Hear them Fireworks?

Canada Day! Independence Day! More Cool Stuff on the Way!

You have to admit the month of July is pretty awesome for the much of America- and by that, I include our neighbors to the North. The celebration of our sovereignty reminds me to be thankful that we live in a nation that has autonomy over itself and is not rife with revolutionary activity tearing the country apart. Sure, we have our share of headaches here in the states (I cannot speak for Canada), but when it comes down to it, dealing with the politics issues we have is better than having to worry about some extremist group coming into your village in the middle of the night and slaughtering everyone.

Let’s get away from that dark thought pattern. 0_O

Anyway, in spite of the drawbacks we do have, living in America is pretty damn awesome. Canada day happened a few days ago, and the 4^th of July is tomorrow, but I think we can just say this is an awesome week- especially because you have this badass blog too. :D

What's Happening Valucre?

We the People- Think of this as the after party for Fete Ghede, the arc of the story that depicts the after math of the great tragedy of Veelos. The Queen and the royal family have been notably absent from the devastated city, and well, the people are not very happy. Despite the grumbling and ruminations, the Black Queen has decided to make a showing anyway, dropping in to honor heroes and to raise hope among the refuges of this disaster. The thread is wide open to all, especially those who were involved in the first event. A headcount is being sought, so be sure to declare your interest if you plan to participate.

Alignment Trouble- An escaped lab experiment has made his way out into the world, specifically the lands of Terrenus. He is new to the world and as of yet, unmolded in his way. Prone to anger and armed with a fiery temper, it would seem that he could easily cross into becoming something of a psychopathic terrorist—but no! It is not too late. Should someone show him the ways of kindness, perhaps he could come back around, learn self-control and self-regulation, becoming a productive and caring member of society. Or, perhaps negative experiences will continue to be all he has ever known, thus shaping him for a path of evil. As it turns out, it is up to you the players! A unique opportunity to decide the fate of a character, you have the chance to help this one become good, or become evil. What will you decide?

Yh'mi is Coming- Something dark emerges, a new land never encountered before. It creeps from the shadows, it’s presence heavy and strange. What it is about this place? What is behind the mystery of this bizarre land where something feels… wrong. It is coming soon. Are you ready?

That is a Lot of Pirates- Pirates versus the city watch! Ten rounds of strategy and careful planning, to see which side comes out on top. VB and item rewards for participants—the greater your success, the greater your rewards. The game is much like Risk, but anyone can play. Do you join the pirates or do you help the cities? Will you be a leader, or join one of the already established leads? If you don’t care to be directly involved, you can be a sponsor instead! If you sponsor a team with 20vb, you get the first reward. 50vb gets you the two lower rewards. Sponsor a side with 100vb and you get all three rewards, assuming they earn them. Many opportunities to play, and once we get rolling; I anticipate this being huge! Chances to alter canon, and so much more. Get to battling!

Valucre Awards Debriefing: Still Going- Yeah, it is still going, but we are nearing the end. This has been bumped up to the final discussions--should there be any changes in how we determine what makes a person eligible for RPer of the year, and what about that "Fan Favorite" award. I know one person out there really wanted that one to come up- well, now it is here. The chance to get the word in, go make your statements now, or prepare to hold your peace.

Featured Thread of the Month- Yep, forgot this last update. I have a special treat for all of you, a treat that you might not find all that sweet, as I know of few who endeavor to eat cockroaches. Nevertheless, the writing is solid and the story is interesting. Your selection for the Blog’s Featured Thread of the Month is “The Horrid Hollow”. Congratulations to Blood Soaked Earth, Devil, Fantastique, -Lilium-, Refrigerator, Shuwen, and Zen!

Why it's Featured: Props to the writing on this one, there is some solid prose here. Refrigerator shows once again why she was the Best New Member of 2013, weaving together a fantastic opening post, proceeded by a strong following post from Lilium, whose character already adds a new dimension to the RP. Devil comes in after, nearly tying in a reason for why the city reaches out to him for help, the backstory an interesting bit into the character and his motivations. Shuwen brings things up on to its head when his character relates details of some of his stranger jobs, including a battle with a rabid toilet and a bout with vampire mockingbirds--I'd really hate to encounter that. Fantastique brings a peculiar character into the mix, his one who speaks strangely and regards his dog with great favor- it adds just that much more personality to the group dynamic. Blood Soaked Earth opens up nicely with a post that incorporates gossiping townspeople, cultural prejudices (terrorist Genesarians holed up in there...) and his resignation to the work he fulfills. Finally, Zen brings the oddest character into the group, this female character not one to be called eccentric like Fantastique's, but instead a just plain weird character whose comments are quite random (at least so it seems). A great set of opening posts-- go read the rest for yourself!

