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Hello, fellow writers! Got any question that you can't find answer from Google or Wikipedia, but you don't think it needs a separate thread for? You came to the right place!

Don't be shy, and just ask away. The nice folks here, writers and non-writers, experts and non-experts, will do their best to help you.

The folder below contains links for special interest threads, mostly at OTC, but also from Yack Fest and Troper Coven.

    Special Interest Threads 

Also take a look at Useful Notes on various topics. They can be pretty useful.

Now, bring on the questions, baby!

edited 11th Apr '18 6:31:51 PM by dRoy

AdeptGaderius Otaku from the Anime World Since: Nov, 2018 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
Otaku
#26401: Aug 17th 2023 at 3:41:57 AM

@Ars Thaumaturgis:

Hmmm... The following may be a bit too on-the-nose, but in cast it helps, I offer it anyway.

Also: Content warning for this post: there's some body- and infant- horror suggested here.

To start with, an obvious one might be an empty crib.

Depending on how far you want to go, you might have a female figure with a stomach distended as though pregnant - but one or both of open to show it to be empty, or blackened.

Another thought might be crawling, silent infants - or foetuses. Or maybe foetuses that call out for their mother, asking why she doesn't come for them.

Hmm... Less on-the-nose might be to analogise: have an image of a pregnant cat that gives birth to something other than kittens - rocks, maybe, or for greater horror, just blood?

I want to avoid relying on too much on blood and gore, instead focus on the innocent things that invoke feelings of deep sorrow and heavy dread through symbolism. Here's a disorganized list of imagery in the nightmare of the woman:

ImageMeaning
Butterfly metamorphosis Reincarnation
Ugly, scary caterpillar The mother's perception of the ghosts before understanding
Cute, beautiful butterfly The mother's perception of the ghosts after understanding what the ghosts want
Woman in mourning clothes The mother in a state of depression

Nukeli Since: Aug, 2018
#26402: Aug 17th 2023 at 4:22:36 AM

What kind of weapons did WWII frogmen use? When were spearguns invented?

I need to come up with weapons and other equipment for the supervillain Romano Marchegiano (codename still pending) who has Making a Splash powers and can breathe underwater without any devices.

(And there are also the mostly-Apparently Human Mer Folk Aquatics in Red Revenge, who live in Eurasian freshwaters, can't breathe air, and have been around for several hundred years, who also need their own weaponry)

~*bleh*~
ArsThaumaturgis Since: Nov, 2011 Relationship Status: I've been dreaming of True Love's Kiss
#26403: Aug 17th 2023 at 5:27:16 AM

@Adept: Aaah, I see—my apologies!

Okay then, in that case, let's see...

For "deep sorrow", perhaps a pouring deluge of rain, greying out anything in the distance, soaking into everything nearby.

For "heavy dread", I might think of a dim hallway with a door that opens onto pitch blackness—but that perhaps doesn't speak to the sort of dread.

Hmm... I like the idea of an empty room for the SIDs death: a place that should be full of life, but that is not.

For the stillbirth... perhaps a hospital hallway, that should lead into a waiting room—but that leads instead into a black void.

Edited by ArsThaumaturgis on Aug 17th 2023 at 2:27:26 PM

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Swordofknowledge Spreading literacy with book and blade from I like it here... Since: Aug, 2012 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Spreading literacy with book and blade
#26404: Aug 17th 2023 at 5:33:30 AM

[up][up] @ Nukeli:

I do not know when the speargun was precisely invented, but World War 2 "Frogmen" did not use them. They were instead equipped with a single handgun, a number of grenades, along with their oxygen rebreather and suit. Their purpose was largely reconnaissance and observation rather than combat unlike Navy Seals so the weaponry was minimal.

Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake. — Edgar Walllace
Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26405: Aug 17th 2023 at 6:01:21 AM

[up][up][up] @Nukeli

Does the guy even need weapons to begin with?

From the sound of it, his species already have a natural good weapon of their own already and that is their hydrokinesis.

