Zen

[color=sienna][size=1] [B]renayiiq[/B] while I will admit that many hip hop artists are guilty of disrespectful lyrics, that is not something to base your opinion on an entire genre on. That would be like me saying that I hate all Metal music because some of them are pro-satanism, and that doesn't tickle my fancy. Try listening to some of the artists listed by[B] NPC[/B]. MF Doom and Nas are some of the best artists to listen too if you want some intellectual lyrics. (MF Doom was genius on Demon Days. I havn't heard a flow so smooth in my life.) Hip Hop isn't about cars, clothes, and women. But there is an understandable reason that some is. Many hip hop artists came up from extreme poverty. All of a sudden they get a record deal and a stack of money, what do you expect them to do? Put it away in a savings acount? No. They rhyme about what's around them and what they are aspiring for. So, that's my explanation for this. Hip Hop artists, and especially gangsta rap artists, are notorius for creating over sized characters of themselves to make their lyrics more interesting. Basically, their telling a story through the eyes of that 'character'. Unless you're the biggest drug slinging pimp hustler around, then your gonna run out of stories to tell, so they create these larger than life personas for themselves. But this is slightly off subject. Southern Hip Hop is about having fun and partying more than anything else. Just in your face kinda stuff. Like NPC said, Ludacris is a great example of a good southern artist who just rhymes about ridiculous things over strange beats (The Austin Powers Track is sampeled in one of his recent songs) but he also has a serious side about the hard life he had before he became famous. The same goes for Outkast, but the an even more 'wacky' extent. Right now though, I'm enjoying the semi-underground personality, Paul Wall. I don't know why exactly, but I enjoy his songs to a great extent. No, he's not a great lyricist, but his beats and his songs just have such a laid back, yet energetic, quality, it justs keeps me listening.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] While I do feel like one of the only Hip Hop fans on the OBs, I must ask: has anyone noticed the impending movement of Southern Hip Hop? From ATL to Memphis, and more recently, Houston and Miami, the south has taken the world or hip hop by the reigns and hasn't let go for the last five years, if not longer. Starting with acts such as Three 6 Mafia (outta Memphis) and 2 Live Crew (from Miami). Then huge acts such as Outkast and Ludacris came out of ATL and started the whole Crunk Movement, with Lil' Jon becoming the apparent King of this. Today, Houston's laid back slur and thumping beats have been predominant. I am a huge fan of every aspect of Southern Hip Hop (well, most of it). The music is kind of like what early Punk was to Rock and Roll, which is mostly just energy surge music. Being from the South, I feel kind of represented by the current stars, but my fandom lies in the underground acts. The homegrown artists coming out who are just every where. Paul Wall, Young Bloodz, Purple Ribbon All-Stars, Three 6 Mafia, Outkast, and Ludacris are currently my favorite artists in this movement. While alot of people ridicule it for being just mindless chants and what not, but to tell the truth, that is the original roots of Hip Hop. MC's who do crowd driving chants behind the DJ's music. Now, I am asking. What are your comments on this whole movement?[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] I am not a very relegious person in the sense that I don't go to church very often (almost not at all) and I don't regularly worship God other than through prayer. I am a christian, yes. I believe that Jesus Christ is my messiah, but I don't think that those who don't accept him are going to Hell. Nor do I think he is the only messiah. In the Bible, it said that the Jews were "God's Chosen People" and I believe that Moses acts as their Messiah, and the Muslims, who's holy text actually includes Jesus as a major figure in the book, have their Messiah in Muhammed. A great king once said "There are many ways to heaven, you choose your own...". That was a very wise saying in my eyes. Also, I have a hard time believing that God or Jesus would allow anyone's soul to burn for eternity in Hell. I just don't think that the Lord would banish a soul he created. Also, if Lucifer was a fallen angel who supposedly created Hell, then why would God work in conjunction with him and allow his acquiring of souls? I believe in the Christian Heaven, but I don't believe in Hell. I feel that the Lord may allow souls to reincarnate themselves on Earth to repent for their past actions, and through this pentenance, they are allowed into Heaven. Hell could possibly be Earth, I guess, or atleast, the denial of Heaven. I don't think anyone would be sent to eternal damnation, though. I'm not quite sure how to word it exactly, but I have my own take on things I guess. There have been many non-christian people who were not only good people, but aided the lives of other people greatly. I don't think God would just damn them to Hell because they didn't know about or didn't believe in christianity. That kinda seems a little far off to me. Yeah, I'm Christian. Greek Orthodox actually is what I'm trying to pursue. However, where I live right now doesn't have an Orthodox church for around 50 miles, so... yeah.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Eh... [B]Sakura[/B]... this RPG kinda takes place in middle ages Japan. 1551... so, sorry, none of these doo dads like U.V. Goggles and what not... - Mugen [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Lord Orlok made his way to the roof of his mountain side mansion through it's candle lit tower. It was 8:24 p.m. and already pitch black in the cold mountains. Michelle held his arm with both hands as he ascended the stairs slowly, resting her head on his shoulder. Orlok could feel the affection she felt for him. They had shared love the night before, a farewell present for him, as she so well put it. As they found their way to the top of the tower, Orlok opened the door to freezing winds cutting through the air swiftly. The temperature was well below zero, but Orlok, aswell as any vampire, had an immense resistance to the elements. Despite this fact, Orlok dressed in a wolf skin cloak he had favored for many years, aswell, he had a wool scarf tied around his neck. The winds caused his and Michelle's clothing to flutter ridiculously off their bodies. There was a helicopter contributing to the winds as it's propellor spun rabidly on top the roof. The couple made there way to the vehicle at a slow pace. A servant opened up a door for Orlok as he made his way up to it, and Orlok entered it, leaning his head out of the door as Michelle kissed him one last time and embraced his upper body. [B]"Promise me... you'll come back in one peice, love."