From alt.pub.dragons-inn Thu Dec 15 17:09:31 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7976 Path: netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.cac.psu.edu!psuvm!asg102 Organization: Penn State University Date: Thu, 15 Dec 1994 11:18:12 EST From: The Dreamer Message-ID: <94349.111812ASG102@psuvm.psu.edu> Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: Re: 'nother newbie References: <3bqeji$ll@mudraker.mtholyoke.edu> <94348.101522ASG102@psuvm.psu.edu> <1994Dec15.073029.1@wharton.upenn.edu> Lines: 75 I don't mean to draw out this discussion, but rather to smooth some wrinkles. First of all, let me say that we all have to get along and respect each other in order for something like APDI to work. Part of this respect is NOT writing the responses of other people's characters. >On the other hand, if I post > >"Vilkerie, the elf, was startled to recognize a man she long thought lost. >But, no, Erek Deron of Gardon, the old dwarven fighter, had found his >way to Dragon's Inn. Seizing the opportunity, she approached, 'Hail, >Erek, it's wonderful to see that you've prospered. What brings you >this far from home?' > >"'Aye, Milady, it's been a long journey. I look for adventure, yet again. >And, for yourself, what brings you here?' > >"'Much the same, a yearning to see yet another world. I hear of a lost >treasure buried in the Broken Hills. Would you care to see the map?'" > > >Well, in that case, I'm arguably violating the rules, though if Erek >-does- talk that way, and he -is- a dwarf, new to Dragon's Inn, but old >and well-traveled, I don't see the problem. It's hard to 'offer' or >'talk to someone' if you can't at least develop the conversation to the >relevant point. The problem with this interaction is that you CAN'T know the true reaction of this character. For example, this particular Dwarf may hate all Elves (certainly a possibility). Now, you have just made a mistake by assuming that the Dwarf would react in a friendly manner when it is totally against the original author's intentions. So, how can we solve this problem? Simply send the post to the original author first and ask for approval. Sometimes they will approve the material as-is. More likely though, they will send it back with some minor revisions which will make the character's reaction more appropriate. This behind-the-scenes work is vital to producing quality work. Without it, APDI turns into a chaotic mess. Example of revised text sent back to you through e-mail: "Vilkerie, the elf, was startled to recognize a man she long thought lost. But, no, Erek Deron of Gardon, the old dwarven fighter, had found his way to Dragon's Inn. Seizing the opportunity, she approached, 'Hail, Erek, it's wonderful to see that you've prospered. What brings you this far from home?' "Ye must be mistakin' me fer another. I be sure I never been comrades with any tree-hugging faerie. And, if it be any of yer business, which it is NOT, I be looking fer a way to keep the frost of m'beard and my cup full of ale." Erek drained his mug and threw it into the fireplace. "Well...I have a yearning to see yet another world. I hear of a lost treasure buried in the Broken Hills. Would you care to see the map?'" Erek had to wipe his mouth to keep from drooling. "Buried treasure you say? Lass, perhaps I have been a bit too harsh with ye." He bowed. "M'name is Erek Deron of Gardon...the Second. I be quite possible that ye mistook me fer my long dead father. Now...let's see that map of yers." (Ed: Erek's father was killed by an Elf about 20 years ago. As a result, Erek distrusts them. However, he is down to his last few coins and needs to find a way to support his wife and her mother [they have no children yet, but one on the way]) Things like this happen all the time. It is better to e-mail someone than to assume and offend. Love and Peace and Consideration, -The Dreamer-