Pilgrim Paige's moonlight madness
In addition to this on-site resource, you can check out Pilgrim Paige's eWrestling Wikia page for more detailed and up-to-date information.
The above resource was created in 2018 and is meant to receive periodic updates.
The following character profile has been substantially updated/overhauled as of September 2018.
– Paige
—————
Wrestler Name:
Pilgrim Paige
Commentary names:
Paige
Pilgrim Paige
The Lunar Pilgrim
The Moon Maiden
The Golden Pilgrim (used only when she is a championship title holder)
Character speech text color:
Medium Orchid - hex code: #BA55D3
Pic Base:
Height:
5'7"
Weight:
134 lbs.
Date of Birth:
Dec. 28th, 1987
Hometown:
Newfoundland, Canada
Resides:
The Dark Side of the Moon
Trainers:
Tsukiko Mizuno (September 2016-present)
Witch Hazel ("spiritual training"... ?-present)
Oki-Kira (August 2014-August 2016)
Ravnos Midnight (August 2014-June 2016)
The Madness of the Moon (?)
Previous Feds:
N/A
Debut:
March 8th, 2016
Alignment:
Face/tweener (Sept. 2018 to present)
Heel/tweener (June 2017 to April 2018)
Face (March 2016 to June 2017)
Appearance:
Refer to pic base, then the below attire reference pics...
Attire reference pics:
Here's some written details, too:
Long, wavy purple (orchid/plum) hair. Deep blue eyes, but usually wearing violet contacts. Dark violet lipstick. Black or purple nail polish. Basic ring attire consists of a short-sleeve spandex midriff-baring top - black with a plum-colored stripe across the chest. This is covered by a mesh longsleeve. Mid-calf black leather boots. Black Lycra leggings with a triangular formation of plum-colored stripes. Backstage and/or in promos, Paige often wears her hair up, and typically wears black jeans or leather pants with longsleeve shirts or band T-shirts. Off the clock, she also wears silver rings and a necklace: usually her Trans Pride necklace, with the gender spectrum represented in colored beads: blue (masculine), pink (feminine) and white (everything in-between) and a pentagram pendant. On the way to the ring at home, Paige often wears a long black cardigan.
[Updated Sept. 2017]
Bio*:
*This section will no longer be updated; refer to Paige's eWrestling Wikia page for further profile and career summary stuff.
Paige was born in small-town Newfoundland, Canada—assigned male at birth and raised as such. A quiet, meek child, many formative years were spent isolated with a book, stargazing, or observing the exciting world of professional wrestling. But school days were spent as a target for bored bullies and condescending jocks. Senior high school revealed yet another harsh world, one of homophobia and bullying - physical, verbal and cyber. Bouncing from school to school and, later, odd job to odd job, there one day came a breaking point. The listless, depressed shell finally broke apart in an explosion of raw emotion and clarity. It was time to pursue something that "he" had only recently learned was truly possible. Thus began a journey of transition. Gone was the shell—and with a new lease on life, Paige emerged forth. A stronger, happier, more sociable person than she ever knew she could be, Paige set about shaping her life into so much more than she'd thought herself capable of. Soon, she'd enveloped herself in a world of music, art and social development. Time passed, and Paige continued to evolve and expand her personal scope. But there was still something missing. Still a blank space. The shadows of the past came to call. Remembering the importance of the pro wrestling world to her old life—an old flame that had all but burned out in the dark days of high school—she scoured for old videos and began to envelope herself in wrestling, anew. With the flame rekindled, Paige began to search for a trainer—hoping to burn away the repressed aggression and darkness inside. Instead of finding a trainer for herself, she was found by not one, but two. Two strange, yet familiar, souls. A mad, charred soul with a dark aura, accompanied by a determined, intense spirit with no voice at all...
So it came to pass that Paige endured rigorous training under the tutelage of two former 4CW competitors—Ravnos Midnight and Oki-Kira. For many moons, she worked tirelessly: learning from each athlete just what it meant to be a competitor. Harnessing the aggression and offbeat lightweight sensibilities of Ravnos with the focus and striking abilities of Oki-Kira, Paige soon proved to be a formidable athlete, anxious to prove herself in a real ring. A strongly worded (and slightly singed) letter later—accompanied by a lovely ikebana in a crescent moon-shaped vase—and Paige was soon trying out for 4CW. Her determination and resilience led her to impress fans and fellow competitors alike, in a tournament to crown the new 4CW Heavyweight Champion. During this time, both of her trainers returned to Japan, with Oki-Kira promising to arrange a new trainer for her. Paige was left feeling lost and uncertain for a short time, until the day came that she met the exuberant and talented Tsukiko Mizuno. Tsukiko's arrival would also bring about an odd meeting between Paige and her new trainer's enigmatic friend, a bizarre young woman calling herself Hazel. After elimination from the tournament, Paige continued to dazzle audiences with her risk-taking and hardiness, pulling out all the stops to prove her abilities and worth in the 4CW Universe. Allied with these strange new associates, what does the future hold for the Lunar Pilgrim?
6/10/2017
—————
Paige struck up a romance with Tsukiko Mizuno. She seems especially driven and aggressive, as well. Since achieving #1 contender status to the Custom Cup title, a heightened sense of focus and harsh attitude have been apparent. Belittling and attacking Sery—with the reluctant aid of Tsukiko and gleeful assistance of Hazel—is an action that has divided fans and delighted long-time 4CW commentator Ray Jeffries. In the wake of Ravnos Midnight's death, Paige, Tsukiko, Hazel and Oki-Kira convened and mourned, with Tsukiko eventually spreading her former trainer's ashes over the Atlantic ocean. To help Kiko recover, Paige asked her to help with revamping the Moontower.
Demeanor:
Paige is a quirky and bold young woman with a sarcastic wit and goth/punk/black metal aesthetic. She is very musical and spends a great deal of time writing music, as well as reading. She harbours an odd obsession with the moon and the colour purple. Paige feels that, as a transgender woman, dreamer and artistic sort, even the sky is not the limit, and that she is on a personal/spiritual journey that will take her "to the Moon and back"—hence the "Lunar Pilgrim" moniker. Despite her head being in and beyond the clouds, she is in tune with the earth and nature. She partakes in aromatherapy, personal meditation and takes influences from various pagan teachings and values. As a competitor, Paige is young, eager and aggressive, with luchadore-like tendencies. She is a frequent risk-taker, while also showing reasonable ring awareness and focus for a newcomer (though her inexperience and fiery attitude can sometimes get the best of her). When enraged, the "madness of the Moon" takes her, and all bets are off.
Finishing moves
Lunar Eclipse - Paige performs a diving corkscrew stunner from the top rope (or another elevated surface); adapted from Athena (a.k.a. Ember Moon)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4359/357 … be7b_o.gif
Footprints on the Moon - Paige executes a diving double foot stomp from the top rope or as a springboard attack
(upgraded from signature status in Dec. 2017)
Desperation finisher (mainly used in desperate situations / when she can't do high-flying
Spellbreaker -running codebreaker
Rare diving finisher (mainly used in title match/PPV situations):
Pilgrimage to the Stars - shooting star press (from just about anywhere)
Rare submission finisher (mainly used in submission matches or on large opponents):
Turn the Paige - Jamie Noble's Trailer Hitch
http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu17/Lunar_Pilgrim/4CW%20stuff%20for%20Pilgrim%20Paige/trailer_hitch_submission_zpsokgewihn.gif
Signature moves:
Moon-O-Matic - sitout rear mat slam (2018-present; adopted from Edge)
Headbanger - straitjacket neckbreaker (2018-present)
Standing shooting star press (2018-present)
Running with Scissors - running headscissors transitioned into a kneeling facebuster (2018-present; adapted from Witch Hazel)
Moon Shoes - Paige performs a jumping double foot stomp to the abdomen or back of a grounded opponent (2017-present)
(renamed in Dec. 2017; previously, this move was called "Footprints on the Moon")
Sailor Moon - suicide crossbody dive over the top rope (2017-present)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/364 … e3f1_o.gif
Moonbow - cross-legged bow and arrow hold (2017-present)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4365/357 … 4e5a_o.gif
Drawing Down the Moon - sitout iconoclasm (2016-present)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/364 … 85ac_o.gif
Madness of the Moon - kick flurry to cornered opponent; Paige then backs away; howls; and delivers a running enzuigiri (2016-present)
Astral Connection - scissored DDT (2016-present; adopted from MsChif)
(formerly an occasional finishing move, from her debut to December 2017)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/357 … fda8_o.gif
Dirty/illegal signature move:
Moon Mist - purple poison mist - temporarily blinds and disorients opponent (2016-present)
**good set-up for the Lunar Eclipse**
Weight-appropriate dirty/illegal signature move (to be used on opponents who are roughly 210 lbs or under):
Mistify - Paige performs a pop-up flapjack and spits purple poison mist in the opponent's face as they free-fall to the mat below (2018-present)
Other moves:
- Various strikes: forearm strikes, shoot kicks, knife edge chops, etc.
- Various pinning combos: schoolgirl, victory roll, sunset flip, etc.
- Various dropkicks
- Side Russian leg sweep, sometimes into a floatover pin attempt
- Sitout jawbreaker
- Hurricanrana
- Headscissors takedown
- Standing moonsault
- Enzuigiri
- Chop block
- Running or diving cross body
- Snapmare followed by a dropkick to the back of the neck
- Swinging neckbreaker
- Leaping clothesline
- Drop toe hold
Weight-appropriate moves (to be used on opponents who are roughly 210 lbs or under)
- Snap suplex
- Northern lights suplex (sometimes into a bridging pin)
- Superplex
- Back body drop
Entrance Music:
"The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch
Standard Entrance:
The arena lights go out, as well as the 4CWTron, leaving everything in pitch black. A thick layer of purple fog begins to envelope the stage and ramp. Barely visible through the haze, at centre stage, a small purple flame flickers in mid-air, providing a momentary glimpse of a woman's face. Suddenly, she blows the flame out. The crowd buzzes in anticipation. Across the darkened stage, a rainbow-patterned series of six coloured fireworks ascends out of the darkness and explodes overhead, creating a starburst shower of crackling sparks. The crowd pops. The arena goes from blackened to dimly lit when the lights flicker back on, ready for the Moon Maiden to appear.
The crowd roars when "The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch begins blasting over the PA system and Paige appears through the fog, wearing a black leather jacket over her purple-trimmed black ring attire. She runs from one end of the stage to the other, firing up the already red-hot crowd and WOOO'ing like it's going out of style. The 4CWtron shows dark, stylized clips of Pilgrim Paige in various settings: descending the staircase of the Moontower; howling out her window, etc. At the top of the ramp, she throws an arm up in the air and gives the sign of the horns while pumping her arm a few times.
Carson: Making her way to the ring, hailing from Newfoundland, Canada and residing on... The DAAARK Side of the MOOOON... weighing in at 134 pounds... PILGRIIIM PAAAIIIGE!
After a brief scan of her surroundings, the song's beat picks up in conjunction with a growling vocalization. Paige takes off running through the fog and down to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope at the end of her run. She rises swiftly from the canvas, and after removing her jacket and tossing it to a ring attendant, she walks to the middle of the ring. Paige spreads her arms wide and throws her head back, sounding out a loud WOOO as rapid bursts of purple pyro shoot up from the corner posts. The lights return to normal as she moves to a corner and warms up, keeping her adrenaline flowing.
----------
Standard Champion Entrance—fill in the blank with appropriate title at the time of reign:
The arena lights go out, as well as the 4CWTron, leaving everything in pitch black. A thick layer of purple fog begins to envelope the stage and ramp. Barely visible through the haze, at centre stage, a small purple flame flickers in mid-air, providing a momentary glimpse of a woman's face. Suddenly, she blows the flame out. The crowd buzzes in anticipation. Across the darkened stage, a rainbow-patterned series of six coloured fireworks ascends out of the darkness and explodes overhead, creating a starburst shower of crackling sparks. The arena goes from blackened to dimly lit when the lights flicker back on, ready for the Moon Maiden to appear.
The crowd roars when "The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch begins blasting over the PA system and Paige appears through the fog, wearing a black leather jacket over her purple-trimmed black ring attire. She proudly displays the 4CW Championship strapped round her waist. The 4CWtron shows dark, stylized clips of Pilgrim Paige in various settings: descending the staircase of the Moontower; howling out her window, etc. At the top of the ramp, she throws an arm up in the air and gives the sign of the horns while pumping her arm a few times.
Carson: And making her way to the ring, hailing from Newfoundland, Canada and now residing on... The DAAARK Side of the MOOOON... weighing in at 134 pounds... the 4CW WORLD CHAMPION ... PILGRIIIM PAAAIIIGE!
