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The Rapina Feedback Forum

2007

note: all submissions are manually posted and will appear in batches when RL yields time to post them.

Please remember to hit the refresh or reload button on  your browser so that you are not stuck with an old version of the forum file that does not include newer posts.
<Hit CTRL End on your keyboard to get down to the latest posts fast>

If you email me at Rapina(a)Gamebox.net because you do not want your mail posted to the forum please be sure that you include Rapina or ASSTR somewhere in the subject line so that I do not toss your mail with the huge volume of junk mail that I get.  Items with the aforementioned words in the subject line are diverted into a special box that I look at much more carefully than the one where all the junk mail goes.



date = 01/03/07
nickname = redbarron77
comments = Excellent work! Well worth the wait, and makes me want more. :)

Keep up the good work, and thanks!


date = 01/08/07
nickname = Gime
comments = WOW an update.
Although the chapters come very far apart, they are always very very long

Thanks I thought the story had been abandoned.



date = 12/27/06
nickname = Herstal
comments = I noticed some duplicated words at the end of the chapter you just posted. You'll spot them easily in the last 2 pages of the story. Glad to see a post after so long without updates. Hopefully the next one will be out shortly as well. 


date = 01/09/07
nickname = akxia
comments = Hi !
You asked for a proofreader and well I have done a lot of it but in french ... event if i'm quite good in english ... if you wish
the only problem that I see is that I'm not sure i'm good enought in english grammar ...

you didn't start 2007 forum ?

Ps : I Love your work ! :)


date = 01/10/07

nickname = sb

comments = I've read the latest chapter a number of times now (4 or 5, I'd guess). Your writing continues to improve and the story grows more intriguing -- this latest chapter felt a bit slower than previous ones since many of the things dealt with weren't really new and the things that were new tended to be more along the lines of information than action. Still, the chapter clearly laid a lot of groundwork for more interesting developments and that's certainly important!

I'm looking forward to the next one!


date = 01/10/07
nickname = sb
comments = I've read the latest chapter a number of times now (4 or 5, I'd guess). Your writing continues to improve and the story grows more intriguing -- this latest chapter felt a bit slower than previous ones since many of the things dealt with weren't really new and the things that were new tended to be more along the lines of information than action. Still, the chapter clearly laid a lot of groundwork for more interesting developments and that's certainly important!
I'm looking forward to the next one!


date = 01/19/07
nickname = Dragon's Requiem
comments = First off, I love your story. Someone else mentioned it as well, but I really like the fact that this is an intriguing swashbuckling story with a twist. The first time i read it, I just barely could rip myself away from my screen, at least so I could get some sleep. Luckily it was a friday-evening, so I could finish reading it the next day.
Another great point is that, while Rapina grows stronger over time, she isn't losing sight of her humanity and retains her own personal weaknesses, thus making her a person rather then a coat-rack for her various powers.

Now onto another matter before I make your head pop... ;)
In the prayer in chapter 58 some of the old-speak spelling slipped through the various editing stages, where a number of thee's got reduced to the's.

For now I'll return to lurking in the shadows while anticipating the following chapters and find out what you have in store for our beloved, ravenous heroine.

Best wishes to you and yours.



date = 01/23/07
nickname = G.R.D.
comments = 
It's been awhile since I came around here.

Forgetting for a couple months seems to be a good idea, what have I juste found? A new chapter for me to read, and quite a beautiful one. Especially the end. :)

I hope you keep up with this story that I love, and go on with the revelations.

Take your time!
G.R.D.


date = 01/24/07
nickname = Goi
comments = God Damn!! Thanks for the new chapter, it rocks and please hurry with the next, it's a great story and i'm sure i speak for many when i tell you we love to read it!


date = 02/06/07
nickname = Dead
comments = Hi!

I just read Rapina from start to finish over a few days. I was so enthralled I slept too little and am now exhausted. I think Rapina is one of the top 5% free fantasy stories on the net and I have read quite a few of them.

I really can't wait for the next chapter so I'll speculate a little bit and if you see something you like, you can just smile like Mona Lisa and say it was your idea all along.

I wonder when Charles is going to put it all together, because 1) he knows about the pirate "dream" 2) Bellany has said she himself is not sure if she is really Bellany 3) He has investigated Brianna Barter. 3) he dates Brunhilda who has met Brianna/Valkura.

I wouldn't put it past the Jordells to interfere in someway with Bellanys keeping her magic secret. They must at least suspect that Bellany could become a caster. Though if they still question her loyalties, that might slow them down. Also if I remember correctly Jamie knows 1) Starbuck saved Bellanys life 2) Bellany fucks Starbuck, so he might guess fucking Starbuck saved Bellanys life. Also if I were Jamie I would lay another 'cunning trap' for Bellany conserning her pirate fantasy.

