Rhym

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]One of the weirdest but most awesome genres of metal out there is folk metal. I only have heard one band that could rightfully be called that, and that band is Finntroll. The lyrics are all in Finnish. If one was to describe their sound, it would be symphonic polka death metal. You heard me right. It is one of the most epic, hilarious bands I have ever heard. Pick up their album, Jaktens Tid.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]I'd have to say that symphonic/epic metal is what titilates my ear-membranes. It mixes double-bass pedals and wailing guitar solos with soaring synth lines and, occasionally, full pit orchestra accompaniments. Plus, if the normal scream/growl vocals of other metal annoys you, symphonic/epic metal has none of that. In fact, they usually sing in Queen-style harmonies. Totally awesome. Bands of this subgenre include Nightwish (also commonly categorized under "Goth metal"), Sonata Arctica, Rhapsody, Symphony X, Blind Guardian, and Hammerfall. Symphonic/epic metal shares many characteristics with power metal. Scandinavian melodic death metal is another subgenre that tickles my fancy. Sure, the vocals are the scrowl of normal metal, but when you hear the instrumentals, it ceases to be an issue. Whether it's Children of Bodom's amazingly technical guitar solos, In Flames' trademark rythmic harmonies, or the sheer epicness of Kalmah, Scandinavian melodic death metal is a solid subgenre through and through.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]OOC: Hullo, bit of a latecomer in the sign-up, but 0ber's okay with me. IC: It was a pub, what did Jan expect? He couldn't sleep when the smoke of cigarettes assaulted his nostrils. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Good morning, sunshine,[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] said the demon in the back of his head. [i]Shut it, Azzy,[/i] thought Jan to Azazel, the Demon of Laziness that he was the avatar of. [i]Waking up to cigarette smoke makes me cranky.[/i] [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Aww, muffin. I'm so sorry.[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] Jan removed his face from the table and glanced around the pub. The bottle at his head was just for effect. He found people would hassle him less if he appeared to be a drunkard instead of just a sloth. Some of its denizens seemed oddly familiar. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Recognize anyone? I do,[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] chuckled Azazel. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]The one in the trenchcoat smoking the offending weed is Leliel, the Angel of Night. Fancy him chatting with none other than Asmodeus, who appears to be seeking the attentions of some young harlot in the corner.[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] They watched as the one pegged as Asmodeus sauntered over to the blushing girl. He put his arm around her and, in a move that surprised them, ushered her safely out of the pub. [i]Looks like the Demon of Lust has standards after all,[/i] noted Jan. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Yea, her eyes were the wrong color,[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] cackled the demon. The pub doors swung open, and a new entity entered. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]What a surprise! That's none other than Sahaquiel, the Angel of Sky![/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] The Angel sat at the bar counter near Leliel and ordered a water. The sight of him drinking reminded Jan of his own, and he poured himself a glass. The door swung open yet again. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]The holy bastards just keep coming! That's Sachiel? the Angel of Water.[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] [i]What a night,[/i] thought Jan, taking a sip of his Scotch. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Something must be up,[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] said Azazel. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]But if that's the case, why didn't I hear anything?[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] He sounded slightly perturbed. [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Hey! Aren't you gonna introduce me?[/i][/COLOR][COLOR=DarkSlateGray] Jan grinned haggardly and sighed. He grabbed the bottle and the glass and shuffled over to where the Angels sat.