Shy

[indent][size=1][center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/egaliaavatar.jpg[/img][/center] Egalia brushed her hair as yet another customer entered her shop. It was Queen Zelda, heavily disguised, and clearly exhausted. With broad shoulders and a low voice, nobody would recognize that she was a woman, much less the monarch of Hyrule. "[b]Welcome, sir. Herbs or healing?[/b]" "[b]Neither,[/b]" Zelda replied, "[b]I hope to cast a divinity, and many a merchant has recommended your inventory.[/b]" Egalia nodded, "[b]I'm afraid you misunderstand me, stranger. I am but a simple apothecary, and divinities are forbidden within the kingdom. Should you need fermented Deku nuts, or some fine magic powder, I would be more than happy to assist you...[/b]" Frustrated, Zelda removed a small coin bag from her waist, and poured several enormous ruppees on the counter, "[b]Please. I have been searching for many hours, and trust that you can assist me...[/b]" The merchant's eyes widened as she examined the jewels, "[b]Hm. Actually, maybe I do have something that would be of assistance...[/b]" She reached below the counter, and pulled out an enormous boar's head, "[b]But to properly help you, I must know what it is you seek.[/b]" "[b]I search for a man.[/b]" "[b][i]Don't we all?[/i][/b]" Egalia replied with a dreamy sigh, "[b]I trust you have a personal belonging of his as well, to guide the spell...[/b]" "[b]Yes. Of course,[/b]" she said as she withdrew a small slingshot, "[b]Will this work?[/b]" "[b]A strand of hair, or a vial of blood is preferrable, but I am a professional, and shall make do with what I have been given.[/b]" "[b]It is of the utmost importantance that I find him.[/b]" "[b]Ceertainly,[/b]" Egalia nodded, "[b]These incantations do take time, though. I imagine if we start the ritual now we should be able to locate him by sundown.[/b]" "[b]That is much too late. Prepare the ingredients, and I shall return tomorrow night to finish the spell.[/b]" "[b]Of course, Mister..?[/b]" "[b]You can call me Sheik.[/b]" She headed towards the door as Egalia placed the slingshot and rupees into a large glass jar. The silver bells of the store chimed softly, and the stranger was gone just as quickly as they had appeared.[/size][/indent]

[size=1][img]http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/302/obadvicebannerqe7.gif[/img] I nominate Sara's current signature and banner. -Shy[/size]

