this month's blog drawing. I'll be in touch with you shortly.

Question for this Week: 

Well, let's make it two. One is the question I post your answers to, the other is one I'm gonna keep. 

Question 1: Given our upcoming election (where I hope to all that you can hope to, we at least know who wins by the end of Tuesday, so this campaign season will END!), what fictional character would you elect for President, and why? Have as much fun with this as you want, and it can be an RP character, a book character, someone from a graphic novel/Manga/Comic, anime, whatever! Any fictional media. :)

If you live in another country, you can replace "President" with the form of leadership your country operates under. ;)

Question 2: Hey- I'm sometimes dry for ideas on things. So, answer me this, and I'll appreciate you greatly. What kinds of questions would you like to see get asked- these should be in some way related to Role-play, writing, or written fiction. Trying to keep on theme. :)

Thanks for the help, you're all beautiful people! ;)

Say Hello to Our New and Returning Friends!

The week was a bit slow for recruits, but we had upgrades take the site offline for a chunk of the weekend, and I imagine it played a part. I bet by next week, we'll be putting up better numbers again. :) 

No returns, so let's jump to our new faces. 

Welcome, Wildcard

Welcome, Pirate Queen

Welcome, BrobyDDark

Welcome, Wit

Welcome, Falron

Welcome, Carpe Noctem 

Welcome, Rebel Indian 1991

This week, we only saw 7 new faces, but I bet next week will have more. Nevertheless, thank you for stopping by, and I hope you find all your RP needs!

Other Highlights?

See, at least this week I come prepared. I know in advance what I'm covering this week, because I know- yes I know! that I'm going to get those looks, that evil glare, the threats... all the abuses I suffer (real and imagined ((okay, mostly imagined))) when I try to get out of this. Here's your highlights. >_>;;;

http://www.valucre.com/showthread.php/19400-Yatal!-Hello-in-Navajo

VB Donors- So, are you new and feeling a little light in the pockets? Or have you been around a while, but in spite of the work you've put out, you feel like your ultimate goal is eons away? Well, a new program has been created to help you! We have a growing list of members who are willing to help fund your ideas, if you can convince them of their merit. If you have an awesome idea, but lack the VB to get the setup you need, reach out to one of the folks listed here.

The Board Markets- So, you are looking to get some IC items and you want to do it in a way that feels legitimate and carries some weight inside canon? Well, look no further than the Board sponsored markets. A vast array of items are up for sale, from small and insignificant to some that are bordering on artifacts. If you feel like you might need to beef up a but prior to a quest, you can stop and shop in the Market! There will be some changes coming down the pipe soon, so watch for it. In the meantime, support the boards- profits typically go back into quest creation!

Closing Thoughts?

I usually use this space to mull over different topics pertaining to writing, role-playing, and other tidbits along those lines, but today I am going to slack a bit and redirect our attention to the folks in the Northeast.

That is a serious mess out there, and my heart goes out to the 75 (74 in America, 1 Canadian Neighbor) families (so far) who have lost someone. This storm is certainly one that was unprecedented and beyond expectation, and the amount of people it has affected is incredible. 

The weather is getting colder, and on the heels of that nasty storm came a blizzard, and while it stayed south of the main part of the mess, who knows what other sorts of weather patterns may come- millions without electricity, and the possibility of an early winter- it’s scary.

I don’t intend to dwell on the doom and gloom, but instead just want to illustrate the depth of the problems that many will face. In times of crisis, something as simple as keeping someone in your  thoughts can mean something- believe it or not- but if you can do anything, please do what you can.

Donating blood is often a big need, especially with medical emergencies that occur, and if you’ve got a few extra dollars, or perhaps something you don’t really need that you can take in for a few extra bucks- anything helps. People are going to need items to relieve basic needs, and to get back on their feet. 

Do what you can, and don’t feel guilty if it’s little or nothing. ;)

That’s the closing thought for this week, we’ll go back to regular discussions next week. 

- Acies

“The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress.”

~ Philip Roth