When the song's beat picks up and the harsh vocals kick in, Paige takes off running through the fog down to the ring. At the bottom of the ramp she leaps and slides into the ring under the bottom rope, then arises swiftly from the canvas. After removing her jacket and tossing it to a ring attendant, she walks to the middle of the ring. Paige spreads her arms wide and throws her head back, sounding out a loud WOOO as rapid bursts of purple pyro shoot from the corner posts. The lights return to normal as she moves to a corner and warms up, keeping her adrenaline flowing.
-----
Accompanied by Kinsey entrance
The arena lights go out, as well as the 4CWTron, leaving everything in pitch black.
Jeffrey: Oh, here we go!
A thick layer of purple fog begins to envelope the stage and ramp. Barely visible through the haze, at centre stage, a small purple flame flickers in mid-air, providing a momentary glimpse of a woman's face. Suddenly, she blows the flame out. The crowd buzzes in anticipation. Across the darkened stage, a rainbow-patterned series of six coloured fireworks ascends out of the darkness and explodes overhead, creating a starburst shower of crackling sparks. The arena goes from blackened to dimly lit when the lights flicker back on, ready for the Moon Maiden to appear. Through the rolling fog on the stage, a different flame appears, only for a brief moment. This one is blue, and lasts for about the same length of time as Paige's typically does, then is hastily snuffed out.
With the sudden blast of blinding golden pyro, the dimmed lighting returns and "The Astral Dialogue" by Agalloch begins blasting over the PA system. The crowd roars in response! Pilgrim Paige and Kinsey Kane appear through the fog. Paige is wearing her familiar purple-trimmed black attire, and Kinsey is wearing similar ring gear, though hers the colour scheme reversed and the purple swapped to teal. Kinsey is a fairly tall and thin young woman with caramel skin, a head of shoulder-length black curls, modest curves and a smattering of small, colourful tattoos. She runs from one end of the stage to the other, firing up the already red-hot crowd and WOOO'ing like it's going out of style.
Meanwhile, the 4CWtron shows dark, stylized clips of Pilgrim Paige in various settings: descending the staircase of the Moontower; howling out her window, etc., etc. Paige and Kinsey each throw an arm up in the air, give the sign of the horns and pump their arm a few times.
Carson: Making her way to the ring, accompanied by Kinsey Kane... hailing from Newfoundland, Canada and residing on... The DAAARK Side of the MOOOON... weighing in at 134 pounds... PILGRIIIM PAAAIIIGE!
After gazing out over the sea of fans for a bit, the song's beat picks up in conjunction with a growling vocalization. With this, together, Paige and Kinsey take off running through the fog and down to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope at the end of the run. They both rise swiftly from the canvas and stand in the middle of the ring, side-by-side. Kinsey and Paige link their near hands (in relation to one another). Simultaneously, both women swing their far arms outward and throw their heads back, sounding out tandem howls of "WOOOOOO!!", which is complemented by bursts of colourful pyro shooting up from the corner posts. The lights return to normal as Kinsey exits the ring and Paige picks a corner to stand in.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sun-22-Sep-2019 01:01:25)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Tue-8-Mar-2016 23:29:15
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Madness of the Moon
Match RP for Storm Front - March 13th, 2016
March 8th, 2016
The scene opens unto utter darkness and silence. The latter is broken for a split second by the strike of a match, then the former - a fleeting flicker of flame illuminates the shadowy silhouette of a feminine form. Footsteps - then the quiet returns. Moments pass, and the distinct sound of a pull-chain being roughly tugged momentarily precedes any visibility... and then, there is light. A pale and somewhat harsh purple light emanates from a hanging, shaded incandescent bulb. It momentarily rocks to and fro above the dangling chain, rhythmically casting eerie shadows at each side of a byzantium purple wall with a black shuttered window. On its sill, a solitary stick of incense burns in a wooden holder. As the ceiling light settles, the dark wooden floor is seen to be furnished with a circular purple rug, trimmed with black and bearing a starry motif at its center. Footsteps are heard and a long shadow is cast as a figure approaches from the left, reaches the rug and sits cross-legged at its center.
Pilgrim Paige sits with head bowed a while; eyes closed, breathing deep the sweet aroma. Her pale face is surrounded by tresses of long, wavy dark hair garnished with purple hi-lights. She wears snug black jeans, a tight plum sweater and fingerless black gloves. Her lips and nails are painted violet. Paige absently caresses the silver leaf pendant of her necklace. Slowly, she raises her head and stares long into the camera, propped on a low table, with eyes of deep purple.
Welcome to the Moontower, 4CW! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Paige, the Lunar Pilgrim. Many moons ago, ...
Her voice is reasonably feminine and both light and serious at the same time - somewhere in the realm of Emmy Rossum's voice.
From a distance, glass is heard shattering from a distance. Muffled shouting seems to emanate from below.
Dammit! Ugh... okay, let's go see what those two have gotten themselves into this time...
Swiftly rising to her feet, Paige steps forward a few paces to where a portable video camera sits, propped on a low table. The view becomes a blur of motion as its user hangs it around her neck. As this "lunar pilgrim" begins descending from her "moontower", glimpses of the purple bulb and a black sofa on the far wall rush by, followed by a haze of sky nearing twilight, evergreen trees, whipping hair and a winding outdoor staircase. The latter is made of oak, as is its railing, which has been bedecked with purple LEDs. At the bottom of the stairs, the view becomes a bit steadier and a small white garage comes into sight. Muffled ravings of a masculine voice sound out from within, growing as Paige reaches and opens the side door, unveiling a bare-bones training set-up: an assortment of bar-bells, dumbbells, treadmills and steel chairs fill up space along the far wall; a mini-refrigerator drones a low hum to Paige's left with a few cleaning supplies on top of it; and an old wrestling ring with rusty steel steps and a worse-for-wear canvas sits in the middle of the room. Paige sets the camera on top of the mini-fridge. In the ring, Ravnos Midnight stands ready with a wooden bat in hand, staring down the mute puroresu, Oki-Kira, who is coiled and waiting in full ring garb and face-paint.
... with that attitude! Put your money where your mouth is! Well... you know what I mean! Bring it on!
Ahem!
Ravnos turns on his heel at the sound of Paige's voice and immediately receives a stiff savate kick for his troubles. He rolls out of the ring and crawls to a chair, babbling nonsensically to himself as Oki-Kira looks on, appearing simultaneously expressionless and amused. In the relative silence, a mild breeze is heard from the newly broken window.
What's gotten into you two? You said you'd worked this all out months ago!
Oki-Kira raises an eyebrow. Ravnos raises his now-aching head and opens his aching maw to snipe at her, but unluckily meets Paige's eye and, in rare form, thinks better of it. She looks to Ravnos, then Oki-Kira...
Way to go, Penn and Teller! Another bullshit repair and some super-fun cleanup to look forward to! Fantastic work, really - a sure sign of old friends handling things maturely.
Ravnos looks glum. Oki-Kira moves to the ring steps and sits. Paige retrieves a bottle of water from the fridge and tosses it to her mute mentor. He chugs it down inaudibly.
There's no gulping noise when he chugs! That doesn't even make sense! What kind of an asshole...
Hush up, Ravvy! We're already done for the day, why don't you just go home and sleep it off? ... Where the hell IS your home, anyway?!
Ravnos smirks, stands and dramatically launches himself through the window-frame. Oki-Kira laughs (with his eyes).
"Don't think for one second that you're off the hook! You're supposed to be the voice of reason around here."
Oki-Kira reacts without reacting.
You know what I mean! He's told me about you - what little he knows, at least. You're not the same person you were when he tracked you down in Shiga! You're the one I rely on to keep a cool head and stay focused. I know you still feel lost here and Rav can be an assclown, but he got you out of a bad place and you swore to repay the favour!
The stoic Shiga Stomper looks thoughtful. Paige removes her purple contacts momentarily, revealing her deep blue eyes, then moistens and replaces her lenses.
Yes... I know about the stealing, the isolation... the failed 4CW run. I also know what a talented puroresu you were, before... whatever it is that made you go quiet.
Oki-Kira looks away. Paige glances to the broken window and pieces of shattered glass. She sighs heavily, then looks longingly through to the mountain view. The sun has long since given way to its peaks and ridges. As she turns her gaze back to her compatriot, something hungry dawns in her eyes.
Whatever the case, that's all in the past. Rav saw something in you worth working to bring out. You've come so far from when we first met! He's the only one on this entire island that ever saw enough in me to give me a chance - to train, to grow... to compete in a real ring. Saw a real person, saw more than just some... some... tranny in tights. We've been doing this for a year now. But you two are STILL at odds. Look - I'm grateful to the both of you, I really am - but you REALLY want to repay a debt? Then you've got to put as much work into yourself as you put into training me. Into working through the past, and this petty garbage with him. YOU insisted on repaying the favour. No one made you come to Newfoundland. You volunteered to co-train me. Whatever's going on in that head of yours, I feel for you, I do. But you've gotta dig deep and get that focus back. It's in you, I've seen it. Not for me, not for him - just do it for you own sake. When you do go back to Japan, do you want to go back to how it was, or finally be ready to live? To be more than you were when you decided to leave? I know you wanna get back in the game! Ugh. Use your head instead of your feet for once.
Not waiting for another wordless reply, Paige drapes the camera around her neck once more as she exits and slams the door. A few errant pieces of glass are heard falling from the wrecked window-frame. The night sky through the trees shows a pale, full moon in the distance. She pauses outside the door and breathes deeply. In exhaling, the winding purple-lit staircase dominates the view. The camera angles up somewhat from her chest with each inhale; the "moontower" is partially visible and revealed to be a small, ornate tree-house. Blurriness on the return trip up the stairs, then, at last, the camera is stationary - once more facing the shuttered window. The incense has long since burned out. Paige pulls open the shutters, unveiling the night through the window with a full moon hanging high in the distance. She returns to the rug - her eyes are alight with intensity.
Welcome to the Moontower, 4CW! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Paige, the Lunar Pilgrim. Many moons ago, I lived a hollow, harrowing life of lies. I've never been treated as equal. Never been welcome in so many supposedly worthwhile gatherings, cliques, scenes. Never presented with an opportunity to shine. I've been trampled on and left behind by so-called 'friends'... family... even my first trainer - some transphobic fool who needs not be named. When I came out, he came out with bile and hate to spew. But you know what?
Paige stands, tenses, and strikes the ceiling light into a frenzied swing.
I'M STILL HERE!
Pilgrim Paige steps under the swinging light and grabs it by the shade with one gloved hand, like a microphone and leans in close. The eerie purple glow seems a part of her natural visage, backdropped by wild tresses of hair.
I learned to fend for myself. I've found music and colour in my life. I've fought and trained as damn hard as anyone can, in and out of the ring. I searched long and hard, and found my true self. I embraced the woman inside and brought her out to become who I am today! I've carved my own path, and fought for my right to shine! My star burns brightest by the light of the moon. And when my music hits and I get out onto that stage Sunday night, 4CW won't know what hit it. When the madness of the moon takes me, there's no telling what might happen!
Paige relinquishes her grip on the lampshade, turns away from the camera and leans out the window. Rearing her head back, she shouts and howls at the moon, body stretched and tense. She eases a little, moves quickly forward and drops herself down to camera height, hands propped on the table and face close to the camera eye.
The Lunar Pilgrim has arrived! Prepare for a total lunar eclipse, 4CW! WELCOME TO THE MOONTOWER!
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Mon-30-Jan-2017 23:31:32)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Sery Mon-14-Mar-2016 19:37:45
The Blue Print · 1,488 commentsLooks like alot of effort was put into this one. Really detailed descriptions to start off with. Painted a good picture for me to visualize. The dialogue was a good introduction to Paige and who she is. Alot of it is based on your own personal experiences too I take it? I've never been good at really reviewing roleplays, I tend to think they are all good, and its hard for me to get into detail when critiquing. But I did enjoy this one.
Join us in 4w's Facebook group also!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1329066970523399/
By Pilgrim Paige Mon-14-Mar-2016 19:51:12
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsI truly appreciate the feedback, Sery. I did put a lot into this and yes, personal experience is in there, I'm just not an upstart pro wrestler nor obsessed with the moon. Also, I'm not Death from The Sandman comics. 😊
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Sery Mon-14-Mar-2016 19:56:27
The Blue Print · 1,488 commentsI wish I read comics.. But I don't know who Death is lol.
Join us in 4w's Facebook group also!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1329066970523399/
By Pilgrim Paige Mon-14-Mar-2016 23:28:06
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsShe's my pic base.
