SunfallE

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]You've kind of lost me on that one. Other than to meet the requirements in the rules that the posts need to be at least a couple of paragraphs, is there another one saying they can't be long? Though to tell the truth I wouldn't consider your posts as being long. ;) Fun to read, but definitely not too long. If anyone could clarify that statement for me I'd appreciate it.[/QUOTE]There really isn't a limitation, but there has been talk about using one in the thread Crystia linked too. I don't know what the limit for each post is right off the bat, but I'd be surprised if anyone actually reached it. I have no objection to post length either way. Some are naturally going to be longer and some shorter. So whatever people prefer is fine by me. ^_^ I do a lot of reading so I haven?t felt that any post was too long or too short either. I'm more interested in quality and everyone has done an excellent job. As for the different ideas people have had about the translators, I have no objections to any of them as it would make sense to me that such a huge civilization would have different methods for translating the languages. And the idea that something is literally translated works too since there would be cultural references that wouldn?t really translate well. Overall, I love the different directions people are taking in the story. :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Jason slowly opened his eyes and then stretched lazily from his position on his back in the bed he and Celestia shared. It didn?t surprise him to realize that he was alone as Celestia often woke up before he did. She was probably already in the command center working on the program for the shielding for this base. Even if it was suppose to be finished, knowing her she would be looking for ways to refine it. Jason yawned and stretched again turning his head to the right to look at the workstation as there was a small display above it that would tell him what time it was. The numbers 3:37am were clearly visible. [I]What?s going on?[/I] Jason wondered as he reached over to touch the panel next to the bed that would turn the lights on. He sat up and looked around. The door to the small restroom was open and the lights were out, both rooms were empty. Curious as to why she would have gotten up so early Jason moved to get out of bed and to change out of the cotton pajamas he was wearing into his regular clothes. But when he stepped on the floor and attempted to stand he fell to the floor on his hands and knees, feeling strangely light headed and heavy at the same time. He tried to get up but his body wouldn?t respond the way he wanted it to, frustrated he turned back to the bed and used it to pull himself back up into a sitting position on the side. [I]What?s wrong with me? Am I sick?[/I] He wondered. He didn?t feel sick. So why did his arms and legs feel like lead? He tried to get up again only to have the same problem. [I]I really must be sick[/I] he thought as he climbed back onto the bed and sat on the side facing the computer workstation. Jason reached over to the panel next to the bed that turned the lights on intending to activate the communication link to the command center to ask for help when an all to familiar voice spoke. ?[B]There?s no one there to help you anymore.[/B]? The voice said. Jason froze in place and then slowly turned to see who had spoken. Surely he was mistaken, how could Jared have gotten here? But there he was, standing at the end of the bed a look of amusement on his face. In a panic he scrambled backwards as quickly as his unresponsive limbs would allow, banging his head painfully on the wall behind him. Jason started to speak but nothing came out, fear paralyzing him. [I]How could this have happened? Where are Celestia and the others? Why can?t I move properly?[/I] His thoughts raced in circles as he watched Jared move closer and then finally sit down on the bed next to him. ?[B]After all this time, have you nothing to say?[/B]? Jared asked him. ?[B]How did you...[/B]? Jason started to say but Jared cut him off. ?[B]Find you?[/B]? Jared laughed as he moved closer. ?[B]Did you really think I would let you go?[/B]? [SIZE=1][RIGHT]...Jason...[/RIGHT][/SIZE] Jason tried to pull free when Jared grabbed his right arm and pulled him close, pinning him so that they were facing each other. But his arms and legs still wouldn?t cooperate. He tried to stop him but Jared pinned his arms above his head with his left arm and used his weight to pin his legs down by sitting on him. [CENTER]...Jason...[/CENTER] Jason cringed when Jared leaned forward to whisper in his ear while he started to unfasten the buttons on his shirt. ?[B]You and I have some unfinished business to attend to.[/B]? Jared said. Jason struggled in vain to get free, crying inwardly when Jared moved to kiss him. He closed his eyes?[I]No![/I] [SIZE=3][B]Jason![/B][/SIZE] A sharp sudden pain filled Jason?s head as he opened his eyes again. He was tangled in the blanket from the bed and lying on the floor. Frantically he sat up and looked around, other than Celestia who was sitting on the bed looking concerned, there was no one there. ?[B]Jason![/B]? Celestia said from her position on the bed. ?[B]Are you all right?[/B]? He breathed a sigh of relief. It was just a dream. He looked down at his cotton pajama shirt. It was still buttoned. Tentatively he stood up and swung his arms around. Everything worked, as it should. He walked back over to the bed and sat down. ?[B]Jason? What happened? You were thrashing madly in your sleep. I tried to wake you but you jerked sideways and fell off the bed.[/B]? Celestia reached up to touch Jason?s head, stopping when he pulled away. ?[B]You hit your head on the floor when you fell.