9960 réponses à ce sujet

[BronzTrooper]

Question: Can anyone explain the fascination with Cullen/Amell pairings in DA fanfics?  I honestly don't get why it couldn't be Cullen/Surana.  

[Seracen]

Question: Can anyone explain the fascination with Cullen/Amell pairings in DA fanfics?  I honestly don't get why it couldn't be Cullen/Surana.  

It could.  However, IMO, most elven chars that roll a mage pretty much give up all the little nuances of their origins.  There is really little difference between Amell and Surana.  However, being a hermitage or wood elf allows for a more developed cultural backdrop.

 

Oddly enough, the Circle tends to have en equalizing effect between species; there's little variance between elf and human.  Moreover, DA1 imports with a human mage also loosely tie into the Champion of Kirkwall's family.  There's just more storyline threads to play with.  Not saying Amell superior to Surana, just that I can see the reasoning more clearly.

 

Also, Templars come across as elitist and racist.  Hard to tell whether Cullen would be more persecuted for falling for a mage or an elf...or even if he would allow himself to fall for a mage that was ALSO an elf.

 

 

Thanks, much appreciated! I will point out that it's not necessarily a 'romance' (I certainly haven't tagged it that way) as it's set mostly during ME3. So rather than the relationship being at the forefront or even that prominent, Shepard is an 'intermittent presence'.

 

I thought it was an interesting angle to explore, and works with Miranda. Characters aren't defined wholly by a romantic relationship...but at the same time, she can't deny the effect it's had. I've labelled it as adventure/drama because I feel those are a better, looser description, but yeah, if you're not fond of stories/relationships with male Shepards, I can't really help there.

 

As for your second question, I think that is only enayasoul's particular story. She uses an almost script format, and those can span pages and pages (general rule is one minute of screentime per page...then allow something like 10%).

 

In terms of your own story, I do like the idea of a slightly delayed reveal. But then I've always been a fan of letting people be confused or have to catch-up a little, as my flashback scenes can probably attest. I think it helps keep the reader's interest as they pay more attention to what is being written, searching for clues.

 

So, in your case, if you start by establishing that the person's blind, I could see a reader thinking, "OK, so now they're gonna go through what they can sense" with a little less room for surprise, whereas if they're unaware, they're more keenly absorbing what they can until things become clearer.

I tend to read more Male Shep stories, but I enjoy reading both.  I totally bought into the multiverse idea of the ME universe.  As for formatting, I use a method that makes sense to me alone, it seems, haha.

 

As for delayed reveal, I am also a proponent.  However, I am sometimes bad about playing too much cloak and dagger...my betas will often suggest I tip my hand slightly earlier, or hint at it more often.

[BronzTrooper]

It could.  However, IMO, most elven chars that roll a mage pretty much give up all the little nuances of their origins.  There is really little difference between Amell and Surana.  However, being a hermitage or wood elf allows for a more developed cultural backdrop.

 

Oddly enough, the Circle tends to have en equalizing effect between species; there's little variance between elf and human.  Moreover, DA1 imports with a human mage also loosely tie into the Champion of Kirkwall's family.  There's just more storyline threads to play with.  Not saying Amell superior to Surana, just that I can see the reasoning more clearly.

 

Also, Templars come across as elitist and racist.  Hard to tell whether Cullen would be more persecuted for falling for a mage or an elf...or even if he would allow himself to fall for a mage that was ALSO an elf.

 

I wasn't talking about the in-game politics behind it.  I was talking about people's preference for Cullen/Amell over Cullen/Surana.  I feel like Surana isn't very popular in fanfiction and I don't understand why.  I think the Surana Wardens should get more attention, as should Tabris Wardens.  Actually, Mahariel Wardens seem to be neglected somewhat, too, never mind Aeducan and Brosca Wardens...  

 

Besides, I don't think that most of the people doing Cullen/Amell fanfics are worrying about how many 'storyline threads' Amell has over Surana.  I say there isn't enough Surana love in fanfiction.  

[BronzTrooper]

Well, I finished my short story for Darrian from TLFW.  Only 4 chapters, but it isn't supposed to be long anyway.  Ended up leaving it with a cliffhanger-type ending, but I think it's a good way to end it.  Just thought I'd get that out there before I went to sleep.  * yawn *  Damn, I'm tired.

