The competition had nothing to do with me or Skulduggery — it was all to do with an educational video game designed to teach you maths and have, you know, actual fun while you do it. Incorporating historically accurate aspects of Native American tribal life and culture, the game was called Spirit Lake, and the competition was to find someone to become a character in it, using your name and likeness. Here's what I said about it at the time:
"And if this works like they hope it will, this could be the beginning of something huge. This could revolutionise teaching, and learning— not just in America but across the world— and it could be just the thing that's needed to help struggling students make that singular, all-important leap. This could change people's lives."
The competition was a great success. I got in some hilarious responses, and also some heartfelt ones, and while it was not easy to pick a winner, a winner I did pick.
And now I'm going to do it all over again.
These same awesome people — people who include the mother and sister of my personal (Twitter) friend, UFC champion Ronda Rousey* — have another game in development, called Forgotten Trail.
SO — if you like the idea of having a video game version of yourself teaching kids maths across America, give me your reasons why. In no more than thirty words, explain why you should win, and send your entries to skulteams@hotmail.com. You can enter as many times as you like, you can be any age, from any country, and the winner will be announced at the end of July.
Good luck!
* Yes, Ronda does count as a friend**.
** By friend I don't, of course, mean someone I've ever actually met, but that's not what's important here***.
*** What's important is that we're PALS. Some might say buddies. Kindred spirits, perhaps. I might even go so far as to say I've taught her everything she knows****.
**** I haven't ACTUALLY taught her everything she knows, but she knows that I would have, if ever I knew something that she didn't already know. Such as writing*****.
***** Although seeing as how Ronda's autobiography has made it to the New York Times bestseller list — a list I have yet to ACTUALLY grace — this probably isn't the best use of my, or her, time. But even so, I am sure there are PLENTY of things I could teach her. Though probably nothing useful or, you know, not-imaginary, like unicorn-taming, or yodelling******.
***** I'll shut up now.
4,893 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 3601 – 3800 of 4893 Newer› Newest»(*hugs Jaimie back* Hello, Jaimie.)
Liliana: I love you, Onwa.
Bethany: Okay... You are the most welcoming person that I know.
Claire: *she changes lanes on the motorway*
Lily: *she turns them, before opening her wings, using the gained speed to fly to Manuel's house even faster*
(I'm feeeeeling good.
(More music puns) really excited for this job.)
(*pokes gemmy* You're welcome :)
Hey Sophi.)
Onwa: I love you too Liliana.
Clearly you don't know yourself then.
*switches lanes too*
Manuel: *holds on*
(@Gemmy I'm glad you're excited. Hope you get it.)
(Hello, Gemma. Thank you for agreeing with me. I just think that suicide should not happen. But if it will, it should just be a personal matter. The moment you are at risk of hurting someone else, then it would surely be wrong to go through with it? You would be essentially be ruining people's days/lives for your own selfish desire to kill yourself - although it is not something you can help, it is still what you are doing. And I, personally, do not think it is right.)
(Thanks Jai ^.^)
(xD
You're welcome You're welcome You're welcome You're welcome You're welcome.)
(No, i don't think it's right either. If you really want to kill yourself you don't do it in public and ruin people's days/lives or, like the guy who crashed the plane, take everyone else with you)
(Jai shut up. It wasn't loading and i got impatient >.<)
(*grins*)
(*glares at Jai*
It's a love-hate relationship.
(Heheh)
Liliana: Mmm... You need to relax more.
Bethany: I think I do, I just think you're better...
Lily: *she breaks off into a hover, landing beside Manuel's house*
(*flicks Gemmy's nose*)
Onwa: *chuckles*
Mmm.. perhaps.
I'd disagree.
Manuel: *sets his feet on the ground, loosening her hold*
(Gemma, in a similar manner that people throw themselves off of bridges on motorways and highways, causing damage to cars that pass underneath, possibly injuring the driver and also possibly causing a large car crash.)
