Randimaxis

Deuce wasn't used to such a compliment; he stared for a moment, then shyly shrugged. "Yeah, well, y'know... not having a social life leaves a lot of time to dig into the books. Besides, I just apply myself, is all... not that hard, once you get used to it." He was being modest; he had one of the highest GPAs in his class, and might make Valedictorian... if he wasn't so afraid of having to speak in front of everyone on Graduation Day, that was. "Look, the class bell rings soon, so we can catch up later - just watch out for those columns, numbskull," he added, but this time he meant the nickname as a kindly thing; no scorn in his voice when he said it. Is... i-is THIS how you make friends?

Was... d-did she just wink at me? For some reason he couldn't identify, his spine did a little wibbly-wobbly thing when she did that; he knew nothing of what crushes were, so he just chalked it up to 'growing pains', as his father called stuff like that, and smiled back. Deuce gave a skeptical look. "Yeah, well... as long as you're around, I guess. Still, it's hard to trust someone who was about to carve their name into you." He shuddered slightly at that; bad enough that he'd had to deal with bruises and scrapes, and even a broken arm once, but he'd NEVER had a blade pulled on him before. He wanted to believe Emerald... but the life he'd had until now had been FULL of disappointments; he'd wait and see what would happen when he saw Rebel next. Wow, she... actually gave a fig about what happens to me? He was still wary about trusting friendship - but that statement brought him a little closer to it. Deuce chuckled. "Hey, it's okay - not everyone understands math so well - don't feel bad. Look," he mused, "try doing something as a mnemonic reminder; maybe put each table to some sort of music? Perhaps that might make it easier on you. After all, nobody said you COULDN'T sing them, right?"

I would LOVE to sing, for the record.

Interestingly enough, I've been waiting for Rebel to let slip her musical tastes; might be an inroad between the two. *grins knowingly* Weird... ain't you kyoot? }:)

He closed his eyes and shook his head at her collision with the column, but seeing she wasn't hurt, he just chuckled instead. "Those things just jump out of nowhere, don't they?" he joked. "Hey, yesterday, you... stuff was going on. I was kinda worried about you, but I'm glad you're okay." He then gave a slight wry grin. "But for future reference, it's probably not a good idea to leave me alone with someone like Rebel; if I hadn't taken off, she might've skinned me alive, y'know? Still," he pushed his glasses back up onto his face, "thanks for being concerned. And... yeah, regardless of how she was to me, I'm glad Rebel's okay too." He shrugged. "Just because someone's mean to me, it doesn't mean I wanna see 'em dead or anything. I mean, you two seem to get along okay, and... well, even though she hates my guts, I wouldn't want you to be upset if anything happened to her. I mean, you two are friends... r-right?" Even with everything going on, and the past he'd made so far with this numbskull... he really didn't think she was his friend. However, he also realized she wasn't his enemy, either... and maybe, who knew, she might think of him as a true friend in due time. But after years of being an outcast, Deuce was still hesitant to put his faith into friendship - not without more time to figure out what it meant to him. And Rebel? Well, if Emerald could keep the greaseball from beating the bejeezus out of him, that was another point in her corner. Of course, he still couldn't understand Rebel much... and he STILL had that comment she'd made about him floating around in his head... Why was high school so difficult!? "So, you look up those fraction tables like I texted you? They're on the same page as the geometric figures, and they might help with some of your calculations."

It had been the arm of his glasses that'd come off in the night that had kept him from getting to school on time; the sorry thing had been under the bed the whole time, but he'd searched everywhere else first, it had seemed. More duct tape, then off to whatever new pain the school would throw at him next. He'd managed to skirt most of the local bullies, and had made his way around to the side of the school with the most witnesses. From there, he could easily get insi- Was that..? He peeked around the corner, and saw what looked like Emerald and Rebel... hugging? Wait - the bully HUGGED someone? What in the world..? He gave an internal chuckle. Maybe that boot in the butt I gave her yesterday jogged her memory, and she recalled that she was human, hunh? Love... Deuce had only known that emotion from his parents, and one of them was gone. He'd never really had much activity in that particular circle, and with his experiences with folks like Rebel Rouser, he didn't really have much interest in it. One less thing to worry about, he used to think. Now, though... seeing the two like that, and hearing them tell each other those words (he was fairly certain it wasn't, like, smoochy-love)... Deuce felt something inside him scratching at the door to his heart, whimpering to be let in. Would he answer that door? Only time would tell... but he felt like he was missing something, and if- No, not stupid... just psychotic, crazy, and a bonafide lunatic, THAT'S all! I mean, what kind of girl carries around a switchblade at school? The kind of girl you can't trust to NOT stab you when she's supposed to be 'protecting' you, that's what kind! Numbskull, how could you have handed me off to her for protection? Didn't you see what she was gonna do to me the other day? I mean, you might be oblivious, but I didn't think you were THAT- Wait... she said something else, didn't she? Something about... magic? Deuce had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he'd missed a KEY piece of information; too bad, that. THAT, he'd heard... and a chill raced down his spine. I can't let them know... I can't let ANYONE know; it's MY secret, and I have to protect it if I want to keep doing my duty. I have to keep others safe... He mentally sighed. Even psychos like Rebel, he thought with a weary resignation. Slowly, he made his way back towards the side doors; he wasn't about to try to come between two friends who were having a moment. Not that I'd mind being between them for a hug, he pondered; heck, Rebel might be a mean sonuvagun... but she was kinda cute, like Numbskull is... DEUCE! He caught himself mentally. WHOA, there! Don't even THINK you have anything they'd want! Snap out of it, man! With confusion on the brain, he headed inside, not certain whether he was getting sick or not.

