Shy

[quote name='Raiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Either way I'm not sure precisely what our group's objective is besides to ensure that Bavaria gets a bad case of frostbite, which I'll be happy to not treat.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE][size=1]Search for any Xear artifacts. Recover them. Etcetera. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Sandy and I have been conversing over Facebook (all of the cool kids are doing it) and he has been following The Almagest Expedition pretty closely. He sent me a message with some of his thoughts, and I figured it would be appropriate to share most of them here. Although we never saw eye-to-eye on most things, Sandy really created Czenovia in the first place. I value his opinion, and hope you do the same![/size] [quote=Sandy]I've now finished reading the whole damn shebang (gawd I've forgotten how long posts you guys write!), and I have to say the adventure's starting to get very interesting! First of all, I love reading about the world and how it has expanded from the first game. Some things are a bit ret-conned, but that was to be expected with this many new players in the mix. There's quite a lot going on, though, and the connection between all the different groups don't seem very clear to an outsider like me yet. I'm not even sure what exactly the groups are going to find from Mt. Vosper, except some Xear ruins. :P I also quite like some of the new characters (especially Edith Grimoire, James has truly created a masterpiece of her!), although many of them are without any distinctive personal traits. The Almagests themselves are charming as ever. Fauntleroy is still his own self, Victoria has grown up but hasn't stopped being the nosy brat she is, and Macey is still very much a Raiha-type of character. Compared to her, your Belmonda seems like a cheap copy, but I trust you have better plans for her. ;) I know I caused it myself, but it still makes me a bit sad that nobody has even mentioned Gadget in the story, not even as a side note. It's like he never existed... Everyone praises Daedalus for sacrificing himself to stop the revolution, while it was actually Gadget who destroyed the cannon. But of course, no one but Leonhart knows this, so it figures. :P Anyway, I'm hoping you haven't forgotten the rest of the cast from the last game: especially Catherine might prove very useful, she knows the Xear language, after all (I have no idea why Gustave and Victoria aren't asking her for advice instead of trying to search answers from an enormous library). Also, Eva specialized in Chimaera-creation, so it would be intriguing to find out how far her studies have progressed during the gap between the games. So, congrats on getting me to check OB again after such a long break. It's been a bittersweet trip down the memory lane (although it hasn't even been a year yet since I left the place), but I just couldn't resist.[/quote][size=1]So there you go. If the co-creator of Almagest is having trouble understanding the various group dynamics, I wonder if that's an area which might need some improvement. Hurm. If anyone has any questions regarding the RPG/story let me know. I have some very specific ideas for what is going to happen with the Anovans/Church, but I trust Indi will be able to cause trouble for the Czenovians all by herself. -Shy[/size] :whoops:

[size=1]The strange thing is that in California (and probably elsewhere) we have a roller coaster also known as Superman: Escape. However it's nothing like the one you linked to in Australia, James. Ours sends you shooting out of the station at break-neck speed, up a steep incline, and then backwards. The ride itself is maybe only a minute long, but it's very intense. [url]http://www.joyrides.com/sfmm/superman1.htm[/url] Despite the fact that I have worked in theme parks for a number of years (Maybe because of that, actually) I'm not a huge coaster fan like I used to be. Maybe I'm just getting old. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]So I gave up on fixing my car. If I wait until payday I should be able to afford it without too much trouble... hopefully. Ergh. Lunox what the heck are those things? Owls? Demons!? -Shy[/size]

[size=1]So the only way I can afford to get my alternator repaired is to replace it by myself. Since I have almost no experience in automotive repair this should be... interesting, to say the least. Please don't post stupid cat photos in this thread. There is a separate thread in this forum for that crap. -Shy[/size]

