TheResplendent

[FONT=Tahoma]BK's list of Critiques (only the ones that stand out to me for whatever reason for the moment, may add more later): [b]Boo[/b]: Interesting, deviant from the normal idea on how i'm sure most people intended to do their pictures so points for that. Points for the moose head too. Though I was interested in seeing what you actually looked like. [b]Kitty[/b]: Oh god, lol. Talk about diva. What can I say, I like the look. Don't let me ever catch you saying you hate the camera. [b]Shinmaru[/b]: Dunno why, but I just find it halarious that your reading a supreme court booklet in that pic. I guess because I was just looking at the NYC court booklets the other day, lol. [b]RiflesAtRecess[/b]: Simply put, that's a pretty cool album cover right there. Nicely done. Perhaps a little too worked on, but I can appreciate the message trying to be sent here. [b]Ezekiel[/b]: If you don't mind my saying, that is an incredibly attractive picture. 2 Thumbs up. [b]Desbreko[/b]: That's a great impression of a turtle :D [b]Vicky[/b]: It seems like a nice atmosphere, there's an illusion of rain (unless of course it was taken during a rainy day) which is always a plus for me. [b]Anomaly[/b]: What more needs to be said about a punky looking white girl with a "Get Crunk" shirt and "Thug Lyfe" written on her knuckles...honestly? [b]Peanut[/b]: I've always thought you were attractive, so that's a plus already. But I can't tell you how much time i've dedicated to trying to figure out what the other objects in that picture are around your desk area, lol. [b]MistressRoxie[/b]: Got that "Mean Girls" looking school girl demeanor thing going on there. Very niice. [/FONT]

[font=tahoma]1) [b]What name would you like to be used for you during this competiton?[/b] -Matt or BK are fine 2. [b]What is your age and gender?[/b] -Male of 21 years of age 3. [b]What country do you come from?[/b] -That would be the U.S of A 4. [b]What areas of OtakuBoards you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses? (Choose one or two for both.)[/b] [u]Strengths[/u]: (Hate that I have to decide between only 2 strengths, heh) -RPGs -Creative Writing/Literature [u]Weaknesses[/u]: -Art/Graphics 5.[b] Name one member of OtakuBoards that you consider your friend here.[/b] -Ugh, I hate to make this choice too as I have made some pretty great friends in my less then a year here. 4 names come to mind instantly when I think of good friends from OB, but I guess I gotta go with the one i probably talk to the most though, and who has explained a lot of the past of OB to me, which is [b]Sakura[/b]. 6. [b]What one thing would you take with you to a deserted island?[/b] -My best friend Samantha. I love her company and she pretty much satisfies every facet of what I need in human companionship. I could survive along side the Island's accommodations as long as she was with me. 7. [b]Why do you want to participate to OtakuBoards Survivor 4?[/b] Since being shown the past threads by my unofficial OB history teacher [b]Sakura[/b], the creativity and intrigue in the concept of the game captured my attention as being something fun and different from your normal RP. It mixes aspects of competition with aspects of teamwork, and breeds massive amounts of interactivity. This I also hope will involve myself making more friends and getting to know other people better of those whom i have not had the chance to talk with much or yet. I've wanted to get in on an OB Survivor since reading just a few pages into OBS: Game On (which I read first of the past 3). I've waited for the opportunity and here it is. I want to make the fun and inventive events that OBS's participants must go through my own experience, rather then just read them from the outside. [/font]

