Tips on How to Write a IC Book!
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Donkeypuffy's Tips on How to Write a IC Book!
Hello dears, right so I have noticed some discouraged noises about writing books, and this had made me very sad! But, rather than complain and go against those who say it is hard I offer this little post to help out. Now lets start simple, always use Microsoft Office when writing a book or some sort of spelling/grammar program. If you cannot afford Microsoft Office's version fear not, I have a free solution called "Open Office" which offers a free download and I have used this one myself for many years. Here is the link! http://www.openoffice.org/
What to think about when writing a IC book
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IC, In Character. Only write what your character know, you may have source books of the universe but they do not.
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It does not have to be perfect, yes you read right mistakes are fine. We are only humans
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It is IC to be wrong, indeed you read correct again. Your character may know something wrong, or misleading, but you can still write that down.
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Use a simple lay out, preferably no colours and with spaces. This make the book easier to read for you and everyone else
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Do it for benefits, gold, memory or just for the fun of it!
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Helpful link from Moloch: viewtopic.php?t=79282
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Write about interesting thing, well known characters, fun events, plots, facts your character have researched
Samples!
Books do not need to be six pages, short fun facts are also useful. Here is a sample my librarian wrote after talking with a Tel'Lythari's IC.
Tel'Lythari
Originating from the Feywind, these Quessir of the broad tree of Tel'Quessir are a rare sight and few have ever seen one. Most elves are known to worship the Tel'Lythari, considering them above normal Quessir. Due to their shy nature and preference to remain within the pact, little is known or shared of their daily life. However, Tel'Lythari are well known for their strong dislike towards violence however they will defend themselves when cornered. Many aspects of the Tel'Lythari's way of life may be reflexted with the common forest wolves. They live in large pacts, with an alpha male as their leader however every member of the pact is considered important as they consider the weakest and the strongest of the pact to be equal as they are considered as one in the pact rather than individuals. The remarkable ability of the Tel'Lythari, is their ability to take the shape of a wolf when so wished. Many of the Tel'Lythari worship Selune, or Sehanin Moonbow as she is better known as for the Elves. Many consider the Tel'Lythari to be goodly lycanthropes, much like the protected pact of Selune.
What you just read is what the character learned in character and some facts may even be wrong. But that is fine, it is just like a magazine, you take what you read with a pinch of salt. No one is going to tell you off for writing something misleading, and if they do tell them to do it themselves if they know better! (Believe me, I have said that -a lot-.)
Warning, Large Length Sample.
Right, this is a sample of a long and much more complex book which covers a whole plot from start to finish with three different character inputs, I did not even play while this plot began but thanks to asking around in character and taking part of the final two events I was able to find out the whole story. However, some parts may clash with one another but this is a research and is not expected to be perfect. Notice that the lay out is simple, with lots of spaces which is easy for the eyes. No need to read it all btw, it is a long one!
Tome of the Lion
Miscellaneous Research@Erih:
How the Hunt Began,
Told by Sir Victor Auguste LorenzoI was heading out with adventurers through the wood…when... A massive form came out from the wood and stood in front of us. Before us stood a massive majestic lion, so massive that I have ever seen in my life, it had a golden aura surrounding it. As it stamped the ground with its massive paws, the ground began to shake. It looked at us with predatory eyes and roared. We expected a deafening fearsome roar, but no such roar came from its mouth and our mind was filled with a thundering prenatural voice, which shaped into a single word, which seemed to embody the might of the lion itself. Our mind and heart whispered to us “Roarrim”
Afterwards I narrated this tale to Pride Abbot Oxley. And this is what Pride Abbot Oxely said. “This is an old tale of the faith of Lord Firemane. Hundreds of years ago the Fort of Moorcore in the depths of Weathercote Wood was being sieged by an army (the name of the assailants, I am afraid, is long lost) and the food supplies were running low. But the defenders were hopeful because a prophecy told that when the city would have been in danger, a handful of heroes would have sneaked past the enemy lines to hunt a unique, majestic beast, the Roarrim. So they did, and when they returned with the blessing of the beast, their storages filled with food, and they could resist the siege until their allies arrived and broke it. The Fort currently does not exist anymore, but it was occupied for a few hundred of years, before the inhabitants all decided to leave for an unknown destination.”
