Zen

[color=navy][size=1] The light blow Musashi recieved in the rib cage caused him to grunt slightly. He looked down to the young woman who had struck him with an amused smirk. [b] ?I admire your courage, woman. However, I have no time for you...?[/b] with that, Musashi twisted his hips and went into a sweeping kick, catching the young woman off guard and causing her to fall to her back quickly. Musashi looked to her once again. [b] ?You are... Oda?s sister, are you not??[/b] The young woman raised her head slowly from the fall and looked angrily to Musashi?s dirty face. [b] ?What?s it to you, fool??[/b] she struggled with her words. Slowly raising to her feet, using her twin maces as support. Musashi looked to the woman for a moment, her beauty was something rare for him to encounter, as he rarely, if at all, dealt with women during his journeys. And this was no time for it either. [b] ?Oichi is your name. Listen, I ask for forgiveness before hand, for it is in my intentions to kill your brother.?[/b] Musashi bowed to her slightly out of courtesy towards women, whom were the only people he showed courtesy to. [b] ?Fat chance! Not if I got anything to say about it!?[/b] Oichi growled as she rushed at Musashi, one mace raised above her head to strike. Musashi realized the similar attack pattern and quickly rushed forward to counter, snatching her elbow out of the air, he placed his foot behind her ankle and pushed her back with his abdomen, causing her to fall gently onto her buttocks. Musashi glanced to her again. [b] ?I am sorry....?[/b] he said in a remorseful tone. Looking behind him, he made his way through the finely built castle of hardwood and steel. Knocking down paper doors and walls, he was ready to end Oda?s life here and now. If he could eliminate Oda early on, then taking down Tokugawa would be all the easier... However, Musashi began reflecting on the consequences his actions would have on Oda?s family.... [center]*********************[/center] [b]OOC:[/b] Sorry for the hideously short length. I wanted to allow reaction from Aizen and Esther. [/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Regardless, if Nas and Jay-Z went into an actual battle at Summer Jam, he would lose. Haha. Just look at what happened to 50 Cent. 50 said **** about Jay in his act, Jay applauded him on his talented, then went on and said [b]"I'm about them dollars, who gives a **** about 50 Cent?"[/b] and went into his freestyle or something of the sort. For me, the best and most creative member of Wu-Tang Clan was the late [b]Ol' Dirty Bastard[/b], whom I've loved for the majority of my musical life. For me, [b]"Brooklyn Zoo"[/b] is one of the best songs ever made by any member of Wu-Tang Clan, if not the best. I was pissed when he died, because it was my favorite Wu-Tang member about to join my favorite record label, and then he died before his album was released. It was a real tragedy. And I've heard that CD. I loved it sooooo much. And MF Doom is possibly the best Underground act out right now. Heh. I need to get DangerDoom's album. I suggest checking out [b]"Disciples of the 36 Chamber's"[/b] their concert album live in San Berdeno. THAT was soooooooo ill. Haha.[/color][/size]

[quote name='Frog Brigade']Yeah, but Jay-Z released another (and even weaker) dis to Nas after "Ether".[/quote][color=navy][size=1] I'm not familiar with what song you are refering to, but then again, I havn't heard all of Jigga's stuff. So, you may be right. But I feel that Jay's song, [b]"Threats"[/b] from the Black Album basically was an all around message to thoughs who still had beef with him. For me, that is one of his better songs.[/color][/size] [Quote] Eh. I definitely don't agree with that. Do you really think anything off of the Black Album, Blueprint, etc. etc. can match up with Dead Presidents II, or D'evils?[/quote] [color=navy][size=1] In my opinion, yes. I just feel that alot of his work has evolved over time. He just explored more and more musical styles and got to know more people in the game, allowing him to evolve over time and become a more well-rounded MC.[/color][/size] [Quote] Blasphemy. haha, that's probably the biggest insult to Nas I've ever heard. ahah. Hard Knock Life (which I dont particularly care for, but to each his own) simply can't match the lyricism of a bunch of Nas' songs. Rewind/NY State of Mind/Nas is Like, etc. etc. -- I understand that you simply like HKL better, but can we at least agree that in this particular case Nas is the superior lyricist?[/Quote] [color=navy][size=1] Again, we go to the things Jay says in his own songs. If you listened to the Black Album in it's entirety (which I actually just did) on the track [b]"Moment of Clarity"[/b] he states that he's gotta dumb down alot of his music to allow people to hear his message. That may be why Nas has a smaller fan base than Jay. Heh. And if you go and listen to the songs he made where he simply didn't care about selling records, his lyricism for me, is unmatched. See "College Dropout" and the song which comes after "Jesus Walks" which's title escapes me. That song just, well, for me, beats anything Nas has to say. Heh. But again, to each his own. We got our own opinions.[/color][/size] [quote] Well theres one thing we agree, not so much the batte/album thing, but Jay-Z is infinitely better than Nas when it comes to freestyling. But thats not too much of a compliment because Nas' freestyles are horrible, ahha.[/quote] [color=navy][size=1] Where there you go. From that statement, a person can about draw this. Think if Jay actually sat down and wrote lyrics, and think of the lyricism he would have. Now think about this. Nas and Jay are rivals in the game, and their dominance is contested, however, Nas has to sit down and WRITE all his stuff for a time, where is Jay can walk into a studio, spit fire with a message, and then make a platinum record after listening to the beat for about thirty minutes or so. Heh. That for me seals the deal, but hey, that's you.[/color][/size] [quote] Yeah, with no questions you got me there. I was pretty pissed when I heard about him signing with Def Jam or whatever. I thought the fact that they reconciled was Ok, but man, partnering up? After you called eachother's rhymes trash, said you ****** eachother's wives, and threatened death? That's weak.