Shy

[size=1]James threw out a bunch of really strong ideas, and I definitely encourage everyone else to do the same. Here are some musings: [list][*]I feel like The Almagest Legacy is as much the story of Czenovia as it is the story of the Almagests. For that reason I would be hesitant to do a story set largely in another nation, but I suppose there are a lot of advantages to giving Almagest 2 a totally new setting. For one, this would definitely help out new players. Ultimately I would like whatever story we create for Almagest 2 to tie back to Czenovia, and build off of the events of the first RPG in some meaningful way. That is not to say we aren't telling a self-contained story; it will be a tricky balance to maintain for sure. [*]Having said that, I don't want to do a political story this time around. I think in a lot of ways characterization was thrown to the wayside in the first RPG for the sake of keeping up with the plot, and that upset a lot of people (including myself.) I am more interested in telling a more straightforward adventure story, like a treasure hunt with air pirates and such. This would also be a good opportunity for the characters to explore the origins of magitechnology, and perhaps even the 'Giant' cannon further. Fonty's camera certainly didn't build itself... [*]As for a time frame I think five years sounds just about right. That puts Harrison and Victoria Ann in their late teenage years, and I'm extremely interested in seeing what direction Indi and Aaryanna take with their characters. Also this isn't so much later that 'older' characters like Dame Anna, Leonhart or Catherine aren't so old that they themselves can't be part of the action too. I can't imagine how much more trouble Fonty has gotten himself into in five years, so that should be fun as well. [*]I'm really pleased with how most of the Landmarks and Chronicles worked out, and I hope to use the same system in running this RPG. Although Sandy and I largely ran the first story by ourselves, I want to open things up to all of the players this time around. Honestly most of the good stuff in Almagest was someone else's idea first... [*]And I know Sandy doesn't visit OB anymore, but should be have the interest, he is fully welcome to take part in Almagest 2. He had some very interesting ideas for a sequel, and I would like to at least touch on some of those in this story. His views on what religion would be like in the Old Globe, a stark contrast to the 'advanced' and presumably atheist Czenovia, were really pretty awesome.[/list] -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9922/aelogowhitebg.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/leonhartavatar.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Macey_Ellen.jpg[/img] [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%202/Victoria_Ann.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Belmonda_Achard.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/Frederic_Achard.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/gustave_achard-1.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/Juste_Achard.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/edith_grimoire.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Liana_Prideux.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Davos_Frost.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Elaine_Waltier.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/cole_dreadnaught.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/olivier_achard.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Dawlish_Almagest.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Esther.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/ladybavariaavatar.jpg[/img][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/morphiaavatar.jpg[/img][/center] [blockquote][center][b][size="6"][right][font="garamond"] The Dramatis Personae[/font][/right][/size][/b][/center][indent][font="garamond"][size="5"][b]The Achards[/b][/size][/font] [size="1"]Olivier Achard / Evangeline Achard (Deceased) [pindent=3]Vincent Achard (Deceased)[/pindent][b][pindent=3]Felix Michael Achard[/pindent][pindent=3]Belmonda Montgomery Achard [/pindent][pindent=3]Frederic Gael Achard[/pindent][/b] Collette Achard / Mikhail Banner [pindent=3][b]Gustave Achard[/b][/pindent] Nicolas Lockmere / Maria Achard-Lockmere (1st Cousin to Leonhart) [b][pindent=3]Natalia Lockmere Achard[/pindent][/b] Sarnia Bell Achard / James Je Haylard[pindent=3]Patrai Sef Achard[/pindent][pindent=3]Melanie Lyn Achard[/pindent][pindent=3][b]Juste Yvon Achard[/b][/pindent] [/size][size="5"][font="garamond"][b]The Almagests[/b][/font][/size][size="1"] Leonhart Almagest / Patrice Midorah (Deceased) / Bavaria Deacon [pindent=3]Beatriste Almagest / Erick Wellington (Deceased) / Cole Dreadnaught[/pindent][pindent=5]Elizabeth Brea Almagest (Deceased) / Charles Cornwall[/pindent][pindent=8]Bertram Almagest[/pindent][pindent=8]Pearl Almagest[/pindent][pindent=5]Alecia Leanna Almagest / Alexander-Edward Madison[/pindent][pindent=8]Daedalus Thomas Almagest[/pindent][pindent=5][b]Victoria Ann Almagest[/b][/pindent][pindent=3][b]Fauntleroy Almagest[/pindent][pindent=3]Macey Ellen Almagest[/b][/pindent][pindent=3]Marie Evangeline Almagest[/pindent][pindent=3]Henry Grimalkin (Son of Leonhart Almagest and Anna Grimalkin)[/pindent] Daedalus Almagest (Deceased) / Harriet Nord (Deceased) [pindent=3][b]Dawlish Almagest[/b][/pindent][pindent=3]Jacob Mason Almagest (Deceased) / Diane Markham[/pindent][pindent=5][b]Ivan Francis Almagest[/b][/pindent][pindent=3]Helen "Nellie" Almagest (Deceased)[/pindent][pindent=3][b]Harrison Almagest[/pindent][/b] Catherine Sara Almagest[/size] [size="5"][font="garamond"][b]The Deacons[/b][/font][/size][size="1"] Agron Deacon / Belmonda Trudor (Deceased) / Odilie Markham [pindent=3]Lady Bavaria Deacon[/pindent][pindent=3][b]Jonathan â??Jackâ? Deacon[/b][/pindent][pindent=3]Morphia