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Belly Tue-15-Mar-2016 00:02:18
Main Event · 877 commentsI have to admit that your roleplay took me by surprise a little, and I do like to be surprised. From the first paragraph, i knew that it was going to be a good quality roleplay, the descriptive wording painted the scene perfectly and just when I was thinking to myself "who is she talking to" you answered my question before the voice in my head could finishing asking it. Setting the roleplay around a talking into a camera that you then put round your neck as you walked around, offered a brilliant dimension to the roleplay, as it allowed the reader to almost become Paige and see what she was seeing.
I became very intrigued by the relationship between Paige, Oki and Rav and although there wasnt really anything said, the silence spoke louder than words ever could.
We then had the introduction that Paige had attempted before the interuption and the roleplay itself proved a great base to work from and introduced not only the character to us, but it introduced the dynamic between the 3 characters as well, and I think this will be a good exploration over the following roleplays that I will be looking forward to.
Overall, I thought this was a really good roleplay and a has got me looking forwar dto reading not just more about the 3 characters but also got me looking forward to reading how you descriptively write your roleplays as I was impressed just as much by the journey the roleplay took us on.
By Pilgrim Paige Tue-15-Mar-2016 00:39:05
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsI very truly appreciate the feedback, folks. I'm looking at getting funded into college to get my English major. Creative writing is a long-standing passion of mine. When I've time I may review the work of others, if I can keep my inner professor from coming out too much!
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Fri-1-Apr-2016 22:13:56
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Dark Ocean and the Moon at Midnight
Match RP for Storm Front - April 3rd, 2016
March 28th, 2016 - Waning gibbous moon (80% visible)
The scene opens inside the converted garage seen 3 weeks ago, as Pilgrim Paige's wild purple hair hangs over the lens. The obstruction is relinquished as she props the handheld to a three-quarter view of the ring, on top of the mini-refrigerator, as before. She moves to ringside nearby, at the far left of the camera view. Paige wears her usual black-and-purple ring attire under a dark purple hooded sweatshirt. Ravnos Midnight and Oki-Kira are grappling in the ring. Ravnos' forearm flurry is blocked and countered in the form of shoot kicks and a drop toe hold. Oki-Kira rolls over the prone Midnight, out of the hold position to Ravnos' back. Turning him over to supine position with one pushing foot, he wraps Ravnos in a figure-four necklock. Paige looks on intently from ringside. Tucking tresses of long hair behind her right ear, her face is more visible in side-profile. She appears alert and focused. Without her contacts, her eyes bear intense, pale blue irises. Noticing her presence, the hold is broken and the two former 4CW competitors move to the nearby ropes. Oki-Kira drapes himself over the rear left-corner turnbuckle/top rope, looking oddly relaxed while supporting his head on his right hand. He stares off into space, seeming to daydream. Ravnos slides under the bottom rope to converse with Paige. He faces the ring - absently gazing forward - occasionally eyeing his silent comrade.
Our man of mystery seems content today, in his way. I always wonder what's really going on in that head of his.
He's having a good day, the first in a while. Let him have it, I say. I wouldn't endeavor to question it, not after such a dry spell.
You wouldn't find an answer if you did, anyway.
Paige glances sidelong at Ravnos, then turns her head to Oki-Kira and sighs. A moment passes in silence. This is broken by Ravnos, in hushed tones.
Dark Ocean.
Hmm? What, Rav?
He turns to face Paige.
Dark Ocean. If you pick his "name" apart, that's roughly what you get.
What does it mean?
Ravnos Midnight heaves an exaggerated shrug and throws his arms up. Oki-Kira remains lost in his turnbuckle reveries.
So, what does Ravnos mean?
Midnight shrugs again.
Vampire clan in a video game. Just sounded cool and it stuck, I guess.
Paige smirks and chuckles lightly.
What about Midnight?
He considers this a moment.
Favorite time. "Freaks come out at night". Full Moon is at its apex at midnight. I think that about covers it.
Paige's eyes light up, wide. Ravnos smirks.
Ah, I've mentioned the Full Moon.
Ravnos Midnight and Pilgrim Paige proceed to howl at the top of their lungs. Oki-Kira is stirred from his reveries, propping up on the buckle and covering his ears.
Alrighty. Enough lounging. Down from there, Kira!
The silent spirit from Shiga catches her eye and gives a playfully dejected look with a flash of humor in his eyes, then leaps down from his perch and onto the apron. Planting his bare feet, he gestures to the tag rope dangling in the corner. He grabs the tag rope and walks it to its end, gesturing for a tag with the free hand. Pilgrim Paige slides into the ring and slaps his outstretched hand, with Oki-Kira recoiling in mock pain. She playfully shoves him off the apron into Ravnos, who fumbles his catch and tumbles to the floor. The Lunar Pilgrim steps forward and sits on the middle rope, pulling up on the top rope with one hand and waving a "come in" gesture with the other.
Come on, boys, - focus up! Let's cover some tag team offense. New territory, big things in the making! Step to it!
-----------------------------
April 1st, 2016 - Last quarter moon (42% visible)
The scene opens on the window-bearing purple wall of the Moontower. The window sits open, revealing a calm dark night under a sleek quarter moon. A throng of fireflies dances in the distance, above the trees against the clear night sky as incense burns solemnly upon the sill. Under the hot purple lightbulb, the shadows at the far reaches of the wall dance as well, cast by the over-hanging branches in a gentle breeze. In the flickering shadows, two small stacks of DVDs and tapes sit neatly on the floor. Footsteps sound out and the black denim jeans, purple hoodie and long purple hair of Pilgrim Paige come into view. She situates herself in her kneeling fashion on the rug, meditating. As before, she bows her head with eyes closed, inhaling deeply. Her long curtains of hair frame her face, shoulders and chest. Her Trans Pride necklace is, nonetheless, visible. A hand moves to it absently, then returns to her thighs. When she raises her head to face forward, her purple-tinted eyes seem to burn with an intensity akin to the incandescent bulb above her.
Welcome to the Moontower, 4CW! Quite an introduction last Storm Front, if I do say so myself! Not a victory, but a hell of a time. A hell of a long time, too - 20 straight minutes of action! Nothing left in the ring that night, for sure. I'm here to prove myself; my skill, my dedication... my love for this whole crazy wrestling world. To prove I could keep up with the big dogs. Run with the boys. I'm inclined to suggest I've proven my abilities in spades!
So - I have a tag team match on the way. Well, I'm woman enough to admit these are uncharted waters outside of practice for me. I've been very hard at work on it. In the gym. Studying Kira's tapes.
She glances to her right at the stack of wrestling tapes and mutters, almost inaudibly, "where he does even find half of these? Wow", to herself.
I have to say, I'm also feeling good about my tag team partner. Teaming up with The Bruiser? I'm all for it. Talented guy. Much respect. So I'm coming into this match feeling pretty damn confident. Uncharted waters? Please. I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and I've had much scarier firsts in my life - I assure you of that.
The hour draws near, 4CW. You've seen me sparkle. Now it's time for the Lunar Pilgrim to shine.
Pilgrim Paige stands and faces the window, body tensing. She throws her head back.
WOOOOOOOOO!!!
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sat-2-Apr-2016 04:58:56)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Fri-15-Apr-2016 17:28:17
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Frequencies Felt
Match RP for Storm Front - April 17th, 2016
April 16th, 2016 - Waxing gibbous moon (73% visible)
The scene opens in a once-familiar, dark, unadorned room. The tattered trench coat, matted long hair and twisted expression of Ravnos Midnight appear.
I've a tale to tell. Well... not mine to tell, but I've been tasked to bring what I can to you, nonetheless. There are just some pieces missing! Agh! Ahem... here's what I have for now.
-----------------------------
April 14th, 2016 - First quarter (54% visible)
The scene opens onto a new view - a different wall of the Moontower. The familiar visual assault of purple is lessened; the byzantium paint remains, but the usual overhead bulb has been replaced with a simple, clear incandescent. The trusty handheld rests on the low table, facing the wall opposite the door. The wind outside is a distant whisper - only the door is open, with the window closed. Evening shadows - those of the wavering branches - appear along here, just as they do at the usual wall's corners. On the floor, sitting near-centered to this wall, is a small 15-watt bass amplifier and an armless, black swivel chair. Muffled voices are briefly heard, followed by heavy footsteps - as of boots stomping at a steady clip, and the door is heard being opened and then slammed shut. More footsteps, then...
Dammit all to hell! Left it in the charger.
Paige's camera momentarily becomes a window to a wild-haired, wobbly world as she jostles the charger cord in the camera, pulling it out of its port. The camera settles again and the long, heavily hi-lighted hair strands disappear from the lens as she stands. The Lunar Pilgrim comes into view a few moments later, carrying a metallic purple bass guitar by its neck in one hand and propping herself up in the swivel chair with the other. She wears black boots, distressed navy jeans and a black scoop-neck T-shirt with her Trans Pride necklace on display.
Play. Just play, girl.
Maneuvering the bass to a comfortable position and plugging the patch cord in, she seems as though in a solemn trance, unaware of the camera being on (its power indicator having been long ago broken in one of Ravnos Midnight's mad ravings). Paige flicks the power switch and plays through a few scales to warm up and some moody jazz lines. She plays a few minutes and tentatively flicks the amp's power switch off, stands, unplugs the instrument and carefully props it up in the opposite corner. Standing, Paige breathes deeply, holds it a moment, and lets out a primal scream. Heaving a great sigh, she topples back into the chair. A knock comes at the door.
Go away! This is my own, private space. You know the rules. I, myself, and no one else may enter the Moontower!
The door opens a crack. Ravnos cracks the door open and pokes his head in.
I thought I heard --
You heard nothing! I've only been practicing. Now, leave!
A dizzying, frantic blur of color flies in circles as Pilgrim Paige hurls the handheld in the direction of the door. It bounces off the door-frame and lands on the threshold, at the leather-booted feet of Ravnos Midnight. Its viewfinder is facing the interior of the Moontower, with Paige's many-buckled boots in view. Ravnos bends to pick up the camera and accidentally initiates a digital zoom. As he raises the handheld to his chest, the incidental vertical panning briefly reveals a close-up view of Paige in her chair, looking stressed with her head in her hands; purple tresses of wavy hair pulled taut under long fingers.
Agh! My camera!
More jostled views, but now with glimpses of the exterior and interior of the Moontower - as well as a ridiculous close-up of Ravnos Midnight's focused face as he inspects the handheld for damage. The audio cuts momentarily as he investigates the tiny speaker and its mount. Turning the handheld over in his hands, he sees that the LCD viewfinder is active.
Oh! ...
Turning the camera away and hanging it round his neck as so many treks before, Ravnos begins to descend the Moontower's lighted spiral staircase under a clear, starry sky. Before the camera is finally turned off, a piercing howl sounds out through the night.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Fri-15-Apr-2016 17:52:41)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Sat-14-May-2016 21:52:47
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Night Stolen / The Night Reclaimed
Match RP for Storm Front - May 16th, 2016
April 22nd, 2016 - Full moon (100% visible)
The scene opens in the dim lighting of an unembellished room. Ravnos Midnight appears with a few small brown boxes, over-stuffed with technological gadgetry and cords. He tosses them to the floor and commences poring through their cluttered contents.
Where, where, where? Where is it? I'm sure I'm right. The old memory card wallets. In this one maybe?!
Midnight digs through one of the unmarked boxes, tossing aside random items.
No memory cards. Dammit! Marked the cases, didn't put them together. Agh.
Ravnos moves to another container, tripping over a discarded laptop charger and nearly pulverizing a box of old phones in the process. He plunders another box. Moments pass, and he retrieves a handful of SD card wallets from the box. Ravnos holds up a purple nylon case to the camera. It bears the text "PAIGE Jan 4-April 7 (2016)", cross-stitched in black.
I've got it! Found the last card case. Knew she started up a new case this month. So many memory cards, from just January to April!
Heaving a sigh of relief, he disappears off-screen briefly and re-appears in a blur, propping the camera onto a small black writing desk. The corner of an old laptop is in frame.
Finally found what I was after. Paige has been so closed-off. Compared to usual, of course - not the most open book on the shelf, mind - but usually willing to divulge a paragraph or two before shutting closed again. Of late, our little book of oddities has been firmly closed. Laconic at best, even outside of training. Between Paige and Kira, I have too much silence to listen to! It was deafening enough before. Agghhh, now who's going to keep all the voices away?!
Rav inhales deeply, scanning his scant surroundings. He sighs heavily.
Now. I have work to do. Let's hope to find a key that will unlock this tome. It's time to turn the page.
