Rachmaninoff

I'm glad to see that all of you enjoyed it so much. Especially since I enjoyed doing it. ;) And I definitely owe it to the first one as well as suggestions I got from Sandy along with SunfallE's help with all the graphics. As for another one, I know it would be fun to do it as a player instead of the creator of it. As much fun as it was I would have loved to use one of the dual death cards myself. I'm with 2007DigitalBoy about keeping the cards secret since I think that was what made the dual death ones so much fun. I was pretty sure that none of you would expect it. lol But yeah, if either one of you creates another one I'm sure I would join as a player.

*Shakes fist* You two are awful! And yes I'm referring to you SunfallE and Takuya. Though mostly you SunfallE. :p After reading this:[quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=RoyalBlue']Erica then to Kiva's surprise gave her some information, telling her to commit it to memory, something that Kiva quickly did, reciting it back to her word for word. [/COLOR][/quote]I mean I figured that the mysterious woman was someone highly placed but even though you've confirmed that fact, you've still left out what the other information she told Kiva was. *pokes SunfallE* Still I suppose that's what makes this so much fun. Now I can't wait for Erica to be exposed since I want to know what else she told Kiva! LOL! Oh and I love how you're putting so many of us on Reflection, just thinking of the funny situations that leaves things open to has my mind spinning with zany ideas.

[SIZE=3]Well first of all congratulations to [B]indifference[/B] for being the winner of the Maze! ;)[/SIZE] Now as promised I will be revealing all, starting with which characters belonged to each player. [SIZE=4][B]2007DigitalBoy:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7640/04mv1.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Liam Linche [IMG]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1716/13mg7.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Ambellina Prise [IMG]http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/7266/16gd3.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Deoky Shilos [B][Creation Character][/B] [SIZE=4][B]Aaryanna:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/8725/14pw8.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Rebecca Lynn [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3991/06dl5.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Andrew Whitaker [SIZE=4][B]Aaryanna_Mom:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8458/05zi8.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Jennifer Caldis [IMG]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9979/10yb1.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Samik Specis [IMG]http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/2127/17yb9.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Clavis [B][Creation Character][/B] [SIZE=4][B]Darren:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/7427/12zi2.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Vanya (42623-05) [IMG]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/530/07uv4.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Alden Courtney [SIZE=4][B]indifference:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2673/09fc1.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Davis Henderson [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1192/03ri6.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Lara Servas [SIZE=4][B]Sandy:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1407/01mq2.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Gustaff Maldrachen [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3160/08th6.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Eflair Shishinn J?nea [IMG]http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5083/15ix3.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Neheb [B][Creation Character][/B] [SIZE=4][B]Rachmaninoff:[/B][/SIZE] [IMG]http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1696/11qx1.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Fredrick Shavask [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3922/02bp2.jpg[/IMG] [B]Name[/B]: Deloras Belanders And that's who had what characters, including the ones people gained through creation. ;) Now as for the cards. In the honored tradition of attempting to be random, I wrote everyone's name on a slip of paper and then placed them into a container that was not see through. Essentially drawing names out for each round, and to break it down even more, since some things were not done by luck of the draw I'll explain each round: [SIZE=4][B]Round One:[/B][/SIZE] Cards issued by Random Draw: A creation card was issued to Sandy - resulting in Neheb being added to the group. A life card was issued to Darren - resulting in Alden being revived at the beginning of the next round. Cards used by Random Draw but not issued: My life card is used to revive Aaryanna's character Rebecca [SIZE=4][B]Round Two:[/B][/SIZE] Two Dual Death Cards are awarded to the two players who have the most characters remaining. Sandy who has two and indifference who has two. This was not done by drawing randomly, it did however disqualify them for the random draw for the other items. Cards issued by Random Draw: A creation card was issued to 2007DigitalBoy - resulting in Deoky Shilos being added to the group. A creation card was issued to Aaryanna_Mom - resulting in Clavis being added to the group. A life card was issued to Aaryanna resulting in Andrew being revived. This time I chose who to revive as it just seemed like it would make things more interesting if there was a fierce competition to win. So... My life card is used to revive Sandy's character Eflair Shishinn J?nea [SIZE=4][B]Round Three:[/B][/SIZE] Secret Card Played: The Erase Card - Removing Darren's character Alden from the game as well as Darren from the remaining contenders. This card was created to cover the eventually that someone would be unable to finish, so it was a last resort or play to ensure that the Maze would be completed. ;) And finally, the concluding post was handed over to indifference. Who other than some basic guidelines ended the story. The Maze was a super computer built with the intention of saving life in the future by transferring their minds to it. But only the knowledge was passed and it kept trying to find what was not transfered. Running people through the Maze and death. It was also corrupted in that the data indicated it had to be done like a game, rewarding who won at the end. They could choose power/wealth/fame or to return home with their memory erased, or they could choose destruction of the maze. indifference was given the chose of writing her post based on what her character picked and in this case Davis chose destruction. Though I noticed that imp left it open as to whether or not the Maze did indeed self destruct. :p Anyway, and that's how it went. I must say that when I started this I did not expect to get the variety of responses that I did and things happening in the Maze. All sorts of stuff happened that I never expected. Especially that one shocking post by you Aaryanna! *pokes* I hope all of you enjoyed it. I know I did, and I especially liked Aaryanna's climatic post where the survivor was determined as Eflair's death was not only surprising but emotional and well done. ;) Thank you to all of you for making this a success. :catgirl:

