From the new kid

[jinn]

Midnight. Message board. The new kid hardly knew where to begin. Creating a new thread seemed as good a choice as any, and she began with something brilliant:

Um.

Yeah, so someone told me this is the place for (speculative? science fiction...maybe steampunk?) fantasy writers, that special breed lurking in Christian fiction's backyard. And here I am, writer revising fantasy manuscript, to see if the rumor is true.

I brought swords, and a little alchemy.
A Veteran online story roleplayer...type. I act out my fight scenes. I've broken digits sparring with practice swords (you should see the other guy). I make really good coffee. I don't wear nail polish, because the rocks scrape it off when I'm climbing (and because it smells bad).

My name is Jinn. This is the shortest story I've ever written. Hello. The end.

[Spokane Flyboy]

Welcome to the Anomaly, Jinn. Glad to see a fellow role-player, there's a couple of us on here. As for Christian Spec Fic, this is indeed the place.

[torainfor]

Hmmm...My husband has a replica of Gandalf's sword hanging in our bedroom. I must figure out how to work in a sword fight to my near-future Scifi. And then find the nearest ER, most likely.

Welcome!

[Spokane Flyboy]

Read R.A. Salvatore's books concerning Drizzt Do'Urden. I've always appreciated his handling of swordplay.

[jinn]

Roleplaying reminded me how much I love to tell stories, and got me started writting again. I've made some great friends that way as well. I see there's a healthy chunk of the boards dedicated to collaborations. How is that going? I intend to check it out in detail, but I'm staying in a hostel in Kentucky and access is limited.

I've a fettish for Hadhafang (Arwen's sword). My husband is also the resident collector of the family, and a fantastic sparring partner. My dream sword would be a custom forged piece, something I can use in case of zombies.

Ah, Twinkle and Icingdeath... I loved the Dark Elf trilogy, though I admit I didn't get much into Salvatore's other books. Drizzt is a great character. My personal favorite is Zak. Love Drizzt's swords, and his relationship with Guenhwyvar. Good stuff. ^_^
I've found certain animes to be a well of inspiration for weaponry (and most other aspects of off-the-path storytelling).

[Divides the Waters]

We have a couple of sword wielders here. You're sure to be in good company. This has definitely been one of the most rewarding sites I've ever joined, in a number of ways. Welcome.

[veritasseeker90]

*drool*

I will someday become a sword maker. I just need to become a metalsmith..er-- whatever they're called and learn the art...

But I love swords. *drool*

[jinn]

And another fellow drooler, how smashing. *offers napkin*

There's a very good book out there called The Complete Bladesmith by Dr. Jim Hrisoulas (I kid not; the guy has a doctorate in metallography). He is a legend among today's bladesmiths. The book is chock full of really useful information on bladesmithing and is a superb reference for everything blacksmith/bladesmith/uber coolsmith. Or, for free, one could check out his website. Google him. Now.

[veritasseeker90]

*takes napkin*

Er, we might need an ark, thanks to you, Jinn. You shouldn't have told me that. No, no, no. SHould not have told me that.

[Jeff Gerke]

Hi, Jinn! Welcome to The Anomaly.

You asked about the collaborative fiction here. Well...how about I answer with how you began your thread? "Um..."

;-)

We've had a few short-lived stories, but it seems like everyone is always very busy. Feel free to grab one of the stories and make it your own. Maybe others will join in. Or create a new one.

Jeff

[metalikhan]

*Slurp* Another drooler here. (Forget the napkins — where's the roll of paper towels?)

I enjoyed fencing in college. The instructor said I defended well but wasn’t aggressive enough to be competitive. (Wonder what he'd say now?) I also studied Oriental swordsmanship and have known SCA folks who handled the medieval blades.

Haven't made any swords although I've modified a couple of machetes for folks. Most of what I've made are somewhat unusual knives of my own design including some "microblades" for carving peach, plum and cherry pits, and one knife carved entirely from bone (not much of an edge, but a wicked point plus a secondary, curved spur coming up from the handle).

I got started in metalwork as a machinist, so I don't do things according to the bladesmith books. For one thing, I use grinding wheels instead of sanding belts. To me, if I can't do a ring test on what I use for shaping the blades, it's not a grinder — according to bladesmiths, sanding belts are called belt grinders. Tomayto, tomahto.

Veritas, one place you can find fairly inexpensive kits to try your hand at knifemaking is Texas Knifemakers Supply. You can see if you enjoy it before sinking very much $$ into machines and stock for larger projects.

And welcome to the Anomaly, jinn!

[jinn]

Wow. Just...wow. You win for life, metalikhan. That knife carved from bone must be awesome. I'd love to see a picture sometime.
Thanks for the welcomes, kids. ^_^

[metalikhan]

Thanks. I'm not sure I deserve the salute. More than anything, I have a hard-headed streak that makes me bristle when someone tells me something can't be done; and I have the boredom threshold of a three year old if I'm not doing any projects. I also figure if I can't afford something, I can learn how to make it. That’s taken me down some fairly old roads of lost or forgotten crafts and technology that I find fascinating — other folks just think it's quaint but weird.

[veritasseeker90]

metalikhan, I love you for that. I'm the same way. I hate people telling others they can't do anything just...because they can't.

Haha.