The General Welcome Thread

[Matra Hammer]

@all the lurkers and newcomers = Come say hello. We like you already for joining. We'll like you more for taking a bow and dispelling the mystery.

@Istvan = Lilith was one of my favorite things about MOII. Put a little ode to her in a closing epilogue I wrote a few months ago...which was, what, a year and a half late? It's in the MOII section if you're interested. For some reason it didn't put it as the most recent thing. Whatever. Hopefully the vodka goblins don't steal you away. We'd love having you back around.

@Crue = As with Istvan, pleasure seeing you again. Please do make time for this contest. Enjoyed Crue's progression and epilogue a great deal, and I'm excited for what you'll try next.

Right.

Morning, Gabool. Apply, read, play, stay. All friendly artistic folk are welcome here, and you won't find a finer network. I get paid in goldfish crackers whenever I plug this hard.

Here's the rundown on me in case you ever want dirt. Come review time you'll want every speck for getting revenge. Let's try for lists of two. The magic in three is wearing off.

1- Started in this crazy group with the first Mossflower Odyssey. For context: The MO series is the most recent contest run and only 4 long. The Survivor community spans into the double digits contest wise. So, yeah, I'm pretty new overall.

2- I am extremely accessible regarding writing. Need something looked over? Want advice on how to approach something? Got an idea you wanna bat against a wall? Try me. I'm earnest and skilled if nothing else.

On the personal front...

1- I'm a former nocturnal library cop whose favorite Redwall book is The Bellmaker. My least favorite is the original Redwall.

2- Like many here I'm an aspiring author. Technically I already am an author by virtue of publishing work in a professional, union market, but I'm not at write-for-a-living level yet.

[Ashleg]

I would like to get paid in Goldfish crackers.... :(

[Tooley Bostay]

http://frostedmountain.deviantart.com
I don't act mature there. At all. (And the Redwall stuff is old).

Daaang, mate, that's some really impressive artwork! You have this excellent handle on vivid expressions, and your poses are super fun too. Very loose with excellent flow (like how the rat tail swoops back around in your most recent artwork. Gives it a good counterbalance). What are your artistic inspirations? I'm getting some Great Mouse Detective vibes form some of your pieces, so I'm curious.

Color me impressed, though. You've some talent on your bones, especially at your age. Keep it up, and you'll go places.

Mm, not bad choices for favorites. Haven't read Luke yet, though I've been planning on giving it a shot. May do that soon to get back into a "Redwall"y headspace.

, with many characters to my name but the only one worth reading is Istvan.

Booo. I enjoyed Vasily a great deal. He was one of my favorite apps, actually. Was just chatting with Airan about how the story might have turned out with different results, and one in particular I mentioned was how I wished Tooley and Vasily had more time to interact. I think there was a lot of potential there.

[Ashleg]

Gee, Tooley, thanks!
I never thought about (or heard about) it looking like Great Mouse Detective, but now that I look at it I can kind of see what you're saying (I have to squint, though).
I did used to love that movie, but my art (the style, at least) isn't knowingly based off anything.
Inspiration comes from the stories I make up about my own characters or (in the case of the picture with the rat) certain books or other things I like.

AND IT'S NICE TO GET FEEDBACK FOR A CHANGE OTHER THAN "Cool!" OR "Ahh!" BECAUSE NOW I ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT IS APPEALING ABOUT IT! ;D

[Tooley Bostay]

Hahaha, dude, I know exactly what you mean. Used to get the "Cool!" or "I like it!" comments all the time, and haaaaated it. And when you ask them why they like it? "Um... it's just drawn really well!" ... *eye twitch*

But welcome to your first taste as to why this board is awesomesauce. Because in writing or in art, people will actually give you solid, detailed explanations for what you did right, and where you might need work. I know. Actual, serious critique. Whaaaaaaat

On that note, if you've ever got specific questions or concerns about your artwork, feel free to throw them up here. We've got an Art Board specifically for that kind of stuff, and plenty of artsy folk who will actually bother to give you answers.

[Ashleg]

Tsh...critique, unheard of!

I'll remember that, and I'd like to point out that your art is very good as well, especially the one of the ferret captain (forget his name).

[Aiko]

Hi, I'm Aiko, and I've read several of the previous contests a while ago, but I just found out about this new one from the Redwall's Legacy forum (I'm Doggo over there).

I've been a longtime fan of the series, and started roleplaying a couple years ago (and am now juggling around 9 different characters). I also draw a lot of fanart.

I enjoy writing in general, though I don't do much fantasy (Redwall is the exception). I'm a prolific reader of fanfiction, and am developing several story ideas of my own that I have yet to post.

[Matra Hammer]

Welcome, Aiko. You're in good company on the roleplay front. Many of us (maybe all of us) started with fanfic/roleplaying before taking a stab at personal work. I believe Vera and Vizon are the exemplars of that path.

We're all still fan-fiction writers still, technically, right? Redwall Survivor counts.

Which contests did you read before? Did you have a favorite/favorite character? Will you take a crack and submitting for this one?

EDIT: Also, if you're interested, the writing resource area is a great place on the forum for posting work if you want a second set of eyes. No promises of review, but it's a tool to keep in mind as we all roll along.

[Aiko]

I've read Mossflower Odyssey I - III, and RedVenture 5. Thinking back, my favorite characters were Lilith from Odyssey II, and Tooley from Odyssey III. It's been a while though, so I've probably forgotten a lot.