(**his)
Liliana: *she massages Onwa's shoulders deeper*
Bethany: Well, I suppose it's just opinions...
Lily: *she lets him go* Better?
Onwa: *groans happily, relaxing more*
Exactly.
Manuel: *nods*
Indeed. Thank you..
*hands over her bag with the clothes in*
(Oi. Leave my nose alone.
Yeah, Soph. It's really selfish actually. I mean, i could understand jumping off bridges into water because most of the time you would be dead before you hit the water. But you're right, i didn't think about anyone having to go get the body or people passing in the cars...)
(*grins, flicking gems nose again*)
(Indeed. And then there are witnesses to consider.)
Liliana: Mmm... Yes, you need to relax more.
Bethany: Are you looking forward to the trip?
Lily: Thank you. *she smiles, taking the bag* *she gets the clothes out, before handing him back the gloves*
Onwa: Yes I do..
Yes. Well, mostly. It should be nice, more family time.
Manuel: Keep the gloves, I insist.
(Grr.)
(*laughs*
*hugs gemmy*)
(Msd if so brb.)
Liliana: *she smiles, cuddling her, moving around to sit in her lap*
Bethany: With or without the killing...?
Lily: *she shakes her head* No, it's fine.
(Back.)
Onwa: *smiles, kissing her gently*
*gently starts massaging her shoulders*
It'd be enjoyable without the killing.
Manuel: Please?
(Welcome back, Jaimie.)
Liliana: *she kisses her back, relaxing against her* Mmm...
Bethany: But what Claire wants...
Lily: No, honestly, I'm fine. Where I'm going, there's no plastic so...
(Thank you *smiles*)
Onwa: *smiles, massaging her shoulders deeper*
I know. And I'll help her. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy it here.
Manuel: If you wish..
Liliana: *she closes her eyes, relaxing more*
Bethany: True... I just don't think revenge will help her? Even if she is kind of obsessed with the concept anyway...
Lily: *she hugs him* Thank you for being kind.
Onwa: *smiles, kissing her neck gently, continuing to massage her shoulders*
I know. And it might not but.. that's something she needs to learn herself unfortunately..
Manuel: *hugs her back*
You are welcome. Take care.
Hiya!!!
How are we all???
Mbd/msd
(hiya rhy :P :)
i'm good :D wby? )
Heya!! I'm good! :)
Btw have we met before? Don't recognized your name :/
(I was conductor, said hi a couple times nothing more... I killed him off because people wouldn't believe where it was going... i've seen you around as ghosted for ages thou so :P)
Ah, rightio then. *nods*
(sorry for distance kinda watching OITNB :P)
(*nods more * :P
whatchu been upto? if you don't mind my asking...)
Not much tbh with ya. Wbu?
(my wifi crapped out sorry ... just back from holiday so just that tbh...)
Hello! Anyone here?
(*whispers* I think my sister is slightly insane.. she's sat sniffing/hugging her boyfriends shirt because "it smells like him")
Hi Jai! *hugs*
(*hugs back* Hey Vi. Got any spare characters I can introduce/greet to blogland since ariana is taken?)
(Wait. Actually msd.)
Well I made a group of characters. They're all in the same story/back story thing, but yeah. At the point that I started, Ariana had wandered away from the group to survey the area, I guess. So you could meet someone else.
Oh, okay
(@Ari sure. Go for it :)
(Go for it, if I disappear I'm eating.)
(Okay, let's try starting something...huh...let's give it a go)
Vitalia: *is pacing around seemingly empty clearing, decked out in ninja gear, closely observing the darkness in the trees*
*sees other person* *calls out* Hello! Might I ask who you are?
*steps out, smiling her cutest 12 year olds smile, putting some bounce in her child sized steps*
Hello! Are you a ninja! That's so cool!
*laughs at adorableness*
Yes, I am. Thank you. Now what would a little thing like you be doing in the woods at night?
