Way Walkers

So, been dealing with a lot of personal stuffs the last few weeks, both good and bad, happy and sad.  Yet, despite distractions i’ve been making a fine amount of headway on the CoG sequel.  I’ve got the rough coding for next two chapters pretty fleshed out, though i need to sort a few pacing issues before i can say it’s ‘done’–at least the skeletal part.  Anyways, the good news is the spitting is saving my brain for pain and i honestly think i’ll be ale to do alpha testing by the fall.  ^_^

 

On the bad news front, there was some trouble with the copyediting of Way Walkers: Tazu where as some files got corrupted and, well, my poor diligent content editor had to start all over again. 😦  I don’t know how much of a delay this will make for the novel, but i will say i’ll do my best to make up as much time lost on my end when the edits come back to me.  Anyways, send nice thoughts to my poor content editor who bravely started again–if it were me i’d be sobbing in  a corner somewhere.

 

Back to the happy front, WW:U has been doing well enough that i could afford to hired someone to help with the artwork for the game, and my dear friend from deviantart.com *Piccolaria http://piccolaria.deviantart.com/ has agreed to take-up the commissions!   Be excited, her artwork is amazing, as seen here with the gorgeous picture of Jathen from Way Walkers:Tazu she did!

SO, after a lot of consideration, soul searching and just general plotting, i think i’m going to cut the second semester of WW:U into two parts.  There’s a lot of reasons behind this, but the primary one is i just have WAY too much i want to put into the thing, and if  keep going as i’ve been, not only will i need to charge, like, 4.99 for it when it comes out, it’s going to be literally years before it does.  The other is for my sanity, because as someone recently summed up perfectly: “you don’t want to be left feeling as if you’re pouring all of your writing into a black hole.”  And that’s where i’ve been, pouring more and more time and energy into whats feeling like a three-year long black whole which shall never be complete.  Splitting it will actually make me get this thing done, vs dragging my feet feeling like i’m getting no-where.

 

I have also found out this week that there will be a delay in the publication of the Tazu novel–no one’s fault or anything it’s just the way it works out sometimes. (and the price i pay for writing really long novels lol)  I don’t know how much of a delay, but i will say that late 2013 doesn’t look to be happening right now.  Much more likely it will be in early 2014, which i’m fine with b/c i have more time to work on sequels.  :p  However, i don’t feel that’s fair to the loyal fans, and i’d rather push to see if we can get the next WW:U installment done for the fall.  No promises, as i have no clue how fast the editing will be, but yeah, we’re talking that much sooner of a release if i can tweak a few things.

 

So, what are you getting in the continuation, what is now the ‘middle’ portion of a trilogy?  Well, for all of you who REALLY hate Jun or Sem, there’s a lovely chance you can have a nice big confrontation with one of them–leading to several possible ‘endings’.  For those not quite so hating of them, you can discover a few choice plot points about llyan Gesisi–including the discovery of her research’s hiding spot.  Everyone’s got a chance to up their stats, engage in the first few weeks of classes (of which you get to pick two of them), and get involved in the dating scene at Tar’citadel.  There are, of course, a few more plot-related twists in there, so be prepared for some major surprises, especially with regards to Jun’s past if you are friendly with him/her. 😉

 

There shall also be the option to start directly with the second half with either a saved game OR i’m going to be making up some ‘stock characters’ for readers to choose from.  These will be characters that have their stats preset as if they’d ‘played’ through the game once before.  They’ll have little bios for you to read, thus bringing you up to speed on what choices they’ve made, and you can then customize them to suit your gender and name your Angel Guide, respectively. 

