Character Castle 2.0
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(in case Abirami’s images/video thing was confusing… he used some dangerous pills that boosted his essence to (1) break out of prison after being beaten/tortured (2) used another pill to fight off an army attempting to attack him and his family and then (3) used yet another pill to escape from the emperor’s clutches which is why they were hiding in the cave – and all in quick procession of each other. . using those three pills overloaded his essence and made it go out of control, taking over his higher mental functions – basically making him lose all memory and regressing him down to basically a feral beast. Ulhas, the man at the end, is a Neulahdian who is an empath and has some telepathic and telekinetic abilities – which is why he was able to help Abirami come back to his senses.)
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
@jared-williams hey so, I just wanted to let you know that your post with Ku was really good, but it was really upsetting tbh. It was really well written, but I think that the fact that it was well written made it that much more real and disturbing. I’m not saying this to criticise you or make you feel guilty in any way, but I felt like I should give you a heads up. I personally have not experienced that kind of trauma, but it really was actually very triggering for me (and I’m not using that word lightly at all).
I’m not saying it’s at all wrong to write about this – in fact, I actually really appreciate your willingness to explore really painful, tough topics in your writing. However, I think it’s important to be mindful of the fact that at the end of the day, a lot of people see this as a fun character game, and aren’t prepared to read more detailed descriptions of real world trauma (a very real trauma and fear for a lot of people).
Again, please don’t think I’m upset with you or trying to make you feel guilty, because that isn’t my intent at all!
I think it would actually be a good idea to start posting content warnings on posts that have disturbing material in them! Just a quick “hey just a heads up, this post is going to contain ___” or a formal content warning if people would rather do that. I think the issue here is that we have a wide variety of ages, maturities, and life experiences in this castle. Something that one person feel perfectly fine exploring might be upsetting to another, or an uncomfortable reminder of a struggle. Plus, people just have different boundaries when it comes to content. So like, descriptions of depression, detailed war scenes, abuse, alcoholism, etc. Or, even just creepy or disturbing scenes in general. Just things that might cause distress or a brother or sister to stumble. For example, I’ve got an upcoming post involving a character’s struggle with same-sex attraction. It’s not detailed or anything (it revolves more around him confiding in someone then the actual struggle itself) but I know that’s something a lot of other Christians feel uncomfortable with, and it is a really big…point (?) in that part of the story, so I’ll put a content warning on that. Or, I’ve got a character I want to put back in who has a pretty psychologically disturbing backstory, so I’ll put a warning when I get to him. Just stuff like that! There’s been characters with PTSD, lots of characters with abuse in their backstory, and you just never know what a person is dealing with behind the screen, so I think it would be a good idea to start taking that into consideration.
Any thoughts?
*laughs as one fey*
Hey y’all, I live!! Like, mostly XD Everything is okay, but I still don’t feel great so I’m just popping in really quick. I’ll try to make a comeback next week if possible. I really don’t want to miss the greatest regrets thingy, it looks fun!
Thanks for the prayers, I really appreciate that!
I just want to back up @calidris ‘ comment! Ku’s backstory was really well written and suits her character well, but I couldn’t finish reading it. As soon as I figured out the direction it was going, I had to skim to the end because it made me feel really bad.
As a disclaimer, I haven’t experienced anything like that directly. However, it’s a persistent fear. I don’t have a single female friend who hasn’t been sexually harassed to some degree. It’s an unfortunate reality that’s way too close, and that’s one of the reasons I personally don’t feel comfortable writing it. I think that’s one of the reasons why Ku’s backstory struck way closer to home than some of the other traumatic backstories! I mean nobody here fears being an assassin, (As far as I know… XD) but this is different.
It’s amazing that so many folks in the castle are exploring darker topics in a Christian way. I think it would be good for everyone if we just made a habit of mentioning any disturbing content ahead of the post. I absolutely need to do this too! MoS gets really dark in some places, not just in content but in tone. It’s something that some people might not enjoy reading, and some of my characters go through really traumatic stuff, so I’ll make sure to mention that before I post it!
I really loved seeing Abirami comfort her too! That was so sweet, he’s such a good brother! 😀
Anyway, hope to be back to write soon!
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
Huh…I thought it was just because I trigger really easily, but…yeah, we’ve all been harassed in various ways before I write about it very graphically in my own stories as I guess some sort of exposure therapy.