So tired . . .
Hey star! *hugs*
Hey Andviolet. :)
Wbd . . . biology and further maths exams tomorrow . . . Must revise . . . tired . . .
Oh. Exams are not fun. I have a bunch this week. I'm also really annoyed at my English teacher. Tomorrow is our last day of classes before exams, and a lot of teachers consented to let us bring in food and just hang out or study, but I have a critical essay due tomorrow :P
Mummy and me are playing hide and seek! I'm winning!
*smiles, moving closer*
Oh, okay. Are you hiding? *backing away, continuing on laps* or seeking?
I'm hiding. Mummy hasn't found me and it's been AGES.
*her shimmering silver hair reaches her waist*
*is following the Ninja girl*
Who are you? What's your name? Are you my mummy?
I'm not from here, but you can call me Vitalia. And sorry, no, I'm not your mummy. I could help you find her if you'd like. It's getting a little late now, don't you think?*keeps walking quickly enough so little girl can follow but there is a decent space between them* What's your name, little girl?
I'm Ashlea! Vatalia is a nice name! Why are you running away?
*skips, catching up to her, trying to grab and hold her hand*
*stops and turns to look at Ashlea, grabs her hand* It's Vitalia. And I'm not. I'm keeping watch for my friends. *hesitates, trying to word this* They're around here somewhere, but you can't see them.
*smiles*
*whispers*
Are they invisible? Invisible friends are cool.
No, they aren't invisible... They're just hiding too. Why don't we go look for your mummy? Do you know where she might be?
*shakes head*
*btw she's called Silente, she's just using her given name to make herself seem safer*
She said she'd find me soon.. that was before the sun ran away..
*is waiting for the right moment*
*releases hand, starts making rounds again, rather quickly*
Okay, well where was the last place you saw her?
*frowns at having her hand dropped*
I.. I don't know..
*hugs herself*
Has mummy ran away?
*walks back, gently hugs Silente* I'm sure she hasn't. Don't worry, we'll find her. I just really need to protect my friends. Why don't you stay with till morning, then we'll looks for your mummy *smiles*
*hugs her back, smiling while Vitalia can't see*
*brings her knee rocketing up with inhuman speed, aiming between vitalia's legs*
*is hit, stumbles back, but quickly recovers, holding right hand, palm open, from which a stunning lift flashes, bright enough to knock a person unconscious*
*covers her eyes quickly, hissing, shaking her head*
*screws her eyes closed and leaps (again with inhuman speed) at Vitalia, aiming to grab her wrist and twist it back*
*stays hidden in the treehouse, not wanting to terrify the newbie, forgetting probably it'd be an honor for her to meet me*
*while right hand gets twisted painfully back, left arm tightly wraps around her neck, going for a sleeper hold(with not quite inhuman, but still ninja fast speed)*
*grunts, grabbing the arm that's trying to strangle her, holding it away from her neck with her extra strength*
*starts squeezing, putting pressure on the bone*
*reluctantly comes down*
Can we not murder every new person to set foot?
*grins at Zaffy*
(Well hi guys. That looks fun.
I got both jobs that i went for btw but i'm choosing Gambado, obviously. ^.^)
(@Gemmy Yey!!! Lucky you!!! :D)
(I know, i am lucky...people have been looking for much longer than n
me.
Andviolet, want to continue? I'm sure Rhos won't mind.)
(*nods at gemmy*)
(Sorry, disappeared, had to unload a bunch of stuff from my dad's car)
*the bone snaps loudly, and Vitalia screams, hitting a button on a gadget on her right wrist, hissing at the pain. A campsite becomes visible in the clearing, and Vitalia runs into it, disappearing with it*
*looks at the newbie then to Sil*
Let's be nice, Silente. No murdering new people....or me.
(Hello.)
Liliana: *she sighs happily* Mmm... You are good.
Bethany: ... Shouldn't we be protecting her from things like this?
