The FAQ
Last Updated: 10-16-02 *New plot question answered*
I've created this FAQ to share some of the questions asked by some friends and fans who have read this fic which I thought were pretty good. A few of them I've added myself to clarify parts of the story better. I would recommend that before this section is read, that you first read the story in its entirety, as it does contain a few minor plot spoilers, and one really big one. As I continue to receive questions, I'll begin to add a few of them to this section.
Q: How old are you?
A: I was born Oct 11, 1983.
Q: Kendo fencer? What's that?
A: Kendo, by loose description, is a martial art involving the discipline of sword principals based on the old samurai sword techniques of Japan. It teaches the cultivation of oneself through the adaptation of the sword techniques of the katana, the traditional sword of the samurai. I've been a student of Kendo for 9 years and am currently a junior assistant instructor at my Kendo school. Of course that doesn't make a Kendo student a samurai or anything ridiculous like that, it's basically like any other martial art, to better oneself in mind and body. However I find it to be a bit more strenuous and rigorous in training than most other martial arts myself. It's basically why I have the time to go in-depth with stories like the one from the RKA games. After an hour or two of practice, you really don't feel like doing anything but sitting around, writing, or playing a game or two :)
Q: Why did you choose to write such a big fic on Mifune?
A: After flipping through the RKA and Sparkster manuals, Mifune was a topic that seemed to beg for more detail. I thought it would be interesting, and so I started writing "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman." One of the things I tried to deviate from was the blandness of the instruction manuals regarding Mifune and Sparkster's past. It was a typical story that was found in most Japanese samurai folk tales, very cliché. Brave master swordsman finds orphan, raises orphan, becomes his master, enter the evil adversary, adversary wounds or kills master, student seeks to avenge his masters honor and succeeds then banishes the adversary from the Kingdom. In a sense I tried to keep this outlook as the framework for the fanfic, but I also tried to give it more interesting twists along with the slow moving drama. There was so much more to be desired in the character, and I tried to do as much with Mifune as I possibly could to make him an entertaining and interesting character that would keep the reader reading. Of course I won't know if I actually achieved this until I'm able to read lots of reviews from all sorts of people whom differ in opinions.
Q: Why is the story entitled: "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman" over something like: "The Adventures of Mifune"?
A: By answering this question, I'll spoil the entire story. So I'm leaving the answer to this at the very bottom of this faq. If you haven't read the entire story, DON'T READ THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION!
Q: So many pages! What kind of an obsessed freak are you!?
A: Whoa whoa...slow down. There are times when I question myself on why I've expanded so much on a story like the Rocket Knight series that only a few lucky people have had the privilege of playing, let alone go in-depth with the storyline. The truth is I'm just a guy that likes to write...a lot...however I'm also not one of those freaky people that sits at a computer all day and types. Truth is I'm a pretty friendly guy, and enjoy a healthy social life and an internet chat from time to time, so please don't get this image of a crazy reject of society locked in a basement with a computer :P
Q: I notice you use a lot of the same words over again, and tend to stereotype some of your settings and themes. Why's that?
A: I'd have to agree with that. It's common in my writing to see repetitive or similar descriptive words, and there's a good reason for it. Some writers tend to use advanced vocabulary and become so emotional descriptively that readers can tend to lose sense of what's happening. This was an approach I tried to steer away from while writing the Traveling Swordsman. My aim was not to show off, but rather to deliver the type of story I could share with a wide variety of readers. I suppose I could have used much more glamorous types of vocabulary for the battles using my experience with Kendo, but explaining a battle scene using words like "offensive stance" is a lot easier than trying to explain a scene using fencing phrases like "chudan no kamae," or attacking with a "shou - men" strike. I also chose to keep my romance limited, mainly for the sole reason that too much of it can spoil this type of a story; no matter how well it pertains to the plot.
Q: What species are the people of Haruk anyway?