[QUOTE=Dagger]A few story/character comments now that I'm done... Okay, I lied, it's actually a lot. But I should note that I enjoyed the game as a whole immensely, even if it was shorter and easier than I would have liked. The gameplay was tremendously fun throughout, and I liked playing with every single character (which is a first for me in the FF series). I wish I'd had more time to make my secondary party (Fran, Basch and Penelo) as strong as my first, but I wanted to finish before heading back to school. Bingo. The last FF game I played before this was VIII, so the difference was quite stark. This could have been easily remedied, though. There are two changes I would've made in terms of what happens when you enter a non-fighting environment. First off, you should have the ability to make your on-screen avatar any character of your choosing (with certain characters being unavailable under specific circumstances--for instance, in the visit to the [spoiler]Viera[/spoiler] village, you would have to pick someone other than Fran). In locations like Rabanastre, key NPC dialogue should change in response who you've picked as your avatar (that is, people there would recognize Vaan but wouldn't know Balthier). Second, while you're in these locations, the rest of the playable characters should be available to talk to (either scattered around, doing their own thing, or just standing there, depending on the expansiveness of the place in question). Giving you the option to talk to them there would go a long way toward establishing a personal connection with the characters. I don't think the characters are any more 2-D than those in past FF games. Going back to FFVIII, since I still have it on the brain, you only really get to know two characters (Squall and Rinoa), and only one of those undergoes heavy character development (Squall). All of the other playable characters can pretty much be summed up in one sentence. In FFVII, the only people who get any significant character development are Cloud and Tifa. The thing about FFXII, unlike in the past few FF games, the protagonist (Vaan) isn't the main character (Ashe). I applaud this--it's refreshing for the viewpoint character to be someone ordinary, and for the Chosen One to be someone else. The problem is that, due to the low number of cutscenes and almost complete lack of dialogue beyond the cutscenes, you never really come to see things from Vaan's point of view. It's more of an omniscient perspective, which distances the player from the characters. They have rich histories with tons of potential for angst, doubt, and what have you. While I'm not advocating the emo-tization of the cast, the fact that their respective pasts are often revealed in one or two lines (Balthier: Hay guyz, [spoiler]I used to be a Judge[/spoiler]) forces you to guess at what they've gone through and how it's changed them. The graphics are lovely, but not so advanced that I can deduce exactly how torn Ashe feels just by squinting at her face. So, yes, it would've been nice if we could have gotten into the characters' heads more. There were a lot of opportunities for this. Instead of just testing Ashe with a phantom of Rasler, the [spoiler]Occuria[/spoiler] should've done something like showing her [spoiler]an illusion of his death and tempting her to use the Nethicite to save him.[/spoiler] Then the player would be much more invested in her declaration that [spoiler]what's done is done, and even Nethicite doesn't have the power to alter the past.[/spoiler] I bought into the bonds between all of the playable characters, so the writers must have been doing something right--I just felt that I was missing out on how they'd gotten to that point. I would've loved to see a scene of, say, the rest of the group jokingly ragging on Ashe, or her becoming quietly envious of the easy, playful dynamic between Vaan, Penelo and [spoiler]Larsa.[/spoiler] There were some great little bits of camaraderie in there--Fran and Balthier bumping fists, for instance. So yeah. I wanted to see a lot more of the characters, but that's because I liked them. I guess I'd better buy a DS in time for Revenant Wings. Now, the story. I don't think the story itself is problematic. Yeah, empires and resistances and saving the world are all overdone, but any FF plot can easily be reduced to something dull. Two things hamper the story here. First, the juicy stuff--Ashelia's transformation into Ashe, Warrior Princess, Balthier [spoiler]the Judge[/spoiler], Fran [spoiler]leaving Eruyt Village and[/spoiler] eventually becoming his partner, Basch and [spoiler]Gabranth/Noah[/spoiler] going their separate ways--is all in the past. Second, although [spoiler]Doctor Cid[/spoiler] makes a great & amusing sub-villain, the main villain is uninspired at best. One gets no sense of why he wants power (perhaps he's a passionate historian on the side?). Ultimately he's a plot device with nice hair and an ugly final form. The playable characters have no feelings of ambiguity toward him. There's not much urgency involved in defeating him because [spoiler]the Occuria[/spoiler] are much more powerful than him, anyway. It should've gone something like this: [spoiler]Pharos --> Bahamut (defeat Vayne, who, before dying, asks Ashe to defeat the Occuria; defeat Venat--perhaps possessing Larsa or some other innocent) --> another dungeon, a trip into the past, a pilgrimage, I don't care what --> confronting the Occuria on behalf of humanity.[/spoiler] I can't swallow the idea that [spoiler]destroying the Sun-Cryst means destroying the Occuria's influence. If they have the power of gods, they can make another one.[/spoiler] I agree that neither the story nor characters felt fully realized, and in another game this might have been a huge problem for me, but the gameplay was good enough to make up for it. Of course, it helped that I didn't hate any of the playable characters. Either way, it's a huge, huge step up from FFX. Bring on XIII! ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]Despite thinking you are far too generous in your opinions, you really have captured the true problem with the game. Bravo for grasping it so well that you've pinpointed the exact points of the story that needed more elaboration (mainly the suggestions toward how the final sequence should have went, as well as the larger roles particular characters should have played). Between my explanation and yours I believe that sums up FFXII more then well enough. Overall, the story is unspiring, certainly not "epic" in any form, and just plain lacking. The gameplay was decent and kept the game alive for many of us throughout the long and lost hours. The characters were great only in design, and just as lacking as the story was with the exception of what it allows the imagination to elaborate on itself (which is a lot). I wouldn't like to get too used to this as a new trend despite loving what my versatile imagination can conjure in many cases, it's part of the game's protocol to offer characters that we can grow to love, hate, and relate to as opposed to characters we can constantly form in the image we see from faint hints. The character's role contribute greatly to the story and the lack of dimension in them seems to let the creativity of the developers falter, which in the long run leaves us desiring too much to want to do the job for every game. So every once in a while, it's fine as long as the story is compatible (which FFXII's is not, despite having potential, it simply has no followthrough), but hopefully this will not persist to an unwanted level. [/font]

