The Rapina Feedback Forum

2006

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 = 01/02/06
nickname = Seldar
comments = Hello again,

I'd like to thank you for the new chapter. I'm very glad you're still pursuing this great story.

I wish you all a happy new year,

date = 01/22/2006

nickname = Beren

comments = Great stories you have written ! I 've been following them for the last five years I guess and I keep on returning for more. Normally I check once a month for any new developments but since you have actually written a new one and put this tantalizing "editing" next to it I'm practically checking it daily. I believe you mentioned that you were wondering whether or not to add a few more paragraphs. If that is the case, please doubt no more ! Post what you have and put me (and I think am not alone) out of my misery.

Heh, I should do that.  These darned new chapters are so complicated I tend to work with two of them because I'm having to go back and hook things in with the currently being written chapter.   I was thinking about elaborating on a scene in the editing one but I have not got to it.

date = 30-01-2006

nickname = Baxe

comments = Still enjoying chapt.64 and I love it so far.

:)

date = 02/07/06

nickname = PT Brainum

comments = Great work. I've really enjoyed this series, and read the whole thing in almost 14 hours straight. I'm hoping to see the Chill Curse of winter posted soon, as I loved her going all dominatrix on the principal, and can't wait to see what comes of that.

Keep up the good work,

PT

:)

date = 02/10/06

nickname = any

comments = couple of questions, one just wondered when you will be putting up the next chapter as it has said editing for a while on the contents

two i have reread the story and noticed that somebits have changed and somebits are missing

Hmm, not sure where you mean about the bits missing and changed.  It's a big story though.  I do some editing on occasion but usually the older chapters don't get touched.  It's the newer one's that sometimes get it :)

I'm not sure when the next chapter will go up.  I've got the one after that started as well and am ping-ponging a bit.

date = 02/13/06

nickname = Tux
comments = Thanks for writing this wonderful Story, I can't wait for the next installment. It is one of the few stories that I have read more than once.

Thanks, that's quite an endorsement :)

date = 2/14/06

nickname = wendal
comments = rapina how are you?
this is turning into a awful long edit.
it would be nice if instead of keeping us in suspense you you gave us little updates like
if you have just been to busy to work on this tell us(me).
if the plot shifts and forces you to rewrite tell us(me).
and maybe say how far along you are but please tell us(me).
it only has to be a few sentences once a week or month but it would let us know you are alive and writing just like you like to know we are alive and reading

PS sorry if I ranted a little there

It's okay, I've been tired a lot lately because of work so my writing output has been dismal.  My brain turns into a cabbage if I'm too tired.  It is hard to say when I will finish the next chapter.  I have it pretty much written but I'm doing the next one and doing some hopping between the two.

date = 02/18/06
nickname = Dragoon
comments = Love the story. I am practly drooling for the next chapter.

:)

General Note: 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 = 03/17/06
nickname = Naughty
comments = Hows the next chapter coming? The one after the one currently being edited? :-) Hope to see it soon!

:)

date = 03/19/2006
nickname = sb
comments = Hey! I hope real life (particularly colds and other not-very-fun type aspects) isn't completely keeping you from writing ... I'm definitely looking forward to the next chapter (and then the next and so on).
However, a quick question -- did you change the font of the website? Somehow the site looks different, but I can't quite put my finger on the difference.

A while back someone nice wrote me a new separate cascading style sheet for the site.  That may be it.  It changes spacing just slightly.  I am also implementing a more parchment-like background color that is not so stark as plain yellow for when the background picture does not load. 

date = 03/25/06
nickname = Tat
comments = Rapina,
I am writing to tell you that I enjoy your work! I hope that your muse is visiting often and that everything is well in Real Life.
Thanks again for your story,
Tat

Thank you Tat.  I hope to have another chapter up soon. 64 Chill of Winter is in the editing stage and I am currently writing 65 Nimbus.

date = 04/08/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = Hi thanks for a great story. I have already read this last chapter five time (not kidding) so that I will have it fresh in mind when next chapter is released. 

While reading this chapter (63) a few times I found two errors:

1. After getting caught, Bellany gets to wait in her room and she is afraid that they would find the "loot from the pirates". I think this should be "loot from the highwaymen"

2. Right before headmistress Vargrend leaves before Bellanys spanking. ""Good, I have a class to teach. Good morning Lady Norwit," Headmistress Bristol said crossly." It should be Vargrend.

You are absolutely right.  I made the corrections.  Thank you very much for spotting them. -Rapina

date = 04/12/6
nickname = DesertDog
comments = I just discovered Chronicles of Rapina - - wow! Once I got started, I couldn't stop reading and kept going chapter after chapter. The only bad news, other than wearing my poor eyes out in this more than one-thousand-page saga, I unexpectedly came to the end of chapter 63 and there was no more to read. Hope I can hold on till you get chapters 64 and 65 out of edit and posted. Thanks again for the great story! 

Glad you are enjoying the story :)  (See also the reply to the next post) -Rapina

date = 4/20/06
nickname = Merel
comments = Umm....Its been over 2 months that the next chapter has been editing. Could you give us an update...or maybe finish it and post it. I don't mean to be rude I would just like to read the next chapter. 
Thanks

4/30/06 Okay, chapter 64 The Chill of Winter has been posted.  I'd like to thank Graylore and Old Nick for helping with the editing but by all means if anyone sees an error let me know.  Thanks, -Rapina

date = 04/30/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = Yipee!