[/QUOTE] [color=navy][size=1] Well, me being a Jay fan over Nas, I don't really care. Haha. For me, that's just the personification of the nickname "HOVA" right there. He didn't defeat Nas completely by battling with him, so he put him to work for him... that sir, is what I like to call PWNED. Haha. But there is one thing I know we can both agree on. B.I.G. was better than both of them combined and Wu Tang Clan is like if you multiplied Nas, Jay-Z, and KRS-One by three and put them in a group. Haha. Ill has can be.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] I really liked this premise, and went did it in two nights. Hope ya like. Say hello to: [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Cybernator/CartoonDW.jpg[/IMG] Done in all pencil. #2 and Crayola, as my limited supply would have. Heh. [/color][/size]

[size=1][color=navy] Well, that is your opinion I suppose. I think the reason you say [b]"Takeover"[/b] is lesser to [b]"Ether"[/b] maybe the fact that Jay-Z was attacking mutliple opponents in [b]"Takeover"[/b]. Nas was one of several people attacked in that song, where is, [b]"Ether"[/b] attacked Jay-Z alone. Personally, I love Nas and Jay-Z, but for me, Jay-Z is just easier to listen to. I mean, for me, I just can't get into some of Nas' music, because he just seems too dark or moody, where is I like MC's with more energy. I mean, yeah, I'll admit Nas is a great MC, but I really don't think he got any better after [b]"Illmatic"[/b]. After that album, most people believe he went down hill, where is, after [b]"Reasonable Doubt"[/b], Jay-Z simply continued moving up and exploring different musical styles. I mean, for me, [b]"Hard Knock Life"[/b] is better than any song Nas can provide. Then I look at Jay-Z's collaberations with B.I.G. and other artists, and I just see him showing more of his potential ability. Look at songs like [b]"Two of Brooklyn's Finest"[/b], [b]"Go Crazy"[/b], and his verses on Kanye West's album, and then look at what Nas has done musically, and I just feel like Jay-Z is better. To tell the truth, I don't much care for Jay-Z's popular music, for me, his albums hold the best content he has to provide, not his singles. Regardless, I think Jay-Z won that little battle, seeing as how he released more albums, freestyles all his material, and he is also now Nas' boss. Haha. So, even if he lost the battle, he won the war. Haha. [/color][/size]

[size=1] [center][img]http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2828/bounty32rv.jpg[/img][/center] [b][u][size=2][center]The Order[/b][/u][/size] The Boss Sakura Dragon Warrior White (Five Posts Apiece) [b][u][size=2]The Judge[/b][/u][/size] Ozymandius Jones[/center] [center][b]******************************[/b][/center] The planet of Dendwenn is a desert planet. A dry place where the native species is a race of weak, lowly race of humanoid reptilian aliens, who are able to retain and store water for months on end. One could always identify wealthy Dendwennian by how fat they were. However, few Dendwennian?s attained the respect needed for wealth, because of their inferiority to other beings. The town was called Scarth. It was mainly a trade town for small arms and other illegal proceedings. It was over run by alien species and the Dendwennian?s were simply pushed aside as street sweepers and trash collecters. Treated with disrespect upon their own planet. It was in this run down, dusty town, that two lone bounty hunters searched for their fleeing targets. The hunter?s where the legendary Mr. Dark and the supposedly dead Quell Danjer. The prey was two siblings with very strange talents. They had avoided Mr. Dark once before by hiring Razdul Bones to act as a set up. Needless to say, it didn?t work out. Now, Dark was back on their trail and close by. [b] ?Okay... so now what??[/b] Dark said to Quell who stood beside him. [b] ?Well sir. One of the biggest hang outs for undesirables in this town is the Tabberknackle.?[/b] Quell replied with his signature slur and strange accent. [b] ?The what...??[/b] Dark replied dumbfounded. Quell sighed and placed a mechanical hand on his covered face. [b] ?Jist follow me, ya fool.?[/b] Dark growled as Quell made his way into the streets. [b] ?You shut your mouth, fool!?[/b] he yelled as he followed Quell. He had obviously been on this planet before, navigating through the crowd and saying the occasional hello as if he had grown up in the city. Dark tried his hardest to keep up with Quell?s fast pace, kicking up dirt and nearly tripping over the odd rock and pebble. Before he knew it, though, Quell had entered a dark, boarded up Tavern. Dark took a moment and read the sign on the outside, ?Tabberknackle?. Dark gave a sigh and made his way into the bar only to have a sense of danger as soon as he entered. Every single attendant of the tavern gave him a harsh, angry eye. Quell stood beside him suddenly and placed his arm around Dark. [b] ?Don?t worry partner... as long as your with me, you?ll be fine. Now watch this...?[/b] with that, Quell guided him and Dark over to the bar where a Dendwennian bartender was rubbing out a glass with an old rag. [b] ?Can I help ya??[/b] the Dendwennian spoke in a similar tone as Quell. Quell moved up in his seat and whispered something into the bartender?s ear. With that, the bartender pointed across the room to a couple of human who quickly noticed that hey had been singled out. Dark saw their movement and rushed across the room after them.... They were the targets... [center]*************************************[/center] [b]OOC:[/b] Alright. Let?s have a fair fight, guys.[/size]

