D'Artagnon

First off, I apologize for how long it took to get this one out.  It has been a difficult year.  Being homeless has brought new challenges and perspectives to my life.  Changes in my family situation have also made life, well, let's call it interesting.  I have been working on Glen's story for a  while now, trying to make sense of the various medical and scientific aspects I have written into the story.
But be warned, Glen's memories aren't the only thing changed by his contact with the electrical world.  Things in his life that Glen-who-is would never have suspected are about to make their presence felt.  And a few little surprises will enter along the way.
Act three is in the works.  I'm hoping it will take less than 18 months to get it to the finish line.  There are other projects still wanting love as well, so I will do my best.
Seeya on the other side, my brothers,
D'Artagnon, aka Robby
PS.  Monumental shout of praise to Al who made the graphic for the story page.  You keep coming through for this site again and again, buddy.  Thank you.

First off, I apologize for how long it took to get this one out.  It has been a difficult year.  Being homeless has brought new challenges and perspectives to my life.  Changes in my family situation have also made life, well, let's call it interesting.  I have been working on Glen's story for a  while now, trying to make sense of the various medical and scientific aspects I have written into the story.
But be warned, Glen's memories aren't the only thing changed by his contact with the electrical world.  Things in his life that Glen-who-is would never have suspected are about to make their presence felt.  And a few little surprises will enter along the way.
Act three is in the works.  I'm hoping it will take less than 18 months to get it to the finish line.  There are other projects still wanting love as well, so I will do my best.
Seeya on the other side, my brothers,
D'Artagnon, aka Robby
PS.  Monumental shout of praise to Al who made the graphic for the story page.  You keep coming through for this site again and again, buddy.  Thank you.

Russian Interference with American Institutions and Elections
Children being forcibly removed from their parents and transported to places far from where they were separated from the families by Government officials
Sex Scandals
Legal Scandals
Now, merging of the department of Education and the department of Labor (they don't really do the same thing)
Wow, seems like things in the Revolutions Universe are being mirrored, if imperfectly, in our current situation in the United States. No matter what you may believe politically, seems like many of the things the RU authors have written about are hitting really close to the mark about what's happening now.
Ashwood would be proud of the chaos and angst flying about.
Thoughts, comments, counterpoints?

I had high hopes to have a story for this, but lately, life has shown me where the the bottom is, and tried to drop me off into it. I haven't fallen far, mind you, but the climb back is going to be... well, something on the order of difficult. Sadly, I'll have to forgo this trip into Middle Earth. Maybe if we do it again I'll have time to get the story in my head out.
That being said, I am looking forward to seeing what amazing stories our creative and potent writers come up with. Scare us some! Tickle us some! Show us what brightest courage, darkest evil, and desperation in the face of both impossible odds and rude dwarves manhandling your mother's fine china is all about.
"You have to be careful when you step outside your door, Frodo. You never know where the wind will take your heels." - B. Baggins, as attributed by F. Baggins

Russian Interference with American Institutions and Elections
Children being forcibly removed from their parents and transported to places far from where they were separated from the families by Government officials
Sex Scandals
Legal Scandals
Now, merging of the department of Education and the department of Labor (they don't really do the same thing)
Wow, seems like things in the Revolutions Universe are being mirrored, if imperfectly, in our current situation in the United States. No matter what you may believe politically, seems like many of the things the RU authors have written about are hitting really close to the mark about what's happening now.
Ashwood would be proud of the chaos and angst flying about.
Thoughts, comments, counterpoints?

Over the past couple of years Zach Caldwell has served as the Chief Moderator of the Castle Forums. Zach is also an author and has been a confidant to the admin team at the Castle. 
Just over a week ago Roland as the Chief Administrator of The Castle accepted Zach's resignation as Chief Moderator. 
Zach will continue to be an active member of the forum and will continue to contribute to the Castle as an author. We thank him for all of his hard work and dedication.  We would not have gotten this far with out your diligence and oversight. 
For the immediate future Roland and Ken Barber will act as chief moderator until such a time as a replacement can be found. 
D'Artagnon still serves as a moderator and all three of us are available to help any members in need. 
If you need assistance you can also email admin@castleroland.net
Thank you again Zach. 

