Real Fantasy Booth + Q&A

[Kurai]

Hello and welcome to my Real Fantasy Booth in which I'll be premièring Real Fantasy 2 - Volume III The Book of Aether.

Also taking questions

And announcing stuff and things!

[Kurai]

The Real Fantasy Booth is buzzing with excitement. All the seats are full. A long table sits on the stage, awaiting its panel. On the wall behind a projected image of dancing ribbons of orange Aether adds an air of intrigue and magic to the room.

The lights dim into a soft, orange glow as creator and writer Kurai steps out. His adoring fans go wild, obviously. Some of them even toss roses at him.

"Hello everyone, and thank you all your contributions to RU Con so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is yet to come. That said, it's time for me to premier my own work.

I've been holding onto the premier of season 2 for a long time now, and now that the day's here it's actually quite a nerve-wrecking experience. I really feel as though I've established something here that invokes a feeling in me like nothing else I've ever written before. It's kind of special to me - some people probably won't get it and think it's stupid, and that's fine, but it's a story... A long story, with a beginning a middle and a very definitive set-in-stone end.

I'd also like to mention that the season 2 is a new chapter in this story. People new to the story hopefully shouldn't feel too lost - I'm very conscious of that in fact. Sometimes the dialogue might come across as a bit on-the-nose, but that's part of helping the new reader understand certain things. If there are any fill-in-the-blank questions though please feel free to ask them.

Anyway. Enjoy. And remember, there is no such thing as make-believe."


www.keepandshare.com/doc/4637175/real-fantasy-season-2-volume-3-episode-1-a-better-place-pdf-235k?da=y

[Jester]

1. Fantastic idea. Where did it come from? What was it's genesis?

2. RF seems to have come at the right time. I do believe you had the idea first, but look at shows like Once Upon a Time and Grimm which have all picked up on the formula. How'd you feel about those shows? How does RF differ?

3. What does your crystal Ball tell you about the future of RF? Are you already eyeing a third series?

4. Would you ever open up your Real Fantasy Universe for other writers to explore and write in?

5. In the RF universe, is the history the same as ours? For example, did Hitler once exist in this world? Did an Apple still fall on Newton's head?

6. What does the "2" symbolise? Is this a sequel series rather than a continuation of the story then?

7. Artwork is sexy... Just a statement...

8. Is season 2 a serialized season or does these specials (like the musical) mean this season will be more episodic?

9. Who is your favourite character to write for and why?

10. Least favourite and why?

11. What are your biggest fantastical influences? (other than Final Fantasy)

[Jester]

Ooooo, I'll stick it on the list of things to read <3

[Dale]

1) When will Ana have her throat slit? and will it be by Puck?

2) And Mask-Ana/James romance was probably one of the more forceful storyline attempts of the previous Volume. Will we see the romance rekindled in this upcoming Volume between James and Present Day Ana.

3) Will we ever see Delilah again?

[Kurai]

Thank you for your questions Jester-poo!

Sept 19, 2012 8:09:48 GMT -5 Jester said:

1. Fantastic idea. Where did it come from? What was it's genesis?

It was basically a "what if?" I didn't really have my own show here. I'd wrote things here and there, but they never really took off (with myself more than anything). So I brainstormed a whole bunch of different "What if" ideas, and as I'm such an RPG nerd this is the one I naturally fell in love with. I've said this a lot, but when I first started RF I was really making it up as I went along just constantly throwing ideas around and asking myself "what if this happens". Now it's... Well, this'll answer a later question...

2. RF seems to have come at the right time. I do believe you had the idea first, but look at shows like Once Upon a Time and Grimm which have all picked up on the formula. How'd you feel about those shows? How does RF differ?

I know! When I started watching Once Upon A Time I was certain they'd stolen my plot =( But for the record, RF did come first! That said, Once Upon A Time and Grimm have really influenced me (moreso OUAT as I'm obsessed with that show) and nurtured some ideas they've had. They've also shown me that it's possible for this kind of shit to be on television! How does RF differ? Hmmm, tricky really. I definitely want to make the fantastical side of RF much more grounded in reality. It's not just incidental to the plot. It's not just a case of "oh magic exists, yay world of possibilities!" I have tried hard to really integrate magic into the world and think realistically about how the planet might have changed/developed because of that. Sure there are really outlandish concepts like dragons, but everything is steeped in history. People can't just cast magic wherever they like, because there are real world laws in place, but not only that, there are environmental and meteorological effects in place too. This is the realistic side of things that I've really not had a chance to explore as much yet that I'd like to. Religion, war, racism, it's all there and more. I feel like Darlton when I say this but there is so much history I've done, it's hard to imagine if it'll ever really make it into the show without being boring and sounding like a lecture (I remember around episode 5, once I'd finished with the making it all up gig, I just went batshit with planning). I guess what I'm trying to say is I've essentially created my own world, from its inception and to its unfortunate doomsday...

