GWG Contest Sponsored by RPVisions.com - Character Bios
striderkaaru
His deep eyes gazed off into the distance, overlooking the scorched and ravaged land that had been a battlefield for the past few days. Perched atop a large rock by the hillside near their encampment, Kaaru took a moment to remove himself from the devastation before him. He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh morning air.
With a concentrated thought, he opened his right hand and a beam of light extended from his palm. He clenched at the light, and the tip extended into wing-like appendages. He opened his eyes to marvel at the beauty he held in his hand. It was an object of light shaped in the form of a double-bladed axe. It felt as solid as any other weapon he had ever held, but it was as light as a feather. The axe emanated a soft red hue, and its undulating glow pulsed as if one with his heartbeat. It was called a Chaos Axe, and it was a weapon sought after by many warriors and found only in the desolate and godforsaken fields of the Fissure of Woe. However, Kaaru treasured it not for its value, but for the memories it held.
His thoughts turned from the war he currently found himself in to his past, the past that brought him to where he was now.
Since his youth, he was trained as a Strider, warriors renowned for their skills and fighting prowess. He was trained in battle and in other arts as well, helping to shape him as a balanced individual. Despite his impulsiveness and general disdain for organization and authority, his determination and raw skill allowed him to pass his training and join the ranks as one of the youngest to achieve the status of Class-S Strider. Internal corruption had since destroyed the organization, and the remaining Striders who were still loyal to the original values each went their separate ways.
He then became an agent of the Black Hand, an underground organization that was involved in almost all aspects of society and was secretly responsible for many influential events. He had fond memories of his tenure at the Black Hand, and he thought of his adventures and the people he had met. Familiar faces flashed in his mind of friends past and present: Tunny, Sloth, Mumorpigah, Nak, his own brother Kay, Wan, Circe, Juhanah, Tides, Lia, and many more.
“Kaaru…”
His thoughts then wandered off to his brief involvement with the esteemed Lady Blue Steel and her companions. He had heard less of her since she started her academy, but he stayed in touch with Nakora, one of Blue’s earliest students.
“Kaaru…”
He let his mind wander, and he soon found himself thinking of his Hime. Hers was a face he longed to see agai…
“STRIDER!”
The sharp voice jerked him back to reality. He turned his head towards the encampment and beheld the stern figure of Racthoh Demini approaching him.
“Cease your day-dreaming, boy, and make yourself useful!”
Kaaru opened his palm and the glowing axe he held vanished into thin air. He grabbed the armored helm that lay beside him and alighted gracefully onto the ground. He turned to face his leader and saluted.
“Fine morning for a walk, isn’t it?” Kaaru let out with a cheerful smile.
“It’s a fine morning to slay our enemies,” he retorted. “Word has come in from the Western front. There has been significant movement in the enemy ranks. I need you to take your squad and fortify our position by the river crossing immediately!”
“Aye, my lord.”
Racthoh eyed Kaaru with a chilling gaze.
“Nothing passes,” he commanded.
Kaaru let out a proud smirk. “You have my word.”
Despite the bulky armor he was wearing, Kaaru sped nimbly down the hill towards the encampment.
“Finally…,” he thought to himself.
Kaaru wasn’t one to normally take orders like that, but he had finally met a man worthy of following.
He had finally found allies to call family.
He had finally found a guild to call home.
Beorn Drake
Momiji.JPG
Momiji, like many assassins, got off to a rough start. Unsure of his place in the world, Momiji spent the majority of the time after his induction into the Shing Jea Monastery face down in the dirt wondering what hit him, like so many of the victims of his wrath now ponder. Momiji quickly learned that the keys to a successful career, and therefore a long life, were found in the speed and precision that only the mastery of his art allowed. With a hesitant over familiarity with death, Momiji now dispatches of his enemies with the precision and grace of death itself. Now, as a dedicated leader of the Alliance of the Old Gods and a proven friend to the Kurzicks, he and his allies currently seek to destroy Shiro Tagachi and the viscous plague that threatens his homeland.
Momiji, like many assassins, got off to a rough start. Unsure of his place in the world, Momiji spent the majority of the time after his induction into the Shing Jea Monastery face down in the dirt wondering what hit him, like so many of the victims of his wrath now ponder. Momiji quickly learned that the keys to a successful career, and therefore a long life, were found in the speed and precision that only the mastery of his art allowed. With a hesitant over familiarity with death, Momiji now dispatches of his enemies with the precision and grace of death itself. Now, as a dedicated leader of the Alliance of the Old Gods and a proven friend to the Kurzicks, he and his allies currently seek to destroy Shiro Tagachi and the viscous plague that threatens his homeland.
sgtclarity
Finally finished mine 
richie_ritualist
Lauwe N
Here's mine, a simple one...
Storm Crow
I'd like to extend an awesome job to Trub and Racthoh on their excellent works! Good luck to you all, though!
I'm adding a second bio (is that allowed? whatever…) this one is of my Warrior:
The walls were blackened by the blood of her comrades, and were closing in on her all the time. Air became thin as the last bit of oxygen was depleted by her panicked breathing. Blood of ones who had fallen before her party was lying fallow beneath her feet, and was rising rapidly. It came to her knees, then her waist, and finally her chin, as she gasped desperately for the air that was no longer available in the small, bloodstained chamber that was her dreams.
