It is with heavy hearts that we come to you today to share the upsetting news that we’ve been denying for some time now. With fleeting muse and real life obligations galore, we (Beth and Nicole) have had very little time to play in our own group, much less to run it.
Bearing that in mind, we have decided to close the Art of War.
We have enjoyed every minute of the past few months with such a wonderful cast of both characters and writers, and we cannot thank you enough for your dedication, enthusiasm, and passion. We’ve had a wonderful time here, and we hope you all have as well. Thank you so much for sharing in this journey with us. We’re forever grateful that you shared your passion and talent with us.
While this may be a see you later, it’s definitely not a final goodbye! We’ll keep the Discord server open for anyone who wants to remain there, and we hope that you’ll all keep in touch with us, both there and on Tumblr. We wish every single one of you who has crossed paths with us here the best on all of your writing endeavors—some of which we’ll hopefully be a part of!
Thank you again for all of your support. We love y’all very, very much. <3
Hi, fam. We know it’s nearly the weekend, and you’re probably racing to the finish line (or maybe that’s just us). Anyway, we have a little treat for ya, so get pumped. Say hello to your first official #AOW Challenge. Are you excited? Because we sure as heck are.
Okay, so we know we featured a mini #AOW Challenge pre-opening, but consider that the opener for a handful of exciting challenges that will help you develop your role, and allow all AOW members to friggin’ obsess over your baby. (If you haven’t had a chance to take part in the mini #AOW Challenge, you can find the deets here. Scroll all the way down to lucky #7.)
For your first #AOW Challenge, we’re asking you to up your visual game. We’re challenging you to capture the essence of your character without using any words, only visuals. We know as writers, this may seem hard, but we’re confident that you can create something fantastic. So essentially ask yourself: how can you describe your character without words and only images?
We’ll give you a few jumping off points, but feel free to perform this challenge in whatever way works best for you. Would you create a beautiful graphic for your character? If Photoshop isn’t your strength, and Canva isn’t your jam, what about an elaborate Pinterest board? These are just a few ideas, but again, the sky’s the limit. There isn’t a right or wrong way to complete this challenge, all we ask is that you don’t use any words.
Once you complete your creation, post it on your character’s blog, and plop it into the #AOW Challenge and #AOW Talk tags so everyone can see your creation. We’re SO excited to see what you come up with. If you have any questions, holla at your admins.
♫ Just One Look at You, and I Know It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day ♫
We know we’re a little late getting this published, but don’t worry. We still wanna celebrate a couple more fantastic AOW Members this month!
Just in case you need refreshing, every month here we’re spotlighting two members and showering them with lots of love and affection. These members are selected at random, and we won’t have any repeats until everyone is featured. We’re doing this because we’re allllllll about spreading those good vibes. Also, we’re all about celebrating you, our amazing, wonderful, and incredibly talented members. You all deserve the world. Seriously.
Alright, enough blubbering from your admins. Let’s get on to AOW Members of the Month, May Edition.