As you have already revealed Bellany will first have to learn some more. During the learning I would imagine that Bellany's secret will be revealed to some of or all of Charles, Jamie, Brunhilda and Lady&Lord Jordell. Bellany might also be important as a spy. After the learning one possibility is that something radical hapens like open war between Avengene & allies and ollowers of Mortaebilius. Another possibility is that Bellany's secret becomes open knowlege and thus causes Avengene to show its theet. Regardless my guess is that Bellany won't leave - at least for long, but instead becomes important part of the political balance. She might change back to Sarina though. It would be a waste to let the situation unfold without Sarina there to tinker with it.

How's the next chapter going? I sounded like you had been workin on it even when Nimbus wasn't posted yet. I can't wait X-)



date = 13.02.07
nickname = Icekiss
comments = I read the Chronicles of Rapina for the first time a few days ago. It basically kept me reading for two days straight. Very, very good story.
Now just with this bit of praise I would not have bothered commenting. But you said that you enjoyed conjecture on the part of your readers. Well, I speculated what Rapina could achieve with her powers, and had something of an epiphany:
She is now 'the life of death'. I am not sure what exactly you mean by that, but I guess something along the lines of avatar of both Mortaebius and Amorra. More to the point, it means that Amorra is considered to be something of an opposite to Mortaebius, the life to his death. But they are opposites that need and complement each other, and as gods, are on fairly friendly terms (Or else they wouldn't have arranged for Rapina to serve them both).
Now my first thought, even before I considered this, was that Rapina has enormous advantages as a necromancer. The biggest weakness of necromancers is that people distrust them, meaning that they have many enemies, few living allies, and are thus very vulnerable at day. It's the reasons they keep the locations of their hideouts secret, and in many cases far from human settlement. Thane explained those things within the story to Rapina.
But Rapina has several unique advantages. The first is her beauty, and her natural charisma, which makes most people instinctively like her (well, at least the males). Quite the opposite to your usual necromancer with a skeletal hand.
And then there is her ability to influence people when she has an orgasm. Never mind the fact that having sex with her makes people plenty grateful all on its own, and that she does _alot_ of that.
And lastly, she has an aptitude for telepathic spells (at least so far she didn't appear to have problems mastering them, and with her natural talents, she should be predisposed to them).
All of those things taken together should make it very very easy for her (especially considering that she is a necromancer) to gain loyal retainers.

Okay, now to use those possibilities, I'll give a rough outline of how the story could go:
Both Amorra and Mortaebius have greater plans then just beating the Vindicator back. It's just a first, though important step. And of course, they never tell their plans to anyone (not even the reader), it all looks like free decisions by Rapina, but they are gods, after all.
The next big change in the story (there have after all already been a few) is kicked of by what just happened at the end of chapter 65. Rapina swears to take revenge on Avengene for killing her family in addition to everything else they did. She decides that directing the Norwit Barony would be helpful, but that she will need Charles help to do that.
She learns to read surface thoughts at a distance, then arranges to meet with Charles. She tells him everything, while carefully monitoring his thoughts to ensure he will stay her ally. He asks what she intends to do, and she says that if he agrees, she would like to get Norwit independent from Avengene, that this would most likely result in Avengene attacking, but that their combined forces could beat them, if they prepare carfully. He agrees to help plan in detail, and then decide based upon the results of that. (Rapina knows that thanks to her abilities, Charles will never pose a problem.)
Rapina learns a spell to communicate with the gods, and uses it to ask Mortaebius and Amorra whether she may establish a religion worshipping both of them in concert. They approve. (They have in fact steered her into that direction all along, but don't tell her [or us readers] that. It's the reason the lust spirit got in contact with high shaman T'zar.)
Rapina recontacts Thane after learning graveyard mists, and secures his help (Mortaebius promises to reward him for it). Most of his scribes get set to copying books of basic education.
From now on, Rapina uses part of her time to write a book which will form the basis of the new religion, basically dividing up which of the two gods will be worshipped for what, writing the modified rituals, and the ones that worship both at once, along with the philosophy behind the religion (basic ying and yang, and freedom of thought and action).
She arranges clandestine meetings with the priest of Amorra to further educate her about that religion. She also starts to learn the basic animation spells.
Time moves on, until the message reaches them that baron Norwit has fallen while campaigning. Charles and Rapina ride back to Norwit keep, so that Charles can take over the barony. After that, they ride to inspect the various towns, villages and fortifications of the barony. Rapina's primary mission is to find out which men are more loyal to Avengene then to Norwit.
Rapina finishes the book on the new religion, and sets undead scribes to copying it. Rapina and Charles work in the barony to improve fortifications and their military, to institute classes in reading and writing and other basic education for everyone, and to get trusted men into those positions held by retainers of Avengine. Rapina also puts skeletons to hollowing out part of a mountain, which is to become her fortress.
After Charles and Rapina are satisfied that they have made sufficient progress towards those goals, they organize for festivities in Norwit Keep to which all leaders within the barony are to come. Rapine gives a speech in which she spindoctors the story that her year with the orcs was a test of her strength by the gods, and that she received a revelation after the shamanic spell hit her. She reveals that she has become the life of death, and was given the mission by Mortaebius and Amorra to show people that the two belong together.
Charles tells what he has found out about the priests of Avengene, and reminds people of the shame of having to obey Avengene and their priests. He declares that Norwit will forthwith be an independent barony again (was it?), and that the encouraged religion will be Mortaebius Amorra (name of religion:cycle of life?), but that freedom of religion will be granted again, with the exception of the Vindicator.
Rapina influences the retainers of Avengene that hear the speech to fall into a mindless rage and attack her and Charles, which results in those retainers being killed by the guards.
The copies of Rapina's book get distributed to the schools, order gets consolidated again. Avengene attacks, but their troops are decimated at night by Thane's undead, and at day by Charles ambushes.
After the attack is defeated, a period of peace follows, which Rapina uses to expand her castle and improve her magic skills. The new religion takes firmer hold in the barony.
Priests of Mortaebius and Amorra that are willing to follow the new rituals, and work together, are brought into the barony.
After a while, other necromancers establish a presence in the barony, since it's the only place where they aren't shunned.
Rapina starts taking apprentices, and after a while mechanical products start to emerge from her fortress (After all, a skeleton is a perpetuum mobile in this universe).
Avengene tries some yet to be determined plot to take over Norwit again. (e.g.: Corrupt one of Charles children, then try to assassinate him and Rapina.) The plot fails, Norwit attacks and conquers Avengene. We get to see the start of the integration effort.
Epilogue: Mortaebius and Amorra take a look at the marquisate of Norwit, and congratulate themselves on the results of their plan. Mortaebius says that he still can't see when Rapina will die.
(This is the first point that the reader learns that while Rapina has played everyone else, the gods have played her. But even they don't control her fully)

