Just because I feel I should, I'm going to go through the post above and let you all know what's, at least in all likelyhood, incorrect, and moreso, my thoughts on certain things:



Since a great deal of this is speculation on Thand's part, it's perfectly fine the way it is. Is it truth? Probably one of those things best left in dusty "background" story-territory.



While this is still accurate, the description lends itself to lead into something more epic or the like. To remind everyone: Erro saw his love/wife Catherine raped by Count Desmond. The Dust that would set into effect Erro's new power and transformation into Morthrandur is about the only 'epic' element in there that could be left into question. The "ultimate doom" could still be taken to be the dilemma/pain of free will.



Again, while this isn't necessarily FALSE, it's also not likely to be true. Losien has been described as being Geb's YOUNGER sister -- likely by a couple years. She could still be technically younger if she was the 'second' twin. It's one of those details that will probably be cemented later in a storyarc where it's necessary. Maybe.



1) It's technically "story wielder" but that's just a nitpick. 2) Again, the fact that Gebiyl was "the real version" for a temporary time IS technically true, but like so many other details in NeS, this point is likely to be fudged, altered, what-have-you. For most intents and purposes, Gebiyl is an alternate version of Geb that breaks off after page 50 into NeShattered and becomes an antagonistic figure. Which reminds me, I'll have to clarify Geb's 'power' at some point...



Is there a specific "bloodink" lineage privvy only to "ohqs" or do all characters have potential for bloodink inside of them? Does it really 'thin' over time? Those questions, again, left uncertain for now. What is certain -- Morthrandur is NOT the "last" of the Ohqs. He was Erro Ohq beforehand (whether he's part 'Emp' as well is uncertain -- part of King Emp may be in Morthrandur) and there's no reason why Morthrandur would be dabbling in time-traveling. If he is the "last" it is only because he out-lives the Ohq lineage.



Highemperor was inspired to write this in part because of the ACTUAL history of how I made up the name Gebohq (G=3, E=3, B=13, o=0, h=4, q=9). As you can see, Highemperor messed up a bit on the numbers, but even so, the whole theory doesn't seem to lead to much, as "leet" has been used by 3 characters: the Spooky Taco, 1337man aka pizza delivery guy and Jim Seven. As far as I can tell, it's a side-contimplation thing.



The theory that bloodink is an element of the divine makes enough sense to me, but I'm not going to be cementing the idea in stone. As for NeSferatu being (former) angels? Eh... if they are, there's funky stuff with that senario as far as I see it. I don't see the subject as much of a problem only because they're a subject likely to be left finished now that the primary 'stories' of NeShattered and the 1888 flashbacks have come to a close, meaning they're not likely to be brought into play again.

As for the WriterGod? I actually like the stuff presented there. However, it's one of those subjects I tend to work with more subtle-like, and don't go diving into concrete specifics for the most part.



This is correct. It's a combination of the standard "dramatic" and episodic (rising action, climax, resolution) with circular, which forms... dun dun dun! A spiral. Which is a fractal. Whether the NeS goes UP or DOWN the spiral is debatable



Clarification: JK the White was NOT a protector of the plotfractal! He was a Hand of NeS, a sort of director/manager backstage role. The Protectors of the Plotfractal (up to the end of NeSo) were Jim Seven, Cthulhu, Ares, Rob X and Morris the Cat. A Hand of NeS is interested in keeping NeS running whereas a Protector is something more like one who keeps a proper pace for said running. The line between the two is obviously difficult to draw, especially now with the two Hands of NeS (Bhac and Mayaal) and their parallel goal in keeping conflict in NeS, a goal that was usually reserved for the Protectors (who haven't been identified yet). It is likely that the Hand(s) and the Protectors work together in their efforts.



This whole part delves into the issues of doing God's (WriterGod's) will -- to do good -- versus free will and the inherit conflict. Such themes have been building well in NeSquared with Young & Antestarr, Michael & TLTE, Bhac & Mayaal, etc. and thus this section is likely to be important to think on for those of us who like to think too much about NeS. While it's true I like to be subtle, it IS important to note that I feel the role of God is at least significant to NeS, meaning I don't intend to outright ignore God in NeS, beside for personal reasons of course.

