Double Account Announcement: What Has Changed?
General Forum News; Credit: @Miss_K
The moderators have made their move against the long-time issue of double deception.
Jacoby Elderfun began this announcement by explaining a bit of the history behind double accounts and how they have downgraded since then. Truth be known, double accounts aren't all what they used to be anymore. However, they didn't all become tools of deception after they out-grew their original intent.
Some of the better writers/actors on this forum have used their doubles as characters to entertain their friends as well as write their role plays. Since this announcement, nearly all of these character doubles have been eliminated except four. Why? Mainly because those who run the character accounts have no desire to break the rules or hurt their friends by having these characters, while the double users this new rule was made for haven't been entirely deterred.
The name tags prevents members from mistaking doubles as members, which is valuable for this forum. However, it doesn't eliminate the "guess me" game from this community. Though members are discouraged from creating doubles only to join the forums and challenge their friends to discover who they really are, it's still being done.
This new rule benefits us greatly, however, the problem itself hasn't been eliminated completely.
Interview with Jacoby;
Credit: @Alex_Ironquill1
In a fairly recent announcement on double accounts, the moderators decided to give nameplates to each double (and member) in an attempt to reduce the deception. So far, it seems to have been pretty helpful when it comes to identifying who’s who. I, Alex Ironquill, interviewed Jacoby Elderfun on his opinion and involvement in this announcement.
@Jacoby_Elderfun1, Why was the decision about the new nameplates made, in your opinion?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
It was really common sense. In the past, people were using them to deceive other members. It turned into lying and arguing. It might have seemed like fun, but I know for a fact that when I used my double account to try to trick others, it only hurt them. It made be feel terrible. The only time I felt better was when I asked for forgiveness and promised to not use my DA for that purpose again.
Due to such experiences, we made the new nameplate rule in hopes that it would help to control that kind of problem.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you think that doubles should be gotten rid of entirely to prevent further deception?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
While this has been brought up a few times between the moderators, I personally think this would be a horrible solution. Doubles were originally created for the sole purpose of reliving memorable highlights of the game that one just wants to see played over and over again. After that, there second use was to enhance role-plays packed with adventure and mystery.
With those two uses mentioned, getting rid of doubles would be like taking the electricity factor out of your Tesla hammer. We all know doing that would make those great hammers completely useless. It's the same thing with doubles. You take those away and role-play life wouldn't be the same.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Hmm. You have a good point there. Do you have an opinion on whether or not doubles should be used on topics other than role plays? (Such as TAYWII, or art topics.)
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
In my own opinion, I would say this would be an excellent solution. I mean think about it. If doubles were only limited to role-plays more and more posts a day would be minimized. However, I do know that a lot of the members around here probably wouldn't like that and I completely understand. It's fun to have those discussions between you and your double account. I also get the point of using some of the "What is your favorite _____" topics to act as if your double is different from your original character. (e.g. Your favorite color is green, but your double's favorite is blue.)
In the end, I don't believe we should put a ban on doubles being used on some of the other topics, but I do think they should be used in moderation. I notice that when the conversations between a double and it's owner takes place additional people jump in and it usually tends to generate more and more posts that the moderators have to go through. The more posts generated, the more the possibility of spam occurring.
If we want to beat spam as a whole, we're all going to have to work on some kind of solution where we can still use our doubles, but use them in more of restraint manner.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you think it’s alright for people to continue making doubles for others to guess the identity of if the guessing doesn’t develop into arguments?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
Yeah, I don't think there is any problem with that. As I've been saying, you cross the line when you start using that double for deceitful purposes. (You also have a lot of time on your hands to keep making extra accounts for that purpose only. )
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you think the early definition of ‘double’ was acceptable?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
What do you mean by "early definition"?
Alex_Ironquill1:
I mean the first doubles that were created. Were the first few doubles any different from the most recent ones?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
I would probably say the original focus has changed in the past year or so. As I pointed out earlier, doubles accounts were generally used for role-play only. As of late, we've been seeing more of a twist from doubles as they are being used not only for role-play but in conversations too.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you think that all doubles who hide their identity should be revealed?
