The Worlds of Katherine Kurtz

Off Topic => Fan Projects => Topic started by: Evie on August 27, 2013, 06:02:46 PM

Title: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 27, 2013, 06:02:46 PM
Rather than risk this link getting buried in the Deryni Action Figure Project thread, I am creating a separate thread for it:

http://minideryni.weebly.com/index.html (http://minideryni.weebly.com/index.html) 
The Mini-Deryni Chronicles

Currently I've only got the Prologue of the photostory posted (which I originally linked to in the Action Figure Project thread), but today I also added a Who's Who section, and I could use some feedback on it.  Is there too much biographical information on the characters?  Too little?  Just enough?  I realize there's no really good way to post bio blurbs without including spoilers for the books, which is why there is a bold spoilers warning at the top of the Who's Who page.  On the other hand, some of the people following this project have never read the series, so they probably need to get some idea of the character backstories and interrelationships in order to understand what is going on as the photostory progresses.  So do these blurbs strike a good balance?  And what would be the best way to designate the difference between canonical and non-canonical characters?  Different color text for the non-canonicals, maybe?  Or some sort of symbol by their name, such as an asterisk?

I am hoping there won't be too long of a wait before I can pull a Chapter One together.  I still need to build Duncan's study before that can happen, but at least I've got some walls for it now, even if they're still uncarved pink foamboard instead of lovely stone block walls.  Hopefully after DragonCon I'll have some time to start work on it.  I will probably have to start off with very tight close-up shots that don't reveal much of the background, because there are some essential furniture pieces that I don't have yet, but I'd at least like to have decent walls and a tapestry and prop or two in the background of those shots, if nothing else.   :D

I'll post updates in this thread as new chapters or website sections are posted.  I'm also still toying with the idea of whether or not to try to upload the text stories to this site so I can add "illustration" photos here and there to those stories as time permits and the spirit moves, or whether to just add links to this forum and/or Fanfiction.net and call it a day.    Thoughts?
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: DesertRose on August 27, 2013, 06:09:14 PM
I like the bios.  They might not tell a stranger to the Eleven Kingdoms much, but for those of us who have read KK's stuff, that's a good amount of information for each character.  And anyway, if someone hasn't read canon, why are they playing around in pictorial fanfiction anyway?  :P
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Jerusha on August 27, 2013, 06:39:11 PM
I think your bios are good.  For those who have not read the books yet, they tantalize with the stories behind them without giving too much away.  It entices the interested reader to read more.

Perhaps a simple "non-canonical" disclaimer would work for the characters you have created.  They deserve their due regard, but one should not expect them to appear in the original books.

Of course, one does hope they will appear in future stories, whether in pictures or not.   ;D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 27, 2013, 06:46:45 PM
There are quite a few action figure and fashion doll photostory websites online (like regular graphic novels, but with photos of posed figures instead of drawn illustrations), and fans of those are usually keen to discover new series.  Mine is somewhat unusual in that it is a fanfic of an established story world rather than an original setting and characters.   The folks at Figurvore are enjoying seeing this project come to life as a photostory, despite most of them knowing nothing about the books.  Hm...maybe I should add links to KK's Amazon.com page?

Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on August 28, 2013, 11:37:08 AM
Jerusha said:
QuotePerhaps a simple "non-canonical" disclaimer would work for the characters you have created.  They deserve their due regard, but one should not expect them to appear in the original books.

I agree. Perhaps it could be placed directly before the bio.

It looks and reads great! I look forward to more. Wish I had your time and energy!
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 28, 2013, 12:17:43 PM
What I've decided to try for designating canonical vs noncanonical characters is using black text for the canonical character bios, and brick red text for the noncanonical character bios, with a mention of the color code just before the first (Kelson's) bio entry.  I'm a visual sort of person, so color coding seems to be the most intuitive way to go for me.  Plus, it keeps me from having to type a disclaimer line or type "Noncanonical" in every non-canon character's bio, which I suspect would start to look repetitive after a while.

Aerlys, I wish I had time and energy too.  Actually, it's just that I try to always keep my two clones handy.  For example, at lunch today, while I ate my sandwiches, Me was cutting out Sister Therese's new Schola robe, and Myself was reading a book.   Now if only there were more hours in the day for the clones and I to work with, I might get things done more quickly!  ;D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on August 28, 2013, 12:35:06 PM
Evie said:
QuoteActually, it's just that I try to always keep my two clones handy.

Oh, geez. If let my clones in I'd spend more time cleaning up after them.