And THAT makes three; I'm calling it. Post whenever you're ready, @Loud Opinion - we're ready for ya. *clears throat* @cwhip9, you gonna post, or do we catch up with you next go-round?

I was kinda trying to give Rebel and Emmy a chance to chat before Deuce showed up.

I have the stuff; video eta @ 1 or 2 days.

Knott's Farm

I, too, am one of those kinds who looks at his keyboard while typing... in fact, I've gotten good enough at it that I even know when I've mistyped, and will go back and correct it without even looking up. (Though I still try to look over all my posts before I hit Enter.)

Dax smiled his biggest smile; friendship accomplished! Wow, I'll have to write to Princess Luna AND Wind too! This is great! I hope I have a TON of letters to write when I get back! "Here, mind if I get yours too?" He reached back into his mane, pulled a string there, and brought out a rolled sheet of paper, untying it as he held it out for Wind to write on. "That way, I can write to you as soon as I get home!" The Blackwater chuckled. "Oh, Illiad's not like that; he's in politics to do the right thing, not for popularity or anything like that! He's really nice, and he likes others just for who they are - heck, he likes me well enough, and I'm not even from Troy! So no, I don't think he'd even care if you could vote or not; he's just a nice guy. Here, I'll show ya!" Dax trotted happily over to where Illiad was standing, a big grin plastered all over his muzzle. "We did! Well, I did, anyway - I'm pretty sure Wind here knows more about it than I do. Illiad Easle," he made a sweeping gesture towards his companion, "this is Wind; he was my partner through the presentation, and his brother Wind Lift works here as a scientist! I got to see a..." he searched his head for the proper word, "... rotor-thopter, and I even got to try getting it off the ground! And I did! It was hard, but I did it! THAT was fun! Wind here knows a lot about his brother's work, and I'll bet he could even join TrUST when he grows up!" Dax was excited, naturally - a new friend always seemed to bring the best out of the little guy. As Illiad would well know by now.

Clever gave a slight sigh, then nodded. "Though I certainly admit that the full scope of my knowledge is hindered by my age and lack of social experience, I have... tasted of the sorrow this world can bring forth unto an individual. My dearest father is invalid, being incapable of self-care due to... t-to an accident that left him mute and mutilated." The kirin seemed to shuffle his hooves a bit, his eyes seeking a number of different things to look at... aside from Vivid, of course. His emotional state was stable enough, but the subject left him uneasy. Nevertheless, he was determined to try to communicate with this interesting mare. "My mother, however... she did not... survive... the same incident." Though he was upset at the loss that tugged at his heart, he wanted to make a connection; the road had been a bit of fun... but lonely. It wasn't love he was looking for, as much as simply someone to talk to. And his pain, though deep and bright, seemed to be a means to that end. "I admit, I may not quite reach the particular fathoms of sorrow and distress that your own personage seems to express, yet I do have a reasonable understanding as to the yearning and permanency that an exquisite loss can place upon the emotional framework of one's heart. Admittedly, more of my experience has been of the realm that comes forward from the sounds of a sorrowful ballad... such as, for example, the one that you were expressing mere moments ago." He gave a smile, but it was tinged with the emotions he was feeling; the sadness at the wounds his father had gotten were deep, but not nearly as deep as the cut Life gave him when it took his beloved mother from him. "Sometimes, a mournful song contains the sounds our hearts wish to make - a quote from my father, during his more active period of existence." He looked her over again, and decided to try to make the conversation stretch a bit further, if he could; awkwardness was usually how they ended, but maybe this would be different? "You... speak of having the profession of guidance, you said? Might I inquire as to the nature of this particular method of guidance that you speak of? And, if you would not find my inquiries too blatantly forward, may I also inquire about the runes and sigils upon you? I have recognized a number of them from different manuals I have spent time lightly familiarizing myself with, and it honestly intrigues me as to what possible reasoning there might be for them to be emblazoned upon yourself?" He didn't seem afraid of them; he honestly looked quite curious about her, and seemed eager to learn whatever she would tell him about them... IF she said anything at all over the subject.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... @Loud Opinion, I might have a different idea for such a pony as this one; not that I don't like him (I do), but more like I have plans that could use him in a manner more... befitting... of his personality. *wicked grin* That being said, as per usual does anyone have any issues with LouOpi joining us? @Blitz Boom, @Illiad Easle, @Widdershins, @cwhip9, what say you?

