Message-ID: <14487eli$9808181758@qz.little-neck.ny.us> X-Archived-At: From: "Eileen Stone" Subject: The Darkside: USAN FAQ Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d Reply-To: "Eileen Stone" Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Path: qz!not-for-mail Organization: The Committee To Thwart Spam Approved: X-Moderator-Contact: Eli the Bearded X-Story-Submission: X-Original-Message-ID: <35d6c760-smcclure@wwivbbs.org> --------------------------- .The Darkside Universe FAQ. --------------------------- FAQ Version: 0.12c FAQ Updated: 7/26/98 Covering up to Episode: USAN 12. TABLE OF CONTENTS: ======================================================================= I. Darkside's Motto and Theme. 1. What is the Motto for the Darkside Stories? 2. What is the Theme of the Darkside Stories? II. About the Author. 1. Who is KTM? 2. What does she have to do with this 'Eileen Stone' person? 3. Why are her favorite kinds of stories? 4. What are her favorite kinds of erotic stories? 5. Why is KTM writing the Darkside Stories? 6. Does she write any other kinds of Fiction? 7. How can I contact the author? 8. Where can I find the Stories? III. About the Stories. 1. Does KTM just 'wing' the stories, or is there a plan? 2. Has the plan been altered? 3. What are the mini-stories? 4. Will the stories be published? 5. What are the planned episodes and Volumes? 6. Can anyone write fiction based in the Darkside? 7. Can I draw fan art based in the series? IV. About the World of the Darkside. 1. Who are the characters in the different Volumes? 2. What can the Power Team members do? 3. What are the Towers? 4. What is Imperial Law? 5. What are some of the Codes? 6. What is the Imperial Justice system? 7. What's the deal with these Observers? V. About the Observers. 1. What is the Rod? 2. Huh? A what-laced whosit? 3. And it was sent by whom? 4. So what are Master Types? 5. Who are the Observers? ["Ugly", Rider, & Kruegar] 6. What is Ultra Energy? 7. What is the Multiverse? 8. Why was the Rod placed on the Darkside? 9. What about Rebecca? 10. What is The Experiment? 11. Why are the Observers off-limits? VI. Q & A section. 1. Author's questions for the reader. 2. Questions from readers; answered. ======================================================================= I. Darkside's Motto and Themes. (1) What is the Motto for the Darkside Stories? To Quote from Nicolo Machiaveli's "The Prince", 1513 C.E.: "There is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success nor more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institutions and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new ones. The hesitation of the latter arises in part from the fear of their adversaries, who have the laws on their side, and in part from the general skepticisism of mankind which does not really believe in an innovation until experience proves it's value. So it happens that whenever his enemies have occasion to attack the innovator they can do with the passion of partisans while the others defened him sluggishly, so that the innovator and party are alike vulnerable." (2) What is the Theme of the Darkside Stories? An exploration of the concepts of "good" and "evil" in an atmosphere that doesn't shy away from the sexual elements of those concepts. The attempt is to see how the definitions can change according to the context. Or, as an astute reader said: "a synergy between relativistic good and evil". II. About the Author. (1) Who is KTM? KTM are the initials (sorta) of the author of the Darkside series. It is the way she signs the drawings she does for her own pleasure. She use her initials because she wants to publish professionally someday in the "straight" fiction field. (2) What does she have to do with this 'Eileen Stone' person? "Eileen Stone" is the psuedonym/handle that KTM uses on her ANSI BBS, The MultiVersal Dreams. That's where she posts the stories to Usenet. (3) Why are her favorite kinds of stories? She prefers to read Science Fiction and Fantasy stories, but isn't afraid of trying other genres if they're well written. (4) What are her favorite kinds of erotic stories? She likes Science Ficion and Fantasy erotica, as well. However, she doesn't turn away any sexy story if it has a good plot, well described characters, and displays a good command of the language (and basic text formatting). (5) Why is KTM writing the Darkside Stories? KTM loves to write, and wants to do so professionally. She writes the Darkside series in order to hone her craft. It's her first try at erotica, and it's her way of giving something back to the USENET alt.sex.stories.