[/B]? Jason reached up to touch the back of his head wincing a bit when he felt the spot where he had hit his head. [I]Thank god that was just a dream.[/I] He thought with a shudder of revulsion. ?[B]Jason, please answer me, are you all right?[/B]? Celestia asked. ?[B]Yes, it was just a bad dream.[/B]? Jason finally replied. ?[B]Just a dream?[/B]? ?[B]You dreamed about Jared again didn?t you.[/B]? Celestia said as she straightened the blankets that Jason had pulled off the bed when he fell. She leaned over and wrapped her arms around Jason, holding him close when he didn?t answer immediately. ?[B]It?s all right, I understand if you don?t want to talk about it.?[/B] She said. He reached up and wrapped his arms around her in turn. Maybe later he would talk to her about it, but not now. He shivered involuntarily still shaken by the powerful emotions of the dream. Even though he knew she would understand, he did not want to cry in front of Celestia. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][B]1.[/B] [B]What name would you like to be used for you during this competition?[/B] Sunfall or my nick name Beth is fine. [B]2.[/B] [B]What is your age and gender?[/B] I'm definitely female and 36 years old. [B]3.[/B][B] What country do you come from?[/B] USA [B]4.[/B] [B]What areas of OtakuBoards you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses? [/B] For strengths I would say Discussion/Debates. For weakness I would say Music, Movies/TV [B]5.[/B] [B]Name one member of OtakuBoards that you consider your friend here.[/B] The very first person I became friends with was Panda. She's just an amazing person. I've made some other great friends as well. But for the sake of the contest I'll just list the first person I got to know. Besides the ones I know in real life that is as I knew them before we became members of the site. [B]6.[/B] [B]What one thing would you take with you to a deserted island?[/B] There are so many things I would take given a chance! But since I love my friends I'd probably drag one of them along if they wanted to. If not then I guess it would just be me. [B]7.[/B] [B]Why do you want to participate to OtakuBoards Survivor 4?[/B] Because being part of Labyrinth was tons of fun and other than to read the previous Survivor games, I didn't get to be a part of it, so this time I'd like to be part of it instead of watching it. :catgirl: Also, like Crystia I absolutely detest the Survivor shows I rarely last more than ten minutes before changing the channel, but a OtakuBoards survivor is something I'm betting will be a nifty experience.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed] I left it on the vague side as to where the facilities and weapons are for the simple reason that I don't know where such things are. And for the purpose of the story, simply stating that the facility was in the country known as the USA is sufficient in my opinion.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]And in my opinion that works just fine. Especially since as you pointed out Earth in the story isn't quite the same as the Earth as we know it. So other than to say which country it was in, specific details as to where the facility is that was taken out is not required. [QUOTE=Rachmaninoff']I was wondering if I needed to actually do research on it or if making it up would be okay. So unless anyone objects, that's how I intend to do it.[/quote]The same goes for your part too Darren. Making it up to a certain extent is more than acceptable. ;) There's certainly no need to do extensive research on what is purely a story written for fun. Though that does bring up another point I'd like to clarify in regards to the transportation door technology the Versilan's use. It's not like what you would see in say Star Trek as things are not broken down and then put back together again at the new location. It's more like folding space in that you walk through the door just like you would any other door. It also means a much greater range and things being in your way, like a planet doesn?t limit you. To give an idea, using it to send someone as far as a place like Mars would not be out of the question. I thought I should clear that up since that feature is going to end up being used a lot more in the story now. Also I have not heard from JimitheGreat11 so as of now their character along with the merchant who was suppose to have picked them up are missing in action until I hear otherwise. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Jason watched as his sister silently turned and stalked off after being reprimanded by Kim. It was the last thing he had ever expected Kim to do. But then he knew his sister and he was fairly certain that the real problem was that she was feeling useless. Sara, for as long as he could remember had always made a point of taking care of herself. She had been fiercely independent, even refusing help from him when their parents had died. He was sure he wasn?t mistaken as he remembered all to well her look of disbelief when he had challenged her to a spar to prove a point. She had been stunned to realize that she couldn?t beat him. Jason understood it all too well. Before he had been genetically modified, it had been the same for him when confronted by Jared. The one time he had attacked him it had been futile, he would stand a better chance now, but he still lacked the training that Jared did and six months of training with other Versilan?s didn?t even come close to someone who had severed in the military longer than he had even been alive. ?[B]Don?t you think we should talk to her?[/B]? Celestia asked worried about Sara. ?[B]No, I don?t.[/B]? Jason replied. He got up and walked around the table and reached out to take Celestia?s hand as she stood up, he pulled her close to him. ?[B]I think we should go to our room and give her some space.[/B]? Celestia pulled away a little, ?