[color=navy][size=1] It was a dark, dingy night in Owari district. A muddy rain fell upon the shadow-covered city, the only light coming from the blinking neon lights spread across the several run down bars and opium dens covering the desolate town. All sorts of garbage and rift-raft populated the streets. Thieves, rapists, and murderers hung around every corner on a night like this. Most of the civil citizens of the city were hidden away in their homes, heavy locks keeping out intruders. However, a single man walked through the dangerous and dark ally-ways of the decomposing city. A single man, who seemed almost as dirty as the grungy streets. He was an outsider, and his face was covered hidden by a woven brown cloak draped over his head. He wore a blue kimono, it?s color diminished by dirt and grime. He walked slowly, his demeanor carrying a threatening mystery. As he continued his lost journey through the Owari back allies, a group of undesirables came out from around a corner ahead of him. There were five of them, each one more hostile than the next. Their matching crimson jackets signified that they were all members of the local Yakuza gang. They carried with them small weapons, brandishing them to intimidate the approaching stranger. Their scarred, dirty faces were illuminated by the bright pink and green neon lights of the tavern which the outsider was approaching. One of the thugs stepped forward, scratching his face with the barrel of a revolver pistol. Apparently he was a half-blood as his mechanical hand shone in the lights. The cloaked stranger spoke. [b] ?You men have been following me for the past hour... why??[/b] his voice was that of a young, but strong man. A slight bass mixed in with a traveled rasp. He spoke with a loose authority. [b] ?Listen stranger. Everyone in Owari knows that they gotta pay their dues to the Kenzo gang if they wanna stay... alive on night?s like this.?[/b] the lead thug of the group said, allowing his mechanical limb to fall to his waist along with the gun. [b] ?So... you wanna pay up??[/b] [b] ?I don?t require your services I?m afraid.?[/b] the cloaked man said. Stepping forwards to the right of the gang member. The gang member quickly raised his pistol to the strangers head. [b] ?It?s either you pay... or you die!?[/b] he growled, cocking his gun back. [b] ?How about this...?[/b] with that, the cloaked man flung his shroud into the face of the half-blood gangster, causing the other four men to spring into action. A dark stick flung out quickly and struck the first man to approach in the face with a whip like speed, causing him spiral into a wall and fall to the ground. [b] ?You bastard!?[/b] screamed another one as he lunged forward with a large dagger, attempting to stab the man. The dark figure stepped back and grabbed the leader of the group, who was still struggling with the cloak over his face. The lunging gangster stopped to avoid stabbing his ally, which gave the stranger enough time to strike him in the throat with his wooden stick, causing him to fall to the ground, gasping for air. The stranger took the leader and slammed his covered head into a steel wall, spinning around, he kicked the downed man in the face, knocking him out. [b] ?Two more of you. Come on...?[/b] the stranger said, raising his wooden stick and pointing it at the two Yakuza. [b] ?I?ll show YOU!?[/b] said one of them, who?s eye glowed red. He quickly drew a pistol similar to the first one?s and fired into air. The stranger was gone. [b] ?Wha-?!?[/b] before the man could finish, he fell unconscious to the wooden baton in his stomach. The shadowy outsider?s face was still dark. The last gangster could only see a glint of light coming from the mans blazing eyes, causing him to squirm back into the wall in fear. [b] ?Who.... who the hell are you?!?[/b] he screamed as he clung to the wall. [b] ?Heh. I don?t think it?s worth telling scum like you...?[/b] the stranger growled, slowly placing the tip of his wooden baton onto the chest of the terrified gangster. [b] ?But if it were, I?d say Musashi.... Miyamoto Musashi.?[/b] [b] ?Wh-what?! M-M-Musashi!??[/b] the gangster stuttered in fear. The dark figure rose his stick and slapped it across the man?s face, causing him to fall to the ground in writhing pain. [b] ?Scum like you aren?t allowed to speak my name. You? You can call me Kensei.?[/b] he replied with authority, pointing his stick back down at the grounded thug. [b] ?Alright! Alright!?[/b] the man cried out in fear. Musashi looked down to him with slgiht interest. [b] ? Hm... Maybe you can help me...?[/b] [b] ?Fine! Whatever you want, just don?t kill me!?[/b] he continued to squirm upon the muddy ground. [b] ?Tell me, where is Oda Castle??[/b] Musashi growled, looking down to the thug, who looked into Musashi?s burning eyes with deep terror... [center]****************************[/center] [b]OOC:[/b] Aizen and Esther, Musashi is coming for you. Haha.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Miguel felt a strange feeling come over him as he held Julia?s hand in comfort. A feeling he hadn?t felt in a long time. He knew it was strange, but he felt a strong connection towards her, a genuine care. Miguel had gained himself a reputation as a womanizer in the past, however, something about Julia naturally put Miguel at ease, while still making him concerned about her. He looked down to see her hand squeezing his for comfort, which caused Miguel to swell his chest up in a heavy breath of air. He continued to look out the window and felt sick for a moment. The flashing lights and cold looking architecture made him feel almost scared. He tried his best to keep his confidence amongst himself, but the anxiety of being away from familiar territory always felt the same. He had only learned how to deal with such situations, which he was ready to at anytime, as soon as he got some answers... [b] ?Miguel... to tell the truth, I feel a tad afraid.?[/b] Julia whispered to him. She kept her eyes on the window, her eyes focusing on the Eiffel Tower?s bright lights. [b] ?Heh. Don?t worry. I think soon enough, we?ll be getting some kind of answers... I?ll make sure of that. Haha.?[/b] Miguel laughed, trying to lighten the mood and soften Julia?s fears. Julia looked to him with a light smile, closing her eyes she gave a small laugh. [b] ?Well, I?m glad you?re confident.?[/b] Her reply made Miguel think to himself a minute. [b] ?Well, I guess I?ll just have to share it with ya. Haha!?[/b] he said smiling again, nudging her a little. She replied with a cheeky smile, which made Miguel feel a bit more at ease. [b] ?It?s good to have someone like you around, Miguel. Hm. I feel like I can trust you.?