[/B] she said in a pouty voice which softened Orlok's old heart. [B]"No worries, I always do, and I always will."[/B] he spoke assuringly, embracing the woman back. [B]"I love you, ol' boy..."[/B] Michelle spoke with tears in her eyes and a knot in her throat, forcing a smile onto her sad face. [B]"As I do you, my love..."[/B] Orlok said as he escaped her tight grip and sat up in the helicopter, his servant shutting the door. He saw through the tinted windows Michelle's tears as she stared back into his eyes. As the propellors hurried there spinning, the vehicle picked up off the ground. As it did so, Orlok gave a wink of his eye to Michelle and she smiled as he flew away towards Russia. The next stop would be Gwyar Castle, and then the island nation of Japan, a place Orlok hadn't seen in quite in many ages... ---------------------------------------------------------------- Imi, you do Orlok's arrival and our departure from Gwyar Castle. Cool?[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] [B]Answer:[/B] "It's All Right... Take It Easy..." whilst rolling a fat blunt. [B]Q:[/B] What was the name of Peter's Sexual Harrasment Social Worker? [B]Bonus:[/B] What was the name of the Female Empowerment camp he was sent to? [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] I'm liking what I see. All that I can ask is that those who need to, finish your sign ups. We have enough [color=indigo][B]Mercenaries[/B][/color], and I have one waiting to sign up, so if there are gonna be anymore sign ups, lets make 'em [B]Ronin[/B], please. Thank you all. - Mugen[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Yo, I just signed up. So, if you could tell me when would be a good time for my first post, it would be appreciated. - Mugen[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] (This is my first RPG without constant violence and rivers of blood... heh.) [B]Name:[/B] Michael "Mike" Photia [B]Age:[/B] 17 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] (check my banner and avi) Generally skinny and lanky. He stands at 6'1" and his weight varies from time to time, but always thin. He is usually seen wearing baggy, but very stylish clothing. Due to many won and lost fights on the streets, Mike has various scars across his body. He is highly embarassed by them and tries his best to hide them, but it often proves difficult. [B]Personality:[/B] Mike is a hardened soul. His life from early on was ridden with hardship and humble experience. He is a bit shy, but once a person gets to know him, he is very talkative. Possibly the only person in his situation who has a knowledge of the street, his manneurisms and lingo tend to make him feel akward in his current crowd. Very much into the hip hop lifestyle, he is scared that people may not warm up to him very well due to this. He may seem a little rough around the edges, but all he really wants is to be accepted into his current community, and have some friends before he graduates. Thought to be unintelligent due to his background, he suprises people with his simple wisdom. A fan of alot of nerdy things, this is another thing he fears people may ridicule him about. Never afraid of his past surroundings, he finds it ironic that the safest place he ever lived in, is the place that he also most fears. [B]Short Bio: [/B] Born in the south, Mike never knew his real father. His mother, a person he greatly admired, could only work up enough money to rent an apartment in a housing project. Growing up in a rough neighbourhood, Mike learned how to defend himself the hardway. Eventually, he took up Karate class, possibly the only activity he could get into in order to avoid the streets, his mother was happy to pay for them, hard as it was. The lessons he learned molded the person he is today, giving him confidence and an urge for knowledge and wisdom, which led him to becoming a better student in school. The older he grew, the more Mike found that he disliked his surroundings, finding alot of his old friends in trouble, Mike tried his best to keep those close to him out of harms way. But sadly, many of them turned away from their friendship for a life of crime. This hurt him greatly, but only strenghtened his drive to do well in life and get out of his current situation. Soon though, he would find that fate is a funny thing. One day while he sat at his room studying, he heard his mother screaming hysterically from the living room. Fearing the worst, he rushed in only to see her jumping for joy in the air with a huge smile on her face. She had just won the lottery. Not long after, Mike and his mother moved out of the projects and went up north-west. At first excited about his move from his life of hardships, he soon found himself missing his friends and familiar surroundings. Not wanting to worry or upset his Mom, he kept quiet about his worries, as he saw she was truely happy now, and he would never want to take away her hard earned happiness. This new, and enourmous house, the rich neighbours, and the new school he would be graduating from. It was all more intimidating than his former life. He just hoped people would like the new kid.... [B]Crush List:[/B] Leah[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] I'll shoot one out if that is allowed. [B]Q:[/B] What did Peter first think an Ecstacy pill was? [B]Bonus:[/B] What did he think he could do after taking it? Oh, and the answer to your bonus question I know is [/B]"To the owner of a John Deere Tractor, you are parked ontop of a pig. John Deere Tractor ontop of a pig..."