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Room enough for me, 0ber? Sorry for the late start. I was gripped by... laziness. [B]Name of Demon:[/B] Azazel, the demon of laziness [B]Name of Avatar:[/B] Jan (pronounced like yawn) Stronham [B]Age of Avatar:[/B] 26 [B]Sex of Avatar:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] Jan's hair looks like he just got out of bed because, in this case, he did. His eyes are a perpetually bleary and bloodshot hazel. In terms of clothes, he wears whatever rumpled and wrinkled and perhaps smelling ones he picks up off of his floor, which he hasn't seen since he incarnated. [B]Weapon of Choice:[/B] A pistol. Guns don't require that much effort to use. [B]Power:[/B] He can put anyone he meets to sleep. [B]Favorite Color:[/B] The pattern on the inside of his eyelids. [B]Likes:[/B] Sleep. Pillows. Beds. Soft, warm places to curl up and nap in. [B]Dislikes:[/B] Alarm clocks. [B]Biography of Avatar:[/B] Jan has never done a lick of work in his life, and yet has always somehow stayed afloat. The money for the rent, the term paper, anything he's ever needed will somehow just... appear. [B]Personality:[/B] If you somehow find Azazel A) concious and B) in a talkative state of mind, you will find him an easy-going, friendly man. He is a poweful ally, just don't count on him doing any work assigned to him without having to be nagged to death about it. [B]Mortal Enemy:[/B] Artecius, and the business world in general, for having all those damn effort-requiring rules and guidelines. Plus, he wears a suit. Both Azazel and Jan have an instinctive distrust of anyone with the energy to put on a suit. [B]All-in-all:[/B] Preferably unconcious.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkRed]"Four is enough, I'd say,"[/COLOR] said Jode, a statement that elicited a chorus of wheedling cries. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Sorry, but any more and we'll make too much noise. Cairn, Lyaeve, Kojiroh and I will go. The rest of you stay and defend the Guild. If none of us come back, you are by no means to come looking for us. We'll probably be dead."[/COLOR] Jode was surprised that he had been able to voice such a sobering thought so bluntly and dismissively. Before the crowd lost hope, he spoke again. [COLOR=DarkRed]"But that won't happen, right, guys?"[/COLOR] The three nodded and the rest of the students cheered. In all reality, though, Jode was worried, and by the looks of them, so were Cairn, Lyaeve, and Kojiroh. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]Whoever this guy is, he's powerful enough to maintain an army of skeletons and kill the Headmistress. Something tells me he's no pushover.[/i][/COLOR] -------- [COLOR=MediumTurquoise]"They're not gonna listen, you know,"[/COLOR] said Cairn as they made their way to the woods. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Hmm?"[/COLOR] Jode had been lost in thought. [COLOR=MediumTurquoise]"If we don't come back, they're gonna come looking for us."[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkRed]"I know,"[/COLOR] sighed Jode. [COLOR=DarkRed]"But it's nice to think they'll be realistic."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Cheers and congradulations reverberated throughout the courtyard and atop the North Wall. Jode joined in until it died down. He chose that point to address some concerns. Vaulting up on a parapet, he cleared his throat noisily to attract the students' attention. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Why would the skeletons attack us? Why was the Headmistress murdered? Who has the power to summon an army of skeletons, and why choose our school as the target?"[/COLOR] His comments sent murmers shooting through the crowd. He shushed them into silence. [COLOR=DarkRed]"I don't think anyone here knows why this happened. I propose a small group of us run some recon and see, first of all, if the skeletons have a camp, and secondly, what we can find out by snooping around it."[/COLOR] This was met by loud cheers and enthusiastic volunteers. Once more he motioned them to silence. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Before you all volunteer ?although I suppose it's too late for that? keep in mind that whoever was controlling the skeletons only said 'retreat,' which implies they might attack again. Most of you need to stay behind and protect the Guild. If what that guy wants is in here, we're sure as hell not gonna let him have it!"[/COLOR] Loud cheers exploded across the parapet and the courtyard below. Jode basked in the applause, then spoke yet again. [COLOR=DarkRed]"So, who's coming with me?"[/COLOR] OOC: Don't everyone sign up for recon, now. We need some defenders.[/FONT]