(https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages1.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20080705211614%2Fcandh%2Fimages%2Fb%2Fb9%2FMistake.gif&hash=2f4a8a52301cebfa172fd0e3a1381ffd0f30351c)


Sigh...
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 28, 2013, 01:25:07 PM
LOL!  I love Calvin and Hobbes.  My favorite T-Shirt (thanks to Annie for finding it for me!) is a crossover between the TV show Firefly and Calvin and Hobbes, with Calvin dressed as a Browncoat and Hobbes wearing a Jayne hat:

(https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m86ccgjV1W1r5lewro1_500.jpg&hash=0bb947389a747271175f05008c91f5ce3de13793)

They're Malvin and Cobbes.   ;D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on August 28, 2013, 02:44:38 PM
I'm afraid I'm out of the loop on "Firefly."   :(   Haven't had regular TV in years.

Here's another I know you''d like:

(https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.absurdintellectual.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F08%2FChewie-and-Han.jpg&hash=853471357354bbcfce6f4ec29c8750a44ae638b4)

Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 28, 2013, 03:00:14 PM
LOL @ Chewie and Han!

I didn't catch Firefly when it was on TV.  It had already been cancelled, so I discovered it via the internet and then finding the DVD collection.  Fortunately, since there are only 13 or so episodes, all in one boxed 4-DVD set, plus the movie Serenity to wrap up some loose ends, it's not a hard series to collect.   :)
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: AnnieUK on August 29, 2013, 10:47:26 AM
I've got this one, too.

http://www.qwertee.com/product/le-tigre-raye/

It normally gets curious glances, rather than recognition. But when I wore it to LFCC it got a "Yay! Calvin and Hobbes!" from Jason Momoa. I do like that man. :)
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Elkhound on August 29, 2013, 01:48:42 PM
When Calvin gets a little older, he'll probably read KK.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on August 29, 2013, 07:38:18 PM
Elkhound said:
QuoteWhen Calvin gets a little older, he'll probably read KK.


Oh, man, imagine the fanfic he'd write:

"All is quiet in Rhemuth. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the invading forces of Gwynedd's  arch-nemesis, the  evil Lord Teymuraz!  The hapless citizens flee in panic. Is all lost?

No, look! Here comes the intrepid Lord Calvin the Magnificent, astride a T-rex. He blasts the evildoer to oblivion with his all-powerful, flame-throwing spell of doom. With a few mighty steps, his dinosaur is upon the fleeing soldiers and devours them one by one...""

(https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmarswillsendnomore.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fcalvin-hobbes-dinosaur-002.jpg%3Fw%3D490%26amp%3Bh%3D202&hash=e5fe9e0903a6017c00d62c87abb60eef1d91eeb8)
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Elkhound on August 29, 2013, 07:47:13 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: AnnieUK on August 30, 2013, 04:02:30 PM
Quote from: Aerlys on August 29, 2013, 07:38:18 PM
Elkhound said:
QuoteWhen Calvin gets a little older, he'll probably read KK.


Oh, man, imagine the fanfic he'd write:

"All is quiet in Rhemuth. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the invading forces of Gwynedd's  arch-nemesis, the  evil Lord Teymuraz!  The hapless citizens flee in panic. Is all lost?

No, look! Here comes the intrepid Lord Calvin the Magnificent, astride a T-rex. He blasts the evildoer to oblivion with his all-powerful, flame-throwing spell of doom. With a few mighty steps, his dinosaur is upon the fleeing soldiers and devours them one by one...""

(https://www.rhemuthcastle.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmarswillsendnomore.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F11%2Fcalvin-hobbes-dinosaur-002.jpg%3Fw%3D490%26amp%3Bh%3D202&hash=e5fe9e0903a6017c00d62c87abb60eef1d91eeb8)

Where's the "like" button on this forum?
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 30, 2013, 09:12:51 PM
The "applaud" link under the poster's name would be the forum's nearest equivalent to a Like button, I suppose.   ;D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Shiral on August 31, 2013, 01:06:14 AM
When I think about Kelric Aain Morgan, Mentally, I think of Calvin,  if he just happened to be Alaric Morgan's son and heir. Creating 12th century mayhem.

Melissa
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: AnnieUK on August 31, 2013, 03:38:37 AM
I've never actually used that, as I wasn't entirely sure what we were meant to use it for.

And also, since I mostly look at things/reply to things through the "recent posts" I don't see it and it doesn't occur to me to change to the thread to look for it.

Maybe I need to regard it as a "like", "+1" or "favourite" and use it more often. Like more than not at all.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 31, 2013, 09:08:58 AM
I tend to use it sparingly so as nor to devalue its meaning for me.  So if, for instance, I really love a story, I'll wait until the final chapter is posted before clicking the Applaud link.  That way I'm not giving one person 20 karma points for a single story and someone else's brilliant single post only one point.

And since I tend to forget that link is there also, I'm off to check if I've applauded (or forgot to)and anyone lately whom I felt had earned it....  :D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Laurna on August 31, 2013, 06:46:30 PM
Thanks for letting me know about the applaud link.  I did not know about that before.

