Feedback 2K?! Roast and Appreciation

[Makai Dashiell]

It only took roughly twelve years for this account to reach 2,000 posts. A few reasons for that, mainly because Makai was a PC at age six (before the NPC rule) and taking some time away from the character here and there. I didn't think I was going to get to this point with Makai. I hit a patch of him in his mid-to-late teens with trying to figure out story and direction, along with how his personality was going to go. In 2023 I picked the character back up and did a bit of a age jump for him to push in a new direction. I was lucky enough then to actually finish an arc I wasn't sure was going to come to fruition.

All to be said, Makai is certainly the easiest character to write at the moment. He's got a lot of interesting dynamics going on beyond moving out of his father's shadow in the corporate world. If I had to guess, he is probably my most well rounded character personality wise, but I could be wrong. How's he doing? My biggest concern is he is too similar to Judah 'style wise' but I could be wrong .I consciously have made him different with a bit more of a 'nerd' type aura and hopefully that comes through in my posts. Any feedback in this area is most appreciated.

Finally, a genuine thank you to anyone who has wrote with Makai, past and present. Its been an extremely fun journey and I've met some amazing writers along the way.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Makai Dashiell

Now that the chatbox is back, I can finally put my thoughts into words! First and foremost, congratulations on reaching the 2000-mark milestone! It goes without saying—but I'll say it anyway—that being part of the Dashiell Family has been an enriching experience. From the very first discussions about Balun and Judah's backstory, Makai has played a pivotal role in shaping that narrative, and I've loved every moment.

While I can understand why you might feel that Makai and Judah share similarities, I'm grateful to offer a different perspective—a brother's perspective.

The dynamic between Balun and Makai is something truly special. Their playful banter, the way they challenge and tease each other, mirrors the authenticity of real-life sibling relationships. They don't always see eye to eye, but their interactions are always filled with warmth and humor, often at each other's expense. Beyond that, Makai is stepping into his role as a father figure alongside Myra, embracing not only his growing family but also his already-adopted daughter, Persephone. I thoroughly enjoy reading the threads I'm not directly involved in because they provide deeper insight into his journey and the evolving dynamics within the family.

Judah, on the other hand, stands apart as a more paternal figure—seasoned, established, and already a pillar of corporate success. While Makai is undoubtedly thriving in his own right, Judah's experience and wisdom make him a grounding force, someone who offers guidance when both Balun and Makai find themselves at a crossroads. His stability and reason serve as an anchor in their lives.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Makai's character is his passion for the mining industry. You bring such life and depth to a subject that, in lesser hands, could easily be mundane. Makai's enthusiasm for minerals isn't just a character quirk—it's an integral part of his identity. The way he approaches mining, whether in his search for rare materials or through ventures like the Yacht thread with Nouqai Veil or the TAC Dominion Riot in the Ashes of Vaethis, turns what could have been a background detail into a compelling narrative thread. It's rare to see someone take such a specialized focus and weave it into engaging storytelling, and I genuinely admire that.

That said, as much as I could sing Makai's praises endlessly, I also want to offer some constructive thoughts. One of the most intriguing things about the Dashiells as a family is their detachment from Galactic politics, choosing instead to carve their legacy through corporate ventures. This has been a refreshing change for me, given my usual focus on action-oriented, PvP-heavy storytelling. However, I'd love to see Makai navigate more political waters—especially with the ongoing conflicts that shape the galaxy. His father's disillusionment with the Jedi has already sparked fascinating discourse between Judah and Balun, and I wonder where Makai stands in all of this. How have the current wars impacted his business? Has he had to adapt or make tough corporate decisions in response? There's real potential for diplomatic or corporate-driven threads that explore these challenges, and I'd be excited to see that side of Makai develop further.

All in all, Makai continues to be an incredibly well-developed and engaging character. Writing alongside him has been a joy, and I look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next!

 

[Makai Dashiell]

I appreciate the feedback! The mining and mineral thing has actually sparked a lot of IC and OOC jokes, and I am relieved to hear its not as mundane as it could be.

. However, I'd love to see Makai navigate more political waters—especially with the ongoing conflicts that shape the galaxy.

If you had to go about this - how would you? I have had Judah as more of the patriarch, older and much more grumpier, often attend political events (CIS, Galactic Senate, etc). In your eyes would it be better suited for Makai to go in his place or does Makky go on his own accord, holding up his own mantle? Or a totally different direction where he is proactive in terms of politics rather than reactive?

 

[Balun Dashiell]

In your eyes would it be better suited for Makai to go in his place or does Makky go on his own accord, holding up his own mantle? Or a totally different direction where he is proactive in terms of politics rather than reactive?

The direction Makai takes ultimately depends on how far you're willing to go in distinguishing him from Judah.

Take Balun, for example. While he doesn't consider himself a Jedi, he still plays a role in the fight for democracy by selectively supplying maritime vessels to those whose ideals align with his own. Even though I've been taking a gradual approach to developing products for Dashiell Retrofit™, Balun remains deliberate in his business dealings—avoiding partnerships with Imperials or Sith-Imperials due to his personal convictions and existing relationships. This allows him to contribute to the betterment of the galaxy in his own way, even without the guidance of the Force.

For Makai, a similar path could emerge. Perhaps he supplies rare minerals to specific governments, enabling them to develop advanced technologies that help defend against their adversaries. Or maybe his involvement in galactic affairs grows beyond the corporate world, pushing him into the public eye, where his insight and influence become a force in shaping political discourse.

Ultimately, the decision rests with both you as the writer and Makai as a character. Do you envision him stepping into the political arena, or does his future lie elsewhere? If politics isn't a natural fit for him, there's no need to force it—his story should unfold in a way that feels true to his journey above all else.

Food for thought

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Do you envision him stepping into the political arena, or does his future lie elsewhere?

I actually don't see him as political at all but it doesn't mean that scenario would ever be completely off the table. As you said, some food for thought and a possible avenue to explore. Things are fluid and while his ambitions are to be the largest mining company in the 'verse a few years from now he may feel more political and the drive to influence on a different scale.

 

[Vemric Keldra]

Congrats on the 2K!!

We haven't done all that much together tbh, which is really a pity. But from what I've seen so far when reading posts from both Makai and Judah, is that there really is a difference between the two - especially personality wise.

Makai is his own man and it shows. So keep doing what you're doing. There really is a difference between the two characters. In a way, I can say that Makai, for lack of a better word, is a bit more benevolent than his father. So that immediately draws folks that can relate.

So honestly, there's not much that you need to change about him. If anything, you can start gearing him up to eventually take over the company from his father so the old grump can rust in pieces.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

We haven't done all that much together tbh, which is really a pity.

Definitely needs to be changed. Hit me up if you're ever interested!

Makai is his own man and it shows. So keep doing what you're doing. There really is a difference between the two characters. In a way, I can say that Makai, for lack of a better word, is a bit more benevolent than his father. So that immediately draws folks that can relate.

So honestly, there's not much that you need to change about him. If anything, you can start gearing him up to eventually take over the company from his father so the old grump can rust in pieces.

Appreciate the feedback into the differing personalities and that it does come across well. Thank you. This is my first time taking an NPC child to a PC, so its new territory and I'm happy to hear its being executed to my plan of having them different enough.

As for having Makai take over - eventually. Judah is in his early 50s with no plans to retire (the guy really has no life, what else would he do?).Makai is focused on his young family as well as anything mining related. I tend to like to draw out my stories on Chaos rather than speed run, as evident by 2k posts in twelve years, so there's plenty of time to explore that dynamic.