[B]I?m serious Jason. I?ve never seen her so angry before.[/B]? ?[B]So am I Celestia, I know her and believe me she needs time to cool off. In all the time I?ve known her she?s never stayed angry for very long. Once she realizes that what we?ve told her is true and that it?s time to move on she?ll do so and arguing with her won?t make that happen any sooner.[/B]? Jason replied. Celestia sighed. ?[B]All right, lets go to our room then. If you think giving her space is what she needs then lets give her some space.[/B]? She headed off for their quarters with Jason walking alongside her. ?[B]I do have another thing that concerns me though.[/B]? ?[B]And what would that be?[/B]? Jason asked. ?[B]William hasn?t returned yet and Daniel hasn?t said anything. I thought we were only staying here a week and yet it?s already been a little longer than that.[/B]? She said. ?[B]True,[/B]? Jason said as they entered their quarters and shut the door behind them. ?[B]But don?t you think he would have told us if there was a problem?[/B]? Celestia turned back to face him, ?[B]Yes, but only if he feels we need to know.[/B]? ?[B]Then why bother him? He won?t tell us unless he wants to.[/B]? He moved closer and kissed her gently on the forehead. ?[B]Besides weren?t you telling me that Kim and Daniel need some time alone?[/B]? Celestia looked at Jason and smiled mischievously. ?[B]Don?t you mean you want time alone with me?[/B]? Chuckling when Jason blushed at the unexpected turn in the conversation. ?[B]Honestly Jason, sometimes you are too proper.[/B]? She reached up and pulled him closer initiating a more intimate kiss. Smiling inwardly when he responded in turn. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']I hope you don?t mind Beth that I worked in a little more before the change. ;) I didn?t put what both Daniel and Kim were looking at though since I don?t know what you have in mind.[/quote]Not at all. ^_^ And I've got several ideas as to what could have them upset and concerned. Anyway, the next part is ready to commence! The post is up and everyone has recieved their new objectives. With one exception and that is Takuya. Your objective is going to come from indifference in her post as she will be briefing your characters on their duties. If you want to throw in a post or two about arriving and your characters observations about Earth that would be great. If not that's fine too. Anyway... lets have some more fun! :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][CENTER][IMG]http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/82/silveronebannerbysatorizr7.png[/IMG][SIZE=1] Banner by [/SIZE][URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?userid=17839][COLOR=RoyalBlue][B][SIZE=1][U]Satori[/U][/SIZE][/B][/COLOR][/URL][/center] Still wrapped in the same green cloak that they had worn several weeks ago when they had addressed the High Council, the same figure now stood in the private observation room of the fleet?s flagship the Conqueror. Even from space the progress that had been made on the dead planet it was orbiting was easily visible. It was time to put things in motion even though there were some who questioned the move. But the figure in the cloak knew better, the resistance had become even more of a threat since a half-breed had managed to write a program capable of disabling a battleship. That single incident had taken them from an irritation to a real threat. They had seen this and approached the High Council and after some arguing had convinced them to move things forward. At first those who opposed it had been quite vocal, until more riots and incidents of trouble on conquered worlds had begun just as they had predicted. And when they had received confirmation that the resistance was recruiting others from the lesser races. It just verified that they had been right all along. The common Versilan believed the teachings that they were superior, but the figure in the cloak knew better. Technologically and physically they were, but provided they did not destroy themselves through needless wars, even those of other races had the potential to eventually match them in power and knowledge. And even if the initial reasoning for conquest was selfish, it was also practical. Given time, any race would fight over wealth and power, something the Versilan?s had done in the past, nearly destroying themselves. No it was better to control them, to keep them from being able to reach that point. The figure turned at the sound of the door to the observation room opening to admit one of the officers of the Conqueror. They walked forward and bowed, waiting for permission to speak. ?[B]What is it?[/B]? They asked. Without looking up the officer spoke. ?[B]A message from the operatives on Earth has arrived. Both former Commander Daniel and Sub-Commander Kim along with the Earthling Sara have vanished.[/B]? ?[B]I see. So Sandra and Jared did not make it in time.[/B]? They replied. ?[B]No sir, the Crimson is due to arrive tomorrow, but all three have been missing for several days, so it?s likely they are no longer on Earth.[/B]? The officer replied. ?[B]It is of no consequence. We can begin the first phase whether they are there or not.[/B]? The figure said. ?[B]Your orders sir?[/B]? The officer asked. ?[B]Contact the Crimson and the Tempest and give them this message. Phase One.[/B]? They said. ?[B]Sir?[/B]? The officer asked confused. ?[B]Just give it to them, they will know what it means.[/B]? They replied. ?[B]Yes sir.[/B]? The officer said before turning to leave. Once they had left the figure turned back to look at the dead planet and the hustle of construction taking place. Yes it was definitely time to begin. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Rachmaninoff]Hmmm...I'm going to bet 50 on Desbreko taking first and 50 on DeathKnight to take second. Pity Charles is one of the judges..Otherwise I'd bet it all on him taking first.