Checking in every day has payed off, but the link does not work... 

My thanks to the many people who wrote in about the link.  I fixed it right away but I may have never noticed it if people had not written in. -Rapina

date = 04/30/2006
nickname = a guy
comments = nice chapter. Rapina does seem to be juggling a lot of balls in the air, will she get caught again?

and how many languages is that now? troll, orc, now elvish? did she learn giant?
and the gods - apparently they have different languages also? well, it kind of makes sense - but we haven't seen that the humans have a variety of languages that humans here did in the medieval ages. well, too much to keep track of, i would guess.

btw, have you considered using life force or drain on trees?

on a tech note: the winter chapter is not html-ed right. the previous and next for it, and for the previous chapter, are not working right.

kudos on this chapter, and keep up the good work. 

Yes, lots of languages but thankfully the humans of the whole area do speak a common tongue.

date = 05/01/06
nickname = WahMing
comments = Just a note, the link in rapcon (rapina contents) is broken. You saved the file as 64chill.html, but the rapcon link points to 64Chill.html.

Keep up the great writing! Hopefully the next chapters don't take quite as long to appear =D

:)

date = 04/30/06
nickname = sb
comments = Excellent -- this chapter not only really moved the Rapina's situation forward significantly, but the writing & flow of the chapter seemed even better than usual. I've no doubt I'll re-read this chapter many times, but I'm already eagerly anticipating the next one (yes, that's the problem with having fans -- we're never satisfied!)

I'm glad you enjoyed it.  I'm still working towards a bunch of events but Rapina is in school and has to learn things first.  

date = 05/01/06

nickname = Lharlequin

comments = Chapter 64 was great!

I'm just sort of surpised that Jamie wouldnt be more suprised about the horse. I understand he dosnt bat an eye at her promiscuity, but in this case I figured hed be a bit more shocked.

Thanks again!

Jamie bought Starstruck for Bellany because he suspected....

date = 05/01/06

nickname = necron

comments = At last, another installment!!! I am hooked, please dont switch me off )

:)

date = 05/01/06

nickname = Jummen

comments = Wow! Thanks for another great chapter in this fantastic story!

I have read it twice already. I love it!

I will check daily for chapter 65 (Nimbus?)

Indeed Nimbus is the title of the next chapter.  I'm glad you enjoyed Chill.

date = 05/01/06

nickname = Erik

comments = Great job Rapina

Yet another great chapter! I'll definitely take some time to re-read this weekend and see if I see any mistakes. Nothing jumped out at me the first time through, but I was enjoying your efforts! Keep up the wonderful writing! Hope you post another shortly.

E.

date = 05/02/2006
nickname = FurryToes
comments = It certainly appears that you are building to a pivotal moment, with Rapina advancing both her magic and sword capabilities. And, with her adopted father on a winter campaign, I can't help but wonder if the target of the campaign is the School its self. 

Capturing the children would certainly give Avengenes and the church of the Vindicator leverage over the other lands. 

It also creates a nice crisis of faith for her adopted father.

She will of course open her mouth and get slapped with a curse (perhaps a burning column) which burns away the old enchantment, revealing the true form of Rapina.

She kills the priest that cast the curse for his arrogance. But is outnumbered by the armed men accompanying him, preventing a solutions by force of arms.

Then the sound of single set of hands clapping, turns everyone's attention to Red Jack at the door, flanked by his crew of pirates. 

A thunder clapp then reveals Rage and Kroz, accompanied by two historical ghostly figures and an undead army.

And the fun begin!

Sorry, I don't mean to tell you how to write your story, I just enjoy it and the characters and felt the need to improvise on your theme. Feel free to use any of the idea as your own if it has merit, or toss it out if you have a better one. And if you were already planning to do any of this, I won't be upset if you delay or delete this posting.

Good work
I await the next chapter with bated breath!

Glad you can have some fun with it.  There are indeed plots afoot, not exactly as you have envisioned them but things will be happening.  Mostly for the near future, however, Bellany needs to learn some things and hopefully have a little fun and adventure while slogging through improving her skills.

date = 05/04/06
nickname = Temudjin
comments = Hello Rapina

Thank you for the newest installment of your epic novel.
As usual I've read the new chapter immediately, and as usual I was delighted with it. It's a truely original story and I kind of like the idea that the swashbuckling, nymphomatic, necromantic priest of the Death God might well be a good (if naughty) person.

Please continue to struggle with the story and keep up the good work.

Temudjin

Thank you for the encouragement.  It's readers like you who keep me from getting to mired with other things to continue writing. -Rapina

date = 05/04/06

nickname = Rjaaa

comments = Thanks for the new chapter. It is refreshing to get to continue reading your story. Please keep it up.

:)

date = 05/14/06
nickname = Artemis
comments = Two exciting chapters - I'm sorry I neglected to leave a note about the Christmas chapter. Bellany's made real strides in improving herself as a mage, and securing her position, both in terms of amassing sufficient energy to power her magic, and amassing allies. I was surprised she let Jamie see what she got up to with Starstruck - even a 'naughty' nobleman might have been unduly shocked - but she'd gauged him well, and their friendship and alliance looks firm.