I believe the tale is recorded in the Book of Royalty. It was confirmed that its a true honor to have witnessed this majestic beast Roarim and it was ordained by the will of Nobanion that we should hunt it ...as we stand to battle legion forces the first hunt was held in Hullack where myself, Sir Raventree and other hunters including hound and Celdor. Participated were we hunted an ancient white stag in hullack forest deep inside the enemy territory..filled with malar horde. The hunters.. revailed ..like the raven in the sky...always prepared for the challenge. We slew that day many number of lycans. Finally arriving at the spot where we laid our eyes on the majestic ancient white stag. I Kneeled in front of it and offered prayers to Lord Firemane..and then our hunt begun. After the hunt...Lord Firemane blessed us all. And that was the first hunt..but what we realised is that we needed hunters who are not mere hunters..we needed folks who can understand and learn Lord FIremanes teachings to honor him. So in the coming months..many small hunts was held by me...teaching the words of Nobanions and his code of hunt and it was one such call ..that developed in the Redmane rescue hunt yesterday. But there is one more hunt...the biggest and most majestic...Roarim..which we shall lead to earn the blessing.
The Hunt of Roarim,
Told by Apprentice Erihnienia RealanYou will have to guide them. Teach them. Help them and support them. A hunt is not just a sacred moment, but it is a journey, that helps understand ourselves. I, the faith of a god, usually, can differ, somehow. Not all of us understand and love the faith in the same way. Humans are different, from each other. Pride-Abbot Oxley
Have you ever considered why there are different orders, even among the faithful of Lord Firemane? Each one has liking to certain teachings of the diety and the way they want to incorporate those in their life and find meaning and purpose in their own regard. Different traditions, history, each to their own way. Each of them embodies a side of the hunt.
The Legion of Lions represents the feral, beastly side of the hunt. The desire, the longing for the prey. The Fangshields mimic the kind and caring side of Lord Firemane. In addition, the brothers of the Golden Made are the safe keepers of Nobanion's Secrets. You need to understand what side you belong, all of them, none, only some. Even in faith, even when sharing the same faith, understanding our calling is paramount. So guide this people in hunt, and guide them in life, until they too will find their purpose. That is the role of the leader.
If you will leave to hunt the lion, I may have a gift for you. First, I need you to bring me something. I shall be found in the King's Forest, near the Starwate Edge. Its hair shall be red, and… Well you shall understand.
The purpose of this hunt is to teach about Lord Firemane. First, get yourself leatehr armour, if that is not what you are wearing. Chians and others, acceptable. So long, as you bear the traditional weapons of the hunt. As do the rest of them. The Hunters of Nabanion will be like the raven that flies high in the sky, everything it shall see.
Towards Starwate Gorge we headed, with the traditional leathers, spears and bows for the hunt. The hunters of Nabanion would embody Pride, Royalty, Majesty. He seeks communion with nature. He respects the laws of the jungle, he never hunts more than he needs. Escorted to the depths of the forest, the rain soaked us to the bones. Faint tracks were discovered upon the muddy ground, the hunt is a patient game in which you must move silent and with care. Tracks made out of a boar, we proceeded with caution due to southern growls that felt amiss to our scout Hound. As such, we headed deeper into the gloomy forest.