[hot_heart]

I did it! I finally did it. Nearly two years later and I finished my story. Though I'm sure something was trying to stop me. Would've had it done on Saturday but had to go in and help with a problem at work, then when I got it finished yesterday, my PC's PSU fan decided to do an impression of a circular saw. Actually posting from my phone right now.

[Seracen]

I did it! I finally did it. Nearly two years later and I finished my story. Though I'm sure something was trying to stop me. Would've had it done on Saturday but had to go in and help with a problem at work, then when I got it finished yesterday, my PC's PSU fan decided to do an impression of a circular saw. Actually posting from my phone right now.

Congrats!  Looking forward to reading it!

[enayasoul]

I did it! I finally did it. Nearly two years later and I finished my story. Though I'm sure something was trying to stop me. Would've had it done on Saturday but had to go in and help with a problem at work, then when I got it finished yesterday, my PC's PSU fan decided to do an impression of a circular saw. Actually posting from my phone right now.

You did a great job on the last two chapters.  Having read both version of the 'making love' scene.  It works wonderfully with and without the necessary details of their love making.  

 

I posted the chapter I was working on. There is a lot more I can add to it but I need to actually write it down first. haha.  I better post something. Had viewer, whose name isn't on my follow list, ask if I was continuing the story. Yes.

 

Just need more productive time... for brain and fingers to write it all down. 

[hot_heart]

Thanks, guys. It's a good feeling. Though now I have to get my PC fixed before I can work on other things...

 

You did a great job on the last two chapters.  Having read both version of the 'making love' scene.  It works wonderfully with and without the necessary details of their love making.  

 

Good to hear. It was actually a bit of a struggle to bridge the edited version, but I think it worked. I haven't had any complaints about either version... yet

[Seracen]

SWEET MERCIFUL GOD!!!  Why is it so cumbersome to post stories at Deviant Art ?!?!?!  Fan Fiction.net is a cakewalk in comparison...

 

Ah well, 10 chapters up today.  At this rate, perhaps I'll have this beast posted within a month...

 

 

Thanks, guys. It's a good feeling. Though now I have to get my PC fixed before I can work on other things...

 

 

Good to hear. It was actually a bit of a struggle to bridge the edited version, but I think it worked. I haven't had any complaints about either version... yet

I enjoyed both versions as well.  A tasteful fade to black can be just as effective as a poignant romance.  Also, you shouldn't beat yourself up so much over POV, I think you did a great job in that regard as well!

 

Can't wait to read it all from beginning to end, as opposed to random chapters.

 

PS: any chance you will upload it in PDF format somewhere?  I'd love to read it on my tablet...

[hot_heart]

Thank you. Yeah, I was just concerned that it sounded too much like a guy wrote it.

 

I was actually looking into making an epub version, but wanted to clean the chapters up first. Gotta fix my PC before I can do that though.

[YurigirlzCrush]

bah. the quote thing on this website does not work at all for me. I have no idea why. just brings up a blank reply box. *sigh*

 

so... a bunch of stuff. first off, I hope everyone who celebrates the holiday had a Happy Easter! *grins* with little sisters, of course it's totes a big deal around here. whole production. coloring easter eggs, hiding them, chocolate, baskets, dinner, etc. so... hectic weekend.

 

second! congrats hot_heart on the official finish of your story! must be a really nice feeling to have gotten through it and be looking at a completed project. from someone who is afraid she'll never finish a story ever, I can only imagine what a beautiful moment that is! *smiles*

 

third... about my previous question with the blind character. it's not like this is meant to be a big, secret reveal or anything. the character is blind and always has been. I was just trying to figure out the best way to introduce that information. seems like just building up to it is the way to go. so thanks! much appreciated! *grins*

 

and... um... there was something else I wanted to comment on... let's see.

 

oh! maleshep! that's just a personal preference for relatability. as I've mentioned many times before, I mostly read romance based stories. that's my thing. I like romance and fluff. and so I read what I can relate to. as a lesbian there's very little appeal to stories about maleshep. femshep is obviously infinitely more relatable. I was joking when I said that femshep is the only shep, obviously. I love that players had the option to choose their gender, and I think all games should allow that option for the protagonist. it would give girl gamers like me more games where we can play a protagonist we can really relate to! *smiles*

 

oh. and. trailer for the new DA game... talk about depressing. *pout* looks utterly awesome. and even if it doesn't come out for six months, the chances of me being able to afford the next gen system and game by then are.... well, zero, realistically. *sigh* I wanted to be so excited about it. but when I saw the trailer all I wanted to do was cry.