3 A.M. Hattori Hanzo and Rose rested in one of Hanzo’s lush safehouses scattered throughout the city. In his decades of experience he had learned to be prepared for such attacks, but never before had he experienced anything like this. With a single bullet the largest crime lord in the city was forced into hiding; it was obvious to Rose that he would not allow himself to hide for much longer. “[u]Our opponent wants to stand among the giants of Tokyo[/u],” Hanzo said grimly, “[u]But only a child would be so arrogant as to strike as he did…[/u]” The door opened, and Rose reached for her blade. The RGB sisters entered, carrying the body of one of Adam’s Geishas. “[u]Did anyone follow you here?[/u]” Miss Red shook his head. “[u]Did they put up much of a fight?[/u]” Miss Green grinned. [indent][i]Smoke filled the streets as the bus began to smolder. Through the smoke four beautifully dressed Geisha appeared. Hanzo waved his hand dismissively. “[u]Darlings. Take care of these bitches for me.[/u]” Hanzo and Rose disappeared behind an alleyway as the four women charged towards the RGB Sisters. Before Blue and Red could reach, Miss Green removed a pair of Uzis from her signature kimono. He immediately opened fire on the Geishas, killing two instantly with a bullet through the throat. Miss Red and Miss Blue stood ready with their weapons drawn, but it was unnecessary. “[u]I’ll handle this, girls,[/u]” Miss Green said. The two remaining Geishas, their pristine appearance marred by thick splatters of blood, immediately withdrew their short swords. Dropping one of the guns, Green managed to parry several blows before grabbing one of his opponent’s wrists with his large hand and snapping it like a rice patty. They struggled momentarily, but the delicate Geisha could not overpower the part-time bodybuilder and assassin. Miss Green gained control of one’s blade, and brutally drove it into the chest of the other. While Green, the remaining Geisha looked to the ground and noticed one of his Uzis lying there. However, as she reached for the weapon she suddenly felt a crippling pain shoot down her backside. She collapsed to the ground instantly, a blue dagger-tipped 7-inch heel jammed through the back of her neck.[/i][/indent] “[u]Of course they didn't,[/u]” Hanzo replied, “[u]And neither will he.[/u]” “[u]What do you have in mind, Hanzo-san?[/u]” “[u]We need to find who did this and make them suffer, Rose,[/u]” he said sagely, “[u]We need to find who did this and make them suffer,[/u]” Hanzo said sagely, “[u]He has provoked us. And every moment he breathes destroys the honor of myself and this organization.[/u]” “[u]Yes, Hanzo-san?[/u]” “[u]Contact our informants. Someone in this city must know who did this.[/u]” “[u]There’s no need,[/u]” Rose replied confidently, “[u]I can tell you where these assassins were based right now.[/u]” “[u]How?[/u]” Rose stared at the face of the slain Geishas. Though her face was covered with thick white makeup, it was clear that pockmarks and horrible scars were concealed beneath, “[u]…Musashimurayama.[/u]” In addition to being a famed drag queen and skilled combatant, “Tokyo Rose” was also the biggest slut in all of Japan. Sex was a language to the aging queen. With the slightest thrust, moan, or venereal disease he was able to learn more about a person than through a lifetime of research. “[u]This woman was under the protection of Midnight Rapist Yakazumi. Someone has clearly made a move over his home of Musashimurayama, and with it they‘ll be able to control the entire Toy District.[/u]” “[u]We will remain in seclusion until the time is right,[/u]” Hanzo commanded, “[u]Reacting hastily will only give into the plans of our enemies.[/u]” “[u]The city is finally yours, Hanzo-san, I will not allow anyone, or anything to jeopardize that,[/u]” Rose shook his head, mascara streaming down his delicate features, “[u]Losing control of Japan’s vibrators would be losing everything![/u]” Rose was right. For years Hattori Hanzo had been using sex toys to smuggle drugs and contraband throughout Asia. Just as importantly, the ‘plastics’ industry had become a legitimate business, earning a sizeable profit on its’ own. Hanzo used this money to fund his operations off the books, since even the most devoted government accountants were afraid to step anywhere near his so-called “Pleasure Palace.” “[u]Very well. We shall speak to Yakazumi, and should the need arise, retake the factories by force.[/u]” “[u]And if they're waiting for us?[/u]" "[u]Oh, I fully expect them to...[/u]" Hanzo replied as he opened a closet door, revealing an enormous arms cache, "[u]But even without access to the district we still have a few toys of our own.[/u]" Rose withdrew a rocket launcher and smiled, "[u]That's right, sugar. And style, too.[/u]" Hanzo kissed Rose tenderly on the cheek, "[u]Call for the helicopter, will you? I need to change into something more comfortable.[/u]"