Lily: You too. *she vanishes in a flash of light*
*stretches, smiling*
Welcome to blogland Vitalia! I don't know if you're listening but I want to say hello from all the bloglandians. Also I hope you enjoyed your initiation. You're tough enough to survive here, don't worry.
Onwa: Why thank you.
Probably..
Manuel: *blinks at the flash of light*
*and is now alone again*
()
*smiles at Zaffy in a sickly sweet way*
Hello murderous murderess.
*slowly reemerges from the apparent nothingness of the clearing, clothing broken arm*
Thank you. So can I assume, at least for now, that you aren't going to try to kill me? If not, I don't think I will be hanging around here much longer...
*clutching
()
We won't try to kill you again no. I'm Silente Tempest.
Nice to meet you, and that certainly is reassuring. I would shake you hand, but this broken arm is mighty inconvenient. Might I ask if any of you have happened come across my friend Ariana in the woods? She's...let's say she's rather skilled at healing.
Liliana: *she kisses Onwa passionately* Mmm... My fiancée.
Bethany: I suppose she's mature enough, but...
()
Can't say I have but I might be able to help with that?
No. I haven't. And I don't kill people, Silente. I just am stuck with the task of doing the paperwork for deaths
Onwa: *kisses her passionately back, grinning*
I know..
()
*glares at zaf*
No, no. You just erase people and have people beheaded and spike people's drinks.
Would you mind? This hurts a whole awful lot.
I did no such thing! *looks truly confused, not remembering ever doing something like that*
()
Liar!!! You did all of those things to me!
*glares*
*claps her hands together, activating the sigils there*
*carefully takes a hold of Vitalia's arm, the sigil healing it*
*shakes out arm* Thank you. Can I also assume that no harm will come to my friends, if they stop hiding?
Liliana: Mmm... I can't wait to get married.
Bethany: Maybe it is something she has to figure out by herself... But I feel bad for letting her do it?
(I will be back soon.)
W-when did I do that? *looks uncertain*
Onwa: *smiles*
I know how you feel..
()
They won't be hurt by me.
*glares at zaf*
Spiked me at the requiem ball. Beheaded me after the requiem ball with intentions of making my head into a lamp. Erased me a couple of weeks after, changing my personality!
Alright, I'm going to take your word on that. But maybe in the morning. For now I'm going to let them sleep. So... You say this land is called Blogland? Is there a ruler here?
I can't believe I would do that. *sighs*
No, we don't have a ruler, I'm Grand Mage of America.
Okay, well. Im not really sure where to go from here. Pleasure to meet you all.
()
There's no ruler of blogland, no.
*glares at Zaf*
Yes, you did that. I got no apology, just the promise that it wasn't over.
*shoves Zaf*
So stop acting all innocent.
()
Pleasure to meet you too.
I...I really- *stumbles, after being pushed*
Alexis: Sil, enough. She has memory loss thanks to Loki mind controlling her. I can read her mind.
Is there any place that would offer five people shelter that would be available? This campsite will only work for too long. And besides, the shield is exhausting Chase. The boy needs real rest.
(Oh helll Rhos. I totally wasn't going to continue without you hahahaha...haa...
Andviolet, want to continue with Ariana? It's your move.)
(*blinks*
Chase.. right.)
()
*glares at Alexis*
That doesn't mean she's excussed from what she did. Actions have consequences.
(Yeah, sure... Where did we leave off though?)
Alexis: She doesn't even remember hurting you, Sil. Give it a rest, she's terrified of most people.
(It was your turn. Look back. It started snowing basically.)
("*shouts* Hello anyone alive out there, can anyone here me?" )
()
*to Alexis*
I don't care. She still hurt me. If I killed someone then hit my head and lost my memory I've still killed someone.
*glares at Zaf*
*to Vitalia*
You could probably build something?
(*hugs obviously*)
(you can't know where something invisible is to hug it.)
Okay...