[QUOTE] Originally Posted by [b]triforcelad[/b] [i]Most overated bands: 1. Linkin Park 2. Any other butt-rock (Metallica, ACDC, Radiohead, ozzy:sleep:[/i][/QUOTE] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Ah ha ha ha, you did NOT just call Radiohead BUTT-ROCK. Surely such a completely bone-headed misinterpretation of a band's genre couldn't possibly be made, but no. I look up at that quote and it just hangs there, mocking me. RADIOHEAD!? [B][U]BUTT-ROCK!?[/U][/B] Radiohead's sound is nowhere even CLOSE to Metallica's, ACDC's, or Ozzy's! Good lord, man! *Ahem* Well here's my list: [b][u]Overrated:[/b][/u] 1. As has been said many times before, any of the pop-punk bands out right now, such as Blink-182, Sum 41... Hey, maybe all you need to be a pop-punk band is a random one-syllable word followed by an equally random number! 2. All gangsta rap. Give it up, you guys. We know you're tough. Stop annoying us with your crap. 3. Country music, with the exception of bluegrass, because bluegrass isn't ignorant, jingoistic, drunken yodeling with an acoustic guitar. 4. Pop. It is a genre without a message. Or, rather, the message is :animestun "CONSUME MINDLESSLY. FLAUNT YOUR BODY. YOU ARE ALL OUR PLAY-THINGS. CONSUME. CONSUME. CONNNNSSSUUUUUMMME...." :animestun [b][u]Underrated:[/b][/u] 1. Sonata Arctica. Symphonic metal at just about its most awesome. Check 'em out if you like power metal mixed with driving synths and opera-style vocals. 2. Kamelot. More symphonic metal goodness. Their previous album, Epica, had a [u]plot[/u], and their newest album, The Black Halo, made me very happy because it continues that plot. 3. Rhapsody. Yet more symphonic metal. Sensing a bit of a trend here? Another band who's lyrics have plot. Plus their guitarist, Luca Turili, does some crazy arpeggio thing that's crazy-hard to pull off or something. I don't play guitar, so I wouldn't know. 4. Radiohead. They have a wonderful knack for creating the most haunting melodies you've ever heard. Check out "Idioteque" and you'll know exactly what I mean. 5. Finntroll. Three words: Symphonic. Death-metal. Polka. Word to your mother.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]OOC: Yaaay! Something to DO! Thanks for saving the post, Aiyanna! *Claps* Jode was snapped awake by the sound of war drums. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]I must have dozed off,[/i][/COLOR] he thought. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]And I STILL haven't found a way to get down from this damn training center![/i][/COLOR] By now, the lazily drifting training center was actually positioned somewhere useful, with the East Wall lying just beneath it. Jode dropped onto the ramparts painfully, as it was still quite a long drop. He rolled to lessen the impact. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]Those drums sound like they're coming from the North Wall. I have to get there fast![/i][/COLOR] -------- The fight unfolded before Jode's eyes. An unknown force outside the walls rained deadly arrows down on a large group of students returning fire. The students were for the most part avoiding the arrows, but a few careless ones were being carted off to the infirmary. As far as Jode could see, he was the only person so far on the top of the North Wall. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]Hold on, something's moving up there.[/i][/COLOR] He strained his eyes to catch the small bit of movement between the parapets. Running towards it, it became clearer. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]Those are ladders! They're laying siege to the Guild! How sweet![/i][/COLOR] He reached the first ladder and pushed it off of the wall. Strangely, there were no screams, just an odd clatter when the ladder hit the ground. He pushed the second ladder he came across as well. However, something had made it to the top of the third, and stepped out onto the ramparts as Jode watched. It was an animated skeleton. Tearing his attention away from the apparition, he saw an entire army of undead minions amassed just beyond the castle walls. Meanwhile, the skeleton crept closer. Jode noticed this and drew his bastard sword. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Have at you!"[/COLOR] he snarled, lunging forward. When he had time later to reflect on that line, he would realize just how completely lame shouting "Have at you" is, and would be glad that no one else was on the wall when he said it. At the time, however, it seemed a fitting line. OOC: Sorry for being so cliché with the whole undead thing, if you care. Oh, and you can totally mix action, peril, drama, and humor.