This weekend, we decided to take several walks around two cities which shall remain nameless... Both cities have a degree of industries and other interesting aspects to them which, although not traditionally beautiful, have their own degree of character. This got me thinking about what belongs in a city and what doesn't. It especially got me thinking about what was missing from my own fantasy city, here are a few of the things that I seemed to have missed off!
1 - Major Landmarks - What do my characters use as points of reference for meeting? Where are the main religious houses? What does the skyline look like? I have my novel set in a renaissance setting so many of the modern day industrial sights will be missing but that is not to say all of them will be gone. Warehouses have been being used for many years to store goods. I am going to insert a rather large chimney as well where the tannery and smiths work. This will add more to the sky line as well. I also need to consider the height of the houses and how tall the mage towers are as well. How many districts are there in the city and how well populated are they? Are they slums or stunning villas where the rich live? How are the rich and poor separated? Think about rivers and elevation and the surrounding areas as well. What are the trade routes like? Who trades with your settlement? How old is the city, did the inhabitants build it all or did they settle and build on what was already there?
2 - Structure - I don't mean buildings here. I mean how is the city run? Is it by one man acting as a dictator or is there a council. If there is a council, how are the councillors chosen? Is it by vote or by hereditary means. What role does the ruler of the city play? How much of an effect does he have on the day to day lives of the inhabitants of the city? Is the ruler of the city and independent monarch or are they being ordered about by someone else? I guess the main question here is; who is in charge?
3 - Law and Order - As well as looking at who rules the city, there are other aspects as well which need a little consideration. How is the city policed? How are those caught doing crimes punished. I opted for a legal system biased towards the nobility governed by judges that inherit their position. They are all noble by birth and generally look out for their own, rather than the general inhabitants. I have also had to consider where are criminals held? If people are to be hung, where does this take place, is it a public or private affair? What is a crime and how are they punished?
4 - Greenery - One of the cities we visited this weekend had a lot of green area's spread throughout the city. There were wide streets lined with shops and squares featuring fountains and trees. near the town hall there was a garden area with water features that literally took my breath away. The town centre sprawled for miles but it didn't seem a chore to walk around as there was so much to look at. This is something I would very much like to incorporate into my own city, as well as the general parks, there should be little squares in each district where people meet and do their shopping.
5 - Business - Where are the major businesses located? What are they? There were a lot of big shiny glass office buildings on one of the walks we went on and although these buildings were stunning, they would not suit my city. They were located on a re-vamped dock area and they certainly attracted some large companies to set up camp in the area. Not very renaissance though! However, if this dock had existed (and I'm pretty sure it did) it would have had the offices of trade there. The import/export offices and places for workers to rest before and after loads come in. The docks would have been a thriving place, especially as this one is on the edge of a rather large estuary. Other businesses, such as trades and amenities would have been located in the centre of town, possible in a marketplace. How about finance? Who controls the money? Where are the banks?
6 - Tax - we all hate this part! How is the army paid for? Who funds the police? Who pays for the judges and funds any health-care that is available? In my particular world, I am currently working out the finer parts but I intend to impose a business tax, property tax and import/export tax as well. I don't think a wage tax would work without a central administration system and that is a relatively new venture so it won't fit with the world I'm building. How about a window tax instead? Or a door tax?
7 - Entertainment - Where are the theatres, parks, places of leisure, not only for the upper classes either, where do the normal people go when they manage to scrounge a day off work? What do they do with their free time? I bet they have different places than the nobles!
8 - Postal Services - Who delivers the letters? Who pays for this? How is this organised and how far are they willing to go? Will they deliver your package across shark-infested water at all costs or are they more likely to drop the package in the water and have done with it? Just a thought to keep you all going!
This is not a comprehensive list and I have no doubt that the next time I go for a walk around a different city, I will think of a host of other things I have missed but for now, this will keep me going!
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Sprite anyone?
I had a request! Someone asked me about the dragon Sprites and how they work. I have also been asked about who can be mages and whether there were any restrictions on being a mage. I have also been asked who controls the mages? Is there a fifth Order or Super-Mages?
Thing is, I don't know the answers to all of these questions yet but I'll do my best to answer them here anyway.
First of all: Sprites! Sprites are a conduit between the Dragons and the Magic users. I explained previously that the Dragons are the source of power for the human mages and that once the mage acquires master rank, they are able to have a Sprite as a type of familiar. They are about the same size as a cat and are very cat-like in nature. They sleep a lot and don't appear to do much else except maybe chase bugs and eat! That is, until their masters call on them to boost their power. Not for lighting fires and other every day uses but for bigger things. I don't want to give too much away, so that's all your getting for now!