Crossing a river, a sudden roar echoed from the North of the forest. Thundering hooves bullrushed towards the rear of the group, a trio of brutal wereboars came into vision and charged! Surprised by the sudden swarm, we were caught off guard as the were-creatures roared out "You shall get it now, PRAISE Malar!” Valiant, the hunters rushed ahead and slaughtered the beast as they jumped down from the hill. Nevertheless, even as the three beasts lay dead by their feet. Another group of roaring anger charged from behind, causing the hunters’ gathering to split in two. Praising their vile god, yet neither they could withstand the fury of the hunters.
A moment of silent lingered in the air, as the hunters stopped to catch their breath the hunt had been vicious. However, peace did not remain long, as the ground shook upon the riverbank an army of banelings bolted out of the forest. It was as if Malar himself had sent these beasts upon us, but the hunters’ faith for Nabanion was stronger. Slaying the army and littering the corpses over the riverbank, another trio of wereboars joined the battle. Several moments pasted of fury and blood as the warriors shouted "For Nabanion!" as their cut into the beasts.
Battle worn the hunters once more began to follow the tracks of the tainted creatures, our valiant scout Hound leaded us deeper and deeper into the forest. The terrain was rough with mud, webs and wild rivers crossing the path we wandered, this wore on the temper and patient of the hunters. Spiders and wild animals creped out of the darkness, and like maddened we were attacked by the natures creature where ever we went. Yet it was as we faced a roaring river, with its current so strong it would have swept away even the strongest horse. We felt as if we had met our match, for as we struggled to push over the river, many of us could not even attempt without being pushed back onto the riverbank. However, witty and cunning, we decided to attempt to push down a dead tree that stood unsafely on the shore. With all their strength and faith, the hunters pushed down the tree with force, yet would it be long enough to cross the river?
Indeed it was, as it crashed down upon the riverbank opposite, the tree proved sturdy and strong. With glee, we crossed the river, for success felt close and our goal had begun to be within reach. For out valiant scout had spotted strange red lights in a glade, guarded by an army of vicious wereboars whom hollowed in the rainy night. We prepared quickly and praised to our gods and goddesses to aid us in this hunt, honouring Nabanion for bringing us this far. For as the wereboars noticed us hiding in the dark, a bloody battle was unavoidable. Blades clashed against horns and fangs, roars echoed into the night as the hunters charged a head. Blood and gore turned the grass red as we fought onwards, pushing the army further and further back until we finally reached the red lights.
With the last beast slain, the hunt had not been easy on us. We were bloody, sweaty and exhausted from the long battle. Yet as we saw what rested within those red lights, no longer did we feel worn or tired. Instead, we were filled with pride and relief, as we laid our eyes upon the beautiful red manned beast. The lion was sleek with a beautiful glittering mane, its eyes speaking of gratitude as it bowed its head before disappearing into the forest once more to be free and wild. However, we were not left empty-handed, for glittering straws of the red mane was clenched proudly in the hand of Sir Raventree, we had been successful.
When we returned, Pride Abbot could not hide her happiness at the successful hint and rescues of Redmane. She asked Sir Lorenzo and Sir Raventree to join her in prayer of Lord Firemane. As they prayed, red light from the sky lit up eveningstar and Nobanion granted the party of hunters the blessed attire of Nobanion. These shall be used to hunt the majestic beast of Lord Firemane. Roarim.
For the following morning, the hunters gathered once more. Dressed in the rich red and golden leathers attires of Nobanion, the hunters began the final hunt. Once more lea by their scout, the hunters found themselves in a strange forest with creatures and plants not of familiarity no longer. No these creatures were not of the land they so recently had wandered, this forest was no longer the hunting ground they knew, instead it was alien and strange.
For here the creatures did not fear them, instead curiously watched the hunters pass them by. Colourful and strange, many of the creatures were so breath taking that the hunters had to stop frequently just to calm their senses. Yet soon their minds were no longer distracted by the alien forest, but instead by the humanoid tracks, leading further into the forest. Valiant, the hunters moved on with caution, for now there was a race to the final beast. Swiftly the hunters followed the smaller group ahead, the dark figured fading away from vision and into the darker part of the forest.