A: I realize that I hardly went into the actual culture and people of Haruk. The biggest question I've received is what is the dominant race of beings in Haruk? The answer is simple...I DON'T KNOW! That's right! Not a clue! They aren't exactly human, seeing as Elhorn seems to only be home to inhabitants of the furry/anthropomorphic nature. They aren't opossum either, being as Kaya describes Gromm as being twice the size of Mifune. Basically, they can be any race you want them to be. Adds some interaction to the story I suppose. If someone can think up a good race to make them, and I like it, then I'll stamp it for approval and might add it into the story during a revision. I've been thinking lately, and it is kind of important, being that Kaya is half of 'it.' Maybe I'll get around to it sometime.
Q: Where did you get all of these wacky names from? Wochi-Chadaki!?
A: Heh...well, I do agree that some of the names I've given to swords and characters alike are a bit odd. There's an honest reason for it though. Haruk is based on a culture of many different parts of ancient cultures from around the world we know. The names, such as Gromms, and later Axle's sword, the Wochi-Chadaki, actually has a close root to the words "fire- wound" in the Navajo language. Many of the names the people of Haruk were given are names based on various Native American languages.
Q: What are the ages of the characters?
A: I was asked, so all right...
Act I
Mifune – 21 Sheryl – 19 Alec – 26 Sparkster – 7 months Axle – 7 Months
Act II
Mifune – 32 Sheryl – 30 Alec – 37 Sparkster – 11 Axle – 11 Basil – 14 Sherry – 11 Cherry – 9 Evan – 17
Acts III & IV
Mifune – 37 Sheryl – 35 Alec – 42 Sparkster – 16 Axle – 16 Basil – 19 Sherry – 16 Cherry – 14 Kaya – 31 Hisaru – 63 Gromm – 39 Ahiga – 47
That should cover all of the important ones. Any others that I missed can be obtained by e-mailing me...although if it goes that far, you probably need a hobby ;)
Q: Does Mifune really have an illness?
A Now that I've added parts into chapter 11 I feel a need to comment on this. Mifune was never really "sick." What was actually happening when he fell ill in the story was Maros trying to take control of Mifune's actions. As mentioned in chapter 11 Maros is the side of Mifune that he sealed away to avoid becoming like Gromm. By resisting him, he was putting strain on himself both mentally and physically, disguising it as an illness so as not to draw concern among his friends, family, and fellow knights.
Q: So who's your favorite character?
A: I really can't answer that; I'm just too torn between them all. I can answer some sub-questions of the category though. The one I would have to say I admire the most is Mifune. Throughout the story he walks a frail line of sanity and still manages to lead the powerful Zebulan army, and take care of the ones he loves. The one character I find the most intriguing is Kaya. When I started thinking up the plots for act 3, I remembered that Princess Sherry could use magic in RKA. Suddenly this pool of ideas just came to me and Kaya was born. She is firm in her beliefs and is a very strong-minded person, yet she also carries a sensitive, empathetic side to her. Guess I'm a sucker for a throbbed heart too, but nevertheless; I find Kaya to be one of the best characters not related to the official cast found in the story.
Q: Why does Mifune sometimes fight with his sword at his waist and other times on his back?
A: As mentioned in acts 3 and 4, Mifune is a master of 3 different sword styles. He uses the Zebulan sword style when his sword is at his waist and the Haruk style when his sword is placed on his back. His 3rd special sword style calls for a combination of the two. The only way to tell when he's using his special techniques are when some armor explodes or a massive mortal injury is dealt to the point of near death. ;)
Q: Are the sword fights based off of realistic fencing in The Traveling Swordsman?
A: Absolutely NOT! Sword duels of any type in any style are implemented to take out an opponent as quickly as possible. (Something I'm well aware of, let me mention, before I'm accused of being ignorant :)) The swashbuckling back-and-forth sword exchanging that goes on in the story is simply a thing made up in Hollywood with roots in the ancient theatre if you ask me. However, it's more exciting to beef up a battle scene than to make it more realistic. Let's face it; everyone prefers a heroic clashing of steel over a swift disemboweling slash across the stomach, right?
Q: Do you plan on doing another fanfic?