She awoke with a start, to find her blade clutched tightly in her hand. She was thankful that she had survived another night alone in the Charr-ridden lands of Ascalon. She had been split from her vanguard when the first of the crystalline meteors fell from the skies of her homeland. She packed up what little supplies she had, and walked on, hoping today to find a reasonable place to stay.
She had been on a patrol with the rest of her unit that had been split into guards, and was far north of what had been the Great Wall. Upon the cataclysm that was Ascalon’s Searing, she had been setting up the camp where her vanguard would stay for the night. The rest of her patrol was off setting blockades and gathering supplies for the weeks of travel ahead.
Now she only hoped to find shelter at the Academy where she had studied long before the Searing, and the destruction of her home. She figured that she was not far, judging by her map of the Old Ascalon, maybe another hour’s walk or so. She sighed, and pulled her rucksack a little further up her shoulder, deciding to get rid of what little she had once she found the Academy.
Upon coming to the bluff overlooking what had been the Grand Nolani Academy, she was grateful that she now had a sheltered place to stay for the next few weeks, without worrying of the Charr, but saddened, for her Academy had been destroyed, and crumbled to pieces of rubble. It was then that she noticed a small column of smoke rising from the old Academy, and ran toward it as fast as she could.
Halfway there, she saw a small Charr warband, of about four beasts, and she ran even faster. Upon coming to where she had seen the warband, she saw naught but a smoldering pile of ash, fur, and armor. A small snicker came from above her, beyond the doors that still stood. She looked up only too late, but then the doors swung open, nearly knocking her over. An Elementalist stood in the doorway, looking at her with bright green eyes.
“You’re figured for dead, too, aren’t you?” She asked, beckoning the Warrior in.
“Yes…But, who are you?” Garria asked, putting her things down as the doors swung shut behind her.
“I was a student here when the Searing hit a few days back. There was mass chaos here at the Academy, and everyone who hadn’t evacuated in time was assumed to be dead. You’re also assumed dead, as the rest of your unit is. I am Alicia, Alicia Stormcrow. I’m here to help you, if you’ll help me.”
I'm adding a second bio (is that allowed? whatever…) this one is of my Warrior:
The walls were blackened by the blood of her comrades, and were closing in on her all the time. Air became thin as the last bit of oxygen was depleted by her panicked breathing. Blood of ones who had fallen before her party was lying fallow beneath her feet, and was rising rapidly. It came to her knees, then her waist, and finally her chin, as she gasped desperately for the air that was no longer available in the small, bloodstained chamber that was her dreams.
She awoke with a start, to find her blade clutched tightly in her hand. She was thankful that she had survived another night alone in the Charr-ridden lands of Ascalon. She had been split from her vanguard when the first of the crystalline meteors fell from the skies of her homeland. She packed up what little supplies she had, and walked on, hoping today to find a reasonable place to stay.
She had been on a patrol with the rest of her unit that had been split into guards, and was far north of what had been the Great Wall. Upon the cataclysm that was Ascalon’s Searing, she had been setting up the camp where her vanguard would stay for the night. The rest of her patrol was off setting blockades and gathering supplies for the weeks of travel ahead.
Now she only hoped to find shelter at the Academy where she had studied long before the Searing, and the destruction of her home. She figured that she was not far, judging by her map of the Old Ascalon, maybe another hour’s walk or so. She sighed, and pulled her rucksack a little further up her shoulder, deciding to get rid of what little she had once she found the Academy.
Upon coming to the bluff overlooking what had been the Grand Nolani Academy, she was grateful that she now had a sheltered place to stay for the next few weeks, without worrying of the Charr, but saddened, for her Academy had been destroyed, and crumbled to pieces of rubble. It was then that she noticed a small column of smoke rising from the old Academy, and ran toward it as fast as she could.
Halfway there, she saw a small Charr warband, of about four beasts, and she ran even faster. Upon coming to where she had seen the warband, she saw naught but a smoldering pile of ash, fur, and armor. A small snicker came from above her, beyond the doors that still stood. She looked up only too late, but then the doors swung open, nearly knocking her over. An Elementalist stood in the doorway, looking at her with bright green eyes.
“You’re figured for dead, too, aren’t you?” She asked, beckoning the Warrior in.
“Yes…But, who are you?” Garria asked, putting her things down as the doors swung shut behind her.
“I was a student here when the Searing hit a few days back. There was mass chaos here at the Academy, and everyone who hadn’t evacuated in time was assumed to be dead. You’re also assumed dead, as the rest of your unit is. I am Alicia, Alicia Stormcrow. I’m here to help you, if you’ll help me.”
shivanSoule
Ristaron
I feel like I can improve my character's bio, so I am going to add a little exerpt of her travels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ristaron
Quote:
Please excuse if the yellow is hard to read, I couldn't find a font that was otherwise useable.