Who can become a mage: Anyone! Who does: almost no-one. There are downsides to being a mage - you work long long hours, years of study are required and there are a series of rigorous tests that they have to go through before they are even a bottom rank mage. The penalty for failing these quests is death! There can only be seven master mages in each school at any one time, as well as the Order head, this is because there are only eight sprites in each colour! There are other physical side effects of being a mage but again, I don't want to give everything away. Mages only get to pick one 'school' of expertise as well. They can't be a Necromantic Mind-Caster, or a Healing Elementalist either. This is very well policed...
Who controls the Mages? Same entity that controls the Order of White Roses.
Is there a Faction of Super-Mages...? Wait and see for that one.
Thing is, I don't know the answers to all of these questions yet but I'll do my best to answer them here anyway.
First of all: Sprites! Sprites are a conduit between the Dragons and the Magic users. I explained previously that the Dragons are the source of power for the human mages and that once the mage acquires master rank, they are able to have a Sprite as a type of familiar. They are about the same size as a cat and are very cat-like in nature. They sleep a lot and don't appear to do much else except maybe chase bugs and eat! That is, until their masters call on them to boost their power. Not for lighting fires and other every day uses but for bigger things. I don't want to give too much away, so that's all your getting for now!
Who can become a mage: Anyone! Who does: almost no-one. There are downsides to being a mage - you work long long hours, years of study are required and there are a series of rigorous tests that they have to go through before they are even a bottom rank mage. The penalty for failing these quests is death! There can only be seven master mages in each school at any one time, as well as the Order head, this is because there are only eight sprites in each colour! There are other physical side effects of being a mage but again, I don't want to give everything away. Mages only get to pick one 'school' of expertise as well. They can't be a Necromantic Mind-Caster, or a Healing Elementalist either. This is very well policed...
Who controls the Mages? Same entity that controls the Order of White Roses.
Is there a Faction of Super-Mages...? Wait and see for that one.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
It's a Kind of Magic?
Its all just fireballs and blowing people up isn't it? Well... yes... and no. I read someone else's blog somewhere, and I am sorry, I cannot remember who it was but it was about peeves in books. It focused on Fantasy fiction and it has given me cause to think about how my own novel will work. The three that stick out in my mind are:
- Kings that don't King - they have a job too, not just moping about and being rich, they have a role to play
- Elves - Been done to death.
- Magic without a function - nobody uses magic to cook food or do every day things, only for grandiose displays of power *yawn*
Admittedly I am paraphrasing, and it was a list of 10, I can remember others, but these three have stuck with me. I have really thought about the third one the most. I studied Literary History at uni. I know about Kings Kinging and elves don't really get much more than a mention in this novel as it currently stands.
How does magic work in The White Rose? Good question! I have always known this and have divided the types of magic up into four different groups: Life, Death, Elemental and Mind Affecting. I also assigned them all colours: Green, Blue, Red and Yellow. The mages are trained in their arts from a young age and face a final testing.
These fully-fledged mages are then awarded a Sprite - a miniature dragon creature which becomes a familiar to them for the rest of their lives. The four major dragons (the type St George went off to fight) disappeared many years before the novel starts, taking all major forms of magic with them. They left behind the sprites to help enhance the puny humans ability but only after they proved they could handle the power responsibly.
The dragons need names, I know this, I need to sit and dream them up while not at work surrounded by financial paraphernalia. The four major dragon's colours are the same colour as the robes the mages wear - green robes follow get their power from green dragons.
So, that's how it roughly how it works. I can fill in the finer details in the novel and your just going to have to wait for that for the finer points. The next questions are, what does the magic actually do? What is its practical application in the world? How are the mages recognised?
Necromancers - Blue - Specialise in Death Magic (shocking eh) They can perform proper funeral rites for people from all walks of life but don't often do so. They deal with the executed as well as those that died from disease. They are similar to the priests of Cuthbert - the death God but they have a more hands on approach. They are able to find out whether a person is dead or not by using their full name and an article that belonged to that person. They are able to speak with the dead - useful in murder cases. They can raise the dead.
Life - Green - specialise in healing and growing. Perform Summer rites and specialise in the bringing of life and preservation of life in the world. Provide healing for the sick as best as they can. Have the capacity to encourage growth of plants and such. Ensure those who are imprisoned are being treated properly and not tortured - left in bad conditions.
Elemental - Red - These are your fireball wielding nut cases, use the power of the elements to cause all round death and destruction. Generally used to supplement the army troops of whatever place they are posted to. They make excellent body guards for this reason.
Mind-Affecting - Yellow - Use magic to read minds and cause havoc this way. They are a different form of combat mage. They are also useful in trials as they can use their capacity to read minds to find out whether a suspect is guilty or not, or whether the victim is lying. There are not many of these mages and they are viewed with the most suspicion, due to being able to get in people's heads. They are open to abuse from a corrupt ruler so are very careful about who they help.