Markham-Deacon[/pindent][/size] [size="5"][font="garamond"][b]Miscellaneous[/b][/font][/size][size="1"] [b]Sief Davos Frost Elaine Adelle Waltier Liana Claribel Prideux Edith Grimoire[/b][/size][/indent] [indent][size="6"][color="#808080"][right][b][font="garamond"]Key Organizations (Anova)[/font][/b][/right][/color][/size] [/indent][indent][size="6"][color="#808080"][font="garamond"][size="5"][b]Icarus[/b][/size][/font][/color][/size][size="6"][color="#808080"][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Founded by Dawlish Almagest, estranged nephew to Leonhart Almagest, Icarus produces advanced weaponry and other alchemy-based technology for whoever is willing to pay for it. [/size][/font][/color][/size] [size="6"][color="#808080"][font="Verdana"][size="1"]In order to maintain secrecy Icarus is based in a remote complex, located on the desert which partially borders Anova and Czenovia. Although Icarus is not directly affiliated with any government, Dawlish is well-connected to the Anovan government and maintains an office in Le Monde.[/size][/font][/color][/size] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b] [/b][/size][/color] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]House of Grimoire[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="Verdana"][size="1"][color="#808080"]Located in the art district of Le Monde, the House of Grimoire has defined fashion in the New Globe for decades. Founded by the reclusive Edith Grimoire, the talented designer has passed on most responsibilities of running her successful business to others. Boutiques and department stores sell House of Grimoire clothing throughout the world, although only the elite can maintain that they own an 'Edith Grimoire Original."[/color][/size][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]The Island Citadel[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="garamond"][color="#808080"][size="1"][font="Verdana"]Off the coast of Cobalt Bay rests an enormous fortress constructed by the Church of the Phoenix. The Citadel serves as headquarters for the large organization, as well as playing home to the leader of the church, Sief Davos Frost, and her personal army, the Citadel Guards. [/font][/size][/color][/font] [font="garamond"][color="#808080"][size="1"][font="Verdana"]Although Anova and Czenovia are largely atheist, the church still wields enormous influence over its followers throughout the world. Given the political power of the church, the small island is considered an independent nation and does not answer to the sovereignty of Anova.[/font][/size][/color][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]The Citadel Guard[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]Throughout Anova and Czenovia the Citadel Guard is recognized as the legion of the Church of the Phoenix. They are hand picked by the churchâ??s Cardinals throughout the world for their dedication to their faith and skill in battle. [/size][/color][/font] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]The Guard is useful in many other fields, including rescue and recovery, and the personal protection of High Priests and the Sief. Service in the Citadel Guard is always until old age, death or sickness prevents otherwise, the honor of service is too great to expect any less.[/size][/color][/font] [font="Garamond"][color="#808080"][size="4"][b][size="5"]The Nord Centre[/size][/b][/size][/color][/font] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]The Nord Centre is an enormous outdoor amphitheater which sits along the shoreline of Cobalt Bay overlooking the Sea of Sorrows. During the summer months it is home to concerts, sporting events, plays, and public speaking engagements. Outside of the amphitheater is an expansive outdoor mall, which is used year round by sailor merchants offering all types of goods and services.[/size][/color][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b] [/b][/size][/color] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]Fort Blanc[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="garamond"][color="#808080"][size="1"][font="Verdana"]Fort Blanc is the home of the Special Security Force (SSF), Anova's national military and policing organization. Since the Czenovian Revolution, Fort Blanc has modernized greatly, due to its purchases from Icarus. The Fort's principle responsibility today is to monitor potential overseas threats and to police the streets of Anova.[/font][/size][/color][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]Cobalt Silverworks[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]After the Czenovian Revolution, the East-West Airship Corridor was closed and Anova regained full control of its silver deposits from foreign business interests. These mines were amalgamated into a new corporation called Cobalt Silverworks (a merger between Achard & Co., and the Anovan Silver Mining Company.) [/size][/color][/font] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]The silverworks now mines and processes silver within Anova, with much of it being sent back to Le Monde to be turned into a variety of products (mostly jewellery, machine parts and so on). These silver-based products are now exported worldwide. Some types of Anovan silver are said to contain magical properties.[/size][/color][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b] [/b][/size][/color] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]Chimaera Junction[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]Czenovian Chimaera trainer Berthold Black traveled the New Globe looking for a place to establish a new Chimaera racing and training school. He created the Chimaera Junction in the south-west region of Anova. The Junction (as it's known locally), sits among miles of rolling green hills. It has become an elite training school for Chimaera and it also runs successful Chimaera breeding and rider training programs.