Zion - Light of the New Moon (Pre-Start 1/3)
Zion - Light of the New Moon Pre-Start Story Generation Part 1/3 By Who's Hand? copyright 2011 comidacomida
Every saga must have its heroes and its villains. Every tale holds some amount of suspense and drama, comedy and tragedy. Every recital has its ups and its downs, its morals and its lessons. More than any of these other things, however, each and every story needs a narrator. Without a narrator, no account could possibly be told. Therefore, it only seems prudent that the first of three final steps toward the beginning of "Zion - Path of the Moon Mother" should be selecting the chosen chronicler of each of the five groups.
By selecting a specific narrator, readers will be able to determine whether a given party's story is told in first person or third person, how the tale is conveyed (ie: in a scholarly manner, in the form of an epic, via emotional and/or moral focus, as a campfire story, etc), and, to great extent, whether or not the teller of the tale has any specific investment in the party's adventures. More than anything else, however, the chosen narrator for each story line will help contribute greatly to story seeds.
These narrators will present each of the five groups' journeys to Zion along with the helpful and harmful events that they encounter along the way. Bear in mind that GETTING to Zion is only the first part of the story-- uncovering what happened, possibly encountering the other groups, and hopefully finding a way to remedy whatever might be wrong is just as important (if not more so). Once the groups reach Zion then the story may change significantly enough that the narration style will change, or perhaps one or more of the narrators will take a back seat while others come more to the forefront.
What follows are the lists of narrators possible for each City State. There are a total of 20 Narrators possible, with 4 possible per group. All readers, contributing or otherwise have the capacity to vote yea or nay on each narrator for each group. The narrator with the highest number of "yea"s will be the one selected for each party-- in the event of a tie, the win will go to the narrator with the most number of contributing reader yea votes.
Each narrator will have five aspects that differentiate them as a story teller. They are as follows:
1) Narration-- the point of view from which they will relate the story, whether that be in first person (they tell the story from their point of view because they were there), or in third person (telling the story from a disconnected point of view like what might be found in a text book or a story told from second-hand knowledge).
2) Relation-- each narrator will fill one of four possible spots within a party. An Active narrator is one of the approved Author Contributed characters that has been chosen by the readers to be included in the party. A Passive narrator is a character specifically generated to act as the narrating voice for the party. A Wildcard narrator is one that could heavily influence the plot lines merely by being the one telling their story, but their exact significance isn't completely known (it will, however, be likely to surface sometime during the story for much dramatic impact). A Reciting narrator is one completely disconnected from the story and is merely a scholar or historian retelling it for the sake of educational purposes.
3) Style-- the method chosen through which to relate the story. A narrator with a flare for theatrics might tell the story as if it were a swashbuckling adventure full of heroics and grand deeds, playing up the strengths of the party while minimizing any shortcomings. On the other hand, a storyteller who relates the tale as a tragedy will focus most on the failures and setbacks of the group and, even if they are ultimately successful, might point out the incredible amount of loss they sustained.
4) Contribution-- on a scale of 1-5, how much the narrator contributes to the party's goals. A Narrator with a 1 might either be telling the story as one might recite history, or else they could simply be a chronicler along for the journey with a vow of non-interference. A Narrator with a 5 would most likely be a central character who might be pivotal to the group's success or failure.
5) Story Seed-- what story seed contributions will be made to a group if the specific narrator is chosen to tell the story. Like the party members, each Narrator contributes up to 3 story seed points (positive or negative) to use in determining the ultimate plot line of Zion. (More on story seeds in an upcoming pre-start). There will be no description of what each specific story seed is/does until the very end of the story-- please do not wait to hear what they are as ithey will have to be discovered as the stories progress.
Now, without further ado, the list of Narrators available for each city:
Bannihar: Sebastian the Gryphon 1st Person Active Narrative, Pure Adventure Style, Contribution of 3 Path of the Earth +, Path of the New Moon +, Path of the Wild - Already a member of the Bannihar party, Sebastian is a possible narrator for the group. If he is selected the story will be told in a relatively simple manner focusing on events as they are seen by the gryphon. As an awakened beast he tends to view things in a black-and-white manner, but has a playful, adventurous spirit that will add an element of "Let me tell you about MY summer!" to it. Sebastian will focus predominantly on the action-packed moments or events of high dramatic significance.
