Retribution

[size=1]Yeah, I've had a box of them before, and it was hilarious. I gave a vomit bean to my brother, telling him it was peach or something, and he rolled his window down (we were in the car), and spat it out. But then, karma got me, and I thought I was eating a watermelow, when I began to taste the distinct flavor of grass (c'mon, you know you've eaten a bit before). That was nasty, and funny at the same time. I hope they stay around long enough to make hundreds of flavors - things as stupid as plastic, and gross as like ... poop, lol. Of course, with only one book left and a few movies, it's going to die down after a while.[/size]

[size=1]Hm... [b]Stuart:[/b] is a pretty good stab at vectoring, since I know you're a noob at it. However, I just don't like the image of him first of all, second of all, he looks like an emo kid. The typography is pretty awkward and off balance, and the fonts clash. It's also too gray for its own good. [b]Constellations:[/b] Getting better - now you just need to stop pussyfooting with the colors. C'mon! Everyone's straining to see what the heck you wrote, so help them out and choose darker colors. I also don't see the point in having the dimensions of the picture being so high.[/size]

[size=1]Eh, thanks for all the comments. Here's a new piece reflecting my current emotions. I hope you understand. [b]Systematically Losing the Knack[/b] [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/theknack.jpg[/IMG] And for all you small-text whores (*coughsuncough*), here are the words: "I feel useless, like I?m losing the knack I once had. Now I ask myself ?Is it worth it? Do I still have the drive? Do I have the internal fire to make my soul propel again? I need. Inspiration. A reason. Life again." And since I can't get a comment in here, I'm just editing this post with another piece of art. Hooray to those who see it, even though the thread won't bump. [b]metaPHYSICS[/b] [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/meta.jpg[/IMG] [b]Idioteque - Zentheque[/b] - Inspired by Radiohead. Again. [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/zentheque.jpg[/IMG][/size]

[size=1]Leonardo had finished his meditation, and decided to go on one last stroll through the grounds before going to bed - tomorrow would be a day of great magnitude, and he needed his strength to replenish. He felt internally weak from not recovering from the spell, but suppressed the feeling, comforting himself with the idea that everyone else felt the same fatigue. He walked quietly, taking care not to trample any ants or caterpillars lying helplessly on the ground. His erratic path solicited many odd looks from onlookers, wondering why he was weaving so. Finally, he happened upon a group, circled around, talking with respectful smiles on their faces. He recognized Nepenthe immediately, and then the others from their brief introduction to one another. Hovering at a distance of twenty feet, he listened closely to what they were saying. ?I?m very sorry to intrude,? he said to no one in particular during a respectable lull in the conversation. Heads turned around to see a gentle smiling man, whom they recognized vaguely from the spell task. The warriors did not know who he was, save his name. ?I am Leonardo. I would be honored to have your names in return.? After a few minutes of introduction, he took a step back, just listening to everyone else. He touched their auras, feeling their complex personalities, emotions, vague motivations in instants. Those with magical orientation chuckled when he tapped their aura softly. The warriors frowned in puzzlement. ?Does anyone know what we will be doing? What exactly is our mission?? He asked, wondering genuinely why Yuri had picked him; a pacifist, a healer, a humble man. ?To save the world, and whatever comes with that.? Kain?s response was short, but answered Leonardo?s general question. ?Thank you. Please forgive my ignorance.? He smiled gently at him, and then turned his attention back to everyone?s auras. They emanated from their hosts with differing brilliance, hue, consistency, and constitution, which was normal. He dove deeper, taking care not to intrude on ones mind or body, but seeking a spiritual bond with at least one of his comrades. Camaraderie and brotherhood could never replace a deeper connection with another ? an emotional communion on a spiritual level. It was something only great friends had, and compatible auras responded to one another if there was a possibility that such a bond could ever exist between the two hosts. To his surprise, he got a jolt of response in his search, however the host?s countenance did not betray to others who it was.OOC: Eh, I made something up! I sort of left it open for whomever wanted to be Leo?s friend. Have fun.[/size]