The beating of the waves on the thick wooden hull was just the rhythm the impatient elementalist needed if she was to survive the wait. They had been sailing for several days now, and there was still no sign of the majestic shores of her homeland.
"We are still on a direct course", the captain kept confirming. Arial could not help but believe the way he checked using the sun with his instrument. Maybe that was what irritated her the most: how it wasn't the ship that seemed off, but the rest of the world.
"We should be seeing something by now", she growled at the vast azure plain. The countless sparkles on the innumerable waves, which had at one time dazzled her, passed by without admiration as the homesick Orrian gripped the wooden railing in anticipation of catching a glimpse of her nation.
But no glimpse came.
The sun was setting, creating a magnificent prospect of gold and orange against silver clouds. Arial was like a ghost at the bow of the schooner, her light linen half-coat stirred into a gentle sway by the calm seabreeze.
"You should eat something". Arial's emerald eyes turned to watch Captain Ulian join her, leaning on his forearms against the wooden railing. Even with his arched back he still stood taller than she did.
"I'm not hungry", Arial replied flatly. It was a lie. She was famished, but the concept of eating seemed foreign to her with the absence of her homeland hanging over her head.
"Orr isn't going anywhere", the captain pushed, "whether we find it now or after supper, it makes no difference other than you having eaten".
The logic in his words didn't convince the stubborn young woman.
"Suit yourself", the man conceited, and turned to leave.
He sighed when she did not follow.
As Ulian reached the door to the lower decks, he was knocked to the deck by a sudden jolt. Landing roughly, he didn't need to hear the grinding to feel through the wooden hull that the bottom of the ship was scraping something beaneath the surface.
"Bring us to a halt!" he roared up to the wheel, "drop anchor! Find out what the hell we're on!"
The captain paused, feeling a greater amount of weightlessness than usual. The sensation was quickly replaced with a heightened pull of gravity as the ship was lifted. Rushing to the railing, he scanned the azure waters for any sign of activity beneath the surface. Something was pushing them up.
Ulian's confusion turned to bafflement as he noticed the waves also rising with the ship, as if glued to the wood. A new current began, forming a slight whirlpool around the pillar of water that was now holding them up.
Ulian, in his twenty years of sailing, had never seen such a phenomenon before. His gray eyes darted to and fro, searching for an explanation.
He could have slapped himself when he saw the answer, and how obvious it was.
Arial stood at the bow, her arms raised at her sides. Holding up the ship with a watery palm.
The crew erupted from the lower deck and stopped abruptly. The seasoned sailors needed no indications to notice that something was amiss, and wasted no time rushing to the railing to see for themselves the awesome power of an elementalist.
A lurch caught the crew by surprise, and they all quickly found something to hold on to as they watched more water rise behind the ship. When it was at an appropriate level, the ocean pedestal they were currently balanced upon tilted backwards to transfer the schooner. They were moved back a fair distance in this fashion, and then lowered. The strain of controlling the tons of water had gotten to Arial, and the landing itself was a little rough.
Captain Ulian wasn't complaining, it was better than losing the bottom of his ship.
Arial stumbled as she released her hold on the water, such a feat required more than a fair bit of concentration and energy. Exhausted, the elementalist didn't refuse the helping hands that lifted her to her feet.
"What did we run on?" Ulian inquired the crew, "we've done this route dozens of times and never hit anything".
"No", Arial voiced, attracting all eyes. "No, you haven't done this route".
Before an explanation could be begged, Arial turned to look South once again and reached out with one arm. She was trembling still from the last great feat, but the fiery young woman had plenty more spirit to go around.
And she had an amazing relic enclosed in her other hand.
Closing her eyes for a moment to get her bearings once more, she extended her slender fingers and spread them.
The crew watched in amazement as the waters before them parted, forming a rift just deep enough for them to clearly see what had once been a beacon of naval achievement in Tyria. Though waterwashed and slightly ruined, it was still easily identifiable.
The Orrian Harbour.
"Orr isn't going anywhere", Arial whispered.
Shadowfox1125
Here's mine.. it would have been better, but I'm studing for finals.. 
Heh, same bio for Riplox's webcomic..
Heh, same bio for Riplox's webcomic..
Dmc1281
Some of the bios are really good.
I like how most of the ones I see, put the bio in the pic itself.
I've been working on my Bio and I did submit it already, but the ones I've read are amazing.
Good Work everyone.
I like how most of the ones I see, put the bio in the pic itself.
I've been working on my Bio and I did submit it already, but the ones I've read are amazing.
Good Work everyone.
Ellipson
Here's mine. Nothing too fancy.
RobberBride
priabirch
Wrath Of Dragons
I never entered this, although I had a lot of fun. I didnt want to insult the artist if it was chosen. A warning--My bio is terribly long 
Special thanks to Mesmer Silly for being "teh l33t pwnzor mesmer"
Fu Masa, the warrior in these screenshots, id normally a W/N. I have never played Wammo, so Everything i worte is things i'v seen/heard.
I, Wammo
So, they call me a "Tank". I guess that means I do a lot of damage, because real tanks do.
