Curse

Nivryx · Jun 06, 2006, 12:55 AM // 00:55

Nyvrin Synaph was born in Ascalon City, where she spent the majority of her life as a child and teenager. At a young age, her parents were targeted by a group of thugs who killed them when they refused to give up their life earnings. Her brother took the responsibility of taking care of the rest of the family. He soon decided to follow his dreams instead and left home to fight the Charr. His last words to Nyvrin were, “Promise me you’ll keep the young ones safe.” She promised. When she thought the next eldest sibling was of a responsible age, however, she decided to stop training merely with her bow and left to fight the Charr. She was a natural—for never having shot anything other than her hay targets. Nyvrin soon met Prince Rurik, who recognized her expertise and last name. Prince Rurik had to inform her of her oldest brother’s death. This made Nyvrin question the war with the Charr and decide to return home after being gone less than a year. Upon arrival she finds her old house in ashes, with two unlabeled crosses. She had failed her brother’s only request and had nothing—not even her own word. With nothing but her bow, she began fighting the Charr again and was eventually given a white tiger from Prince Rurik as a token of his appreciation for her outstanding services (it had originally been a gift to him from a Kurzick ambassador). She soon became very attached with this pet and named him “Snuggles.” As time went on Nyvrin realized Snuggles had grown to be her best—and only—friend. Ever since Nyvrin realized she had failed her brother, she talked significantly less, perhaps believing if she spent more time listening to people that she wouldn’t fail them like she did to her brother. Snuggles is her best friend because she doesn’t have to talk to him—he understands her. Nyvrin no longer fights the Charr, but now travels with Snuggles and never stays in one place too long. Nyvrin is determined to stay out of society, unless absolutely necessary, as she wishes not to become close to anyone else that she may hurt. Failing her brother is constantly being reflected in her mind and serves as a intangible scar that will likely continue to prevent her from ever becoming her true self unless she can learn to live with her mistakes.

-end-

i wasn't originally planning on entering but i was rather bored during class today so i figured id write up a short (and crappy imo) bio. didn't spend as much time as i wouldve liked for the picture but what can i say, im rather lazy.

-nivryx

ckenni · Jun 06, 2006, 02:22 AM // 02:22

Sagius Truthbarron · Jun 06, 2006, 09:42 AM // 09:42

Mine is the best.

Speeder · Jun 06, 2006, 01:56 PM // 13:56

Thank you very much, Storm Crow ^^

jonslaught · Jun 06, 2006, 09:35 PM // 21:35

Ristaron · Jun 06, 2006, 11:55 PM // 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sagius Truthbarron

Mine is the best.

You are my hero.

Storm Crow · Jun 07, 2006, 02:32 AM // 02:32

Awesome bio, jonslaught! And you're very welcome, Speeder (*cough*writemore!*cough*)!

(No more sad smileys, I hope!)

Cjlr · Jun 07, 2006, 09:12 PM // 21:12

I really should have finished mine... But then, I never did like writing to deadlines (yes, it can be a problem). Plus, I always have horrible luck in draws, so... Anyway, congrats to the winners.

And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.

Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.

Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.

Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.

EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too!

Inde · Jun 07, 2006, 09:15 PM // 21:15

Hey now! In my defense I did it as an example!!

So that people could get an idea of what we were looking for. Granted, I would never call myself a writer in the first place but I did try to um, at least pull in a bit of GW history with the Ritualist Mao. :P

And the Dan Qauyle one was just priceless. Props to Sagius Truthbarron for a bit of humor and originality!

Scathelock · Jun 07, 2006, 09:29 PM // 21:29

I was suitably impressed with some of the works shown. I, too, would like to offer congratulations to the winners; I enjoyed the way Makkert's story was simple, yet intriguing with a perspective that I would never have imagined (the Xunlai businessman who plays both sides) .

