9962 réponses à ce sujet

[Efvie]

I just hate the thought of killing off a character for a dramatic reason. Not that that’s probably a surprise, and this is my personal opinion, of course…

But if and when a character dies, it’s not because it’s nice symbolism or a fitting end to their arc. It’s because they didn’t dodge that one last bullet.

[MrStoob]

I've a presentation quandary. As said before, the end of my trilogy fic 'Blue' seemingly ends in a particular way, but I've pulled a fasty to continue the tale. Spoilers follow for my sequel, so if you don't want to know the scores, look away now.

Basically, the ending to my trilogy is refusal but we don't see Shep die, the Normandy sets about scattering the beacons to warn the future, and I make a scene where it appears Liara kills herself after installing the final beacon. Cut to the beginning of the sequel, Liara didn't, it just seemed that way. Liara and Ash fall in love, but meanwhile, the remnants of the combined fleet are still wandering the galaxy, with Shepard having been found amongst the rubble in London but detained for being indoctrinated during the London/Citadel assault. Long term, Shep and Liara will re-unite, love-triangle, blah-de-blah. However, if I put in the tags 'Ash/Liara', that totally spoils that surprise of their romance and besides, Liara's supposed to be dead. If I put 'Shep/Liara', then the reader knows that both Shepard and Liara survived.

In other people's experience, does it matter? Many seem to search via 'ships so not sure how to handle it.

[YurigirlzCrush]

i'd be interested to know this too, for personal reference. I do tend to search by characters but I've noticed also that just because I search for like... Tali and Femshep, doesn't mean i'm going to get a fic where the featured romance is between those two. my opinion as a reader would be... put Liara and Ash in for sure, Shepard is a question mark since you don't necessarily want to spoil that she's alive. also an important question for your decision though... will the story have the romance tag? or something else? if it's tagged as like adventure/drama or something with Ash and Liara's names, my mind wouldn't go to them as a couple. if it's tagged as romance, i'm more likely to go there mentally.

in my case i'd like to hear the answer because i'm unsure whether when I publish I should include Shepard's name in the tags at all now that it seems (from the search filters) that you can put more than two names in. I plan on introducing her here and there in flashbacks, but for the main premise of the story, she died in the destruction of the citadel. same goes for Tali (not death! the question of whether I should put her name in the tags). I plan for her to have a big part in the story, and other squadmates to make appearances, but I don't wanna mislead people by having the story show up during Taliara searches, because they are not romantically involved in the story I have planned.

[Ignis Mors]

MrStoob wrote...

I've a presentation quandary. As said before, the end of my trilogy fic 'Blue' seemingly ends in a particular way, but I've pulled a fasty to continue the tale. Spoilers follow for my sequel, so if you don't want to know the scores, look away now.

Basically, the ending to my trilogy is refusal but we don't see Shep die, the Normandy sets about scattering the beacons to warn the future, and I make a scene where it appears Liara kills herself after installing the final beacon. Cut to the beginning of the sequel, Liara didn't, it just seemed that way. Liara and Ash fall in love, but meanwhile, the remnants of the combined fleet are still wandering the galaxy, with Shepard having been found amongst the rubble in London but detained for being indoctrinated during the London/Citadel assault. Long term, Shep and Liara will re-unite, love-triangle, blah-de-blah. However, if I put in the tags 'Ash/Liara', that totally spoils that surprise of their romance and besides, Liara's supposed to be dead. If I put 'Shep/Liara', then the reader knows that both Shepard and Liara survived.

In other people's experience, does it matter? Many seem to search via 'ships so not sure how to handle it.

Aww, she's not dead. Stoob, I am disapoint. Anyways, question time. And, departing from the last two, other than the obvious atrocity that was Mass Effect 3 have there been any other games who's endings have been so bad that it soured the entire experience for you?

[Rixatrix]

@MrStoob:  Is Liara in the first chapter of the sequel?  If so, I would just admit it.  Anyone who *wants* to spoil the story for himself will do so anyway (checking the sequel, the comments, etc.), and those who don't check will still get the shock of her apparent death in the previous story.  If she comes up later, maybe you can entice with a description of the plot featuring Ash, with "possibly a love interest returning."

