Rhym

[FONT=Times New Roman]"Zisagawa, an update of the situation." Rhym spoke into the com port. "I'd say that Gray and Kitten are going to be attacked by both the Falcron and the Hunter. Since I'm going to attack the Rhino, that leaves you out of the picture. Be prepared to back up either one of us." "Roger," replied Zisagawa. While the Terrapin was approaching the Rhino, Rhym took the opportunity to scan the other mechs. They were all heavily modified, but not with anything that Gray and Kitten couldn't handle. Until, of course, he scanned the Falcron. Rhym opened communication with the Griffyn. "Guys, you're not going to believe this." "Bad news?" "You could say that. Or, you coud say that our friend in the Falcron has managed to equip it with an Orchist beam." Gray let out a low whistle. Kitten said, "What did he have to do in order to get that?" "No idea," said Rhym. "Needless to say, make sure you keep him too busy to fire that puppy. Zisagawa!" Rhym opened his channel. "I assume you know what an Orchist beam is?" "Sounds bad. What is it?" "Can't fully explain right now. You fire it at things, they stop existing. Why I bring this up is this: the Falcron has one of those. Change of strategy: if the Griffyn is ever too busy with the Hunter to deal with the Falcron, go after the Falcron. Do everything you can to stop it from charging that sucker up. Are we clear?" "Sounds good." "Ciao for now. Gotta take care of this Rhino." "Good luck!" Communications temporarily over, he cranked the volume on his tunes. [I]Some symphonic metal, maybe. It would certainly be fitting for the situation.[/I] He settled with "The Soulforged," by Blind Guardian. By now, he had reached the Rhino. At this point, they circled each other, each waiting for the other to make a move. Rhym feinted right, and the Rhino opened fire with a buster cannon at the patch of ground it assumed Rhym was heading for. Rhym, however, surged forward and left, launching missiles from the pack on his left arm. Some struck home, but the Rhino had corrected its aim by now and scored some in return. They disengaged and backed to the edges of the circle. For several tense seconds, they studied each other. The Rhino moved first this time, charging a Positronic blast to fire at the Terrapin. Rhym strafed right, opening fire with the shoulder-mounted minigun until the Positron gun was fully charged, at which point Rhym stopped. [I]Your move, buddy,[/I] thought Rhym. OOC: If you haven't listened to either symphonic or viking metal, you haven't [I]lived.[/I][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]School had just concluded when Max's MC beeped. "Hey, look, Frost. We have a message." [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Is it, perchance, a challenge, Max?[/I][/COLOR] "Let's find out, shall we?" He brought up the message on the MC's screen. Max scanned it. "It is indeed. Seems a user named Kitty, monster name of Uindo, a wind and lightning creature, wants to fight. What do you think?" [COLOR=SlateGray][I]I am truly honored that Kitty would consider me a worthy adversary. I accept said user's invitation![/I][/COLOR] Max rolled his eyes and spoke in a thick british accent. "Truly, sirrah, you epitomize the very concept of humbleness." Frost glared at him. [COLOR=SlateGray][I]I am quite familiar with sarcasm, Max.[/I][/COLOR] Max chuckled. "All right, let's reply. We accept your chall-" Max's MC beeped again and two words filled the screen. [ALIGN=Center][B][U]CONNECTION LOST[/U][/B][/ALIGN] "What the- stupid thing!" [COLOR=SlateGray][I]What has transpired, Max?[/I][/COLOR] "This stupid MC just lost its connection to the Internet. Now we can't tell Kitty and Uindo we accept their challenge!" [COLOR=SlateGray][I]How lamentable![/I][/COLOR] Max sighed. "Oh well. Maybe they're downtown." [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] Now downtown, Max and Frost passed in front of a manga store. There was an ad for Monster Network in front of it. Max payed it no mind, but Frost seemed annoyed by it. [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Max, that advertisement invokes a great displeasure in me.[/I][/COLOR] Max stopped and studied it. "Why's that? It's just an ad. What's so offending about it?" [COLOR=SlateGray][I]That creature emblazoned upon it. It seems to mock me.[/I][/COLOR] "What? Why? It's just pointing. Uncle Sam pointed, but people didn't think [I]he[/I] mocked them. In fact, Uncle Sam probably inspired a few people." [COLOR=SlateGray][I]That creature points not as the benefactor of any country, Max. It points as if to imply that I am worse than it. It seems to say that I cannot defeat it, even if I do the best I can.[/I][/COLOR] "Whatever, man. It's just cardboard. That monster probably doesn't even exist in real life. Let's just go." Later, they passed a store named TokiDoki, where a girl set up an ad quite similar to the one they had just left behind. [I]Wait a minute,[/I] thought Max, [I]I think that [B]is[/B] the same ad...[/I] She shouted "GO!" and a small, dog-sized, blue lizard ripped the flimsy cardboard to shreds. She set down a bag she was holding, and many people on the sidewalk stopped to drop in some coins. Frost was overjoyed. [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Bravissimo! Max, what is that group of people doing?