It had taken over a week after Jared had left his quarters for Darren to finally work up the courage to approach Sandra. He did not know what had happened but when Jared and approached him that day and calmly talked about forming alliances he did not care for, and about how even Stevens merely took what he wanted. Something Darren had heard about. He had collapsed. Shaken to the core by the look in Jared's eyes as well as his response to Darren's question as to how he or Stevens could force others. When Jared had calmly said it was because they enjoyed it, for a moment he honestly thought that the one thing he had feared all this time was going to happen. That Jared would do as he pleased. But he had turned and left, but not before informing him that he would be in charge of his security when they arrived in sector one. It was something he did not understand since he knew perfectly well that there was internal security just for that sort of thing. So why would they put Jared in charge instead? Darren wanted to talk to Sandra, but with all that was going on she was far to busy. But now that they were on their way to sector one, he had finally gotten up the nerve to ask to talk to her. Even if it was humiliating, he had to know why they had put Jared in charge. Darren did not want Jared in charge of [I]anything[/I]. With a sigh he approached the side conference room to the Creator, entering once the doors opened to find Sandra waiting for him, she waved, indicating for him to take a seat before speaking. "[B]What is it that I can help you with?[/B]" She asked him once he had sat down. Darren decided to be blunt. "[B]I want to know why Jared is in charge of my security when we arrive in sector one when there is internal security already in place for such a task.[/B]" "[B]You don't know?[/B]" Sandra asked him surprised. "[B]Know what?[/B]" Darren asked, clearly confused. "[B]Aside from the fact that you are considered far to young for the position, regardless of your skill. Not by the High Council of course, but there are quite a few people especially those who have been around for quite some time, who are very put out that you were chosen to replace the previous shipping expert. You have been on Earth so you have not seen or been affected by all the formal protests from others who felt that they should have gotten it instead of you.[/B]" "[B]It's not like I wanted it.[/B]" Darren protested. "[B]They do not know that, and even if they did they wouldn't believe it. But what does matter is that their protests were officially denied as being irrelevant. As a result you have quite a few enemies who have been trying to get some of their own people into the internal security forces for the sole purpose of having you assassinated when you arrive in sector one.[/B]" Darren paled, "[B]What about Kerstin?[/B]" "[B]Jared has already seen to her security. I assure you, no one will be bothering her. And so far we haven't even seen any indication that they will. Still it is in your best interest to have Jared in charge since due to his reputation, it sends a clear message that any move against you will not be tolerated. Just as assigning the Elite Specialist to recover you did as well. The High Council would have done so anyway, but that too sends a clear message that to harm you would incur the wrath of the High Council.[/B]" Sandra paused for a moment. "[B]Even we have our limits when it comes to simply looking the other way.[/B]" Darren looked away, "[B]I see. I had no idea. I mean I expected to have others hate me, but after exposing the three merchant companies I figured it would be them not others who wanted the position.[/B]" "[B]They had no love for you either. However, in light of the attacks and their profiteering, the people love you far more than they do the shipping companies. In that respect you are quite popular. Making it harder for them to gain any support against you. If we were to actually allow the people to decide, after what has happened, there is no doubt in my mind that they would choose you.[/B]" Darren laughed a bit bitterly, "[B]Lovely, those in power hate my guts and the regular person doesn't.[/B]" He sighed. "[B]I guess so long as Kerstin is safe, it doesn't really matter who is in charge of the security.[/B]" He paused looking at Sandra wondering if he should ask her other questions as well and then changed his mind. He got up and bowed respectfully to Sandra, "[B]Thank you for taking the time to clear that up for me.[/B]" "[B]You're welcome, remember Darren I told you before that you can come to me with questions, that's still true.[/B]" Darren nodded and left, heading back towards his quarters. For now it seemed he would still be stuck having to deal with Jared. He just wished he knew for how long. He sighed to himself, and then once he was back at his quarters he got back to work. Even if he was no longer at Earth, there was still a lot of things that required his attention.