The mages cannot be trained in more than one school, and to do so carries the penalty of death. This is to prevent one individual from becoming too powerful. This is a rule set down the mages organisation, rather than by the Major dragons so it can be broken
This is a brief introduction and there is a lot of work to be done on how the magic works specifically, however, I wanted to try and show that there was more to it then FIREBALL!
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
We are all Creatures of Ritual
I don't mean religious ritual either. We all have our set routines and things we like to do in a certain way. Everyone has a 'morning' routine - no matter what time you arise - I usually get up, go to the bathroom, feed the cats, get dressed, eat something and then leave the house to go to work.
On a night out I usually follow the same set pattern for getting ready and while in the house before we leave. I'll eat, pour myself something nice to drink, shower, lounge about in a towel for a while, then make myself suitable presentable for the evening, get dressed, return to the living room of the house where the others are then continue drinking. I only put shoes on just before we leave - I tend to wear stupid shoes so want to wear them for as little as possible.
I don't know about the rest of the world, but I always try to use the same toilet when I am out and about, say at work or in a pub...
It may make me seem a little crazy but these little quirks are also what makes me who I am.
And here's the point: For a character to seem real, they are also going to need rituals and quirks.
Take Valentine, for example, the character central to the novel I am working on at the moment. He's an assassin from the Order of the White Rose. I'm not going to say too much about that because I want people to read about it in the novel, however, while pondering the thought of ritual today I became aware that they would probably have something they do before they go slaughter people. A little bit like the Saints in Boon Dock Saints or Jules in Pulp Fiction.
I was thinking about making the Order teach their initiates how to respect the dead, and that the death they are dealing out is the work of their God of Death. Whether it is or not is beside the point, they believe it is and therefore have to go through this ritual before they take life.
This is a more serious ritual, rather than habit, which is what I described from myself earlier. I know Valentine always locks the door before leaving his room - probably born from a paranoia of being discovered.
Either way, the prompt I read which sparked me to consider Ritual has caused me to think about aspects of my character I had not thought about before.
On a night out I usually follow the same set pattern for getting ready and while in the house before we leave. I'll eat, pour myself something nice to drink, shower, lounge about in a towel for a while, then make myself suitable presentable for the evening, get dressed, return to the living room of the house where the others are then continue drinking. I only put shoes on just before we leave - I tend to wear stupid shoes so want to wear them for as little as possible.
I don't know about the rest of the world, but I always try to use the same toilet when I am out and about, say at work or in a pub...
It may make me seem a little crazy but these little quirks are also what makes me who I am.
And here's the point: For a character to seem real, they are also going to need rituals and quirks.
Take Valentine, for example, the character central to the novel I am working on at the moment. He's an assassin from the Order of the White Rose. I'm not going to say too much about that because I want people to read about it in the novel, however, while pondering the thought of ritual today I became aware that they would probably have something they do before they go slaughter people. A little bit like the Saints in Boon Dock Saints or Jules in Pulp Fiction.
I was thinking about making the Order teach their initiates how to respect the dead, and that the death they are dealing out is the work of their God of Death. Whether it is or not is beside the point, they believe it is and therefore have to go through this ritual before they take life.
This is a more serious ritual, rather than habit, which is what I described from myself earlier. I know Valentine always locks the door before leaving his room - probably born from a paranoia of being discovered.
Either way, the prompt I read which sparked me to consider Ritual has caused me to think about aspects of my character I had not thought about before.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Character Interview: Talindra Jurhan
Character Interview Questions Sheet 1 – Major Characters
Name of character: Talindra Jurhan
Place of character in the story: Love Interest
Relationship to the lead if this person is not the lead: Crush
What’s your name?Talindra
How old are you? 21
What do you look like? If you had to describe yourself as though you were
talking about someone else, what would you say? I have lovely thick long black hair. I love my hair! Blue eyes and milky skin. I am not very tall and am only slightly built. My nose is maybe a little large and my ears stick out a little bit. I have more than a few freckles spattered accross my nose and arms.
What are your speech patterns like? I have been educated at the court, so I like to think that I speak very well. I am not fluent in Nebatian but since they have been coming to court I have been learning their language, and I am picking it up well enough.
Do you sometimes lie? “White lies” or significant lies? Can people usually
tell when you’re lying or are you a really accomplished liar? Is your whole
life a lie? If so, why and how? Lying is wrong. I have never told any major lie and I don't like telling small lies either.