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]By the way, I'm 0ber's partner in crime in this, so if he's unavailable, PM me your questions and I'll answer them to the best of my ability. [b][u]My Character[/u][/b] [b]Name:[/b] Demeus [b]Race:[/b] Waska [b]Age:[/b] 25 (about 21 in human years) [b]Sex:[/b] Male [b]Class:[/b] Duelist [b]Weapon of Choice:[/b] Two katars for dueling and a [URL=http://fallout.emiasto.com.pl/gfx/pancor_jackhammer.jpg]Pancor Jackhammer[/URL] for full-scale combat (yes, I am a Fallout fan). [b]Brief Stat Description:[/b] Above average strength, not quite so fast, can use limited elemental magic, but not on an offensive scale. [b][u]Appearance[/u][/b] [b]Eyes:[/b] Yellow-gold. [b]Hair/Fur:[/b] Tiger-striped. [b]Skin:[/b] Fair. [b]Build:[/b] Muscular and tall, yet lithe. [b]Tail:[/b] Black-and-orange-striped. [b][u]Preferences:[/u][/b] [b]Fav. Color:[/b] Dark earth tones. [b]Likes:[/b] The thrill of combat, crushing his enemies. [b]Dislikes:[/b] Inaction, competition. [b]Wears:[/b] Demeus sports a black, wide-brimmed hat. He wears a loose garb of a dark green tunic and dark brown trousers. Over that, hardened leather. Completing the ensemble is a black, hoodless, studded-leather cloak with oversized shoulderpads that protects him very well. [b]Bio:[/b] Demeus' father held a very high position in the Prelate. As soon as he could, Demeus himself joined the Prelate and, due to his ambitious nature, soon advanced in position until he became Shia Ke'laman's trusted right-hand man. [b]All in all:[/b] The brash, hot-headed one. [b][u]Side of Conflict:[/u][/b] Demeus fights for the Prelate.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman]OOC: Whatever happened to archery with a twist? Well, I'll see what I can do. The magic professor finished his demonstration, leaving many agape. The archery professor then stepped in. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"That'll be pretty hard to top," [/COLOR]he said, to scattered laughter. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Well, anyway, the exercise we have planned for you is this: we will give you archery targets to shoot. However, they can only be hit by [i]enchanted[/i] arrows."[/COLOR] As he spoke, glowing targets floated gently down into position at the far end of the training center. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"You may go about this however you like, but you aren't allowed to accept enchanted arrows from anyone else." [/COLOR]With that, the instructor swept a glare across the assembled archers, seeming to linger purposefully on Jode, aware of his dismal archery skills. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"When you succeed in hitting a target, you are dismissed for the period."[/COLOR] There was a small cheer that accompanied that item of news. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Now, get to it."[/COLOR] [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] When Jode recieved his bow, he immediately set to work. Witchcraft took a long time. He set it in front of him with an arrow nocked, pointing at the targets, which were now shifting in erratic patterns. He rummaged through his sack, looking for things that might be useful. The items he inevitably selected were some candles, a stick of chalk, a small dagger, a vial of oil, and a pouch of very fine sand. He also selected a bay leaf, which he chewed to stay alert. He placed the candles in strategic points around the bow and connected them with intricate chalk designs. Next, he carved notches in the bow with the dagger. After that, he rubbed the oil into the notches and on the arrowhead. Then, he cut his right palm with the tip of the arrow and let his blood mingle with the oil. He then sprinkled some sand over the tip and concentrated, transferring power from himself to the arrow. His aura was blazing all around him now, and crackling between his outstretched, bleeding hand and the arrow. Finished, he stood, feeling slightly drained. He drew back on the arrow, which was now blazing with his fiery aura. He let it fly. Halfway between him and the targets, it split into an uncountable number of flaming shards, which struck all of the shifting targets, dead center, leaving some burning. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Good job, Jode,"[/COLOR] said the instructor, approaching him. [COLOR=DarkRed]"Thank you, sir,"[/COLOR] said a satisfied Jode. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"However, it's a bit inconvenient."[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkRed]"How so?" [/COLOR]he asked, suddenly downcast. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Well, it takes a lot of preparation. It's not something that could be just whipped up on the spot."[/COLOR] Jode remained silent, hopes of getting out lecture-free crushed. The instructor seemed to sense this, however, and showed the agonizing Jode mercy. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Well, under the circumstances, you did admirably. Certainly better than you normally do. Well, anyway, the rest of the period is yours. Have fun!"