Retribution

[SIZE=1]Well, like everyone else has said, [b]n00b[/b] = New person, whose posting quality is terrible, doesn't follow the rules, and/or uses excessive smilies. [b]Newbie[/b] = New person, whose posting quality is just as good as regular members, and may slip up every now and then. Now, I [i]do[/i] believe that the quality in the Arena is somewhat lacking, and while it may be better than what it used to be, there is still room for major improvement. I'm longing for quality RPGs that stick around a little longer than a few pages. We need some of those... **shifty eyes**[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Looks pretty good -- I especially like the shredded look of this banner, and the colors are very explosive and harmonious. The left side is particularly weak with those orange swirls. I'd also improve on would be the typography, which is still somewhat lacking in all our banners. The Arial font isn't gonna cut it anymore, and you need to download more. I trust you know of font resources, the talented banner maker you are. Very interesting concept, awesome colors, but poor text. Something more Asian-esque would've been a winner.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Maybe a little bit, but I've only been here a year, so who am I to say? I agree with you that the post quality in the Arena really is below-par for most RPGs, but whatever -- it doesn't really bug me too much. As long as there are a few good RPGs every now and then to join that have good quality, I'll be silent.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I'm not much for contradicting people, but I thought I should say something now, rather than let the thought grow in your mind. Really, I don't agree with what -tiGz- said, so far as using pre-made brushes is concerned. You see, when you use someone else's brushes, you: (1) Did little to nothing at all. (2) Took no skill or knowledge. (3) Get props for making it look cool. It's better to gain the knowledge and skills through doing the effects manually and painstakingly. That way, you can modify the techniques you have to create new ones, and have a better grasp on how photoshop works. Trust me, I made this bad decision of using pre-made brushes, and yes, it did make some of my work look really awesome. But it was the easy way out, and I've given up pre-made brushing completely. However, creating your [b]own[/b] brushes is a very good idea (Edit > Define Brush), as you can save cool effects that you've made, and use them in other places.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Here's some photos of specific places in my yard/backyard. Maybe if I feel like it, I'll upload more. ^_^[/SIZE] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/mechinfinity/blossom1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/mechinfinity/Picture004.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/mechinfinity/berry.jpg[/IMG]

[SIZE=1]How big does it need to be? One could always just resize it to give it more detail. Sharpening and the like really wont' give you the desired effect, if you're striving to emulate that first picture.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Patterson was meant to come off as unsteady, awkward, and unsure of himself. That's why he was sweating and breathing loudly. Thanks for the comments, they're much apprieciated. Could you point out which sentences sounded strange? I'd like to edit them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Don't expect to make a masterpiece on the first go. It'll take a few months of practice and experimentation to get something good and finished. I'm glad you're so zealous! I wish you best of luck in your future endeavors.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][CENTER][I]"You win battles by knowing the enemy's timing, and using a timing which the enemy does not expect."[/I] ~Miyamoto Musashi[/CENTER] [B]Name:[/B] Miyamoto Musashi [B]Age:[/B] 27 [B]Sex:[/B] Male [B]Affiliation:[/B] Tokugawa [B]Class:[/B] Samurai who has adapted to new western technology, doubling as a gun slinger. [B]Appearance:[/B] Looks like [URL=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/mechinfinity/SwordOfTheSamurai.jpg][B]this[/B][/URL] when clean, and [URL=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/mechinfinity/vagabond.jpg][B]this[/B][/URL] when not. [B]Weapon:[/B] Katana (right hand), Kodachi (left hand), Revolver (right hand holster). [B]Fighting Style: [/B] Penetrating with the katana, moving in for the killing blow with the katana, and if all else fails, pull back and fire with his revolver (40 shots per minute). This is not to say, however, that he will not fluidly adapt to the enemy's attack patterns, and weild say, his kodachi and revolver at once. He is known for his ingeniuity in battle, and will not hesitate to sacrifice a weapon to win a duel. [B]Personality:[/B] Musashi used to be very haughty and arrogant when he was in his early twenties, but quickly learned the Bushido code of the Samurai, and humbled himself. Now, he prefers to be still, living life in the moment, and composes haiku as do any samurai of his day and age. He finds it is good therapy for whatever he is feeling, and has now become very mild, gentle, and caring. Some regard him as too 