 

What you won‘t see, is the over a dozen ‘endings’ i’ve got plotted out, nor the gauntlet of classes vs social life/plot stuff, or the second round of dating your special someone.  You’ll get a little bit of the latter two in the first section, but it won’t kick into high-gear until the third, and swear it will be the final, part.  Most likely i shall be opening the third portion with the ‘birthday party’ i’d planned for the mid-break of the semester.  of course, it’s never just a birthday party in Tar’citadel. 😉

 

So, i’m going to be trying to button this up for you guys this spring–but it wll depend on when i get the content edit back from the publisher for the Tazu novel.  As said, i don’t know about the editing time, nor the artwork, as i’m going to be trying to hire an artist to get the pictures done.  if i can’t then there’s a good chance there won’t be any artwork in the next two parts.  I just have the time for it, sadly. 😦

 

Last, but not least–before i’m done, is there anything you guys want to see explained/wrapped up in the middle section?  Keep in mind i’m not reveling anything about Gesisi past what i said above–but is there anything else with the other characters or some tidbit of Tar’citadel culture from part one you’d like answered in part two?  I want to make sure the second installment still feels like the complete experience, so please, let me know either in the forums, the facebook page or go ahead and leave a comment here!

 

j. leigh

As the title says, I’m very nearly done chapter four of the WW:U sequel.  How many chapters? No clue.  There will be at least four more, i can promise that, though i have to admit the first four chapters of the sequel are already as long as the first part of WW:U if in word-count only.  B/c of the extensive branching, it’s reads as about 1/3 of that. *faints*

 

Anyways, the reason i’m posting is the chapter i’ve finished is the first week of classes, where a LOT happens, but i find myself wanting to add more with the classes as we go, as you ‘all seem to like that stuff.  (plus more powers are fun)  So i wanted to ask if anyone has any ideas/suggestions of things the MC can ‘do in said classes-specifically the Energy Manipulation, Telepathy, the Language courses and the Biology class.  I have tons of ideas myself (perhaps too many) but am have a hard time sorting the best kinds of *choices for said classes.

 

So i thought i’d see what you guys were thinking. ^_^

You can post thoughts here or in the respective forums.  I’ll be reading.

Couple of quick updates:  It was a very busy week last week and there’s not been any writing going on.  I honestly don’t see a lot going on this week, either, as i’ve got both good and bad family stuff going on, so please forgive me for not banging out any more chapters. DX  On the fun note, a good friend of mine did some great fan art for the upcoming Tazu book: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Jathen-365678663  and i’ve completely fallen in love with Red Adepts newest release Blood Echo.  Seriously, go buy this thing, OMG.  http://redadeptpublishing.com/blood-echo/

So my brain is hitting WW:U overload again, and while i can say i got a lot done in the ‘classes start’ chapter 4, i haven’t gotten as much done on the overall story-arch skeleton as i wanted to.  Parts of chapter 2 are still not done, and i found a whole bunch of editing mistakes and continuity issues in the dating and dance chapter 3 which i must fix.  DX  Still, progress is progress.

 

Anyways, a lot of you guys have been clamoring for more information on the ‘new girl’, Shelly, so i decided to give-out a quick peek at her introduction in the game as a kind of ‘i’m so sorry this is taking so long’ gesture:

 

Entering the library, you find it incredibly silent with classes not in session. Every breath you take seems to echo loudly across its high ceilings. No wonder Sem wanted to meet here, you conclude. Moving about the aisles of books and tables however, you can’t seem to find him, and begin to worry that you’ve somehow missed the Clan boy.

“Looking for Semryu?”

You start a little at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. Turning, you recognize the fifteen-year-old girl who works in the library as her student job. She’s always reminded you of the Headmaster’s assistant Ives, as she has similar black hair in a bowl-cut and sleek, dark-rimmed glasses. She’s more attractive than Ives though, as her face isn’t always contorted in flustered panic, and her deep brown eyes have a much gentler mien.

“Yes,” you answer her. “You’re Shelly, right?”

“Yes,” she replies with a slip of a smile, shifting the pile of books in her arms. You get the distinct impression she’s pleased you’d remembered, given you’d only really spoken to her in passing. “And you’re Sem’s friend, Rei.”

“Yes, I am,” you nod. “Have you seen him?”

“I just let him up on the third level,” she gestures to the stairwell with her chin.

“Third level?” You follow her gaze, only to get a small shiver down your spine. “I didn’t know there was a third level. What’s up there?”

“Go see,” she says with that same small smile. “Just knock at the gate–Sem will let you in.”

“Gate?” You blink, surprised, but Shelly has already walked away. Resolved, you head up the stairwell, only to find, as promised, a tall metal gate filling the doorway and blocking your path. Through it, you can finally see Semryu, reading away calmly at a table. He raises his head when you knock, then comes over to let you in.