[/COLOR] Jode left the training center, but waited at the exit, partly because his friends were still in there, but partly because the training center was quite aways off the ground, and he had no levitation spells.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]OOC: AAH! I didn't know it had started already! You should've said something in the post! *Ahem* Back to business. Jode woke, slowly, with a groggy taste in his mouth an awful feeling in his chest.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]I'm late,[/i] [/COLOR]he thought. He climbed out of bed and put his feet on the floor. [COLOR=DarkRed] [i]Maybe I'm not late.[/i] [/COLOR]He started to dress.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]Maybe I just feel bad. Maybe it's not that late feeling.[/i] [/COLOR]Fully dressed, He stuck his head out the door. The halls were beginning to fill with students heading away from the meal area.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]Goddammit,[/i] [/COLOR]he thought.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]I AM late...[/i] [/COLOR]He slipped into the stream of traffic and let his black hair fall over his eyes.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]Better to reserve anonymity in an embarrasing situation like this,[/i] [/COLOR]he thought. His hopes were shattered, however, when a voice called out from behind him. [COLOR=Cyan]"Jode!" [/COLOR]called Xylius. Jode sighed and slowed his pace until Xylius and Joel caught up with him. [COLOR=Cyan]"Where were you at breakfast, man? We missed you!" [/COLOR]asked Xylius. [COLOR=DarkRed]"I guess I overslept," [/COLOR]mumbled Jode, still a bit tired. [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"Well, come on," [/COLOR]said Joel. [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]"We're gonna be late for archery!" [/COLOR][COLOR=DarkRed][i]Great. Archery,[/i] [/COLOR]he thought.[COLOR=DarkRed] [i]An entire period dedicated to showing exactly how much I suck.[/i] [/COLOR]He sighed once more, and followed his two friends to his least favorite class. [COLOR=DarkRed][i]It's probably going to be one of THOSE days,[/i] [/COLOR]he thought.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Now here's one that I'm surprised you've all missed so far: [i]303 Guilty Spark,[/i] from Halo. That... [i]thing...[/i] was so AGGRAVATING! How it would just mosey on through the walls in the Library leaving MC to get spanked by [spoiler]the flood, in case anyone hasn't played Halo[/spoiler], it's little "Ah, I [i]am[/i] a genius" line that made you SCREAM [i]every time he said it,[/i] which was about once every 15 seconds or so... Everything that little blue bastard said and did just made you want to let loose on it with the rocket launcher, which, of course, did NOTHING. AAAGGGHHH. My GOD, but I hated that thing.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Probably the most disappointing final boss I've fought was the final boss in Megaman X2 for the SNES. I mean, [spoiler]the boss before it, Sigma (obviously) was moderately challenging. It seemed like a good setup. But then out pops the Sigma Virus, which I believe is the only Megaman final boss in history in which, if you're good enough, you can refill your subtanks while fighting it. It was a joke! I killed it easily! Zero was a harder boss than that! Some of the MAVERICS were harder bosses than that laughingstock![/spoiler] Now, if you want a hard final Megaman boss, the one in Megaman X3 is right up your alley. [spoiler]One tiny vulnerable point that's blocked half of the time, beams that hurt you to stand in, horribly damaging projectiles... even with the Gold Armor and the Z-Saber, it's near-impossible.[/spoiler] Now THAT'S a final boss.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Wow, sounds like you guys need some... umm... guys. [b]Name:[/b] Jode Gora [b]Age:[/b] 16 [b]Appearance:[/b] Jode has shoulder-length black hair that often covers the top half of his face. His skin is pale in complexion. His eyes, when uncovered, are a blank grey. He wears dark clothing, often excessively baggy. His right arm, which he uses his sword with, he protects with a metal sheath, while his left he protects with a studded leather gauntlet. A pouch at his side carries magical ingredients while a long sheath is slung across his back. Wow, he's like a medieval goth! [b]Personality:[/b] Most of the time Jode is happy and outgoing and laughs with his friends. However, he'll occasionally be gripped by a mood swing and fall into a deep depression. His friends have learned to avoid him when that happens. [b]Area of Strength:[/b] His main focus at the Guild of Beginnings is swords. He is quite deadly