https://www.quora.com/Is-yellow-journalism-the-main-cause-for-why-hemp-is-illegal

I'll come in on Ken's side of the debate here, since I've also used my fair share (though I'm currently sober and will be for awhile). I don't have facts from either side to back me up, and I'm currently too lazy to go look any up, but I do have firsthand experience. I have had bad trips, but they're few and far between compared to the good trips. Usually it's just a relaxing experience which sometimes augments my sensory experiences in ways which help me see the world differently. I appreciate that insight as a writer, and it has helped me see my way through creative blocks at times. However, it has also had negative effects on occasion. If I've used it to escape, I've quickly learned that the first anxious thought I have ends up magnified. If I expect to get a lot of work done while under the influence, that doesn't work for me. It makes me lazy. This is the primary reason why I'm going to be sober for awhile, because I have a lot to do.

I know it definitely doesn't make me violent or "fill me with lust". I'm too lazy for sex when I'm under the influence too.

I'm personally for legalization, but I do believe any form of addiction (which is chemically absent in marijuana although emotional dependency can still occur) should be treated as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. Rehabilitation not imprisonment should be the answer for drug use.

I seem to remember the "Reefer Madness" was partially a claim that it made "negros go crazy with lust and violence." Once again, the specter of American  southern racism rears it's head.  Also, it was long rumored that the cannabis ban was partly due to financial reasons. I believe it was attributed to one of the major newspaper magnates who had purchased vast tracts of forestland to feed his daily print empire's needs. Something about how hemp was cheaper.  I will have to hunt down the resources of this, but it is linked with the Yellow Journalism of the early part of last century.
If anyone has any attribution along these lines, I'd love to know the source.  I mostly remember this from high school, which was so long ago I can't be certain if it is accurate or just propaganda that was circulated by teachers with agendas.  Yet another reason our education system needs a swift kick in the lower spine.

Prohibition, as history shows, doesn't work. While I'm not a user of marijuana, the health benefits of medicines extracted from it alone should be reason to take it off the schedule one proscribed drug list. The pain relief and cancer uses of extracts from this plant are well documented.  Many doctors and patients, a large number of them honorably discharged veterans who have legitimate illnesses, such as glaucoma, have found that use of cannabis related medication and simply direct use are the only things that offer any alleviation of their condition.
Ken brings up a fantastic point with the tax revenue. Tax it at tobacco rates and we can see states making up budget shortfalls. Stick that money into fixing our roads, bridges, WATER SYSTEMS (looking at you, Michigan) and other infrastructure necessities.  Use that income to support our schools and teachers, police and fire personnel, emergency workers.  You know, those we depend on to educate the young, protect our lives, and be ready to help when disasters strike.  At what point does the sense of this not start showing dollar signs in politician's eyes?
For those worried about the effects of marijuana becoming publicly acceptable, that it would unleash chaos, tobacco and alcohol have been not only legal for generations, but form the economic back bone of several communities. Ask the state assemblies in the Carolinas to outlaw tobacco, which has been PROVEN for over FORTY YEARS to be extremely dangerous to human life in general.  I'm betting they would argue against it, similar to how the automotive industry once argued against pollution controls.  And honestly, I've met many people who use marijuana recreationally.  If violence enters their mind at all while they're using, it's likely something they're watching on TV.  Alcohol's mood altering, inhibition cancelling and rational thought suppressing properties are well documented. I'll take a weed head behind the wheel of a car over a drunk any day.
Decriminalization, taxation, experimentation (for medical purposes), and permitting the use of marijuana openly is where these things are heading.  We can either resist such, make it some kind of political point and just get slowly dragged into the future kicking and screaming like fools, or get ahead of the curve for a change, figure out legislation, taxation and implementation of policy, and free up our police to deal with more serious problems than a legal adult smoking a joint in his own home.
Besides, isn't it about time we let go of the stupid, unscientific and antiquated thinking that keeps getting us in trouble, financially, politically and morally.  How many people are in jail for years for a very minor drug conviction.  Meth dealers get out on less hard time than marijuana sellers.  Seems like a waste of jail space, tax payer's money, judicial time, and is the kind of thing that breaks up families.
Just some thoughts. If anyone has facts to refute or support this, please feel free to post links or information in here. No advertisements please.