It was a little shocking, but James bought Starstruck for a reason -that reason was the way Bellany talked about the stallion in an earlier chapter.  Then he laid the gelding trap to check to see if his suspicions were probably correct.  Bellany fell for his trap and you saw the result.

Her slowly turning back into Rapina, physically, is an interesting notion - I'd been wondering when and if she'd resume her original appearance. It poses certain problems, especially if her face and hair were to change - I imagine she can get away with a fair bit in terms of her body, it's not as if the old wanted posters would have detailed her physique to the extent that she'd be recognized on that basis alone (especially given that the people who see her naked are in no position to recognize Rapina's body). But I'd always assumed that, sooner or later, she'd have to discard the identity of Bellany, and return to being Rapina proper, and I confess it's something of a comfort that she'd have the option of regaining her original appearance.

Something that came to my attention as I re-read the previous chapter - among the things she's angry about, when she summons her anger during her encounter with the headmaster, is Mortaebius harming her physically in the process of saving her from death. For the moment she seems content to pursue the role that seems to have been laid out for her, as the Life of Death, but I wonder whether there may come a time when that conflicts with what she herself wants? Rapina's never been one to do what was expected of her, when she disagreed - the more prominent and powerful the 'role' that she's expected to fulfill, the more dangerous that independence could be for her.

Thanks for continuing to write Rapina's story, it's always a joy to read and re-read.

Mortaebius is nothing if not wise :)

date = 5/22/06

nickname = Dragoon

comments = Dear Rapina,

I love the new chapter and am even more excited about the next. perhaps there won't be quite as long a wait as for the last chapter. By the way I found one error in the new chapter The Chill Curse of Winter. When the honor roll for the boys is read I some how doubt that Leaf Whisper is eligible for honor roll since he is not a student, but Jamie's fencing coach.

I am glad you are enjoying the chapter :)

Trinadar Leafwhisper is the swordsmaster whereas Leaf Windswhisper is another younger half-elf. He is the captain of the longbow team at The Bristol Academy for boys.  He was brought in on scholarship by the Bristols and lives at Bianca Bristol's manor.  She talks about him during one of the crossbow events at one of the tournaments. -Rapina

date = 14 June 2006
nickname = Llewyn
comments = Hi,

Fanatastic story, I've read the whole thing over the last couple of days. I'm really impressed by it. COuld you possibly let us know how the next chapter is going?

Thanks in Advance

date = 6/14/06

nickname =  Rapina

comments =  Windows update destroyed my file system for some odd reason and I had to wipe the first partition on my hard drive and start over.  I lost about 4 forum messages.  I am very sorry about that.  One of them had speculation in it too and I love to read speculations about the story no matter how accurate or outlandish they might be.

I also lost my email software and its contents.  I had an old one saved but anything less than a year old was wiped out.  This included Graylore's email address and he's been helping me by proofing drafted chapters as well as old chapters so that's not good.  This is the first time Windows update has ever disagreed with the Windows OS.  Perhaps since win98 is ancient they have stopped supporting it but then why not have the update thing say - no updates for this dinosaur OS?  Oh well.

Luckily the drafts and all of my other documents are not stored on the first partition of my hard drive so none of them were lost.

-Rapina

date = 06/15/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = Sorry about your computer trouble. What you didn't say in your post is weather the half-written chapter nimbus managed.

So, you like to hear about speculation... Here are some:

1. Rapina will be using Nimbus as a target for the TeleEmpathy spell. 
It will not be easy since Nimbus psyche is very different from a humans. But she will learn...

2. She will learn to modify her looks by will just like Vulvilea did. 

3. Jamie finds out from his leech that Bellany easily could become a magician and locates a book with priestly spells that draws from Amorra.

Just some ideas... But please let us know how the chapter fared.

Jummen

Thank you for speculating :)  I think at least a couple of those may come true eventually.  I'm currently working on the as yet untitled chapter 66, the one after Nimbus.  I've been quite busy and often too sleepy to write, however, so progress is slow.

date = 06/19/06
nickname = Marc the Unruly
comments = Hi Rapina,

The previous email was congratulating you on a great story and indulging in the following speculations.

1. Rapina will marry Jamie for political reasons at his parents suggestion. She will be tolerant of his "interests" and also would produce him an heir with no problem.

2. The comment made by Jamie's father to his mother while watching Rapina fence will turn out to be significant.

I love the story and beseech you to keep up the fantastic work.

Regards
Marc

Thank you for re-sending this, Marc.  I loved the conjectures and was disappointed that my crash had robbed us of this post.

date = 06/21/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = I have a few questions.

1. Did Evangeline have any magic abilities?
2. The orc high shaman sacrificed wise friends and lovers to gain something. Did Rapina in turn gain that along with the ease to do curses.
3. When Rapina sucked the life out of Evangeline did she gain any magic or wisdom when she sucked all of his life force out?

I agree with sb in that chapter 64chill is better written than usual. 