'soft' to be a Samurai, but he thinks otherwise. He finds that when one is still, it is much easier to aquire a skill, to learn new information, or to accept new ideas, and has adopted the philosophy as his own. [B]Biography:[/B] Here's a short time line of Miyamoto's life. [U][I]Age 7[/U]:[/I] ran away from home, knowing his father would kill him if he stayed. [U][I]Age 9:[/U][/I] first killed a full-fledged samurai out of self defense. The samurai was drunk, and threatened to kill the "street scum that [he was]," and eventually lashed out when the arrogant Musashi refused to be kicked around. [U][I]Age 13:[/U][/I] begins to take up the Bushido, and learn swordsmanship after stealing a samurai's sword. A friend affiliated to Tokugawa decides to teach him. [U][I]Age 16:[/U][/I] defeats a samurai in his first formal duel, and later that year leaves his master after only three years of training. His master, however, agreed that he had already surpassed him in his skill. [U][I]Age 21:[/U][/I] arrives at the renowed japanese-school of Bushido, defeated 60 consecutive opponents with a bamboo rod, and is immediately hired to fight for Tokugawa. [U][I]Age 23:[/I][/U] While on patrol, Musashi spots a beautiful Oda woman in another unit. He did not try to help either side due to the fact he was captivated by her elegance and refused to fight her. He suffered a demotion as a result. [U][I]Age 26:[/I][/U] invents dual-sword style, perfects it. Is now able to strike a man three times a second. [U][I]Age 27-present:[/U][/I] whereabouts unknown. He has been sighted at several dojo, fighting and evetually killing the master that heads it in honorable combat. Musashi, however, has had his thoughts still resting on the beautiful woman he saw while on patrol. [B]Final Thought:[/B] Gentle, Creative, Compromising. [B]Last Question:[/B] Why is this so awesome? :p [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Thanks Hack-Hack. Thanks for the crit. [b]Radio[/b] this is a more conceptual piece, inspired by another artist. [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/radio.jpg[/IMG] [B]And here's some photos of my room![/B] [i]My pride and joy[/i] [URL=http://img223.echo.cx/my.php?image=manga8il.jpg][IMG]http://img223.echo.cx/img223/4727/manga8il.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [i]My room, looking in thru the door[/i] [URL=http://img223.echo.cx/my.php?image=room15ng.jpg][IMG]http://img223.echo.cx/img223/5002/room15ng.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [i]My room, looking from my porch door[/i] [URL=http://img223.echo.cx/my.php?image=room28zj.jpg][IMG]http://img223.echo.cx/img223/33/room28zj.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [b]Retro[/b] -- It's giving me that Saturday Night Fever feel. Haha. [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/retro.jpg[/IMG] Here's a new one that didn't come out how I wanted to at all. I didn't capture the mass-produced society feel. For the poem that goes with this, check the Anthology for "Efficiency," written by me, of course. [b]Brave New World[/b][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img60.echo.cx/img60/4986/bravenewworld6yn.jpg[/IMG]

[SIZE=1]True... but mostly not. You're right, I may be missing the "bigger picture" by looking for no-no words but the point I'm making is the same. How many "Mama's Just A Little Girl" are there? Read Pac's lyrics, and tell me what they're talking about? Bustin caps, ****** hoes, living in the ghetto, broke as hell. Fine, sing about what you want, but when it hits the mass media, and kids are trying to fulfill this thug fantasy, something's wrong. The media is part of the problem, kids try to live up to this glorified thug-life, and sure, there's problems at home too. But if rappers like this would cut it out and start rapping about something worth while and omitting the word "nigga" that has enslaved blacks for the past x-hundred years, they'd get my ear.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Frankly, I don't care at all. Perhaps it would be a good idea, as our military is stretched pretty thin as it is. The distraction arguement has its points, but in the end is faulty. How could such disciplined men and women let passion get in the way? They've got alot of self-control, as you need it if you're a soldier. My friend said that "men and women both had their ups and downs back in the day. You know, women had the period and child birth, but men had to fight and die in war, so it all evens out." I guess that's [mostly] true, except for women didn't have rights to vote, and were usually considered passive and subordinate to the man of the house. But in the end, I suppose it's fine for women to serve in the military. I really don't know, but let them do what they want. They're being more helpful than detrimental, I guess.[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Havokio][COLOR=Indigo]This is new. I just want a [...] girl who doesn't judge me for what I do.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] Ehh... that's pretty hard not to do. You are what you do, generally, so how could they judge you except off of your actions? Is there some other angle I'm not seeing? I suppose 'judging' and 'basing opinions off of' don't always have to be different things.