[QUOTE=Sandy]You know, I have a strong belief that it takes two to tango, so there must be [I]something[/I] in you that irritates your friend - no matter how small an issue that is. [/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]This is most definitly not true. It's an idealistic way of thinking in order to alleviate the blame from someone else solely, but the truth of the matter is that people don't need a reason to change who they associate themselves with. People can be naturally vindictive, but ultimatley people are mostly in it for themselves. People change, and a good majority of the time it's not within your power to take their lives in your hand and try to change them back. That's how people are, you cannot have everything go your way when something like free will gets in the way. Back in high school I had a friend who stabbed me in the back simply because he was a jack ***. Me and my girlfriend at the time were having some problems. I was a few months into trying to get over another girl but not once was I ever unfaithful to her nor were we even all that bad off. It was a simple fight over why I didn't call her a certain day when i was too tired and just went straight to bed. She calls this friend of mine and starts complaining so he goes ahead and tells her that the only reason I'm going out with her was to make the other girl jealous. This was a load of crap because not only was it just plain not true, but it would have been impossible to achieve that if i wanted to because the issue wasn't that the other girl wanted to be with me and therefore I wanted to get at her, but that I still had feelings for her. So making HER jealous would have been an act in futility. I confront my friend about this and he goes "Look, I just wanted her to stop bitching and I don't really care what happens". We were through after that. I don't need a friend who lies behind my back about something that doesn't even concern him, and then doesn't care that he interfered wrongfully. That's how people can be, and you have to accept that or else you'll sink into your own ignorance. The only way you can go about trying to restore or help the friendship is by simply talking it out with him/her. That's all you can really do because again, you cannot hold the situation solely in your hand to fix. Whether it's worth trying or not is a different story, but if your that adamant then give it a try. But as a warning and a heads up for the future, choose your friends very carefully.[/font]

[font=tahoma][center]Edit 1 - All Done =). Hope everything is satisfactory.[/center] -[b]Name[/b]: Leon Bromin -[b]Age[/b]: 26 -[b]Gender[/b]: Male -[b]Nationality[/b]: 50% Italian / 50% Catalan -[b]Rank[/b]: Captain -[b]Appearance[/b]: [url=http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Bklynstyles/Roan2.jpg]Leon[/url] -Typically wears black jacket over the clothing shown in the picture when not in uniform. -[b]Personality[/b]: Leon is a mature individual who is not so proper that he is viewed as a strict boyscout. He is well respected and is easy to get along with as long as he is addressed respectfully as well, atleast from those who are not as close with him. Leon's most outstanding positive attributes are what made him a Captain, which are his dedication and leadership skills. To those who know him better however he appears much more casual and enjoys some relaxation in the form of kicking back a few drinks. One of Leon's more lesser known skills also lay on the dance floor. He can dance many styles of slow and fast dancing, which tends to win him the attention of the ladies, especially when in uniform. Leon's feelings toward his people are strong, as they have already come close at one point to extinction. Regardless of his nationality, he views the protection of the human race as a whole to be equally important. -[b]Chosen ?Knight? module/description:[/b] Agility - [url=http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b191/Bklynstyles/mech2.png][Altair][/url] -[b]Berserk mode[/b]: Altair's beserk mode involves his beam sabre expanding in size to look more like a fairly wide jousting lance. The power surge from the sabre charges through the systems of Altair as well causing it's speed to increase even more, as well as take on silhouettes of electricity that can be seen in the location of where it once was before moving. The electricity left behind can be damaging but nothing more then a temporary shock. In this form Altair can viciously dash through his targets with alarming speed mixed with the increased range of the sabre. This is a mix between an attacking mode and an illusory mode. -[b]Special ability[/b]: Leon is swift on his feet like his Knight is. He can perform acrobatics and run quickly in combination with landing attacks or simply to get around. Leon can use many types of bladed weapons, but has less experience using firearms. -[b]Weapons[/b]: Dual bladed tonfas (as seen in the picture, one for each hand) - Can be held as a sword as well. -[b]Bio/Snippet[/b]: Leon dashed as quickly as he could down another turn toward the corridor leading to the officer's lounge. He glanced behind him to check his progress, seeing some faint outlines of where his body was, an expression of elation came over his face as he slowed down enough only to enter in his code to be allowed entry to the private bar/meeting place for the officers of the military. [center][color=red][b]"ACCESS DENIED"[/b][/color][/center] [b]"What in the..."[/b] Leon said aloud, trying to put his code in again. It yielded the same result however. A sweatdrop formed on Leon's head as he turned around to see a group of people running after him. He started rapidly entering his code in again and again trying his hardest to get in. [b][i]'Come on come on come on....'[/b][/i] Leon repeated in his mind over and over. The group got closer, but another officer stepped in and entered in her code in quickly as the door opened for her. Leon ran in, followed by the female officer as the door closed behind them. [b]"They switched up the codes again, you'd know that but you were out with Altair doing some transport to the Ark-Americas."[/b] the attractive young officer said, inserting her card back into side pocket. [b]"Thanks Min. So I see, that's the third time this month. The second time it's been done without me knowing."[/b] Leon said ordering a drink from the bar. The blue haired captain said next to him and giggled a bit. [b]"Why were you running away from those women anyway?"[/b] Menerva asked, also ordering a drink. [b]"I don't have the time for rabid fangirls, what is their issue anyway?"[/b] [b]"Maybe they think you're cute, I dunno. You should be happy."[/b] [b]"I'm a Knight Pilot, it isn't like it's a job for fame and fortune. We're here to protect people. Besides, I'd rather enjoy a nice quiet drink here with you."[/b] Leon said, giving his fellow Knight Pilot a smirk. Menerva rolled her eyes and took a sip from her glass. [b]"Well as sweet as that sounds, I only came by for a quick drink. I have some minor repairs I have to do on QUESTA."[/b] she said, finishing off her glass and standing up. Leon turned and watched her walk away. [b]"Hey, I'll stop in a little later and help out if you want. There's something else I need to take care of at the moment myself."[/b] Leon offered. Menerva waved her hand up in acknowledgement, pretty much meaning that he was welcomed to if he wanted. Leon finished up and went to the private hangar where Altair was kept. He glanced up at the massive mech and smiled with delight. [b]"Alright partner, I got a gift for ya."[/b] Leon said as he knelt down infront of a box. He pulled the box's flaps open and pulled out a large cynlindrical tube like structure. He placed it on the equipment pulley and rode up beside it with the maintenance elevator. Altair was large for a mech of it's capabilities, but it handled it's speed exceedingly well. Because of the agility advantage Altair has, Leon normally kept the armaments as 90% melee styled. This included the mech's main beam sabre that is built in to it's right hand and several beam daggers. Though Leon had just picked up a package he ordered weeks ago from the Ark-Americas and it was time to equip it for battle usage. -[b]Notes[/b]: -Nearly all of Leon's immediete family are dead with the exception of his younger sister of 18 years old, named Cora. -Leon's favorite food is BBQ Ribs. -Leon has a degree in early-modern American and European history (considered between the time periods of the Middle Ages to the year 3000) -Leon has trained with his Knight since age 14. -Leon likes darker haired women over blonds. -Leon developed his natural speed and agility with the assistance of nanotechnology to enhance it past normal levels.[/font]