Jacoby_Elderfun1:
It really depends on the account owner decision. If the double is being used for role-play and other good purposes, I have no problem with the owner trying to keep their identity secret. The only problem I have is if the user will start to be deceitful about the account being their own. When they start using it for that reason that's an entirely different matter.
The Path of the Resistance: Seeing Red: Review
Roleplay Review; Credit: Miss K
"She let herself settle down into a dreamless sleep, free from the horrors of the torturous life. For this one moment... she was safe."
The Path of the Resistance: Seeing Red by Vytanni Throttlenight is an exciting, quickly paced story which tells tales of the Resistance fighters and peeks into Vytanni's back story.
The newly formed Rouge Shadow Initiative received a package of information from the Scarlet Man concerning the Warfalcon, a recent pest to the Emperor. The Initiative set out to find him immediately. After several hours of research, Siege Throttlequill is spotted by the Twinpanions. Together, Vytanni and the twins set out to capture their possible ally.
The Path of the Resistance: Seeing Red only contains seven parts, written in well-space paragraphs. The story is an easy and interesting read for anyone, including those with little patience for online reading.
Rating: 94%
"Pain tingled in her shoulder, and along her arm, but she could tell it was nothing too serious. She looked up towards the demolished roof, just as a green-glowing canister was dropped into the building. One look was all she needed to take before cold terror sent Danrya running."
Interview with Vytanni;
Credit: Alex_Ironquill1
Hello all! For this month’s Aethasian Times, Vytanni Throttlenight was interviewed on one of her older role plays; ‘The Path of the Resistance: Seeing Red'. Vytanni has contributed hugely to the growth of these forums, and written several role plays, all of which have been adored by many Aetherlighters. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the highlighted points in her work.
When and why did you decide to start The Path of the Resistance: Seeing Red ?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
I started Path to begin exploring the story of Vytanni Throttlenight, and her lessons and adventures in the service of the Scarlet Man. It was a way for me to expand on who she was as a character, and also a way for me to bring life-lessons I had learned into a fun and interesting format for my fellow Forumites. Although looking back it could've been better written.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you have a specific character you enjoy writing more than others?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
My favorite characters to write have to be my Boys, but in Seeing Red... I would have to say it would be Etlo. His character is such a fun twist on your everyday robot character... and his drama and antics are SOOOOO enjoyable to explore.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Is there a specific story arc you planned on/are planning on?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
At this time, the story is in a bit of an archived state. I know, I hate to say that out loud... but I am so employed with Life and my other stories and characters that this one unfortunately doesn't have to much of a future. It's a little outdated, and could use a good rewrite, but overall, it was my first start, and I'm proud of it.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Do you think Path helped you to write other role plays later on?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
Yes, absolutely. Path gave me my first experience writing online, and getting feedback from people reading it from around the world. It prepared me for writing my other RPs, and even my Online Webfic 'Fight of the Nightingale' that I have on Wattpad.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Was there one main person, situation, or setting in Path that you carried on to some of your other work?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
I sometimes fragment and recycle old ideas, and Path was a big factor in aiding my design of Erik Deruin's Lair (Using some of the engineering design and cave setting of Vy's home in Path), and the scientific aspects of Jekyll Jarfix's laboratory. Also, I found that the scene in the mission room that I wrote a LOOONG time ago actually helped craft a scene in another writing project that I am not at liberty to disclose at this moment.