[/B] [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Here's My Sign Up. [B]Name:[/B] Nemuri Tora * [B]Age:[/B] 22 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Faction:[/B] Ronin [B]Appereance:[/B] [URL=http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=Samurai+Champloo/v=2/SID=e/TID=I999_73/l=IVI/SIG=12mcf7s5v/EXP=1133400501/*-http%3A//idvd.cn/upload/img/Sample/Samurai_Champloo/character01s.jpg] Tora [/URL] Minus the Sword on back. [B]Personality:[/B] Chronically lethargic and lazy, Tora is known for his tired demeanor, which has given him his name, meaning Sleeping Tiger. Cool and collected at all times, it's rare for him to get excited about anything. And while being this way, he exposes a constant confidence that borders arrogance at almost all times. However, he has always been able to back himself up. [B]Weapons:[/B] Tora is one of the most peculiar 'samurai' Lord Hoji had ever taken into service. This being because he has no wish to use any form of weapon what so ever. Tora has always stated that the only weapons he'll ever need is his own body. Strangely enough, this has proven true ever since taken into service. Tora has shown his ability to defeat whole groups of armed opponents time and time again. [B]Fighting Style:[/B] Tora is a master of hand to hand combat, despite his young age. Many are in disbelief of his skill, and few can well identify any move in his arsenal. His stance looks as though he is falling asleep while standing up, greatly confusing his opponents, who take advantage of his foolish looks. He attacks primarily with his feet with akward kicks, but is also able to disarm opponents with his lighting fast hands. Tora is also known for his ability to leap incredible heights and for his acrobatic balance. Tora truely is the Sleeping Tiger. [B]Short Bio:[/B] Few people know of Tora's past. Few even know his true name, his current one being nothing more than a nickname given to him by Lord Hoji and his subordinates. His past is a sad one, none the less. Born on the island nation of Okinawa, Tora was raised by his father alone, his mother dying during his own birth. His father was a happy man with an optomistic outlook on life that he passed on to his son, as he also passed on his skill in the island's foreign art of Kara-Te (Empty Fist), something that the young Tora gladly learned. Due to the main land's strict rules and superior attitudes towards the native Okinawans, Tora had a naturally difficult childhood. He and his father constantly mistreated by the mainlanders, it wasn't until one faithful day that his life changed dramatically. It was a stormy day by the docks, where Tora's father worked, as did Tora. He loaded ships for the Japanese occupants and rain was dropping hard onto the laborers like nails. Tora's father was a powerful man and held a large crate on his back, hauling up onto a soldier ship. Almost to the top, a scraggly looking soldier stalked over to him from the ship and stood in front of him. Uttering something Tora could not quite understand from afar, all he saw was the man kick his father in the chest, causing him to topple down the ramp and back down onto the ground. Tora quickly aided his father and helped him to his feet, giving a furious look to the soldier. [B]"Better keep your boy in line, Okinawan."[/B] the soldier spat in discontent. [B]"Go on, son... we don't want any trouble..."[/B] Tora's father spoke to him cautiously, looking to his son with care. [B]"No! This pig needs to learn a lesson!"[/B] Tora spoke angrily, clenching his fist. [B]"So, you wanna start some trouble, you little dog!?"[/B] the soldier growled at him, a nasty look in his eyes as he drew his sword from his side. Filled with rage, Tora charge at the man with blind fury. The man then took a big slash down with his sword down at the boy. Tora looked up only in time to see his father leap in the way of the blow, pushing Tora off the dock and into the water. The blade sunk deep into his clavical, causing blood to gush out thick. Tora looked up from the water and screamed loudly as his father fell backwards, dead. [B]"Damn it!"[/B] the soldier cursed, calling in two men to carry off the body, dropping it into the ocean. Tora quickly sunk underwater to keep from being discovered. As he swam onto a beach further away, he took a deep breath and sat up, looking onto the docks where his fahter was just killed. From that day forward, he swore he would have his revenge. He wouldn't get it until many years later... It was a bright and humid day in Okinawa as Lord Hoji had recently came to dock, viewing the land himself for anything of interest. He had one of his advisors with him, a man by the name of Kansuke. He was a caniving and malicious man whom he had a hard time trusting. He had a ruthless history, but Hoji decided to promote him anyways, because of his knowledge of the island of Okinawa. They were all trotting along on horseback as Kansuke told tales and gave details about the land around, as if he had cultivated it himself. Suddenly, out of some near by shrubbery a loud rustling was heard and with unimaginable speed, a young man flew from them and leaped into the air at an inhuman height. He quickly shot out his foot and rammed it into Kansuke's face, causing him to shut his talkitive mouth and fly off his horse. He landed on the ground in a sick thump and quickly grabbed his face in agony. [B]"What! What the hell! What the hell just hit me!"[/B] he screamed in anger and pain. He looked up to see the scraggly young man looking down at him with an unimaginable fury burning in his eyes. [B]"You... you were the one who murdered my father all those years ago..."[/B] the young man spoke in a low growl barely audible. [B]"Kansuke... what does this young man speak of?"[/B] Lord Hoji demanded to know. [B]"I don't know... h-he's just a dirty Okinawa-EH!"[/B] Kansuke stopped short as the young man shot his foot into Kansuke's throat, killing him instantly. Lord Hoji and his escorts gasped in horror. [B]"I'm am sorry to have offended you sir, but this man... he murdered my father... years ago."[/B] the young man said with a softened expression. The escorts of Lord Hoji had dismounted and drawn their weapons, slowly stalking onto the young man. [B]"Is this my fate to die here..."[/B] he spoke remorsefully. [B]"Halt!"[/B] Lord Hoji called out to his escorts. [B]"Young man. Your skill, and your ability. They impress me greatly. Allow me to compensate for the crimes my servant has committed upon you."[/B] [B]"What is this sir...?"[/B] the young man spoke gruffily. [B]"Join me, so that I may repay you. Come back to the mainland with me, and serve under me as a warrior, as is befitting of a man with such ability."[/B] Hoji spoke in a compassionate voice, his words catching the young man's attention in a strange way. [B]"Join you..."[/B] he said in a way as if dreaming. He then bowed his head and looked up to Lord Hoji, bringing a smile to his face. [B]"Raise, my friend... raise."[/B] Hoji spoke. [B]"What shall I call you?"[/B] [B]"My name died along with my father, Lord.[/B] the young man spoke quietly, looking up with tired features at Lord Hoji. This sparked inspiration in him. [B]"Such a warrior... I shall call you... Tora! Nemuri Tora!"