Lupin The Roleplay! Official Roleplay Planning {OOC} thread.

[Geist_MD]

Hiya, and welcome to LupinTheThird.net's premiere roleplay! This here thread be for out-of-character {or OOC} planning, and will be kept up to date with the ongoing events of the roleplay's in-character {IC} thread.

The Roleplaying Thread Proper.

The following information is subject to change at any time. This post will be constantly updated, as well as contain a chart on what those updates are. It is strongly suggested on every visit to the thread you check the updates.

PLEASE NOTE! Spoiler tags don't have real spoilers, they're just there to keep this looking tidy.

Lupin the Roleplay: The Official FAQ!

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A Roleplay? What's that? Nothing kinky, I hope!

A roleplay, or RP for short, is typically an internet-based story told by multiple people, and can be done through live chat or forums. It has its roots in Dungeons and Dragons, and its real-life counterpart might be considered LARP {Live-Action RolePlay}.

Typically, a roleplay is freeform, although some roleplays can be planned with an overall story, or with a preset initial event that sets all others in motion. Also a standard is a person playing one character rather than many people simply describing events regardless of individual: This helps maintain a sense of order, with each person having a single person (or more) to keep track of rather than a free-for-all.

Each person has a "post", that is a set of actions or dialogue that they initiate from their character to another author's character{s}. After that post, their turn is up and another author may post.

Oh, cool, can I start one?

Sure can! This is the Official thread for the forums, although that doesn't denote quality or importance, just that these are the ways the admin and mod would have things. If you want to start one, by all means, or if you want to look at a preexisting RP for ideas or just to observe some seasoned folks do great work, there's one over at Ishikawa Goemon's thread. Highly reccomended you check it out!

Okay, neat, but can I just join you guys?

Better believe it, bub. Right now we're in the vaguest of planning stages. This means that we're assigning characters, getting our stuff together, and doing general strategizing amongst ourselves before anything begins.

Hey, can I be Lupin?

Characters are on a first-come-first-serve basis typically. That is, if no one wants to play Bob McDonald, first person to call him gets to play him. Two people wanna play Bob? Each author will have to post, and we'll hold an {anonymous} vote on who should be this character. In such a case, each party is expected to be civil at all times.

Something to note: those who decide to play a main character {Lupin and the gang} need to be consistent and willing to commit to this thing for the long term. Essentially if you're gonna sign up now then lose interest tomorrow, maybe it's best to play a small role.

How long can my post be?

Depends on the context, and the author. Until further notice, no post limits are in place.

I'm playing ____, can my char have super powers? THEY'D BE SO COOLIES!

Sorry to rain on the superpowered parade, but no. For the recent future {RE: this RP's initial arc}, the supernatural will be very limited and vague in nature.

Good idea: Pycal's survival in the first series.

Bad idea: Pycal's magical abilities in the OAV Return of the Magician.

Okay, story summary is nice and all, but what's this arc you're talking about?

Arcs are the equivalent of episodes in the RP. When one arc ends, another begins, with a different plot, and sometimes with a different cast, style, or setting. So far we're on our first arc.

I've got an original character I invented/have a character from an earlier episode, can they come in?

Sure! Don't plop 'em in there  and we should be fine.

For original characters: Follow This Link! It's strongly suggested you pass, haha.

Pshaw, gosh darnnit! I joined up but now I don't have the time/don't feel like it/my feet need to be washed so I can't play anymore.

That's fine, we all realize real life and our own interest can kill stuff like this, so just let everyone know and please try to arrange another author to pick up your character where you left off.

Okay, you know what, this sounds GREAT! I've got a post and an idea and everything! How do I join fo reelz?

Well, first before you jump into the RP, discussion with the other members and myself should be had regarding how we'll work in your character. Also, when picking a canon character (Goemon, Zenigata, etc} you'll need to post a sample just to let everyone know your interpretation. Your Jigen swears a lot? Gonna need to see it in the sample. It should be a shorter entry, no more than seven or eight paragraphs of moderate size, and should encapsulate how you're portraying said character. For non-canon original characters, this is suggested but not a rule.

I'm not real keen on RP, but can I comment? I dig this stuff!

