Annie

Welcome here. Double-posting is against OB rules, no matter if someone hasn't replied ^_^ What program do you have that will allow you to alter/resize your pictures? If you have Photoshop, go to your Image option--> Image Size--> and play around with the pixel settings. Then, you'll Save As and under your file name, there is a scroll option, choose .jpg. That should work. If it's still too big, go back to that picture that is now saved as a .jpg file, and in the File option, go to Save for Web. There you'll be able to get a list of other size options. But I will warn that some of the options will make your picture look very choppy. So be careful. That should help.

You'll find the instructions in the Graphics Club thread. Basically, you have to e-mail Retribution why you want to join the club, and if you'd be willing to compete in this event and/or one-on-one combat in graphic battles.

Oh, well since you'll need some help, I'd like to help judge. I don't feel too confident with participating, but would love to be part of this. I really can't give you paragraphs of my reason; I think it's pretty obvious by my works that I won't be able to meet your standards. I feel that my ability to give good judgement will be more useful to this competition, rather than trying to participate as a competetor. Why do I think that? Well, judge of character/quality/personality has always been a strong-hold for me. When I look at a battle, and the participants are my friends, I tend to take a "one-minded" insight into judging. I don't lean on who I get along with better. If I don't like a graphic, I don't like it. I don't care if it's Andy Warhol or Monet, if I feel someone else deserves recognition, that's what I'm going to do. You can't have your mind set in that "Oh, well he and I are pretty tight with each other..I'm going to give him my vote because he's my bud.." It's not fair for the other participant.

[color=teal]Then how about we continue on with the voting, and you two take this up in PM? ^_^ As of now, it's: [b] 4--Helba 3--Sun[/b] Let's go people.[/color]

[color=teal]Wow....such an abundance of lucious babes, I think I'd overload if I was a guy. [b]Sun-Sun-foo foo[/b]-- While I love the color scheme, very rich and clear, I can't say that it was the best choice of color for this particular piece. "Angelic" would be the wrong word to describe this graphic; I'd have said "Hot" or "Sex"..but that's me. To beg the differ, the style of font was very crisp and clean--I love it. The woman laying down is my favorite thing out of this graphic. She's almost glowing, giving that "angelic" feel. Very nice contrasting with her, not too powerful--and it makes the white bra glow. The woman on the left, I'm not too fond of. Though, no one can resist the boob shot and black bra, I can't say that it moves me too much. This half of the graphic is really, really bright, and upsets the balance of the entire piece. On the other half, you have the relaxing feel, then bam! It's kind of a harsh transition. [b]Helba-chuchu[/b]-- Although I don't like Tara Reid, this is a really amazing pic of her. The contrast is well-balance throughout the entire piece, and it's full of "in yo face" attitude. Tara is cropped nicely, and the tone of her skin is warm, her eyes are playful, yet the blue isn't overpowering. I don't like the font though...but that's no surprise; I don't like fonts..they don't work with me >> ...I like the smoothness of the over all graphic. It's a playful, spunky, energetic graphic and looks very much like an advertisement add you'd find at the top of a website page. Or on a billboard along the side of the highway. My vote goes to [b]Helba[/b].[/color]

[color=teal]For your first character, I'd say that an Elementalist would be the easiest to understand and control. It seems that's what many people go for when they first get Guild Wars. It's really a choice you'll have to think about and see what you'd be more comfortable in playing. A Warrior would be good too. You do more hand-to-hand combat, and you don't have to worry about conjuring up too many spells, magic, and the like. It's all about personal preference. They're all easy to use/understand..and besides, you have all of us to help you out ^_^[/color]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=navy]Are you talking about MyOtaku.com blog? Or a personal blog? If it's about MyOtaku, this is the first time I've ever heard of anyone's page being hacked into and reset. But if it's your own private blog, then I don't think this is quite the place to be discussing this situation. The Suggestions & Feedback forum is mainly for OtakubBoards, and related sites (ie, MyOtaku.com and theOtaku.com). Maybe you could try the subforum, Technical Support, for help on how to figure out what's going on with your personal blog site, and how to protect it.[/font][/size][/color]