[/size][/color][/font] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b] [/b][/size][/color] [color="#808080"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]Lumiere Academy[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]Located in the southwestern district of Le Monde, Lumiere Academy (LA) is one of the oldest schools in the New Globe. LA was established initially as a foster home for orphans of the The Purge of 220 by Madame Angelique Laroche. [/size][/color][/font] [font="Verdana"][color="#808080"][size="1"]However, throughout the years as she began teaching the children art and history, it slowly transformed into a prestigious academy. Because of its old roots, LA's curriculum is centralized around the arts and is often credited as "The Light of Anova," as it ushered in a massive art movement across the country.[/size][/color][/font] [/indent] [indent][b][size="6"][right][font="garamond"]Key Organizations (Czenovia)[/font][/right][/size][/b][/indent][indent][font="garamond"][size="5"][b]Magitech Corporation[/b][/size][/font] [size="1"]Founded by the House of Almagest, Magitech Corp. owns several massive factories in the Czenovian industrial town of New Czenoble, which were once used to produce weaponry. [/size] [size="1"]Magitech has recently stopped producing weaponry and re focused their business towards the reconstruction of Czenovia following the devastating revolution. The President of the company is Leonhart Almagest, although in recent years he has passed on some responsibilities to his eldest son, Fauntleroy Almagest.[/size] [font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"]Artemis Air Transports[/size][/b][/size][/font] [size="1"]Although branches are scattered throughout the Globe, Artemis Air Transports are headquartered in New Czenoble. This company is responsible for manufacturing and running airships powered by alchemical science. [/size] [size="1"]Artemis Air Transports is also in charge of the Old Globeâ??s Aerodromes (airship stations) and have many secret expansion projects in development. Lady Morphia Markham is president of the company, having inherited it from the late Meredyne Artemis following the Battle of High Czenoble.[/size] [/indent][indent][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Czenoble High Academy of Sciences (CHAOS)[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]Located in High Czenoble, CHAOS is the most prestigious school in all Czenovia. The headmaster is noted historian, Lector Moebius. Students of CHAOS are known to take many exciting field trips throughout their education, visiting locations such as Brigit Town and portions of the Old Globe.[/size] [/indent][indent][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Mirror Palace[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]Located in High Czenoble and home to Dynast King Primas Generous, the Mirror Palace is now the official meeting place for Czenoviaâ??s newly formed parliament. In addition, the Dynast King has expanded his nationâ??s diplomacy in recent years by appointing new ambassadors to Al-Ahmar, Anova, Moresang and other neighboring countries.[/size] [/indent][indent][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Eshe Rehema[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]The most modern medical center in the New Globe, Eshe Rehema is a teaching hospital which experiments in the medical applications of magitechnology. It is located in New Czenoble.[/size][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Czenovian Police[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]Formerly the Royal Police Guard, the Czenovian Police are the militia responsible for keeping the law and order throughout Czenovia. They guard the gates and factories and aerodromes, patrol the streets and maintain the prisons. Alexander Edward Almagest is current head of the police force, and works to ensure that all citizens of Czenovia receive equal protection under the law.[/size] [/indent] [indent][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Chimaera Circuit[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]A racing track in High Czenoble, where monstrous creatures are constructed from different animal species using alchemy that fiercely compete against each other to amuse the masses. [/size][size="1"] Itâ??s also a popular hobby of reckless young aristocrats to become Chimaera Jockeys. The latest fashion is to combine machines with the beasts, aided by Magitechnology. [/size][size="1"] The Chimaera Circuit is kept up by the cunning Thames Dreadnaught. In recent years Dreadnaught has struggled to maintain the reputation of his track after many of his jockeys staged an attack against the Royal Police Guard during the Czenovian Revolution.[/size] [/indent][indent][font="garamond"][size="4"][b][size="5"] Villette Mines[/size][/b][/size][/font] [/indent][indent][size="1"]Located in Brigit Town, the Villette Mines were once subsidiary of Magitech Industries. [/size] [size="1"]Following the Czenovian Revolution, Leonhart Almagest was forced to sell them off in order to help fund the extensive reconstruction projects of both High Czenoble and New Czenoble. Cole Dreadnaught, Anova's famed explorer and aristocrat, now maintains ownership and oversees daily operations.[/size] [/indent] [indent] [right][b][size="6"][font="garamond"][color="#606060"]The Globe[/color][/font][/size][/b][/right] [center][size="6"][url="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4940/almagest2map4.jpg"][img]http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1649/almagest2map4thumb.jpg[/img][/url] [size="1"]Click the map to enlarge.