TheResplendent

[font=tahoma]I have to agree that Rukia's voice was done very well. After hearing the promo i was less than impressed by JYB's portrayal of Ichigo, but Rukia's sounded very fitting. The other characters of the main group (Chad, Inoue, Ishida) aren't very hard to capture in terms of how they should sound, i do have stellar expectations for them. But i do fear for the members of the Gotei 13. I'll be very upset if Renji's voice in particular is done lazily. On another note for the dubs, i hope they do not translate the zanpakutos from japanese to english. A good portion of them would just sound rediculous in their english form. I doubt we will have to worry about that...but hey, they may not even show the SS arc the first time around. Which would suck for the dub-only viewers. As for keeping the openings and endings, that is terrific news. Thank You, Houkiboshi (especially with the gotei 13 specific sequences), Asterix (the only one we're garaunteed to hear), and Ichirin no Hana are too awesome to leave out. But as aforementioned, who knows if they will get that far.[/font]

[font=tahoma]It could be one of two things. Either he want's to keep you two as seperated as possible so not to mix up the two aspects of his life (girlfriend/best friend), in which case it seems as if he's favoring her more over you. This is by no means under your control, because he has to decide who means what to him, and decide how to prioritize the people in his life based on what he believes is best for himself. Some ideas concerning the people in our lives seem more noble than others, but people are capable of having their own ideas. One i personally believe in is best friends should always come before girlfriends (this is from a guy's point of view). With some girls i know it's the same, but i find that girls have less honor amongst one another when it comes to a guy they like. Not saying this is true of all girls, this is based on my experiences. The other thing is that he's just ***** whipped. In which case he's just trying to satisfy his lust and it takes more of his little head than it does his big head. How you wish to perceive it is up to you, but if you guys are really good friends, nothing should be stopping you from putting everything out in the open with one another and finding out the truth yourself. If it is for another reason, then it's something that is his responsbility to make you understand. Then it is your perogative to make a decision on whether or not he is fulfiling your standards for a friend or not. A friend to me is somebody who can be straight up with you about something that becomes a hindrance to the bond that holds you together. If he can't seem to understand why you're feeling the way you are, he probably isn't putting the effort into comprehending it. That however isn't what should make up your mind. What should make up your mind is how he goes about wanting to fix the problem between you two. If he simply dosn't understand, his willingness to try to understand and try to fix it is representative of how much he wants to keep you as a friend. Taking the easier path and ignoring you and going about business with his girlfriend is showing you his current priority does not lie with you. It may not neccesarily mean that he dosn't care about you, but if he refuses in one way or another to want to fix things between you two, and risk the friendship altogether because of just one girl...then it's clear that he dosn't believe your important enough, or he just isn't taking you seriously. The key here is what he [b]wants[/b] to do about it, not what he is currently [b]doing[/b]. Because people's actions don't always reflect their intentions. I'm still best friends with a girl who i used to go out with for a while. Only recently have we been hitting some rough points as it concerns our actual friendship, it's mostly due to not having much time to see each other anymore. That however is irrelavent to the issue at hand. But the most important thing to remember about building a closer relationship off of a friendship is to secure the foundation of the more important type of bond to you first and foremost. In most cases thats the bond that you share with a best friend, the type that lasts much longer then a normal boyfriend/girlfriend bond would last. This way when one type of relationship begins to crumble, the friendship already between the two people acts as cushion to fall back on. This way not everything is destroyed, and you can still enjoy one another's company for whatever reasons. Regardless of what his reasoning is though, your dedication to him should only have to go so far if his to you is wavering. I know trying to be there for someone seems like a noble thing and a respectable thing, but to put yourself through the kind of pain you say you are feeling for a less then noble or respectable reason is not something you should have to tolerate. Don't be there for someone who couldn't care less that you are there, and don't be there for someone who wouldn't lift a finger to be there for you. People change, that's reality. Don't cling on to an idealistic hope if it's not going to come into fluition. If he just dosn't know any better right now and is just confused about where his priorities should lay, then be there for him to help him figure it out. Again, his distance from you shouldn't be assumed right away to be a result of him not caring at all. But do not be taken advantage of.[/font]

[font=tahoma]This is a subject i normally like going into with detail, but there no way i could possibly say it better then how i did so in [URL=http://articles.theotaku.com/view.php?action=retrieve&id=2527][color=blue][b]this[/b][/color][/URL]. So i'll let that be my explanation since I'd be here for quite a while typing in a response of comparable detail. Not for nothing though, in refernece to american born cartoons and such. I am a fan of those as well, having grown up on them and considering the crap on nowadays that fry these kid's brains, they were like food for the soul. But a few of the newer ones ain't so bad, Courage the Cowardly dog was already mentioned once...i rather like that show as well. Other than that i enjoy the occaisional Tom and Jerry and Roadrunner cartoons. [/font]

[font=tahoma]I haven't actually gotten around to hearing any of their new songs other than Diary of Jane, but i don't have any doubts that i'd like it since i have almost every one of their songs from Saturate and WANA on my MP3. From what i hear though, it seems to be very good and i'll probably get to listening to em sometime today. Still got plenty of room on my Ipod left.[/font]

[size=1][b]"Where's Clyne I haven't seen her pretty little ass today?"[/b] Jack added as Jerry poured him another glass. Elliot heard a voice call calling out for him back toward the office area. He recognized Lysander's voice and wondered if the woman that had walked in earlier had anything to do with what he was calling him for. Elliot finished his third glass, and stood up in place. [b]"She's out picking up a few things, and don't let her catch you talking about her like that though."[/b] Elliot responded to Jack before walking toward Darrel. [b]"Come on, she knows I don't mean any harm!"[/b] Jack replied as took a few more sips, Nicole and Marena by his side having a few fun laughs. Elliot walked into the office and saw Darrel standing beside his chair, the beautiful Natalie Fairfield seated across from the empty chair. He ran over to Elliot and began to explain the situation to him. [b]"Wait, she wants her daughter...dead?"[/b] Elliot asked, as they spoke in private. [b]"Yeah, that's what she said."[/b] [b]"Man, what a bitch."[/b] Elliot said, sharing Darrel's initial response when he first heard of the job details. [b]"Yeah, that's what I thought...until she mentioned her payment."[/b] Darrel continued to tell him the exact deal, as Elliot stared back at him suprised that she was willing to shell out so much. [b]"Well, it's not really our place to question her motives. It sounds like a solid job offer though. The usual crew i suppose?"[/b] Elliot asked, as they both nodded toward each other. [b]"I'll go tell Kenso, and hopefully Clyne gets back soon so we can let her know"[/b] Darrel said, as he walked out toward the bar leaving Elliot to explain the situation to Mrs. Fairfield. Elliot walked over to the lady, who despite her request did not seem the least bit distraught or pained at her own situation. Elliot didn't really pay it much mind, despite having subtle inquiries lingering insignificantly in the back of his mind. [b]"Mrs. Fairfield, my name is Elliot Cade. I wish to inform you that myself and Lysander will gladly undertake this task of which you ask. We will gather a small yet effective unit and the first thing tomorrow morning we will carry out this mission to your specifications. Please put your faith in us, for we will not let you down."[/b] Elliot extended his hand as the young looking mother of a condemned teenage daughter answered with her own. [b]"Mr. Cade, I appreciate this greatly. I do however ask for your haste in this matter. I trust that Sinister Nation will be able to achieve this goal within a day."[/b] she exclaimed in a confident and provocative tone. [b]"Ma'am, we are at your service"[/b] Elliot responded, as he saw Mrs. Fairfield to the door. Elliot walked back toward the others when he was suddenly grabbed by his arm in a rather tight grip. [b]"You're not ditching me tonight, are you?"[/b] Eva said to him, having overheard bits and pieces of the conversation. [b]"Eva? No, of course not. The mission starts first thing in the morning."[/b] Elliot assured her. [b]"Well good, but i suppose since you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow that means i shouldn't keep you up ALL night long...too bad."[/b] she said in a slightly pouty tone, void of any real sternness. [b]"Meet me outside in an hour, and don't you dare get caught up doing any paperwork!"[/b] Eva strutted away as another female walked through the front door of Heaven's Gate. It was Clyne, holding a large cardboard box underneath her arm. The two ladies greeted each other and made some small talk before Clyne continued over to Elliot, Lysander, Kenso, and Virgil by the bar. She passed by Irina and Logan and spoke with them for a few brief moments as well. The female members of SN all seemed to get along well enough, sometimes the guys didn't even know what they were talking about. Clyne continued over and set the box down on the bar, while turning to the guys. [b]"Hey fellas, what's with this little convention we got going on here?"[/b] [/size]