[/QUOTE]Hmmm... I'll make the same bet. 50 OtakuBucks on Desbreko to take first and 50 OtakuBucks on DeathKnight to take second. [spoiler]And I agree with you on Charles his Cattitude is more than enough to take first.[/spoiler] :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]the alternative the child becoming too large to care for, experiencing menstruation when she can't even communicate pain, and dealing with apparently large breasts that would get in the way of her favourite lying positions. Show me a 3 month old who could adequately deal with those symptoms, and I'll agree it wasn't in her best interests. Otherwise I think what the parents did was very brave and very good for their daughter (brave cause it's never been attempted before).[/font][/color'][/size][/quote]That argument alone is enough for me to agree with what the parents have chosen to do. The last thing she needs is to grow up and deal with menstruation every single month. If she's got the mind of a three month old baby, there's just no way she's going to understand that. Especially if she's like a lot of women in that it's an uncomfortable process. All she's going to do is suffer every time that happens. If she has the standard length of periods for about the same amount of time most women go though this, that translates to four years of needless suffering. The people who are arguing that the parents were selfish are forgetting that in addition to making it easier for them to care for her, it will make her life a lot more comfortable in the long run. Especially since she won't have the mentality to understand the changes in her body from growing up. Realistically no 3-month-old baby would. And seeing that mentally that's what she is, then I think they made a smart move in trying to do what's best for her.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Thank you, Takuya that was perfect. I look forward to seeing Daego in action. ^_~ [quote name='Rachmaninoff']I have to admit, it's turning out to be far more entertaining than I expected. My only question is how close are we to the first major event you've been referring to Beth? [If you don't mind me calling you that][/quote]I don?t mind at all. Darren :p As for the actual event, I was waiting on JimitheGreat11 but they haven?t been online since the first so I?ll probably go ahead and get things rolling. It won?t put them out of the game, but I don?t want to wait too long as it?s not fair to everyone else. As for when I?ll post, Crystia expressed to me that she was going to post in regards to what you set up and once that happens I?ll get things going. It won't affect any current objectives, but if any one else has more they'd like to add, now would be the time.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Looks like indifference beat me to it, but that is exactly it. ^_~ Even though survivor based games are fun, it's nice to have other types of events thrown into the mix as well. And unless you present us with one like the idea of the Records, we don't know if you can or not. To put it into prospective, my mind goes blank when I try to think of something. So I can only imagine that it would take time to hunt out ideas and then to turn around and tailor them to match an online format.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Sandy']Care for a compromise? I won't change my "official" pitch for the reasons I've stated above, but I'll post here another idea I have been working on, which isn't nearly as grandiose as OBS4, but I think it proves that I can think outside of my own little box.[/quote]Actually the idea for records is more original than the Survivor one you pitched, (in my opinion) and I'm thinking that's really the core of the concern here. That the events aren't always of the same type of mold. The point about Survivor is that it's so many people to begin with (though the number may vary as to the total) and in the end only one is left. Just like Labyrinth. It doesn't mean they aren't fun or good events, it means the people are playing the same game, again and again, with varying rules and situations, but the same outcome. Grandiose isn't really an issue here, uniqueness and appealing to everyone is. And though survivor type games are fun, they still aren't as inclusive as things like the Nifty Fifty or the Scavenger hunt was. Even Mafia, though I'm sure it was fun for the players, wasn't inclusive due to so much of it being played out of the view of the community. If it were me I would have pitched the Records idea instead of the survivor one, ditched putting someone?s name in the title, [B]OtakuBoards Thread of Records[/B] would work, and then presented it along the lines of a new type of event. One that similar to Otakupedia, builds on the rich history of the boards. And yet is different in that instead of telling the history, it highlights unique and interesting facts that also set a record. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]The High Council was still in session when the secretary entered through a door that let her into the alcove where the members were seated and yet kept the rest of the people in the room from being able to see that someone had entered the chamber. No one would ever interrupt a meeting unless there was a good reason for it and the secretary waited patiently while the council put the meeting on hold until further notice. Once the people had left they motioned the secretary to come forward. Though the secretary had never used it before, they knew the protocol for handling a Priority Omega message and without hesitation they handed over the data chip and relayed Kiva?s request for an audience. A request that was met with an order for the secretary to escort Kiva to guest quarters while they reviewed the report and that they would