Nitpicker Writer is Nitpicking.

[auronlu]

*writer gets ready to write after din din*

Three things are bugging me.

1. Crusaders/warrior monks

"Crusaders" are capitalized, but "warrior monks" aren't. Capitalization is very consistent in FFX: summoners, maesters, aeons, fayth, pyreflies; Chamber of the Fayth; Four Maesters of Yevon. All of those adhere to the standard practice of treating a thing or vocational designation as a regular noun, but official organizations as a proper noun. I think that's why warrior monks are not capitalized; it's a term like engineers or sailors. Whereas The Crusaders are an official entity, like The Marines.

It drives me nuts, though. I write a sentence referring to the Crusader and warrior monk (Elma, Pacce), and it looks like I've screwed up.

2. 'Lai

Did I screw up? Does canon ever use 'Lai for Baralai's nickname? I have the feeling I need to go back through the last 10 chapters and replace Bar, but I'm not sure whether 'Lai is fanon or canon. I'm seeing it a lot in other writers' stories (to the point that it now sounds more natural to me, but I hate retconning.)

3. Baralai, I'm sorry!

He's one of my favorite characters, and I fear I've made him rather darker than he is in canon. He's such a sweet, noble, almost naive young man in canon. I had good reasons for tarnishing his squeaky-clean wholesomeness, but I feel bad about it. 

Okay, if I'm going to spend tonight writing, I'd better WRITE.

Comments

[samuraiter.livejournal.com]

Because the best kind of evil to write is the evil that hides behind the face of a holy man? :-)

[shanaqui]

'Lai is fanon. I've always used it, and may have contributed to the spread...

Baralai is sneaky. Have you seen the sphere where he talks to Seymour after he and Gippal escape what happens on the Mi'ihen High Road?

[auronlu.livejournal.com]

YES.

It definitely colored my thinking. Very disturbing, considering that he seems like such an innocent soul. But Shuyin found some pocket of hate and despair in him deep enough to use him.

Also, I continue to be struck by this moment in game...

Yuna: "What are you planning to do?"
Baralai: "The only thing I can do:"
Baralai: "Keep those who would seek to harm Vegnagun away."

I once sat and twiddled my thumbs to see what would happen if you let him win. He'll kill Paine, Rikku and the High Summoner, then say, "Lady Yuna, forgive me."

It's game mechanics forcing a boss battle, but I think it's also right -- he'll do whatever it takes.

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

'Lai is fanon, but it's very common fanon. I picked it up from iamleaper whilst writing The Confessional. In my head, only Gippal ever calls him that.

I find Baralai to have a very distinct dark side, myself. It's one of the things I find appealing about him.

[auronlu.livejournal.com]

I'm half tempted now to retcon "'Lai" (and it's only for Gippal; the others call him by his full name or title). I've gotten used to it, reading your stuff and shanaqui's.

[dagas-isa.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I always read Baralai's outer demeanor as a facade for a very savvy, sharp mind.

Also, wouldn't the warrior monks maybe have an official/unofficial proper name that they'd call themselves? If not in canon, then couldn't a fan make something up? =P

[auronlu.livejournal.com]

Hmmmmmmm. I think the warrior monks are totally subsumed under Yevon -- the whole problem with the Crusaders was that they were an entity that was founded and remained somewhat outside Yevon's control.

It just comes out a little awkwardly when I have one of each fighting side by side.

[cygna-hime.livejournal.com]

No, Baralai is totally hiding a mind sharp as a tack -- or, possibly, more like caltrops -- under that sweet face. Along with the willingness to use it, which is when things can get nasty. And I love him for it.

[auronlu.livejournal.com]

I'm feeling all kinds of relief that you folks also see a ruthless streak to Baralai.

Even if I love Baralai/Gippal fics where he's being adorable.

[trekqueen.livejournal.com]

#1 always seems to be a prob with me. lol

btw I thought I'd clarify on my post the other day, I was talking about the author being passive aggressive with her profile snark about you.

[auronlu.livejournal.com]

Danke. Yeh, I figgered.