[indent][size=1][center][img] http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/img][/center] The past day or so had been typical for Fauntleroy. Another dreadful family gathering followed by a few glasses of champagne, followed by a dramatic outburst, followed by a snifter of cognac, followed by some startling revelation, followed by rum and then (of course) repose. Although he was not happy with it anymore the life of a socialite was something that he had grown quite accustomed to. As he awoke that afternoon with a splitting headache he wondered if that was all he would ever be. Since the Revolution Fonty and his father had seemingly bridged the divide that once separated them. It was a marvel to Beatriste and the others that the two were even speaking again, let alone working together on a project with the size and scope of the reconstruction. No longer was he the good-for-nothing child that had failed at countless jobs, but rather an up-and-coming businessman; an heir apparent, or so he thought. Leonhart Almagest was a man who thrived on control, and laid out careful plans for everyone in his life. Yet it seemed to Fauntleroy was left out of the equation entirely. Was he merely expected to sit idly by as the reins of Magitech were being passed off to Cole Dreadnaught? “[b]I was wondering when you would wake up,[/b]” Charles said as he read the morning Chronicle at a sofa from across the bedroom. Fauntleroy wondered exactly how long he had been there, “[b]The servants asked me if you would like your breakfast served to you here, or in the dining hall?[/b]” “[b]Breakfast?[/b]” Fonty felt a strong churning in his stomach, “[b]That won’t be necessary Charles.[/b]” Charles nodded, “[b]I’m only joking anyways. The servants were actually wondering about your dinner plans.[/b]” “[b]Dinner?[/b]” Fonty reached for his bathrobe and draped it over his slim, athletic frame as he stood to his feet, “[b]What hour is it?[/b]” “[b]Late enough. I’ve tried waking you numerous times with new about your father but alas, no such luck.[/b]” “[b]Apologies. It appears I may have overdone it once again.[/b]” He paused. “[b]What news?[/b]” “[b]Leonhart had a small heart attack in the study early this morning. He’s perfectly fine, though.[/b]” Fonty’s eyes widened in shock, “[b]By the holy flame! Are you serious? Why did nobody wake me?[/b]” “[b]Like I said, I tried numerous times. The good news is that he has already returned to Rosengard, albeit against the orders of his doctors.[/b]” Fonty disappeared behind an ornate wooded dressing screen as Charles continued to speak, “[b]Just like Leonhart, though. He was threatening the doctors even as he was being treated. They knew better than to cross paths with the most powerful businessman in Czenovia.[/b]” “[b]At least for now….[/b]” he muttered, “[b]How is he holding up?[/b]” “[b]I haven’t seen him myself. Catherine and Alecia have been at his side most of the day, and Macey Ellen stopped in briefly before leaving for some sort of lecture in Anova.[/b]” “[b]And Bavaria?[/b]” “[b]She was with Leonhart at the time of his heart attack, but nobody has seen a trace of her since.[/b]” Fonty rolled his eyes, dressing himself in a loud lavender suit, “[b]Probably at the Mirror Palace.[/b]” “[b]Oh![/b]” Charles added, “[b]Dawlish stopped in momentarily. First to check in on Leonhart, and then to speak with you. I told him you were indisposed.[/b]” “[b]Indisposed? For what I pay you I expect better lies than that, Charles.[/b]” “[b]I have enough trouble keeping the truth straight with this family. I’m not prepared to start lying on your behalf.[/b]” “[b]Touché.[/b]” “[b]If you could do me a favor, I need to contact Gustave Achard regarding something I may have left on board [i]The Alaina….[/i][/b]” Charles bit his lower lip, “[b]I’m afraid that’s impossible.[/b]” “[b]What do you mean impossible? Just send him a wire message.[/b]” “[b][i]The Alaina[/i] was destroyed in a spectacular crash in Le Monde earlier today. Fortunately everyone, including Gustave and Victoria Ann, made it out safely.[/b]” “[b]Destroyed?[/b]” he sputtered, “[b]As in [i]gone[/i]?[/b]” “[b]Like I’ve said twice already, we tried to wake you…. You should really stop drinking so much.[/b]” Fonty let out a heavy sigh and he motioned towards his doorway, “[b]I’m going to see my father right now. If you could develop the photographs I took of Beatriste’s wedding for me. They should be….[/b]” “[b]—Developing now.[/b]” “[b]See. I knew hiring you was a good idea![/b]” Charles rolled his eyes, “[b]One more thing before you speak to Leonhart.[/b]” “[b]Yes?[/b]” “[b]Good luck.[/b]”[center][img] http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Belmonda_Achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Natalia_Lockmere.jpg[/img] [img] http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/img][/center] Belmonda threw on a thick brown overcoat as she continued taking inventory of what had and had not been damaged in the crash. Although she was very bright in certain respects, the truth was that the woman had no idea what she was taking inventory of. This chore was merely a distraction Belmonda gave herself, as it was the only thing she could think of doing that would keep her from panicking. She searched the cabin for a broom to sweep up the broken glass when she heard footsteps from behind, “[b]What’s the status report, Freder—[/b]” She turned her head, “[b]Natalia?