Orcus

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]So are we really gonna bring this circus back to life? Cuz if so, I'm pretty jazzed. :D[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][I]Bzzzzzz. Bzzzzzz.[/I] Aleksander bemusedly opened one eye as his phone danced around on the bed next to him. He sat up straight, yawning and stretching widely, and looked dreamily over his apartment. When exactly had he fallen asleep? He remembered lying down in bed earlier to read Dante?s Inferno for a bit, and nothing else. He shrugged nonchalantly and stretched his arms out again, groaning lowly as he did so. [B]?At least I managed to get a good, long?? [/B]Aleksander?s eyes opened wide at the thought, and he quickly spun around to grab his phone. Eyeing the text message, he quickly checked the time. [B]?EFF!?[/B] He was at least an hour late to meet with the others. He sprung up out of bed, scrambled to throw back on his clothing, grabbed his fedora, slung on his messenger bag, and then raced out of his room, and out of the door of his apartment, leaving his sister confused on the couch. He made a quick mental note to send her a text when he was finally situated so she wouldn?t?[I]ah, who am I kidding?[/I] He thought amusedly. They had been living together just the two of them for a year now, and she was more than used to Aleksander spontaneously leaving to ?run errands?. Aleksander broke from his thought so he could check his watch. He grimaced slightly and increased his speed. [B]?Eff, eff, eff, eff, eff??[/B] He had never been this late to a meeting before, and at this rate he would probably arrive later than Emily, and that would not fly with Nick. Not one bit. It was probably twice as unacceptable given that Aleksander lived only a couple of minutes away from their ?gathering place?. He rounded a corner sharply, flailing his arms wildly to maintain balance, and then stopped abruptly outside of Nick?s house. The door was already open so he simply walked in, hoping not to make a big scene. Luckily, everyone seemed to be focused on Sesilia and whatever she was doing. Aleksander stepped forward and addressed Sesilia amiably. [B]?Hey Ses, whatcha??[/B] He cocked his head in confusion when he noticed the black cat eating food in front of her. She looked up at Aleksander and smiled, scratching that cat?s head simultaneously. [B]?This little guy is hungry. Aren?t you??[/B] The cat looked up at them both with a somewhat friendly gaze. [I]Indeed I was. Thank you.[/I] Aleksander started backwards, startled to receive a response. He looked at the others curiously, his smile growing wider with amazement. [B]?Would someone care to explain Thackery Binx here??[/B][/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][B]Name:[/B] Aleksander Jay Gatsby [B]Age:[/B] 20 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/03.jpg"]15 yr. old Aleksander[/URL]] Aleksander stands at 6’1’’ and weighs roughly 165 lbs. Since the picture was taken of him 5 years ago his features have gotten sharper, but otherwise are very similar. He keeps his dark brunette hair at ear length, and it falls messily over [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Glasses-1.jpg"]his glasses[/URL]] and nearly manages to divert attention from his heterochromatic eyes—though the bulk of the pupils are amber colored, there are golden rings around his irises, which make his pupils appear like the sun during an eclipse. His normal attire is fairly simply, usually consisting of some form of button up plaid shirt, dark blue jeans with slightly faded white fronts and his black vans. Other than that he wears three silver rings with onyx center bands on his right middle, ring, and pinky fingers, a silver analog watch with a black center and roman numerals for numbers on his right wrist, and a black sweatband on his left wrist. [B]Talents:[/B] Aleksander affectionately refers to his ability as “Harmonization”. For some reason Aleksander himself is not completely sure of, he has the ability to negate other people’s abilities, though only when that ability is used on him. He thinks his ability may stem from his tendency to relate to everyone he comes into contact with and likewise calm them down if their emotions flare up negatively. Lately he's felt his ability growing stronger, and he thinks it might evolve soon. Aside from that, Aleksander knows only a bit about the supernatural, owing any knowledge he has to his extensive interest in varying mythologies. [B]Character Background[/B]: Aleksander views his past with relative disinterest, and rarely speaks about it. All that’s he revealed about his childhood is that his parents split when he was young, that he moved around a bit, that he read a lot, and that regardless of his home life he was never at a want for affection or love because he never had problems making friends with those around him. Even Aleksander’s sister, Elliot Clementine Gatsby, despite her love of chatting, prefers to leave the topic of their youth alone. [B]Personality:[/B] It would be easy to say Aleksander is jovial and amiable to a fault, but that wouldn’t be entirely correct—though it does appear that Aleksander sets himself up to be taken advantage of and hurt with his almost childishly innocent happiness, no such thing ever happens to him. He warmly opens himself up to anyone who asks, and apparently this honest gesture is enough to earn him the loyalty of nigh everyone he meets. [B]Equipment:[/B] He tends to carry around a black messenger back filled with his laptop, a couple notebooks, his cell phone, and miscellaneous school supplies. He also carries his Zune with him at all times, although that’s for more than just listening to music—he has a playlist entirely filled with white noise, which allows him to hear, sense, and see nearby spirits and the like.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Tempest watched as Adam stepped into the tear and disappeared. He had always been uncomfortable with the notion of his friend travelling into the unknown first, especially given Adam?s strictly non-violent approach to everything. It made sense, of course?Adam would be able to gauge most efficiently the danger of their surroundings and their chances of survivability. He leaned towards the wormhole and yelled down at Adam. [B]?HEY! Everything look alright on your end??[/B] Adam?s rippled and distorted voice emitted from the tear immediately. [B]?Yah, I think it?s safe to come through! Mind your footing, however, you?ll be coming out in a--- crap!?[/B] Adam?s expletive trailed off into the sound of twigs snapping and a loud roar. Without hesitation, Tempest drew his chakrams and leapt through the rift. A torrent of energy swirled around him for only a moment, and then he was through. Before he could identify Adam?s attacker his right foot struck a stray object and he toppled over?right into Adam. Adam wheezed and flailed around. [B]?Get off of me and put those weapons away! No fighting until we know for sure what it is!?[/B] Tempest growled and pushed off of Adam so he could balance himself back out. He readied his chakrams at his side and scowled lowly. [B]?It?s exactly because we don?t know what it is that I?m keeping my weapons out! Where did it go?[/B]? As Tempest finished his sentence, the other members of the party poured out of the rift, weapons readied as well. Adam hopped to his feet and dusted himself off, then sighed exasperatedly. [B]?Seriously everyone, you?ve probably frightened it off with all of the noise and heightened aggression.?[/B] Dierdre scoffed and sauntered forwards, her eyes scouring the landscape disdainfully. [B]?Sad that you lost the chance to run tests on something, hmm??[/B] Adam opened his mouth to object, but before his breath could even escape, a bullet whizzed past his face and yelp rang out from behind him. Dierdre, Emilia, and Percy turned to the source of the shot, weapons drawn, while Tempest, Adam, and Kresh spun around to identify what had yelped. Upon viewing the source of the cry, Tempest flinched in surprise. [B]?What the hell?"[/B] Tempest had expected some form of mangy beast to lie in front of his, lashing out at them violently as its wound bled. Instead, all that lay in front of them was a pile of multicolored mechanical armor that exuded some dark purple fog. Tempest simply stood, mesmerized by the spectacle in front of him, when suddenly he felt something warm strike against his neck, and his vision faded to black. After what felt like a few hours, Tempest?s body jolted forward and he reflexively went to grab his chakrams. Before he could reach them, however, a body collided with him and knocked him into the ground, then quickly scrambled to pin his arms down. A familiar voice yelled down at him. [B]?Heeeeeey! Stop thaaaaat!?[/B] Tempest diverted all of his attention to his attacker and began laughing when he caught sight of Percy?s mock serious face. He nodded at his crazed friend and head butted in the forehead. Percey staggered slightly and fell off of Tempest, who stood up and dusted himself off. Feeling a little better, Tempest extended his arm towards Percy and grinned. [B]?Don?t jump on me next time.?[/B] Percy laughed and grabbed Tempest?s hand and then hoisted himself up. Once Percy was up another voice caught his attention; this time, it was Adam?s. [B]?If you two are finished over there, we?ve got a job to do.?[/B] Tempest shook his head with amusement and then turned to Adam and nodded. Adam motioned for the two to follow him out of the room, and then he lead them down a long, metal corridor, which led to what Tempest assumed was a massive command room. Around a large circular panel waited the rest of the Wanderers, as well as a few military men and women. As Adam led them towards the panel, Tempest couldn?t help but admire the weapons the soldiers were armed with. Each weapon looked similar to Emilia?s handgun and Percy?s rail gun, save that they apparently still used bullets, not energy rounds. [B]?Good morning son. I apologize for having to knock you out earlier, but I couldn?t risk you endangering my men.?[/B] An attractive yet terribly authoritative woman, probably in her mid-thirties, approached Tempest and stretched her hand out to him apologetically. Tempest grinned amiably and shook her hand firmly, having finally regained his cheery exterior. He hadn?t been very fond of being knocked out, but she seemed nice enough. She smiled back at him and then took her place at the head of the panel once more. She took a moment to fiddle with the machine in front of them, which Tempest just noticed pulled up holograms, and then conjured up an image of the creature they had seen earlier. [B]?What attacked you earlier is known as an Akuma?they are sentient mechanical life forms that have recently begun appearing in our world via,?[/B] she pressed a button and then another image, this time of a space-time tear, sprang up,[B] ?this portal which abruptly materialized a few years ago. Another portal opened within the shopping center of a city across the country. Despite our best efforts we have been unable to close these tears for the past couple of years, and thus our scientists have contented themselves to study the portals and run tests on them.?[/B] [B]?Though the tests on the nature of the portals have been rather inconclusive, certain things became apparent immediately?the appearance of these portals was altering the already dangerous beasts that inhabit the surrounding forests. The beasts have become larger, more monstrous, and extremely violent to our presence. We were forced to shut down the road between cities and rely on airship travel entirely.?[/B] [B]?After about 3 years of solely this increased aggression, another element was added; whatever energy was leaking from the portal began to form itself into a physical shape?the Akuma. They behave in a similar fashion to the beasts, attacking whatever person strays to close to them, but they do not attack the creatures and the creatures do not attack the Akuma either. Regardless, the Akuma posed a great threat from the beginning, as they were able to bond themselves to human flesh as to possess people and convert them into killing machines. If we act quickly enough we are able to wretch the armor off of its victim, albeit with great difficulty, but if the bond is not severed within 10 minutes, the victim becomes an Akuma and will attack even form comrades indiscriminately. These human-Akuma hybrids relentlessly hunt down other humans and feed on them, and each time they do they grow in strength and size.? [/B] [B]?Though we?ve been able to spare most of our people this grizzly fate, the residents of the city that housed the second tear almost completely succumbed to the Akuma infestation. The infrastructure of the area was quickly torn apart and demolished, and is little more than rubble currently. Luckily, the city has been cut off from the outside world by barriers equipped in every city to prevent beasts from terrorizing the people, but it?s only a matter of time before their barriers are destroyed? And subsequently before ours are destroyed as well.?