1. Evangeline did have magical abilities but they were clerical powers from the vindicator.
2. Good question :)
3. Evangeline had no innate magical powers.  She was aware of getting only his life force and nothing more.  If she got anything else it was subtle.

date = 06/22/06
nickname = Janie
comments = So, er, I just spent forever reading that. Completely unstoppable. Much like Rapina herself. Thanks... x

:)

Hi Rapina,

A while ago I filled out the forum submission form on the ASSTR site, to thank you for telling such a good story.

However, after a while (at least two weeks) I saw the post in which you tell us of your unfortunate computer accident. Thus I decided that I should send a new message in the hopes I could wish you luck with the restoration of your computer and thank you for telling a good story.

I did this because I assumed that my post got lost together with some of the other things during the crash.

However, after quite a wait I did see some updates to the forum. But none of the messages appears to be coming from me. So I email you in the hopes of contacting you this way to thank you for the great story.

I also hope that there is nothing wrong with the submission page, and that you not receiving my messages is somehow my fault. I, and you too I think, wouldn't like it very much if the complete submission form is dead.

With thanks to a good writer,
Seldar

PS. In the first forum submission I asked whether you could update the FTP site once in a while, as to give people with 'interesting' (read terribly outdated or not capable of graphics rendering) equipment a chance to read your excellent story.

Sorry about loosing your post in the crash.  I have not been doing the text FTP lately because some readers and I have been doing much more thorough editing on the chapters as they come out.  Changing and re-posting one draft every time someone sends me corrections is work enough.  Changing and reposting two drafts is just added work that I don't want to deal with until the story is finished.  I would rather use the time for writing and editing.

We are going to be re-editing the earlier chapters too.  Thus posting and updating only one draft is important to me until the story is finished.  I realize that there are a very few people who cannot see html, but that number these days is minuscule.  My computer is a relic (I'm working on changing that) but the Rapina web page has only one graphic, the background, and if a person does not load it they really miss nothing.  

If your machine just won't see .html, maybe a kind reader would be willing to save the html as text and then send you the text file.  I try not to commit to doing anything special beyond writing because the more special things I do, the less time I have for working on the next chapter.  Plus I have a bad memory for that sort of thing and I feel it's better to say no than to say yes and then turn around and fail to do whatever it was that I agreed to do.

Anyhow I am glad you are enjoying the story and I hope you are able to adapt to a very light-graphics html page.

date = 06/25/06
nickname = rusty
comments = I was just wondering if you currently working on Chapter 66 how long until 65 is up. 
P.S. No I am not rushing you just happend to notice what you said and was curious.

I am afraid progress is slow.  I'm breaking in a new machine and that takes time away from writing.

date = 26/06/2006

nickname = Sirvall

comments = Hi there,

I love the story, I've read it three times already and cant wait for a new chapter.

I've tried to find other stories you've wrote, bud all I've found is the DarkIcon site and I kind of lost my way there, although I did find some interesting stuff. If you have other stories that are finished or that you are working on could you please name a place/site?

Thnx!

Sirvall

I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I had one other on the web once but I don't think it is up anymore.  

date = 07/06/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = Hello

I have been thinking... Which god do the Jordells worship? I don't believe it has been mentioned. 

Could it be barraff, the god of commerce? The jordells would owe him a lot. Or amorra the godess of lust? Jamie seems to lean heavily towards naughtiness and lust. 

Hmm, as a family you have a point about Barraff but I have not made any official decisions yet.

On another topic, I have a loosing vs. losing issue that editors and I need to be on the lookout for.  Thanks Marc.

date = 7/17/06
nickname = wendal
comments = On gods i got the idea that most people in the rapina universe are more pantheistic in that they pay homage to all gods but tend attentive of the one that is most applicable to their life or is a special patron of theirs

Indeed.

date = 07/01/06
nickname = Raccoon
comments = Is it just me, or are quotation marks kind of hit or miss?

I just finished reading all the current (64) chapters. I have enjoyed the story very much, but there have been times when I've had to reread a passage two or three times for the dialogue to make sense.

Now that I've read all 64 chapters, when are the next 20 due out?

Missing quotes happen as do other things.  They are just there to remind you that this is amateur fiction.  Graylore has been proofing the more recent chapters, thus they are less likely to have missing quotes.  I will probably post 1-3 new chapters by xmas.

date = 08/08/06

nickname = Tenfold

comments = I would just like to say this is the best story I have ever read. I have been following it since you first posted it on asstr and can hardly wait for each additional chapter. Keep on writing and let the story continue.

Thankyou Ten :)

date = 08/09/2006
nickname = Sirval
comments = Hey Rapina, how's the chapter coming along? Hope your still writing.

Sirval

I have two chapters mostly drafted.  I will be sending them for proofing and then will hopefully have them up by xmas.

date = 08/13/06
nickname = Rix
comments = Couldnt stop reading it. Eagerly await the next chapter.

date = 08/12/06
nickname = a

comments = i recently reread the whole lot and just wondered what happened to the bit where she replaces the confiscated spellbooks with gibberish ones she wrote as it is referred to in ch64,

also hows the nxt ch going? not heard form in a while

Ew, I'm glad you said something.  It appears that the most modern draft for that chapter got over-written by a slightly older draft.  I am going to need to re-write the part that got left out.  Thank you for catching that.

date = 08/28/60
nickname = Deeb
comments = Hey, just wanted to thank you for writing this truly amazing piece of writing. Keep up the great work.