[/b]” “[b]Hello Bella. Do you need any help?[/b]” “[b]I’m fine,[/b]” she folded her arms, “[b]I’m fine. Shouldn’t you be with the chimaera?[/b]” “[b]They are a little shaken, but they feed off of our emotions more than anything. As long as we stay calm so will they.[/b]” Natalia opened a side drawer and withdrew a small handheld broom, “[b]I’m here to check on you.[/b]” She shrugged, “[b]My arm is a little sore, but I will be fine.[/b]” “[b]That’s not what I meant,[/b]” she replied, staring Bella straight in the eyes. Bella brushed her hand against her face to cover it when she realized that the small amount of makeup she had put on was starting to run around her eyes, “[b]Were you crying?[/b]” “[b]It’s nothing, really….[/b]” she paused, “[b]When I found out we were going to crash… it was all so sudden. [i]The only thing I could think of was Vincent. [/i] For a moment I really felt like I was going to see him again.[/b]” “[b]We were all frightened during the crash, but at least we’re safe now. Jack and Frederic are inspecting the engines, so I’m sure they’ll be pulling us out of the snow in no time.[/b]” “[b]Jack….[/b]” Bella bit her lower lip, “[b]I don’t know if I trust him at all. How convenient that the notorious Jack Deacon was recruited by my brother, only to send us hurdling into a snow bank at the first chance.[/b]” “[b]You don’t trust your brother’s judgment?[/b]” “[b]Of course, to a degree. But with Frederic’s military experience he should know better than anyone that when all is said and done a pirate is still a pirate.[/b]” “[b]As far as I’m concerned that pirate is the only thing that kept us from getting killed. You can’t blame him for the storm.[/b]” The cabin lights began to flicker before shutting off completely. A few moments passed Frederic entered the cabin, the worried expression on his face exaggerated in the shadows created by his handheld lantern. Bella didn’t have to ask a single question to know what he was about to say.[center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img] http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/leonhartavatar.jpg[/img][/center] Fauntleroy entered his father’s expansive study, stopping momentarily to admire several of the flower arrangements that had been sent to him by Leonhart’s business associates and friends. They were spread generously throughout the large room, some resting on bookshelves while others were simply so large they had to be placed on the floor. In one corner of the room, past the piles of papers and cards, rested Leonhart. He was sitting silently in a wheelchair and staring into his fireplace as he read from an old leather-bound book. “[b]How are you feeling father?[/b]” Fauntleroy asked timidly. The old man turned his head softly towards his son, “[b]Fauntleroy. How long have you been here?[/b]” "[b]Only a moment. I didn't disturb you, did I?[/b]" "[b]No, no. I was just looking through one of your uncle's journals. Even though he is no longer with us I still find it comforting to read his thoughts from time to time.[/b]" He set the journal aside, "[b]But I suppose that's the sign of age. One stops looking to the living for guidance in favor of the dead.[/b]" "[b]Is there anything I can get for you?[/b]" "[b]No, and please promise you will never ask me that question again. I had a heart attack; I'm not helpless, and I'm not dead. I have no intentions of slowing down my various enterprises, nor should you. We have much work ahead of us, despite these momentary interruptions....[/b]" "[b]And the search for the Xear artifacts?[/b]" "[b]Our primary concern,[/b]" he replied stubbornly, "[b]It is important that we come up with a way to circumvent The Dynasts' meddling in this matter. It is a matter of national safety.[/b]" "[b]I'm sure Primas Generous is only doing what he feels is best. It is his country after all.[/b]" Leonhart remained silent, and Fauntleroy cautiously continued, "[b]But I'm curious to know... were you ever going to ask me to help you?[/b]" "[b]I had hoped for Cole's assistance in the matter. However he has decided that his new bride is his priority, and perhaps rightly so. I do admire how elegantly he manages to balance his commitments in Brigit Town alongside spending time with Beatriste Elyse. In moments of weakness I find myself wondering if perhaps I couldn't have made a greater impact on your life if I had been there more when you were a youth.[/b]" "[b]My question, please.[/b]" "[b]If you must know, I'm sure if I had been left with no other alternative you would have been approached. After all, I did ask young Ivan....[/b]" "[b]Well,[/b]" Fonty turned his back, "[b]It appears you're back to your old self already. I'll leave you back to your journals.[/b]" "[b]You shouldn't be so sensitive Fauntleroy. It's inappropriate for a man of your--[/b]" "[b]I'll speak to you in the morning father. Good night.[/b]" As Fauntleroy exited the study he admired a large brass globe set upon Leonhart's desk. He stared into it for a moment, and was disgusted by the sight of his own reflection.[/size][/indent]

