You got here at quarter of noon? :D I told you if anything I'd be late from grabbing lunch. :D Nah, I was setting up the room when I got here early. Don't worry about full posts. I can leave out and come back in and see everything. Getting it all comfy, throwing in a couple of couches...the mandatory circular revolving bed? :) Wasn't thinking that far ahead hon, but it can be arranged. ;P Right right right... Okay, let's get down to business shall we? Tell me about how you feel playing as Dez? Wow...that's a big question... Man, you start the other kid off with the easy ones first...but right to it with me. Usually is. :D Shall I break it down a bit? If you want to. But, bottom line, playing Dezaryn is just plain fun. Rizzen's questions were a bit easier to ask. Okay we'll start you off like him then. What's your real name? *laughs* It's okay, we don't have to if you don't want to. But, it's Rob West. I'm game for anything and any format. ((Why does that remind me of a certain movie?)) Ahem... so Dez is fun? Have you played a lot of RPGs? ((HEY!!! What's THAT supposed to mean???)) And yeah, fun...With Dez I get to...try a lot of things. I've been given a wide range of freedom from his abilities to try out stuff I wouldn't otherwise be able to pull off with a game in a strict AD&D or other campaign. And no, I haven't played a lot of RPGs, this was actually my first 'pen-and-paper' style RPG experience. Up until then is was consoles and that sort of RPGs. Always had the books, just out of interest, but hadn't tried until this one. (That and lack of people around to play with) Really? So you tested the waters with Dez? Oh yeah...I had always wanted to play an RPG like with a rules system and make your own character and stuff. I just didn't have people around, so thanks to the miracles of the Internet I got in touch with all of you and let the craziness begin. And crazy it is. Now back to the original question. Seeing that you have been playing this same character for years. How is it playing him? Has he become something more or closer to you than he originally was? I mean it's gotten to the point that we all just call you Dez now as if that IS your name. :D What is it, something like 4 years now almost, no? Dez has evolved over the years as I have gone through my own trials in my own life. And no, a super-powered psionic being playboy does not compare with my average life. Dez started off basically as the embodiment of a lot of ideals I wanted in myself, were I to be in a fantasy realm. Over time, my own attitudes changed and things in my life and Dezaryn did change a lot in his own accord. (For instance, going from a primarily sullen character 4 years ago to what I see as quite a jovial character now). I don't think I am anything like Dez in real life though...Like I don't have the super ego... ;D That a satisfactory answer? :D Although, I'm sure you'll probe for more if you want more... ;) Heh, but we all love Dez's Ego! ((And I love attacking it!!)) So what about your twin. What did you think about Rizzen? What *did* I think about him or what do I currently think about him? (Or both? :D) ((And bring it on...you've not phased me a bit...yet...)) Both... I mean him as a character, your concepts of the player behind the character, the whole shounen-ai thing... especially his obsession with you. *oiys* I laugh sometimes because I just feel like DJ is doing things with Rizzen to set himself up for a big emotional struggle between Dez and Rizz. It cracks me up though, because I like to try to guess what sort of two-way agony is it going to set up later. (I do that a lot, establish new problems for Dez and just wait to see how long they... take to explode). But I have utter respect for him for putting up with me. :D I know Dez (and I) are hoping for something that I think Dez is becoming more aware day-by-day that will never happen - Rizzen becoming independent or no longer SO attached to Dez. Well independent yes, but detached, I doubt. he's way too far gone I think. No, I never see Rizzen becoming detached...but Dez will learn to live with that, and Rizzen will too. But as far as the obsession goes, I try to avoid it as much as I can without becoming an utter disappointment to Rizzen as a *brother.* I've always felt bad about the soul bond thing and have been glad I've not had to deal with that. Although (and I'm scared to even mention this... give all of the lurkers a big hope here) who knows what Dez is going to go through now with the whole 'restoration' now. How do you feel about the whole sexual orientation thing within AoA? I mean to be honest I've played a lot of games and this is the first one to ever explore that. I think over time, and given the number of long-term players we've got, this game is becoming a free-form vehicle, and people are becoming more willing to make this more and more like a "what would I REALLY do in a REAL LIFE situation there?" That's one of the greatest things about this game is I get to say, "Hey...what WOULD happen if Dez did this..." and I think it's carried over a lot into the real of sexual relationships and the sort. I think it's great though, it allows for a lot of exploration in areas that, no...in a sit down RPG (I got to play some AFTER I started this game. :D) you would never touch upon. I LOVE developing Dezaryn's personal and attitudes more and more everyday. And you have a LOT of relationships don't you?? ;) Me or Dezaryn? :D Dezaryn. :P Dez has NOT had that many that have transpired in the time line of the game. What I'm developing now, however, is a foundation that he did have a lot of... 