[QUOTE=Pumpkin][SIZE=1] As far as looking good for others, I use to do the same and got the WRONG kind of attention. Being yourself, and finding a look thats unique actually will attract more people to you. I think its a shame that girls have to go through certain stereotypes of what beautiful is, to the way you wear your hair to the clothes that you pick out. Oh and I'd rather be clean on the outside and dirty on the inside, just because I'm a hygiene freak. [/SIZE][/QUOTE] [font=tahoma]You'll never see a more abundant example of this then where I live. NYC houses some of the most superficial girls in the world, and this describes not only their personalities but is expressed in their appearence as well. What bugs me the most about it though is when a girl complains that they are being perceived as an object or that they are only liked for their looks...and yet the way they dress dictates to people that they in fact want this kind of attention. But in order to decrease the shame they feel in it, through words they will express dismay over it. And while in some instances it may be comfort, i have plenty of female friends who personally tell me that half the stuff they wear to appear attractive are not comfortable whatsoever. No to mention half the stuff dosen't look comfortable to the eye anyway (it may look attractive, but not comfortable). In addition to that and on a similar subject I will also say, Pumpkin...you're one of the very few girls that I know of who likes high heels as much as you do (I read your post in the "Shoes" thread). Or atleast i hear a lot of "Wow they look really cute" and then after wearing them i hear "Ouch these things hurt like a *****!". But personally...i love high heels on a girl. As for me when it comes to how i want to look, i also agree that enforcing your own style and paying more attention to that then to what to wear in order to gain the favor of others is the way to go. Though i do understand that the standards are different between males and females and the way they perceive that "rule". I'm pretty much a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, with the occaisonal sweater or hoodie when it's cold, and basketball or jean shorts with a wifebeater when it's hot. These are all things i wear because they are comfortable, or accomodating dependent on the atmosphere. Aside from clothing however...i have to admit that I CAN be a bit anal about my hair...my friend likes to call me a pretty boy but it's nowhere near as bad as she makes it out to seem. Nothing at all to claim that i'm superficial about. My hair is usually spiked, so i always want to make sure that it looks alright (when it gets longer it tends to become unruley as well)...it's really more about appearing presentable rather then attractive. I don't like going out looking like a slob or like I just woke up, unless i'm just going to a friend's house. When it comes to my facial hair it's usually everything shaved except for the beard, or i just shave the sideburns thin and let them lead down to the beard, and sometimes (not often) i will shave everything completely. That may be more about appearence than comfort, but i am a very...very hairy person when it comes to facial hair. If i let it grow out all the way, i'll be looking like son of ZZ top. So i don't think it's such a bad thing that i like to keep that under control :D [/font]

[size=1][center][color=darkred]It was dark?and raining?and it was only the middle of the day. Well, it was more toward six, but you can never really tell for sure unless you?re staring at a clock. The sky can never tell you what time it in Traydor, there?s only 4 solid hours of sunlight here and it?s usually in the morning just about an hour or two before noon. But the rain was more of an undisputable factor. Darkness, aside from the bright lights within the city walls and constant rain?makes this city sound like a real gloomy place. To most it seems like that, but I personally enjoy it. No particular reason really, I guess I just do my best thinking in the rain?and as for the darkness?well I suppose I?ve just gotten used to it. I certainly had quite enough time in the past to get used to them both anyway?I suppose when you?ve had a past like mine it?s hard to believe why I would feel so amiable about them both. But I guess that?s how lucky you can consider me for being found by Fargo?he showed me how to live in this city, and since then I never once lamented over my past again. Sure, I?ve thought about it a lot?and still do. He always told me though?that the past is meaningless if you aren?t planning your future based in its mistakes. So rather then grieve, that is what I do?I make sure that my future leads me as far away from that lifestyle as possible. Now when I?m on the streets?it?s because I can be or because I want to be?not because I have to be. Another different between then and now is back then the streets owned me?where as now, I own the streets.[/color] * * * * *[/center] Elliot sat in his usual seat, yet to move into Nicholas?s old office. He didn?t think himself worthy enough, he didn?t want to be seen by the others as trying to take Nicholas?s place. He even dreaded the thought of himself taking Nicholas?s place, as well as anybody else doing so. It?s been a month since news of Nicholas?s death reached the company?Elliot sat at his desk and collapsed his head into his hands. [b]"Nicholas?I?m not even sure I can do this?why did you leave me in charge, so many left after you died?they don?t want to follow the lead of the old boss?s second ?I never commanded as much respect as you did, not nearly that amount. How do I do this? How do I make sure I don?t let the ones that stuck with me down?"[/b] Elliot spoke to himself as he began to lose himself in his train of thought. He was too preoccupied to notice someone standing in the doorway, presumably showing up sometime before he began his solitary rant. She walked over to Elliot?s side and knelt down beside him. A slight look of concern was on her face, but in her mind she wasn?t concerned at all. She had known Elliot for five years now, and she knew that he was never the type to let depression defeat him. In addition, she knew how she might be able to help out. [b]?You?re not going to let us down, Elliot. So take your head out of your ass and start believing in your damn self ?like the rest of us.?[/b] she said. Elliot looked up, unaware that anybody else was there with him. He saw Eva looking at him, into his eyes giving a big confident smile. He recognized that smile well, Eva was always one to stay positive about things and even more so she always had faith in Elliot. It was hard for her to be anything but caring and positive towards Elliot, especially with the first day they met embedded into her mind. Elliot was one of the few people who knew her sober side so well. [b]?Come on, it?s not like you to sulk around like this??[/b] she continued on to say. [b]?I know?I?m fine though. I?m just a little upset over Jason and Catrina?out of everyone that left I at least thought that they would have stuck around??[/b] [b]?Hey, Jason is an ungrateful bastard and Catrina was nothing but a stuck up bitch! Let them go their separate ways if their loyalties are that loose. Everyone that stayed with SN, we?re all we need. We?re going to make it and you?re going to be great, just like Nicholas!?[/b] Eva assured him, pulling Elliot up to his feet. [b]?Eva, how can you even say that? I?m??[/b] [b]?Hey! Lighten up! Nobody is about to claim that Nicholas?s place can be taken?everyone knows that?s not possible. All I?m saying is you need to get your head back on straight, and realize that we?re all still here because we have faith in you and we have faith that we?ll find the bastards that killed him.?[/b] Eva said, cutting Elliot off. Elliot knew she was right, it didn?t take much to get him to see the bigger picture. He has always known when to be serious, but now has a lot more responsibility to assume, being the longest remaining member of Sinister Nation. Eva saw that Elliot?s stressed out facial expression was finally quelling, much to her satisfaction. [b]?So?anyway, I was gonna hit the nightclub over on Exeter after we get out. You should come with me?it?ll be good for you?[/b] Eva said, inching herself closer to Elliot. [b]?Heh, sounds great?but I was thinking of staying late and taking care of the??[/b] [b]?Come onnnn! I promise I?ll make sure you?have a good time,?[/b] Eva said, as she wrapped her left arm around Elliot?s shoulder and subtly rubbed her knee in between his legs. Elliot?s eyes widened as his body conformed to Eva?s motions. He looked down at her who was staring back at him with a rather inviting look in her eyes. Elliot figured he should treat himself to a fun night out after all. It would definitely do wonders for his mind, especially with the persuasive influence of the attractive young woman rubbing up on him. [b]?I?well?I guess I could make it.?[/b] Elliot said, adjusting himself. Eva gave him a big grin and walked off. [b]?Good! You can drive then.?[/b] She said, before walking out the door. Elliot rolled his eyes, knowing that Eva should never be on the road sober, let alone inebriated. Jack was the only person he personally knew that could drive drunk and make it look professional, though it was still reckless by most standards. Elliot walked out of his office and noticed that Jack and Kenso were still out on their missions, their keys still missing from the rack on the wall. Clyne as well was still out, but gathering up supplies for the HQ. Alex was minding his own business as usual, hitting a few balls over at the billiards table. He figured the others were hanging around the bar area. With connecting doors with Heaven?s Gate, most of the SN members hung out around that area in their free time while on the job. After all, most clients have to go through the bar to get to the SN HQ, so they rarely didn?t know when they were needed. Elliot opened the first door and walked down the short hallway to the other door. He entered the bar behind the wine cellar staircase and walked around to the main area. He noticed Logan and Irina sitting at a table, both of them less than amused by a few drunks trying to hit on them. He wasn?t really worried about either of them letting things get out of hand, but he has personally seen Irina pin someone against the wall and threaten to break his arm off once. He looked over at the bar where he saw Darrel and Virgil enjoying a drink and talking amongst each other. He walked over and sat on the stool beside Darrel. [b]?Jerry, my usual.?[/b] Elliot said to the bartender. [b]?Elliot, haven?t seen you in a couple of days. I?m glad you?re well.?[/b] Jerry said, pouring him a SoCo on the rocks. He slid it over to Elliot, as Darrel turned to him. [b]?Hey man, just in time. Virgil was telling me about the joint mission you guys did before I joined where you fell over the edge of the docks and held on to the edge of a ship like a bridge,?[/b] Darrel said jokingly, as Elliot stopped in mid-sip. [b]?Hey! Would you quit it with that story? You always leave out the part where it was either that or I get run down by a crazy crack-addict behind the wheel of a fish truck.?[/b] Elliot said, trying to defend himself. [b]?No, I told him. It?s quite comical nonetheless.?[/b] Virgil said, bowing his head slightly at the same time as a greeting to Elliot. [b]"Yeah, you and Clyne had a good laugh...for about 5 minutes straight before either of you decided to finally help out. Why don't you tell him the story about when you accidently shot the crystal vase you were supposed to retrieve for that museum dude four years ago."[/b] Elliot said, finishing off his drink in the next gulp. [b]"As i remember, the bullet deflected off the other person's rifle. I succesfully disarmed him and the vase was unfortunatley damaged. At that time it was out of my control."[/b] Virgil replied calmly. The three continued to talk amongst themselves as the workday began to come to an end. Once missions are underway, completion knows no time constraint unless specified by the client. But even the members of Sinister Nation had homes to go back to, and free time to enjoy with the profits of their trade. Old stories between the veterans of the company, and telling a few to the newer members were popular ways of passing time. Elliot and Clyne probably had the oldest stories from their first years with the company...many of them interesting to tell since they had started off on such rough terms. Nicholas was often annoyed by their arguing and told them to stop acting like a married couple half the time. Nicholas was one to know too, he was married twice. Neither relationship lasted too long, and he had decided it was better to remain unattached. It's difficult for mercenaries to find a committed relationship, if that is what they are after. Elliot and Clyne ended up getting along much better with one another then either of them did with Alex when he joined a few months later. Alex's constant lack of gratitude toward Nicholas always angered Elliot, and the two would often come close to going at it. Of the nine years they were with the company together they've only had a serious fight once, which resulted in both of them in the hospital and Alex considering leaving Sinister Nation before he was dissuaded by Riley. Riley was always a peacemaker amongst the group...before he was murdered by Vance Murdock. As the other members began to join down the years, it seemed as if they fit in like a lawyer did in hell. When Darrel joined, he and Elliot got a long great from the start. They would hit the shooting range together often and work on their marksmanship while Elliot would tell him stories of the company. Most of the members of SN rarely made stupid mistakes, but not even they are immune to unknown circumstances when the time for them comes. When it did, it was usually the basis for the most interesting stories, despite "bloopers" not being the only stories that were told. When Octavia joined, the majority of the company at the time disliked her because of her sarcastic personality. Many of them being hypocrits themselves, but when your in the profession of doing whatever the hell is asked of you for money; you tend not to take to people too easily. She and Elliot on the other hand got along pretty well. They would spar with one another often to brush up on their hand to hand, Octavia's style was much more diciplined than Elliot's was. Elliot was taught well by Nicholas, but most of it was street fighting and shooting. He learned quite a bit from her over the years. He also found it a bit strange at first to call her by her last name, which was simpler...but after unwavering insistence he came around to getting used to it. Kenso was probably the one who took the job most seriously, Elliot found it difficult to converse with him sometimes but the two had many unspoken agreements with one another, one including the unwavering dedication to finding Nicholas Fargo's killer. But right now he tried to put all of that out of his head, he knew Nicholas would be yelling at him and smacking him around if he knew he was showing doubts in himself. Elliot had intended to stay at the HQ late to do some paper work and organizing. That was until Eva proposed her better idea to him. When Eva joined she spent a lot of time hanging around Elliot, trying to get to know him better. Elliot had little problem with it since he enjoyed the fooling around. Nicholas would always tell them jokingly not to fuck in the office and if they did, the cleaning was coming out of their paychecks (figurative paychecks anyhow, payment was almost always done in cash). Nicholas always enjoyed messing around with the members and having fun at their expense, and in turn a lot of them did it with him as well. It was harmless fun, and it was pretty difficult to seriously anger Nicholas. He didn't run a very strict operation with SN when it came to leisure and slacking off, he even understood a lot of the time when someone would botch a job. One thing that would undoubtedly set off the beast within him though was being disrespected. Nobody in the current remaining members of SN would even dream about disrespecting him, maybe except for Alex...but aside from them there were countless other members at points in time who just believed that they would have made better leaders. Nicholas would always use Irina as an example because of how respectful she always acted, even when it wasn't neccesary. He would laugh and tell the others "You guys should be more like Red here! She's got more manners then you guys have brain cells combined!" Indeed there were many memories of Nicholas, but the present required everyone to get over it as best they can. Things were still a bit of a mess at the HQ with the massive decrease in loyal members, along with the consistent incoming jobs. It will be the first time since Nicholas?s death that Elliot has considered going out for enjoyment. Jerry poured Elliot another drink, knowing him well enough to know he usually has 3 glasses at the end of a day when he wasn't on a job. [center]* * * * *[/center] [color=darkgreen]OOC: I had intended to do individual paragraphs for each person from when they first joined...but then i realized how long the post was getting. So i atleast tried to include everyone in some aspect. Everyone feel free to wind down the workday with their char and go into their home/private/off the job lives (unless of course you want to be in the middle of a mission or taking a newly appointed one before the days end). Take off from whenever you feel, i tried to include everyone in taking part in different things to start out with, it's up to you if you want to continue from there or skip ahead (not to the next day yet mind you). Hope everyone has fun![/color][/size]