Re: Ash/Liara/Shep love triangle.... I agree that fronting something that should be surprising can ruin the effect of some careful work. However, changing a pairing can also disappoint some of your readers. It can feel like a lose-lose, and for that, I'm sorry. There's not really an easy answer here, but FWIW, I (as a fanfic reader) would generally prefer something like a softening of the blow.

For example, if I were a TalixGarrus shipper reading a TalixGarrus fic where MShep was presumed dead but would come back to steal dear Tali back, I'd appreciate a warning, like: "Post-ME3 Tali X Garrus drama. Tali and Garrus try to survive as dextros on Earth, scrounging for rations, while the mass relays are being repaired. They rely on their instincts and each other, but could someone from Tali's past threaten to tear them apart?" Most people would assume it's Shepard, but hey, it could be, uh... um... Veetor? *laughs* The point is, the reader can brace himself for impact while still not knowing with certainty that Shep is the one coming back and the circumstances, leaving room to appreciate the surprise.

Moreover, with a vague warning, you may soften the blow of what's coming, but not how, when, where, why, or (arguably) who. It's enough to cover your bum in case you disappoint shippers, but also enough to let you surprise your readers, for the most-part.

Hope that helps... or, at least, doesn't add to the problem! 

Modifié par BlueMoonSeraphim, 16 octobre 2013 - 09:28 .

[Seracen]

I think you can have the ships without necessarily spoiling the plot. For instance, if there were flashbacks.

Still, the reader isn't likely to think that way. As such, I dunno, you COULD leave the characters generic, with no obvious romances alluded to, other than that there ARE romances.

[MrStoob]

But I want it to be a kick in the nuts all around. I've even made the Ash/Liara thing quite natural and would so obviously gut Ashley if she lost Liara now. The sudden and unexpected return of Shepard (they're separated from the fleet without knowing anyone else survived) doesn't go well, lots of guilt, crying and accusations and all that, and ultimately it's no-one's fault.

In this fic's current incarnation on FF.net, it did seem to divide the readers somewhat.


Edit:
On Igis' question.
I don't think any ending has ever particularly interested me apart from ME3, they were just there.  I suppose due to the style of play, a certain level of investment that happens, or in our cases, a bat**** level of investment, it became more important for ME.

The Bioshocks were all pretty good, though.  They had an impact.  From the sappy good ending of the first game, to the "WTF?" of Infinite, they were entertaining and didn't particularly do anything to damage the previous few hours' narrative, Infinite debates notwithstanding... hehe.

Modifié par MrStoob, 16 octobre 2013 - 10:05 .

[hot_heart]

MrStoob wrote...
In this fic's current incarnation on FF.net, it did seem to divide the readers somewhat.

It's still called 'Blue' (racist!), so just bite the bullet and do Ash/Liara, so Shepard can be a surprise

[LixiLane]

Hi guys. I'm currently planning a fic that's concurrent with the events in ME3, but I just have a couple of questions.

How do you manage the in-universe time? In game it's a bit vague to me and I can't really figure out how much time has passed since leaving earth and then returning. There are a few references: Tali at the presidium commons and Hackett mentions it a couple of times I think. I was thinking about 6 months?

And lastly, how far do you go with adding in your own stuff? Like adding other 'towns' and stuff to other human colonies. I'm planning my fic to be based on Terra Nova as I found the debate as to whether to save it or not interesting.

Any feedback would be great. Cheers.

[Seracen]

Timing sounds about right. Honestly, it is amazing how they expected Shep to ready the universe for the Reapers in less than a year, haha.

As far as the additions, I try to go however the story flows. If that requires a new area, so be it. Be that as it may, I think my "new area" ratio is like 30%. As far as Terra Nova, I would say the reasons for going there are more interesting than why you went at all.

Like Eden Prime, there's a certain symmetry that is nice when returning. However, unless something important was happening, it's just another backdrop. BW apparently thought it was only important enough to have a DLC character and mission (integral to the plot-wise, I won't argue here).

