Welcome back ladies and gents, to the 2013 edition of the Valucre blog. It's exactly like the previous edition, only we changed the the end of the date by one! Now, you get all the same stuff as before, but with more 2013 and less 2012! Isn't that something?
Well, if that wasn't enough to entice you, I don't know what is. Now, by sheer coincidence, this first update of the year is also the first update after a break week, so it will be filled to the brim with content, making up for that long pause in between. Does that mean you're finally going to get something shiny and neat? Well, don't hold your breath. But, you do get more of what we all love most- heaping helpings of Valucre.
This one is promising to be bursting at the seams with stuff, so be prepared for all that you can handle and more.
Welcome back folks, let's get started. :)
What's Happening Valucre?
Terrenus Bulletin Board- Carlos has gone and made it easier than ever for you to find out what there is to do in Terrenus. Consolidating ongoing quests and threads with big opportunities for engagement and canon shifting all into one place where you can look it up and get out there and RP. If you feel that the watercooler has gotten to be a little daunting for you, and you really have an itch to go play in Terrenus, the Bulletin Board is a great place for you to start.
Battle for Marlboro Keep- This thread started a little while back, but due to some IRL complications with one of the founders, it hit a big lull. However, the facilitators of this RP have gotten back on track and are looking once again to create an epic war thread, detailing every gritty aspect of war. You can fight with the Roanists, who seek to take the hold, or you can help the the current occupants defend their home- the choice is yours! Pick your side.
Hiding in a Whisper- This little piece of potential involves a character on the run from an organization who has put a rather sizable bounty on her head, and she is doing what she can to stay a step ahead of them. As of right now, a pair of storyteller's have stepped in to make things interesting, and the promise is a dangerous situation for the young character in question. The RP is left open for flexibility, so others have the chance to come in and drive it forward as they wish to contribute. Do you want to play a rival bounty hunter, or be the hero that keeps this girl out of harm's way? Decide here!
Boil and Bubble, Toil and Trouble- Someone has booted up an Iselyeren Quest (if I spelled that wrong, my boss is going to kill me!!!) and is looking for another member or two help fill the ranks. The quest involves trekking out into the dangerous Athirat Desert to collect the ingredients needed by an alchemist. It calls for high risk, but sweet rewards. Are you up for it? Check it here.
Maze of Balance- Now, this one looks like the member base needed is full up, but because it is a Terrenus Artifact hunt, I am posting it up here anyway. While the thread has a group working together to seek it out, it's considered open season for any who might want a piece of that artifact. Which means any are welcome to enter and try to stay a step ahead of the group, or even sabotage their efforts to get the rare piece- that is, strictly IC of course, don't interfere just to be mean. ;) The interest check is here.
Body Snatchers- This sounds pretty damn cool, and if I weren't already in 80 projects and looking down at a few more, I'd jump in on the chance to join this. Body snatchers have made their way into Dougtan, taking over hosts comprised of powerful wizards, dashing warriors, and many of the cities homeless and infirm. Many complications arise in trying to rid the city of this scourge, and it will require some real work to get them all out. You should definitely check this one out here: For in that Sleep of Death
Port Town Needs Leaders- Another expanding city within Genesaris, Port Town is looking for some help with their growing government. Fairess has lots of positions open, and if you are looking to claim a stake in a bit of Genesar politics, this is your chance. Come take a gander over this way.
Open Roles for Nobles in Nvengaria- An island nation within Genesaris (one without a sub-board, yet) is getting launched with the intent to build activity. The current leader of the island has laid out numerous noble families who are up for grabs from the folks interested in Genesaris. If you want to have a hand in getting a land off the ground from the floor up, this is your chance. Tell us, are you of noble birth? Whew! That was 9 of them for you today. A lot has happened in these last two weeks!
Question of the Week!
A new year, a new chance to win yourself the monthly prize. I have four answers that came in this week, which seems to be a bit of a sweet spot when it comes to these responses. I'd love to see this expand some day, but we'll work with what we get in the interim.But on to better news, it's time to determine the winner of the Monthly blog drawing. Well, let's announce that shall we?
Congratulations... Lunadrakla! You have won the drawing. You'll be contacted via PM.
So, let's see these answers!