Or, I'll let the ugly bug up there come greet you while you sleep. >D

New Members! 

This section is back, and I have a new way of doing it. Rather than just write out funny greetings to people, I went and interviewed our newcomers. Here is the compilation of answers I got--I admit, I got these out a little (maybe a lot) last minute, so responses were not necessarily as good as they could have been (my bad!). I intend to get the next batch sent out much sooner. Let's get to know some of our newest people. 

What Brought You to Valucre?

I was searching online for some information about role-playing, and I found this site. After reading a bit about the lore and some articles about how to get into role-playing, I decided to make an account.

What got you into role-play? What are your favorite types (genre, style, etc) of role-play?

One of my friends has been into role-playing for a while, and after having a conversation about it I decided to do more research. As of now, I really enjoy the fantasy setting of Valucre, and (I) am looking into doing some kind of role-playing involving combat later on.

Do you have any long-term goals related to role-play and/or writing? If so, what are they?

I really like stories, and I felt that it was probably worth it to work on my writing to accompany it. I would like to make some friends outside of school, and possibly find a place where I can just be who I am, and whatever I want to be through my characters. In the end, I'm hoping to make this a hobby I can come to anytime.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or interests?

I enjoy playing video games, watching anime, reading, and a bunch of other things. I'm adding role-playing to this list.

Tell us one interesting thing about you that others might not expect upon first meeting you.

I don't think that people know that I'm an athlete when I'm online, and yet other athletes might not realize that I'm a nerd.  

Welcome to Valucre J.Alaska! Valucre is a fantastic place to be yourself, where you can be both the athlete and the nerd. Enjoy your stay!

What Brought You to Valucre?

I was searching for ideas to draw something.

What got you into role-play? What are your favorite types (genre, style, etc) of role-play?

Just the attitude of the people here attracted me to start roleplaying. 

I love fantasy, adventure and I like a little bit science fiction.

Do you have any long-term goals related to role-play and/or writing? If so, what are they?

Not really, apart from drawing I suppose, but I don't want to be professional.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or interests?

I do a lot of sport (maybe too much as some may think) and I like drawing. I also like videogames and I love reading.

Tell us one interesting thing about you that others might not expect upon first meeting you.

I can draw a character bringing out the spirit of it, so as when you look at it you say: "Wow, this is what I think of when I think of my guy/girl".   

Found us by following your craft--it's funny how things like that work out. I hope that perhaps you will find that not only can you bring characters to life through their imagery on paper, but soon your words will pen the details of their lives as well. Good luck!

What Brought You to Valucre?

I was brought to Valucre by a friend of mine in order to bring me into a better role playing community. I'm satisfied in that I believe to have found it, thus far. 

What got you into role-play? What are your favorite types (genre, style, etc) of role-play?

I started role playing when I was around fourteen years of age. It was initially a way to reenact anime with my own characters, but swiftly turned into an escape from, well, life.

Do you have any long-term goals related to role-play and/or writing? If so, what are they?

I don't really have any long term goals. I mean... I'd like to write a book, but who doesn't right? Other than that it's just a release and a way to escape reality, for me.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or interests?

Omitted

Tell us one interesting thing about you that others might not expect upon first meeting you.

Despite trying to be as friendly as possible, and sometimes genuinely meaning it, I'm quite the misanthrope. I dislike the vast majority of people I meet. I guess no one will ever know if I like them or not at first. I am a generally blunt person, though... So if someone asks me if I like them straight off it'd either be a swift "No" or "I don't know you well enough to make that call".   

Well, I'm glad you have found our community to your liking so far, especially since it sounds like you have high standards when it comes to people. Yes, in the end, Valucre is just an awesome place to come hang out and RP. Hope it keeps you satisfied.

What Brought You to Valucre?