As for LordDeArnise... I understand if you don't want to share your story (I didn't either), but if you do happen to read this, and are willing to humor me, please post your story here so that we may all appreciate it :)

Beorn Drake · Jun 07, 2006, 09:40 PM // 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makkert

Character: Makkert Ii

GWG Forumnick: Makkert

e-mail address

included in entrysending to [email protected])

Makkert

Background information:
This monk was the second character I created in Guild Wars. As such, the naming was supposed to be named 'Makkert II', but the roman numbering went bad on me because of way names are created in GuildWars. Also this monk has a hairtail, something I didn't see at the creationscreen. For a long time, I wasn't too fond of my monk for these 2 reasons.

After I dyed the tattoo-scalp black, it's look really improved. Suddenly the 'wrong' name and the hairtail gave it a nice Asian kind of look/ sound, I still have people occasionly ask me if I'm Korean when I play on my monk.

I grew ever more fond of my monk in time. It brought me wealth from 55 hp farming in the Underworld and bonding in Sorrow's Furnace. It also gave me a reason to spend this wealth again. The options my PvE monk provided for PvP were appealing, so most of the money earned went too equipping him in a way that he was ready for PvP play. My monk became a never-ending project that still continues to this day to have him look great, and be prepared for anything. Be it PvE, PvP or to seek answers for questions I have on the workings of gamemechanics by research. The challenge to play a good monk never gets boring. Even after a year of avidly playing GuildWars with my monk, I still learn small things on monking to improve my play. Nothing more satisfying then seeing those red bars go up and know you saved a life….

Story / Biography:
Altough born in Tyria, his ancestorhood came from Cantha. Son of a simple Xunlai agent that travelled to Tyria in search for a better living, he learned from his father the story of the rivalling Luxons and Kurzicks that raged war on the homeland of his father. Intrigued by the reason why they were in war, his father explained him that he didn't know the origin of this vete either. Because the past had been forgotten, solutions for peace in the future were slim. Being the tradesman that he was, he taught his son the trick to run a succesfull business is to understand both parties of a trade. The teachings of his father inspired Makkert to study a lot, to understand why things were as they were. The studies brought him to Ashford Abbey, a central point of knowledge. There, under the wings of his tutors, his mind was fed with information. The information of the Abbey and the teachings of his father made him able to solve many local conflicts by finding the middle road, which earned him great respect.

In the time before the Great Searing, the Charr wrecked havoc in the area, and Makkert set out with his teachings to understand both sides of Charr and Ascalon. He accomplished little, but was still hopefull, being optimistic of nature. But when the Searing struck, and Ashford Abbey become more Ash then Ford or Abbey, he understood that sometimes the teachings of his father didn't work. Not always will it be possible to reason between two opposing sides. Seeing the destruction, he sought counsel with one of his teachers of former Ashford Abbey, a monk named Mhenlo. Of Mhenlo he learned then when reason fails, giving hope to people is all that is left. Influenced by Mhenlo, Makkert became a follower of Dwayna. Hope was to be found in Kryta, away from the Charr, and thus he set out to help the people of Ascalon in their journey. A journey that would probably be a long one, he thought.. And while setting out, he pondered if he if he ever would return to the lands of his father and be faced with two sides that he could reason with, or would find them like Charr and Ascalon unable to unite. But whatever he would find then, he would be prepared. There is no fear within him, only hope. Little did he know at that time that he would indeed one day return…

&

LordDeArnise
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LordDeArnise · Jun 07, 2006, 11:58 PM // 23:58

Although I do not have the original copy of the entry, I will put this updated version of the entry in for all to see, since it is updated to reflect recent in-game experience. Enjoy!

Character Bio of The Emerald Maiden

Type: Ranger / Monk

Age: 25
Height: Approximately 5'6" (tallest female ranger height in-game)
Weight: Approximately 120 lbs
Dimensions: Standard female ranger
Hair: Dark Brown/Black
Eyes: Green
Primary Deity: Melandru
Home: Originally from Ascalon, now living in the Henge of Denravi, but now visiting Cantha

Born of a Monk father and a Ranger mother, no one knows of her true name, as her mother gave her the name she is known by this day, since she loves the color of green. She spent her childhood days studying the deities and the Monk arts in the Abbey outside Ascalon City, but most of her time out in the Regent Valley, learning the ways of the Ranger. At 16, she lost her parents, when they were overrun by the invading Charr, far North of the Great Northern Wall. Two years later, at 18, she heeded Ascalon's call for adventurers, with the Charr right at the wall's base.