Alex_Ironquill1:
How long have you been writing?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
Wow... Ok. I've been writing for quite a long time. If I count my EARLIEST of early works, it would come to about.... 12 1/2 years possibly. I will have you know that that is not my age, just how long I've been perfecting the art of the pen.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Wow! That’s a really long time. Are there ways that you try to develope your technique, or certain times when you learned something that significantly helped you in writing later on?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
Actually I have several ways I have learned. My first was simple... learning by example, by reading and taking notes of how the authors portrayed certain characters and emotions. My second... well... I just started doing it. My greatest technique is that for every character I create, I get into their minds. I put myself in their shoes, and I react as them. How would I feel if I was a young scientist, lost an arm and eye, living underground, and having the entire world government wishing me dead? Also, my favorite technique is to BECOME the character, fully like I was playing a part in a play or movie. It's very fun to try and see all the littlest details of life from a second point of view.
Alex_Ironquill1:
That is so cool! Do you have a certain type of character, scene, or emotion you like to write about more than others?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
Ok, I have a few that are my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I love ALL writing, but there are my preferred. Characters that have a Vigilante renegade, and loner hero personality are a favorite. I also love writing characters with an angsty backstory, and lots of problems, but they learn how to overcome and be stronger through the pain and suffering through the story. Also, I seem to like writing angst, sweet, comedic, feelsy, sad, and... I also like writing intense scenes with pain. I don't like making my characters hurt, but if it'll help them be who they need to be in the end, I will. Nothing too violent or bloody though, that just takes the focus off of the meaning of the scene and puts it on the action too much.
Alex_Ironquill1:
Basically same, hehe. Do you think you have your own ‘style’ of writing you’ve developed overtime, or mainly just a mix of things you’ve learned from others?
Vytanni_Throttlenight:
I wondered, so I asked my shadow readers. I was confirmed of having my own style, with slight flavorings of Tui T Sutherland. Not a bad combo!
Role play preview;
Credit: @Unknown_Northlance
He pulls his cap low as he enters the bustling marketplace of No Man's Landing. Weaving in and out of the crowd, he manages to stay at the vender's stalls long enough to purchase a few pieces of fruit, some meet, a loaf of bread, and a small block of cheese. He wasn't hungry very often and he usually ate only enough to live, so he wouldn't need much.
Securing them in his satchel, he makes his way back towards the edge of the marketplace. He turns down an alley and heads for the outskirts of No Man's Landing and the river. He is getting close. He starts to walk out into the open, but quickly flattens himself against a building. A figure stands down by the river. Under one arm is a rather large odd looking device and in the other hand.... Unknown gasps. An Aether meter! So this was the mystery Samaritan. He watches closely as the figure places both devices into the small boat and gives it a shove back out into the river where he knew it would eventually end up at the base of his lair.
The figure watches the boat until it is out of sight then turns to head back towards town. Unknown nearly gasps again as the figure steps out of the shadows. It seems to be a young lady. Locks of
read hair flow from under her cap and down her back, ending in a ponytail. It was her. She had been in the house with the girl he had stolen the meter from.
He presses his head against the wall. Why help him now? It was clear that the two girls were friends. Why would she want to help him after what he had done?
A shout interrupts his thoughts he looks up to see an auto officer and four troubleshooters overtake the girl. The troubleshooters surround her, one on each side, and the auto officer seems to be asking questions in a gruff voice.
"Spräng det." He mutters under his breath. A run in with the Empire was the last thing he needed right now.
But he wasn't about to walk away. He turns back, his jaw set, his magenta eyes glowing with determination.
In a flash he was out in the open and striding towards the situation. He stops about five feet from the officer.
"Pardon me, but do you not have better things to do than hassle young ladies?" He whirls around, his eyes filled with contempt and hatred. "Who r' you?"
Unknown places his fingertips together, something he often did for many situations. In this instance it was to remain calm. "Who I am is not important," he replies steadily, "what is important is that you walk away, for the next move you make could be your last."
The officer snorts. "Eh, yer a proper chap aren't ya. Well we'll see how proper ya are after me autos get through with ya!" He presses his gauntlet and the four autos stride forward.
Unknown inhales sharply. "Som du önskar." In a flash, he whips out his cane, immediately applying four devastating strokes to the closest auto. He spins and takes down the second, then third, then fourth, all in a matter of seconds. He spins around, pressing his cane across the chest of the astonished officer.