[SIZE=1][QUOTE=Genkai]Sure, this man is talented. There's no way to deny that. His rhymes reek of skill and experience, and bring out heavy emotions. BUt to be honest, I got to go with Biggie.[/QUOTE] Biggie's no better, probably less intelligent in this raps. Sure, it does take alot of skill, but his message loses him all points he may have gained. You say nigga and spoon-feed children this sh**, you will [B]never[/B] be respected by me.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']But all joking aside I think that in order to survive the church needs to change some of its doctrines and what better place to start then allowing women to give the sacrememnts. Of course I think we'd sooner see married priests than female ones any time soon.[/color][/quote] I'm just telling you what my teachers said. They won't change. Ever. They're rules that are made permanently. JP2 said they aren't up for debate, and now they're doctrine. It's just as impossible to change the doctrine that the Virgin Mary had a Virgin delivery. They're not going to change it. Of course the Catholic Church would rather have priests married than have women be appointed priests. It may sound strange/silly/annoying/stupid, but deal with it (sorry to be blunt). As previously stated, change faiths if you don't agree. >_> The Catholic Church ain't all that anyway. xD[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet'] One of the bases that the Pentagon is considering closing is a very useful base. I forot which one it is, but they keep the military supplied with the armor used on the Humvees. From what I understand that is rather useful.... Unless you think that armor isn't a necessity.[/color][/quote] I believe that what may look useful in the large scale, long term scheme of things may not be very useful at all. I really have no idea though. [QUOTE][color=darkviolet] Yes, because the 4 million less to keep them open is just pocket change and it can't be used for anything else. Relocation and re structuring platoons is a major hassle from what I've heard. Never mind the fact that along with the military bases there are military families living on the bases who will also have to be relocated. Why not just keep everyone where they are. The bases are being utilized, they're not standing empty.[/color][/QUOTE]I think Deathbug is right on this one -- it costs alot of money right now, but maybe down the road it'll save us some money. Like I've been saying all along. >_> [QUOTE][color=darkviolet] Was that comment really necessary?[/color][/QUOTE]He was making a point that we shouldn't rule out Bush's policy as completely wrong before hearing it out. It came out a little rough, with the whole babies thing, but the message is [nearly] the same.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Actually, CS2 is [B]two versions newer [/B] than 7.0, which is now outdated by Adobe's standards. I don't really know what is so great about CS2, as CS doesn't really have many more new options from 7.0, but perhaps CS2 will be easier to use, faster, and have more options.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]You two have been immature beyond words. Maybe worse than the homophobes. I myself think that if you're happy with one of your own gender, go ahead and have a go at it. I do also think it's idiotic to be afraid of people just because they're homosexual, and a part of me thinks that most of these 'homophobes' just don't like gays. They wouldn't go insane if they were confined with a gay person for a week or so, they'd prefer not to though. Homophobia is irrational to me, but again, you two [B]must[/B] at least not burst out in yelling when you're demanding open-mindedness yourselves. Don't be hypocritical. Although you don't have to agree with the person, you need to at the very least hear the other side of the fence, and stop being such children.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]This post is to merely pitch an idea I've had in my mind for a while... it's from another forum where the story we created got pretty funny. So tell me what you think, and how this comedic RPG can become funnier and better. Thanks. [center]Long, long ago... in a galaxy far, far away... [SIZE=30][B]STAR WARS[/SIZE] Intergalactic Pimp Service, and the sh** that really goes on.