[QUOTE=Stark]Then again, this is coming from the one who was lectured to by the church youth leader about reading books like Siddhartha and other pseudo-philosophical texts. I'm not saying I know anything. I'm still looking for the answers. Maybe other people are too, and there should be better resources for them to find those answers. If it means teaching a religious theory in a public school, so be it. Just, it should be kept in the right context, and it should be kept as unbiased as possible.[/QUOTE] [size=1]No. At least up here in the North, teachers in public schools aren't allowed to discuss God, lest they be fired as a result. I really hope it stays that way. School should be a place of religious neutrality; because so many different people with so many opposing beliefs are in one classroom, it becomes extremely easy to offend someone. If you want religion, go to a Catholic school or Sunday School/CCD, and shut up. And if by some horrid luck religion does end up in public school,[B] make it an elective[/B]. Else, there'll be riots and picketers on the Mall.[/size]

[quote name='FlamesFirebrand']I want to learn how to draw! I can never hold a pencil/Pen steady my hand always shakes. I cant really draw stright lines. If possible would someone help me get a book or help teach me how to draw? Im really getting desprate :animecry:[/quote] [size=1]Lo there, FlamesFirebrand. I would recommend taking an art or drawing class at your school if they offer it. It's sort of hard to learn from books; and they only teach you to draw in steps, which is really the only lesson you'll need from those "LEARN TO DRAW ANIME" books. Don't buy them. Instead, look for a book that teaches you to draw simple things, and become more and more advanced, rather than making a circle, and then filling that in, etc until you get a masterpiece. Sorry, I don't have any specific advice. But Doukeshi is right - you don't need to have a perfectly steady hand in order to draw. Just practice sketching something simple as quickly as you can. Don't give up, either. It's hard to become really good at it, but I'm sure you can do it.[/size]

[size=1]Interesting battle we have here. Good show, the both of you. [b]Doukeshi:[/b] Unorthodox is the first thing that strikes me about this. The airbrush look really is unique. However, I don't like it. It looks grainy, it's choppy, and I have no idea what that red thing was until I checked the stock picture. I seriously thought it was a bloody chicken. No joke. The cool bloodsplatter effect is the result of you lifting a completely different stock image and just not editing it. That also strikes me as rather bland. [b]Deucalion:[/b] Well, this is orthodox, but the general idea is alright. The stock image is fitting, and the background colors really reflect well with what desire means. However, it's really, really blank, and the font seems pretty hard to read/miniscule. But hey, I'm willing to give you bonus points on the brushed background. Way to stay strong, and away from those dirty pre-mades! [B]So I vote for Deucalion,[/B] Almighty Ruler of the Universe.[/size]

[size=1]Leonardo stood in the courtyard, his eyes fixed tightly on Yuri as he addressed them. His muscles tensed in anticipation, and upon hearing his abbreviated name, he gave an inward sigh of relief, and immediately wanted to shout with joy. However, such an action would have been horrible sportsmanship, and so he kept his face neutral, bowing to Yuri after the announcement had been made, and walked to a nearby stream. The birdsong was thick in the air, and the sunlight reflected magnificently off the clear water. He took a deep breath - his energy was still greatly drained, and the feeling of omnipresent fatigue was not only uncomfortable, but made him feel vulnerable and weak. Idly, he skipped a rock across the surface of the water, and waited for a fortifying feeling to return - the sign he was strengthened again. Another bird chirped, and he shot his head towards the branch from which it came, and behind it saw Nepenthe at a window seat, staring at a cloud, and wrapped in a towel. Immediately, he averted his glance, but knew she could sense his presence, his aura, his emotions already - the proximity was not far, and she appeared to be a powerful enchantress. Completely flustered, he continued his stroll around the grounds before entering inside the castle. He wanted to find a chapel to pray in before returning to his room for meditation.[/size]

[SIZE=1]I'm thinking about joining, but I was wondering - what's the point exactly? I mean, so you'll showcase our work. Anything else? Maybe projects or tournaments or something? I don't get it. And to all those who care - my dA link is in my profile. Check it out! [/size]

