8061 réponses à ce sujet

[wildannie]

I also agree on ES point he's fought to survive all his life through terrible hardship into his 'gilded cage' and I think the Rinna incident and aftermath just brought the hopelessness of his situation into focus.

I don't think the Rinna relationship had developed to the point of true love although in different circumstances maybe it would have. He had strong feelings and was scared of them but he chose to let Taliesen convince him of her guilt which suggests to me that they did not know each other so well, also looking back with regret he may have elevated his feelings for her in his own head too, This affection for her had been the closest thing to love he had experienced.

So I agree Zevran knew nothing of true love until the Warden. He maybe thought he loved Rinna in retrospect but if he had loved her he would have stood by her.




Picture for top of page - one of mine - unfinished - will probably stay that way!

Modifié par wildannie, 23 octobre 2010 - 02:17 .

[Hilde]

@wildannie ~ I love that unfinished or not. The expresion on his face...he seems to be asking if he should finish removing his armor or if you would like to help..

[wildannie]

Hilde wrote...

@wildannie ~ I love that unfinished or not. The expresion on his face...he seems to be asking if he should finish removing his armor or if you would like to help..

Ha!  it's actually part of a larger pic with my CE Ainan, she's half undressed too, no doubt they're about to start helping each other out of the rest.   Anyway,  I wasn't happy with how the pic was turning out and it was way too big so I picked my favourite bit of it (Zevran of course) to post.  Zev's body is based on a pic from 'Fight Club'  

edit: formatting

Modifié par wildannie, 23 octobre 2010 - 03:36 .

[wildannie]

 ooooo have I killed the thread with my cheesy drawings??
here's another one! finished WIP from earlier in week - mostly armour adjustment.

and close up

wildannie.deviantart.com/#/d31c9ub

Modifié par wildannie, 23 octobre 2010 - 05:04 .

[Remmirath]

Sort of drive-by prompt entry posting here. I'll catch up on the rest of the thread when I've more time.

- - -

The assassin's trade it is said
Is chiefly in poison and dread
To plant fear in the mind and blade in the spine
To this end they plan and design

Now I've heard that this is quite cruel
To play with one's prey makes one a fool
Well, I say it just isn't so
You must use the tools that you know

In Antiva the Crows run the game
In Orlais the bards do the same
I've learned a trick or two from both, you see
It works as well as can be

Maybe it isn't quite fair
I confess I don't give a care
Templars hunt mages and men put elves in a cage
I don't see anyone calling that an outrage

So if you want the job done discretely and well
If you've got the coin and a man you want to fell
Go for the best, don't waste your time
The law might not help you, they'll call it a crime

If it's justice you want and you want it with speed
If you're an elf or a mage and you're in need
Just let slip you've been wronged, we'll help you make right
Don't fear the price, you may get it quite light

The assassin's trade it is said
Is chiefly in poison and dread
Yet what better way to redress a slight
Then with a blade in the dead of night 

- - -

The idea was sort of like an extended advertising slogan for assassination or something, and I was going to write some more after it, but I ran out of time. I'm apparently rather slow at attempting poetry. It was certainly interesting to try, though.

[maradeux]

@wildannie - your new picture is beautiful. And - honestly - it's much better than your top-pic. The new one really shows a development in your art. I like it.

@Halae Dral - hehe, really nice advertising. I most like the third stanza: 
In Antiva the Crows run the game
In Orlais the bards do the same

[wildannie]

@maradeux, thanks, My drawing skills were very very rusty - getting a bit better now...I've lot's to learn for sure but how much I can improve (if any) remains to be seen.



@Halae Dral - nice, I enjoyed the fourth stanza the most - there is so much hypocrisy in Thedas, it's always nice to see it highlighted.



I thought I'd posted all this last night... wine must have been stronger than I thought! seems I forgot to submit.

[Corker]

Why is it the week it's my prompt, I'm afk most of the time?



Anyhow, this week's prompt (Poetry) closes tomorrow (Eastern Daylight) morning. Still lookin' for the sexy haikus and Zevran-in-poet's-shirt sketches.

[ejoslin]

No poetry from me (I can't get beyond your "There once was an elf from Antiva" so oh well).



But I've been thinking -- why do you spare Zevran?



I haven't had a warden who killed him, because, seriously, as crazy as it may sound to take your assassin with you, it makes a weird sort of sense as well. You know there's a contract out on you, and presumably since the Crows always finish the job, you're better off keeping an eye on the person assigned to do it rather than killing him and waiting for the next attack (which may be far more subtle).



Or is that incredibly convoluted?

[wildannie]

@ejoslin, It does make sense in the context of what you are told by Zevran at his 'interview' regarding the way the crows work so provided the Warden believes what they've been told it's the sensible thing to do.

