Character Interviews., Real World Interaction with your FanFic Chars! Options

[Black Hand]

I realize this has been done to death in several other forums, but I was reading one on SyriaSays.com and just felt like doing one more. Besides, for you authors with 47+ pages already, this can give us cool synopsis of them!

You can use the questions I used as a template, or create your own. Be dramatic, silly, whatever. Let's just be creative!

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I decided to flesh this part out a bit more! EDIT: 8/5/11


Character: Sethyas Velas
Genre/Setting: Morrowind, Nerevarine MQ/Walkthrough

PLEASE GIVE US A QUICK INTRODUCTION?
Certainly, I am Sethyas Velas, a Dunmer by birth, raised in the Imperial Province of Cyrodiil. I am an Assassin by trade, though more of a Adventurer by vocation. After my arrest and subsequent 'release' to the Island of Vvardenfell, I began and completed my destiny as the Nerevarine.

YOU'RE AN ASSASSIN?
Heh, one of many titles that could be placed upon me. It was more of a metamorphosis of roles throughout my life I suppose. As a youth, I worked on a vineyard in the Monastery where I was raised. This gave me a bit of knowledge of alchemical processes. Later I learned a little bit of illusion magics. Much later, on Vvardenfel, I became a capable Thief within the Guild, as well as earning a bit more of proper pay and fighting skills within the Fighters Guild. Due too politics and an...incident...that included both Guilds and my role in solving the problem, I more or less retired from both, with competent heads leading both now.

Not too long after the retirement, I joined with the Morag Tong for my...potential. I quickly adapted too, and eventually became Grandmaster of the Guild. The Alchemy gave me a proper knowledge of poisons, the illusion advantage is obvious, nighteye, invisibility and the like. Plus being a fair hand with a bow, and very decent knack with blades, long and short, my talents were applied very well.

However, while I do trade blood for gold within the confines of the Guild, I do not take life at a request of any individual with coin, I am not that type of Assassin. That would be the Dark Brotherhood.

As of late, I much less involved in such affairs, and more or less oversee the whole operation, whilst leaving the day to day to my lieutenants. I have many pokers in the fire, so that is one aspect, one thing that makes me easy to define. I also am the Landlord of Bal Isra, a as of late small but thriving settlement due northwest of Ald-Ruhn, where the Redoran Council resides, of which I am also a member.

As I said, I have many pokers in the fire, so to call me Assassin, is one of many things I could be called.

HOW DID YOU FIRST MEET YOUR WRITER?
Hmm, that's an interesting question. I suppose we met about five or six years ago in the Census and Excise Office of Seyda Neen on his XBox. I was to be a Mash-up between a warrior and assassin, based on Helseth who resided at Velas Manor in Mournhold. I ended up with the manor's surname, and a variation on HelSETH.

Since than we've just taken the Assassin class and ran with it, originally he was just a powergamer, but than he started really getting into the story, and I fit perfectly in his mind.


DID YOU EVER THINK THAT YOUR LIFE WOULD END UP BEING IN A BOOK?
Honestly, no! I don't think he did either. When he started writing, he had about fifteen characters to choose from, most don't even exist anymore. I think he chose me as I was his 'primary' character, and most personally developed in his head. I am honored in retrospect.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SCENES IN YOUR BOOK: ACTION, DIALOGUE, ROMANCE?
Hmmm. It's hard to say. I admit I ironically shy from conflict, despite having more than my fair share of it. In the stories I'm portrayed between being sinister and a stalwart friend, but I do enjoy a good conversation, so I suppose it would be conversation. I also appear to be unlucky in love and a talented killer, so I suppose I do have a bad reputation outside looking in, despite my genuine good nature.

YOU HAVE A GENUINE GOOD NATURE? WHAT MAKES YOU SAY THAT?
I treat others as I would have them treat me. I have never spoken ill to another, unless it was called upon. I expect no less from others than what I am willing to do.

That includes duty. Yes, it is my duty to take life at times. What makes a mage that has no regard for life, that is capable of ending one with a flick of a finger and a fireball, or a Soldier facing his enemy bravely on the battlefield and being the victor, any different than I? Opinions. Perspectives. Merely thus.