Ariana: *unsheathes two daggers and approaches Chione*
What are you gunna do? Make me get cold. Well brrr *slices in her direction, aiming at her stomach*
Alexis: Stop, Sil.
*sighs and turns from*
(*hush with your logic*)
()
No! Why should I??
*glares at Alexis*
Oh, boo frickin hoo zaffy lost her memory of trying to kill me numerous times. That doesn't excuse it!
*grabs Zaffy by the shoulder, spinning her around*
Look at me b*tch.
Well i suppose Snow does make you cold.
*stares at her with her snowflake eyes*
*dodges the dagger with ease*
The thing with snow is, that it's hard to catch.
*smirks*
*freezes, obviously petrified*
Alexis: Let her go, or I will make you suffer.
*the snow starts falling over the whole forest including the clearing and where Sil, Zaffy and Vit are*
()
*glares at Zaffy*
You are not forgiven. And you won't ever be. Enjoy your time as Grand Mage, it won't last long.
*squeezes her shoulder, not quite hard enough to break bone, then shoves her over*
Ariana: Oh no, I am not playing chase. Either you stay where we can fight or I walk away.
Vitalia: What the...?
()
*frowns at the snow*
*shadows pierce at Sil, something in Zaf's eyes shows her anger* Leave me alone, stop trying to kill me over the past.
()
*dodges the shadows, grinning*
Okay. I won't try kill you. Hmm.. wonder if you've upgraded your sanctuary yet.
(*is concerned about invis*)
(@Invis ..*hugs tightly*)
Or my Sanctuary.
()
*raises an eyebrow at Zaffy*
*whispers*
Race ya!
*laughs opening a portal*
Vitalia: *pushes gadget button, campsite appears once again* Chase! *boy about twelve years old trudges out of a tent*
Chase: *yawning with bags under his eyes* Yes Vitty? *looks around* Why is it snowing?
Vit: you mean you aren't doing this?
Chase: *shakes his head* I'm tired Vitty...
Vit: *hugs Chase* it's okay. These people are friends. You can keep the shield down for the rest of the night.
Chase: thank you Vitty. *trudges back to tent*
Vit: turns to others. Well...that was Chase, everybody
(Invis, I don't know who you are, but don't.)
(Hello?)
(Chloe, email.)
(Hello Chloe *hugs*)
Hey Jai and vi *huggles both*)
(Keiron don't.)
(I thought it was Keiron
Please don't...)
(don't what?)
(Don't 'speed up the inevitable'. And don't pretend that wasn't you, 00039515)
(Right
Does anyone know :
Magical Rayna
Kara
On skype?)
(@Chloe no?)
(I'm back from distance was,
Room tidy and showered too :)
So what's been going down in me absence??? )
(Hey rhos
It was you k, I checked
And they both want to add me on my skype and I for know them )
(Hey Chloe.)
Oh no, i won't be running.
*the snow turns into icicles and rains down on Ari*
(-_- *sighs* speed is more fun than slow.)
(Hey gem ^.^)
(Hello Chloe, Gem, Jai and K
Chloe, I have no idea who those people are on skype....
I say don't add them just jn case you know )
(I don't intend to)
Ariana: *dodges all but one icicle, the last one stabbing through her shoulder. Ariana pulls it out and the wound heals* *actually laughs* Is that all you've got? *very quickly stabs daggers at Chione's knees, hoping to knock her over or make her stumble*
I bloody give up.
(fair doo's probably your best bet Chlo :) )
(*watches what's going on because yeah, why not lol* )
(What's up Zaf?
Rp rhos?)
hey everyone :)
(yeah okay Chlo
Continue from yesterday?) (I think last was you?
Double check on that though )
(Hi Fera and Garrett)
hey violet :)
(I think so rhos
Will e a minute
Multi tasking
Hey fera)
(How be you?)
violet: I be fine :) How are you? ^_^
clo: :)
(*sinks back to the background*)
rhos: Hey man, I would like to apologize ^_^
(Hi Violet :) )
(Chlo, this was the last thing:
Taw: *huggles*
Alys:L *kisses and wraps arms around him* ) (so go from there???)