After The Searing, she started to hunt down as many of the Charr as she could, joining with other adventurers and Prince Rurik. She then fought the Stone Summit Dwarves of the Shiverpeak Mountains, then the Undead and Denizens of Kryta, the dangers of the Maguuma Jungle, helping The Shining Blade out, ascended in the Crystalline Desert, and fought with her bow, Ranger skills, and Monk skills, helping to strike the Undead Lich down in Hell's Precipice.

After fulfilling the Flameseeker Prophecies, she settled into her new home in the Henge of Denravi, helping The Shining Blade restore some of its old glory that the White Mantle and their Mursaat allies otherwise destroyed. She would still travel though, challenging herself in The Underworld and The Fissure of Woe, the Tomb of the Primeval Kings after it was corrputed, even the most fiercest of Stone Summit Dwarves in Sorrow's Furnace.

When news from Cantha reached Tyria, she jumped on the opportunity to see what new challenges lay ahead. To this day, she prefers the Echovald Forest of the Kurzicks over the Jade Sea and Luxons, hoping to, one day, save enough money and materials for some of finest armor she can buy in Cantha. And although her guild, The Elite Knights of Tarnia, isn't very big or as active as she would otherwise like, she looks forward to working with the new alliance in the major challenges that lay in Cantha.

Player's Background with this Character

This was the fourth character I built when the Flameseeker Prophecies went first live (Warrior/Monk first, then a Fire Ele, then a Healing Monk), born in Early June 2005--I found the blue gift box in her inventory today, and she got a Kirin minipet. It was kinda funny that I went Ranger/Monk since I had a build like that during the World Preview Event in November 2004, and used the same character in the December 2004 Beta; her name was Arlythadar Rubyheart (the "t" in the last name got left out in-game), and her looks was similar to The Emerald Maiden, only blonde and lighter-colored lips.

Back to Emerald. I primarily use her as a barrager, sporting a Favorable Winds ritual, Rebirth for emergency or safety ressing, and at least one interrupt shot, usually Distracting Shot. I do use some changeable skills, depending on the task at hand, either the use of her Hearty Stalker pet for Tombs, or add a second interrupt skill and Storm Chaser for when a party needs to run. Although I don't usually PvP, I did try Heroes' Ascent a few times, getting as far as Round 3 in a PUG, and a few GvG on old guilds from last year when I had my Healing Monk. Otherwise, I usually go the PvE route, and use the range of her Drago's (Sundering) Flat Bow to pull enemy groups or for long-range sniping. Last, but not least, she's a nut when it comes to collecting good bows. All this versatility makes her my oldest active character in-game.

Storm Crow · Jun 08, 2006, 12:36 AM // 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cjlr

And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*

I. Love. You.

jonslaught · Jun 08, 2006, 11:24 AM // 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storm Crow

Awesome bio, jonslaught! And you're very welcome, Speeder (*cough*writemore!*cough*)!

(No more sad smileys, I hope!)

thanks man, and congrats to the winners!

Ristaron · Jun 08, 2006, 09:15 PM // 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cjlr

I really should have finished mine... But then, I never did like writing to deadlines (yes, it can be a problem). Plus, I always have horrible luck in draws, so... Anyway, congrats to the winners.

And resent this if you like, but:
*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*
Or maybe it's just the cumulative effect of reading about dozens of variations on a single theme.

Truth is, not everybody is the Chosen One. The motif of the Wandering Hero (foundling or orphan, take your pick), off to free the lands of oppression, slay the Bad Guy, carve out his destiny, win the Girl, and break the dam of malignity to let loose a flood of peace and prosperity across the land as a timely spring rain falls gently upon the uplifted flowers of hope that raise their stalks to the light. Sure, a good story, but we can't all be prodigies, paragons, paladins, or the long-long princes of far-off kingdoms.

