Hi! This is Arc Ascendent, I'm a student from London, in the United Kingdom

If you think that being British makes me slightly old-fashioned, then you'd be right! But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy games. But what is essential is a good storyline, good characters, and, most importantly, good romance options! Romances make a game in my opinion (see Neverwinter Nights 2, Dragon Age: Origins etc.)

Yes, I am that sad creature, a hopeless romantic. Film, book, TV show or game, it doesn't matter to me (as long as its not a vampire romance) And there is an element of that to my stories, but it doesn't mean my stories will be endlessly optimistic or overtly happy. I like to see my characters develop and grow, if that means they have to suffer, well that's just an element of the world they inhabit. I think sad endings tend to be a lot more profound than "and they lived happily ever after".

I do have a style that is quite heavy-going, as I like long, poetic descriptions etc. I hope this doesn't put anyone off, as there are elements of humour as well. See my current work "Child of Light" based on NWN 2, and my Knight-Captain, Phaedra Blake, with promises of a really sweeping romantic story (Won't tell you with who yet though). Hope you enjoy it!

In other news, I was honoured that my long time advisor on matters relating to Child of Light, Gaspode, decided to put her skills to use to fashion a portrait of Phaedra digitally. I'm rather pleased with the result, check it out!

http:///gallery/#/d32uxhu

A long-planned work involving the Mage Origin from Dragon Age has finally begun in The Sword and the Circle, a kind of side-project at the moment, intended to be a couple of chapters focusing on the 'origin' of a very unlikely Grey Warden Lillian Amell and her relationship with the Templar Cullen. It certainly reflects an ongoing tendency for teenage female mages with low self-confidence caught in love triangles. But there are certainly differences between it and Child of Light, its probably a bit darker, maybe a little more mature. And Lillian is even more vulnerable than Phaedra Blake. Note: After a very long hiatus I am getting back on track with this Dragon Age work (Including edits of the first chapter) as well as new one:

Force of the Spirit is a story based around Dragon Age 2, dealing with the history of my favourite Hawke, Morgaine Hawke, through the story of the whole game (So another long one if everything goes according to plan), from refugee of Lothering to Champion of Kirkwall and all the challenges she faces on the way.

If you're looking for a break from that, I ended up writing a oneshot involving Ammon Jerro and a new KC Ankara Kl'ildrian, half-drow seductress and assassin called Cold Fire. It was certainly a different kind of romance to what I'm used to, but I enjoyed it. Hope others do too!

And one more thing, I love reviews!