*page_break

 

“So,” you ask, rubbing yours hand together eagerly.  “What’s this prank entail?  ‘Cause knowing you, it’s got to be more involved than freezing a punch bowl.”

 

Semryu bursts out laughing.  “Alright, alright you caught me.”  He shakes his head at you, grinning.  “Freezing is a distraction to keep innocent bystanders from falling prey to the true plan.  I’ve actually got a pretty interesting tincture here that will have a bit of a ‘fun’ effect on anyone who drinks it.  My main targets are Clay and Cael,” he chuckles.

 

“What will it do?”

 

“They will turn a lovely shade of blue,” he confesses, laughing.  “For at least twenty-four hours–and the best part is it won’t take effect until about halfway through the first day of school…”

 

“That sounds like just the right amount of mischief, Sem,” you snicker.  “Let’s go.”

*page_break

Slipping away from the crowded dance floor, the pair of you slink along the parameter of the couches toward the tables of refreshments, seeking your targets.  “Well, there’s Cael watching the door, still,” you point-out.

 

“And there’s Clay on the dance floor with Genoa,” Sem comments, sounding annoyed.  “I can’t wait to see him blue–he’s been an uppity bastard in dueling ever since Genoa folded and agreed to come with him tonight.”

 

“Really?” you blink, surprised.  Craning you neck to confirm, you do see her there with him.  Admittedly, the fellow Exemplary Talent doesn’t look all too enraptured by her date.  “I’d think Miss Martel had better sense than to date that brute.”

 

“So did I.”

 

“So how are we going to get them to get some punch,” you inquire, “and then how are we going to get your little ‘tincture’ into it before they drink it?”

 

“Well, to be safe, we probably can’t get both of them without risking more of the student populace turning blue,” he says as the pair of you come to stand near the tables of food and the intended punch bowl.  “Much as I enjoy a good prank, I don’t like humiliating the undeserving.  So, we need to pick who gets it–and I’m thinking it’s only fair you do the honors, ${sem_nickname}.”

*choice

            #”I want to get Clay–he needs to get knocked down a few pegs.”

                        *set cael_blue “false”

                        *goto make_clay_blue2

            #”Master Cael without question–I want to get him back for failing us last semester.”

                        *goto make_cael_blue2

So my attempt to get the skeleton outline done for the WW:U turned into me working only on the first classes start scene, but i’ve made a bit of a dent in it, so i’m pleased-ish.  Still a lot of work to get done, and i’m hoping it will sort before i have to switch to the content edit for Way Walkers: Tazu. 

So, was a little grumpy last week, and i apologize for that.  Three books and a huge chunk of the marketing, plus a job and a life is just a lot to be juggling, and i hope all of you understand where i’m coming from a little better. 

 

So, back to fun things!

 

The Red Adept urban fantasy novel Oracle of Philadelphia is out!!  I’ve been waiting for this one for a while, and have already grabbed up my copy!  It’s got a special sale price for one day only so head over and get it quick!

http://redadeptpublishing.com/new-release-oracle-of-philadelphia-by-elizabeth-corrigan/

 

Now, onto the Way Walkers front!  This week i’m going to be trying to sort the formal ‘skeleton’ of the WW:U sequel, esstually sorting the major paths and getting this thing formally planned out.  So far i’ve had a general idea of what i’ve been doing as well as a dozen different smaller ideas i want to throw in, and now im finally getting to the point where i need to set the branches in stone and just hammer on through.  The goal is to sort that this week; though i’ll be honest i expect it might take me two.  Either way, i am optimistic it shall be done before the Tazu novel content edit must be started on my end.  *crosses fingers*  The only bad news i have to relate in this is that i simply might not be able to get all i want to into the sequel without going insane, and for that, i am sorry.  I’m going to try, but likely something i had planned will get cut.

 

However, as a treat i thought i’d post something i know a lot of fans have asked me about: the map of Tar’citadel!  This is my rough map, i hope someday to have the time to formalize it, but over all this still gives you an idea of the vast scope of this magical city:

Okay, i’m going to try really hard not to let this turn into a rant, but i got to get a few things off my chest for some of the fans out there who are getting a little bit whacky.

