Character Fodder No. 3: Thanks!
It’s Thanksgiving in the United States. So, in recognition of the holiday, here’s an exercise for you: What are your characters thankful for these days?

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States. So, in recognition of the holiday, here’s an exercise for you: What are your characters thankful for these days?

While terrestrial in appearance, this world presents an unusual, almost false-color image. Emerald oceans nestle in among the continents, which are covered with blue and purple growth, rifled prominently with rocky gray mountain ranges. Adding to the ethereal, dreamlike image are the cloudy greenstreamers that enshroud the space around the planet, seeming almost to cradle…
Edo Opo’te, running late again. It could not be helped. He had risen early, before dawn, and had expected his wife to see to the children. But Olana felt ill, so Edo had taken it upon himself to make sure that Nefi and Dyara got their breakfast, gathered up their datapads, and made it to…
Stamp go. Stamp quit. I’ve cancelled my World of Warcraft subscription for (I expect) the last time. In the past, I’ve let the subscription lapse between expansions simply due to lack of time (or interest), but now it’s a matter of principle. After more than 14 years, and with no in-game fanfare or drama, I’m…
Vindir Obza braces a hand against the frame of the shuttle’s exit hatch, the other hand clutched close at his right side. He wasn’t sure he’d make it to Impiruil Baile. Almost stopped caring. His troubles, he knew, were close to over. One way or another, the Aukami’s fight wouldn’t last much longer. The one…
It’s been a pretty good decade and a half, but I’m slowly coming around to the view that the MUSH is done. Before I go any further, I’m not saying the OtherSpace story is done. I’m not saying we’re through building a collaborative space opera. I’m saying the MUSH-as-RP-platform is done. On days that don’t…
The holographic image resolves into that of a man with shaggy blonde hair, wearing a tweed jacket over a Hawaiian floral print shirt. The INNOVATIONS FOR THE FUTURE/INNOVATIONS FOR TODAY logo glows red on the backdrop as Bob Busby, CEO of Spark, paces on the matte black stage. “Answer a question for me, people. It’s a…
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The things Xanya is thankful for starts with simply being in this universe filled with spaceships, space stations and other stuff, which she can even create herself being an engineer.
She is also thankful for having a loving wife, who currently is probably worried sick wondering where Xanya is, since Xanya disappeared together with Comorro.
Third she is also thankful for the many friends she has made in this universe.
Qraco’xar doesn’t do thanksgiving. in fact I don’t think it’s known where he comes from. He is however thankful for still being alive.
For Kethren, there’s rather a lot. Being in a universe where his eyes could be fixed so amazingly well for one. Getting to design the first city on a new planet. Developing a method of building with vines and roots. The companionship of a ser. But mostly he’s thrilled to have such a wonderful (and green) girlfriend.
Okay, this should be… interesting. Mileage may vary. In their own words, what my characters are thankful for:
Alhambra:
“Well, I reckon I am thankful for havin’ a feller that ain’t off his shit, thankful for all my horsies, an’ my house, an’ my pals, an’ this beer, an’ my hometown, an’ my job… okay, jobs, an’ the Baile with alla its nice weather an’ wonderful critters, an’ uh, not presently havin’ any drama in my lap but don’t you take that as an invitation there, universe, ’cause so help me I will kick somebody’s teeth out the back of their head don’t think just ’cause I’m all fulla Doc Mira’s cooking that I can’t get off this couch, I tell you whut.”
Leucohyle:
“Oh, what, is is this some manner of ‘feel good’ cognitive exercise, is that what this is? Very well… I am presently thankful for, including but n-not limited to: air scrubbers, genetic enhancements, cybernetic technology, biotechnology, planets without bureaucratic nonsense, portable sanitising technology, self-cleaning fabrics, quick-spooling titanium circuit bridges, any entities sensible enough to be trustworthy, electro-muscular disruption, and robots. Also Father. When he is present and and reasonably sober.”
Joca:
“…hmmm… what I am thankful for…
All of my boys, but of course!
Delicious food.
Timmies.
Frozen Mai Tai.
Birth control!
Timmies.
Wanderful scientific medicines.
Showairs where se ‘ot water doesn’t stop coming out.
Timmies. Annd Aukami, and well all of se Kamiroid, sey are so -pretty-.
So many planets!
Forty-seven diffairent flavor of rum.
Ice cream.
Se clothes where you push button and it changes color.
Room service.
Music, so much music.
Timmies.
Virtual realitie programs.
My ship.
My friends.
Soap.
Beaches.
and Timmies. Eh? ‘ow many times did I mention? Psh. Well I love sem sat much, so what of it.”
Happy Thanksgiving, folks! Wishing all a safe, healthy, and drama-free holiday.
Al.
Aina is thankful for everyone in her life, because they accept her for who she is, and they don’t judge her because she’s a large green goat looking lady. Her home, all of her little critters, and most of all that amazing man that loves her and makes her glad that she went out in search of a new life.