maiemorrae

[maiemorrae]

Luctine VN Progress: WIP Backgrounds

Hello all! I wanted to share the progress I've been making on this visual novel project. I've been doing various bits and pieces of this project over the last week or so.

I've...

Begun putting in some audio

Fine tuning some sound effects

Been working in the code to implement the new script

Tried my had at some backgrounds

Audio implementation has been fun, figuring out what vibe of music I want to use was cool. I've found something that I like for now so it's feeling more and more like an actual thing and not just a text box. Sound effects is a different ball park. It was very funny at one point I was sitting for about half an hour just listening to different rain sounds only in the end to decide it wasn't needed for now. Opening up and messing with the sounds in Audition was fun, I haven't used the program too much but I look forward to tinkering more with it as I figure out audio stuff.

I've also started attempting to make some background art to use for the game. Or at least temporarily so that I can stop staring into the renpy void of grey XD. Now I am not a background artist but I do really like how these are looking so far, especially when combined with the character art I've done so far.

The MC is arriving at Postlow via train so here's a little train car interior as they go by the coast.

Here's another version as a somewhat heavy rain sets in.

Lastly I have a background for Postlow's busy station.

Having the backgrounds and audio in, even if it's not great, is really making this so fun to test and work on. It really feels like I'm making decent progress on this.

For a little bonus here are some images of what this can look like with the character art I did before. I really love how colorful they look together.

I think the next thing I'll fitz with art wize is the text box. It's looking a bit boring now with other art assets in. I'll probably keep it dark like the default but just make it a bit more... Luctiney.

#luctine #indiedev #renpy #my art #game dev #visual novel #wip

[maiemorrae]

OC Pokemon Team: Ellis Mourn

Thank you @amaiguri for sending me the link to this! As most of my friends know I love pokemon and I love doing themed runs as some of my characters. I haven't done a game with this exact team but if given the option this would be Ellis' team in a pokemon game.

Decidueye: I imagine she would have started with a Rowlet. He's also here because Ellis herself is a good marksman when push comes to shove in the stories.

Ceruledge: One of my favorite ghost types in the new games. They also just feel super fitting as a seeker like Pokemon. Their quick run also kinda seems fitting given how Ellis can sometimes just jump into things without fully thinking things through.

Froslass: She's been a staple of any ghost-type team I've run in the games I've played a ghost-only run. She also just is a very sass feeling pokemon which is very similar in vibe to a ghost the Ellis interacts with a lot in her stories.

Gengar: Classic ghost and another staple for my ghost teams. If this is a team I'm running in the galar region (I know no Ceruledge then) then he'd have his gigantimax form. Gengar is great for this time because he sort of just represents the general fear that ghosts elicit in most people.

Aegislash: This one was my ace Pokemon in my ghost-only Ellis run of SW/SH. I also feel it's a perfect match for the protective nature Ellis has and develops towards her friends. With the switch in form, it also goes well with how she is willing to fight if it's clear the situation won't be solved peacefully.

Corviknight: Initially this one may seem out of place on the team given that it's the only non-ghost type. The reason I have him though is it's a nod to Ellis' spirit seeker raven Nysse. In my mind when I was coming up with pokemon teams for characters I thought it would be cool if all seeker characters would have this pokemon on their team to represent their ravens.

And there you go! A mostly ghost-type specialist Ellis, with a Corviknight for flavor. If I were to change out the Corviknight for another ghost-type it would be Mimikyu. The reasoning for that is that she would be a good match for Ellis as a Pokemon that is feared for its abilities but just wants to be appreciated and loved.

#oc #Ellis Mourn #pokemon #oc team

[maiemorrae]

Luctine VN Progress

(This project will get a real name at some point)

Been spending the last little while rewriting and reworking the prologue for this project. Mostly making it into an actual story and not just loose sentences connecting little bits of test code. The next bit for me will be working on getting the portrait selection in the game.

Writing this project is interesting, to say the least. I've never written in 2nd person POV before so getting used to that has been interesting. Sometimes I've had to go back and rewrite bits because I unconsciously would be writing a sentence in 1st person POV. In another way though it's been a bit easy since a lot of the interactions of the MC are written in the way I would see or do them, not exactly of course but I'm able to use my own experience as a decent base. An example is the MC leaning close to documents to see them better as they fill them out, much like I do when I don't feel like it or don't have a magnifier on hand.

Anyway hopefully I'll have something a bit more exciting to share soonish regarding this project.

I will soon have a little something to announce though that I'm very excited to share with you all.

