August's Featured Contributor: Lixue!

by **Cayenne** on August 1st, 2012, 1:51 pm

August 2012's Featured Contributor

Contributors to Mizahar come from all ages and all walks of life - no matter what position they have in our community, be they staff or player, we all value their input and works as they enrich Mizahar as a whole. This month, the Founder's Circle chose to honor Lixue as our Featured Contributor. While she resides and develops primarily in Taldera and the Spires, I suspect she'll soon have offers from all over!

The Interview

1. What draws you into roleplaying? How did you find Mizahar?

I adore roleplaying because of the possibilities. One day you could be a doctor. The next take up floristry. Before you know it, you could become a beggar in the streets. I love roleplaying because you can be something you are, or aren't. There are no restrictions, as long as you research what you write about and enjoy it. For example, Lixue is a doctor. Besides treating minor wounds, I knew absolutely nothing about medicine when she first began. But I researched and I learned and I've had people tell me I really know my medicine. It floors me every time, but I don't. At all. But that doesn't stop me from looking things up, cross-referencing and diving headfirst into a new technique or situation.

I found Mizahar, like many do, by googling roleplaying sites. My previous site had extreme drama among the staff members and writing there just was not enjoyable anymore. Besides, I wanted to progress my writing skills, not just stay at one level. Taking the initiative, I started searching. When I ran into Mizahar, I was confounded. What was this place? Reading through some of the magnificent writing, I really knew I wanted to stay here. So far, I've been on Mizahar for over a year and I don't have plans to leave!

2. What inspires you when it comes to writing, be it lore or your character?

When it comes to writing, I'm inspired by a lot of things, but mainly others. I love reading through a post and wanting to reply instantly! Characters who are REAL amaze me. When you can be angry at a PC, but hold a friendly conversation with the writer tells me the PC is their own person. I feel like a stalker on a daily basis, because I'll read threads in different cities that will never affect my character or myself, but I love the writing style or how realistic the threads are.

For example, I am in a thread with Veldrys currently. I thoroughly enjoy the thread because of Veldrys's character. He's well-rounded and unique. There are mini-memories from Veldrys's point of view and, after reading each one, I feel like I know him a bit better. He isn't pushed around by Lixue's blunt personality at work. In the thread, Lixue spoke of using egg whites as bandages and, at first, Veldrys found it absurd. Then, slowly, he began to accept the idea. I LOVE that; a character who has a mind of his own and doesn't disagree nor agree right off the bat but does both gradually. These PCs inspire me, inspire Lixue, and make my fingers ache to type.

3. Your contributions seemed to be centered around the Spires and Taldera. What attracted you to that area?

I didn't set out to create for mainly one area. In fact, I had no urge to develop. I respect Taldera and was first attracted to it for my PC, Lixue. I was dawn to Avanthal and there is where Lixue started. A place where people survive in the biting cold but can walk around in light clothing? Definitely intriguing. Especially to me. I dislike weather under sixty degrees Fahrenheit and start adding layers at fifty. The idea of easy-going lives with a solid meaning and the love of stories and elders captivated me. I wanted to be a part of the city. Thus, Lixue was born.

After the Djed Storm of 512, Avanthal melted. Half a hold was destroyed and the Vantha eyes were stuck on one emotion. To put it lightly, there was complete chaos. Lixue's mother is a doctor and was called to help. Lixue, who was involved in medicine, also went along to help. During the days she was helping, Lixue's youngest brother drowned after Lixue could not save him and her family started to crumble. Soon after, Lixue accidentally married her best friend, Ly. Given the combinations of all these things, Lixue practically jumped at the chance to leave Avanthal and help the Spires.

Roleplaying in the Spires, when it was barely developed, was… difficult for me. I enjoy eccentric locations. While the areas in the Spires were extremely unique, Lixue's threads in the Spring were mainly centered around the Injury Ward. I wanted to have more places to roleplay at. My spree on developing really started when I mentioned a training area to learn how to take Jamoura down without hurting them. Creeper created the location and I'm sure I drove him up the wall with all of my ideas after that. Finally, he asked if I wanted to create the next thing. Did I ever! With this approval, I started developing.

My contributions are centered around the Spires and Taldera because I wanted to open more possibilities for my PC and others'. I wasn't attracted to the area for developmental purposes in the beginning. My character was there and she demanded more locations to roleplay. Stemming from this, my contributions were simply because I wanted to help.