How's that for inspiration? :-)

I admit it's a bit rough, details like who Charles would marry, what becomes of Jordell, and what Thane has been up to by himself, are missing. But all of that could be worked out, and the outline is long enough as it is.
If you are interested in more details, just ask, and I will spindoctor them...



date = 03/03/07
nickname = Herstal
comments = So, 3.5 months have passed and no new posts. You still alive? You said you just needed minor editing to put up two new chapters and the story will move along to the next stage. Consider this a nudge. 

- Herstal


date = 03/16/2007
nickname = scooter012
comments = hey this is a great story i'm glad i found it and that you wrote it maybe one of these days you will finish it but until
then thanks for writting it...............sd



date = 03/16/07
nickname = mortimer
comments = Thank you very much for the latest chapter - as always a great read!

I am very happy that you, after all this time, still dedicate your efforts on this story, and wish you good luck and lots of fun!

Cheers,
Mortimer



date = 03/15/07
nickname = FlamesOfWind
comments = Dear Rapina,
I very much enjoyed chap 65 and impatiently wait for number 66. I hope that life is not interfering to much with writing and that you keep all of your adoring fans updated on your progress.

Sincerely,
FlamesOfWind 


date = 03/20/07
nickname = naughty
comments = Rapina,

Just wondering when the next chapter is going to go up? I thought from your post around Christmas time you had a couple more chapters ready to go? Is this not true or are you still waiting on copy-editing? Would love to see more sooner! Keep up the great work!

N.



date = 03/27/07
nickname = Jummen
comments = Hello Rapina.

You said before Christmas that you had 2 chapters almost ready.
How close is the second to being finished?

Please update the forum and let us know.

 


date = 03/29/07

nickname = PT Brainum

comments = Whay are there no new chapters yet? Why has the forum not been re-tuned for the new year? Why was Nimbus such a short chapter? Why hasn't anybody else had a post to the forum? Why won't Rapina agree to run away with me? Why do I lust after fictional characters? Why do I sound so whiny when I ask why?

PT Brainum

 


date = 03/30/07
nickname = Tux
comments = This last episode was great. With the talk of the orc campaigns going well to the north of the academy it would seem that the campaign against Bristol may come in the spring to summer.

I can't wait for the next release.

Tux


date = 04/15/07
nickname = the_scot
comments = I've not written before, because as a writer myself, I know that there are times and circumstances that get in the way of our writing. Now, it is the middle of April, 2007, and there haven't even been any forum entries for this year, nor has a 2007 forum been created. Are you OK? That is my first concern. Second, are you still writing? Do you still need some editing help?

I consider this one of my top ten stories and would really like to see it come to its proper conclusion, rather than just dying on the vine like too many other internet works. 

Rod MacLaren
The Scot



date = 4/19/2007
nickname = tc-cat
comments = I read your Rapina story, & enjoyed it alot. I wanted to know if you are going to continue writing it. Please let me know. 
Wondered if you have anymore stories.