[/B] Hoji spoke, bringing a smile to the warriors face. From that day forward, the warrior known as Nemurai Tora served loyally under Lord Hoji... [B]Character Snippit:[/B] The Hiroki Grill was a reknown congregating place for ruffians and gansters of all sorts in Chiba. A place that local pirates liked to spend off days at. This place also happenend to be Tora's favorite place to catch a drink. He sat quietly at a table, sitting cross legged and getting his fill of sake and rice. He was wearing his typical clothes of a pair of shorts (a garment he learned to tailor in Okinawa) and a red kimono jacket showing the name of the Hoji clan. As he sat peacefully, drinking to himself, a gang of rough necks barged into the grill, already drunk off of cheap sake and laughing histeryically at something or another. The rambled over to Tora's spot and stopped suddenly, eyeballing the man. One of them stepped forward clumisly and pulled a knife. [B]"Hey p-pally... *hick*. Your in our seat."[/B] the oaf slurred, pointing the rusty blade at Tora. Tora smoothed his eyes across his sockets and locked pupils with the man without turning his head from the table. [B]"I don't see your names on it..."[/B] he said with a lazy smirk in the corner of his mouth. [B]"Ha! It's right there, fool!"[/B] one of the other men growled, pointing a tatooed arm that read "Oni Tribe". Tora turned his eyes again, this time looking at the graffitied wall by his table. On it, carved sloppily was "Oni Tribe Runs Chiba". Tora couldn't help but laugh a little. [B]"What're ya laughin' at punk!? Ya think the Oni Tribe is something to **** with?!"[/B] the third man yelled loudly, catching the attention of the rest of the grill. He then reaches under his shirt and pulled a foreign pistol from his waist line, pointing it at Tora. Tora replied by laughing loudly at them. Angry, the man with knife lunged forward at Tora, stabbing the ground that he sat in, but Tora had already rolled against the wall, and pushed himself off, slamming his shoulder into the man's face, knocking him into the floor and bleeding from the nose. The man carrying the gun aimed down at Tora, who quickly hand standed and spun on his back, kicking the pistol from his hand as he fired a shot into the ceiling. Quickly reacting, he spun his other leg around and swept the thug's leg at the knee, causing him to slam his head into the hard wood floor. Tora stood up straight to face the last of the three ruffians. He was shaking at the knees, terrified, but withdrew a chain belt from around his waist and swung it above his head. [B]"Now... d-don't come any closer." [/B]he stammered. [B]"Alright."[/B], was all Tora said as he leaned his head forward with lightning speed, slamming it into the bridge of the thug's nose, causing him to flail back onto the ground. After finishing this, Tora suddenly noticed that all of the grill's customers were staring at him fearfully. Tora turned to the Grill's owner, Hiroki Toji, who simply looked agitated. [B]"Honestly, Tora! This is the third time in a month! Ya gotta stop provoking these things, or I'm gonna have tah kick ya out!"[/B] he said in an aged voice. He was a short and stubby man with a messy beard around his mouth. [B]"Now will ya help me get these dummies outta here?"[/B] [B]"Sorry... I got, ugh... places to be..." [/B]Tora spoke as he made his way out of the Hiroki Grill. [B]"Damn it! Again!" [/B]Toji growled as he lifted one of the unconcious men up and dragged them slowly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Nemuri Tora in Japanese means Sleeping Tiger. [/color][/size]

[size=1][center] [color=red]This RPG takes place in a fictional Japan. This RPG may contain images of violence, gore, language, alcohol use, and sex. Take part at your own risk.[/color] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [color=darkred][size=2][B][U]The Story[/B][/U][/size] The year was 1551, and great intrigue had recently gripped the country, due to the introduction of European culture by sailors and merchants. The Shogun had taken a great amount of interest in the ways of these foreign travelers and had welcomed them to come and go through country as they pleased, bringing and taking as they liked. This greatly displeased many of the regional lords, finding the European peoples greatly disrespectful to the laws of their individual lands. However, due to the Shogun's favor towards them, the Europeans were allowed to continue their ways. There was only one Daimyo who continued to maintain law in his own land, Lord Hoji Gasuke. Lord Hoji was the Daimyo and ruler of Chiba Prefecture, an extremely important port at the islands coast. It was he alone who wouldn't allow the foreigners use of his ports and demanded that they go else where with their 'special' cargo. Much to their displeasure, the foreigners did as told, but this would not last long, as the foreigners reported their mistreating to the Shogun himself.[/color] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [color=sienna] It was a brightly lit night sky over Chiba Prefecture. The strong winds of fall pushed the sea's smell into the mainland, filling the air with the scent of salt water. Lord Hoji sat peacefully in his shrine, honoring his ancestors, and the Buhdda. He bowed ontop a silk mat as inscents burned to his right and left. The Buhdda was a striking feature in the room, a 10 foot statue of the Great Enlightener praying solemnly, chiseled out of polished gold. As he bowed, Lord Hoji prayed one of his favorite mantras for the well being of his people. The threat of the Europeans was beggining to wear on his nerves, and he feared violence would soon break out between him and the foreigners.[/color] [color=indigo] Little did he know, death was approaching quickly from the forest surrounding his grand manor. Shadows of the Shogun where skipping from tree to tree in the woodlands, nearing the Daimyo's castle. There where three of them, each a highly trained assassin of the night, masters of secrecy, Shinobi... As they seemingly flew through the height of the trees, they slowly began to slow their pace as the light illuminating from the castle became evident. They were close, and would have to begin stalking onto the target. As they approached the manor, they each emidiatley noticed the ground guards, marching back and forth slowly attentively. The shinobi eyed one another, and then leaped to the ground, rolling along the ground with inhuman grace. They quickly began a speedy run through the rest of the forest with silent footsteps. They approached the first guard with a supernatural stealth, quickly, the first of the shinobi leaped ontop his back, stifiling his yelps with a hand over the mouth as the second quickly ran around him, slitting his throat. The third then leaped in action, pulling the body back into the forest's cover. They then continued...