Wherefore art though scarce, Fantastical Everyman? I suppose it's because reading about (or watching, or playing as,) some average joe is well, boring. But it still resonates when I see a character rise to the occasion, as opposed to the occasion being dictated by the character. Like Cincinnattus. Now there's a cool guy. Although he was a bit of a reactionary. But he was a farmer first, and a brilliant strategist second.

Gee, this post wandered off somewhat. To recapitulate, my congratulations to the contest winners. I'm horrible with names, or I'd say who. And those of you write well (again, names) deserve credit; though the rest of you could do with some classes or something.

EDIT: Gah! Typo! And in a post like that, too!

You have some solid points, and they're all true.
However, some allowance must be made for the fact that if all the characters were average joes, nothing would happen. Some expertise needs to be shared between them, some talents applicable to the situation. Things that make fantasy fantasy.
If you were to put yourself into one of the storylines (even a 'down to earth' one), would it be as interesting and as entertaining as it is with the other characters?

Realism is relative.

Congratulations to the winners.

Cjlr · Jun 08, 2006, 10:31 PM // 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storm Crow

I. Love. You.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ristaron

You have some solid points, and they're all true.

Vindication! It tingles!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ristaron

However, some allowance must be made for the fact that if all the characters were average joes, nothing would happen. Some expertise needs to be shared between them, some talents applicable to the situation.
Things that make fantasy fantasy. If you were to put yourself into one of the storylines (even a 'down to earth' one), would it be as interesting and as entertaining as it is with other characters?

Realism is relative.

[before reading the following paragraph, be sure to plant your tongue firmly in your cheek] Would I be as entertaining to read about? Hell, yes! A guy like me, who's cool, calm, collected, handsome, dynamic, fantastically intelligent (fantastically? Get it? I kill me...), and reasonably athletic? And you're taking away those pesky laws of physics? Instant best-seller, hands down.

I love a good story as much as the next guy, and probably more. But there are two things about fantasy that I really dislike. The first is imitating the classics (how many crappy Tolkein ripoffs have you read?), and the second is shoving characters into stories where they don't belong. Something Robert J. Sawyer (great author) once said was that characters are made for their stories (his examples were Mitch Helwig from Terrence Green's Barking Dogs and Robinette Broadhead from Frederik Pohl's Gateway); but of course with any Guild Wars fanfiction the story is already there you.

We all love a good hero. When it becomes problematic is when everybody is a hero. That, and wading through sixty of their mediocre biographies.

Inde · Jun 09, 2006, 12:35 AM // 00:35

Well, maybe it would stand to reason that everyone is a hero... because everyone is thin or buff, wears skimpy clothes, zero body fat and is attractive. Not exactly realistic there so a character bio to fit that would only seem appropriate

Cjlr · Jun 09, 2006, 01:24 AM // 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inde

Well, maybe it would stand to reason that everyone is a hero... because everyone is thin or buff, wears skimpy clothes, zero body fat and is attractive. Not exactly realistic there so a character bio to fit that would only seem appropriate

Oh, I totally see that. I just have little patience for it when it's not done well.

Guild Wars, because it's instanced, can masquerade as High Fantasy. Unlike the Low Fantasy of something like World of Warcraft, for example. So when they're on their own our characters can all be the archetypes they aspire to be. But put them together and it becomes a little much.

Racthoh · Jun 09, 2006, 01:35 AM // 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cjlr

*cough* most people can't write worth shit *cough*

That, and wading through sixty of their mediocre biographies

People were just entering a fun contest, in which writing talent in no way was a determining factor towards the random drawing of the prize. Do also consider the age extremes of some entries, and that some possibly haven't been exposed to "good" pieces of work in which to emulate in their own biography. I'm all for constructive criticism, but there are some comments that are better left unspoken.

Ristaron · Jun 09, 2006, 04:12 AM // 04:12

That's what I had forgotten in my post... a shot back at that underhanded and totally rude comment that people can't write worth shit.

Not everybody has a talent for creativity, and like Racthoh said, some people haven't been exposed to the proper level of literature.
That, and the contest was for fun.
If you didn't like a biography you were welcome to skip over it.