Yet as the large group of hunters entered the glade, finally facing the dark figures in light, a shocking realisation struck the hunters. Before the hunters stood a trio of starving men, pale and frightened by the brightly coloured Nobanion hunters whom they knew nothing of. They spoke of Malar hunters whom had left them and their fortress to starve, and of a reinforcement, which they had been waiting for months. Therefore, the hunters understood they were in a forest, Hundreds of years back in time, near the Fort of Moorcore in the depths of Weathercote Wood...
After sighting the Roarrim and speaking with the hunters who surrounded it we came to the uneasy realization that we were no longer in the King's Forest, but in the 'Weathercote Wood' - from a time hundreds of years ago, seemingly. Real, or illusion, we were uncertain.The end appears to be missing
I announced my name, and our intent. They spoke of how the Beastlord had abandoned them in their time of need. I spoke of the Lord Firemane, and the tradition of the hunt. I do not particularly recall why, but I mentioned we (the Order Red Hart) were waging a crusade upon the Forsaken Legion. I believe initially they thought us part of the enemy force that had laid siege to their castle. I must have said we were waging a war upon a different foe to put their mind at ease.
The great lion then spoke to me, its maw opened for a roar, but only a whisper called me forth to kneel before it. I laid down my spear and the boar meat from the hunt, as tribute. It put its paw over the boar and in a blink we found ourselves standing in the familiar surroundings of the fortress courtyard, in Eveningstar.
It was not until much later that I was able to piece together what had occurred. The following day, I was granted command of the charge into Flynn, rallying knights of the Order and adventurers alike to the Crusade. We marched through the stormhorns and battled the Great Foe at the edge of town. As we prepared to push beyond the bulwarks we saw smoke and fires already pluming from inside the town!
Inside Flynn I was met by warriors clad in yellow, their livery bearing the symbols of the lion, Nobanion. One man, from atop a rock looked down upon me and announced himself as the chief of the Order of the Golden Mane! As tradition dictates, I announced myself, Sir James Raven Tree.
He recited the writings from the Book of Royalty, and told me that it was time to reveal the secret long held by his Order. That the Order had been founded to repay the deeds of a few hunters hundreds of years ago when the time was right. That the Order of the Golden Mane had waiting, training and preparing for the moment when they would battle the great enemy that had been mentioned by these benevolent hunters - the Forsaken Legion.
Thus the Order of the Golden Mane, the Order Red Hart and the allies of the Order stood united by His Grace and brought a decisive victory against the Legion on that day.
-Sir James Raventree, Knight Warden of the Order Red Hart, Champion of Nobanion-
Book of Royalty wrote:… and the King of the Beasts appeared as a great lion's head outlined in a mane of amber and scarlet flickering fire, unleashing the roar of the king.
Blood red their coats, golden their manes, they came with Him, to teach the Pride the Hunt and the respect for each living being. Benevolent they were, and left like they had arrived.
… and with the voice of the raven they spoke. When you hunt, be like the raven that high in the sky flies and everything sees. Be watchful, and understand what you see, so that you may ready to face the challenges ahead of you.
… and with the voice of the tree they spoke. The tree whose roots dig deep in the earth. Be deep and sensitive. Like the tree, understand the feelings of what grows next to you. Live with compassion and tolerance. Hunt with respect.
… and with the voice of the Lion they spoke. Pride, royalty, majesty, the hunter of Nobanion embodies them all. He seeks communion with nature. He respects the laws of the jungle. He never hunts more than he needs.
… the remaining scouts of Moorcore Fort left for the hunt, as the prophecy had said. For days they were gone, before they finally returned. They carried with them Lord Firemane’s blessing, and all the people rejoiced, because they knew they could have survived.
The Brotherhood of the Golden Mane is a rather secretive group of followers of Nobanion. Little is known of the birth of such group, but it is said Lord Firemane has made them safekeeper of a great secret.
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