[/B] [B] ?If what your leader Adam says is true,?[/B] Adam attempted to protest the title, but she spoke on as if he had said nothing, [B]?then you strangers may be our only hope of eradicating these Akuma and preventing them from ever threatening our world again. If you are willing, we can provide you with a safer means to reach both of the tears. Our military airship can transport you to the city and I can send some of my most skilled rifleman to accompany you to the middle of the forest. Would you please assist us? ?[/B] The air in the room was quiet as she finished speaking. Though disgusted with the idea of once-humans eating still-humans, Tempest didn?t feel altogether inclined to be one of those eaten humans today. He surveyed the other wanderers to discern their reactions, and found that Dierdre?s eyes seemed to betray the same attitude towards the situation. Unfortunately, they seemed to be the only two thinking of themselves, as the others all had looks of strong resolve on their faces. Kresh offered a response to the question first. [B]?Of course we?ll help you folks out! These tears are obviously what we?re here to fix, and we couldn?t just leave you all in danger anyways.?[/B] Adam nodded his head in agreement and then spoke up. [B]?We can divide into teams of two: Seeing as Tempest and I have the proper technology for analyzing and sealing the tears, the two of us will have to be in separate parties. Emilia and Percy, head with Tempest to the city and Kresh and Dierdre travel with me through the forest.?[/B] Adam looked over the others for their responses and then rested his eyes on Tempest. Tempest exhaled heavily and placed his hands behind his head, his face lined with a defeated smiled. [B]?Show us the way to the hangar.?[/B] [CENTER]+++[/CENTER][/FONT] [SIZE="1"][B]OOC:[/B] Okay, so there you have it! Our characters need to navigate through either a thick, beast and Akuma infested forest or traverse a decimated urban jungle filled with human-Akuma of varying strengths and skills. At the center of the jungle, floating above a leviathan inhabiting lake is the tear that Adam and his crew must seal, and for my own party, we must travel to the remains of the city?s great fountain where it is rumored that the strongest of the human Akuma live. Faced with a dangerous terrain, battles a-plenty, and the risk of possession, how can our heroes possibly survive?! *dun dun dun*[/SIZE]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]EDIT: Chapter Posted! Here's some extra info: [CENTER][SIZE="3"][B][U]?The 10th? Universe[/U][/B][/SIZE] [b]Characteristics:[/B] A reality with technology years ahead of our Earth?s. Due to the extensive amount of experimentation with different energy sources done by the humans of this planet, the wildlife of this world and the creatures that dwelt on it have mutated and become thoroughly dangerous?far too dangerous for society to actively interact with. In response to nature?s threat, every city erected a powerful forcefield to keep monsters from venturing into their homes. Though the land is feral and untamable, the area within this city is highly industrialized and urbanized. [B]Anomaly:[/B] Two reality tears opened up in the universe a couple years ago, and have been spilling an unknown type of energy into the atmosphere. Though initially presumed to be a threat, this energy seemed to have no effect on humans or beasts, and thus scientists went about simply studying the mysterious force instead of trying to seal the tears. However, as they years have gone by, the energy has accumulated and taken multiple physical forms. For reasons unknown the energy has formed into multiple metallic yet bestial suits called ?Akumas?. Presumably, the energy attempted to construct a form that mirrored the world it spilled into, thus the advanced mechanisms of the Akumas and their frightening visages. The suits appear to be empty, with a piercing black space where a face and limbs would be. The only ?body part? they have are glowing blood red eyes emanating from the darkness. They attack indiscriminately, striking at both beasts and humans; interestingly, when an Akuma attacks a human, it attempts to bond with it. If the bond is successful, the person ceases to exist in his or her previous form and simply becomes a killing machine. [B]Mission:[/B] The party needs to split into two groups to seal the two tears in the world so that the Akuma can stop being created. [/FONT][/CENTER]

[CENTER][FONT="Book Antiqua"][U][SIZE="5"]Character[/SIZE][/U] † [B]Name:[/B] Byouki Reikon [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Rank:[/B] Fukutaicho [B]Appearance:[/B] [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Byouki.jpg"][Byouki][/URL] Byouki is a relatively thin fellow, and is the third tallest member of the 14th Division, standing at 6’1’’. His dark brunette hair always falls wildly over his rectangular thick rimmed glasses, and these elements both enhance and reflect his laid back and casual demeanor. However, many of the shinigami stay away from him, due to the clear indications of hollowfication that he possesses: his brilliant golden yellow eyes, his extraordinarily sharp teeth, and his slightly sinister, hollow like aura. Otherwise he looks fairly akin to every other fukutaicho, wearing the standard shinigami robe unmodified. [B]Personality:[/B] Byouki is extremely jovial and upbeat, and has a very mellow, easy-going demeanor about him. He is much more approachable than his Taicho, and is often the one that the other Vizard’s look to for counseling and advice. It appears that he has forced his inner hollow into submission—which is why his hollow nature is always displayed in his appearance, rather than flaring up occasionally. However, having more or less merged the hollow’s personality with his own, he is constantly forced to face the unquenchable rage inherent to hollows. This inner turmoil leaves Byouki in a gloomy state every so often. [U][SIZE="5"]Zanpakuto [/SIZE][/U] † [B]Name: [/B] Raiden [B]Appearance:[/B] [[URL="http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-13/bayo-shuraba.html"]Raiden[/URL]] Owing primarily to the fact that the blade is mostly intangible in it's Shikai (and presumably it's Bankai) form, the blade's original appearance is heavily stylized as shown-- the only differences being that there is no tassel on the end and the stripe on the blade is electric red and glows brightly. Also, the entirety of the weapons emits crackling red lightning whenever it's unsheathed. [B]Shikai Call Out:[/B] [I]“Bakufuu”[/I]- Blast [B]Shikai Appearance:[/B] When Byouki calls out Raiden, he holds the Zanpakuto over his head and unsheathes the blade. As soon as the blade is visible, a ferocious red light streaks upwards and darkens the sky. The blade and tsuba disappear entirely, and Byouki is left only holding the hilt of his blade. [B]Shikai Power:[/B] With the hilt of his Zanpakuto, Byouki can do a multitude of activities, including: forming electric energy into a tangible chokuto blade for melee combat, launching electric bolts from the hilt that explode or electrocute upon contact, aiming his hilt towards a darkened sky to create thunder, and launching a single lightning bolt into the sky that causes a storm of lightning to rain down on his opponents. The last ability is extremely taxing, and he can only use it once a day. [B]Bankai:[/B] It is unknown if Byouki has ever achieved Bankai, as he has never displayed one in battle. [U][SIZE="5"]Hollow[/SIZE][/U] † [B]Mask Appearance:[/B] His mask looks like the front of [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/medspanhelm.jpg"]this[/URL]] only entirely white, and on the mask are two golden perpendicular lines— one that streaks horizontally over the eyes and another that goes vertically between the eyes—that form a cross. [B]Level of Control:[/B] Despite being the fukutaicho of the vizard, Byouki has only been seen to wield his mask for 5 minutes straight, though he’s quite proficient at recharging his hollow powers and can thus utilize his mask almost endlessly if he continuously removes his mask for a couple of seconds in battle. [B]Specialty:[/B] Byouki’s speed is his claim to fame in his Vizard form, and he is easily the fastest of all of the 14th Squad. [SIZE="5"][U]Extra Information[/U][/SIZE] † [B]Short Biography:[/B] Byouki was one of the few shinigami who did not have a choice in becoming a Vizard, but despite this he’s still made the most of his predicament and happily joined the 14th Division to help Soul Society. [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/YoungByouki.jpg"]Prior to being transformed into a Vizard[/URL]], he was well known at the Academy for having high levels of reiryuko, and it was widely believed that he would become a lieutenant at a young age. [B]Character Snippet:[/B] [/FONT][/center] [SIZE="1"][B]OOC[/B]: Great sign ups so far! I'm glad to see interest so soon. I just wanted to mention again that if you wanna rp as a disguised arrancar you just have to pm me and I'll give you a brief sheet with info I need to know about your arrancar form. Anywho, let's see some more sign-ups so we can get the ball rolling on this! :D[/SIZE]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][b]?Nightwing, seriously? Why??[/b] Amy could barely get the sentence out between snickers. They had been sitting at the restaurant for maybe two hours now playing this odd trivia game that frequented ?super? conversation, regarding the rest of the ?super community?. Gabe clenched his jaw and shoved her lightly before offering his explanation. [b]?Why!? Haven?t you ever seen footage of him? He?s nigh unstoppable, and he doesn?t even possess powers like Superman or Wonder Woman.?[/b] Amy gave an acknowledging shrug for her response, but she didn?t stop chuckling. Gabe simply sighed and slouched back into his seat. [b]?Alright, alright. I think we can proceed to the next question,?[/b] he muttered, pretending to be irritated. Amy quit laughing and put on a coy face and rubbed her leg against his apologetically. Gabe?s face contorted as he attempted to refrain from smiling, but it was obvious to Amy that she had already ?won? that round, so she drew her leg back in and grinned with contentment. [b]?Hmmm? Next question? Favorite super villain??[/b] Gabe grinned reflexively. [i]She?s not going to be pleased with my answer?[/i] He opened his mouth to offer his response, but her hand quickly shot up to silence him. [B]?If your answer is either Poison Ivy or Catwoman? So help me??[/B] Gabe feigned offense and clutched his heart dramatically. [b]?Threats?! Well when you put it that way, what if I said? a combination of the two??[/b] Amy smiled sweetly and shot a tiny bolt of lightning at Gabe?s leg under the table, causing him to spring up out of his seat and yelp. [b]?Mr. Freeze then!?[/b] A couple of people sitting at nearby tables turned curiously to stare at the two of them. It wasn?t anything out of the ordinary though; whenever they ?went out? they would inevitably garner the attention of at least one or two bystanders. And, as was the case in this instance, the bystanders were rarely ever amused by their antics. Seeing that the two had settled down, the crowd turned their attention back to their meals and muttered nasty comments under their breath. Amy frowned and voiced her disapproval of the onlookers, entirely ignoring the pained expression on her boyfriend?s face. [b]?You know, they?re a right ungrateful bunch. If they knew half of the things you did for this city they?d show a great deal more of respect??[/b] Amy ended her sentence abruptly and stared solemnly down at the table. It was easy to tell why she was upset. Obsidian was the hero of the city?and Relic was nothing more than a thorn in the city?s side. But what other choice did she have? Her parents had been villains and she had been given her powers with the hope that one day she too would turn to a life of crime. It was commendable that she had restricted her ?evil streak? to playful non-violent thefts. The life of a hero was something that she felt would never be within her grasp. Gabe knew the feeling as well. Though his parents had only been thieves at a time in the city?s history where it would be impossible to survive legitimately, his father had eventually succumbed to evil and became a serial killer, even going so far as to murder his mother. The difference was that he had been given his powers with the intent of rectifying his parent?s mistakes, not to maintain them. Gabe reached across the table and cupped his hands around hers, and then simply smiled. She smiled back sadly. [b]?Thank you.?[/b] Gabe nodded and held her hands up to his lips so he could kiss them lightly. [b]?Let?s get out of here, okay? We can go flying around town.?[/b] Gabe ended his sentence with an overemphasized wink, which Amy giggled at. Gabe reached into his wallet and threw down the money for the bill plus tip onto the table, and the two made for the exit. Before they left, however, Gabe looked back at their table despondently. [i]Is this the closest we?ll ever have? to a normal life?[/i] Fearing that he may receive an answer should he remain any longer, he spun on his heel and fled into the night air.[/FONT]