* hierarchy from which she has derived much enjoyment and inspiration. (6) Does she write any other kinds of Fiction? She does write short stories and is working a novel or three in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres (big surprise, there). (7) How can I contact the author? You can mail the author at: darkside_dreamer@usa.net, this account is checked at least once daily. There is a mailing list at DRKLIST Send a message to smcclure@goldrush.com, with a Subject of SUBSCRIBE DRKLIST, and nothing needed in the body. To unsubscribe send a message to the address with a Subject of UNSUBSCRIBE DRKLIST, and nothing needed in the body. An auto-response should be generated to you, and a rules file (the latest copy of this FAQ) should be sent as well. If you have any problems with this procedure, mail the address above. (8) Where can I find the Stories? [PLEASE! Do NOT write and ask for any of the episodes. As a rule KTM will not send them, as that would leave her liable if a minor is on the other end of the mail. All you'll get is a form letter that gives you the information that's included below...] Most reliably, try the ASSTR archives for Stories and Art: ftp://asstr.ml.org/pub/Authors/The_World_of_The_Darkside/ Or, http://asstr.ml.org/mainframe.html Try DejaNews under "Darkside: USAN". If the most recent database doesn't show it, try the older one. Another way would be to search for "Eileen Stone" and look for the alt.sex.* newsgroups. Search the web for "Grey's Erotic Archive", currently located at: http://www2.fenetre.co.uk/pyros/archive.htm. Look under the "Paranormal" Category for Darkside. And finally, check alt.sex.stories.moderated periodically. III. About the Stories. (1) Does KTM just 'wing' the stories, or is there a Plan? There is an detailed, overall plan in outline form, that carries the stories not only through this Volume of 20 stories, but two more besides. Several Mini series are also in the plan. The plan goes decades into the future, and covers the way the characters change and grow. (Something that is considered vital by the author for a good story.) (2) Has the Plan been altered? Nope. Things are progressing right on schedule. The Darkside was first created as a freeform Role-playing game, with adult nuances. Such an environment encourages character development. The stories are not session by session, of course. A great deal of editing and alteration was needed. (3) What are the Mini-stories? Within the framework of these Volumes will be several 10 issue Mini series, which will delve into more detail in a character or an aspect of the story that the main stories won't have the time or space for. The model is from Comic Books: An ongoing storyline, changing Titles occasionally, with mini-series to cover the details. Some of the main stories are set immediately following a mini-arc, which may be unwritten, but thoroughly plotted. If there is enough interest in the particular mini, they may be written before KTM continues onto the next major arc. The main story will give the basics needed to understand what happened well enough to go on with the story, but the mini would go into much more depth. The Volumes are the "big picture"; it focuses on the Empire and the Emperor. The Minis are the spotlight details of what's happening elsewhere in the world, and will explain just how and why those things and events came to be. (4) Will the stories be published? Unsure. Print publishers don't like to publish stories that can be found for free on the net. The main Darkside storyline was KTM's way of giving back to the net. She didn't write it with the expectation that it be published, but she would be pleased if it was. (5) What are the planned episodes and Volumes? This is for the current Volume: The United States of Anarchy. Vol: EP: Episode Title, [Notes]. * = Released on the net. ------------------------------------------------------------ USAN 01* The Boy in the Attic. 