Subject: That wasn't the point of what hS said...
Author:
Posted on: 2015-03-27 14:33:00 UTC
... the point was that doesn't matter if your character is a human, sentient software or a living drop of glue, the important part of the character is its personality, goals and way of thinking, who it is instead of what it is, and it looks like you only care about the "what".
Hey all! So I've written the interlude that introduces Sigma.EXE.
The thing is, I had to write it on my phone, so if anyone takes me up on this, I'll have to e-mail it directly to you.
So! Any takers?
Please tell me that isn't the Battle Network version of The Big Bad of the Megaman X series. Because that would be a terrible idea. Is that what this character is?
-Phobos
Can I have your e-mail address? I'd rather my bad ideas be shot down before they approach completion. I do still want a NetNavi agent, and I actually have 48 options to choose from, if I'm going with Robot Masters that weren't translated to Battle Network. You do seem to know a fair bit about the series, so I'd like your help in ironing this out.
At least, I hope I'm confused.
It sounds like you're trying to make an agent of a specific species, without much caring about their personality. Which... is pretty backwards. That's not how you create a character people will be interested in - particularly in the PPC, where they'll spend most of every mission in a disguise anyway. Species - and abilities in general - do not make for interesting characters; personality does that.
hS
They don't have a physical body; they ONLY exist as software. A Navi agent wouldn't need a disguise, since they'd be hanging around in one of the computerized pieces of equipment used by PPC agents.
Look up MegaMan Battle Network if you want to understand. Or play it, it's a fun series.
... the point was that doesn't matter if your character is a human, sentient software or a living drop of glue, the important part of the character is its personality, goals and way of thinking, who it is instead of what it is, and it looks like you only care about the "what".
I do want a NetNavi agent, but I am going to try to actually give them a personality.
I'm actually not going to even start writing one until I have like 40% of the concept. So far, I have "is a NetNavi", and that's like 5%. The rest is more important things like skills, personality, moral and ethical beliefs, appearance, and character history.
... you've said things like this:
I actually have 48 options to choose from, if I'm going with Robot Masters that weren't translated to Battle Network.
Which, unless I'm dramatically misreading, means 'I want this species of agent, but haven't decided which of 48 presumably highly diverse canon characters I want to crib from'. Which... should've been like the first question you asked yourself?
Oh wait, you did. You chose the one Phobos describes like this:
He is a terrorist, a murderer, and a tyrant. In the Megaman X series, he becomes an unkillable virus who not only infects every Reploid he can, but also got his programming added into all the new Reploids they were making, so he can come back a near infinite number of times.
Were you planning to use that personality and moral system? And... do you see what I'm trying to say about this whole thing?
hS
I know I'm still being stubborn and dumb. Right now, I'm debating whether or not I should bother with this, or just drop it and let a better writer try.
I would like this, but, uh... Yeah. I guess I don't have enough skill or experience to sift good ideas from the bad.
Not 'why do you want a whatever-species agent' - why do you want a new agent, in addition to what you've got? What gap in your writing is it intended to fill?
hS
Valon as the id, Kala as the ego (though their roles seem to be reversing), and the new agent as the superego.
It goes a bit beyond that, though. I basically wanted three interdependent agents with different specialties, where losing one hampers the others' ability to finish the mission.
Valon is the canon expert. Lose him, and it's more difficult to spot canon breaks.
Kala is the fighter. Subduing a Sue gets a lot harder without her strength and venom.
The third agent I had in mind would be a technical expert. Without them, Valon and Kala are stuck for any knowledge that's not related to canon or fighting.
Of course, considering what's happening, I'm no longer 100% sure that this is a good idea.
I look forward to the tales of Agent Penis.
Mother.
DARREN!
I'd pay money for someone to write this.
I'm not familiar with the Mega Man franchise outside of Smash Bros., but I think I can research enough to aid in brainstorming and such. As usual, we can discuss this by e-mail if you like.
Though you might want to wait until your currently existing agents have a few missions done already before introducing the guy. Don't wanna introduce too many characters too quickly, after all.
baridthetroll(at)gmail(dot)com
The usual substitutions apply of course.
-Phobos
I actually do have an explanation for this character: Technically, he doesn't exist in the MMBN canon, so he's essentially an OC. He COULD exist, though, thus appearing here. His origin is similar to Zero.EXE: He used to be a lesser virus, but stabilized into a Navi-type form.
I kinda don't want to try and make a new character from scratch. I do want to use a NetNavi, but it took weeks of thought to get Sigma to where he is right now. Also, I've kinda already used him in the Purim RP.
You can check what I've written if you wish, but just know that I am very, very stubborn and unlikely to change my mind without a really compelling argument.
You don't want to think up your own character, so you are borrowing SIGMA?
He is a terrorist, a murderer, and a tyrant. In the Megaman X series, he becomes an unkillable virus who not only infects every Reploid he can, but also got his programming added into all the new Reploids they were making, so he can come back a near infinite number of times. How is it a good idea to let him loose in the PPC, where he can get access to any technologically advanced world he pleases?
Seriously, think about that. If you are writing him even remotely close to in-character, you are unleashing a computerized terrorist on every world that has the internet. This is a VERY BAD IDEA.
On another point, I don't like the attitude you've taken in regards to this whole thing. You've basically told me, and everyone else who might ever work with you that you are lazy (I kinda don't want to try and make a new character from scratch.) and won't listen to what they suggest (You can check what I've written if you wish, but just know that I am very, very stubborn and unlikely to change my mind without a really compelling argument.). So, no, I don't want to look over what you have if you are going to act like that. It is unprofessional, and the kind of thing we point to with badfic writers. Think about that.
-Phobos
That stung. Quite a bit.
*sigh* Alright. Consider this idea scrapped. Off to the idea graveyard with it. Hopefully it doesn't come back as a Pathfinder god.
So... I suppose I'll have to think up my own NetNavi. Either I use a Robot Master that was never translated to MMBN, or I try to devise an original Navi.
Of course my primary Navi OC is even less controllable than Sigma.EXE. No HorrorMan.
Could you guys provide an e-mail address when you respond?
Fair warning: we don't appear to share many fandoms, so I can only act in a SPaG-checking capacity. =]
mwamamenuptra at that mail service with the seventh letter of the alphabet in front of it dot com.
It says the e-mail address doesn't exist. Did I spell it right? Mwamamenuptra?
It was an ancient city that... apparently I can't spell either.
My email is richardhednil@gmail.com