What is your usual facial expression? Are people drawn to your warmth
and cheerfulness, or are you seen as quiet / dour / grim / humourless /
reserved / etc? Does your face reflect the ‘inner you’ or are looks
deceiving? I am an open person. I am friendly try to talk to everyone I come across. There are always new people coming through the royal court. I try to avoid getting noticed too much but neither do I shy away. I like to think this is a true reflection on my character
How do you handle anger? Are you slow to anger or easy to annoy? Are
people afraid of you, and if so is this justified? I get angry with my parents and my brother but not easily. I don't like being fooled or lied to and this is the one thing that makes me mad. People are not afraid of me, I'm just a woman.
How do you react to confrontation? Would you give anything for a quiet life
or do you enjoy winning an argument or a fight? I like discussion rather than arguements, arguements seem a waste of time and energy. I won't give up my opinion but know when its a good time to keep my mouth shut.
How much power do you wield at home, in the workplace, and in social
situations? Are you the quiet “power behind the throne” type or do you
wield obvious power? Or do you feel powerless? If so, why – and what
might be the catalyst to make you change? I am an unmarried woman in an increasingly unstable court. Things are not going well in Karana and I'd rather not be in the middle of it when things get messy. I have no power over anyone.
What (in your opinion) would be the first impression most people get when
they meet you? Just a silly girl getting in the way of more important people.
In your case, is ‘what you see is what you get’, or do people sometimes
make the wrong judgement about you? If so, why would this be? I'm not silly all the time and I pay more attention than people give me credit for. That said, I wouldn't know how to use any power I had.
What is your level of education? Has what you have been obtained by
‘street smarts’ or ‘book smarts’? I was educated at the Karanan court by the scholars there, I have also had some home schooling by a Quillaan tutor. I am relatively well educated.
Where do you live? My parents are land owners, sometimes we stay in our townhouse near the court in Karana. Sometimes we stay at the palace and sometimes we stay at the mansion in the countryside. Usually when things get a bit dangerous, like when there is plague in the city.
Do you live alone, share a house, or…? I like with my mother, father and younger brother. Halandir has been staying at the mansion recently with his tutor, however he has returned to court now.
Are you in a relationship, or part of a family? I love my mother and father and brother very much. They are only trying to do what is best for me, although we do disagree sometimes
Who is your best friend? (If you have one). When did this relationship
start? What makes you friends? Sylvia, she is a priestess of Life and we have known each other since we was very young. I don't see her much now that she has her daughter and that she is married to Rasputin, who is scary, but I know I can go to her when I am troubled.
Who is your enemy / who do you dislike most? Why? When did this dislike
start, and why? There is this girl, Martha Du Saire; We have never really got on very well while we were growing up but when we hit fifteen, she started going out of her way to be deliberatly nasty. She'd do stupid things like put gross things in my books and pull my hair. She and I still don't get along but I do my best to keep out of her way. She liked to put herself in the way of the powerful men at court and I doubt very much that she is still a maid.
Who else is in your circle of acquaintances? Who would you turn to in
times of trouble? Liza, she has been one of my friends for a long time, she and I share a number of classes and often work together. Her family are not as rich as my own but she is a wonderful friend. I can tell her anything. Sylvia is another, although I think I mentioned her earlier. We have grown apart a bit now but I know she is there for me.
If there is anyone in your circle that might betray you, who would it be? I don't even like thinking about this. Although if I had to think about it, I trust Josephine less than the others. She always seems so distant and aloof from the rest of us. Maybe we just have less in common but I can't bring myself to trust her fully. Does that make me a bad person?
Is there anyone you would not expect to betray you? How would you
feel/react if they did? I'd be heartbroken. I have a very close group of small friends at the court and I can't even think about what I'd do if I was betrayed.
How would you describe your personality? What are your best points &
assets? What are your flaws or weaknesses? I am so powerless to do what I want. My father is arranging my marriage to someone I don't like and I really want to get out of it. Despite my protestations he won't listen. I wish I was stronger and more able to resist him. I am a kind gentle person and I guess thats why he thinks he can do all this for me. I should have started standing up for what I felt when I was younger.
If there was one thing about your LOOKS that you could change, what
would it be? I'd love to have dark eyes like my hair, mine are blue and I think they look a bit hard.
If there was one thing about your PERSONALITY that you could change,
what would it be? Strength. I'd have more of it.
What makes you likeable? Are you likeable enough for people to want to
spend extended periods of time with you? I like to think I listen and that I am agreeable. I grew up with my friends and although I am not the most adventerous person I don't mind taking part in the challenges we set for each other. I love singing and I'm pretty good at that too, although I don't sing much at the court, not since Tamon came to the throne.
What makes you unlikeable? Is this a chronic problem or can you change? I know I can be a bit petulant at times and it annoyd me when my brother acts like a brat so I know it's off putting. I try and stop it but sometimes it just happens. The girls can all be a bit petty and I know I am as bad as the rest of them.