Alright, time to explain the cliffhanger post I just put up. The winner has been sent a pm with instructions as they will be writing the final post. ;) Once that is up I will be putting up the details of who's character belonged to who and how the cards were done, etc. I hope all of you've had fun, I know I've enjoyed reading it. I never could have imagined all the zany and wacky things that ended up happening. lol Anyway, in just a little while I am sure you will all find out just who made it out of the Maze!

As Eflair took her own life, casting her life force from her own body, the fragment still trapped within her shields being dragged out to die with her, at that moment time froze. Only one was allowed to leave the Maze and that one was surrounded by a blue column of light and taken to the room where the screen monitoring things was located. Then time began yet again and the screen no longer displayed those in the Maze as all had been eliminated. Other than the one who was lying on the floor still unconscious and unaware of where he was. When this had first began those who were brought here were told that all questions would be answered upon leaving the Maze. A series of questions filled the screen in bold green letters, a series of them along with some statements as well. Statements that were meant only for the one who had survived. The Maze waited for the sole survivor to wake up, for Davis Henderson to recover. For him to see what was on the screen and to respond to what was displayed. It knew that in time he would recover and that it would not take long for him to grasp what was on the screen. Out of all the subjects he was most likely to understand just what he was about to find out. And just what it meant as well. Then as Davis Henderson started to finally stir, and then sat up and started looking around. The female computer voice spoke... "[B]Congratulations you have successfully completed the Maze. Please be sure to read all the information presented before asking any questions[/B]." Davis looked around to see where he was, looking for the others, since the last thing he could remember was right after Andrew had died. Then his eyes were drawn to the screen and what was displayed there...

Fun stuff, even if my attempts at short stories and poetry are few and far between. Now lets see. I rather liked the Crow DeathKnight, even if it was rather morbid and the imagery unpleasant. It seemed on some level to be questioning reality. Or rather the nature of things as far as destroying life goes. Now I hope all of you will forgive me, but I know next to nothing about poetry even though occasionally I write a few poems. So though I find them interesting to read, often I haven?t a clue what to say when it comes to critiquing them, though when I see one that I do, then I will comment. I liked your story too SunfallE since in it?s own way it was pretty grim as well, leaving it up to your imagination as to who died, though it was most likely the hit man. And like DeathKnight, unless you?ve got a firm plot in mind, it makes a nice short little story. One that I'd leave just the way it is as the dialogue combined with how you had him thinking seemed to flow fairly well. Untitled by DeathKnight was also fairly out of place with his surroundings with how the guy was talking to the butterfly, up until he ?looked down it?s black abyss? which brought him back to reality in a flash. An interesting way to put it I thought. Anyway, here?s my contribution to the thread. Feel free to pick it apart since I?ve never really learned anything about poetry, I just occasionally get an idea and something like this is what I get. ;) [CENTER][B]Silence [E][/B] Silence is not golden Nor can it ever pretend To fill the gaps Or to make things mend For in that moment Where silence is found Our minds begin to race And cannot be bound Silence is not the key Though it may appear to be The beginning of the end To open up what?s inside of me I break the silence To still my wandering mind To ground the thoughts That I could not find For in that moment of silence Though I tried to keep my way I required the turmoil of noise To keep things at bay[/CENTER]

Well after getting sidetracked on other things I got back into playing this game. And I must say that twist with the [spoiler]Executioners was really sucking me in until we ended up in 4D space. [/spoiler] Here I was falling for the [spoiler]religious twist [/spoiler] only for the game to yank that one out from under my feet. It was a combination of being annoyed since I was looking forward to putting the hurt on the [spoiler]Creator [/spoiler] and yet finding it funny that your characters [spoiler] weren't even real. lol [/spoiler] I have reached the point where I am back on Elicoor II and I've been customizing things before I tackle the company that made the [spoiler]Eternal Sphere since the monsters certainly went from being fairly easy to unbelievably hard. I died several times trying to get to the time gate! o_O [/spoiler] Anyway as soon as I finish making my weapons and armor a bit better I'm going to go back into [spoiler] 4D space and take on the next challenge. [/spoiler] Oh and I agree [spoiler]Albel the Wicked[/spoiler] is wonderfully aggressive and I now have them in my main fighting party. And those snarky replies they use are great.