[/b] [b] ?Oh, no doubt. I really don?t trust anything here at all.?[/b] Miguel began looking around the room. [b] ?Heh. In fact, I?m a bit afraid to eat or drink any of this stuff... could be drugged.?[/b] Julia gave a worried look to her glass of champaigne. [b] ?You don?t think...??[/b] she became worried again. Miguel took the glass from her and smelled the liquid inside. [b] ?Hm. Well, smells alright.?[/b] Miguel gave it a slight taste. [b] ?Whoa.... hold on...?[/b] Julia became even more worried as she looked to him with a worried expression. [b] ?What? Is something wrong?!?[/b] [b] ?No! Haha. This is some really good stuff.?[/b] Miguel downed the glass himself. [b] ?Let?s get another shall we??[/b] Miguel smiled suavely and looked to a passing waiter, motioning for him to come to him. [b] ?Two glasses, please.?[/b] With that, the blank faced waiter poured them two glasses, Miguel took both and handed to Julia. [b] ?Might as well try and relax... that Chancellor fellow seems to be taking his time.?[/b] Julia took the glass with a smirk. [b] ?Aye... To Paris.?[/b] she raised her glass to Miguel. Miguel gave a short laugh. [b] ?Yeah. To Paris!?[/b][/color][/size]

[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Cybernator/Ohkamin.jpg[/IMG] [color=navy][size=1] Aight then. I hope you guys like it. If you want to know the story behind this, then check out "The Bounty" spars between me and DW.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Tical][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Name[/COLOR]: Guy Whose name I Can't Remember [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Profile[/COLOR]: N/A [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Last Seen[/COLOR]: ??? [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Why?[/COLOR] Okay... there was a guy who came here a few years ago back when I first started here in OB. He was a huge fan of Big O and hellsing... I can even remember his avatar... I just can't remember his name!!! I looked through the whole Member List and couldn't get ti!!! He did a lot of battles (back when the battle area existed) and him and I fought together and ended D_B_D's Trigun RP. he was always fun to fight against and realy cool... just don't know the name!!! Also, Transatic, who said anything about a few months?[/QUOTE] [color=navy][size=1] You sir, are thinking of.... [b]Name:[/b] Lone Bebop [b]Profile:[/b] [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?userid=6195]*right here*[/URL] [b]Last Seen:[/b] 12-18-2003 [b]Why?[/b] Well, what can I say? Lone was for a long, long time one of my best freinds on the OBs. We had quite the epic battles in our Arena Battles. If I do remember correctly, it was always Double Barrel Diego vs. his character, Trick. An on going rivalry for months. When I was unable to log onto the OBs for a while, we kept in touch and he showed me another Boards where we could keep in contact. Upon my return to OBs, we lost contact. I've talked to him seldomly on AIM, but he's not online often. I do miss the fellow.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] As much as I love Rock Lee, I think I'll do an original character. Haha. [b]Name:[/b] Gin Hayato [b]Age:[/b] 17 [b]Gender:[/b] Male [b]Appearance:[/b] Gin is 5'11" and 155 lbs. His body has a lanky, but cut muscular structure. His light weight but tall frame allows him the express his fighting style well. He has a dark tan on his skin from the desert sun. His eyes are a dark shade of green and his hair is a dusty brown. His face has sharp features, save for his eyes which seem perpetually tired or sleepy. His head band covers the lenght of the top of his head, his long hair poking out of the back and reaching the bottom of his neck. He wears on his body a pair of desert camoflauge pants which are rolled at the knees. His shins are covered in light bandages and he wears a pair of light brown sandals on his feet. He wears no shirt, but his lower abdomen and his arms have bandages wrapped in various places. He's sworn away heavy clothing as of late, as he feels they are simply too uncomfortable. Aswell, Gin's posture is normally lazy and tired, if he isn't seen asleep on the ground. [b]Alliance: [/b]Sand Village [b]Personality: [/b]Gin has been described as a very lazy individual. Usually, he is seen either asleep or half awake during missions. His entire mind set is very calm and at ease. He is rarely seen in a state past tranquil happiness and calm. Many consider him to be nothing more than a bumbling fool without a mind to think with. However, most of these people are the ones who?ve never seen him in combat or have spoken to him in depth. Few realize the depth of Gin?s mind and personality, taken back by his apparent lack of care for any trouble around him. If there is ever a time that Gin seems to show any kind of interest or concern, it is when his allies are in danger, and when his mission is active. For the rest of the time though, his is what he calls ?Just a chillin? guy.? [b]Biography/Character Snippet:[/b] Gin laid out in the sun, on top the roof of his small apartment where he lived by himself. He wore a pair of sunglasses which covered his eyes as he slept. His body was warm, but nothing he wasn?t used to living in his native land. He wore no shirt as he caught some sun for a moment, he had grown slightly wearing all the heavy clothing usually worn to keep cool in the Village, and he felt a rare amount of freedom without his heavy garbs on. He wore a smile, showing a carefree attitude which he had always carried. The sound of slow footsteps awoke him slightly. It there was obviously more than one person approaching him. They grew closer and then they stopped. [b] ?...is there anything you?d want...??[/b] Gin sighed without opening his eyes. [b] ?Gin Hayato, the Sleeping Tiger... The Kazekage requests words with you.?[/b] it was the voice of the revered Jounin, Kankurou. He was the head of the Sunagakure Puppet Corps and a deadly fighter. [b] ?.... What for??[/b] Gin replied lethargically. His eyes still closed, and scratched his head lazily. [b] ?Show some respect, you punk!?