Jules Quickblade 3rd Person Passive Narration, Gritty and Gruesome Style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Earth +, Path of the Wild +, Path of the Serpent + As one of the highest ranking reader-contributed characters to NOT make the cut, it seemed only right to let her have a moment to shine as a contributing adventurer for Bannihar. As a member of the adventuring party, Jules is a secondary character, much like an ally. Her story focus is in third person and will be a recounting of the events including her own contributions as if she were not involved (an observer as opposed to a contributer). Jules will focus the majority of the story on the linear progression of the party from point A to point B to point C, with specific attention to the horror factor of the wild lands and the nasty things the party meets.
Kam De'aveen 3rd Person Wildcard Narrative, Recitation and Detail Oriented Style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Sun -, Path of the New Moon ++ As one of the numerous faceless additions to the caravan, Kam De'aveen tends to avoid the spotlight and tries to avoid being the center of attention. While Kam helps in major ways it's always done without calling attention to Kam's significance (a big deal for a number of reasons). Obviously, as a Wildcard Narrator there is a lot more to Kam than meets the eye. Kam will focus on a recitation of events without specific personal inclusion into the story while keeping focus on "important" details.
Jillian Nesthen 3rd Person Reciting Narrative, Moral Story Style, Contribution of 1 Path of the Sun ++, Path of the Wild + As a narrator in charge of reciting, Jillian will not be involved with the caravan, rather she will be relating the story as an 'after the fact' occurrence. She will focus predominantly on the religious themes involved in the telling as well as offering up morals to learn from. Jillian will make it a point to exemplify the heroism of the loyal followers of Tah'aveen and point out the shortcomings of those who do not.
None No gimmick-- let's just skip the characterization of a storyteller. No modification to story seeds.
Doen: Priest Zachary 1st Person Active Narrative, Wide-Eyed Astounded Journal Style, Contribution of 5 Path of the Sun +, Path of the New Moon +, Path of the Earth - As the organizing priest involved with the Doen expedition to Zion, Zachary will have a LOT to say as the narrator. As a cloistered individual who rarely got out of the temple, a lot of the story provided by Zachary will involve first hand accounts of the incredible (and horrific) things beyond the walls of the temple city. Zachary will write the story as if in a journal style, providing the tale from his viewpoint, allowing some insight into him as a character but, more so, giving readers a sight of the world as something new to explore, in many ways mirroring their own introduction into the Empire of the Moon.
Daliah Three-Veils 1st Person Passive Narrative, Romantic Epic Style, Contribution of 3 Path of the Sun -, Path of the Mist +, Path of the New Moon + An acolyte functionary of the Temple City of Doen, Daliah is a low level priestess. A beautiful Ermine wholly devoted to the Moon Goddess, Daliah will tell the story, including the limited part she has to play as the chronicler, focusing on those aspects of a story most related to Tah'aveen's Pregnant Moon aspect: relationships, emotion, and heart-pounding elements of action. She also tends to favor anecdotes, providing a lot of "he said"/"she said" snippets that may add minor elements of humor (and possibly strife) to the story line.
Sir Thomas 3rd Person Wildcard Narrative, Action-Driven Religion Based Style, Contribution of 2 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Earth, +, Path of the New Moon + Too subdued and introspective an individual, Sir Thomas was not cut out for the clergy of Doen, but he greatly desired to be of service to the Moon Goddess, thus taking a position as a temple guard. As far as the journey to Zion, Sir Thomas was selected to act as Priest Zachary's bodyguard. Due to the young stallion's love of the written word he has also taken it upon himself to record records of the party's journey. Despite coming from Doen, Thomas is a little uptight about certain activities undertaken by the clergy-- most humor him, considering his reactions quaint and endearing, but few have convinced him to partake in that type of 'prayer'. Sir Thomas' writing style is relaxed and tends to touch on dramatic moments, action-packed scenes, and events of deep significance.