call for her once they were ready. The secretary bowed and left immediately to carry out the High Council?s wishes. Once the secretary left they immediately accessed the data chip to see why Kiva had bypassed Elite Commander Christopher Hays and had come directly to them instead. There were very few reasons as to why she would have actually used the Omega Priority clearance to access them instead of Commander Hays. It didn?t take long to see why, not only had she figured out that the traitor was Ryan in spite of being given very little to go on, she had uncovered additional treachery as well. The Merchant Jennifer was of little consequence, but Elite Commander Hays was another matter altogether. One of the members opened up a channel and contacted a special task force that answered only to the High Council; quickly he issued orders for the immediate arrest of Ryan, Jennifer and Christopher. They were to be brought before the council immediately. He turned the channel off and turned back to his colleagues. ?[B]It seems that Ryan was the least of our problems.[/B]? He said. ?[B]Agreed, though Kiva has proven she would be a suitable replacement, talent such as hers would be wasted on an elite military Unit.[/B]? One of them replied. ?[B]I concur,[/B]? another member said. ?[B]I?ve been checking into her past record and she has an excellent success rate. I?m surprised that Elite Commander Hays chose her.[/B]? One of the other members laughed, ?[B]You wouldn?t say that if you truly knew Hays. He may have been good at his job, but he?s an arrogant SOB, which is why he probably chose her. He probably thought that since she hadn?t been put through the additional training an elite officer has that she wouldn?t be able to figure it out.[/B]? ?[B]In that case I propose we give her the new Elite Specialist position since Elite Commander Hays will no longer be able to accept it.[/B]? One of them suggested. ?[B]Very well then, unless there are no objections, Kiva will be given the assignment. We can always promote someone else in the military to replace Ryan. And I?m sure Hays?s sub-commander will have no trouble taking his place.[/B]? The first one who had spoke said. The others nodded their agreement. ?[B]As for the traitors, once they?ve been brought here they are to be stripped of all ranks and privileges and executed immediately.[/B]? He continued. Then he pulled up the link to the secretary?s desk and issued an order for Kiva to be brought to them immediately.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]I meant media like movies, or TV. I didn't name any threads.[/font][/color'][/size][/quote]My mistake, I misread your post. I missed that you said Kill Bill and not Kill Adam. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Sara][color=#b0000b][size=1]If the ratings stay, I think they need to be completely renamed so that things like [PG] don't overlap with exisiting standards outside of the boards. Even something arbitrary like [A] [B] [C] would allow a blank slate where the ratings would be defined [i]within the boards, for the boards[/i]. I think this would help the situations where people opt for [M] over [PG] because they consider their RPG goes beyond the [PG] movie rating they're familiar with. [/color][/size][/QUOTE]I like this idea for the simple reason it makes the ratings apply to the boards and not to the ones outside that change depending on the person and even the country they are in. That in my opinion is part of what generates so much confusion in the first place. [quote name='DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]It'd be best if the guidelines were really really clear, perhaps using real world examples to show what a mature RP would be compared to a normal RP. Like, for mature you could have something like "Think Kill Bill, From Dusk Till Dawn, etc..." (you know, depending on the eventual rating of 'mature'). That'd save mods some work.[/font][/color'][/size][/quote]The only problem I see with using previous threads as an example, is anyone who hasn't read them isn't going to know what level of stuff is in them without actually taking the time to read them. I'm thinking that describing what types of violence, language or sex that would be acceptable for a rating would be more effective. If we are going to change them to one that is exclusive to the boards that is. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Charles]Furthermore, I think that the rating system is really cumbersome. It's obvious by some of the replies in here that it's not clear and it's not really user-friendly. [/QUOTE]I agree completely and the fact that so many people have different ideas as to what they consider mature is what resulted in my giving my RPG the mature rating. I started with the PG-13 LVS in the OB Anthology, but the thread got edited to reflect the PG rating that for some of the elements in the story I felt was not an appropriate rating. I had someone being tortured at one point and later on implying that one person was raped by another. Something that is not what I would consider a PG type of story. So I went with the mature rating since there are some plot twists I have planned that don?t fit in what I consider to be a PG rating. And there doesn?t seem to be an in-between. Just adding the letters. Unless by adding the letters for LVS or what ever you intend to include is suppose to indicate a PG-13 rating. And even then as I explained earlier in the thread, my idea of more mature is a bit different than what teenagers and kids today are use to. If the changes will help remove that confusion then I?m all for it, but I wonder if it really will improve overall quality since I haven?t really seen a lot of threads that are absolutely loaded with swearing. Poor quality posts perhaps, but swearing? I?ve seen far more poor quality issues than the other. But then I don?t take the time to completely follow all the threads in that area as don?t have the time for it. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]I don?t have a problem with removing profanity from the Adventure Square, because in the end I think the rating system is on the confusing side. At least for me that is. Some of this is due to my age. I remember when the push for the PG-13 rating was done due to how movies were having more and more elements that before you only saw in a rated R movie. I believe one of the biggest examples cited at the time was the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. So though for the most part the RPG I started is more of a PG-13 rating, it will have a few moments in it that based on what I grew up with, would be considered rated R for the violence and sexual content, even if it?s only a small part of the overall story. The swearing is something that is more of an occasional thing and not the norm in how the story flows. But in the end, the rating fits what I consider a more mature movie, today?s standards seem out of whack to me as if the shows and stories are relying more on the gore, violence, sex and language to draw in an audience instead of a story line that only has the occasional swearing, violence, sex and language. Which at that point are used to emphasize a point and not just needless profanity and such. So if it seems the rating I gave the RPG I started is excessive, well I just want people to understand that from my prospective, it makes perfect sense. In the end I really don?t have a problem with removing profanity or in being more strict on more mature ratings, I do have one concern and it has to do with what Shy has said here: [quote name='Shy][size=1] It will have an active moderating staff and a swear filter to help enforce the rules. Adult content can still be presented in the forum, only it must be done [i]tastefully[/i'].[/size][/quote]People?s ideas as to what they will consider tasteful is going to be very hard to define. Again I?m going on what I grew up here, as things that many of the teenagers and kids I know think are normal, I consider to be trashy and not worth watching. The same goes for reading as well. I guess I worry where the line will be drawn in terms of what?s considered acceptable or what?s considered tasteful. Because in my opinion that line is going to differ depending upon who you talk to. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Celestia stood with Jason out on the balcony of Daniel and Kim?s apartment, watching for Kim and Sara to arrive. She had forgotten just how beautiful the mountains in Colorado were. How relaxing the smell of pine trees was, for a moment she could almost forget all that had happened in the past year. She sighed as she leaned into Jason wrapping her arm around his waist as he put his arm around her shoulders. It was both a bittersweet and painful thing to be back on Earth. ?[B]What?s on your mind?[/B]? Jason asked her. ?[B]I?m wondering if it?s wise to show her the underground base so quickly.[/B]? Celestia replied. Jason chuckled, ?[B]Unless Sara has changed, it?s the best way to convince her.[/B]? ?[B]I know,[/B]? Celestia, replied, ?[B]I just wish we didn?t have to involve her in any of this.[/B]? Jason started to reply and then stopped when several cars entered the parking lot. Daniel had said that the car Kim was driving was white and sure enough when one of the cars stopped and the occupants got out, there was no mistaking Sara with her long black hair and graceful movements.[I] I?m really going to see her again![/I] He thought excitedly. There had been a time when he doubted he ever would get to see her again. Celestia let go of Jason once Kim and Sara had entered the building, she held back as he went over to the glass doors to the balcony once the door opened and Sara followed by Kim entered. She watched until Jason motioned her forward. She could see the confusion in Sara?s eyes when Jason mentioned showing her where they had been and she could understand it. ?[B]Show me?[/B]? Sara asked confused. ?[B]What do you mean by that?[/B]? ?[B]You?ll see,[/B]? Daniel, replied even as he pulled out a handheld computer/communicator and entered the command to open a transportation door. ?[B]Bloody hell![/B]? Sara exclaimed when the door opened up. ?[B]What is that?[/B]? ?[B]It?s a transportation door,[/B]? Daniel replied before stepping through. Sara watched on in disbelief as Kim and Celestia quickly followed Daniel through the strange door of light. ?[B]Shall we?[/B]? Jason asked Sara. ?[B]You?re kidding right?[/B]? Sara asked him. ?[B]Trust me.[/B]? Jason replied. Sara looked at Jason narrowing her eyes before responding, ?[B]Are you taking lessons from Kim?[/B]? ?[B]Lessons?[/B]? Jason asked puzzled as to what she was referring too. Sara sighed, ?[B]Both of you are just [I]so helpful[/I] today.[/B]? With a toss of her hair she clenched her eyes shut and walked through the door. A moment later Jason followed her and then the door disappeared. Leaving the apartment empty. Jason followed his sister though the transportation door to the underground base. It was a toss up as to who was more surprised by the place as though he had heard about it from William and Celestia while helping her and other resistance members write the shielding program for it, he had yet to actually see it. The first room they transported into was just off of the main room where the facilities for preparing food were and then as they followed Daniel who was already walking towards the main doors leading to the next section he saw another hallway that if he remembered the plans correctly, lead to the quarters for those who were staying here. Once they arrived at the doors, Daniel stopped and took a moment to explain where everything was, and then he went through the door and down the hallway explaining where each branch went. Finally they came to the main command center where it was clear that who ever had built it was not from Earth. From the sleek computer consoles, to the huge viewer screen, it was very similar to the bridge of a battleship, though much smaller. And the materials for the walls were of the same substance used on the ships. Sara stopped her eyes wide at what she was seeing, ?