[quote name='Lunox'][font=trebuchet ms] I secretly wish I was a cool black person who could dance their *** off so I could have an excuse to wear these: After having N.E.R.D come to our school this feeling has only intensified. Also I wish to marry Pharrell.[/font][/QUOTE][size=1]Who cares about becoming a cool black person? I'm white and I post on OB and I would wear those shoes NOW. . My alternator broke driving home from work, and I was stuck a block away from my house for well over an hour. I called everyone in my family, but nobody answered their phones. My new best friend is now Mitch from AAA. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Just because something isn't worthy of its' own thread doesn't mean you shouldn't post about it. Use this thread for random thoughts/life happenings, or to respond to something someone else wrote. [b]There is no topic, so therefore this thread can never go off-topic.[/b] . . . We apparently had a mild earthquake this morning, which I slept through. Why earthquakes always happen when I'm asleep is a strange coincidence. I suspect I'll sleep through 'The Big One' if and when that ever happens. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]I definitely support the idea of doing something like this, although I'm not sure how much time I can commit to it. I would definitely like to help with the planning/creation of these RPGs, even if I don't have the time to post in them as much as I would like. This is a good idea Drrizt. I'm glad to see you breathe some life into here. :whoops: -Shy[/size]

[size=1]:rolleyes: What's going on with you Gavin (and Ezekiel, for that matter?) I have a Fonty/Leonhart post coming up, and the Czenovian crew has my blessing to land safely at Vosper. I imagine they'll stumble across the Hidden Valley as well, since I would prefer they stay away from the Anovans. Just seeing Bavaria try and deal with the cold should be entertaining enough. My understanding is that Nathan is posting next for the Anovans. If that's not the case I can include Belmonda stuff alongside my Fonty post. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]I miss Charles, Jenna and Sara the most. Those three in particular had probably the largest impact on this community, and OB feels totally different now with them gone. There are other great members are no longer here, but I'm pretty good about keeping in touch with people via AIM. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Ace'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Quick question here; does a date exist? What year is it in Anova?[/FONT][/QUOTE][size=1]The New Globe goes by the Dynast Calendar. It is 714 YOD (Year of the Dynast) and the original Almagest was set in 709. Also special thanks to Hinata and Aaryanna for their great posts! I'm really excited to see the various players working to flesh out aspects of the world. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Clearly this is indicative of the moral fiber of all Australians. Weird. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent]Mr. Morton checked his phone again. Again. Again. Again. Hours had passed and still no response. 12:24. It was getting late, but there would be no way that he would be able to sleep tonight after what had happened. Mr. Morton sat in his living room couch, doing everything in his power not to obsess over the static image on the small screen in front of him. He pet his cat, he organized the papers on his desk, he even watered the flowers that he had planted on the window ceil facing his favorite neighbor?s apartment. Mr. Morton was a small man, and he lived in an even smaller apartment. He had to wake up early every morning for his job in the office, but chose to wake up even earlier still so that he could run his laps around the block. He was told it was a good way to meet women, but months passed and the only woman he ever saw was his elderly landlady. Just as bad, even after miles and miles of jogging he was still the same sad, round man he always was, only now with a few more gray hairs and a sweat-stained t-shirt. Mr. Morton worked very hard for a job that didn?t treat him very well. He loved to write beautiful words, but he was paid to ugly ones. Sometimes these words made a contract, other times a termination notice, but they were never beautiful. Mr. Morton came home every night