4. You've helped create a lot of different additions - from moths to Jamoura to candy shops. Can you walk us through your creative process? What gets you started? How do you go from there?

My creative process differentiates everytime I create something, or someplace, new. I only have a couple of goals when developing:

1) Be unique, be eccentric, be original.
1) Create a place or person where others wish to roleplay.
2) Develop as much as necessary to make a location true to its theme. Even if this means creating a dozen different animals or people.
3) Make sure any requirements set by the storyteller are met.

When I have reached these goals, I'll take a step back and look over my work. Make sure it doesn't border on extreme. Make sure the theme is interesting, unique, eccentric. Make sure the individual(s) is/are well rounded. If the location or NPC fits the requirements, I will contemplate finishing. Half the time, I don't, because I feel the creation is not yet ready for others to roleplay with/in/on.

As I already mentioned, each time I develop the creative process differentiates.

For example, when I created the Bright Night Delight I asked Creeper for any basic ground rules. When he told me the bugs had to change to colors for the incoming weather, I was inspired even more to create the garden. First things first, I sought a photograph of a garden filled with lights and bugs that fit the Spires. No metal, glass, etc. Once the photograph was discovered, I thought over the theme of the garden. Did I want it to be a secret place? A child's playground? Relaxed? A deadly maze? I couldn't make up my mind, so I searched for NPCs, even if I wasn't sure if I wanted one. I discovered Madeline accidentally and she helped create the location. What better leader than a Pcyon who is giggly and all around cheery? After that, the location was extremely easy to write. In fact, I may go back to add more.

On the other hand, I don't always start with a location picture. Sometimes I'll start with the NPC. At Furs, Fins, and Feathers one can find Lukra, a Myrian woman with a kelvic Ta'rukahl. As with any race I use, I read over the lore every single time to be true to the race (if a NPC isn't, let me know!). Making a Myrian was no exception. Reading through, I rediscovered the Myrian's love of tanning and furs. Leading from this, I looked over the link list and decided to make a fur place. After all, there was a Butcher Shop (developed after a Spirian Poacher) so there needed to be a place for all of the animal parts to be used. After all, the Jamoura are not big on wasting anything. Lukra had a bondmate and I incorporated her into the shop as well. The location was not preplanned but stemmed from something as simple as creating a NPC.

I constantly scan the internet for pictures I believe will fit Mizahar. In fact, I have a folder on my computer specifically for developmental purposes. Locations, NPCs, Mizahar Gallery, etc. Sometime, I find a picture that inspires me to create something new, something fantastic, something I would never have considered. An example of this is Lily Hopper Rafting. I was looking at plants for The Whispering Tunnel and stumbled upon giant lily pads. What what? I was immediately inspired. My fingers ached to start typing and, soon enough, I did. Just from finding a picture, I was able to create a rafting location in the Spires.

After each location is written, I'll read over it. If I casually mentioned a fish somewhere, I'll contemplate developing the animal. If I created a garden, I try to create several plants that help set the mood. As Aimee Mann said:

"For me, there's a fine line between telling a story that's fictional with lots of details and then removing yourself too much from it, so it's bloodless, a little too fictional."

To sum up my rambles, my creative process is different each time I develop. There isn't a set place I start. Pictures can set my muse off, NPCs can set my muse off, rules can set my muse off. Sometimes, something as simple as creating (or reading!) something else can make an idea pop into my head. Each time is different from the last, but I try to stick to my main goals.

5. Wait, back up. A candy shop? We'd love to hear the story behind that one! How did you come up with the Lollipop Stop?

I didn't originally wish for a candy shop in the Spires. Truth be told, the idea didn't even cross my mind. Instead, I was working my way through the NPC list Creeper had. Jitter was the individual I was developing. I adore Kelvics who are true to their race; animalistic features/personalities/etc. and who take on characteristics of their bondmates.

What I knew of hummingbirds in the beginning was this simple fact: They LOVE sugar. After researching, I learned that hummingbirds are extremely protective of their territory, don't have a sense of smell, have keen eyesight, and that there are more than three-hundred different types. Hummingbirds also eat more than their weight on a daily basis; nearly fourteen meals per hour!

Stemming from that, I tried to create the NPC. My first thought was: "How can Jitter survive if he needs so much sugar?" I thought of him constantly eating sugar wherever he went or being the stereotypical "everyone's favorite uncle" type person. Then the thought of a candy shop tickled my mind. What if Jitter could create his own candy? Testing the food would feed him enough and the batches that go wrong would simply be his meals.