[SIZE="1"][B]OOC[/B]: I will finish this tonight, I just wanted to make sure I posted something to show my interest before the main thread goes up. [/SIZE] [FONT="Book Antiqua"][CENTER]+++[/CENTER] [B]Name:[/B] Gabriel E. Darcy [B]Mutant Name:[/B] Shift has been suggested as a proper name for the whole of his abilities, though for the individual “sides” the names Blayze and Nightmare are often used. [B]Age[/B]: 19 [B]Sex:[/B] Male [B]Mutant Ability:[/B] Gabriel's ability is a complex one, one that even he doesn’t understand in entirety. During the daytime, Gabriel’s body absorbs sunlight and positive energy which increases his speed and agility exponentially, as well as grants him the ability to fly and manipulate solar energy. When the sun goes down, Gabriel's abilities essentially invert in nature. In his nighttime form his hands elongate into colossal black claws, black horns erect from the sides of his head, his teeth become razor sharp and his face becomes fixed in an unnervingly wide smile. His body is fueled by the fear of his opponents, and his form becomes more bestial as his prey becomes more frightened. He’s labeled his ability “shifting” for the sake of explaining to others, as it seems like the very nature of his existence shifts upon the setting and rising of the sun. [B]Bio[/B]: Gabriel is no stranger to the terror and chaos caused in the wake of the Herald’s arrival. Gabriel hailed from an all mutant family—his mother Claire was a shapeshifter, his father Lucas was a teleporter, and his sister Dana could alter the mass of objects. His parents avidly battled against the Herald and his forces, and though they had attempted to give Gabriel, and then Dana, all they could as parents, almost the entirety of their efforts went to fighting the Herald. All their eyes could see were means to defeat the Herald, new plans and better strategies to overthrow him. Even their children, once they were old enough and their powers manifested, were tools to defeat the oppressor. Gabriel thought nothing of it in his youth, and he fought valiantly alongside his family, as did his sister though she was four years younger than him. Unfortunately their bravery and determination could not save them from hardships and suffering; years of war and battle took their toll on Claire and Lucas, and they began to lose their grip on reality. Their zeal and willpower soon became obsession and fanaticism, and the two began to forgo acquiring necessities such as food and sleep so that they would have more time to fight. Their madness soon culminated, and they led their family into a suicide operation, pitting themselves and their children against the Herald himself. Unsurprisingly that battle ended almost as quickly as it had begun. Claire and Lucas could barely scratch the Herald and were immediately slaughtered. It was only through the combination of their parent’s deaths and their abilities were Gabriel and Dana able to escape the Herald’s assault and take to the skies… or so Gabriel thought. When finally Gabriel tired of fleeing and checked upon his sister, he saw that she had been fatally wounded and was beyond saving. All she could manage was a silent apology before she passed away. Crippled by tragedy, Gabriel stumbled through the next few months confused, delusional, and alone. In an insurmountable haze he wandered from place to place, performing both acts of villainy and acts of heroism, until he was confronted by a wandering figure. Without warning she dived into Gabriel’s mind and lifted his veil of madness. Her name was Cassandra Sol, though she was often called Pythia, and she revealed herself to be a mutant like him, gifted with strong mental abilities. Gabriel immediately became attached to her, and she to him, and it was no time before they had fallen in love. They vowed to travel together henceforth, and that regardless of what happened to the world around them, they would stay together and protect one another. [B]Short Physical Description[/B]: [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Dgm3.png"]Gabriel[/URL]][[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/never_by_wakkawa.jpg"]Outfit- credit to Wakkawa[/URL]][[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/25053082_5dd9238a86fed52f.jpg"]Cassandra- All blond hair, however[/URL]] Gabriel stands at 6’2”, has silver eyes, and is fairly thin. Outfit wise, his usual attire is very close to the above picture, save some cosmetic differences: in contrast to the picture, his shirt is solid black, he’s not wearing the shown leggings, black slip-on-shoes adorn his feet, and his hat is a beige beanie. In addition, he wears a pair of “Clark Kent” esque glasses—albeit more rectangular— that are entirely white with black crosses around the temple area and “morph” into the inverse when the sun goes down, and then back when the sun rises. [B]Personality:[/B] Gabriel is an interesting fellow, prone to erratic actions and peculiar exclamations. That’s not to say he’s not good natured and jovial, or even agreeable for that matter; most people are usually just a tad overwhelmed by his presence when they first meet him. Though the nature of his powers as well as the current state of affairs in the world can drive him into brooding, reflective periods, these are far and between. [B]Character Snippet[/B]: [Will Complete][/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][B]?Matteus, greetings. I hope you are well.?[/B] [B]?Yes, I believe I am.?[/B] Matteus watched as Lyfe ducked away and emerged herself into the bath. He smiled slightly and scratched his head. Out of the vast wealth of children his lord father possessed, Lyfe was the closest to Matteus, which revealed quite a bit of their family dynamic. Lyfe was only Matteus? half sister, and he held her in higher regard than most of his siblings, even his full ones. Matteus removed his towel and hung it up, then offhandedly treaded towards the bath. He stepped in and shuddered slightly; the warmth was a double edged blade for someone like him. Though his body naturally relaxed in the water, his spirit felt uneasy. It was quite amusing to think that he felt out of his element simply because the water was warm, given that his elements were wind and water. He dismissed the feeling quickly by focusing on the crystalline clearness of the water?s surface and by addressing his sister. [B]?You must be quite excited to be home, Lyfe. I imagine your journey was fraught with danger.?[/B] Lyfe, now floating atop the bath in a restful, yet somewhat aloof state, answered her brother casually. [B]?Dangerous, no. To tell truth the journey was quite? exhausting. I am indeed glad to have finished and returned home.?[/B] Having finished her sentence, Lyfe stroked the water slowly with her right hand and was silent. Quite to Matteus? surprise, she then began smiling, seemingly for no reason. Matteus was one of the few of Lord Akanessler?s children that were ever graced with Lyfe?s smile, and he often thought that she would prove more agreeable if she would consider showing it more often. Even so, it never failed to catch him unaware. Lyfe titled her head towards him, still smiling, and addressed him. [B]?I trust you have visited with your mother. The knowledge of your accomplishments must have put her in high spirits.?[/B] Matteus smiled at Lyfe?s words and nodded. [B]?She was most content, but more so I believe by my presence than by my merit. I would imagine your mother shared that sentiment??[/B] Lyfe?s smile widened as her chest raised and her shoulders shrugged in silent laughter. [B]?Yes, I believe so. She did not state it, but her eyes betrayed her simultaneous worry and relief.?[/B] Matteus scoffed lightly and relaxed against the wall of the bath. He closed both of his eyes and inhaled deeply, suddenly feeling very tired. As he released his breath he opened one eye to look at Lyfe and then smiled coyly. [B]?Perhaps she refrained from expressing her concern because she was rendered speechless by your ravenous feeding frenzy. I pity her for having to bear witness to such a display.?[/B] Lyfe scoffed and rolled her eyes with amused exasperation. Matteus responded with the same action, and then the two fell silent, neither one feeling the urge to speak any longer. Lyfe reverted back into the serene nonchalance she exhibited pre conversation, and began absentmindedly stroking the water once more. Matteus continued to rest against the walls of the bath, eyes closed tightly. Apparently he had underestimated how weary his journey had left him, and the rest he?d taken earlier was not sufficient enough to restore him to full faculties. He resolved to doze for a couple of minutes, as he knew his father would send someone along to alert him when it was time to prepare for the feast. It seemed that no sooner had he closed his eyes he was forced once more to open them. The scurry of feet and somewhat distance voice signaled that he would have to wait until later in the evening to resume his slumber. Before the figure had even arrived to the bath-side, Matteus and Lyfe had emerged and robed themselves. The messenger, a female perhaps only a year or two older then Lyfe, approached them, and bowed lowly. Matteus grinned broadly when her face became visible once more; he recognized her as his youngest full sister, Mia Akanessler. She smiled back at him heartily and relayed her message [B]?Lord Matteus and Lady Lyfe, I bring word from our father, Lord Akanessler. His lordship requests your presence within the main hall promptly, as the feast is almost prepared and the guest shall be arriving presently. He also requests that you both begin making preparations to escort his grace on a venture away from the dun.?[/B] Matteus and Lyfe looked to each other for a moment, then Matteus directed his gaze back to Mia and smiled. [B]?Of course. Thank you Mia.?[/B] Mia bowed her head in response and the three began making their way from the bathhouse. Matteus smiled at his sister and placed his hand on her shoulder to gain her attention. [B]?It is relieving to see you in such good health, Mia.?[/B] Mia smiled thankfully at her brother. [B]?You are too kind, Matteus, worrying for my health whilst it is you and Lyfe whose wellbeing should be considered. It?s amazing that you manage to find the time to worry, what with your constant run-ins with brigands and ne?er-do-wells!?[/B] [B]?Ne?er-do-wells aside, the safety and security of my family are always of the utmost importance. There is no instance too grave or too tumultuous that my thoughts should not be on my kin.?[/B] Mia giggled lightly and bowed her head again. [B]?As I have already stated my dear brother, you are too kind. But now I must take my leave of you and Lyfe. We will have to resume catching up another time. Goodbye Matteus, goodbye Lyfe.?[/B] With that, Mia parted ways with Matteus and Lyfe, and the remaining siblings trekked towards their respective rooms to prepare for both the upcoming dinner and the intriguing adventure they would soon be embarking on.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]To answer your questions, Dmitri_Dragoon: [LIST=1] [*]Only the superhero community knows that Bruce Wayne is Batman. To the public, Batman and Bruce Wayne's passing away one after the other was just a terrible coincidence. [*]Though Barbara Gordon is Oracle in our DC Universe, she is currently off limits, though she will be available for use as soon as Muur Puar, Afro or I introduce her to the storyline. If you'd like to run your ideas for Oracle past Muuh Puar we could possibly introduce her sometime soon for use. [/LIST] [/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][B]“Come out, come out, wherever you are!”[/B] Obsidian bolted through the streets of the empty city screaming and looking for his opponent. After a lengthy aerial battle he had been knocked into a convenient store, and subsequently almost drowned in cheap alcohol. When he finally came to, his enemy had fled off into the city. Though the logical plan of action would be to stalk around the city, over power his adversary and emerge victorious, Obsidian had grown too tired of this excursion to act logically or stealthily. Thus, his current plan was to mosey around the city, yelling loudly so his enemy would— [I]Pow![/I] A shot to the face sent Obsidian reeling through the wall next to him and tumbling across the lobby before his body bounced up and collided with an elevator. He managed to recover from the collision fairly quickly, though his vision took a moment to come back. His other senses were apparently working just fine, as his opponent’s voice-- rather, his own voice with an odd robotic ting-- echoed over to him clearly. [B]“Poor move Obsidian. Perhaps next time you sho—”[/B] Obsidian tossed a giant piece of debris at the figure’s face and knocked him across the street. Admiring his handy work he walked out of the building, dusted his hands off and looked down at his adversary. It was slightly disconcerting to see what he had done to the figure’s face, given that it was a replication of his own face he had busted. [B]“Poor move my ass.”