02* Indian Cavern. 03* Robert's Revenge. 04* The Dark Palace. 05* Gifts of Power. 06* Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned. 07* The Spreading Darkness, [1st Expansion: SW of Great Lakes]. 08* She Blinded Me With Science. 09* A little Power is a Dangerous Thing. 10* When the Cat's Away, the Mice will Play. 11* Within The Fist of Darkness, [2nd Expansion: NE America]. 12* Braving The Fimbul Winter, [First Trucker Society]. 13. Un-Pleasant Valley, [Post: Testifiers Mini]. 14 The Slither-Thing, [Finally explained]. 15. Green Eyed Wanderer. 16 The Charge Keeper, [Post: The Mage Clans Mini]. 17 They're Coming to Take me Away, [Mind Control]. 18 The Mystic Woods, [Second Trucker Society]. 19 The White Tower, [Rebecca]. 20 Imperial States of America, [3rd Expansion: USA]. USAN's aim was to show the pre-Imperial anarchy, and how Robert starts to tame it. The next Volume will be called the Imperial States of America (ISAM), and will cover what America under the Empire is like, and shows how he moves on the rest of the world. A third volume would be Imperial Earth (IMER), and show what happens to the Darkside once Robert gets his wish. What's next? Maybe the Empire will head for the stars. (6) Can anyone write fiction based in the Darkside? Hmmmm. Perhaps later, when more is revealed. If you'd like to do so, and you are using characters KTM invented, they will be considered Alternate Histories, and should be labled as such. A Story may be declared "Canon" if KTM decides that it fully fits in the Story World. Secondly, The Observers themselves are off-limits unless they are depicted in the act of Observing from the Bubble. The Rod, however, is not off-limits. (7) Can I draw fan art based in the series? This would be welcome. If anyone wants to sent the author their drawings, feel free. Just be aware that by submitting the art, you are granting permission for the work to be posted freely to the asstr site, but that such submission doesn't constitute a guarantee that it *will* be posted for whatever reason. The Characters are copyright of KTM, but the Artwork will be copyright of the creator. IV. About the World of the Darkside. (1) Who are the characters in the different Volumes? Vol: EP: Character, (Episode #) Further information, [Notes]. ------------------------------------------------------------- USAN 1. Robbie Black, (2) Robert Black. 1. Mom, (3) Maggie Black. 1. Sissy, (3) Susan Black. 1. Wolf, (3) granted Power, [Morphed], (11) [Power Team]. 1. Skull, (3) Deceased. 1. Bear, (3) Deceased. 1. Red, (3) Rodney, (3) Deceased. 2. Rod, The. [Item/Character]. 4. Traci, (Kitten), [Morphed]. 5. Jerry Conners (7) Blur, [Power Team]. 5. Mr. Duncan, [Townie, from Winneshiek County]. 5. Rebecca White, [White Power holder]. 5. Slither-Thing, The. [???] (14) [More revealed]. 6. "Ugly", Destructionist MT, [Observer]. 6. Rider, Creationist MT: TM, [Observer]. 6. Kruegar, Ultra-Entity, [Observer]. 7. Titan, (9) Hank Dodds, (10) Stripped of his power. 7. General Stark. (11) Deceased. 7. Lt. Dan Jenners (10) Converted to the Empire. (12) Captain. 7. Mr. Miller, Iowa's Govenor, [Iowa Administration]. 7. Don Corello, Mafia, [Illinois Administration]. 8. Liz Tyler, [Imperial Science Minister]. 8. Mariko Michaelson, [Chemist]. 9. Karen Fischer, Osprey, [Power Team]. 9. Charity Jones, [Power Team]. 9. Zechiel Peters, Teke, [Power Team]. 9. Ali "Luke" Al-Raji, Sapphire, [Power Team]. 9. Joanne Barrett, Lady Web, [Power Team]. 9. Tim Melaui, Warp, [Power Team]. 9. Paris Simmons, Seeker, [Power Team]. 10. Alyssa, (4) Orphan, [Imperial Page]. 11. Sergeant Brad Donovan, [Stark's Rat Platoon]. 11. Corporal Steven Leigh, [Stark's Rat Platoon]. 11. Corporal Benny "Mac" MacFee, [Stark's Rat Platoon]. 11. Private Doug Renes, [Stark's Rat Platoon]. 11. Private Kyle Simms, [Stark's Rat Platoon]. 11. Tom King, [Town Councilman]. 11. Tanya King, [Tom King's daughter]. 11. Carol King, [Tom King's niece]. 12. Gary Miller, [Captain; Knights of the Open Road Society]. 12. Candy Kane, [Member; K.O.R.S.]. 12. Kieth Thomas, [Sheriff; Eagle, CO]. 