Sounds good to me and I like the idea of having our own invasion fleet as well as keeping similar names though either way that doesn't matter to me. So I say we get cracking and put the hurt on the other teams. As the proud [COLOR=DarkRed]Merceri[/COLOR] it is our destiny to win! Lead us to victory Kathy! ;)

[QUOTE=Darren]I am extremely sorry guys! I don't have time... My computer at home is down and I've been trying to get on at school, but my documentary is due on Friday and that takes priority. (unfortunately) I'm at my local library right now, trying to read up on everything, but its only a 15 minute session and I don't have the money for an hour session, so I doubt I'll get through any of the actual game posts. I just wanted to check the underground first. If everybody ends up using their switch cards and I'm the only one left, you can go ahead and consider myself (and my poor character) forfeit... Sorry again, but I really don't want to slow the game down. I'll try my absolute hardest to make a post tomorrow at school using my switch card. :animecry: TOO MUCH PRESSURE! D![/QUOTE]I appreciate the post and I am sorry that your computer at home is not working. I can understand that you need to put school first as well, but at the time you posted this all of the other switch cards had already been played and as I indicated in the thread the deadline was today so I'm afraid your time has run out. Thank you for being a part of the Maze and I hope you follow along to see the final outcome. ;) Now for the rest of you, as my post indicates, Alden Courtney was erased and since it was the Maze that erased him, that makes Darren's death card invalid. He is now the first person to be eliminated from the Maze. Also as my post indicates, the restriction on killing has been lifted. There are no more switch cards and each one of you has a death card to use. There are five players and six characters remaining since the 'baby' doesn't not count as a character. And now that the restriction is gone the more lethal traps that were dormant are now active, meaning that things just got a whole lot more dangerous in there. ;) So let the mayhem and killing begin as any and all characters are now fair game!

On screen where those in the Maze were being observed, of the names with the status [B]Possible Termination[/B] one remained. Underneath the remaining name a timer was counting down, when it reached zero the status changed to [B]Termination In Progress[/B] On the screen those who were fighting for their lives were still displayed. The screen switched briefly to a larger view of the unconscious Lara Servas with the sleeping baby she had given birth to along with Andrew Whitaker with his sword drawn, hesitating over whether or not to kill the baby. Though to the Maze the child was irrelevant. Then the screen switched to the next group... Clavis and Eflair Shishinn J?nea could be seen as they were frantically searching for those who they had allied themselves with. Though to the Maze alliances were pointless, those who failed to eliminate the others would be dealt with. The traps would see to that. Once again the view switched, this time to a small room... In a small secluded room the bound Davis Henderson could be seen along with his captor, Deoky Shilos who was preparing himself yet again to destroy the others. Just as alliances were irrelevant to the Maze, so were other lifeforms to Deoky. Maze or not he would destroy them. Then finally the view switched to Alden Courtney who was still unconscious from what Lara had done to him. As he lay there he was enveloped by the blue beam. But this time it did not transport him anywhere. Instead seconds later it began to destroy his body, until moments later there was nothing left. Alden Courtney had been[I] erased[/I]. Then the view changed back to normal with each group displayed separately. Just as in a corner Alden Courtney's status was changed to Deceased. Then since the time of observation for the final challenge was over the parameter restricting them from dying was lifted, just as the more lethal and dangerous traps were also set. Those traps would make sure that in the end, only one would remain. Then finished it went back to observing, waiting for the first to be eliminated. [CENTER]-------------------------------------[/CENTER][CENTER][IMG]http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2810/erasecardlg3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/530/07uv4.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER]

Well seeing that three of you are against having the baby count and Aaryanna_Mom is fine with what you guys decide, the question of the kid counting is decided. The baby is not a contestant. So I leave it up to your sick and twisted minds as to what happens to the infant. ;) [spoiler]I'm predicting that 2007DigitalBoy does the poor thing in.[/spoiler] And now that that has been cleared up I believe that this:[quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange']>_< dammit, Rach, I need answers! I don't know what to do with Andrew![/COLOR][/quote]Is now answered. So unless someone beats you to it, you can have Andrew respond in what ever fashion you think he would. Also, since everyone other than Darren has used their switch cards and Darren has indicated that they are having computer problems as well as other commitments, it is unfortunate but the Maze will be responding. I do not have time for a post at the moment but later I will return and do so. Once I take care of that the restriction will be lifted and the killing will begin. It will certainly be interesting to see how this turns out. I know all of you have certainly surprised me with all that you have put into this. It's been wicked fun to read. ;)

