A Place of Answers
(Updated February 20th, 1998)
(Revised March 15th, 1998)
What is Dark Magick?
Dark Magick exists as a medium for people who enjoy either creating or reading literature, in particular,
fantasy, a branch of science fiction, a place to do just that. In recent years with the increase in the fame
of the Internet, a new possibility for we, who enjoy the crafting of words, has arisen. No longer do we
have to work alone, nor do we need to search for a way to improve our writing! And for those who
simply enjoy reading, at the low, low cost of nothing, the Internet presents a great option as well.
These places of writing were originally called RPGs. Over time, online writing has evolved into many
new and deeper forms, and RPGs have in many places given way to RPSes or ISes, Role Playing
Stories or Interactive Stories respectively. The difference is a shift in emphases from "game-like"
writing, often heavily influenced by old Pen and Paper games or computer games, to a much more
"novel-like" setting, where more detailed stories are told. To this end, Dark Magick exists as a reason
for writers to write, in other words a writing group. We are set up similarly to other RPS/IS(es), in that
those who chose to write need to first think up a main character to control and to write about. Through
this character, you will be able to interact with Athes, the world of Dark Magick.
How do I join?
The first step is to think up of a character. (See: Character Format, for the way to write up the
characters stats.) After thinking up a character, (this character is close to that of a main character in
novels), it is time to formalize the character's stats by either typing them up on a computer/typewriter or
by hand on a sheet of paper. Following this, allow a period of rest in which no thought is given to the
character. Then look at the character that was written up. If after looking over it and tweaking it a bit,
the character looks like one which you would enjoy writing, then send the character to Destral, the
Character Approver.
At this point, it will be his job to look over the character and decide a couple of things. First, he will
review the character and check for some of the basics like originality, grammar, spelling, etc. While
looking over the potential character, he will make any suggestions he deems necessary for a good,
interesting character. Remember this character is going to be the main focus of most chapters you
write. It is vitally important that the character be interesting and unique, so as to both make readers
intrigued about what will happen to it, and so that the character is designed such that you will be able
to make realistic and involved plots.
After Destral has reviewed the character, he will send it back to you. Either approved or with comments as to how to make the character better so it can be approved. Now if you disagree with his judgements and decisions, you can voice them at this point. If you chose to appeal, just send a copy of the character that was originally sent to Destral to the Mactus. Included with the character should be, the points on which you disagree with him and how you would like to see them remedied. The Mactus, which I might as well explain now, has the final word on everything. It is up the Mactus to make sure everything runs smoothly and both plot-wise and time-wise. The Mactus, or GM, for those familiar with other writing groups, is Malock. His e-mail address is malock@geocities.com, this should be used whenever you need to contact him.
At this point after your character has been approved, it now lies to you to create the first chapter. This
can either be in the form of a prologue or standard chapter. Prologues are nice as they give you the
opportunity to allude to possibilities, possibilities of both what might happen to your character and what
your character might do. This works to create interest in your chapter, be building suspense in the
reader. The other form, creating a standard chapter, would jump right into a plot. If you feel you need
some help with writing and creating a story, there are many places you can go for help. FicTech for
Writers is one such place, which I highly recommend. Also there are many books that have been
published which serve as great ways to drastically improve your skill in writing. Or you can contact
Malock directly. He is ALWAYS willing to help out in anyway he is able.
Now after completing your chapter, which will most likely be a rough draft, you will want to hold off at
least a day. Again allowing time for your creative juices, so to speak, to replenish and so you can gain
a fresh perspective. The next day go back and read over your chapter, fix all spelling and grammatic
mistakes. All such mistakes should literally jump out at you, at this point. Feel free to re-write parts
which don't really flow or make sense. Make sure you have a plot, or at least the beginnings of one in
there. Plan ahead! A common mistake for authors is to put too much into a chapter, leaving them
nothing to write about in future chapters. More is not always better, in fact it can deflate the readers
interest by resolving too much in too short a time. This is normally reserved for the end of a plot
(called a Falling Action).
After the chapter has been read over, AT LEAST ONCE, send it to The Mactus. What he will do
with it is one of two things. If it is your first chapter or he feels it was simply written badly, which
happens to the best of us once and awhile, he will help you to make it better. Since he will NOT be
writing for a character, his opinions will be unbiased and solely for your aid. He's really NOT that bad,
once you get to know him. As stated before, this writing group is set up to serve two purposes. First
and foremost, to allow people who enjoy to write, a place to write and interact with other people who
share a similar view point. Lastly, it is set up to better your writing skills. The reason? Two actually,
first we want to make inexperienced writers experienced, and experienced writers, authors. Secondly,
we hope to at the very least publish this collection of stories on the Internet as proof of what can be
done when people who enjoy writing band together under that common purpose.
Character Format
Name:
Description:
This entails three things. Mental profile, emotional status, and physical appearance.