[font=tahoma]Wow, you guys are awesome =). I never expected this kind of outcome, but am glad you all found it to be interesting. Sign up are now officially [b][i][u]CLOSED[/i][/u][/b]: Acceptances look like: -[b]Kitty[/b] as [b]Eva Ijizaru aka Sheath[/b] -[b]MoyakuKeramushe[/b] as [b]Kenso Loryn aka Ace[/b] -[b]Shadowofdeath13[/b] as [b]Jack Arista aka Ghost[/b] -[b]Acheron[/b] as [b]Darrel Hinton aka Lysander[/b] -[b]Sakura[/b] as [b]Clara Gascoyne aka Clyne[/b] -[b]Doublehex[/b] as [b]Alexander Daimonas aka Alex[/b] -[b]Delta[/b] as [b]Irina Berzin aka Red[/b] -[b]Omega[/b] as [b]Virgil Berimue aka Barrel[/b] -[b]Eclipse[/b] as [b]Octavia Logan aka Logan[/b] The thread will be up in the Square momentarily, since i have the time at the moment.[/font]

[font=tahoma]No no, what i meant was wednesday is the deadline for sign ups and completions. Then the RP thread will be up in the square either then or thursday. Friday just happens to be the latest i'd allow the sign up thread to remain active for people who are interested in joining but cannot make a post by wednesday. So either way the thread will definitly be up before the weekend, and will last as long as it can. Hopefully for a while :animesmil Sorry if my post in the sign up thread seemed confusing.[/font]

[FONT=Tahoma]When it comes to superficiality, i believe the closest i come (and it's probably a rather profound example) is needing a girl to be somewhat attractive for me to consider going out with or doing anything physically or romantically. By no means is it the most important thing, but what is on the outside for us humans is undeniably the bait which entices us to even want to make the decision to try and get to know more about the person. This is true of everyone, and anyone that says othewise is simply lying. It is nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about because it is our nature, and it at times leads to what we come to value as our required standards beyond physical attraction. Personality, sense of humor, conversating skills...or my personal number 1 standard [b]intellegence[/b], these are all aspects of the opposite (or same, no discimination here) sex that we want and desire, but physical attration to any degree be it from a "Oh, she's cute" to a 'Wow, she's GD sexy!" serves as the floodgate. Before a word can even be heard from the person's mouth or an action can be performed that makes you believe she or he is anything other then good looking (i.e holding a door open showing you that she/he is polite or fixing something showing you that she/he is handy) what the person looks like is the absolute first thing that is noticed, whether people want to admit it or not. If this is superficiality in the eyes of others then so be it, but i choose to embrace the reality of it and anyone i've ever explained that too has understood where i'm coming from or agreed. Knowing ourselves and what we want will prevent us from being ignorant or uncertain in tight situations involving how to approach or carry on a relationship with another. So long as the only requirement that somebody has of their significant other is NOT physical attraction, i do not believe it to be superficial...but it is as i said, the closest i am to it is probably that. [/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma]My favorite gaming genre, that is a simple question to answer. I've been primarily a [b]Role Playing Game[/b] fan for as long as i can remember, dating back to Startropics and LoZ for the original NES. All kinds, whether it be traditional, SRPG, Hack n Slash, etc. RPGs to me is the genre of gaming that requires the most intellegence, patience, and comprehension. They provide an awesome experience of living through an outstanding adventure along with the characters, at times making your own decesions based on judgement, strategies with who makes the best combinations for your active party and in what situations, navigating yourself through all kinds of venues between complex dungeons, populated cities and towns, wide open plains, etc etc. Of course depending on which game we're talking about and what style of RPG it is, the aforementioned aspects vary. But generally the common idea between most RPGs revolve around immersing the player into it's journeys, conflicts, and character relationships. While this isn't the only gaming genre to attempt this, I find personally that it achieves it the best possible. In addition however, i am also quite fond of your typical style of [b]action/adventure[/b], we'll use games like [b]God of War, Devil May Cry,[/b] and [b]Metal Gear Solid[/b] as examples. More specifically i enjoy them when they involve the neccesity for strategizing and deliberation at times during the game in addition to the riveting action. A good example of a great game with aspects of action and strategy that i never get tired of playing is [b]Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires[/b]. But i do enjoy all types so long as they are fun and interesting. Those are my favorite and preferred genres, but being a general VG fan i play whatever it is that seems interesting to me. When it comes to fighting games i prefer old school styles like the [b]Street Fighter[/b] engine, whether it the alphas or the slightly more enhanced style of the versus games (Marvel vs Capcom 2) or smooth 3D style fighting such as [b]Soul Calibur[/b]. When it comes to sports games it's mainly baseball games that I play. When it comes to multiplayer games when friends are over, i love [b]Super Smash Brothers[/b] for gamecube. That is amongst others, but SSBM is the best :D. [/FONT]

For the sake of convenience it would probably be a good idea to put it in standard format. The sign up threads are typicaly used to refer back for information once the actual RP thread gets started, so it would be easier if it were on the same page as everyone elses.