[/I][/COLOR] "They think it's some kind of show. They're giving it yen because they were entertained by that monster destroying that ad." [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Would you donate some "yen" to that creature, Max? Perhaps it felt mocked by that offending advertisement, just as I was! Pleaes, Max, were I allowed to, I would have done the same![/I][/COLOR] Max got an idea. He grinned. "Sure, Frost. I'll give that creature some money. Then we can have a chat with the owner." He waited for the crowd to subside, then hung back while the girl counted out yen. The creature watched her for a while, when she said, "It's called money, Uindo, and your little exercise just got me 10,000 yen richer. We can buy some treats for you now." She continued counting yen, then, just as suddenly, said, "Better." Max approached her. "Uindo, eh? That's a lovely name for a pet. Oh, but how rude of me. You can call me Nietzsche. Have you met Frost?"[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]OOC: Wow, don't check up for one day and look what happens! :sweat: IC: [ALIGN=Center][U][B]RHYM'S MECH[/B][/U][/ALIGN] Rhym's mech is... quite interesting. It had started as a B-Level [I]Terrapin[/I]-Class mech. [I]Terrapin[/I]-Class mechs are famous for their defense and infamous for their maneuverability. They are most effective in small groups against small groups of enemies. It resembles a giant, metallic armadillo with a spiked back. In fact, one of the most effective techniques for a beginner in a Terrapin is to curl up in a ball and wait for the enemy to either lose interest or find a bigger gun. Over the years, (game years, that is,) Rhym's mech has accumulated various parts and has had other parts scrapped until it was almost unrecognizable as a Terrapin. Armor was added, increasing the level of defense. However, its speed, never high to begin with, was sacrificed again. The Terrapin's specs are overall better than average, (ignoring its speed,) having undergone countless tune-ups and modifications. Its left appendage, which resembles an armadillo's claw, has been turned into a missile pack. The claws on its left appendage are sharpened and lengthed for close-range melee fights. A heavy blaster is affixed to the right shoulder and a minigun is attached to the left. But what makes this mech Rhym's pride and joy is in how the back was upgraded. He had taken the newbie's strategy to the next level, attaching high-speed treads just under the surface. As a result, when Rhym curls into a ball, he can propell himself at high speeds along the ground towards an enemy. With all of its modifications, it can easily be a low A-Level, but in Rhym's familiar hands, it can perhaps be ranked as a AA-Level on a very good day. [ALIGN=Center][U][B]OKAY BACK TO THE STORY[/B][/U][/ALIGN] Rhym was not the best pilot in the world. In fact, on a scale of one to ten, he was probably just an eight. And here he was facing some elevens and twelves. His heart was pounding heavily. [I]I knew I should have increased my Intelligence. But no, I'm a handyman. I don't need Intelligence. Oh, no, you're never going to face two AA-Level mechs and a AAA-Level mech. DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, NOT ONE BIT.[/I] Rhym opened communication with Zisagawa's mech. "Okay, Zisagawa, I'll take the [I]Rhino[/I]-Class mech. You take on whomever you see fit. I have a feeling Kitten and Gray will focus on the Falcron." Zisagawa's voice crackled back. "Roger." Rhym cracked his knuckles. [I]Showtime.[/I] OOC: There are my five tricks/gadgets. Let's get this started![/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Max woke up, teeth chattering, to find that Frost had "slept" on the pillow next to him, which now was unable to bend. [I]This is going to be an issue,[/I] he thought. [I]I don't want to thaw my pillow every morning.[/I] [COLOR=SlateGray][I]May this morning find you well, Max,[/I][/COLOR] said Frost. "Good morning to you too, Frost. Ready to come to school with me?" [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Indeed I am, Max.[/I][/COLOR] "Hmmmmm," Max was thinking. "You can fit in my bag, but everything in there would freeze. You'd best go in the MC." [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Understood.[/I][/COLOR] [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] Later, in his English class, Max sat back and listened to his mp3 player. Frost drifted aimlessly across his desk, noticable to others as only a vague bluish glow. [I]Let them wonder,[/I] thought Max. [I]It's only those that know what Frost is that I'm interested in.[/I] As he looked around, he noticed several students with MCs on their desks. He took note of who they were and what color their MCs were. He took out a new sheet of paper and prepared to write. Frost had discovered his ability to read earlier that day, and only Max could hear Frost, so they were able to communicate undetected. Max wrote something. [B]How do you feel about battling, Frost?[/B] [COLOR=SlateGray][I]I am quite excited about it, Max. Have you any notion as to when our first confrontation shall be?[/I][/COLOR] There was something funny about how Frost talked. There was no slang in his speech, and the vocabulary was very proper. [B]That's all up to whoever contacts us first. By the way, why is it that only I can hear you talk?[/B] [COLOR=SlateGray][I]While the Monster Computer is equipped with speakers, I choose to utilize the "quiet mode," which is designed for exactly this sort of scenario, when it would be in our best interests to converse undetected. I do so hope that another user contacts us quite soon. I wish to test my mettle in combat.[/I][/COLOR] Like that word, mettle. No one used that word anymore. [B]Agreed, Frost. I'd like to test my "mettle" as a handler, too...[/B] OOC: So, who's going to fight second?