[/color] [color=sienna] Lord Hoji was alerted by a light rapping in the distance, and chalked it up to one of his many pets possibly playing with another. He was suddenly alerted again by the rapping abrupt halt. He looked up from his praying bow calmly, and glanced over his shoulder slightly. He then looked forward once again and bowed, beggining his mantra once again. That was when a loud slam caused him to look up again, seeing three men covered in black slowly approaching him from his back in the reflection of the praying Buhdda statue. He scowled to himself, closing his eyes. [B]"So. It has come to this. The Shogun has finally turned against his own people in favor of those foreigners?" [/B]he spoke in a voice of remorse. [B]"This saddens me greatly..."[/B][/color] [color=indigo] [B]"It would seem our lord has grown tired of your interference."[/B] said one of the Shadows in a hissing tone.[/color] [B][color=sienna]"I see. Then I shall not disobey your lords wishes. Just know, though you may kill me, the people shall still have a voi- Ugh!..."[/B] Lord Hoji's words were cut short by the cold steel of the assassin's blade cutting him down the lenght of his back diagonally.[/color] [color=indigo][B]"Hmmf! I have no interest in your foolish babble... Our mission is complete. Let us go."[/B] spoke the Shinobi leader with the snake's voice, quickly dissapearing into the shadows, followed quickly by his followers.[/color] [color=sienna]The Daimyo lay dying on the floor as they dissapeared, blood flowing down his mouth and spilling out his back. He mustered up the strength to move his fingers slightly to leave his last testimate upon this world, and to his people. With his dying breath he spoke, [B]"T-the people m-must know..."[/B]. Moments later a young maiden stepped into the room. "M'lord! I heard a ruckus, is there anything the.... Aaaai!" she screiched loudly, alerting the rest of the castle's tennents. As the rest of the residents came, a look of horror and despair washed over them as they saw the blood drenched body of their leader dead on the floor. As one of the Daimyo's advisors peered further, his face was twisted in terror as he read the word written in blood on the stomache of the Buhdda statue. It read simply, [color=darkred][B]"Shogun"[/B][/color]...[/color] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our Daimyo has been killed. With only one clue left, our only knowledge is that the one resposible is the Shogun himself. With vengeance in our blood and rage in our hearts, we, the Samurai of our Lord Hoji Gasuke have vowed to take justice on the wicked Shogun, and any of those involved in the taking of our Lord's life.... Unfortunately for us Ronin, the Shogun has the rest of the regional lords on a tight leash, and all of them are ready to obey his commands. Due to a price placed on the heads of each of us, each of them will be looking for us intently. Along with his regional lords, the Shogun has taken aid from the Europeans, who have taken in their hands to hire the deadliest mercenaries from across the world. Each of them powerful foes, they all hunt the lands for us. We have a great journey in front of us, but we no longer have anything to lose. Vengeance shall be ours... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [B][U][size=2]The Factions:[/B][/U][/size] [color=sienna][B]The Ronin:[/B] The Ronin are the last of the Daimyo's samurai. Now masterless, they have sworn revenge on the murderer of their lord, The Shogun. A rag tag team, each Ronin is different in size, appearance, fighting style, and background, but all of them swore their loyalty to Lord Hoji. Now, they are on their last mission to free the people from the tyrannical Shogun, and to take vengeance on their master...[/color] [color=indigo][B]The Mercenaries:[/B] the Mercenaries are the hired or serving warriors of the Shogun and the European occupants. Soldiers of fortune from across the world, each important mercenary is a deadly combantant and unique in the ways they destroy their opponents. With nothing in their hearts other than money and self gain, the Mercenaries are a ruthless group, but dangerous none the less. Each of them are to be feared...[/color] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [/center] [B][U][size=2]Sign Ups[/B][/U][/size] [B]Name:[/B] (Japanese if Samurai, or befetting nationality) [B]Age:[/B] (17-60) [B]Gender:[/B] [B]Faction:[/B] ([color=sienna]Ronin[/color] or [color=indigo]Mercenary[/color]) [B]Personality:[/B] [B]Appearance:[/B] (pic or detailed description) [B]Weapon:[/B] (just about anything is game other than firearms advanced past muskets and small pistols. Swords, spears, anything is cool really.) [B]Fighting Style:[/B] (make is fantastic. No ki blasts, but think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Hero) [B]Short Bio:[/B] (let it document the past of your character, and the current relationship with their master or employer) [B]Character Snippet:[/B] (an out of context writing in character) [center] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The aim of this RPG is to create an epic and over the top action adventure as a band of close friends with a single mission on mind make their way to the Shogun to take revenge and to uncover the true evil behind his motivations. I hope all who join enjoy this RPG. It's been a while since I last made one, so I hope I'm not too rusty. Have fun! I'll get my sign up later.[/size][/center]

[color=sienna][size=1] Sorry for taking so long. Here goes, I got two. So, yeah, the funniest out of the two wins, I guess. Thats cool right? [img]http://masteryogui.free.fr/Anime/Samurai_Champloo/screen03.jpg[/img] or [img]http://caxton.stockton.edu/browneyedgirl/picture$618[/img] Cool? Cool. [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] You shut your mouth! Big O was excellent! Great animation, cool characters, and even cooler robots! Okay... I'm calm now. Anyways, there's, as many know, several craptastic anime out there. Here is the list of my disfortune: [B]Street Fighter II[/B]: That got nearly every aspect of the games world wrong, save Guile's hair style. I mean, honestly. Ken had red hair, Ryu had Gohan's due, and Sagat was in prison! Hello!? Plus, Ken and Ryu are possibly the most ambigously gay duo in anime. [B]Slayers:[/B] Not because it was bad, but because I got into it, and could never finish the series. [B]Gundam SD:[/B] That show should have never even been made. I vowed long ago to burn that shows creators at the stake, and my mission still needs completion. [B]Dragon Ball GT:[/B] With possibly the ugliest character designs in the series. It made every Z Character domesticated and wimpy. And why in God's name would you make Goku a child again... why? Other than these however, my exposure to anime has been fairly good.