[QUOTE=indifference][COLOR=DarkRed]Well, you've been busy. lol Still it does bring up an interesting question. Each of us, once Rachmaninoff posts indicating we can kill, has a death card. So I guess I'm curious to know if the addition of the baby in the mix means that killing the kid off counts as your kill. So if you could clarify that for us Rachmaninoff? I'd appreciate it since when the time comes I want to be clear on that. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Ah yes the matter of the baby. My thoughts are to make killing the child count as using your death card, leaving it open for two to survive the Maze. However, what is everyone else's take? There's also the matter of who's character the baby would be. Since it came from Lara, and yet it hasn't been decided just who the father is. So that leaves it open to dual ownership on some level. As far as winning goes. So let me know what all of you want to do with that. Or rather what you think would be a fair or workable solution. ;)

[quote name='Starwind]I'm sure most of you are aware, but incase your not, congress recently introduced a bill that would allow the US to slowly begin withdrawing troops from Iraq, which President Bush made good on his threat to veto.[/QUOTE]No surprise there, he's unwilling to accept the general wish for us to withdraw. [QUOTE=Starwind]I think this was just another bull headed move that will only further sabotage the president.[/QUOTE]Sabotage? He's almost out of office. It's not like it's really going to affect him in the long run, maybe the republican party since they've fallen out of favor due to his pigheaded stupidity. If anything it's an indication we should be vetoing his butt out of office. [QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]Congratulations. People like you are the reason we're still in Iraq. You see, apathy towards government is equivalent to tacit consent to government actions. If you don't speak out against it, then you've also got a blame to shoulder.[/size][/QUOTE]I'd really like to know just how you think that is even true. Or did you miss the part in 2007DigitalBoy's post where he said this:[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=Darkorange]Maybe when I'm old enough to vote I'll start taking sides.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]If someone is not even part of the decision process to begin with, they cannot be held accountable for what happens. Whether they voice their opinion or not is irrelevant. In the end, he has no voice when it comes to deciding what is done. He cannot have true apathy towards the government unless he has a real say in what is done. And even if he did, blaming him would not change the fact that Bush vetoed the decision in spite of those who do have the power choosing to withdraw. So lets keep the blame where it truly belongs instead of trying to place it on those who are not responsible.[QUOTE=indifference][COLOR=DarkRed']And even though I was vocal and did vote, we are still stuck in Iraq and it didn't make any difference whatsoever. [/COLOR][/quote]Same here, I did not vote for Bush I have not agreed with most of the decisions made since on some level I believe we have no business over there. So I think it's rather sad that Bush refuses to respect the choices of those who do represent the people. Frankly I find the whole thing irritating since it's been made clear that the American people do not want to be there and yet Bush is ignoring that in favor of his own agenda.

[quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed]This is the same one DB already wrote, only I went through it and added a few things. [B]Also if you want the silly poem I referred to Charles just let me know.[/B'] lol[/COLOR][/quote]You are cruel Crystia. Just for that I'm going to have to work on an article about you! After all, turnabout is fair play right? :p I'll come back and add that once I put it together. Or simply post it if someone else has added something.

[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange]Well, it's Sunday, so... I guess if Darren doesn't use his by 4 AM tommorrow, I'll use mine then. I'd hate for my negligence to mean the end of my character, and besides if Darren doesn't use his then at least there's the possible advnatage of his character dying by the maze. (and by the way, I think I've got a good idea of who his is). To Rach: Please don't make it stop before 4 AM!!! And if I somehow don't wake up by then I wont be able to post till 2PM... I hope I can make it in time.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]I'll explain a little better, I am in Utah, USA. Which means Mountain Standard Time. So by mid Monday I am talking in the afternoon, of course by my time. However, since you have indicated that you intend to post I will give you until midnight on Monday. Again by my time. I don't know where you are located, but that's about thirty four hours from now. And yes, the Maze has one special card prepared should the need arise. It was something I kept secret since unless it was needed I did not intend to use it. But if I sign in Monday night and it's past midnight and therefore technically Tuesday morning. Then at that point the Maze will respond. Unless you notify me should something come up that prevents you from posting. Since I understand that unexpected things do occur.[quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=Darkorange']It was also the ****ing strangest post since this thing started O_o you frighten me. a lot. Cool though.[/COLOR][/quote]I agree. That was definitely one of the freakiest posts so far. LOL If nothing else it has given Lara motivation for wanting to kill Alden. ;)