Just for clarification, I have used "WriterGod" primarily for two reasons -- because "Writer of writers" is a term that parallels with "Lord of lords" and the theme/role of writers of NeS, and because "WriterGod" softens the blow, so to speak, attempting some small part with subtlety and the like, though "Higher Power" and other titles have been used to acheive the latter in probably a better way. Eh. It's one of those things that can be difficult to balance out (just look at the 20's page-wise for examples of myself horribly mis-writing a similar theme).

That's all I have to say. Just felt the need to give my commentary on the above, as it put forth some strong ideas (a trademark of Highemperor's).

So TLTE, how absurdly obscure-detail oriented do we want to get with the forgotten side-guys on the station? And how far into the past do we want to dig? Should most of them be in the 20's pages or could they be earlier/later? Would NeSquare be fair game as long as they were uber-minor? Just wonderin' if you had guys like Phantom Master in mind or guys like Snyderman... (the latter guy was an obscure character pre-page 1 )

In any case, good posts, people. Anyone got any ideas for the next storyarc, or at least a stepping stone into the unknown? I'll have the summer ahead of me to prepare the crossover that's been in the works for, like, a year now, but we'll likely be finished this current storyarc before then.

Well, my idea is that the army is composed of almost every character from the original NeS that was shamelessly discarded - characters like Michael himself, for example.

However, as my latest post demonstrates, characters from NeSquared are not exempt. There just obviously won't be as many dispersed characters in this chapter yet

Here are some of the more major characters to consider, those that had writer-counterparts like Michael:

• Arbiter
• Twin Suns
• Semievil
• Ping_Me
• Dark Lancer
• Lt. Randy
• ]Masetto
• JorBo
• Phantom Master
• Sarn Cadrill
• Kyle K. Seven
• Katarina Alyce

I assume that Michael himself will be on the first floor w/Losien and Blackguard, if not with him, will be on the second floor. I have a conflict/scene idea for that which would come right before, or at least at some point between the conflict with Midvok and Michael. If you have a preference, let me know. I still have to figure out who would best work for what I have in mind...

Also, I would like to request that the Spooky Taco not be among this 'forgotten cast' and, if we can, characters that have already died, such as ******. The Spooky Taco is my main concern though. Thanks

Just a little thing: Krig, where did i go? I just sorta dissapeared. You listed all the characters there and i wasn't in them.

Um... hm. That's... that's a very good point. See, the explanation to that is... um... Look over there!

/me runs away to edit post

Ok, since I'm lazy, I "fixed" it by simply mentioning the fact that he's mysteriously dissapeared. Maybe Mayaal had something to do with it? [/suggestive speculation]

Hello. Just a little note. The fight between Tod and Qwerty is open to anyone to write, i don't have anything planned out besides qwerty eventually wins and joins the heroes sometime before level 10, so feel free to add stuff about that in posts if you want. anyway, that's it.

Alright, I first wanted to say that the current post/situation on Level 6 is, in fact, NOT the idea I had in mind, and I'd still like to initiate said plan right before TLTE's confrontation with Michael. I finally decided I wanted to use Semievil, Arbiter and Masetto for said situation. I'd like to request that either the other heroes fight Blackguard on Level 8 while TLTE confronts Sem, Arbi and Mase on Level 9 and then onto Level 10 with Michael OR that the other heroes get tied up with something else on Level 8, TLTE confronts Sem, Arbi and Mase on Level 9 and then Michael on level 10 while the other heroes confront Blackguard in another part of Level 10. I suppose TLTE could also confront the three on Level 8 instead and the heroes confront something on Level 7 before Blackguard and Michael on 9 and 10, but that doesn't leave anything open as we're already on Level 6. Let me know what you prefer.