Prohibition, as history shows, doesn't work. While I'm not a user of marijuana, the health benefits of medicines extracted from it alone should be reason to take it off the schedule one proscribed drug list. The pain relief and cancer uses of extracts from this plant are well documented.  Many doctors and patients, a large number of them honorably discharged veterans who have legitimate illnesses, such as glaucoma, have found that use of cannabis related medication and simply direct use are the only things that offer any alleviation of their condition.
Ken brings up a fantastic point with the tax revenue. Tax it at tobacco rates and we can see states making up budget shortfalls. Stick that money into fixing our roads, bridges, WATER SYSTEMS (looking at you, Michigan) and other infrastructure necessities.  Use that income to support our schools and teachers, police and fire personnel, emergency workers.  You know, those we depend on to educate the young, protect our lives, and be ready to help when disasters strike.  At what point does the sense of this not start showing dollar signs in politician's eyes?
For those worried about the effects of marijuana becoming publicly acceptable, that it would unleash chaos, tobacco and alcohol have been not only legal for generations, but form the economic back bone of several communities. Ask the state assemblies in the Carolinas to outlaw tobacco, which has been PROVEN for over FORTY YEARS to be extremely dangerous to human life in general.  I'm betting they would argue against it, similar to how the automotive industry once argued against pollution controls.  And honestly, I've met many people who use marijuana recreationally.  If violence enters their mind at all while they're using, it's likely something they're watching on TV.  Alcohol's mood altering, inhibition cancelling and rational thought suppressing properties are well documented. I'll take a weed head behind the wheel of a car over a drunk any day.
Decriminalization, taxation, experimentation (for medical purposes), and permitting the use of marijuana openly is where these things are heading.  We can either resist such, make it some kind of political point and just get slowly dragged into the future kicking and screaming like fools, or get ahead of the curve for a change, figure out legislation, taxation and implementation of policy, and free up our police to deal with more serious problems than a legal adult smoking a joint in his own home.
Besides, isn't it about time we let go of the stupid, unscientific and antiquated thinking that keeps getting us in trouble, financially, politically and morally.  How many people are in jail for years for a very minor drug conviction.  Meth dealers get out on less hard time than marijuana sellers.  Seems like a waste of jail space, tax payer's money, judicial time, and is the kind of thing that breaks up families.
Just some thoughts. If anyone has facts to refute or support this, please feel free to post links or information in here. No advertisements please.

I have the feeling, like we havae seen in the previous editions, that there are bits here and there which may lead into a different story around the next cycle.
Don't quote me on that, thought, LOL

First, you humble me with your praise, I shall have to redouble my efforts to live up to it.
Second, I am not going to give away the plot for the next Werewolves chapter, since that is where things will happen again next.  It's already been a long day for our crazy motley/pack.  And it is not looking to be completely over soon.
Third... Actually you did pick that right.  The events of this day all across that small slice of Massachusetts lead into the events of "Bolt from the Blue," the story of Glen, a popular kid at school, who got struck by lightning while standing hip deep in the ocean.  The first part of that three part short story is up on here someplace.  The other two parts are in the works and should be making the scene soon.  I'm shooting to have that done before June.

Thank you for your reply. I have notice that some authors renditions is a bit choppy. I do not know if it is just their stile or just an over sight on their part. It seems a bit of a stuggle to get threw their chapters. You can get lost and misplace your spot in the story if you do not stay right on top of it. You read the story and no seen comes to mind and no filling to what is being read. My guess is it all lays in the details. The little things that an author takes time to put in.  Will build upon one another. Then in the scope of the story make such a differents. The different between an good story and an awesome one.

@Jay, he's maddeningly good at what he does isn't he  ?
 

Yes he dose, but so do you Ellio Lee. Both of you put so much filling, thought and fillings in what you wright. I think that what makes both of you outstanding authors. Though each of you have different stiles they work for you. That makes me the reader of your work return time and time again. I have enjoyed myself with both your stories. You both can call me a fan. Thank you both for your hard work and time that brings a bright spot in our lives.
@D'Artagnon and @Ellio Lee I hope both of you keep using those wonderful brains to bring us those stories we enjoy so much. Thank you both so much.