Thankyou, TC-Cat


date = 04/22/07
nickname = Sender
comments = Just wondering if your planning on releasing any new chapters in the immiediate future.



date = 04/22/07
nickname = Herstal
comments = You really should post chapters 66 and 67, which you said were mostly finished. If there are flaws, your fans will point them out via this so you can fix them. Its been since xmas now, 4 full months, and your "almost ready, just needs a spellcheck" chapters haven't been released. I'd really like to read what happens next with Rapina. So, sound like a good idea? 


date = 04/25/07
nickname = sb
comments = I've resisted sending a comment, because I don't want to nag ... but if you're still alive, it would be *wonderful* to see a comment somewhere confirming that!
Even if it's something to the effect that, due to issues in the "real world", you're going to have to take a break from Rapina -- it would be good to know. The faint but persistent hope that flickers into being just before I check this website would love to see just about anything at this point :)


date = 05/06/07
nickname = Mr Alpha
comments = You know, you should change the note on top of the forum from "all submissions are manually posted and will take 0-5 days to appear here." to "all submissions are manually posted and will take 0-5 months to appear here."



date = 05/10/2007
nickname = Herstal
comments = Good to see some updates, though the links are just the prior chapter "Nimbus of Mortaebious". I take it you're still a little nervous of posting unfinished work rather than posting it and fixing problems via comments here. Just a matter of correcting and re-upload the story with the edited file. You may want to consider that option. You have enough fans that you'd get corrections sent. 


date = 5/10/07
nickname = wendal
comments = It is nice to know you are alive. I do not check here as much as I did because it was driving me mildly crazy, and spoiled my enjoyment of chapters. I would have offered to help edit, but unfortunately I am not good for much beyond spelling.


date = 05/12/2007

nickname = Fawks

comments = Holy crap! The site has been updated!!! Woot! Yahoo! and, all the other exclamations.


date = 05/16/07
nickname = JR
comments = Enjoyed the story would like to read more. the chapters 66 through 71 are the same as 65

Yes, that is because many of the new chapters have not emerged from being edited yet and have therefore not yet been posted.  They are drafted but that is all.  Chapter 66 has now been posted 5/27/07.


date = 05/20/2007
nickname = Will
comments = Hey..

Just saying, glad to see you're back, was worrying you'd disappeared off the face of the Earth :).

Eagerly await the next chapters.

Will, x.


date = 05/27/2207
nickname = a guy
comments = ohh, nice - a men against the elements theme chapter!

one thing that struck me - Lady Elaine. i seem to remember in the earlier chapters she was limited to only few areas. now it seems (without Rapina) that she can go into more areas than previously. or am i wrong?

anyway, kudos on this chapter.

Lady Elaine and the other ghosts are limited to buildings they spent a lot of time in during their lives.  For Elaine and Baladus this means the old keep that sits between the girls' and boys' building and has the following floors:

-3 Baladus' Chambers
-2 The Crypts
-1 The Dungeon
1 The Administrative Offices (connects to 2nd floor of girls' building)
2 The Library (connects to 3rd floor of girls' building)
3 The Library Stacks
4+ Headmaster Bristol's residence tower

Elaine also once jumped from the door to the library to Bellany in the hallway of the girls' building.  She could only do this because Bellany serves as an island of sorts.  The girls' building was built after Elaine's time.


date = 05/27/07

nickname = Sam

comments = A most excellent addition! The chapters come rarely (hint, hint) but are always very enjoyable. Thank you!




Glad to hear Graylore is back.

I began reading your story last week, finishing only earlier this evening. You mention in the forums that you find your tale to be amateurish, but nothing could be further from the truth. Throw in a couple of good editors, and you have a highly publishable book, potentially a fantasy best-seller. In fact, I believe were you to look at the rough drafts, your story would likely stand up better than many of those well-known on the shelves of bookstores large and small. 

I'm writing due to the comment, "... I have several chapters. How are you at proofreading?" I'm quite good at proofreading. (And I'm modest, too!) (: Errors of all sorts -- spelling, punctuation, grammatic, repetition, flow, even those of logic and consistency -- stand out to me. I've been writing for some time, more off than on; in fact, the only reason I passed tenth grade English (I was drastically bored with the class, after having read more than five score novels during the year prior) was by turning in four chapters of a novel. Thus, were you to find yourself in need of further wordsmithing, my services would find themselves eager to be at your disposal. 

Happy writing,

Thought

Thank you, Graylore has been doing the editing, but more eyes see more.  Thus maybe he could use a hand?  I will leave that up to him.  If he lets me know he could use additional eyes and tells me to give you contact info, I will send it to you, likewise with Luke's message below (thanks Luke).  Greylore and Old Nick developed a nice system that shows me where the changes they want made are. 