I will say that any kills I have had to do, I attempt to make as quickly and painless as possible. I do not relish suffering, indeed, I loathe it. Even enemies deserve a clean death. There has been exceptions, of course. But these weren't mere enemies, these were....nemeses.

DID YOU HAVE A HARD TIME CONVINCING YOUR AUTHOR TO WRITE ANY PARTICULAR SCENES FOR YOU?
Actually, I don't have too. We have a mutual respect, he lets me be who I am in spite of sometimes by knack for going off script sometimes, he says I've actually surprised him a couple of times. But I think thats the secret of any good relationship, accepting and respecting who the person is, not trying to change them too what you want them to be.

For that reason, I don't like his 'retcon' a couple of years ago, when he essentially tried to make me "Altair" from "Assassin's Creed." I'm still embarrassed. I existed prior to that games release, and was just fine as was. Despite the similarities in our characters, I am not Altair.

DO YOU INFILTRATE YOUR AUTHORS DREAMS?
No, we each have our time and space in which to exist, even a yearlong pause on his part is merely an instant to me.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN A RELATIONSHIP?
Hmmm. Not 'currently,' no. Though he tells me there is something cooking up in my future. I've been widowed and just had a bad breakup with a girlfriend however. I also have a Daedra Seducer companion, but there is nothing physical or emotional about our partnership, though it is the cause of a few raised eyebrows. One woman in particular...

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE GENRE YOUR WRITER HAS PLACED YOU IN?
Indeed. I would be alien in anything else. He says if I existed in real life, I'd likely be a Special Operations Commando in Belize.

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN A SEQUEL IF YOUR WRITER IS SO INCLINED?
I've already been in one, with a third in the works. Provided another author hurries herself up with her story! But I am more or less happy with the progress that has been made so far, he doesn't like his earliest works in comparison to now as it's been a learning experience for both of us.

IF YOU COULD GIVE YOURSELF A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
I think the powers which I already possess are adequate. I can make myself invisible, use 'Command' to influence weak-minded individuals for a short time, and in theory will never die from age or disease. Supposedly I am quite intelligent, according to my author, and have a inborn talent for my trade.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Aug 7 2011, 08:52 AM

[treydog]

We are very pleased to be able to present this exclusive and candid interview with Athynae Sarethi and Athlain Treyson. The words are their own. Nothing has been changed or removed.

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Please give us a quick introduction.

Athlain: I am Athlain Treyson, officer of the Imperial Legion and resident of Vvardenfell. Is that quick enough?

Athynae: I am Athynae Serethi, daughter of Athyn and Serene Sarethi and first born child on Vvardefell after the Blight. And- there is no need to be so rude, Athlain.

Athlain: How was that rude? I just asked if it was quick enough.

Athynae: Yes- and I HEARD your tone. If you did not want to do this, you should not have agreed.

Athlain: You are just angry with me already, so you hear that "tone" in everything I say.

Athynae: You just THINK I am angry. I am merely- annoyed. If I was ANGRY- you would know it. And you would not LIKE me if I was angry.

Athlain: I apologize. You are right. Next question please.

Athynae: Thank you, dear. Yes please, the next question?


How did you meet your writer?

Athlain: It is all my father’s fault. He decided to stop adventuring, and no one really wants to read a story about someone who simply raises his family and makes potions. So, when this so-called “author” was casting about for something else to do, he casually asked me if I had kept any journals. I had no idea….

Athynae: And for me, it was all because of the writer and my mother conspiring. She actually allowed him to tell MY story. And then- of course- he and Athlain were GETTING IT WRONG. So I had to step in. I just couldn't stand the way they were portraying me as some overly angry "girl." Men are useful sometimes, but you CANNOT trust them to get a story straight. They acted as if they knew what I was thinking, but they didn't have a clue. AND - what a surprise- they did not even ASK ME!

They assumed a woman’s story would be all about clothes and shoes and- and- ohhhh!

So, I decided I had better write MY part of the story myself.


So, how did….

Athynae: YES. Before you ask, I did infiltrate his dreams. I HAD TO. It was the only way to get my point across, the only way he would LISTEN. And I had to threaten him with a balding spell to get him out of his stupor. He tried to use that "I'm thinking about it" excuse. He has no idea the lengths I went to getting him back on track, the hours I spent on that spell, all the time I spent trying to get his attention before the dreams. I really tried conventional methods first. They just didn't work.