Although things were moving along nicely, from the vantage point of where things were being observed a new set of parameters were being put in place, ones that if certain things did not happen would occur shortly. Several names were moved in position, their status, Possible Termination, indicating that they would be the first to go. [CENTER]------------------------------[/CENTER] At first things had been quit heated as those who were trapped in the same area clashed several times. But now the time for boldness was over. Only caution and stealth would result in a victor emerging and Andrew, Alden and Clavis and his group were moving with great care. Carefully checking each area as they had found that the traps once disarmed, reset themselves within a very short time. And for each time a trap was sprung of disarmed. The time until it was reset was shorter. Eventually, it would be come impossible to avoid them. If they did not kill each other, the Maze would make sure they died. Deoky and Davis seemed to have vanished, as hard as he tried Clavis could not sense anything and finally he along with Lara and Eflair had found a place to rest, weary from all that had happened. For in spite of their careful searching, not only had they not found Davis, but no exit could be found either. It was chilling, the silence that seemed to have descended upon the Maze that they were trapped in. Andrew also had found no one and nothing, and he ignored Alden who seemed to be shadowing his footsteps. It seemed that even if Alden was not going to outright join him, he was at least going to attempt to help. Given a choice Andrew would rather return to his time and forget about this horrible place and the things he had seen. Alden was annoyed, not only had a backwards barbarian outmaneuvered him, he was relying on him to find the person the others were so intent on killing. He was starting to wonder why he hadn't simply killed the others and then hunted down this Deoky himself. Irritated he continued to follow Andrew, but soon he grew tired of that and took off in a different direction. Deoky, for once was doing nothing. He had found a quiet spot and was meditating. Trying to figure out why he couldn't seem to kill anyone. He had the upper hand and yet everyone kept escaping death. It was maddening. Surely the Maze was interfering since never had he failed so many times to kill someone. For now he would wait patiently, allowing the others to tire themselves out while they searched. Both Lara and Eflair were tired, the anger that had initially kept them going had long since faded and the thought that they really would be required to kill each other just for one to be able to leave was something they couldn't get out of their mind. Even Clavis was troubled by it since they had traversed nearly the entire chamber and he had not sensed any exit. But what troubled him the most was the thought that no one would be allowed to leave. Though he kept that thought to himself.

[quote name='Sandy']I hope people aren't holding back their switch cards for too long, since unless the characters divide into a wider area, this is going to get repetitive pretty fast (Deoky attacking the others constantly but is unable to kill them).[/quote]I think the only one holding back is 2007DigitalBoy since Darren hasn't even been on since this part started. Rest assured though, if the switch cards remaining aren't used by about mid Monday, the Maze will be doing something interesting to motivate the players to move on. And that will be quite a twist, since the original purpose of limiting it was to keep the deaths from being instantaneous but not to totally slow things down either. Sounds like you're ready to kill someone off I'd say. ;)

[QUOTE=Sandy]Do you mean that [I]all [/I]players have to use their Switch Cards before [I]anybody[/I] can kill off any characters, or just that each individual player has to use their Switch Card before they can use their Death Card, not minding the other players? This is going to be one tight race to the finish line, especially with all six of us still standing! I was looking forward for some players to be dropped out by this round, but perhaps it's more fun this way. ;D[/QUOTE]Yes, every single switch card has to be used first. Aaryanna has used her's so now there are five left that must be played before death cards can be used. As for people being eliminated. It is rather ironic since I was sure people would end up out of the game. But seeing that you all made it, the final challenge should be fun. The only question is if the extra character belongs to one of you or to me? ;) I do know one thing, I never expected the game to get so brutal! And in reference to Davis, Aaryanna is correct, Clavis did mention that he can heal such damage completely and if you all remember Eflair healed Lara when she was shot before, so surely she can heal the physical damage done to her this time as well. Though that's up to you guys as to whether or not that happens. And good grief! You guys have really turned Deoky into one mean character! LOL

All right, the final round is up. But before you all begin, there are some rules for this round. For starters we have the last of the special cards for all of you to use. For this round we have the Switch Card as you can see here: [CENTER][IMG]http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1891/switchcardbi8.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] Now though the switch card is similar to the transport card, there is one noticeable difference. When you move a character, it is to switch them with a different one. So if I were to move Lara to a new location say to where Clavis is. Clavis would now be where Lara was and Lara would be where Clavis had just been. A literal switch if you will. Also, like the transport cards switch cards cannot be used in the same post that a death card is. So you can't switch someone about to die with someone else and then kill off the person who took their place. I hope that's clear enough. And that each one of you is entitled to use it once. I will be the only one who does not use it. The other rule for this round is that each person has to use their switch card before any killing can take place. One of the parameters that was put into place by the mysterious force behind the Maze is that death is prohibited until each subject has been examined in action. ;) Anyway, I hope you guys like it since I wanted to leave it open for the characters to really have a chance to be active a bit before the killing begins. And just like the rest of the Maze, anything goes.

