Category: Uncategorized

  • Shaw Menthril – Supporting Character

    Narrative Role and Function:

    Name: Shaw Menthril Character

    Bio: Shaw is the son of one of the chosen in the land of Talia, he wishes to take after his father believing he’ll be chosen by the Primal forces, he is also the childhood friend of Lucien.

    Class: Alchemist, Guardian, Lorekeeper, Artificer, Sage.

    Character type: Supporting Character.

    Race: Human.

     

    Initial Role in Story: Old friend of main character, Keeper of the Bibles of Letchers.

    Key Contributions to Plot:

    • Delivers Lucien with unique artifacts.
    • Discover the Book of veils.
    • Leads the Knights of Tarnix to the library of Tempest.
    • Gifts Diana(Antagonist) one of the
    • Bibles of Letchers. Murders the Knights of Tarnix, helps Diana with her plans.
    • Fights Lucien when he learns the forbidden art that opens a Bible.

    Interaction with Main Characters:

    Diana (Antagonist): Shaw is the lover of Diana, shows love to her even after she turns to the
    shadows. Will do anything for Diana.

    Lucien (Protagonist): Shaw is Lucien’s childhood friend, Jovial with Lucien at the start of the story until he betrays Lucien for his lover Diana.

     

    Character Background and Motivations:

    (Personal History) Shaw is the son of one of the chosen in the land of Talia, he wishes to take after his father believing he’ll be chosen by the Primal forces.

    (Motivations and Goals) Begins his quest for power after Lucien gets chosen by the Primal forces (Character Development Arc), he becomes the apprentice of the librarian to learn about the Primal forces.

    Steals Lucien’s Bible to decipher its difference from the other Bibles (How do their objectives align or conflict with those of main characters?).

    Growth and Change: Finally gives up on his quest to become a chosen one after he becomes the Keeper of the Bible of Letchers. He dawn’s himself a god and demands to be worshiped (Allegiance).

    Challenges and Conflicts: Procuring Lucien’s Veil, finding the Primal forces, unlocking the Bible of Letchers (Challenges). Murders the Knights of Tarnix. Fights Lucien when he learns the forbidden art that opens a Bible. 

    Role in Enhancing Themes and Dynamics:

    Themes:

    Friendship and Betrayal: Lucien’s initial role as Shaw’s childhood friend adds depth to the theme of friendship. Their jovial relationship at the start of the story highlights the bond they share.

    (Dynamic influence) Shaw’s betrayal of Lucien for his lover Diana intensifies the theme of betrayal, showcasing the complexities and challenges of relationship.

    Power and Ambition: Shaw’s character arc revolves around his quest for power and recognition that contradicts Lucien’s journey as the chosen one.

    Shaw’s desire to prove himself to his father and be chosen by the Primal forces reflects the theme of ambition and the pursuit of greatness.

    (Dynamic influence)This dynamic enhances the narrative by exploring different paths characters take in their quest for power.

    Morality and Corruption: Shaw’s transformation from a loyal friend to a manipulative ally of the antagonist.

    His willingness to do anything for Diana, including murder, showcases the extent to which power can corrupt individuals.

    (Dynamic influence)This conflict adds layers to the narrative, as Shaw’s actions challenge the moral compass of both the protagonist and the reader.

     Conflict and Resolution: Shaw’s conflicts with Lucien, both emotionally and physically, drive the narrative forward.

    (Dynamic influence) Shaw’s eventual downfall and abandonment of his quest for power signify a resolution to his character arc, demonstrating growth and change.

    Symbolism and Allegiance: Shaw’s proclamation of being a God symbolizes the corruption power brings. His demand to be worshiped portrays the theme of allegiance and the consequences of pride.

    (Dynamic influence) Shaw adds a layer of symbolism to the narrative, reflecting broader themes of power dynamics and the human condition.

    Influence on Story’s Tone

    Darkness and tension– As Shaw aligns himself with the antagonist Diana and engages in nefarious deeds, the story’s tone becomes increasingly dark and ominous, heightening suspense and drama.

    Conflict and turmoil– Shaw’s character influences the story as his actions and ambitions leads to conflict, everything he touches, he eventually destroys. He becomes unpredictable steering chaos wherever he drives the narrative forward through a series of dramatic confrontations and plot twists.

