Post by Athaia on Jun 5, 2017 15:25:04 GMT
This is the RPG chat thread - I thought it would be nice to keep it separate from the Cooldown Cafe, so that we can keep chatting about the real world there, and have fun with (or as) our characters here.
Subreality Café isn't my invention, but a very old concept by Kielle that sadly died with her many moons ago. I was fascinated by it back then, but convinced that I'd never be able to write fiction. Now that I'm cured of that self-defeating belief, I'd like to revive the concept and see where we can take it.
But first, an introduction to subreality. The following text was taken from subreality central, a site that doesn't exist anymore and is only accessible via the internet archive. I cleaned it up a bit and added some ideas of my own, but full credit belongs forever to Kielle.
*
Q. What IS Subreality?
A. Okay, imagine for a moment that the universe we live in is Reality. (pause) Come to think of it, that's not a very hard thing to imagine. Anyhow, now imagine that everything you read, imagine, and write actually does exist somewhere, in another dimension or somesuch.
Now (one more step, you can do it!), imagine that there's a hazy borderland between Reality and Imagination where anything can happen and anyone can show up...real or not.
That's Subreality.
The writers on the Subreality Café project and its spin-offs have been messing around with this foggy nothingness between dimensions, and it's gotten seriously weird...
Q. What is the Subreality Café?
A. The Subreality Café (or SC for short) is a tavern/bar/nightclub/whatever where characters created by writers of comic-book fan-fiction go between chapters or after stories, usually to gripe about the ridiculous or painful antics their writers have put them through. Or, worse, have NOT put them through -- characters need to be written to truly exist, after all.
Any number of characters from any version of fanfic continuity can be on-hand in the Café; it's not unusual to see an entire table-full of Gambits trying to out-poker each other, or a version of the New Mutants trying to convince the bartender that they're all overage "in this one story, y'see..."
We also get an interesting array of visitors from other genres, due to crossovers and such. So it's not just about comics.
Q. What does the Café look like?
A. Actually, seeing as the Café only exists because it's been crafted out of nothing by sheer imagination, it looks like however the writer/reader (that's you) envisions it to be...and it's constantly changing, adding more tables or a kareoke stage or a jukebox or more booze or extra backrooms as needed. Some see it as an old English-style pub or a Western saloon; some envision a jazzy nightclub, while others prefer a seedier dive. One writer saw it as a nice bright breakfast nook. Many fill it with shadows and smoke. About the only consistancy is the bar, and that's mainly because everyone agrees that there has to be one!
And there's the "Subreality Cafe" sign outside, of course -- after all, how are travellers supposed to find their way through the misty murk beyond this one little ordered corner of chaos if they don't have a cheerful neon glow to guide them in?
Q. Who hangs out at the Café?
A. There are several different categories of SC denizens...
the fictives -- The characters from the stories for whom the Cafe was created, and thus the most common barflies. If you watched "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," you'll get an idea of what fictives are like "off duty." They're like 'toons; they can't really die, it only looks that way in stories, but it can sure tick them off! The only thing a fictive truly fears is losing his/her writer's interest; a fictive without readers or finished stories can fade away into non-existence, a fate worse than death.
the Writers -- In the beginning writers (also capitalized as "Writers") were not allowed in the Café except on designated nights (or Thursdays), but nowadays they often sneak in anyway. You can usually recognize a writer by the tools of the trade (a laptop, or a pad and a pen) and a certain aura of "reality" about them. A fictive can always point out a writer and vice-versa -- it's instinctive. Writers can change their surroundings, the laws of physics, and even the flow of time itself simply by writing a new version...which is why the staff of the SC are very nervous about allowing them in! There's a Writers' Café just down the road, but for some reason the buggers would usually rather be at the SC. Go fig.
the SC staff -- More about them in a minute.
the uncreated (or unwritten) -- These are nebulous not-quite-fictives who are still only ideas in their writers' minds. All fictives were once uncreated. You usually don't see any uncreated in the SC -- they have their own equally ambiguous hangout elsewhere, Club Concepto...a place no fictive really wants to go. "Real" fictives are very proud of their upgraded status.
avatars -- An avatar can be a) one's all-time favorite original character (not necessarily from fanfic) who's taken on almost a life of his/her own, or b) a writer's persona in the Cafe. In SC stories, it's usually the latter. An avatar of this latter type is an extension of yourself -- he/she is how you want people to imagine you in this virtual environment. For example, when the writer Seraph is "in the Cafe," she writes herself as looking/dressing more angelic than she does in real life, including a sword and actual wings. This Cafe version IS Seraph in all ways that count -- but of course she's not really Seraph (who's wingless at her keyboard in Australia, not downing beers in a fictional pub!).