"My most explicit apologies; it was truly not my intention to present myself in such a manner as to bring about such measure of disquiet within yourself. However, I must admit that the particulars of the musical interlude that I wandered upon purely by happenstance are most certainly familiar unto my being. There is a certain ambiance that such sorrowful melodies can invoke within the core of one's spirit, and as I have a close relation who was known somewhat for the mournful tones he used to put forth into the ether, there is a sense of familiarity to such that piqued my interest." Clever always felt that he had to use as much of his vocabulary as he could, in order to help others understand what he was saying... but he had a hard time realizing that he actually tended to make himself harder to comprehend by doing this. Still, with his mind running a mile a minute, it was impressive to realize that he was lucky to be able to string together words that could be understood in the first place. The mare was elderly? She most certainly doesn't appear so... but perhaps the runes and magics she utilizes could give me a better insight, should I inquire about such things. First though, he should probably try to speak a bit more with her - maybe asking such questions were more of a private matter, and would be far more welcome after he gained more familiarity with this strange but fascinating mare. "I certainly believe that any particular admission of pain, especially through the instrument of song, has exceeding potential to help alleviate whatever maladies of the metaphysical soul that an individual might suffer from, whether duly or unduly." He stepped only a bit closer, and gave the mare a bit of a curious look. "Would it be a faux-pas on my particular end to perhaps inquire as to a recognizable and proper means of addressing your personage? Mine would be the moniker of Clever Spark, if you would perhaps indulge me a bit of greeting unto yourself? Forgive my assumptions of your current malignant woes, but it does appear that you have a modicum of suffering that you are currently ensconced in, and my curiosity - coupled with a sizable sliver of empathy - seems to be focused on the possibility that relating at least the generalities of your predicament might bring emotional release, even if only by a shallow margin. May I assist in such an endeavor, or would it be more fortuitous to inquire at a different point in time?" [Sorrysorrysorry - I don't think I even got the notice that I'd been responded to!]

Hiya. Roleplays can take off like Rainbow Dash headed to Sweet Apple Acres on Cider Day... but sometimes, they can drag for a while, too. My first big, planned roleplay, The Blackwater Quarry, was silent for over a month before I got even a single person to respond... and it didn't really take off until I actually started off with the first post. Eventually, folks came and saw the post, then began to show some interest. It didn't happen overnight, but slowly it built up until it's what it is today; a fun little SoL RP with a number of characters and at least three steady roleplayers in the mix, with one or two part-timers. Try starting your first post; it gives folks an idea of HOW you roleplay, and what sort of stuff to expect from the RP itself. Perhaps, if you already have specific characters in mind, maybe see if you can come up with some artwork of them - at least the key characters - as visualization does wonders for getting noticed. Maybe create a banner for your OOC thread, so it sticks out when folks stop by; if you haven't the time/skill/programs, there are a number of folks who can do banners here... some of them will even do so for free! Give the above steps a try, and above all make sure to have patience - Canterlot wasn't built in a day, and if you want it done well, your roleplay shouldn't be, either. Nurture your idea along, don't give up and who knows? Someday, you might be pulling in TOO MANY folks to add to your RP.