sadder than the one before. He pet his cat, he took off his tie, and he sat in front of his keyboard, trying to remember exactly why he started to write in the first place. For years he sat there, and it wasn?t until he saw the beautiful woman across the way that he remembered. Pearl. Just the mention of her name was enough to put butterflies in Mr. Morton?s stomach. They had been neighbors for years, and although he knew very little of her the few details that he did know made her seem absolutely perfect: She loved flowers, hip-hop music and always smiled as she and Mr. Morton exchanged glances from across the way. Now Mr. Morton was smiling too. Mr. Morton wrote a poem for Pearl. He put it on her door, and three days later they went to a restaurant that neither of them felt comfortable eating at. Pearl ordered an expensive entrée; Mr. Morton had the salad. She talked about the kindergartners she taught; Mr. Morton talked about his cat. Pearl asked him if he was having an allergic reaction; Mr. Morton lied and said that his face always turned bright red when he eats Italian. Mr. Morton walked down the street, and he was not alone. Pearl smiled, and thanked him for the dinner. She was beautiful. They approached her apartment. She leaned in for a kiss. Mr. Morton opened his mouth. ?[b]I love you.[/b]? Mr. Morton came home that night much sadder than any night before. He pet his cat, he took off his tie, and he stared into his phone. For the first time Pearl?s window was closed. Mr. Morton sighed. Mr. Morton hated himself. Mr. Morton cried. Mr. Morton wrote another note, this time to say goodbye. He left a message for his boss to let him know that he would not be coming into work ever again (or anywhere else for that matter.) He pet his cat one final time, and opened the door to leave. Mr. Morton saw a familiar figure smiling at him. Pearl said ?hello.? Mr. Morton dropped to his knees to apologize. Pearl shook her head and handed him a note of her own. Pearl wrote poems too. Mr. and Mrs. Morton are very happy now.[/size][/indent]

[size=1]Ergh. I've been looking at the deadline for voting and thinking that it was the deadline for submissions! Whoops. I work all weekend, but I can likely squeeze in something tonight. Good thing I noticed that now. -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Belmonda_Achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Natalia_Lockmere.jpg[/img][/center][size=1][indent][i]The Stelmaria’s[/i] engines began to rattle softly as the airship prepared for a horizontal descent onto one of the Vosper Summit’s adjoining hillsides. It was very early in the morning, and as sunlight first touched the snow-covered mountaintops they took on an angelic glow. In the bridge Belmonda and Natalia admired the beauty of the countryside as Jack, piloting the vessek, fiddled around with the various meters and switches before him. “[b]Do you remember when we would travel with your father to the Alaris Highlands?[/b]” Natalia asked cheerfully, “[b]My mother would bundle us up with as many layers as possible, but by the end of the day we were so warm that the entire hillside was covered with the jackets and scarves we had thrown off.[/b]” “[b]Yes, that was a long time ago,[/b]” Belmonda said softly, momentarily losing herself in thought, “[b]It’s amazing how much has changed since then.[/b]” Frederic nodded, “[b]Not everything has changed, though. Family remains a constant.[/b]” “[b]You’re merely being delusional brother. Neither of us have hardly spoken to Natalia in years. In fact, we only seem to come together for funerals anymore.[/b]” Natalia sighed. It was true that in recent years she had pulled away from the family more and more. She looked up to Belmonda, only a few years older than herself yet still so accomplished. Still, something was lacking. Since Vincent’s passing she had become callous– cruel even. Natalia didn’t regret how much she had sacrificed for her work, but she as she spent more and more time with Belmonda she began to understand her mother’s insistence that she live a more balanced life. She stood up to dismiss herself, “[b]Perhaps I should ready the chimaera Frederic. We’ll be landing soon.[/b]” “[b]That sounds like a fine idea,[/b]” Frederic replied distantly, focusing instead on the airship’s pressure gauge, “[b]Is everything alright Deacon?[/b]” Jack grimaced, “[b]An airship’s engines rely on superheating the air. Unfortunately that storm we passed through chilled the air to beyond freezing. [i]The Stelmaria[/i] is struggling just to keep us afloat.[/b]” “[b]Should we be concerned?[/b]” Belmonda replied. “[b]Of course not,[/b]” he replied with a strained grin, “[b]While my reputation as a spectacular pilot and lover stand precede me, it should also be noted that I’m kind of okay at crashing these things.