:)

date = 08/31/2006
nickname = Fawks
comments = Where oh where are you tonight? Why did you leave me here all alone? I searched the world over.... 

I just think of that ole song when I'm anxiously waiting for something. Like maybe the next chapter of Rapina? :) The story has been great and its twists and turns have been surprising and enjoyable. I just want the next chapter to come out. And the next one. And the next one. And the...

Fawks

You will soon get your wish, although the next two chapters have not yet got to the events I'm looking forward to most.

date = 09/04/06

nickname = Beren

comments = Well I have been keeping myself busy the last couple of weeks with rereading the entire Rapina story. It was most refreshing I must say, there were some things that became clearer by doing this and it also shows the journey that this fine adventurer woman has traveled.

Still some questions remain like how is it possible that Evangeline, the son of a Marquis, is a priest in a humble little village in Norwit.

Historically it was not uncommon for second and third sons to head for the church.  Evangeline made a show of humility but he really controlled the villiage.

When she eventually figured out she might have been Brianna, how come she didn't try to go back to some of her places from her childhood, was her village too far away from the baronet's keep?

She wasn't positively sure that she was Rapina until after she had arrived at school.  Certain bits from her memory were more accessible than others but eventually she put it all together.  Her childhood memories did not volunteer themselves.  It was not until after she touched the altar of Mortaebius on her way to Vargrend's that larger parts of her memory began to reconnect.

I very much enjoyed the cold calculatedness of Thane, that guy is a real chessmaster but I think he found more then his match in Rapina. I feel that the time is becoming ripe that those two get in touch with each other again, now that she is fully a magician. Might there be a role for a certain raven here?

You never know when she might become less content with life as a noblwoman.  It seems that no part that she has played has lasted forever.  Yet she has been wittingly or unwittingly in the service of Mortaebius for sometime.

What also strikes me is that from time to time something totally unexpected happens with our heroine and a whole new set of card are dealt. If I look back at the previous story arcs I would speculate that a new sudden turn is about to come.

One of these days...

Something else that I noticed, up until say two episode ago Rapina always had to go with the flow, she did that masterly of course but now it is the first time that she really is grasping her destiny with her own two hands. I just hope that what ever turn is coming, she will stay on top...

True, she is beginning to mature and have a greater impact on her own direction.  Thank you for conjecturing.  I enjoy hearing where people think the story is heading.

date = 09/14/06
nickname = Beren
comments = I was thinking about the nature of magic as it is used in the Rapina story. Rapina seems to think that there is a difference between her lifeforce reserves that she drains from men's lust and the spelcasting energy.

Magic and life force are similar but not entirely interchangeable in Rapina's world.  Life force is more a form of magical energy, a biological form.  As you have seen in the story it can be used for healing.  Yet it cannot be used directly for producing a flame or creating an illusion. 

I would conjure that this is difference is due to her not fully realizing the nature of magic itself. As was demonstrated by Vulvilia when she changed Rapina's form, she simply used Rapina's reserves to shape the magic. 

Note that shape-shifting is a more advanced use of biological magic. 

It seems to me that magic is more like a flow of lifeforce from one form to an other, from one place to another. It can be shaped by the will of the caster but this takes a lot of concentration effort. I can imagine that this effort is taxing on the caster en thus exhausting him/her eventually, however in the case of Rapina she is able to revitalize by using some of her reserves. It must be possible therefore to make a more direct flow from her reserves to the actual shaping of magic in order to limit the taxation of the effort that is involved.
I am perhaps just rambling here, take no notice if you feel that it has no application to your story...

She is able to direct energy from her reserves towards banishing fatigue and revitalizing her ability to cast, but it takes some time for the life force to revitalize her and replenish her mind so that she can cast spells that don't have to do with biological energy.

date = 9/14/06
nickname = Wayd
comments = Thanks for the great story! 

I've been following it for years (seemingly) and it never fails to suck me back in. It's been a while though since there has been any activity here on the forum or in the story posts and I'm hoping that everything is OK in Rapinaland... No pressure but perhaps just let us know that you are still around and doing OK?

Thanks again

Greenman 

I am still around, although Guild Wars Nightfall has been a persistent drain on my free time lately :)

date = 09/20/06
nickname = Quindo Ma
comments = I wanted to thank you for the work you put into this grand storyline. Well written erotica isn't that common, especially of the longer variety, those that just go on and on :)

I hope nothing bad happened, you haven't updated your forum in over 3 months. Enjoy the writing, and don't try to rush it (not that you ever did), but don't forget to let us know you're still around, so we can keep pining for more :)

Rapina was read the first time within less than a week, often far into the night, it was that good. And as much as I would like to offer some help in pointing out where you made mistakes, I just couldn't stop reading whenever the small tidbits (mostly just tiny spelling errors) popped up. And forgot about them a few lines later ;). Since then I have enjoyed two new chapters that have been just as grand.
Hope to see some more from our randy rascal Rapina.