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]So, is it tenth reply or tenth post? Because if it's the tenth post... I just snagged it. I need clarification on that Shy and I need it nao! =P[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE][size=1]Yours was the [i]tenth post[/i]. What I'm posting now is actually the tenth [i]reply[/i]. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Lrb'][SIZE="1"][COLOR="DimGray"][b]Critique someone else's writing in the Anthology[/b] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?p=817867#post817867]Click here.[/url] Right?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE][size=1]I'm going to disagree with this one, because you didn't actually [i]critique[/i] anything. You really just praised it blindly. At least point out a typo or something. Shrug. NO BINGO! Good effort, but try again! [b]Aaryanna:[/b] I don't like the idea of posting pictures of someone else's pets, because then you can just take any old picture from the internet and claim it as your own. (Not that you can't do that now, but still...) If you don't have an actual pet you can always take a picture of your Neopet or bamboo plant or little brother or something. Heh. [b]DeathKnight:[/b] Next week. [b]Allamorph:[/b] Hush. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='P.J. McKrafty'][FONT=Arial][COLOR=Navy]I would love to see them use Firefly, Bane, or Hush. [/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE][size=1]Those are two and a half of the worst Batman villains ever. I say 'half' because Hush is well... [i]Hush[/i]. Visually he is pretty cool, but I've always found his motivations and characterization pretty generic. [spoiler]However, if you like Firefly he [i]kind of[/i] cameo'd in the Batman: Gotham Knight anime shorts. As did Killer Croc.[/spoiler] Call me old-fashioned, but Batman villains always boil down to the 'Big Four.' Joker, Riddler, Catwoman and Penguin. Since we already got Joker, I wouldn't be surprised to see one, if not all of the others make an appearance. I just got back from the theater and I absolutely loved it. My biggest complaint was with the length of the film, but every scene felt neccessary. It all tied together so well, I can't imagine what they could do to trim the length. [spoiler]Actually, the whole 'Batman cell-phone wiretapping' thing could go, but I imagine this kind of thing will be the springboard for plot points in later films. The deaths were shocking and the non-deaths were equally as shocking.[/spoiler] Excellent film all-around. BIG FAN! -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Darren']So, since I'm replying to this, does that mean I get the space "Be the first to reply to a new thread" ???[/QUOTE][size=1]Correct! I should also clarify and say that each member has their own scorecard. Even if another member has completed a particular objective you can still complete that same objective to fill out your own line. -Shy[/size]

[center][b]Welcome to OtakuBingo![/b] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/otakubingoo1.jpg[/IMG][/center] [b][u]The Rules:[/u][/b] [LIST][*]Fill in spaces by posting on OtakuBoards and theOtaku.com. [*]Use this thread to verify your space completions. [*]Every member has their own score sheet. [*]Spaces must be completed from [i]this point forward[/i]. [*]A post/thread can only be used to satisfy a single space. No 'doubling up' [*]Fill out an entire line horizontally, vertically or diagonally. [*]Be the first to do so. You win![/LIST] [b][u]Potpourri:[/u][/b] [list][*]Every week the Potpourri space changes its' rules. [*]This week's challenge: [i]Create a new banner/avatar inspired by DeathKnight, and use it![/i] [/list] [size=1]* For the 'International Members' space you will need to PM me the information, so that others cannot steal your answers. Let's begin! -Shy[/size]

[size=1]Okay. The first post is up! Everyone should use this opportunity to introduce their characters into the story. Coming up soon there will be a central event to draw the group together, though. so keep an eye out for that. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][indent][center][img]http://otakuboards.com/signaturepics/sigpic306_7.gif[/img] [b][size=1][url=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=59310]Backstage[/url] : [url=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=59257]Recruitment[/url][/size][/b] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ravenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ariadoravatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newlinkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/falvoavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/lukkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/kesariavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/egaliaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/xanderavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/babaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/faustavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newzeldaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newganonavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/IMG][/center] [size=3][right][b][FONT="Georgia"]Act One[/FONT][/b][/right][/size] [center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newzeldaavatar.jpg[/img][/center] Queen Zelda stood on the balcony of Hyrule Castle, staring down at the fortress city below. It was sunset, and the bustling community were closing their stores, and preparing for an evening of relaxation. Another day had passed, and yet still no word from the Gerudo. In generations prior the nation had sent an emissary, making a formal declaration of war, yet so far there had been none, [I]Were the oracles wrong[/I], she wondered, [I]Or had the invasion already begun?[/I] [center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/hyrule.jpg[/IMG][/center] The familiar sound of an ocarina called out from her bedroom. Zelda’s advisor and guardian, Impa, sat on a large plush chair, playing the song that she had dedicated to her queen. As a young child Zelda had heard the melody countless times before, and as a small child it had been used to soothe her nerves during the first invasion. Impa was getting on in years, but her devotion to the monarchy would never cease. “[b]Do you think I am wrong, old friend?[/b]” Zelda asked, “[b]The guard stands ready for an assault, but should I not also summon for the Hero of Time?[/b]” The old woman shook her head softly as she replied, “[b]The Hero of Time? After all of the disgrace he has brought you and this kingdom, it amazes me you would even consider him.[/b]” “[b]These are desperate times, Impa… I only want what is best for Hyrule, and he is a hero to the people.[/b]” “[b]That rapist and a murderer is no hero,[/b]” Impa replied incredulously, “[b]Should the guard fail, there will be another way. But not him.[/b]” "[b]There are many trials I face. I just worry that I will not be able to handle them.[/b]" “[b]But is it the Gerudo you fear most, or the current situation within Hyrule?[/b]” Zelda nodded. “[b]It seems a perfect storm. The Zora have all-but-disappeared, while the Gorons sit locked within Death Mountain, preparing for… [I]something.[/I] There is a tension building, and it threatens to overtake us all.[/b]” The Queen reentered her quarters, and withdrew a small pendant from her dress. She clutched onto it tightly. “[b]I think it would do me good to go out this evening, Impa…[/b]” “[b]Of course, of course. You have much on your mind, dear. Go.[/b]” The Queen spoke a few arcane syllables and was suddenly surrounded by a supernatural glow. In an instant her delicate gown transformed into a tight-fitting blue jumpsuit, complete with a shawl to mask her face. [center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/img][/center] “[b]I will be back before sunrise. Please don’t wait up for me.[/b]” With a running leap off of the balcony, she disappeared into the night.[/size][/indent]