What type of people would like you, and who might not like you? I try to like everyone and I know those who have asked for my hand have been rich gentlement but I think I'd rather be with someone I actually liked, and who liked me for me, not my family fortune.
Would you describe your life to this point as being generally happy, pretty
average, or generally unhappy? Can you briefly explain why? I am happy. I have good friends and a family that loves me. I know times are changing and not for the best and I dread the day my father signs the contract that will have me wed to the new Duke but until then, I am resolute to remaining happy. I am sure I will find a way out of that situation when the time comes.
What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you? I have lived a sheltered life, as you can imagine. I have had everything done for me and I have rarely seen anything bad. Although I do remember the battles fought during the civil unrest 4 years ago. We were caught in the middle of a particularly nasty spot, our mansion in the country was right in the centre and we had to flee. It turned out fine in the end but I remember the fear of the night. I still have bad dreams about it from time to time, and it was 4 years ago now
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you? Oh my. This is a tough question to answer. I think it was when I first ssung at the court when I was younger, I knew then that I could do it well. I remember people's applause and I felt good that I had given them something. I hope to one day do it again.
How important are material possessions to you? Do you regard them as a
symbol of your success, or a trap, or neither? I have a lot of clothes and I love wearing them. I like getting new jewelry like any other girl does and there are a few pieces that I couldn't bare to part with. I have this favourite pair of shoes as well, they are so soft and fit perfectly. I dread the day I have to get them replaced. I know they shouldn't mean as much as they do. The preachers of Cuthbert, Master of The Dead, tell me I can't take it with me, but I do like to look nice.
How do your surroundings reflect your success (or lack of it) in life so far? I live in a palace... If my father has his way, I will always live in a palace, although that will be married to a man I hate. I don't know if that's success or not. I find the whole thing confusing. I like the beautiful surroundings but I don't think I will be happy here after I am married. I think I'd be happier anywhere else.
What do your surroundings say about you? (Your house, your car, your
kitchen, your bathroom, your workplace.) Spoilt rich brat? I like it here but I know there are a lot of people who will envy me.
Do you feel that you have achieved all you are capable of in life? Or all
that you want to achieve? I want a happy family life, like I have always had, I want to be loved for who I am, not my family fortune.
Has your life changed in any way recently? If so, what brought on this
change? Is it a change for the better or for worse? The Old Duke died and Tamon inherited the throne. His brother was meant to but he disappeared a long time ago. He and his friend Alton the archmage have something strange going on. replacing the servants with slaves and sometimes they disappear for days on end and no one knows what they are doing. It's wierd and I'm not entirely sure I like it.
If your life has changed for the worse lately, what can you do to turn things
around? I don' know how this is going to affect me, and I doubt I can do anything about the political situation, I'm just a girl and Tamon won't listen to me, he only wants me for an heir I'm sure.
Do you INTEND to change your life in the near future? If so, how and why? I don't want anything to change. That's what frightens me the most.
What is the most important goal in your life? (What do you really WANT?) The most? In the whole world? I secretly want to travel away from the palace and see what else there is in the world. It's a big place and I want to see at least a little more of it before my time is over. I've only been to our mansion just outside the city and here. I want to see the tribal lands of the elves and maybe even Quillaa.
And how do you plan to achieve it? I don't know. I have no money of my own and a destiny I don't want. I'll think of something, even if it involves running away.
What are the likely obstacles to your getting what you want? How do you
plan to overcome these foreseeable obstacles? What might be the likely
result of your actions? I'd be disowned for a start! I don't know how Im going to do it but I will think of something. I'll start stashing some money somewhere and when I have a bit put together I'll run off and strike out on my own. I don't know how well I'll do. It will be so different from living here in this beautiful palace.
Have you faced any other obstacles to get to the point you are at now? I inherited my position... It's not all it looks.
What particular talents or traits do you possess that will help you to get
what you want? How might you influence others to help you? I could sing for a living I guess. Or join a travelling troup. I'm sure there are ways I can earn some coins as I travelled about. I am sure my friends here would help me escape. I think Sylvia would be the best one to help me get out of here though
What is the biggest thing motivating you to achieve / get what you want? The thought of my looming marriage, maybe thats why I want to escape really. Just get out of that rather than an actual need to see the world.
Name the character trait or personality weakness that is most likely to
prevent you from getting what you want. How might you compensate for
this? Fear. I am so scared of the thought of going it alone I am not sure if I am more scared of marrying a man I dislike or running away.
Who would you die to protect? My brother and friends
Who would die to protect you? My brother andI hope my friends!
What is the thing you most fear losing in life? (This might be a person, a
possession, or an abstract quality like ‘respect’, ‘freedom’ or ‘credibility’.)
What drives you to do things you might regret later?