Response One: What kind of New Year Commitments am I making regarding Valucre? I can say I've been working on them but I want to work on improving my characters. They all seem to becoming similar now, variety is always nice to have as people want to be able to play with people that bring something new to the table and not just racial changes.
Response Two: Not sure if this is the correct way to submit this, apologies if it isn't. I do have a writer's new years resolution and it entails:
1. The ever ongoing effort to simply improve is always a goal that I strive for and being surrounded by the calibre of writing in Valucre pushes/inspires me to try harder.
2. Quality, not quantity. I hope to cut back on involving myself in so many threads that ultimately leave me stretched thin and burnt out; I want to focus my efforts on stories that really appeal to my creativity and try to make those stories profound.
3. Character development. I want to focus on really and truly understanding the personalities of my characters and add more depth to them. Sometimes I struggle to really understand my character and end up frustrated when a post doesn't reflect what I feel they would've said/done, writing a true realistic portrayal that fleshes them into believable entities is harder than it seems at times. I need clarity for all the voices in my head! x.x
4. I want to contribute! Valucre has provided me with a place where my depraved little thoughts are accepted and even encouraged. It is a wonderful morass of writers that spin some of the most amazing tales and I have come to regard the community fondly. I want to find a way to give back to what has become my escape from the toils of reality and so far I'm only doing so with activity, maybe soon I can find other ways to be of use.
Response Three: I plan on balancing out my workload so that I can actively attend to all projects equally. So that means making sure OiC gets the love and attention it needs while also being the best ginger storyteller out there and the most kick ass Knight in the Order of the Black Heart.
Since I've come to known Terrenus and terran lore pretty damn well I intend on expanding my capabilities and start RPing in Genesaris as well. To the point where I can do storytelling there without having to ask questions about lore.
Finally I'm looking to increase the number of people that I role play with. This was a goal I started last year actually, I just randomly started throwing myself into threads. Eventually this goal is what resulted in me joining the ranks of the STs. Well that goal hasn't fully been met. More people know who I am, but that's not what this is about. I want to build long lasting role playing relationships with new and old members alike. That way someone goes" Hey you know Praetorian?" The reply will be, "Yeah I know Cody. I love role playing with that ginger."
Response Four: My New Year's resolutions aren't specifically roleplay-based, but I am trying to be more proactive and responsible this year and to write more in general. Hopefully that carries over into Valucre. :)
Response Five: I have a goal and I'm putting it into action right now. My goal is to get my character's name known in every nation on Valucre. I'm going to earn myself a whopper artifact or complete a major quest in every one and I'm going to go down in history. Also, I want to do it in less than a year.
Usually, I put these up here as anonymous answers, but one of these gives away who the commenter is- well, I also try to refrain from altering answers, so I left it alone. Thank you for your response, token ginger fan. ;)
Alright, I bet you want your question of the day. Well, let's kick one off then, shall we?
We all have pet peeves- what is your biggest RP pet peeve?
Let's leave names out of this, shall we? ;)
Say Hello to our New and Returning Friends!
You can tell it was the holidays- we go on our two week hiatus, and we have less new members and returns than we average in a single week! Holidays really keep us busy, (I know, mine were hard to get through 0_0), so we'll leave it at that, and I won't have to crack out the tissue with Carlos quite yet.
Hello, new folks!
Welcome, Jennazon
Welcome, Septosurgeon
Welcome, Whispersinthewind
Welcome, Caladrius
Welcome, Darkheir
Welcome, Zaphrex
Welcome, Miranna Cross
Welcome, Div
Welcome, Avalancer
Welcome, Valerie Alexander
Welcome, The Hooded Boy
Now, welcome back to our returns!
Welcome back, Stephiie
Welcome back, Wants2play
Welcome back, Frost Walker
So, speaking of those new folks- I had a refer a friend contest. Well, it only netted me one new reader, but I got one new reader! Thank you Shades of Grey, you won the big prize. And it sounds like you have opted for the RP plan, so you'll have to let me know what you have in mind. :)
Other Highlights?
Getting time off from this blog is just like my vacation- I never feel like I really got time off, I was just given new tasks to sort out. Just when you'd think I might get away from this, no... here you are with that plate of yours, asking, "Please sir, can I have some more", and here I am, looking like the villain because I want to know why on earth you want "S'More?"Fine, have it your way, have some more!