    Psychological Depth and Intrigue– Shaw’s inner conflicts and moral struggles provide insights into the complexities of human nature, it helps the narrative with psychological depth and intrigue. It defines just how our interaction with people and our environment can affect our thoughts and ambitions.

    Moral Ambiguity and Complexity– Shaw’s Character questions the nature of morality, this imbues thoughts of just how well we humans define right and wrongs, good and evil, and how much we accept our culture and justify our beliefs.

    His journey from a loyal friend to a manipulative accomplice challenges the moral compass of both the characters and the audience.

    Atmospheric Tension and Foreshadowing– Shawas prescence imbues the story with atmospheric tension, his character is an eyesore that predicts impending doom.

    Shaw’s action and motivations also foreshadows larger events to come, heightening anticipation and suspense.

    Unique Traits and Skills

    • Ambitious, Conscientious, Persistent , Creative and Resilience.
    • Unique skill– Alchemy and Necromancy

    Special Abilities and Talents:

    Arcane knowledge– Shaw has a deep understanding of ancient texts, mystical artifacts, and occult lore.

    His expertise allows him to identify, decipher, and interpret obscure symbols, languages, and magical properties associated with the artifacts he collects and guards.

    Information gathering– Shaw’s ability to acquire and hoard information makes him a formidable adversary and a valuable ally.

    Manipulation of magical objects- Shaw is able to manipulate magical objects, an example is his manipulation of the Bible of Letchers. 

    Polyglot– Shaw is able to speak all languages in the land of Talia.

    Dimensional travel– Shaw is able to travel between different dimensions.

    Beastswhisperer– Shaw is able to communicate with animals.

    Forbidden Arts: As Shaw delves deeper into his quest for power, he may acquire knowledge of forbidden or dark arts.

    These abilities include rituals, spells, and incantations that grant him supernatural powers that allow him to manipulate reality.

    Personality Quirks and Traits:

    Obsessive Hoarding: Shaw has a compulsive need to collect and hoard information, artifacts, and knowledge.

    This obsession drives him to extreme lengths to acquire rare and valuable items, even at the expense of his relationships or morality.

    Intellectual Curiosity: Shaw possesses a keen intellect and insatiable curiosity about the mysteries of the world.

    He is constantly seeking new knowledge, delving into ancient texts, and unraveling arcane secrets.

    Moral Ambiguity: Shaw’s moral compass is not easily defined, as he navigates the murky waters between right and wrong. He justifies his actions with twisted logic or situational ethics, believing that the ends justify the means.

    Charismatic Manipulator: He knows how to manipulate people’s emotions and desires to further his own agenda, using flattery, deception, or coercion as needed.

    His charismatic demeanor masks a calculating mind and a willingness to exploit others for his own gain.

    Secretive and Mysterious: Shaw is enigmatic and secretive, guarding his true motives and intentions closely.

    His air of mystery adds intrigue and suspense to his character, keeping readers/players guessing about his true loyalties and allegiances.

    Intellectual Arrogance: Shaw is confident in his intellect and knowledge, often displaying a sense of intellectual superiority over others.

    Fascination with Power: Shaw’s fascination with power drives him to pursue forbidden knowledge and dangerous artifacts, regardless of the risks involved.

    Personality note-These personality quirks and traits combine to create a complex and multi-dimensional character in Shaw, whose actions and motivations are shaped by his insatiable thirst for knowledge, his moral ambiguity, and his relentless pursuit of power.

    Impact on the Plot and Other Characters:

    Plot and character development catalyst– Shaw significantly influences the plot development, particularly his betrayal of Lucien in alignment with Diana’s plot reveal.

    His actions set off a series of events, including the murder of the Knights of Tarnix, and the acquisition of forbidden knowledge, this propels the plot forward towards climax.

    Conflict Instigator: 

    Shaw’s betrayal of Lucien creates intense conflict and tension between the characters, driving much of the interpersonal drama throughout the story.

    His actions force Lucien to make difficult choices and challenge his beliefs, leading to emotional confrontations and moral dilemmas.