[/B] Before his replica could respond back, Obsidian placed his left hand over his right in a flat x shape, and fired a stream of magic energy bolts into its face. As he finished his magical onslaught, the city around him began to fade, until Obsidian was left standing alone in a metal room. He put his hands on his side, looked around, and casually walked out of the room. He grinned and inhaled deeply as soon as he was out. [B]“Aaah. Titan’s Tower. Man do I love it here.”[/B] Obsidian clanked down the hall from the training room, hopped into the elevator, and pressed the button for the first floor. The elevator groaned slightly before revving to life. Obsidian was told the same thing happened whenever Cyborg stepped into the elevator. Only difference was Gabe could turn off the armor and Cyborg was stuck with all the add weight. Gabe never turned off his armor, however, while he was in Titan’s Tower. The other Teen Titans knew his civilian identity of course, but there was always the possibility that someone was monitoring the tower and he wasn’t quite ready to deal with the rigors of his identity being revealed. [I]Ding![/I] Obsidian stepped out of the elevator and approached the front door. He punched in the code need to enter and exit Titan’s Tower, and then stepped out. The mechanical whir of the doors behind him made his right eye twitch slightly, but he just shrugged it off. The sound of machinery always seemed to make him uneasy when he was either living his civilian life or about to jump back into living his civilian life. It reminded him too much of work and heroism; it made him want to leave the armor on and go foil a crime. But he couldn’t. Not now, at least. He promised Amy a date. A normal date. Well, not [I]the[/I] normal date. Sure, some people might think that a night of playfully chasing his girlfriend around was akin to a date. However, it’s probably fair to say their opinions might change if they knew that his girlfriend was his well known enemy and was wanted by the police, and he was chasing her to put her in jail. He chuckled at the thought and then paused for a moment to gaze into the sky. His smile faded a bit—not that anyone could notice, in costume he always appeared to be snarling—and then jumped into the air, rocketing off towards Amy’s apartment. Truth be told, he was nervous about his date with her. He wasn’t used to anything of this nature. His costumed persona had progressively been consuming more and more of his life, and he was constantly forced to reexamine whether he was Gabriel playing hero or Obsidian playing civilian. Either way, he was forgetting how to do normal teenage things like simply lounging in front of the tv or taking your ‘girl’ out for a night of fun. What if he couldn’t do it properly anymore? Amy still avidly acted like a ‘teenage girl’; she spent time with her friends, went out to watch movies, etc. She might want more than just his awkward attempt at being normal… [I]Whack![/I] Obsidian hit a wall abruptly and plummeted towards the ground. The force of the blow caused his focus to shatter, which in turn caused his armor to shift and disappear around his body as his brain rattled around his head. He desperately attempted to refocus and reform his armor in entirety, but he only managed to solidify his back armor before crashing into the earth. [B]“Ragh!”[/B] Despite the intense pain his body was in, he was still in one piece, and nothing was broken. He had fallen from greater heights without his armor before; Falcon was notorious for forcing Gabe to fight him in his depowered state. Subsequently, he usually lost to him. Gabe stood up, depowered, and dusted himself off. No one had noticed his fall, luckily, so he didn’t bother having to make up an excuse for the terrifying drop he’d just underwent. Gabe took a look around to see what street his was on, and scoffed when he figured it out. He had flown, as if on auto-pilot, directly to Amy’s building. Well, directly into Amy’s building. Gabe took a moment to straighten himself out again, then walked up the stairs to Amy’s apartment. The front door was never locked, so he didn’t have to press the buzzer to wait for him to let her up. He had the feeling that she might still be in the shower, given that she hadn’t rushed down to greet him after the building shook; she usually attributed any ‘natural disasters’ that happened in her neighborhood to Obsidian. Gabe ran up to the elevator at the end of the main lobby, stopped in front of it for a moment, then bolted off to his left, towards the stairs. After all the time he’d spent flying today, good old-fashioned running felt nice. He climbed three flights of stairs and then slowed his pace so that his footsteps wouldn’t echo down the hallway. He pulled out his key and stealthily strode over to apartment 310. Right as he went to put the key in, however, the door burst up and a wet, robed Amy sprang out and on top of Gabe. [B]“Yay! You’re home!”[/B] Gabe laughed squeezed her tightly. [B]“I told you I'd be here promptly. I’m pleased to see you’re ready for our date.”[/B] Amy bit him lightly on his neck for his comment and then jumped off of him. Gabe rolled his eyes and sprang up too, then lifted her up in his arms and carried her back into the apartment. As soon as he’d kicked the door closed behind him he kissed her passionately, then pulled away to look into her eyes. [b]“So does the wardrobe choice indicate that our plans for the evening have been altered?”[/B] Amy’s smiled quickly transformed into a pretend pout as Gabe uttered these words. She quickly averted her gaze from him, pretending to be upset. Gabe grimaced and rubbed his face against hers. [b]“What? What have I done to upset you?”[/B] In response to his questions, Amy pinched his arm and spoke in a mock child tone that she knew irritated him. [B]“You’re still speaking like a robot! You’re supposed to stop being Obsidian for tonight, remember?”[/B] Gabe’s heart dropped at her statement. He clenched his teeth together and forcibly gulped, attempting to hide how badly that comment had hurt him by literally ‘swallowing his pain’. He managed to fake a smile quickly, and decided to answer her question jokingly to lighten the air. [B]“Fine, fine. Does the wet rodent look you’re currently rocking mean that instead of going to eat, we’re just gonna skip to the snogging tonight?”[/B] Amy couldn’t help but burst into laughter at how ridiculous that sentence was. Gabe grinned and shook his head, satisfied with her reaction, then tossed her onto the couch and jumped on top of her. He pinned down her arms, lowered his face directly above hers and grinned. [B]“Sooooooo? What’re we doing tonight?”[/B] Amy smirked and chuckled light, pretending to struggle against him. [B]“We’re still going out, loser. There’s no way I’d let you out of this dinner. We can snog later.”[/B] Gabe frowned and rolled off of her and onto the floor. [B]“Fiiiiiiiine. Hurry up and get dressed then. I’m starving!”[/B] Amy scoffed and rolled off of the couch as well, lending atop of him. She kissed him lightly on the lips and stared into his eyes happily. [B]“See? It’s not so difficult being Gabe, now is it?”[/B] Amy kissed a surprised Gabe on the lips again, then got up and walked over to her bedroom to get dressed. Gabe grinned as she walked away, then folded up his arms under his head. [B]“Maybe it’s not so hard after all…”[/B] [B]“That’s what she said!”[/B] Amy called out from in her bedroom. Gabe mock grimaced and scoffed lightly, then closed his eyes as waited for her to come back out.[/FONT]

[FONT="Palatino Linotype"]Just a quick note for everyone, signed up or not: The signs up are very much still [SIZE="4"][B]OPEN[/B][/SIZE]. Matter of fact, sign ups will be open the entire duration of the RPG. What we're hoping for, if possible, is a Story that never has to finish or "die". Just as the DC Universe has been around many ages and seen it's fair share of plot twists and story arcs, we hope that our very own Earth 53 will live through various events. We want this RPG to be open to anyone at anytime, even if you only have a limited time to participate, or even if it's been months since the last person has posted. And rest assured that the character you start off with is not the character you need to continue through with. Let's say you get tired of playing the hero, and you're interested in a career change into a villain, but it isn't practical for your current character. Simply write up a new sign up so we know how your character ticks, post it in the auditions thread, and you're good to go.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][B]Name[/B]: Gabriel “Gabe” Powers [B]Superhero Name[/B]: Obsidian [B]Age:[/B] 19 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [I]Out of costume[/I]- [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/GabrielPowers.jpg"]Gabriel[/URL]] [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Glasses.jpg"]Glasses[/URL]] He is 6'1'' and thin, yet toned. He's often seen wearing a black button up t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and the hat in the picture, though naturally his outfit varies day to day. [I]In costume[/I]- Think [[URL="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/SevenShackles/ID/fma_v07c028p040.jpg"]this.[/URL]] meets [[URL="http://www.newsarama.com/preview_images/marvelnew/july2009/67_iron_man__armored_adventures_one_shot_1.jpg"]this[/URL]]. Gabe’s “costume” is his armored form (see powers). The black metal that coats his body can be seen on his left hand in his profile picture. The metal consumes his whole body, and the natural details of his body are smoothed over and made to look like metal plates. The metal on his arms, hands, legs, and neck retains his normal body shape, albeit a bit more angular, but there are some larger modifications to his figure: his shoulders become square and pauldron like, his feet gain a boot like appearance, large spikes emerge upwards from his elbow and his wrists become rectangular as if he was wearing wristguards or a bangle. His head retains a mostly basic human shape despite being “bald”, his ears become sharper, his pupils become entirely red, and his bottom canine teeth are noticeably elongated-- his eyes, however, still retain there human shape, and are thus somewhat gentle. Segments of his outfit are carmine colored: his abdomen, his teeth, a line down from each eye, an orb on each shoulder, a stripe down the side of each leg, the top of his feet from his ankle to just before his toes, his wrists, lines from his wrists to the nail of each finger, and subsequently, his nails. [B]Personality[/B]: Gabe is a very amiable and comic person, known for approaching everything with a particularly carefree attitude, whether in his civilian or superhero guise. That’s not to say he doesn’t take anything seriously, or that he’s a slacker; it’s simply easier for him to deal with the constant rigors of life by viewing things in a more humorous light. He'll pass witty banter back and forth with his allies and his opponents in most situations, even life or death ones. He is known to be exceedingly polite and proper to those he rescues, though. Obsidian is also known for not being excessively violent, and for not murdering his enemies, though if innocent people are injured he has made it known that he is not unwilling to break his code of conduct. [B]Powers[/B]: After John Irons was given a solution by Lex Luthor to convert his skin into an organic metal, John managed to procure another solution and began tampering with it to make the transformation voluntary. When Gabriel came across the solution his accidental tampering with it made it so that the armor could become any color (though he often uses black and carmine), and could be shaped according to his will. Though the armor can sometimes be activated subconsciously, for the armor to function effectively, Gabe must have high mental faculty. If he becomes too dazed to focus, magically confused, or psychotic, the suit will appear and disappear erratically, and might entirely deactivate. To combat his most frequent “enemy”, Relic, he has also learned some magic; enough to fire carmine colored energy bolts, to fly, and to summon his hammer should he need it. [B]Equipment[/B]: The only “equipment” he has is his black steel hammer that he wields as homage to the original Steel, and his Teen Titan communicator, as he’s an honorary member. [B]Character Bio/Snippet[/B]: Gabe was born to Alystor and Helena Powers, friends of John Henry Irons, the Steel of their time. Though they were pleasant people and adequate parents, when the Age of the Villain began, they quickly turned to a life of crime so they could provide for their family. Though Helena performed her crimes only out of necessity, Alystor began to enjoy his misdemeanors more and more, and his lawlessness became more and more severe. Eventually he became a danger to his own family, and attacked Helena and his child. Luckily, Irons had been monitoring the family, and