As for the current situation, there are a couple options that come to mind for me:

-TLTE could actually "play their game" and answer the questions. In this case, the mammoth should probably give TLTE a legitimate challange while the alien (Niela) may continue to keep up with absurd means. TLTE would obviously win, and they would be forced to let him pass after perhaps a pitiful attempt of a fight (the mammoth and the alien being the only characters that could even remotely put up a fight).

-TLTE, in his quasi-villianous single-mindedness goal to rescue Losien, leaves the other heroes to their fate and does everything to simply pass into the next level by force. In this case, the heroes would find some means of escape, and TLTE would have another check on his "questionable ethics" table

There certainly are other options, of course, or a combination of options, but this is what comes to mind for me.

And in case you all don't remember, Erik Hill is the one who wrote these characters into the NeS back on the 40's (excluding Mark Hamill, of course).

OTHER NOTE: In regards to Noble's last post, I'd still like to regard Tod as Rob X, the former Protector of the Plotfractal, especially considering what was said about his writer returning and all (while Tod's writer isn't technically Rob X, his real writer wouldn't make much sense given the situation). Also, it fits with some other notions I had in mind for Rob X, but that's just me. We'll see how it plays out.

OTHER OTHER NOTE: Gah, forgot to say that, ideally, I'd like the storyarc with TLTE and Losien to finish around the same time as the one with Geb/Helebon and Ford/group at HHH/the Dust. We'll see how this plays out too, though.

OTHER OTHER OTHER NOTE: (because this is fun to pretend it's a running joke, and I feel compelled to avoid making new posts) I made a post on TACC's *tumbleweed* post, after only so many weeks later, which you can read here if you're interested.

*Holds up sign* Fourm, fourm, we want a fourm!

Yeah, you guys really ought to get a fourm for NeSi, it's not like it's really that hard or anything.

Yes, get a fourm or you'll lose your only reader!

Actually, yes, it is hard. If you want it done right.

We'll look into it though.

Well, I suppose "done right" is a matter of opinion... I could make one for you guys if you want. The hardest part is changing the colors of the fourm itself, but I know how to do that also. I run a couple fourms...so, yeah.

But if you happen to be one of those "Do it yourself" kind of people, I'd suggest using Hyperboards. http://www.hyperboards.com/index.html

It's what I use, it's pretty simple, free, and generaly easy to manage.

I concur. A forum is an important part of generating a fan base.

*Has delusions of one day profiting from his art*

Indeed!

Heh... you know, I'm probably the only person who actually reads NeSi that is not involved in the creation process of it.:rolleyes:

I'm still not entirely convinced that you aren't one of us playing a cruel, cruel trick.

I'd give you proof that I'm not if I could, but sadly, that doesn't seem to be be possible.

You're one of our mothers, aren't you?

I told you mom, I don't need encouragement to write!

You guys still need a fourm...

Surely you jest. I read it too, and I don't create it.

Well I guess I stand corrected then. I didn't think anyone else was crazy enough to read something that basically never updates. :p

By the way, I'd be all too happy to lift us out of this posting slump if it weren't for the fact that Gebohq mentioned he wanted to do a section of the space station battle before it reached the climatic stages. Seeing as TLTE has recently cleared another level, I'd say it's a prime time for you to implement your idea...

TLTE: I was actually waiting on you or someone else. Blackguard and Michael can only take up 2 floors at most (10 and 9) and my idea takes a floor (8, or presuming Michael and Blackguard both use the 10th floor, 9). That leaves at LEAST one floor open still (we just finished the 6th) if not 2. I suppose I COULD think of something for the other heroes to battle like they did on the 3rd floor, but I was leaving it open for anyone else to work with as I filled in something for one floor already, and I'm sure CM or Krig might wish to do their own thing. Let me know if I'm wrong.

Well, no one seems to be piping up, so I'll go ahead with my idea.

By the way - Levels 9 and 10 separate the final villains, the Blackguard and Michael.