Priest Jeremiah 3rd Person Reciting Narrative, Recitation-with-Purpose Style, Contribution of 2 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Wild +, Path of the Serpent + One of Zachary's many brothers, Priest Jeremiah has his own take on the adventures. Picking up the pen long after the events revolving around the second expedition to Zion, Priest Jeremiah was not present and his retelling comes from the recounting of the adventure some time later. The Priest's retelling of the story is as a chronicler, using a very active writer's tone and focusing on what he considers to be the important elements of the story: a combination of learning from the past and relating the morals one might learn from history.
None No gimmick-- let's just skip the characterization of a storyteller. No modification to story seeds.
Myre: Valda Corwin 1st Person Active Narrative, Challenge-to-be-Overcome style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Sun -, Path of the Mist +, Path of the Wild + Recording the party's adventure with all the caustic wit one might expect of a woman forced into service, Valda spares no harsh words when it comes to the task she must face. Her writing is a mixture of showing off those she admires and condemning those she doesn't. Despite her pointed view of things, she is also a realist and does have moments of begrudging appreciation for those in the party with whom she may not always get along. The story as presented by Valda will be highly focused on action, activities, and recount the challenges the party is forced to overcome with special emphasis on their successes (and the comical shortcomings of those she doesn't like).
Priest Philip Lightfeather 3rd Person Passive Narrative, Moral-and-heroic style, Contributuion of 3 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Mist +, Path of the Wild + A blue jay in his early 30s, Priest Lightfeather is the chosen guardian elected to help guide Josh of the Blessed Choir on his quest into the great unknown lands beyond the Temple City. While Philip has never gone outside the city himself he trusts in the will of Tah'aveen to guide the party to success. As the narrator for the Myre group, Priest Lightfeather will tend to focus on the divine meaning behind the obstacles they overcome. He will take a moral approach to the story and present the group in a heroic fashion struggling against the forces that would stop the righteous.
Private Leija Telone 1st Person Wildcard Narrative, Visceral Recounting style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Earth +, Path of the New Moon +, Path of the Serpent + A last-minute addition to the party, Private Leija Telone is a young woman human relatively new to the city guard. while it isn't discernible at first why she came on the journey, it becomes readily apparent that there's more to the young woman than meets the eye. She takes a lot of notes and spends hours in camp writing. Her writing style, presented in first-person, provides a visceral retelling of the most awe-inspiring, heart-stopping, nerve-wracking moments of the adventure in a "you should have been (glad you weren't) there" way.
High Sage Oliver 3rd Person Reciting Narrative, historical lecture style, Contribution of 1 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Mist +, Path of the Serpent + A master historian who is well learned regarding the events surrounding and involving the second expedition from Myre, High Sage Oliver discusses the story in the past-tense. As a highly respected seeker of knowledge, High Sage Oliver is the most prominent educator involved with the recitation and recording of events for the city of Myre. His retelling of the story will be what one might expect from a class at university, though, thankfully, he is not as dull as most teachers and he doesn't miss the opportunity to provide some colorful and pointed input.
None No gimmick-- let's just skip the characterization of a storyteller. No modification to story seeds.
Myrh: Yearl Rakken 3rd Person Active Narrative, hardships to overcome style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Earth +, Path of the Wild + Never much for the spotlight, Captain Rakken's retelling of the events surrounding Myrh's second dispatch to Zion will focus more on the party than himself. Like the experienced battlefield commander he is, Yearl will narrate his experiences, but will consider himself just another unit on the "battlefield". His focus regarding the journal will be on the difficulties the party encounters and how they overcome the obstacles placed in their path.
Whisper 3rd Person Passive Narrative, suspense and eschewed meaning style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Mist +, Path of the New Moon +, Path of the Serpent + A weaver of words and a spinner of secrets, it's no wonder that Whisper somehow managed to find her way into the caravan. True to her preference of remaining faceless and nameless, she will be telling the story as if she had no part to play, remaining the impartial narrator... this is of course an incredible facade as she, no doubts, has her own plans within the envoy. Regardless, she will serve her purpose as a storyteller, even if she gets her kicks out of presenting things in a mysterious, almost detective-story-esque approach with plenty of red herrings and half-truths.