12. Sondra Eriks, [Healer]. (2) What can the Power Team members do? Blur: A standard super speedster. Titan: Super-strong and nearly invulnerable; a "brick". Dis-empowered. Osprey: "Winged" flight & semi-invulnerable; slightly telekinetic. Charity: Receptive and projective empathy; a Sensitive. Teke: Telekinetic; levitates, lifts, shields, and shoves. Sapphire: Controlled powered flight, & blue energy blasts. Lady Web: Truth-teller & mind-linker; Not fully telepathic (yet). Warp: Line-of-sight combat teleporter teen; with packet bombs. ;> Seeker: Long range, detailed clairavoyance; slightly precognitive. [Wolf: Half-animal morph; strength, speed, & natural weapons.] (3) What are the Towers? They are colored Towers of the Black Palace that represent the headquarters of different branches of the Imperial Government. Whether they stand for the Administration, a Ministry, or Institute, the branches will use the colored Towers as their symbol throughout the Empire. [A Ministry is dedicated to the Control and Direction of a thing, while an Institute is dedicated the Study and Proprogation of a thing.] Vol: Ep: Tower: Function, Supervisor, [Notes]. -------------------------------------------------------------------- USAN 7 Black Administration Robert Black [Government]. 8 Copper Science Ministry Liz Tyler [Science Research]. ? 19 White ? (4) What is Imperial Law? As post-Colonial American Law was based on British Common Law, the Legal Code of the Empire is based on 'American Common Law'. This is the foundation that Robert is using to govern his Empire. He changes aspects of this Code as the situation seems to warrant, and is having his decisions recorded for further reflection and application. (5) What are some of the Codes? Vol: Ep: Law Code: Status, [Notes]. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USAN 4. Indenturement: Legal, [Used to pay public or private Debts]. 6. Drug use and sale: Legal, [Now, it's regular commerce]. 6. Sex-acts, Consenual, for pay: Legal [Regular commerce]. 6. Sex-acts, Consensual, *Any*: Legal. 6. Child Abuse, (under 12): Illegal, [Harshly punished]. 10. Sex-acts, Non-consensual: Illegal, [Harsh punishments]. 12. Abuse of Power by Military/LEOs: Illegal, [Harshly punished]. ? (6) What is the Imperial Justice system? Not described yet. Soon. Some in Chapter 13, and probably #19. (7) What's the deal with these Observers? They are the Deus Ex Machina that explains why the Darksides' history has diverged so radically from our own. They also provide a larger point of view of the World. One from "outside of the box", if you will. They provide a way to comment on the story from out of it's context. V. About the Observers. (1) What is the Rod? It is a Meta-laced Destructionist artifact-weapon designed to corrupt a mortal to darkness, and to take his world with him. (2) Huh? A what-laced whosit? Meta. A term borrowed from Wizards of the Coast's RPG Supplement; "The Primal Order". Used in this case to indicate a level of power that is above that of the Godly 'Primal' energy. Above Meta is Ultra. Magic/Psionics/Powers = Mortal level powers. Primal = Godly. Mortal powers cannot effect them. Meta = Master Types. Primals cannot effect them. Ultra = Creators/Destructors. Meta powers cannot effect them. (3) And it was sent by whom? The Destructionist branch of the Master Types. Above the Gods and beneath those that Create and Destroys all are the class of beings that are in-between. Those who report to the Creative side of Ultra are the Creationists. They are dedicated to the ideals of Life, Order, and Anti-Entropy, but their execution is sometimes less than perfect. Those opposed to them are the Destructionists; bent on causing Death, Chaos and Entropy, and with a similar caveat as to their performance. (4) So what are Master Types? Another borrowed term, this time from Michael Moorcock. In his works it refers to a single godlike being who "represents" a kind of animal. In the mythology of the stories, every kind of animal, even humans, has a whole race of meta-powered beings to represent them. The leader of each kind is called the Type Master, who is the chief of their Type and Clan. (5) Who are the Observers? ["Ugly", Rider, & Kruegar] "Ugly": Don't quite know, yet. A non-humanoid