[/B][/center] Duke Jivewalker is a young pimp, growing up on the edge of the galaxy. He hasn't tasted real city-life; the closest he's ever gotten to that was the rural planet of Tatooies. Anyway, our young hero pimp is on his way to becoming the greatest mack-daddy of them all. He embarks on his quest when an old hermit, Okie Kanokie, a mack-daddy of years gone by decides to take the aspiring pimp under his wing, and teach him the arts of the Pimpi (pronounced PimpEye... not pimpy). Duke Jivewalker, feeling rather restless, and Okie Kanokie, craving a strong drink and/or nickel whore for the night, arrived at the planet Ganjaba, and decide to hit up the nearest nightclubs... On the way there, in Oki Kanokie's leopard-print Killadack (equivalent of a Cadillac), they pick up Mokachino, the androgynous crack addict. Mokachino is dressed in different shades of purple plaid, shiny white platforms, and a lime green bowl cut wig; oh - and he/she only speaks in binary engrish. "011000100110100101110100011000110110100001100101011100110010110000100000011010010111001100100000011101010111000000111111" Duke doesn't ask any questions. They head off. Duke Jivewalker and Okie Kanokie decide to go to 'The Phazer.' Inside they meet a buch of intergalatic travelers all taking a break with 'Hard-hard' liqour and "b00z3l355" beer. Using his ghetto Pimpi power, Okie senses that this bar is more than just a local tavern. "What the ****! we'z in a homie homies bar Duke... Hell naw.. we ain't staying here... we need to bust outta dis joint." explained Okie. Mokachino just sits and stares at the fabuously designed bar, especially the exotic photos hanging in the corner in the room. Just then a well groomed male gungan walks right beside Duke and says "EHWOAH EUMAN, MIS A LIKA YOUS BOYFWEEND."...Duke, anticipating something wrong about to go down clutches his cracksaber for dearlife.... Duke, hand on cracksaber, gives the gungan an odd look... "You... Like my BOYFRIEND? What?" The gungan shakes his head, saliva whipping across the room. "You... Would like me as a boyfriend?" It nods. "Oh HELL NAW!" He begins to take a swing for the gungan's head, when all of a sudden, a swarm of people with white pillow cases on their head crowd in. The gungan in immediately addicted to crack once struck with the cracksaber, rolling around in a fit of desire for a hit. "Nigga, git yo' happy *** over hur so we cana get ta runnin, nigga!" Okie Kanokie exclaimed pointing at the group with pillow cases walking in. But the exit is already blocked. They must fight the gang, of "The Pillows." Okie puts one hand in the air towards the oncoming group, closes his eyes, and soon, angel dust is spraying from his palm, at the oncoming crowd. The laugh, until Okie makes the dust spontaneously combust on their bodies. "Damn, Okie, I ain't you got powrz like dat! Shiiiit..." Duke followed Okie out of The Phazer at top speed... reinforcements for The Pillows were coming fast -- to many for an bygone mack-daddy and an aspiring pimp to take out. "Let's lose deez sorry azz niggaz and get you a hoe. Then you can begin your training." Okie Kanokie said very mysteriously. Duke Jivewalker couldn't wait. The turned a corner, trying to lose the gang who was close on their heels. The hop into the Killidac, throw Mokachino into the ride, and speed off to the Red Light district. Honestly, I have no idea what the plot is going to be for this. I can easily see Duke Jivewalker and Okie Kanokie traveling the stars training (perhaps with a few more pimps/hoes/criminals). But that's about as far as I can get... no conflict enters my mind. Perhaps we're all trying to take revenge on the Republic (with a funnier name) by destroying/infiltrating something. Hmm... Suggestions are welcome. If I see interest, this may hit the Inn within the week.