[FONT=Tahoma]I'll edit this with a sign-up at a later time, just wanted to let you know that i'd participate. Name: Age: 25-30 Gender: Continent of birth: (east, middle, west.) Weapon: Current Job: (where he or she works.) Personality: History: Abilities and spells: (3 different abilities for now. Three for later.) Gigantic Ablility: (biggest attack. 1 for now 1 for later)[/FONT]

[QUOTE=Sara][color=#b0000b][size=1]But this leaning could easily be solved by allowing non-OB related records. Like, say, I might claim that of all the OtakuBoards members, I have the most Altoids tins. I'd count them, post the number, and maybe take a picture of myself with the tins for the Records thread. Then, anyone who thinks they can beat me would need to prove that they have more tins than I do. Other records ideas could be best time to finish a game, longest hair, whatever. They wouldn't necessarily [i]have[/i] to be things that relate to the meta world of OB.[/color][/size][/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]I take it you have a lot of altoid tins? lol But yeah, if that were the case then it would be fine, Sandy just used all OB examples in his proposal like longest buddy list, youngest to become moderator, changed names most times, etc etc. So I assumed he only had actual OB records in mind.[/font]

[QUOTE=The Boss][color=darkred][size=1] I hate to tell you guys, but Ortiz just got his behind handed to him by Chuck Liddel the other day, haha. 3rd Round TKO. Same with Forrest Griffin, Keith Jardine handeled him in the middle of the 1st round with a TKO also. On top of that, Rich Franklin lost his title to Anderson Silva, The Spider. Though I am looking forward to Silva hopefully losing that title to his new challenger in February. My favorite fighters are Chuck Liddel, George St. Pierre, Keith Jardine, B.J. Penn, and the list kinda goes on. Like I said, MMA is my favorite sport, so I have alot of information about it off the noggin.[/color][/size][/QUOTE] [font=tahoma] 3 Rounds that def had to be a sick fight. I can see Liddel beating Ortiz though, one of the very few that can. I need to see the Griffin fight, it's hard for me to believe he went down that quickly >

[FONT=Tahoma]Indeed I cannot wait for the new episodes of Bleach to start coming out not with the fillers being over. The bounto arc was an interesting one (one that did run longer then it should have however), but I'm glad things are finally getting back on track. Been a while since we've seen Aizen, Tousen, and Gin (still hate Gin, but I can stand to see him again after a 45+ episode break, lol). Tousen has always been one of my favorites and definitly can't wait to see how he has improved (as you can tell I have not read far into the manga concerning the upcoming arc). On another note with the english version of Bleach, I don't mind Renji's VA that much (and happen to think Byakuya's is fairly good) but I don't think i'll be able to get over "Roar, Zabimaru!" as opposed to "Howl, Zabimaru!" :mad: [/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]My personal opinion on the whole thing involving Sandy's two ideas is I wouldn't mind seeing more elaboration on this Otakuboards Records thing. The only thing about it is that it appeals more so to the people who have been here for longer and have a track record that would put them in the running for a record much easier then it would others. Though I know not all categories of records would involve needing to be a long-time members (maybe like Who is the oldest person to ever join OB). It seems like the majority of them can't avoid being aimed toward that. I understand this probably wouldn't be a huge issue since a good portion of the members that participate in community events are those who have depth and season to their records. My objective opinion about it is it's a cool idea and as I said I wouldn't mind seeing more elaboration on it. In reference to the OB Survivor 4 event, I can see where everyone's concerns are coming into play because it is a recycled idea from another concept. The main issue about it is the fact that the idea is not a completely original one, not necessarily the possible rate of success of the event. However despite being one of the members who have wanted to participate in an OB survivor since reading the last few, my objective opinion on this is that it appeals to a much larger crowd than the other Survivors OR Labyrinth. This time around members are representing themselves, which has the potential for wider ranges of creativity (since the characters being used are not pre-existing templates) as well as having more of a chance to bring the community together since it involves mass interaction where as the Records idea is more of a bunch of seperate searches to see if someone holds the record for something. I am not saying that this does not have the potential to breed interactivity with others as well (seeing as how Sandy would be taking part himself in investigating the validity of someone's claim that they have broken or hold a record), I am simply saying that OBS4 does it on a much larger scale. Both ideas are pretty neat and I'm sure would attract a large draw. The biggest difference here though from both of these events and Labyrinth AND Mafia is that it does not seem like there will be a limit on amount of people who can join (unless OBS4 is capped for the purpose of making teams an even number). But even so, it will offer a much larger area of participation. Because OBS4 involves the representation of members themselves, it is more worthy of being a [b]Community Event[/b] then the past Survivors.[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]Alright, after much diliberation I'm putting 100 Otakubucks on Zeke for first place. BK likes :D. 50 Otakubucks to Desbreko for second place. [/FONT]