[indent][center][img]http://otakuboards.com/signaturepics/sigpic306_7.gif[/img] [size=1] This is an all-purpose thread for questions and discussion regarding [url=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=59314][b]Zelda: The Lost War[/b][/url]! [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ravenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ariadoravatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newlinkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/falvoavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/lukkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/kesariavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/egaliaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/xanderavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/babaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/faustavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newzeldaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newganonavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/IMG][/center] Expect the RPG up in a few hours. This thread will also be used to compile detailed information about the characters and history once the story begins. -Shy[/size][/indent]

[indent][size=1][center][i]Name:[/i] Ganondorf [i]Race:[/i] Gerudo [i]Gender[/i]: Male [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ganonimage.jpg[/IMG][/center] [i]Brief History/Biography[/i]: Beyond the borders of Hyrule lies the [b]Desert of Doubt[/b], an arid wasteland inhabited by the proud [b]Gerudo[/b] tribes. It is said that 1,000 years ago a cabal of Gerudo princes were the first to conspire against Princess Zelda, hoping to seize the throne. As punishment for their actions, the Goddess Din summoned forth a powerful plague, one which she hoped would destroy every Gerudo male, and eventually the Gerudo themselves. However, the Gerudo were a clever people. Through sorcery and secret ways the females survived the generations, and overcame the curse of the Goddesses. It was during this time that the tribe came to worship a new god, [b]Ganon[/b]. To appease their deity, once every century a dark ritual would be performed. A virgin from within the tribe would be sacrificed to Ganon, and in return the Gerudo would be blessed with the birth of a pure-blooded male. This child, [b]Ganondorf[/b], is destined to become emperor of the nation, and destroy Hyrule once and for all. To date none of these campaigns have been successful. The Gerudo have learned from their various failures. New strategies have been created, and the Desert of Doubt is now surrounded by powerful allies. Many believe it is time for the Gerudo people to abandon their old ways, but the Emperor calls for war once again. Recent political strife within Hyrule threatens to spill blood beyond the nation's borders. If action is not taken, Ganondorf claims, the powerful artifacts hidden throughout Hyrule could be used for sinister purposes. Ganondorf insists that Hyrule's instability poses a threat to not just the Gerudo, but the entire world. The Emperor firmly believes the coming war is just, and that Ganon himself demands it.[/size][/indent] [center][size=3][b][FONT="Book Antiqua"]Cast of Characters[/FONT][/b][/size] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/babaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newvalenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ravenavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/ariadoravatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newlinkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/lukkavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/kesariavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/egaliaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/xanderavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newganonavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/newzeldaavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/shiekavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/faustavatar.jpg[/IMG][/center][size=1] Okay, Everyone got in [strike]except White, because I warned him about the Deku thing and he never got back to me. [b]Aceburner[/b] I need an image for your character as soon as possible.[/strike] You'll notice that two of the character images featured do not have sign-ups. Who those characters are should be fairly obvious, but if not, you'll understand by the end of my first post. Except that to be up in 12 hours or so. I've got work to do! -Shy [B]Edit:[/B] Forgot Xander's avatar. Whoops.[/size]