Sure can! We love to hear criticism, suggestions, or general "keep on truckin'."

Wait, I just joined, but you guys have been going a while. Uh...

It's okay, just check the story summary of this arc. The story summaries leave out important details, though, and you'll miss a lot of great writing if you don't read the posts prior. It's a dang-near necessity if you're gonna join.

I'd like to add some dialogue to this other person's character, but just a little. Can I?

Well, most authors are okay with it, myself included, but before you do, it's probably best to ask the author themselves. Also, depending on who you'll be putting dialogue attribution to and how much, you might want to run the quote past the author of said character, so the tone matches up, generally speaking. Directly quoting someone else's post should be fine.

How often can I/should I post? Also, how long should they be?

Depends totally on circumstance, but generally speaking, there should be at least a buffer between your post and someone else's, and a minimum of three paragraphs is encouraged {although not enforced; You'll just have an easier time that way.}

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Character List:

The following is a list of characters and their respective authors. Once the RP begins, these folks are set in stone unless they resign their position, or at the checkpoint of the end of the initial story arc. Until then all names are tentative. Any character not in Red is confirmed and non-negotiable, not including speaking with the author and negotiating.

After each character is a short guidline on character. Before anyone mentions it, I'm not in the business of telling people how to play their character, but this is just so no one turns their character into a bumbling comic-relief guy: We're all as important as each other, here. It also helps reinforce the somewhat more dramatic tone Green-Jacket has and the less slapsticky humor the manga frequently employs.

Underlined characters needed; ones in red are confirmed to a player.

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Lupin The Third: Geist
A 20-something with a penchant for disguise and no knack for subtlety, Lupin is a thief extraordinaire who may or may not be the fool he appears to be.
"Scream for me, a romantic modern hero!" ~ Super Hero

Jigen Daisuke: MizDucky
A cool marksman with a .03 drawtime, he's cynical and untrusting of women, but deadly to his opponents and undyingly loyal to his partners.
"There is no one on earth I'm afraid of. And I will die with both of my hands untied." ~ Morrissey

Ishikawa Goemon: Ishikawa Goemon
Dignified and calm, Goemon is perhaps the most reasoned of the group, living by a code of honor and with an intense desire to do his ancestry proud.
"You can abandon your own body, but never let go of your honor." ~ Miyamoto Musashi

Mine Fujiko: Lupin Lover
A femme fatale who is as much wits as she is looks, she frequently uses her charm to get what she needs, and her relationship with Lupin is complex. Although betraying him is not uncommon, she never puts him in situations she knows he can't get out of. Yet.
"She got it all down tight, she got nothing wrong. She got the whole wide world singing baby's song." ~ Fluke

Koichi Zenigata:
Determined, competent, and intelligent, Zenigata has made it his life's work to capture Lupin and his gang. He, like Lupin, refuses to kill except under only the most dire of circumstances. While the law may or may not help or hinder him, it's a rivalry generations in the making and Zenigata's convictions have gotten him far in life.
"One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws."~ Martin Luther King

Kiichi Melon: Dr. Furball.
The antithesis to Zenigata, he is cold, calculating, and with a constant smirk on his face, Melon has made it a point to upstage Zenigata at every turn and take his spot as top-cop through means of murder, trickery, and lies.
"A deception that elevates us is dearer than a host of low truths." ~ Marina Tsvetaeva

The following are un-canon characters, but in no way does this denote their importance to the story:


Fu Cheung: Lady Lupin
Stoic and kindly to the untrained eye, he is a seasoned warrior possessing vast knowledge and a deadly hand, his actions are guided by maintaining balance rather than law.
"You can conquer others with power, But it takes true strength to conquer yourself."~ Lao Tsu

Houjin Cheung: Lady Lupin
Fu's son, long groomed to be his successor in martial arts and medicine. Intelligent, loyal, and impatient with his father's traditional ways, he nonetheless keeps ancestral tradition in mind and heart.
"Give a fish to a man; he has food for a day. Teach a man to fish; he learns a skill for life." - Fan Li