Muses -- A recent addition to the SC mythos, Muses are inspiration given physical form. They used to be rare in the Cafe because most never personify their inspiration, or get them confused with their avatar(s). However, lately there's been an upsurge in muse sightings; some writers are on first-name basis with their own Muses and thus are sometimes seen arguing with them over a sticky plotpoint...or who bought the last round.
Mainstreams -- These are the one-and-only original characters created by the professionals who actually get paid to write stuff about them. They are absolutely 100% NOT allowed in the Café...which is okay, because they generally don't want to hang out there anyway. Legal issues and all that jazz.
Mundanes -- Occasionally someone manages to drag someone to the Café who isn't a writer OR a reader of fanfic -- a sibling, a friend, a spouse, even a parent or two. These poor benighted souls usually wind up tremendously confused, frustrated, or terrified at the weirdness around them. Tee hee.
Q. Who runs this place? Who will I meet?
A. Well, the running joke in fandom has become that the place belongs to its creator, Kielle, referred to in the Cafe as "the Scribe." In writing terms, Kielle doesn't really exert much influence over the place, and has never insisted on doing so -- however, people have found it convenient to make SOMEBODY the place's landlord/resident-final-word, so that's what Kielle-the-character does. You do NOT have to write her. In fact, you probably shouldn't.
The rest of the staff should be fairly easy to write, as they are composed by stereotypes just like the Café they work for, and they look like however you wish to picture them...
the Manager -- An ambiguous being, neither male nor female, and thus referred to as he/she. Capable, quick-thinking, intelligent -- good at what he/she does. Sometimes nearly driven to drink by the Café's patrons, but a good chap/gal all around. Falstaff created him/her and should be proud.
the Bouncer -- Big, brawny, gruff, steadfast, stubborn, always on duty, and not about to take guff from anyone...no matter how much artillery they might be packing. Usually employed to try to keep nosy writers out.
These are the main two -- you can also throw in a Bartender (unless you have the Manager mix drinks -- many do, to keep things simple), a Cook, anyone else you may need. Tapestry recently contributed a nondescript male Janitor, if you need one. We like to use a genial bartender by the name of Major Mapleleaf (a bit character who never really made it in comics), but that's negotiable. Remember, this is Subreality -- cliches work here.
History
In real-life terms, Subreality was a one-shot idea spawned in Subreality Hopscotch, which was refined into a finalized concept presented in Somebody Fire My Agent. This was followed closely by Raindrops Keep Falling In My Beer and To Hell With The Fake ID and from there into a pretty amazing run of stories by various authors on ACFF and beyond.
Then the idea was adopted by both part of the round-robin community (then hosted on Mirage & Jelpy's now-defunct GenXForce website) and the newborn chat community...and sorta went mad from there.
In imaginary terms, Subreality has always existed, but has only recently become greatly expanded into a place in its own right by the massive influx of imagination from writers & readers. At first it was mainly populated by fictives (characters) until the Writers moved in en masse; most recently the place has expanded to include a thriving community of muses who, in typical Subreality fashion, have of course always been there. It changes from month to month depending on who's into it, so don't expect any great continuity...
Location
Subreality is not so much a place in and of itself as it is the borderline between Reality and Fantasy, a hazy place where anyone can wind up and anything can happen. It has, however, become a place of its own right as more and more people contribute ideas to flesh it out. The Cafe itself is either a lonely roadhouse in the middle of nowhere or nestled at the heart of "Subreality City" itself depending on which setting you prefer -- it's up to you.
As for adding other new places of your own...have at it.
Beings
AntiMuse = a creature which does the exact opposite of a muse -- constantly trying to distract a writer from their work! Invented by TangleToy in Pennies From Heaven.
Classic = a Fictive who has imprinted so deeply on the cultural unconscious that they have acquired a semi-real status; think of Sherlock Holmes, or Odysseus. They are the only Fictives that have become immune to Fading, and are thus revered and envied by the other Fictives. Every Fictive secretly dreams of reaching this demigod status, but the chances are infinitesimally small.
Critic = the antithesis to the Muse, this demonic counterpart is constantly trying to destroy a Writer’s confidence in their abilities and ultimately, her joy of Writing. Critics hate Subreality, the powers of Imagination, and the Fictives and actively work to disrupt the flow of creativity that sustains them. The Critics’ ultimate goal is to see all Fictives fade away into the Mists of Unbeing. Not to be confused with the Anti Muse (a lesser demon), or the Editor.