[/size][/size][/center][/indent] [indent] [center][size="5"][b][color="#606060"][font="garamond"]NATIONS[/font][/color][/b][/size][/center][/indent] [indent][color="#606060"][size="4"][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"]Czenovia[/size][/font][/b][/size][/color][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Czenovia is one of the largest and most powerful nations in the New Globe. For centuries it has led the way in terms [/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"]of industry, science and the arts, creating a kingdom the likes of which the world has never seen before. A major revolution[/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] swept the nation in recent times, replacing the Dynast rulers with a new Democratic Monarchy.[/size][/font] [indent] [/indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] Anova[/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Anova is a nation covered in grassy plains and dense forests, save for a desert on its eastern border with Czenovia. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, textiles and the silver trade. Unlike its neighbor, Anova does not have serious class distinctions and its population has a far better living standard per capita.[/size][/font][/indent][indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] Al-Ahmar[/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Al-Ahmar is primarily a desert region and is geographically the largest nation in the Globe. Ahmari society has existed for thousands of years with few influences from the New Globe. Its economy specializes in exotic spices, fur, precious minerals and magical products. Al-Ahmar is an independent emirate, having been ruled by the Mahid Dynasty for generations.[/size][/font][/indent] [indent] [center][size="5"][color="#606060"][font="garamond"][b]CITIES [/b][/font][/color][/size][/center][/indent] [indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b]High Czenoble [i](Czenovia)[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][font="garamond"][font="Verdana"][size="1"] High Czenoble is the capital city of Czenovia. High Czenoble was carved into the side of Mount Grail centuries ago and it is home to the nationâ??s most powerful and influential families. It is a heavily secluded place and during times of war its thick stone walls can be used for defense. While security in Czenovia is relatively sparse, High Czenoble is constantly being monitored by the Czenovian Police (formerly Royal Police Guard).[/size][/font][/font][/indent][indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] New Czenoble [i](Czenovia)[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] At the base of Mount Grail is New Czenoble, the nationâ??s largest city. It is home to several of Czenoviaâ??s most important businesses, including the Magitech Corporation, Prometheo Labs and Artemis Air Transports. A far cry from decadent High Czenoble, New Czenoble is populated with poor factory workers and immigrants. Pollution, crime and poverty run rampant, breeding hostility and planting the seeds of rebellion among the lower class.[/size][/font][/indent][indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] Le Monde [i](Anova)[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Le Monde is the oldest city in Anova and, prior to Czenovian occupation, it was the largest village in the region. Its name means "The World"; when the city was founded, its residents believed that the globe did not extend beyond what is now known as Mount Grail. Legends and myths spoke of horrible creatures in and around the eastern mountain, which no ancient Anovan dared to pass.[/size][/font][/indent][indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] Cobalt Bay [i](Anova)[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Cobalt Bay is Anova's second-largest city and is situated in the country's far north. Cobalt Bay refers both to the large bay as well as the city itself, which is situated on the bay's eastern coastline. The city is a major trading port and is home to the Globe's largest silver mines (including Cobalt Silverworks). Cobalt Bay is also home to the famous Nord Centre.[/size][/font][/indent][indent][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"][b] Brigit Town [i](Anova)[/i][/b][/color][/size][/font][font="Verdana"][size="1"] 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. Today the city's mines are controlled by an Anovan, creating much nervousness in Czenovian circles.[/size][/font][/indent][indent][b][font="Garamond"][size="5"][color="#606060"] Istanakh [i](Al-Ahmar)[/i][/color][/size][/font][/b][font="Verdana"][size="1"] Istanakh is the ancient Ahmari capital city. It lies in the northern desert region of Al-Ahmar. Partly due to its isolation from the rest of the Globe, Istanakh still looks much as it did thousands of years ago. The city can also be difficult to reach due to frequent sandstorms in the surrounding desert. Istanakh is known as a colorful city, populated by ancient structures and enormous magic markets.[/size][/font][/indent][/blockquote]

[size=1]Congratulations, of course. And if you invited Raiha and I, we'd probably go out of our way to show up... just sayin'... -Shy[/size] :whoops:

[quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']Just to be clear on my post. What I said about Jeff's security is completely up to Shy to decide. I'm going on how Indi indicated in her post that Samantha had denied him access. So I thought that would be fun to toss in there, as an option.[/QUOTE][size=1]This is really amusing, and I'm sure Arthur is going to be frustrated. With nowhere else to go he'll surely have to come back. Awkward! If Indi wants to do this post she should feel free, otherwise I can toy around with it during the weekend. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Okay my post is done. I had explained this to James and Indi earlier, but my original post was written on Wednesday, but it featured a pretty violent flashback to Arthur's work with Terra Prime. By the time I got around to posting it certain aspects of the post started to mirror this week's real-life terror attacks in Mumbai. Although I know I'm writing fiction, it seemed insensitive to put it up. Oh well. Ultimately a whole new post was written, but this works out nicely. Anyone should feel free to use Arthur now, although I should point out that he's getting less coherent, and much more dangerous as the minutes pass. -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f385/Arichan16/arthur.jpg[/img][/center] Arthur continued to tremble as he walked through the ruins of the Von Braun. He could not tell if it was the gases filling the ship’s hull that were distorting his vision, or if he was going blind. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if he was heading in the right direction. With no windows he could only rely on the safety maps scattered periodically throughout the ship, and even then it was impossible to know what levels were damaged. Although the gravity of the planet seemed comparable to Earth, his internal sense of direction was lost entirely. Between the crash and his increasingly desperate condition his internal sense of direction was lost entirely. It was then that Arthur had noticed a row of track lighting, still lit, lining the end of the corridor. He followed it closely until he came across a computer terminal. He entered a few keystrokes onto the video monitor, and before him a holographic projection of V.I.C.I., albeit an incomplete one, flashed before him. “[b]Welcome aboard the Von Braun…[/b]” It said in a cold, monotone voice, “”[b]Protocol: Guest query: Arthur Clarke. [i]Processing[/i]. How may I help you?[/b]” “[b]Where is the nearest emergency exit?[/b]” There was a moment of silence. V.I.C.I.’s image flickered in and out as the power seemed to be in short supply, “[b]Exits are sealed for restricted access only during flight. Please contact a steward for further instructions immediately in the case of an emergency.[/b]” Arthur slammed his fist against the terminal, “[b]Don’t you understand? We have crashed![/b]” “[b]Incomplete response: [i]Processing[/i]. Please contact a steward immediately for assistance.[/b]” It appeared to Arthur that even the Von Braun was unprepared for an impact. He had spent countless years working to undermine N.A.R.S.I.A.’s further exploits in space, but never had it occurred to him that others may be working towards the same goal. There was a possibility that it had been a freak accident Still, Samantha’s actions before the impact seemed to suggest something much more sinister. “[b][i]You... you… did this…?[/b][/i]” Suddenly he felt something brush his leg. Arthur immediately jumped back, and withdrew his pistol. He pointed it at his feet and instantly recognized who he saw. Alan Perez, the old colleague of his father’s, lie bleeding at the floor. He was barely conscious, but not in much better shape than Arthur. Debris from the impact must has smashed into his face, ad one side of had become completely raw. “[b]Terra Prime.... just like your father...[/b]” Arthur’s vision began to blur once again, and he felt an incredible headache overcome him. His grip of his weapon tightened, and he immediately pointed it down at Alan. His widened as he spoke. His voice quivered, “[b]…I didn’t do anything…[/b]” “[b]Yes you did! I know it![/b]” Alan said between a deep, bloody cough, “[b]You are just like your father. How could—[/b]” Arthur pulled the trigger. [center][img]http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2357/kathykf5.jpg[/img] [img]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f385/Arichan16/arthur.jpg[/img] [img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/indiavi.jpg[/img][/center] It took him only a moment to regain his composure, and he quickly worked his way deeper into the hall. After a moment he came to the end of it, marked by an enormous set of doors, each labeled with a biohazard symbol. With the emergency lights beginning to fail the automated doors were also powerless. He struggled for a moment, dropping his weapon momentarily to force one of them open. Arthur did not expect to see what he found within. Enormous canisters were lined along the halls, some of which had toppled over in the impact. Each one contained a strange set of chemical symbols, but aside from a few basic components he had no idea what much of it was. He wondered how much of it was medicinal, or whether they had been stored with some other purpose in mind. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a pair of familiar faces. Natalia from the casino and… [i]Jeff, was it?[/i] He thought that both of them had been evacuated in the shuttle; what were they doing down here, and why were they being restrained? Natalia immediately locked eyes with Arthur as he approached, “[b]Oh thank goodness! Please! You have to help us out of here![/b]” “[b]So we weren’t the only survivors after all,[/b]” Jeff added with a sigh of relief, “[b]Are you alright?[/b]” “[b]Oh my god look at how he’s bleeding.[/b]” Arthur looked down at his gray shirt, now covered with blood from his brief encounter with Alan. Arthur held tightly onto his weapon. Jeff leaned in to Natalia, “[b]I don’t think that is all his. Look at the weapon.[/b]” “[b]What have you done? Did you shoot someone?[/b]” Arthur began to tremble once again. He ran his fingers along his scalp as he bent over, “[b]I… I’m sorry…[/b]” “[b]There’s nothing to be sorry for. We need to get you medical attention,[/b]” Natalia replied, “[b][i]Oh Jeff, his face…[/i][/b]" Although Arthur could not see it, his dark skin was beginning to discolor across his scalp. Small patches of gray and white were appearing on his face, right above his left eye. “[b]My face?[/b]” Arthur paused for a moment, clearly disoriented, “[b]What is wrong with my face?[/b]” “[b]Dammit Arthur, snap out of it![/b]” Jeff narrowed his eyes, “[b]Please. You need to help us out of here![/b]” Silently, Arthur leaned in towards Jeff and began to pat him down. He reached into Jeff’s jacket pocket and removed his security pass before traipsing backwards. “[b]What are you doing?[/b]” '[b]I need your security clearance to use the exits.[/b]" "[b]You're abandoning us?[/b]" Natalia asked, stunned, "[b]You can't be serious![/b]" “[b]Samantha was right… I’m sorry…[/b]” Arthur shook his head as he stepped out to the corridor, “[b]N.A.R.S.I.A. is going to be looking for someone to blame, and so am I. I have too much to take care of before I give myself up to the authorities.[/b]”