Hi,

Just was reading the feedback forum, noticed you said you had a few new chapters that need to be proofread. If you just tell me what system you use, I'd love to help (Because your story ROCKS!!).

Luke


I like the story. 

I wonder just when chapter 66
(http://www.asstr.org/~rapina/66snowed.html) will be available?

As much as I like these kinds of stories, I just wish that I wouldn't
find them until they are finished. It is sometimes frustrating having
to wait for the author to have time to complete the next chapter. Then
I read it in an hour or two, and have to back to waiting. :-)

It's worse when a story is really good, as this one is.

2 other comments:

First, the font chosen for the web site is a little, shall we say,
hard, on the eye to read.

Yes, some folks don't like the scripty fantasy fonts, but if you have a hard time reading them simply use the, save as text file, option on your browser and open the chapter on your favorite word processor or text editor in the font of your choice.

Second, you might want to consider renaming a few of the files on the
ftp site so that they are in the correct order: 

"1penance.txt" as "01penance.txt" 
"2-4river.txt" as "02-04river.txt"
"5-9pirat.txt" "05-09pirat.txt"

Plus add the missing chapters. :-)

When the story is done I'll redo the text files.  All the new stuff is being added to the web page only.  It is less work to post that way, and less of a hassle to fix errors people find.

arargh


Dear Rapina,
I am a great fan of your stories. I wonder when will chapter 66 be ready?
I would like to suggest the inclusion of some drawings to help us visualized certain aliens better.
Keep up the good work. 
This is certainly my favourite story in ASSTR

Aliens?  Um well I'm not an artist and, uh, I didn't know there were aliens in the story.


Hello there,

A very good story. I like the way your magic is structured...how some spells must be learned before others can be mastered. The only thing that really bothers me at this point is the long time between updates, but I guess everybody writes at their own pace. 
I don't suppose you would be willing to send me the unedited chapters would you??? I'm really curious to see what happens next.

Keep up the good work,
FireFox

Sorry about how slow I am lately.  Graylore is hopefully editing the next chapter and with luck it should be out around xmas.


Good to see some more forum posts on the website, Rapina!

I'm sure you're busy, but if you get time to finish a chapter, be sure and send it my way - I'm always delighted to confound you with editing quirkiness. :-)

~Graylore.

Chapter  67 is now in your editing mailbox.


date = 28/5/2007
nickname = marctheunruly
comments = Great new chapter, really enjoyed it. Thank you for all your work in writing this. Thanks also to your editors.

Regards

Mark

:)


date = 05/28/07
nickname = Jummen
comments = Thanks for another great chapter. I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate your efforts in writing this story.

Thanks!

:)


date = 05/28/07
nickname = Tat
comments = Rapina,
Thanks for the Fantastic Update. I happened to check your page and was delighted to see the new chapter. I am greatly enjoying the increasing tension of Avengene's assault on the orcs emphasising the limited time available for "Bellany" to learn magic. Keep up the good work! I look forward to the next installment.
Your loyal fan,
Tat

:)


Dear Author.

I'm following your story pretty regularly, and I really like the way it 
progressed, and the way you as an author progressed. You have a special 
talent for fast paced action, so there is always something interesting 
happening, and your characters are also very well developed. Up to now I 
think that every new chapter was either better than the former one, or 
different enough to make it better just by the virtue of difference. 
However, I'm not sure if I can say the same thing about the last one. I got 
somehow attached to your story (it happens to people ;-)) so I'm a bit 
concerned.

So first, there was no sex in the last chapter. Bellany had plenty of it, but 
nothing was pictured in any detail. It is possible to write about people who 
have sex withot picturing sex, but then one must master the art of omission. 
When you used to put detailed description of sex scenes in, you actually 
described more than just a sultry scene. There were people there, who 
interacted with each other on an emotional level. Now it was gone. Bellany 
looked like she simply used other people, which didn't happen before. If you 
prefer to do it this way, please make her interact with people on similar 
level without putting in sex scenes, but if she never does anything like 
that, I promise I'll stop liking her. ;-)

For example Mary. Does she like her? How would I know? Because you wrote 
that they had a good cuddle? Having a cuddle is a fact, but we don't process 
emotions as facts. We need feelings. If they had a good laugh together, 
which would make me feel what they felt, I would know what Bellany feels 
about Mary. Now it looks like she simply uses her as a convinient tool.

Second? Well, not a big deal, but I think that Bellany is way too perfect, 
even for a superheroine. She should be bad at something. Shouldn't she 
feel lazy at times? Or bored? I believe that this would make her more 
human. If she can't be a slut (writing that she is isn't the same as writing 
how she is a slut) she must have other likeable vices. ;-)

Anyway, I like your story. It's the only one I actually come back to check 
for new chapters, but I can wait. Don't rush your work. I understand that 
you probably often are asked about more and more, but I ask you about better 
and better. 

