Following the path of a series cancelled creates its own campaign. You end up tracking the publishing houses from here to Mombasa, the pen spilling blue ink like water. ISBNs -International Standard Book Numbers- are heated leads straight into paywalls, but the well-read rogue you are, an obstacle hardly holds up progress. You roll the dice everyday, but some events panned out... unfortunately.
The Japanese light novel series written by Ao Jūmonji didn't earn enough to merit, at least in the eyes of the network, a second season. The scattered nature by which its content exists- licensing in North America by Funimation, the manga adaptation goin' to Yen Press, and the English publishing rights to J-Novel Club- tells a story. In an effort to get a piece, everyone left out the most important group: the viewers.
Diving into DnD
I began my first ever Dungeons & Dragons campaign the other evening, with the creation of my character. I did not ever foresee that I would participate in one, given the tired cliché that the games remains for 'nerds and geeks'. However, as with most misconceptions, the truth lies beneath the hearsay, like wiping the dust of a chest of treasure.
I am enticed by the opportuntity for its fantasy elements, parallels to other entertainment I enjoy, and its impromptu aspect combined with a community of other participants. Some I knew, others I didn't as all our journeys went. Thus, to embark on a journey with the only investment being time- I knew I would at least enjoy role-playing as a character similar to my favorites from shows like Goblin Slayer and Hai to Gensou no Grimar.
My Hero
Enter Nimrod. Named after the biblical figure, I aimed to have this character represent the likes of Haruhiro while retaining some proficiency with my favor'd weapon of choice in RPG's: the bow. Nicknamed Old Cat, for the sleepy eyes he was given at birth, I relate to his persistent self-doubts, as I'm sure many of us do.
We each wrestle with our own inadequacies and the constant thought we're not "good enough". I appreciate the story's artistic liberty to portray characters with humanity, as opposed to possessing plot armor, the colloquial term for the 'safety' that lead roles have in regard to the story's low points. To elaborate, viewers oft complain that heroes seldom face difficulty, or furthermore, any type of loss. As one viewer mused in a fanmade video, 'the show's called Naruto, not Sasuke.'
In any event, the appreciation for the show stems from its phenomenal art direction championed by A-1 Pictures. You may recognize their work in popular shows like Sword Art Online. In addition, the soundtrack that accompanies borders on the edge of contemplative and spans to courageous, styled by (K)NoW_NAME. Yet, ultimately, this photographer appreciates the depth of the character development in just twelve short episodes.
Running a rogue lifestyle
The session begins with 0, slated to take place the 12th of the coming month. In the following days, among the trading and the photographing, the cooking and the writing, I hope to familiarize myself enough with the workings of this game in order to chronicle our adventures into a short story series. Perhaps, one of the various communities online will recieve these amateur chapters. Like Haruhiro and the rogue archetype, gathering information for the benefit of the party and sneaking in advance to gather the intel aligns fittingly with my vision of myself.
Could my information gathering be the call to action for new, interested viewers and old, reminiscent watchers to bring the desire for a 2nd season to life?
I leave you with Haruhiro's thoughts on the onus to move.
Once you die, there’s nothing left... the door to every possibility is closed. So, is it that strange that I want as few people to die as possible? If there’s no other way, then so be it, but if you’ve got something you can do, I think you ought to do it.
Post Summary
- Yet and still, money dictates life and its pursuits, down to the continuation of some of the finest productions to date. Could there be a solution to salvaging unfinished tales?
- Dungeons & Dragons combines entertainment and community in a novel way, one I favor over methods in my past like online first-person shooters. I look forward to playing, and even more to telling the stories that take place.
- Rogues are shadowy informants, among other things. I resonate with their dark demeanor and a few of their methods. I rather silence my steps than cause a ruckus in a tavern.
- Like Haruhiro, I believe that one must act within the the time they have. No one can tell your tale but you.