[size=1]I'm hoping I can use Kathy's character in my next Von Braun post. Arthur will be trying to make his way out of the wreckage, and is forced with a moral dilemma on the way out. I don't want to spoil anything, but it should be interesting. Kathy is always a delight to write with, and I thought this would help play up some tension between Arthur and the other characters. If she has no specific plans for the moment I would love to include her (or anyone else, really.) -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Firstly, congratulations! Secondly, I like more unique names. Stephani sounds beautiful, but I think I like Amaya more. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Nothing too surprising with my choices. I think the last time I did this thread I picked a bunch of dead people... let's try to shake things up. [center][IMG]http://www.greysanatomyinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/eric-dane-mens-health-2.jpg[/IMG] [B]Eric Dane[/b] of [i]Grey's Anatomy[/i] [img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26770&stc=1&d=1227321842[/img] [b]Neil Patrick Harris[/b] of [i]How I Met Your Mother[/i] [img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26769&stc=1&d=1227321471[/img] [b]Lee Pace[/b] of [i]Pushing Daisies[/i] [img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26768&stc=1&d=1227321269[/img] [b]Gemma Arterton[/b] of [i]Quantum of Solace[/i] [img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26771&stc=1&d=1227322113[/img] [b]Anderson Cooper[/b] of [i]My Dreams[/i] [img]http://otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26767&stc=1&d=1227320990[/img] [b]Natalie Portman[/b] as "Alice" in [i]Closer[/i][/center] -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Korey'][FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]You do realize that interviews take a while right? I seriously doubt you can do all of that within a 30-45 minute time period, even if you rush and it's kind of a waste of time for those involved to have like a 5-8 minute interview. Also, some people tend to rant on subjects and it's hardly fair to condense an interview and risk getting anything less than quality interview. Here's my scandal. We focus on one thing per week, but we do have the weekly segments (listener mail, rpg ads is a good idea) and thread of the week, but we do have maybe ONE interview so that way you can allow time for ranting/ quality interviews to take place. That way we can get some quality instead of trying to focus on how much we can fit in. [/FONT][/QUOTE][size=1]That's fair, I just think the more members we can include the better. I'm honestly not even sure what types of questions these interviews would contain, other than the incredibly broad/obvious. I would like to get to know these members outside of an OB context through the interviews, and get a better picture of who they are. Honestly a lot of this is going to depend on the hosts; ultimately they have to anchor the show and set the tone. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Posted. Sorry about the delays, yo. But I posted! -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f385/Arichan16/arthur.jpg[/img][/center] There was a brief moment of peace before the impact. As Arthur and Zahir embraced, Arthur felt at ease for the first time in ages. Zahir’s soft lips were pressed against his ear, trying to whisper… [i]something[/i]. The sound of reentry was deafening; whatever it was, much like so much else, the words were lost in reentry. Arthur closed his eyes as the pain overtook his body. Suddenly the ship began to tremble violently, and the two were once thrown across the room. Moments passed, perhaps hours, before Arthur awoke. With the ship overturned, the walls were not acting as floors. He was strewn across one of them, some light debris burying his legs. The young man was badly bruised, but nothing felt like it was broken. “[b]Zee… Zahir..?[/b]” Arthur slowly stood up, staring out at the scene before him. A handful of the shuttles were still secured to the ship, many of them right above his head, while many more had come loose during the impact. Zahir, Samantha, nor anyone were in sight. All Arthur could see around him was devastation and corpses in the smoke-filled quarters. Although he was not a religious man, Arthur prayed that Zahir’s body was not among the wreckage. “[b]Zahir![/b]” he shouted. No response. “[b]ZAHIR![/b]” He grabbed a tattered piece of cloth from the ground and placed it over his mouth. It was becoming difficult to see, and even more difficult to breathe. Arthur knew the components of the Von Braun well enough to know that several of advanced polymers designed for the ship would become toxic if ignited. Worse yet, the vast oxygen reserves were bound to erupt any minute. He braced himself against the wall, and slowly groped his way across the wreckage. As Arthur walked he stumbled across his pistol, lying abandoned on the ground. He bent over to grab it when suddenly a surge of pain shot through his head. In an instant he collapsed to the ground, his throat clenched up, and he began to tremble violently. Arthur had experienced great pain in his life, but never before had it been this severe. [i]How long have I been unconscious?[/i] he thought to himself, immediately realizing that he needed to find his quarters and his belongings at once. After several moments the pain subsided, and Arthur slowly he came to his feet. No doubt the next attack would be even worse. Finding Zahir was a priority, but if he continued to experience these withdrawals he would be of no value to anyone.