This is where I hang my head in shame. Most of my roleplaying has been done on an online cat sim with open forums known as Mweor. I've been there since 2008, and I only remain there because I have found my niche. I have a hoard of literate role-playing friends where we can have conversations and roleplays both just for the hell of it and because we actually want something thought provoking. I decided I needed to find a site that was dedicated to writing, and so I actually turned to Google and searched: "Online role-play forums" and Valucre was the first thing that came up. I joined for about a month and then quit because it didn't click with me. At all. I didn't find anyone who fit my needs....and after over a year, I'm back...and hoping to find my niche here.

What got you into role-play? What are your favorite types (genre, style, etc) of role-play?

I actually started roleplaying both on Mweor and with a friend of mine over e-mail. The e-mail thing began in 2007 when I was eleven. I'm now eighteen, so there's quite a bit of roleplaying I've got under my belt! I actually prefer things along the lines of science fiction and realisitc plots...generally including at least a little romance. I've done time eras from the late 1800's to well into the future, and I do my best to be as diverse as possible. Here's the catch, though - I don't roleplay in groups. That might screw me over here, though, which sucks. If I can find a one-on-one with someone...that takes the cake.

Do you have any long-term goals related to role-play and/or writing? If so, what are they?

I am actually a Creative Writing Concentration English Major shooting for a BA of Arts in English and later a higher degree of some sort...I'm not sure how far I'll pursue it. I have wanted to write since I was very little when my parents gave me an old typewriter and I used it in my bedroom to type up stories. I have been told that my grammar will be watched on here, and I get that...but I did not come on Valucre to be criticized and be given hell because I accidentally had a typo. This isn't for publication, none of you know who I really am, or my real aspirations. I understand that this site is more elite than what I have been on before and you expect the best of me, but the criticism will come for me in time. I will have my writing ripped to shreds. I've already experienced it and I'm getting better. I came here to have fun, to learn how to write with people of different styles and be gently encouraged to be the best I can me, not to be beaten to death because I accidently but a semi-colon where it shouldn't have been.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or interests?

Well...I worked for the school newspaper in high school as both a staff writer and an editor. Other than that, I read, almost nonstop. I'm currently reading Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a huge fan of John Green, and not just for his novels. I also...play tennis, speak German and I'm learning American Sign Language? I leave motivational notes on bathroom mirrors in public and in books at the library? I'm not very interesting.

Tell us one interesting thing about you that others might not expect upon first meeting you.

My best friend and I found a way to associate each member of the television show Friends with people in our friend group. If you take Ross Geller, make him female and eighteen, he is a carbon copy of myself personality wise. This is assuming you replace the obsession with dinosaurs with writing and the marriages with a failed romantic life. I did fall head over heels for my best friend's cousin, though...in high school. So is he Rachel? I don't know. 

1. You like John Green

2. Leave motivational notes on bathroom mirrors...

And you claim to be an "uninteresting person"? I call BS! That, and you came to Valucre, so that gives you some cred to start with as well. Don't sweat "elitism", we're not nearly as bad as some might claim. If you desire constructive criticism, there's a handful of people around who are qualified enough to give it. You'll find that the general atmosphere fosters a sense of growth and with the bar set higher than other places, it naturally leads to people improving--usually. You'll do fine. :)

Other Highlights?

New Content By Content Type:  When you search through your new posts, don’t forget that you have the option to filter the content in a myriad of ways, the options laid out for you on the left. You can search only for threads you have responded to, threads you subscribe to, or just in specific areas. It is pretty handy!

Did You Know-  That Supernal put up a forum writing guide? Not necessarily relevant to the experienced among us, but if you are new to forum role-playing, this could certainly be a resource for you. Check it out here. While you are at it, read the rest of the Did You Knows too. 

Closing Thoughts?

I got to cheat again. I got tied up for a long while and could not write these. Normally, I would go home and do it and then put the blog up late. But, I worked two doubles already and I have to work a third. Sacrificing more sleep, even for the blog, is a terrible idea at this point. Instead, go read this article on the power of words, it makes one think about how we should use them in our prose. Putting Feelings into Words.

Next week, I shall endeavor to see this through. Until then, happy role-playing!

-          Acies   

"Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly -- they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced. "  ~ Aldus Huxley