For my ME4 fic, the return to Eden Prime was a throwaway scene that simply set a mood. I didn't need it for anything else. Haestrom, Feros, and the Karshaan are probably my most important venues...and we never actually see Karshaan in the games.

I think I wanted to visit the batarian Hegemony, I wanted to add a new location. Seeing how that culture and world worked was what generated interest for me.

TL;DR: I find that interspersing a few new locations with the old mainstays is the best way to keep things interesting, yet relatable.

Modifié par Seracen, 17 octobre 2013 - 05:23 .

[YurigirlzCrush]

@Lixi: i'd say go for it. as long as the new location is in keeping with the flavor of ME in general, it never seems jarring to me as a reader. one of our old thread members did a pretty long story about an asari crew on Terra Nova during the time period of ME3. there was a whole bunch of original locations and stuff in that story and it all seemed fine to me. I doubt readers will complain. have fun writing! *smiles*

[MrStoob]

hot_heart wrote...

MrStoob wrote...
In this fic's current incarnation on FF.net, it did seem to divide the readers somewhat.

It's still called 'Blue' (racist!), so just bite the bullet and do Ash/Liara, so Shepard can be a surprise

Aye, between Seracen's and this comment, yea, I'll go with the option here.

The 'Blue' name is a bit double-edged, due to Shep's childhood obsession with the asari, and her subsequent panchant for all things blue (she was well happy with the blue alliance fatigues).  She doesn't realise her obsession has turned into something more amorous until late on in the piece and into her adult life.  I do have a bit, when Shepard meets her first ever asari, regarding asari colouring:


"I love your shade of blue, Ambassador Aneia."
"Ummm... really?"
In asari culture, complimenting skin tone is usually reserved for more intimate moments. By the asari's reaction, Verity can see that she has made some kind of faux pas, but she's not sure exactly what.
"Sorry, I've not met an actual asari before."
"Hmm, 'an actual asari'. What an interesting choice of words."
This is not going well.

Modifié par MrStoob, 17 octobre 2013 - 08:21 .

[Ignis Mors]

 Question of the day. If your Shepard's LI died, who would be the most likely person that they would get with after they got over them? 
For my Sheps it would probably be Jack. (the whole broken/psychotic thing) would be something that they felt like after losing Miranda. 

[fluffywalrus]

Ignis Mors wrote...

 Question of the day. If your Shepard's LI died, who would be the most likely person that they would get with after they got over them? 
 

Jeez. That's a tough question. It's tough to say...my Shep's a lady lover, but Tali's out of the question (sees her more as a little sister and close friend than anything). Miranda too (Cerberus, can't trust her), same with Samara (both respect the idea of living by a code too much), Aria (too power-hungry and callous), Jack (too much of a reminder of how she could have turned out as a kid, though they could probably be friends), Ashley (in my fic, the girl is certainly heterosexual, so that's a no go), Kasumi (my Shep would be too jaded to even try for someone who is as much of a romantic as she is/was), Morinth (too dangerous, even if she might feel bad for her and wish to help).

Really, the only feasible options I can think of are Traynor and Kelly, and even they could be tough sells for my Shep, given Kelly's blind (in my Shep's opinion, likely) allegiance to Cerberus, and Traynor kind of seems to idolize Shep a bit much. It'd probably end up being Traynor, honestly. My Shep likes them smart and with a weird sense of humour.
Shiala would be a possible, if improbable option, due to the asari's link to Liara. I could only see it if they helped each other through the grieving process and became close.

[Efvie]

@MrStoob Can’t you just… not indicate a ship at all?

[Seracen]

Hmm...well, in my ME4 fic, if Liara AND Jack both died...I'm pretty sure Shep would just lose it.

In fact, that's pretty much what his nightmares consist of. I don't envy any woman who would try to pick up the pieces after that particular mental/emotional break.

If ANYONE could deal with it, I suppose it would be Miranda. After all, she helped him conquer death once. Moreover, her will is dauntless.

Samara would make an interesting choice, though I feel it somewhat illogical for her to assent to a relationship. However, considering the tragedy that both will have lived through, I suppose it's possible to seek comfort in such a romance.