 

I’ve been getting a LOT of messages recently asking about ‘when is the WW:U sequel coming out?’ and while i appreciate you guys love my work, and want to know whats up, i feel i need to set a few things straight with regard to reality, because some of those asking are getting a wee bit entitled and demanding.  Here’s the thing: the first half took me a year to write, and consists of nearly 120,000 words.  After completion, it then sat around for eight months waiting for the publisher to sort things on their end, then took 3 months to get edited, and then sat around for another two months before it was released. 

 

Now, four months into that eight month time when the publisher wasn’t telling me if they wanted it/ could publish it— i gave up on it.  Threw out the notes.  Assumed it wasn’t wanted.  Moved on to other Way Walkers projects.  I was shocked when i got the email saying they would pick it up, and honestly wasn’t certain anyone would care about the thing until the day it was released.  Within hours of it’s release i began to see the response flowing in, and i realized i had an audience to write the sequel for.

 

The problem was, i hadn’t worked on this story, or in the Choicescript format, in over a year at that point.  Now, i jumped in with both feet and began writing like a mad woman, and spewed out over 60,000 words of new choicescript glory within three months, but well, i’m only human guys.  I burned myself out on all the branching, and needed a break.  So, over the holiday social insanity of December, i didn’t write too much.  And on Dec 31rst, i found out my Tazu novel was getting published.

 

Well now, that changes things further.

 

Again, i plunged into my WW:U sequel, doing my best to push through it all and get as much done as i can before i have to do all the work on the actual novel.  problem is guys, i was still a bit burnt-out, and i’ve made the second half a good portion more complicated than the first part. 

 

Now, to give all of you unfamiliar with the format of a choicescript game, this an excerpt from WW:U’s dueling club tryout:

(journal to continue at end of excerpt)

 

“Right,” the Master nods, herding you both over to one of the combat circles.  “Let’s begin!”

*page_break

Adrenaline starting to flow, you take your place across from Umbrave.

 

*if (rapport_sem >= 65) or ((relationship_sem = “friend”) or (relationship_sem = “spy”))

            “Hey, that one’s a friend,” Semryu’s voice suddenly calls out from the bleachers.  “So be gentle with this one, hear me, Turtle-back?!”

            *goto not_a_problem

*else

            “We need some new blood around here,” Semryu’s voice suddenly calls out from the bleachers.  “Be gentle with this one, Turtle-back!”

            *goto not_a_problem

 

*label not_a_problem

 

“Not a problem for me,” Umbrave chuckles back, “I’m not a cold-hearted jerk like you, Sem!”

 

“Just cold-blooded, you weird-looking lizard.”

 

“I’m a mammal, you twit!  Or did you go and fail Biology like you did Continental History?  What is it now, six times?  Seven?” 

 

The Clansman just grins and winks at you while your opponent laughs.

 

*temp comeback

*set comeback “okay”

*if ((charm >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or ((dexterity >=30) and ((charm >=40) or (creativity >=40)))

            *set comeback “witty”

*if (charm <=25)

            *set comeback “bad”

 

*if club_position = “Warrior”

            Tightening your grip upon your new weapon, you consider your first move.

            *choice

                        #A good offence is often the best defense.  I rush him.

                                    *label warrior_rush

                                    *set strength +1

                                    *set death +1

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you slyly banter as you swing your weapon around toward his midsection.  “How many hits does it take to crack a turtle?”

                                                *if (strength >=40) or (montage>=40)

                                                            *if (club_specialty = “staff”) or (club_specialty = “mace”)

                                                                        Your ${club_specialty} slams hard into his stomach, the blunt wood of it knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *goto only_one

                                                            *else

                                                                        You hit him hard with the flat side of the ${club_specialty} blade.  It slams into his stomach, knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *label only_one

                                                                        “Only one,” you answer for him as he falls forward upon his knees, gasping.

                                                                        *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            The Avenea dodges your attack easily and you fall quickly past him, stumbling somewhat.  Taking advantage of your unbalance, Umbrave merely trips you with his own weapon and you hit the ground.

 

                                                            “I’d say ‘you tell me’,” he grins down at you, “but I’m afraid you may never know.”