[size=1]Oh, before I begin, I'd like to let everyone know that the story begins in New York City. Have fun! And, as always, have at it.[/size] [list][*][right][size=2][b]Year 2073, New York City, New York[/size][/b][/right][/list] [font=Palatino Linotype][color=navy][size=2][i] I-I?m so cold. Where am I..? How did I get here, wherever ?here? is? The smell of ether lingered in the air as it were oil floating atop water. Faint sounds of clattering and distant voices echo dully. His eyes began to twitch, and finally slowly open into narrow slits. However, the searing light from the overhead lamp convinced him to clamp his eyelids shut fiercely. "Doctor! I am seeing brain activity! I think this could actually work!" an overly-excited voice danced over the sterile atmosphere; almost like Dr. Frankenstein?s impish assistant. A drilling sound, hydraulics depressurizing followed a series of scatters and clanking forced him to try to re-open his eyes again. Only now, he was more aware of what awaited his sensitive sight and brought a shaky hand to his face. "Good, now be careful. He's still in critical condition and unpredictable,? a darker and more sinister voice slithered forth. "Yes sir,? the youthful, anxious voice grew louder before he felt a pair of almost feminine hands grasp at his shoulders and chest. "Mr. Bailey, do you know what we have done? Can you imagine the possibilities, the power we now possess?!" a cold and empty chuckle stumbled. "Look, Doctor! He's waking up!" Eyes slowly flickered open, focusing and absorbing his odd surroundings. His hands ventured over the surface he was laying upon; flawlessly smooth and cool. Colors and figures run together. He shook his head lightly, sweat beading down his naked body. Finally, the figures separated themselves from abstract shapes. "Who are you?! What is this place?! What am I doing here?!" he fell off of the steel table, landing with a thud and an odd clank on the sterile, linoleum floor. "Careful," the man who appeared to be the doctor approached, reaching out. "Don't touch me!" crawling backwards and stumbling over a lab cart, he landed on his back, staring up at a lazy ceiling fan. He lay silently, and gritted his teeth as discomfort laced through his spine and ribs. A great deal of pressure, not a pressure one would apply for a massage, but that of a dull blade pressing deep into the tender flesh; desperately trying to pierce through. He managed a groan, and a slight lift of his body. Head still reeling, he looks up at the ceiling to find that it wasn?t as cleanly-looking as the rest of the room. It was a dropped ceiling, meaning the material used was merely a cardboard mix and it was extremely flaky. Disgusting yellow and rust-colored stains blotched the cheap tiles; he assumed they had a roof problem, and whenever a storm moved through, it?s stormed in this room. During his examination, a fluttering shadow caught his attention; a black feather fluttered and spun carelessly, ending its journey on his nose. He plucked the feather from his face and studied it. A feather? Where did it come from? "What is this?" he asked aloud. The two scientists looked at each other, then at him. They pointed towards the broken mirror. He rose to his feet only to collapse to his knees as if he were being weighted down with an anchor. Again he stood, slowly this time and fully balanced. Shards of glass pricked at his feet, yet he did not flinch. Edging himself in front of the distorted mirror, a sudden punch of detest and confusion struck his distraught body and mind. He did not see himself, only a stranger. Hair darker than the midnights with no moon, pale but flawless skin, and two-toned eyes. His left was ice blue; his right was black. He traced a crescent moon-shaped scar over his left eye and cheek. However, these slight changes proved to be petty with what he was about to see. Wings. Cybonic, stainless-steel and titanium, mechanical wings. Their metallic skeleton peeked through patches of molting feathers and shredded flesh. He jumped back, insane with rage and confusion. "What's going on here?!" he spun on the two scientists. "All in good time, Azrael, Arc Angel of Death," a maniacal chuckle and a glimmer of a madman's glasses, "...all in good time..."[/i] [b]?Yo, Az? You awake in there??[/b] a bony knuckle tapped him on the forehead. [b]?Oh, what were we doing again??[/b] Azrael shook his head and rubbed his face. They had been sitting on top of the good ol? Dr. Allington?s new office building. It was a nice décor, of stone gargoyles and Gothic arches. Azrael?s favorite spot to perch was on top of the head of the gargoyle that looked over the entire span of New York City. This is where he?d come to get away from the overly-curious press and reporters. Ever since that day, Azrael has never been able to go into public; it was sheer coincidence that he ran into Drew Gregeson. [b]?You were daydreamin? again, weren?t you??[/b] Drew jumped off of his cornerstone and leaned against it, [b]?God damnit, Az. How are you going to get back to Hell if you stay in La-La Land??[/b] Drew dug an index finger into the depths of his loud mouth to pluck out the gum he was viciously chewing. He studied it a bit, looking for whatever his mind told him to look for. Azrael watched his companion with the utmost interest. Drew always had a way to entertain the dark angel; whether it be his dry jokes, or disgusting obsession with sex. [b]?What are you doing, Drew??[/b] Azrael stretched and folded his arms across his chest. [b]?Looking for that popcorn kernel that I couldn?t get out earlier,?[/b] he shrugged, apparently giving up, and stuck the abused rubbery substance in the nostril of a smaller gargoyle. [b]?When did we eat popcorn?? ?Three days ago, ?member? That movie with the blonde chick who could bend backwards and look at you from between her legs? That was hot, by the way..?[/b] Drew rubbed lightly at his chin stubble. Azrael groaned and leapt down from his ?throne?, as Drew called it. The kid could not stop making witty remarks, usually about sex, in any situation. It was as if ?sex? were his second language, aside from the most-of-the-time jibberish he spoke. Sometimes, Azrael couldn?t follow what he had said. [b]?I suppose I fell asleep during that movie,?[/b] the angel chuckled and adjusted his overcoat. [b]?How could you fall asleep?! Az, I seriously think you?re gay.? ?How in all the universe could I be gay? Or have any interest in that sort of trash?? ?Trash, you say. You call a knock-out, double D, size three waist ?trash?? Especially, when she?s deliberately hosing herself down?? ?Not that it matters to something of my being, but I happen to think a woman who doesn?t know she?s sexy is much more of a ?turn on?. Not some fiend destroys her beautiful, God-given body with moral disrespect and shame,?[/b] coyly, Azrael waltzed past Drew, [b]?Now, I think we should go out on the streets. I am feeling a bit uneasy with staying in one spot.? ?You are so gay.? ?Drew, please get off of the subject and focus.? ?Yeah, yeah,?[/b] he slipped his tattered beanie cap over his head and followed Azrael, [b]?So, you think they?re here in the City?? ?I?m pretty sure.? ?Do you know who they?d be?? ?Their aura?s are faint, but I can tell there are three of them, and I can definitely peg one of them.? ?And that is??? ?Arc Angel Gabriel. His purity is sickening, I?ll never forget his soul. So pathetically sympathetic for every living human being. Nothin? personal, D,?[/b] he pulled on the door, forgetting his strength and pulling it off of its hinges. [b]?There you go again, Hercules,?[/b] Drew chuckled and walked into the stair case, [b]?And don?t worry about what you said. It?s impossible to offend me.? ?Of course,?[/b] Azrael fumbled to attempt putting the door back, but quickly gave up. [b]?So, if Gabriel?s here--?[/b] Drew started, digging in his pocket for another piece of gum he?d eventually maul and stick it to a car window. [b]?Metatron is here, too. They are very close friends, Gabriel and him. I remember, every meeting we had, those two showed up together and left together. They were inseparable, and obviously still are. But the third party, I--I can?t figure. It?s very innocent, but there?s something?..missing from the soul.? ?Well, we?ll just have to go find out for ourselves, eh?? ?Yeah.?[/b][/font][/size][/color]