Another possibility could be Shiala, especially in light of HER relationship with Liara (the acolyte of her late mother Benezia). This is another "sympathy/grief" dynamic, I suppose, mixed with a bit of hero-worship.

---------------------------------------

As for Femshep (in my upcoming story), there's a bit of a debate. It's a conglomeration of mine and another's Shepard. The beta-reader is a co-author on other projects, and potentially this one.

Per my Femshep, it would be Liara picking up the pieces for Thane. For my beta, Shep would remain forever alone (denying Kaidan's attemps to rekindle the lost ME1 romance).

This is compounded by the dilemma that I am also throwing a few alternate realities into the mix. I am still unsure as to how this particular wrinkle will play out.

Modifié par Seracen, 18 octobre 2013 - 01:15 .

[YurigirlzCrush]

soooo.... *frowns* has anyone at the beginning of their story decided on a fairly major direction change and end up at a loss as to how to include characters that were originally in the plan?

basically, here's what happened. when I came up with the idea for my story, the OC I planned to include was a certain type of character. but after working out her personality and quirks and stuff, I went in a whole different direction for her, which meant the beginning of the story is a ton different than I originally intended.

the problem I now have is that I wanted Tali to be in the story too, but the issue I originally planned to bring her in on is not going to happen now since the story is beginning under entirely different circumstances than I planned in my original outline. so now i'm not sure how to weave her into the tale believably. *pout* has this happened to anyone else?

[Ignis Mors]

YurigirlzCrush wrote...

soooo.... *frowns* has anyone at the beginning of their story decided on a fairly major direction change and end up at a loss as to how to include characters that were originally in the plan?

basically, here's what happened. when I came up with the idea for my story, the OC I planned to include was a certain type of character. but after working out her personality and quirks and stuff, I went in a whole different direction for her, which meant the beginning of the story is a ton different than I originally intended.

the problem I now have is that I wanted Tali to be in the story too, but the issue I originally planned to bring her in on is not going to happen now since the story is beginning under entirely different circumstances than I planned in my original outline. so now i'm not sure how to weave her into the tale believably. *pout* has this happened to anyone else?

I'd planned to include Samara in the ME1 part of Meus Mundus, but that failed since I decided to have the Shepard's death scene before they would have been sent on a mission to asari space, since I, without even thinking about it, had the Council tell Shepard to go investigate disappearances. 
Anyways, Question Time! This time we'll go a bit away from mass effect, and ask a random question. What do you guys think of Titanfall? Looked at the E3 stuff again, and I think it looks awesome. 

[fluffywalrus]

YurigirlzCrush wrote...

soooo.... *frowns* has anyone at the beginning of their story decided on a fairly major direction change and end up at a loss as to how to include characters that were originally in the plan?

basically, here's what happened. when I came up with the idea for my story, the OC I planned to include was a certain type of character. but after working out her personality and quirks and stuff, I went in a whole different direction for her, which meant the beginning of the story is a ton different than I originally intended.

the problem I now have is that I wanted Tali to be in the story too, but the issue I originally planned to bring her in on is not going to happen now since the story is beginning under entirely different circumstances than I planned in my original outline. so now i'm not sure how to weave her into the tale believably. *pout* has this happened to anyone else?

Well, as one of my faithful readers, you've seen just how many little stories I've done (and how many larger stories I've done). I've had some stories change drastically, and end up including some characters where I'd wanted to include others, leaving me to figure out how to fit those other characters in. It's usually a bit of a mess and requires some rewriting or re-arranging of events, but it's always possible.

The thing about Tali is that she's versatile. if this is a post ME3 arc, it becomes a little harder to include her, but there are a lot of ways she could be tossed in. Without even thinking all that much about what I know of your story, Tali could pretty much be involved in almost every major tech-related arc you have.
One thing about Quarians is that they're crafty...with so many factories for building ships likely destroyed ordifficult to salvage, I could certainly see the Quarian people getting a lot of attention for ingenious stopgap fixes to help existing, damaged ships, to retrofit new tech onto older ships, to adapt turian/human/asari fleet tech to privately made vessels, etc.
Tali could most definitely get linked to any major or minor geth project, being an admiral and all (and Liara, as Shadow Broker, would most likely be aware of her involvement). So it just really relies on how you want to introduce her. Because you could go with the above, or a simple regular meeting/reunion with Liara, perhaps. Or maybe this OC of yours, if she's still a hacker, manages to catch the attention of someone on Tali's ship, or under her command or whatever. Or, just maybe, Tali hits up a bar for some tequila and ends up getting caught up in some weird, coincidental event.