Adele LeBlanc: Southern Belle
An Emergency Medical Technician, Adele originally served the populace of Paris before transferring to the smaller Lyon. Intense, with a love of piano, she has made a significant profit on the side of her profession by helping the injured off-the-books who cannot go to the hospital.
"I will apply dietic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice." ~ Hippocrates

The Killers {Geist, IG, LL, Doc}:
Issabella - Charm School instructor; A talent to the business.
Gavin - A brilliant voyuer.
Vincent - Sadistic Frenchman.
Lorne & Gore - Fairweather friends.
Gan Wi - The Cheungs' shadow.
Don Jiricho - Captured kiddo.
“Murder is always a mistake - one should never do anything one cannot talk about after dinner.” ~ Oscar Wilde

The following authors have been spoken with and have had their place in the RP, for the immediate future{IE next week or so}, solidified.

Geist
Hokori
Southern Belle
Ishikawa Goemon {author, not character}
Lupin Lover
Lady Lupin

Still needed:
MizDucky
Doctor Furball


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The Story So Far:

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Lupin receives a letter of opportunity, requesting he take a position at a charm school as an instructor. Half spy-academy, half killers-for-hire, Lupin declines their offer, only to find out they've put a hit out on all of Lupin's associates, Zenigata & Melon Cop included, in retribution.  Turning himself in, the police station is bombed by enterprising assassin Gavin, in attempt on Zeni's life. Lupin leaves with Jigen's aid, and Goemon's abilities patch a serious wound he received for his troubles.

Fu Cheung and son Houjin attend to the wounded and face off again Gavin, respectively. Injured, the young Cheung is aided by paramedic Adele LeBlanc, working as an underworld EMT. Meanwhile, Zenigata and Melon begin an investigation into the school, Melon capturing hitkid Don Jiricho and Zenigata spending his night hunched over files.

The boys retire in their safehouse outside the city, but Goemon's long-distance romance gnaws at his conscience, and he reluctantly returns to Japan the following day only to find two attempts on his life, the latter claiming his love Saiyuri. His subsequent arrest is quick; unpleasant. Jigen's considerations for both their sake have proven, unfortunately, well founded. The Instructor Isabella, who inadvertently warned Lupin of the incoming assault and removed bomber Gavin from the picture, meanwhile navigates to their safehouse, where she attacks Lupin and is then forced to barter her freedom with a file on another school head.

Freshly-imported Fujiko is assaulted by partners Lorne and Gore after interviewing the suspicious Fu Cheung, Gore finding abandonment after he botches the job. Jigen and Lupin separate after she phones the thief and LeBlanc, who is becoming increasingly entangled with their predicament. Things grow messier when Lorne returns to murder Gore by sniper-fire and attempt at both of the women who make a getaway back to Lyon's inner city before separating. The Cheungs own affairs trouble them, and a specter of China removed has followed them to their French gite, forcing police intervention through kidnapping.

Jigen uses old connections to gather intel from Lupin's acquisition the night previous, and Melon's search continues, taking the boy caught as half-hostage half-stool-pidgeon. Zenigata leaves Lupin a drop-box note and waits before rushing back to the police station: Lupin has been caught and thrown in jail with little resistance, knowing still an alliance must be made with the Inspectors.

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CURRENT UPDATE – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16th
I added a whose-in-whose-not list, and updated our author bits. I decided against authoring a timeline, which would really just serve the purpose of the plot summary, and even then takes up as much space and is of the same usefulness.

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Past update - Sunday, November 8th:
Story summary saw an update, fixed some typo errors, condensed some other stuff. I also removed the pause list, because it's both a huge hassle to constantly keep track of, and no real need for it outside of one instance. It might see a return; who knows.

First update to this post since July? The RP is still going strong, wow! Edit addendum: Added IG's character, the killer Vincent.

Past update - Thursday, July 30th:
Updated the story summary again, added the killer NPCs under my wing to the character roster {will add Doc’s as soon as they get names.} I also updated the FAQ with two questions, and added the pause list.


Past update – Saturday, July 19th:
Updated the story summary as always, and added Southern Belle to the roster of folk. I also reedited some things, fixed an error or two, and added italics for more ease of reading.

Past update - Wednesday, July 15th:
Updated story summary, fixed Fujiko's status {cemented to Lupin Lover.} I also streamlined this post quite a bit for ease of reading.