[/b]” “[b]This is no time for jokes,[/b]” Frederic said coldly, “[b]Can we land safely or not?[/b]” “[b]Like I said, landing is not the issue. With our engines freezing like this taking off will be impossible.[/b]” “[b]So our options are either to strand ourselves in the snow, hours away from the nearest city, or abandon the expedition entirely?[/b]” Belmonda asked incredulously. “[b]No, love. This girl is going down no matter what. The only choice you have is if you want to fasten yourself in before the—oh crap![/b]” The ship began to rattle violently back and forth, tossing Belmonda off of her seat and onto the floor. She glared at Jack as he remained transfixed on mountains, which were drawing closer and closer by the second. “[b]Oh. Yeah. [i]Brace for landing[/i].[/b]”[/size][/indent]

[size=1]I feel really bad for the child Bavaria would adopt. Or maybe not, I dunno. She has so many aspects of her character that I could see her being a perfect wife/mother to someone who actually cared for her. She loves Leonhart, but it was always a marriage of convenience to him. His hurt feelings regarding what happened during his 'death' probably have more to do with some misguided sense of ownership rather than a romantic attachment. He is not the warmest person if you couldn't tell. Leonhart loves Dame Anna, only he's too stubborn and proud to admit it. Maybe I'm just a small person but Bavaria's actions towards Dame Anna always made sense to me. But then again, I wrote it. If it didn't make sense I suspect we'd have another problem to worry about entirely. Posting shortly with the Anovans. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][URL="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/fired-over-a-tuna-sandwich-and-fighting-back/"]From the New York Times:[/URL] [quote]Whole Foods fired Ralph Reese for taking a tuna fish sandwich. But was it misconduct? It is a question that matters. Anyone fired for misconduct is denied unemployment benefits. Whole Foods argued that Mr. Reese, 57, of Queens, tried to steal a sandwich by taking it from the trash at the end of his shift as a deli clerk at the Union Square Whole Foods on Nov. 9. The company?s policy is that food cannot be taken without being paid for, though employees receive a 20 percent discount.[/quote]So the sandwich was going to be dumped into the trash at the end of the night anyway. Mr. Reese, knowing it was going to be tossed out, decided to eat it instead. Was Whole Foods right to fire him? Have you ever gotten in trouble at work/school for a similarly nonsensical rule? -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Apparently my beau wants to go drinking tonight... this is going to be a huge mess. I've never been out on St. Patrick's Day, and I expect this to be insane. -Shy[/size]

[quote]Brigit Town was forcibly annexed by Czenovia during the Mine War and it became a major hub for magitechnology development as well as expansive Czenovian mining operations. After the Czenovian Revolution, [b]Brigit Town was handed back to Anova as part of a peace agreement. Today it represents a major element of the Anovan economy[/b].[/quote][size=1]Oh, James, this is wrong. Czenovia still has ownership of Brigit Town. The controversy is that Cole, an Anovan, now owns the mines after purchasing them from Magitech. And since the mines' resources are invaluable to the production of Czenovian magitechnology it creates a bit of a conflict of interest for the Anovans to have any authority over them. Undoubtedly there are forces conspiring to return Brigit Town to Anova, but as of right now Czenovia and The Dynast have control. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]Now it seems that she has sod-all loyalty to the Almagests and actively works to subvert them from goals.[/SIZE][/QUOTE][size=1]I don't see where that comes from at all, but maybe I'm missing something. Several players have been quick to hate her since day one. But yes, the Bavaria rehabilitation process is coming. And soon. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]I just wanted to point out that James made some additions/changes to the front page of the Backstage thread, including all of the organizational info from the sign-ups. This is something that had been bugging the both of us for a while now, but he took the initiative and I love how it turned out. He'll be putting a map up there shortly too, so you have a better idea of what this whole world looks like. As the story progresses more and more of it will be filled out, and we'll be adding bits and pieces to the front page as well. Thanks again Jamesboo! -Shy[/size] :love2:

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]And Bavaria wonders why the Almagests have a famed temper when she seems to go out of her way to make their lives difficult. For a woman with such reputed skills in diplomacy you'd think she'd have the sense to avoid conflict where possible instead of actively provoking it. Any chance we can kill her off to create some sense of drama Josh ?[/SIZE][/QUOTE][size=1]Psh. We all know she creates much more drama being alive than she ever would dead. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Let me be the first to say that I hate my long posts, heh. But this helps to establish what is going on. I need to talk to Hinata and a few others about their characters as well, so maybe I'll shoot out some PMs tonight. I imagine that the church group has a few hours over the Anovans, who in turn have a few hours over the Czenovians. I apologize in advance for butchering anyone's characters. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent][center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Elaine_Waltier.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Felix_Achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Juste_Achard.jpg[/img][/center] Elaine shivered softly as she turned her back towards the Ibert, resting many miles below at the bottom of the snow-covered valley. She knew that the Vosper Summit was going to be cold, but she wasn’t prepared for anything like this. Stray bits of ice blew into her face and hair, making it nearly impossible for Elaine to see. She clutched tightly onto her chimaera, a round horned mount with a thick shaggy coat, and followed closely behind Jace’s lead. Although she had traveled throughout the globe, it was often in the comfort of an airship or some other kind of transport. For Elaine to be exposed to such harsh elements, especially in such an infamous mountain range, was nothing short of startling. Still, Elaine knew that as difficult as the chimaera ride would be for her, it would be that much harder for Juste. “[b]Are-- are you going to be alright Priestess?[/b]” Juste asked from behind, his voice getting lost beneath the howl of the wind, “[b]If you’d like you can use my heavy coat.[/b]” She shook her head, “[b]That won’t be necessary, but that is a very kind offer. Honestly I’m more worried about the chimaera.[/b]” Kace let out a hearty laugh from ahead, “[b]Don’t be! These beasts were bred as pack animals for regions like this. We should be more worried about ourselves if we get caught up in the storm.[/b]” “[b]A storm?[/b]” Elaine asked, looking up to the thick clouds above her. It was true that the sky was filled with a thick shade of gray, obscuring the stars above, but the light snowfall they had experienced so far had already been bothersome as it is. “[b]Can’t you feel it in the air?[/b]” Felix asked, “[b]This is only the beginning of it. We’re lucky the engines didn’t frost over when we were trying to land the airship.[/b]” “[b]I didn’t realize that was even an option,[/b]” Juste commented nervously. “[b]Trust me. It wouldn’t have made it any easier if I had warned you. Exactly how much further until we reach our destination?[/b]” “[b]I’m… honestly not quite sure. Once we make it over the next hill we will rest and try to discern our exact location in relations to the map.[/b]” “[b][i]Discern our location?[/i] How can we be lost already?[/b]” “[b]Once we approached this region my instruments stopped working entirely. The truth is we don’t know if we’re a few kilometers, or several dozen from where we need to be.-[/b]” Juste turned to Elaine. She paused for a moment before motioning ahead. [center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Harrison_Almagest.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Ivan_Almagest.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/ladybavariaavatar.jpg[/img][/center] Lady Bavaria sat calmly in co-pilot’s seat of [i]The Maria[/i], as Colonel Tallis piloted the vessel over the flats of the Czenovian farmlands. It had only been a few short hours since Leonhart was admitted into surgery, and although she was worried for his health she knew that this mission was still his first priority. To leave Czenovia in the middle of her campaign for Prime Minister was… inconvenient, to say the least, but she had learned long ago from her father that her nation came first. She reached for a handkerchief from her coat pocket when suddenly the ship became to shake wildly. Bavaria grabbed tightly onto the arms of the chair. “[b]Just some light turbulence Lady Bavaria. With an airship this small we’re bound to get caught up in some of the stronger winds.[/b]” “[b]Very well![/b]” she huffed, “[b]Do try to be careful.[/b]” Colonel Tallis nodded, and he leaned in slowly as to lower the ship’s altitude. Harrison and Ivan entered the cabin, hanging onto a set of overheard railings to as to maintain their balance during the incline. “[b]How much longer before we meet with Macey Ellen, sir?[/b]” Harrison asked. “[b]We’ve just received word from her yacht. We’ll rendezvous outside of Brigit Town in approximately one hour.