3. What does your crystal Ball tell you about the future of RF? Are you already eyeing a third series?

The ending is pretty much established (again I sound like Darlton), so are the key milestones that happen between then and now, and obviously there's room for change, because ideas are always evolving. Currently there's a five season plan, with a total of eight volumes.

4. Would you ever open up your Real Fantasy Universe for other writers to explore and write in? 

Hah! Sure? lol

5. In the RF universe, is the history the same as ours? For example, did Hitler once exist in this world? Did an Apple still fall on Newton's head?

Yes and no. Historical events such as Hitler and major discoveries and inventions occurred (though probably differently to how we imagined it. I'd imagine Hitler would've been a Sorcerer). I know how this world was created though (divine intervention, big bang, something else??).

I wrote a brief history on a time when dinosaurs and dragons co-existed. I know how man came to be, I know how sorcerers came to be from that, I've addressed all major wars currently known to exist as well as some of my own (Dragon Wars, The Great War of Sorcerers) and their consequences. I actually have a timeline of important historical events, which I may release when it becomes a bit less spoilerific.

In this premier Aether is being celebrated - I know how Aether was (publically) discovered, how it became what it is today. Like I say, everything is steeped in mystery. I constantly ask myself "why?" Nothing is incidental. In short, yes, this events existed, though maybe with a twist, and then some. It's hard to address these things actually in the show though, but when my characters visit England, this country is particularly invested in history and a lot will be explored there.

I also have a plan for religion and the existence of god(s). I've alluded to it sometimes in the first season (one of the key sets was an "abandoned church") and a character questions "How can all this exist if there wasn't a god" or something to that effect, but for now that's about as much as I'm willing to go into that heavy subject lol.

6. What does the "2" symbolise? Is this a sequel series rather than a continuation of the story then?

It's really just meant to signify a new chapter in the world that RF takes place in. I made up RF as I went along at the start, then had my massive planning session, but I was already on a certain path that needed seeing through. That's how the volumes came about. Everything I wrote in volume 1 is canon and is very important to the overarching story, but I can't deny I made it up lol. Volume 2 allowed me to really put my planning into practice, but still I wasn't quite where I needed to be. Now, come Volume 3 I feel like I've moved into a new era. I've got a good foundation to build from, characters are established, but also, I've been able to move them into different roles, and I've got all this history I keep harping on about. This season is by far the most planned. Storywise, RF2 takes place a few months after the conclusion of RF1, characters are in different places, mentally and physically, and the world itself is in a very different state of affairs. It just represents a big change for me, more than it probably does for anybody else. RF2 will probably last a couple of seasons, there might be a RF3 after that but if there is, again, it will be a continuation just a different "era".

7. Artwork is sexy... Just a statement...

Yay!

8. Is season 2 a serialized season or does these specials (like the musical) mean this season will be more episodic?

Both. The overarching story is still very much in play, but basically I just want to make it much easier for new people to step in a read at any point.

The special episodes especially will be completely standalone - just a fun story that doesn't require any background knowledge. The plot was a bit convoluted in the previous season whereas this time it'll be easier to follow.

Certain episodes will have more focus on a specific characters too. I want to build the characters much more now that they're where I want them to be, which is another reason why the plot won't be as heavy.

9. Who is your favourite character to write for and why?

The Sorcerer! This season definitely Cassandra, cause she's awesome. She's a bitch. I like Hallie aswell, she's a newcomer.

10. Least favourite and why?

I hate writing for Anabella now! Well I don't hate it, but I'm just always so conscious THANKS TO DAZ!

11. What are your biggest fantastical influences? (other than Final Fantasy)

Teehee. Well yes, Final Fantasy obviously, but FF has such a massive scope - there are what, like 20 different FF titles and each one is completely different in terms of story - there's a lot of influence to be drawn from that. But yeah, mostly computer games with that sort of high fantasy setting. I won't lie Game of Thrones has recently inspired me (Dragon Eggs...?), I also love Ian Irvine's fantasy novels (look out for mirrors in RF!) and the Wheel of Time books. I also like to look on deviantart a lot at the fantasy section - I stumble across artwork there that is just so inspiring and really helps me visualise a story and come up with something, especially when thinking of creatures and stuff (significantly Nugs).

[Kurai]

1) When will Ana have her throat slit? and will it be by Puck?

Well in an unspecificed amount of years, Ana will travel back in time, attempt to stop Esh'gror from rising, and get her throat slit int the process ^^ And also, isn't Puck dead?

2) And Mask-Ana/James romance was probably one of the more forceful storyline attempts of the previous Volume. Will we see the romance rekindled in this upcoming Volume between James and Present Day Ana.

Forceful? /cry But no. Feelings still linger though and will come into play occasionally, but both Ana and James move onto bigger things. However is James and Ana's future still a possibility? Well, I was never a big fan of the way Heroes constantly changed the future...

3) Will we ever see Delilah again?

Ummmmmmm............ I don't know how to answer that question. I'll say yes.