I did read to the end and I didn’t even cry but I’ve been numbing since last week or so.
Actually, a lot of guys think this is really rare but it happens to literally every girl in existence to some degree and it triggers me more when people broach the subject too casually and I actually…use a male character’s POV to tackle those subjects because it gives me gender dysphoria sometimes and I also feel like more readers will take me seriously if the character is a guy…
Random thoughts! I think that’s just the hardest thing for a guy doing a woman’s POV that’s the biggest thing I’ve ever come across but you handled it very authentically…
To be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
After thinking over and rereading it, I think…it was really powerful. I was trying to figure out why this particular post instantly struck all of us as needing a content warning when I read a couple other posts that went on those same subjects heck I’ve written some of them! I think…1. The group, it’s pretty large and harder to gauge age/maturity range, I wrote my posts in a much more edgy-dark character castle with only a couple other people who all tapped on similar subjects to a degree and had already adjusted and had an established comfort-zone. 2. The characters who were involved in those topics had already been well-established as characters who would be most likely to have experienced something like that. 3. It was hinted at well before actually being confirmed.
I’ve still needed to start putting content warning tho for some stuff but anyway…I’m mostly just thinking outloud lol XD
It wasn’t too shocking to me coz I already knew your current WIP dealt with that material and in that context it fit fairly well. On the other hand, the shock-effect and how sudden Ku’s backstory was is a powerful literary technique I think you could really pull that off because that is a subject people should be all at once suddenly shocked and appalled by. Having it so sudden could really add impact to your themes depending on how you handle it so that’s not necessarily bad and that exact same post would probably be very powerful targeting the right audience, I think the only problem really is there’s such a wide variety of people in this particular castle that you can’t really get a “target audience”
Anyway…*awkwardness* Peace out? <3
To be a light to the world you must shine in the darkness.
However, it’s a persistent fear. I don’t have a single female friend who hasn’t been sexually harassed to some degree
I didn’t mention it, but that’s a huge part of it too. Even if a girl hasn’t experienced that specific kind of trauma, she’s almost certainly experienced some degree of sexual harassment or objectification. This isn’t to say that guys aren’t abused too, but I’m almost 100% certain that in general it’s not this ingrained fear or concern like it is for girls
that’s one of the reasons I personally don’t feel comfortable writing it
Same here. I know some people choose to write about it to explore personal trauma (like @this-is-not-an-alien was saying) but for me it’s just something I’m too sensitive to to explore in writing
@this-is-not-an-alien I agree that it was really, really powerful writing, and I certainly think there’s so much potential here!Personally, I think that one of the reasons it was disturbing to me is because it did kind of go into detail. It wasn’t graphic, but it was definitely strong “content” imo because of how much was shown.
I read a couple other posts that went on those same subjects heck I’ve written some of them! I think…
Yeah, tbh this is the first post I’ve seen that really dealt with this subject in such a visceral way, which might be one reason why I had such a strong reaction to it. I don’t mean visceral in a bad way – I think it definitely has a place in writing, but before I read something traumatic I need to have a heads up, like a warning or build up XD
Which, tbh I should have seen the warning signs and skipped over it, so that part’s on me.
On the other hand, the shock-effect and how sudden Ku’s backstory was is a powerful literary technique I think you could really pull that off because that is a subject people should be all at once suddenly shocked and appalled by.
You know, that’s actually a really great point that I hadn’t thought of!
I brought it up because I actually had a very physical, visceral reaction after the full weight of the post hit me – this wasn’t just a matter of feeling disturbed and appalled, it was a very unpleasant and honestly scary response. I know his intent wasn’t to disturb people that much, so I wanted to let him know in case other people might find it that disturbing.
But then again, they might not, or at least not have nearly that strong of a reaction. You’re neurodivergent too, so maybe you’ve experienced it, maybe not, but hyper-empathy is very much a thing with people like us sooo idk, maybe that’s part of what happened
*shrugs*
Everyone’s different, ya know?