[size=1][color=darkslategray]The dusk messenger arrived at Marax's chamber door, guarded as always by two Reavers. The dusk made it's way toward the door before being stopped by a Reaver's axe. The dusk tried to communicate that it had a message for Lord Marax. The Reaver raised it's hand which caused the dusk to cringe but the chamber door opened promptly after. Marax walked out, his axe attached to his back; slightly cloaked in addition to the one he wore over his body. He looked up at the Reaver guards and waved them off with his hand. [b]"Easy now, this dusk is a messenger from Master Onix. It would be bad manners to destroy him...before i receive the message anyhow,"[/b] Marax said as he took note of the message that had been relayed to him. The dusk bowed and made his leave, Marax held the Reavers where they stood so not to destroy the dusk. [b][i]"Hmm, how I hate those little annoyances, master. I wish you'd let me kill them once in a while."[/b][/i] the Reaver guard on the right said to him telepathically. [b]"Heh, no no. But fear not, it seems like you will get plenty of time to kill to your hearts content now. This message means to assemble the entire organization...and it's been quite a while since it's been done this formally. Let us see what Onix wants."[/b] The Reavers nodded as they followed Marax down the hallways of The Castle that Never Was. It was a large castle, considering there were pretty much the 13 of them plus the respective Nobody groups residing there. Marax appreciated the scenary, as he looked side to side at the candleabras and darkened style of architecture. He took a turn and saw from the other end another organization member walking toward him. It was always easy to tell them from the lesser Nobodys even if their clear appearence wasn't visible at the time, it was due to their unmistakable uniforms of course. All of them wore black hooded cloaks, though some of the organization member's weapons were noticable enough to revel who they were from a far distance. Marax was one of those members, though he kept the hilt and shaft of his axe wrapped most of the time. He continued on, as he and the other member stopped before one another. [b]"Xaria...are you well? I hear your last outing was not a pleasent one."[/b] Marax said, referring to the same mission that Onix had received a report on. [b]"Oh...and how do you know about that?"[/b] Xaria responded, cross armed. Marax smiled slightly. [b]"You forget, my Reavers make up the majority of this Castle's guards. They may not seem coherent to any other then those who would die by their hand...but they are quite aware of their surroundings."[/b] Marax answered in a confident tone. [b]"I see. So you are well informed. Well, the Endless have become quite the problem for master Onix and ourselves as well. Perhaps the message the dusks have been goin around with summoning us to the main chamber concerns this issue."[/b] Xaria answered calmly. [b]"Are you not going?"[/b] Marax asked, taking notice to Xaria's direction of progress being opposite the direction of the Main Chamber. [b]"I am. I will be there momentarily. There is a matter that will consume little time."[/b] she said, nodding to Marax signalling her leave. Marax nodded back and watched as two Hardshells accompanying Xaria walked passed his Reavers. Marax continued walking toward the Main Chamber and finally reached it's archway. His eyes caught view of Xinikk as the only standing member, as Kaxkel was first beggining to sit. His eyes narrowed and he walked in hoping to avoid her abrasive commenting. [b]"Well, everyone seems rather well."[/b] Marax said, waving his Reavers to wait beside the doorway. He sat in his seat, opposite facing of Xranis's, and on each of his sides were Riexand and Xaria's seats. [b]"Welcome Marax, I am pleased at such rapid responses. Hopefully the others will arrive soon."[/b] Onix said. Xinikk just turned her head away in disgust, and sat back down angrily. Marax turned his focus to Kaxkel who was sitting across from him and gave him a subtle nod. Kaxkel returned it, the silent greeting between the two neccesary since Onix preferred silence in the Main Chamber.[/size][/color]

[size=1]ooc: Thx to everyone who signed up so far, i'm glad this one is interesting to other people =). [center]* * * * *[/center] [color=darkred] [b]Name[/b]: Elliot Cade [b]Nickname[/b]: Elliot prefers to be called by his name, but sometimes introduces himself as "The Elegant Rogue" to his clients. [b]Age[/b]: 26 [b]Appearance[/b]: [URL=http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5124/ecadeso0.png]Elliot[/URL] [b]Weapon[/b]: Elliot uses a custom long barreled [URL= http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9056/customedepm7.jpg]Desert Eagle .50[/URL]. An extremely powerful handgun, with a 3 round burst capability (not often used) and an 18-bullet magazine. This type of gun is often difficult to handle, but Elliot has dedicated a lot of his time to becoming skilled with it. He also carries a customized [URL= http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8096/kindjalwt5.jpg]Kindjal styled dagger[/URL] which also includes a knuckle guard (not seen in the picture). [b]Years as a Sinister Nation member[/b]: 10 Years [b]Specialty[/b]: Protection / Assassination [b]Personality[/b]: Elliot is normally easy-going and fun to be around off the job. He enjoys the advantages to the life Sinister Nation lives in comparison to many of the other citizens of Traydor. Following Nicholas?s death however he became discouraged. With the help of his fellow SN members however, he was able to recompose himself for the most part. He usually appears to be his normal self, but has moments where he?ll be lost in thought. He doesn?t feel distant from any of the other members, but is closer with some than others. Those who know him best know him to be honest about his feelings for the most part, though he has a sarcastic side to him which helps to lighten the mood at times and can annoy at other times. Taking the role of new leader, he prefers that everybody takes an equal effort in keeping the business afloat rather then handle all the details himself. He appreciates the respect given to him by the other SN members, and in turn has respect for all of them as well. He also prefers not to be treated any differently because of his new status. Elliot tends to reflect a lot on the past, and works hard for SN to have a bright future through the chaos of the times. He looks out for himself and SN only, which is essential for their survival since Traydor?s atmosphere can often be a ?Survival of the Fittest? type. He enjoys himself as much as possible by using the profits he makes from missions for popular night spots and customizing his car and weapons. Elliot also has a profound interest in attractive, fun-loving and aggressive women. [b]Background[/b]: Elliot?s parents held a very loose interest in him. Still he looked up to his father especially at a young age because of how he would always say, ?everything will be alright.? At the age of 12, he stopped believing it after his father was killed in a car accident on one of the highways, involving a high-speed chase between some criminals and the TPD. His mother was too distraught and she left Traydor, leaving a sleeping Elliot in his bed without saying a word. She called social services to take Elliot into a foster home the next day, but Elliot ran off. He was afraid of what his life would be like without both of his parents and hated the idea of being in a foster home. He lived on the streets and got along by being a beggar and a thief. Since the atmosphere of Traydor was a very sketchy one, he seemed to fit in with the trends. He came across very few people who actually felt sorry enough for him to take him in for a couple of days or even willingly give him money or food. The two years he spent living that way made him bitter toward people and made him wish he could be able to survive on his own, and have the strength to defend himself. He had only a knife and whatever clothes he could find to live on. One day, Elliot robbed an elderly woman and ran off with her purse. He was stopped by a large man with black hair and a long black coat. He looked down at Elliot as he tried to slash at him with the knife. The man grabbed his arm and smacked him to the ground, took the knife from him and returned the purse to the woman. He walked back over to Elliot who was fighting back tears of frustration with anger. [b]?Boy, I bet you wish you were stronger, so you could fight me back?don?t you??[/b] the man said. Elliot didn?t speak, but tried to run away figuring it wasn?t worth getting beat up over. He couldn?t get far however, the man grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him back. Elliot flailed his arms about and tried to break free, but to no avail. [b]?What?s your name??[/b] the man asked. Again Elliot refused to answer, as he continued to struggle. The man lifted him off the ground slightly and dropped him down. He walked over to a nearby food vendor, pulled out a bag of money and proceeded to buy a sandwich. He walked back over to a kneeling Elliot and tossed it at him. [b]?In this city, everyone has no choice but to look out only for themselves. Very few people will actually stop to give a damn about things that don?t directly affect them. This will be a parting gift from me to you, since you don?t want to tell me your name. But don?t count on people being this nice to little punks like you too often. And if you?re going to rob someone again, you make sure someone else isn?t around to **** you over too, just like I was back there.?[/b] The man walked away as Elliot just stayed silent, taking in those words. He looked down at the wrapped up sandwich and put a confused look on his face. Nobody had ever actually stopped to take that much time from their lives to deal with him, whether it be in a good or bad manner. He didn?t know why, but when he looked back up at the man as he was walking away?he got an image of what he wanted to be. He wanted to be strong enough to be able to look after himself, just like he wished he could after living on the streets for so long, and just like the man had said to him. He stood up and wiped away a few tears from his cheeks. He ran a few steps, so just to be within range of the man to be heard. [b]?Elliot! My name is Elliot!?[/b] he shouted, hoping to be heard. The man stopped and turned around, he walked back slowly, as a slightly intimidated Elliot took a few steps back out of caution. The man stopped a few feet away and laughed a brief second to himself. [b]?Is that so? Well Elliot, my name is Nicholas?[/b] Nicholas threw Elliot?s knife to the ground in front of him and kicked it over. He turned his back and started to walk. [b]?If you want to learn how to make the best out of this piece of **** city, then hurry up,?[/b] Nicholas said, leaning his head back. Elliot looked down at the knife for a few seconds and then back up at Nicholas. His confusion lasted momentarily, before he realized the sincerity in Nicholas?s voice. He picked up the knife and ran to catch up with his savior. For the next twelve years, Nicholas Fargo gave Elliot a reason to live again and taught him everything he needed to know about surviving on the streets of Traydor and to be self-reliant. He also learned how to use different types of bladed weapons. They lived together and Nicholas would take jobs as a mercenary to support them. When Elliot turned 16 he was taught how to use a firearm and Nicholas began to train him to be a mercenary. The two became close to one another, though not so much in a father/son sense. They were like best friends, sharing similar interests and learning things from each other?though Elliot learned much more from Nicholas. Elliot became a member of Sinister Nation officially, and saw the headquarters for the first time. From then on, life became easier and it was like fun and games mixed with business. Elliot left his parents to the ghosts of the past, and embraced the life of a professional mercenary, and therefore an indulgent life as well of money, women, and never being hungry again. Elliot didn?t care about the jobs that needed to be done, or the negative relations with the TPD. It was as Nicholas taught him since that very first day. [b][u]In this day and age, the most important thing is to look out for oneself and his loved ones. Do not let anybody ever take advantage of you.[/u][/b] Now following the death of Nicholas, Elliot realizes that he must continue on for the sake of himself and the company, but his primary concern ultimately lies with finding the person or people responsible for the murder of his former leader, mentor, and friend. [/size] [/color]