-----------------------------
April 22nd, 2016 - later
The scene opens in the same small room to a harsh, dim light. The handheld is propped on the black desk, hastily positioned with the corner of the laptop partially obstructing the far left of the viewfinder. Long shadows and audible movement unfold from behind the camera. Ravnos' ragged trench-coat appears. He turns to the camera.
I -- agh. Ahem! So, I've --
Midnight shakes his head in frustration and drinks deeply of some bottled water. While drinking, he surveys the boxes. Forgetting himself, he stares a while. Finally rousing from reverie, Ravnos moves to the opposite side of the room, presses against the door with both hands and rests his forehead against it. After lightly headbutting the door a few times, he begins to pace. And then...
Aaaggghhh dammit to hell!
He proceeds to dump one box's contents out and throw just about everything at the walls with force and fury. When empty of items, he throws the carton itself. Deep breaths; then, a sharp knock from outside, making Ravnos jump and instinctively punch back at the door. He settles himself down enough to unlock and open the door. Light pours in from the hall. Oki-Kira stands outside the threshold, wearing a black tailcoat and a serious expression. The young man looks exhausted. He stands, unmoving, patiently awaiting welcome.
Oh, just come in already!
The silent spirit from Shiga obliges, entering swiftly and silently. Midnight shuts the door and, in absence of the hall light, the two are bathed in the eerie glow of the computer screen.
Surprised you didn't just kick that, too!
Oki-Kira's lip slightly curls into something like an amused expression for only a moment, before returning to his intense stoicism. He raises an eyebrow and gestures to the boxes, then the computer. Ravnos addresses this with a curt nod.
Yeah, I found something alright.
Kira makes a move toward the screen - Ravnos slaps a hand on his shoulder and turns him around by it.
Yes, I've got something that will shed some light. A heads up first - you're not gonna like what you see.
----------------------------
***************************
The Night Stolen
***************************
April 7th, 2016 - New Moon (0% visible)
The scene opens unto a blur of dark pavement. Settling a moment, the orange incandescence of an old streetlamp casts an eerie light nearby on the silent street. In the background of its glow is an overpass. In the dark foreground, Paige lies grimacing, curled up and clutching her ribs on the gravel sidewalk. Her hair appears matted with sweat and dark attire disheveled. Nearby, a small purse lies open. Makeup products and packs of gum are strewn about. Cruel laughter sounds out from behind the camera.
A dry, harsh laughter known only to one populous type of hyena... and the still-too-populous kind of people who would do this, thought Paige.
The world spins in a haze as the handheld is turned about in hand - halfway through the turn, unsteady glances of evergreen trees, unlighted old buildings and more streetlamps appear. The sky, though clear, appears very dark and "moonless"- it is the night of a New Moon. The turn slows to a crawl and at an awkward angle. Barely visible in the dark, and too close up, a red hooded sweater appears into view. In these few moments of (relative) silence, the night breeze sounds mild. The dim view now lends itself only to that of pavement and a brown boot, as the camera now hangs loosely in hand by its wrist strap. It wobbles slightly at its bearer's side.
Damn, what a shitty little camera you got, tranny. Low frame-rate does NOT equal less hideous, ya know?
Callous chuckles.
I dunno 'bout you two pricks but I am STARVIN', man. Gettin' bored with this disgusting faggot, anyway.
Blurriness - in which the boot disappears a moment. The camera bobs nauseatingly around. A soft cry of pain sounds out, and the boot returns into the meagre view.
Aww. Want your shitty-ass camera back, freak? Don't worry - I'm sure it still works!
A clicking sound.
Apparently, I was wrong! My bad. Saaad faaace. Boo hoo hoo. Ahaha.
Hey, lemme see th-- aha! Knew it. Wrong button, dumbass.
Must have gotten turned on when my bag hit the ground. Busted power indicator - no sign it's on. He had it facing the pavement with no flash on when he checked the viewfinder; too dark to see anything in it! They've no idea this was all caught on film. Little things to be thankful for! Maybe I got lucky and caught a face or two?
Never used a camera before? It's *this* one.
*click*
----------------------------
***************************
The Night Reclaimed
***************************
May 14th, 2016 - Waxing gibbous / "half moon" (58% visible)
The scene opens on the familiar windowed wall of the Moontower, with the unnatural warm glow of purple lighting now restored. Half of the window is open, revealing snippets of visible foliage under a gently raining night sky - all backdropped by a brilliant half moon. The incense holder bears a single stick of Dragon's Blood, burning at a leisurely pace with a thin plume of smoke dancing out the window. Paige moves quietly to the rug and sits with legs crossed, wearing all black - an Agalloch t-shirt, jeans and arm-warmers. The usual wild purple hair is slightly tamed by a loose ponytail. The Trans Pride pendant seems extra shiny; polished. The Lunar Pilgrim seems pensive, head down slightly. A few moments pass before she looks up to face the camera. Paige is without the usual purple contacts tonight.
Welcome to the Moontower, 4CW. If I've edited and dated all this right, you're seeing compiled video spanning the past month or so. I've put it together b from the data Rav passed along - which he had no business sifting through. I don't know who he thinks "tasked" him to tell MY tale. By the sounds of it, he's hearing voices again. Any case, I also made off with a few of his memory cards, to boot. He won't be needing them for a while. Our dear Mr. Midnight shallbe spending some time away from any cameras for a while! I'm not pissed anymore, but before, well... different story. I got him pretty good! But yeah... the recordings. I did spend a few weeks with a bruised rib or two. Round 1 of Soul Survivor didn't exactly expedite my recovery. Hid it well, though, huh?
She sighs.
It's sad - that kind of shit still happening to trans folks in this day and age. I mean, really, it's hard to wrap my head around it that this - and worse - is shit that happens at all, regardless of the era. But it does. Too often. Trans folk/women - at night, in broad daylight, doesn't matter the time. Victims so often are trans women. The statistics are hard enough to swallow, and those don't even accurately reflect the reality. Me, I was jumped at night. You hear it too damn often - transgender women. Cisgender women. Why must all women have such cause to fear the night? Seriously, people - don't go out alone at night. I like to think that one day, real rights will be set in place, night watches will be mandatory, police will do their jobs and convictions will start sticking. As it stands now, though, it's just too damn risky. Part of me wishes I'd gotten faces on film. Another part knows that few convictions pan out, and ones that do ultimately don't punish accordingly. Ugh. This is tough terrain to tread - I have to leave it there, I've said as much as my head can handle..
Another sigh. She rocks back and forth a few moments.
I've healed up decently. Along the way, I worked on getting my headspace right. Holed up in here, with my music and incense. And that view! Training - a lot. Getting myself walking, at day. Writing. Reclaiming my confidence, strength, bit by bit. Fighting like all hell and staking my claim here in 4CW. Hell, I managed to pull together the Soul Survivor round one win!
Paige's deep blue eyes light up.
Now, I get to enjoy the round two match on my own terms! What's more - I've gotten approval to make it my own new match type! Damn, that feels good. I've worked as hard as anyone to get where I am today, in so many ways. My own, original stipulation in a tourney for championship gold - doing something I've loved my whole life? Utterly elating! What an opportunity. Well, 4CW, I don't want to say too much just yet! If I go on about it now, I'll end up spoiling the surprise! Hmm...
The Lunar Pilgrim looks up slightly, thinking. Paige then stands, breathes deeply and smirks at the camera.
Let's just say I've found a way to reclaim a piece of the night for myself.
She winks and turns away, opening the other window shutter. Moving the incense aside, Paige rests her hands on the sill and leans out the open window, body tensing in the now-familiar adrenaline rush. Paige raises her head to face the pale Moon.
WOOOOOOOOO!!!
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sat-14-May-2016 21:56:01)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Sun-12-Jun-2016 18:58:29
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Burning
Match RP for Storm Front - June 13th, 2016
June 11th, 2016 - First quarter moon (42% visible)
The scene opens in a small grassy clearing, surrounded by a rough circle of dense tree growth. In the background, over the treetops, the Moontower is partially visible. The opened black shutters reveal the eerily calm purple glow within. In the foreground, mere feet away and accompanied by two small lawn chairs, stands a makeshift fire pit, burning merrily away. It is made predominantly from an old washing machine drum, standing on its still-attached pulley. This is set into a circle of cement foundation, around which Oki-Kira and Ravnos Midnight are roughhousing with each other, knocking over one of the chairs in the process. Naturally, things escalate quickly and the two wind up jockeying for position on the grass. A long sigh and short chuckle are heard from behind the handheld as Ravnos lands a headlock takeover and locks in a vicious noogie. Kira writhes in protest, slapping at the locked arm. He kicks out, kips up and turns to Paige. Ravnos props himself up on an elbow and takes a breather.
Do you two ever stop?
Kira - looking as innocent as possible with ruined makeup, grass-stained gloves and jacket and tousled black hair - falters and smirks momentarily. Ravnos looks amused, though distracted. He turns his head slightly towards his silent comrade.
You look like you just finished a 2-hour show with a visual kei band.
The Shiga Stomper casts a sideways glance, then looks back to Paige. Rav pipes up again.
Not as the vocalist, mind.
Kira remains stoic. He stares forward, into a place just beyond the camera - staring into Paige's eyes. He nods to something off-screen and raises an eyebrow inquisitively.
Right, it's getting late. Back to it, boys. Long day in the gym tomorrow, let's get to it!
Ravnos mumbles to himself and slowly regains his feet, disappearing off-camera. Oki-Kira follows. The view falters for a moment as the Lunar Pilgrim rises from her chair and sets the handheld on its seat. She moves into center frame, wearing a purple Static-X hoodie over black leggings. Her wild hair flutters about in the clearing's mild breeze. Then, she too walks out of frame. A few moments pass and they all return carrying cardboard boxes, Ravnos bringing up the rear. carrying cardboard boxes. Setting these down near the DIY-fire bowl, they go about unfolding the other chairs and setting them aside. Kira, at the far left of the frame with Rav, works intensively with something in his hands, obscured by his wide jacket sleeve. Paige turns to face the camera, with dancing shadows framing her face and the firelight creating an intense backdrop. Her natural blue eyes burn like the logs.
Welcome to the Burning, 4CW. This is a little ritual of mine that's long overdue. A form of mental cleansing. Tonight is a night for reflecting on experience. For shedding the pains of the past and old fears. A night for letting go. A few things are simply taking up room and can be rid of to free up space. Uncluttered personal space lends itself to uncluttering the mind, after all! Some things that are burned are physical things that carry a weight of their own. Some are more like metaphors or avatars. Ravvy and Kira here are taking part as well. We do not burn to forget past experience. Experience teaches. Good lessons, bad lessons, hard lessons... none of the qualifications matter. All of one's past experience marks the road to the present. No - we don't burn to forget. We burn away the past until it inhabits only the background of our thoughts. Tonight, we cleanse our minds of the past and envision the future in the flickering flames.
Paige proceeds to grab a nearby box and centers it up with the camera view. She pores through it and selects two items - one in each hand - and holds them up to the camera: an old laminated birth certificate with Paige's deadname and male sex designation in the left; a handful of old photos in the right. She turns and throws them into the fire. Other items that follow include old letters, a men's wallet and an assortment of old bottles of anti-depressants. Paige steps to the right of the fire bowl. The crackling fire permeates the otherwise silent scene.
Oki-Kira is up next. He simply walks directly up to the blaze, opens his clutched hands and lets loose an elaborate origami ship with sails. The now-29-year-old raven-haired young man stares on as it crumples and blackens in the fire, not returning his hands to his sides. Flickers of flame begin to lick at his fingerless gloves, Kira staring all the while. Paige rouses her mute friend from his reverie and escorts him to a seat. Paige rights the fallen chair and settles into it.
Ravnos picks up the nearest box, moves over to the fire bowl and unceremoniously dumps its entire contents into the newly raging fire. Paige props up on the edge of her seat, tense. Oki-Kira is still lost in thought somewhere. Midnight manhandles another box and upends the entire thing into the upturned washer drum. Paige launches to her feet and turns him to face her.
What the hell, Rav?! This is supposed to be cathartic. A way to let go, not a way to lose it!
I am letting go. I'll be gone before first light.
Gone? Gone where, exactly? What are you talking about?
Away. Red-eye flight. Airport in 3 hours.
His eyes burn into Paige's for a few moments. He smiles through a somewhat pained expression.