'interaction' in his days in Infinity. And insofar as Rizzen's obsession with Dez...He's allowed to, it's his prerogative, not going to fault him for that...because, honestly, who wouldn't be obsessed with me? :D Oh there's the famous Dez Ego! Classic show of it people! I could ask a lot of questions along those lines, but that would be the equivalent of spoilers so I won't. And I couldn't resist...had to just let it fly... :) Spoilers? What foretelling what will happen between me and Rizz? :D No, whole relationships between all those who seem to be stuck on Dez. We'll just get all that in game. Okay, lately the lurkers have been buzzing on a sibling rivalry type thing going on between you and Rizzen. Why? Well, as Tenshi put it quite adequately, "How could there be rivalry if Rizz isn't fighting" (but I contend he takes his little sucker punches here and there.) But for 2 reasons: 1. A long lost brother that he never had, and Dez is a warrior, so he's always gotten close through instigation or battles of words, etc. It's how he knows people. Sad on some levels, but that's why he's the warrior. So, as such, he sees a competition between him and his brother and it'll bring them closer through kidding around. Plus, it's just fun to pick on him sometimes (sorry!!! :D Hey...I haven't done anything with Sylene, yet...hmm...)) But, 2. Dez has lived his life being number one and being quite egotistical and confident in that fact, and twisting things to fit that vision (e.g. Not really losing the Quadruval fight because he got what he wanted out of it). But, he sees Rizzen's potential, and knows deep down that if Rizzen just *applied* himself, he'd be better than Dezaryn. Whether or not that's true or whether or not it would ever happen is debatable...but it serves at a constant fear for shattering Dez's ego. Dez, in many ways, feels like...a dim light bulb when the glorious Sun of Rizzen is around...one of the reasons why he runs all the time...Can't stand not having the spotlight. :) Okay, then so what about the other characters? What perceptions do you have of them? Pick one. ;D Pick one?? Just give me a run down of whoever comes to mind! *grins* Sylene...I am in no way done with the argument that started with her... :) Not done, huh? I'm glad to hear that. ;D Dion...I'm going to kill him sooner or later...but he makes me laugh. :) Dez has a natural affinity to the darker characters in the game as it is (and I want all the more 'light' characters to know that it's not anything against them or their ability. I think they're all great characters, Dez, just living in the darkness for part of his life just is drawn to that which he knows.) So, you're just more or less into like the Vindicators, Makare, Ran, Lillith... stuff like that? As for the darker characters, yes...All the demons and associated, the Vindicators very much so, and Ran a lot. Ran is another character whose respect he would like to earn...or moreso (slight spoiler) Ran's father. ;) He sees Ran's father as one of the epitomes of battle and strength...and ancient power... I always joke around that Rizzen will lead the army of light and Dez shall lead the army of darkness and dead... Thornn and Casey are both characters I like messing with. I feel bad because it's just in Dezaryn's nature to use formal titles with people he has not become close with and that just seems to drive Thornn up a wall. And Casey...well... I really like the dynamic tension (and I applaud his player) he has created between Casey and Dezaryn. The animosity he shines towards Dezaryn out of jealousy or anger for not doing as he would. And it's created hurt in Dezaryn because knowing how close Casey and Rizz are. Dez would like Casey to respect him and deem him worth of being Rizzen's brother more than anything... short of going into a romantic relationship with Rizzen, as Casey would. But, as Dez told Rizz (I think...maybe I told Tenshi but never got around to telling Casey)...Dez has the utmost respect for Casey based on his feeling for Rizzen. Casey is the ONLY person Dez feels comfortable leaving Rizzen with (other than himself) and will always trust nothing will happen to Rizzen while he's gone, just because Casey is there and he has seen how much Casey cares for him through the anger he's received over his negligence. What about your thoughts on the enemy? All the baddie characters out there? He (or I'd) like more than anything to interact with the 'bad guys' more...just sit there and pick their brains and vice versa...but everyone always gets hung up on that whole...gotta fight thing. ;D Well...Argon is no longer Dez's concern as he sees it... :-D Diana...well, creates the biggest problems for Dez because he doesn't know what the hell to think about that whole situation with Rizzen. ((Damn... gotta try and weasel Argon into here someday. Maybe him and Leona...)) Leona...haven't had much interaction with her Well... ((slight spoiler)) the buzzword is that she's