[size=1]I must say that the title to this story made me laugh quite a bit, Well played. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][b]Lrb:[/b] I mentioned this before, but I'm only accepting Deku characters under certain circumstances. If you want to talk to me about it, I'm all ears. We'll be launching this RPG before the weekend. If anyone is interested in joining I suggest they do so in the next two days! -Shy[/size]

[quote name='James']I just felt it would be too incredulous for Zahir not to suspect a Terra Prime link.[/QUOTE][size=1][strike]I don't see how. The two have had pretty harmless interactions so far, and although Arthur is obviously knowledgable about the Great Disaster, I don't think that neccessarily equates with him being a space terrorist. Maybe it does. Shrug. At this point, even when confronted about the subject, I doubt Arthur would ever confess to being a member of Terra Prime. Plus that sort of knowledge puts Zahir in an incredibly awkward position: How can he justify [i]not[/i] turning a virtual stranger into the authorities, when doing otherwise endangers the lives of everyone on board?[/strike] -Shy [b]Update:[/b] It's been taken out. The world can start spinning again.[/size]

[size=1]I was a little surprised when my character 'came out' to yours James. Arthur and Zahir seem to have some sort of connection, yes, but the fact that he is a militant anti-space terrorist would still be a closely guarded secret. Anyway, I'll just run with it but I felt that the revelation was a little sudden. -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9978/vboavatarey3.jpg[/img] [img]http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2357/kathykf5.jpg[/img] [img]http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5076/aryaviif9.jpg[/img] [img]http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9613/sabavixi1.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f385/Arichan16/arthur.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/gaelavatar1.jpg[/IMG][/center] Arthur clutched onto his water bottle tightly as the group walked briskly through the corridors. He had been drinking it regularly since they found the vending machines, but his throat still felt dry. If they were to remain stranded for much longer, Arthur feared, his condition would only get worse. He decided to stay close to Zahir. Even though he hardly knew the young man he still felt obligated to look after him. The prospect of being stranded in space was terrifying, but it seemed that he and Zahir were keeping one another sane. Gael’s formal manner was beginning to wear thin for Arthur, and he made a mental note to keep his distance from her. Already he had revealed too much about his feelings on the Great Disaster. The severity of the situation was making it more and more difficult for him to keep the charade of confidence up. “[b]Where did you say you were from, Zahir?[/b]" Arthur asked, his voice scratching slightly. “[b]I’m from Afghanistan, in the area occupied by N.A.R.A.,[/b]” he replied, “[b]It’s not Washington Prime, but they have made amazing strides in recent years.[/b]” Arthur nodded, “[b]Oh I bet. I used to travel with my mother across Europe. In the course of a few months they were able to transform wastelands into thriving cities.[/b]” “[b]They say traveling is an incredible learning experience. I wish I was able to do more of it…[/b]” “[b]There’s nothing to envy, I assure you.. The faces start to blend together after so long, and it becomes so hard to make friends, or trust…[/b]” Arthur interrupted himself with a violent cough, catching the attention of the entire party. “[b]Are you alright?[/b]” Zahir asked placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder. “[b]I’m fine, Zee. Please…[/b]” Arthur said as he removed Zahir’s hand from him forcefully. For only a moment, Arthur raised his hand, allowing his watch to slide back to reveal several puncture wounds along his wrist. Natalia’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the small bruises, as did Zahir’s. “[b]Do you need anything more to drink?[/b]” Natalia asked Arthur, offering her water bottle to him, “[b]It looks like your own is running low.[/b]” “[b]It was only a cough. My throat caught some dust in here, I guess.[/b]” Arthur shook his head and increased his pace, hoping to move past the rest of the group. Zahir and Natalia shared a nod as the others remained lost in conversation. “[b][i]Did you see that?[/i][/b]” she whispered softly. “[b]I’m not sure--[/b]” Zahir said as he leaned his head in, “[b]I don’t know what to think.[/b]” “[b]I’m afraid I do,[/b]” Natalia sighed, “[b]If you’ve worked in a casino long enough you’re able to recognize an addiction when you see it.[/b]”