managed to step in and end Alystor’s onslaught. Unfortunately, Alystor had already dealt a fatal blow to Helena, and the only way the Steel could subdue him was by tearing of his limbs. From that day forward, Gabe was raised by the Irons family, though he kept his own last name. Being a naturally smart and intuitive child, he quickly sped his way through his education, and proved himself worthy of being the successor to Iron’s Tech Inc. as John’s daughter Natasha had no urge to work in or manage the company. Surprisingly, he was not required to snoop around or deduce the superhero activities of his caretaker or his “sister”; they alerted him at a young age, trusting him to keep their secret. He did so faithfully, and on his 18th birthday, he was even offered the chance to become a superhero as well by taking a serum that John created that would allow Gabe to use organic armor. John wanted to focus more on his work and felt that he was simply holding back his daughter from performing her duties, and he wanted Gabe to take his place. Gabe agreed to become a hero and to assist Natasha, but he refused the name Steel, instead letting Natasha use it, as it seemed more fitting. He took the name Obsidian for himself after viewing his transformed state. Since then, he has distanced himself from Natasha a bit more and is fighting his own battles—though he still, of course, if there to assist her whenever she needs it. In his civilian life, Gabe works for Irons, continues his own self imposed studies, and has been in a steady relationship with the British college student [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/AmyGraves.jpg"]Amy[/URL] [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/AmyGravesII.jpg"]Graves[/URL] (her hair is strawberry blonde, however)]. Subsequently, she is notorious for wearing superman themed outfits. [CENTER][SIZE="3"][I]Opposing Villain[/I][/SIZE][/CENTER] [B]Name:[/B] Amy Graves [B]Supervillain Name[/B]: Relic [B]Gender[/B]: Female [B]Appearance (In costume):[/b][[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/RelicCostume.jpg"]Relic Costume[/URL]] Her physical appearance and stature is the same are her civilian persona. [B]Personality[/B]: Relic isn’t so much a villain as a rogue figure or an anti-hero. She does as she pleases, and will not endanger innocent civilians, but her endeavors often leave her on the wrong side of the law. She has, on occasion, allied herself with heroes, noticeably Obsidian. When she performs her heists, she’s very cheery and bubbly, and will often joke around with any and all people she interacts with. [B]Powers[/B]: Relic is quite proficient in magic, akin to the heroines Zatanna and Raven in the mainstream DC continuity. She often uses her magic to manipulate her surroundings, fire energy bolts, use elemental strikes, enhance her own physical strength, and fly. [B]Equipment[/B]: Relic uses an ankh necklace to enhance her magic, though even without her necklace her magic is a terrifying force.[/FONT] [size=1][B][SIZE="3"]OOC[/SIZE][/B]: I just had a revelation, so I thought I'd share it. If you're interested in having a partner/sidekick feel free to use either format for describing that character as well, depending on how much you want everyone else to know about that character.[/size]

[FONT="Times New Roman"][CENTER][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Earth53copy-1.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] [I]She hadn’t known her mother since she was a small child of about three years old. Her mother left to go back to work, her father said. Her mother never came around, never left messages, only sent gifts for her birthdays. But her father would always know that she was fine. Later, at about 7 or 8, her father began to become scarce at nights and he would sleep all day, unless he had a meeting to go to, in which he would always seem tired. She was left in the care of the kind, old butler, Alfred. He was always there for her, but always reminded her that her father wasn’t leaving her behind, as she felt. He merely went out for her, as Alfred would be in. She understood this far more when the fact her father was a multi-billionaire and needed to make sure their money was safe. She would spend her normal days at a top quality private school, and her summer days with Alfred’s niece, May. She always wanted to know what her dad was doing out there, though. She always imagined him sitting at his desk, with a file and a computer, furiously typing away. Then he would stop typing and speak aloud, “The Joker’s going to hit this building today. I trust you can stop him.” Then from the window, the Batman would come down and take the folder. He would scan it, memorize it, put it down, and thank her dad. “Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Wayne.” And then, he would jump out and save the day. She loved Batman. She loved her father more for helping him, at least for helping him in her mind. She once asked her father if he did such a thing. He laughed and told her she had the best imagination he had ever seen. He would never answer the question however. Then, on her twelfth birthday, she sat, waiting for her father’s present. She was joined by Alfred and May. They had just spent the entire day shopping for this and that. Her father told her that her present would be the best she had ever received. She was sitting there, expecting the biggest box she had ever seen. But instead, they all sat there for about two hours, just waiting. “It’ll be here soon. Don’t worry.” her father would say, with an uncharacteristic smile on his face. After a long wait, the doorbell rang. She thought it was weird that she didn’t see a car come up the drive way. Her father went to the door. When he answered it, there sounded like two people at the door, a woman and a man. The door shut, and her father returned to the dining room with the two guests. One of the people that had just arrived was a dorky looking man with glasses, a big build, and black hair. The woman, however, was beautiful, with black hair, blue eyes, perfect skin, and an odd feeling of familiarity to her. “Let me introduce you all. This is Clark Kent, a reporter for the Daily Prophet.” The man came forward and reached for a hand shake. [B]“It’s a pleasure. Bruce speaks very highly of you.”[/B] His shake was very firm for his appearance. Then he made way for her father and the woman. When the woman got closer, however, she knew exactly who she was. [B]“And this is…”[/B] her father began, then trailed off, letting the two to each other. She got up from her seat. [B]“Mom?”[/B] The woman smiled and a tear came from her eye. “MOM!” She ran to her mother and gave the biggest hug she could muster. Later, after all the "getting to know each others" were done and Clark had gone home on a call from what had to be his girlfriend, her mother and her went to the opera, for some mother-daughter bonding time. Her father said he had business to attend to that night, but before he left, he kissed her on the head and said that he loved her. He then went over to her mother, gave her a passionate hug and said, “Welcome home Diana”, kissed her and headed out. The two had an amazing time at the Opera; she had only been a few times before with her father, but the being with her mother made it twice as exciting. On the way out of the opera, they decided to take a back alley that she knew well. They made their way through, only to be stopped at the end of the alley by a shadowy figure. [B]“Why ladies, what would you be doing in a dark alley this late at night?”[/B] The figure made his way out of the dark. It wasn’t just a thug wanting some money. It was the Joker... and in his right hand was a pistol. Diana put her daughter behind her instinctively, but before either she or the Joker could do anything, another figure arrived. One that looked more promising. “Oh Bats, don’t you have anything better to do?” The Joker was in his comical mood. But, Batman didn’t seem like he wanted to talk this time around. He lunged at the Joker, the two grappling. “Bats, wanna hear the new joke I’ve got for ya? This one’ll make you bust up.” Just as he finished his sentence, the gun dropped from his hand, hit the ground, and fired. The Batman stumbled back and fell onto the ground. [B]“No!”[/B] Diana ran towards Batman, falling to him. [B]“NO! BRUCE!”[/B] She shouted with terror as she looked at him. She jumped to her feet and ran towards the Joker, and began to beat him. As she did this, her daughter, hearing this, walked up to the body of her idol. She knelt down next to Batman. He had been shot in the chest. He was coughing up blood and trying to speak. [B]“Selena,”[/B] he coughed up. She couldn’t believe it. She had to know. She placed her hands on his mask and gently removed it. It was her hero. Her father. She couldn’t believe it. He died there, in that alley. The gunshot wound was fatal. The Justice League held a memorial for him soon after, where Wonder Woman announced that she would be returning to the Amazon Island, and that the Justice League would be disbanded indefinitely. She took her daughter with her.[/I] [CENTER]***[/CENTER] The Death of the Batman took a terrible toll on the Superhero and Civilian communities alike. Gotham City, devastated by the loss of its “guardian angel”, fell into a state of chaos far worse than it had ever known. After the league disbanded many of its members took a hiatus from their hero careers and began living “normal” lives. The Justice League’s disestablishment also dealt a major blow to morale everywhere, as many heroes began reexamining their lives and their resolve. Adversely, the death of the Batman and the Justice League empowered villains everywhere, and the crime rate around the world began to rise substantially. This “age of the Villain” lasted for years, and gave rise to a “new generation” of villains more fearsome and dangerous. However, the heroes did not allow this age to last. In Gotham, Commissioner Gordon rose up and took his city back under his reign, and made an example of any and all that stood against justice. Nightwing continued his heroics relentlessly despite the death of his mentor. The young Teen Titans rose up to fill the position of the former Justice League. The balance between justice and lawlessness slowly but surely was rebuilt. Heroes long retired found the will to fight once more, and for each who did not, two new heroes sprang up. Old legacies were revived, and new legacies were crafted. And now, though it has been 12 years since the Dark Knight has been laid to rest, it seems that the Legacy of the Batman, too, has found new life. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] Welcome to Earth 53, an alternate version of the mainstream DC Earth brought to you by Muuh Puar, myself, and Afro. On this Earth, Batman never took another Robin after Dick Grayson, and thusly Jason Todd grew up to become the Red X, and Tim Drake started the Teen Titans as Falcon. Superman’s hero activities have waned over the years, Clark Kent has settled down with Lois Lane, and they have had a child. Sinestro was murdered long ago, and Hal Jordan rose up as leader of the Sinestro Corps. The Green Arrow has suffered a heart attack and passed away, and Speedy became the Red Arrow to take his mentor’s place. Though many heroes and villains have developed substantially from their well known counterparts, many are just as you know them now. You, the RPers, will take up the roles of the Super Heroes and Villains of Earth 53. Whether you should decide to take up the mantle of a well known character, or to envision this character in a new light, or develop your own is up to you. The RP will be freeroam for the most part, so your character can feel free to do as he/she pleases [within reason] and interact with any hero/villain that he/she pleases as well, with little direction from the three of us. As the story progresses, deeper plotlines will develop and our characters will gather together as tensions begin to rise. But more on that later. For now, the sign up sheet: [INDENT] Name: Superhero/Supervillain Name: Age: Gender: Appearance (In and out of costume): Personality: Powers: Equipment: Character Bio/Snippet: For opposing Hero/Villain [This is entirely optional. Should you want to have a nemesis, archrival, or simply an antagonist for your character, use this format to describe him or her]- Name: Optional Superhero/Supervillain Name: Gender: Optional Appearance (In costume): Personality: Optional Powers: Equipment:[/INDENT] Should you have any more questions about the RP or how to compose your character, feel free to PM myself, Afro, or Muuh Puar, as well as to post your questions and suggestions in the Background thread as soon as we erect it. Our sign-ups will be up shortly as well, to serve as examples for others. Well, now that that’s all said and done, go and create your characters, and have fun with it![/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Matteus stood menacingly over Father Bernhart, awaiting his answer. The ?holy man? did little but shake and repeatedly shift his eyes over to the door. Matteus sighed and took a step towards the man, who immediately sprang backwards against the wall. Matteus laughed and raised his arms up, showing the man that he did not mean to attack him just yet. [B]?I?ll ask only one more time, Bernhart. Will you accompany me to speak with Lord Akanessler of your free will, or should I prepare to drag you the??