Gar: *smiles happily, kisses Taw behind her ear and shadow walks them to another room for a little privacy*
Vik: *continues the kiss, and places a hand behind her head, the other on her back*
(Pretty good, except for the fact that I need to write a critical essay about Romeo and Juliet by tomorrow and haven't started it last yet... But I got to go in a hot tub yesterday, so I'm doing okay ;))
(Hey Fera and don't worry bout that man *bro fist* all water under the bridge :) )
(Okay rhos ^.^)
Taw: *smiles and kisses-8
Alys; *continues and dares to add a but if passion*
rhos: Hehe, i honestly didn't expect such a good response, I am really glad it is under the bridge :) *brofist* ^_^
violet: Yeah i love hot tubs :D so you SHOULD be okay :P
*the daggers pass through her as she turns into water*
*crafts twin katanas from water and freezes them*
Ok. Let's actually fight now.
*lunges for Ariana crossing the swords over her torso*
*does backflip and manages to deflect swords with her dagger enough to run to the side*
*quickly puts daggers away and takes out her sword* Great. I love a good fight. Jumps on Chione, ignoring her sword for now and trying to knock her down with physical force*
(Well Fera, I'm full of surprises lol and yeah its Better to be that way,
Better to friends then at each others throats
Ahh screw it Bro hug me! *bro hugs!* )
Gar: *kisses her back, smiling his seductive smile*
Vik: *does the same but with more passion* *gently runs a hand through her hair, tickling her ears*
Taw; *smiles* cheeky
Alys: *sniles and adds passion*
(Also, just to people here in Blogland in general, I have been considering posting on this blog some of my pieces of writing(they are all in progress books, I have found that I have an inability to write short stories and have to write in chapters), any thoughts on whether I should or not?)
violet: I am happy to see you're joining in with the whole role play thingy :D :)
rhos: yes, i would definitely agree with that :) *bro HUGS* :D ^_^
????: *crouches in the middle of the road, alone, feeling the road vibrating under her hands*
(Fera: yeah, I'm happy people helped me join in, rping is a lot of fun so far XD)
(my thoughts exactly Fera :D ^.^ ) (between you and my rl friends, I seriously use so many emojis.... Lol )
Gar: *still with the smile on his face* thats exactly what you love though *winks*
Vik:*again ups the passion, with a smile and a bit of tongue*
(that's a really good + cool idea Vi, best place for stories really (either that or in a book shop lol ). )
rhos: haha, i do too, and when i put emojis, my face is usually that emoji as well :D
(Okay Garrett(just realized I never asked if you want to be called that or not, so please tell me your preferred name)thanks for the advice. If I posted some writing, would anyone here read it? I would appreciate it, but please, no pressure to)
????: *frowns at the rumbling that's getting louder*
Truck: *is driving quickly*
Taw; that's true
Alys:*also uses tongue *
(Lol Fera, I get you that happens to me too :D
I think that's why they exist :P ;;;;; )
(Yeah Garrett, Gar, or Rhos are fine Vi
I answer to all of them :) and i would read your writing! )
(Jai?? What are you doing with ???? ?
What's with the truck?? )
(
i'm sorry, to everyone, for everything.
*leaves hugs*)
rhos: perhaps :P :)
can i join in the roleplay or something? ^_^ :P
????: *looks up at the headlights, hissing loudly*
Truck: *driver curses, slamming on his breaks, smashing into ????*
keiron: it's ok *hugS*
Felix: *shouts* look out!
*jumps anmd pushes her out the way*
Gar: Hehe you know what I love??
Vik: *ups the ante, with more tongue and shiz* (trying not to go in depth you know coz yeah... )
*bit late Felix*
Post a Comment