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

 

                                                            “More than the likes of you can give,” he quips back, blocking the attack with his own ${club_specialty}.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                You scream-out rather awkwardly as you whirl your weapon around toward his midsection, “Prepare to be conquered!”

                                                *if (strength >=40) or (montage>=40)

                                                            *if (club_specialty = “staff”) or (club_specialty = “mace”)

                                                                        Your ${club_specialty} slams hard into his stomach, the blunt wood of it knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *goto conquered2

                                                            *else

                                                                        You hit him hard with the flat side of the ${club_specialty} blade.  It slams into his stomach, knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *label conquered2

                                                                        “And there, you’re conquered,” you say as he falls forward upon his knees, gasping.

                                                                        *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            The Avenea dodges your attack easily and you fall quickly past him, stumbling somewhat.  Taking advantage of your unbalance, Umbrave merely trips you with his own weapon and you hit the ground.

 

                                                            “${sem_nickname}!”  You hear the sound Sem’s voice over the sight of Umbrave grinning down at you.  “Never declare your moves before making them!  Not only is it bad tactics, it’s just bad banter!”

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

 

                                                            “You might as well shout ‘prepare to block’,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own ${club_specialty}.  “You really need to work on your banter, there!”  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                “There’s no such thing as failure,” you return to Umbrave as you whirl your weapon around toward his midsection.

                                                *if (strength >=40) or (montage >= 45)

                                                            *if (club_specialty = “staff”) or (club_specialty = “mace”)

                                                                        Your ${club_specialty} slams hard into his stomach, the blunt wood of it knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *goto there_it_is

                                                            *else

                                                                        You hit him hard with the flat side of the ${club_specialty} blade.  It slams into his stomach, knocking his hips back along with all the air out of his lungs.

                                                                        *label there_it_is

                                                                        “Oh wait, there it is,” you say as he falls forward upon his knees, gasping.

                                                                        *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            The Avenea dodges your attack easily and you fall quickly past him, stumbling somewhat.  Taking advantage of your unbalance, Umbrave merely trips you with his own weapon and you hit the ground.

                                                           

                                                            “You were saying?” Umbrave laughs pleasantly in response.

 

                                                            “It’s only a failure if ${name} doesn’t learn how to dodge,” Semryu calls out in your defense, then starts chucking on his own.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

 

                                                            “I’m not sure many duelists would agree with you,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own ${club_specialty}.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                        #A new opponent needs to be studied before one can determine how best to fight them.  I wait to see what Umbrave does.

                                    *set karma +1

                                    “You going to fight,” he goads you, “Or are you frozen to ground?”

 

                                    [i]”Well,”[/i] ${angel} inquires, [i]”Are you going to attack?”[/i]

                                    *choice

                                                #Attack!

                                                            *goto warrior_rush

                                                #No, I want him to make the first move.

                                                            *goto warrior_defense

                        # Sometimes the best defense is a strong defense.  I plant my feet and prepare to take any hits head-on.

                                    *label warrior_defense

                                    *set strength +1

                                    *set dexterity +1

 

                                    “Defensive fighter, huh?”  Umbrave grins with a certain feral charm.  “Alright, let’s see if you live up to your designation, Exemplary.”  He then charges you head-on, weapon whirling.

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                *if (strength >= 40) or (montage >= 45)

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!”  You laugh heartily as you block the easy swing then slip away to the side.  Returning the attempt with your own skillful flourish, you disarm him with barely a thought.  “See?”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when your two weapons meet.  Falling hard on your rear, you manage to hold onto your ${club_specialty}, but it’s a futile gain.  The tip of Umbrave’s ${club_specialty} gently prodding your neck, you can only yield. 

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack.  Arms still vibrating from when your two weapons met, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                *if (strength >= 40) or (montage >= 45)

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly as you block the easy swing then slip away to the side.  Returning the attempt with your own skillful flourish, you disarm him with barely a thought.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when your two weapons meet.  Falling hard on your rear, you manage to hold onto your ${club_specialty}, but it’s a futile gain.  The tip of Umbrave’s ${club_specialty} gently prodding your neck, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout in reply, blocking his attack. 