[color=red][size=1][font=Verdana][center][IMG]http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/6135/snki1.png[/IMG] [b][I]?Quam auribus teneo lupum, Sic vitas est?[/I][/b], that is the motto that each of us live by. Translated, it means ?Though I hold a wolf by its ears, such is our lives?. It?s engraved into our minds to remind us every day that being in between a rock and a hard place is simply unavoidable. Our responsibilities dictate that we accomplish our goal no matter what the difficulty, and to remember that though we service others for whatever reason we are not exempt from the laws of life. The kind of state that the city of [b]Traydor[/b] was in has called forth the necessity for our kind of work to evolve. Our kind has been around for as long as humans have existed, in one form or another. Now in the year 2075, on this nearly decrepit planet with few thriving and prosperous cities?we serve a greater significant purpose. We are [b]Mercenaries[/b], and in the great city of Traydor we are more relied on than the law itself. The city has grown corrupt and solicitous, with increases in crime and mortality rates greater then any number in the past decades. Of the main central continent, Traydor takes up about one fourth of the land, bordering the northern most coastline atop a large section of elevated earth and mountains that looks down at the water. It?s main entrance toward the center of the continent, which is open to the public; yet is kept under strict security which nobody considered too reliable anymore. As a play off of what the world?s once most thriving city, yet still most popular one has become?our agency is entitled [b]Sinister Nation[/b]. Our leader is Nicholas Fargo, 48 years of age and an efficient mercenary since before it became a sublimated profession. He grew up with ambitions to become a cop, but his life turned around after witnessing first hand the decline in fealty to the ?system? over the years. The police and country?s military both took advantage of the time of war and life soon became more about survival of the fittest. Rather then abandon hope like the rest of the city though, he immersed himself in the newly acquired lifestyle of the times and began doing jobs based on his own talents. Essentially he was a top mercenary that would perform any service for the right price, thus taking care of his own life during this time of turmoil. He recruited most of us based on our talents and took us off the streets and gave us a purpose. We trained and matured our status as mercenaries to live for ourselves and each other only at the expense of whomever it may have been hiring us. Our lifestyle flourished into a well known agency throughout the city about 2 years after our recruitment. Sinister Nation gained a great measure of influence within the city and despite still being a primarily underground business; we are relied on by our clients as well as hated by Traydor?s enforcement and security. It matters not who hires us however. In this time, people, like ourselves live only for themselves. They will pay whatever they need to in order to make their lives easier, whether that means killing someone who threatens their well being, recovering something precious for them, protecting something or someone, whatever it is. We lived an enjoyable life in comparison to the norm in modern day Traydor, as well as the rest of the world for that matter. We had money, food, sex, survival skills, and most of all we had each other?Sinister Nation was the closest thing to friends or family any of us ever had. However, unfortunate circumstances have recently befallen our ranks?our leader Nicholas was found murdered on the streets in broad daylight, which by itself was already odd since due to it?s positioning, Traydor only saw around 3-4 real hours of sunlight every day. Most of the time it was dark and raining, with illumination from the city?s lights the majority of the time. We were devastated by the news, he was like a father to so many of us. It wasn?t hard to believe however, Sinister Nation had just as many enemies as it did reliable clients. The TPD (Traydor Police Department) conducted a half-assed investigation simply as a formality, since they couldn?t have given two shits about the murder. We were assured that Fargo?s killer would be found?but we knew better then to rely on them. Though we are faced now with this hardship, we cannot be apathetic to our responsibilities. Sinister Nation must continue it?s business, we are still mercenaries and we still have to make a living. We still have each other, and as long as we live?we will honor Nicholas Fargo?s memory by being the best we can?and by avenging his death, one way or another. We will find who is responsible. [/color][/size][/font] [color=sandybrown]Welcome to [b]Sinister Nation[/b], an RP in which you will take part as one of the talented Mercenaries whom were taken in by Nicholas Fargo. It will take place in the giant super-city of Traydor, where order is present but dwindles more and more every day, and fear and corruption have made a huge impact on it?s citizens and law enforcement. The agency is approached with many kinds of jobs every day, in which the process involves price negotiations based on the type of job, and the details required for successful accomplishment of the task. The Sinister Nation mercenaries must continue their lives in addition to conducting their own investigation on the death of their former leader. The course of the RP will promote a lot of interaction between the Sinister Nation members as well as displaying each of their individual talents and personalities during missions given to them by clients (decided on by you of course), along of course with the collective and individual efforts to solve the mystery of Nicholas Fargo?s murder. It will be run by an exceptionally lenient system where I will simply input every now and then when major events happen or when a collective mission of SN must commence. They will serve as a guideline for what posts should be about during that time. The majority of the time, people will be able to create their own scenarios as long as it involves interaction whether it be with other SN members, clients, tips on Fargo?s murder, members of crime syndicates or TPD officers, etc. Also nothing too deviant from the theme of the RP (i.e. no side jobs, in this time and age Sinister Nation is the closest to a professional mercenary agency that will ever come to be, Traydor is immensely populated and they receive jobs almost everyday.) The way missions are taken by Sinister Nation used to be by Fargo talking with the potential client and assigning the member who best fit the standards for the job. With Fargo?s death, it is now a common responsibility amongst the remaining members to make records of jobs taken and who has accepted the job. It was decided this way by the person Fargo deemed would be second in command and in the case of his death the new leader of the group, Elliot Cade. Elliot emphasizes a more cohesive atmosphere following Fargo?s death when it comes to the details of keeping the business running and doesn?t really view himself as much of a leader, despite being respected by the other members of SN. Even the newer members recognize that Elliot is a capable and well-tested mercenary, being the first of the current members to be taken in by Fargo almost 10 years ago. [/color][/center] [/color][/size][/font] [center][b][color=red]More important details can be found in the [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?p=747261#post747261]Underground Thread[/URL] [/color][/b][/center] [color=white]Hopefully this proves interesting to many of you, i'm hoping for atleast somewhere between 8-10 sign ups (though i'm not against accepting more if the circumstances call for it). A good balance of male and female applicants as well is ideal. Acceptance will be based on quality of the sign ups of course. Enjoy, and thanks for yur interest if you sign up =). [b]Sign-up Sheet[/b]: [b]Name[/b]: [b]Nickname[/b]: Something your more commonly known as, or less commonly?your decision [b]Age[/b]: Anywhere between 20-30 [b]Appearance[/b]: Picture preferable, detailed description is a-okay as well [b]Weapon[/b]: One firearm (pairs of the same kind of gun is allowed) and one melee weapon (includes blades, knuckles, nightstick, etc). nothing too extravagant, like a bazooka or a giant halberd [b]Years as a Sinister Nation member[/b]: How long have you been with the company? No more than 10 years. [b]Specialty[/b]: Choose a primary and secondary specialty out of Retrievals / Reconnaissance / Assassinations / Protection / Wheel man ? (note if you are a wheel man it includes knowledge of multiple kinds of vehicles) [b]Personality[/b]: Pretty self-explanatory, make em interesting [b]Background[/b]: What happened before you became a member, what lead up to you becoming a member. Who do you know, who did you used to know, did you work for anybody before, where did you come from, past experiences, etc.[/color] [/color][/size][/font]