Past update - Monday, July 7th:
Updated the story summary, fixed a link.

Past update - Sunday, June 14th:
Updated the FAQ with a few questions, copyedited one or two minor typos and added some to the story summary.

Past update - Tuesday, June 9th:
THE RP IS FINALLY OFF THE GROUND OMIGOSH! Also added a Story So Far section, too!

Past update - Thursday, June 5th:

Added some stuff to the Character section, as well as {Emphasis on vague!} vague character guides, as well as penciling most folks in. We're pretty close to launch, now!

Past update - Wednesday, June 3rd:

Updated the FAQ to reflect a question I got a bit earlier and was too dang dumb to check my inbox.

I also added to the character list and the text preceeding it, as well as the text previous to the FAQ {bolded}.

Past update - Monday June 1st:

Well, here's the OOC thread, for all intents and purposes. For the curious, I made this after there was some PMing of interest in the possibility of another RP, and considering how the Ishikawa Goemon {and friends} RP has been closed to new entrance through no fault of their own. I hope everyone understands I'm not doing this out of spite, or out of competition: Just a desire for everyone to be able to participate in an ongoing Lupin story.

A word about tone: As with anything, it's up to debate and community approval, but I'm leaning towards a Green-Jacket setting. That is to say, more down-to-earth stories, more character interaction, and Zenigata an incredibly competent cop. Maybe it's me but there was a dignity to the first series that some of the ensuing incarnations lacked that I think would be really cool for us to play.  Thoughts?

Also! I didn't have any real interest in an outlined story, but I did have an idea for at least a setup. I'd like for us to go free-form for the time being, with no more planning than necessary, but again, this is something that's as much open to discussion as anything else: It's an RP for all of us, not just my whims.

Regarding the character assignments: I  know someone who has their heart set on a character specifically, but I'll let them speak up for themselves.

Anyway, those are my ideas for the time being.

~Spectral Quack to the Deceased, Michael Davis, Esquire.

[Ishikawa Goemon]

Well... here I am, still feeling a bit numb coming out of a post that was hard to write in the other thread. That aside, I think you've done a good job organizing this thread, and I am curious as to where things might head in the future.

Of course, I'm interested in slipping my feet into Goemon's sandals and giving him another go.

[Geist_MD]

Well... here I am, still feeling a bit numb coming out of a post that was hard to write in the other thread. That aside, I think you've done a good job organizing this thread, and I am curious as to where things might head in the future.

Of course, I'm interested in slipping my feet into Goemon's sandals and giving him another go.

Seriously, my heartfelt apologies about the other RP, if it truly is finished. I've had a handful of really long stories with folks that fizzled, if not outright got quit. It's a real heartbreak sometimes, especially after being such a beloved timesink.

However, consider yourself pencilled in as Go-Man.

[Ishikawa Goemon]

Seriously, my heartfelt apologies about the other RP, if it truly is finished. I've had a handful of really long stories with folks that fizzled, if not outright got quit. It's a real heartbreak sometimes, especially after being such a beloved timesink.

However, consider yourself pencilled in as Go-Man.

Though there's no need to apologize, thanks; it's always nice knowing that there are people who can relate (and not lift their eyebrows when I explain that I'm lamenting the loss of a good text-adventure, heh).

Anyway, thank you also for tentatively setting me up with 'Mon.

[LadyLupin]

I'm coming out of the burden of insane projects and final exams, so I still have that RP itch. The Green Jacket series is my favorite. It would be excellent if this RP took place in that time period, but the setting will by the creator's discretion. =) I would pounce on Zenigata, but I want to focus on an original character this time around. I thought about the possibilities revamping Fu Cheung from the previous RPG or another one. I'm going to stew on this and post a character idea sometime this afternoon.

BTW I passed that Mary Sue test. I dislike M Sue's for sure. =) 

[Geist_MD]

Updated first post: please see update notes.

Here's a question I wanted to pose to you guys. Did you want to make the previous RP canon, even though I imagine this story will be a little leaning towards dark {more swearing, chances are}? And when introducing original characters, should there be a reintroduction or just start from scratch?

