There are so many things I'd like to talk about here, so many posts in my mind, but I haven't gotten around to writing any of it down yet. I always tell myself to write ic posts before scrapbooking... still not caught up, but I wrote some today. It's probably not a good idea to write a rum-induced post for Ade too.
So I'll talk about character growth. You know, for what seems like a long time I had a problem with keeping characters active. I was more or less notorious for creating lots of alts and dropping them after a few weeks or months. I was even kind of secretive about my identity due to embarrassment. I
knew it wasn't a good thing, dropping so many threads and leaving people hanging, but what could I do? When I lost inspiration, I tended to just give up and get hooked on a new concept.
At some point, however, I didn't want to do that anymore. That's also why I detailed my history on Mizahar in the first post of this scrapbook. The moment I decided to be honest about it, I took the first step towards changing it.
Like most good things, the change didn't happen overnight. Still, I think Estrellir is a steady character like I haven't had in a long time. Malia was one. Albireo was another or getting there when I abandoned her. I still get the urge to create new characters and I've lots of ideas, but I'm more hesitant to carry them out. Nowadays I tend to write them into a document and store it away 'for later use' because I doubt I'd be able to give them justice. I've too many ideas for Est alone!
And this is another thing I've learned. When I get ideas for new characters, they all feel more or less the same, kind of stale, more like a type than a living, breathing person. And here's the thing: With every single character, you start from scratch when it comes to growth. I think (and this is my personal opinion) that every
new PC can be categorized and sorted into one or two of a handful of types. That's why making alts has mostly lost its appeal for me.
They grow through roleplaying. With every post we add something to their personality, their past, who they are. Every little bit we discover about them makes them grow. I really believe that the more time, thought and words we put into them, the more they take on a life of their own. Take Estrellir: Obviously she was born from the idea of a highly perceptive detective and spy in a society where connections, wits and knowing the enemy are crucial to survival. Now, almost a year from creation, she's managed to upset the Sitai, helped some Freeborn unveil their secrets, got friendly with some Dynasty members and developed a special interest in the Rujaro. She's developed a love for secrets and sneaking around and she thinks she's befriended shadows. At first I didn't really know how to write the pleasant mask she puts on in social circles, but I think I've gotten better at it now. It's seasoned with chocolate, drinking, smoking and topped with a nice bit of drug use. She's taken to acting a little crazy because she thinks it'll excuse her odd habits like sitting on her own desk and she speaks to her assistant in an overly commanding tone so nobody will notice she's actually too nice to her.
There's so much more I could say (and I didn't even get started on my plans for her!), but the point is that she's grown. She isn't your standard guerilla detective anymore, she's become something more. Of course I have bad days and times when I feel she's too much trouble to write, but those plans and that kind of 'alive' feeling is what keeps me interested.
Well... I feel like everyone and their cat realized that before and I just took a very long and roundabout way, but I'm glad to know it now. I'm posting it here so I don't forget. Love and big plans for Est!
To those of you with many alts: I understand how they can be fun, but sticking with a single PC (or even two) and pouring all your thought and ideas into them can be indefinitely more rewarding. Give it a try. I'm sure you won't regret it! And if you don't, that's fine too. After all, everyone's allowed to play this game the way they like.
I'll end this thread on a delicious note. I got a cocktail shaker for my birthday and of course had to try it out immediately (because my mum wanted cocktails...). There was at least one pic of cocktails in my old scrapbook too because I love mixing them. I'm really interested in a barkeeper's work. Anyway, I made a Tropical Blue and two Pina Coladas. The former was already empty when I remembered to take photos, but there was some blue left. Here you go and cheers!
by Estrellir Konrath on August 8th, 2014, 9:18 pm 
I believe I've heard Der Kommissar before... I don't know when or where, but I definitely have. It was great to see you start to enjoy the singing after a while. Also, I admire your courage, I couldn't have done that I think. Good job!