    Antagonistic force– Shaw’s pursuit of power and willingness to commit morally reprehensible acts make him a formidable foe, driving the conflict and raising the stakes for the protagonists.

    Emotional Impact: 

    Shaw’s betrayal and descent into darkness have a profound emotional impact on the other characters, particularly Lucien.

    His actions strain their relationships and test their loyalties, leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, and resentment from Lucien.

    Shaw’s transition from a trusted friend to a dangerous adversary elicits a range of complex emotions, adding complexity to the character dynamics.

    Revealer of Secrets:

    Shaw’s role as a keeper of unique artifacts and hoarder of information allows him to reveal important secrets and hidden knowledge throughout the story.

    Influence on Key Plot Points/ Relationship Dynamics

    Betrayal of Lucien: Shaw’s betrayal of Lucien serves as a pivotal plot point, driving much of the conflict and tension in the story.

    Discovery of Forbidden Knowledge: Shaw’s quest for power and knowledge leads to the discovery of forbidden secrets and arcane artifacts, which have consequences for the story’s progression.

    With Lucien: Shaw’s relationship with Lucien undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the story, from childhood friends to bitter enemies. His betrayal of Lucien strains their relationship and prompts emotional turmoil for both characters.

    With Diana: His loyalty to Diana drives many of his actions and decisions, leading to further conflict and tension between the protagonists and the forces of darkness.

    With Other Characters: Shaw’s relationships with other characters, such as allies or adversaries, also contribute to the narrative and character development.

    Potential for Future Development:(Open-Ended Possibilities/Legacy or Lasting Impact)

    Redemption Arc: Despite his descent into darkness, there may be potential for Shaw to undergo a redemption arc.

    Confrontation with Consequences: Shaw could face the consequences of his actions head-on, confronting the fallout of his betrayal and alignment with Diana. Diana will ultimately choose her goals first before Shaw’s revealing her true nature and her ulterior motives.

    Legacy and Lasting Impact: Shaw’s actions and choices have a lasting impact on the story and other characters, shaping the course of events and leaving a legacy that reverberates throughout the narrative. Shaw may be a cursed legend to a possible sequel.

  • Try my H-CAT Enneagram test on code pen.

    Try my H-CAT Enneagram test on code pen.

    For H-CAT, I see the Enneagram as five core elements: motivations, fears, desires, strengths, and weaknesses. To me, the specific types are secondary. It’s more about organizing the dominance of various general “motivations, etc.” and tailoring each to the character. I use these as flexible guidelines, not strict rules. They are meant to be broken in dynamic situations and adapt over time. This adaptation helps reflect and track character development.

    In terms of the conceptual personality quizzes and forms on H-CAT, I envision them as tools. They could structure and organize personality traits to aid in role playing or writing consistent character interactions.

    Here’s an example of the core, motivations, organized by dominance for a character from Hazbin Hotel.

    1. Dominant Motivation(most likely): Motivated to be in control and avoid vulnerability.

       – Annotation: Strategic control over situations and reluctance to show any weaknesses. Interactions often reflect authority and constant effort to manage vulnerabilities through domination and power dynamics.

    2. Tertiary Motivation(second most likely): Motivated to experience pleasure and avoid pain.

       – Annotation: Enjoyment in manipulating events for entertainment, seeking pleasurable experiences that also serve strategic interests.

    3. Auxiliary Motivation(3rd most likely): Motivated to understand and gain knowledge.

       – Annotation: Intellectual curiosity and use of knowledge to maintain and expand influence. Actions that often involve a deeper analysis or understanding, solidifying control.

    4. Inferior Motivation(during vulnerability): Motivated to maintain inner peace and harmony.

       – Annotation: Surfaces mainly in rare moments of vulnerability where control is threatened, revealing a hidden layer of personality that seeks emotional stability and inner peace.

    You can try the test on code pen.

  • Communication Style form

    This form serves as a detailed guide for developing character communication styles, focusing on ten key aspects such as vocabulary, emotional expression, and adaptability. Each section prompts considerations on how a character’s communication style reflects their background, emotions, and social interactions, aiding writers in crafting nuanced and consistent character portrayals.

    1. Vocabulary

    Typical Phrases or Slang

    Think about any unique phrases or slang your character uses. How do these reflect their background, education, or social circle?