[size=1]It's relatively good, but it's the minor things that make the fact that you manipulated this obvious. First of all is the perspective - Bush and other peopel inside the bus are facing all sorts of ways, and different sizes, improportional to where they are in 'space.' Their image qualities are also a lot clearer. The paint, again, doesn't have the background's grainy feel, so it makes things obvious. However, the bus doing a wheelie is actually very well done - even the shadow matches! So you've done a heckuva lot better than I can do. Good job.[/size]

[size=1]OOC: I hope this post is alright, Astdis.IC: Alexander had been talking with Riana for several minutes before he heard a cry for help coming from another room. The conversation was very interesting, and each of them had learned a bit about the other, but he forced himself to end the conversation courteously before running out of the room. Another woman was helping her out, and handed her to the servants. The woman, propped up by the servants, visibly grimaced at the pain she was experiencing. ?Excuse me, ma?am, are you alright?? ?Nn?,? she growled before answering, ?I?ll live.? Immediately, upon hearing a male voice, lifted her head, her countenance purged of the extreme pain she had worn a minute ago. ?What?s your name, if I may ask?? ?Alexander. And yours?? There was a noticeable pause before she answered. Her eyes were open in shock, and her mouth stumbled with a delay at the question. ?I?m Jacqueline. Nice to meet you?? Her trance-like state broke, and she resumed the silent bearing of her pain once more. Quietly, he followed the servants down several corridors before ultimately being halted at a white door with a medical red cross on it. Jacqueline and the attending servants went through the swiveling portal. Minutes later, a lone Jacqueline stumbled through. ?So you?re alright?? ?Could you come with me for a second? I need to ask of you something,? she did not wait for an answer, but her eyes silently pleaded before she tore her gaze away, walking quickly into her room. With noticeable hesitation, Alexander following her into her bathroom, where she sat on the sink counter. ?I?m sorry ? it?s just sort of awkw?? He was cut off quickly. ?Look. I need you to vomit.? ?What?? ?You need to vomit into the sink. Please?? Alexander gave her a gaze of curiousity, confusion, fear, and bewilderment at the same time before taking a step away from her. She sighed in pain before continuing her plea. ?It?s this damn game. Alright? Could you just please vomit?? ?I? fine. But why should I, if we?re trying to beat one another for the money?? ?This is a little bigger than a game, alright?? Her voice was full of anger, but quivered with weakness. Alexander complied, assured that she was suffering something more than just a normal sickness. He stuck his finger down his throat until he felt his stomach swell, forcibly ejecting the contents of the past two days into the sink before him. It was stagnant, and smelled like acid, oranges, cheese, and fish. At the sight, he gave more dry heaves, but Jacqueline threw up whatever she had eaten last night all over his white trenchcoat. He audibly growled in frustration, but looked at her expectantly. ?Well?? ?Oh god?? she trembled fighting down emotion and pain before dipping her hand into the sink full of puke. She took a handful and drank it slowly before her stomach refused once more. Alexander?s mind was in shock, disbelief at the sight. ?What the hell are you doing?? As if in reply, she tried again, dipping her hand into the rancid concoction, and swallowed with success a handful of his vomit. During the span of many minutes, she had managed to drain the sink to the halfway mark. She had vomited twice in the process of doing so, but a new resolve steeled herself to what Alexander saw as an absurd task. ?I think ? that?s enough. Oh god, I feel? god?? ?Are you well? Why are you doing this?? She looked as if she were going to cry again at the question. ?I didn?t want ? oh it?s terrible. It?s sick, Alexander. Sick.? ?I?m sorry to be so blunt, but should I leave now?? [/size]

[size=1]Simply put, I sign up based upon the people joining. I like to join quality RPGs, and the people who I look for in a sign up share my view on what exactly is a quality RPG. ULX, Imi, Deucalion, Sakura, Kairi, Reiku, Raiha, Cyriel, Epsilon, and Mugen just to name a few of the gang are all really great RPers - if they're in, I'm in too. And I'm not going to join an RPG with what looks like to be a really amateurish cast. It sounds elitist of me but ... well, I'm not afraid to say it.[/size]