You don't need me, Paige. There's nothing more you can learn from me. I was a beaten and burned thing when we met. I'm only valuable when there's someone to teach - someone who can learn something from me, to whatever capacity. We've passed that point now - you're a fully realized individual. You own who you are. You know what you're capable of. And you're making things happen, all of your own accord. At this point, I'm a crutch you don't need any longer. You're standing on your own two feet. So it's time to let me go. The items in the boxes, those are just things I don't need. Here, in whatever small ways, I've been a part of your journey, your endeavor to make your own way. *That* is my catharsis. And now that you're cutting your own path, it's time to turn the page.
The pale pilgrim nods in the direction of her entranced companion and trainer.
What about Kira? Does he know about this? Is he staying? You two seem inseparable at times. No more training and travelling together?
Midnight sighs. He removes a passport from his coat and whistles loudly. An awoken raven caws above in return. Oki-Kira stirs, and Ravnos motions to the passport. Kira nods solemnly. Ravnos returns the passport to its pocket.
He knows where to find me when he's ready. He's staying here a while longer, until he can fit you out with a new trainer. Still some tips and tricks he can pass along, I'm sure. Kira's got a hell of a lot better work ethic than myself, no doubt. And look... yeah, the kid's got demons. He's working on fighting them. It can be hard to see it sometimes, but he's come a long way-
I see it. Every second I spend with him I see it.
Rav nods.
I don't doubt it. Look, I'm not one for goodbyes, so how about we wrap this up and you walk X Japan over there back home, let me sit a while 'til I have to head out?
Oki-Kira perks up at the band reference.
Play him some more of their stuff warming up, girl. He loves to headbang. Well, on the inside, ya know?
Paige chuckles and gives Ravnos a playful shove, and he lightly elbows her ribs in return. Steadying his expression and backing away slightly, Ravnos gives an odd, deep bow, swinging his trenchcoat forth and producing a single black rose from somewhere inside. Paige accepts it and awkwardly curtsies, nearly bowling herself over in the process and laughing all the way.
You're so fucking weird, dude. A frustrating, unhinged weirdo, and I'm pretty sure a part of me just wants to hit you half the time, but looking at the bigger picture - thanks for the stepping stones. Oh, wait - the camera...
She takes a step towards the handheld. Rav stops her.
I'd say keep it, but I've done you one better and put some savings to good use. HD digital cam, HD monitor and some relevant bits and bites should be here within a week. Give 'em hell, kid. I'll drop off the previous and current memory cards at the garage on my way out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to sit in peace a while. Be well, "Pilgrim" Paige. May your journey lead you to greatness.
Paige nods and walks over to Kira, who stands and brushes his knuckles fruitlessly against the stained arms of his black jacket. Standing silently, Paige catches his eye and he turns to Rav. With a simple, slight bow, he bids adieu to his compatriot and joins Paige in exiting the clearing.
Ravnos Midnight sits in silent contemplation a while, chair pushed in a bit closer at the left of the fire pit, occasionally spinning the repurposed washer drum on its pulley, making the tiny remaining flame leap and bounce. He settles back into the chair as the flame begins to dye out. His tangle of dark hair waves in the breeze. Remembering the camera, he casually tilts his head to the right to gaze into it a moment. He smirks.
Goodnight, 4CW. May your flame burn ever brighter!
Ravnos turns his head back toward the fire bowl. The camera battery dies in tandem with the last ember.
==============================
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sun-12-Jun-2016 19:35:40)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Sat-23-Jul-2016 04:15:06
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe Yearning
Match RP for Storm Front - July 25th, 2016
July 20th, 2016 - Full Moon (100% visible)
The scene opens (in glorious HD!) in Paige's garage. The new camera, gifted by Ravnos, is mounted to the wall, giving an unobstructed view of the ring area. Through the window, wavering trees are illuminated under a full midsummer moon. Beneath the window, a lot of background clutter has been removed, and the makeshift gymnasium's old ring has been given a makeover: fresh canvas and new black skirts, embellished with thin swirls of purple. Even the ancient ring steps have been given some sorely needed attention, having been painted black. The Lunar Pilgrim approaches the steps and enters, wearing her black and purple ring gear. After running the ropes briefly, she is joined by Oki-Kira, who slides in from off-screen.
Warmed up already, I take it?
He nods.
Leapfrog drills. Then let's run through some strikes and counters.
They go toe-to-toe a while, practicing striking techniques, blocks and evasive maneuvers. When Kira seems satisfied with the drill, Paige rolls out of the ring. Kira moves to the apron as she plunders the nearby refrigerator, grabs two bottles of water and tosses one to him.
Damn! You are on-point today! Maybe someday I'll be striking that fast!
The outsider from Ōtsu props himself up on the turnbuckle and drinks deeply, seeming distracted and staring off into space. Paige eyes her mentor, with a look that contains great respect, some puzzlement and a hint of sadness.
All prepped and ready for the journey?
Another nod - slight and solemn. Paige downs her water.
Just a few days til your flight. Gonna tell me where you're off to, or has Ravvy's paranoia rubbed off on you?
He smirks, hops down from his perch and walks to the adjacent corner. Scooping up a small travel bag, he turns and tosses it to Paige. She catches it and sets about unzipping its various pockets, searching for the passport. The Shiga Stomper returns to his roost and continues re-hydrating.
Travelling light, I see. Never were big on material possessions, huh?
An exaggerated shrug from the perched puroresu.
Ah, here we are.
The purple-haired punk fan pulls out the passport, reads it over and looks back to Oki-Kira.
Whoa. You're going back to Ōtsu? I mean... technically not a shocker. But... well, Ravvy told me how you were when he found you - so despondent and restless, always roaming around at night. Stealing tapes. Need I mention utterly retired and removed from the wrestling world? I don't claim to know that much about you, but that's not the Oki-Kira I know. Hell, it's... Rav, kinda! He didn't say much else, and I'm not about to pry into whatever history you two have, but he did imply you couldn't wait to move away - to "leave the pain behind". That "staying was not an option". So... you're really sure you're ready to go back home?
A long moment passes. Oki-Kira seems lost in contemplation, looking down at the mat; absently staring at the new canvas.
Kira?
At last, he looks up. His deep brown eyes appear sad, but determined. He nods, firmly.
Okay. I trust your judgment. And hey, you'll have Ravvy there with you. Will you guys be training eager young upstarts such as myself there, too?
Oki-Kira nods, followed by motioning around the ring; then to himself. Next, he steps out between the ropes and onto the apron, gesturing to the tag rope. He makes the "a little bit" hand gesture with his forefinger and thumb. This is followed by jumping off the apron to ringside. He bangs his hands on the mat. Kira proceeds to do a mute imitation of Ravnos: standing in a slightly hunched posture, messing up his long-ish hair and scowling as hard as possible. Paige laughs out loud and applauds the performance. He gives a modest bow.
Damn, that was too good! ... So, if I follow correctly, you mean to work your way back into competition with Rav as your manager and occasional tag partner?
Piaige's silent sensei gives a big "thumbs up" in response. She smirks.
My charades skills definitely pay off when you're feeling talkative! Sounds really positive to me - go for it! And I'm glad you two will be as close as ever. Thick as thieves for as long as I've known you. Will you be renting a place together?
The (soon-to-be no longer) retired indie puroresu shakes his head fervently, eyes comically bugging out.
Ah. Wise man.
Oki-Kira gestures to the bag. Paige returns it to him and watches on as he rummages through it, finally retrieving a small postcard displaying a city skyline, with both English and Japanese text below it. He hands it to Paige and gives a brief encore performance of his Ravnos impression. Paige reads the English aloud...
"Greetings from Osaka!" Ahhh, I see. A little distance makes me worry a bit less about you two going at each other's throats all the time. Kinda surprised Rav would situate himself in such a bustling place. Maybe it'll do him some good to experience a big city, the nightlife. Whatever the case, Osaka has absolutely no idea what it's in for!
The Silent Spirit from Shiga-ken grins brightly and begins to zip up the travel bag, but it snags half-way and Kira loses his grip, dropping it to the mat. Various items tumble out; the passport, a crocheted footbag and an old leather wallet, which lands open. Both student and mentor drop to hands and knees and set about gathering the items. In the task to round everything up, Paige is nearest the wallet, and when she moves to retrieve it, something sticking out of it catches her eye. She stands back up and holds the open wallet in one hand, pulling the askew item out: a worn, dog-eared photograph taken on a sunny day, in which a casually-dressed young Kira smiles at the camera while holding hands with a short, pale Asian woman. She is wearing a flowery summer dress and has wavy, bobbed dark hair. Her expression is joyful; her posture carefree. They appear to be standing on a ship deck, with other people in the background.
Kira, who is the woman with you in this photograph? She's so beautiful! She seems... oddly familiar, somehow. Was this on a cruise s-
Paige halts as she looks up from the picture, seeing that her companion's face is stained with falling tears. Oki-Kira cries as silently and stoically as he does most things. He holds his hand out, and when Paige holds the wallet out to him, he takes only the photograph. He stares at it a while, lost in reverie. Paige rests a hand on his shoulder in comfort until he eventually looks up, breathing a deep sigh. Kira walks over to stand alongside her. He holds the photograph up and taps his index finger on the reverse side; then a certain point on the photo; then, finally, another. Paige - sans purple contacts - examines the image with her deep blue eyes.
I can't read kanji, sorry. "2006", huh? The wedding rings... you married young...
A long pause.
And... she died?
A nearly imperceptible nod. Paige sighs.
Was she ill?
The mute young man shakes his head. Another pause.
An accident? ... Kira - did this ship crash?
A slight forward tilt of the head. Paige contemplates for a moment.
Ravvy once told me that Oki-Kira could mean something like, "Dark Ocean". I... think I get the significance now. I'm so sorry, Kira.
No response. A long, awkward silence. Suddenly, Paige is speaking rapidly...
Ooh! I just realized something! I have a parting gift for you - stay right there.
Slipping out of the ring, Paige ducks under the newly designed ring skirt and retrieves a small, unadorned box. She slides back in, standing across from her mentor.
I found this around the time we got the ring all set up here, years ago. Never did look inside, though I was tempted to! I dunno - I figured it might have belonged to whoever abandoned this place or something, so I kinda just put it away for safekeeping. Kinda forgot about it 'til the other day. Then my curiosity got the best of me and I finally looked inside. Felt kinda guilty, I mean... it's a stranger's personal item, or so I thought. Now I know exactly who it belongs to. Hold out your hand.
Oki-Kira obliges as Paige opens the box and wraps her hand around a small object. She places it in her trainer's open palm - a small, ornate locket emblazoned with a crescent moon on a long, silver chain. Kira stares a long while at this, before finally opening the locket - his breath catching in his throat as the interior photograph is revealed. The silent man's eyes both light up and moisten as he holds the familiar, presumed-lost keepsake of his late wife.
Manami...
The word comes out as a breath, a sigh... near-inaudible. Something lighter than a whisper, but heavier than the world itself. Paige's eyes widen for a moment, hearing a voice she'd never known was actually inside him to use. Oki-Kira closes and grips the locket tightly in his hand, then clasps the chain around his neck. A deep bow is followed by a pointing gesture - first to the now-discarded empty box, then to Paige.
You have a parting gift for me, too?
Kira exits the ring, disappearing off-camera a moment before returning to the ring with a small plastic container. He opens it, retrieves a small capsule and puts it in his mouth. Turning to face away from Paige, he bites down and spits a thick spray of purple mist towards the nearest turnbuckle. He turns to Paige, grinning a deep purple grin and handing her the container, which is labelled in both kanji and English characters. Paige reads aloud...
"Moon Mist" - I love it! Thank you, Kira.
He motions to Paige that it's her turn to try it out.
Alright. Let's give it a shot!
Oki-Kira and Pilgrim Paige practice utilizing the Asian mist for a while. When Paige can repeatedly achieve a strong, slow spread of the liquid while spitting, Kira nods approvingly. As they wrap things up, Paige brings up the burning question on her mind.
So... have you found someone who's willing to work with my stubborn ass on the cheap, or will I wing it a while and put some ads out? It's ridiculous, having to do it ass-backwards -bringing the trainer to the student - not a wrestling school to be found for miles... and miles... and... ugh.
The Ōtsu outsider smiles in return. He nods his head fervently.
And when will I get to meet this particular individual?
Oki-Kira points to the radiant Full Moon outside the window, then holds up all five fingers of his left hand.
Five more moons, huh? Okay. I'll work just as hard on my own in the meantime. No slacking - I promise.
Giving one final nod in reply, Kira exits the ring and collects his jacket. Paige exits the ring and leans against the apron.
Stay in touch, okay? Keep Ravnos in check when you can. And tell that jackass to hit me up on Skype sometime!