What are you about to do right now – today? How is this relevant to what is
important to you?
What will you do next?
Finish these sentences:
“The most important thing in life is…”
“If there’s one thing that makes me mad it’s…”
“I would lose interest in life if…”
“I can usually get myself out of trouble by…”
“If I encounter a problem in life I work through it by…”
“I don’t like people who…”
“I like people who…”
“My most pressing need right now is…”
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next month is…”
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next year is…”
“My motto in life is: …”
Final question:
“Is there anything else you can tell me about yourself that has a bearing on
what you might do or say in any given situation?”
Name of character: Talindra Jurhan
Place of character in the story: Love Interest
Relationship to the lead if this person is not the lead: Crush
What’s your name?Talindra
How old are you? 21
What do you look like? If you had to describe yourself as though you were
talking about someone else, what would you say? I have lovely thick long black hair. I love my hair! Blue eyes and milky skin. I am not very tall and am only slightly built. My nose is maybe a little large and my ears stick out a little bit. I have more than a few freckles spattered accross my nose and arms.
What are your speech patterns like? I have been educated at the court, so I like to think that I speak very well. I am not fluent in Nebatian but since they have been coming to court I have been learning their language, and I am picking it up well enough.
Do you sometimes lie? “White lies” or significant lies? Can people usually
tell when you’re lying or are you a really accomplished liar? Is your whole
life a lie? If so, why and how? Lying is wrong. I have never told any major lie and I don't like telling small lies either.
What is your usual facial expression? Are people drawn to your warmth
and cheerfulness, or are you seen as quiet / dour / grim / humourless /
reserved / etc? Does your face reflect the ‘inner you’ or are looks
deceiving? I am an open person. I am friendly try to talk to everyone I come across. There are always new people coming through the royal court. I try to avoid getting noticed too much but neither do I shy away. I like to think this is a true reflection on my character
How do you handle anger? Are you slow to anger or easy to annoy? Are
people afraid of you, and if so is this justified? I get angry with my parents and my brother but not easily. I don't like being fooled or lied to and this is the one thing that makes me mad. People are not afraid of me, I'm just a woman.
How do you react to confrontation? Would you give anything for a quiet life
or do you enjoy winning an argument or a fight? I like discussion rather than arguements, arguements seem a waste of time and energy. I won't give up my opinion but know when its a good time to keep my mouth shut.
How much power do you wield at home, in the workplace, and in social
situations? Are you the quiet “power behind the throne” type or do you
wield obvious power? Or do you feel powerless? If so, why – and what
might be the catalyst to make you change? I am an unmarried woman in an increasingly unstable court. Things are not going well in Karana and I'd rather not be in the middle of it when things get messy. I have no power over anyone.
What (in your opinion) would be the first impression most people get when
they meet you? Just a silly girl getting in the way of more important people.
In your case, is ‘what you see is what you get’, or do people sometimes
make the wrong judgement about you? If so, why would this be? I'm not silly all the time and I pay more attention than people give me credit for. That said, I wouldn't know how to use any power I had.
What is your level of education? Has what you have been obtained by
‘street smarts’ or ‘book smarts’? I was educated at the Karanan court by the scholars there, I have also had some home schooling by a Quillaan tutor. I am relatively well educated.
Where do you live? My parents are land owners, sometimes we stay in our townhouse near the court in Karana. Sometimes we stay at the palace and sometimes we stay at the mansion in the countryside. Usually when things get a bit dangerous, like when there is plague in the city.
Do you live alone, share a house, or…? I like with my mother, father and younger brother. Halandir has been staying at the mansion recently with his tutor, however he has returned to court now.
Are you in a relationship, or part of a family? I love my mother and father and brother very much. They are only trying to do what is best for me, although we do disagree sometimes
Who is your best friend? (If you have one). When did this relationship
start? What makes you friends? Sylvia, she is a priestess of Life and we have known each other since we was very young. I don't see her much now that she has her daughter and that she is married to Rasputin, who is scary, but I know I can go to her when I am troubled.
Who is your enemy / who do you dislike most? Why? When did this dislike
start, and why? There is this girl, Martha Du Saire; We have never really got on very well while we were growing up but when we hit fifteen, she started going out of her way to be deliberatly nasty. She'd do stupid things like put gross things in my books and pull my hair. She and I still don't get along but I do my best to keep out of her way. She liked to put herself in the way of the powerful men at court and I doubt very much that she is still a maid.
Who else is in your circle of acquaintances? Who would you turn to in
times of trouble? Liza, she has been one of my friends for a long time, she and I share a number of classes and often work together. Her family are not as rich as my own but she is a wonderful friend. I can tell her anything. Sylvia is another, although I think I mentioned her earlier. We have grown apart a bit now but I know she is there for me.