With healing hands and mending on myself, I become very powerful, because whan things
hit me, I just heal myself. My equipment is the best in the game. I see all those n00bs
running around, with their dumb sticks or uncool, plain swords, and I just laugh! My sword
does ICE damage, far superiour to anything else, and it looks way cooler, too. Im fairly
certain the way the icy blade glows, it has to do extra damage that normal swords don't.
Sometimes, I switch to an orange blade like mighty Prince Rurik uses. Someday, I will be
cool like him, except when I die, I will just heal, because I will put mending on before
battle. Aside from mending, my next favorite skill is frenzy. Ahhh, how godly I feel,
attacking so fast. With only 2 or 3 monks backing me up, I can tank anything, and kill it
extra fast too!
As for who I am allied too, I would have to definitely say Balthazar. He is by far the coolest
god, and far superiour to those Luxxon or Kurzik pansies. Infact, I have ten THOUSAND experience
with Balthazar, so Im about to level up! Im going to be so much better, its scary. I bet that
how those guys with the glowing deer and tiger heads got them! Soon, I will be running around
shouting things like "I will Avenge You" and flashing my cool new level to everyone! So, I will
keep trying to level up in the random arenas, where i PWN everyone, because they're all n00bs!
Infact, sometimes Im so much better then my team, I just stand back and watch. When they realize
how bad they suck and try to blame me, I will put on "Charge" and run around the arena, yelling
things like "n00bzorz!" and "Im teh l337ness!" and the best one, "Heal me!"
(because they dont need to! I have mending, so they will realize I actually dont need healing,
because im that uber) Of course, they will all beome jealous of me, and some will even quit, just
to get out of my skilled presence. Ahh, its good to be the best.
I outgrew my guild long ago. Im not sad. They were all n00bs anyway. I would do my best to
bring all the monsters right to them, turn on frenzy, and start killing, but they wouldnt accept
that I was helping. Instead they refused to heal ME! the TANK! and said "Stupid aggroing wammo".
Whats an aggro, anyway? Well, I left them on rather unpleasent terms, but I await the day I level up
in Balthazar, and they all decide they want me back. I just need to level up first. Dam, this is
taking a while.
Well all, back to the arenas with me!
~Wammo
If you are easily saddened, and a warrior/monk, dont read this.
If you are a monk, pity me and my L337 people
If you are a ranger, I hope your pet dies
If you are an elementalist, its YOUR fault you got in the way
of the monsters I brought over.
If you are a mesmer, I will soon be thinking WTF!
If you are a necro, I wont stop attacking, and maybe even put
on frenzy so the hex goes away faster.
If you are a warrior and I am hurt, please stop attacking me while
I use healing signet. For some reason, frenzy doesnt make it go faster, but
I will keep trying untill I figure out what Im doing wrong.
If you are an assassin,"WTF! You use frenzy too? No fair!"
If you are a Ritualist, I will keep your spirits dead, just to keep you distracted.
the end
Special thanks to Mesmer Silly for being "teh l33t pwnzor mesmer"
Fu Masa, the warrior in these screenshots, id normally a W/N. I have never played Wammo, so Everything i worte is things i'v seen/heard.
I, Wammo
So, they call me a "Tank". I guess that means I do a lot of damage, because real tanks do.
With healing hands and mending on myself, I become very powerful, because whan things
hit me, I just heal myself. My equipment is the best in the game. I see all those n00bs
running around, with their dumb sticks or uncool, plain swords, and I just laugh! My sword
does ICE damage, far superiour to anything else, and it looks way cooler, too. Im fairly
certain the way the icy blade glows, it has to do extra damage that normal swords don't.
Sometimes, I switch to an orange blade like mighty Prince Rurik uses. Someday, I will be
cool like him, except when I die, I will just heal, because I will put mending on before
battle. Aside from mending, my next favorite skill is frenzy. Ahhh, how godly I feel,
attacking so fast. With only 2 or 3 monks backing me up, I can tank anything, and kill it
extra fast too!
As for who I am allied too, I would have to definitely say Balthazar. He is by far the coolest
god, and far superiour to those Luxxon or Kurzik pansies. Infact, I have ten THOUSAND experience
with Balthazar, so Im about to level up! Im going to be so much better, its scary. I bet that
how those guys with the glowing deer and tiger heads got them! Soon, I will be running around
shouting things like "I will Avenge You" and flashing my cool new level to everyone! So, I will
keep trying to level up in the random arenas, where i PWN everyone, because they're all n00bs!
Infact, sometimes Im so much better then my team, I just stand back and watch. When they realize
how bad they suck and try to blame me, I will put on "Charge" and run around the arena, yelling
things like "n00bzorz!" and "Im teh l337ness!" and the best one, "Heal me!"
(because they dont need to! I have mending, so they will realize I actually dont need healing,
because im that uber) Of course, they will all beome jealous of me, and some will even quit, just
to get out of my skilled presence. Ahh, its good to be the best.
I outgrew my guild long ago. Im not sad. They were all n00bs anyway. I would do my best to
bring all the monsters right to them, turn on frenzy, and start killing, but they wouldnt accept
that I was helping. Instead they refused to heal ME! the TANK! and said "Stupid aggroing wammo".