with a bastard sword, his preferred weapon. He isn't good at combat magic spells, but his secondary focus is witchcraft, which is why he needs the pouch, because you never know when you're gonna need a healing spell. He has no ability whatsoever with bows. If he picks one up, it's probably going to end in disaster. [b]Aura Color:[/b] Jode's aura is a dark red mixed with black, often exuding from him in slow flames. [b]Height:[/b] 5'8" [b]Weight:[/b] Thin...? [b]Preferred Weapon:[/b] He excels in the use of the bastard sword, or claymore, or one-and-a-half handed sword, or whatever you want to call it. It's big, it's heavy, and it cuts things. [b]Came to the Guild:[/b] Jode is an orphan, and so, obviously, was raised in an orphanage. So, when it came time for him to choose what he would do with his life, he opted for the Guild of Beginnings, having no desire to become a scribe.[/FONT]

[QUOTE]Originally Posted by [b]Sir Auron[/b] [i]well whats the difference between symphonic and power metal..?[/i][/QUOTE] [FONT=Times New Roman]There's little difference most of the time. Sonata Arctica, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, etc. are both, I believe. They have the power metal sound, but have some symphonic moments. Really, they would be called power metal because they don't use classical instruments/synths of classical instruments (i.e. violins). Blind Guardian would probably be the most symphonic of the power metal groups, just because they do use classical instruments occasionally. But yeah, for the most part, the two genres are interchangeable.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]My friend just burned me Sonata Arctica's "Winterheart's Guild." This album is awesome. It opens very strongly with "Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited," which has an awesome keyboard riff. "Gravenimage" takes a while to get up to speed, but rocks when it does."Champagne Bath" totally rocks, and "The Cage" is probably the best song I've ever heard. Other highlights are "Silver Tongue" and "Victoria's Secret." I highly recommend this album to any Sonata fan.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I have to get some of Luca Turilli's albums. His work in Rhapsody is amazing, but from what I've heard his solo albums trump that. I need to get more of Rhapsody's albums, too. All I have is Dawn of Victory. I have some of Iced Earth's albums. They're pretty cool. You gotta love how they incorporate the [i]statistics[/i] of the battles they write songs about into the songs themselves. Symphony X is a great symphonic band, too. They have a 24-minute-long song on their album The Odyssey (as in the Iliad and the Odyssey, by Homer). I think that's what I like so much about symphonic metal. They're totally ridiculous, but they make it awesome.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]How many people out there have heard of or like symphonic metal? From what I know, this genre consists of bands like Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, and Kamelot. It's a really cool genre, but I've only met about two people who like it. It's my favorite genre of metal, and it really got me into the metal world. I recommend this subgenre for anyone who wants to get into metal but is turned off by the screaming. So, has anyone else heard of symphonic metal? Or like it?[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Ah, Nightwish has been mentioned again! Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but [i]Nightwish isn't goth.[/i] It seems like people have just been subtly slipping it in there and no one has noticed so far. Personally, I love Nightwish. They are one of my favorite bands, but [i]they aren't goth.[/i] They are [i]symphonic metal.[/i] There is a large difference. I only dabble in metal, I suppose. My interest is limited to the subgenres of epic/symphonic metal, like Nightwish, Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, and, to some extent, Dimmu Borgir (listen to Death Cult Armageddon and you'll know what I mean), and melodic death metal, like Children of Bodom, In Flames, and Imperanon. I can listen to Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, but really the whole trollish screeching style of vocals doesn't do it for me. So, from a potentially mistaken metal n00b, Nightwish isn't goth metal (whatever that may be). It's awesome, and I recommend you get all of their albums (except maybe Angels Fall First, which kinda sucks), but it isn't goth.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]'Scuse me, but aren't we forgetting someone? 1. [SIZE=4]ALEXI LAIHO[/SIZE] of Children of Bodom, the GOD of all guitarists. 2. The guitarists of In Flames, who rock hard. 3. Jimi Hendrix. 