Unknown 1st Person Wildcard Narrative, dramatic action and adventure style, Contribution of 3 Path of the Earth ++, Path of the Wild + Either a "nobody-of-consequence" or else someone who would prefer to be left nameless, the Unknown Narrator is just another faceless addition to the caravan. Even though the Unknown Narrator will be telling the story as a contributing member of the group, the story teller will go to great lengths to play down any actual involvement with the goings-on. Never the less, the Unknown Narrator will give special attention to the party's successes (and/or failures) at dramatic, action-filled moments, especially those who are capable of great feats of combat prowess, divine empowerment, arcane might, or social grace.
Priestess Alice 3rd Person Reciting Narrative, Religous retelling style, Contribution of 1 Path of the Mist +, Path of the Earth +, Path of the Wild - As a chronicler of historical events in Myrh it is Priestess Alice's duty to research, record, and recite events of note that took place in the Empire of the Moon since the Sundering. The story of Myrh's second delegation sent to Zion will be told with attention to "historical accuracy", covering important events in the party's travel. As a priestess, her retelling of historical details focuses on divine intervention, the will of Tah'aveen, and the dedication to or failure to follow the tenants of the holy way as the party undergoes their trials and tribulations on the path to Zion.
None No gimmick-- let's just skip the characterization of a storyteller. No modification to story seeds.
Shrad: Majh Blackpaw 3rd Person Active Narrative, Bloody-but-Grand Adventure style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Wild -, Path of the Serpent + A woman of very direct action, Majh is a narrator of a very action-packed story. She is a frank and to-the-point speaker, and that will come through in the presentation, focusing on the grand adventure of surviving a trip through the Wild Lands from Shrad to Zion. Despite her high impression of herself, Majh is not egocentric, and the story will actually be told from a broad point of view rather than her focusing on her own successes. The one thing a reader can be sure of is that Majh will have no problem accentuating the blood, grit, and tears involved with any adventure as grand as the journey to Zion.
Telkur Byne 1st Person Passive Narrative, indirect omission of fact style, Contribution of 4 Path of the Sun +, Path of the Wild -, Path of the Serpent - A man as much a pawn of the Temple as a well-regarded master to it, Telkur Byne was hand-picked for his place in the journey to Zion by Armenius Tenge himself. As with many residents of Shrad, Telkur has his own agenda and purpose; while he is adamantly loyal to the Temple, the focus of his work will be to tell the story in a way that will make certain that people understand the specifics in the most "beneficial" way possible. To this end, certain facts will be carefully constructed; he will most certainly not lie, but it's always interesting to see what someone can come up with their back to a wall.
'The Lady' 3rd Person wildcard Narrative, dark-mystery-with-a-twist style, Contribution of 3 Path of the Sun -, Path of the Mist +, Path of the Wild + A shadowy and obscure being, The Lady has an intimate understanding of Shrad's second delegation... and also a surprising amount of information about the first one. Though not a member of the party, she nevertheless does an amazing job of providing direct narration of the events that take place during their trip to Zion. Considering the amount of obfuscation regarding her own existence, it's little wonder that she tells the story as if all information must be hard-won, and presents the tale with a mysterious twist where every last piece of knowledge discovered might be the final one that holds the clue to... well... to whatever is yet to be uncovered.
Taulesiev the Black 3rd Person Reciting Narrative, hopeless odds style, Contribution of 1 Path of the Wild +, Path of the Serpent ++ Pronounced "Taul-i-see-ev", this particular narrator takes a fatalistic approach to the telling of Shrad's second group sent to Zion. Considering all of the difficulties that face city dwellers in the Wild Lands, it isn't all that much of a stretch to think that one or more travelers will die, but in Taulisiev's telling of the story it's almost made to seem that every victory by the party is unexpected and that the odds they face are assuredly insurmountable. This, of course, tends to lead to a much more heroic view of the party, but it does make one wonder just how bad they really had it if a narrator many years later is astounded that the best-of-the-best wasn't completely obliterated from the get-go.
None No gimmick-- let's just skip the characterization of a storyteller. No modification to story seeds.
Now that you've had a chance to see the options for narration be sure to make your vote known! You get 1 vote per party and may vote for someone or against someone-- your choice.
Keep an eye out for the remaining 2 prestart story generating posts, and make sure you have your own contributions ready. There will be a final call for artwork, background stories, and the like from contributing and non-contributing readers alike, so make sure that's ready to go!
Hope to see you on the Path of the Moon Mother-- we'll be embarking soon.