[BronzTrooper]

oh. and. trailer for the new DA game... talk about depressing. *pout* looks utterly awesome. and even if it doesn't come out for six months, the chances of me being able to afford the next gen system and game by then are.... well, zero, realistically. *sigh* I wanted to be so excited about it. but when I saw the trailer all I wanted to do was cry.

 

You don't have to get a next gen system for it.  Pretty sure it's coming out of current gen consoles too.  And yeah, I can't wait for it to come out! 

[Seracen]

Barring some of the cringe-worthy moments (almost exclusively: the Jacob romance), I believe that FemShep is probably one of the most compelling and well developed female characters in video gaming (or anywhere).  As such, I enjoy reading her POV as much as MaleShep.  I almost envision the multiverse similar to something in comics, or even out of BS:Infinite (except not as pretentious).

 

Even so, I can definitely see why some prefer certain storyline choices more than others.  I can never bring myself to play ME3 with EVERYONE dead.  Part of me, morbidly, wants to play ME3 with only Liara, James, and EDI as teammates, killing off the rest in some manner.  However, I can't bring myself to do this, any more than I can bring myself to allow anything but "complete victory" at Rannoch (anything but full peace prolly would have made me quit right then).

 

As for DA3, I'm pretty sure it'll be on all platforms.  I am holding out hope that PC won't require Origin.  Otherwise, I am likely looking at a PS4 purchase (unless they allow the mod community to show up).

 

Managed to post another 10 chapters today.  Perhaps will do more tonight.  At any rate, some of my story stats brought me back to an old question a few pages back...

 

My word counts per chapter really do vary greatly.  For me, it seems more to be about how much story has progressed, regardless of the amount of time necessary to develop that progress.  As such, my chapters can range from 500 words to 2500 words!  

 

Still, I want to say that once I get past a certain amount...say...10 pages on my word processor, I try to reach a break in the chapter.  Still, there goes any idea of uniform length I had about the chapters, lol!

[YurigirlzCrush]

if DA3 really is available on current gen consoles, maybe I would buy it for my Xbox if I really can't wait to play the game. but it seems a shame to spend my money on another 360 game when I do plan to upgrade to One eventually.

 

some mods I've seen for various games are interesting. sometimes I think I'd like to start playing games on PC to take advantage of the mods. but unfortunately that's even more expensive than buying an Xbox One would be. currently I do all my computer use on a desktop that's five years old. or my sister's laptop, which has even less processing power than my desktop. gaming on PC seems to require fairly regular hardware upgrades. and I just can't afford that sort of thing. maybe in another 3 or 4 years after I graduate college and get a decent job somewhere.*sigh* but even then, all my import saves are on my xbox...

[BronzTrooper]

if DA3 really is available on current gen consoles, maybe I would buy it for my Xbox if I really can't wait to play the game. but it seems a shame to spend my money on another 360 game when I do plan to upgrade to One eventually.

 

some mods I've seen for various games are interesting. sometimes I think I'd like to start playing games on PC to take advantage of the mods. but unfortunately that's even more expensive than buying an Xbox One would be. currently I do all my computer use on a desktop that's five years old. or my sister's laptop, which has even less processing power than my desktop. gaming on PC seems to require fairly regular hardware upgrades. and I just can't afford that sort of thing. maybe in another 3 or 4 years after I graduate college and get a decent job somewhere.*sigh* but even then, all my import saves are on my xbox...

 

That's what Dragon Age Keep is for.  Apparently, you won't be able to import saves into Inquisition.  You have to set the desired world-state in Dragon Age Keep and link it to your current playthrough, but I'm not sure how. 

[hot_heart]

Thanks, Yuri.

 

As for your PC concerns. Not to go off on one, but those seem more like popular myths. I'm pretty sure you can grab even a decent ready-made PC for less than an Xbox One, and you definitely don't need regular hardware upgrades. I bought a middle-spec PC back in late 2009 and it still runs nearly everything, and games certainly look heaps better than they do on 360/PS3. Sure, my PSU has a problem with the fan, but that's cheap and easy to replace. I've had both a 360 and a PS3 die on me out of warranty, which is way more expensive by comparison.