Did you ever think your life would be in a book?

Athlain: I grew up reading my father’s journal, as well as those of Serene and Sethyas. My father collects every firsthand account he can find, and he always allowed me free access to his library. So, when I left home, I began keeping my own journal. I am not sure who I thought it was for…, but it seemed important.

It was only later that the- ah, transcriptionist approached me.

Athynae: OH NO! I have always kept a journal, as my Mother always has, but it never occurred to me that it would end up in a book. Truly, my life never seemed exciting enough for a book. And, unlike Athlain, I had never read any of their journals before.... Also- as I said earlier, when I realized they were including ME and MY thoughts, and DOING IT WRONG! Then I simply had to make sure it was written correctly.


Are you happy with the genre your writer has placed you in?

Athlain: Genre? That seems to imply that my story is a work of fiction. I assure you, that is NOT the case- and I can show you the scars to prove it. And again, I note that he is more of a transcriber than a writer.

Athynae: I would have to agree with Athlain on this. THIS IS NO WORK OF FICTION! I'm sorry -I'm just not quite clear headed this morning

Athlain: Did you have your tea? Let me just ring for someone to bring a cup. Ah-- did you want the ...red cup?

Athynae: I AM drinking my tea! No need to be hostile. And, NO I DO NOT NEED THE RED CUP!

Athlain: That was fear -not hostility.

Athynae: Funny how you can be smart enough to fear me before my tea, but you can stand face to face with any number of monsters and not think at all.

Athlain: Excuse me just a moment. I need to ask someone for something....

(Athlain steps to the door and speaks in a low tone. Moments later, a servant appears with a LARGE red cup and silently hands it to Athynae).

Athynae: Well now isn't that just lovely? NOW EVERYONE KNOWS! Thank you very much.

Athlain: Drink your tea, dear. It's good for you. (Muttered- And for the rest of us.)

Athynae: Do you have one of my healing potions with you?

Athlain: (suspiciously) Why?

Athynae: You keep pushing me and you are going to need it. “For the rest of us,” really?

Next question, sir. Please.

Athlain: Yes- please.


What are your favorite scenes in your book- action, dialogue, romance?

Athlain: He seems to get the action right, doesn’t try to glorify or embellish it very much. And the dialogue is usually accurate. Of course, he is working from my journals, so…

Athynae: Some ROMANCE would be wonderful. Not that I am holding my breath.

Athlain: What do you mean by that? What do you call all these thoughts I have about you?

Athynae: That's just it! They are THOUGHTS! A girl occasionally appreciates some action you know! Mumbling "I love you" in a snow-storm does NOT count.

Athlain: Oh? And how are we supposed to have "action" when we aren’t together?

Athynae: AND WHOSE fault is THAT?

Athlain: I do have a job to do, ‘Thyna. Did you forget?

Athynae: Oh please! That again? And you can't ASK FOR HELP? On this "JOB?"

Athlain: ‘Thyna, you are being just a bit unreasonable, don't you think?

Athynae: FINE! Next question.

Athlain: Go on to the next question, please. She won’t give this up. (Aside- You can tell when she gets that look in her eyes. Like a guar stuck in a mud-hole.

Athynae: Guar. Guar? I'll show you a guar, mister.

Athlain: It was just a figure of speech, sweetheart.

Athynae: Just as soon as we are out of here.

Athlain: PLEASE ask the next question.

Athynae: (Smiling sweetly) Please do go on.

Athlain: I am begging you- next question. We needn't air our conflicts here.

Athynae: You only think you've seen "conflict." Just wait. And stop holding that Intervention amulet. I see that! The Temple won't save you.


So. Moving along...

Athlain: Yes. Please. (Muttered- Thank the Nine).

Athynae: You need to be thanking someone for saving your hide.


Did you have a hard time convincing your writer to write any particular scenes?

Athlain: He seems to have these long periods where he just -ignores- my journals. I know he has read all of them and is aware of the major events. But he has a habit of stopping for no apparent reason. Of course, that has changed recently, thanks to….