[size=1]Very interesting sign-ups so far everyone! I'm going to be holding these open for another week at least, so I hope we see even more new faces. [b]Lionheart:[/b] The image you included with your sign-up isn't loading on my computer. You may want to try using another hositng service. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]I'd literally like to see "OB Radio" as an ongoing feature on this site. We could do more than interviews, too. It'd be fun to do reviews or previews of RPGs, even.[/font][/QUOTE][size=1]Couldn't we make a 'real' radio station streaming via iTunes or something? We could include member-created content and then combine it with anime music (or whatever.) There could even be a requests thread, or dedication, or whatever. Everyone has such diverse tastes. It would be interesting to see what kinds of songs people suggested. I'm not sure about the technical aspects behind it, but I've looked into doing something like this before and it didn't seem really complicated. The biggest thing is finding a server to host all of the music files, and making sure that it can support all of the traffic such a radio station would presumably generate. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]I did have a couple of questions. First, do character avatars have to be drawn/painted or can they be realistic/photo? Doesn't really matter because I'm sure I can find the former, but I thought I'd ask just in case. Also...just in terms of the overall limits. I'm not really sure what I'm asking here, but obviously this is a mature RPG - do you have any limits as such? Or is it anything goes? And if so, do you have a preference for something more odd/bizarre?[/font][/QUOTE][size=1]#1) I would prefer drawings/paintings over photographs to maintain a more consistent look for the images. We will be using posting avatars, and I might feature the images you include pretty prominently in some other things as well. #2) Pretty much anything goes. This will be a pretty dark story, but there is obviously room for some lighter elements and humor as well.[/size] [quote name='Aceburner'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Wait, are Gorons, Zoras, Kokiri, Rito, Dekus, etc. allowed?[/FONT][/QUOTE][size=1]Gorons, Zoras, Rito, etc. exist in this world, but are rarely seen by average Hyrulians. There are strong shades of racism within this Hyrulian-run society, and most of the 'lesser' races of Hyrule live in self-imposed exile with their own kind. I would prefer that the player characters remain Hyrulian, Human or Gerudo. However, if you are willing to play up the racial conflicts of your character living in Hyrule then I have no problem with you playing as a Rito. -Shy[/size]