#luctine #writing #writblr #indiedev

[maiemorrae]

Testing Some Things...

Been dipping my toes the last week or so into visual novel creation. Doing a mix of learning the code and trying out some art stuff for it. Right now this is the more complete-looking screengrab from my project.

So far I'm thinking of going with this look for characters. It's easy enough for me, who is not very versed in digital art, to do and that limitation of my own skills led me to come up with a very fun narrative reason for this sort of visual.

On the coding side I put together a text-based character creator that lets you do a few things...

Choose a custom name

Choose what pronouns to use

Choose if you are human or azari

Choose (from a selection) of cities in Luctine to be originally from

Choose the name of your sightseer companion

Here you can see some of the different results in action.

For now, choosing how you're addressed is what sets your portrait, I might see if I can make it separate later. Julian is using the He/Him portrait, Lilira is using the She/Her portrait, and Avery is using the They/Them portrait. I also want to see if I can have it so that your heritage choice (human or azari) would effect the portrait.

Here are the character portraits I've done so far if you want to see them outside the text boxes. (The grey version in the previous pics is the old version) In the game, you play as the partially blind owner of a bookshop in Postlow and will see some of the very ordinary and normal goings on in the life of a shopkeeper with your trusty sightseer companion by your side.

And lastly, the one full character image I've done. Say hello to Aria, an azari servant who is fiercely loyal to her enigmatic patron.

#luctine #creative writing #renpy #gamedev #indiedev

[maiemorrae]

Out of Context Tag Game

Thank you @amaiguri for the tag. I actually have a perfectly funny one for this from some late night writing.

The idea with this tag game is to just share a line from a WIP without any context.

Diana paused, her leg hung from her cane as she leveled a questioning look at Julia. "What happened this time?"

This is just such a funny mental image for me.

#luctine #writing #writblr #tag game #out of context tag game #Diana Lindelle #Julia Felix

[maiemorrae]

This is a fun thread.

Established relationships

Magic in a world against magic

People who are trying their best

Fluffy romance

Found family

Haha... anyone I know has already been tagged in this thread so I guess this is the end of my branch.

5 Things I like Writing About

Vampires

2. Beautiful, angsty men

3. Castles

4. Characters haunted by their past mistakes

5. Characters who always feel like outcasts

Tagging (no pressure!) @tildeathiwillwrite @brutal-nemesis @forthetaintedsorrow-whump and anyone else who's bored :P

[maiemorrae]

You ever had a week where you hyperfocus on like 3 things at once? Because my brain this week has been ping-ponging between this...

Leveling up a bunch of crafters on this alt.

To this...

Working on revising the draft for a visual novel about LENS.

To this...

Playing pokemon infinite fusion and creating wonderful creatures.

Soon I should get to more productive things but in between spring break and getting sick, I've felt in more of a gaming mood.

#maie's ramblings #ffxiv #creative writing #pokemon #pokemon infinite fusion

[maiemorrae]

She’s beauty

She’s grace

She’ll blast Ifrit in the face

#ff14 #ffxiv #ffxiv screenshots #my wol #oc

[maiemorrae]

Flowers of Thanalan

Just a little something I wrote after doing some side quests on a new character I've made in ff14. Not sure if I'll do this again but I had some writing ideas from these quests and thought why not share.

”That poor soul, at least, had family that rushed to his side. Count him lucky for that.”

”When we finally chased them off… my love was in seven pieces”

When I arrived at Camp Drybone I knew little, save that people were going missing, and that my new acquaintances, the so-called Scions of the Seventh Dawn, believed that somehow this was linked to what they call a primal. I soon found though that the place was well acquainted with death itself. I learned that many come to the place in order to give their loved ones a final resting place, somewhere safe from the unforgiving nature of the deserts. As was usual I found myself drawn to helping the people here with whatever tasks they would have for me. I felt a want to give what little aid I could to a place full of grief and loss.

Ceaseless revenge and a last attempt at salvation were what I found myself set to first.

A woman, Caitlyn, asked of me a simple task. To slay seven of the dusty mongrels to the south, an oddly specific request I thought at the moment. The look in her eyes as she set me about the task though was almost like the embers of a fire that had been burning far longer than one would expect. Nevertheless, I set out with my trusted carbuncle companion to find the beasts. While they fought with a ferocity common to Thanalan we were able to bring them down with ease. The stratagems came to my mind with ease and carbuncle dashed across the battlefield as if reading my own mind had made it all the easier.