[YurigirlzCrush]

Fluffy!!!! *glomp*

that's true, Tali is versatile, and I really wanted to work her into the story. I guess there are ways to do it. my original plan just worked out well with Liara calling Tali in to give a tech-expert's opinion on something the OC created and left behind, but since I moved away from the OC being all around tech-savvy and decided that she's good with programming and hacking and not much else, my original idea didn't work anymore. I guess I could find a way to do something similar. i'll just have to give it some real thought.

oh, and... Fluffy!!!!! *squeeeeee!, glomp*

[Seracen]

Yeah, I mentioned this a while ago, but I ended up cutting an entire character from my story.

I had a really good arc for her, a fully fleshed put background, the whole nine yards. However, it just wasn't working in the confines of my story. There were too many people, and none of them had anything to do.

So, I cut her, and divided her role among the other characters. This made each of the others more important, and actually helped the flow of the story. Moreover, a lot of the Normandy crew are multi-talented and well defined, I had no problems bringing them into the story somewhere down the line.

Incidentally, this also frees her up to be used in my next ME fic.

EDIT: not really interested in Titanfall, as I am not much into MP.  I will partake of MP if I enjoy the SP.  It's always icing on the cake for me.  Now, if Titanfall can provide an amazing offline experience, I may be interested.  However, I am sick and tired of M$ shoving the marketing for that game down our throats at every opportunity.

Modifié par Seracen, 18 octobre 2013 - 11:56 .

[MrStoob]

Ignis Mors wrote...

 Question of the day. If your Shepard's LI died, who would be the most likely person that they would get with after they got over them?

Easy one.  If Liara died, and Verity was still looking for love, it'd be Samara.  They have an unsaid thing anyway, that if Liara hadn't ever been on the scene, you know, etc.

[YurigirlzCrush]

I would love love lovelovelove to get Titanfall and Battlefield 4 (I loved 3). sadly, as a poor college student recently fired from my job, the cost of PS4.XBox One (currently have both PS3 and Xbox 360) plus two brand new games is way beyond my budget. *pout* I can't even afford to upgrade this computer, which I am beginning to really worry is going to die on me any day now... it's starting to do sketchy things like randomly freeze/restart for no reason and all my virus/spyware scans claim it's free of trouble. *frowns*

but yeah. i'm totes on board with the Titanfall interest. i'm not someone who can play multiplayer games endlessly or anything... with battlefield i'd play in my free time for like a week, then not touch it at all for a couple weeks, then decide to play when I had time for a few days, then not bother for a few, etc.... but I considered battlefield worth the cost even for the amount I did play it (it saw more play than a lot of my SP-only games do) and would undoubtedly feel the same on the new ones.

plus, my introduction to my favorite form of entertainment (anime) was through my cousin's anime choices like Macross, Evangelion, and a bunch of others with big giant robot suits. even though I have no interest in those sorts of animes anymore, I have to admit i'd probably find it fun to run around in a giant mech now and then. *grins* my only concern is that much like the vehicles in BF, it will be really hard to ever get in the driver's seat of a mech because people will immediately jump on them when they're available.

[YurigirlzCrush]

*listens to the crickets, looks around*

*grabs Swiffer duster, cleans out days of accumulated dust and cobwebs*

*takes a deep breath*

...

writing is hard. that is all.

*smiles and waves*

[Rixatrix]

 So is anyone doing NaNoWriMo?  I know most people do original works, but fanfiction is also allowed under the rules (at least going by their forums).  Has anyone ever done NaNoWriMo?  It sounds crazy.... 50,000 words in one month!