Whats an aggro, anyway? Well, I left them on rather unpleasent terms, but I await the day I level up
in Balthazar, and they all decide they want me back. I just need to level up first. Dam, this is
taking a while.
Well all, back to the arenas with me!
~Wammo
If you are easily saddened, and a warrior/monk, dont read this.
If you are a monk, pity me and my L337 people
If you are a ranger, I hope your pet dies
If you are an elementalist, its YOUR fault you got in the way
of the monsters I brought over.
If you are a mesmer, I will soon be thinking WTF!
If you are a necro, I wont stop attacking, and maybe even put
on frenzy so the hex goes away faster.
If you are a warrior and I am hurt, please stop attacking me while
I use healing signet. For some reason, frenzy doesnt make it go faster, but
I will keep trying untill I figure out what Im doing wrong.
If you are an assassin,"WTF! You use frenzy too? No fair!"
If you are a Ritualist, I will keep your spirits dead, just to keep you distracted.
the end
Arcanis the Omnipotent
The story is rather long, so I had to put it in a seperate image. Otherwise you wouldnt have seen the character very well at all.
winter_kiss
Wait a second! it says two different e-mails in the contest rules, one is [email protected] but late on it says to submit to [email protected]. I sent mine to the contest one, should I resend it to the webmaster one?
RinkXing
Haha, I love Wrath Of Dragons.
Speeder
Hi everyone, here's mine:
Sorry for my English, but I'm not the best with it
Sorry for my English, but I'm not the best with it
buddhakl
Went for multiple views/weapons for more detail for the artist. Not so pretty for the forums, but functional. Here goes.
Storm Crow
Quote:
Originally Posted by Speeder
Hi everyone, here's mine:
Sorry for my English, but I'm not the best with it
Your English is fine, and probably better than some Americans. No need for a sad smiley
Sorry for my English, but I'm not the best with it
Your English is fine, and probably better than some Americans. No need for a sad smiley
Nivryx
Nyvrin Synaph was born in Ascalon City, where she spent the majority of her life as a child and teenager. At a young age, her parents were targeted by a group of thugs who killed them when they refused to give up their life earnings. Her brother took the responsibility of taking care of the rest of the family. He soon decided to follow his dreams instead and left home to fight the Charr. His last words to Nyvrin were, “Promise me you’ll keep the young ones safe.” She promised. When she thought the next eldest sibling was of a responsible age, however, she decided to stop training merely with her bow and left to fight the Charr. She was a natural—for never having shot anything other than her hay targets. Nyvrin soon met Prince Rurik, who recognized her expertise and last name. Prince Rurik had to inform her of her oldest brother’s death. This made Nyvrin question the war with the Charr and decide to return home after being gone less than a year. Upon arrival she finds her old house in ashes, with two unlabeled crosses. She had failed her brother’s only request and had nothing—not even her own word. With nothing but her bow, she began fighting the Charr again and was eventually given a white tiger from Prince Rurik as a token of his appreciation for her outstanding services (it had originally been a gift to him from a Kurzick ambassador). She soon became very attached with this pet and named him “Snuggles.” As time went on Nyvrin realized Snuggles had grown to be her best—and only—friend. Ever since Nyvrin realized she had failed her brother, she talked significantly less, perhaps believing if she spent more time listening to people that she wouldn’t fail them like she did to her brother. Snuggles is her best friend because she doesn’t have to talk to him—he understands her. Nyvrin no longer fights the Charr, but now travels with Snuggles and never stays in one place too long. Nyvrin is determined to stay out of society, unless absolutely necessary, as she wishes not to become close to anyone else that she may hurt. Failing her brother is constantly being reflected in her mind and serves as a intangible scar that will likely continue to prevent her from ever becoming her true self unless she can learn to live with her mistakes.
-end-
i wasn't originally planning on entering but i was rather bored during class today so i figured id write up a short (and crappy imo) bio. didn't spend as much time as i wouldve liked for the picture but what can i say, im rather lazy.
-nivryx
ckenni
Sagius Truthbarron
Mine is the best.
Speeder
Thank you very much, Storm Crow ^^
jonslaught
Ristaron
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagius Truthbarron
Mine is the best. You are my hero.
Storm Crow
Awesome bio, jonslaught! And you're very welcome, Speeder (*cough*writemore!*cough*)! (No more sad smileys, I hope!)
(No more sad smileys, I hope!)
Cjlr
I really should have finished mine... But then, I never did like writing to deadlines (yes, it can be a problem). Plus, I always have horrible luck in draws, so... Anyway, congrats to the winners.
And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.
Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.
Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.
Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.
EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too!
And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.
Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.
Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.
Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.
EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too!
Inde
Hey now! In my defense I did it as an example!! So that people could get an idea of what we were looking for. Granted, I would never call myself a writer in the first place but I did try to um, at least pull in a bit of GW history with the Ritualist Mao. :P
And the Dan Qauyle one was just priceless. Props to Sagius Truthbarron for a bit of humor and originality!
