A Tribute: No More Snakes and Ladders (by Reremouse & Tabaqui)

[katekat]

There once was a fic.  A massive, intense, beautiful fic that starts out at the bottom of a pit in Sunnydale (sorta) and climbs to dizzying heights.  Written by two of my most favorite Buffy-verse authors.  Every line is love.  And since I first discovered it I've read it, and re-read it, and honestly if the computer screen or the links had the ability to wear away they would have with the number of times I've returned to take in a chapter or two, or go through the whole long ride one more time.  So you'll understand that I couldn't just make one graphic for this fic.  I couldn't even just make two.  Instead, like the fic itself that has 25 "squares", I've made a graphic for each chapter.  Each is a little visual ditty that hopefully will evoke a little something for each of you that have read it (or if you haven't, please, go read it).

So, I'd like to introduce to you to:

No More Snakes And Ladders
by reremouse and tabaqui
Spike/Xander, NC17

1280x1024 l 1024x768

Comments

[darkhavens.livejournal.com]

Dayum! This is - they are - gorgeous! And now I need to reread NMS&L cos all those quotes have pulled me back in. Beautiful work!

[katekat]

thanks so much sweetie!!! they've been a labor, but a labor of love, and I'm so glad they made you want to go back and reread - that was *exactly* what I was going for!

[katekat]

question for you - would it be ok if i posted this at bloodclaim?

[darkhavens.livejournal.com]

Hell yes! NMS&L is a modern classic and deserves all the pimping and praise it can get. :D

(Also, that Old Speckled Hen image made me grin because I got to pick the beer for that scene, as beta and Brit-picker. *g*)

[katekat]

woot! thanks :D

(Also, that Old Speckled Hen image made me grin because I got to pick the beer for that scene, as beta and Brit-picker. *g*)

LOL that's *awesome*!

[darkhavens.livejournal.com]

And now a question for you. :D

I've just finished piecing together a single html file of NMS&L and would love to include your graphics and produce a PDF/zipfile of the whole thing, all duly credited, of course.

I would give copies to Tabaqui and Rere and it would be their decision to share with fandom at large (or not, but I can't see that happening, *g*), but I'm sure they'd love for you to have your own copy, whatever they decide.

If you could let me know your decision ASAP that would be great. :D

[katekat]

OH MY GOD YOU DID IT!?!

I attempted it, actually, just to see if I could do it for myself, and I couldn't get past the fifth chapter. You? Are amazing! The work that entailed is just staggering.

And *of course* you can use them!! Though are you pasting into a word doc and then pdf-ing it or using a different type of pdfing program? (the only reason why i ask is for programs like indesign when it creates the pdf the graphics look low-rez and grainy)

If the second is the case, or if when you do a test the graphics look grainy, I could actually try giving you a set of files with higher-resolution than 72 dpi. I wouldn't be able to finish a higher reze set in the next four days (family stuff) but could have it for you after xmas.

Or, if you think they're ok, then absolutely!! (also, i don't know if it was obvious from the posting, but that "teaser" graphic is actually a full size cover too).

Thanks so much for asking - that's just AWESOME!

[darkhavens.livejournal.com]

I've been working on it for the last... week and a half? The days have all blurred together in a flurry of copying and pasting and tweaking code and doing a little bit of betaing too. (I've beta'd for both authors long enough to know what they'll let me get away with and where their blind spots are. *g*)

I took a shortcut, I suppose you could say, and edited the lj source code of each Square into one huge (2.06MB) html file, spent some time tidying everything up, then went back and coded in the graphics. (I did get the fullsized 'cover' when I snagged the others, thanks!)

I used ABBYY PDF Transformer to turn the html into a PDF while I was waiting for your okay. (I had another, graphics-free, version of the html standing by just in case. ;) )

The graphics look good to my untrained eye, but I can email you a copy of the PDF if you'd like, so you can decide for yourself. :D

[katekat]

hi lady - just got back into town from family visits, sorry i hadn't replied to this! anyway, i'm sure they're totally fine :D

[darkhavens.livejournal.com]

It's all done and just waiting to be shared. If you want to PM me your email I can send you a copy straightaway. :D

[biodamped]

I have never SEEN this story before but you have just given me good cause to go and read it. Gorgeous work as always Kate!

(oh, and you've furthered my desire for a BtVS rewatch but that happens every summer)

[katekat]

DUDE! I can't recommend this highly enough!!!

(and i'm like that, you know i am)

*squish*

[missus-grace.livejournal.com]

Wow. That is fantastic! I also love to read and re-read this story...

[katekat]

It's one of my favorite comfort fics! Thanks sweetest!

[beloved4always.livejournal.com]

I've never read this but these graphics are just beautiful!! The authors must be thrilled by your tribute. thanks for sharing it.

[katekat]

I *highly* reccomend (if that isn't kind of obvious) - and thank you so much for the lovely comment! They were indeed thrilled (thankfully *grin*)

[literati.livejournal.com]

Absolutely stunning. I'm in awe! ♥ ♥

[katekat]

AWWW! you are too sweet - thanks lady!!

[aayesha-r.livejournal.com]

There are no words for how awesome this is. Most, but not all, of the images evoke memories, and I know the ones that don't are because I haven't read the story often or recently enough. They inspire me to reread the story on a virtual scavenger hunt to find the sources for your inspiration for each square.

And, oh, you included the douse, and it's perfect!

[katekat]

You are too sweet! Thank you so much for this fantastic feedback - knowing that i recalled parts of the story for you prove that i was doing something right (and as far as the images you might not be sure of, sometimes they were things mentioned in a single line, so don't feel bad!).

And happy rereading. Oh, and I wouldn't have left out the douse for anything!! *grin*