[QUOTE=Sandy]Don't worry, it will, despite the outcome of Otaku Idol 2. ;D Just don't call it an RP, because the word seems to be a red cloth to some people. ;P There's not even any roles to "play" with, because the contestants will participate as themselves this time.[/QUOTE] [FONT=Tahoma]I shall indeed be looking forward to this, regardless of the outcome of Otaku Idol 2 as well =). A question to Shy though, will the winner of OI2 be using this pitch as their next event, or is it just for the sake of OI2?[/FONT]

[QUOTE=Sandy] I just don't see how adding more subratings would make any difference to the faulty of the current rating system. Now, if [I]only[/I] the subratings you suggested were used, then there'd be a visible difference... Really, if the subratings already tell about how extensive the mature content is, then isn't it redundant to put the age-related ratings into the mix as well? [/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]Well, suppose it would merely be a summary of it's content accompanied by the details for those who want to know. But you know you may be on to something there with the idea of switching up the format of the ratings into solely a more detailed format altogether. It's virtually the same thing just without the use of age limits (which in this day and age are already less then reliable since as the times change as do the generations). It seems that every 3 out of 5 RPers (an estimated statistic) that participate in an M-rated RP are not of the age equivalence to what M would be anyhow. But you've already said you would prefer the rating system be done away with completely, so it's just barking in the dark really.[/font]

[QUOTE=Sandy]Do you really think we need even more ratings? It's great that you took time to try and solve this issue, but I don't think anybody needs to be warned if there's going to be kissing or turnip-throwing in the RPG. Let's not go overboard here... Besides, the problem discussed here is more in the main ratings ([M][PG][E]) than the subratings, and your suggestion doesn't really solve that problem. And wouldn't this system have a risk that the gamers would put a tag [M-ABCDEF] in their games, just in case it will include all of them?[/QUOTE] [font=tahoma] I did not specify that 6 of these such ratings were necessary, i was merely offering an explanation of the concept. If this were to be implemented, what these ratings would include would be up to the Mods of the section (whatever it will come to be called, Arena, Theater, etc). That's in reference to the amount. In reference to aforementioned risk, that would simply mean that it includes all of them...and deserves an M rating. I fail to see why that's an issue. I do not control what all RP creators intend to make their ideas involve. But again, it may or may not seem that long in length according to however the mods would apply the sub-ratings. Though I believe that quantity does not [i]always[/i] dictate the range between simplification and complexity. Also I am aware that the problem is mainly with the main ratings, but what decides what main rating is used is what the content of the RP is. These are described by the sub-ratings. Otherwise simply rating a thread M would mean that anything goes no matter what. Where as a simple PG rating would be inconsequential since it is meant to be restrictive in a way, what is being restricted must be included in order to justify it's rating. PG - V means L and S are excluded where as PG - L means V and S are excluded. This could only potentially create less clarity for why the rating is what it is. It's obvious to see that the idea warranted more questions and lack of understanding, so I apologize for either not wording it simpler or for simply proposing an idea that takes the general idea off it's intended mark in any way. *shrug* Jus tossing my two cents in seeing as how I'm active within the arena.[/font]