Did you know, fellow Ponyites, that the Elements of Harmony work beautifully as rules to roleplay by? If you fine folks will allow me a chance to explain, I'll be happy to demonstrate exactly what I mean here. Many roleplayers already follow a few of these particular tenets, and many others will hopefully be able to get the picture as explanations go along. I don't always make sense, sure... but taken in the whole of context, it might make at least some of it stick with you in the long run, so to speak. And so... GENEROSITY I see it all the time; RPers who want to have the spotlight on them as often as possible. From ninja'ing posts to just ramble-on walls o' text, it becomes more like trying to exist in the same world as the character, rather than a peaceful co-existence. However, there is a time when being generous can make a world of difference. By that, I mean things like letting other characters have a chance to interact without you, or allowing others to be the ones who strike the final blow at the Bad Guy. Remember, kiddos: it's not all about you. A good roleplay is about ALL the folks involved, and it would certainly speak well for you as a player if you just step back, take a breath, and let the other folks have their time in the spotlight too. P1: Snow Blind takes a flying leap at the hydra, and gives it a hard buck to the base of those multiple necks! P2: Whisker Twister's casting! He's got his spell prepared, and he's ready to shine! [P1 looks at the scene for a minute, his character well in place to finish the hydra...] {P1: Alright, Twister - you've got this; take 'im out.} {P2: For reals? Are you sure?} {P1: Eeyup - send that thing straight to Tartarus!} {P2: AWESOME! Thanks!} P2: Whisker unleashes his spell, and blasts the poor thing into unconsciousness! [P1 smiles.] P1: Atta-colt, Twister! KINDNESS Arguments happen. Characters step on each other's toes. The OOC Page is full of obscenities and mean-spirited ridicule. How many times have you seen this happen? Me? Plenty... at least, until a kind word or compliment is interjected. Then the anger can become silent, the mocking laughter awkward, and the desire to HATE each other gets a bit less. Keep in mind that everyone has stress and tension in their real lives; there are plenty of folks who roleplay just to relieve stress, or they want to make a connection that feels more natural and less like a strain. Be someone who compliments others and encourages their fellow roleplayers to strive for more. A little encouragement can go a long way toward making things better, sometimes. {P2: But I said Fallen Star was going to get the staff!} {P1: Fallen Star isn't worthy of handling it! Let Bighorn have it!} {P2: Bighorn is a little butthead!} {P1: So is Fallen DARRRRR...} {P3: Hey... there's no need for all this. Fallen Star and Bighorn are friends, right? Can you imagine what they could accomplish together?} {...} {...} {P3: Teamed up and using the staff between them, they might be able to take down that entire horde single-hoofedly!} {...} {...} P1: Bighorn looks at Star and smiles. "Here, you grab this end, and I've got the other - let's give 'em what for!" P2: Fallen Star smiles back as thy both begin to charge up. "Got it; you take the hundred on the left, and I've got the hundred on the right!" [P3 smiles.] LOYALTY Or as it's called in the American Southern states, 'stick-to-it-ive-ness'. If you agree to be a part of a roleplay, then BE a part of that roleplay. Post each day, or at least when it's your turn. Keep up with the storyline, so you don't have to be reminded. Chat with the other players about how to make things better. Heck, even just drawing a picture of the characters is a way to show your pride in having a role to play in this story. Even if all you do is ask 'are we roleplaying today?', you're showing dedication to the story, and that's absolutely what being loyal to the roleplay is about. Things may come up that can prevent you from continuing - then be the one who gives a week or two notice, or write your character out, instead of just 'vanishing in mid-plot'. Plus, just because you may not be able to continue, it doesn't mean you can't contribute even a quick post on the OOC about how good it seems to be going, or how much you miss it. P3: Yo, when are we starting today? P1: We went for seven hours yesterday, dude! P2: Don't you, like, sleep? P3: Sorry, sorry... I was just hyped because I did a banner for the OP - check it out! [Obviously carefully crafted banner posted to OOC thread.] P2: Oh, WOW! That's WICKED cool! P1: And... you did that just now? P3: No, last night, while we were roleplaying; I finished it this morning! I mean, it's okay if you don't wanna play today, but- P2: Dude, that thing is INSPIRING! P3: Thanks! P1: Right, so give me a few hours to sleep, and it's game on. That thing is sweet! P3: \ *u* / HONESTY It's the best policy, of course. But more than that, it breeds trust, which can go a long way towards helping characters (and players) interact with each other more fluidly and effectively. If your character doesn't have a certain object or thing the group needs, DO NOT just 'manufacture' it out of thin air; instead, stick with what you have, and roleplay out the problem that it may cause. You might find it to be more fun in the long run trying to work around the missing thing. Would your character say something mean to their bestie, because that's how they are? Then stick with that, and don't waffle. As my dear mother used to tell me all the time, 'be honest with yourself FIRST'; if you know you can or can't do a thing, stand by that. Other players might end up trusting your judgement more, and following your lead a bit better. P2: Hey, doesn't Wind Shear have goggles? He should be able to see just fine as long as he has goggles. P1: Ummmm... [Doesn't have goggles normally, and hasn't written that he has any now.] P1: ...nope. P3: Whaaaaat? You sure? P1: Yeah, no goggles... so that means he's getting bug guts in his eyes when he dives! P2: Ewwww! Hahahaha! P3: Hope you brought some soap, at least! Ha ha ha! [P1 smiles.] P1: NOPE! Bug guts all in my eyes, and my eye boogers have feelers, wings and legs! P2 & P3: EWWWWWWWWW!!!!! LAUGHTER For cryin' out loud, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself! It's okay for a character to fail at something, and it's fine if an obstacle is more than you can surmount - just have a laugh at your character's expense, if need be. Or, if you find yourself taking things too seriously, then perhaps step back and find the funny in your predicament. Remember, this is supposed to be for fun; it's not a competition, and it really says a lot about someone who can laugh when the chips are down. You don't have to take things completely seriously; some of the best fics I've ever read have had the main character suffer mishaps and issues - and they were hilarious. And it made the character more relatable, more endearing to me as well. So maybe chuckle a bit at the stuff that makes you mad, and perhaps you'll find it hasn't got the hold on you that you'd think. P3: The spell wraps itself around their heads. "Let's see what's in your mind, shall we?" {P2: She reads minds - CRAP!} P2: Canter Clockwise has plans for a new type of armor that reflects magic. The diagrams are there, all Psycho Mare-tis has to do is copy them down, and they're hers... dammit. P3: "Ha haaaa! Score one for the bad girl! And what about you, Proud Hope?" P1: He's, umm... P3: Anything juicy? Spiteful? Embarrassing? P1: He's thinking about the time when he was a colt, and he farted loud enough to kicked out of the school library. P3: ... P2: ... [P2 & P3: HAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!] {P3: Okay, that was FUNNY!} {P2: I did NOT expect that from Proud! Good one!} FRIENDSHIP It's magic for a reason. Folks you roleplay with aren't just disembodied fingers and brains behind a keyboard; they're real people, and they can actually make some really good friends, especially if you do your best to be a good roleplayer with them. If all of you are here to have fun, then share the mutual respect, and perhaps even make small talk in PMs, if you like... sometimes, even characters make friends, and players follow suit. Some of the closest friends I've ever had in my entire life came from roleplaying, and even if some of them didn't stay in touch, the memories they helped forge were wonderful and act as beacons of light when darkness falls, in or out of game. Don't be afraid to make friends in and out of the story, as such can make your roleplay more fun for everyone, yourself included. {P2: Okay folks, that's good enough for today.} {P3: Same time tomorrow, folks?} {P1: You bet! I LOVE this roleplay!} {P2: Cool... PM me if you have some ideas!} {P3: Got some right now, man!} {P1: Hey, mind if I join in?} {P2: Go for it! The more, the merrier!} {P1: Noice.} Try to fit these ideas into your current roleplay skillset, and you may discover the harmony they bring to your roleplay as a whole. BE the example; others may follow suit when they see a thing is working out well, and they'll be glad you're along for the ride. Excelsior, fellow Ponyites!