[size=1]I don't know how an OB podcast would appeal to anyone but a pretty active member on the site, so I think that needs to take this into consideration in regards to selecting a format. Things like anime reviews are nice, but there are already so many venues available for that out there. In a weekly/bi-weekly podcast I would much rather see 30 solid minutes of member interviews and OB news rather than a bloated two hours of anime/movie/whatever reviews. I would like to learn more about the people who visit the site, the world they come from, and maybe how their real-life impacts OB (or vice versa.) simple day-in-the-life stuff would be really interesting. The more members we can include in this the better. Also we could do some Otakupedia stuff; having an oral history of OtakuBoards seems like it would be really neat. There are some stories to be told about the genesis of threads and inside jokes that could be interesting to newer members. Also, both hosts aren't neccessarily needed to perform all of the interviews. It would be easier to arrange the interviews with everyone's schedule if you include the fewest people possible. I would also recommend that you get guest interviewers as well. How hillarious would it be to have Rach interview Beth, or Deathknight to interview Aaryanna Mom? Answer: [i]Very[/i] hillarious. I'd like to see something resembling the following format in a 30-45 minute podcast: [list][*]OB news/housekeeping items [*]Listener mail or member-submitted content (music, RPG advertisements, etc.) [*]Member interview I. [*]Otakupedia bit / History of... [*]Member interview II. [*]Thread of the week/month/etc. [*]Preview of next show. [*]Member recommendation / Song of the week?[/list] Plus have a contest for members to create the podcast's theme song. -Shy[/size] :whoops:

[size=1]Without going into a lot of specifics, my basic belief is that the economic system [i]does[/i] work. It is the responsibility of the private sector to account for these bad loans, and expecting the federal government to solve any problem in a satisfactory way is unrealistic. I'm very relieved that this proposed bailout failed. We are definitely in for some rough times ahead, but no lessons can be learned if big business and the US government don't suffer from the situation they had a hand in creating. Adding more bad debt to an incredibly bloated spending defecit was not a step in the right direction. - Shy[/size]

[quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']Personally this makes me think that Shy would have been better off making a slot of... find members from ten different states/countries. A mix if you will. He'd probably get more responses to the game if he did that. Anyway...[/QUOTE][size=1]You're probably right, but such is life. I do admit that the country challenge is one of the more difficult ones, but I know for a fact that there are active members who live in more than ten different nations. Oh well. Maybe I'll change up the Bingo sheet to spur some interest. I'm from Southern California, and I have been here my entire life. My tan isn't very good, but I do know how to surf. There are probably a dozen different stereotypes that I fall into as well. -Shy[/size]

[size=1]A tribute to quite possibly the greatest performance ever captured on film. [center][youtube=Ice Cold]VNaDZIrxh-0[/youtube][/center] -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Darren']*blah*[/QUOTE][size=1]You can post a silly picture of yourself on the site, or create a banner/avatar for another member. I mean, the whole point is to encourage members to post outside of their comfort zone... right? Though some challenges are harder than others, I see at least three different bingos that can be achieved without a whole lot of effort. Creating a banner/avatar or OB-inspired recipe isn't very difficult. I never said what you make has to be any good. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Darren']Well it seems to be the easiest one to complete in my opinion. Some of those things I don't have a clue on how to do it...[/QUOTE][size=1]Most of these things aren't very difficult to do at all. I expect more from you! And yes, as more people complete Bingo I will start to change up the master square. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Darren'][URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=59350"]Click[/URL] So, at first I thought you might change the bingo card after someone wins once, but since you haven't, I'll assume my anthology critique will still apply. (Granted that you deem it worthy)[/QUOTE][size=1]The card is still active, although I would urge members to try and complete lines [i]other[/i] than the one that White/8-Bit/Whoever did. Your critique is extremely valid. Carry on. :whoops: -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent][center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/img][/center] With several well-placed jumps. Sheik bounded over the palace walls towards her chambers. A thousand similar escapes had taken place on a thousand similar nights. but never before were her errands more pressing. The approach of the Gerudo was inevitable, and as such it was of the utmost importance that she accomplished her mission. The Queen climbed up the walls to her quarters, but a pair of voices could be heard conversing from within. She immediately slid behind a balcony door as they spoke, hoping not to be noticed. "[b]We have failed the monarchy, Valen,[/b]" a gruff, older officer commiserated, "[b]How could Queen Zelda have been snatched away in the middle of the night?