It's a bit of both.  I was taught to write how I think and speak.  In fact, I often read a passage out loud before deciding to keep it.  If it sounds good spoken, then it usually is properly written.   I think that writers should practice putting themselves to the side sometimes, playing the part of reader to see if what they themselves wrote is something they'd want to be reading.  After all, your first audience is yourself.
Dialogue can be a difficulty with that since much of what is "said" often has some sort of vocal spin, accent, tonal qualities, things such as that, which can put different and subtle meanings to the words.  Nick, for example, has a very pronounced southern Louisiana accent.  His "I" and "mine" sound more like "Ah" and "mahne."  Conversely, most of the Massachusetts boys have variations on the New England accent.  Kenny's is more light, almost unvoiced but does show with his anger or excitement and word choice, almost like Ben Affleck or Matt Damon.  Robby's is a little darker, more sarcastic.  Kind of that Kennedy accent, especially when he says "Yup" or "Shaddup" although his accent is really thin when he's very upset, more prevalent when he's being playful.  I wont even go into how differently I see Magnus and Sven's accents, even one to the other.
So, keeping in mind that I talk out loud, sometimes to no one, reading the bits i write out, I often do go into really, really... really bad accents as I read.  It helps me figure out if I've conveyed the feel and character in any piece of dialogue.  My poor boyfriend often gives me the weirdest looks when I do that, then he realizes what I'm doing and sighs, rolls his eyes and goes back to whatever it was he was doing before I rudely interrupted him.
In short, I write like I think and speak.  Took a while for me to learn how to slow down and get it all on paper, since thinking is faster than talking is faster than typing.  Which may explain why it takes me so long to get things done.  I'm already thinking four chapters ahead, but my fingers have to catch up.

It's a bit of both.  I was taught to write how I think and speak.  In fact, I often read a passage out loud before deciding to keep it.  If it sounds good spoken, then it usually is properly written.   I think that writers should practice putting themselves to the side sometimes, playing the part of reader to see if what they themselves wrote is something they'd want to be reading.  After all, your first audience is yourself.
Dialogue can be a difficulty with that since much of what is "said" often has some sort of vocal spin, accent, tonal qualities, things such as that, which can put different and subtle meanings to the words.  Nick, for example, has a very pronounced southern Louisiana accent.  His "I" and "mine" sound more like "Ah" and "mahne."  Conversely, most of the Massachusetts boys have variations on the New England accent.  Kenny's is more light, almost unvoiced but does show with his anger or excitement and word choice, almost like Ben Affleck or Matt Damon.  Robby's is a little darker, more sarcastic.  Kind of that Kennedy accent, especially when he says "Yup" or "Shaddup" although his accent is really thin when he's very upset, more prevalent when he's being playful.  I wont even go into how differently I see Magnus and Sven's accents, even one to the other.
So, keeping in mind that I talk out loud, sometimes to no one, reading the bits i write out, I often do go into really, really... really bad accents as I read.  It helps me figure out if I've conveyed the feel and character in any piece of dialogue.  My poor boyfriend often gives me the weirdest looks when I do that, then he realizes what I'm doing and sighs, rolls his eyes and goes back to whatever it was he was doing before I rudely interrupted him.
In short, I write like I think and speak.  Took a while for me to learn how to slow down and get it all on paper, since thinking is faster than talking is faster than typing.  Which may explain why it takes me so long to get things done.  I'm already thinking four chapters ahead, but my fingers have to catch up.

@D'ArtagnonIf I may ask? In your stories you give a lot of detail information. This plants a seen in the readers minds eye. The reader can see the seen and action that is being depicted on the page. I have noticed that you do this so easily. My question is, is this a natural way you wright, or is this something you natured and developed over the course of time?