[/b] came the voice of another respected Jounin, Kankurou?s sister, Temari. Her voice was enraged, probably due to Gin?s unconcerned attitude. [b] ?Temari, calm down....?[/b] came back Kankurou?s voice. [b] ?Listen. Your services are needed from our brother. You have a mission, Hayato.?[/b] With that, Gin quickly rose from his position and removed his sunglasses. [b] ?Heh. Well in that case, let?s be off...?[/b] he said with a lazy smile and sleepy eyes. Kankurou gave a smirk whilst Temari retained an upset glare at him. With this, they made their way out of Gin?s house.... [b]Techniques: [/b] [u]Nemuri-Tora Ryu Taijutsu:[/u] a special form of Tai-Jutsu indigenous to Sand Village. The user takes on three stages of consciousness in a meditative trance-like state. It is said that the user opens the mental boundaries to unlock the body's Life Gates during their trance state. There is said to be three levels of the style, the first of which being a near sleep-like state where it appears the user's body is defending itself while sleeping. The next two levels, however, are unknown to those unfamiliar with the styles and it?s users. Weapon: None. Gin has an incredibly fast and strong muscular structure, which is above that of the common shinobi. [b]Fighting style:[/b] Much like his personality, Gin?s fighting style seems to be sloppy, lazy, and unrefined. His specialized style of Taijutsu suits his personality perfectly, as it sends his body into a sleeping state where is mind is allowed to take in all the traits of his surroundings while his body attacks and defends with near flawless precession and speed. This is though to be due to the opening of Life Gates while in this meditative state. The general fighting style is similar to the Drunken Boxing style, though the body seems limp while fighting in the Nemuri-Tora style. It is said that the fighting style is made up of other levels in the battle meditation state, but Gin has yet to exhibit these further states, or at least, it is unknown if he has. [b]Extra Info.:[/b] Gin is a specialized member of the Sunagakure Chuunin ranks. He is one of the youngest Chuunin in the entire village and is said to have accomplished the Chuunin Exam in a record time for the village, challenging the record of the Sunakage, Gaara. Few people in Sunagakure know of his actual fighting style, save his old teacher and his former team mates. It is clear, that Gin?s major focus is Taijutsu, as he has never exhibited a talent for ninjutsu or genjutsu. He however, does not require anything other than his mastered Taijutsu style. [b]OOC:[/b] Forgive the short lenght of the character snippet. I just didn't have alot to work with. Haha. I do promise to add more personality in the RP. Inform me if there are any problems. [/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] When I first joined the OBs, it was under an account by the name of [b]Double_B_Daigo[/b]. A horrible username based in a character I had created. During this period, I was basically an enormous n00b, and I will admit this. I had terrible grammar and rarely capitalized what I should have while also screwing up puncuation and committed several other OB sins. I am actually a bit embarrased of this time period, but I suppose all members start off slow. When I moved from Kansas to my current residence, I found that my old username wasn't picking up, and I wasn't banned, so I had to wait around for a while and find another Message Boards to hang out at. I found one and ironically became a mod of an OB style RPG Arena, which I had came up with. That was the birth of [b]ReFlux[/b]. After I was able to return to the OBs, I brought along the username [b]ReFlux[/b] under a new account. I felt I had matured a bit and was doing alright. Then I took a long, long hiatus from the OBs and didn't come back for a few months. Then I returned, and decided on changing my username to a recent anime favorite, [b]Mugen[/b] from Samurai Champloo. I was still not a full bloom I feel, and I once again took a long hiatus from the OBs. Then I returned once and finally for all. I wanted to change my name to a long time favorite video game character, [b]The Boss[/b]. A descesion that was helped along due to my infatuation with Slim Thug. I am now, I'd say, a thousand times improved since my DBD days. I've made several new friends, many of whom weren't aware of my previous existance on the Boards, and were quite suprised. Heh, I feel like I'm just a guy who likes change, though I am fairly satisfied with my current username. I may change it in the far future, but I doubt it. Heh.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] I said Judaism is [b]one[/b] of the oldest, not the oldest. That is entirely possible. But then again, the same could be said for the Sumerian's possibly plagirizing a Judaic myth. There's really no way to know which came first. It's known that the Sumerian's came up with on of the, if not the, first alphabets in history, so they may have had the jump on the Jewish tribes in the writing of a story that they both felt belonged to them, kinda like the Muslims and Jews are argueing today, (and have been for centuries) over who has the right to rule the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem. Maybe Gilgamesh and Noah came from a person who actually did this and the Sumerians and Jews claimed that person to be their religous hero/figure, and ensued what they wanted individually into a story they both felt was miraculous and showed for both of them what they believed to be divine intervention from their respective God(s). Heh. Again, I believe the Old Testament to be mostly comprised of moral-based stories from oral tradition.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Was taken as one. Heh. Now as an answer to your previous question: I mean, your grandparents or parents will tell you a story that has been carried down from your family for generations in order to teach you a lesson, or the moral of the story. The story may be slightly different for each retelling, or may be misconstrued over the generations, but the moral stays the same, you know what I mean? I'm saying the same could be said the for Judaic oral stories handed down for generations. Maybe the story was once alot more detailed and may have made more sense, but after being handed down for so long, it lost alot of the edge and became a blunt tale. Heh. For all we know, the stories once made perfectly clear sense, but no longer do. Or maybe simple wording was used just so the story would be easier to pick up on and remember of the hundreds of years. Heh. Again, I'm not saying I'm right, I'm saying this is what I believe.