[font=tahoma][b]Sign-ups are closed[/b]. [color=dimgray]I will say that this has been the hardest RPG to sift out the sign-ups [that I've ever done]. Everyone who had a complete character, you all amazed me, and I really hope you sign-up again for another of my RPGs. I would gladly write beside you ^_^ Dang that was incredibly tough. So, without further adieu:[/color] [color=royalblue][b][u]Heaven[/u][/b] [list][*] Kitsune [*] PrinceorPersia [*] KarmaOfChaos [*] Pumpkin [human][/list][/color] [color=darkred][b][u]Hell[/u][/b] [list][*] Unborn Lord Xion [*] Aiyisha [*] Lostcause [*] ^.^ [human][/color][/list] [color=dimgray]The RPG should be up either tonight, or tomorrow. I'm looking forward to writing with you all. Most of you I haven't written with, so this will be interesting. Be sure to use the Underground thread as a base.[/color][/font]

[color=dimgray][font=tahoma]I have another screen shot. This is a brand, spanking new character I made earlier today. His name is Lucian Victor, he's Necromancer/Warrior, which really rocks. I'm very pleased with him, and it's fun to play a guy character. You get the girlies giggling for you, then you get some of those guys who are jerks because of that penis envy thing you men have going on..I don't know, but some jack-off led me right into a Grawl ambush. -_- I was really angry, so I just went off on my own; I hope he died many times. Anyway, here's Lucian (now level 3 Necro/Warrior)[/color][/font] [URL=http://img328.imageshack.us/my.php?image=necro0ea.jpg][IMG]http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/3656/necro0ea.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [color=dimgray][font=tahoma]Oh, here's a playful one from the other day. It's of [b]Locky[/b] (Warlock) and myself in the Guild Hall...we're dancing. The female warrior does the Uma Thurman dance from Pulp Fiction. And the male warrior does a combo of ballet, John Travolta from Pulp Fiction, and some...pelvic thrusting (as you can see in the picture). It's even more hilarious in game, I can't stop laughing when I see a male warrior dance. [/color][/font] [URL=http://img328.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dance5wp.jpg][IMG]http://img328.imageshack.us/img328/6459/dance5wp.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[color=dimgray][font=tahoma]Blasted. Oh well. Anyway, some more screen shots. This one is so adorable, I had to get it. It looks like Sethy and Constess are cuddling ^-^ [URL=http://img323.echo.cx/my.php?image=awww9ku.jpg][IMG]http://img323.echo.cx/img323/1935/awww9ku.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Then here's one of when Final Remix, Warlock, and I were about to run a mission (which sucked, but was fun). Just a little sitting around and resting a bit. [URL=http://img323.echo.cx/my.php?image=cuute1cn.jpg][IMG]http://img323.echo.cx/img323/1451/cuute1cn.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/font][/color]