Player Spotlight- Now, we don't highlight individuals in the blog, but they do in the newsletter! If you think someone should get a bit of light shone their way, you can nominate them with this form. They do up an interview with them and everything. :)
Did you Know?- You can rate threads. Do you think a topic is particularly interesting? Do you think a certain RP thread is really cool? Well, you can let others see that themselves, by giving a thread a rating. Check it out here. You can read the rest of the Did You Know Archive to learn more!
Closing Thoughts?
Heh. You ever have one of those days, where you really want to sit down and finish what you're supposed to, but something just keeps holding you back? You feel like nothing is going to give, and you're doomed to stare at this unfinished task for the rest of your miserable existence, because for whatever reason, you cannot compel yourself to finish the darn thing. Instead, you stare blankly at it, maybe find a few distractions or excuses, and dig through your reasons to avoid the task, and flit past one after the other, burning them out for as long as you can.
Yeah, today is turning into one of those days for me, so forgive me if this all sounds a little rough.
Let's examine that though- getting bit by the bug of 'unmotivation', where your once zealous ideals suddenly melt away, leaving you with nothing but the former shadow of intent you once held for this task. Isn't it absolutely frustrating when this happens? You had plans, you had ideas, you had this whole thing worked out and knew how you were going to approach the task, and at that last possible minute, it all fell apart and left you wanting. Now you have to get out there and get it done anyway, and you're not even sure if you still have it left in you to get it done today. Hell, wouldn't it be just as easy to toss in the towel for the day, explain away the failure and then go one with life?
Of course it would be.
This happens to all of us, some more than others, with some tasks more often than other tasks.
I imagine there are a number of reasons we could come up with to explain the cause- mental fatigue, tiredness, stress, lack of focus, etc. You could easily make excuses- hell, that's what half this condition is anyway, making excuses to put off your task. Surely, there are some legitimate reasons for this to come about, but like with any struggle, having a legitimate reason for a struggle does not mean you now have a pass to give up- no! All you have is an explanation for why you need to work a little harder. Why you need to push through this rut, fight your way past it and do what has to get done.
At the end of the day, there are some things we absolutely have to get done, whether we want to or not. Then, there are the things that we can put off- and because there is no glaring obligation, nothing breathing down our necks making us feel compelled to get it done- we do put it off. Then we put it off again, and again, and again. Pretty soon, that task never gets done. It goes unfulfilled, and at the end of that lack of success, you only have one place to point that finger- back at yourself.
As someone who writes a blog for a Role-Playing and Writing community, I of course must put this focus on our role-playing posts and our standalone writing projects, but this really can go with anything else you ever want to do. It is so easy to find an excuse not to get something done, simply because you aren't feeling up to it. Then that task sits there incomplete, and you only have yourself to look at.
I was really feeling that way about the closing thoughts tonight. I'm tired, out of ideas, and a bit stressed out- been dealing with some things the last couple of days. Hell, in some ways, I'm missing my job- it structures my life, keeps me focused, and busy. The blog would have been on time, if I were at work, I can promise you that much, hehe.
As you can see though, I'm just making excuses. Yes, it helps me to have that structure, but in absence of it, I need to find a way to keep myself on track, I need to find what will help me stay focused. I have to find what it takes for me to keep on task, so I can get done what I want to get done at the end of the day. I'm running late, but at least it's getting done. I wanted to call it good without a closing thought, but I knew I'd be leaving this short- doing my job half-assed.
I found a way to make myself push through it, and that's what I am doing.
There are other parts of my life I could certainly still use this kick in the pants, and this is one of those things where I definitely say- do as I say, not as I do. I am notorious for having ideas and letting them go to waste, busying myself with other mundane tasks, and codifying it as not having enough time. I'm a busy person, but if I really wanted to, I could find a way to get done what I truly want for myself. For some reason, I just haven't found what it takes to push me there.
Hopefully this doesn't sound like some self-pity reflection, and hopefully you took something from it. As a final closing though, you should check out this comic, it pretty well sums up the feelings of this 'Closing Thought'.
G'night Valcure! You're all beautiful. :D
- Acies
“You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.”
~ Saul Bellow
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