the mastermind behind every hellified mess that we've gone through. I wouldn't be surprised...but then again, Dez hasn't seen any of them as really big messes...He just has a tendency to take it all in stride. It's funny, because Dez's focus is now shifting back onto the demon realms and problem within there... Heh...can I sit in the audience and hurl insults at Argon if you do? :) I'll bring Dion along to help. ;) I could spoil a lot of things about Dezaryn...I've spent a long time thinking things out on him. Nah, nah.. don't do that to us. :D Here's another one for ya, on thought of other people... Dez sees both Dion and Casey (and everyone else for that matter, but mainly those two) as checks on him. Because he realizes he's a bit of a wild fire spreading uncontrollably at time, so that's why when he found out what he did about Rizzen, he turned immediately to the two of them... I'm sure their players will be very pleased to hear that. :) I like or would like to hear ((HINT HINT: Ask me on the forum board)) what people think is going on in Dez's head or what directions he's going to take sooner or later... ((Or I leave my email addy all over the place, feel free to write!!!) ^^;;;; Oh boy, I know the messages are going to fly now! Hey, I like teasing...but I don't want to bait, so I've gotta wait for people to start asking first and then I can tease them... ;D Oh, and as far as the Seme thing goes... NO, Dez will NOT be joining with his brother in that fashion... ever! **Grumbles about someone's very well written 'Obsession' page.** ((Bounces happily)) I tried to be objective about it. I'm sure there are a lot of things that Dez as a character regrets doing at some point or another. Is there anything that you as a player regretted doing and wish you could have done over? Or do you just go with the flow? Hmm...THAT'S debatable...See, I'd say Dezaryn does feel sorry for things he's done. NOT NECESSARILY what others would think he would or should be regretful for. Like the whole Xea thing...not a bit sorry about that and would do it all over again. He does feel bad for what he does to others and how he hurts them emotionally through his actions or inaction (Rizzen and Birendra, particularly). But, Dez is more of the, "What's done is done and I must move on." As far as a player goes, I just figure if I missed an opportunity for doing something, I'll try to create it with Dez later. As far as regrets go, though...I don't really have any choice BUT to go on. ((Tenshi never lets me redo my posts, you know? :D)) But, it's okay, because it makes the game more realistic I think...and plus I DO make a lot of intentional problems for Dez. Like the whole Dez and Birendra and Calesta thing...I've been waiting a long time for that one to erupt. And like the soul-severing thing...usually when I realize I've done something detrimental, I'm like, "Damn...that sucks." But, I figure it's something I'm going to have to work with because it's done now, can't take it back, and try to find the best positive solution or result I can derive from a bad situation (and look how THAT one turned out. ;D) Yeah, really though. I was surprised you didn't ask who Dez was going to end up with in the end... ;D or who I'm rooting for to snag him (if possible). That's the spoiler stuff I didn't ask about earlier. ;P I mean I'm dying to know! But as a player and a fan and who's been lurking too long before I started... I'd better not ask. :D Yeah, better be careful...you're the player of a female character no less... :) Well I'm going to have to go in a minute. But this was awesome! Thanks Dez! Any last words you wanna say before I go? I'll send you a copy of this of course. Nah, *is flattered* I don't have any closing remarks, other than I'd be game to do this again anytime with anyone and talk about pretty much anything. I check your forum board regularly and I never ever mean to be harsh to anyone! I laugh too much for that and am always joking around. Oh, but I like to see who people think it'll be... ;) Probably my favorite question on the lurker polls... :) Because you know I'll throw a twist in there just to throw everyone off... Oi, this seemed so short...I hope it was interesting for you and you got what you wanted out of it... *LOL* Story of my life. :D Short access to computer. But yeah, I got LOTS out of this and I can put these up on the website ((or con Tenshi into it)) Hey, it's all good, you still find a way to harass me every once in a while. ;) Which is another thing I welcome from people... :-D It's absolutely fine to harass me... I'm used to it in the game and out... Oh well, see ya in game Dez! And thanks! We'll definitely have to do this again. Maybe I can gather a free-for-all and get your brother and Argon and Diana in here. Maybe Tenshi as Calesta even... *snickers evilly* Oh gods...what a time that would be... :) Do it all ICly... ;D That's a fun one always - What if you had Dezaryn (not me talking about Dez) trapped in a room alone? :D But since you did this as an Interview with Rob...you know... And yeah...I'll come around and ask you to dance sooner or later...if you think you can keep up with my pace. ;0 You'd rather not know that. ;) ((Waves and starts off with her 10 pages of chat post)) You're horrible! :D Take care!!!