And yes, I am definitely submitting for this one. I've got a few character ideas I'm thinking through.

[Istvan]

Man, I had no idea so many people liked Lilith. She was really interesting to write and afterwards I really regretted not doing more with her, so I'm glad to hear that her and her rather eclectic ways captured some hearts
Not sure I need more reason to write grotesquely dark characters though

[Vin]

I enjoyed Vasily a great deal. He was one of my favorite apps, actually

One of my favorite apps, and one of my favorite characters in the first week. Of course, I know all about fantastic characters who get killed off first.  ;D

favorite Redwall book is The Bellmaker.

Hands down, no question. I honestly can't think of one that comes close, except maybe Long Patrol. Taggerung was also pretty good. I've also got a soft spot for Mossflower because it was the first one I read.

Eulalia and Doomwyte were the low points for me.

I'm Vin, by the way. I was a contestant on that one where they all went underwater and did some crazy stuff. I saw ghosts and fought octopuses. Octopus? Octopi? Let's go with octopeople. I lurk around and occasionally pop in to say things. I'm usually busy with going to school and writing poetry, but I'm gonna try and be around more this time though.

Now because I'm curious, and because I feel like this will spark some debate: what's everyone's favorite villains and heroes?

[Tooley Bostay]

I'll remember that, and I'd like to point out that your art is very good as well, especially the one of the ferret captain (forget his name).

Ah, yarr, that be Cap'n Blade, Scourge of the Seas. But thankee, mate, I appreciate that. Glad people enjoy my artwork. =)

and Tooley from Odyssey III.

Dawww, shucks. Yer makin' th' woozle blush. I appreciate that, though--glad Tooley struck a chord with a lot of people. =)

And welcome to the forums, Aiko! It's a pleasure to have you here, and glad you're jumping on-board the contest train this time. How did you find out about the contests in the first place? And you draw? Excellent! Same question to you as I posed to Gabool--where might I peruse some more of this artistic goodness? =D

And I do love me a really solid fanfiction, so what's the best one you've read?

Now because I'm curious, and because I feel like this will spark some debate: what's everyone's favorite villains and heroes?

Good question. Do you mean from Redwall, or just any story in general?

[Aiko]

I found out about this contest from your post on Redwall's Legacy. Most of my art is here: http://mystic-shale.deviantart.com/ and here's a set I only posted to tumblr, https://dogcaravan.tumblr.com/post/139446229288/i-was-thinking-about-a-redwall-au-for-one-piece

Most of this stuff is at least several months old (and a lot of it is years old haha), so my style has changed a bit since then.

Sadly, I haven't been reading much Redwall fanfiction recently, mostly snippets and oneshots posted on tumblr. I've followed Highwing's Urthblood series for a while, though I've got some problems with it. I've also been kicking around a few fanfic ideas of my own, though none of it is yet in a state fit to read.

[Vin]

I meant Redwall, but if you really feel passionate about some other villain or hero I don't see why you couldn't talk about them too.

[Tooley Bostay]

Ah, I meant how you found the contests in general, before this most recent one. Did you just stumble on them as part of the Redwall fandom?

And my gosh your art style is adorable. The desaturated colors work well and give it a sort of "storybook" vibe that works with the simplicity of your style. The anatomy of the characters is also nice--gives them an appropriately "animal" sense without stretching too far. Special props for the Dingeye and Thura picture. I really liked those two in the books.

Sadly, I haven't been reading much Redwall fanfiction recently, mostly snippets and oneshots posted on tumblr. I've followed Highwing's Urthblood series for a while, though I've got some problems with it. I've also been kicking around a few fanfic ideas of my own, though none of it is yet in a state fit to read.

Ah ha, Urthblood! A good choice. I've got a lot that I solidly appreciate about those stories - and it's a fanfic I've recommended to a number of people for good reason - though it's not without its rusty spots. Glaring, screamingly-obvious rusty spots. With an axe in its back. Dead. Putting a swift end to an amazing character arc. i hate you for that, highwing
But I'm curious on your thoughts. What are the problems you find with the story?

I meant Redwall, but if you really feel passionate about some other villain or hero I don't see why you couldn't talk about them too.

I haven't read the books in some time, but lemme think... Ferahgo comes to mind quickly. I liked how he had his distinctive traits and quirks (blue eyes, the dripping charm, the knives thing), but none of them were overplayed or outlandish (Ublaz and his magic eyes, Cluny and his spear tail,  etc.) Felt more grounded to me, which also extends to the father/son duality he had with Klitch. Sure, it wasn't anything incredible, but it was another element that made it feel like the character had actually lived a life, rather than was created simply to be the villain for a book.
Dude's a total klutz for leaving the two badger children alive, though.

For hero, I'd say Joseph. Did not enjoy Mariel of Redwall at all, so I was pleasantly surprised to see such a good turn in the Bellmaker (which actually managed to make me like Mariel and Dandin). Really appreciated Joseph's viewpoint as an older character, and also someone who wasn't strictly a warrior. Like Ferahgo, Joseph felt more "real" to me--that he'd actually lived a life. Bonus points that we actually got to see some of that life and struggle in Mariel, which makes his return as a protagonist all the more interesting in Bellmaker.

As a bonus, minor answer, I also remember really liking the otter/dibbun pair in - I think - Mattimeo. The ones who go searching for the Icetor flowers or wotsits.

How about you, Vin?