CHANTEL: @catescrimgeour & @eldestbones
I love reading what you have on the dash, your characters are so interesting to read about and I love how life like they are. You have such interesting ideas and are wicked funny!! ---Haylie
It’s always a great pleasure to read Chantel’s characters on the dash. They are so beautifully crafted, with such depth and attention to details, they are real. Thank you for bringing them to life and sharing them with us. ---Stefano
Chantel is such a nice and warm person, I feel like she’s super supportive ooc and I love it when her characters pop up on the dash! I haven’t played with them much (gotta change that) but I’m a big fan of Henry, Cate AND Chantel. ---Harriet
As soon as I picked up Amelia, she was already messaging me on Discord for plots and threads. It made me so happy to know I had a sibling to rp with that is completely and totally dedicated! Chantel is so, so kind and always has something positive to say. ---Kt
Chantel, I am so glad our paths have crossed through RP. You are always so kind to others, and so receptive to their plots and ideas. Absolutely you are a team player, and I appreciate that about you so much. OCs admittedly used to worry me; not anymore. The fact that Cate and Henry weren’t part of the original design of this group astounds me because they fit so beautifully and offer so much. I already don’t want to imagine AOW without them—and especially without you. Thank you for being such a supportive ray of sunshine in AOW! I cant wait to see your characters grow on the dash and get to share more of this journey with you. ---Beth
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin, Chantel? We had the pleasure of crossing paths in the past, and I’m so glad you’ve followed us here. Before AOW was even established (hell, when we still called it the “New Place”), you were eager and excited about this opportunity. Your optimism, kindness, and friendly demeanor truly helped Beth and I position AOW, and figure out what and who we wanted to be as a group. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not to mention, you’ve brought two incredibly unique roles to the bunch. You should be so proud of the writing you’ve done! AOW has only been opened for a few months, and I already see Henry growing and developing---Cate is well on her way too! I’m totally rambling, but please know how truly grateful I am to have you in this group. (Never leave and take 10 characters, please?) ---Nicole
ILYATATH: @fletcher-mundungus
Mundungus has never been a fave character of mine but I really love how you’ve brought him to life! You make him so interesting and fun to read about and write against! And you are so nice!! ---Haylie
We have been rping together for ages. I’ve met dozens and dozens of Ilyatath’s characters over the years and it always amazes me how they come to life, each one of them unique and spectacular in their own way. Thank you. ---Stefano
I had never seen anyone play Mundungus until I saw Ilyatath play him and honestly ?? I was blown away. I never thought I would love Mundungus Fletcher so damn much but she has literally created such a good character. He sticks to the canon but she’s also so creative he’s become such a personality, you never know what he’s going to do or say next. Amazing 10/10 such great writing and characterisation. ---Harriet
I feel like whichever of my characters is talking to Mundungus, it’s going to be an enjoyable experience. I love seeing Dung in action. He’s got his unique place on the dash and his banter is always something I love to read, especially when I’m the one replying to it. Such a talented writer! ---Kt
Mundungus is a very bizarre character, not just in that he as a person is intriguing and off beat, but in that despite all that, I still love him so much?? You have always done a beautiful job with him, but this has been especially true these past couple of months at AOW. He’s such a clear and vivid person, and you and him both inspire me creatively, which I’m just so thankful for. You da best. ---Beth
Alright, I’m just going to say it: Ilyatath writes Mundungus Fletcher better than JKR did. YEP, I SAID IT. How you’ve managed to adhere to canon while still taking Dung on a unique path blows my mind. I’m in awe of your writing abilities! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful character with us. I cannot imagine AOW without your Mundungus. Also, you are so approachable and willing to plot. I feel like I could go to you with a crazy plot idea, and you would immediately begin writing the starter. I’m so grateful to have you here. (Please stay here forever and take all the characters!) ---Nicole
@all: We know we sent this out at the last minute (sorry about that!), so feel free to comment on this post with your kind words if you didn’t get a chance to submit. xoxoxo!
And count it, they did. The Knights of Walpurgis knew their victory would be worth its weight in something far more valuable than gold. They pushed forward, and recognition of their cause, as heavy as their billowing robes, draped itself over the world as they advanced. Whatever the cost, it was a cheap price for power— Power that the Wizarding world has never seen before.
The Death Eaters, as they are known now, have become a household name. What began as slow-burning fear inflames and expands every day. A war that will end in thunderous explosion only started with a whisper—of confusion, then disbelief, then outright terror.
But, much like a disco ball, the world keeps spinning. The Three Broomsticks overflows with eager Quidditch fans every weekend. Children giggle over eccentrically flavored ice cream at Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour. In the midst of it all, some have begun to realize that the everyday magic of their world is the cost. There is no end in sight; only a long, spiraling, black hole ahead. The price of inaction is nothing short of steep. The Wizarding world will gradually crumble in the hands of Death Eaters, so as they continue to do their worst.