So that people could get an idea of what we were looking for. Granted, I would never call myself a writer in the first place but I did try to um, at least pull in a bit of GW history with the Ritualist Mao. :PAnd the Dan Qauyle one was just priceless. Props to Sagius Truthbarron for a bit of humor and originality!
Scathelock
I was suitably impressed with some of the works shown. I, too, would like to offer congratulations to the winners; I enjoyed the way Makkert's story was simple, yet intriguing with a perspective that I would never have imagined (the Xunlai businessman who plays both sides) .
As for LordDeArnise... I understand if you don't want to share your story (I didn't either), but if you do happen to read this, and are willing to humor me, please post your story here so that we may all appreciate it :)
As for LordDeArnise... I understand if you don't want to share your story (I didn't either), but if you do happen to read this, and are willing to humor me, please post your story here so that we may all appreciate it :)
Beorn Drake
Quote:
Originally Posted by Makkert
GWG Forumnick: Makkert
e-mail address
included in entrysending to [email protected])Makkert
Background information:
This monk was the second character I created in Guild Wars. As such, the naming was supposed to be named 'Makkert II', but the roman numbering went bad on me because of way names are created in GuildWars. Also this monk has a hairtail, something I didn't see at the creationscreen. For a long time, I wasn't too fond of my monk for these 2 reasons.
After I dyed the tattoo-scalp black, it's look really improved. Suddenly the 'wrong' name and the hairtail gave it a nice Asian kind of look/ sound, I still have people occasionly ask me if I'm Korean when I play on my monk.
I grew ever more fond of my monk in time. It brought me wealth from 55 hp farming in the Underworld and bonding in Sorrow's Furnace. It also gave me a reason to spend this wealth again. The options my PvE monk provided for PvP were appealing, so most of the money earned went too equipping him in a way that he was ready for PvP play. My monk became a never-ending project that still continues to this day to have him look great, and be prepared for anything. Be it PvE, PvP or to seek answers for questions I have on the workings of gamemechanics by research. The challenge to play a good monk never gets boring. Even after a year of avidly playing GuildWars with my monk, I still learn small things on monking to improve my play. Nothing more satisfying then seeing those red bars go up and know you saved a life….
Story / Biography:
Altough born in Tyria, his ancestorhood came from Cantha. Son of a simple Xunlai agent that travelled to Tyria in search for a better living, he learned from his father the story of the rivalling Luxons and Kurzicks that raged war on the homeland of his father. Intrigued by the reason why they were in war, his father explained him that he didn't know the origin of this vete either. Because the past had been forgotten, solutions for peace in the future were slim. Being the tradesman that he was, he taught his son the trick to run a succesfull business is to understand both parties of a trade. The teachings of his father inspired Makkert to study a lot, to understand why things were as they were. The studies brought him to Ashford Abbey, a central point of knowledge. There, under the wings of his tutors, his mind was fed with information. The information of the Abbey and the teachings of his father made him able to solve many local conflicts by finding the middle road, which earned him great respect.
In the time before the Great Searing, the Charr wrecked havoc in the area, and Makkert set out with his teachings to understand both sides of Charr and Ascalon. He accomplished little, but was still hopefull, being optimistic of nature. But when the Searing struck, and Ashford Abbey become more Ash then Ford or Abbey, he understood that sometimes the teachings of his father didn't work. Not always will it be possible to reason between two opposing sides. Seeing the destruction, he sought counsel with one of his teachers of former Ashford Abbey, a monk named Mhenlo. Of Mhenlo he learned then when reason fails, giving hope to people is all that is left. Influenced by Mhenlo, Makkert became a follower of Dwayna. Hope was to be found in Kryta, away from the Charr, and thus he set out to help the people of Ascalon in their journey. A journey that would probably be a long one, he thought.. And while setting out, he pondered if he if he ever would return to the lands of his father and be faced with two sides that he could reason with, or would find them like Charr and Ascalon unable to unite. But whatever he would find then, he would be prepared. There is no fear within him, only hope. Little did he know at that time that he would indeed one day return…
&
LordDeArnise
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LordDeArnise
Although I do not have the original copy of the entry, I will put this updated version of the entry in for all to see, since it is updated to reflect recent in-game experience. Enjoy!
Character Bio of The Emerald Maiden
Type: Ranger / Monk
Age: 25
Height: Approximately 5'6" (tallest female ranger height in-game)
Weight: Approximately 120 lbs
Dimensions: Standard female ranger
Hair: Dark Brown/Black
Eyes: Green
Primary Deity: Melandru
Home: Originally from Ascalon, now living in the Henge of Denravi, but now visiting Cantha
Born of a Monk father and a Ranger mother, no one knows of her true name, as her mother gave her the name she is known by this day, since she loves the color of green. She spent her childhood days studying the deities and the Monk arts in the Abbey outside Ascalon City, but most of her time out in the Regent Valley, learning the ways of the Ranger. At 16, she lost her parents, when they were overrun by the invading Charr, far North of the Great Northern Wall. Two years later, at 18, she heeded Ascalon's call for adventurers, with the Charr right at the wall's base.