[CENTER][IMG]http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9024/roundone03ee6.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] In the room overseeing the maze the remaining adjustments were being made since the unnecessary elements had been dealt with. Then the words, further adjustment needed flashed on the screen, in bold green letters. Then two of the characters names were moved to a new spot: [B]Andrew Whitaker:[/B] Time Shift In Progress? [B]Eflair Shishinn J?nea:[/B] Time Shift In Progress? Then as that was being attended to the remaining parameters were put in place and once the time shift was complete those who remained would be put through the final challenge. On the screen each group was being watched, each group displayed separately. Deoky who was using his power to elude the traps as he hunted for the exit, Clavis and Davis who were traversing together and the third screen of Alden and Lara, showing Alden first putting Lara?s clothes back on and then his own before lying back down next to her and falling asleep as well. Setting his scanner to wake them should something occur. Then with the time shift completed an enormous room with no exit lit up, loaded with traps as well as safe spots and twists and turns. And in that room equally spaced apart were seven spots, platforms just above the maze below. Each in clear view of each other and yet far enough apart that one could not reach the other one. One by one the remaining subjects were transported to the room and then held in place by the blue transport beam, unable to move. Then once they were all there the female computer voice spoke. [CENTER] [IMG]http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/369/transportcardxe4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3991/06dl5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/530/07uv4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/2127/17yb9.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2673/09fc1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/7266/16gd3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3160/08th6.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1192/03ri6.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] ?[B]Congratulations subjects Andrew Whitaker, Alden Courtney, Clavis, Davis Henderson, Deoky Shilos, Eflair Shishinn J?nea and Lara Servas. You have all made it to the final challenge. A challenge where only one may leave. To prove yourself worthy, you must eliminate the other subjects to continue.[/B]? The blue beam released all seven at the same time and all of them other than Deoky, who was smiling cruelly, just stared at each other in disbelief, only one? ?[B]God damn you![/B]? Davis shouted immediately, ?[B]What kind of sick game is this?[/B]? He looked at the others there. ?[B]I can?t kill them![/B]? He fell to his knees in despair. ?[B]Forget about that Davis![/B]? Clavis cried out. ?[B]We have to take care of Deoky first, we can work on getting out of here together after that![/B]? Quickly he jumped down and then began to head towards where Davis was. Eflair hissed, ?[B]Agreed.[/B]? She started looking around to see how to get to the others since though she could see them from her vantage point on the raised platform, she would have to descend and traverse among the room to get to them and walls and all sorts of obstacles were in her way. Without hesitation she took one heading for where Davis and Clavis were. Alden just shrugged and pulled out his weapons, pleased that he had at least gotten to enjoy both Rebecca and Lara. Even if Lara didn't know it. He didn?t really care if the others died. But if what Lara said was true then taking out Deoky first was more important. No exit without killing the others? Alden snorted. His guns could tear a hole through just about anything. He didn't need to kill others to get what he wanted. Lara pulled out her weapon as well. ?[B]Be careful Alden![/B]? She cried as she pointed towards Deoky, ?[B]That?s the one I warned you about.[/B]? Then Deoky who had remained silent laughed eerily, ?[B]Oh this is just perfect! I?ll make sure all of you fools are taken care of.[/B]? Then before either Alden or Lara could fire at him he jumped off the platform he was on and down into the Maze below him, quickly hidden from sight. Confident in his ability to outsmart and deal with the others. And Andrew just stood there, confused, not knowing what to do. The last thing he recalled was Fredrick becoming angry and attempting to kill him. "[B]What the hell is going on here?[/B]" He asked. But no one answered. Then since he was close to where Davis was and he had been kind to him when they first woke up in this place, he too hopped of the platform and headed towards Davis. Perhaps he could tell him what was going on. Back in the room that was now focusing on the chamber where the final subjects where, in huge glowing green letters the words [B]Final Challenge In Progress[/B] was displayed. [CENTER]---------------------------------------------[/CENTER] [CENTER][IMG]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8714/lifecardqd5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3991/06dl5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8714/lifecardqd5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3160/08th6.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][CENTER]------------------------------------[/CENTER] [B]OOC:[/B] Congratulations! Everyone has made it to the final round. Due to my life card that I have played as well as a life card that was issued to one of the players as well. Now before anyone posts, please wait as I will be posting in the underground thread with some specific rules for this round. As well as revealing a final card for everyone to use. [B]EDIT:[/B] And those guidelines are now up. Time to have fun! ;)

And now the final card for this round has been played. The question is, whether all of you wish for me to start the next round tomorrow or Sunday? Since even though no one can die, it doesn't mean that you can't have fun with the characters if you wish. Just let me know. If no one says anything I'll start it on Sunday, if enough wish it, I'll start it sometime tomorrow instead. As for the next round... I do have a twist in mind and I certainly hope that it catches all of you by surprise. Though I won't say anything else since I don't want to spoil it. It should be fun though. ;)