The second request I had gotten was from another woman, Tutusi, a similar request though for a different purpose. Her task for me was to slay a few myotragus nannies in order to feed a dying man in the hopes of bringing him from the brink. Unlike the mongrels, these were a docile target, at least until provoked. Despite how quickly I completed my task… it was too late as the man had passed shortly before I could return. Tutusi’s words to me afterward were not uncommon amongst those of U’ldah, always towards business and the tasks ahead. I wasn't sure if the grief I saw in her eyes was hers or if it was merely a reflection of my own at not making it back in time.

I think Tutusi could easily read my feelings though, as she soon set me on another task. Her words I imagine are true though, flowers would make for quite a bit of coin as mourners pass through the camp on their way to say goodbye. I am not entirely sure how I feel about looking at it with a gil framed lens but the tale of a life-filled area of the desert intrigued me. The comparison to the black shroud was hardly exaggerated I thought as I walked amongst the vegetation. Coming face to face with the goobbue said to be responsible for it brought on an odd mix of emotions.

”Some say the goobbue came down from the mountains at the time of the Calamity, and carried with him the seeds that became all those plants.”

It was there I met Jospaire, a botanist who was fascinated by the wild vegetation that thrived against all odds here. Through his instruction, we ensured the plants around the fallen goobbue would continue to thrive. A simple series of gathering water and the removal of pests current and future were all he asked of me. Once that was finished I gathered the blooms I had been sent to collect in the first place. Jospaire was ecstatic at what we had done and his joy felt like a balm compared to what I had experienced so far during my time here.

”I am convinced that what we see before us sprouted from the goobbue’s death. There’s a certain beauty to it all, no?”

”When it comes to offerings, they say the rarer the flower, the happier the dead. And Althyk lavender is nothing if not rare.”

Perhaps there is more than just death and grief to be found here. If nothing else the small amounts of comfort I can bring to the people here should ease their minds. With luck, Thancred and I can soon put an end to the disappearances only adding to the troubles of this place. Perhaps this newfound power I wield, The Echo, as Minfilia called it, will be of use to me in our endeavors.

~ Mariam Shallaen, of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn

#creative writing #ffxiv #writing #writblr #oc #ff14 #ffxiv screenshots

[maiemorrae]

Heads up 7 up

Funny you should ask @amaiguri since I was writing this morning. Mostly doing some cleanup for a piece. Anyways here are the last 7 lines of the WIP I'm working on.

Alewyn sighs, at this. "Maria-anne, what do you mean by—" "The ravens choose their caretaker." The seeker, Marianne interrupts with a more serious tone. "That's how it has always been as long as the bureau has had the ravens." The commander frowns as he knows that tone closes off debate on that fact. "I'd assume you even received orders from the grand commander when you were assigned that forbade you from assigning a caretaker?"

You ever almost say the wrong name? Gotta figure out the best way to get that in word form but this works for now.

#luctine #writing #creative writing #writblr #tag game #heads up seven up #Commander Alewyn #The Archivist

[maiemorrae]

Character Voice #2

Had a lot of fun with the first and saw a friend put out another sentence to try. This time the prompt comes from @dragonprincedawn

"You don't look good, are you ok?"

Ellis: "Hey… are you alright? It just seems you have a lot on your mind."

Aleksandr: "Is something the matter? You seem unwell."

Amelia: "Hmmm… you have that look about you, is everything alright?"

Lucas: "Maybe you should slow down? Ah… well it just seems you might be unwell."

Diana: "Pain, annoyance, or concern? Perhaps I can help."

Illiya: "Are you in pain or have some other ailment? If it's treatable I can help."

Spectre: "Go on now, you've got something on your mind. You can tell me, or maybe let me figure it out."

The Archivist: "A moment please, you seem to be troubled by something, is there anything I can do to aid you?"

These were very fun to do. To add another sentence to the pool, and open to anyone.

"Please don't leave me alone right now."

#luctine #creative writing #writblr #writing #oc #character voice #Ellis Mourn #Aleksander Sinclair #Amelia Stockwin #Lucas Tethras #Diana Lindelle #Illiya Rhys #Spectre #The Archivist

[maiemorrae]

So a free tool called GLAZE has been developed that allows artists to cloak their artwork so it can't be mimicked by AI art tools.

AI art bros are big mad about it.

[maiemorrae]

🌸My Super Long Hopefully Fun Character Ask Game:

👕Appearance

What is your character's favorite physical trait they possess?

What would your character wear if they were told they had to gussy up?

Is there something about your character's appearance that they would change if possible?

Does your character have a favorite material they like to wear?

What are your character's opinion on scars?

How much interest does your character take in trends?