Checking the Spires lore, I rediscovered the fact that the Jamoura love food. They're omnivores and eat both meat and vegetables/fruits. Honey is incorporated into the meals and Jamoura have a fetish for sweet foods. Insects are included in meals. The idea of a candy shop settled firmly. A candy store that sells insects covered in honey? A Jamoura delight, for sure! I made sure to add some things other races would enjoy, such as mint sticks and sour lemon drops.

My next step was creating his bondmate. Since Hummingbirds are territorial, I left the actual candy making to Jitter (he also loves to gossip and burns candy when he gets too carried away in a conversation!). I had no specific race in mind and searched for pictures with candy, etc. His bondmate, Tina, was found. Her looks matched a Vantha and so she was born. I then "made" their store and the rest is, as they say, history.

Besides, it takes a Jamoura nearly two hundred years to become mature and everyone, especially children, love candy.

6. Do you have a favourite creation? If so, what is it and why is it your favourite?

Oh, gosh. What a difficult decision. I don't think I could choose. When I'm creating something, that is my favorite creation. After the development is complete, I don't lose love for that invention but I don't look back either unless there is a purposeful excuse to (editing, grammar, etc.). Once it is complete, it is complete, I move on and something else becomes my favorite. Does that make sense?

7. How do you use images in the locales you've developed? Do you think that they should supplement or explain?

“Little details have special talents in creating big problems!” -Mehmet Murat Ildan

Do they ever!

Images should help. If a picture tells everything about a location, then go ahead and stick it in. If it is simply an amazing photograph that conveys how one perceives the location, then go ahead and add it. I've even developed the layout of a location because I felt explaining would be confusing without a picture. Don't forget the fact that there is more to see than what a snapshot can give you.

NPC-wise, I try to find photographs that convey what the person is. I don't want a butcher who looks like a cheerleader, just like I don't want a cheerleader who looks like a butcher. When it comes down to it, I look for personality in pictures. A gardener is usually peaceful, patient, etc. and I might search for someone who looks gentle or who is holding a plant.

My motto is no more than two pictures telling of the location and no more than two pictures per NPC.

8. If you could create any location anywhere, what would it be? Why?

I ache to create a location for Charbosi, designed for Charoda fun. Even more [if allowed] once the city is open. I love the idea of an undeveloped city; a clean slate. Someplace where ideas can blossom and take over. Plus, underwater is on the opposite extreme from on land. There are some things you can replace, such as where you would have birds you can have tortoises. But… It's not the same and no amount of writing can make it similar. Why should it be similar, anyways? The Charoda lore claims they are very interested in outsiders, so that alone should tell of a chasm between land and water. The idea of the unknown, of the differences, of the uniqueness, is fascinating. And I believe it could be addicting.

Idea :

9. What else are you working on? Do you have any big projects under wraps?

Any big projects are secrets currently.

I'm working on several locations for Mura, including a… Well, no, that's a secret, too! The Spires exchange program with Mura, Avanthal, Wind Reach, and Riverfall is a large project I'm working hand-in-hand with Creeper on. The location for the Icewatch patrol is being written, several NPCs developed, etc.

I try not to take too many responsibilities on at one time, because I never know how long a project will take (unexpected things needing developing!) and I don't want to make promises I cannot keep. Currently, those are my only responsibilities. I'm really hoping to help with the development of Taldera and work with the storytellers of Taldera.

10. Roleplaying as a teenager was a magical experience for many of us. How does your age colour your roleplaying experience on Mizahar?

I like to believe that it doesn’t color my roleplaying experience at all; that everyone has the ability to have the same tendencies as me and me as them. I can concentrate as hard as a government agent at work or as little as a kid in a candy shop. Just like everyone else, I become bored or lack in muse. Teenagers are known for being hormonal or temperamental, when in truth… Everyone has bad days, good days, etc. How it effects you is up to you. It's your choice to bring it into chat or take OOC information IC. I've watched others develop AMAZING locations or have an extraordinary eye for details, and I would like to believe that anyone can do that as well. It just takes work, patience, and the belief that you can.

To put it plainly, I believe being a teenager on Mizahar changes nothing because every adult has the ability to be a teenager and every teenager has the ability to be an adult.