[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Rhym followed his new companions to the uninhabited are of the town. The latest addition to this group of new faces, Gray, pulled out a remote control board for a mech. "You guys might want to step back just a tad," he said. Rhym noticed dust being kicked up in the middle of the deserted square they stood in. It vaguely outlined the shape of a mech, just touching down. [I]A cloaking device? That's pricy technology,[/I] thought Rhym. When the mech had settled, Gray pressed a button on the board. [I]That's a Griffin! Wow![/I] Gray turned to Rhym with a look in his eye that was sure of his coolness. "So, Rhym, lead us to your garage," he spoke. "But what about the-" He cut off when Gray pushed the same button again. "I don't think it's going anywhere.' "Yeah," Rhym's eyes were wide. "Follow me." [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] Rhym unlocked the door of his garage and led Gray, Kitten, and Zisagawa inside. The ceiling was lofty, large enough to house a mech with some room to spare. The floor was almost impossible to see, except in front of the mech entrance, where it was stained with oil. Tools, scrap metal, strange devices, tubes, and just plain junk were everywhere on the floor and occupying all available shelf space. There was a small bed against the far wall, a seperate office room just as messy, and a save point. "So here's the garage. If you need a place to stay the night, I have a few sleeping bags in the storage area, and it's cheaper than an inn," said Rhym. "Wait," said Kitten, "If this is the garage, what does the storage area look like?" Rhym eyed them sardonically. "Let's just say, if you go in there, bring a long length of string and some chalk." Gray nodded appreciatively after looking around. "Nice place you got here. It'll serve our purposes well." "So if you don't mind me saying so," remarked Rhym, "that is one sweet mech you have. Griffins are top-notch tech. Land, air, and water-capable, cloaking field, able to be remotely controlled... You must have scads of zennies to blow, no?" Gray's eyes glinted mischeviously. "Who says we payed for it? Hey, mind if it stays the night here?" Rhym grinned. "Not at all..." "I thought not. Now, if you don't mind, Kitten and I would like to have a look around." Rhym watched them poke around for a while, then leaned over to Zisagawa. "This might turn out to be quite an adventure," he said. "You said it, man," agreed Zisagawa. [I]Quite an adventure indeed.[/I][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Rhym, walking through the streets of Kredi, observed the small collision of two users, a male avatar and a female avatar. The female muttered a brief apology and was about to rush off when the male stopped her. There was a short, meanignless conversation, after which the female character again made as if to leave. "Well, I'll be going now..." "Wait!" "Huh?" "Uh... my usermame's Zisagawa," he was stuttering horribly. [I]Foolish. Online games allow you to look any way you like,[/I] Rhym thought. She coldly brushed the hapless Zisagawa off. "Nice to meet you," she blandly stated as she walked off, obviously unenamored. "Hey," He grabbed her arm. "Aren't you going to tell me your screenname?" [I]You get points for incentive, though not for much else,[/I] thought Rhym. "Kitten," she stated coldly, very strained. [I]Careful, boy. Some users...[/I] "That's a great name," he stammered. "Yeah," said Kitten, glancing noticably at Zisagawa's hand. "I have to go now." But he was determined. "Hey, do you know a place to get fuel for mechs? Mine's almost all out." [I]Nice excuse, kid. Points for quick thinking.[/I] This query perterbed Kitten. "Now that you mention it, no, I don't. That isn't good. What if our mech runs out?" She was obviously concerned about the fuel situation of a mech of hers. "Ours? You mean mine and yours?" [I]Ouch. Points docked for complete misinterpretation of an easy comment.[/I] "No," Kitten stated, annoyed, "I mean mine and a friends." "Well..." Zisagawa was going to be hurting for that one. "Hey, can I travel along with you?" [I]Nice.[/I] "What?" "Like, can I go with you? To wherever it is you're going?" "Why?" This question stumped poor, hapless Zisagawa, who spent several painful seconds in awkward silence while his mind raced. [I]Time to intervene before this kid kills himself,[/I] thought Rhym, as he approached the two. "Excuse me," said Rhym, as polite as he could manage, "but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Getting fuel for mechs is a nasty problem, but I happen to own a garage here in Kredi. I can get you fuel at very reasonable prices, and I have garages in many other locations on many different worlds, too. My username is Rhym. Send me a message anytime, or, if you really need fuel right now, you can follow me. So, what'll it be, folks?" OOC: I hope it's all right for my character to have garages, what with him being a handyman and all. If not, I can just delete this post.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Maxwell's eyes were lit up with excitement as he opened the box containing Monster Network. The moment Max had heard of Monster Network on the web, he knew he must have it. And now, that day had finally arrived. Gingerly, he inserted the disk into his home PC's disc drive. He noticed a strange device in the box as well, and recognized it as the MC. A dark, rich green, the color of forest moss. [I]Aesthetically pleasing,[/I] he thought to himself. He set the MC on the desk beside the moniter. Meanwhile, a screen appeared with the Monster Network logo emblazoned upon it. It read: [B]MN Username: [U]Connect[/U][/B] Max thought for a bit. He remembered a name from his class on philosophic history. [B]MN Username: Nietzsche [U]Connect[/U][/B] The next screen was cause for more thought. [B]Monster's Name: Monster's Gender: Monster's Elemental Control: [U]Make My Monster[/U][/B] He quickly read through the available elements on the list. "Ice" caught his eye, an element he had always liked. After that, the other choices were fairly straight-forward. [B]Monster's Name: Frost Monster's Gender: Male Monster's Elemental Control: Ice [U]Make My Monster[/U][/B] He clicked the "Make My Monster" button. A egg appeared onscreen. It was a delicate pale blue, swirled intricately with a darker blue. When he clicked on it, a notice popped up on screen. [B]Please connect your Monster Computer[/B] Max was prepared for this, and connected it soon enough. The egg disappeared from the screen and reappeared on the MC's holographic display, now festooned with a small network of cracks. From there, it was merely a matter of waiting for it to hatch. Max did not have long to wait, as bits of eggshell were flaking off at a steady rate, seemingly frozen off. Soon, all that remained was a blueish wisp amidst its shell. The wisp opened its eyes, to see Max looking on with interest. The wisp held out its detached hands towards Max in an imploring manner. Then, it seemed to speak directly into his mind. [COLOR=SlateGray][I]Are you the one known as Nietzsche?[/I][/COLOR] Max was stopped by his own sheer amazement. Then, he laughed. "That's only my username, Frost. Please, call me Max." He held out his cupped hands, and Frost floated into them. [COLOR=SlateGray][I]As you will... Max. I thank you for creating me.[/I][/COLOR] Max's hands were becoming colder. [I]This is amazing! None of the web forums mentioned this! The monsters can talk, can feel! What are the implications of this?[/I] [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] Later, on all of the gaming forums Max was subsrcibed to, he wrote. [I]I, like many today, have purchased Monster Network. But it seems far more advanced than any of the previews give it credit for. The monsters not only talk to you, but can feel, and you can feel them in return. What are the implications of this? Or the consequences? What is [B]happening?[/B][/I][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman](OOC: If you haven't checked the sign up thread lately, mine [B]is[/B] on there, and it [B]is[/B] okay for me to be posting. Just to clarify, so no one starts accusing me of n00bishness.) Gregor sat down at his home gaming computer and opened one of his favorite programs: Aqualaria. [COLOR=SlateGray][ALIGN=Center]Welcome to Aqualaria. Do you wish to log in, or create a new account? [B]Log In[/B] New Account Please enter your User Name and Password. User Name: Rhym Password: ******** Do you wish to start from your last Save Point? [B]Yes[/B] No Loading... Please Wait... ... Loading... Please Wait... ...[/ALIGN][/COLOR] Gregor reminded himself to upgrade his computer as soon as possible. [COLOR=SlateGray][ALIGN=Center]Loading Complete. Welcome to Aqualaria, Rhym![/ALIGN][/COLOR] [I]Well, thank you[/I], he thought. [COLOR=SlateGray][ALIGN=Center]You have [B]no[/B] new messages![/ALIGN][/COLOR] Business had been slow for him. There wasn't much demand for a handyman in the area he currently occupied. He heard the sounds of explosions from outside. The screen shook, and beautifully rendered plaster fell from the ceiling of the save room. He rushed outside to what appeared to be a cataclysmic mech battle. [I]Strange,[/I] he thought. [I]Kredi seemed like such a peaceful town.[/I] A blasted chunk of mech landed beside his character. Gregor smiled slowly. Business was looking up.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Very interesting concept. I'm game, as long as it's not too late. ::Player Sign-up:: Real Name: Maxwell (Max) Interstein Monster Network Username: Neitzsche Age: 15 Gender: Male Appearance: Max has messy dark blue hair, the ever-so-cliché "just-rolled-out-of-bed" look. His eyes are a dark amber, constantly gazing into space somewhere. He usually wears khaki pants or deep, earthy or metallic tones. He likes dark clothing. Personality: Max is very jaded and cynical. He dislikes real life immensely, so he will bury himself in anything fantastic, like books, anime, manga, drawing, and video games. He is not withdrawn, hot-tempered, clinically depressed, or anything like that. He can enjoy good jokes, good friends, any of life's little victories. He merely dislikes the world's corruption intensely, yet feels paralyzed with the enormity of it, and the fact that he can do almost nothing about it. This is what causes his bitterness, his cynicalness. History: No abusive parents, no painful deaths of family or friends, nothing so tragic as that marrs Max's life. The most traumatic experience he has claim to was when he fell off of a bike. It seems that as his life progresses, as he becomes more and more aware of the world, the more bitter he becomes. But other than that, nothing horrible has happened to him. Ultimate Goal in MN: Who says you need a goal to play video games? Max has no goal, but his [B]reason[/B] for playing MN is to escape reality. ::Monster Sign-up:: Name: Frost Gender: Male Appearance: Changes considerably from form to form: Child - A floating wisp of cold air with eyes and hands. Teen - [URL=http://www.panelmonkey.org/sprite.php?id=186&theme=3]Click.[/URL] Adult - Warrior encased in armor made of ice, wielding an ice sword. Element: Ice Attacks: Simple - Icicle: Summons an icicle and hurls it at enemy, doing small amounts of damage. Intermediate - Avalanche: A tumult of snow hits enemy, slowing it and damaging it. Advanced - Glacier: An ice wall encases it for a while, immobilizing and damaging it. Ultimate - Ice Age: Enemy is completely frozen. Next, a maelstrom of ice shards rip into enemy, damaging it severly. After the freeze is over, enemy is still slowed. Offensive/Defensive: Offensive Tell me if anything needs fixing.