As for the RP itself, I had a very good plot idea that ocurred to me some days ago. I wasn't sure whether or not you guys were for, neutral, or against any planning, considering my own idea is still very rough.

Also, LL, soon as you've got a dead-set name for the character you'll be going with, lemme know and I'll put you in concrete, swookie?

[Ishikawa Goemon]

Here's a question I wanted to pose to you guys. Did you want to make the previous RP canon, even though I imagine this story will be a little leaning towards dark {more swearing, chances are}? And when introducing original characters, should there be a reintroduction or just start from scratch?

I was thinking we might not need, or in some cases, want to refer to specific events in the last RP - but I personally would like Goemon to remember some little details, and throw them in if and when they are applicable. For example, let's just say Goemon is made to think about ki - he'll no doubt remember the time he had it sapped from him (he won't have to mention this aloud and 'force' other characters to consider this incident as canon, though) Things that can prompt memories like these might never come up, which is fine also. I hope I'm making sense. : x

As for the RP itself, I had a very good plot idea that ocurred to me some days ago. I wasn't sure whether or not you guys were for, neutral, or against any planning, considering my own idea is still very rough.

I know I'm all for hearing a general idea of what you have; it's always a good starting point.

As for your updates, Geist, I'm thinking on a sample post to offer; not sure how soon I will have it up, but it will definitely be here tomorrow, if not tonight.

[Ishikawa Goemon]

Sorry for the double post:

It's a little hard for me to write around seven paragraphs on the fly, as I've always been a slow writer, and I couldn't think of anything that motivated me emotionally at the moment. Gulp, pressure. So... I have a shorter sample here that hopefully can begin to capture my interpretation of Goemon; I can and will gladly post more to make up for it, if need be. This is just a silly little scene/one-shot thingamajig; I don't think it's very strong, but, it's something. The previous thread is still there for one to take a look at if they are curious... but regardless, it's only fair that I follow this rule for canon characters and put something up here.

+ + +


Leafing through yellowed, gritty pages with a calm wistfulness, it wasn't until she sidled into the room that he lifted his eyes from the black characters neatly patterning paper. She stood before him expectantly in a yukata that clung gently to her form, her lips thoughtfully pursed. His stomach turned at the sight of her slender legs, held together as they were - and shaken with embarrassment, he was suddenly desperate to hide the fact that he had been staring blankly. Clearing his throat, he lifted the book to his face.

“What's that?” Noriko asked as she squinted at the cover. “I don't think I've ever seen it before.”

It took him a moment to understand that she wasn't referring to something horribly wrong with him. Sucking in his breath, he latched onto her question first as a merciful diversion, though gradually, he found himself considering it seriously. His eyes darkened contemplatively.

"This book has survived several generations." Goemon said evenly, slowly and softly snapping it shut over his lap like a padded box. Dust rose with the muffled thump. For a moment, his softly-veined hand musingly caressed its weathered cover, the tips of his fingers tracing the shapes of dry ink. A grim expression returned his gaze; a portrait of the first Ishikawa was on the cover, the stylized features echoed in other ukiyo-e artwork. He had often wondered if there was a grain of his ancestor's distinctive character to be found in the thin and delicate lips, the sloping nose, the grey shadow of facial hair.

"It was a parting gift from my grandmother." He smiled palely to himself. "I do not believe she knew of how many hands this had passed between."

Eyes soft with admiration and nostalgia, he carefully laid the hard-bound book aside with both hands; when he met Noriko's gaze some time afterwards, his look of enchantment had been replaced by tired sobriety. The tone of quiet awe had left his voice.

"I suppose it is time we go to sleep." He suggested, frowning bemusedly as she put her arms akimbo.

“...That's all?”

The ronin's eyebrows rose as he went cold, his features struggling to settle on a single expression; a guilty blush betrayed him. “...W-What do you mean?”

[Geist_MD]

WORDS!

Oh wow, that's such a prompt response, I'm really impressed! I'm a tch busy right now and I've still got stuff to do around the forums {The Download Thread will see an update shortly}, in additon to needing to answer a few PMs. Still that's really impressive, and I'll give it a once-over before long. Thanks!