But two can play that game—and they will. Behind closed doors, Albus Dumbledore and an elite few have begun to count the cost. Soon, they will prepare to pay it.
The Art of War RP is a canonical, Marauders Era Roleplay that follows the Order of the Phoenix prior to the Marauders’ graduation from Hogwarts. With a focus on character arcs and plot development, this small and literate roleplay strives to tell the untold stories of Harry Potter’s minor roles.
Howdy, fam. Say hello to another #AOW Challenge! Last time we encouraged you to get visual and capture the essence of your role. Now we’re challenging you to take a deep dive into a place or space important to your character. Intrigued? We hope so! Let’s get into the nitty gritty.
In this #AOW Challenge, we’re asking you to explore an environment familiar to your character. Perhaps it’s their current residence or childhood home, or maybe it’s a spot of great importance. However you interpret this is totally up to you and your character! All we ask is you use this challenge to explore a physical space that’s relevant to your role.
Once you’ve picked that environment, we want you to invite us all in. Okay, not literally, but we want you to describe that space—enough so that any member here can visualize this. Maybe you do this through a visual or Pinterest board; if graphics aren’t your jam, you could write a drabble or headcanon. However you want to describe this space is totally up to you. So go wild! Don’t let anything hold you back, and create something that feels right for you and your brilliant role.
Once you complete this challenge, post it on your character’s blog, and plop it into the #AOW Challenge and #AOW Talk tags so everyone can see. We’re looking forward to see what you come up with! If you have any questions, your friendly neighborhood admins are only an ask away. :)
Hey there, hi there, ho there. Happy Tuesday! So we hope you’ll enjoy this throwback tune as we introduce a new OOC element to The Art of War RP. Get ready, because it’s time to celebrate all you beautiful and talented souls. Say hello to the AOW Members of the Month, April Edition.
Every month, we’ll be spotlighting two members here at AOW. The members are selected at random, and there will be no repeats until all members have had the opportunity to be spotlighted. We’re doing this to not only spread good vibes, but also because, frankly, every member here is damn good. You all deserve awards, statues, two free tacos, and so much more. We admins want the opportunity to recognize every member here, and praise their hard work and dedication to this complicated and oftentimes intense era.
So… *drumroll* Surprise! We’ve already selected the two members for the month of April, so check out all that love below the cut, pals. So go on, look under the cut, and share those good vibes with your fellow members.
Cheers!
xx Beth & Nicole
NAY: @greengrasslexie & @dearborned
To Nay, who was one of the first people I met in a rp and lost contact with for years and years to follow, until a lovely rp by the name of The Art of War brought our paths together once more! I am so excited for such a lovely reunion, and a chance to plot with all your charas! I can’t wait to see how your writing has evolved. If either of you beautiful souls ever need ANYTHING, please do not hesitate to jump into my inbox. I am forever here if you need anything! —Laura
I totally LOVE your energy Nay! Whenever you are somewhere OOC there is this warm, energetic vibe which makes it really easy to talk to you. You are great OOC and I love your babies as well! —Thea
Nay! Although our characters haven’t interacted yet much on the dash, it’s been awesome plotting with and getting to know you so far. I love what I’ve seen of your characters and can’t wait to see more of your writing! —Katie
Nay is such a talented writer, my gosh. Every reply is like some kind of perfectly thought out poem, it’s actually nuts. Such beaut characters. —Harriet
I haven’t had much of a chance to interact with your characters on the dash yet, but I love how you always seem to have such a great and detailed grasp on who your characters are from the moment that you start playing them. That’s always so inspiring to see that you know who they are so quickly, and I can’t wait to interact more with them on the dash! —Haley
Nay, okay already stated that I suck at everything that is thoughtful but here we go. So, Nay, even though I haven’t really rped with Lexie and Caradoc (which we need to change that like right now like Xenophilius will annoy tf out of them), from reading how you portray them (because I stalk everyone on here), you so amazing. Both characters are so wonderful and you are so wonderful and like yeah, YA BABES AND YOU ARE GREAT OKAY? Hope you have an amazing day and I heart you and stuff XOXO —Kayla
Both of your characters are such delights and I love them so much okay! I feel like you bring such a beautiful balance with them because they’re so different and it just shows your qualities as a writer? Bless up for gracing us with two gorgeous muses!! —Mar
The ridiculously talented, intensely kind, fantastically, fabulous and wonderful, Nay. I’m so happy to be in an RP with you again, especially seeing your fantastically in depth and brilliantly molded characters. As usual, you have stunned me, put me under a spell, and made me truly enjoy just seeing Lexie and Caradoc on the dash. —Jinx
I LOVE NAY. She’s so funny to tease. My best moments I think was with Nay. Because Nay is that person that is like soooo fun to tease. Cuz her reactions are fucking GOLDEN. she’s all like BEE NO and i’m like BEE Y E S and it’s FUCKING GREAT.