[size=1][center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/zelda/lostwar2.jpg[/IMG] [color=red][b][WARNING: This RPG will contain mature themes, extreme violence and adult language!][/b][/color][/center] [indent]"An end to the Age of Gods drew near. A final crisis approached for their kind, and soon they would no longer inhabit the realm of man. Of the many who once inhabited [b]Hyrule[/b], only three saw fit to bless the land with a final gift. "[b]Nayru[/b], Goddess of the Hearth, created the [b]Lost Woods[/b] to feed the hungry and shelter the weak. [b]Din[/b], Goddess of Law, created the [b]Sacred Text[/b] for which to guide us. And [b]Farore[/b], Goddess of Life, created [b]Zelda[/b]. As Hyrule's first queen, Zelda was to lead the kingdom after the Age of Gods had passed. It is said that Farore favored Zelda above all Hylians, for she was the most beautiful and gentle creature in all the land. However, her subjects soon grew jealous of the girl. They conspired against her, and struck down the young queen The three goddesses were heartbroken: it was their tears that overflowed to create the seas, and their anger which shook the earth to create the mountains. Hyrule would never have a chance to seek forgiveness for their sin, for the Age of Gods was over. To mourn the loss of their queen, each generation a new female heir would be selected, and she would be named 'Zelda.'" [right]- The Book of Sorrows, Chapter XIX[/right] [size=2][center][b]One Thousand Years Have Passed. . .[/b][/center][/size] Hyrule faces uncertainty once again. The [b]Gerudo[/b] have sent their forces west, and an invasion looms on the horizon. If the dark emperor [b]Ganondorf[/b] is not stopped, the lives of thousands will be lost in his quest for power. But for once are his motives pure? Is war the only thing that can save Hyrule from itself? [center][b][size=2]* * *[/b][/size][/center] Welcome to [b]Zelda: The Lost War[/b]. You will be playing as warriors, and citizens of the great kingdom of Hyrule. However, this is not the land you have come to know. Allegiances have changed, and so has the history behind it. This RPG will largely focus on relationships between the characters, and their histories together. We will be delving into these pasts as well, through both flashbacks (and other ways, which you can probably guess already...) [center][size=2][b]Sign-Up Criteria:[/b][/size][/center] [b]Name:[/b] Any will do. [b]Race:[/b] Human, [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_in_The_Legend_of_Zelda_series]Hylian, Gerudo (or some combination therof.)[/url] [b]Gender:[/b] Magically transgendered characters are fine. [b]Brief character history[/b]: [b]A drawn/painted image of your character![/b] I encourage people who are not familiar with the Legend of Zelda video game series to sign-up. If nothing else, they will be a breath of fresh air once everyone realizes how radical of a departure this is from the original games. A smaller cast is expected, although I can't say I have a set number in my head. [b]Post your questions, comments, and/or concerns here![/b] Sign-ups will be up for well over a week, depending on the overall interest in this project. -Shy![/size][/indent]

[size=1]Eh, Saved By The Bell taught me to 'Say Nope to Dope,' but I have had more than a few experiences getting drunk. Usually this happens in a controlled environment, like my own apartment, so I can't vouch for doing anything truly wild. Most of the [i]really[/i] embarrassing stuff I've done took place when I was sober. That's much much worse, because then you have no excuses. -Shy[/size]