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Actually, Judaism is one of the oldest relegions in the world, I do believe. The story of Moses may have been a tall-tale to a certain extent, as were several others. But Judaism is the roots of Christianity, so I personally believe most of the stories from the Old Testament were atleast original tales. It could be said that the Christian Old-Testament is the Judaic holy text, if I'm not mistaken. Christians just built onto an old relegion as Jesus came along. Heh. And the re-telling of the flood story by several faiths kinda makes ya ponder if 'A Great Flood' really did occur sometime in history. [/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Basically, yes. Oral tradition of the Judaic peoples for the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, the actual Apostles and Jesus himself acted as the Prophets directly and wrote their own texts themselves. It could be said like this. The Old Testament is almost like a series of handed down stories, such as Noah, Job, and Moses. These, for me, are more than less, ancedotes for the Christian followers. The New Testament, is more than less a direct writing in which Jesus and the Apostles wrote their quotes and sermons down. I haven't read the entire Bible, not even close. But what I have drawn from it and what I have read, this is what I've interpreted for myself and my own guidance.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Tical]If you mean me, I am no agnostic. I have my own beliefs. Also, in response to the comments that the Bible is a guidbook -- does that mean there is no god?[/QUOTE] [color=navy][size=1] No, I mean in that comment that the Bible is a guidebook of how to live in accordance to God's wishes. Alot of people say that the Bible (and the other Holy Texts) were written by Prophets compelled by God himself, or God's spirit. These texts were written so that God, through the Prophets, could convey his message of how one should handle their life. So basically, you could say it is the Guidebook written by God through his Prophets. Or a Guidebook written by the Prophets, influenced by God in a near direct way.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] To Tical: You seem to be confusing the fact that the Bible was never written as a whole. It's compiled by several seperate religious writings spread out over some time. They were collected together into a single book based on the wishes of a councel of early Christians put together by Constantine. To Cygnus: Yes, the Bible is more than likely written with several metaphors, possibly it's entirety is a metaphor, possibly not. Just as Retribution said, this is all based on Christian's (and any other religions) [b]faith[/b]. I personally look past the Bible in my pursuit of spiritual guidance and also look within myself for answers. The Bible isn't a strict rulebook for Christians. It's a guidebook, it could almost be called a book of ancedotes from which Christians could take guidance from in how to handle certain or similiar situations in an Christian manner. Atleast, that is what it is for me, because these are my beliefs. Also, the word 'days' may have been chosen for lack of a better one, seeing as how these books were written in a time when they followed only seasons and days. This misunderstanding of literal time frames also seems to take care of the centuries-long life spans of many of the Bibles earlier figures. I do hope I haven't been misunderstood what I have said. I hold high respect for anyone's personal beliefs. Rather they be athiest, agnostic, Buhddist, Muslim, Scientologist, or whatever. It would never be my place to say anyone is wrong or right. I'm not saying that I am right, or that you are wrong. I am simply stating what I believe in. I just personally felt like I did not recieve the same respect that I was willing to give, so I retaliated. [/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Forgive me if I misunderstood your meaning in saying, but I took it as you were holding yourself a back in what you were saying. But neither did I say you weren't interested in religion. I simply stated my reasons for my beliefs and my reaction to what you and Cygnus have said thus far. That is all, now back on topic. And Transtic, that is correct. YOUR opinion, however crude it may be in the eyes of others, you should respect the fact that it may insult others by saying such things. Maybe one should consider this thread isn't meant to piss other's off, but simply discuss things in manner by speaking your opinion while having the respect to not insult other's spiritual beliefs, which I feel has been done, however unapperent it may be to you or those who have done so. [/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] By saying that Christianity is a cult, you are basically in turn saying all world religions are cults. Which is complete crap, Tical. I mean honestly, the way you present your ideas seriously bring down the opinions you're trying to convey. You're definetly not going to get a positive "I accept your difference" reply from anybody by being so rudely blunt or by saying that anything that has to deal with something unscientific is crap and ridiculous to believe in. I find it furtherly hilarious that your banner/avatar depicts an anime which draws heavily from Christianity and Judaic prophecies for it's entire plot. Apparently, the creator of that saw something you didn't that inspired him to create such an epic. On that note, here is my reason for believing in relegion: How can our world and society be a product of a random chance? Why would humans go past the state of basically animalistic needs in their society? What