[color=dimgray][font=tahoma]Oooh. Belial is a Necro/Mesmer, so would it be possible to snatch that Fast Casting rune? Some of her necro skills take forever to cast (ie Deathly Swarm). I'll have to hit you up in game with that. But just wanted to let you know I'm interested in it. Unless, it requires you have to be primary Mesmer. If that's the case, then 'sokay.[/font][/color]

[font=tahoma][color=dimgray]Nope, you're not too late. Sign-ups will be closed tonight [midnight Eastern Pacific, 11 PM Mid-West, 9 PM West Coast]. This is going to be a difficult task. Everyone's sign-ups are amamzing.[/font][/color]

[quote name='ThoraxtheImpaler']Oh, I know the minimum specs, I just don't know what the HECK they mean. I just want to know the minimum priced equipment I need to get.[/quote] [font=tahoma]Well, I suggest you go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City, EB Games, Game Stop, or whatever and ask what you need exactly. They should be able to put it in lame man's terms for you.[/font]

[font=tahoma]Okay, here's the deal. I have one person who PMed me to let me know they will be posting their character today. I had planned on closing sign-ups tomorrow, but that is going to be extended a few days. So far, I have 4 people signed-up for Fallen Angels, and only 2 for the Angels of God. I'm not sure if Corey is going to sign-up for God or for Hell, so I'm asking for a couple of people to give it a shot. Also, I have 2 people for the humans helping Hell; it would be nice to have someone to help the Angels of God. IF no one signs-up for that, it's not a big deal. I just wanted to give people the opportunity to be a human in the midst of all this. So, if you wish to participate, please have your sign-up by Wed. 13th.[/font]

[quote name='Neko][COLOR=Purple][FONT=Tahoma]Ooh! Ooh! I have a question! How are our characters actually gonna get to Earth? [/color'][/font][/quote] [font=tahoma]See, they're going to take a bus from Pearl Gate Avenue to Grand Central Station in New York City. It'll take about, oh, a millenia................I joke. Seriously, the story will start out on Earth. God and his infinite powers will get the Angels to Earth. And the same goes for Lucifer. I, personally, wouldn't dwell too much on the "how". It's a story, imagine what you will. But the story will start on Earth.[/font] [quote name='Neko][color=purple][font=tahoma]Oh, and by the way, do we have to be particularly 'loyal' to whatever 'side' we're on?[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote] [font=tahoma]Here's the thing with that. If you signed-up for an Angel of God, whom in your description is very much on God's side, then I'd expect him to be loyal to the side he's on. Besides, we can't have Angels of God being tempted and tainted. That is why I asked for Fallen Angels for Lucifer. To make your question clear: If you signed-up for an Angel of God, that is what I expect. If you wanted to be more leaning on Lucifer, you should have signed-up for a Fallen. [b]Edit[/b]: Sakura, you may be able to make it. I've extended the date of sign-up closures, due to lack of participants.If I get enough people by the 13th (Wed), then I may start the RPG on the 14th. If you'd really like to participate, I'll let you finish your sign-up and you can write in the story when you get back.[/font]

[font=tahoma]Hello to you all. The RPG hasn't gone up yet, but I wanted to get an Underground thread going if anyone has questions. Anyone who has already signed up, anyone who is thinking about signing up, please post here for questions or comments. Once the RPG gets up, this is where you'll need to post dilemas or coordinate character placements (if you wish). If anything goes down in the RPG, I'll be sure to post a heads up. Have at it.[/font]

[quote name='Generic NPC #3']Man, some of you guys have crappy graphics cards. I look at these and I'm like "the textures!!!!!" lol.[/quote] [font=tahoma]You can blame that on the damned laptop company! *shakes fist* I've spent probably 12 hours total in game in the past 2 days. That is a huge step for me. And in these 12 hours, I've come to realize something. I love Des. Seriously, man, I heart you. You've helped me out a lot in the past couple of days, and have made many (very important) things clear to me. I will gladly push a project aside to grind quests with you. Right now in game, I've just got my Warrior/Elementalist (Constess Bailem) up to level 6 and my Necromancer/Mesmer (Belial Hades) just got level 12! I'm currently saving up supplies to treat Belial to some hot and strong armor. So, if anyone needs help with quests, I'll go just to get stuff to salvage (because thanks to Des, I am a salvage-holic now). [/font]