[b]Just what is going on here?[/b]? [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Hanabishi Recca]I was obviously lied to by my parents/lawyers. So, I guess you should try to talk to a couple, okay? Dae[/QUOTE]I wouldn't be to sure about that, your parents and the lawyer may have come to the agreement that you were old enough to make the choice yourself. Some parents don't make an issue and fight over custody of their kids. So if that were the case then no they didn't lie to you. ;) My parents are divorced, and my mom initially got custody, but later on my mom decided it was something we should decide and as a result some of my siblings moved in with my dad and the rest of us stayed with her. And there was no objection from the court on that at all. I understood that unless one parent is considered incompetent and not capable of having the kids, unless there is a disagreement the court doesn't give one parent sole custody. I think they give a joint custody or something along those lines, though I could be wrong, I just know that my brothers moving in with my dad required no court action to change the fact that they were suppose to live with my mom. But since cancer's mom has said no, they'll have to find out legally how they can move in with their dad.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Wow, I?m surprised my character ended up being the last one standing. I was sure the rest of you were going to kill her off. >_< And many of the other players were better posters than I was as well. Especially that final post by BKstyles, poor Feng Li, that post was downright creepy! In the end it was great fun, even though it started to become a bit repetitive near the end. So my final thoughts are to say thanks to the other players and to the people who voted for Janet in the first place, otherwise Sandy would have never revived her. I assumed we weren?t supposed to vote for our own characters so I was surprised that others did vote for her. Anyway, all in all it was great fun! :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Rachmaninoff']Though I assume it's okay to keep posting if you have other ideas to put into the story? Once someone else has posted that is since I don't want to double post. ;)[/quote]Definitely, the objectives are only to help the story along and even then I have a number of them that depending upon which direction people take may or may not even be used. Take the bit between your character and indifference's, I'll be modifying the next objective due to the fact that you ended up getting arrested. ;) As for the first major event, as soon as a few other relevant posts are put up I'll get that underway. Takuya has an objective that they will be posting, Mariskah will be handling the meeting between her character and mine and JimitheGreat11 will end up on their way towards Earth as well. Which brings me to another point, if anyone feels like my objectives are too restrictive or if I haven't given enough information for you to get started, please be sure to let me know. I?ve got plenty of details for them but I don?t want to be so controlling that it interferes with people putting their own ideas into the RPG. As for your posts Rachmaninoff, indifference is right about your description of Jared via Mike. Good lord! I just died laughing when I read that part. :catgirl:[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]No worries Kathy. Just have a good time with your relatives. The same goes for everyone else who has plans for tomorrow night. Have a great time and a Happy New Year. ^_~ [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]William was on his way to sector twelve when he received an incoming transmission from the merchant who was working for him. He transferred the transmission to the small conference room just off the main bridge and after locking the doors and encrypting the message he opened it up. ?[B]What is it?[/B]? He asked the merchant. ?[B]I went through the list of people your agent was in the process of recruiting. He must have talked before they executed him because the military burned down the homes of every single one of them earlier today.[/B]? He replied. ?[B]Damn![/B]? William swore, all that work for nothing! ?[B]There might be one left if he wasn?t taken into custody already. It was the last house I checked and there wasn?t a body among the smoking ruins. It seems that someone came along and even took the time to give the guy?s poor dog a proper burial. It could have just been a friend of the guy, but it?s possible that it was the Royce Athlazar who was living there. He?s a woodcutter so there?s a good chance he wouldn?t have been at home when the military paid his home a visit.[/B]? He explained. ?[B]Is there any way you can check further without drawing attention to yourself?[/B]? William asked. ?[B]I?m staying in the town closest to where he lives since I?m picking up a shipment tomorrow. I understand he usually carries his huge axe everywhere so I?ll try to get to him before the military does. I?ve already got the papers for exporting a slave to another planet, so if I can just find him I?m all set.[/B]? He finished. ?[B]I?ll keep coming to sector twelve then, let me know if you manage to find him or not. We can?t afford to keep losing potential members like this.[/B]? William said. ?[B]Understood.