 

It probably helps that I have friends who can advise me in this area, but you could probably find tech sites with guides to decent PCs at reasonable prices if you were interested in going that route.

[Seracen]

if DA3 really is available on current gen consoles, maybe I would buy it for my Xbox if I really can't wait to play the game. but it seems a shame to spend my money on another 360 game when I do plan to upgrade to One eventually.

 

some mods I've seen for various games are interesting. sometimes I think I'd like to start playing games on PC to take advantage of the mods. but unfortunately that's even more expensive than buying an Xbox One would be. currently I do all my computer use on a desktop that's five years old. or my sister's laptop, which has even less processing power than my desktop. gaming on PC seems to require fairly regular hardware upgrades. and I just can't afford that sort of thing. maybe in another 3 or 4 years after I graduate college and get a decent job somewhere.*sigh* but even then, all my import saves are on my xbox...

 hot_heart  Beat me to the punch, lol, but is correct!

Actually, prices are such that you can get a pretty decent desktop for around the same price as an XBOX ONE.  In fact, if you shop it right, you can get a really sweet rig out of such a budget.  My current rig was built for around $400 (clearance buys), and I can run Witcher 2 at MAX.

 

Of course, I doubt I'll be able to do the same with DA3, but I expect it to run at least as good as it would on 360.  Still, I understand.  Even though I was upgrading after 7 years, the bite was hard when dropping the cash on a new PC.

 

PS: Alas, I will be without internet for a day or two, most likely.  Time to bum-rush a few chapter posts at ff.net.  Have a nice weekend guys!

[BronzTrooper]

What I really what is to get a gaming computer so I can play Civ, SIns of a Solar Empire, ME, DA, etc. on it and put on whatever mods I want.     Sucks that gaming computers are so damn expensive...  

[YurigirlzCrush]

*smh* I don't know how you could get a computer for such a good price or how you have such good longevity with them. I had a fairly decent computer that my mom bought for me when I turned 16 (almost 5 years ago) for about $1000, and she bought a second one for herself for about $700 at that same time. my computer was a nice one. and it could run some nice games, but eventually it didn't meet the minimum requirements for games I wanted anymore. but I already had an xbox 360 and a PS3 then and some good games for each, and those never had to be upgraded, so I kept buying games for my consoles.

 

then a year and a half ago my computer just up and died one day *sigh*. I could have gotten it fixed, but the place we took it to be repaired wanted like $300 for the fix. and my mom didn't want to pay that, so she gave me her old computer and bought herself a laptop instead. but her computer (or now my computer, I should say) really isn't very good. like as in it crashes during the loading screen on League of Legends (the performance meter shows that CPU usage maxes out at 100% the second loading starts and stays there until it crashes). would I like a new computer? sure. but like I said, my last one cost a G and lasted 3 and a half years. I have way better luck with consoles.

 

my 360, I've had for seven years, my ps3 I've had for 5, and both of them have been extremely reliable. lots of people complain about how they have to replace their consoles every few years and I don't get it. I've had them both without any problems for like... most of my teenage/adult life. the only maintenance I've ever had to do for either was to buy a new controller for my xbox last year because the right stick stopped working. and I never have to upgrade them for the sake of a game. true, I can't enjoy the various mods that come out, but I've lived without them this far.

 

based on past luck, I'm just afraid that if I were to amass $700, it would be better spent on a new console. if I spend it on a computer, the computer would last me 3 years or less (based on past luck), but if I spent it on Xbox One, I'd get twice that or more.

[Seracen]

Back again guys!  About to post another 10 chapters.  Figured I'd peek in real quick.

 

As for PC's... best thing to do is build yourself.  However, many find this far too complicated.  Personally, I prefer buying a branded PC and upgrading.  It's nice to have recovery disks, etc...

 

Anyhoo, as for my last PC...I bought a clearance model (when they switch operating systems or processors, the old ones go on sale).  I dropped about $400 for a decent rig, a solid Video Card, and some extra RAM.  I then waited a few months for the new graphics cards to come out, and bought the previous models (which went on sale).  Had the choice to run two cards...but I didn't feel like buying a larger power supply, so I sold the old parts. All told, I ended up spending maybe $500 for a well-equipped PC.