[Geist_MD]

Double posting as guiltily as you {for the sake of thread-bumping}. That was great! Now, lemme see if I've got this interpretation down. Goemon is as solemn as ever, but more than that, it comes of deep respect for his heritage, and his dedication to not only remembering it, but doing it honor and passing it down. Sensitive with an unspoken strength, he is still naive and innocent in the ways of women, although this does not hinder a healthy-if-restrained interest therein.

If I've misinterpreted your post, my apologies. I hope all your posts are as good as this one!

I'm talking to another player about the role of Lupin, but regardless of whoever takes what part, I imagine that role being filled sometime soon, so a post from Lupin's author should be forthcoming as soon as that's settled.

[Ishikawa Goemon]

Double posting as guiltily as you {for the sake of thread-bumping}. That was great! Now, lemme see if I've got this interpretation down. Goemon is as solemn as ever, but more than that, it comes of deep respect for his heritage, and his dedication to not only remembering it, but doing it honor and passing it down. Sensitive with an unspoken strength, he is still naive and innocent in the ways of women, although this does not hinder a healthy-if-restrained interest therein.

You're absolutely right-on. He would like to settle down at some point with a wife and a kid, but that's a different story.

I hope all your posts are as good as this one!

Depends on what I receive... ha, but seriously, I will try hard to give it my all with every post, regardless of how long or how short. I'm glad and relieved that you dig it.

I'm talking to another player about the role of Lupin, but regardless of whoever takes what part, I imagine that role being filled sometime soon, so a post from Lupin's author should be forthcoming as soon as that's settled.

I'm eager to read it.

[LadyLupin]

Updated first post: please see update notes.

Here's a question I wanted to pose to you guys. Did you want to make the previous RP canon, even though I imagine this story will be a little leaning towards dark {more swearing, chances are}? And when introducing original characters, should there be a reintroduction or just start from scratch?

As for the RP itself, I had a very good plot idea that ocurred to me some days ago. I wasn't sure whether or not you guys were for, neutral, or against any planning, considering my own idea is still very rough.

Also, LL, soon as you've got a dead-set name for the character you'll be going with, lemme know and I'll put you in concrete, swookie?

I thought on revamping characters. I wouldn't mind starting over from scratch. Character info will be posted tonight soon.

[LadyLupin]

Name: Master Fu Cheung
Age: 57
Ethnicity: Manchu Chinese
Occupation: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)/Gung Fu Master
Religion: Taoist
Bloody Type: A
Height: 5’5
Weight: 135 lbs
Skills: acupuncture, tui na acupressure massage, herbology, various TCM practices, martial arts, meditation, yoga, tea making, calligraphy, lore, history, deciphering ancient Chinese    

Physical Description: A well-worn, yet sturdy man with a lean build. Despite his shorter stature, he carries himself with a sense of dignity and awe. To most foreigners he is obviously Chinese in appearance, yet to keen eyes would recognize the finer details of his Manchu heritage. His complexion is somewhat of a paler yellow-gold than some of his brethren. Deep-set almond-brown eyes gaze thoughtfully beneath thin silver-black eyebrows. A semi-pointed face, high cheekbones and wide forehead give him a stern, yet soft appearance. His head is crowned with black and silver-streaked hair pulled back into a long queue (braid), but differing from the traditional Manchu-style (which left the front shaved).
  
Clothing: Mainly silk changshan robes of various colors, although he has a particular fondness for blues and greens. All bear the symbol of the fenghuang, a bird of Chinese legend bearing similarities with the phoenix. Simple black lan han slippers are his preferred footwear.

Preferred Weaponry: Cheung is a man who prefers to not to start fights, but will become a vicious adversary if the situation is right. He prefers to fight with hand-to-hand or with traditional Chinese weaponry. He is particularly skilled in the shéng biāo (rope dart) and the butterfly sword. His fighting style relies on stealth, experience and accuracy to compensate for age.