[size=1][B]Name:[/B] Narote Fethri [B]Age:[/B] 27 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [url=http://hyung-taekim.org/displayimage.php?album=10&pos=1][link][/url] [B]Weapons:[/B] Two kodachi (short katana). These weapons are dual wielded for the sake of fending off physical attacks while casting Materia. His weaponry, however, is specially crafted for the sake of conducting his Materia, and during rare occassions, magnifying it. [B]Materia:[/B] [i]- Reconciliation:[/i] The earth swells tremendously, and at the will of Narote, can morph into a variety of shapes. From holes, spikes and walls to minor earthquakes. [i]- Chrono:[/i] Time slows down considerably around Narote, however, he remains untouched and can move freely. This gives him the illusion of teleportation or extreme speed. [i]- Deo:[/i] A reflective barrier (repels and redirects projectiles, spells, and other magic). Narote relies heavily upon the use of Materia in conjunction with his physical attacks. [B]Personality:[/B] Narote is a complex personality to decypher, but is best described as an open man who enjoys his quiet moments alone. The majority of the time, he is approachable, trustworthy, and ready to hold a conversation or a great deal of alcohol, or both simultaneously. However, when he is in the mood to be quiet, he comes off as more of a loner, not wanting to talk or have contact with others for a period of time. The constant in his psyche is his strict code of morals by which he governs himself. [B]Biography:[/B] Narote Fethri. SOLDIER for seven years before the Nebelhiem incident. Before joining SOLDIER, he had lived a rather happy life, one full of normality and peace. Before joining SOLDIER, he did not know what a burden was. Before joining SOLDIER, he did not know pain. Joining the Elite force changed his life ? for the better, such a topic is up for discussion. However, his brief contact with Cloud was relatively meaningless, and the only sliver of meaning he derived from his relationship was what true strength feels like, what true justice looks like, what true adversity and perseverance taste like. After the Nebelhiem, Narote followed in Cloud?s footsteps, leaving SOLDIER. The rationale behind such a revolutionary movement being if SOLDIER cannot keep a true warrior such as Cloud, they should be immediately dissolved, and he would have nothing else to do with them. ?So where do I go from here?? ?You fight for justice against Kadaj.? And so it was to be.[/size]

[size=1][B]A) Which aspect of OtakuBoards do you find to be the most negative/confusing?[/B] Well, you know when you Quick Reply sometimes, it automatically takes away the "Show your signature" check box, which really bugs me. So I have to end up rechecking it when I edit my post. What a drag. As for the rest, I love OB. You're so perfect. *cuddles*[/size]

[size=1]It looks realy great, actually. However, I'm not going to go in depth with my critique if you just used pre-made, downloaded brushes. If it's all your work, you should be worshipped. The stock was a good choice, and the scanlines are extremely subtle. So, did you use pre-made brushes or not?[/size]

[size=1]I would comment on it - I swear, but the link is broken. Perhaps you could update/fix it? Thanks![/size]

[size=1]Interesting battle here, folks! [b]Sun:[/b] I really enjoy this. The colors, most of all, and how you chose not to have any semblance of green/money in it, but still give the message just as effectively (IMHO). The typography really flows well in this, well placed, color harmony is apparent, and everything is readable. I'm not a fan of these bubbles in the corner, but that's not enough for me to complain about. Good stuff. [b]Ozymandius:[/b] I think it was a relatively good, yet predictable, idea to use money, receipts, and coins to represent materialism. The dollar bills and the receipt are place very well - excellent job. I don't, however, like how you clustered all your coins in an awkward spot - it draws my attention away from everything else. The typography was rather awkward as well - it was hard to read black on green, and the placement throws your piece off balance. So, this was probably the closest battle yet - props to you both for that. [B]And my vote goes to Sun.[/B] Wonderful duel, the both of you.[/size]

[size=1]Hey there, PrinceofTennis. Sorry I haven't on your work in such a long time. However, I think it's because the image is rather small - do you have a larger version that you could upload (photobucket.com, imageshack.us)? It looks pretty quality though, from the small thing I can see for now. Keep posting![/size]