[center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/von%20braun/arthurmostdefinitely.jpg[/img] [img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/gaelavatar1.jpg[/img][/center] Arthur and Gael approached the boarding craft as an automated voice echoed throughout the outpost: The transport will be leaving shortly. Please watch your step and make sure that you have all of your belongings! “[b]We made it just in time,[/b]” Gael said, “[b]But where are the others?[/b]” They peered into boarding craft. Not a single person was inside. Such a large group had been sent into the outpost, it seemed strange that nobody else had returned yet. Arthur turned to Gael, “[b]Do you think they’re alright?[/b]” It was then that Arthur noticed that the gem on Gael’s forehead had vanished as well. “[b]Gael, your jewel…[/b]” She ran her finger along her forehead, and her eyes widened with surprise. Suddenly the calm and collected woman was in a panic. “[b]Where is it?![/b]” she shouted as she knelt to the ground, “[b]How could it have fallen loose?[/b]” [right][i]Muriet, Spain - Four Years Ago[/right][/i] “[b]Where is it..?[/b]” The city was alive that night, more than it had been in decades. Europe was one of the first areas affected by the Great Disaster, and by far they were hit the hardest. The recovery had been slow, and entire towns had been abandoned following enormous casualties. Only a handful of cities remained in the area, most along the coast, and rarely was there anything worth celebrating. However, that night was different. An alliance was announced between NARSIA and the area formerly known as Spain. There would be a new rule of law, yes, but also the gift of international relief. For so long the entire region had held out for its’ independence; to these people the reforms would be bittersweet. Arthur was lost along the city streets, or at least about to be. His mother had been assigned by NARSIA to teach English to future government employees throughout the region, and like all of her trips, Arthur was all too eager to tag along. Their relationship had become strained over the past few months, especially following a recent reconnection with his father. She had discovered that the two had been exchanging letters, the only way they could communicate without detection, and although she forbade it, the mail continued. Never having contact with the man before, Arthur had a million questions for the reclusive Edward Kendi. At first their hand-written conversations had been civil, not unlike the kind any distant relatives might sure. Unfortunately that changed quickly, and Edward’s writings had devolved into angry, paranoid manifestos on the state of world government. The return addresses on the letters had always been from Muriet, and being only a short distance it only seemed natural to try and meet the man in person. The young man’s hands began to tremble as he read the letter he had received just a few hours prior. He knew the address on the note, as he had been advised by his friends to stay away. With much of the city controlled by rival gangs and corrupt officials there were simply some areas that foreigners should never see. And never after dark. It seemed that the street lights became sparser and sparser as Arthur approached his destination. The uncertainty of the entire situation was making him nervous, although Arthur couldn’t quite understand what was causing it. His mother had always characterized Edward as a passionate, yet misguided man. Although she would never admit it, she was still madly in love with him when she walked away, and remained so for the rest of her life. Arthur’s opinion on his father was much more complicated than that, and he only hoped that this night would help him sort some of those feelings out. He approached an older-looking house matching the description he had been given, and knocked on the door. Arthur could hear whispers and shuffling papers from the other side of the door before an enormous, dark-skinned man opened it. “[b]Yes?[/b]” Though Arthur wasn’t tiny in any regard, he suddenly felt like an infant. “[b]I… I’m here to see my father.[/b]” The man seemed puzzled, “[b]And who the hell is that supposed to be?[/b]” The door opened a sliver more and a small handgun appeared from the darkness. The man motioned for Arthur to enter, and quickly shut the door behind them. The home was run down, with hundreds of newspapers and magazine clippings pasted across the walls. It was poorly lit, but Arthur could clearly see several figures standing in the shadows throughout. “[b]Who are you?[/b]” Holding the gun was a young woman, not much older than Arthur, with piercing green eyes and long, curly hair. She wore a tight-fitting leather vest, and little else. “[b]Who are you?[/b]” she asked again impatiently, “[b]Why are you here?![/b]” [right][i]Now[/i][/right] “[b]Why are you here?[/b]” Arthur asked Gael as he crawled along the floor, desperately searching for her jewel. "[b]I thought we had already discussed this.[/b]" "[b]We had, but it doesn't make a lot of sense...[/b]" Gael turned her head reluctantly, pretending not to hear him. “[b]You’re a belly dancer, right? It just seems such a strange form of entertainment to have aboard a Western cruise ship, let alone the first space flight of the modern age…[/b]” “[b]The passengers on board the Von Braun have more diverse tastes than you might assume, Mr. Clarke.[/b]” “[b]It’s just that…[/b]” Arthur replied playfully, “[b]I imagine a woman of your particular skill set would make a small fortune if they chose a different line of work, and merely claimed to be a private dancer.[/b]” Gael raised an eyebrow in disgust, “[b]Mr. Clarke! I don’t know what you think I do as a profession, and quite frankly, I don’t care. But I find it deeply offensive that you would show such little respect to a person you only just met.[/b]” “[b]I didn’t mean any harm by what I--[/b]” Our of the corner of his eyes Arthur noticed a small group approaching them from the distance. "[b]Arthur what is it?[/b]" “[b]They're here.[/b]”

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]And ironically, Allamorph's post was the most pretentious thing I've read on OB for some time. (Pretentiousness from a Moderator? OMG! :smirk:)[/font][/quote][size=1]The [i]extreme[/i] irony. :whoops:[/size] [quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]Good ol' H-Bomb. I still remember your early posts, Shy. We've all grown up. :smirk:[/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]Speak for youself. Fortunately my [i]really bad[/i] posts were deleted with the switch to V3. It took many, many years before I turned into the beacon of quality and level-headedness that I am now. Good thing standards were pretty low back in the day. -Shy[/size]

[quote name='Nerdsy'][color=deeppink]And on a serious note, [i]that was never not the case.[/i] "Damn the newbs" has been a rallying cry for years.[/color][/QUOTE][size=1]It's true. OB is much more friendly towards 'newbies' than it was when Nerdsy or I joined. If I remember correctly, it was H-Bomb who threatened to ban me after my first few posts. I showed him. Ha! -Shy[/size]