Oki-Kira, turning on his heel toward his favorite student, smirks in response. Paige throws the sign of the horns up to her respected mentor. He bows slightly in return. Then, for the last time - as quiet and wordlessly as before his muteness was broken for that single, bittersweet moment - the silent spirit from Shiga gathers up his things and heads out the garage door.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sat-23-Jul-2016 04:21:00)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By rhys Tue-16-Aug-2016 18:25:23
Admin and 4CW Head Booker · 5,103 commentsThe latest RP was really good. I like how you brought Oki-Kira back as Paige's trainer and you do well at the backstory of all these characters. I also love how you write Oki, considering he doesn't speak and you have to rely on body language to get his message across. That can be quite difficult in writing form but you do it well.
Of course, it looks like this is the last we'll see of Oki, so it'll be interesting to see where the RP's go from here and how Paige's story continues.
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
By Pilgrim Paige Wed-17-Aug-2016 04:00:00
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsAppreciate the comment.
I'm working on some ideas for Pilgrim Paige, as well as the new trainer. I'm still undecided on what exactly I'm aiming for, but I may want to get the trainer on the roster, too. I guess I'll have to run some stuff by Compy when I'm ready.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Wed-17-Aug-2016 04:00:27)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Fri-28-Oct-2016 10:18:53
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsOct. 28th, 2016: RP for 4CW Gallows End PPV
A Magical Meeting (Part I)
Sept. 1st, 2016—New Moon (1% visible)
At a busy airport terminal in central Newfoundland, Pilgrim Paige sits in the middle seat and middle row of a crowded chair unit. The digital overhead signage at the front of the room indicates that this area is designated for arrivals. Off in her own world, she taps her fingers against her cellphone, listening to music with her earbuds in. With her wild purple hair tamed by a straightener and wearing charcoal leather leggings with a matching double-breasted peacoat, Paige looks dressed to impress, both standing out from and blending in with the various stressed-looking commuters in warm fall fashions and semi-formal attire. She also stands out for the odd welcome sign resting on her lap, which simply reads, "NOT-KIRA".
Ugh. Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Doesn't-Speak, and their raging hard-ons for mystery! Can't believe Rav's got me sitting in an airport with no clue about who I'm waiting for.
A few moments pass, and Paige shifts a bit, seemingly uncomfortable in her seat. Soon, she stops fidgeting and glances around as a huge herd of people begin filing into the room.
Damn, I hope Kira found someone good. The man knows his stuff, but who knows what connections he really has? All puns aside, he's been pretty hush in the business for years now. Who does he really know besides myself and Rav? Who does he trust enough to take his place with the last student he's trained since taking it back up?
Paige puts her headphones into a tote bag, stands and holds her welcome sign at chest-level. She looks all about—head turning this way and that. Suddenly, she stops and faces straight forward...
An enchantingly attractive, fit young Asian woman with dark teal hair, matching make-up. golden brown eyes and a teal overcoat appears in front of Paige. She doesn't say anything, so the Lunar Pilgrim speaks up.
Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Paige...
The woman nods once, then returns to stoic silence.
Seriously?! Another non-talker? I mean... okay, just... really?! What are the odds of that?
Um...
The newcomer's stiff stance suddenly loosens and her neutral expression is swapped for a smirk.
Ha, I had you going for a while there, huh? Sorry, I couldn't resist! Please, allow me to start over. Hello to you too, Paige. I'm Tsukiko! Tsukiko Mizuno. Or, according to your sign, "Not-Kira". Heh, I like that. Anyway—I'll be your new trainer in Oki-Kira's stead. You can put to rest any worries about communicative limitations with me. I intend to communicate everything with great detail in every single training session we have. I ask the same of you, in return. My approach is a little different than what you're used to, and yes I really am well aware of what it is you're used to—Kira was my primary trainer for quite some time. That said, I've learned a lot under his tutelage and you will definitely find some similarities. Just always be prepared for some new methods and challenges with me. Right now, I'm really jet-lagged and need to get some rest, so let's hit the road, okay? We'll start in on training tomorrow evening.
Well, I must say that I like what I'm hearing! Let's get you all taken care of. Follow me...
Paige starts towards the exit. Tsukiko stays put, mulling something over. Paige turns on her heel to face her.
Is everything okay?
I just wanted to say that I'm really looking forward to training with you... I've heard—and, I suppose, notheard—some really great things about you!
Thanks for saying so! I'm looking forward to training with you, too. I wasn't going to say this, as it's kind of odd, but... I have the strangest feeling about you. I didn't know anything about you until you got here, and we've only just met, but I have this great feeling about training with you. Is that weird?
Not to me, but everyone tells me that I'm odd, so... maybe? Whatever the case, I get the sense that you and I could make beautiful magic together!
==============================
A Magical Meeting (Part II)
Sept. 16th, 2016 - Full Moon (100% visible)
On a pleasantly cool September night, a tall and slender young woman approaches Pilgrim Paige's Moontower—a large purple tree-house hidden in the depths of a dense Canadian forest. The full moon glows gloriously overhead. The stranger's attire is ostensibly vintage and decidedly gothic: a long black cardigan (with silver belt), charcoal spandex pants and mid-calf leather boots. Relatively practical, if a bit light for the season. She appears to be wearing silver contacts, producing an odd effect. The woman's gait is steady and graceful; she walks with great confidence. She looks both focused and distracted at the same time: looking straight ahead and never stopping, but also brushing her fingertips over the withering flowers and dying autumn leaves. As she calmly walks through the heavily wooded area, her ivory skin and long, silvery-blonde hair seem illuminated by the intense moonlight—making her appear almost as pale as it is. Passing through a small clearing and observing Paige's makeshift fire-pit, the newcomer approaches the steps of the Moontower. Tracing her fingers along the bannister, she ascends the winding staircase and raps sharply on the door. No response. She knocks again.
Okay, whoever's out there—I don't know how you found this place, or who the hell you think you are, but I'll have you know I'm quite ready and able to defend myself. You—
Tsukiko sent me.
The door swings open. A confused and irritated Pilgrim Paige eyes her unwelcome guest up and down for a moment.
Tsukiko? Are you kidding me?! She swore this place would be kept secret! Now she sends some random woman in the middle of the night? What the hell is going on?!
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hazel. Tsukiko is a dear friend of mine. She suggested that I meet with you. Please—just grant me entrance and I'll happily answer all of the questions you must have.
Dear friend, huh? Why hasn't she mentioned you before, then?
You know how private Tsukiko is—has she ever mentioned any of her friends to you?
Oh, I know how private she is. She's supposed to know how private I am, as well! But now that you mention it, she's never really talked about anyone she associates with since I first met her.
Paige eyeballs the strange, slim, silver-haired woman again and manages a hesitant smile.
Well, I don't typically invite vampires into my home, but being that you're here on some kind of mission from Tsukiko, I guess I can make an exception.
As Hazel enters the eerily purple-lit room, Paige asks her to close the door and lights incense on the closed windowsill. She crosses the room and sits on her old black sofa. Hazel takes in her new surroundings for a moment, then adjusts her cardigan and settles down on the big purple rug, opposite the sofa. Sitting cross-legged, she closes her eyes for a moment and inhales deeply of the aroma before speaking again.
I'm sure there are many questions bubbling up inside of you. By all means, ask away.
Okay. First of all, how do you know Tsukiko?
I met her through Oki-Kira, back when I was living in Osaka. I trained with him on-and-off for two years and I've been training under Tsukiko in the two years since. I've been wrestling independently for about a year. Tsukiko's gotten me booked in some pretty solid organizations.
Get out of here, no way! No offense, I just... wouldn't take you for the wrestling sort. I know, I know... I kinda hate myself for presuming over someone else's character or appearance, you just surprised me a bit there.
It's fine. Looks can be deceiving. I'm a rather wispy thing, but you definitely don't want to get on my bad side—in or out of the ring.
Hey, a little attitude; I like it! Duly noted. Now, next question: why do you speak so... formally, I'll call it? I'm prone to do the same at times, but... well, I'm curious. And nosy. Definitely nosy.
Hazel hesitates a moment, then breathes in deeply and lets out a sigh.
It's just my way, dear. Also, to a degree it's for effect, frankly. More importantly, it creates a sort of comfort within me, especially in encountering new people or situations. It's a way of distancing and protecting myself. Strange, perhaps...
No. Not to me. In fact... it's re-assuring as hell to know that someone else shares in why I do it: that sense of distancing myself. Makes me feel less anxious with people, or in unfamiliar places. So it turns out, not only don't I find it strange, I connect with it. Goes a bit deeper than that at times... my usual social anxiety gets over-ruled by my dysphoria about my voice sometimes, and speaking more slowly, over-enunciating, all of that... it's when I feel like I sound my most feminine. Uh... not sure why I'm sharing this, exactly...
It's quite alright. I'm glad to hear you speak openly—even if you, at times, are not. It seems we have some things in common, hmm? Feels like you're warming up to me fairly well, too. Speaking of warming up: the incense you're burning tonight... I detect coconut, Dragon's Blood and African violet... very potent! Powerful mix, especially for protection spells. Perhaps you aim to also banish some negative energies from your home... I hope you don't consider me one!
Wait a minute. You're talking about magical properties! You—I mean... are you a witch of some sort?
Without hesitation, Hazel responds.
Yes. My personal practices, love of nature and spiritual inclinations are in keeping with what's understood as witchcraft, and also various Wiccan traditions and other pagan values. Quite eclectic... I like to keep things open, broad. Tsukiko, on the other hand, is a secular soul. One might call me a hedge witch. In times past, folk such as I were revered for their knowledge and abilities in utilizing nature's gifts to heal body, mind and spirit. I interpret dreams, as well. Before I met Tsukiko, I was strictly a solitary practitioner. Nowadays, on occasion, we share in castings and other rituals.
Wow. I had no idea Tsukiko practices witchcraft.
Yes. She's very gifted, with incredible energy and deep connections to the natural world. Especially with water, the ocean... she has such power. Her energy, spirit and strength are breathtaking. She's been quite a positive force in my life... she's taught me much of what I now share with you. A brief lesson, if I may...
Ultimately, one is, or is not, a witch. To be a witch is to live as one who reveres nature, respects the elements, seeks peace and craves harmony. To be a witch is to understand the connection we have to the earth, mother nature and all their teachings... and to incorporate these values into day-to-day life. A witch also understands, intrinsically, the value of sharing one's knowledge and abilities with others. These values bleed through into everything we do, and everything we intend to.
Is this why Tsukiko sent you to meet with me? To talk about witchcraft? Not sure I follow.
Tsukiko picked up, from bits and pieces you've shared with her, that you, yourself are a witch, in your way. You observably have an understanding of what it is to value nature, and you spend time engaging with your innermost self: you meditate and utilize the earth's gifts to create. You seem obsessed by the Moon and draw strength from her. In short, you are a witch. One with great potential—in so many areas of life. You've just never been made aware that's there's a term that applies to the vital aspects of your personality and personal practices I've just noted. Nor, it seems, were you aware that there are many others who share in the same. People are each, all, many things. One thing that we three happen to be are witches, Paige. I embrace this, with pride. I've been told you have great power, but will require some aid in unlocking your full potential. Tsukiko trains you in the ring; your physical abilities. It is my—our—hope that you will come to recognize me as a trainer as well. My role will be to train your mind, spirit, focus and willpower. To achieve your full potential and channel your greatest inner and outer strength—in any area of life—you must learn to hone these elements of the self. You have a strong foundation. Together, we can build upon it.
Paige observes the woman with growing interest.
What else do you know about me?
Hazel's eerily pale silver irises stare intensely into Paige's dark blue eyes. Her expression is serious and intense, then softens somewhat—without losing the intensity.
Enough to know that you are a strong, determined soul by nature. Enough to know that you are a survivor... a warrior. Enough to know that, for the past two months—other than physical training, at least—you've been losing sight of your various abilities and inner strengths. Tsukiko says you spend too much time in here, moping and milling about. I recognize the realities of depression, and wouldn't dare presume over your experiences... but you, by Tsukiko's account, would normally have channeled any negativity, pain and frustration into bettering yourself by now! I don't pretend to know or understand all there is to about you. But I'm inclined to suggest that you need help at this time. You need the right people by your side. Necessity has brought you Tsukiko—and now, she has brought me as well.
Okay, cut the shit, seriously... what is all this? Am I being recruited into some kind of "coven" or something? Are you just buttering me up, looking for a third witch to charge energy and cast with or what?
A coy smile in return.
Have you just—incidentally—outed yourself as a witch, dear?
Perhaps, in a way, I could be seen as such...
Ah. Well, as it happens, a little birdie tells me you're quite the kitchen witch—weaving magical energy and your intentions into all manner of kitchen craft; working with herbs and spices; baking; making incense... all told, these make up a very positive force in your life, yes?