[/B] Before he could finish his sentence the door behind him came crashing down, and three robed men with swords burst in. Matteus scoffed and shoved his hands in his pockets. [B]?Seriously? The lack of originality here is simply astounding.?[/B] He removed his right hand from his pocket and gestured toward Bernhart, who was still cowering on the ground. [B]?A simple minded, low-ambitioned criminal masquerading as a church leader,?[/B] he shifted his attention to Bernhart?s underlings, who still stood nervously at the door, [B]?and his useless and incompetent followers.?[/B] Matteus frowned and turned back to Bernhart. [B]?I would have been impressed had you been under the guise of a baker, perhaps, or a blacksmith even!?[/B] Bernhart?s face contorted into a snarl at that comment, then into a snide grin. Matteus frowned deeper at the sight. He could tell that Bernhart was assessing the situation, and from the silly smile on his face, it was clear that Bernhart believed he now had the upper hand. Matteus sighed and pulled his other hand out of his pocket so he could rub it against the free one. Bernhart paid this no mind, and began speaking, his voice obviously full to the brim with conceit. [B]?What will you do now, Akanessler freak? You are clearly outnumbered, and despite your convenient ?gift? how well do you think you?ll f??[/B] A ferocious gust of wind caught him before he could finish his sentence and launched him from where he stood, then jettisoned him into and through the un-shattered window. A loud agonized cry sprang from his lips as soon as his body had collided with the ground. The glass from the window had punctured his skin in various places, albeit lightly, and though he could not be sure at the moment, he was quite positive his right leg was broken. He growled angrily and attempted to reach for his seemingly broken leg. Before he could even muster up the strength to move, however, a large object landed squarely atop his stomach and knocked the wind out of him. [B]?Hrff!?[/B] The collision caused both Berhart and the object, which Bernhart could clearly identify as one of his subordinates, to grunt in pain. Two thuds accompanied the grunts; Bernhart didn?t need to look to know those where his other assistants crashing down beside him. He released a defeated scoff at the situation he found himself in. [B]?At least they didn?t land on me as well?[/B], he mused in an irritated fashion. [B]?I agree,?[/B] responded a cheery voice from the side. Bernhart shifted his head slightly and watched as Matteus shut the door to the cathedral behind him and casually moseyed over to the criminals. Matteus looked over the mess of bodies and shook his head. [B]?Well this won?t do. I only need you, after all.?[/B] Without care or concern, Matteus grabbed Bernhart?s arm and pried him from underneath his co-conspirator, then slammed his hands against Bernhart?s chest. Bernhart attempted to yell out, but was dismayed to find that he could neither open his mouth fast enough to scream nor produce as sound anyways. His body felt like clay beginning to dry in the sun; not entirely un-malleable, but severely rigid and difficult to adjust. Satisfied with his work, Matteus drew his hands away and walked out of Bernhart?s field of vision. He returned soon, however, his steed Raynor beside him. He looked down at Bernhart, smiling, and let go of his horse?s reins. [B]?Ready for a journey, most despicable coward??[/B] Matteus held out his hands and flicked his wrists upward, causing a gust, similar to the one that had ejected Bernhart from the cathedral earlier, to shoot the priest into the air and atop Raynor. Raynor simply snorted in acknowledgment. Matteus chuckled and hopped atop Raynor as well, and began back to report to his Lord Father. The voyage took him two days to make, and was made the more unpleasant by the constant pleas for mercy for Bernhart. When finally Matteus was able to stand before his father and be rid of the despicable man, he was immensely relieved. [B]?You have certainly outdone yourself, my most adored son. To have collected such ?valuable refuse? like this quivering weakling before me, and to have done it so expediently, no less, is quite the feat??[/B] Lord Akanessler hesitated slightly and then resumed his sentence, the beginnings of a smirk creeping along the ends of his mouth. [B]?But this is to be expected of one with Akanessler blood.?[/B] Matteus bowed lowly, and attempted to control his delight as he responded to the lord. ?[B]I claim no glory for myself, Lord Father; all I have done, and all that I do, I do in the name of honoring you, your Grace.[/B]? Lord Akanessler nodded at the statement, then turned his attention to Bernhart, though he still addressed his son. [B]?Leave me, Matteus. You have had a long and arduous journey. Rest. You and your sister will have much work forthcoming.?[/B] Matteus bowed obediently at these words and quickly exited from the room. He did not bother attempting to listen to what Bernhart would reveal to his father after being tortured; to be truthful Matteus had no stomach for hearing the man?s pathetic pleas any longer, nor did he wish to fall out of favor with his Lord Father by eavesdropping. No, Matteus would do as his father ordered and accept his well deserved sleep. He quickly arrived at his room, stripped off his armor and clothing, and succumbed to sleep.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Tempest hadn?t gotten far from the group before he too had noticed the odd behavior of this world?s denizens. He had been blazing absentmindedly down the sidewalk when he?d collided with a middle aged woman. After collecting himself, he insisted on helping the woman to her feet, but she simply picked herself up, tidied her belongings, muttered an apology and walked away. Rattled slightly, Tempest turned to see if one of the other citizens could explain to him why the woman was so disconnected. Unfortunately, everyone he spoke to appeared to be suffering from the same sedated state. Frightened that ?his family? might be afflicted as well, he doubled his pace towards where his ?home? was located. It didn?t take him very long to arrive at his childhood neighborhood?at least, this world?s equivalent to his childhood neighborhood. His eyes surveyed the quaint uniform brick buildings, and his nose twitched slightly at a scent that was simultaneously familiar and alien. He drew in his breath slowly, and exhaled heavily; he had conquered crying at this sight of his would be home long ago, and that singular heavy sigh was the only sign of remorse and grief that escaped him any longer. Passing through his nostalgia as quickly as he could, Tempest regained his wits and pressed his right pointer and middle finger to his glasses to scan for his ?parents?. His parent?s energy patterns were quickly identified inside of the house, in the living room to be specific. From what Tempest could assess from their vitals, the two were entirely healthy. Tempest lowered his hand and growled lightly; this discovery did him absolutely no good. The lady he had run into, as well as the surrounding citizens had all possessed adequate vitals as well. It became clear that the only way Tempest could affirm his parent?s freedom or entrapment would be to talk to them directly. He inhaled deeply again, then put on his sincerest smile and rapped lightly on the door. It took only a moment before the door creaked open and Tempest?s ?father? stepped out. [B]?Hello young man,"[/b] his voice assaulted Tempest's ears with its lack of emotion. [b]"How might I assist you?? [/B] Tempest?s face fell immediately. If his father had been afflicted, chances were his mother had been as well. Responding automatically to Tempest?s silence, Mr. Tempest leaned forward and cocked his head to the side in a highly robotic fashion. Tempest couldn?t help but shudder at the motion and the continuation of his father?s robotic voice. [B]?Is something the matter..."[/b] The man took an unnecessarily long pause before producing the next word, [b]"son??[/B] A cold chill rippled over Tempest?s skin and clamped his teeth together. His fair skin became a pearly white, and his eyes seemed to burn with a greater intensity than usual. The two rings he was wearing at the time, Breeze and Flame, flared up at his sudden shift in emotion; the temperature around him suddenly spiked, and a fierce breeze pushed past him and into the house. Much to Tempest?s chagrin, even the surreal shift in the atmosphere did not render with his father. [B]?I?m sorry young man, but unless there is a matter you need to discuss with me, I must be returning to my wife. Good day.? [/B] With that, the man bowed and slowly shut the door in Tempest?s face. Overcome with a mixture of intense shock and blatant fury, Tempest simply stared at the door for a few moments before he could come to his senses. Having regained his casually aloof demeanor he shrugged the whole incident off and turned away from the house. His adrenaline rush now gone as well, he realized the area was a tad chilly, or rather, that it had been chilly for a while judging by his incredibly pale hands. He threw his hood over his head, pressing his golden hair lightly against his glasses, and then stuffed his hands into his coat pockets. He couldn?t help but smile all the while as well; this was the ?normal? Tempest, the ones the other ?Wanderers? were used to. The one that had just been an emotional wreck was simply a lingering homage to his previous form. [B]?Tempest! Ey Tempest!?[/B] Tempest shook himself out of his happy place at the sound of the familiar voice. Looking up, he noticed Percy nonchalantly rounding the corner. On sight of Tempest, Percy nodded his head in acknowledgement, gestured back in the direction he came, then spun around on his heel and walked off, whistling. Tempest shrugged in agreement and followed suit, catching up to his ally and whistling along.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Seeing as now it is definitively not Wednesday, sign ups are now, [I]officially[/I], [B]CLOSED[/B]. DeLarge and I will promptly begin deciding on the cast and will inform members of their acceptance via PMs and the Backstage thread. We will also be contacting someone with regards to the special role, so be alert. Thank you again everyone for your time and effort. We appreciate your interest and we couldn't have asked for a better batch of sign-ups. Cheers, DeLarge and The 10th[/FONT]

[CENTER][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/CaelumTempestcopy.jpg[/IMG] [FONT="Book Antiqua"][B]Name:[/B] Caelum Tempest; He goes by Tempest, and only close friends call him Cael. [B]Age: [/B] 19 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/1246897003270-1.png"]Appearance/Outfit-Top half[/URL]][URL="http://ve3dmedia.ign.com/images/05/12/51254_NoMoreHeroes2ConceptArt_normal.png"][Outfit- Jeans and shoes][/URL] Tempest's hair is slightly longer than shown, almost covering his intense fire toned eyes, and is a brilliant golden color. [B]Personality[/B]: Tempest is a bit off by normal standards—though he’s very good natured and quick to joke around with the other wanderers, he always seems like he’s somewhere else or he’s on autopilot. Also, despite his jovial disposition, he can be surprisingly unsympathetic to human suffering and misfortune. If he sees someone in danger and knows there’s a good chance he’ll be unable to escape the incident unscathed or risk jeopardizing the mission, he’s more likely to suggest leaving the person behind. Though tempting no win scenarios is not his style, he is only human; compassion can often cause him to throw caution to the wind. There is one major consistent exception to his self-preservation philosophy—whenever Tempest comes across parallels of his family members and friends he becomes dangerously protective of them, doing whatever it takes to keep them from harm’s way, even if it means endangering his mission. He holds the lives of the other wanderer’s above his parallel family, however. [B]Special Skills:[/B] Tempest is highly intuitive and quite the tactician, often times being able to discern the best course of action and strategy despite his youth and relative inexperience. [B]Weapons/Equipment:[/B] [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/ElementalRing.jpg"][I]Furiae Rings[/I][/URL]]- Tempest received these rings from one of the very first realities he visited. These rings are his most powerful weapons, and he'll use them whenever he comes across a particularly powerful enemy or large force of enemies. These rings have the unique ability of being able to convert any form of energy into elemental discharges. The 10 rings represent the dual aspects of the elements: the Heat rings Flame and