I have to say I really love (applaud) the bios for your mini-deryni can not wait to see a new photo-chapter arrive.

Now I know you are at the con so how do you even have time to look at the forum today.  But if you do have time, give us a heads up.  Are you having fun? Have you met with one very important lady? Do tell! 

Keep having a great weekend.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on August 31, 2013, 08:26:01 PM
Hi!  Just checking in briefly from the con.  Yes, I've been to the KK events thus far, although unfortunately I don't have any photos yet.  The events are in a different hotel from where I'm staying, so I am waiting for tomorrow to bring the littles with me to KK's reading hour, and I plan to bring the camera to that one.  Hopefully I'll manage to squeeze it into one or the other of the carrying cases.  We also had lunch together and a nice chat yesterday afternoon, and she got to meet Sister Therese, since I had her with me yesterday so she would be available to test fit the new Schola robe I was sewing for her.  (For Tessa, that is,  not for KK!)   KK has sweet talked me into making Rhys and Evaine figures for her, so I might need to get some of you who have read the Camber era books more recently than I have to supply full descriptions of them for me to go by.  (I remember their hair colors, but not eye colors or any distinctive clothing that either of them might have worn, so if there are any descriptions of their clothing in the books--Rhys's Healer badge especially--please feel free to PM me those passages or at least a brief summary!)

  Grub is having lots of fun at the con, although she scared me by nearly losing one of her hands (twice!), although I managed to find it both times.  There is something wrong with that wrist peg, and I never know when that hand is going to fall off, so that limits how much I'm willing to let her get out and about.  More of the littles ended up coming with me than I originally planned, so all of the canonical characters are here along with a few noncanonicals.  Since there weren't enough cassocks to go around, Denis is wearing khaki cargo pants and a black shirt with a white priest's collar.  He seems to like dressing informally at cons for some reason.  And yes, Laurna, Briony is here too.

My big "splurge" in the Dealers' Room so far is a long curly wig that's mostly black but with lots of royal blue strands mixed in.  So I might be wearing that with my Schola robes tomorrow.  Looks like wearing weird wigs with that costume is starting to become a trend.   ;D
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Jerusha on August 31, 2013, 09:08:20 PM
My mind's eye now has a vision of Grub's hand cruising around the con as a medieval "Thing" from the Addams Family!  I can only imagine what trouble adventures it will get into.  At least great uncle Denis is there to keep her on the straight and narrow.  Or not!

Rhys and Evaine - excellent idea.  I look forward to seeing these littles.

Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on September 01, 2013, 12:13:50 AM
Oooh, Rhys and Evaine! About time some Camber-era minis get a turn! How about a Joram, too? (Please?)

I have my Camber series handy (of course), so I'll try to PM you later once my own littles are in bed.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on September 01, 2013, 03:50:14 PM
Quote from: Aerlys on September 01, 2013, 12:13:50 AM
Oooh, Rhys and Evaine! About time some Camber-era minis get a turn! How about a Joram, too? (Please?)

LOL!  You do know that these "littles" collectively take up lots of space?  Not to mention how the $$$ starts to add up once you start trying to make an entire cast of characters....  *sigh*  After toting two carrying cases fillled with Mini-Deryni through downtown Atlanta to show them off at the reading today and then bring them back to my hotel later, I feel like my arms have stretched to gorilla length and might fall off at any minute!  The last thing I want is to have to figure out how to juggle THREE cases for next year's con!   ;D

That said, Joram was one of my own favorites from the Camber era books, and I've been thinking it would be nice to have a Camber as well, seeing how integral a part of the overall saga Camber is. 
And at least I could end up using Camber in a Mini-Deryni Chronicles story, whereas it might be difficult to explain Joram's presence in the late 1130s.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on September 02, 2013, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: Evie on September 01, 2013, 03:50:14 PM

LOL!  You do know that these "littles" collectively take up lots of space?  Not to mention how the $$$ starts to add up once you start trying to make an entire cast of characters....  *sigh*  After toting two carrying cases fillled with Mini-Deryni through downtown Atlanta to show them off at the reading today and then bring them back to my hotel later, I feel like my arms have stretched to gorilla length and might fall off at any minute!  The last thing I want is to have to figure out how to juggle THREE cases for next year's con!   ;D

**Shrugs**

Well, a girl can dream, can't she?  ;) 

Of course you'd need a Camber, but I wonder if you'd need a "normal" Camber, and a more "ghostly" one for his appearances in 1130's.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Evie on September 02, 2013, 04:29:36 PM
It would be much easier to layer in a Camber photo at 50% or more transparency than to figure out how to make a ghostly action figure.
Title: Re: The Mini-Deryni Chronicles website
Post by: Aerlys on September 02, 2013, 07:44:28 PM
I was being facetious.

Although, with your talent, I wouldn't have put it past you.