 

                                                            “What?”  Your opponent can only laugh, “That was awful!” Arms still vibrating from when your two weapons met, you do your best to hold your ground while trying not to turn red with embarrassment.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all!”

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                *if (strength >= 40) or (montage >= 45)

                                                            “You tell me!”  You laugh heartily as you block the easy swing then slip away to the side.  Returning the attempt with your own skillful flourish, you disarm him with barely a thought.  “I think I’m pretty Exemplary, hum?”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if strength <=25

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when your two weapons meet.  Falling hard on your rear, you manage to hold onto your ${club_specialty}, but it’s a futile gain.  The tip of Umbrave’s ${club_specialty} gently prodding your neck, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Well, you certainly weren’t living up to it today,” he good-naturedly grins.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack.  Arms still vibrating from when your two weapons met, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Not bad,” your opponent grins good naturedly.  “Not bad at all.”

                                                            *goto well_fought

 

*if club_position =”Sorcerer”

            Taking a deep, cleansing breath, you consider your first move.

            *choice

                        #A good offence is often the best defense.  I call upon all the Energy Manipulative Ability I have and hit him with enough force to knock him back.

                                    *label sorcerer_rush

                                    *set death +1

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “Let’s see if Avenea have trouble getting-up off their backs!”

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            Releasing the spell, the blast is a flood of power knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.  “Guess so,” you chuckle, as he takes a few moments to right himself.

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            *goto magic_fail

                                                *else

 

                                                            “I’d say ‘you tell me’,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  “But I’m not sure you’ll ever find out!”  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you down with a minor energy ball.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him, finding your feet.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “What happens when you throw a turtle into a wall?”

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            Releasing the buildup directly at him, the blast is a flood of power, knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.  “The same thing that happens to everything else,” you chuckle. 

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            *label magic_fail

 

                                                            Nothing happens.  Trying to concentrate, you curse, sputtering while your opponent laughs.

                                                           

                                                            “You were saying?” Umbrave jibes pleasantly, and then tosses a small energy ball of his own at you.  Scrambling from your failure, you try to scamper out of the way, but mange only to land face-first onto the floor.

 

                                                            “It’s only a failure if ${name} doesn’t learn how to dodge,” Semryu calls out in your defense, then starts chucking on his own.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “You might as well shout ‘prepare to block’,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  “You really need to work on your banter, there!”  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you down with a minor energy ball.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him, finding your feet.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “Catch!”

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            Releasing the buildup directly at him, the blast is a flood of power, knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.  “I guess he’s not going to toss it back,” you chuckle.

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            *goto magic_fail

                                                *else

 

                                                            “No thanks,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you down with a minor energy ball.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him, finding your feet.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                        #A new opponent needs to be studied before one can determine how best to fight them.  I wait to see what Umbrave does.

                                    *set karma +1

                                    “You going to fight,” he goads you, “Or are you frozen to ground?”

 

                                    [i]”Well,”[/i] ${angel} inquires, [i]”Are you going to attack?”[/i]

                                    *choice

                                                #Attack!

                                                            *goto sorcerer_rush

                                                #No, I want him to make the first move.

                                                            *goto sorcerer_defense

                        #Sometimes the best defense is a strong defense.  I start gathering energy around myself for a shielding spell.

                                    *label sorcerer_defense

                                    *set dexterity +1

 

                                    “Defensive fighter, huh?”  Umbrave grins with a certain feral charm.  “Alright, let’s see if you live up to your designation, Exemplary.”  He then flings an energy ball at you head-on.

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!”  You laugh heartily as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought.  “See?”                                             

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear, you can only yield. 

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you back with a well-paced force attack.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought. 

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground. 

 

                                                            “What kind of quip was that?”  Your opponent can only laugh, “It was awful!” The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you down with a well-paced force attack.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all!”

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                *if ((talent >= 45) or (montage>=40)) or (major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”)

                                                            “You tell me!”  You laugh heartily as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought.  “I think I’m pretty Exemplary, hum?”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Well, you certainly weren’t living up to it today,” he good-naturedly grins.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you back with a well-paced force attack.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Not bad,” your opponent grins good naturedly.  “Not bad at all.”