[/b]” “[b]Yes sir, but it seems like such a waste of time to pick her up. I’m sure you and I are more than capable of recovering an artifact ourselves.[/b]” Harrison sent a cursory glance to both Ivan and Lady Bavaria. Although he had no personal animosity towards his nephew, he found the idea of dragging along an untrained teenager and an aristocrat preposterous. “[b]Please don’t be so hasty to judge young man,[/b]” Bavaria replied coldly, “[b]Although you Almagests may dislike me due to some bizarre devotion to your former maid, my travels have made me some very powerful allies, and an expert on foreign cultures. More importantly, if a Czenovian military of Almagest craft were to enter Anovan airspace others might grow wise to what we are doing.[/b]” He balked, “[b]And you don’t think that Lady Bavaria’s private airship won’t raise red flags as well?[/b]” “[b]Perhaps if that were public knowledge, yes. But this craft, like hundreds of others across the Globe, are named to my sister, Morphia Markham and Artemis Air Transports. As far as the Anovan government will know, we’re merely a group of travelers on a pleasure cruise.[/b]” The young man rolled his eyes, and immediately left the cabin. Colonel Tallis rose from his seat, “[b]Lady Bavaria, if you would please take the helm while I speak to First Lieutenant Almagest in private.[/b]” “[b]But of course Colonel,[/b]” she replied as she took command of the ship, “[b]Feel free to take your time.[/b]” Ivan looked at Bavaria curiously as the Colonel exited the cabin to follow Harrison, “[b]Harrison’s not going to get in too much trouble, is he? He was only being honest.[/b]” “[b]And that is a quality I value highly. However, it seems the one lesson Harrison hasn’t yet learned in the military is to control the infamous Almagest temper.[/b]” Ivan let out a soft sigh, “[b]Or, maybe it’s just you Lady Bavaria.[/b]” [center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Elaine_Waltier.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Felix_Achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Juste_Achard.jpg[/img][/center] As their party continued to travel across the Vosper Summit Juste began to feel his fingers numbing. It had been several hours of intense climbing and as far as he knew they were no closer to their destination than when they had first set off. The stories Juste had read about the mountain range were all true: in darkness the white snow and thick cloud cover made it impossible to tell one mountain apart from the others. He only hoped that they were making progress; the one thing he was certain of was that Elaine would not stop her search until they found the artifact. The group reached the crest of one of the larger hills, and they stopped momentarily so that Jace could feed the chimaera. Before them was an enormous canyon, the bottom of which was shrouded by a thick fog, behind them, the rocky terrain they had been climbing on for hours. Juste set his pack near the crest of the hill as he sat down and looked over his instruments once more. His compass was spinning wildly, and the others weren’t reacting at all. “[b]How are you holding up?[/b]” Felix asked. “[b]Freezing, but I’ll be fine,[/b]” Juste replied, rubbing his arms to generate some warmth, “[b]What about you?[/b]” “[b]I’ve been through worse. I only wish the Priestess would accept my coat. She can’t be comfortable in that….[/b]” It was then that the light snowfall from overheard suddenly became worse. Large pieces of hail began to fall from the sky as thunder started to boom over the horizon, startling the chimaera enough to knock Jace to his feet. “[b]Jace![/b]” Elaine called out as she rushed to his side. Juste attempted to rise, but immediately lost his footing beneath the ice. He felt himself slip backwards towards the canyon, “[b]Umm… uh-oh.[/b]” Felix immediately grabbed hold of Juste’s arm, but soon lost his footing as well. In an instant both were sent tumbling against the side of the hill into the thick fog of the canyon. Felix held tightly onto Juste as they smashed against the cliff face repeatedly; knocking both unconscious…. All Juste could think of when he awoke was how sore he was. Although his vision was slightly blurred, he could clearly see Felix laying beside him regaining conciousness, as badly bruised as he himself must have been. He looked up towards the sky; they had fallen so far that he couldn’t even see the top of the cliff, only fog. But he saw something else directly overhead: trees. In fact, as he looked out before him there were thousands of them, a thick jungle canopy which must have helped to break their fall. He slowly, and painfully rose to his feet to survey the area before him. Somehow in the middle of the Vosper Summit he and Felix had stumbled upon a tropical jungle. [i]But how was this possible?[/i][/indent][/size]