I once didn't recruit him for about...say... 10 seconds - reload.  I have never  killed him - don't even know what that looks like (infact the only party member I've ever actually killed is Wynne when I sided with Morrigan at the tower.

The reasoning behind sparing him for most of my characters (I usually play an elf) is in the first instance to investigate why he was trying to kill them.  Then after they hear all he has to say they spare him for one or more of the following reasons.

1) He's a fellow elf (especialy so for CE and DE origins)
2) They accept that he's also a victim, having little choice and deserving of a chance.
3) They're instantly attracted to him, his banter and looks (CE who's pretty fearless and streetwise).
4) They're pragmatic and realise that they DO need all the help they can get... they recruited Sten! :crying:a loose canon who kills whole families over a sword - Zevran's a ****cat by comparison.
5) Because I make them!

Edit: formatting

Modifié par wildannie, 24 octobre 2010 - 09:50 .

[soignee]

ejoslin wrote...

.

But I've been thinking -- why do you spare Zevran?
 

I've been thinking about this since the rogue prompt, as a lot of people's warden I wonder if they would or not. He drives a hard sell, does Zevran- I know some people playing usually think "oh yeah, recruitable companion, might as well" without thinking the RP reasons, despite this. I am guilty of this too, especially in regards to Leliana/Sten in Lothering- a driveby pickup until camp, so to speak.

I struggle with some stories where his "debt to the warden" and his Crow ties are never brought up, I'll be honest. It's never a seemingly equal relationship until the very end. There can be respect both ways, but a debt is a debt.

Modifié par soignee, 24 octobre 2010 - 09:58 .

[tankgirly]

By eitanya

Cuddle him to sleep, anyone?

[wildannie]

@tankgirly - that's so cute

[ejoslin]

soignee wrote...

ejoslin wrote...

But I've been thinking -- why do you spare Zevran?
 

I've been thinking about this since the rogue prompt, as a lot of people's warden I wonder if they would or not. He drives a hard sell, does Zevran- I know some people playing usually think "oh yeah, recruitable companion, might as well" without thinking the RP reasons, despite this. I am guilty of this too, especially in regards to Leliana/Sten in Lothering- a driveby pickup until camp, so to speak.

I struggle with some stories where his "debt to the warden" and his Crow ties are never brought up, I'll be honest. It's never a seemingly equal relationship until the very end. There can be respect both ways, but a debt is a debt.

Yeh, the lack of equality in their relationship is a real issue I have as well. The warden is his master, and it's something that Zevran is very aware of, and makes a point of in quite a few banters.  I actually never proposition him in my games any more as it's a leap of faith to discount the fact that bed warming is something he offers as a service as opposed to an actual desire.

They're not equals until he chooses to stay with the warden I don't think.  As a friend it's a bit iffier, though he is stays if you ask him as a friend to stay, he really does want to leave -- this is his once chance to really be free.  I do get the feeling he's staying because he does owe that debt to the warden; it does mean that he's living the rest of his life on the run.  However, with a lover, he wants to stay, which I think changes the dynamic -- being with the warden, for however long or short of a time, is worth his freedom to him.  

Edit: @wildannie hahaha, yeh, there are reasons to spare him for sure!  Yours are easier than mine I think.

Modifié par ejoslin, 24 octobre 2010 - 10:09 .

[Hilde]

@ wildannie ~ I love all your reasons for sparing him, but number 5 is absolutely awesome!

@ tankgirly ~ a Zev to cuddle with!  Fantastic!!! 
 
@ Halae Dral ~ I really enjoyed your poem. So descriptive in its verse.

Edit...additions

Modifié par Hilde, 24 octobre 2010 - 10:23 .

[Corker]

soignee wrote...

ejoslin wrote...

But I've been thinking -- why do you spare Zevran?
 

I've been thinking about this since the rogue prompt, as a lot of people's warden I wonder if they would or not. He drives a hard sell, does Zevran- I know some people playing usually think "oh yeah, recruitable companion, might as well" without thinking the RP reasons, despite this. I am guilty of this too, especially in regards to Leliana/Sten in Lothering- a driveby pickup until camp, so to speak.

I struggle with some stories where his "debt to the warden" and his Crow ties are never brought up, I'll be honest. It's never a seemingly equal relationship until the very end. There can be respect both ways, but a debt is a debt.

Ffffff.  I *totally* had to meta recruiting Sten with Lorelai.  Then with Vashti, I was prepared to leave him there when he suddenly mentions how he'd like to find redemption by dying in battle against the darkspawn.  Oh, well sure, come along then. 