                                                            *goto well_fought

*if club_position =”Battle Mage”

            Tightening your grip upon your new weapon, you consider your first move.

            *choice

                        #A good offence is often the best defense.  I call upon all the Energy Manipulative Ability I have and start channeling it through my weapon.  Let’s see just how tough these Avenea really are!

                                    *label battle_mage_rush

                                    *set strength +1

                                    *set death +1

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “Let’s see if Avenea have trouble getting-up off their backs!”

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40))

                                                            Releasing the spell, the blast is a flood of power that crackles down along your ${club_specialty} knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.  “Guess so,” you chuckle, as he takes a few moments to right himself.

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if (talent <=30) or ((strength <=25) and (talent <=25))

                                                            *label magic_fail2

 

                                                            Nothing happens.  Trying to concentrate, you curse, sputtering while your opponent laughs.

                                                           

                                                            “You were saying?” Umbrave jibes pleasantly, and then tosses a small blast of magic down his ${club_specialty} of his own at you.  Scrambling from your failure, you try to scamper out of the way, but mange only to land face-first onto the floor.  Your own ${club_specialty} clatters away, useless.

 

                                                            “It’s only a failure if ${name} doesn’t learn how to dodge,” Semryu calls out in your defense, then starts chucking on his own.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

 

                                                            “I’d say ‘you tell me’,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  “But I’m not sure you’ll ever find out!”  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away with a minor blast-spell.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “What happens when you cook a turtle?”

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40)) 

                                                            Releasing the spell, the blast is a flood of power that crackles down along your ${club_specialty} knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.  “Same thing that happens to everything else,” you chuckle, as he takes a few moments to right himself.

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if (talent <=30) or ((strength <=25) and (talent <=25))

                                                            *goto magic_fail2

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “You might as well shout ‘prepare to block’,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  “You really need to work on your banter, there!” The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away with a minor blast-spell.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                “Hey, Umbrave,” you shout just before you unleash a torrent of energy at him.  “Catch!”

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40))

                                                            Releasing the spell, the blast is a flood of power that crackles down along your ${club_specialty} knocking the Avenea backward a good ten feet onto his back.    “I guess he’s not going to toss it back,” you chuckle.

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if (talent <=30) or ((strength <=25) and (talent <=25))

                                                            *goto magic_fail2

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “No thanks,” he laughs back, blocking the attack with his own surge of energy.  The pair of you trade a few more hits and blows with energy and force, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away with a minor blast-spell.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                        #A new opponent needs to be studied before one can determine how best to fight them.  I wait to see what Umbrave does.

                                    *set karma +1

                                    “You going to fight,” he goads you, “Or are you frozen to ground?”

 

                                    [i]”Well,”[/i] ${angel} inquires, [i]”Are you going to attack?”[/i]

                                    *choice

                                                #Attack!

                                                            *goto battle_mage_rush

                                                #No, I want him to make the first move.

                                                            *goto battle_mage_defense

                        #Sometimes the best defense is a strong defense.  I plant my feet and start gathering energy around myself for a shielding spell.  Also, I angle my weapon to take a hit.  One can never be too careful.

                                    *label battle_mage_defense

                                    *set dexterity +1

                                    *set talent +1

 

                                    “Defensive fighter, huh?”  Umbrave grins with a certain feral charm.  “Alright, let’s see if you live up to your designation, Exemplary.”  He then unleashes a crackle of energy through his own ${club_specialty}.  The sparking charges at you head-on, sizzling along the floor.

 

                                    [i]”Don’t forget your witty retort,”[/i] ${angel} abruptly reminds as you move.

 

                                    *if comeback = “witty”

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40))

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!”  You laugh heartily as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought.  “See?”                                             

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear with your ${club_specialty}, you can only yield. 

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Live up to it?  I surpass it!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock your weapon away.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *if comeback = “bad”

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40))

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought. 

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “That was awful!”

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “Your mother,” you shout awkwardly in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground. 

 

                                                            “What kind of quip was that?”  Your opponent can only laugh, “It was awful!” The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you down with a well-paced force attack.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Work on the banter!”  Semryu’s chuckling voice rings out from the bleachers.  “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all!”