They survived for centuries with it alone, it must be pretty good.

So he could do just fine with a knife and his powers when doing things underwater.

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."
Nukeli Since: Aug, 2018
#26406: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:02:30 AM

[up][up]

Marchegiano isn't exactly a frogman, he's more of an all-purpose commando guy.

A handgun? You mean a normal one? How was it protected from the water?

[up]

I'm not sure how strong Marchegiano's hydrokinesis or his peoples' hydrokinesis is (there might be difference because Marchegiano is half-human), but i'm trying to avoid OPness and in modern warfare you'd propably want to have something whose power doesn't come from you and is propably better for distances. I'm also not sure how people who both have hydrokinesis would fight underwater.

Plus hunting could be easier with tools, and people being people the aquatics would also fight among themselves and develop weapons for that.

~*bleh*~
Swordofknowledge Spreading literacy with book and blade from I like it here... Since: Aug, 2012 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Spreading literacy with book and blade
#26407: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:04:44 AM

[up] @ Nukeli:

Modern guns aren't immediately damaged by water (i.e. the powder becoming wet and thus rendering the gun useless). The actual problem stems from the water getting into the cracks and crevices of the weapon and thus rusting it over time. As long as the weapon is dissembled and cleaned properly after immersion in water, that won't happen. But a diver going into the water, emerging, drawing the gun and firing wouldn't be a problem at all.

Edited by Swordofknowledge on Aug 17th 2023 at 10:05:03 AM

Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake. — Edgar Walllace
Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26408: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:32:17 AM

[up][up]

@ Nukeli

I imagined it as the people using their hydrokinesis to pull in fish by altering the currents in the water and have the fish shoved into their grip.

And for a battle, I imagined it as disorientation by tumbling the other in the currents until they can get close enough to get a punch at the gills and choke them until they surrender.

And if the power is to "alter the water flow" then it won't have to be destructive in a war with land-dwellers, as all they would have to do, is get close until they are within proximity and have the water flow in a human body reverse' its direction, essentially knocking the soldiers out completely when no more oxygen but depleted blood, reach the brain instead.

It's nothing flashy, nothing explosive or overwhelming spectacle. It's just a silent take-down of soldiers, assassin-style and without bloodshed, nothing else.

Or that is how I imagined it to be.

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."
Nukeli Since: Aug, 2018
#26409: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:36:37 AM

All they would have to do, is get close until they are within proximity and have the water flow in a human body reverse' its direction, essentially knocking the soldiers out completely when no more oxygen but depleted blood, reach the brain instead.

One-hit KO sounds kind of OP.

.

On the side, how does this guy look?

As in, both an opinion and description help? I'm still bad at understanding or explaining human faces.

(Not sure about the head shape, the picrew didn't have options for that)

Edited by Nukeli on Aug 17th 2023 at 5:39:51 PM

~*bleh*~
Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26410: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:55:31 AM

[up] Only if you get close enough. And only one person at the time.

...

I see nothing wrong with the picture, everything just look like it should.

Where is the problem?

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."
Nukeli Since: Aug, 2018
#26411: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:58:26 AM

[up]

I meant is he good-looking, ugly, normal?

Also how should i describe his face in text?

Edited by Nukeli on Aug 17th 2023 at 5:58:37 PM

~*bleh*~
Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26412: Aug 17th 2023 at 8:11:46 AM

[up] Normal. A bit rough, but normal.

Give me a moment:

"In the doorway, a grumpy-looking, hawk-eyed middle-aged man glared her down through his pale blue eyes. Chin unshaven, mustache a stubble, a smoke wheezing its dying breath between his curved lips. Black short curly hair framing in his tanned hide. Man looking like he's already to be done and gone the moment I spoke my mind and he didn't like it."

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."
Swordofknowledge Spreading literacy with book and blade from I like it here... Since: Aug, 2012 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Spreading literacy with book and blade
#26413: Aug 17th 2023 at 8:29:25 AM

Would it be more appropriate for the immortal leader of an ancient cult with powerful connections all around the world to wear a more "fantastical costume" befitting their status...or would an ordinary, moder-day attire fit more?