Editor = a lesser Muse or Muse-in-training, constantly trying to inspire their Writer to improve on their craft. Contrary to the Critic, the Editor doesn’t want the Fictives or their Stories to disappear, s/he wants them to become more powerful, more inspiring, more compelling, more everything! Unfortunately, their overenthusiasm often comes across as nagging. Some have even managed to discourage their Writer - that’s the last thing an Editor intends!
Fictive = any character from a story, mostly fanfiction (the original characters tend to stay away from Subreality - at least the part that is shared with amateur writers - for legal reasons), though nothing prevents a Writer to introduce their own creations to Subreality. And then there are the characters who have become free under the creative commons thingie - you know, the Classics.
If you watched "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," you'll get an idea of what Fictives are like "off duty." They're like 'toons; they can't really die, it only looks that way in stories, but it can sure tick them off! The only thing a Fictive truly fears is losing his/her writer's interest; a Fictive without readers or finished stories can fade away into non-existence, a fate worse than death.
Muse: a semi-imaginary being which inspires a human being to dream and create. A Muse is any fictional being which, though technically a fictive (a character created by the mind of a writer), at the same time is given abilities beyond that of a normal fictive. Their job is not only to provide inspiration (and bully them back to the manuscript), but also to play go-between for a Writer and their ideas.
Plot Bunny = a tribble-like creature with the same prospensity to breed. Can completely swamp an unsuspecting Writer and literally drown them in story ideas.
Writer = often capitalized to denote their status in Subreality, a Writer (or writer) is anyone who actively contributes to the tapestry of ideas by writing, filking, etc.
unCreated/Concept = a character who has been thought of but never written down or fleshed out in any way, making him/her in essence a mere shade. These characters do not mingle with "real" characters and usually fade away shortly after their conception unless someone writes about them.
unFinished = a Fictive whose story is still in progress; differs from the unWritten in that their Writer is still actively working on their story, bringing it to completion eventually; another interpretation is that these are Fictives who have already finished, but not yet published (and therefore, unread) stories. This only applies to a Fictive’s first story - after the first story has been published, he’s a full flegded Fictive, so this is essentially a developmental stage between concept/unCreated and full Fictive.
unWritten = a state of being in which a character's writer stops work on his/her story before it's finished. This is a character's worst nightmare, as an unWritten character is essentially a creature whose days are numbered. UnWritten characters can subsist for some time if they still have a reading audience...but when the readers also forget, the character may fade out. See ShantyTown.Merken
Subreality Café isn't my invention, but a very old concept by Kielle that sadly died with her many moons ago. I was fascinated by it back then, but convinced that I'd never be able to write fiction. Now that I'm cured of that self-defeating belief, I'd like to revive the concept and see where we can take it.
But first, an introduction to subreality. The following text was taken from subreality central, a site that doesn't exist anymore and is only accessible via the internet archive. I cleaned it up a bit and added some ideas of my own, but full credit belongs forever to Kielle.
*
Q. What IS Subreality?
A. Okay, imagine for a moment that the universe we live in is Reality. (pause) Come to think of it, that's not a very hard thing to imagine. Anyhow, now imagine that everything you read, imagine, and write actually does exist somewhere, in another dimension or somesuch.
Now (one more step, you can do it!), imagine that there's a hazy borderland between Reality and Imagination where anything can happen and anyone can show up...real or not.
That's Subreality.
The writers on the Subreality Café project and its spin-offs have been messing around with this foggy nothingness between dimensions, and it's gotten seriously weird...
Q. What is the Subreality Café?
A. The Subreality Café (or SC for short) is a tavern/bar/nightclub/whatever where characters created by writers of comic-book fan-fiction go between chapters or after stories, usually to gripe about the ridiculous or painful antics their writers have put them through. Or, worse, have NOT put them through -- characters need to be written to truly exist, after all.
Any number of characters from any version of fanfic continuity can be on-hand in the Café; it's not unusual to see an entire table-full of Gambits trying to out-poker each other, or a version of the New Mutants trying to convince the bartender that they're all overage "in this one story, y'see..."
We also get an interesting array of visitors from other genres, due to crossovers and such. So it's not just about comics.
Q. What does the Café look like?
A. Actually, seeing as the Café only exists because it's been crafted out of nothing by sheer imagination, it looks like however the writer/reader (that's you) envisions it to be...and it's constantly changing, adding more tables or a kareoke stage or a jukebox or more booze or extra backrooms as needed. Some see it as an old English-style pub or a Western saloon; some envision a jazzy nightclub, while others prefer a seedier dive. One writer saw it as a nice bright breakfast nook. Many fill it with shadows and smoke. About the only consistancy is the bar, and that's mainly because everyone agrees that there has to be one!