Best wishes.

-- 
A. R.

Good points all.  More emotional content is good.  I'm too concerned with pacing the story / action along.  I'm afraid the next chapter is going to disappoint you too.


date = 05/28/07
nickname = Uncle_Al
comments = Great chapter, I really love the way that you are bringing out all of the true virtues of a strong woman! I'm also enjoying the way that Rapina's magical skill set is improving. Lastly, I'm tickled to death over her inspiring the Headmaster (and herself) to get involved with priestly spells. Does the headmaster know that she is already a deaconess of the church?
I'd love her more about the Mortancer and what he's up to now that the shroud has been invoked. With the way the Rapina is progressing in her training, she should be ready to join forces as soon as her sentence in Vagrends prison for girls has been completed. Thanks again for sharing this great story with us!

I think she mentioned to the headmaster what her previous training was.  I'm still trying to figure out when Rapina will next see Thane so that the reader can catch up with his doings.


date = 05/31/2007
nickname = t-cat
comments = I really enjoy your story, excellent creative writing. The story line & scenery give a clear picture of your people & their surroundings to the reader. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. 
Thanks again! T-Cat 
:)


date = 06/01/07
nickname = Naughty
comments = Great job on Snowed... keep up the great work.
Rapina's learning seems to be accelerating! Looking forward to what happens next!! :)


date = 06.02.2007
nickname = Gleeson
comments = Thank you for the latest chapter. I await the next with bated breath. As always it was well written and quite entertaining. :)


date = 06/02/07
nickname = wendal
comments = enjoyed the new chapter, keep up the good work, thankyou for a great story. :)


date = 03/06/07
nickname = shades98
comments = Great story, thank you for your work and you lovely story keep up the good work and I hope things work out so that you are able to post more of the story.

The next chapter (67) should be up around xmas.


date = 06/07/07
nickname = vrak
comments = A new chapter! Thank you! :)


date = 06/08/07
nickname = Me_alex
comments = Wonderful story,
Although it shares many features with other fantasy stories, there isn't a typical division between Good and Evil, which makes the story much more 'realistic' and subtle. Keep up the good work !

Thank you.  


date = 06/08/07
nickname = Artemis
comments = Snowed: great chapter, very varied and interesting. Nice to see Bellany coping with a different kind of adversity, and being able - besides that little bit of magic on the frozen lock - to get some recognition when she puts her smarts and common sense to use. I wonder too if her ability to carry ghosts in her personal aura means that she can take Baladus to the jousting? You wrote the harsh weather very well - even though it was nothing more than a bit chilly here, after I finished the chapter I spent the rest of the evening with a snowed-in kind of feeling, as if there were a blizzard raging outside.

Oh that's quite an endorsement :)


date = 06/09/07
nickname = Griza
comments = Hail the author!

Thanks for the new chapter and the tantalizing promise of several others. I like the idea of a school completely cut off by a blizzard and how Rapina takes charge. Now I cannot wait to see if there will be any improvement of the social standing of Rapina - but that would probably be boring :)

Thank you and keep up the good work,
Griza

:)


date = 06/18/2007
nickname = tc-cat
comments = I check back often to see if new chapter has been added, if you need someone to help with editing, would be glad to help. Have you anymore stories I can read. I really enjoy your writing style. 
TC

Thanks, hopefully Graylore will see this.  He may or may not want a team but thanks for offering just the same.


date = 07/01/07
nickname = starcrossed
comments = Hello there and congratulations on another great chapter, hadn't been to the site in ages and I must say I love the new concept of chapter status indicators :)

Anyhow, keep up the good work, I would be able to do some editing for you if you wish, if this might help things a bit, kinda like open sourcing your project to the community (only we just check for any errorrss :D )

Once again, I'm glad to see that all is going well and keep those wonderful thoughts a flowing.

Kindest Regards

:) It's nice to see so many people are willing to help.


date = 07/13/07
nickname = Herstal
comments = So, its mid July and still no update on a "just editing" chapter. Life must be keeping you very busy to not post that. Looking forward to the next one. Hope it won't be much longer. 

Yes, I'm afraid it's been too long this time but there should be a chapter release around xmas.


date = 07/16/07
nickname = Devildog
comments = Just Started Reading The Story And Have Found It Great. I Hope That The Remaining Chapters Come Out Soon.

Me too, but I'm still writing them.  Currently I'm grappling with what to do with Bellany once school lets out.  I do know some of it, the transitional element but I have several ideas on what to do next.


date = 8/15/07
nickname = jojo
comments = Just saying HI, what's up, when is the next episode going to appear. The usual ... we miss hearing from Rapina! Will she ever graduate, or will she forever be ABD?