[/b]" Valen nodded. He was younger, in his 40’s, with shoulder-length black hair tied behind his head. Only moments ago he had been summoned to the Queen’s personal quarters by Guard Commander Song, unaware of what had taken place that night. When he arrived the scene he saw was shocking,: drawers were emptied, walls torn into, blood splattered carelessly throughout. Whoever had done this was looking for something, Valen thought to himself, and they were wasting no time doing it. In the corner of the bedroom lay Impa. She was still in her rocking chair when she died, clutching tightly onto an ocarina when she was slashed across the throat. "[b]Guards are always positioned along all sides, sir. I can only assume that supernatural forces were at work... or an inside job.[/b]” “[b]What are you insinuating, Valen?[/b]” “[b]It’s nothing. I‘m merely stating a possibility…[/b]” “[b]Possible, perhaps, but unlikely,[/b]“ There was a pregnant pause and the older man waved his hand dismissively, “[b]You were merely called here because I knew I could trust you with this.[/b]” Valen nodded, “[b]You don’t intend to keep the Queen’s kidnapping secret, do you?[/b]” “[b]Of course not,[/b]” Song replied as he motioned towards the other end of the room, “[b]But I’m afraid your speculation is unnecessary. We already have a suspect.[/b]” “[b]Who is it, sir?[/b]” “[b]Take a look at the woman’s body. I imagine you’ll be able to figure it out for yourself…[/b]” He pulled a large sheet from the bed, and carefully placed it over Impa‘s body. It was then that he noticed a familiar symbol, etched in blood on the woman’s hand: The Triforce. “[b]Is this what I think it is?[/b]” he asked. "[b]Whatever it is, it must be kept a secret of the highest priority. I am trusting you with finding the Queen and apprehending this madman at once.[/b]” “[b]You expect me to apprehend the Hero of Time?[/b]” “[b]It’s talk like that which turns farmers into legends, and petty criminals into warlords. Assemble a team if you must, but I don‘t want any of this information leaving the palace walls.[/b]” He turned sharply towards the door, and began to walk out, “[b]Should there be any… complications, notify me at once.[/b]” “[b]Yes, sir...[/b]” Valen let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his forehead softly, “[b][I]…what have I gotten myself into?[/b][/I]”[/size][/indent]

[quote name='Korey'][Font=" Franklin Gothic Medium"] Nice try, Nerdsy. That was good for a few lol's but let's try to add a little more to the topic next time, thank you.[/Font][/QUOTE][size=1]You're getting trigger happy, kid. Anyway, have you tried playing FFXII? I know you said you played FFX and hated it, but XII is a much, much different game. Just about everything in the game is more complex and interesting than its' predecessor, although I must admit that the characters are a little boring. Plus, it's a Final Fantasy game so you'll be able to spend 100 hours of your life completing it. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Lrb'][COLOR="DimGray"][SIZE="1"]Okay I waited a little to give you other Bingoers a go (haha) but I think I'm being too easy on you guys so I've critiqued someones writing in the Anthology. Click [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=818477&postcount=2]here[/url]. If [i]that[/i] doesn't constitute as c&c then I don't know what does. :p[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE][size=1]We have BINGO! Congrats, White. Now who will be the next member to achieve Bingo-dom? -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Okay, it has been one week and we've only received a few bites... But the potpourri space is updated again. "Create a new banner/avatar inspired by DeathKnight, and use it!" Be creative with your interpretations. Have fun! -Shy[/size]

[quote name='boothten'][size=1][b]Shy[/b], please make sure you're reading the rules before you post in this thread. Not only do you have to make your own signature, you also cannot submit another member's signature. You can't do any voting in this thread either. Everyone, please make sure you're reading the rules before posting in any submission entry threads from now on please.[/size][/QUOTE][size=1]Your rules actually never specified that you had to submit your own work for consideration:[/size] [quote=the rules][size=1]Rules For Entrants: Always follow the Signature Of The Week theme. Absolutely NO PLAGIARISM. Only ONE (1) entry is allowed per person. You cannot enter the same signature in more than ONE (1) Signature Of The Week at OtakuBoards. Entries can be changed BEFORE voting begins. Just edit your post with your new entry. The dimensions of your entry must not exceed 550x120 pixels.[/quote] I did read the rules, but [i]I apologize for not being able to read your mind.[/i] Hmpf. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Talon'][color=teal]I was talking about Raven killing the 'savior of us all', actually. Remember? He no likey the legend of the Hero. Period. Why would he wanna kill someone he's trudging to all the seedy apothecaries and mage schools in the country looking for a way to help sh/im?[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]Heh. Exactly. Egalia's divination spell will reveal the location of the Hero of Time, although the fact that it is the Hero of Time will remain secret to all but Zelda/Sheik. She might simply go to a local tavern and try to form a 'search party' of sorts. Members of the Royal Guard will likely be too busy for such an endeavor. Finding the Hero of Time will be a priority for them as well, but for much different reasons. Heh. [b]Talon:[/b] Your last post confused me a wee bit. Is Raven aware that Zelda is disguised as Sheik? Also: Can everyone start using posting avatars in their posts (if they aren't already?) It's much less of an issue when your post only contains your own character, but once large groups of them start interacting they help a great deal. Plus, they look nifty. -Shy[/size]