 

Not an UBER PC, mind you, but I can still run everything I've thrown its way at high-spec (maybe had to do a bit of tinkering here and there).  Of course, there's lots of little things I do, maintenance or upgrade, to get longevity as well.  Still, once you've "Frankensteined" a working PC out of spare parts...few things scare you PC-wise (also, backups upon backups).  Moreover, you don't feel the burn as much, when spreading out the cost like that.  But I digress...

 

Ach...so many grammatical errors, when you are just writing stories to get them out.  Sad thing is I will likely miss quite a few that will still likely grate for some folks.  Ah well, it isn't as if I'm paying an editor and publishing a NY Times Best Seller...regardless of what Amazon eventually does with fanfics...

[BronzTrooper]

Well, I put up another DA one-shot, though it featured an OC that I randomly made up.  Basically one of the rank-and-file soldiers that would normally be more like cannon fodder.  I don't like killing off my characters no matter how insignificant they are, so it didn't end up with the OC dying.  

 

Now, to get back to TLFW...  

[Fatiguesdualism]

@hot_heart:  Bit late I know but still - congratulations on finishing!  

 

@YurigirlzCrush:  I know where you're coming from - in a similar situation myself.  Coughing up the readies for the next-gen (or is it current gen now?   Anyway...) is, for me, just not an option right now - or likely to be one any time in the foreseeable future.  To make matters that little bit more annoying, my PS3 is one of the first models (little 40gb HDD and not PS2 backwards compatible  )  I've tried upgrading the hard drive - but they never last for long. 

[Seracen]

@hot_heart:  Bit late I know but still - congratulations on finishing!  

 

@YurigirlzCrush:  I know where you're coming from - in a similar situation myself.  Coughing up the readies for the next-gen (or is it current gen now?   Anyway...) is, for me, just not an option right now - or likely to be one any time in the foreseeable future.  To make matters that little bit more annoying, my PS3 is one of the first models (little 40gb HDD and not PS2 backwards compatible  )  I've tried upgrading the hard drive - but they never last for long. 

 

Which is sad, really.  Heck, the Nintendo, Atari, and Sega Master System in my dad's attic probably still work, even though they've been neglected for decades.  I know that the newer systems have more moving parts, are more computer than a simple disk reader (like days of yore).  Still, it's kind of sad to know that you could buy a $300 piece of electronics that is considered "disposable."

 

In other news:

 

I'm not usually one to plead for reviews, nor am I the sort who needs validation via the review process.  Even so, it would be neat to hear how others are receiving my current story.  If any of you fine folks have given it a perusal, I'd appreciate a quick blurb over at fanfiction.net

 

Don't go out of your way to read it.  Lord knows I don't have time to read every sundry thing I want to.  If you have, however, I'd just like to hear some thoughts.  Moreover, I have only posted half the story thus far (30 chapters), so there is some time to change things around, if they don't work.

 

Speaking of things that don't work, it's interesting how I never really picked up on certain things, but my betas did (have mentioned this before in regards to other aspects of my story).  In my mind, the lore and backstory was already set, so I may have neglected to enumerate certain key points.  One of my betas had trouble following the escalation of events in the villains' plotting.  However, after explaining one minor detail, everything fell into place for him.

 

It then became a question of how to present this information: whether spoon-feeding it in the author's notes, or trying to frame it within the narrative (and finding the right place for it).  I ended up going with option #2, since one should never HAVE to read A/N's to understand the story, however much it helps.

 

Still, anyone else grapple with this?  Is the universe so ingrained in your head, that you simply forget to address certain key elements sometimes?

[BronzTrooper]

Sometimes, but when I re-read a chapter before posting it, I usually catch it.  Then again, I get so worried that my readers will get confused that I go out of my way to make sure they know what's going on.  Sometimes it's a bit much, I'll admit it, but the old saw, 'We are our own worst critics' holds true.  Sometimes I think that a chapter is bad or I'm not sure if the point is clear, but then I get reviews and everyone seems to like it and understand what's going on and why certain events or characters are they way they are.  * shrugs *  I guess I'm a bit hard on myself.

[YurigirlzCrush]

just taking a break from term paper craziness, and decided to say hi. so... hi! *waves* I'm proud of all the people in this thread for all the one-shots and stories being finished and published. you guys are all totes awesome.

 

can't stick around, sadly. first exam for exam week is 8am tomorrow morning. and still have to finish this stupid paper. *sigh* hope everyone is having a pretty decent Tuesday! later! *poof*