I made my post for the Michael/TLTE storyarc, you all are free to finish with the storyarc as you wish, and I'll attend to the other two parallel sub-arcs. Some clarifications: the primary goal of Semievil, Masetto and Arbiter were to stall -- they used the floor's advantage (it's the holodeck training rooms/armories) to keep TLTE lost, only making physical combat their last resort, and they still don't intend to necessarily kill (Sem definately would have problems killing, not necessarily with Masetto, Arbiter doesn't so much have a problem except that Sem might kill him for killing his friends). Here are some thoughts that may help you in writing the battles with Sem, Mase and Arbiter:

I set up Semievil with TLTE because not only is Semievil the most "veteran" and appropriate character-wise, but in a physical conflict, he has the best chance out of the three in fighting TLTE. Semievil has shown the following skills and powers in the past:

• general ability to wield magic/Force-like power (apart from neutral Force powers, grip and blinding from the JK game was a mean combination he was fond of and part of the reason he drew his name "Semievil" and any standard magical abilities of a mage from Everquest could be used as well to draw from). This is likely to affect TLTE the most, who has something of a weakness (and hatred) of magic-users.
• intimidation (not likely to work on TLTE) On rare occasions, Sem was known in NeS to "rear to his full height" which was said to be a sign of exerting great power -- otherwise, he's usually hunched over like General Grievous. It's part of his general pithy personality.
• general ability to use ranged weapons (from his "Tribes" roots). Semievil is something of a psuedo-cyborg, and thus modern/futuristic armor and guns are not alien to him. He's not likely to be as good as TLTE, but he's certainly better than a number of NeS heroes and villians were with them.
• general ability to use swordplay (again, from old JK days). Sem dueled with Geb back in the early pages of NeS, and is a competant swordsman.
• love of Coke and duct-tape. It wouldn't be Sem without these, both he'd likely keep in his trenchcoat. How he uses them is up in the air.

I then set up most of the others with Arbiter. He is technically a "super-sayian sith lord" and almost became a main character in the early pages of NeS. He too battled Geb. Miss Fire has something of a crush on "bad boys" and may have some difficulty fighting him for this reason. Arbiter has shown the following skills:

• PhD in English grammar and minor in Jedi-butt-kicking. I just added this in because Arbiter, despite being the "powerhouse" of the three, is also suppose to be pretty damn smart and cultured. Keep that in mind.
• Sith -- Arbiter can wield a blade and wield evil powers like a good lil' Sith Lord.
• Super-Sayian. Arbiter's hair goes gold and gets really mad. Flying, shooting energy beams, and general twinkering ensue.
• Scarred. Despite his power, Arbiter was severely wounded in the early pages, and when he sheds his robes, the "meta"-scars can be very visible (he was originally described as being untextured and missing polygons). This mostly just gives him motivation to be working with Michael, but it also means if Krig smashed him in the right spot, Arbiter would reel in pain.

Lastly, I left Masetto and Pingu in the hallway. What the hell is Masetto doing? Well, the closest thing I had to draw from concerning any powers Masetto might have had is his bardic nature. He's standing between the fights and essentially singing to boost morale/power to Sem and Arbiter. This gives Pingu another moment to have his moment and "battle" Masetto.

Since the doors are open, the fights could technically spill over each other, but I figure if that happens, it'd be at the end. A chaotic ball of fists just isn't quite as dramatic as showdowns

Hope you all liked the post and the potential set-up I made

This is just me attempting to see if I can make something work for my next post.

And I can

Right, post is up. Another on the way when I'm less sleep deprived.

Man, talk about your ISB slumps...I'd post more often, but I'm trying to gauge if it isn't just three or four of us keeping the NeS fires burning!

Well, I'll do the TLTE segment of the battle shortly, I guess...*sigh*

Poor TLTE. See, I'm more likely to glare at a certain Viking right now...

Hey now, between working altogether too much and trying to scrounge enough sleep wherever I can to stay awake the next day, I'm somewhat busy these days. Busy and sleepy and uncreative.

It makes me sad.

