Kippo
Kippo
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“You want creative control? Go independent. But as long as Kippo and Monroe's publishing, I decide what's "crucial."
— Kippo
Kippo is a loudmouthed asuran publisher and owner of Kippo and Monroe, the allegedly best publishing house on all of Tyria. He promotes the top writing talent of the world—or at least authors whose books earn him the most revenue regardless of their actual writing quality. He also has ambitions to be at the forefront of new media and plans to import Canthan jade technology to other continents, believing that the general public will eventually move from reading books to watching interactive "move-ies."
Biography[edit]
Early years[edit]
Smelling revenue in book publishing business, Kippo founded the Kippo and Monroe publishing house. When the two of them parted ways, Kippo kept Monroe's name on the company for a cheaper buyout. When word of the controversial Snargle Goldclaw's works spread, Kippo smelled a business opportunity and began publishing the charr author's books. However, he did not care for Snargle's carefully constructed prose as he wanted to get to the "good stuff" of eroticism and smut to titillate readers and ensure controversy and big sales much to Snargle's frustration. When Kippo learned of the talented author Bonnie Kunderah, he took her under his wing too, delighting in witnessing how well SUPER ADVENTURE BOX: THE OFFICIAL NOVEL sold.
End of Dragons[edit]
When Cantha opened its borders to Tyrian and Elonian visitors in 1335 AE following the Elder Dragon Aurene and the Pact Commander's arrival on its shores, Kippo seized the opportunity of expanding his business and traveled to Shing Jea Island alongside his promoted authors Bonnie and Snargle for a booksigning tour and urged Snargle to finish his latest novel for him as per their signed contract. While staying at Shing Jea Monastery, Kippo and Snargle got into an argument when Kippo wished Snargle to cut out a seemingly boring chapter from Destiny's Pledge in order to get to the titillating parts faster.
Realizing how fresh and rich the untapped Canthan market truly was, Kippo decided to send Bonnie to New Kaineng City and Snargle to the tengu of the Echovald Wilds to promote their works. Snargle was horrified by the thought of being sent to some remote forest, especially when losing a prime city location to his now authorial rival Bonnie. Kippo remained adamant, however, and threatened to send Snargle back to the Eye of the North on the first available airship if the charr did not comply. Kippo also appeared in Canthan holonews promoting Bonnie's novel and her book-promoting tour in New Kaineng City in particular.[1]
As time passed, Kippo visited Arborstone to check how Snargle was doing. He was furious how Snargle had been giving away copies of his books and spending time on a journey to rediscover himself instead of finishing his new novel as per their contract. Kippo gave Snargle an ultimatum: either the charr author finished his book, or he would be fired. Both Snargle and Bonnie felt like Kippo was stifling their creativity, so they ultimately parted ways with him and founded their own publishing house named Goldclaw and Kunderah.[2]
After witnessing how advanced Cantha had become thanks to jade tech and the popular holodramas, Kippo wanted Kippo and Monroe to be at the forefront of what he called "new media." According to him, customers would soon move on from reading books to embracing what future entertainment had to offer. During his discussions with the Pact Commander, Kippo fantasized about future fictional stories taking the form of "move-ies" which audiences could control and interact with in real time to feel like they were actually living the stories.
Location[edit]
- Seitung Province
- Shing Jea Monastery (before beginning Character Growth)
Dialogue[edit]
- (Upon first interact)
- Kippo: Hang on a minute... "Commander of Your Heart," right? Snargle never stops yappin' on about ya.
- Kippo: Name's Kippo; sole owner of Kippo and Monroe. Had to keep the schmuck's name for a cheaper buyout.
- (Otherwise)
- Your frame is a bit less...sculpted than Snargle described. But he got your "striking demeanor" pretty accurate. Let's talk, shall we?
What were you and Snargle discussing?
- Kippo: Oh, these writers—all of 'em wants to write the next "Great Tyrian Novel."
- Kippo: Snargle's got a cush gig going. All his readers want is a little erotic passion. Titillation. Action!
- Kippo: Sure, they need enough artsy crap so they don't gotta be embarassed if you catch 'em reading "A Kralkatorrid Affair."
- Kippo: But—and excuse my Elonian—sex friggin' sells! I'm only pushing Snargle to play on his strengths, limited though they may be.
- So you're...a publisher?
- Kippo: Best in the business. My company represents the top writing talent in the world. And Snargle Goldclaw.
- Kippo: You ever heard of Bonnie Kunderah?
- Snargle Goldclaw: Grr...
- Kippo: A rising star. I don't know if her prose is any good; that don't matter none. Her books fly off the shelves like hotcakes.
- Kippo: If you see Bonnie around, tell her Kippo sent ya and she'll hook you up with a signed copy of her book. On the house.
- Kippo: "SUPER ADVENTURE BOX: THE OFFICIAL NOVEL". (chef's kiss) It prints gold, baby!
- What brought you to Cantha?
- Kippo: Well, two of my best-selling authors came to Shing Jea for book signings.
- Kippo: Snargle's actually eleventh best selling now; don't tell him that. No need to kick the poor bastard while he's down.
- Kippo: This market's an untainted paradise. Millions of fresh eyeballs and untapped wallets.
- (After "What brought you to Cantha?")
- So you're here to sell books?
- Kippo: You bet. But that's not all! D'you know Cantha's living in the future while the rest of us mopes are still eating dirt?
- Kippo: That's coming from an asura. They watch theater projected from their jade technology. Moving pictures!
- Kippo: I want K&M at the forefront of new media. Cause pretty soon, ain't nobody gonna be readin' books.
- Kippo: Maybe one day, the audience could even control these move-ies. An interactive experience. Feel like you're really there!
- Kippo: Of course, when that day comes we won't even need writers like poor Snargle here.
- Kippo: We'll let the audience make their own stories, all pretend-like. Then I'd be through dealing with these prima donnas.
Maybe later, Kippo.
Gallery[edit]
Kippo and Snargle Goldclaw argue about their different business views at Shing Jea Monastery.
Related achievements[edit]
Seitung Province: Authorial Intent — Check in on an old friend in Cantha. (1
)
Arborstone: Character Growth — Help Snargle Goldclaw overcome a slump in his career. (15
)
Trivia[edit]
- Kippo is voiced by Nolan North. He speaks in a very stereotypical Brooklyn accent.
References[edit]
- ^ Canthan holonews with Han-Gyeol
- Han-Gyeol: [Kippo]: Kippo here from Kippo and Monroe Publishing. Do you like books? Well, that's good, 'cause I got 'em.
- Han-Gyeol: [Kippo]: Bonnie Kunderah is taking Cantha by storm—a jade storm—with her novel, SUPER ADVENTURE BOX: THE OFFICIAL NOVEL.
- Han-Gyeol: [Kippo]: Come see Bonnie on her first international tour...today!
- Han-Gyeol: [Kippo]: ...And also Snargle Goldclaw.
- ^ The Cycle, Reborn
- Snargle Goldclaw: Commander. I believe congratulations are in order. You've saved the world yet again.
- Snargle Goldclaw: Oh, me? I'm taking some time off before my next endeavor.
- Snargle Goldclaw: Goldclaw and Kunderah Publishing House will officially begin operation this year!
- Snargle Goldclaw: There's a minor dispute over whose name comes first, but Bonnie will come to see the equity inherent in the Goldclaw name.