makes us so much different from any other 'animal'? Why do we alone have the creative mindset required to produce literature, music, art, philosophy, and politics? Why are we the only animal's on Earth that search for the answers of life? Does this help us in any form of surivival? Does this help us last longer? Do these things make our lives easier? No. They have zero primal survival worth, but they, instead, seem to be blessings upon our minds. Something to make our lives worth living and to inspire us to see the beauty in the life given to us. Heh, in my eyes, if there were no God, I don't really think we would have society, because if you look at the other beings that are, in our relegion, not made in God's image, they seem to be perfectly satisfied with living in the wilderness. So, if there is no God, then why do humans even bother enjoying things that otherwise don't matter in our survival? I mean, wouldn't that just be a waste of time? I just couldn't find the point in living if there was no possibility that there is something beyond death. I just couldn't believe that we are, and always have been, completely alone in our world. I just can't believe that our world, society, and great civilization is all product of a simple cosmic rolling of the dice. But that's me, and these are my beliefs. I won't hate, dislike, or criticize anyone based on their beliefs, but I will defend my own.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Hold on hold on. Firstly, before you make any comments, don't call my and several other member's religion "ludicrous" or "insane". You seem not to have an understanding or accepting bone in your body, so before you go spitting on my religion, think before you act. I really don't appreciate that, and I'm sure several other people don't either. Think. Okay, are you going to say that a being that, in the relegion of Christian, created humans and the Earth, would follow the same time-slots of the vary world he created? I mean, it could be explained in our terms that a day for our God could last billions, trillions, or however many years or eras. Just because the Christians holy text is the Bible, doesn't mean that we [b]a)[/b] follow and believe in it blindly, [b]b)[/b] mean that we don't consider other posibilities, or [b]c)[/b] think that everything else is wrong. Believe it our not, a Christian in faith and belief can draw their own conclusions. It says in the Bible that Jesus and God are inside us, in our souls and hearts, and to me that means that if I ever have questions that can't be answered by the Bible, I can always look inwardly and still have faith to find answers. Which I have done. I'm not a heavily religious person, but I hold my beliefs firmly and I stand on them. If I ever have a question, I believe that reason can explain it while still maintaining my faith in God and my religion. I've seen several people post seemingly anti-relegious things seemingly out of spite. But don't ever list them as if they are "facts", because the truth is, science cannot prove everything and barely has proven anything if one looks into the ratio of theories and sceintific facts. Heh. You know what's 'ludicrous' to me? The thought that the world, the creatures and wonders on it, and the great societies upon it are all a product of a trillion and one chance.[/color][/size]

[size=1] Massive pwnage in five, four, three, two.... [b]Name: [/b]Mr. Dark (believed to be an alias) [b]Gender: [/b]Male [b]Appearance: [/b] [URL=http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Cybernator/Mr.jpg]Mr. Dark[/URL] [URL=http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Cybernator/RoughDark.jpg]After the Razdul Bones Fight[/URL] (forgive the roughness of the images) [b]Personality:[/b] Dark is by nature a silent man who allows his actions to speak for him. Not afraid to conversate, he simply saves his energy for the more important task at hand. However, he is known to toss out a wise crack in battle, in order to play psychological warfare with his opponent. He quite enjoys conversating with his opponent before killing them. As of recent, Dark's personality has loosened up due to the time spent around the charismatic Quell Danjer. It may be due to the budding rivalry they have with one another or it may be just out of spite towards his partner, but he hasn't been able to stop insulting the mechanical bounty hunter since their battle. [b]Weapons:[/b] Dark uses an old weapon, bestowed upon him long ago in his teenage years under the tutelage of the Ohkamin. The weapon is called a Tenga Blade, a special sword forged of what is said to be magical steels. The edge of the blade glows with a strange turqoise light. It is said the Tenga blade is able to deflect all forms of bullets and grants it's user with god-like abilities. This however, is only rumor. Along with the Tenga Blade, Dark carries within his cloak several specialized throwing knives, some of which contain small explosives for a suprise attack on his opponent. [b]Skills:[/b] Dark, in his youth, was trained amongst the ways of the mystic Ohkamin, a race of warrior-mystics who's strict asthetics seemed to grant them god-like powers in battle. Speed and strenght unseen in any other race, it is said that Dark is the only human ever allowed to train under them. It is actually said that Dark was orphaned and raised amongst them on the lost planet, but this is also, pure rumor. Never the less, the Ohkamin's legendary ability in battle using nothing but melee weapons is actually based in fact. [b]Any Other Info:[/b] Shortly after the fight with Razdul Bones, Dark realized the flaws in his current style. He had departed his roots as of recent and found that he was taking uncessary amounts of damage and danger thus so. Whilst having his injuries repaired, Dark meditated upon his soul and mind, and made the choice to return back to his old teachings. The martial ways of the Ohkamin... Thanks to his most recent fight with his now ally, Quell Danjer, Dark has received even more scars scattered amongst his body. However, the close battle has put Dark back into his old mindset even further, now to the point where he can feel his old Ohkamin powers returning. There is no telling just the extent of his abilities just yet.... For further information, see The Bounty and The Bounty II.[/size]