[font=tahoma]Hehe, you are most welcome, da'ling. I had fun coloring the kitty ^-^ (the set looks good on you ^_~)[/font]

[list][*]Commentary from Annie[/list][size=1]I would first like to say that I am very, very pleased with the sign-ups. I am truly happy to see that the angels you all have came up with have been really close to/or right on the dot of how they are known. So much information, and it fascinates me how well you know the information. I'm extremely impressed, and so far, you guys have reinstated my faith in RPing. And that, is something I will say that has never happen to me in my 2 years of being a member here. Congratulations, you all have made me happy. Now, to post my character ^_^ [b]Note 1[/b]- Sign-ups are still open, and they will remain open until Monday. If you have posted, and would like to change a few things, feel free to do so. If you are interested and haven't been able to post, you have a few more days. Any complications with the timeline, send me a PM and we'll work something out. [b]Note 2[/b]- The RPG will be a free-flow. Meaning, I'm not practicing the chapter system. However, I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. Meaning, posts have to be up to OtakuBoard posting standards. If you are rusty on the standards, go take a walk over to the rules and freshen up ^_^ Also, I will ask for members to communicate with each other in the Underground (will go up in a few minutes). That is where you can coordinate and ask questions. Please remember that the PM system still works (:p), and if you have a problem with someone's post, and it can't be dealt with in the Underground, take it up with them via PM. [/size] [font=tahoma] [list][*]My character[/list] [b]Name[/b]- Azrael, Arc Angel of Death [b]Age[/b]- Undetermined [b]Gender-[/b] Male [b]Species[/b]- Fallen Angel [b]Appearance[/b]- [url=http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=devil15pr.jpg]Angel of Death[/url]--This is his appearance when engaged in battle. The mask is hooked up to a respirator that helps his still frail body to keep a steady pace of breath. [url=http://img230.echo.cx/img230/746/snake7fz.jpg]Azrael in Casuals[/url]--This is the normal appearance. Except that the white fur coat is non-existent, instead, he loves to don a heavy, black leather overcoat. [b]Side[/b]- Hell [b][u]Powers[/u][/b]: [b]The Book Azrael[/b]- "....forever writing in a large book and forever erasing what he writes: what he writes is the birth of man, and what he erases is the name of the man at death." Yes, Azrael is an author, of morbid sorts. He keeps an ancient, dilapidated leather-bound book close to his chest. This is the book that had been placed in his possession when God granted him the power to take life. Every human being on Earth had their name on the pages of worn parchment. And when their time came, their name was removed from the book. This poor representation of literature did not look like the book it once used to be. The pages so old, they looked as if they would deteriorate with the stroke of Azrael?s quill. As terrible and hopeless as this book may appear, it is no binding of parchment to be thumbing through. With the touch of his quill, Azrael has the power to take your life away from you. Death is his most endearing friend, and has him wrapped around his finger. When Azrael commands it, Death will come for you. Perhaps not immediately, but inevitably, he will seek you out. And how he deals with you, is only at the whim of his mood; which is normally merciless and long-lasting cruelty. [I]?All I have to do is drag the edge of the pen through thy name, and that will be the story of you..?[/I] ~Azrael [b]Wings[/b]- As you can see in the picture, Azrael's wings are no ordinary set. Aside from being rows upon rows of blades, whenever he feels like playing, the metal can be charged with enough watts of electricity to vaporize a solid object; that includes human bodies. [b]Blade of Persona[/b]- This is Azrael's prized possession, a four foot-long jagged blade made of an ancient metal soaked in millions of angel's blood. All angels and humans alike have different personalities, different views, different attitudes, different blood, so on and so forth. Mixing these varieties of bloods and personalities can be dangerous, especially when one uses it for a weapon or tool. The strong, titanium metal was forged in compliance with this strange mix of bloods, giving the blade a metallic red color. If the opponent is greedy, the blade will sense this and use the opponent's weakness, greed, against them. And depending on how badly the person?s greed or lusts or whatever the case may be, depends on how badly the blade will burn, or so to speak. On the first stabbing or severing, the opponents blood is absorbed into the blade. It, the blood, is then turned into a deadly poison. On the second attack, the opponent's poisoned blood is returned to them, sending them into severe convulsions and a state of mental confusion, rendering them from making coherent decisions and attacks. On the third and final attack, Azrael delivers a powerful blow, finalizing the attack and allowing the opponents weakness to spread throughout their body with unmatchable speed; giving no hope of recovery. [b]Personality[/b]: Confused, unsure of what is going on. Azrael is strong and powerful, yet he has no idea just how powerful he has become. He is depressed, lonely, dark, and always keeps an air of mystery and wonder. His feelings about himself are scrambled and he is very unstable. Since the time after Dr. Allington got his hands on him, Azrael remembers little about his past, and is constant search of any bit of information on himself. [b]Biography[/b]- The dawn of Heaven. God blessed this wondrous place with Angels. He assigned Angels to several choirs and denominations. Each had their own and deliberate purpose. Metatron, Sandalphon, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Celestial, all highest ranking of Angels. They became the first to be called "Arc Angels". All of the rest were just known as Angels. However, there was one