[QUOTE=Charles]I just don't get why it needs to be "revamped." It's like taking the same problem and dressing it up differently. I don't even know that a backroom needs to be used. I think my whole argument here (and if someone can prove me wrong, then go ahead) is that the vast majority of RPs don't need an "M" rating. The number of RPGs that genuinely require a true "M" rating are extremely rare. The number of RPGs that use the "M" rating to its fullest, are few as well. People do their best to complicate things here when it isn't really necessary by tagging a ratings system onto threads. The forum should be set up so that damn near every thread is in accordance to the site's standards. Words like "hell, damn, etc" wouldn't even be an issue. But, if someone wants [i]graphic[/i] sex in their RPG or vividly-described, gruesome death-scenes, or really strong language, then they should have to apply for special permission from the staff; they should have to make a pitch and the staff should decide whether or not to allow the RPG. If the RPG is allowed, it should be flagged. So, the more I think about it, the more I feel a "backroom" is unnecessary. I think the existence of such a forum will dilute the simple interface Shy and I talked about. I also think that the Underground is pretty useless and that these RPGs could easily be discussed in the recruitment threads. That forum really seems like just more of the padding OtakuBoards has that it doesn't really need at this point. If a Backroom is instituted, I hope that barely any threads are allowed into there, otherwise it's going to get ridiculous again.[/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]That's what I'm talking about when I stated the possible issues with a backroom. The people who look chiefly for M-rated RPs will flock to there and it would generally be the same as the arena now minus any non-M rated RPs. Where as the Theater will be what is being described in this thread as the ideal forum, which means it holds the RPs that can provide a great experience without the need for m-rated aspects. The sub-forum will not prevent these RPs from being made nor will it stop people from participating in them just as much as they do currently. The only thing that will most definitly happen is since the forum is being split by ratings is one will be more popular then the other. So in the end the actual change may seem more like the Theater section and not the backroom section. But I share the feeling with many others that it all seems less like a necessity for improvement then it does just a simple change of format. You describe it as rediculous but I'm afraid I do not see the same consistency in the content that you discourage. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, nor am I saying that there were not a bunch of RPs with the potential for this content in the last year. However the majority of M-rated RPs did not live up to that rating and that is what made them irrelavent. Which is where the revamping I speak of comes into play, as it is more about people knowing exacty what kind of content will be in their RP and then rate it in accordance to that, as opposed to rating it for what may or may not happen. I.E - If your story is going to be based heavily on violence, let's say for example a RP based on being military officers at war. It's obvious that violence will be included, so therefore including that it may involve sex or language should not be as consequential as including that it will involve violence. If you feel the course of the story may lead to opportunities for the player to engage in some kind of sexual acts with either other characters or NPCs, such as there being a shore leave scene later in the RP then the rating may also include sex. If this language filter is implemented then it hardly seems necessary for there to be a L rating anymore. So in other words, it will cut down the amount of wrongfully rated threads if the creator has an idea on what the story that will be told through the fingers of the people participating will definitly involve. That pertains to the breaking down of the ratings with the ones that include S for sex, L for language, and V for violence. In reference to the main ratings like PG/M etc, that's based on the degree of what it involves from the broken down sections. Violence can a feature of a PG rated thread and an M rated thread. For example, my recent Super Smash Brothers Melee RP was sure to include violence, but anybody who has played the game would realize that the kind of violence it entails is hardly worth a M rating. Where as my other RP Sinister Nation involved violence in the form of gun fights, bloody encounters, etc. This warrants it the M rating I gave it because of the degree of violence being much harsher then the cartoonish style of Smash Brothers. This is where I think the ratings could use more clarification, referring to how strongly something will be included. Using Sara's example of providing a description for something like a letter in order to create a standard: (note ETC is at the end of every example to indicate that these are just a few examples of what they would mean) A - Cartoonish Violence (Bops on the head, harmless smacks, throwing giant turnips at people, anything that doesn't draw blood or requiring a visit to a hospital, etc) B - Graphic Violence (Guns, swords, blood, torture, etc) C - Stong Sexual Themes (Sex scenes allowed, sexual harrasment, etc) D - Hints of Sexual Tensions (flirting, kissing, the furthest being maybe touching depending on where it is on the body, etc) E - Mild Language (Profanity used by the standard of around 1-2 times in a post with the exclusion of the F word, racial and sexual slurs, etc) F - Harsh Language (Profanity used at the participant's discretion, etc) So for example, if Citius Altius Fortius were recreated under this system it would read: [b][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=54564&highlight=Citius+Altius+Fortius]Citius Altius Fortius[/url][/b] [M - B, D, E] No More Coffee would be [b][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=54715]No more Coffee[/url][/b] [PG - D, E] and Sinister Nation would look like [b][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=55037]Sinister Nation[/url][/b] [M - B, C, F] These would help clarify whether the content really deserves an M rating or if a PG rating would be enough. It would also make sure people knew what was involved instead of going "Violence? I don't really want to kill anybody..." where as the RP would probably just include having to include a fencing match in which both participants are wearing the proper gear and winning comes with amount of points scores and not by who puts who in the hospital. [/font]

[QUOTE=Peanut][FONT=verdana][size=1][b]1) What day is your birthday?[/b] 07/07/87 [b]2) What is your zodiac sign?[/b] Cancer [b]3) How does your zodiac sign describe your personality?[/b] Uhhh...thats the short version of it =) [b]4) Does the description of your zodiac actually describe you? Why?[/b] Half in half. Cancer is suppose to be highly emotional, I wouldn't exactly say I'm the best at expressing my feelings. The "nuturing" part is semi-true as well, I am infact the one my friends turn too but instead of being approachable, I think people believe I'm intimidating sometimes. I'm also headstrong and outgoing and cancers are suppose to be humble and shy. Not really the case. [b]5) How does your zodiac sign PWN over the rest?[/b] 'cause cancer is a [u]CRAB[/u]. Who wants to be a ram or a scorpion? Pshhh...talk about BORING. Who wouldn't want to be a crab? Especially a pirate one. [/font][/size][/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]A pirate crab you say? *holds chin and thinks*. Off to patent a new idea! :D. Seems to be quite a lot of early year b-days around here. Only 2 leos thus far...but I guess 2 is good enough, we only need one king and one queen =). Hehe.This thread has also inspired me to find out my blood type whenever my next blood tests are. [/font]