[color=red][font=verdana][b]SN:HQ includes important information on Sinister Nation's prime suspects in the muder of Nicholas Fargo as well as the city of Traydor.[/b][/color] [center]* * * * *[/center] [color=white]Within Traydor, aside from the abundance in your typical wrong-doers there are three very well known crime lords whom have made SN?s list of suspects at the top 3. -[b][color=red]Methais Corbin[/color][/b]: The city?s largest known drug lord, specializes in dealing internationally as well as within Traydor. Has an array of people on his payroll and is not opposed to using threats and scare tactics to get his way. He has been locked up twice already but has always manages to get out before a week of his prison sentence. The judicial system of Traydor is constantly admonished for its incompetence, especially when dealing with a major crime figure such as Corbin. His funds are endless and he has also been charged numerous times in the past for murder and rape. He has multiple bases throughout Traydor and has a wide network of connections, which contributes to his unofficial immunity as it seems. Sinister Nation and Methais have bad blood from past instances, which have involved certain members of SN including Nicholas being hired against Corbin?s henchmen. The most recent being a protection mission gone wrong, resulting in several of Corbin?s men being killed in addition to the client. It is in no way inconceivable that Corbin and his men would have something to do with Fargo?s murder. -[b][color=red]The Murdock Brothers[/color][/b]: Older brother Justin Murdock and younger brother Vance Murdock. Notorious throughout Traydor as the most dangerous pair of crime lords in the city. Their names are known not only in Traydor, but all cities of the three great continents as well. They have several associates but do much of their dirty work themselves. They are cold-blooded murderers and feel they do not need to justify their actions to anybody. They take what they want, kill who they want, and many of the TPD?s officers themselves are too fearful of them to even attempt any arrests. Sinister Nation and the Murdock brothers have come into contact before in several physical confrontations involved with a few missions. Justin?s right eye is a glass eye, due to an injury sustained personally from Nicholas during a shoot out over 18 months ago. One of the dedicated mercenaries of SN at that time, Riley Cole; was also killed by Justin?s brother Vance. Bad blood runs deep between them, though the one thing the Murdocks and SN have in common is that they are all on the TPD?s most wanted list. -[b][color=red]Kenji Nakemura[/color][/b]: Traydor?s foremost arms dealer. Specializes in every kind of firearms and all types of blades. Conducts business with anybody who offers the right price, and focuses mainly within the city and rarely travels out. He trades with others overseas often under the cover of regular ship cargo. His right hand man, or woman rather is Hana Young. She is a beautiful yet amazingly ill tempered woman. She handles much of the business aspects of their transactions with Nakemura?s clients, and is considered just as dangerous as him by the TPD. Kenji and Nicholas were old friends and worked together for 8 years, the mercenary life however for Kenji wasn?t cutting it as he used his knowledge and expertise in weapons to make his money by selling and trading them illegally. SN and Nakemura?s paths have crossed many times before, several times when members of SN were hired as bodyguards to accompany Nakemura?s clients to their proceedings. There have been many conflicts between the two, despite tensions between them being weaker then those between SN and Corbin or the Murdocks. Nonetheless it is well known that Nakemura is an untrustworthy man who seeks profit in everything. It isn?t unlikely that he and Hana would have been involved in a plan to murder Nicholas, even if it was just dealing the weapons. [/color][/font] [color=white][font=verdana]Traydor, the super city is split into 5 major sections, within which are smaller sections. Traveling is done by vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and multiple train lines that run above the city on special tracks. Roads and highways intertwine throughout the city above and below ground. -[color=lime]Section A or T-1[/color] is where the front gate is located, along with the main residential area including houses, complexes, and hotels. Also any vehicle renting or purchasing happen at the dealerships located in T-1. -[color=blue]Section B or T-2[/color] is the industrial district where the factories and weapon smiths can be found. T-2 during the day is the most populated section of Traydor. -[color=yellow]Section C or T-3[/color] is the main shopping district, with many of the shops and stores along with restaurants and bars. This section of the city is home to the HQ of Sinister Nation, which is located behind the pub known as [u]Heaven?s Gate[/u]. This is the best section for rumors and information usually. There are few residential areas here as well. -[color=sandybrown]Section D or T-4[/color] is the center of the city, which is home to the HQ of the TPD as well as the military training and recruiting facilities. The governor of Traydor?s private house and office are both located here. All of Traydor?s prisons are also in this section. -[color=darkorange]Section E or T-5[/color] is the section of the city that borders the water, it is where many warehouses and the docks are located. It is wide enough to accommodate near 30 large sized ships. There is a beach located half a mile away from the populated area of T-5 surrounded by the mountains off to the east. [center]* * * * *[/center] Any questions can be PMed or asked here, afterall that's what these underground threads are for as well =). [/color][/font]

[font=verdana][size=1]It's no secret that OB's community is quite diverse, many different people from many different places. I thought it would be interesting for everyone to share a little of their hometown with everyone else by playing the part of "tour guide". The scenario is, if any of us were to visit your hometown (taking into consideration that not everybody lives where they were born or raised, this includes where ever you consider to be your "home" out of all the places you have lived) which places would you show us or recommend that we check out? What are the hottest spots in your town or city? Any monuments? Any place that just simply serves good pizza? Whatever it is you think makes living there worth it. Tell us what it is, where it is and why it's so great. [b][center][u]For Example:[/center][/b][/u] I live in New York (United States) - One place i'd consider to be a giant attraction to be checked out is Broadway. This includes any of the popular (some less popular then others) broadway musicals that are performed there, there are a large variety of shows and many of them worth seeing in person. Even if your not a fan of music or plays, there always seems to be a way to captivate everyone's attention once in attendance. They can be quite expensive (seats range anywhere between $25-$200 depending on seats and certain deals at certain times) but are rarely ever dissapointing. In addition many of the restaurants/bars in the area have many deals when dining before or after a musical, given you provide proof (tickets, ticket stubs, playbills, etc) and often result in a free appetizer, certain percentage off your check, free drink, etc etc. It's a great experience as a whole, since it isn't just about the show itself. Though that is the main event :cool: . This is obviously, amongst many other places. But i'll leave some for future posts after reading about some other locales.[/font][/size]

[font=courier new]Making a thread to express our lust for attractive celebs? You asked for it...I have an interest in many female celebs of all kinds when it comes to physical attractiveness, but i'll just mention the top of the list. [center][b][u]Candice Michelle[/u][/b] [IMG]http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8555/candice2wt7.jpg[/IMG][/center] Candice is a model/actress, who most recently has been a regular "Diva" for the WWE. I like to refer to her as "My future wife", she is who I currently consider to be the hottest woman in the world, she is intoxicating to me. I might add that it was quite a task finding a picture of her appropriate enough to post here. [center][u][b]Jessica Alba[/u][/b] [IMG]http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8442/jessicase0.jpg[/IMG][/center] I too am a fellow dedicated member of the Jessica Alba fan club. She is by far the hottest actress today, and she actually isn't too bad at...acting, either. But mostly she falls under the rare yet glorious category of pretty/cute/hot/sexy all at the same time. I especially loved her in Sin City. [center][b][u]Devon Aoki[/b][/u] [IMG]http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/4141/devonjb6.jpg[/IMG][/center] I especially became enamored with her beautiful and exotic look after watching Sin City, but i've been a fan of hers since 2 Fast 2 Furious. From what i've seen she also looks pretty damn good in a school girl outfit. [center][b][u]Elisha Cuthbert[/u][/b] [IMG]http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8021/elishabj6.jpg[/IMG][/center] Let's just say it was difficult for me to watch The Girl Next Door with my jaw in a closed position. I've always known about her since before that movie, but that's when she got put on the map for me. I'm actually not a very big blond fan (don't get me wrong, a hot girl is a hot girl) but she is definitly at the tops of her genre. [/font]

So it's based on what is more convenient and simpler to maintain (as well as hints of accentuating what i already believe to be pretty popular in OB and MO)...though i suppose the > 1% (if that's true, i have no way of knowing for sure...but i won't question it) is a good enough reason to emphasize when making a supporting argument. It's really a shame...i always saw it as the section which required them most intellegence and perception.

It was in the last article news report on the front page, it said it was to undergo retirement, unfortunatley. Why it did i know not.

[font=courier new]Ya know i've noticed that i never really posted anything in the anthology yet. I have my reasons for being reluctant in posting any stories, but i see no harm in sharing some poetry here and there. I don't often write poetry, at least not as often as i write fanfiction or stories...but when i get down to it things tend to come out rather easily. So w00t to Acheron for the great idea, hopefully it works out the way that is intended by this thread. This one i wrote not so long ago...no title...but it has a purpose.[/font] [center][size=1]Ahead is bright and dismal, clashing together. It shines toward me with a haunting light. The sights and sounds render me light as a feather. As i fight to keep grounded with all of my might. Drawn ahead by a mysterious mist, I advance toward a single voice Walking foward, trembling in my wrist As if i were given no choice Inside my head things are not right Complimenting my atmosphere I try to look back as if not to lose sight Of the memories that i hold so dear Suddenly skies, turn heavy and dark My mind now writhes even more This journey is not just a simple lark, But a trial i do so deplore I sit abandoned wishing someone would find me. For i know not which way to progress. In both directions, obscurity is what i see. As i lie beside myself in distress. In my state, i am enamored. Though my jubilation turns bleak. My pleas and cries are not heard. Now my state of mind grows weak. What was my beggining, will become my end. The path we follow is the same. When two worlds collide, and they begin to blend. You are left with yourself to blame. It happens uncontrolled, for you feel beyond your sense. This atmosphere is all but assured. For those who believe in an emotion so imense. Allow their spirit to be loosely allured. -BKStyles[/size][/center]