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Ooh, this looks good. I hope it's not too late to join. Actual Name: Gregor Jold Actual Age: 17 User Name: Rhym (What a surprise) User Age: 23 Level: 7 Class: Handyman (Because when all your weapons break, who's going to fix them?) OOC: Sorry, I'm a bit unclear on something. Since he's past level five, I can add three stats, even though it's using a pre-determined class? If that's the case, then here are my character's stats. Stats: Stength: 6 Accuracy: 5 Intelligence: 4 Handywork: 9 Luck: 4 User Appearance: Don't have a picture, sadly, so here goes: Rhym is about 5' 11" and sturdily built. He has a heavy-set, square jaw with the stubble that comes from being too busy to shave. His eyes are brown and caring, the kind that care about you and not your wallet. His hair is dark brown and never neat. He has a device that covers his left ear that keeps him connected to the message screens, and he regularly uses it to check for job requests. He almost always has something in his mouth, gum, an unlit cigarette, a toothpick, anything to keep it slightly occupied, and as a result has perfected the art of talking around it. His baggy dark green cargo pants are tucked into the top of his black, heavy-duty combat boots. A moisture-resistant, white, shortsleeved jumpsuit top (I can't think of the specific name for it right now... it's kind of like a wetsuit, only lighter-weight) is worn under a many-pocketed camo vest. He is never seen without his pouch, which he keeps full of tools and such. Tell me if there are any discrepancies that need clearing.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Well, if the apocalypse is kind enough to give advance warning, I think I have a pretty good idea as to what I'd be doing. Enjoying one grand, final "Screw it" by rocking out to my favorite bands. Tool, In Flames, Atomship, and so on and so forth. \m/ >.< \m/ I think there would be food there, too. Anime is a large possibility. Perhaps if I get a girlfriend by then... I'm glad I don't have any things on my "to do before I die" list, aside from "beat down approaching avalanche with karate." And somehow I doubt that's going to happen. But personally, I would, if not rejoice, then at least feel a sense of relief at the destruction of humanity. I mean, look at what we as a race have done to this world. Would any of you, with good conscience, wish humanity on this universe?[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]You should have added a "casual" option to that poll, Chibihorsewoman. Baggy jeans/cargo pants (but not sagging... Jesus, saggers piss me off so much. I have no interest in seeing what pattern adorns your boxers!), T-Shirts with Anime or political messges on them, Vans shoes (I'm not a skater, I just love low-tops), and some South American wool sweater type thing. The kids at school call it a poncho, but it's not... It's purple and grey, and exceedingly warm and comfortable. Sadly, this hides my t-shirts, but what can you do? So I suppose my style is casual.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Well this is certainly a spiritually diverse buch. Catholics, Christians, Wiccans, Mormons, Atheists, Agnostics, Animists... Let's add another viewpoint, shall we? I suppose I am somewhere between Agnostic and Deist. Deism was invented by the Natural Philosophers of Europe circa late 1600's. They compared god to a watchmaker, who merely has to construct the watch, as it operates according to its own principles, e.g., physics, gravity, etc. This is how I choose to explain all the horrors humanity has inflicted upon itself and the world. But, just recently, I finished reading Lullaby, by Chuck Palahniuk, which I STRONGLY recommend you all read. The following is a segment I found particularly thought-provoking. "Centuries ago, sailors on long voyages used to leave a pair of pigs on every deserted island. Or they'd leave a pair of goats. Either way, on any future visit, the island would be a source of meat. These islands, they were pristine. These were home to breeds of birds with no natural predators. Breeds of birds that lived nowhere else on earth. The plants there, without enemies they evolved without thorns or poisons. Without predators and enemies, these islands, they were paradise." The sailors, the next time they visited these islands, the only things still there would be herds of goats or pigs. Oyster is telling this story The sailors called this 'seeding meat.' Oyster says, 'Does this remind you of anything? Maybe the ol' Adam and Eve story?' Looking out the car window, he says, 'You ever wonder when God's coming back with a lot of barbeque sauce?'" It is an interesting thought, and, while I don't believe that God is coming back to eat us, it does make you think. A later quote of Oyster's compares humanity to alligators flushed down the toilet. My beliefs are not written in stone, but I do believe that whatever god/goddess that created this universe is taking no responsibility for its outcome.[/FONT]

Man, I love Halloween. One of my most memorable costumes, when I was like 7, was a cardboard box robot. Everyone's done this at some point, you know, with the silver and gold paint, the flashing lights, and the tube-y arms... *sigh* good times... Last year I dressed up as something completely random. I had a big, black robe, a fake axe, one of those one-way hood-masks, and a jester's hat. It was pretty cool. This year I'm gonna go as VICTOR FROM THE COWBOY BEBOP MOVIE! W00T! And it will be awesome as well...