After The Searing, she started to hunt down as many of the Charr as she could, joining with other adventurers and Prince Rurik. She then fought the Stone Summit Dwarves of the Shiverpeak Mountains, then the Undead and Denizens of Kryta, the dangers of the Maguuma Jungle, helping The Shining Blade out, ascended in the Crystalline Desert, and fought with her bow, Ranger skills, and Monk skills, helping to strike the Undead Lich down in Hell's Precipice.
After fulfilling the Flameseeker Prophecies, she settled into her new home in the Henge of Denravi, helping The Shining Blade restore some of its old glory that the White Mantle and their Mursaat allies otherwise destroyed. She would still travel though, challenging herself in The Underworld and The Fissure of Woe, the Tomb of the Primeval Kings after it was corrputed, even the most fiercest of Stone Summit Dwarves in Sorrow's Furnace.
When news from Cantha reached Tyria, she jumped on the opportunity to see what new challenges lay ahead. To this day, she prefers the Echovald Forest of the Kurzicks over the Jade Sea and Luxons, hoping to, one day, save enough money and materials for some of finest armor she can buy in Cantha. And although her guild, The Elite Knights of Tarnia, isn't very big or as active as she would otherwise like, she looks forward to working with the new alliance in the major challenges that lay in Cantha.
Player's Background with this Character
This was the fourth character I built when the Flameseeker Prophecies went first live (Warrior/Monk first, then a Fire Ele, then a Healing Monk), born in Early June 2005--I found the blue gift box in her inventory today, and she got a Kirin minipet. It was kinda funny that I went Ranger/Monk since I had a build like that during the World Preview Event in November 2004, and used the same character in the December 2004 Beta; her name was Arlythadar Rubyheart (the "t" in the last name got left out in-game), and her looks was similar to The Emerald Maiden, only blonde and lighter-colored lips.
Back to Emerald. I primarily use her as a barrager, sporting a Favorable Winds ritual, Rebirth for emergency or safety ressing, and at least one interrupt shot, usually Distracting Shot. I do use some changeable skills, depending on the task at hand, either the use of her Hearty Stalker pet for Tombs, or add a second interrupt skill and Storm Chaser for when a party needs to run. Although I don't usually PvP, I did try Heroes' Ascent a few times, getting as far as Round 3 in a PUG, and a few GvG on old guilds from last year when I had my Healing Monk. Otherwise, I usually go the PvE route, and use the range of her Drago's (Sundering) Flat Bow to pull enemy groups or for long-range sniping. Last, but not least, she's a nut when it comes to collecting good bows. All this versatility makes her my oldest active character in-game.
Character Bio of The Emerald Maiden
Type: Ranger / Monk
Age: 25
Height: Approximately 5'6" (tallest female ranger height in-game)
Weight: Approximately 120 lbs
Dimensions: Standard female ranger
Hair: Dark Brown/Black
Eyes: Green
Primary Deity: Melandru
Home: Originally from Ascalon, now living in the Henge of Denravi, but now visiting Cantha
Born of a Monk father and a Ranger mother, no one knows of her true name, as her mother gave her the name she is known by this day, since she loves the color of green. She spent her childhood days studying the deities and the Monk arts in the Abbey outside Ascalon City, but most of her time out in the Regent Valley, learning the ways of the Ranger. At 16, she lost her parents, when they were overrun by the invading Charr, far North of the Great Northern Wall. Two years later, at 18, she heeded Ascalon's call for adventurers, with the Charr right at the wall's base.
After The Searing, she started to hunt down as many of the Charr as she could, joining with other adventurers and Prince Rurik. She then fought the Stone Summit Dwarves of the Shiverpeak Mountains, then the Undead and Denizens of Kryta, the dangers of the Maguuma Jungle, helping The Shining Blade out, ascended in the Crystalline Desert, and fought with her bow, Ranger skills, and Monk skills, helping to strike the Undead Lich down in Hell's Precipice.
After fulfilling the Flameseeker Prophecies, she settled into her new home in the Henge of Denravi, helping The Shining Blade restore some of its old glory that the White Mantle and their Mursaat allies otherwise destroyed. She would still travel though, challenging herself in The Underworld and The Fissure of Woe, the Tomb of the Primeval Kings after it was corrputed, even the most fiercest of Stone Summit Dwarves in Sorrow's Furnace.
When news from Cantha reached Tyria, she jumped on the opportunity to see what new challenges lay ahead. To this day, she prefers the Echovald Forest of the Kurzicks over the Jade Sea and Luxons, hoping to, one day, save enough money and materials for some of finest armor she can buy in Cantha. And although her guild, The Elite Knights of Tarnia, isn't very big or as active as she would otherwise like, she looks forward to working with the new alliance in the major challenges that lay in Cantha.
Player's Background with this Character
This was the fourth character I built when the Flameseeker Prophecies went first live (Warrior/Monk first, then a Fire Ele, then a Healing Monk), born in Early June 2005--I found the blue gift box in her inventory today, and she got a Kirin minipet. It was kinda funny that I went Ranger/Monk since I had a build like that during the World Preview Event in November 2004, and used the same character in the December 2004 Beta; her name was Arlythadar Rubyheart (the "t" in the last name got left out in-game), and her looks was similar to The Emerald Maiden, only blonde and lighter-colored lips.