Athynae: Yes, thanks to me! Of course I had to threaten him with a new balding spell I created, just to get the ball rolling so to speak. And since I did that, I went ahead and threw in MY thoughts into the mix. MY REAL thoughts -not some conjured up ideas from Athlain's journal. And thank Azura I did. Because if I hadn't, people would still think I was some stupid "girl," sitting at home pining away. I ask you –does that sound like ME? I don't think so.

Athlain: Dear... I never thought you were stupid.... And- you ARE a girl.

Athynae: No, I am a woman. And I am still waiting for you to notice that. A "girl" would be home chasing cliff racers with her bow and stealing sweet rolls from the kitchen.

Athlain: Next question- PLEASE?

Athynae: Yes. Please.


Do you infiltrate your author’s dreams?

Athynae: I already answered that.

Athlain: No. That would be… just “no.”

Athynae: I really cannot say the same. Sorry. I do what I must to ensure that he gets it all and gets it right. And although I may not be proud of it - it works when all else fails.

And- a better question might be whether the writer infiltrates MY dreams; as he does upon occasion.

Athlain: WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?

Athynae: Never mind dear, it's nothing to bother yourself with. You wouldn't understand.

Athlain: Where is my MACE? I have to go!

Athynae: Athlain, there is no need to run amok over this. We are just friends, working together to get your story straight. Now SIT DOWN!!!

Athlain: (Grumbling) All right.

Athynae: And for Azura's sake, please put that thing away before you hurt yourself.

Athlain: He said he was going to the Imperial City next, right?

Athynae: We'll talk about it later dear. Next question please.


Are you currently engaged in a relationship?

Athlain: (Looks at Athynae's hand, tightly held in his.) What do YOU think?

Athynae: (Shakes the hand free and looks at its unadorned fingers). Is “engaged” the same as “betrothed?” Because I thought when someone was engaged, they were asked and then given a gift to represent the occasion. I have been given no such gift- nor have I been asked.

Athlain: Um- well- I was going to say 'yes', but now.... (Begins searching through his pockets).

Athynae: Unless you count the bracer. And I don't. What on Nirn are you digging in your pockets for? I certainly hope it isn’t some ring you just found lying around. That would hardly show any thought or consideration for me. “Romance” -in the form of a ring you probably found in some musty old tomb? I don’t think so!

Athlain: Never mind. Next question?

Athynae: Yes. Next question please. Before he says something he can't explain.


So- you are NOT engaged?

Athlain- Apparently not.

Athynae: As I said, the betrothal was engineered by our mothers, and has been accepted and approved by the Duke. But -someone has STILL neither "asked" nor "given." So, no we aren't.

Athlain: And all she has "given" me -besides her scarf- is my life. Several times. Oh, and some rather spectacular bruises.

Athynae: What was I supposed to do? Hunt you down and then just stand there while you keeled over? I think not.

Athlain: You DO KNOW -my jaw still creaks when I eat?

Athynae: I could heal that for you. If I wanted to. But maybe it will limit your verbiage.


So- I will just put that down as "betrothed" -yes?

Athynae: Yes. That's fine.

Athlain: (mumbled) Certainly.


Moving on …

Athynae: Please.

Athlain: Yes- wonderful- please do.

Athynae: (Aside to Athlain, in a whisper) How did you get us into this again? These questions are very personal.

Athlain: ME? I thought it was YOU!

Athynae and Athlain simultaneously: MAE AND CAI!

Athynae: You know; I could see that you become an only child…

Athlain: Would you? For me? Now THAT would be a GIFT!

Athynae: Picking on you is one thing, but when they include me in their antics, it is inexcusable.

Athlain: Yes dear.

Athynae: Well, you are accustomed to it. But, they are SUPPOSED to be my FRIENDS.

Athlain: Yes dear- but- the nice scribe is waiting....

Athynae: Right. Well- is there another question? We really have important business to attend to.


I forgot. I feel rather- disoriented. Just give me a moment.

Athynae: Sometimes the cost of a moment is great.


Ah- prophecy? So- you are still prone to visions then?

Athynae: Prophecy? Well… Visions, yes… but….

Athlain: And the only time I am prone is after she hits me. And then my vision is blurred.

Athynae: Your vision is always blurred.

Athlain: Only because of you always hitting me!

Athynae: It has nothing to do with my “waking” of your brain. You are an officer in the Legion, so stop complaining about my little love taps.

Athlain: Yes dear.