He grips the handle tightly as his fingers begin to glow purple. Suddenly the purple mist envelops his hand, then travels up the cane.
The officers eyes widen as he stares down at the pulsating cane, then over at the unknown figure standing before him. "What are you?" He whispers in a raspy voice.
There is silence for a minute as the shadowy figure considers this. His voice cuts through the night air. "I am the Unknown."
With this, the Unknown angles the cane down, delivering a vicious blow to the officer's knee cap. With a cry, the officer doubles over. The Unknown twirls the can around and delivers one finishing crack to the officer's back, sprawling him in the dust.
He twirls the cane once more and slips it back into his coat. Making sure his hat is pulled low, he turns back to the young lady who stands, knife in hand, staring.
His mind whirls, what would he say? What could he say? Words could not express how he felt. Finally he breaks the silence. "Thank you. Words cannot express how truly grateful I am to you." Not knowing what else to say, he bows, then disappears into the mist.
Comic;
Credit: Stanley Duckshoe (@Julie_Martin)
In-game news report;
Credit: @Ariella_Newheart
The meeting on April 27th, 2019 began with Ariella Newheart descending the staircase to basement of the Beacon. Silence met her ears, for she was the first to arrive. As she prepared her weapons for battle, more Resistance recruits reported for duty. Among them were Kitty I. and Rex B. With hammers in hand, this small task force deployed to Engine Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, and No Man’s Landing to send the Usurper a message he’d never forget.
Remember, recruits, that as long as Lucky is in power there will be automatons to smash and fog to fight. Keep looking ahead head to the day when the Scarlet Man will conquer the Usurper and destroy the fog forever!
[https://youtu.be/7bi-dmilgaE]
Community Spotlight;
Credit: @Missy_Vonheart
Greetings Aethasians!
We’ve got a new guest on this issue of Aetherlight Spotlight! I’ll let her introduce herself:
Emmalee:
My name is Emily! For fun I draw, sing, and talk to people! As well as play instruments, and occasionally write short story-ish things. -grins- I think that being weird and dorky is fun. (I am crazy/weird in general, if you didn't already know) I really, really, REALLY enjoy reading (Fantasy, Adventure, AWESOME, books). Having dance parties with my siblings, and playing video games with them. Dressing up in fancy dresses is one of the "Fun" Things I do. Though, I don't do it often.
Missy: Sweet! What instruments do you play?
Emmalee:
I take lessons for violin, but I kinda self taught myself how to play the piano. I was taught the Guitar by my dad, along with the Ukulele, Banjo, and Mandolin (I can only play the last 2 a little bit). I play the shaker, and I also play the cello ( I know one song... it's from Celtic Thunder). I think that's it.
Missy: Awesome! So what inspired you to start writing?
Emmalee:
Well, Aislinn could, so I wanted to. And because I read books, and I wanted to make things like that. Plus, I had to write papers about stories in school, and after that I just enjoyed doing it.
I had lots of strange reasons.
Missy: So what would you say is your favorite style/genre of writing is?
Emmalee:
Hm... Anything really. I write using emotions, kind of. So, I write whatever I'm in the mood to right. If I read a book that is fantasy than I might right more of a fantasy-ish thing.
Missy: What kind of video games do you guys like to play?
Emmalee:
We like playing lego games, games that involve action (Assassins creed, Halo, ect.)
Missy: Nice! How long have you been drawing?
Emmalee:
Since ever, I really liked doing it when I was little. Mom and I would color pictures together (I was bad....)
Missy: (I can relate to that) Tell me about your favorite subject in school.
Emmalee:
My favorite subject in school would have to be, Science or Composition.
Why I like Science is because, I got to learn about animals and plants, write papers about them, and draw pictures. I also like it because it's fun.
Composition is one of my favorites because, I like writing stories and things like that. Plus it gives you skills.