One of the Big Bad Ensemble is the ageless ruler of an organization (that is very much a cult of personality built around them) that has a heavy presence within the story and responsible for a lot of issues. I genuinely cannot decide how I want this person's clothes to be described.

It may seem like a very weird contest, but I'm somewhat torn between something akin to Mother Miranda from Resident Evil Village and Makima from Chainsaw Man.

Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake. — Edgar Walllace
C105 Too old for this from France Since: Jan, 2012 Relationship Status: Yes, I'm alone, but I'm alone and free
Too old for this
#26414: Aug 17th 2023 at 8:43:35 AM

[up] A compromise would be for the immortal leader to wear a modern-day costume, but with one or two unmissable outlandish elements that refer to their status or simply dating back to the leader's original period of birth. It could be an elaborate necklace, a large ring with a signet, or an unusual headgear (possibly even a crown). It would have the benefit for the leader to be able to slip very quickly between the "unassuming tycoon" and "leader of a world cult" personas should the need arise.

Edited by C105 on Aug 17th 2023 at 5:44:34 PM

Whatever your favourite work is, there is a Vocal Minority that considers it the Worst. Whatever. Ever!.
Swordofknowledge Spreading literacy with book and blade from I like it here... Since: Aug, 2012 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Spreading literacy with book and blade
#26415: Aug 17th 2023 at 8:52:20 AM

[up] @ C105:

So a kind of hybridization of the two? I can see that; it's a simple but effective process. I guess it would even work symbolically—-it showcases the two sides of this person's identity, an "ordinary" wealthy individual through "inheritance" and their true nature as something inhuman and powerful.

Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake. — Edgar Walllace
Nukeli Since: Aug, 2018
#26416: Aug 17th 2023 at 10:11:19 AM

[up]x4 @Trainbarrel

I meant explaining his face well for a character bio. And possibly for drawing instruction if i end up getting somebody else to draw Red Revenge.

~*bleh*~
LoneCourier0 The Wandering Geek from A Diverse Land (Unitroper) Relationship Status: How YOU doin'?
The Wandering Geek
#26417: Aug 17th 2023 at 1:20:20 PM

So, which of these ensuing retaliation seems the most fitting between one of the protagonists of my story and a jerkish rich snob who ruined her life? (Both are Hispanic people BTW)

Context: Both dated for a while and it seemed they would be an item, but of course, the girl found out the rich snob already was in a relationship with other women, which broke her heart. Despite this, she thought she could help him until the rich man fell into the fascist rabbit hole and tried to persuade her to believe in the cause he's getting into. The girl, of course refuses, which angers the rich snob for being dumped and combined with his paranoia over the activists' actions, hires a bunch of goons to raid the protagonist's school where she and the activists are located to beat them up and kill them. Most survived yet the rich snob evaded the charges due to his connections while the protagonist was scarred deeply from this event and his mere presence alone can trigger panic attacks on her.

Now, I'm talking about the moment she overcomes her fear of him, and the appropriate way she strikes back at him for ruining her life. The editor I've talked about before insists on making it into a simple slap while he's tied up, but I'm thinking of a funnier take where she summons a sandal, and when showing how much of a fraud the rich snob is with his supposed fencing skills, proceeds to beat him up with the sandal until he's knocked senseless.

Which of these do you think would work best for the character?

"Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It's unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don't have to try."
ArsThaumaturgis Since: Nov, 2011 Relationship Status: I've been dreaming of True Love's Kiss
#26418: Aug 17th 2023 at 1:32:17 PM

[up] That's hard to answer without knowing the character a lot better, I fear.

So, let me perhaps present it to you thus:

Beating the other with a sandal feels to me bombastic, over-the-top, and designed to greatly humiliate. It also likely deals the more physical damage. Finally, it's a very... direct, unsubtle display of power.