*Is sad that his plea for a fourm has gone unanswered.*

There there Krig, I just wanted to get a response from you, being all quiet-like that you usually are. I've been slacking myself as of late. Been going to the rehersal meetings for the musical I'm doing over the summer.

*pokes at other random writers to see who he can get to respond*

Apologies, DarthCariss, I agree with your forum idea but:

1) I'm not the boss around here
2) The extent of my technical expertise is getting all of the baked beans out of a can
3) I don't have a third one, actually...but damn it all if 1 and 2 aren't convincing.

1) Exactly who is, anyway? This matter has been confusing me.:p
2) Well, I could probablly get baked beans out of can, but I haven't tried, as I never touch the stuff. Making a fourm isn't that hard though, even I can do it.
3) I didn't think they were that convincing at all really.:D

1) Well:
In terms of actual moderator powers - Gebohq
Norse mythology - Krig
Chief B.U.M.P. expert - Geb
Chief non-B.U.M.P. thread reviver - me
Everything else - Morris the Cat

2) You can make a forum, huh? If you can make a forum you can write for NeS, and in terms of priorities here (read: save the sinking ISB ship) we need the latter more than we need the former...though it has been nice to actually meet a non-contributing reader of the story, I must admit

3) Rubber. Glue. I am. You are.

I've made about 5 forums, one of which is as popular, if not moreso than Massassi. (Private though, so you can't see :p)

Hyperboards is junk, we need forums hosted on our own webspace, not some off-site area. You lose a lot of control that way. In addition, it employs pop-up ads, something I refuse to use.

No, we will probably use PHPBB, and maybe move on to vbulletin later when I can afford it.

The hardest part of running a forum is maintenance. You have to check all posts, often multiple times a day, and keep the place secure. PHPBB has a particular problem with hacks, so one must keep a keen eye on the forum at all times.

Finally, it's a huge time-killer. I am already overloaded with projects as I speak, with finishing the rest of NeSI site, and getting the other portions of the NeS world online.

And for actual leadership, here is how I see it:

Geb - The Mastermind
Krig - The Artist
Me - Webmaster
MZZT - The scripter

I'd post more often, if t'weren't for exams and the general confusingness of the current storyarc.

Really, I would. ¬¬

Hyperboards isn't that bad with popups, just a banner I think, but I can see what you mean.

And yeah, running fourms can be hard work, if (and this is a pretty big if) you actually have people on it. I'm guessing you wouldn't get to many people (no offense or anything, but with the slow amount of updates, I'm guessing not many people would care much).

In fact, now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I care that much, but I still think fourms would be nice. A place where one can voice one's opinions on how the comic is going and such.

If you perfer to wait, and take the harder road (so-to-speak) then there's not much I can do about it. I've offered my help and advice, I don't have much more say then that.:p

Personally, I think forums should be one of the next things to get for the site. They'd certainly help in the Artist Motivation department, anyway. Artists are fueled by people talking about their art.

Indeed, and then I could complain when you don't update.;)

Alright, we're slowly drawing ever-so-close to the end of the storyarc(s). I'm going on the assumption that TLTE's got his thing going with Michael and Losien, and will speak up if he wants any of us to do anything in particular. Do not misunderstand me, this IS NeS -- people don't need permission to write stuff. I simply mean that, if no one else, TLTE can finish up the storyarc.

What I need to know is if any of the writers indeed to write anymore for the other two storyarcs (the whole Helebon shtick and the heroes at the HHH dealing with the Dust). I'm asking simply because I want to know how prepared I should be to wrap them up on my own. Mostly this question is geared to the following due to having their 'own' characters involved:

-Antestarr (Antestarr, Dalaes)
-Coolmatty (Mimiru, possibly Wai)
-Ford (Ford, Mustang...)
-Mr. Stafford (Mr. Stafford)

Though certainly others who may wish to chip in could answer as well, possibly including:

-The Last True Evil
-Krig the Viking
-Noble Outlaw
-Pingu...

...etc. etc. I just want to know who's out there, if they're waiting on other people, if they need a swift kick in the butt...