A: I have been wrapped up with some other matters lately, and now that things have died down a little I'm seriously considering writing another story or fanfic. I have three basic plots jotted down. One of these would be a Sparkster fanfic, with a plot set before my first story this time detailing an event regarding Sparkster's real father, and another fic set after the first story that involves Sparkster and a troubled former student of Basil. Another fanfic plot I had in mind takes an almost complete turnaround from the Traveling Swordsman. I've always wanted to try my hand at a space battle type fic with giant robots, and am considering a fic based in the world of Xenogears (An excellent game with a beautifully developed storyline which I highly recommend to anyone with access to a Playstation). I think it would be the most fun to write. Although I am still busy, I would release the fic in smaller segments than that of the Traveling Swordsman so that I could share the story quicker than I have in the past with my past fics. In the meantime I will be considering which of these plots I will stay with. If there is a particular plot of interest that you've read above, feel free to contact me and let me know which you like best. It can only help to quicken the pace at which I'll release my next fic by providing feedback.
I may also be making some major revisions to the Traveling Swordsman sometime in the future. There are a few scenes that I've removed that I'm deciding whether or not to throw back into the story. Most of which are battle scenes, such as Mifune vs. Gromm at the tournament in Haruk. At the time, the fights would have been so descriptive that I couldn't think of any words in English to describe what their swords would have been doing, and also felt they were unnecessary. I may sometime in the future end up writing these into the original storyline.
* The big answer to the fourth question: MAJOR PLOT SPOILER BELOW*
A: The title "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman" has a tricky meaning to it. Some may find what you're about to read kind of shocking and unexpected. This is because the traveling swordsman isn't Mifune, its Sparkster. Mifune has had his fair share of journeys, but was never really a wandering knight. At the end of the story, Sparkster decides to leave leadership of the Rocket Knights to the others, while he travels the world of his own accord. He never actually breaks away from the Rocket Knights, and in many ways is still considered their leader, but chose to hone his skills through real-world experience to become as great, if not better than Mifune one day, all the meantime in search of Axle Gear. Shocked? Not surprised at all? Either way, that's the reason for the story's title.
Last Updated: 10-16-02 *New plot question answered*
I've created this FAQ to share some of the questions asked by some friends and fans who have read this fic which I thought were pretty good. A few of them I've added myself to clarify parts of the story better. I would recommend that before this section is read, that you first read the story in its entirety, as it does contain a few minor plot spoilers, and one really big one. As I continue to receive questions, I'll begin to add a few of them to this section.
Q: How old are you?
A: I was born Oct 11, 1983.
Q: Kendo fencer? What's that?
A: Kendo, by loose description, is a martial art involving the discipline of sword principals based on the old samurai sword techniques of Japan. It teaches the cultivation of oneself through the adaptation of the sword techniques of the katana, the traditional sword of the samurai. I've been a student of Kendo for 9 years and am currently a junior assistant instructor at my Kendo school. Of course that doesn't make a Kendo student a samurai or anything ridiculous like that, it's basically like any other martial art, to better oneself in mind and body. However I find it to be a bit more strenuous and rigorous in training than most other martial arts myself. It's basically why I have the time to go in-depth with stories like the one from the RKA games. After an hour or two of practice, you really don't feel like doing anything but sitting around, writing, or playing a game or two :)
Q: Why did you choose to write such a big fic on Mifune?
A: After flipping through the RKA and Sparkster manuals, Mifune was a topic that seemed to beg for more detail. I thought it would be interesting, and so I started writing "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman." One of the things I tried to deviate from was the blandness of the instruction manuals regarding Mifune and Sparkster's past. It was a typical story that was found in most Japanese samurai folk tales, very cliché. Brave master swordsman finds orphan, raises orphan, becomes his master, enter the evil adversary, adversary wounds or kills master, student seeks to avenge his masters honor and succeeds then banishes the adversary from the Kingdom. In a sense I tried to keep this outlook as the framework for the fanfic, but I also tried to give it more interesting twists along with the slow moving drama. There was so much more to be desired in the character, and I tried to do as much with Mifune as I possibly could to make him an entertaining and interesting character that would keep the reader reading. Of course I won't know if I actually achieved this until I'm able to read lots of reviews from all sorts of people whom differ in opinions.