Regards
Quin

Don't worry, Rapina is still kicking :)

date = 09/27/06
nickname = spud
comments = I just finished reading Rapina, love what you have wrote so far.

:)

date = 09/28/2006

nickname = Civilmage

comments = I am looking forward to a wonderful Winter Solstice Present from Rapina. Is that just wishful thinking or a real possibility? I hope you are doing well and our favorite wench is up to her usual antics.

Assuming Greylore is still around to proof, I should be sending a couple of chapters his way soon.

date = 09/29/06
nickname = Niki, The Huntress
comments = First off I want to say thank you for ur story of Rapina. I look everyday for ur next update. I have several questions for ya. First when is Thane and Rames going to introduce themselves to Bellany? Also it seems to me that Rapina is picking up her spells faster as Bellany, is there a reason for this? 

She laid the foundation with Thane and by the end could do many cantrips, but that first spell is always the most difficult since no one is used to being able to warp reality.  She had to get used to it and gain confidence that she really could do magic.  As you can imagine, the more cantrips and elementary spells she learns, the more easily she will learn cantrips and elementary spells.  Some spells like telekinesis and telepathy have taken her longer because they are not so elementary and also require practice to perfect.  

Difficult spells will always take her longer to learn, but adding variations or additional simple spells should become a little easier for her now that she is a confident caster.  She is not as good as Thane yet, but thanks to Thane she has a firm foundation in theory and thanks to Baladus she has been learning the hands-on practical approach to learning what works by doing it.  There is also the exposure she had to Mortaebius and the life force of The High Shaman of the orcs helping her out, especially with necromancy and curses.  To them the magic she is now doing is child's play.

Secondly is Bellany going to change back to her orginal to form as Rapina?

That is a possibility, it is just a matter of when and how.

 And my last question for the nite is do ya have a date planed for ur next chapter release?

Shortly before xmas I hope.

date = Oct. 4th, 2006
nickname = Tat
comments = Hello Rapina,

Haven't checked back in a while so I was happy to see Ch 64 posted. I really enjoyed the direction you are taking with Rapina as Bellany (perhaps slowly returning to Rapina?). By the way, is the reference to "the Red Queen" a foreshadowing of events to unfold? And might I also add "Darn Cliffhangers!!!!". I look forward to the future adventures of Rapina (and Nimbus!). I hope that "Real Life" is treating you well and that you have the time and inclination to write! Any idea on when Ch65 might be ready?

In any event, THANK YOU for all of your hard work and excellent writing. 

A fan,
Tat

Thank you Tat.  I should be sending a couple chapters to Greylore for proofing in the not to distant future.

date = 10/05/06
nickname = Jummen
comments = Hi

I thought I would write a few things to inspire you in your writing. 

1. This it the best story I have ever read on the Internet (and I have read many.
2. I think the system for how magic works is very logical and quite brilliant. Especially the necromantic magic, which I just love.
3. The character Rapina is also brilliant. She is not omnipotent, but only does her best as she gets pulled along by fate (or is it Mortebius planning). I like her kind nature and how she slowly acquires knowledge and skills.
4. I love the way she has hooked up with the bad guys (pirates and necromancers) and the way her skills/personality quickly makes her a favored member of each group.
5. I LOVE Mortaebius. He is very well written. His foresight is great. If you wrote his bible you would get followers just like L . Ron Hubbard.

Please continue writing. I know we are many who are waiting for the next episode in the GREATEST story on the Internet. 

Thank you, I am glad the story resonates with you.  More to come :)

date = 10/23/06
nickname = Epiphany
comments = Is Rapina dead? 
Most of this story was posted back in 2002. There has been little activity since 2004. Rapina remains one of my all time favorites, but if this is an abandoned story thread it would be nice to know.

Rapina is a slow but sure story these days.

date = 10/28/2006
nickname = Fawks
comments = Where oh where are you tonight? Why did you leave me here all alone? I searched the world over.... (just the words to a humorous ditty from the American TV show Hee Haw)

Are you ok? I have started wondering if you are going to post again or have died. Hope your doing ok. 

Still kicking.

date = 30/10/2006
nickname = WindsweptAngel
comments = Hey,

I'm an avid reader of Rapina. I read a few erotica stories on a regular basis, things such as Nick Scipio, Frank Downey, RCM, Ellagon, and this. I'm a great lover of fantasy and science fiction, so Rapina is truly a fantastic story in my eyes =), one of the best!

I'm just curious how you are basically, it's been so long since I've seen an update of any source, and it would be a shame if you've stopped writing completely.

Thanks,

WS

Don't worry, I should be posting something before xmas.

date = 11/04/06
nickname = Mr Alpha
comments = Are you dead?
It'd be a great shame if you were, leaving your masterpiece hanging like that. 

If I was dead, now I'm undead  ;)

date = 11/05/06
nickname = Herstal
comments = Dear Rapina

Its been months since your last update. One starts to wonder if you've lost interest in writing Rapina. Here we are in NaNoWriMo, a fine time for writing, yet work or lack of dedication are interfering with your epic. 

Thus far its had its ups and downs but Rapina is gradually growing into a more interesting woman. The sex is in the background descriptions mostly offhand rather than arousing, like eating, but that's never been an issue with the readers. We like the character and what she's doing with her life so I think most of us consider Rapina to be a sword and sorcery story with sex as a part of the setting. (and you are entirely correct) This is an improvement over erotic stories where plot is just an excuse for sex. Your style is better. 