AND I LOVE LEXIE. LUCIUS THINKS SHE LIKES HIM. THIS IS THE FUNNIEST THING EVER TO ME. EVERY TIME HE SEES HER HE’S ALL LIKE YEAH I’M THE FUCKING S E X I E S T THING ALIVE AND LEXIE’S INWARDLY LIKE WHAT A FUCKING WEIRDO. it’s great. i love it. i could do so much with this dynamic. —Bee
There’s never nearly enough female death eaters for my liking LOL so obviously I’m excited to see her on the dash. I’m eager to see where Lexie goes and what she does with her ranks. Caradoc is also an absolute gem and your take on him is new and refreshing. —Kt
Nay!! Hello, lovely!! So, I don’t think we’ve had much of a chance to interact on the dash, but we have roleplayed in the past and I love everything you write!! You are a true gem and I am truly blessed to have met you. You light up every conversation and never fail to make me smile. Never stop being you! <3 —Chantel
Both Lexie’s and Caradoc’s biographies are an expression of two characters that are different and yet both so beautifully crafted.
I love the difficult choice Lexie has been put in front of and the courage with which she made it, and I’m looking forward to see where her path will lead her and the choices she’ll have to make along the way.
Caradoc’s cynicism and the way he saw through Dumbledore make one interesting character that I’m eager to see more each day on the dash.
Thank you, Nay, for bringing them both alive! —Ilyatath
NAY! I need to attend your masterclass on writing, ok? You seamlessly weave lyricism and poetry into your writing (hell, even dialogue), and I’m continually in awe of your abilities. I’ve known you for awhile, lord knows we’ve seen some dark shit, and both you and your writing have grown into something so beautiful and captivating. Please be proud of the person and writer you’ve become. It’s truly a joy to write with you again, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. xo! -–Nicole
Nay, you have no idea how excited I was for you to join AOW! It’s been so long since I’ve been blessed to write with you. Your characters have always been full of depth, and you’ve always been so eager to plot and make connections. Neither Caradoc nor Lexie have been an exception, even in the short amount of time they’ve been here. Already you’ve done such an excellent job of establishing them, and weaving them into the fabric that makes up the whole rp. I am SO excited to see what more you do with them, and I can’t wait to come attack you with keysmashes over the impending pain I’m sure you’re planning behind the scenes already. —Beth
STEFANO: @carolyn-wilkes
To Stefano, who I just met! Carolyn seems like such a powerful character with so much depth, and I am eagerly awaiting her development! Not only that, but I truly feel honored to be able to get to know you as a person and hopefully become better friends as well! (And btw, may I just say that Stella Maeve is the BEST UNDERUSED FC EVER) If either of you beautiful souls ever need ANYTHING, please do not hesitate to jump into my inbox. I am forever here if you need anything! —Laura
I know we haven’t spoken much OOC, but I really love what you have done with Carolyn! She is so different from Slytherins and yet still has that streak somewhere in her. Great job! I cannot wait to see you develop her even more. —Thea
Ah, Stefano. You have to know how much I adore you by now but if you don’t, here’s your reminder. It has been a pleasure both rp-ing with you and being your friend the last few years, and it’s been a joy to see your writing progress so much! Honestly, your self-paras always slay me, no matter what character they’re for. I’m extremely happy that we’re going to be writing together again, and I’m so glad we’re friends! —Katie
I’m a big fan of Stefano’s writing, and how much detail he always includes in every sentence! He’s always replying to everyone’s starters and is very good at including people and is a great addition to the RP - you can always count on him for replies and that’s something I really love. —Harriet