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]How old are you? I'd like to know that before I begin answering questions and stuff. Because if you're anywhere under the age of 18, it's infatuation you're feeling. Willing to die for someone you're not intimate with is usually a sign of just mad-love and general infatuation. How is he 'breaking your heart everyday?' I'm not trying to be the mean person, but this is just all-too-common, and feels cliched. No one is going to end up dead, and so what if he leaves you behind during the summer? To be frank, he can, and possibly will. What will 'loving' for these last few days of school do to cement such a premature/juvenile relationship? Since I'm guessing you're around 14, he'll be looking at girls all summer, even if you two are 'going out' as of the last day of school, unless you two live close together. I'd like to close this post with a quote from the Bible. [center][I]Love is [B]patient,[/B] love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, [B]always trusts[/B], always hopes, [B]always perseveres[/B]. Love never fails. [/I] 1 Corinthians 13:4[/center][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Well, I suggested an advice sub-forum back in like ... february, and the conclusion was that there isn't enough demand for OB to supply. It would clutter things up, and isn't necessary.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][QUOTE=MehrLicht][B]First off I've always disagreed with dedicating one day to one portion of the body, for reasons such as:[/B] - A body part worked the day before can become sore overnight and not be usefull if it is needed as a support for the next days workout. (Ex. It's not fun doing push ups with really sore abs, nor is having a stiff back good for sit ups.) - Doing a workout for a muscle only ONCE a week gives it WAY too much recovery time, lengthening the amount of time it takes to efficiently build muscle mass.[/QUOTE] I disagree with you partially. Yes, it's not good to give a muscle a week to recover, but it needs at least a day. You actually cause microtears in the muscle tissue, and not giving yourself some recovery time will just destroy your muscles. So, by resting and [B]eating protein[/B], your muscles will rebuild in tighter, stronger tissue patterns. No protein = no way 'building blocks' for your body to use.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]My family is rather uninteresting. I have a weird uncle who makes fun of my like there's no tommorow when we play cards. He makes fun of me because he always destroys me utterly. Dang card sharks. And my dead grandfather was very talented, but had a fatty-food addiction which led to his death. He could play the saxophone, electric guitar, was a pro at pool, and a chess master. And had gray eyes. *jealousy*[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]A little bit of crit would be welcome on this. I'm gonna keep going if people like it too. The vast room was a warm shade of white, the illumination gently stroking even the deepest corners and recesses. Spaced at perfectly equal intervals were small consoles, no larger than the palm of a newborn?s hand, inlaid into the ground. They were cube-ish in shape, and had very delicate motion sensors. If one were to walk past one of these cubes, it would rise up out of the ground, and project an ethereal display and keyboard, hovering in midair. ?Christ?? The word broke the tomb-like silence within the white infinity, and echoed for a bit. The man who had spoke now had waxing eyes, staring dumbfounded at all the cubes in perfect ranks and files. ?Told you so. Come with me, Patterson. You?ve come this far, may as well go all the way.? He was nonchalant, staring in the same direction as the other man. There was a short pause in their ?conversation.? But? but, sir,? Patterson stumbled on the words, trying to condense his thoughts into sound waves. For a moment, he failed. ?Why?? How?? This isn?t some Evil Empire, right? Right?? He began to panic. He stared at Patterson impatiently, waiting for his turn to speak. Instead, Patterson muttered sentences equally as incoherent as his fragmented thoughts. It was a miracle in and of itself that he managed to vocalize more sound, let alone words. ?? I ? don?t?? ?Be thankful I?m showing. Now, follow me closely or we?ll be found out.? He walked briskly down the endless aisle of cubical consoles, with Patterson bumbling at his heels