Name: Toshigo Iyado Age: 14 Gender: Male Appearence: Iyado lost his left eye when he was 12, his first year at the academy. Other than the eyepatch, he wears a black bandana, a simple dark green gi, brown sandals and grey toe-socks. (I don't know the specific japanese name of them) Personality: Iyado lost his eye in a bout of carelessness on the academy's throwing weapon range. Before, he was very outgoing and somewhat naive, the class goof-off. But the accident hardened him, turned him inward. Now, he rarely smiles, and his remaining eye is filled with the anger and regret that comes with 2 years of pain, wishing that he could've been less careless. Grades: Taijutsu- He tries, but due to his impared depth perception, it's his worst subject. C, kind of as a pity grade. Genjutsu- His best subject. Before the accident, before even his enrollment, he was an expert on camoflage. Even without exerting chakra, he can blend in with his surroundings, and people often don't notice he's in a room until he makes a noise. A. Ninjutsu- He has extreme focus, but isn't quite natural at the magic of the shinobi. Still, he does all right for himself. B. Introductions are in Order: Every thread should do something like this! [I]Iyado smiled in slight satisfaction as his last kunai thunked into the target at the end of the range. It was a wonderful sunny day at the kunai range. The sun smiled down on his class, and a light breeze ruffled their gis, though not strongly enough to create an inconvenient crosswind. He had done this countless times before, and so thought nothing as he started to walk out to retrieve them. He barely registered his instructor calling out after him. "Iyado, wait! It is not safe!" He turned just in time to experience a blinding pain in his left eye, and retained conciousness long enough to hear the screams, and feel the earth come up to meet him.[/I] Iyado woke with a start, his empty socket tingling with the memory of old wounds. He sighed as he strapped on his patch. [I]Just once, if I could have a different dream...[/I] He stepped out of his dorm to face the new day... PM me if I need to change anything!

Aleks awoke with a start to the sounds of screams. [I]Something is wrong.[/I] Aleks pulled out a weapon consisting of a wide circular blade with a handle (see [URL=http://www.blizzard.de/war3x/images/units/warden-right.gif]here[/URL]). Bursting out of the door, Aleks was confronted with an abomination. [I]Demons? Here? This makes no sense![/I] The demon let out an ear-splitting screach and took a powerful swing at Aleks. Skillfully ducking down to avoid the strike, Aleks elbowed it in the stomach to get it away. The demon traveled some distance, but was otherwise unfazed. Aleks charged the beast and whirled the blade upwards. It made a deep cut on the demon. On a human, it would have been fatal, but the demon just fell, and seemed temporarily incapacitated. Pulling a dagger, Aleks plunged it into where the heart was. [I]I hope that does the trick. Let's see what's going on outside.[/I] Outside was sheer chaos. Aleks was stunned at the devastation that was being caused by the demons. The damage was widespread and overwhelming. Aleks looked down the street and saw another demon perched over a greviously injured man, about to finish him off. Aleks ran up behind it and swiftly beheaded it. Looking down at the man, Aleks saw that he had a deep cut running up his stomach. [I]This looks serious. This man needs a healer, and soon. He might not make it, otherwise.[/I] Further along the street, Aleks came across a paladin wielding a formidable sword and a round shield healing a stricken peasant. [I]Perhaps he can help that man...[/I]

[I]This kid is testing my nerves,[/I] thought Aleks. [I]I'm not sure how much of this I can take...[/I] "What's your name, mister? Where do you come from?" Aleks' eye twitched from the strain. "What do you do, mister?" Aleks had had enough. Whirling around, Aleks unsheathed a wickedly sharp dagger. "I kill small children such as you!" Aleks roared. The child Inti made a small eeping noise and ran off. Aleks took a deep breath and heaved a sigh of relief. [I]That takes care of THAT annoyance.[/I] Aleks looked around. The street was deserted. [I]I wonder if there are any other inns in this town?[/I] Otik Waylan, the innkeep, looked up from the perpetually dirty glass he was cleaning as the door opened. "Thought you didn't want to trouble us wit' yer presence?" The query was directed at the shadowy figure in the doorway. "A room is all I ask," said Aleks. "Room for the night is six jin, four jin each additional night." Coins tinkled on the table. Otik set down a key. "Third on your left, good... er, sir." Aleks hurried up the stairs. Unlocking the correct room, Aleks lay down on the bed and drifted into a fitful sleep. It was a dream that was recurring more and more now. [SIZE=3][B][Aleks...][/B][/SIZE] A powerful voice... Aleks was standing in the middle of a battlefield. Armies on all sides rushed together in a suicidal frenzy. "Who's there?" [SIZE=3][B][Aleks...][/B][/SIZE] One tinged with... an intense sorrow... The armies were converging at an alarming rate, with Aleks at the center "Show yourself!" [SIZE=3][B][Aleks...][/B][/SIZE] A voice that had endured countless suffering for endless years... They met with a cataclismic clash, everywhere but a small pocket surrounding Aleks. "What do you want?" [SIZE=3][B][Aleks... Why?][/B][/SIZE] A sense of great remorse for... something... The fighting was intense all around Aleks, and even as he watched, those that had fallen rose again to fight. "Who are you? Why must you plague my dreams?" [SIZE=3][B][Why have you become what you are now? What is the reason for all of this death you cause?][/B][/SIZE] Remorse... for what Aleks had become! It seemed the bloodshed surrounding Aleks would never stop. [SIZE=3][B][Aleks... Goodbye...][/B][/SIZE] Aleks looked up just in time to see a great dragon. It cast Aleks a fleeting glance filled with such sorrow as Aleks had never known. It then flew off with a mournful roar. "No! Don't leave me! Please!" Aleks awoke with a start. [I]Something is amiss...[/I]