And there's the "Subreality Cafe" sign outside, of course -- after all, how are travellers supposed to find their way through the misty murk beyond this one little ordered corner of chaos if they don't have a cheerful neon glow to guide them in?
Q. Who hangs out at the Café?
A. There are several different categories of SC denizens...
the fictives -- The characters from the stories for whom the Cafe was created, and thus the most common barflies. If you watched "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," you'll get an idea of what fictives are like "off duty." They're like 'toons; they can't really die, it only looks that way in stories, but it can sure tick them off! The only thing a fictive truly fears is losing his/her writer's interest; a fictive without readers or finished stories can fade away into non-existence, a fate worse than death.
the Writers -- In the beginning writers (also capitalized as "Writers") were not allowed in the Café except on designated nights (or Thursdays), but nowadays they often sneak in anyway. You can usually recognize a writer by the tools of the trade (a laptop, or a pad and a pen) and a certain aura of "reality" about them. A fictive can always point out a writer and vice-versa -- it's instinctive. Writers can change their surroundings, the laws of physics, and even the flow of time itself simply by writing a new version...which is why the staff of the SC are very nervous about allowing them in! There's a Writers' Café just down the road, but for some reason the buggers would usually rather be at the SC. Go fig.
the SC staff -- More about them in a minute.
the uncreated (or unwritten) -- These are nebulous not-quite-fictives who are still only ideas in their writers' minds. All fictives were once uncreated. You usually don't see any uncreated in the SC -- they have their own equally ambiguous hangout elsewhere, Club Concepto...a place no fictive really wants to go. "Real" fictives are very proud of their upgraded status.
avatars -- An avatar can be a) one's all-time favorite original character (not necessarily from fanfic) who's taken on almost a life of his/her own, or b) a writer's persona in the Cafe. In SC stories, it's usually the latter. An avatar of this latter type is an extension of yourself -- he/she is how you want people to imagine you in this virtual environment. For example, when the writer Seraph is "in the Cafe," she writes herself as looking/dressing more angelic than she does in real life, including a sword and actual wings. This Cafe version IS Seraph in all ways that count -- but of course she's not really Seraph (who's wingless at her keyboard in Australia, not downing beers in a fictional pub!).
Muses -- A recent addition to the SC mythos, Muses are inspiration given physical form. They used to be rare in the Cafe because most never personify their inspiration, or get them confused with their avatar(s). However, lately there's been an upsurge in muse sightings; some writers are on first-name basis with their own Muses and thus are sometimes seen arguing with them over a sticky plotpoint...or who bought the last round.
Mainstreams -- These are the one-and-only original characters created by the professionals who actually get paid to write stuff about them. They are absolutely 100% NOT allowed in the Café...which is okay, because they generally don't want to hang out there anyway. Legal issues and all that jazz.
Mundanes -- Occasionally someone manages to drag someone to the Café who isn't a writer OR a reader of fanfic -- a sibling, a friend, a spouse, even a parent or two. These poor benighted souls usually wind up tremendously confused, frustrated, or terrified at the weirdness around them. Tee hee.
Q. Who runs this place? Who will I meet?
A. Well, the running joke in fandom has become that the place belongs to its creator, Kielle, referred to in the Cafe as "the Scribe." In writing terms, Kielle doesn't really exert much influence over the place, and has never insisted on doing so -- however, people have found it convenient to make SOMEBODY the place's landlord/resident-final-word, so that's what Kielle-the-character does. You do NOT have to write her. In fact, you probably shouldn't.
The rest of the staff should be fairly easy to write, as they are composed by stereotypes just like the Café they work for, and they look like however you wish to picture them...
the Manager -- An ambiguous being, neither male nor female, and thus referred to as he/she. Capable, quick-thinking, intelligent -- good at what he/she does. Sometimes nearly driven to drink by the Café's patrons, but a good chap/gal all around. Falstaff created him/her and should be proud.
the Bouncer -- Big, brawny, gruff, steadfast, stubborn, always on duty, and not about to take guff from anyone...no matter how much artillery they might be packing. Usually employed to try to keep nosy writers out.
These are the main two -- you can also throw in a Bartender (unless you have the Manager mix drinks -- many do, to keep things simple), a Cook, anyone else you may need. Tapestry recently contributed a nondescript male Janitor, if you need one. We like to use a genial bartender by the name of Major Mapleleaf (a bit character who never really made it in comics), but that's negotiable. Remember, this is Subreality -- cliches work here.