trying to keep up. As they strode down another path, the cubes, as previously described, rose up expecting to be used. However, once the two men had past, they cube would set itself back into the ground. ?Take a breath. You look a horrid wreck,? he said condescendingly. Patterson nodded, trying to slow his gasps and roughly wiped the sweat from his brow. Once he deemed Patterson physically able to take the news, he began to speak. ?Okay. I?m not authorized to tell you the following information, but here it is.? He turned to his right, and watched the cube shoot out of the ground. It hovered at chest-height, the conformable projection accompanying the console. After ?touching? a few commands in, the cube responded by spinning on its axis too fast for the naked eye to discern the exact shape of the object. Seconds later on the holographic display was: Steven Patterson Age: 40 years, 191 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes, 2.398 seconds and counting? Height: 5? 10? 3.5 cm. No further growth. (Touch here for full growth record) Weight: 210.3 lbs (Touch here for full height record) Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas (Touch here for further information) Blood Type: B- Last Food Eaten: Salmon and Trout, side of pasta. (Touch here for full archive) Last Date of Intercourse: 9 days, 3 hours, 2 minutes, 19.126 seconds ago and counting? (Touch here for full record of persons having intercourse with PATTERSON, STEVEN) The list when on further, to a sickening extent, but he did not bother to scroll down further. Patterson had gotten the point. ?Hooker, huh?? He chuckled, rereading the embarrassing information and feeling tempted to see whom else he had had sex with. His propriety got the best of him. ?Shut up. How the hell do you get this?? He took another swipe at his brow, removing what looked to be a gallon of sweat rolling down his forehead. ?Since you?re a good ma?? ?Rich,? Patterson corrected matter-of-factly. The man nodded slowly in agreement. ?Yes, uhh,? he took a moment to regain his composure, ?Rich. Since you?re paying well, I?ll tell you.? ?Do I need to sit down for this?? ?Judging from your past? queasiness, perhaps so.? Patterson looked around and finally settled for the floor. ?Good. Now, at birth, the government has a compulsory procedure of inserting this,? he held up a microchip the size of a dime, ?inserted into their cerebral cortex. It?s programmed to self-wire itself to the brain?s nerver endings from which it gathers and stores information on you. From pain to what you ate for dinner thirty years ago. Now, this little chip in your brain is always actively transmitting all its gathered data thirty times per second to here.? He motioned broadly with his hand to the soft, vanilla room. ?But this is America! I have rights! What about the Constitution? And the Amendments?!? He ranted loudly, only to be cut off again. ?Those pieces of scrap? Hell, we haven?t used paper for nearly 50 years. Besides, you should know that it?s only for the greater good of society.?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Ahh, improving quickly I see. Good stuff. But your problems are consistent. No focal point (well, maybe Strike's right arm/shoulder) make my eyes wander, since both Gundams are on either side of the picture. And colors, Domon. [B]Colors.[/B] Coordinate them, and you will live eternally. Stick with colors of the same range/pallete to make it look more harmonious. Next is the image arrangement, which you're getting the hang of. You see, one image is usually all you need, or else the banner starts to feel crowded and cluttered. Frankly, the Gundam on the left side of the banner looks awkward, with the solid color covering up the space. I'd remove that Gundam completely, and make the one in the foreground larger. It's something you need to get the hang of, and once you do, you won't just go far, you'll fly in infinity. Just in general image placement, font placement, colors and the like are the things that distinguish beginners from intermediates. I'd like to think I'm in the latter category, and you'll be there too, with the jumps you made in your second banner. Keep it up.[/SIZE]