If there is anyone in your circle that might betray you, who would it be? I don't even like thinking about this. Although if I had to think about it, I trust Josephine less than the others. She always seems so distant and aloof from the rest of us. Maybe we just have less in common but I can't bring myself to trust her fully. Does that make me a bad person?
Is there anyone you would not expect to betray you? How would you
feel/react if they did? I'd be heartbroken. I have a very close group of small friends at the court and I can't even think about what I'd do if I was betrayed.
How would you describe your personality? What are your best points &
assets? What are your flaws or weaknesses? I am so powerless to do what I want. My father is arranging my marriage to someone I don't like and I really want to get out of it. Despite my protestations he won't listen. I wish I was stronger and more able to resist him. I am a kind gentle person and I guess thats why he thinks he can do all this for me. I should have started standing up for what I felt when I was younger.
If there was one thing about your LOOKS that you could change, what
would it be? I'd love to have dark eyes like my hair, mine are blue and I think they look a bit hard.
If there was one thing about your PERSONALITY that you could change,
what would it be? Strength. I'd have more of it.
What makes you likeable? Are you likeable enough for people to want to
spend extended periods of time with you? I like to think I listen and that I am agreeable. I grew up with my friends and although I am not the most adventerous person I don't mind taking part in the challenges we set for each other. I love singing and I'm pretty good at that too, although I don't sing much at the court, not since Tamon came to the throne.
What makes you unlikeable? Is this a chronic problem or can you change? I know I can be a bit petulant at times and it annoyd me when my brother acts like a brat so I know it's off putting. I try and stop it but sometimes it just happens. The girls can all be a bit petty and I know I am as bad as the rest of them.
What type of people would like you, and who might not like you? I try to like everyone and I know those who have asked for my hand have been rich gentlement but I think I'd rather be with someone I actually liked, and who liked me for me, not my family fortune.
Would you describe your life to this point as being generally happy, pretty
average, or generally unhappy? Can you briefly explain why? I am happy. I have good friends and a family that loves me. I know times are changing and not for the best and I dread the day my father signs the contract that will have me wed to the new Duke but until then, I am resolute to remaining happy. I am sure I will find a way out of that situation when the time comes.
What is the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you? I have lived a sheltered life, as you can imagine. I have had everything done for me and I have rarely seen anything bad. Although I do remember the battles fought during the civil unrest 4 years ago. We were caught in the middle of a particularly nasty spot, our mansion in the country was right in the centre and we had to flee. It turned out fine in the end but I remember the fear of the night. I still have bad dreams about it from time to time, and it was 4 years ago now
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you? Oh my. This is a tough question to answer. I think it was when I first ssung at the court when I was younger, I knew then that I could do it well. I remember people's applause and I felt good that I had given them something. I hope to one day do it again.
How important are material possessions to you? Do you regard them as a
symbol of your success, or a trap, or neither? I have a lot of clothes and I love wearing them. I like getting new jewelry like any other girl does and there are a few pieces that I couldn't bare to part with. I have this favourite pair of shoes as well, they are so soft and fit perfectly. I dread the day I have to get them replaced. I know they shouldn't mean as much as they do. The preachers of Cuthbert, Master of The Dead, tell me I can't take it with me, but I do like to look nice.
How do your surroundings reflect your success (or lack of it) in life so far? I live in a palace... If my father has his way, I will always live in a palace, although that will be married to a man I hate. I don't know if that's success or not. I find the whole thing confusing. I like the beautiful surroundings but I don't think I will be happy here after I am married. I think I'd be happier anywhere else.
What do your surroundings say about you? (Your house, your car, your
kitchen, your bathroom, your workplace.) Spoilt rich brat? I like it here but I know there are a lot of people who will envy me.
Do you feel that you have achieved all you are capable of in life? Or all
that you want to achieve? I want a happy family life, like I have always had, I want to be loved for who I am, not my family fortune.
Has your life changed in any way recently? If so, what brought on this
change? Is it a change for the better or for worse? The Old Duke died and Tamon inherited the throne. His brother was meant to but he disappeared a long time ago. He and his friend Alton the archmage have something strange going on. replacing the servants with slaves and sometimes they disappear for days on end and no one knows what they are doing. It's wierd and I'm not entirely sure I like it.
If your life has changed for the worse lately, what can you do to turn things
around? I don' know how this is going to affect me, and I doubt I can do anything about the political situation, I'm just a girl and Tamon won't listen to me, he only wants me for an heir I'm sure.
Do you INTEND to change your life in the near future? If so, how and why? I don't want anything to change. That's what frightens me the most.
What is the most important goal in your life? (What do you really WANT?) The most? In the whole world? I secretly want to travel away from the palace and see what else there is in the world. It's a big place and I want to see at least a little more of it before my time is over. I've only been to our mansion just outside the city and here. I want to see the tribal lands of the elves and maybe even Quillaa.