more. One more who stood out from all of the choirs. He was the black sheep, he never quite fit in with any of the denominations. His name, Azrael. God knew Azrael had a dark side to him. He was always alone, never to associate with the rest of the Angels. All except a select few. Of course, these rare associates were just as Azrael, dark and mysterious. Although they stayed together, Azrael seemed to be alone, but never wavered in his love and devotion to his God. For his bravery and loyalty, God declared Azrael as the Arc Angel of Death. One day, a fellow Arc Angel lost his mind. He grew insane with rage at God and went to Azrael for help to assassinate their Lord. Azrael refused and went to God to warn him. It was too late, this fallen angel was already carrying out his assassination. But to his dismay, Azrael put a blunt stop to his lustful desire to murder God. Azrael slaughtered this fallen angel. Unfortunately, this fallen angel did not die, but was banished from Heaven. . Several angels followed Lucifer under Azrael's blade, saving the Heavens many a time. For his act of protection, Azrael thought he had done justice. An angel attacking God with a murderous intent was betrayal and treacherous. Instead, God was angry that Azrael would take no mercy for the slain, and was even more infuriated with the Arc Angel?s undesirable way of disposing the traitors. He scolded His child, rather than praise him of his loyalty. As the years before The Great Fall passed, Azrael served God faithfully, despite the declining treatment he would receive. Until The Great Fall began. This war changed Azrael for all eternity. Heaven was a shattered glass ball. Demons and Fallen Angels flooded the Pearly Gates, slaughtering and maiming Angels of God as if they were animals. Lucifer raged through paradise and challenged God. Azrael, Commander of the Angelic Army, charged triumphantly through the evils of Hell. By the time he reached God, Lucifer was already there, along with thousands of possessed angels. Naturally, Azrael defended God and chased Lucifer out of Heaven with his army. This action, though it may seem to us as an act of defending what is right, plucked at God?s arrogant nerve. He cursed Azrael for taking such a conceited action, in other words, taking God?s glory. He condemned Azrael from Heaven. He realized at that moment how unjust this God of his could be, and he was betrayed. He questioned God's authority and vowed to defy Him. Azrael lost all faith in God, in Heaven, and even in Angels of all rank. He even lost faith in himself. How could he be an angel of God if the God he served was unjust and merciless? Azrael fled the 7 Heavens to join sides with Lucifer to continue this battle against Heaven and all its "glory". For centuries to follow, Hell held ground with Azrael as the Commander of the Demonic Forces. Under constant threat and continuous attacks, Azrael finally met his match on the battle field with an Angel of God named Raphael. He was one of two rulers of the Second Layer of Heaven, Raquia--the layer said to hold rebellious angels that were awaiting their judgment. For weeks, non-stop, Raphael and Azrael fought one-on-one. Ultimately, the struggle ended with Raphael the victor, and Azrael?s body disappeared. Never to be heard of again, until millennia?s later when an eager scientist came upon him. Turns out, Azrael lived his encounter with the surprisingly powerful Angel of God, Raphael, and was living on Earth. However, with Raphael?s final blow, he cast a curse on Azrael. This curse was forbidden to all other angels, and was strictly ordered to use only in cases of dire emergency. This curse is known as ?The Breath of God?, and if you were an angel and this curse was given to you, it would drain your immortality and power. Now, the downside of this curse was that it took a great amount of time to completely drain the immortal. But the upside, besides the final result, the time would be spent in unimaginable anguish and suffering. As the time of the curse dwindles to an end, the body becomes more mortal and begins to deteriorate. This is where Dr. Allington came in. Man has always been mystified with the thought of immortality, and have attempted to capture it. All failed, except one--or so he hoped. Dr. Victor Allington was known as the Frankenstein of this new age, and was determined to prove he found the way to give immortality. There was only one ingredient missing from his formula, a human volunteer. The idea of this seemingly madman?s proposal frightened many people, thus the lack to enthusiastic volunteers. In a fit of frustration, Dr. Allington found himself staring at the barrel of a gun. Insanity of rage washed over him when the scientific administration decided to cut his funds. He was going to kill himself, and take his secrets of immortality with him. However, while sitting in his car, Dr. Allington was stopped by an unexplainable curiosity to look out of his passenger window. A dark figure stood perfectly still underneath a single street light. The figure then moved towards the car, and opened the door. Stunned with fear, the scientist stayed in his seat. ?Dr. Victor Allington, you will not be committing suicide tonight,? the figure spoke, pulling back on his cloak?s hood, ?For you will prove your theory correct to the world. Immortality can be accomplished, and I, Azrael, will be your tool. My body is badly decayed, but I trust you can rebuild what mass of this putrid, mortal body I?ve lost.? Disbelief, but fascination soon filled the tormented scientist. As Azrael had stated, his body was beyond normal surgical procedures. His body would have to be rebuilt. The doctor?s prescription, reconstruction of a metallic skeleton of what was lost; the entire left arm and left ribcage, the spine, shoulder blades, and the once soft, feathery wings became dangerous, and razor-sharp blades. Inner organs would be replaced with soft, realistic prosthetic mimics; particularly the heart and lungs. After all was said and done, Azrael earned his first nickname. The birth of the Mechanical Angel. [/font]