Q: Why is the story entitled: "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman" over something like: "The Adventures of Mifune"?
A: By answering this question, I'll spoil the entire story. So I'm leaving the answer to this at the very bottom of this faq. If you haven't read the entire story, DON'T READ THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION!
Q: So many pages! What kind of an obsessed freak are you!?
A: Whoa whoa...slow down. There are times when I question myself on why I've expanded so much on a story like the Rocket Knight series that only a few lucky people have had the privilege of playing, let alone go in-depth with the storyline. The truth is I'm just a guy that likes to write...a lot...however I'm also not one of those freaky people that sits at a computer all day and types. Truth is I'm a pretty friendly guy, and enjoy a healthy social life and an internet chat from time to time, so please don't get this image of a crazy reject of society locked in a basement with a computer :P
Q: I notice you use a lot of the same words over again, and tend to stereotype some of your settings and themes. Why's that?
A: I'd have to agree with that. It's common in my writing to see repetitive or similar descriptive words, and there's a good reason for it. Some writers tend to use advanced vocabulary and become so emotional descriptively that readers can tend to lose sense of what's happening. This was an approach I tried to steer away from while writing the Traveling Swordsman. My aim was not to show off, but rather to deliver the type of story I could share with a wide variety of readers. I suppose I could have used much more glamorous types of vocabulary for the battles using my experience with Kendo, but explaining a battle scene using words like "offensive stance" is a lot easier than trying to explain a scene using fencing phrases like "chudan no kamae," or attacking with a "shou - men" strike. I also chose to keep my romance limited, mainly for the sole reason that too much of it can spoil this type of a story; no matter how well it pertains to the plot.
Q: What species are the people of Haruk anyway?
A: I realize that I hardly went into the actual culture and people of Haruk. The biggest question I've received is what is the dominant race of beings in Haruk? The answer is simple...I DON'T KNOW! That's right! Not a clue! They aren't exactly human, seeing as Elhorn seems to only be home to inhabitants of the furry/anthropomorphic nature. They aren't opossum either, being as Kaya describes Gromm as being twice the size of Mifune. Basically, they can be any race you want them to be. Adds some interaction to the story I suppose. If someone can think up a good race to make them, and I like it, then I'll stamp it for approval and might add it into the story during a revision. I've been thinking lately, and it is kind of important, being that Kaya is half of 'it.' Maybe I'll get around to it sometime.
Q: Where did you get all of these wacky names from? Wochi-Chadaki!?
A: Heh...well, I do agree that some of the names I've given to swords and characters alike are a bit odd. There's an honest reason for it though. Haruk is based on a culture of many different parts of ancient cultures from around the world we know. The names, such as Gromms, and later Axle's sword, the Wochi-Chadaki, actually has a close root to the words "fire- wound" in the Navajo language. Many of the names the people of Haruk were given are names based on various Native American languages.
Q: What are the ages of the characters?
A: I was asked, so all right...
Act I
Mifune – 21 Sheryl – 19 Alec – 26 Sparkster – 7 months Axle – 7 Months
Act II
Mifune – 32 Sheryl – 30 Alec – 37 Sparkster – 11 Axle – 11 Basil – 14 Sherry – 11 Cherry – 9 Evan – 17
Acts III & IV
Mifune – 37 Sheryl – 35 Alec – 42 Sparkster – 16 Axle – 16 Basil – 19 Sherry – 16 Cherry – 14 Kaya – 31 Hisaru – 63 Gromm – 39 Ahiga – 47
That should cover all of the important ones. Any others that I missed can be obtained by e-mailing me...although if it goes that far, you probably need a hobby ;)
Q: Does Mifune really have an illness?
A Now that I've added parts into chapter 11 I feel a need to comment on this. Mifune was never really "sick." What was actually happening when he fell ill in the story was Maros trying to take control of Mifune's actions. As mentioned in chapter 11 Maros is the side of Mifune that he sealed away to avoid becoming like Gromm. By resisting him, he was putting strain on himself both mentally and physically, disguising it as an illness so as not to draw concern among his friends, family, and fellow knights.