Also, you might consider updating the HTML title in the 2006 and 2007 feedback forums so that they don't say "2005". It's always a bit disconcerting to see 2005 as the "current" year. :)

Thanks, and thanks for noticing that title issue.  I changed the title code on this page to 2007 per your observation.


date = 08/24/07
nickname = Jummen
comments = What were Rapinas grades? Please let us know. But actually it should be in the story.

Thanks for a great new episode. 

They will indeed be in the story, but as you've no doubt read in the story, school is a rather easy diversion compared to magic.


date = 08/26/2008
nickname = katylove29
comments = hi. i enjoy reading your tale here. we've all been patiently awaiting the next chapter, do you think it will be posted again soon?

-Glad you have been enjoying the story, should be another chapter around xmas.


date = 08/26/07
nickname = Herstal
comments = So its Fall semester in college now. The summer has come and gone without any updates on the story. Isn't this a good time to post what you've got? I can't see 3 months to edit one chapter for spelling. You said they're done, just need a editing. So post them. If there's errors, we'll tell you where and you can fix them. 

They are drafted but sometimes I have to go back and change / clarify things.  It's true that I have been neglecting Rapina of late, however.  Sorry about that.  There should be a new chapter out around xmas.


date = 9/8/07
nickname = Marc the Unruly
comments = Hi Rapina,

The last chapter was great, well they all are I guess :)
Can you please let us know (if you know yourself) when we might expect a new chapter/

Thanks

MarC

Thanks Marc, there should be a chapter released around xmas to make readers more merry.


date = 9/9/07
nickname = Phoenix
comments = Great story, any idea when there might be an update? ^:)


date = 09/20/2007
nickname = Civilmage
comments = When?
I had an opportunity to use Mortaebius in a DnD game. I think the players really got intrigued when they read in ancient runes some of the prayers to Mortaebius about protecting the dead from looters and the dead rising in direst need.

It just goes to show how excellently developed the background is in this story. It also shows how exciting the intrigue is. Of course there is nothing that compares with Rapina. A sword wielding, magic using, spread-legged wench willing to take all comers.

Just one question? What's going to happen next?

That's cool you got to use Mortaebius in the game.  Rest assured something will happen to Rapina next :)


Rapina,

I finally found your new (well, at least new to me) site. I had read your story quite some years ago, and also was reading the collaboration with Dark Icon titled Captive Souls. I know DI would like to complete that story (see his recent blog on his site) but he cannot finish without your help.

Is there any chance of you ever working with him to complete that story? Should I just forget all about it?

Thanks.

Dark Icon is a really cool guy and he is a much more diligent writer than I am, all admirable qualities.  I think I could find the time if he wants to finish Captive Souls.  I'll have to re-read Pedigree of the Gladiators so I can re-interface with my Nathaniel Ellis character.  That and I'll have to re-read what we wrote of captive souls.  I can't always trust my memory.


date = 11/24/07
nickname = TheDreadPirateErik
comments = Are you still breath'n Matie? We've been wish'n for another installment in the great yarn you've been a'tell'n!!!

ARRGH! :P

:) heh, it's on the way.


date = 11/26/07
nickname = wendle
comments = I have enjoyed this story very much and have been reading it on and off for 2 years now. 
Will you be posting more soon, as you have not posted anything since 05/27/07. Not in the story or your feedback forum. 
Are you ok.
I do hope all is well in your life and we will be reading more of Rapina soon.

More soon, and of course if you are reading this, you already know I finally got around to updating the forum. Sorry for the huge delay.


date = 11/29/07
nickname = wendal
comments = It has been a while, I just wanted to say I hadn't forgotten you and would like to hear more from you, and thank you for a great story. 

If it weren't for readers, Rapina might have faded out, but because of readers she is still going strong.


date = 12/2/07
nickname = FlamesOfWind
comments = Dearest Rapina,
It truly saddens me there has been no update for nearly 6 months, not even a forum update. I hope that all is well and that the Rapina saga continues and perhaps the next few chapters will be done with editing, so that I may feast my eyes on more of one of my favorite stories.

Sorry about that.  I hope you enjoy the chapter that goes up around xmas.


date = 12/06/2007
nickname = Fawks
comments = Where, oh where, are you tonight? Missing your chapters more and more. 


date = 12/06/07
nickname = Nate
comments = Any chance of you getting back together with Dark Icon to finish the Captive Souls story, along with the rest of Pedigree Of The Gladiators? I know from DI's site that he's interested in completing the co-authored story.

Indeed there is, see the message a few messages above this one.  I'll have to get ahold of DI once the holiday dust has settled.


date = 12/07/07
nickname = Dr. Stan
comments = What is happening? I haven't seen any new chapters edited and the last note on the forum was in May.

I've been doing other things, but actually I have done a little writing, and I have 3 branches in the story I'm trying to figure out about.  They are minor branches.  The story still has a definite course but there are many, many details that are entirely open.


date = 12/11/07
nickname = Griza
comments = Hi Rapina,

I hope all is well with you, there has not been any update for a very long time. I do check your site nearly every day in hope that the Snowflake story will be finished soon.