So, what will it take, besides time and inclination, to write more? How about a little inspiration? 

At this point, at the school, Rapina is living among the children of the uppercrust during a time of war and upheaval. She's gotten a background of the hypocrisy and cruelty of the dominant regime, and lived among their outlaws (the pirates), with a necromancer/revolutionary, their enemies (the orcs), and found the thread of culture among all of them. Rapina has been granted a position to understand more of the layers of society than any number of knights or emmissaries. She could become either an ambassador or and ambassador's wife. You could turn this story into a court intrigue story, if you wanted. 

She's also learning low level magic to bolster her original succubus talents. This should continue, though the amount of time she spends in this school, where you are clearly floundering your story (who wants to write high school drama, after all?) and have lost your inspiration temporarily, needs to come to an end in the next 30-60 pages. Any more than that and you're going to give up on this story entirely. Your readers want more and you're troubled with this section. Thus a significant change is called for. Please wrap up this section and move on to fresh territory because its clear you're not happy writing this part of the story. Resolve your conflicts within reason and get a move on to the next part. 

I propose that some social or violent showdown occur and Rapina, on the verge of achieving some new level of power in her magic, ends up revealling her true identity to her enemy (that angry chick Brittany). It might be sensible to see some kind of violent attack on the school take place and Rapina has to pull the stops out to save lives as well as make it through, herself. One option is a civil war attack by enemies, possibly resulting in mass rape of her female classmates. This is grim, but within reason for the times. She'd have to break out of the confines using her magic, talents at sex magic, and finally develop proper skill at cursing. Saving her enemy from death as well as revealling she was the maiden robbed by the creepy priest Avengene at the beginning would make a nice plot point. Revealling herself to her "brother" and family would also complete the circle on explaining the death of the girl she's been playing as well as reconnect her with the Mortaebians. Saving them would also cut off the potential for court intrigue and marriage to the gay swordsman, which while it has some potential for story isn't quite Rapina's speed. You've consistently developed her as a woman of action, not intrigue. While its a direction she could go, she's not ready for that and would need to be a full wizard first. Rescuing the school, then fleeing the authorities with rebels would do wonders to engender doubt and debt by the survivors, offering further proof to her claim of being raped by the Avengene and undermining the cruel regime from the inside. Its more effective that way, and lets her have contacts with these people later, possibly as allies. 

So assuming she does the rescuing and flees, what then? Back to Mortaebius or will he see the folly of keeping her with him, realizing her potential is well beyond what he can teach, and release her to a proper wizard for training? That would be an appropriate next step, particularly if her education is on the road rather than some high school drama. You can show off more of your world, encounter more creatures and political situations, and further develop her character. 

We know that Gypsies use sex magic, but once they realized she was an avatar of Death and a living Succubus, there would be trouble, possibly worship which would upset her. If local religions found out, some would be out to kill her, some to capture her and make her a priestess. Learning how to shapeshift her appearance would be a good idea, as a spell. She needs to learn that soon, though it should be difficult and painful so she doesn't do it often. 

Rapina is all about personal survival after facing loss, frequently. Its part of her character and shouldn't be ignored. 

Another option is a journey begun by a mortaebian priest, handed of to a ranger or bard, then with gypsies, then fleeing on her own heading towards some remote wandering wizard. Whatever you do, remember her character and nature. A woman of action, opposed to cruel authority. 

So, given the above, does this make you feel like writing again? One can hope as leaving the story like it is, after having written so much seems sad. She deserves better than this abandonment. Its clear from the way you designed this story and world that Rapina is an epic, not a novel. She's meant to go on and on, never achieving too much personal power without losing it soon enough, developing her character and skills more broadly to eventually gain understanding of life, not mastery over men. After all, that's the true lesson of Mortaebius, isn't it? 

Are you ready to write more? Give it a few hours a day instead of vegging in front of the TV. 

Herstal

Thank you for conjecturing /suggesting.  The  school part is already pretty well mapped out.  There will be a couple of culminating events once  the groundwork is all  laid in.  I am not as dedicated a writer as I could be.  I have work and friends and games as well as writing. I realize that this can be frustrating to readers.  I am sorry about that.  I write because I enjoy it, but I am neither as good nor as prolific as a professional.  On the other hand I do have a couple chapters drafted but I am really looking forward to the few chapters after those because the events I have been looking forward to should come up in the chapters I will be writing after those that are currently drafted..

-Rapina

date = 11/13/06
comments = Any prediction of the release date of the next post?
I re-read Chil Curse of Winter and it is really better written than other chapters. Congratulations on the improvement.

Thank you, although some of that credit should go to Greylore who has been proofing the chapter drafts before I post them so that all those annoying missing right quotes and other errors I seem to habitually make are caught before the draft is posted.

date = 12/01/2006
nickname = Mortaebius
comments = Hi,
Sorry to request it again when all the members of the forum have been doing it. 'When is the next chapter?' and please please could you publish it more regularly. We have been waiting long time since last chapter. The quality of the epic is getting better and better. Hope you continue it for a long time.