OOC: Just so everyone knows, rarely is Aleks' face distinguishable at all. IC: Aleks and the girl walked along in silence, until they reached the town inn. Aleks glanced up at the wooden sign, creaking in the breeze. "The Tea Kettle Inn," it read, in an ornate, flowing script emerging from the carved kettle like steam. When they entered the inn, Aleks looked around, scanning the patrons. There were what looked like a few regular patrons, sitting at various tables, but the person that really caught Aleks' eye was the paladin sitting at the bar. He had a greatsword of an interesting design on his back and a short sword at his hip, but he seemed the type that would only fight if provoked. "Hey Otik! Two bowls of stew and two mugs of ale!" shouted the girl, as they sat at a table. "Sure thing miss Kel! Comin right up!" said the jolly-looking man behind the counter. "By the way, my name's Keladry! What's yours?" asked the girl. Aleks sighed a mournful sigh. "I would not trouble you with my name, as there are many people that would like to know such information. I'm afraid that you've shown kindness to the wrong person, miss Keladry. I'd hate for anything to happen to you." Keladry looked interested. "What do you mean?" "I am hunted by those that would do anything for the prize on my head, miss Keladry, including torture people that merely display some common courtesy to me. I am terribly sorry." Keladry sat back in her chair. "Well, these hunters you speak of will find me no easy prey." "I only hope, for your sake, miss Keladry, that you are right." Aleks stood up. "I thank you for your kindness, but... If anyone sees us talking... I must go." Aleks strode quickly out the door. The innkeep looked up from the mug he was cleaning. "I'll just make it one stew and ale then, shall I miss Kel?" Keladry stood up as well. "I'm going to follow him. I want to know his story." She left the Tea Kettle. Aleks strode down the street, deep in thought. [I]It's been so long wandering. Perhaps I should settle down. This certainly would be the town to do it. Perhaps I could learn to like these people, and perhaps they would accept me for what I am...[/I] Aleks sighed. [I]And perhaps I'll sprout wings and fly to the new moon...[/I]

OOC: Dear god! Has this thread suddenly become Oknüberfest or something? For god's sake, people, if you haven't signed up for this adventure in the recruitment forum, then DON'T POST IN IT!!! Please!!! We don't want it to get closed!!! IC: Aleks stood out somewhat, seeing as how it was harvest time, early fall, and therefore not very seasonal for the attire Aleks was wearing. Many a strange glance and muttered remark was directed at Aleks, who was, for the most part, ignoring it. Until, that is, a very tall, burly man stepped out of his circle of friends and blocked Aleks from passing. He smirked. "A bit early for winter, eh, buddy?" Aleks sighed deeply, regretting that it had become nearly habitual. In Aleks' experience, whenever someone calls you "buddy" their intents are never positive. "What's the matter, pal? Wyrm got your tongue? 'Course, if you're just too afraid to say nothin', that's understandable." This elicited a chorus of guffaws and leers from the jerk's friends. If eyes that were pure red and glowing could roll, they would have. "Come on, man-" He cut off with a gurgling sound. Aleks' hand was a blur of movement as it connected with the man's throat. He fell to the ground, choking and gasping. The group of friends looked shocked for a second, then pulled various homemade weapons from their assorted pockets. "He'll live," Aleks' voice rasped, "Unfortunately." The mob started to surround Aleks, who quickly shot down a side alley. Aleks pounded down the alley. [I]I don't think I'll ever find a town free of jackasses. The flourishers of life.[/I] Aleks stopped and listened for any sounds of pursuit. Hearing none, Aleks exited the alley onto another street. [I]Right now, I have to find an inn...[/I] OOC(again): It's too bad no one is an innkeeper, because then they could start with my character entering the inn. Oh well. And also, if you're looking for a mindset of my character, read JTHM. You could probably find it in your local Hot Topic (or from any gothic friends you might have).

My favorite genres are alternative rock (like Alice in Chains) prog rock (like Tool... YAY TOOL!!!) Any subgenre of Electronica, specifically trance, D&B, happy hardcore, and finally, good experimental rock type stuff (like Radiohead, or the Flaming Lips.) I can listen to anything else if it's by someone talented. It's just the genres where every single song sounds exactly the same *COUGH RAP COUGH PUNK COUGH* that I don't like.

The dad is the best. The scene where Donny and his parents are meeting with the principle and that one lady, where she says "He told me to forcibly that book into my anus!" and the dad just bursts out laughing. Great movie. Truly brilliant.

Who do you think are brilliant lyric writers, or what are some brilliant lyrics that are your personal favorites? Some of my favorite lyrics are written by these personal fave bands of mine: Tool A Perfect Circle Incubus QOTSA (Queens of the Stone Age) Radiohead An example of some favorite brilliant lyrics of mine: "Life's the study of dying, How to get it right." -Song for the Dead, QOTSA What are your favorite brilliant lyrics/lyricists?

It was in a small clearing a few miles out of Glen Haven that Gunter Vontig, the famous hunter, finally caught up with the cloaked figure. "I've got you now, Aleks," he said, in a clear, commanding tone. The cloaked figure turned to face Gunter. Twin red eyes blazed out of the darkness of the hood. "There's nothing you can throw at me now that I don't have a defense against, Aleks! For all of my life I have been cultivating a fighting style so unique that it will destroy any melee attack! And now, Aleks, you shall see this technique, in all of its perfection!" As he was speaking, he was donning various weapons. A spiked gauntlet was equipped on both hands, the left one with a wickedly curved blade affixed, and then he drew a flamberge from a sheath on his back. "Prepare yourself, Aleks, for your DOOM!" He flourished the sword, catching the light. There was what sounded like a heavy sigh that came from the recesses of the hood. The figure drew a crossbow, and promptly shot Gunter in the stomach. [ALIGN=Center]--------[/ALIGN] A bit later, and a bit further down the road, the figure, Aleks, trudged on. Aleks was thinking: [I]Ye gods, they get less intelligent every time. That one was a flourisher. Self-inflated bottomfeeders flourish. Your average person who knows what they're doing, now that person doesn't flourish.[/I] Aleks sighed, heavily. [I]Dumber every time...[/I] Aleks looked up from the road, and saw the peaceful town of Glen Haven neslted between the mountains and the forest. [I]Perhaps I'll rest there for a while...[/I] Aleks sighed again. [I]Perhaps I'll find refuge from the flourishers...[/I] OOC: By the way, what are the things like currency, or systems of measurement? Just asking so we know.