[/B]? The merchant said as he signed off. William sighed and leaned back, reaching up with his hands to massage his temples before finally getting up and going back to the bridge. Every day it just seemed to get harder and harder to stay ahead of the military, he wasn?t a quitter, but sometimes it felt like he was doomed to fail. He took a deep breath to regain his composure; the last thing he wanted was the others to see him like that. [CENTER]-------------[/CENTER] Once again cloaked in shadows those who oversaw the Versilan Empire were gathered in the massive room where they had addressed a figure wrapped in a cloak. This time the one facing them was not hidden but wearing openly the uniform of one of the elite military unit Commanders. Unsure as to why he had been summoned he waited patiently for them to speak. ?[B]We have a traitor among our midst.[/B]? One of them finally spoke up. The man facing them waited patiently for them to continue. ?[B]We want you to deal with it as the necessary proof needs to be gathered.[/B]? They continued. ?[B]What do you wish me to do?[/B]? The man finally asked. ?[B]First you must test the one who will replace him. Who would you recommend?[/B]? The man thought about it for a moment and then finally replied. ?[B]If you are looking for a replacement Kiva Salqarian would be a good choice. She excels at hand-to-hand combat and with the HM-SS.7. She?s also a skilled hacker and has a good track record of exposing would be resistance members. I have already been considering her for a promotion.[/B]? ?[B]Test her then, the suspected traitor is Ryan. Our information indicates that he is selling military goods on the black market. Tell her that someone is doing so and see if she can figure out who it is. If she succeeds have her execute Ryan, if she fails, execute her instead and find another candidate.[/B]? They finished. ?[B]Isn?t that a little harsh? And wasn?t Ryan working for Jared who serves on the Crimson?[/B]? The elite military Commander asked. ?[B]Jared is the one who informed us of Ryan?s suspected activity. If he were not already assigned elsewhere we would have had him deal with Ryan.[/B]? They answered. ?[B]I see, I?ll give Kiva Salqarian the assignment immediately. I assume that the knowledge that this is a test of her abilities remains between us?[/B]? He asked. ?[B]You assume correctly[/B].? They replied. The commander bowed and said before leaving. ?[B]I?ll see to it at once then.[/B]?[/color]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='BKstyles][FONT=Tahoma']For whatever reason we may have, but it all comes back to taking care of real life first and foremost. Expecting all of us to simply sit infront of a monitor all day ready for our turn to post in Labyrinth and keep it going for pages upon pages was not something likely to happen. I think that would have even scared Sandy. None of this should be blamed on White in any way either. [/FONT][/quote]Exactly, with the holidays and other commitments in my life along with those of the other players, that?s not exactly something that White has control over. He can try to get us to post but in the end we make the choice to actually do so. The only thing I disagreed on was not being notified immediately about a member quitting, but again that was more of a personal decision and not an intent to mess up the game since White was hoping they would want to return. And when they did not he posted and fixed the problem caused by the withdrawal. As for the question about another staff member...I?m of two minds about that. I do think it?s a valid question in addressing the concern as to how the future even master would handle such questions and at the same time the very nature of the question makes it extremely easy to misunderstand. It also holds the problem of everyone having different opinions of what they would consider a weak aspect in a staff member. I?m going to use the bit of Sandy and Charles as an example of that difference in people's opinions. Sandy feels that the use of pictures is something he doesn?t quite respect and for myself I feel the exact opposite. I say this because Charles takes the attitude of being friendly and joking with everyone and not just older members, so even if a new member is thrown off at first, it?s obvious to me that he?s including everyone and not simply joking with members he knows. In the same way that James will take the time to answer everyone, Charles helps to creates an atmosphere of feeling like you are welcome here at the boards whether you just joined or have been a member for years. So it?s rather ironic since I actually respect Charles more for using the pictures and joking with everyone where others respect him less for doing so. Both of them are staff members that in their own unique way do their best to make everyone feel welcome and I respect both of them for that. I don?t object to the question, but I can see how others would feel it was not applicable to this contest. Oh and just for the record, I was not the one to ask that question either. In fact I didn?t send Shy a question at all.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]I agree with Rachmaninoff, I?d have fun and skip anything like homework or going to my job. Des has the right attitude as well, your last day to live just isn?t the same as the idea of living each day to the fullest since the whole concept behind living each day to the best is that you don?t know [I]which [/I]day is going to be your last. If you know this is your last day, there?s a lot of annoying things you are required to do like basic work, being nice to people you don?t like, etc. Things like that would most definitely not be on my list of what I would do for that day. I?d resign from here and then go and have fun until my time was up. I might tell my family, or just leave them a note that I love them or some other sentimental nonsense like that. ^_~[/COLOR]