It is funny how literature can become addicting :)
I guess I will have to try and write my own story to see what it is like, maybe it will cure me from my addiction. 

Anyway, have a merry Christmas,
Griza

I hope to have something out here for you soon.


date = 12/12/07
nickname = a
comments = Has this story died, as being no update to the forum in other 6 months and also there are chapters that say been edited and have done for quite a while 

it would be a shame if it has died as it was a great story

Well if it's dead, it should be undead soon :)


date = 12/12/2007
nickname = rjaaa
comments = PLEASE, may I have some more? -nods-


date = 12-13-2007
nickname = PT Brainum
comments = how much longer until the next chapter is posted? Around xmastime


date = 12/17/07
nickname = LeetleLucyLouWho
comments = I am so jonesing for the next chapter. Mayhaps we'll see it by my birthday (12/25)? Please!

It should be out around xmas, depending on Graylore's schedule.>>>


date = 12/29/07
nickname = Dragon's Requiem
comments = I'm glad you've gotten around to putting up the next few chapters, although this part of the epos feels a bit like a filler where the main character is levelling up for the next battle. By no means is it bad in any way, but I do hope you find the right bearings for this story and continue to glue your readers' eyes to their respective screens. (nudge) ;)

That being said, I'm relieved to hear you're okay and wish you, Rapina and everybody that reads this a great 2008!

Thanks, Dragon's, I suppose Rapina is 'leveling up' as you say.  She is young so one could look at the entire story that way.  Rest assured that she will be using the things she learns. 


date = 12/30/07
nickname = Jummen
comments = Hello Rapina. You asked people to proof the new chapter since you could not contact graylore. Well here it is. 
By the way, you have not linked the new chapter on the contents page. 

English is not my native language, so I ran the text through the MS-Word spellchecker. After that I looked at it in a programmers editor to find all the missing quotes. After that I used windiff to find the changes I made. Lines that start with "<!" is the original text and lines that start with "!>" are the changed lines. The whole line is included. Hope that doesn't bother you. It makes things a bit simpler for me.


Here I am pretty sure Jamie should be spellt as Jamie.
 (Corrections followed...)

Thanks, I think we got these into the draft.  Graylore and his team of volunteer editors have consolidated the corrections sent in and hopefully we got these in as well.


date = 12/29/07
nickname = Uncle_Al
comments = Snowflake was a great chapter, though only available as a link from Snowed. I've been checking your contents page for quite awhile and only lucked onto by rereading. I didn't notice any glaring errors, but then again I was so excited they would have to have been egregious for me to see them. I'm very glad that you have continued writing this story. It is so amazing!
I love all the different aspects; the upcoming war is very well foreshadowed. Jamie is becoming a fascinating character and I hope that you will allow us a chance to further enjoy him. I was surprised at him joining her bath, but it was a foregone conclusion that he would eventually succumb to Rapinas' charms. Wonderfully done! I also want to see more of Bristols' maturing. It seems as if you see her as a more acceptable dynastic mating with the young count to be. Her comeuppance at the 'slide' was masterfully done, and well overdue. Once we get the ordaining of the priestess, will we see a reuniting of Thane, Rames, et al? Oh, so many questions. Thanks again for sharing this wonderful story!

Al

Thanks for mentioning the lack of a link to the contents page.  I think that is fixed now, but had you not mentioned it I might not have notices and that would not have been good.  I recently finished drafting the school year.  Currently I am trying to determine what is next.  I think it is safe to say that Rapina will see Thane again.


date = 07/30/07

nickname = bandaidbox

comments = Don't know how long I've been following this story for now...A LONG time though..I check back at least once a month. Hope you know you still have long-term readers waiting for your next post ) Thanks for the great story.

As time has gone by I have noticed that Rapina am blessed with a great bunch of readers.  I am glad you are enjoying the story.


date = 12/30/07
nickname = OldDragon
comments = Is the email address listed in the forum section still current? I sent an email and it was not delivered. I can't remember the error anymore but it had to due with the email address no longer being available. Keep up the good work, just love the depth and detail in this story. You never know whats going to happen for long and the only problem I ever have is with the increasing length between updates. Though the story is well worth the wait.

The gamebox email still works, although if you don't put Rapina or ASSTR in the subject line there is a very good chance that it will get lost.  It could be that it was down for a little while but it is working now.  I am glad you like the story.  I hope to send chapter 68 to the editing team soon.


date = 12/31/07
nickname = TheDreadPirateErik
comments = Arrgh! Matie! That twas another good'un! Keep up the splendifious writing! 

Erik.

:)

It looks like that is it for the forum posts of 2007.  I will have to start a 2008 forum page soon.



 

 

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