Q: So who's your favorite character?
A: I really can't answer that; I'm just too torn between them all. I can answer some sub-questions of the category though. The one I would have to say I admire the most is Mifune. Throughout the story he walks a frail line of sanity and still manages to lead the powerful Zebulan army, and take care of the ones he loves. The one character I find the most intriguing is Kaya. When I started thinking up the plots for act 3, I remembered that Princess Sherry could use magic in RKA. Suddenly this pool of ideas just came to me and Kaya was born. She is firm in her beliefs and is a very strong-minded person, yet she also carries a sensitive, empathetic side to her. Guess I'm a sucker for a throbbed heart too, but nevertheless; I find Kaya to be one of the best characters not related to the official cast found in the story.
Q: Why does Mifune sometimes fight with his sword at his waist and other times on his back?
A: As mentioned in acts 3 and 4, Mifune is a master of 3 different sword styles. He uses the Zebulan sword style when his sword is at his waist and the Haruk style when his sword is placed on his back. His 3rd special sword style calls for a combination of the two. The only way to tell when he's using his special techniques are when some armor explodes or a massive mortal injury is dealt to the point of near death. ;)
Q: Are the sword fights based off of realistic fencing in The Traveling Swordsman?
A: Absolutely NOT! Sword duels of any type in any style are implemented to take out an opponent as quickly as possible. (Something I'm well aware of, let me mention, before I'm accused of being ignorant :)) The swashbuckling back-and-forth sword exchanging that goes on in the story is simply a thing made up in Hollywood with roots in the ancient theatre if you ask me. However, it's more exciting to beef up a battle scene than to make it more realistic. Let's face it; everyone prefers a heroic clashing of steel over a swift disemboweling slash across the stomach, right?
Q: Do you plan on doing another fanfic?
A: I have been wrapped up with some other matters lately, and now that things have died down a little I'm seriously considering writing another story or fanfic. I have three basic plots jotted down. One of these would be a Sparkster fanfic, with a plot set before my first story this time detailing an event regarding Sparkster's real father, and another fic set after the first story that involves Sparkster and a troubled former student of Basil. Another fanfic plot I had in mind takes an almost complete turnaround from the Traveling Swordsman. I've always wanted to try my hand at a space battle type fic with giant robots, and am considering a fic based in the world of Xenogears (An excellent game with a beautifully developed storyline which I highly recommend to anyone with access to a Playstation). I think it would be the most fun to write. Although I am still busy, I would release the fic in smaller segments than that of the Traveling Swordsman so that I could share the story quicker than I have in the past with my past fics. In the meantime I will be considering which of these plots I will stay with. If there is a particular plot of interest that you've read above, feel free to contact me and let me know which you like best. It can only help to quicken the pace at which I'll release my next fic by providing feedback.
I may also be making some major revisions to the Traveling Swordsman sometime in the future. There are a few scenes that I've removed that I'm deciding whether or not to throw back into the story. Most of which are battle scenes, such as Mifune vs. Gromm at the tournament in Haruk. At the time, the fights would have been so descriptive that I couldn't think of any words in English to describe what their swords would have been doing, and also felt they were unnecessary. I may sometime in the future end up writing these into the original storyline.
* The big answer to the fourth question: MAJOR PLOT SPOILER BELOW*
A: The title "The Story of a Traveling Swordsman" has a tricky meaning to it. Some may find what you're about to read kind of shocking and unexpected. This is because the traveling swordsman isn't Mifune, its Sparkster. Mifune has had his fair share of journeys, but was never really a wandering knight. At the end of the story, Sparkster decides to leave leadership of the Rocket Knights to the others, while he travels the world of his own accord. He never actually breaks away from the Rocket Knights, and in many ways is still considered their leader, but chose to hone his skills through real-world experience to become as great, if not better than Mifune one day, all the meantime in search of Axle Gear. Shocked? Not surprised at all? Either way, that's the reason for the story's title.