Lightning; the Aquatic rings Wave and Frost; the Terrestrial rings Earth and Nature; the Celestial rings Light and Darkness; and the Lucid rings Breeze and Vitalstream. Each ring has a different color in it's center corresponding with it's element, and when they are used, a glowing circle with a picture of the element appear over them. Unfortunately, the rings need constant recharging, so if there is no energy source around Tempest must regulate the amount of time he uses the rings for or risk being somewhat useless. Even if the rings do run out of energy, they do enhance Tempest’s punches. [[I][URL="http://www.myimportstore.com/store/images/Anime/DGray-ManBadget.jpg"]Furiae Charges[/URL][/I]]- These crosses are the means with which Tempest charges his rings. By placing these charges into an energy source of an sort (i.e. a battery, cable line, or even a human body, though this is extraordinarily taboo) the crosses can drain the energy out of said source and divert the energy straight to the rings. Tempest can also use these for offensive purposes even if he doesn't need to charge the rings by reversing the energy of the crosses so they turn whatever they've punctured into a bomb-- the cross causes the energy to surge out all at once in an explosive manner. [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/TempestChakram.png"][I]Chakrams[/I][/URL]]- This weapon is Tempest's primary form of attack. He can easily draw the crossguards of the chakrams from his coat, and by pressing a button, they expand, the ring appears around them and the blades shoot out. Often times while fighting he'll use the chakrams in conjunction with the Flame and Breeze rings. [[I][URL="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.60793601.jpg"]Communication Device[/URL][/I]]- It's sole purpose is to keep Tempest in touch with Adam. [[URL="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/P1016549.jpg"][i]Dimension Splitter[/i][/URL]]- Like Adam's mesh gloves, he can use this knife to open tears between dimensions. [[URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Glasses.jpg"][I]Hyper Enhanced Vision[/I][/URL]]- These glasses were given to Tempest by Adam upon their reunion and bestow Tempest with a number of special abilities. Like Adam’s wrist band the glasses can identify an anomaly in any given area and provide Tempest with information about it. The glasses can also analyze a person’s vitals on sight and after about 30 seconds of viewing a given subject the glasses can place a form of tracking device on the person, alerting Tempest to the person’s whereabouts and conditions at all time. Battle-wise, the lock on feature can sync with the rings’ powers so that Tempest’s aim is increased exponentially. The glasses also help to regulate the rings’ strength. [B]Writing Snippet:[/B] Despite his age, young Cael Tempest had been through a number of ordeals. He was known for being active, for roughhousing, and for being accident prone. He had broken bones he didn’t know existed. He had bled more than anyone thought was humanly possible. At twelve he had already made quite the name for himself as being indestructible. It was rumoured that he could endure any pain, no matter what it was. No pain had been like this, however. No blow this strong, no heat this intense. This compressing, tearing, agonizing pain was more than he could handle. He attempted to roar out against the agony, but his mouth wouldn’t open—he wasn’t entirely sure he still had a mouth. The only thing confirming he still had a body even was the immeasurable pain. He could see, hear, taste, and feel nothing other than the pain. He attempted to calm himself and think rationally, but every time he managed to shift his focus past the unbearable pain his mind became inundated with other thoughts. What had happened to land him here? What exactly was this place even? Where was everyone else? And the most important question—what had happened to his family? For one brief moment that thought washed over his body and chilled every inch of it. What if they were trapped too? Cael instinctively went to cry out again, this time for his family. This time he swore he could almost hear his voice. Encouraged by this and with all of the strength the boy could muster he attempted once more to scream, thrash, and ‘push’ himself out of captivity. If the pain before was unbearable, then this new pain, the feeling of his body using every last bit of energy to free itself, would definitely kill him. But he didn’t care. He would escape. He would escape. He would— [I]Crash![/I] Cael’s body hit the ground violently and rolled a few feet. Once the momentum had died, his reflexes kicked in and commanded him to spring up; however, all he could muster was to flail lightly and grunt. His body had obviously been too ravaged by the ordeal he had just been through, and would be entirely useless unless he rested a few minutes. He relaxed as best he could and closed his eyes, exhaling heavily. His inability to move mattered little to him, as his previous will had been lost entirely. Having been dislodged from the void, and free from the overwhelming pain and panic, Cael remembered what happened to his family, his friends, his world... They had all been taken from him. Tears began to flow down Cael’s face, but he barely noticed them. He felt hollowed on the inside, and his body felt like little more than dead weight. What did he do now? What point was there in going on? His family was gone. Everything he knew was gone, taken away in one horrifying tempest that no one had been ready for. And even if he decided to keep going, to take care of himself—could he? He was only twelve, and he knew barely anything about his own world. What chance did he stand in this foreign one? [B]“What chance do I stand at all?”[/B] Cael slammed his fist down on the ground and glared angrily at the unfamiliar sky above him. He knew he would never see his sky again or walk on his land again. It would be this sky, this land he saw... Or would it? An odd tugging feeling pulled at Cael’s chest, causing him to abruptly sit erect and look around. It was almost as if he was being called to. He sprang to his feet and stared off into the distance, wondering if perhaps that someone was out there. He called out, hoping someone would hear him. [B]“Hello!”[/B] No one responded, but still the feeling sat with him. Whatever this feeling was, whatever it meant, it was relentless, and it became increasingly potent. Cael yelled out again, hoping for an answer. [B]“HELLO! Is anybody there?”[/B] Still, nothing. Only the sound of his voice echoing along the barren field. No.. Not his voice. The words were the same, yes, but every echo returned to him in a different voice; some were older, some were younger, some were male, some female. Cael couldn’t help but smile at the chorus of voices echoing his cry. Suddenly he didn’t feel so alone. For some reason he couldn’t explain, he recognized those voices. Those were the voices of all the people he would meet from this day onwards; all the people who would welcome him into their homes, all the people who be his friends and enemies alike. No, again he was wrong. They wouldn’t be meeting Cael. Cael had been lost along with his family, along with his world. He had been taken by a tempest, and left only Tempest behind. He knew what he had to do now. [B]“I’m alive for a reason... So I have to keep going! Someone’s waiting for me out there, and I have to find them, no matter what it takes!”[/B] With his new resolve Tempest trekked into the wasteland, ready for every adventure to come his way.[/FONT][/CENTER]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"][CENTER][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/TheWandererscopy-1.jpg[/IMG] Welcome to the Wanderer’s backstage thread. Here we can discuss plot development, ask questions about anything that might be plaguing you, and maintain conversation about the story in general. But before we get to that… [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Chapterscopy.jpg[/IMG] Some of the chapters, as mentioned by DeLarge in the audition’s thread, will be run by you RPers. What the reality looks like, what the anomaly is, and how the chapter will be structured (i.e. post order, post limit, etc.) will be entirely in your hands—well, you’ll be running the idea by DeLarge and I, but I doubt will make any adjustments unless your reality is completely absurd. :] Now obviously, with this great power comes… what? Great responsibility. So if I might make a suggestion-- Whole realities made of fire may sound cool, but I’m sure that after some contemplating you’ll decide it’s not the best idea. So to sum up my sentiment: “Please put a good amount of thought into your realities, and remember that your goal is to create a world all of the RPers will enjoy taking part of.” [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/DramatisPersonaecopy.jpg[/IMG] [u][SIZE="5"]D[/SIZE]e[SIZE="5"]L[/SIZE]arge[/u] [b]Adam Jackson[/B] A troubled genius haunted by the losses he has suffered and his past mistakes, and the unofficial leader of the Wanderers. [u][SIZE="5"]T[/SIZE]he [SIZE="5"]10[/SIZE]th[/u] [b]Caelum “Cael” Tempest[/B] A highly skilled, yet aloof and distant young tactician, he's a survivor from a young age and close personal friend of Adam. [u][SIZE="5"]S[/SIZE]tephanie[/u] [b]Dierdre Faye[/B] A beautiful, strong and silent diplomat, highly skilled in both physical combat and tactical espionage. [u][SIZE="5"]A[/SIZE]fro[/u] [b]Kresh “Thraximander” Bastion[/B] A powerful, well-mannered but occasionally insultingly blunt survivalist and a dangerous warrior with a strict code of honour. [u][SIZE="5"]D[/SIZE]arren[/u] [b]Emilia Rosen[/B] A friendly, though occasionally rather cold, adventurous former police officer with a large stash of fantastic equipment. [u][SIZE="5"]M[/SIZE]uuh [SIZE="5"]P[/SIZE]uar[/u] [b]Percy[/B] An unusual but businesslike and enigmatic young man and a brilliant marksman, who lends his skills to the group as a scout and tracker. Well, that appears to be all, so have at it, my fellow RPers! [/CENTER][/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]He had decided to receive this gift as soon as he learned of its existence. His only desire was to be useful to his father; to do his bidding, to make him proud. With this mark, with this power, he would be able to accomplish any task his father set out for him. Matteus Akanessler would be the prized warrior of the Akanessler household. He need only endure these few moments of agony. When the needle pierced Matteus’ skin, he could not help with shiver in surprise. He had expected the needle to burn like white hot fire. Instead, his skin felt chilled, as if the punctured area was slowly being frozen. The feeling travelled down along his arm and soon had consumed the rest of his body. Though at first the feeling was comforting it quickly became painful, and in only a matter of moments Matteus could only clench his teeth down to keep from roaring out in agony. He could not see him, but he could practically feel his father smirking at Matteus’ pain. He knew it was because his lordship doubted Matteus’ strength—he would doubt no longer, however, once the procedure was finished. “[B]Matteus, my son.”[/B] Lord Akanessler had been chanting the entirety of time he had been placing the mark upon Matteus’ skin, so the abrupt switch to conversation caused Matteus to jolt slightly. He attempted to mask his surprise, and excitement, by responding as calmly as he could. [B]“Yes Lord Father?”[/B] Lord Akanessler finally pulled the needled from Matteus’ skin, and placed it to the side. He touched his fingers to the tattoo and began speaking again. [B]“You are my legacy, the greatest of my sons. If you so will it, I will bestow unto you the strength and majesty of a god. Swear your undying allegiance to me, and you shall have this power.”[/B] Matteus did not hesitate in his response. [B]“My lordship—so long as my heart beats I shall serve you.”[/B] Lord Akanessler smiled and pressed his hand roughly against the tattoo, causing it to glow and burn intensely—but only for a moment. Lord Akanessler stood up and walked briskly from the room, allowing Matteus time to examine his new strength. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] Matteus frowned darkly at the building located in front of him. That he found the aesthetics of the cathedral pleasurable was well known, but well known also was that Matteus was no man of faith. For him to attend mass this day, it was certain that some matter of importance needed attending to. Matteus breathed heavily, his breath materializing in front of him in the cold air, and took a step inside. Though the congregation was plenty today, the sermon did not last long. As soon as the cathedral began to empty Matteus rushed over to the clergyman to grasp his attention. [B]“Father Bernhart, a pleasure.”[/B] The priest’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of Matteus, but he quickly regained his composure and responded. [B]“Good day son. Though we have never met, sir, I believe I know you. You are of the Akanessler house, are you not?”