Destructionist Master Type, but not the Type Master of his kind. Rider: The Hom (Humaniod) Type Master. Kruegar: A lesser Ultra being in service to the Ulimate Powers. (6) What is Ultra Energy? The kind of energy possessed by the Ultimate Powers. They are the Multiversal Creator, know as Lord Shadow, and 'His' (It's) opposite and other face, Lord Kaos. Each Universal dimension in the Multiverse has a piece of this energy as it's Spark. Sometimes this is embodied as a Universal Creator, who is the model for the chief God of every mythos. Sometimes it is merely an abstract 'Force'. Ultra power always assumes it's opposite half. The Destructor's goal is to bring the untimely end of everything, and serves the whole by destroying what is unneeded. The Creative force brings new life and energy to what has been recycled. In a young Multiverse, the Creative force is the predominate, but inevitably, the Multiverse will wear down, succumb to Entropy, and Chaos will reign until the cycle begins anew. (7) What is the Multiverse? Go watch some Sliders. Every bit of Fiction, every single possibility is a distinct Dimensional Universe. The Multiverse is the sum of all the Universes. They are arranged by the Master Types by which power is predominate in them, whether the positive side or the negative kind. "Midpoint" is the theoretical middle point on this scale. It's where the balance shifts from one to the other. The clan with more of the scale on their side of Midpoint is the ascendant power. The Scale has Moebius properties, as well. Creation Destruction |<-Inside | /////////////////////.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ | Outside->| ^ Midpoint (8) Why was the Rod placed on the Darkside? The Rod was an attempt to shift the dimension to the negative side of the scale, thereby shifting the Midpoint without a costly (and painful) battle. It was a tactical point in a cosmic turfwar. (9) What about Rebecca? She was empowered by Creationists in order to try to counteract the influence of the Rod. A tactical counterpoint; far more subtle than the first. (10) What is The Experiment? This dimension has been declared "out-of-bounds" to both sides. An observing body of Creationists and Destructionists chaired by Kruegar has been appointed to oversee the results. They have shielded the Universe with an impenetrable, isolating bubble, and will occasionally comment on it's progress from a Council room in a smaller bubble attached to the Shield. (11) Why are the Observers off-limits? Because KTM plans on using them in regular fiction some day, and needs to control their usage. VI. Q & A section. (1) Author's questions for the reader. * What do you like or don't like about the stories? * What kind of characters or situations would you like to see? * What kind of sexual content are you looking for in the stories? * What other kinds of reactions have you had to the stories? * What to you see happening in the future of this world? (2) Questions from readers; answered. * Will Robert ever become a Good-Guy? Kinda depends on your definition of "Good-Guy" now, doesn't it? >From Robert's point of view, he *is* a good guy. Everything he does is because he believes it's the best choice to further what he perceives to be important and beneficial. He doesn't believe in any standard of morality other than his own conscious. * Will Robert and Rebecca ever get together? Now, that would be telling. :) * Is Rebecca Robert's foil, or is it the other way around? That has yet to be decided. * Are full edit/rewrites planned after each Volume's completion? Yes. It's a first release, that's already been through several, but a major edit is planned for the future. ======================== The Darkside FAQ. ======================== Eileen Stone, #2 The MultiVersal Dreams BBS, kmcclure@goldrush.com -------=========================+++++=========================------- This note comes from: The MultiVersal Dreams BBS @ (209) 754-5851 ----======= WWIV 4.24a via the PPP Project Software =======---- --------=========+++=========-------- -- +----------------' Story submission `-+-' Moderator contact `--------------+ | | | | Archive site +----------------------+--------------------+ Newsgroup FAQ | ----