Is there someone your character tries to look similar to?

Does your character have a physical trait that they're known for?

What does your character smell like?

If your character could splurge on a particular garment, what would it be?

Is your character's favorite color a color they wear often?

Has your character gone through major stylistic or physical changes?

What is something your character would refuse to wear?

Is there a style your character is afraid they can’t pull off?

Would your character wear something someone else picked out for them?

Is your character's appearance more telling or deceiving?

What are your character's thoughts on wearing costumes?

Does your character have a favorite outfit?

If your character had to get a tattoo what would it be?

📦Objects

Is there an item your character doesn't like to leave without?

What gift would your character give to someone they didn't like but felt obligated to?

What type of object is likely to catch your character's attention?

Is there an item your character liked that they can’t get back? 

Would your character ever try to haggle?

What is something your character is proud to own?

Does your character ever spend more than they have?

What would it take for your character to give up an item they really like?

Does your character prefer to give or receive gifts?

Is there a type of object your character doesn’t like?

What might an acquaintance think is a good gift for your character?

Does your character personify objects?

What does your character most enjoy shopping for?

Is there an item your character is embarrassed they own or want?

Would your character prefer something bought or made personally?

Is your character willing to ask for things?

What is most important to your character when shopping?

🍽️Food and Drink

What flavor would your character say their personality is?

Would your character prefer baking, cooking or mixing drinks?

Is there a food or drink your character is unwilling to try?

How big is your character's appetite?

Does your character consider eating fun?

Would your character eat or drink something they didn't like to appease someone?

Is there food that has made your character sick?

What is your character's favorite food group?

Does your character like to try new foods?

What is a childhood meal your character cherishes?

Is your character food motivated?

Which mealtime is your character's favorite?

How much does your character care about wasting food?

Does your character prefer restaurant food or home cooked food?

What food or drink does your character consider a treat?

Is there a food texture your character doesn't like?

What kind of drinks does your character prefer?

🌤️Weather and Nature

What would your character do if they were suddenly caught in the rain?

Has your character had a meaningful encounter with an animal?

What season would your character say they're most similar to?

Is there a natural phenomenon that scares your character?

Has your character ever had an animal phase?

Would your character enjoy sky gazing?

Does your character have a good sense of direction?

What type of environment does your character like best?

Is your character good with animals?

How would your character react to snow?

What part of nature would your character most resonate with?

Could your character survive in the wilderness on their own for a week or more?

What element best represents your character?

Does your character prefer hot or cold weather?

Is there a creature that scares your character?

What celestial body would interest your character the most?

Is your character good with plants?

How willing would your character be to nap outside?

What animal would your character say best represents them?

🤝Community and Relationships

Does your character prefer company or solitude when sick?

What is your character's favorite kind of social event?

How comfortable would your character be singing and dancing in front of others?

Is your character upfront about their feelings?

Who would your character first seek if they needed medical help?

How willing would your character be to go to a party with people they don't know?

Who is your character most honest with?

How likely is it for your character to initiate a friendship?

Where is your character's comfort place?

Is there a habit your character has that they learned from someone else?

Does your character have people they think would worry about them if they got injured?

How would your character react to being put in a position of leadership?

Would your character be good at providing medical assistance?

Who would your character say knows them best?

Is there a person your character would turn to for backup in a fight?

Who would your character most want to sign their cast if they got one?

How well does your character work with others?

What is your character's favorite form of affection?

Does your character enjoy celebrating holidays?

What would it take for your character to get into a fight?

💓Mind, Body and Soul

What is a habit your character has that others might find cute?

Are there particular sounds your character is fond of?

Is your character more prone to fight or flight?

Does your character believe in myths and fairy tales?

What words could tear your character down?

How well does your character act under pressure?

Is your character good at practicing self-care?

What scents does your character find comforting?

Does your character have any allergies?

Is your character a light, medium or heavy sleeper?

Does your character have strong willpower?

Is your character more likely to give advice or seek it?

How does your character relax?

Is there a secret thing your character longs to hear?

Does your character have a sleep routine?

Would your character feel confident in a fight?

Is your character more energized in the morning, afternoon or at night?

How often does your character have nightmares?

Are there scents your character dislikes?

Is there a fear your character wants to learn to overcome?

If your character had to act in a play what role would they think they’d best perform?

Does your character have a high pain tolerance?

🎲 Hobbies and Activities

What kind of games does your character most enjoy playing?

Does your character have a secret hobby?

What is a talent your character wishes they had?

Is there an activity your character used to enjoy that they now dislike?