[FONT=Tahoma]I don't see a problem with simply creating a sub-forum for M worthy RPs and such. I see it being very probable that this "backroom" can just as easily be flooded by the majority of the participating members. While I am sure the normal "epic theater" will draw an ample crowd for itself considering the mass amount of ideas that can be conveyed within a non-M rating, issues based on the backroom possibly being more popular can't be a concern or else It will create a new slew of problems. The most problems I can see is that certain members may just commit themselves to one and not the other, which would decrease the amount of prospective members to participate in either non-M RPs or M only RPs. Again, this hasn't been brought up as a problem and it probably will not be, but I thought it should be pointed out as a possible door opener for different issues. Also, I agree with Sara's idea for a revamping of the ratings system itself. They could be made clearer in terms of what the RP will definitly entail, rather then what it could possibly entail. A big thing about the ratings that may even describe it's respective thread well is that I've seen plenty of them not even make use of the possibilities granted with the rating. So it's important to let people know what they will be including in their posts that pertains to the atmosphere of the story, if a particular one is in mind upon creation. As it pertains to the Anthology, it's already been said that the rating will be undisputed since the progress and content of story/poem etc will be completely in the hands of the writer. Using words to describe every part of what an RP will include is a tedious task doing it time after time. So with Sara's idea to allocate the most popularly used (and anything else that may be connected) descriptions to letters (or whatever would be decided upon) seems quite appropriate. [/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]It may cause more organization in the eyes of many, but I too think that if what is trying to be fixed here is the overall post quality then there is more to consider. With things being stricter there is also the possibility that people will resort to half-assing their posts and mass inuendo. I have a pretty solid idea on how ratings should be used as I have used the most appropriate ratings for the two RPs I have put up. M for [b]Sinister Nation[/b] and PG for [b]SSBM:R[/b], which describe the max amount of content allowed rather then the min or required. I agree completely that it's easy for RPs to wear a rating that is not fitting for it's intended content, and that can be quite abused. While this "reformation" of sorts may aim to help that, I'm not so sure about abolishing it completely. [/FONT]

[QUOTE=Phaedrus]And the truth is, that's all there is. Either we stay stuck on this Earth, or we ascend to the depths of the unknown. All that is left if we situate ourselves here, in security and fear of what's out there, is extinction. But yes, you got me there ma'am. I must say, your PWNing powers are quite developed.[/QUOTE] [FONT=Tahoma]Looking at the bigger picture in terms of life and death, then yes. But There are plenty of decisions to be made during the course of life before our "extinction" or "ascendance" that could decide just how long we have until those points ;P. Whether fear influenced by something tangible is a greater feeling, or fear influenced by something spiritual and psychological is, there are many ways of running from them or confronting them. Fight or Flight pretty much describes out behavior in more forms than one.[/FONT]

[QUOTE=Aceburner]Okay, took me a while, but I'm guessing Rayman: Raving Rabbids (say it three times fast.) My turn: Summoner's Lineage Hint 1: Part of a long-standing popular series with installments on SNES, PS1, PS2, and GCN among many other systems, this installment never made it to the states. Hint 2: A spinoff of a game released on three different systems (at different times,) but released only once on one system in America.[/QUOTE] [b][font=tahoma]Tis actually Marvel: Ultimate Alliance =P. I actually thought it was too easy when I started looking over it.[/b][/font]