[font=tahoma]Very good sign-ups so far. Da'ling Gurt, could you add how you came to be at the side of Azrael? It doesn't have to be another four paragraphs, but just something to connect you with him--unless, you had planned on them meeting in the RPG, then PM me to discuss the meeting. All around, very good. I'm anxious to see a few more people's sign-up. I shall post mine later on tonight.[/font]

[font=tahoma]Well, I wasn't able to do exactly what you wanted, but I did come up with something I was happy with. See the attachments, and if you need image codes, I'll be glad to get the images uploaded.[/font]

[size=1]This is an RP I made a long time ago, and if you were around of the original release, be advised, the story has changed and been revamped. So, I'll present the new and moderatetly improved....[/size] [font=Tahoma][center][size=3][b]The Mechanical Angel, Azrael[/b][/size][/center] [b]Long ago[/b], in the ages before man was created, beings of infinite beauty and wisdom ruled the Heavens as God slumbered. They were God?s grace and love, purity and innocent, extremely obedient and loyal, and they were His perfection. He loved his creation with the utmost abundance of admiration, he blessed these beings with wings and immortality as His gift to them. These beings are called ?angels?. This strive to be surrounded by perfection grew with the creation of a division of elite angels. These select angels would be given the gift of God?s powers. They would hold balance in the Heavens; each level of Heaven would be in charge of a government of these elites. They are called ?Arc Angels?. They were considered, at times, holier than God himself and were highly looked, morally and faithfully, upon. Always loyal, always faithful, always dedicated, Arc Angels ruled the Heavens. Their lair and government is called ?The Choir?. The balance was unwavering, until He created ?them? which would be called ?men?. No longer did angels hold the twinkle of His eyes. One certain Arc Angel grew furious with God?s obsession, and short behavior with His angels. This Arc Angel took it upon himself to lead his fellow beings to righteousness and to claim back their gaze of God?s eyes. It was their right; they were there first. This rebellious Arc Angel, the most beautiful of them all, was the most powerful, and held a great deal of respect. His name, is Lucifer. He went on to conquer the Heavens, claiming that God had grown weak and would disregard all angels. His preaching captured followers, and, inadvertently, resisters. This struggle would only worsen when God banished Lucifer and all who followed him. Infuriated and soiled with hatred, Lucifer produced a world of his own. Where he ruled and conspired to destroy God and all his angels. This began a war, known as The Great Fall. The war dragged on for thousands of years, and in these years, many angels died; but what was worse, thousands of angels betrayed God and the Choir, fleeing to Lucifer for power. There were a few good Arc Angels left on God?s side; they would be His only hope in defeating Lucifer and his army. However, Lucifer was not left with mere minions. He had one of such great power, that it was said this ?one? may even be a threat to Lucifer himself. This ?one? was God?s closest child, His most prized of all angelic beings. And his name is Azrael, Arc Angel of Death. During The Great Fall, Azrael was betrayed by God, and joined forces with, his former rival, the Fallen Star. But to God?s dismay, Azrael?s ?turn to the dark side? was not the bad news. No, the horrifying news was that Azrael disappeared. There was no evidence to show that he existed any longer. Alas, this was good news to the Heavens, but horrifying news to the Hells. Azrael was Lucifer?s only key to destroying God, and without Azrael at his side, Lucifer stood little ground compared to the growing Angelic Army. The chase begins: Hell desperately searches for their ?savior?, while Heaven searches to destroy Lucifer?s only hope. This chase travels through the span of the ever-changing millennia?s. Rumors spread that Azrael was escaping Hell because he was a coward, or that he was expanding his powers to destroy both Lucifer and God. Whatever the case may have been, not one trace of the rebel angel?s was found. Until now, in the year 2073, Lucifer received word that a prestigious and well-acclaimed scientist by the name of Victor Allington stumbled upon what would become his greatest and deadliest discovery; immortality. It was not a discovery that resided in an invention, or scientific break-through, but rather in a living being that, to him, appeared to be human. However, Dr. Allington was informed by