Which does your character try to prioritize more, work or hobbies?

Does your character work better with creative or technical endeavors?

What is a talent that your character is proud of?

Is your character more outdoorsy or indoorsy?

What is a topic your character would be excited to talk about? 

Is there a skill your character doesn’t know they’re bad at?

Does your character have any injury stories?

What kind of music does your character enjoy?

Has your character ever made something for themselves or someone else?

What is your character’s opinion on cheating in games?

How good is your character at following through on projects?

What’s an activity that reminds your character of someone else?

Does your character prefer music or silence?

What is a topic your character wouldn't want to talk about?

#oc asks #oc ask game #Would love to do this for any of my characters #writing #writeblr #ask game #writers on tumblr

[maiemorrae]

So not only did I accidentally post that last tag game early, I meant to have it go out today. Last night I out of nowhere got up and wrote 1300 words of a Luctine Archives piece I've been working on.

Love those nights, gonna have a lot of editing to do once I take it out of Q10.

#writing #writblr #luctine #writer's life #Maie's Rambling

[maiemorrae]

Character Voice Tag Game

Thank you @amaiguri for the tag. At first, I wasn't sure how this would go but after seeing the results I found it very fun. The idea with this game is that you take a statement or phrase and write it in the voice of various characters.

The sentence I was given was "This morning, breakfast was bad."

In some of these, the idea is the statement is being said to the person who made it, while some are being said to a third party.

Ellis Mourn: "I.. uh… I'm sorry I just wasn't that hungry…"

Aleksandr Sinclair: "I imagine they did their best… though I can't say it was a success."

Diana Lindelle: "I think next time I'll make this dish."

Illiya Rhys: "Respectfully, I just don't think imperial breakfasts are that good."

Amelia Stockwin: "In the future, I'd prefer if something else was prepared."

Lucas Tethras: "It could have been better, if it's not too much trouble I'd rather not have that again."

Spectre: "If you're trying to kill me, this is a rather sad attempt."

The Archivist: "Apologies, but I don't think it was made correctly, a second attempt may go better next time though."

Since you asked for some more practice @amaiguri here's another sentence to try out.

"I can't right now, I'm busy"

Anyone else is welcome to try this one as well, just didn't wanna end up double-tagging some people so soon.

#writblr #creative writing #character voice #character voice tag #luctine #Ellis Mourn #Aleksandr Sinclair #Diana Lindelle #Illiya Rhys #Amelia Stockwin #Lucas Tethras #Spectre #The Archivist

[maiemorrae]

HEY that's MY emotional support morally ambiguous misunderstood full of trauma touch starved yearning for love drenched in blood responsible for numerous atrocities comfort character who is TRYING & u will TREAT them with RESPECT

[maiemorrae]

Okay, since it's still Valentine's Month, I have to ask: How your your protagonists react if they got gifts from people they didn't expect?

Like, if Ellis got a Valentine-Equivalent gifts from a random other Silver Seeker?

Or if Amelia got a gift from some snobby noble she wasn't that keen on?

I'm very amused to know...

This was a fun one to think about. Thinking about this one was also interesting since both of these characters are in relationships of some sort.

Ellis

At first, she would be very surprised to be getting a gift from someone, especially if it's clear this is a given as a romantic gesture. She doesn't see herself as someone that another person would wish to be in a relationship with if they didn't already know each other for a long time like with Aleksandr. Once over the initial surprise, she would thank them for their interest but she would then explain that she is already spoken for. Probably while showing the promise ring that Aleksandr had given her so there is no mistake or misunderstanding.

Amelia

So how Amelia responds depends on what she thinks the intentions of the gift giver are. Sometimes she gets this wrong but she feels confident in her ability to read people most of the time and has usually called this correctly. More often than not it's pretty clear that someone's interest in a relationship with Amelia is due to her family's standing and wealth. Her father is famous across the Imperium for his inventions and the Stockwin name carries a lot of weight among the nobility. When this is the case she is very clear in rejecting their advances and leaves no room for questioning.

On the occasions when the attraction to her is genuine and not just about her family name she will be gentler in her rejection. She would generally explain that while she is flattered by the gesture she simply doesn't feel the same way and likely wouldn't provide the sort of relationship they would want. If she knows the person enough to consider them a friend she'd explain her being aro and that she'd much rather have them as a close friend. If she doesn't know them as well she'd likely say something about being too busy with her own inventions and projects for a serious relationship at the moment.

#luctine #Maie's Ask Answers #writing #creative writing #writblr #oc #ellis mourn #amelia stockwin