[size=1] Dark heaved and struggled to breath as he felt the burning sensation of the high caliber bullet lodged in his chest once again. This was becoming a habit he wished to break quickly. He looked on to the carefree Quell who had only lost a mechanical hand, no true loss on his part. No pain. Just in need of tune up. Dark had to make this last attack count. He needed to end it here and now. With that, Dark widened his eyes for a moment and looked onwards to the slouching, seemingly tired Quell, who held his gun firmly in his other mechanical fist. He concentrated hard on his opponent, looking dead on towards him. He looked into the steel mask, and looked into a glint that appeared to be the eyes of Quell. He mentally stalked his prey.... and then he struck. Concentrating all his spiritual energies and mental power, Dark propelled his body across the jungle floor at an unmatchable speed, his sword poised at his side to thrust into Quell?s throat. However he was stopped by Quell gun against his jaw. And so they were at a draw once again. For a moment, they just stood there, no moving a inch, looking into one another?s eyes with a passionate hatred. [b] ?It would seem we are fairly matched, Danjer....?[/b] Dark growled as he continued holding his blade firmly against Quell?s body. [b] ?It sure would, Mister.... So... I have a proposal for ya.?[/b] Quell said with his signature happy-go-lucky tone. [b] ?I haven?t the time for this!?[/b] Dark motioned slightly to kill Quell. [b] ?Uh-uh-uh!?[/b] Quell replied by bringing his finger down onto the trigger of his gun slightly. [b] ?No listen here. I?ll let you report me dead to Ajax, right? You take this money, and then on your next job, you split your reward with me if I help you get the job done.... Sound a?right??[/b] Dark pondered this for a moment. It would make his job much easier, seeing as how the next job would involve two targets. [b] ?What says I shouldn?t just kill you here??[/b] Dark replied. [b] ?The face that you?d be dead too... I already have the command to fire in my arm, all I gotta do is unlock it, and even if I?m dead, my hand will still shoot. So it?s either, we both die... or we both get paid. How?s that sound??[/b] [b] ?... Fine.?[/b] Dark said, slowly moving his sword away from Quell?s throat as Quell removed his gun back to it?s holster. Sticking out his hand, Quell awaited Dark to shake his hand. Dark slowly complied, with an ironic smirk on his face. [b] ?Haha. It would appear, sir. That we royally screwed one another up... Take some of this.?[/b] Quell said, handing Dark the jar of strange glue he had used on himself earlier in the battle. Dark eyed it strangely for a moment, but trusted it would be safe, as he saw it?s affects earlier on. Taking a swipe of it in his hands, he applied it to the several gun shots wounds on his body, ignoring the intense stinging sensation resulting from the application as his wounds quickly healed up. [b] ?Thanks...?[/b] Dark replied, withdrawing a small communicator from his cloak, he opened it up and placed it on his ear. [b] ?Boss Ajax....?[/b] [b] ?Yes, Mr. Dark??[/b] came the deep, ominous voice over the phone. [b] ?Quell?s dead. I?m off to the other job now...?[/b] [b] ?Very good Dark. You?ll be paid in full upon return. Best of luck, friend.?[/b] [b] ?Yeah. Good bye.?[/b] with that, Dark hung up the communicator and winked to Quell. [b] ?Try to keep a low-profile for me, eh??[/b] [b] ?I?ll try my best, partner. Haha.?[/b] With that, the newly formed duo left the jungle, both limping from exhaustion and injury....[/size]

[color=navy][size=1] As far as I know, it basically invented the cyberpunk genre by itself. It's apparently worth picking up if it had won that many awards and obviously inspired many authors who came after it was published. I personally would like to find a copy myself. Past that, I can't much help you. But I'd suggest you pick it up, as it seems like it would be a safe investment. Heh.[/color][/size]

[color=navy][size=1] Heh. I feel kinda strange looking through out this thread, as I had a rather strange childhood. Let's see. Well, my initial first kiss was at the age of six with a girl about two or three years older than me. She was eating peanuts when we kissed and had put one in my mouth, so for a while, everytime I thought of kissing a girl, I tasted peanuts in my mouth. Haha. I'm pretty sure my next kiss was in the 5th or 6th Grade with a German girl I had gotten close with while living in Germany. I always had a thing for girls, ever since I was a little kid. Heck, I remember having a 'girlfriend' in first grade.There was this little Egyptian girl who the other kids picked on, so I defended her a bunch and tried to hug her. Haha. Boy I was quite the lady's man. ;) My belief in Santa was shattered at a young age (I think about 7 or 8) when I was looking in my backyard shed one day and found a role of sticker-labels saying "To: ***** From: Santa". Boy was I shocked. I, did, however, play along with the notion of Santa Claus till about 9, because I knew I would get more outta my parents by playing along. Boy, was I a hustler as a boy. :animesmil I never really believed in the Easter Bunny, as the entire notion to me as a child was crazy and a tad scary. The idea of a gigantic rabbit hopping around my yard was a bit strange. I did enjoy the egg hunts, though. And the one Easter where they used real eggs instead of the plastic ones sucked. I learned about sex at a fairly early age, just from over hearing things and being an avid veiwer of the Discovery Channel as a kid. I said something about sharks mating to my parents, and so they decided it would be alright to have the talk with me. My younger brother, however, had little idea for sometime. :rolleyes: Also, a trip to the loose sexual boundaries of Greece at the age of ten cleared up any and all questions I had of what things looked like and how it happened. Haha. I was a bit of a smarty pants as a kid, so I didn't fall for many tall tales or white lies.[/color][/size]