this being that he was no human or animal, but a creation and abomination of God. The scientist, understandably baffled, was determined to conduct a series of unorthodox experiments upon this creature. Heaven was the first to receive word of Azrael?s discovery. This resulted in God?s order to seek Azrael out, and destroy him in the weakened condition the good Dr. Allington had thrown him in. Lucifer received information secondly, obviously, and cast out his own search party; they were ordered to eliminate any angel of God, and those who dared to help the Heavens, and to capture and return the Angel of Death. The chase, slowly winding down, was forced into full throttle. The battle between Heaven and Hell intensifies as each side struggles to reach the finish line. Who will you defend? [b][u]Sign-up Notes[/b][/u] [list][*] There will only be 2 human sources. One will accompany my character (Azrael), and one will accompany the side of Lucifer. Their job is to ensure the safety of their companion (ie, getting the Angel and Fallen Angel up to speed on modern technology, and helping them through human culture un-noticed). So make your sign-up count if you want to be human. Also note that the human character is just as he/she is, human. No supernatural powers, that is for your companion Fallen Angel or Angel. [*] 2 humans, 3 Angels of God, and 3 Demons of Lucifer (excluding Azrael). [*] [b]No[/b] half-Angel/half-Demon, half-Human/half-Angel, half-Human/half-Demons. I will not reconsider this, so don?t bother to ask. [*] Your angel character does not have to be all flowers and butterflies, but has to believe in and support God?s will with absolute faith. Meaning, your angel can be a badass and not always follow the ?correct? path of righteousness, but they will not bow to the whims and temptations of evil. They are strictly loyal and obedient to God. [*] Your Fallen Angel character does not have to be all gargoyle-like or hunchback like a demon would look. However, if you wish for your character to take on the appearance of a human, but can transform into a hideous-looking demon, have at it. Just make sure you specify that in your sign-up (meaning, provide descriptions/pictures for the human form and demon form). [/list] [b]Name: Age: Gender:[/b] (Angels and Fallen Angels are neutral in gender, but they take the appearance of male or female) [b]Species[/b]: (Angel of God, Fallen Angel, or human) [b]Appearance: Side[/b]: (Heaven or Hell--Fallen/Renegade Angels are with Hell) [b]Powers[/b]: (This can include your weapon, if you have one. Humans have no powers, only weapons.) [b]Personality[/b]: [b]Biography[/b]: (I would like to see [b]at least[/b] three paragraphs, more would be nice. If you are signing-up for a human, explain how you are able to connect with the Ange or the Fallen Angel) My character profile will go up as soon as I see a couple of posts.[/font]

[font=tahoma]Sadly, there is no real way to completely stop these terrible events from occurring. Terrorism is unpredictible in the sense that you can't exactly tell when or where they will strike. It is a very sad thing to see, or experience. And as badly as I (and everyone who has a heart) wish that it would never happen, there's virtually nothing you can do. It's like playing chess blind folded, while your opponent has 20/20 vision. I just hope that the perpetrators are caught and tried. Tony Blair seems to be a good man and a strong political figure. I have confidence that he will take care of his people.[/font]

[font=tahoma][color=purple]So I spent like four hours in Guild Wars today--perhaps longer. That is something that Annie has never done ^_^;; Anyway, I got bored with playing with my Necro/Mesmer, and decided to do something spicey. And I gotta tell yous alls, that a Warrior/Elementalist is totally kick-***. I'm having so much fun with her. I took a couple of screen shots of her. One of which I was running around the Catacombs, trying to get singed gargoyle skulls--but ended up getting frustrated and left. >_> Yes, so the picture is a bit dark. But I think it's a good shot. The little hemlet thing she's wearing is default and goofy-looking, but it is protection. [center][URL=http://img158.echo.cx/my.php?image=catacomb7rc.jpg][IMG]http://img158.echo.cx/img158/2153/catacomb7rc.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/center] This next one is just me being lazy. Decided I should take a pretty shot--and show off how good our guild cape looks on a Warrior ^-^[/color][/font] [center][URL=http://img158.echo.cx/my.php?image=view5qd.jpg][IMG]http://img158.echo.cx/img158/2886/view5qd.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/center]