[QUOTE=Raina][COLOR=Blue]Hehehe! Yeah! We Sagittarius' have to stick together! I'm glad that the Blood Type information was helpful. I wasn't sure if I should write about it since I thought it was a little off topic. :animeswea [B][CENTER]SAGITTARIUS RULES![/CENTER][/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [FONT=Tahoma]Well I still don't have a clue what my blood type is, but judging based on the descriptions you gave I'd say im either O type of B type. Though I'm sure that kind of explanation wouldn't cut it if I were to ever decided to give blood. =) [/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]My apologies if I have not fully taken into consideration every issue discussed here as I am guilty of skimming through a couple of posts. But I believe I have the basic idea down. Simply put, personally I would not mind if the language filter is set. Regardless of it being on or off people will usually be able to understand what is meant to be said and why it is being said. Though I also personally have not seen an exorbitant amount of profanity used in most of the RPs I have participated in, whether it is a big issue or not I can see why the filter may seem necessary. That however is the extent of what I agree with completely. To me the M rating should be used more so to identify a wider restriction on what the content can be. It does not necessarily [i]have[/i] to involve profanity, graphic sex and violence, etc etc. It's there to allow for a wider choice of how your character can express himself or what situations they should find themselves in. PG aspects can be portrayed just as easily in M rated threads as M aspects. Where as it cannot work the other way, since the PG rating is restrictive. A large abundance of these features of M rated threads that are being discouraged may be a cause for concern as it pertains to the ability to have a fun and succesful RP that needs not include aspects of an M rating being taken for granted. Just the same as sex and violence sells in spite of most other types of entertainment, it's understandable that the same rule may apply to the Arena as well. However, for it to cause this kind of an uproar seems a bit much, as I have not noticed a large amount that could be possibly viewed as excessive. If this is truly a problem for so many however, I cannot see myself completely leaving, nor will i stop participating completely either. [/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]Some more: [b]What is it?:[/b] Sandy [Member/Mod] [b]Why is if nifty?:[/b] In addition to being amongst the most active moderators on the board as a whole, Sandy has persevered through some pretty tough times as of late concerning Otaku Idol 2. Though all the comments, criticisms, and BS, etc etc he has never lost sight or faith in doing what it took to keep not only Labyrinth moving but now Mafia as well. The way he has reacted in the thread itself may be contraversial, and the fact that he felt the need to apologize for his actions shows that he is still willing to stick around and help the community as best he can. Whether you believe his post was facetious or sincere, it's irrelavent seeing as how Sandy's reaction [i]could[/i] have been to just say F it and abandon his duties completely. Whether you view this as being faithful and dedicated or just a contraversey magnet, I'd say it ranks up with nifty for 06. [b]What is it?:[/b] Shy [Member/Mod] [b]Why is it nifty?:[/b] There isn't really much to say here, Shy probably works the hardest amongst the other staff members by not only putting together all the events he has, but by his normal contributions as well. Also seeing as how i nominated OI2 for Nifty, it's only right that the person who is running it be nominated as well. [b]What is it?:[/b] The Arenahabitants [Members] [b]Why is it nifty?[/b]: Since I came to OB, the biggest effect on me has been made by the Arena and it's inhabitants. I've met most of the friends i've made on OB in the arena during RPs and have had endless good times over there. Because the Arena has been and is still going pretty strong thanks to it's dedicated participants (myself included =P), it is nifty beyond niftyness. [b]What is it?:[/b] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=55064&highlight=Picture]"What Do You Look Like?" [/url][Thread] [b]Why is it nifty?:[/b] No matter how you viewed it, this thread was wildly popular and quickly gained an extravagent amount of views. It broke the ice on a lot of subjects and confirmed or denied many of our ideas on what we looked like. Thanks to that thread we now have faces to go with names. During the short time it was allowed open, it was indeed quite nifty. More to be added at another time[/font]

[QUOTE=Raina][COLOR=Blue] [B]Blood types:[/B] In Japan, people look at their blood types for a description of their personality too. My blood type's [I]A[/I]. "Can be quite shy, and very thoughtful. Is intuitive and finishes every task that is assigned. Is very aught up in rules". So with me, the freedom of the Sagittarius, and the rule-obeying blood type A clashes. For example, my books in my bookshelf are all perfectly aligned (blood type A); yet I have a lot of crap on the floor (Sagittarius). :catgirl: [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]Yeah, I've always found that rather interesting. It does seem more convincing then astrological or zodiac signs do, however there less of a variation then. Unfortunatley I don't have a clue what my blood type is though.[/font]

[QUOTE=Katana][size=1][color=royalblue]I'm always confused when it comes to terms in this. I refer to the Chinese signs as the zodiac, while I call the traditional ones astrological signs. Meh. [b]1.) What is your birthday?[/b] August 2nd, 1991 [b]2) What is your Zodiac sign?[/b] Leo in the traditional version, Goat/Ram/Sheep in the Chinese version [b]3) How does your Zodiac sign describe your personality?[/b] Because Wikipedia freakin' [i]rocks[/i]:[/color] Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac and is associated with creativity and drama. Individuals born under this sign are thought of to have a proud, honest, generous, self-motivated, charismatic, warm-hearted, and enthusiastic character, but one which is also prone to conceit, bullying, rigidity, intolerance, and snobbery. Element = Fire Ruling Celesital Body = Sun The Sheep is artistically talented and has a great sense of fashion. Chances are that this type will prefer to be a designer or painter, or go into the kind of profession where he/she can make the most of his/her gift for creating beautiful things. These people are considerate creatures - they think before acting, and try not to hurt anyone's feelings. If it ever happens that the Sheep person causes unforeseen problems, it is very likely that he/she will step forward to rectify the situation. This side of their character helps them maintain a healthy social life as well as enabling them to deal with life's ups and downs. Sympathy is very important to these people as is the approval of people they respect. However, they sometimes require too much attention and impose too much on those who are close to them. Sometimes they are too sensitive for the real world; they often misinterpret situations. People born in this year are insecure. They need to feel loved and protected. They are easily drawn into complex predicaments. This being, so, they usually shy away from confrontation, pull back when faced with heavy decision-making situations, and blatantly refuse to take an unpopular stand in a conflict. (My) Element = Metal [color=royalblue]Zomg, that's amusing. Oh, and one more thing I have to point out - Wiki gave me a list of what Leos are supposed to look like. Let's make a checklist! Broad shoulders: Yes (part of what makes me ungirly...) A ruddy complexion: Pretty much A roundish head: Yeah Trim hips: Well, they're not large >_>; Thick hair: God yes Commanding eyes: Yeap 8D Thick and well-formed eyebrows: Sure, but I keep mine neat Large and evenly-spaced teeth: Unfortunately yes Straight nose: Sure, why not Average height or slightly above: Haha, I'm short XD I'm not ugly! Go see me in the OtaKuties! >