A brief sigh from Paige...
I haven't cooked or baked in so long. Even burning incense has just become a routine lately...
That—and so many other things—are ripe for change, Paige. Dedicate the kind of time to your mind and spirit that you have to your body and you'll see: the tide will turn, swiftly and fiercely! Together, we can unravel your tangled thoughts and bring forth clarity, focus... and strengths you don't yet know you possess.
Paige appears thoughtful.
Even the most solitary soul needs help sometimes. By my count, you're running short on focus, friends, clarity, spirit, energy... all things that I, myself, have lacked in the past. We—Tsukiko and I—don't proclaim to have all the answers. But a reliable union may be just the thing we all need at this time. I'll leave you to mull this over. Don't take too long in deciding. All the best to you, fellow traveller of the old paths.
The eccentric young woman stands, turns on her heel and makes her exit. Paige, looking bemused, stands and sets about opening the shutters, allowing the pale moonlight to wash over the wooden floor of her forest home.
==============================
At the Gallows' End
October 28th, 2016 - Waning crescent moon (7% visible)
The scene opens onto the Moontower's closed black shutters and the sound of pacing. Paige appears and walks to the rug, wearing a loose ponytail, her purple contacts and her ring gear. The Lunar Pilgrim lets her hair down, retrieves a lighter from the windowsill and lights a small black candle upon it. Finally, she turns and stares intensely into her new camera.
As Samhain approaches and the boundaries between the spirit realm and the realm of the living grow thin, it is the ideal time to reflect, as well as to connect. In my reflections, I think of all the atrocities committed against those of the old ways; ways that were once commonplace; practices and values that were once held in high regard... all torn asunder in the face of ignorance. A rather "popular" practice, by those who maintained a willful ignorance and hatred of these things, was hanging. Practitioners of magic and other humble folk, who were not "heathens", but were simply accused, were murdered alike. These things have long since passed, of course...
Paige taps the incandescent bulb, making it teeter.
In the here and now, in terms of connections, I have made many along my path... and lost many, as well. Nonetheless, I am finding myself making new connections. Very strong, powerful bonds that will enrich the lives, minds, bodies and spirits of those entwined within them.
She taps the bulb again as it rocks above her. It swings more violently now.
In my reflections, I also consider more recent times and follow the thread to the present day. For so long, and to this day, there is a stigma around the word, "witch". Around an aspect of who I am. And like so many, this stigma has had me hiding that aspect, keeping it utterly to myself.
Once more, the bulb is struck. Paige closes her eyes and bows her head slightly. The metal arm bearing the light's shade threatens to break free from the ceiling.
This hiding has come to an end. The tale has gotten too old. It's much better suited to the past... to die and be remembered only. Not with reverence and respect, of course. Merely as a powerless, ghoulish spectre. Far too many times before now, for so many reasons, I have had to live within that vicious cycle of stigma and hiding. Never again!
Pilgrim Paige strikes hard at the lampshade; its arm breaks and crashes to the floor. The Moontower's interior is thrust into darkness—save for the black candle on the windowsill.
Silence. The candle is lifted away from the sill. Then, in the nearly pitch-black darkness of the room, two eyes, bearing purple irises, stare out from just above the candle's flickering flame. Barely a moment passes, and Paige's eyes are suddenly joined to her left by Tsukiko's intelligent gold-brown eyes. Finally, the pale, otherworldly silver eyes of Hazel appear at Paige's right.
The past is done. The trials are long over, and yet—on Hallow's Eve, in the middle of Samhain—a young believer in the old ways, in the magic of nature... will find herself fighting to stay out of a noose. At the Gallows End, to fail is to hang. This... will not be my fate. It is the fate that awaits my opponent. My mind has been cleansed. My spirit is replenished. My body is set to withstand any pain. I am ready to face down the Gallows Pole...
The purple set of eyes closes, leaving Tsukiko and Hazel staring out from either side of the flame. Soon, Tsukiko, too, shuts her eyes. Hazel, all the while, never seems to blink.
On Halloween night, for the first time in history, the witch will do the hanging.
Hazel's eyes shut. Three breaths—working as one—blow out the candle.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sat-29-Oct-2016 00:26:39)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Fri-25-Nov-2016 23:01:13
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsRP for Storm Front (episode dated Nov. 28th, 2016)
A Magical Meeting (Part III)
Nov. 20th, 2016—Last quarter moon (60% visible)
Within the walls of the Moontower, candlelight has replaced the usual incandescent purple glow. Small candles and tea lights burn on Paige's windowsill, corner chair, amplifier and low table. The latter has been pushed against the corner opposite the chair—so, too, has the sofa. The familiar purple rug, with its starry motif, is now situated at the center of the room. Around the rug is a circle of sea salt and—at its center—a small oaken altar, emblazoned with wood-burned pentacles. This small, knee-high table is covered in various objects: flowers; leaves; twigs; feathers; sand; sea shells; bowls; bottles of herbs and spices; incense resins; matches; a charcoal block; mortar and pestle; and at its center, a large white candle. In the dim light, the shadowy figures of Pilgrim Paige, Tsukiko Mizuno and Hazel the Hedge Witch enter and congregate silently—seated—in a semi-circle around the altar. The women are dressed simply; unadorned. Paige wears a ponytail, black jeans and an old Slayer t-shirt. She is without her purple contacts. Paige's new trainer and her enigmatic ally have also forgone their usual dramatic appeal for more basic attire. Hazel fills a small bowl with sand and rests the charcoal tablet onto it, lighting it at all sides with a match. She also sets about combining herbs and resins in the wooden mortar.
Thank you for joining me tonight. It means a great deal to me.
Paige receives an encouraging reply from her companions at the same time, as well as a brief squeeze of the arm from Tsukiko. Hazel finishes her mixing and grinding, placing the mixture on the charcoal tablet. A thin veil of smoke wafts up into the air.
We know this day is very important to you. Anything we can do to help, we're here.
Paige inhales the aroma of Hazel's natural incense and smiles at Tsukiko. Her expression turns serious as she nods to each of her new friends and faces the altar. Hazel and Tsukiko do the same.
This day is a solemn one for me. November 20th, 2016 marks the 17th annual Trans Day of Remembrance—an observance now held in at least 20 different countries. So many transgender people have been killed for embracing their true selves. This year, alone, has seen far too many. Lives that, for many, had only just truly begun... stolen. We are gathered here tonight to pay our respects to those whose lives have been taken in the name of hate and ignorance. Now... let us observe a moment of silence, and remember...
The Lunar Pilgrim and her newfound allies proceed to clasp hands and lower their heads, as though in a trance. A minute passes. Hazel speaks a brief prayer, pertaining to loss, grief and finding inner strength through pain. Paige opens her eyes and stares intensely into the white candle's flame. Her expression is tight; pained.
I will not forget.
She sits there a minute longer, lost in thought. Tsukiko looks about to speak when a wolf howls from somewhere nearby, breaking into Paige's musings.
Shall we conclude this rite?
Yes. No. Well... I'd like to sit a while longer. Just me. You can gather your things and head home, I just need a little more time. Thank you, again, for being here and for strengthening my ritual.
Glad to be of help.
Paige is silent for a moment. She manages a weak smile.
Next visit won't be so grim. Maybe we can all catch a movie, go dancing... have a proper girls' night out! Tonight, I feel, I just want to be here, in my little space and paying my respects.
Okay. Whatever is best for you tonight, Paige. And hey, a girls' night out sounds like fun! I can't remember the last time I went out, let my hair down, let off some steam. Probably not since the day of the move... and even then, that's only if you count cabbing to the mall to people-watch and eat Thai food alone!
Paige grins.
I'll count it. Hell, that's more get-up-and-go than I've had in months.
Hazel, who'd busied herself with gathering her altar contributions, turns and chimes in.
You are sincere in where your heavy heart lies this night. That said, a part of you has been hung up on the pay-per-view loss—I can tell.
"Hung up?"
No pun was intended, dear. In any case—you shouldn't beat yourself up. Frankly, you can't afford to... you're only getting back to good health of late, all this time after Gallows' End.
Yep. I got my ass beat. Hard.
No one—in the arena or watching at home—saw it that way. You're as resilient as anyone on that roster and Bally Hoo didn't walk away in top condition, either. You have to give 100% to come out of a match with your body at 50%. You're running with the big dogs now, Paige.
Yeah, well, that was a VERY big dog!
Tsukiko chuckles as she bags up her shells and bowls.
Training tomorrow, girl.
I know. What better way to start every Monday?
And Wednesday. And Friday.
Let's not forget about Spiritual Saturday!
Okay, okay! I know. I look forward to it. All of it—I swear.
Tsukiko heads to the door. She turns.
Goodnight, Paige.
Goodnight, Tsukiko. All the best to you—always.
Tsukiko winks one of her bright, gold-brown eyes. She spins on her heel and moseys out the door, dancing into the brisk night air. Hazel proceeds to the doorway. She, too, turns to speak to the still-sombre Pilgrim. Without her contacts, her eyes are revealed to be hazel, seemingly constantly shifting in tones of browns and greens. She stares into Paige's natural blue eyes with those intelligent orbs. Presently, they appear greenish and cat-like.
Something else troubles your mind. I can't quite determine what it is. Something... familiar. Very intense...
Stay out of my head, Hazel. Goodnight.
Apologies. Of course, dear. I'd not meant to pry. Goodnight.
Hazel turns and exits, quickening her pace to catch up to her carefree companion, leaving Paige to her reflections, solemnity and restless mind.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sun-27-Nov-2016 23:40:00)
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By Pilgrim Paige Mon-30-Jan-2017 23:34:15
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThe new profiles for Paige, Tsukiko and Hazel are up at last. More to come from these 3 soon!
http://www.4wforums.com/thread.php?pid=13345#p13345
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~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By Pilgrim Paige Fri-17-Feb-2017 22:45:34
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsRP for Storm Front (episode dated Feb. 19th, 2017)
Girls' Night In
Feb. 11th, 2016—Full Moon (100% visible)
Paige: Oh, none for me, thanks! I actually don't drink anything with alcohol.
Tsukiko: It's cool! I totally respect that. We're not exactly big drinkers, ourselves... but once in a blue moon, I find, a glass of wine is quite divine. Isn't that right, Haze-meister?
Hazel: Who is this "Haze-meister"? Me? It sounds terrible. Say it again and I'm hexing you so bad!
...
In a small, lamp-lit bedroom, two young women sit together across a queen-size bed, watching a DVD and laughing wildly while ravaging a huge bowl of seasoned popcorn. The lamplight glows warmly on a rosewood nightstand—a contrast to the cool blues and aquas of the wallpaper and decor. Tea lights burn on and around the low shelf that bears the TV. Paige and Tsukiko are resting comfortably against a navy blue body pillow, which itself rests against the wall. Paige wears a purple flannel pajama set, while Tsukiko has tucked herself away in her favorite kigurumi PJs, styled as a powder blue unicorn. To their left, Hazel appears in the doorway, standing out from her pajama-adorned peers; she dons a black silk camisole with lace trim and matching hiphugger panties. The popcorn bowl breathes a brief sigh of relief as Tsukiko and Paige forget to breathe at all for a moment. As the silver-haired hedge witch enters and joins them, Paige gathers her senses.
Hey, girl! You missed the best parts! Oh, uh... sorry! I didn't mean any disrespect. I'm still only slowly getting familiar with your spiritual aspects, I know you needed more time. So... have the Goddesses been kind?
Hazel speaks softly, her lilting accent wafting peacefully into Paige's welcoming ears.
First—that is okay; don't worry, dear. Second—thank you for asking. A night of full moon tends to be a bountiful one, and this night has been exceptional, indeed. The Mother has bestowed many blessings. Third—our earlier group ritual was a strong one, but please understand that my path is walked in the light of the Triple Goddess—"the goddesses", as you put it. For future reference, the Mother, Maiden and Crone are as one, and referred to as such. I do realize I took more time than previously anticipated. I felt a strange sense of unease and repeated my purification and protection spells by moonlight. Finally—regarding the film—sorry to have missed some, but rest assured, I know every scene from memory!
Oh? How many times have you watched Mean Girls, Hazel?
Exactly 8, counting tonight.
10 for me! Seriously.
Really? Only 6 for me. Damn, and here I thought I was the biggest fan in the room!