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Actually, some video game morality choices have effects on the game. Like, in certain games, it will undoubtedly effect the story and how the games ending plays out or even the last few moments of the game itself. Such an example is [B]Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic[/B]. While other games, such as [B]GTA: Sand Andreas[/B] really have no long term effects other than possibly dying or being arrested, which you lose nothing other than your current fire arms and some cash. Again, things depend... Or it could just be like in [B]The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past/Ocarina of Time[/B] and killing chickens end up in a hilarious Easter Egg where you are nearly killed. Boy, you can't imagine my suprise when that happened. As I have stated before, video game morality depends on the game, the character, and the mood I'm in. If I'm Kain in [B]The Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen[/B], then yes, I shall drink the blood of innocent bystanders. If I'm the main character in [B]Fable[/B] who gets alot of booty for being a good guy, then, yeah, I'm gonna be a good guy. (Although killing annoying people is so much fun...) [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Not meaning to butt in or anything, but all ya gotta do to get an images URL, any image, is left click on it, scroll down to 'Properties' and it should be listed. Then you just copy, paste, and let the good times roll. [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Video games nowadays are slowly trying to simulate real life more and more. Sex, playing a bigger role in most people's lives than gratuitous violence, is an understandable step in video games, although it's not really new. Ever hear of Leisure Suit Larry? That game is older than me, and the whole point of the game is getting laid. I agree with Charles in the aspect that video games shouldn't be treated any differently than films. People didn't freak when a guy got eaten by a T-Rex in Jurassic Park (a film a saw at the age of five... still a fan), but a person having a cartoony roll in the sheets with their wife on the Sims is suddenly 'controvercial'. People need to realize that Video Games have become an major form of entertainment for both children and adults, and video games aimed specifically at adults are to be expected. Sex in games should either a.) serve an artisitic purpose, showing either character development or placing a person in a setting. Or b.) be an advertised feature as an AO rated game. Cuz we all know about the poop-storm that arose from that Hot Coffee incident. Which wasn't exactly tasteful if ya ask me, but still, kids shouldn't have had their hands on GTA: San Andreas in the first place. No, sex in games isn't wrong if it is done in good taste (forgive my terrible pun), but it deffinetly shouldn't be in the hands of youngin's. Thats my opinion.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] This fine mass of man is already taken ladies... yeah... I feel sorry for my girlfriend too. On the real though, there are alot of confusing things when it comes to love nowadays. I see on a daily basis people splitting and hooking up two days later, and it highly confuses me. I see girls get with guys and I'm like, didn't you see how just dumped that one girl!? And you still want that guy!? Come on!? And then I see a guy get with a girl who is known for just going against all relationships and I'm like "Dude! You already know she's like that, what are you doin'!?" The determination if a person is 'good' or not depends on your deffinition of a good partner. And this is something that will vary from every person. You really just have to look, and with a stroke of destiny, your bound to find some one worth while. Ya just gotta keep an open eye and mind, and you might just find that people are different when you get to know them better.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] When I am not Mugen, the glorious being you see before you, I am Mike. Just a regular high school sophmore. I spend the largest majority of my free time either day dreaming, or drawing out these day dreams on paper. I spend most of my week days attending high school, and I come home to either log on, or play video games (in the middle of a few actually). I love comic books. Everything about them I adore. American, British, Japanese, Chinese, it really doesn't matter, I love comics. A few of my favorites include John Constantine Hellblazer, Green Arrow, Ultimate X-Men/Spider-Man, Naruto, Trigun Maximum, and the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series, and everything by Neil Gaiman (Sandman was a masterpeice in it's self). Every tuesday and wednsday, I attend Tae Kwon Do class from around 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. I am currently a red belt. That is where I get most of my physical activity from, aswell, I spend alot of my time shadow boxing and just throwing kicks at random. This makes me seem like a complete weirdo, but, whatever... The majority of my weekends is spent with my loving girlfriend, Kayla. It is usually either I spend the day at her house, or she mine, or we go to the odd football game once in awhile at our highschool. In the event that we cannot get with one another however, I either play video games, or if it's a saturday, I watch Toonami into [adult swim] and just draw or read through out. Currently, I'm working my way through "The Fallen" series (I highly recommend this book series), which is about as close to reading a comic book as you can get (the author is actually a comic writer aswell). I'm on book three of four, and I just got it two weeks back, so you can imagine I've spent alot of time reading as of late. Also, I love a good movie. Me and my family have a DVD collection of around 200 I believe. Me and my Dad usually watch a movie two or three times a week, usually new or rented ones. We don't go to the theatre, really no point nowadays since you only gotta wait about three months for a DVD release. Just got through Batman Begins and loved it. Also just shared the joy of Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 with my eccentric Grandfather, who highly enjoyed it. So, cools. That makes the... fifth? time I have seen both of them. And that is the life of Mugen aka Mike. [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] Punk is no longer Punk anymore. Punk is supposed to be apposing what is popular, going against the grain of everything. And in a society where Punk is accepted as a main stream trend, it then looses purpose. This is why I respect those, such as bands, who do not use such label's to catergorize themselves. That is truely in the spirit of Punk. And if I had to spring up a band or two off the top of my head that holds these things true, it would probably be bands such Weezer or The Darkness, who simply don't care about anything other than making music the way they want to make it. No punky look, no outside influence. Just music. If you get an endorsment for a corporate company, then you basically have to accept the fact that you aren't Punk anymore. So, here's looking to you, Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. Ya freakin' sell outs. But thats besides the point. If you call yourself Punk, then your basically going against what it means to be Punk. Punk means being different, being basically against all that is considered 'cool' at the time, and doing what you wanna do without care for what others may think. If ya gotta label yourself, then you know you care. No, I'm not Punk. I like Hip Hop too much to label myself in that category. Am I Hip Hop? No, cuz I like rock music too much to be considered Hip Hop. I'm me. Basically, if you wanna be Punk, the you gotta just be you, and tell the rest of the world to screw itself. Least... that's what I think what Punk used to mean.