[/B] Matteus bowed his head in acknowledgment. [B]“Yes father. I am Matteus Akanessler, and I was wondering if I could hold council with you.”[/B] The priest turned noticeably white at the request, and Matteus could see the veins in his neck become more pronounced, undoubtedly as a result of his body reflexively becoming tense. The father shakily motioned to a room in back, and Matteus strode towards it. Though he could he hear the priest adjusting his robe to reach for something, Matteus neither flinched nor waivered. He opened the door and stepped into a well furbished living area. He whistled and looked the room over. [B]“Quite the interesting assortment of antiquities and furniture you have here, father.”[/B] The door slammed violently behind Bernhart, prompting Matteus to look at him. Sure enough, the priest had his dagger brandished. Matteus shook his head disappointedly at the sight. [B]“You know, Bernhart, I would not have suspected your involvement in the underground rebellion to overthrow my lord father had you not drawn your blade against me.”[/B] The priest responded curtly, his pleasant tone having been entirely replaced with a grizzly, violent one. [B]“Drop the farce, Akanessler dog. Had you doubted my involvement, your ‘lord’ wouldn’t have sent one of [I]you[/I].”[/B] The last word was muttered with particular contempt that Matteus could not help but laugh at. [B]“You’re very, very right father. Now place aside your weapon so that I may bring you back to his lordship to discuss the severity of your crimes against and have your punishment decided upon.”[/B] The priest clutched his weapon tightly, and hopping to catch Matteus unaware, rushed him while screaming madly. Matteus scoffed and flicked his wrist in Bernhart’s direction. It did not dissuade Bernhart any, who attempted to brutally bring down his dagger into Matteus’ head. Unfortunately for him, his hands held no dagger. Bernhart stumbled backwards and fell to the floor in awe. His voice escaped in one mangled sentence. [B]“howhowwhatdidyoudotomydaggeryoudemon!?”[/B] Matteus winced at the cacophony of sound and motioned to the wall behind Bernhart. Bernhart rolled his eyes up to see what Matteus was referencing, and upon sight of it, lost his breath. His dagger had been lodged firmly into the ceiling, frozen in place. Matteus smiled and leaned against the priest’s desk and raised one hand. Instantly the window in the room shattered and the papers on the disk began flittering around wildly. Despite how much he was enjoying the moment, Matteus spoke calmly to his would-be-assailant. [B]“As stated previously, his lordship demands that you accompany me to the Akanessler dun—whether it be dead or alive. Make your decision quickly.”[/B][/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Cale roared furiously on the ground, attempting desperately to shield his eyes from the terrible light that had flooded the area. He felt as if his eyes would rupture should even a little light leak in through his eyelids. What kind of source could produce this light? Had? Had that man done it? Luckily, Cale could feel the light dimming, and eventually it was gone altogether. He slowly opened his eyes, allowing the world to readjust and fall back into place. He gasped slightly when he noticed Flo had her arms around him, and had buried her face into his chest. Her tense posture denoted that she hadn?t grabbed him just to block out the light?. But also to keep him from losing his mind again. Cale?s thoughts inundated his mind once the pain from the light subsided entirely. Who had that man been? Why had Cale been completely and entirely possessed by the urge to attack that man? Or even worse, would he have stopped simply at attacking the man? He clenched his jaw at the thought. The last thing he wanted was to hurt someone?then why, why was he unable to stop himself? Flo stirred against his chest, drawing away his attention. He nuzzled her lightly and spoke. [B]?It?s okay, sweetheart. The light?s gone.?[/B] She looked up at him, and he could see the intense fear in her eyes. He almost cried knowing that that fear was not for the seemingly divine light that man conjured out of thin air, but for the savagery Cale had just displayed. The pain in his heart almost convinced him to stand up and flee back into the mountains, but he knew he couldn?t. He needed to take Flo home, he needed to speak with her, and he needed to find out just who that man was?. He kissed Flo?s forehead lightly and stood up, lifting her in his arms simultaneously. [B]?Let?s get back to your apartment, yes??[/B] Flo smiled lightly and nodded, giving Cale the directions her car. When they approached it, Cale could easily still feel the fear coursing through Flo, and thought it best that he drove, despite his relative disdain for driving. He drove them home as quickly as he could. Once in her apartment, Flo decided she would take a shower to calm her nerves, leaving Cale in the living room to think some more. Cale, despite his natural aggressiveness and anger, had always been able to hold these feelings back for the good of others. He was adamant about holding himself at bay and only attacking or striking another only when absolutely necessary. He had only ever really hurt one man, his father?his face contorted into a snarl at that thought?and he had deserved it. But that innocent man who had treaded across the street, nowhere near him? That innocent man whose scent had sent Cale immediately into a state of panic and self defense? [B]?What the hell was that all about??[/B] Cale pushed his face into his hands and sighed heavily. What was the worst about the whole situation was he could still smell the man, and could not deny that he felt tempted to track him down and apologize?. Of course, that was if he could keep from eating the man long enough to apologize. Cale pulled his face from his hands and sprung up, walking over to Flo?s room. He heard the shower turn off a minute ago, so he knew she would at least be in a towel by now, and thus would be able to talk. He raised his hand to knock on her door, but she opened it before he had to. He smirked and kissed her softly. [B]?Am I that predictable??[/B] She laughed and shook her head no. [B]?I would say yes but I?m not so sure after this afternoon. Agreeing to stay and attacking a stranger aren?t things I?d normally expect from you.?[/B] She giggled again after that. Cale sighed lightly and smiled. The fact that she was joking about it meant that her initial shock had worn off, and now she was only interested in helping him past what had happened. She led him to the bed and sat next to him, then leaned over and rested her head against his shoulder. Cale began talking first. [B]?I dunno what happened down there? It was as if the scent of that gut triggered all of my self defense mechanisms. I felt like I needed to attack him before he could attack me? Though now that my head is clear, I don?t remember smelling any mal-intent on him.?[/B] Flo bit her lip and thought about what Cale had said. He didn?t expect her to understand, exactly?she wasn?t Baal, like him, so she didn?t understand the much more animalistic abilities he could utilize. Flo took another moment, then suddenly her eyes widened. She opened her mouth and began speaking slowly, as if still piecing the thought together. [B]?Well? Your instincts would tell you if something dangerous was approaching, right??[/B] Cale smiled lightly and nodded. [B]?More or less.? [/B] [B]?Well, that man you attacked? You were almost right on top of him when that light filled the streets, yeah??[/B] [B]?Yeah. I almost had my claws on him, I believe?Wait, are you suggesting that he was the source of the light??[/B] Flo nodded and put her hand on his leg. [B]?Think about it! I don?t much understand your abilities, but I know that your ability to sense other?s feelings and predict other?s actions is extraordinary. What if you could feel that power inside of him, and it frightened you??[/B] Cale?s frowned at what Flo said. Why hadn?t he thought of that? It made sense that if he had special abilities for his clan, that somebody might have similar abilities pertaining to their own. Cale jumped up at the thought, surprising Flo again. She grabbed his hand nervously. [B]?Cale, Cale what?s wrong??[/B] He looked at her, his eyes as red as she had ever seen them. [B]?I have to find him. I can?t tell you why, but I have to.?[/B] He spun on his heel and headed for the door, but Flo kept her grip on his hand firm. [B]?What if the same thing that happened earlier happens again? I know you?ll be expecting it, but can you control yourself??[/B] Cale shrugged and pulled away from Flo. [B]?I won?t know until I see him. If I feel there?s a chance I can?t, I?ll come back.?[/B] Flo stood up and walked towards him. She grabbed the zipper on his jacket and played with it in silence for about a minute before she spoke again. [B]?What if? what if he had more powers? What if? you get hurt??[/B] Cale grabbed her arms and shook her lightly, prompting her to look back into his eyes. Though they were still vibrantly blood red, they appeared softer now. He could feel her worry slipping away as confidence slowly replaced it. Cale had to keep from showing his pride at what he had just done. He had always theorized that his ability would allow him to influence another?s emotions?now he had proof. With her fear pushed aside, Flo?s demeanor changed immediately; she let go of Cale?s zipper and placed her hands atop his, then nodded. [B]?Come back soon, Cale. Do whatever it takes, okay??[/B] Cale nodded and burst out of her apartment, sprinting back in the direction the encounter had taken place. He was going to find that man, and he was going to ask him what he knew about their special abilities. Regardless of how much time it took to find him, Cale wouldn?t stop until that man told him what he wanted to know. Cale was a hunter, and that man had just become the prey.[/FONT] [SIZE="1"][B]OOC[/B]: Ugh, that post was atrocious... Anyways, thank you for the Cameo, Mykul. It helped me direct my post. :][/SIZE]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]Dear lord... How did this thread go from "Hey, if you have any questions post them here" to "let's all talk generic trash bolstering the impressiveness of our clan" to "Let's crush the Baal. Let's crush 'em now"? To sum up my responses to my worthy adversaries: We [i]can[/i] catch you. We [i]can[/i] see through your nightmares. We [I]can[/I] break your precious toys apart. We [B]will[/B] rip you to shreds. We are the Predators. You are the prey.[/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]So the Sin are unified-- big whoop. I'm not too concerned. You guys are barely a threat anywho. Should I have a nightmare next time I take a nap, I'll know who to attest it to. (By the by, this original universe of yours sounds pretty interesting, Vicky. You should PM me a more thorough overview of it. :] )[/FONT] [Quote=DeLarge; 838677][SIZE="1"]Oh yeah, 'cause I forgot that you like being a blind, deaf, part-animal dribbling monster. Power over light and sound means the ability to take them away, too, genius. We'll see who has "real skills" when you're thrashing around punching walls in impotent fury. Touch me and see how confident I am, "intense empathy" boy[/SIZE][/quote] [FONT="Book Antiqua"]You make a valid point indeed-- you could plunge me into a world of darkness, one where I couldn't use my refined eyes or ears to find you. But guess what I [I]can[/I] use, friend. My [B]nose[/B]. Just how powerful is the smell of a Baal, you ask? Come and find out Mr. Overconfidence. Sure it'll be less accurate than using my other senses, but you Chronus probably reek of feathers and such. And don't worry, I won't need my "intense empathy" to feel your arrogance fade into fear. :animesmil I must say, however, I am jealous of the Chronus catch phrase. It's pretty nifty.[/FONT]

[quote name='DeLarge'][SIZE=1]The Chronus have the power of sound [I]and [/I]light going for us, so suck on it.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [FONT="Book Antiqua"]Whoop-dee-do. That makes you useful when? Oh right, at a disco or a rave. Those of us with real skills can actually contribute to most battles. We Baal will laugh heartily when you attempt to defeat your opponents by shouting obscenities at them... and fail. :D[/FONT] [quote name='Vicky'][size=1]Oh hell yeah foo'![/size][/quote] [FONT="Book Antiqua"]Need I say more as to why Baal are better? X] Man am I loving this. Now I can fill up on my daily desire to trash talk. Woohoo![/FONT]

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]So did anyone else get goosebumps reading that? Granted, it only took them a chapter to be reunited, but seeing Sakura so happy definitely brought a tear to my eye. :] As excited as I am by this, I'm going to mirror Indi's sentiments and state that I'm eager to discover what happened to Fai and the others, especially considering I have speculations over Syaoran's parents [well kinda] that I would like cleared up. X][/FONT]