History
In real-life terms, Subreality was a one-shot idea spawned in Subreality Hopscotch, which was refined into a finalized concept presented in Somebody Fire My Agent. This was followed closely by Raindrops Keep Falling In My Beer and To Hell With The Fake ID and from there into a pretty amazing run of stories by various authors on ACFF and beyond.
Then the idea was adopted by both part of the round-robin community (then hosted on Mirage & Jelpy's now-defunct GenXForce website) and the newborn chat community...and sorta went mad from there.
In imaginary terms, Subreality has always existed, but has only recently become greatly expanded into a place in its own right by the massive influx of imagination from writers & readers. At first it was mainly populated by fictives (characters) until the Writers moved in en masse; most recently the place has expanded to include a thriving community of muses who, in typical Subreality fashion, have of course always been there. It changes from month to month depending on who's into it, so don't expect any great continuity...
Location
Subreality is not so much a place in and of itself as it is the borderline between Reality and Fantasy, a hazy place where anyone can wind up and anything can happen. It has, however, become a place of its own right as more and more people contribute ideas to flesh it out. The Cafe itself is either a lonely roadhouse in the middle of nowhere or nestled at the heart of "Subreality City" itself depending on which setting you prefer -- it's up to you.
As for adding other new places of your own...have at it.
Beings
AntiMuse = a creature which does the exact opposite of a muse -- constantly trying to distract a writer from their work! Invented by TangleToy in Pennies From Heaven.
Classic = a Fictive who has imprinted so deeply on the cultural unconscious that they have acquired a semi-real status; think of Sherlock Holmes, or Odysseus. They are the only Fictives that have become immune to Fading, and are thus revered and envied by the other Fictives. Every Fictive secretly dreams of reaching this demigod status, but the chances are infinitesimally small.
Critic = the antithesis to the Muse, this demonic counterpart is constantly trying to destroy a Writer’s confidence in their abilities and ultimately, her joy of Writing. Critics hate Subreality, the powers of Imagination, and the Fictives and actively work to disrupt the flow of creativity that sustains them. The Critics’ ultimate goal is to see all Fictives fade away into the Mists of Unbeing. Not to be confused with the Anti Muse (a lesser demon), or the Editor.
Editor = a lesser Muse or Muse-in-training, constantly trying to inspire their Writer to improve on their craft. Contrary to the Critic, the Editor doesn’t want the Fictives or their Stories to disappear, s/he wants them to become more powerful, more inspiring, more compelling, more everything! Unfortunately, their overenthusiasm often comes across as nagging. Some have even managed to discourage their Writer - that’s the last thing an Editor intends!
Fictive = any character from a story, mostly fanfiction (the original characters tend to stay away from Subreality - at least the part that is shared with amateur writers - for legal reasons), though nothing prevents a Writer to introduce their own creations to Subreality. And then there are the characters who have become free under the creative commons thingie - you know, the Classics.
If you watched "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," you'll get an idea of what Fictives are like "off duty." They're like 'toons; they can't really die, it only looks that way in stories, but it can sure tick them off! The only thing a Fictive truly fears is losing his/her writer's interest; a Fictive without readers or finished stories can fade away into non-existence, a fate worse than death.
Muse: a semi-imaginary being which inspires a human being to dream and create. A Muse is any fictional being which, though technically a fictive (a character created by the mind of a writer), at the same time is given abilities beyond that of a normal fictive. Their job is not only to provide inspiration (and bully them back to the manuscript), but also to play go-between for a Writer and their ideas.
Plot Bunny = a tribble-like creature with the same prospensity to breed. Can completely swamp an unsuspecting Writer and literally drown them in story ideas.
Writer = often capitalized to denote their status in Subreality, a Writer (or writer) is anyone who actively contributes to the tapestry of ideas by writing, filking, etc.
unCreated/Concept = a character who has been thought of but never written down or fleshed out in any way, making him/her in essence a mere shade. These characters do not mingle with "real" characters and usually fade away shortly after their conception unless someone writes about them.
unFinished = a Fictive whose story is still in progress; differs from the unWritten in that their Writer is still actively working on their story, bringing it to completion eventually; another interpretation is that these are Fictives who have already finished, but not yet published (and therefore, unread) stories. This only applies to a Fictive’s first story - after the first story has been published, he’s a full flegded Fictive, so this is essentially a developmental stage between concept/unCreated and full Fictive.
unWritten = a state of being in which a character's writer stops work on his/her story before it's finished. This is a character's worst nightmare, as an unWritten character is essentially a creature whose days are numbered. UnWritten characters can subsist for some time if they still have a reading audience...but when the readers also forget, the character may fade out. See ShantyTown.Merken