I run about 50/50 with having decent RP reasons to recruit Zevran, and sometimes it takes placing a little more weight on some of the dialogue than it's really given - my excuse for Vashti was that he was going to get killed by Crows if she didn't protect him, and such a dangerous warrior deserved more of a chance to give up his flat-eared ways. 

Yyyyeah.  That went well.

[soignee]

Missa Brosca was: "huh. Gut says spare him. Gut also says I slaughter him if he steps out of line. Crotch is tingling. Shut up crotch."



Sereda Aeducan was: "oh, what a situation! Alistair dear, why are you pouting, I pick up strays! It's practically what I do, it seems. Oh, not the right thing to say? Why are you angry with me, come back... oooh, Zevran Arainai. You are trouble, I can tell."



Vardel Mahariel was: "a lone wolf, tricky. See how it goes, if he knows his place. And it got Morrigan pissed, result. Ah, Ancestors, Morrigan. She looks magnificent when she glares, heh. Tonight will be fun."

[frostajulie]

On my first playthru I was a Cousland, snobbery, and full of myself, my character slit his throat and it was done. I messed that character up so bad I deleted her and ran a mage. Kahlan Amell (I know total ripoff) She was such a soft hearted girl She mothered everyone the second he mentioned being sold as a child it was all over that is why she spared him.



For most of my other characters Zev is spared because after killing so many people and creatures and being surrounded by death, tainted by death, worried about dying and killing to be given a singular chance to offer life instead. It is huge to them and since at this point I trust Zev about as much as I trust Morrigan my characters figure why not.



My CE and Mages always identify with the yearning for freedom so basically I always buy into Zev's sad story. Doesn't make my characters a very good warrior but they can be excused by the fact that they are all obviously very young and not very worldly at this point in their journeys.

[EccentricSage]

This is stupidly short. Usually I write a little thing like this and walk away for days or weeks, then come back and have the rest, once viewing the starter with fresh eyes. Damn the deadlines, damn them...



This probably was only 15 minutes effort, what is written. The rest of the hour was me trying additional verses I hated and deleted. *sigh*



Upon bent knee

A lovely dove

Descends to seek

Death guised as love



Upon her breast

Kisses belayed

The faithful path

Of the Crow’s blade

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

ejoslin wrote...

But I've been thinking -- why do you spare Zevran?

 

My first character (Asleena Cousland) took him on. She was of the opinion that she'd feel better knowing exactly where the wasp in the room was rather than have it buzz off, only to sting her unawares some time in the future. In the beginning, she didn't trust him at all. She didn't *kill* him because I RPed her as someone who has...morality issues killing people who are at her mercy, and she didn't think it would be wise to release him and risk he was lying about not being able to return to the Crows.

My CE spared him and took him on because she was sick of being surrounded by argumentative/ignorant humans and a qunari who kept insulting her gender and intelligence. :I Mostly she did it to annoy them, but she was also feeling starved for elven company--even if it tried to kill her.

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

ejoslin wrote...

They're not equals until he chooses to stay with the warden I don't think.  As a friend it's a bit iffier, though he is stays if you ask him as a friend to stay, he really does want to leave -- this is his once chance to really be free.  I do get the feeling he's staying because he does owe that debt to the warden; it does mean that he's living the rest of his life on the run.  However, with a lover, he wants to stay, which I think changes the dynamic -- being with the warden, for however long or short of a time, is worth his freedom to him.  

Don't forget that as a friend, if you choose to leave Denerim post Blight, Zevran actually asks if you'd be willing to have him tag along, rather than you asking him. Which I <3ed for my HNF :/ She was too broken up after the Landsmeet to even ask her friends to continue on with her, but Zevran out and offered.

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

*loved enough to double post even!*

Modifié par Shadow of Light Dragon, 25 octobre 2010 - 07:41 .

[Corker]

Prompt closing in fifteen...

Prompt closed and results posted promptly!

Modifié par Corker, 25 octobre 2010 - 01:03 .

[Corker]

Corker wrote...



(banner by Minaleth)


Prompt:  Poetry.

The symphony I see in thee, it whispers songs to me... Could be poems, stories about poems or poets, images of poetry in  motion...  Adding to the body of Antivan boudoir poetry would be lovely, but I'm flexible.  (Not that way.  Would that I were.) 

Y'all: No excuses.  Haiku count for the prompt.  Just sayin'. 

Time Limit: A hour.

Deadline: 25th October 2010, (Monday morning, 9am EDT...)

maradeux wrote...

Can I respond in poetry? No? How sad... Yes, of course!

So, tell me about Antiva...