Works for me. ;) And I see from the posts that the story is indeed progressing. Especially as far as Jason and Celestia are concerned. I must be the worst RPG player ever when it comes to predicting what's going to happen in a story. I was sitting here thinking that Kiva and Daego would simply take them to sector one. It never crossed my mind that Daego would actually interrogate them. o_O I just assumed that the High Council would see to that. Now I feel even more bad for Jason and Celestia since I suspect those two are in for a very rough trip. One that won't get any better when the High Council gets their hands on them. As for my own character. He's going to be less than thrilled to realize that he'll be stuck on the Creator for the trip to sector one as well as still having to deal with Jared once he gets there. And indifference is dropping hints that Jared is going to take his frustration out on Darren over what the High Council said about him owning Jason. So I expect Darren to have a rough trip as well. o_O And having said that...*pokes indifference* my post is up so you're next! I'm curious to see just how you have Jared torment poor Darren. lol

Darren was pleased to see the update with the report that the resistance had been taken care of. Though he was sure there were still members on Earth, losing the last of their bases would, like it had in Australia and the UK, keep them from being able to do much of anything. But more importantly, it meant that soon he would be allowed to leave for sector one. The plans for setting things up would not require his input with the resistance out of the picture. And though he had already told his sister that it was possible he would be there within a month now he knew that he would. He was curious about one thing though, he couldn't resist as he looked through the information to see if Sara had been captured. But the only ones listed were both Jason and Celestia. The ones that if he remember correctly were the two most wanted criminals in the entire Empire. Darren pulled up the current bounty information at the terminal in his quarters and sure enough they were not longer listed. The person who now was the most wanted was Daniel and though the bounty for him was high, it wasn't anywhere as high as the one for Jason and Celestia had been. He closed the bounty listings and went back to reviewing the update. Then he closed that and got to work on making the final preparations. As soon as possible he wanted to leave and head for sector one. Unless Stevens objected in only a few days he should be able to catch a transport headed that way. And just the thought of finally getting to leave the Creator was enough to make him feel a bit giddy. He would finally be able to put some distance between him and Jared. He sent the final preparations to Stevens and included a request to head to sector one as soon as possible. Darren did not expect to get a reply immediately, denying him the request and to direct any questions he had to Jared. [I]What?[/I] He thought with disbelief. [I]Why? And why the hell do I need to talk to Jared? [/I] Furious he opened a channel to Jared, but it too was redirected, instructing him to leave a message. Frustrated he did so, doing his best to hid his irritation and simply request an explanation as to why he couldn't head for sector one and if there was something he had missed that needed to be done first. It was the only reason he could think of, that Jared had something he wanted him to do first. Or rather there was something he was required to do, but for the life of him he couldn't think of a single thing. Darren got up and walked over to the view of Earth, slamming his fist against the window, cursing under his breath. After all this time, to be so close to being able to leave Earth and dealing with Jared behind and he was still being blocked. And all the unpleasant things that came to mind due to what Jared liked to do didn't help. Darren knew he was being irrational but all the teasing and intimidation over the months still got to him, even just thinking about it. Finally he went and fixed himself something to drink. [I]You're such an idiot.[/I] He thought.[I] It's probably some stupid little thing you over looked and like always you're assuming that Jared has an ulterior motive. [/I] He had made that mistake a while ago, opening his big mouth and it had ended up with Jared actually touching him. Even if it had only been on the outside of his clothes it had still given him nightmares later. Darren downed the drink he had fixed and got another one. [I]Get it together idiot, unless you want him to humiliate you again.[/I] Since Darren knew all to well, that Jared was an expert at picking up on when he was upset. Like how he had teased him about his sister saying he was adorable was correct. Darren sighed. There was no way she could have known that Jared would end up hearing what she said. And Kerstin, though a bit of a busybody, would never say something to intentionally hurt someone. Darren finished the second drink and then went back to looking out in space. He'd find out soon enough what the delay was and hopefully it would be something that would be quickly resolved.

Now now, if I were to verify either theory, that would be telling. :p Though once the game reaches the end I will be posting everything. Which characters belonged to which person as well as the system I used to determine who got which card. And thank you very much for the compliment as to how you all have enjoyed playing it. Having a previous game done made it much easier since it gave me something to build on as well as helpful tips and suggestions from Sandy and SunfallE. A number of the ideas I used came straight from things they suggested. Like allowing characters to be from different times. That was Sandy's suggestion. As for the next round and the possibility of new cards or even unexpected twists. Only time will tell. Once the final death cards for this round have been played and we see just who is left standing things will get interesting. ;)