XD
@jared-williams Cathy is bringing up some fantastic points, and I completely agree that you could use this to showcase just how vile and awful this crime really is. I think that it really was fantastically written, and that’s definitely a huge factor in why it was so disturbing. I think there’s a whole lot of potential here, and I think that you’ve got a great opportunity to shed light on a taboo (and yet sadly extremely common) subject. I think that “disturbing” isn’t necessarily a bad thing – in my experience, the stories that stick with me and really make me think are the ones that are a little bit disturbing because they shed light on truths that we might want to avoid so we can live comfortably. Again, please don’t take any of this as a criticism or condemnation of your writing!*laughs as one fey*
I will agree. Warnings or a buildup are a good idea. I’ll admit that when I was reading that I was kinda like, where on earth is this going…?Also, I’ll give a warning right now-when Saevus’ biggest regret comes in, it’ll be in the middle of a battle, and a sword battle at that…so expect a little (I promise I’ll do my best to tone it down) blood-and-guts kinda thing. (Also, another warning-he will not at all be happy about having to do this, so he will explode and start another battle. Sorry, It’s just who he is)
Also, I’ll give a warning right now-when Saevus’ biggest regret comes in, it’ll be in the middle of a battle, and a sword battle at that…so expect a little (I promise I’ll do my best to tone it down) blood-and-guts kinda thing.
I really appreciate that! Violence isn’t *as* big of an issue for me personally, but it’s still really nice to be prepared in advance XD
(Also, another warning-he will not at all be happy about having to do this, so he will explode and start another battle. Sorry, It’s just who he is)
Lol I guess Saevus is going to Saevus XD Sounds good, but just make sure everyone else has a chance to write their’s beforehand!
he will explode and start another battle
Out of context this just sounds so…cursed and chaotic
Which it kind of is tbh…I mean, just look at the absolute disaster that was the previous battle XD
*laughs as one fey*
Well…it’s Saevus. How else is he gonna respond to this? He certainly won’t sit there and act like nothing happened.
And yes, I’m gonna let everyone else go first because he…he’s Saevus.
@ethan-leonard it’s going to be a sad day for Saevus when he no longer has anyone to fight…tbh if he weren’t so evil I’d feel sorry for him
*laughs as one fey*
oh, yeah. though… I haven’t watch all of it yet… I really like how they put that together. Have you heard of Sight & Sounds Theater? They have AMAZING musical productions of Bible stories!!!!!! Like, seriously, worth looking into!
Me too! We’ve watched both season… 3 or 4 times each I think XD. It’s my favorite show. (Translation: it’s the only show I’ve ever watched😂)
Yes, I’ve heard of it. We almost went once (they were doing Samson) but we ended up not. Definitely want to go, though.nice. well written post! I like it. Yarrow seems level-headed and a fun character. (not a typical combination 😉)
Thanks!
Yeah, I didn’t expect that. I kinda imagined him as “fly boy”, but I think level headed yet still fun fits him better.Poor Ku🙁. That was really sad. Well written, though.
A long-hidden tale may hold the answers-and the healing-they so desperately seek.
~Set the Stars AlightI think it would actually be a good idea to start posting content warnings on posts that have disturbing material in them!
I was actually thinking of putting a content warning on mine before I read any of this!
Yeah, Ku’s ordeal is definitely triggering for us ladies. However, it is an issue that shouldn’t be ignored any longer, so I appreciate that your writing deals with it.
it’s going to be a sad day for Saevus when he no longer has anyone to fight…tbh if he weren’t so evil I’d feel sorry for him
XD
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!Yeah, Ku’s ordeal is definitely triggering for us ladies. However, it is an issue that shouldn’t be ignored any longer, so I appreciate that your writing deals with it.
Exactly!
*laughs as one fey*
So
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
This post contains suicide and violence.
Jade
Ku’s regret reveal left Jade’s skin crawling in horror. When Abirami’s turn came, Jade’s mind raced, trying to figure out how to deal with this diabolical Castle’s challenge. Airu forced herself into Jade’s unwilling thoughts. Hatred for the Benevolents, for herself, and for the Castle coursed through Jade’s entire being. Her earlier illusions of freedom vanished. This place was worse than Benevola Haven. At least the Benevolents weren’t as all-knowing and all-powerful as they pretended to be. Jade pulled against her restraints and glared at the ceiling. She wasn’t going to give the Castle any satisfaction.
Therefore, of course she was up next. What, was the Castle working through first the birthday girl, then the dancers, and then the rest?
”Jade Nightingale, daughter of the Fishers Nightingale of Benevola Haven: divulge your deepest regret.”