You wish to know? I'll take you there
The sound of Lillos fills the air
The sun burns on a dazzling sea
Just close your eyes and follow me

It's a warm place with gentle rain
You hear a whisper, most arcane
of blooming flowers, heady wine
of obscure secrets, lost in brine

The narrow streets of marble gleam
A childhood's nightmare, pleasant dream
A glittering gem amidst the sand
A darkhaired beauty in my hand

A ****house near the Royal Palace
Children are trained to become callous
packed in like crates in tiny flats
The stench of leather, blood and rats

This is Antiva, is my home
And now, since through the world I roam
I'm cold in genuine concern
and wistful, cause I can't return

Wonderful images, bright and dark.  There's a bobble or two in the meter, but I noticed only because the rest of it was so dead-on.  Really solid construction *and* a pretty face.

Hilde wrote...
25 minutes


Need.

Gentle lips dance across hard skin
Breath struggles to advance

Desire presents itself, bare and wanting
Enflamed in searing heat

Love smothers the sounds of passion
Rife with raw need

Hands advance, possessing
Finding hold, embracing

I am yours

Now there's a neat trick... I keep rereading this and finding more of my own assumptions (about active and passive roles and 'belonging') challenged.  Also, I think "Desire presents itself, bare and wanting" is much sexier than Tassles McFee the desire demon.

Sarah1281 wrote...

The target’s name was Gianna. Zevran had been told her last name as well,  of course, but he was – as always – far more interested in the first name. One never knew when a target was going to be the seducing kind, after all, and calling out a surname in the throes of passion – or worse, getting the name wrong – was really not the kind of reputation Zevran wanted to cultivate. Granted, his targets wouldn’t be living long enough to tell anyone anything about his performance good or bad but it was just good practice and a matter of personal and professional pride to maintain the same standards of quality at all time.

Continued here...

You really do have to wonder what some of Zevran's marks were thinking, don't you?  "Hm, a member of the most deadly order of assassins in the world. I know... I'll distract him with small talk!"  I liked that the story was about poetry and contained a poem!

Halae Dral wrote...

The assassin's trade it is said
Is chiefly in poison and dread
To plant fear in the mind and blade in the spine
To this end they plan and design

Now I've heard that this is quite cruel
To play with one's prey makes one a fool
Well, I say it just isn't so
You must use the tools that you know

In Antiva the Crows run the game
In Orlais the bards do the same
I've learned a trick or two from both, you see
It works as well as can be

Maybe it isn't quite fair
I confess I don't give a care
Templars hunt mages and men put elves in a cage
I don't see anyone calling that an outrage

So if you want the job done discretely and well
If you've got the coin and a man you want to fell
Go for the best, don't waste your time
The law might not help you, they'll call it a crime

If it's justice you want and you want it with speed
If you're an elf or a mage and you're in need
Just let slip you've been wronged, we'll help you make right
Don't fear the price, you may get it quite light

The assassin's trade it is said
Is chiefly in poison and dread
Yet what better way to redress a slight
Then with a blade in the dead of night 

Mmm, tasty dactyls!  I *love* that first stanza with the touch of internal near-rhyme in the third line - puts me in mind of Kipling. 

And I FAIL hard because I missed EccentricSage's entry the first time through...

EccentricSage wrote...

Upon bent knee
A lovely dove
Descends to seek
Death guised as love

Upon her breast
Kisses belayed
The faithful path
Of the Crow’s blade

It might be short but it's well done!  A bit ambiguous, perhaps (is the dove the mark? That plays well with the crow in the next stanza...) but it's poetry so that's part of the game.   I'm wondering if the dove knows that she's seeking death or if she buys the disguise... it works either way. 

(Also puts me in mind of the Sailor's Prayer, if the dove is the crow: Oh Lord above / send down a dove / with beak as sharp as razors/ To cut the throats / of them there blokes / what sells bad beer to sailors.)

Tigress M wrote...
This is NOT a prompt, but simply a bit of humor to toss out since it's what came to mind the minute I read the theme...

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Alone in my bed,
I'm horny for you.

Short and to the (hornéd) point!  It made me smile.

And the winner is...
reconsidered upon finding another entry in the stack...
but I think that it remains...

maradeux!

Good use of lore details, painted a vivid picture, wicked tonal change, solid construction and technique.  Makes me wish I could read German so I could read her stuff in her *native* language!

PM me with details for your prize poem, if you like.

Thanks to all who participated and commented on the entries! 

Modifié par Corker, 25 octobre 2010 - 01:37 .

[ICevoL]

Congrats to maradeux on the win! *applauds*



*waves to thread*



Not going to do a "wall-o-text" catch-up this time, since it would be ridonkulously long. After seeing how far behind I've fallen on the thread, I decided to just jump back in here *g*. Stupid travelling and the aftermath... but I will make a better effort to stay caught up from this point forward *nods*