Thank you both, Jay and Ellio.  Without revealing too much... nah!  You want to know more, read the next chapter of Riposte: Changelings, which should be posting soon.
At one point there was a plan to put in a vampire story to all of this, but as the Changelings/Werewolf side of things grew and the "superheroes & psychics" side began building steam, I felt that putting the Kindred and all their baggage into the mix would take a lot of time and maybe detract from the central storylines.  Besides, would need a hell of a bloodsucker to compete with the Canterbury boys at this point, and one that they could trust if he were to turn into an ally. 
My vampires would definitely not sparkle.  In fact they'd be more inclined to stay in the shadows.  Plus, as a general rule, vampires don't make other vampires out of non-adults.  Many reasons for this, some of them stemming from not being able to fully replenish yourself when making a junior juice boxer and the neonate having a lot more blood in him during creation than a younger body might be able to contain.  Plus the fact that a younger vampire does not physically age, or even grow, tends to draw attention if he stays in any one place for too long.  Andy of the Lost Boys could tell you all about that situation.
Nick shows he knows his job in this one.  Trying to right Maggie's ship on the bus was part of the ragabash's job of keeping other Garou from losing sight of what's important through humor, ridicule and just being sneaky bastards.  I often describe the "new moons" as stand up comics with a James Bond and adrenaline junky streak.  And let's be completely honest here, all of this stuff that's happened for Sven and Magnus, joining the group, that's only been since breakfast of the first day they met the other kids.  Hell of a first day.
And it's not over yet...

Thank you both, Jay and Ellio.  Without revealing too much... nah!  You want to know more, read the next chapter of Riposte: Changelings, which should be posting soon.
At one point there was a plan to put in a vampire story to all of this, but as the Changelings/Werewolf side of things grew and the "superheroes & psychics" side began building steam, I felt that putting the Kindred and all their baggage into the mix would take a lot of time and maybe detract from the central storylines.  Besides, would need a hell of a bloodsucker to compete with the Canterbury boys at this point, and one that they could trust if he were to turn into an ally. 
My vampires would definitely not sparkle.  In fact they'd be more inclined to stay in the shadows.  Plus, as a general rule, vampires don't make other vampires out of non-adults.  Many reasons for this, some of them stemming from not being able to fully replenish yourself when making a junior juice boxer and the neonate having a lot more blood in him during creation than a younger body might be able to contain.  Plus the fact that a younger vampire does not physically age, or even grow, tends to draw attention if he stays in any one place for too long.  Andy of the Lost Boys could tell you all about that situation.
Nick shows he knows his job in this one.  Trying to right Maggie's ship on the bus was part of the ragabash's job of keeping other Garou from losing sight of what's important through humor, ridicule and just being sneaky bastards.  I often describe the "new moons" as stand up comics with a James Bond and adrenaline junky streak.  And let's be completely honest here, all of this stuff that's happened for Sven and Magnus, joining the group, that's only been since breakfast of the first day they met the other kids.  Hell of a first day.
And it's not over yet...

Awesome just awesome battle seen. So much detail gives you a picture it in your mind. The fire raging at the YMCA. You could picture the seen and fill the battle. Now that the battle is over what next?  The war is on and more to be done. I look forward to finding out.

Dude!  Nice!
Loved the growing admiration of Cody for the fairy boys and Magnus finally and properly coming around (quite the damaged life he and Sven have had - All these vampire hints need either a chapter or their own story at some point - and that's coming from someone who has decidedly had his fill of Vampires - particularly the body glitter in the sunlight kind).  As always Nick is very possibly the  love of my life, nice to see him get a bit more to do towards the end.  Maybe you could give him a spin off series when this is all said done.  A PI werewolf in in Hawaii perhaps... OK maybe not that. 
When Chucky referred to 'Him' he didn't mean Korbesh did he?  Did he?  There's someone else though right?  No don't tell me... wait, just tell me... No.  Don't.  I'll wait.  But it got my heckles up and my head cocked.  Also what a cock!  I mean, we knew that already... what with him being a murdering rapist and all but there was something in that moment that made me think that you might just kill off Kenny in such a low down crappy way.  Probably because it's the sort of thing that I would do. hahahaha.
Once again and as always an awesome chapter, and I will wait patiently for the next.

The plot thickens as some steam is let out.  Good to see that Mr. Scumbag got his just deserts and that Ramsey is thinking of the victims like Mike.  I still feel that things are about bubble on several points.  But I must now look up the Wolf and Lion fable by Aesop, and wonder how that connects to Wolf Turtle, Lion Turtle and Dragon Turtle (from Halpin Hope).  There's something here... i think.
Right?
...
Right?

Thank you D'Artagnon. I like stories that fit together building a larger whole. It doesn't matter if they tell a sequential tale; the added richness to the world can strengthen all the pieces.