4. Tom Morello, formerly of RATM. 5. Adam Jones, of Tool. I can't believe you people forgot Alexi for so long...[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]If the powers that be hear anything they don't like, they'll be quick to slap something negative on it, for instance, that metal promotes Neo-Naziism. Very little metal does so, and, like Gravy Train said, a lot of groups do something controversial like that just to get them publicity. As for everything else negative that's been pinned on metal, take this example: The biggest metalhead at my school is also the nicest, kindest, funniest, most tolerant person I know. He goes to church, is vehemently against drugs, and rocks out on the guitar to boot. But he has shoulder-length hair and wears black and chains, so he gets a lot of crap from people. How is this fair?[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I'll accept that, Anarchy, but everyone else, remember that the past containments of Auroboros are pulled from history, not mythology. Also, the Norse didn't have the [i]only[/i] polytheistic belief system out there. There's the Egyptians and the Greek/Roman, too. And remember, I am accepting Oriental and African gods, even though they have a different concept of it. If you need inspiration, try reading American Gods by Niel Gaiman. It might not help, but it's a good book anyway.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][b]Artist:[/b] Nightwish [b]Album:[/b] Once Now I know symphonic metal isn't everyone's cup of tea, but frankly, I can't live without it. I've been a huge fan of Nightwish ever since my metalhead friend introduced me to them about a year back. For this album I think they finally got a \m/ full pit orchestra \m/, which they have deserved from day one. [b]Songs of Note:[/b] "Ghost Love Score". The thing is 10:04 long, and it is THE MOST EPIC SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD. I dare ANY band to top this song in epicness. -------- [b]Artist:[/b] Flogging Molly [b]Album:[/b] Within a Mile of Home Flogging Molly is one of my favorite bands. Who else can rock so hard with an accordian, a flute, and a fiddle? I've heard them described as Celt-punk, but really, they aren't punk. I would describe them as more rockish than punky. Anyways, this band rocks hard and Irish. Go out and try it. [b]Songs of Note:[/b] "Queen Anne's Revenge". Awesome drumbeat, swinging bassline, and it's about pirates to boot. Well, those were my favorites of 2004.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][b]Behind the scenes footage from the upcoming Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie:[/b] Johnny Depp attempts to cop a feel on an unusually spry Helena Bonham Carter.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][ALIGN=Center][SIZE=3][U][B]PANTHEON[/B][/U][/SIZE] [I][SIZE=2]A Home For All Gods[/SIZE] At the beginning of time, the Great Six came into being: Ra, Zeus, Odin, Osiris, Hades, and Hel; Life and Death each presented in aspects of three. All held great power and had many multitudes of believers. Yet none were content to be one of three. And so the War of the Six began. The great war raged from the fertile valleys of the Nile to the lofty halls of Asgard. The Great Six fought for the belief of humanity which they so craved. Mankind fought because their gods bade them so. But, as man and god alike battled furiously on the surface, Auroboros, Devourer of Worlds, Harbinger of Obliteration, Serpent of The End Times, plotted below. In their weakened and conflicted state, neither deity nor human held the power to stop Auroboros from rising up and annihilating the world. All watched in horror as the terrible serpent emerged from the fiery core of the world. Havoc was wrought across the globe, and all hope seemed lost. In desperation, the Great Six joined the astral kingdoms of Asgard and Mount Olympus and bade all to unite against this all-consuming menace. After many years of struggle, Auroboros was once more cast into the fiery core of the world, where he has waited ever since, constantly probing for weaknesses. It is because of this that the Great Six formed the organization of Pantheon. Pantheon is led by the Great Six, with all gods working underneath them. This secret society of deities has toiled eternally to thwart the ceaseless efforts of Auroboros. The year is 2063 A.D. Auroboros is planning something of a far greater scale than ever attempted before.