[size=1][b]Original Name[/b]: Aram [b]Order Name[/b]: Marax [b]Number[/b]: VIII [b]Code Name[/b]: The Resplendent Guillotine [b]Element[/b]: Lightning [b]Weapon[/b]: Marax wields a rather large double bladed axe[URL=http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5852/maraxax1ea1.png] (seen here)[/URL] with the organization's symbol engraved on the blunt side of both blades. Despite it's size, Marax is deceptively quick in his attack speed and often infuses his axe with lightning as part of his element specialty. Marax's embraces the versatility in using lightning, it makes him unpredictable in battle and gives him the advantage of suprise. He can easily become enamored with it's destructive capabilities mid-battle. [b]Nobody[/b]: The Reavers - Heavily armored medieval style knights on foot with face guards, dual wielding smaller hand axes as their weapons. Top of their helmet has 3 large ridges as sharp as their axes. Their outer bodies seem to have surges of electricity flow throughout them, but it is merely for show and serves no offensive or defensive purpose. Their specialty is dealing damage directly and withstanding it well, their movement isn't terribly slow but it is not their forte, unlike their master who utilizes his attack speed as one of his greatest strengths. [b]Appearance[/b]: [URL=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/530/marax1jm0.jpg]Marax[/URL] - Standing tall and well built, Marax is known for his black and silver hair combination and his deep greenish eyes, which turn slightly gold when infusing himself with lightning. [b]Personality[/b]: Marax is most adamant about the organization's ultimate and common goal. His determination for it's succesful completion is unwavering and he brings a great deal of power to the group with his battle speed and prowess. He enjoys exposing the many ways of manipulating lightning to his will, and will often use it in the most effective way possible dependant on the situation. He is an endlessly brave warrior, which may or may not be a result of losing his heart. All he can remember from his past life was fighting along side his allies and having faith in his reasoning for it. He rather enjoys the peacefulness in his mind when he cannot recall the painful memories he feels were once there, but he to often sets any desire for it aside to enforce himself as a brutal force to be reckoned with, in defense of the organization's goals. He views himself as the organization's "spearhead", no matter the danger. Marax has no actual objections against following Onix's orders, he showed great persistence in recruiting him. He also shows no difficulty in his ability to work with the other members of the organization, but holds certain members in different forms of esteem than others. He can tend to be judgemental, but holds importance and esteem seperatley when judging his allies. Onix obviously he holds in the highest esteem, Xinikk is probably the member he thinks the least of. He believes she lacks foresight for the common good of the organization and views her insubordinate nature as highly detrimental. Kaxkel is another he holds very highly in regard, he finds his nature to be amicable and often winds wisdom within his words. [/size] [size=1]Edit: Finished personality section. Hope everything is alright, and the custom Nobodys unit is acceptable. Edit2: Added on a bit more to personality and elemental techniques under weapon, i didnt like having such a condensed sign up.[/size]

[size=1][color=darkred]Above him was a crimson colored sky, it looked like something someone would see in a nightmare. Crashes of lightning, brimstone, and mountains crumbling. For so long Adrian had been travelling managing to survive basically on his remaining strength, he now found himself in this place...upon further observation ahead of him there seemed to be a battle happening. He took notice to a blond haired man and several creatures which seemed to spawn out of nowhere. Some resembled wolves while others more like lizards. He then rose his head and noticed the giant dragon like incarnate. His eyes started to fail him to to fatigue a while back but he walked closer unsteadily intending to get a closer look. Helena's eyes brushed across the field, momentarily making contact with Adrian's dark golden like eyes. The moment's contact nearly manifested a faint voice shooting through Adrian's skull from ear to ear...as if hearing a ghostly voice being carried by the wind. It called to him, breaking him out of his tired state of mind. [b]"Hel...helena...? What has...become of this world?"[/b] Adrian spoke to himself, feeling based on instinct that the monster he was gazing upon was indeed Helena. The wind blew his loose hair strands about as Adrian continued at a faster pace toward the battle field. He stepped over a slight mound in the ground and jumped down from the upheaveled ground to a more ground level view of the action. It looked now as if there were a large group of people in addition to the beasts and the sins whom were present. Adrian only made out undetailed shapes and figures of them and ran toward the closest person to him. He took a few more steps before a giant boulder, cracked from the summit of a mountain crashed infront of him causing him to cover his eyes with his arm. From the rubble emerged 3 fearsome looking furry beasts, fangs as sharp as a perfectly sculpted icicle, red and bloodthirsty eyes. They snarled at Adrian, as he reached behind him and drew his dual sabres. [b]"You beasts were born from this chaos, the very same that engulfed the world as i knew it...and took my men's lives...my commander's lives...and my beloved's. I know not exactly what is going on here, but you will not stop me from finding out."[/b] Adrian, quicker then the blink of an eye zipped toward one of the beasts and with a swift cut of his sabre sliced it's throat in half, leaving his head hanging from the back of his neck alone. The other two jumped toward him but both were slain before they could even make it to where Adrian was standing. Adrian's instant flash, even in it's current sub-matured state was an incredible battle skill to behold. His swordsmanship hadn't changed a bit however, if anything it was greatly enhanced by his newfound abilities. From above, atop Helena's shoulder Lust aimed his vision toward Adrian. He was unable to get a clear view, for all he saw were flashes of superhuman movement which resembled intense gusts of air and lightning. A bit confused at first, he regained himself and chuckled a bit. Envy peered over in his direction, and focused her eyes as well on what Lust was gazing at. [b]"He is...another, isn't he?"[/b] she asked. [b]"Yes...the movement is unmistakable. It may not seem it, but he is a human."[/b] he replied. Adrian found himself fighting off more and more of the beasts, even at his speed they seemed to spawn one after another. Adrian sped his way toward the closest figure, slaying the beasts left and right as they approached him. The young looking blond haired boy had his hands full it seemed as well, Adrian walked toward him but stopped when he noticed his left arm. His eyes widened as he recalled not so long ago the flash of light that brought him to the ground. He considered it a spike of fatigue but now realized that the light was imbued with more them simply just a flash of illumination. Still his mind was unclear, but realizing that what was going on was indeed just as real as the world he remembered he knew he had to do what he could to find out more of what had happened to his world. A scaled beast jumped toward Shin who readied himself, but the beast fell in less than a second's time directly infront of him. Shin with a confused look took notice to Adrian who was standing with his back toward him. Adrian spun his right sabre around and with a single slash infront of him unleashed a fiery wave keeping at bay several other of Helena's creatures. [b]"Perhaps you are the one who can tell me...why I can do these things."[/b] Adrian asked rhetorically, showcasing his abilities to Shin to illustrate his spoken question. [b]"Your help...it isn't required. I am not helpless, this is a fight I must complete."[/b] Shin answered. Helena snarled at the two and fired another beam, taking the two off guard and seperating them with the impact of the blast. Shin caught himself with his arm and brought himself back to his feet, leaving a significant dent in the ground. Adrian caught himself as well and glanced up toward Helena from a kneeling position. [b][i]"Helena...I can't pretend to know what this is all about...but from what I can see, you have been wronged as much as you have wronged us. Whether your intentions were for this or not...this path is but a shadow of exorbitance. I...will not die so easily."[/i][/b] Adrian thought to himself as he brought himself up again. Envy glanced down at him again, fingers to chin as she turned to Lust. [b]"I want to get a closer look"[/b] she said. [b]"No, stay. The others are arriving, it will be over soon. Alleviate your facination."[/b] Lust answered, pointing out to the field. Pride and Gluttony stood side by side, giving insignificant chortles. Envy gracefully complied, but continued looking on. Adrian found himself surrounded yet again, he brandished his sabres but upon raising his right arm he noticed blood trickling down. He must have been injured from the blast Helena gave. Unable to feel the pain for the moment he continued slaying Helena's creations with swift strokes of his blade mixed with his instant flash. He took no damage other than his own fatigue slowly yet surely contesting his adrenaline. Lust laughed to himself as he overlooked Shin and Havok as they became overwhelmed, but still fighting for their lives. He indulged in the incredible power Helena possessed, and therefore the power they were able to take part of. More people entered the field of battle as the other sins saw to it that the welcome mat was rolled out for them. Lust then turned his attention to Adrian again, and then to Pride who he waved down. Pride nodded and hurried down from Helena's side toward him. Envy watched and turned to Lust with an discrepant expression. [b]"Oh, but she gets to go?"[/b] she said with arms crossed. Lust let out a sigh and returned her look with one of subtle dismissal. Pride engulfed her feet in fire as she launched herself down. She landed with a crash behind Adrian who spun around. He narrowed his eyes and let out a wave of fire from his arm toward her with no questions asked. She extended her arm and caught the fire an inch away from her hand. Adrian stopped the flow of his fire and submerged the flames from his body. [b]"What...is this?"[/b] he asked himself as he used his instant flash to get beside Pride. With amazing speed he leaped toward her but was engulfed in a ball of flame and sent flying concealed within into the side of a mountain. Adrian fell from a small cliff and as his body rolled off of a jagged edge. [b]"How cruel...as usual."[/b] Sloth exclaimed in an indifferent tone, as he watched on. Envy made a half pouty, half grimaced expression. Adrian layed still for a bit, before finally struggling to move. He dragged himself to his knees and looked over at how far he had been tossed. [b][i]"H...how. Is...she faster than me? What is going on here..."[/i][/b] he thought to himself before he fell back to the ground in pain, as blood flowed profusely from his arm, torso, and forehead. Adrian spent what seemed like forever, yet was merely 4 minutes in a half awaken state of incoherence before he heard the voice of a female growing near. [b]"Sister! He's over here! He dosn't look too good."[/b] the voice cried, as the blurry image of an attractive blond haired woman came closer to Adrian. He opened his eyes further and struggled to stay conscious. Another women emerged from over the elevated earth, as the one in front waved her over. [b]"You think it's even worth trying to save him?"[/b] one of the women spoke. [b]"Adeline, we may not understand all of what's going on right now...but as long as we have the ability to help others it is still our responsibility."[/b] the other one said. The women who last spoke kneeled down and turned Adrian's body so his face was visible. A gasp left her mouth, and her heart skipped a beat at the realization of who it was. [b]"My god...Commander Braddack!?"[/b] she said in a suprised voice. Adrian just barely heard her, as she tried to lift himself into a more elevated position. He stared at her and recognized her blue eyes and her voice. He remembered from the military he served, they didn't know each other very well but they spent a lot of time in the infirmary over the years as Adrian had always personally seen his injured soldiers to her himself. They both looked at each other not able to believe that more from their reality had survived through the chaos. [b]"Chris...Dr. Crenshaw?"[/b] he managed to say. [b]"Commander please don't speak! I can hardly believe it's you, but right now I have to help you! You're badly injured."[/b] Christiana told him, as she eased his head down. [/size][/color] - - - - - - - - [size=1]OOC: Based on what i understood of what you wanted from us Abel (or Omega...damn you for changing your name...i keed) this is what i wrote up. I wasn't sure if you wanted the sins to be physically included in the fight or not but i threw it in there figuring it wouldn't have hurt. Lemme know if you want anything changed and if i didn't understand something completely.[/size]