Let Rebel and Emerald have a moment; I'll bring Deuce in when things calm down again.

There's that Fastar name again, he pondered as he stood there. Good to know, in case Illiad and I end up among them; if they like emeralds, I'm SURE to make at least one friend there! "No, no... her name is Silver Studs. 'Diane' kinda sounds familiar... but I can't place it. Sorry." Upon thinking it over, there was one of the Elements of Harmony whose middle name was 'Diane'... but based on who she was, there was no chance it could possibly be her. Nope. Not a chance. As they headed back down, Dax leaned in towards Wind. "If you wanna, I can give you my mailing address, and we can keep in touch if you'd like! It was pretty neat, partnering up with you; thanks for putting up with me." Though the words were self-deprecating, his eyes (and emotions) said he most certainly wasn't upset or mopey; on the contrary, he was in a fine fetter, and his smile reinforced that. Though he started to trot towards Illiad, he then stopped and turned back to Wind. "Hey, uhm... you feel like you wanna come over here and meet my best friend? He's really nice, and he's really smart, too - like your brother, only with other stuff. I'm sure he wouldn't mind saying hi..." After all, if you seem to be having trouble making friends, Dax thought, then you could use the practice... just like me!

I was waiting for Renegade to post before I did; I wanted to make sure I didn't get ninja'd again.

If a man is considered guilty for what goes on in his mind then give me the electric chair for all my future crimes, OH...

The passionate embrace, I'll give you... but no kisses; I'm contagious.

Ah, but aren't 3 and 5 both TWO numbers? Add that two to the three... *wiggles eyebrows meaningfully*