[/I] [SIZE=2][B][U]THE RULES[/U][/B][/SIZE][/ALIGN] Gods from any polytheistic society will be accepted, with these exceptions: [u][b]NO "BIG GUYS"[/b][/u] - Any leaders of pantheons (e.g. Zeus, Odin, Ra) or main gods of underworlds (e.g. Hades, Hel, Osiris) will not be accepted. However, if there are subordinate underworld gods (e.g. Anubis) those will be accepted. [u][b]NO GOD-MODDING[/b][/u] - We're only playing as the mortal incarnations of gods, not as gods themselves, so you can still screw up. [u][b]MUST BE A REAL GOD[/b][/u] - Try not to make up gods. There are a lot of gods out there, and I'm not even thinking about African or Oriental gods, which you can also choose. [ALIGN=Center][SIZE=2][B][U]SIGN-UP[/U][/B][/SIZE][/ALIGN] [b]Name:[/b] Pretty straightforward. What your character's name is. [b]Avatar:[/b] Which god your character is the avatar of (avatar is mortal incarnation). [b]Culture:[/b] Whichever culture originally worshipped this god. This is your god's culture, not your character's. [b]Description:[/b] Casual Form- This is what your character looks like. Avatar Form- In times of true peril, your character can truly become their god. This is a description of them when in avatar form. [b]Personality:[/b] Here you can take a bit of creative license. Describe what the god's personality is. For example, should you choose Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, you could say that he's a huge party animal. [b]Powers:[/b] What powers your character has been granted. All characters receive short-term memory erasure as a basic skill, since Pantheon is a secret society and wants to stay that way. Other than that, come up with some powers that your character's god might grant them. [b]Armament:[/b] If your god needs weapons, give it some. If not, just say that your god uses powers. [b]Past Containments of Auroboros:[/b] This is the tricky bit. Do some research and find a noteworthy event in history. Then, tweak it to be an attempt of Auroboros' to invade our world. This'll give me some idea of your RPing skills. [ALIGN=Center][SIZE=2][B][U]MY CHARACTER[/U][/B][/SIZE][/ALIGN] [b]Name:[/b] Amari Rei [b]Avatar:[/b] Anubis [b]Culture:[/b] Egyptian [b]Description:[/b] Casual- Amari has a very pale complexion. His eyes are gray and his hair is black, spiky and of medium length. He also sports two jackal ears due to the canine nature of his deity. He wears leather sheaths with many buckles on his arms and legs, with heavy-duty, steel-toe boots. To cover his torso, he wears a leather jumpsuit. The arm and leg sheaths are connected to the jumpsuit. Avatar Form- [URL=http://digitaljungle.com/genki/winters/images/sketches/anubis.jpg]Click[/URL] [b]Personality:[/b] Amari is very introverted, with a strong sense of justice. He wears a set of scales on his back and weights in pouches at his side. Should he ever he kill someone, he weighs their soul on the scales. Should the weights prove heavier than the soul, the victim is brought back to life, with a short-term memory erasure. But, should the soul outweigh the weights, the soul is captured in a special container and brought back to Pantheon for Ammit, the soul-eating demon. [b]Powers:[/b] Amari has been granted the power to return life as well as the basic power of memory erasure. In addition, he can slip into the spirit world, a parallel world where things like the souls of dead people are. When he slips, he appears ghostly to those in the physical world, and can't receive harm from physical sources. [b]Armament:[/b] Since Amari has no offensive powers, he relies on two pistols for long range and two sickles for close range. [b]Past Containments of Auroboros:[/b] In 1668 A.D., Auroboros attempted to break through in a place so remote that it was almost certain he would succeed unnoticed. The location was the Solovestskii monastery, on an island in the White Sea, within the Arctic Circle. The only reason it was noticed was that Peter the Great's progressive reforms of the Russian Orthodox church had created deep unrest amongst conservative subjects, such as the monks in the monastery. Like many other trouble spots, troops were dispatched to the Solovestskii monastery to quell the unrest. The monastery was well fortified, however, and had 90 cannons (This much is actually true. Man, those crazy Russians). It was Amari who noticed Auroboros' signature coming from underneath the monastery. He was immediately dispatched to the scene, where he helped the monks resist Peter the Great's forces for more than seven years (the seven years part is also true), replenishing gunpowder and shot when it ran low and providing the monks with artillery training. As the monks kept the troops at bay, Amari and several Pantheon sorcerers completed a seal of containment. However, Auroboros' progress was so much that it took seven years to complete. In the end, the monastery fell to Peter the Great's forces and was made to accept the reforms, but Auroboros' escape had been prevented in yet another instance. So, let's get those sign-ups coming in![/FONT]