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] In the massive expanses of the Russian mountains, a massive castle stood remote, unknown by all save those meant to. This fortress was called Gwyar Castle, the central for all those who swore under the clan of Gwyar. It's foundation nearly as ancient as civilization itself, it's founders were the most ancient and powerful vampires in existance. It's many corridors held over one hundred rooms and chambers, but all led to the central and most important chamber, the Council Room. Within this circular chamber sat a large round table, sitting at this table were the greatest vampire in history. Lord Vlad Dracula, Lord Dante Verchile, Lord Orlok, and the other founders of the clan. It was Vlad Dracula who slammed down a gavel to call attention the Council Order. He was the eldest of the vampire there, and was thought to have no equal in power. He knew better. [B]"This meeting of the Gwyar Heads is now in order."[/B] Dracula spoke in the ancient language of the Vampire. His voice was powerful and commanding. [B]"As most of us know, there are many problems troubling our ancient order. Not only have we divided into seperate factions, but now a new threat has arose in the far east."[/B] This statement caused many to raise the brows in attention. For Lord Dracula to consider something a threat, it must be great in deed. It was then that Lord Verchile spoke out in the same ancient language.[B] "He is called the White Haired Demon. However, recent intelligence has alerted us of his true name, Kuroichi. He is from the island country of Japan off the eastern seas."[/B] his voice was a cold hiss, a chilling whisper. [B]"It is said that in the past five hundred years, he has slowly amassed power and united the Vampires of East Asia under his own flag."[/B] [B]"It is our fault we did not realize this sooner. We have lost contact with that region." [/B]spoke a vampire named Amadeus Warner in a troubling tone. [B]"Yes, that it is." [/B]spoke another Lord. [B] "It is time for us to take more interest in this matter."[/B] Lord Dracula began. [B]"We have decided to send one of our top intelligence agents into the territory to gather information on this problem, and to possibly confront Kuroichi himself. We hope that his intentions are peaceful."[/B] [B]"Many of you know her by Sumiyaka."[/B] Lord Verchile said, turning his chair as the woman herself appeared at the door. She waved with a slight smile. She had silver blue hair which she ran her fingers through as she waited for the meeting to continue.[B] "I assure you that she is effective in her position. However, she shall need an escort into the lands who is powerful and reliable combatant."[/B] [B]"Why not send a unit in with her?"[/B] asked Lord Warner. [B]"We do not wish to attract attention. Our actions must be silent and unseen. We can only afford one bodyguard to escort her."[/B] Lord Verchile said in a cautious voice. [B]"Who then?! This mission is far to dangerous for just two agents! If they are captured, it would surely mean an all out war!"[/B] Warner shouted. Behind him, many other council heads began rambling amongst themselves over the matter. Urgency and uncertainty was in there voices. [B] "Who?! Who can we send? This cannot be trusted to a pair of agents." [/B]spoke out another. [B]"This is too delicate a situation. We might aswell forget about it."[/B] [B] "But what if this man becomes a threat?! The possibilities of not knowing are dangerous."[/B] Having become extremely annoyed with all the argueing and verbal combat, Lord Orlok decided he had enough and slammed his fist loudly into the table, silencing all. [B]"You all must stop this argueing. If we are to remain strong and united, we must endanger ourselves. We must take chances and nip such threats in the bud."[/B] he spoke authoritively. His anger slowly subsiding. [B]"If you all cannot decide or find an agent strong enough to lead a simple escort mission, then I shall."[/B] [B]"Who then, Orlok? Who do you know strong enough to amass a squad of men?" [/B]asked Warner. [B]"Myself... I shall take this mission into my own hands, if it means the safety and security of my clan."[/B] he then rose from his chair.[B] "You... you sicken me with your cowardice."[/B] [B]"Orlok. Are you sure this motion is wise?"[/B] asked Dracula respectively. [B] "Yes lord. If I can no longer be trusted to carry out action myself, then I do not deserve to be upon this council. I assure you, our mission shall be a success, Lord." [/B]Orlok said assuringly, bowing his head before the council. [B]"I need to return to my home, I shall return in two days prepared for the journey."[/B] [B] "Alright then."[/B] Lord Dracula then turned to the council table. [B]"This meeting of the Gwyar Council is adjourned."[/B] he said, slamming the gavel one last time and raising from his chair. [B]"Lord Orlok!" [/B]he called out. [B] "Yes, Lord Dracula?" [/B] [B] "I commend you..." [/B]he replied, bowing his head aswell. [B]"Thank you, lord."[/B] Orlok spoke. Orlok then turned to the silver haired woman standing in the doorway.[B] "We shall meet soon again..."[/B] he said as he walked past her. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Lord Orlok paced down the corridors of the Gwyar Castle, a smile graced his face and he clenched his fists. Excitement was running through his veins as it hadn't in so long. Orlok had missed the thrill of combat and battle. If things turned out in his favor, the Demon known as Nosferatu would soon be awake again... [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] I've never really 'cried' about anything unless it has to deal with me personally, such as a close relative dying. When it comes to anime, I don't get sad, I get pissed at the show and it's creator for killing off or doing such messed up stuff. Things I have gotten pissed or a little emotional about are as follows: [B][color=darkred]This following list contains some major spoilers, and I don't feel like tagging all of them, so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.