I love seeing Carolyn on the dash. She’s such a complex character. You do such a great job of showing her struggle between loving and wanting to protect her brother and hating the position that he’s put her in. I also love that even though that’s a super important storyline, you bring so many other angles to her characterization, and I really enjoy having the chance to interact with her! —Haley
Stefano, okay so I’m not really good at thoughtful messages but I just wanted to say how much of an amazing person and writer you are. Carolyn is such an amazing character and you write her so well and she and you are just awesome okay? Like Xenophilius loves both of you as well okay? I need to stop this before I legit ramble, but I love both of you and you’re great<3 Hope your day and month is a blast and you awesome XOXO —Kayla
I’ve loved seeing Carolyn on the dash so, so much! I’ve been reading so many of your replies to see how she’s moving around in this world where things in her family are so messy and I just love the way you bring it all to life so much!! —Mar
While some older RPers can be intimidating, I enjoy your presence and your writing immensely. I think you’re awesome and I love LOVE seeing Carolyn around, I do. Not only do I love Carolyn’s depth, but I love that you’re using Stella Maeve which just goes to show you have fantastic taste. I’m so happy to have RPed with you and I can’t wait for more in the future. —Jinx
Lemme fucking tell you about Stefano, okay. Carolyn? Carolyn’s great. Carolyn’s a normal person. STEFANO. STEFANO IS A GENIUS. You wanna plan some Death Eater destruction? STEFANO’S ALL OVER THAT SHIT, OKAY. STEFANO HAS LIKE A FIFTY STEP PLAN. STEFANO IS LIKE MY EVIL FUCKING TWIN. I love him. Loooooove him. My god. Or devil. My devil.
Also the dynamic between Lucius and Carolyn is just funny to me. Before Hogwarts Lucius was like “oh yeah i get to go to the wilkeses to PLAY” and then Carolyn went to Gryffindor and Lucius was like Carolyn who??? —Bee
Thanks for coming to me and asking questions about my character. It was so thoughtful of you and I can’t wait to plot some more. How you portray Carolyn and the Derrick situation is so *heart eyes* and I’m excited to see where her heads at following Derrick’s sentence! —Kt
Stefano, you are an extremely talented writer! I love Carolyn Wilkes so much! While my interaction with her was brief, I enjoyed it immensely. I think Carolyn is so multi-faceted and there are so many layers to her that have yet to be revealed. I am so glad you are writing her and I hope we get to interact more in the future! You are wonderful and I look forward to getting to know you better!! <3 —Chantel
We have rp'ed together a long time, and I still have to tire to meet the characters you bring to life. Thank you for still trying and succeeding. —Ilyatath
Stefanooooo! I am so excited to write with you again. Carolyn is truly a gift, and I feel so fortunate to have her here at AOW. Your most recent drabble on Carolyn moved me to tears. Seriously! The way you’ve captured this role and continually bring her to life on this dash is both stunning and mesmerizing. Please take 10 more characters. ;) —Nicole
Stefano, I had no idea when you applied for Carolyn Wilkes back in WIK that you were going to be doing so much more than filling an open role. You’ve brought this complex, unique, REAL individual to life before my eyes. Watching her develop with the Derrick Wilkes plot has been so painful and so rewarding all at once, and more than wanting to hug and comfort her, I want to hug YOU for doing such a fantastic job and keeping my eyes glued to her blog for more. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and for bringing so much good shit to the dash (and please bring more heheh). —Beth