The next two chapters were scheduled for sometime just before Christmas, unfortunately Greylore seems to have come up missing and because of my hard drive crash months ago, the only email address I have for him is for a gmail account exclusively set up for editing chapters.  Needless to say, I have not sent anything to that account until  recently when I sent Chapters 65, Nimbus and  66 Snowed.  Greylore appears to have stopped checking it for new chapters, otherwise he would have seen the two chapters sitting ready to proof.  I will try sending Nimbus to Lee and see if he can proof it so that we will have at least one chapter up right around Christmas.

date = 12/01/2006
nickname = Seldar
comments = Hi,

I'm just poking my head in here to tell you how glad I am that your not gone.
Have fun writing and take it easy.
With kind greetings,
Seldar

Thanks Seldar.  I am indeed writing.  I am currently working on Chapter 66, The Snowflake which has grown so large it may have to be split into two chapters.  I am a bit nervous about Greylore missing.  He has such a great memory for detail and also a list of correct spellings for place names and so on within Rapina.  I lost that during that hard drive death a few months ago.   It is funny how you don't miss things until you go to use them and they are not there.

date = 12/5/06
nickname = FlamesOfWind
comments = Dear Rapina,
I have recently been rereading the story and I thought that you refered to your self as the red queen in chapter 22, not the white queen. Not that it really matters, but I was wondering if had changed it. In any case I love the story and cannot wait for the next chap.

You are very astute, the red queen is correct.  I got my wires crossed and will have to do some editing.  Actually I have done some and Chill should probably be re-proofed and re-posted but I have been inspired to work on chapter 66 and I would always rather write new chapters than spend the time doing other things.  When the story is finished Greylore has done back editing on all of the early chapters and I have to slog through and make sure I like all the changes and all that, but I would like to get the full draft of the manuscript done before I immerse myself in the huge editing project.

date = 12/19/06
nickname = Epiphany !
comments = I just love Christmas presents...

... I have several chapters.  How are you at proofreading?    

If anyone wants to send me mail, remember to put Rapina or ASSTR in the subject line.  The amount of spam on my Rapina account is staggering and I can easily miss messages that my filter does not pluck out and stick in the In box or the Rapina box.  Forum posts automatically have ASSTR on them so they always wind up in my in box.  

I was missing Graylore but he was really there all along.  A new wrinkle in the email prefix rendered my filter ineffective at plucking his mail out of the spam.  I have fixed that and am working on looking at his recommendations for Chapter 65, Nimbus.   It should go during the early evening hours of Christmas if not before.

-Rapina 

Sorry I have not been doing this lately.  I have quite a few posts that I will past into the Forum today.  It also looks like I need to make a 2007 forum but that will be simple enough.

date = 12/25/06
nickname = Graylore
comments = Rapina??

Have you been getting my posts to you?

I sent the chapters and a bunch of other stuff, but from your posts on the forum, you may not have received them. I'll resend.

~Graylore.

I was having trouble with my filter that Graylore and I eventually solved.  There was a counterintuitive order one had to use that I finally figured out through trial and error.

date = 12/25/06
nickname = Graylore
comments = Are you still at rapina@gamebox.net?

~Graylore.

date = 12/25/06

nickname = Graylore

comments = Ah, wait, I should have read to the end! You DID get my posts (eventually)! Phew!!! I'll make sure I put Rapina in the subject line from now on!

~Graylore.

date = The end of the world
nickname = Deeb
comments = Hey,
great chapter, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Your ob'd't serv't,
I. Deeb 

date = 12/27/06
nickname = Twobears
comments = First of all I would like to say a big THANK YOU for the latest much waited for installment, ch 65, and being the greedy avid fan I would like to ask how ch 66 is coming along?

Ps Please do some proofing for ch 65 as it has some major flaws in it, I would list them but I'm typing this on my phone...takes too long, the main problem being words not being take out.

Anyhow keep up the excellent work

I think Ch 65 had a major glitch with it when it first came out but Graylore and I got it fixed and I reposted.

date = 12/27/06
nickname = DarknessWalks
comments = Enjoyed the chapter, will reply later with any mistakes I find during a second reading... Looking forward to the next chapters especially after the way this chapter ended!! Keep up the great work! DW.

:)

date = 12/30/06
nickname = Griza
comments = Great story!

I found it by accident, but after reading the first two chapters I could not tear myself away from my computer. It took me several days to read it all and then several more days to read it once again before the 'Nimbus' chapter came out. I am now checking every day to see if there is anything new.

I was wondering if the world where Rapina lives is completely unique or if it is based on some other fiction. I am guessing that it is unique and it that there is still a lot empty space to fill (like the Elven forest or Avengene). I hope Rapina gets to do some more traveling to show us more of the world.

I wish you a good New Year and as much fun at writing the story as I had at reading it.

Thanks, Rapina's world is based on the Alt Dragon's Inn world as it originated on that fantasy writer's newsgroup but I have since taken liberties with it.  One of the readers made a great map of it.  Sometime I will have to see if it survived the wipe-out of my hard drive.  At first his map did not have some of the important things on it but I think a later addition did.  

I made a 2007 forum page and will continue with new posts on that.