And how do you plan to achieve it? I don't know. I have no money of my own and a destiny I don't want. I'll think of something, even if it involves running away.
What are the likely obstacles to your getting what you want? How do you
plan to overcome these foreseeable obstacles? What might be the likely
result of your actions? I'd be disowned for a start! I don't know how Im going to do it but I will think of something. I'll start stashing some money somewhere and when I have a bit put together I'll run off and strike out on my own. I don't know how well I'll do. It will be so different from living here in this beautiful palace.
Have you faced any other obstacles to get to the point you are at now? I inherited my position... It's not all it looks.
What particular talents or traits do you possess that will help you to get
what you want? How might you influence others to help you? I could sing for a living I guess. Or join a travelling troup. I'm sure there are ways I can earn some coins as I travelled about. I am sure my friends here would help me escape. I think Sylvia would be the best one to help me get out of here though
What is the biggest thing motivating you to achieve / get what you want? The thought of my looming marriage, maybe thats why I want to escape really. Just get out of that rather than an actual need to see the world.
Name the character trait or personality weakness that is most likely to
prevent you from getting what you want. How might you compensate for
this? Fear. I am so scared of the thought of going it alone I am not sure if I am more scared of marrying a man I dislike or running away.
Who would you die to protect? My brother and friends
Who would die to protect you? My brother andI hope my friends!
What is the thing you most fear losing in life? (This might be a person, a
possession, or an abstract quality like ‘respect’, ‘freedom’ or ‘credibility’.)
What drives you to do things you might regret later?
What are you about to do right now – today? How is this relevant to what is
important to you?
What will you do next?
Finish these sentences:
“The most important thing in life is…”
“If there’s one thing that makes me mad it’s…”
“I would lose interest in life if…”
“I can usually get myself out of trouble by…”
“If I encounter a problem in life I work through it by…”
“I don’t like people who…”
“I like people who…”
“My most pressing need right now is…”
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next month is…”
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next year is…”
“My motto in life is: …”
Final question:
“Is there anything else you can tell me about yourself that has a bearing on
what you might do or say in any given situation?”
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Write about what you know
I read this everywhere and may make this a semi-regular thing, I guess the things we do every day may be boring to us, but be fascinating for everyone else. I'll start with work.
I have worked in call centres for a good while now, I did it before I returned to education for a Financial Service Provider, who shall remain nameless. When returning to work three years later I find myself on the other end of the line, now working for a Firm dealing with Financial Commission. I think there should be a guide to the hazards that await people at the other end of the phone, I really do, until then, I think this list should suffice!
I have worked in call centres for a good while now, I did it before I returned to education for a Financial Service Provider, who shall remain nameless. When returning to work three years later I find myself on the other end of the line, now working for a Firm dealing with Financial Commission. I think there should be a guide to the hazards that await people at the other end of the phone, I really do, until then, I think this list should suffice!
- Patience: You're sure going to need a lot of this if you're going to get the enquiry dealt with efficiently. The automated systems are a pain and yes, the hold music is that cheesy but a bit of patience in the right place will get your problem dealt with much quicker than if you loose your temper.
- Smile: With your voice, a nice person on the end of the phone will make the person your speaking to want to help you that much more. I certainly don't always feel like smiling when chatting to the fourteenth person in the same centre but always try and do so. I guess this refers to number 1 again.
- Hold Music: is a nuisance. I don't mind the classical stuff they play but they seem to insist on throwing some woman's voice over the top of it reminding me that I am on hold... is that not what the music is for? What gets my back up is the elevator music that makes me feel like I am back in the early 90's and that jazz... I guess I should revert to number 1...
- Corporate Time: Runs different to our time, what may take you and I 5 minutes to print off and walk to the fax machine/email to someone, takes some corporations 10 working days.
- People: Lets not forget that the people on the other end of the phone are exactly that: People. They have good and bad days too, they have probably had a yelling from the guy previous to you on the phone yelling at them. Sometimes the people can be an arse, sometimes they will bend over backwards but underneath the work persona they false face while doing their 9-5 job, they are people!
- Won't keep you a moment: Probably means 'I'm stuck and off to find someone who can help me' or 'I'm going to search for what you need' however, this is the MOST annoying phrase I hear from day to day. As well as the endless apologies of being kept on hold. I'm here for information and I don't mind waiting for it.
- Call-back Option: Never ever take it. Call backs go missing all the time! Even while working for Nameless Provider I learnt that call backs were a bad option. Don't do it! You'll never hear back from them and even when you do, it may well not be what you rang up about in the first place! Just use Number 1 and you'll get where you want
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