Athynae: Else they'll all think you are a scaredy cat.

Athlain: Whatever you say- dear.

Athynae: Would you please stop saying that? You sound like my father. Agree with me or don't. But "yes dear" isn't an appropriate response.

Athlain: Sorry dear. I will make a note.

Athynae: Would you like me to paint it on your forehead backwards, so you can read it in your reflection?

Athlain: (Silence)

Athynae: Right. That’s what I thought. Next question?


Would you be interested in a sequel if your author is so inclined?

Athynae: Well…

Athlain: He will be lucky if he lives long enough to finish this one.

Athynae: I think next time I would prefer to have more control over the story. Maybe I will be the main character next time. Athlain -hush. You aren't going to hurt him.

Athlain: OH -because you intend to "work closely" with the writer? I SEE how it is!

Athynae: Just sit still. ATHLAIN, DON"T MAKE ME KNOCK YOU OUT SO WE CAN FINISH THIS INTERVIEW! And anyway, it is just writing.

Athlain: And DREAMS.

Athynae: It is the same as commissioning a painting.

Athlain: And ROMANCE.

Athynae: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ROMANCE?!

Athlain: (Choking on the words). A- painting? What kind of "painting?" And who painted it?

Athynae: OH FOR AZURA’S SAKE! Can you hear yourself? Really?

Athlain: It wasn't one of those.... those...

Athynae: Athlain, you are making a fool of yourself in front of this nice man.

Athlain: “Colovian postcard” paintings, was it?

Athynae: (whispers) For all the world to read. And I haven't had a painting done. It was just an example. And what exactly is a “Colovian postcard” and how do you know about them?

Athlain: Oh, well- perhaps we could just... leave that last part out?

Athynae: It makes you look far more foolish than I. And since you make it a habit to do foolish things already..... Yes. Let's just leave that last part out. Or edit it to our satisfaction. That will not be a problem, will it?


Of course not.

Athynae: Just send me the finished product before publication, and I'll approve it before it's sent to print.


Yes, Mistress Sarethi

Athynae: Thank you. That's how our author and I work. It's just easier that way. Athlain, stop looking at me like that. You don't scare me. And take your hand off of that mace before I take it away from you. If you hurt our writer, your story will never be finished.

Athlain: (Muttered) Paintings…

Athynae: THERE IS NO PAINTING! And even if there was, it would be of me in my white fur armor.

Athlain: Oh- well. That would be different.

Athynae: Yes, I would say so. Can we continue now? If Athlain is quite finished muttering and glowering?


Yes, of course. Let me look over my notes… Ah. If you could have a superpower or special ability, what would it be?

Athlain: Oh definitely an iron jaw (sidles away from a suddenly-thrown elbow). Also steel ribs. And maybe a way to shield my thoughts….

Athynae: I would like to be able to bring the dead back to life. And I am going to need that ability in about 5 minutes- right after this interview is over.


Is there anything either of you would like to add? Anything you might want to say to one another?

Athlain: Well- I do wish she wouldn’t treat me as if I am stupid all the time. And I might mention that I got hit less frequently during Legion training than I have since being betrothed to her.

Athynae: I only observe your normal reaction to things. You charge in like a blind-folded guar and expect me to not get frustrated with you. As for the “hitting,” that seems to be the only way to get your attention- DEAR.

Athlain: I am an OFFICER of the Legion!

Athynae: And WHAT does that mean? Did that PROMOTION automatically make you smarter?

Athlain: Of course- you would pretend that you don't know!

Athynae: YOU DID PASS BY ME- TWICE! And –WHAT is it that I am “pretending I don’t know?” That you seem to think just because you wear an officer’s uniform that you can't DIE?!"

Athlain: That again? Really? (Rest of answer unintelligible muttering).

Athynae: IF you are going to say something, you really ought to say it so everyone can hear, not just ME!

Athlain: Fine!

Athynae: FINE! (Rises and stomps off). OHHHH! (Door slams).

Here the interview ended.

A Note from the Interviewer:

I did not send the interview to Miss Sarethi prior to printing it, as I felt the readers of this particular interview would like to see the 'real' Athlain Treyson and Athynae Sarethi. I have booked passage on the next ship to sail...anonymously. I do hope you enjoy what will be my last published article, as my life is quite precious to me.