My Character: [B]Name:[/B] Aleks [No one has ever gotten close enough to Aleks to determine a last name. The person that was lucky enough (or unlucky enough) lived only long enough to spread Aleks' first name before Aleks hunted him down and killed him.] [B]Age:[/B] Unknown, believed to be somewhere between 18 and 25. [B]Gender:[/B] [No one has ever gotten close enough to Aleks to determine a definite gender. Could be anything :smirk:.] [B]Occupation:[/B] Wanderer. [B]Weapons:[/B] Aleks is a master of fighting with any weapon. Aleks switches weapons constantly, for two reasons: One; so that no one can ever devise a potent strategy against Aleks, and Two; If one stays with one set of weapons for too long, a sort of psychic fingerprint rubs off on them. This allows one skilled enough in witchcraft to trace the exact location of the weapons' owner. [B]Personality:[/B] Aleks takes the cliche of the "silent type" and takes it to the next level. Aleks would rather kill someone than talk to them, and usually does. It's not that Aleks is psychotic, just... rather antisocial. If Aleks knows a fight is unwinnable, or just gets bored of the fight, or wants to avoid one, Aleks will run. [B]Appearance:[/B] Aleks wears heavy boots and thick robes under a bulky hooded cloak. As a result, Aleks' face is always in shadows. It is believed that a mixed ancestry is the cause of Aleks' glowing red eyes. Aleks stands about 5'10". [B]History:[/B] Little is known at all about Aleks. The only thing known for certain is that wherever Aleks goes, a trail of bodies is left behind. As a direct result, a substantial bounty has been placed on Aleks, dead or alive, limbs negotiable. Perhaps the earliest signs of Aleks were reported by some rangers scouting the Northern Barrens, where they came across a tribe of murdered Lizardfolk, and a sole set of bootprints disappearing to the south. As a wanderer, Aleks winds up in Glen Haven, intents unknown. OOC: That's my character. I hope you find it acceptable!

OOC: Waagh! Plot developments! Just shows what happens when you go on vacation in California for a week. Just got back tonight. The character Levington is a bureaucract in the Righteous Lightning. My character had a conversation with him in my third post in this thread. Since none of the people in this thread with the RL were bureaucrat-type characters, I made him up. Also, the main form of currency is the hyaran (equivalent to the American Dollar). A tael would be worth 20 hyarans. So the Tai-Pan is rollin' in it if that's what he pays for a watch. IC: The Righteous Lightning's loading area in Veleras was a sight of organized chaos if ever there was one. Jayce Vinaron once more reported to Levington to deliver her shipment. If the last time they had met she was angry, this time she had a hard time not slapping in the face. She slammed the package on the table. Levington winced. "Careful, Jayce, that's delic-" "********, Levington! You utter ***! First it was accepting arms from Robotica, now it's accepting weapons and training from the TAI-PAN?!? Has EVERY OUNCE OF SENSE LEFT THE RIGHTEOUS LIGHTNING?!?!?" Levington sighed, looking exasperated. "Beggars can't be choosers, Jayce." "Don't you even TRY to rationalize this choice, Lev. The man is a MONSTER! Not only will you have Robotica to deal with, but the TAI-PAN!" A pained look crossed his face. "Oh, Jayce, he's not THAT bad, he's really just gotten a lot of bad press, is all. You see-" She drew a deep breath, the brief calm before the storm. "Oh sure! Bad press! Great! Fine! DO YOU HONESTLY BELEIVE THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR OWN MOUTH, MAN?!?!?" Levington cowered before the near-full brunt of her wrath. "Jayce, Jayce, Jayce... We'll be fine! I trust in the Righteous Lightning, so why can't you?" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "OK! Great! Trust in their decision to be backed by a bloodthirsty maniac as well as by a bunch of bots focused on our destruction! We'll be just PEACHY once the Domos are gone! All we'll have to worry about is just the INSIGNIFICANT matter of a metallic army of XENOCIDAL ROBOTS and a CRAZED, MEGALOMANIACAL MULTIQUADRILLIONAIRRE!!! YESSIREE, NOTHIN' TO WORRY ABOUT THERE!!!" Veins were beginning to pop out on her forehead, and her face was a bright red. Levington was, at that point, wishing that there was a lot more between him and Jayce, like several miles of land mines and a concrete bunker instead of a flimsy folding table, in which there were now deep gouge marks from where Jayce was gripping it. She realized herself, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let go of the table. When she opened them again, it was as if her eyes held liquid fire. "You have no idea what the Righteous Lightning is getting you into, Levington. And neither do they..." She turned around, her cloak whirling around her. "Neither do they..."