[/color][/B] 1. The Death of Maes Hughes in Full Metal Alchemist... That man was great. And the funeral was pretty sad, I'll admit. 2. The Death of Nicholas D. Wolfwood two episodes before the finally of Trigun. God! He was my freakin' Hero! He was easily the coolest character in the show and deffinetly had the coolest weapon. That whole spiritual surrogate thing during the battle with knives however kinda helped me get over it. 3. The last episode of Mobile Suit Gundam: 0080 War in a Pocket. I only have one word... BERNIE!!! Closest to crying I ever came in any anime. 4. The whole plight of Alphonse Elric kinda makes you depressed in Full Metal Alchemist. 5. The Death of Straight Cougar in S-Cry-Ed. He was easily the coolest character in that show. I mean, he beat Ryoho and Kazuma at the same time, and then they showed his true alter for the first time, only to have him die... Damn It! 6. The last episode of Cowboy Bebop. That was one ending where I felt kinda glad for the protaganist dying. 7. The plight of Harry McDougal in Outlaw Star... sigh. All for love. 8. The death of Greed in Full Metal Alchemist. Greed was possibly the only homonculus worth sympathizing with. That guy was my favorite character for a minute. 9. Basically all of Blue Gender. 10. Rock Lee beating the hell out of Gaara, all for naught. That damned Sand Armor... Lee was so close. Then... BAM! Crushed arm and leg. And then that cat still stood up. That's a real fighter right there. All of these things have either made me kinda sad or made me yell and scream at the TV because of it's unfairness to the some of the coolest characters ever. Never cried though.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] I'm not a really good source when it comes to bicuriousity, seeing as how I've never really had that urge. But from what I've heard, this seems like it might be any number of things. You might just be having a hormonal fit. I mean, if your fourteen, that means that your right in the middle of puberty, meaning that alot of things are going on in your mind and body at the moment that can strongly influence both your emotions and your physical desires. Or it could just be that your slowly coming to terms with your own sexuality and found that you're attracted to both sexes. Either way, before you go into anything head first, you should make sure it's what you want mentally and emotionally, aswell as physically. Be sure you know what your doing by saying to yourself "I'm Gay" or "I'm Straight" or "I'm Bisexual". Know what that means, and make sure you know that is what you want, because things could wind up mighty uncomfortable for you if your not sure. I'm heterosexual, very much so, and have had a steady girlfriend for around two years now, so I know what I'm sayin' when it comes to romancing, but if you don't know what you want yet, then I don't suggest you go after a guess or a hunch. This is something you need to figure out yourself with some deep soul searching and inner thinking. This is you, and you shouldn't let the opinions of others determine something that will be so important to you in life. Oh, and as said before, you don't wanna be "Omnisexual". And "Ubersexual" means that you want sex, now, tomorrow, and an hour from two minutes ago. So, if you think you like both sexes, then you should stick with bisexual.[/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] A dark sky slowly fell over the mountain side castle of Lord Orlok as night approached. Snow began drifting softly onto the already snow capped peak as winter was soon approaching aswell. The inside of the marble floored abode was also bathed in darkness, numerous candles being the only source of light in the countless corridors. Orlok himself, lie in his personal chambers, nude with in the sheets of an oversized bed, his wife nuzzling her cold nose into the warmth of his neck, awaking him to the night. She was an attractive, young looking blonde woman named Michelle, with hair reaching her mid back. Orlok ran his long fingers through her hair slowly, placing her head down into his own pillow so not to wake her. He slowly raised from his bed, stretching, and cracking the bones in his neck and vertabrae. Gracefully, he stepped to his armoir and opened it wide to reveal a rack of finely made, custom suits, most of which were a solid black. He removed one such suit save the jacket and dressed himself. Turning around, he saw Michelle slowly raise from her slumber, sleep still in her eyes. [B]"Mornin', Love."[/B] she uttered in a voice that always soothed Orlok's aged ears. She was of british descent, and had been with him for over fifty years. Still though, she hung onto her old human habits. [B]"Guten Nicht..."[/B] he spoke in a rich german dialect. He smiled softly at the woman. [B]"Damn... that's right, It's night isn't it. I always forget. Old habits, I suppose."[/B] she said in a tired voice. Slowly she raised up from her lying position to face him, covering her torso in the large animal pelt blanket to protect her from the cold. [B]"How do you do it, Ol' boy? It's bloody freezin' and your just strolling around in light dress."[/B] she questioned, calling Orlok by the pet name she had adressed to him. [B]"I enjoy the cold. It helps me focus on important matters."[/B] after this, Orlok's chamber door's slammed open, startling Michelle and causing Orlok to turn his neck quickly to see. [B]"What is the meaning of this Otto?"[/B] Orlok asked his assisstant sharply. [B]"L-lord Orlok!"[/B] Otto began nervously, catching his breath. [B]"I have recently received a notice from our contacts in Eastern Ukraine... It's concerning that man sir... t-the Demon."[/B] [B]"Thank you, Otto. Please leave, I shall be out in a moment."[/B] [B]"Yes sire."[/B] the assisstant said, bowing and quickly walking out of the chamber. Orlok sighed deeply and thought for a moment, then looked up to Michelle. [B]"Troubles, Ol' boy?"[/B] she said in a more alert voice. [B]"No, dear... just in need of some cold air."[/B] Orlok said calmly, stepping out into the corridor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *[B]Guten Nicht[/B] means good night in German. *please forgive the weak start off. I just wanted to establish Orlok's personality a little better, and show how he is when he's not in the midst of destroying souls. [/color][/size]

[color=sienna][size=1] [B]Naruto:[/B] Kakashi-Sensei... what's with the big white 'n' black mushroom in the bag? [B]Kakashi:[/B] ..... What Mushroom? [/color][/size]