Physical-Think favorite dress, colour, any features that stick out (a humongous nose, etc.), How the person moves(with a fluid grace or clumsily always falling over his/her feet), talk about how the character's body looks (like a body builder muscle sprouting everywhere, like miss America, etc.), any habits they might have (Smoking? Drugs? Drinking? Working out? Nothing? What?), describe how (s)he speaks, and anything else appropriate.
Mental-Driving motives, desires, fears, pet peeves, ticks, personality, opinions on life and anything else, attitudes toward various things, etc.
Emotional-Consider how well he interacts with other people and animals, How well he responds to
stress and stressful situations (will your character"crack" under stress? Or will he thrive? Or will she just
shrug it off and continue doing what needs to be done?), what general moods is the character in
(always happy or depressed, mood swings or multiple personalities, etc. Go in depth so that you know
your character as well or better than yourself. Get to know your character. Ask him/her questions and
think about how he/she/it would respond.)
Background and History:
Early history, allies and enemies, Affiliations, Political ties(if any), Where born, Family ties/history, Any
special deeds accomplished (good or bad), etc.
Abilities and Skills:
Both things possessed now and potentials, Level or Status in those abilities (i.e. Blade Master or
Druid, etc.), anything else you can think of.
Items:
Equipment, Money, Magickal Items/Weapons/Armour, Know and unknown magickal items(specify
whether your character knows all of their abilities, some, a little or none and what those abilities are),
Clothing, etc.
Language:
Mentioned briefly before, write down any favorite and much used words or phrases, particular dialect,
What languages known (everyone uses common, but for each major geography there is a language.
Thieves have their own special language as do the Savants, a little side note here. While this may seem
a little excessive, it is paramount to good writing. If you know your character inside and out, it makes it
far easier to write a good chapter and keep it IC. Just humour me. :) Also look at the Atlas, as it will
explain Athes and describe some fairly important things. The Atlas though it meant to be general and
you, as a writer, should feel free to write and create off of the basics presented in the Atlas of Athes.
Now after appeals and character approvement is done, you can write your first chapter. This chapter
will be key. As when writing a book, this will introduce your character and set-up your major plot and
some other plots. You will want to hook the reader with this first chapter, so the reader will have a
reason to read your next chapter.
What are my limitations?
Three rules to follow when writing for Dark Magick.
*Rule 1* Keep it decent. That is not to say you can't swear at all or anything along those lines, in fact
sometimes it adds to the story. Something to keep in mind about swearing, since this isn't Earth, you'll
have to think up new swear words. Like "Gods" or something a little more original. Sailors swear quite
often as do soldiers; just keep it in character (IC). Some people don't swear, others do. Use your
brain.
Concerning drugs, sex, and any of the other darker sides of humans society, if it fits your character go
for it. If it doesn't, don't stick it in just for the kicks or because you can. Try not to get too graphic with
sex, or if you feel it absolutely vital to get some point across or to further your plot along, then put a
warning with your post. Enough about that stuff.
**Rule 2** You will be required to post a chapter every month, if you are a writer. If you have a good
excuse you can contact the Mactus, and if it IS a good excuse then you won't have to worry about any
penalties. Now if you're slacking and forget to post for a whole month. He [The Mactus] will remind
you that day. You will have one week to respond (write up a chapter or plead for you life :) ), if you
don't, you're dropped from the group. Now, as long as there is room, you can attempt to reapply
your character or a new one. Now upon reapplying your old character, a penalty may be applied.
What it is . . . Well lets just hope that never happens to you. (Now don't take this the wrong way, the
rule is in place to prevent Dark Magick from slacking off and falling apart. I think you can all agree that
most people need at least a vague hint of a threat to make them really pay attention.)
***Rule 3*** I expect comments from readers, and writers to be accepting of criticism. I will comment on every chapter, and other others should as well. This should be easier since there will be a limited number of authors. And you should be open for improvement. All writers are expected to at the very least read all chapters produced by fellow writers.
Where can I get more information?
Is that all?
Besides those above three rules, you are pretty much free to do whatever you wish. So as things get
rolling, the Mactus will hopefully need bother you less and less. Or never bother to bother you at all,
depending on your level of skill in the craft of breathing life into the written word, writing. Chapters will
be compiled in story format. In such a way as to make it like a novel and less a chaotic collection of
unrelated verbiage. Seek ye out the Archives, the place in which all written work resides.
The current administrative staff of Dark Magick consists of: The Mactus, Malock, and the CA
(character approver), Destral. There is the musical, graphic maestro and all around HP maintainner,
Devon. Ravage is WotE (Watcher of the East), Leon is WotN, RanaKu is WotW, and Tristan is WotS. The Watchers responsibilities are to keep track of what is going on in their region and make sure everything
developed stays with in the loose guide lines of the Atlas. If you feel up to the daunting task of running
an aspect of Dark Magick, which would serve to improve an aspect of it, then feel free to contact
Malock. If your ideas/skills warrant it . . . BANG! you could be end up running an aspect of Dark
Magick. (note: everything will be on a case by case basis.)
Any other questions should be sent to Malock.