[Jester]

WHEEL OF TIME! <3 *shakes fist at Robert Jorden who died before he could finish the final book*

But that was incredibly insightful. I'd love to see how you handle religion actually. I mean, Jesus Christ? Surely a sorcerer? So how you get around things like that would be great to see. Personally, I'd love to see some of the history, like dinosaurs, in the actual show. But I have no idea how you'd do it without it feeling shoehorned in.

But fanks for answering. Very insightful.

[Kurai]

Releasing the soundtrack for the upcoming musical episode of Real Fantasy. I've never really wrote songs like this, so it's been a massive learning curve for me, but also really enjoyable.

Songs of Heroes (Overture)
Sang by: The Narrator, Puck
A massive, dramatic, over-the-top opening number sang in the booming vocals of the omniscient Narrator. The song is about setting the scene, but also of what it means to be a hero, and what it means to be a hero is, sadly, being alone.

"These are the songs of heroes,
The ones who are brave through and through."

Broken Hero
Sang by: Puck
This acoustic song continues off from the Overture, turning into a much more dramatic number about Puck's feelings, something that he's never really been given the opportunity to talk about.

The Skies Above
Sang by: Anabella
Anabella continues her pity-parade in The Skies Above, a song in which Anabella must face up to her consequences and accept responsibility for her actions.

"I'll rise above, above the clouds,
I'll go so high you can't touch me now..."

I Don't Know Anything
Sang by: Jake
This season things will start looking up for Jake, but sadly it won't last too long and Jake will soon be slipping back into darkness. This song is Jake's undoing, as he comes to realisation that once again his life is crap...

"So will I fall back into the darkness that I once was?
How am I meant to go it alone?
When all I want to do is scream and shout...
I felt like I could be anything...
I felt like I could be anything...
I felt like I could be anything..."

Brothers In Arms
Sang by: Ridderick, Felix & Company
An upbeat song inspired by Chim Chim Chimree from Mary Poppins. Ridderick attempts to lead his men to victory, but his inspirational speech soon turns into a mischievous ditty full of hi-jinks, and a sudden confession. It's also a turning point as the song highlights the danger of life being a musical.

"So come at me
Brothers in arms!
Come at me with your swords and steel!
Take a good swing!
Hit me if you can!
I assure you, these blades are very real."

Destined
Sang by: Group
The group come together to try to get to the bottom of the musical ordeal and Destined is a song that highlights each person's strengths and their weaknesses.

"Once upon a time there was a group of chosen ones
Not sure why they’re chosen, won’t know till the battle’s done
Six guys, one Dragon, and a Sorcerer in a cave
That’s how this story began"

She Looks Right Through Me
Sang by: Puck
An upbeat number about unrequited love, basically. My favourite!

"I ain’t getting no sleep
Future’s lookin’ so bleak
This girl she’s so incredible
And As far as love goes,
I know that it’s only me that knows..."

The Magician's Exposition
Sang by: The Magician
A really fast, high tempo song, sang by the oh-so-charming Magician as he unravels the mystery of the musical and makes a few confessions of his own along the way.

"I don’t mean to be osbscene,
But I’m kind of a machine, if you know what I mean."

The World Will Be Mine
Sang by: Jake
The dramatic conclusion to Jake's private circle of hell...

Heroes of Hope
Sang by: Puck & Company
The song in which all stars align and everything comes together nicely...

"My life is a road that I’ve already taken
The choices that I’ve made, and the paths I’ve forsaken...
But together we stand, and we won’t let you break us
Because now we are stronger—That’s the way that you’ve made us."

The Truly Maleficent
Sang by: The Truly Maleficent
The heroes face off against the bad guy in an attempt to end this musical scenario. But the bad guy has a few lyrics of their own first.

"I’m the monster under you bed,
The Queen who yells OFF WITH THEIR HEAD!"

The Final Battle (Finale)
Sang by: Group
The final number is a thrilling battle where melody and lyrics are the weapons. But in the wake of it all, who will be left standing?

[Jester]

Once again, life is crap LOL

Sounds absolutely great dude. Looking forward to it. If it works it'll be a HUGE achievement.

[Kurai]

Episode 2 is out!

02. A Hero's Journey

We travel to a village, faraway from New York City, and encounter new friends and enemies alike.

[Johno]

1.) As a new reader who plans on jumping into the show very soon, would it be a good idea to read over the finale of season 1 or just hop right into "Real Fantasy 2"?

2.) Story-wise: How do you find yourself planning arcs? Do you do it very well in advance, knowing how one story might effect another?

3.) Similar to the above question: If you know how a story is going to play out, do you like to do subtle foreshadowing? If so, any teases for us on what to look out for if we want to sort of piece some things together?

4.) Do you ever let reviews influence where you take your stories? Have you ever changed anything in accordance to negative feedback in a review? For example: I know Daz had an intense hatred for Anabella, did that mean you ever considered offing her, or were you more determined to keep writing and try to work it out with her character?