Alright! Thanks so much for sharing with us Emmalee; and thank you, readers, for following us on this issue of Aetherlight Spotlight! Until next time, stay sharp! ~M.V.
Short Story;
Credit: Vytanni_Throttlenight
‘Fight of the Nightingale’ Chapter Three: Bump in the Night.
Henri rubbed at his neck, rolling up his sleeves and walking over to the desk. It was best to start with a clean order of business, and with a clear idea of the work ahead. The young doctor pulled open the filing cabinet, pushing aside the already filled orders to find the file of yet to be made ones. He shook his head as he pulled out an at least thirty order strong file, sighing as he flipped open to the first form and tied on his medical apron.
This may take quite a while.
It was easy to lose track of the time when making medicines. They took quite some time to make, and careful attention when doing so. Seconds bled into minutes, and the minutes to hours as he fell into rhythm, stopping only for a small lunch before heading back to his duties. Rain had begun to fall, bringing with it the soft rolls of thunder and occasional flashes of lightning, forcing him to light the oil lamps to provide enough light to continue. He didn’t realize how late it had gotten until he looked up at the window, which had now fallen into darkness, only the pale glow of the streetlamps visible through the rain-streaked surface. Henri knew he would have to retire for the night soon, but there was only one more order left in the cue. He sighed, cleaning out a beaker to begin. He would go home as soon as he was finished.
Rain slashed across the windowpanes, making the weakened latch rattle under the stress. Henri gave it a concerned glance as he measured out a few ingredients. He would have to get that window a new latch; too many unsavory people would take advantage of it. He refocused on his work.
An unusually loud thumping noise trailed across the roof, causing Henri to look up in confusion. He set the beakers down and wiped his hands on his apron, limping over to the window to peer out into the night. A few rain-blurred figures ran up the street shouting, although he couldn’t tell from here who they were, or what they were doing. He shook his head and turned back to his work, apprehension and anxiousness puling at him. As long as they didn’t mean anyone harm, it would be alright he hoped. He turned back to his work again, just as a quick crack sounded through the night. Henri’s eyes widened. Thunder was longer and less sharp; there was only one thing it could be.
A gunshot.
The young doctor’s heart skipped a beat. That was very close to sound so loud. The shouting had faded entirely, leaving only the ominous sound of rain drumming against the buildings. Henri couldn’t get himself to resume his work, even though the sounds were gone. He couldn’t stop the feeling in his chest that something was wrong. A shifting sound on the rooftops made him freeze, his gaze snapping to the ceiling. It sounded like someone dragging something over the shingles. Henri felt flickers of fear beginning to take hold of his mind as he inched away from the window. The conversation he had with Quincy began to echo in his thoughts, the fear he had thought dead returning. He groped for the door of the coat-closet. He needed something… some sort of leverage against an intruder. His fingers found something hard and cylindrical, and he pulled out a heavy walking cane. Instantly his original thoughts were smothered in a wave of fear.
Wait… what am I doing?! I can’t… I DON’T KNOW HOW TO FIGHT!
Something slammed against his window hard, causing the weak latch to give and a horde of black to tumble into his lab. Henri jumped back, his heart hammering in his chest as he raised the cane in an awkward position. He hoped that his weaker limbs would hold long enough to give him at least some sort of fighting chance. The large black mass let out a soft gasp, slowly untangling itself into a vague human shape with what appeared to be feathers. Henri’s hands began to tremble as the man let out a shaky groan and pulled himself to his feet, stumbling to face the doctor. Henri let out a strangled gasp, taking in the masked man before him. The caped long-coat over the man’s frame seemed to have feathers of fading grayscale covering the wrap around, ending just below the stranger’s elbow. A rough wooden cane hung loosely from his left hand, but his right was clasped firmly to his left arm. Henri’s heart leapt in his chest, almost losing his grip on the wooden staff as every detail clicked onto one description.
The NightOwl himself.
Bible Verse; Credit: @Siege_Throttlequill
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Editor: @Hans_Oddcraft
Editor's Assistant: Miss K