This is like admonishing somebody for liking Italian food, or german cars...there isn't a thing wrong with being interested in things because you enjoy them. This person seems to believe that everyone in america has ulterior motives to taking a liking the eastern culture. Like we're looking to be accepted into some "cool asia club" or whatever. For one, i am 50% asian...so that contributes much to my interest in asian culture, more so chinese culture since most of japanese culture is from desired acquisition. The rest of my interest simply comes from the facination. It [b]interests[/b] me, it [b]captivates[/b] me, but for no reason do I feel that i need to be interested in it because it makes me "cool". I watch anime because it stretched the limits of the human imagination and it produces more interesting storyline, characters, and plotlines then most "western" (as in america, not texas or new mexico) media offers. Even more so then most "eastern" media. But i too am a very big fan of martial arts movies. It's something for my own enjoyment, it's not because I get a feeling of accomplishment from it or because i wish to convert myself to a japanese citizen. Whoever wrote that piece is exceptionally narrow-minded. Some of his/her points are subjective while the others are irrelavent to the whole issue. Being a fan of something does not always have to involve turning it into a status establisher. I think it's great that people nowadays are even this open minded to appreciate other cultures other than their own, regardless of whether or not they have a complete comprehension of it. According to the person that wrote this, everyone is to stay within their own borders and be happy with knowing that there other cultures out there but we have no right learning about it let alone immersing ourselves in it. Hell, i guess this means everyone that owns a playstation or a toyota hates themselves for not being japanese and it's their way of proving themselves. Not to mention someone should probably tell this person that asian's did not originate the "bladed weapon".

[size=1][color=navy]Kyosuke walked out of the transport behind everyone else. He looked around at the mayhem that had already ensued since they landed. The marines were engaging in combat with the forces of archadia, it was a straight up battlefield with little questions seeming to be asked. Kyo was still very hesitant about fighting the archadia forces, he preferred to acheive the squad's goal without any bloodshed...he pondered the chances of that happening probably being rather slim. He noticed Lazarus was already going on ahead, contesting Archadia's mages to buy the squad some time. Before he could move however a gunshot zoomed by his head causing him to stumble back a bit. Kyosuke looked up to see Blaize standing there with a smoking shotgun aimed at him. [b]"Blaize! What the hell is wrong with you?"[/b] Kyosuke yelled vehemently. [b]"Maybe you should wake up and take a look to your left. If i didn't shoot that sucker you would probably be a corpse right now. Dammit, if you're so smart and great why the hell are you just standing there like a statue doing nothing?"[/b] Kyosuke looked at the soldier who Blaize had shot, an archadia uniform clearly. He wondered how he would have dealt with it had Blaize not have been there. Would instinct have taken over, allowing Kyo to do away with the soldier? Or would enough time had been present to contemplate the choices. He knew that now was not the time for hesitation. He turned from Blaize and ran up toward where Aaron was near a supply bunker. [b]"Aaron, where is the map?"[/b] Kyosuke asked, remembering that he had entrusted it to Aaron on the transport. [b]"Here, it looks like we have to move north against the mountain's wall quite a bit before turning left toward Archadia's gates. The guard shouldn't be very heavy but it will be present, we're probably not going to be able to avoid fighting."[/b] Kyosuke sighed to himself, he stood and looked out at the field down the direction they had to go. He saw sparks, probably from a combination of magic clashing and gunfire and explosions. Kyosuke knew he had to think of something to make the operation go as smoothly as possible. He knew Aaron would have to be somewhat protected since he was their supporter. Blaize would be best to lead a group to clear areas out while he made his way to complete the squad's objective. He was uncertain of how the team would react to him presenting them with a well organized plan. It didn't seem like Lazarus or Blaize's style, and since he wasn't officially the leader he had no real authority either. He looked over at Aaron again and readied himself to speak but before he could two marines ran by them shoving them both out of the way. [b]"YOU TWO! MOVE!"[/b] one of the marines said as Kyosuke and Aaron were shoved away from the area which ignited in fire, causing one of the marines to be a casualty in their name. Kyosuke's eyes widened as he saw the soldier writhe in pain from the fire. He acted quickly and began to cool the air around him to put the fire out but it quickly became too late as the soldier's body went stiff and limp. Aaron rushed over and checked him. [b]"He's...dead. He risked his life to save us."[/b] [b]"He...cannot be healed?"[/b] Kyosuke asked. [b]"He's beyond any magic i could use at this point...i'm sorry. It isn't your fault either, had you put the fire out with your frost he still would have died. The cause of his death was not solely based on the fire...the explosion the magic caused in mixture with the tanks of gas caused a great deal of damage to his body already."[/b] Kyosuke closed his eyes and lamented the whole situation. He knew what to expect on a battlefield but he wondered how many times something like that had to happen before he cleared his head on what he needed to do in order to survive. He didn't know any of the Archadia soldiers personally but it was still the fact that he couldn't get the idea that his father had something to do with the decision out of his head. He hoped that when it was all over, he would have the chance to speak to him. Kyo looked up and saw a group of mages approaching them. No doubt they were the ones that blew the area, killing the marine that saved their lives. Lazarus was still out in the field, Blaize was exchanging shots with some other marines toward the beach area to allow other transports to arrive safely. Kyo looked at Aaron, he knew that he wouldn't be able to fight them on his own...now was not the time to worry about the future when the present was in danger. [b]"Aaron, get behind me."[/b] Kyosuke said, pushing his glasses up. [b]"Kyosuke...are you going to be alright?"[/b] Aaron asked, getting to his feet. [b]"Of course. I have no choice but to take action, i've come this far and i have to solidify my status. I won't have any more casualties either."[/b] Kyosuke grabbed the chakrams from his back and approached the group of mages, he counted 8 in all. He split the chakrams into two and readied his attack formation when all of a sudden armed soldiers came in support of the mages and fired on the two students. Kyo and Aaron jumped toward different directions to take cover. Kyo looked over some barrels and kept his cool as he started to recomprise his strategy. Some marines from another transport started to give some cover fire for them, that diverted some of the soldier's attention while the mages began to bombard the area with fire bombs. Kyo extended his hand and began to cool the air particles in the area between him and Aaron. He soldified it into a wall of ice, slightly translucent as it reflected the silhouettes of the soldiers. The mages concentrated fire on the wall, as it took multiple blasts to finally bring it down. They approached the area but the two students were gone. [b]"Huh? Where are they...?"[/b] one of the soldiers said, looking around the area. Their train of thought was interuppted by two chakrams wizzing by their heads, as 2 mages fell from puncture wounds with the chakrams still in them. One of the mages looked down and tried to pull it out. What caught his eye however was the spikes on the chakram were coated in ice for some reason. The soldier became wide eyed as the spikes of ice shot out from the chakrams and impaled the remaining 6 mages, catching them off guard. The soldiers guarding the mages began to fire in random directions but still did not see anybody. Kyo looked out from behind a wall and smirked at the fluition of his plan. The ice wall merely served as a distraction which allowed him and Aaron to move to a better vantage point. Aaron and Kyo looked at each other and nodded in agreement as they hugged the wall toward a bunker behind the soldiers. They hadn't travelled far as the remaining two members of E6 were still in sight, Kyosuke had no intention of going on without them since splitting the team up so widely was a strategic fallacy for this situation. Another group of soldiers came to reinforce the area, about 25 of them added to the 8-10 soldiers who served as the mage's guard. Kyo and Aaron hurried their jump into the bunker and sat there for a few seconds. [b]"The beach is flooded with soldiers, it was unfortunate for us to be one of the last transports to arrive"[/b] Aaron said as he surveyed the area from below. [b]"You're right, this is wasting a lot of time. We still have to meet up with J2 to assist them. I'll have to expedite the process of clearing these soldiers out so E6 can move on to the real objective."[/b] Kyosuke answered as he took his cross in his hand. He had seen it's power, but he had never tested it for himself. It was all he needed however. His father may be a joker at times but if there was one thing he could say about him it would be that he's never lied. Kyosuke's father told him that the Chimerageist would serve him no matter what. Now faced with a large group of soldiers and clearly outnumbered it was the perfect time to give it a go. [b]"Now...Chimerageist...show yourself and smite down those who would impede my victory!"[/b] Kyosuke shouted as he concentrated his energy on the cross. The cross shone a bright white light and the form of the Chimerageist manifested itself infront of them. Aaron watched in amazement as he had never seen such a creature before. The summoned beast looked down at Kyosuke, puffs of smoke and frost emitting from it's nostrils, his double snake tail electrified. Kyosuke narrowed his eyes and stood infront of it. [b]"Clear them out...all of them."[/b] Kyosuke said, now possessed with the idea of accomplishing his goals. The beast tilted it's central head and grunted. [b]"STUPID BOY! DO NOT ADDRESS ME WITH SUCH DISRESPECT!"[/b] The chimerageist answered, leaving a bewildered look on both Kyosuke and Aaron's faces.[/color][/size]