This will always be one of my favorites, and sentimental to me. My mother picked me up the Japanese-subtitled DVD for my 15th birthday. Hard to get. She was an intense workaholic back then and... well... sometimes, she'd lose track of the whole "birthday" thing. But this gift was really thoughtful, you know? She knew I had a thing for cheesy American teen flicks and thought it sounded like my kind of thing. When our DVD player went on the fritz, it wouldn't eject and Mean Girls was stuck inside. So I made the most of it 'til we replaced it! Some of the slang and cultural nuances were lost on me, but I knew it was gonna be something special to me, somehow. I quickly fell in love with it... and with Lizzy Caplan.
Ugh, right? Major crush of mine, too!
Tsukiko scoops up some popcorn as her cheeks begin to redden. Paige appears thoughtful.
Wow. Um... did I really hear what I think I heard? Just.. wow! Okay... calm down, girl.
Um... I don't mean to be rude, only curious... I've heard there isn't a huge fluent English speaking population in Japan, even with it being taught in schools. You lived on Honshu your whole life, right? You're so fluent, so natural!
Thank you for saying so! I'm still kind of self-conscious about certain words and sounds. I've lived most of my life in Japan, but in fact, other than moving to different prefectures in Chubu—that's the central region—with my mother, we actually lived in Toronto for 3 years. My mother is kind of a hot-shot neurologist. She got offers from all across the Pacific and beyond, all the time. I guess she got one she couldn't resist and next thing I know, we are in a new city and new country! She picked up English over the years in interacting with English-speaking clients and hospital recruiter types. So I picked up a bit that way, and in Toronto, I learned along with her. When she decided to go private practice, we returned to Japan in 2009. Later that year, I met Rav when he was starting up his shitty little training facility, where I got my start—so, even more exposure to English. Or something like it... I've never heard anyone mumble and grumble so much in my entire life. I guess I've come a long way in the language world over time. And in the actual world, too.
Wow. I haven't heard Tsukiko speak quite so personally before. It's great to hear her share like that.
That's awesome. I really think you sound amazing, and it's great to hear you talk like this... and so much! I'm learning a lot tonight.
It's true, I can be kind of closed off with people. But with you guys, I mean... we're working together, we get spiritual, we seem to be on a shared wavelength... you're my friends! I never really had much of that growing up. I'll warm up. Cool as I may be...
Tsukiko makes some cheesy gestures—putting on an imaginary pair of sunglasses and blowing off smoke from her finger-pistol.
Oh, haha... you're such a dork!
Paige and Tsukiko playfully shove at each other a little, then Paige turns to Hazel, who has been silent thus far.
I do wonder what goes on in that head of hers.
How about you, Hazel? Any juicy backstory stuff to impart on we mere mortals? At least dish on your Mean Girls crush, if you've got one.
Yeah, come on, Haze. Say something, at least. You've been quiet tonight, even by your standards.
Hazel's eyes—tonight, a light brown—haven't left the screen since she settled in place on the bed. She has been sipping on her glass of red wine and listening intently, but continues looking forward when she speaks. Her accent is pronounced tonight, and decidedly Finnish, an attribute she seems to occasionally "turn up" for dramatic effect.
I would not know what to say. Boring things, I suppose. I travel much. I call no place home. Feel out of place in the world, wherever I am. This is okay; I am accustomed to this way. In the movie, I like Aaron. As a teenager, I wished he was real. I recall thinking, "This boy, he is so handsome!" when I see this character in Mean Girls. I wished he was real, that I could go to the funfair with this cute boy. Make the girls at my boarding school jealous!
Aaawww! I'm sure you made them all super-jealous before long, though.
What do you mean, Paige?
She means you're a hottie hot hottie, Haze!
Now it's my turn to blush...
As soon as you started filling in, all the boys wanted to be with you, right? And all the girls wanted to be you.
Or vice versa. Or both.
Hell yeah! All-inclusive.
Tsukiko and Paige awkwardly high-five on the cushy bed, half-missing and losing balance. The popcorn bowl goes flying as Tsukiko tumbles headlong into the headboard.
Ow.
Paige and Hazel crawl across to her. Paige seems panicked.
Oh-my-god-'re-you-'kay'-kiko?!—Tsukiko?
Tsukiko sits up slowly, rubbing her head. She begins laughing—lightly at first, then harder, and soon is in stitches. Her friends have a relieving moment of chuckling, too. Hazel finds the bowl and proceeds to pick up the crash-landed popcorn for disposal.
Damn, girl. Epic fail! Remind me to run you through some hand-eye drills on Monday.
Hey, it takes two! Besides, our center of gravity was off. Ugh, I could just DIE in this bed. Sooo comfy.
Please don't. I just cleaned these sheets yesterday. Also, did you call me Kiko?
Uh... kinda? I was in a bit of a blur, sorry!
It's cool. I kinda like it. Never really had a nickname. So you can call me Kiko, if you like. Very "Oki-Kira / Kira". Yeah, Rav told me that one. It's adorable. The student becomes the master! In nickname. Or something.
What is this you said, hmm? You cleaned the sheets? If by "I", you meant "Hazel", then yes. Yes, you did.
Paige smirks.
Hey, I cleaned them! Sort of...
I came by to help with feng shui and you had detergent and an old rag in your hand. This is not how to clean spots!
Hazel completes her popcorn retrieval and searches for a garbage bin.
Hey, don't throw that out! 5 second rule!
Uh, yeah... try 5 minutes, maybe. Also, that's not a thing! Also, ew. Just... no.
Tsukiko chuckles, shrugs and props herself back up against the body pillow.
Oh, yeah—there's a waste basket in the cupboard beneath the sink You really didn't have to do all that—thanks, Haze.
You're certainly welcome—and I certainly did! Who knows how long you'd have left this on the floor? You would leave radioactive ooze seeping into your hardwood if it weren't for me!
Only in the sincere hope of creating teenage mutant ninja popcorn.
Hazel laughs, turns and briskly crosses the room, her especially skimpy hiphuggers doing a poor job of concealing her buttocks. Tsukiko and Paige breathlessly watch as she exits the room. Paige turns to Kiko with an odd expression.
So... didn't see a Ninja Turtles reference coming, huh?
Full of surprises, that one.
The room seems still and silent as an awkward moment follows, seeming to last forever, as though time had suddenly stopped. Tsukiko coughs lightly, breaking the spell. Paige finally speaks.
Good grief, Charlie Brown... how does such a tall, svelte woman uh... develop such... well, those?
Without missing a beat, Tsukiko responds...
A really intense and highly dedicated deadlift routine. Leg presses. Lunges, too. You should see her go. If her life her an action movie, she'd be going all waif-fu on dudes 10 times her size. I've actually been in the ring with Hazel, I know what I'm talking about! I do some of that stuff, but... not like Hazel can. She's up to stiff-leg deadlifts, too. Girl's got glutes!
Could you... teach me a little about all that stuff? I really only do lunges and kinda light deadlifting. I really should put in more leg days!
Hey, I'm your trainer, Paige! You ask it, I'm into it. We'll get into some leg presses, lunges and leg curls on Monday. Cool?
Awesome. I'm looking forward to it. Maybe one day, I'll actually have some shape back there, too, instead of this bony thing I call a butt...
Don't be so hard on yourself, girl! Besides—maybe I like your butt just the way it is.
Paige looks away, turning 50 shades of red as Hazel re-enters the room with more popcorn.
Hey, what did I miss?
Paige dares a glance at Tsukiko, who gives a subtle wink.
Nothing, Haze. Come on and get comfortable. Maybe you'll finally catch some of the film!
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Sat-11-Mar-2017 23:11:14)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By rhys Mon-20-Feb-2017 19:02:38
Admin and 4CW Head Booker · 5,103 commentsWhat I enjoyed:
-You have a good grasp of what you want to write and the detail in each character is intriguing.
-Your descriptive writing is on point. The characters are doing little things in between dialogue that helps set the scene.
What could be improved:
-Despite the colour-coded writing, you left no key for to establish which character is what colour, leaving me at times lost as to who was actually speaking. I realise the colours are listed in your profiles, but scrolling back up all the time to check takes me out of the RP. This could be solved simply by labeling the characters dialogue, along with having colour.
-It was a solid RP; but I felt it was a bit lacking in character development. Sure, the characters spoke a lot about their past and their lives, but sometimes showing is better than telling.
A pretty good RP, you have strengths in your writing, just need to work on some of those weaknesses. However, there's not much to be criticized here (constructively, of course) bar what I already mentioned above.
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
By Pilgrim Paige Mon-20-Feb-2017 19:56:28
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsThanks for reviewing, Rhys!
Yeah, I wasn't sure about the color coding thing, if it would be enough with so much back-and-forth going on and the characters being fairly new. I can amend it in post, so to say, for clarity.
I'm uncertain what is meant by, "Sometimes showing is better than telling". Im a very literal person... I figure that, in text, I sort of only can "tell". If you mean using flashbacks... honestly, I'm pretty clueless in how to write them without it being clunky and awkward. Unless I do segmented RPs, set on different dates. But then I get overlong. I dunno!
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Mon-20-Feb-2017 19:57:15)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By rhys Mon-20-Feb-2017 20:01:23
Admin and 4CW Head Booker · 5,103 commentsThanks for reviewing, Rhys!
Yeah, I wasn't sure about the color coding thing, if it would be enough with so much back-and-forth going on and the characters being fairly new. I can amend it in post, so to say, for clarity.
I'm uncertain what is meant by, "Sometimes showing is better than telling". Im a very literal person... I figure that, in text, I sort of only can "tell". If you mean using flashbacks... honestly, I'm pretty clueless in how to write them without it being clunky and awkward. Unless I do segmented RPs, set on different dates. But then I get overlong. I dunno!
I mean... you use a lot of dialogue to try and convey details about your characters, which is fine, but it leaves a little lacking in the character development area...
Let me give you an example.
A character (unrelated to your story) could be afraid of clowns. They could give a long, storied history on their fear of clowns... OR, they could show up their nephew's birthday party and be shocked by the sudden appearance of a clown as she walked into the living room, and started having a panic attack. The same end result (the showing of the fear of clowns) but it's done in such a way that the fear is "shown" rather than "told"...
Now apply that same logic to your RP. A lot of it is the characters talking a lot to give us some insight, when they could maybe find an old photo, or react to something that reminds them of something from their past or I dunno, something like that.
Dialogue-heavy is fine (I'm dialogue heavy too) but it's little nuances in between the dialogue that show the real character development (which you do have a little of already). That's just my opinion and an attempt at some constructive criticism for you. I hope I've made it clear what I was trying to say by "show don't tell"
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
By Reamer Mon-20-Feb-2017 20:37:27
Main Event · 555 commentsIf you don't mind me throwing in my two cents on this matter. This is something that I have always struggled with in my writing that I've been working really hard at fixing. There were multiple times while writing the RP for this show I had to stop myself, look at what I wrote, and then ask myself "how can I change this from a telling to a showing". I ended up re-writing some pretty big chunks in an attempt to make my RP more "showy" than it is "telly". Even then I know I have a long way to go. I personally loved this RP of yours. I see what Rhys is saying, and would agree with him. But seriously, there were parts of this where I felt I was chilling out with them and watching this movie as well (I love mean girls). Overall I thought it was really fun and I 100% want to work more with you down the line.
By Pilgrim Paige Mon-20-Feb-2017 23:03:21
The Moon Maiden · 654 commentsTo Rhys - Ahhh, like what I did with Paige finding Oki-Kira's locket in his bag. Hmm, I guess even a little element like that is indeed more "showy". A visual element, something to fix upon, yeah?
Hey Reamer. I intend to review your RP later tonight, as it happens. I haven't had a chance to spend time and take it in fully as I want. Nice to know someone else struggles with that element of storytelling. (And loves Mean Girls!) Thanks for the positive comments, too. I'd be happy to work with you further as well. I guess you're into a feud with Sery, presently. On that note, I'm gonna make a post about that very subject.
Last edited by Pilgrim Paige (Mon-20-Feb-2017 23:18:34)
~☆~☆~Pronouns: she/her/hers~☆~☆~
~☆~☆~4CW Grand Slam Champ~☆~☆~
By rhys Mon-20-Feb-2017 23:36:10
Admin and 4CW Head Booker · 5,103 commentsTo Rhys - Ahhh, like what I did with Paige finding Oki-Kira's locket in his bag. Hmm, I guess even a little element like that is indeed more "showy". A visual element, something to fix upon, yeah?
A visual item is just one way of doing it, but there are many different ways. Sometimes focusing the whole story on showing one aspect of a character can have more of an effect than a whole dialogue-filled RP, in terms of character development. Your RP was still good, I'm just trying to give everyone something to improve on every time I review an RP.
Thanks Taker_2004 for the banner!
By Pilgrim Paige Tue-8-Mar-2016 23:28:40
The Moon Maiden · 654 comments