                                                            *goto well_fought

                                    *else

                                                *if ((talent >= 40) or ((strength >=35) and (talent >=35))) or ((major_ability = “Energy Manipulator”) or (montage>=40))

                                                            “You tell me!”  You laugh heartily as you easily dodge the stream of energy, slipping away to the side.  Returning the same channeled energy-attack with your own skillful flourish, you knock him on his back with barely a thought.  “I think I’m pretty Exemplary, hum?”

                                                            *goto very_well_fought

                                                *if talent <=25

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, only to be knocked backward hard when you fail to counter the attack with one of your own.  You’d tried to gather the necessary energy, but you just weren’t focused enough.  Falling hard on your rear, you can only yield.

 

                                                            “Well, you certainly weren’t living up to it today,” he good-naturedly grins.

                                                            *goto poorly_fought

                                                *else

                                                            “You tell me!” you shout in reply, blocking his attack with your own little burst of force energy.  Still sweating from the effort, you do your best to hold your ground.  The pair of you trade a few more attacks and dodges, until Umbrave seems to get bored and finally decides to knock you back with a well-paced force attack.  “Yield?”

 

                                                            “Yield,” you nod at him.

 

                                                            “Not bad,” your opponent grins good naturedly.  “Not bad at all.”

                       

                                     *goto well_fought

^ This is for ONE choice!!!

Just one choice out of hundreds.  What is essentially a single click for you is hours upon hours of work for me.  The truth is, i have absolutely no idea as to a release date on the second half of WW:U, though i would estimate more than a year at this point.  It’s this complicated in the first half, guys, and it’s WORSE in the second!  Which means, if you want it to be good, it’s going to take some time. Truth be told, my brain just cant work on it for long periods–it literally hurts my head, as in it’s given me migraines.

 

I’ve also got the up-coming release of the Tazu Way Walkers novel, the editing and pre-marketing (creating blurbs, deciding a title, sorting the cover) of which has been taking up the majority of my free time.  I also work a day-job, and have several other writing and art projects i do to earn money.  While WW:U is dear to my heart and i do intend on finishing it, it is just not currently top priority.

 

I will promise you this though: when it comes out, it will be good.  I don’t know if it will live up to all the expectations that have been thrown at me, but i’m going to try.  I also promise you that there will be TONS of Way Walkers novels put-out and they, too shall be epic reads.  I just ask that you guys please be patient and please be reasonable–i work very hard at this and seeing people claim that im somehow lazy b/c the sequel hasn’t come out yet or that im just writing cliffhangers to get more money is simply ridiculous, and honestly, hurtful. 

 

So watch what you say, be patient and have some faith.

 

~j. leigh

First, looks like Amazon approved the first part of Way Walkers: University, though we have no clue as to a release date, and will most likely never be able to publish part 2 on kindle.  Yay? i guess?

Anyways, to the more fun stuff!!
Good News! I got a call from my publisher and it looks like the editing process on Way Walkers: Tazu will begin in mid March rather than Mid-May! Yay!
So we’ll be polishing the storyline, fixing plot holes and the like, as well as throwing around ideas for a proper title, as Way Walkers: Tazu is kinda blah. Now i’m terrible with titles, and i figured, why not ask you guys? So, go to the link, read the summery and see if you can come-up with a Way Walkers: ???? title for me. ^_^ If you guys come up with anything good, i’ll pass it on to the publishers and if we actually use it, i’ll make mention of whoever came up with it in the author’s thank yous in the book.
https://waywalkersguide.com/the-books/way-walkers-tazu/

 

 

Okay, so Red Adept is doing a MASSIVE giveaway, including Amazon gift cards and free copies of Red Adept books of your choice (i assume this will include Way Walkers when it comes out!) Best thing is, most of the entries are simply likeing things on facebook! so, follow the link, spread the word and WIN FREE STUFF!!!!! 😀  http://redadeptpublishing.com/red-adept-publishing-anniversary-celebration/

 

 

Also, one of my author friends at Red Adept just put this new epic fantasy novel out! It look pretty awesome, so go check it out!
http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Elements-Seals-Duelists-ebook/dp/B00BM74TIE