[size=1]Neh, since you both flailed on the dimensions (I checked yours the other day, Baron, and I was going to bring it up if no one else mentioned it. ^_~) I won't count it against either of you. Whee. [b]Baron:[/b] I like this. I really, really like this alot. I'm not too familiar with your work, but this is a great piece from you. Wonderful job. The typography is placed well and "LIME" is in a font that makes it look legit. I dig the chick in the the center - it's the perfect touch. I'm not a big fan of Warhol (his work is a joke ... >_>), this is definitely good. [b]Rokas:[/b] I'm not as fond of this - this looks like another "Oh crap I have to do that image submission... Uh... there. I'm done" submission. Finished in oh, I'm going to say about five minutes, and that's being generous. The typography is there, I guess, but it clashes heavily with the background. And I have no idea what the chaotic, small, confusing background has to do with pop art like Warhol. Looking back at that... I'm sorry it came out so harsh. I beg forgiveness. [B] But my vote goes to Baron.[/B] Good show here, and I'm sure you're going to give whomever a piece of your skill.[/size]

[size=1]Leonardo?s eyes snapped open as he felt the coax of another aura, and the injection of life into his veins once more. In that instant, he saw the most horrific things he had ever experienced in his few years on the earth. The diamonds transmitted to him the images of every resurrected person?s death, a million times over, simultaneously. The single tear flowing down his right cheek failed to do the agony justice. He was at a loss for words. ?Are you well?? He struggled for breath, and looked at the woman who addressed him after a brief pause. ?Y?yes. Thank you for that,? he said, looking at her, but past her at the same time, still fixed upon the sickening death of the slain and resurrected. Another invisible wind calmed his nerves, so that he stopped crying inwardly, and ceased his stuttering. ?I also should thank you ? I notice it was your aura that gave me a brief respite.? She was composed, elegant, and bore traces of a smile on her face. Leonardo just thought, and let the silence hang for an even longer interval than the first, trying to give himself a moment to clear his mind. ?I?m sorry about that,? he said, meaning the pause in the conversation, ?it?s ? [I]difficult[/I], I suppose is the correct word.? Nepenthe nodded in silent understanding, probably experiencing the same flashback under a cooler guise than he. ?I know what you mean,? she said, almost no one in particular, the words echoing something more meaningful than Leonardo at the moment could grasp. Instead of thinking, he reached out with his aura, closing his eyes, and felt all that was around him ? the others still recovering from the chant, the dead grass, those whom he had fatigued in completing the spell, as well as Nepenthe and himself. To his surprise, there was a huge deficit in energy ? he had not thought of his sap of it so great. A pang of guilt struck him in his chest. He kept his eyes closed, his palms facing outward towards the land. He prayed to his God. [I]Grant me the strength to complete Your will.[/I] He had regained little of his former energy, but still set out to mend the vicinity of the loss of life. He searched within, draining himself until he was only a husk ? devoid of aura and magic ? and the grass became green again. The onlookers stood with their newfound legs, wondering what was going on, and the bird?s songs continued once more. Leonardo, on the other hand, struggled for breath and sat back down, devoid of a great deal of the energy Nepenthe had imparted. ?I?m sorry for wasting your energy,? he said in a tired, apologetic tone. She nodded wordlessly, with the same intangible smile hiding behind her lips. Finally, they parted to deliver her words. "It wasn't a waste."[/size]

[size=1]OOC: I'm going to the next morning, since it's mighty boring, and Kairi said we could. ^_^IC: Alexander's eyes opened reluctantly that morning, and he realized that he could sit up - he had completed the task without moving, despite the drizzle that graced him overnight. He shook the dew off his trenchcoat before sitting up, stretching his arms to the sky in thanksgiving he had done it. [i]That sucked. But it's over![/i] Jubilee overtook his mind, and all that he could do was put the dead mp3 player in his pocket and waltz up to the mansion once more. He swung open the massive door, inhaled through his nose deeply, and gave a content sigh. The trenchcoat slid off his back into the hands of an awaiting servant, and he took his sweet time, first going to the library, which was massive, beautiful, and ancient looking, and then moving to the breakfast table after picking out [i]Hamlet[/i] from one of the monolithic shelves. A cup of water, milk, orange juice, an array of chocolate glazed donuts, and a toasted bagel with ham and melted cheese lay in front of his seat, to which he greeted with delight. Waited for a few minutes to see if anyone else might join him, and when he was disappointed, proceeded to eat at his bagel before setting upon his donuts.[/size]