Her arms now free, she crossed them.
10
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She clenched her teeth and fists.
5
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3
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2
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1
Breathe.
And Airu was on the screen.
Jade had expected to merely watch the events play out, but whether it was a trick of the Castle or not, it felt as though all of the emotions of that day were dumped into her soul once more.
Airu, with her long, black, exquisitely braided hair, her soft white dress, trembled. Jade watched herself put a geranium, which she’d found in the cracks of concrete outside the tenement, into Airu’s hair and pat her shoulder. Then Brennan came in and took Airu’s hand. Jealousy stabbed Jade now just as it had then. She knew she’d been horridly childish. Who cared if Airu weren’t just hers, so long as she was alive?
The scene shifted. Now Jade saw herself standing to the side in the school assembly, watching Airu and Brennan dance beneath the Benevolents’ eyes, watching Brennan fail to salute them.
Then her heart leapt with joy when the Benevolents included Airu in those to go into textile work, not the fishery. Maybe, maybe, maybe, Jade could achieve her own goal the next Day of Destiny, becoming a Dancer.
A Benevolent read out the Culled list. “For the glory of Benevola Haven, the improvement of the human race, and the furtherance of the greater good, the following persons are hereby Culled…”
When Brennan’s name was announced in the list, shame burned Jade’s cheeks. She felt the sulky triumph of her younger self at the same time as the grief and regret of now.
”No!” Airu screamed. She’d always been so emotional.
Something in Jade shut down. She didn’t have to keep an emotionless mask on anymore. A numbness filled her instead as she watched Brennan try to soothe Airu, and Airu cling to him, and the Protectors push her off and drag Brennan away.
The scene changed again, snapping Jade out of her numb state. She braced herself. Now she saw herself and Airu standing in the common space near the kitchen counter. Gone were the braids and flower and dress. Tears streamed down Airu’s cheeks. The blood thumping in Jade’s ears drowned out every bit of their argument.
Except:
”If they saw fit to Cull him, what kind of guy was he, anyway? He was so stupid back there, he practically killed himself!” Oh stupid young Jade. No…
Airu let loose a wail like a dying animal, and a wild look entered her eyes. She seized the knife on the counter.
Jade shut her eyes.
The room went deathly silent. Jade buried her face under her arms and against the desk.
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!I apologize for not giving a warning. You all are right. I should have seen that.
And to answer your question, @this-is-not-an-alien as to why this particular post hit so hard… part of it may have been the way I wrote it, but I think part of it is because previous posts from Ku connected with you guys and by this time, you guys know Ku and her character… she crept into your hearts… and then I hit you with that… sorry.
looking back, im wondering why I didn’t see it. Usually with something like that I would know to give prior warning to it.
Random thoughts! I think that’s just the hardest thing for a guy doing a woman’s POV that’s the biggest thing I’ve ever come across but you handled it very authentically…
thank you for that compliment. I really don’t have any experience with personal trauma or anything like this, but like it was mentioned before, many of us are ultra-empathetic… in fact, my WIP is the very first time I ever attempted to write from a female’s POV. It’s definitely something I feel that I would be unable to do, save for the grace of God.
(Also, another warning-he will not at all be happy about having to do this, so he will explode and start another battle. Sorry, It’s just who he is)
Lol that certainly will be interesting… especially since Saevus will be fighting the castle this time… lol. Ku (and maybe Abirami) just might join in the attack. lol. Though Abirami may just relegate himself to damage control… and corralling everyone else to safety…
Yeah, Ku’s ordeal is definitely triggering for us ladies. However, it is an issue that shouldn’t be ignored any longer, so I appreciate that your writing deals with it.
aw, I am sorry I failed to be more sensitive (especially with not giving the warnings) but thank you for your appreciation too. I really do try to write honestly about real issues, not color-coating stories or idealizing the world (hehe… idealizing… whose word was that again?) but again, making sure not to leave it without hope, perspective, truth, and joy.
In what is now the second book in the series, I write of issues of discrimination, ostracization and racism – in a way that come natural to the fantasy world… and then the third book, which im about 1/3rd of the way writing, will deal with morality and the value of life…
wait… so, did Airu attack Jade, or attack herself? sorry, I probably should be able to read between the lines, but my mind’s apparently not working right now.
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
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