    Level of Formality

    Consider how formal or informal your character is in their speech. Does this change depending on whom they are speaking to?

    2. Emotional Expression

    Degree of Expressiveness:

     How openly does your character show their emotions? Are they reserved, or do they wear their heart on their sleeve?

    Typical Emotional Tone:

    What is the usual tone of your character’s emotional expression? Are they generally cheerful, serious, sarcastic, etc.?

    3. Conflict Management

    Approach to Disagreements:

     Reflect on how your character typically handles disagreements. Are they confrontational, avoidant, or a peacemaker?

    Tendencies in Stressful Conversations:

    How does your character behave under stress? Do they remain calm, become agitated, or shut down?

    4. Curiosity and Inquiry

    Frequency and Type of Questions: 

    Does your character ask a lot of questions? Are they driven by curiosity, skepticism, or a need for clarification?

    Reaction to New Information:

     How does your character react to new or surprising information? With excitement, disbelief, or curiosity?

    5. Maturity Level

    Balance of Mature Insights vs. Age-Appropriate Views:

    Consider if your character’s level of maturity reflects their age. Do they show wisdom beyond their years, or are they naively youthful?

    Awareness of Social Nuances:

    How well does your character understand and respond to social cues and nuances?

    6. Empathy and Relatability

    Expressions of Understanding or Solidarity:

    Think about how your character shows empathy or solidarity. Are they naturally empathetic or more detached?

    Responsiveness to Others’ Emotions:

     How does your character respond when others display strong emotions?

    7. Thoughtfulness and Reflection

    Tendency for Introspection in Dialogue:

    Does your character often reflect on their thoughts and feelings? Are they introspective or more spontaneous?

    Philosophical or Abstract Discussions:

    Is your character inclined towards philosophical debates or abstract ideas?

    8. Optimism and Perspective

    Presence of Hopeful or Positive Statements:

    Consider whether your character is generally optimistic or pessimistic. How does this outlook affect their communication?

    General Outlook Conveyed in Communication:

    What overall perspective does your character communicate? Is it one of hope, realism, cynicism, etc.?

    9. Adaptability

    Ability to Adjust Communication Style Based on Audience:

     Reflect on how adaptable your character is in their communication. Can they easily switch from formal to casual, or do they struggle?

    Flexibility in Dialogue:

    How flexible is your character in conversations? Are they open to different points of view, or do they stick to their own opinions?

    10. Listening Style

    Active/Passive Listening Indicators:

     Consider whether your character is an active listener who engages with the speaker, or more passive, possibly getting easily distracted.

    Response Patterns in Conversations:

     How does your character typically respond in conversations? Do they offer advice, simply listen, or change the subject?

  • A Brand New Type of Community-driven Developmental Vision

    Exploring H-CAT: A Unified Vision for Community-Driven Innovation and Governance

    Before delving into the specifics of H-CAT, it’s essential to grasp the foundational vision of this initiative. It’s a platform embodying the ethos of community-driven, funded, and owned innovation. H-CAT aims to merge the decentralized, participatory governance of DAOs with the collaborative essence of open-source projects. The aim is to create an ecosystem that thrives on proposals, discussions, and decision-making. This framework could not only democratize governance and innovation but also foster a nurturing space for collective creativity and execution. It can make H-CAT a shared blueprint for the future, open to the community’s influence and development.

    A Potential Model for H-CAT’s Community-Driven Ecosystem

    From Ideas to Community Consensus

    The journey from concept to implementation is envisioned as a two-step process:

    • Phase 1: Collective Ideation and Voting
      • Discussions would serve as an incubator for ideas, which could then be put to a democratic vote. This process ensures that the development agenda truly reflects the community’s desires and priorities.
    • Phase 2: Crowdfunding Realization
      • Ideas requiring financial support could move to crowdfunding. This would be where the community’s backing could transform them into funded projects using a platform like Kickstarter. This phase could serve as a secondary validation of the conceptual merit. It could also empower the community to directly influence the platform’s material development.