Preferred Foods: congee with century egg, buddha’s delight

Preferred Drink: gunpowder tea (does not actually contain gunpowder)  

Likes: frequenting tea houses, studying taoist scrolls, weiqi  (go), nature

Dislikes: oppression

Current residence: Jin Kwoon in Wan Chai, Hong Kong

RP Sample

Two men knelt down facing each other on a platform beneath the outstretching canopy of camphor laurels. The older of the two cupped slender, bony fingers around the circumference of a porcelain cup and brought it to his lips. Its aromatic sensation flowed into his nostrils as the warm, semi-sweet tea flowed down the throat. He set the remainder away for later. It was tempting to take some more, but it could wait. Taking even simple pleasures in life in moderation was best.

"Now then, Huojin," the older cleared his throat, "What is it you wished to say to me, my son?"

The younger man bowed low, but his eyes never wavered from the gaze of the elder. "Father," he murmured, "I have never questioned your judgment, but why must it be my duty to carry on in your place? Shen is more like you in patience and mannerism. I am blunt and quick to temper."

Cheung raised his eyebrows. "You do not wish to succeed after I have left this world, Huojin?"

"It's not like that, father. Sometimes I feel like we come from different places in times. You are a doctor from the traditional school, while I pursue modern medicine at university. I believe in the old ways, but a part of me will always look to the future. It is inevitable that change comes and destroys what we perceive as once was."

A sense of understanding passed over the elder manchu's gentle, yet stoic eyes. "I think I understand now. You feel because you place your trust in modern medicine that you cannot place your trust in our 'folk remedies' as the newer generation would call it. My dear boy, even modern science begun to recognize many of our practices are in fact beneficial as they were in the pas just as advancements in new medicine is just as important."

Huojin bowed second time, "But still, I am nothing like you..."

"Is that so? We are all different in mannerism and temperament, Huo-jin. If I felt you were not worthy of carrying on my legacy do you not think I would have said so? Yes, you are my eldest son, but that is not the only reason I have groomed you to take my place. You are still young and have barely begun your journey of self-knowledge. Please listen closely as I have words of advice for you laid down from the Tao:

Intelligent people know others.
Enlightened people know themselves.

You can conquer others with power,
But it takes true strength to conquer yourself.

Ambitious people force their will on others,
But content people are already wealthy.

Prudent people will abide.
People unconquered by the idea of death will live long.
People who live according to their means last long."

[Geist_MD]

LL, I like information in general, and a lot of that might be especially helpful during the introductory vacinity of the RP, but I was hoping for something a little less profile and more along the lines of seeing the character in a one-off post in a situation that aptly exemplifies their character. Here, let's get an example.

---

Bob flicked the cigarette to cracked black concrete, ember tumbling and clinging to its existence despite slow fade.
I'm a detective.
The rain pouring over his form, Bob moved down those quiet streets, emptier all the time.
I'm a detective. Divored. Two kids. Canada.
He passed a mother and child on the sidewalk, letting them glance at him before decided to cross the street. He stank.
I live in my car.
Stank bad.
I could probably go for a sandwich.

---

This example is generally pretty much played for humor, but it tells you several things. A. Bob thinks pretty highly of himself, and is possibly delusion. Anyone who has an inner monologue like a Bogart movie probably is. B. Bob's pretty unsatisfied with his life, and probably in need of money {a good plot point to keep in mind if one were trying to grasp at an opener: Offering him a job would be an excellent start, as there's almost no chance he'd turn it down, and he probably gets a big kick out of being a detective in his own little fantasy.} And C, it gives you an idea of exactly how I'll write out my section of things, and that's good since we'll all be working together on this. Having a great concept of how an author will respond means you can tailor your own writing better, playing off each others's strengths and avoiding their weaknesses.

Now, it's worth noting my above post is not an example of anything more than my sense of humor. It's just an idea on what's ideal for "this is my character, how I write, and how they would be in a situation outside of profile". Besides, I'm sure any worthwhile craftsman wouldn't do their character justice: You'd just have to see 'em in action to get the best sense of them!

Anyway, thanks again, LL, not trying to come down on 'ya.

[JoYi]

This has absolutely nothing to do with the roleplaying thread, but I felt the need to say:

All bear the symbol of the fenghuang

Is what my sister's Chinese name is based off of and....

Preferred Foods:  congee with century egg, buddha’s delight

....are literally in my top 5 favorite dishes xD

Anyways - It was a little sad to hear that the other RP ended so abruptly, but good luck getting this one going!