Back to Emerald. I primarily use her as a barrager, sporting a Favorable Winds ritual, Rebirth for emergency or safety ressing, and at least one interrupt shot, usually Distracting Shot. I do use some changeable skills, depending on the task at hand, either the use of her Hearty Stalker pet for Tombs, or add a second interrupt skill and Storm Chaser for when a party needs to run. Although I don't usually PvP, I did try Heroes' Ascent a few times, getting as far as Round 3 in a PUG, and a few GvG on old guilds from last year when I had my Healing Monk. Otherwise, I usually go the PvE route, and use the range of her Drago's (Sundering) Flat Bow to pull enemy groups or for long-range sniping. Last, but not least, she's a nut when it comes to collecting good bows. All this versatility makes her my oldest active character in-game.
Storm Crow
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cjlr
And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough* I. Love. You.
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough* I. Love. You.
jonslaught
Quote:
Originally Posted by Storm Crow
Awesome bio, jonslaught! And you're very welcome, Speeder (*cough*writemore!*cough*)! (No more sad smileys, I hope!)
thanks man, and congrats to the winners!
(No more sad smileys, I hope!)
thanks man, and congrats to the winners!
Ristaron
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cjlr
I really should have finished mine... But then, I never did like writing to deadlines (yes, it can be a problem). Plus, I always have horrible luck in draws, so... Anyway, congrats to the winners.
And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.
Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.
Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.
Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.
EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too! You have some solid points, and they're all true.
However, some allowance must be made for the fact that if all the characters were average joes, nothing would happen. Some expertise needs to be shared between them, some talents applicable to the situation. Things that make fantasy fantasy.
If you were to put yourself into one of the storylines (even a 'down to earth' one), would it be as interesting and as entertaining as it is with the other characters?
Realism is relative.
Congratulations to the winners.
And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.
Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.
Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.
Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.
EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too! You have some solid points, and they're all true.
However, some allowance must be made for the fact that if all the characters were average joes, nothing would happen. Some expertise needs to be shared between them, some talents applicable to the situation. Things that make fantasy fantasy.
If you were to put yourself into one of the storylines (even a 'down to earth' one), would it be as interesting and as entertaining as it is with the other characters?
Realism is relative.
Congratulations to the winners.
Cjlr
Quote:
Originally Posted by Storm Crow
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Ristaron
However, some allowance must be made for the fact that if all the characters were average joes, nothing would happen. Some expertise needs to be shared between them, some talents applicable to the situation.
Things that make fantasy fantasy. If you were to put yourself into one of the storylines (even a 'down to earth' one), would it be as interesting and as entertaining as it is with other characters? Realism is relative. [before reading the following paragraph, be sure to plant your tongue firmly in your cheek] Would I be as entertaining to read about? Hell, yes! A guy like me, who's cool, calm, collected, handsome, dynamic, fantastically intelligent (fantastically? Get it? I kill me...), and reasonably athletic? And you're taking away those pesky laws of physics? Instant best-seller, hands down. I love a good story as much as the next guy, and probably more. But there are two things about fantasy that I really dislike. The first is imitating the classics (how many crappy Tolkein ripoffs have you read?), and the second is shoving characters into stories where they don't belong. Something Robert J. Sawyer (great author) once said was that characters are made for their stories (his examples were Mitch Helwig from Terrence Green's Barking Dogs and Robinette Broadhead from Frederik Pohl's Gateway); but of course with any Guild Wars fanfiction the story is already there you. We all love a good hero. When it becomes problematic is when everybody is a hero. That, and wading through sixty of their mediocre biographies. Inde
Well, maybe it would stand to reason that everyone is a hero... because everyone is thin or buff, wears skimpy clothes, zero body fat and is attractive. Not exactly realistic there so a character bio to fit that would only seem appropriate
Cjlr
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inde
Well, maybe it would stand to reason that everyone is a hero... because everyone is thin or buff, wears skimpy clothes, zero body fat and is attractive. Not exactly realistic there so a character bio to fit that would only seem appropriate
Oh, I totally see that. I just have little patience for it when it's not done well.Guild Wars, because it's instanced, can masquerade as High Fantasy. Unlike the Low Fantasy of something like World of Warcraft, for example. So when they're on their own our characters can all be the archetypes they aspire to be. But put them together and it becomes a little much.
Racthoh
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cjlr
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
That, and wading through sixty of their mediocre biographies People were just entering a fun contest, in which writing talent in no way was a determining factor towards the random drawing of the prize. Do also consider the age extremes of some entries, and that some possibly haven't been exposed to "good" pieces of work in which to emulate in their own biography. I'm all for constructive criticism, but there are some comments that are better left unspoken.
Ristaron
That's what I had forgotten in my post... a shot back at that underhanded and totally rude comment that people can't write worth shit.
Not everybody has a talent for creativity, and like Racthoh said, some people haven't been exposed to the proper level of literature. That, and the contest was for fun. If you didn't like a biography you were welcome to skip over it. |