A single slap, then, feels to me more-restrained. It also likely deals less physical damage. And lastly, it's a more-subtle display of power: not showing power by overt demonstration, but rather by implication.

Which of those seems to you to better fit the character?

(To be clear, I'm not saying that one, the other, or indeed either is "the most fitting retaliation"—I'm just addressing which seems most in character.)

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LoneCourier0 The Wandering Geek from A Diverse Land (Unitroper) Relationship Status: How YOU doin'?
The Wandering Geek
#26419: Aug 17th 2023 at 1:38:20 PM

Given that she's supposed to be the clown of the group, albeit a sad type, I'm leaning on the latter.

"Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It's unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don't have to try."
Cutegirl920fire Player 222 from the Squid Games (Five Long Years) Relationship Status: Paris holds the key to my heart
Player 222
#26420: Aug 17th 2023 at 3:39:19 PM

So, what would be a plausible way for a fire start in a house out of sheer negligence?

Basically I have this character who lives in a nice, fancy, expensive house in Paris that isn't too big. There's a Running Gag of sorts where she notices a particular thing in the house that's potentially a fire hazard and is somewhat aware of the fact it's a fire hazard but due to her carelessness and mental health issues, she doesn't get around to dealing with it. Eventually, the fire happens in the house thanks to the thing she neglected to deal with and it burns down a good amount of the house.

For additional context, due to the character's aforementioned mental health issues and the fact she legitimately doesn't know how to do housework (plus she never bothered to hire any staff; she's the only person who lives in her house), the interior of her house eventually becomes that of a hoarder's, which may contribute to the fire, but IDK a specific method that would lead to the fire itself.

Edited by Cutegirl920fire on Aug 17th 2023 at 3:44:45 AM

CG for short
Noaqiyeum we must dissent (it/they) from across the gulf of space (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: Arm chopping is not a love language!
we must dissent (it/they)
#26421: Aug 17th 2023 at 5:01:18 PM

Plenty of things, really. Kitchen fire is probably the most obvious - grease, rags, flour, etc are all pretty flammable, and likely to come in contact with a dirty stove. Damaged electrical outlets, exposed lamp sockets, or melted incandescent lights or heating elements can make sparks.

Since you mention her house becoming hoarder-like, another thing is that organic waste is (a) flammable, (b) insulating, and (c) exothermic. A sufficiently massive pile of paper, cardboard, rotten vegetables, etc builds up heat as it decays, potentially reaching the point that its exposed surfaces are hot enough to spontaneously oxidise.

ERROR: The current state of the world is unacceptable. Save anyway? YES/NO
WarJay77 It's NaNo, Bay-beeee! (8,356/50,000) from My Writing Cave (Troper Knight) Relationship Status: Armed with the Power of Love
It's NaNo, Bay-beeee! (8,356/50,000)
#26422: Aug 17th 2023 at 7:47:23 PM

Also, paradoxical as it may seem, water damage can cause fire by damaging electronics. So a bad leak over something plugged into the wall can cause a fire that the water can't put out.

Working on: Author Appeal | Sandbox | Troper Wall
Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26423: Aug 17th 2023 at 8:42:34 PM

Then there are rats and/or mice chewing on the electric cables.

And in a hoarder's house, they would thrive, easily.

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."
ArsThaumaturgis Since: Nov, 2011 Relationship Status: I've been dreaming of True Love's Kiss
#26424: Aug 18th 2023 at 12:51:12 AM

Another thought is to have a candle near to something flammable—perhaps she likes "mood lighting" candles, and leaves a kitchen-towel or a piece of clothing near one of them.

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Trainbarrel The Story Supporter from The Star Ocean Since: Jun, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
The Story Supporter
#26425: Aug 18th 2023 at 7:21:17 AM

@ Nukeli

Why not just show them the picture and a short description of "This man cease smiling and won't be ever again."

It could be decent enough.

"If there's problems, there's simple solutions."

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