[quote name='Doukeshi][SIZE=1']Sometimes its hard to control, but its something some people just have to deal with. On the other hand you can't just say 'suck it up' because it honestly doesn't work like that[/SIZE][/quote] [size=1]Isn't that what conquering fear is all about? If you don't just suck it up for once, you can't conquer it. It might be something minor, but every time you conquer fear, you have to fight against your natural urge to stop doing whatever you're doing.[/size]

[size=1]Why do we fear? Why do [i]you[/i] fear? I'm sure you're not fearless, and you're afraid of something else. Search deeply. You'll have your answer. Why do I fear? Well, first of all, I don't fear relationships - more like physical danger. I'm afraid of that because I hate pain, I hate the adrenaline that pumps to help you cope and the increased heart rate. For certain things, I'm afraid because I will fail, I will let someone down, I will let myself down, and things will go down the tubes. All I can advise people who are afraid of things is that you have to face it sometimes. Not always, but sometimes you must, and you can't shy away from it. Pain is a part of life. Always.[/size]

[QUOTE=Boo][size=1]Maybe because it doesn't merge into a black line. There just suddenly is one. [b]Alexander Cube:[/b] Altronidala. For real now. Do you really wear your sunglasses twentyfour-seven? You have the strange habbit to use way too bright combinations of colours. Uberlight blue and white on it is just... Evil. My eyes pop out watching at it. I'm happy you used darker colours to the right, but I think buttons should be a lot easier to see than they are now. You just made this design to hurt me. I'm sure you did. [b]Retribution of the Rising Sun Collaboration:[/b] There's something like "A picture ... Words" above the last word, written in white.. I suppose it says "A picture says more than words" can't be sure though. Anyway. I really like the red paint, but sometimes it seems more natural cut off than other times. The text is a nice simple choice of fonts. The red colour works well, but maybe it's a bit too much blending in with the red paint over to the left. Well, I don't have anymore kritiek (Dutch rules *faints*) about this one. I like it a lot. You should do a whole gallery with Sunny. :P [I]I like posting in your thread. I feel myself the official guy who can hardly let a compliment over his lips :3[/i] [/size][/QUOTE] [size=1]It sounds to me like your monitor is displaying colors really brightly, because no one else has complained about this being a particularly bright piece. It's royal blue and white - that's not very bright now, Booster. And yes, of course, my mission is to hurt teh Booze. Die. But really - get a new monitor, I really don't think these were that hard to read or bright.[/size]

[size=1]OOC: Sorry in advance for the length.IC: Leonardo's mind was plunged into worry when Yuri said it would take a considerable amount of energy. However, when he saw that no one else was showing signs of complaining or giving up, he resolved to do the same for his father. As he stepped into his place in the circle, he prayed. [i]Almight Father, please give me the strength to sustain my utmost effort. Amen.[/i] And so it began with an immediate sap of his energy, feeling more like a punch in the stomach. All around him, he felt the other's life energy drain just as his was, and realized they would not complete the task alone. He fought with determination in his heart, praying as he felt his soul ache with pain. [i]Grant me your strength![/i] he mentally casted a minor spell, which took life energy from wildlife, plants, and even people in the immediate vicinity. He concentrated, binding the pure energy together, and distributed it to his comrades to keep them conscious and able to contribute energy. The grass turned gray and wilted, and even a few of the onlookers had to sit down from their fatigue. But mentally, he felt the others relax, feeling the waves of energy supporting themselves from an outside force. When he felt the others' energy boost, he donated what reserves he had left, gave him to the spell and the others, and fell back wards passed out.[/size]