    Openness and Pragmatism: An Invitation to Co-Create the Future of H-CAT

    Embracing the spirit of open-source while acknowledging the need for pragmatism, H-CAT’s potential approach combines open and selective non-open-source tools to build a foundation that is both practical and adaptable. This potential methodology ensures transparency and fosters a deeper understanding within the community at every developmental stage. Through this open invitation, we encourage each individual to actively participate in shaping H-CAT’s future. This highlights the importance of community validation and consensus in guiding our collective journey. Your voice is crucial in this collaborative endeavor, as it plays a pivotal role in steering the direction and success of H-CAT, making it a truly community-driven platform.

    My Vision in the event of Future Corporate Engagement

    If the day comes when corporations take interest in the tools developed by the H-CAT community, my intention is to put in place a model that prioritizes our collective benefit. This model, subject to community discussion and approval, would work as follows:

    • Anticipated Corporate Contributions:
      • Should corporations find value in our community’s innovations, I propose a system. A system where they contribute financially for each specific project utilizing our tools. This contribution is not merely a transaction; it is an investment into the sustenance and growth of our community.

    Conceptual Approach to Corporate Engagement

    As H-CAT’s tools gain traction in the wider market, our approach to corporate engagement is designed to prioritize community benefit over corporate profit. This would establish a model that ensures mutual success and sustainability. Here’s how we envision this system:

    Corporate Contributions for Community Benefit:

    • Corporations that wish to use H-CAT’s tools will be required to pay a fee for each project. Things such as DLCs or separate titles will be considered separate projects, reflecting their use of community-driven innovations. Unlike traditional licensing, this fee represents not just a transaction but an investment into the community’s ongoing development and success.

    Equitable Community Distribution:

    • We commit to a transparent redistribution model where corporate fees directly support those who built the tools, fund future community-driven projects, and reward active contributors. This reinvestment strategy is designed to circulate the value generated back into the hands of creators and maintainers, rather than letting it siphon away to corporate entities.

    Democratic Control Over Corporate Engagement:

    • Every corporate agreement will be put to a vote, granting our members the power to decide if and how corporate entities can utilize H-CAT tools. This ensures that our innovations remain in service of community values and are not swayed by corporate agendas.

    Safeguarding Against Corporate Exploitation:

    • We will establish safeguards to prevent corporations from exploiting H-CAT tools against the community’s interest. This includes crafting specific licensing agreements, imposing stringent oversight measures, and instilling a culture of ethical use through targeted education about our community-first principles.

    Support for Community Businesses:

    • We acknowledge the varying scales of business within our community. Indie studios, startups, and early supporters of H-CAT will enjoy certain privileges, including thresholds for free usage, acknowledging their role in our ecosystem, and protecting them from being overshadowed by larger corporations.

    By flipping the script on the traditional open-source model, H-CAT positions itself as a groundbreaking initiative that empowers creators financially and creatively. It’s a bold step towards a future where community-driven innovation is recognized and rewarded, ensuring that those who contribute to technological advances are the primary beneficiaries of their success.

    Community-driven, We Explore

    I invite you to join this exploration, contributing insights, critiques, and ideas, essential for shaping H-CAT into a platform that truly meets the diverse needs of creators. Your participation is a valuable step toward realizing H-CAT’s potential, guiding us through the possibilities of what it could become. Let’s explore, critique, and innovate together, addressing challenges and fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative space.

    Addressing Potential community-driven Challenges

    Embarking on the H-CAT journey, I am acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, including the complexities of developing interactive tools that cater to a wide range of creative processes, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, and fostering a vibrant collaborative community. The following are some preliminary thoughts on addressing these challenges:

    – Developing Interactive Tools: I plan to start with prototypes, gather feedback early and often, and iterate and improve.

    – Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: I am committed to consulting experts and the larger community to ensure that H-CAT serves a diverse audience.

    – Fostering Community Collaboration: I aim to establish clear communication channels and use collaborative platforms potentially like Discord and of course, enabling contributors to share insights and actively participate in H-CAT’s evolution.

  • Holistic Journey

    What have you been working on?

    I’ve been working on creating a Holistic Character Assessment Toolkit that will be used for various character development and storytelling media. From books to comics to tabletop games. I’m looking to revolutionize the use and process of storytelling, and ethical and responsible use of various topics over the internet and in life. It’s a holistic journey aiming to be community driven and all encompassing.