Rachmaninoff

We had a Schipperke when I was growing up. Small dog that thinks it's a 90-pound watch dog in a tiny little 9-pound body. But what made the little bugger fun was how damn smart he was. Problem solving smart. We had child locks on our kitchen cabinets to keep him out. XP It was unbelievable as to what that little rat could figure out. We had other various dogs, but that's the one I remember the most. If I ever get my own place, I'd consider having one again.

[quote name='Aceburner']Why does it seem like people like this are all we ever elect? Or are they just the only ones who get publicity?[/QUOTE]Naw, just the ones that get publicity. :p Anyway, if he doesn't resign, then he needs to be kicked out. Provided the allegations are true, which they most likely are.

This is nothing more than a tragic [I]accident[/I]. I mean we're talking about a ten year old here. No offense to the younger crew, but making logical thought out decisions isn't exactly their strength, which is why they are still considered a minor. Anyway, seems like the comments are gone: [INDENT](Update from the editor: We have shut down the comments on this post because of repeated violations of our comment rules.)[/INDENT] No surprise there really, the people leaving comments, many of them were the truly stupid ones. Not the kid who died.

More stuff from my cd of the soundtrack from the movie [B]Newsies[/B], this time I'm listening to the song [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_59pP_Xcw0g"][U][B]The World Will Know[/B][/U][/URL] The more I listen to this soundtrack, the more I like it.

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Also, like Rach said, Alecia and Alexander will not be leaving the area. They will be staying at the Eshe Rehema medical center. Unless something happens that forces them to leave, but short of an air ship crashing in the area, I don't see it happening. :p[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Exactly. Also, I am not planning on posting until after the air battle is in full swing. For two reasons really. One to recover from those last two posts since they took a lot of time to write, and that leads into the fact that I have a concert coming up on Thursday so I don't have time for another post until that is over with. So I won't be up to posting until this weekend at the soonest. I don't see that as being a problem though.

I decided I needed something new so this is what I came up with. Minus all my icons since this is just the image itself before being set as a background. It's plain and simple and out of all the backgrounds I've made in a while, one of my favorites. [URL="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6127/backgroundgi8.jpg"][U]Piano[/U][/URL]

[quote name='Panache']Anyway in my opinion saying "Oh just watch it subbed it will be good then" is pretty silly to me.[/QUOTE]Depends on the anime I would say. I've been watching some older shows that were heavily edited. I think Fruits Basket is pretty close but stuff like Yu Yu Hakusho? The English waters it down in a way that I don't care for. So I can see how watching the sub would make for a better experience. I understand it's the same for say the first season of Sailor Moon, that close to 15 episodes were trimmed out completely, making the English version an utter joke. And since I'm here, I'll say that is a horrid anime, that English version. What little I watched of the sub was vastly superior.

[quote name='Gavin;807232][SIZE="1"]That was an absolutely awesome post Darren, I loved [spoiler]the swordfight between Grants and Alexander, and poor Captain Oref, what a heroic man.[/spoiler][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Thanks. :catgirl:[quote name='Muse'][size=1]-coughcough- [i]She[/i']! ;) We'll just pretend you're talking about Henry.[/size][/quote]That works for me. You'd think with your user name I'd know that. XP Anyway, I'm done for now, in a little bit it will be up to Beth to follow up on Alexander getting back to the medical center. Plus we've been discussing things and have come to the conclusion that with all the chaos caused by the rpg building being destroyed, it's likely the two will stay put at the Eshe Rehema. The idea being that not only are Alecia's skills are going to be needed on account of the injured and wounded from the fight, but that it's safer than attempting to fight the panicked crowds to get back to their home. Plus at this point, Alexander is exhausted and in no condition to try and get her home until he's been treated and had a chance to rest. Though by then, I imagine the air battle will be underway so they'll end up not leaving later on either. On account of the falling debris and such. XP I think that's going to really surprise the hell out of them.

I think I killed myself with my last two posts. XP Anyway, Muse will be following up on that, doing his part on how the rpg mess goes down. And now that I fried my brain... I think I'm going to go and get some sleep. I mean seriously... [spoiler]Grants was such a pain in the butt! Refusing to die quickly![/spoiler]

[CENTER][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/henryavatar.jpg[/img][/CENTER] When the group emerged into the alleyway behind the Royal Police Guard headquarters, luck was on their side as the ensuing chaos created by the Chimera?s out front was making it hard for anyone to mount an organized attack. It was far from safe as the few remaining guard who were loyal to the Dynast were slowly being overrun. Still, they at least had a chance to get away, With a knowing glance at the Captain, Alexander and the others immediately made their way in the direction of the medical center. As the group passed by the alleyway leading up toward the front, the two guard members who were with them engaged a group of underdogs who immediately rushed the group upon seeing them. Alexander?s attention was briefly caught by the Captain pulling out a different sword, something he recognized as his own father had a similar one. It was something issued to a military officer who retired with honor. [I]When did he get that?[/I] He didn?t have time to truly think about it as he dealt with one of their attackers, striving to keep any from getting close to Henry who was doing his best to strike when he could, having finally picked up a sword. They were making good progress when a startled gasp escaped Henry?s lips, ?[B]Altheo![/B]? Before Alexander could even wonder what he meant, Henry darted between those who were fighting and took off at a dead run. ?[B]Henry! Come back![/B]? he called out, moving to go after him and then whirling at the flash of movement from his right, from the direction they had just come from. Their swords drawn, there were four of them rushing their position? Alexander cursed colorfully. With four underdogs rapidly approaching him and the Captain, there was nothing Alexander could do to stop Henry who had taken off towards the front of the Royal Police Guard building. He didn?t know what he had seen that had upset him so much but if he turned his back and attempted to follow him, he would be cut down from behind. With a snarl of frustration he took his sword in both hands and charged the closest one, taking the underdog member by surprise. The would be revolutionary stopped dead in his tracks, staring; and then belatedly raised his own weapon, his hesitation sealing his fate. Alexander didn?t give him a chance to recover as he struck with lightening speed, aiming for his unprotected side. The man pulled back screaming in pain as he staggered backwards, his arm sheared off at the shoulder. A quick shove to make sure the man went down and then Alexander was engaging the next threat. The second one was a little quicker to defend himself but not enough to stop Alexander?s forceful strike against the small wooden shield raised to deflect the blow. With a resounding crack it broke in two causing the man to stumble back a little. Within two exchanges Alexander knocked the blade out of his hand; sending it clattering against the wall of the closest building. And then, before the man could flee, he ran him through. Quickly pulling the blade free and twisting to meet the downward stroke from the third opponent, barely catching it in time. Before he could do more than blink, the man suddenly collapsed, run through from behind by Captain Oref who had dealt with the fourth man. With a sigh of relief Alexander lowered his sword and looked around. The others were gone leaving him and the Captain by themselves for a small quiet moment. It was utter chaos in the alleyway behind the building, just as the noise coming from in front indicated things weren?t much better. The echo of steel on steel along with the occasional shot could be heard. Mixed in with the screams of the dying and pain, it was like being caught in a living hell. For the moment the two of them watched the fighting, both of them taking advantage of being free of it to catch their breath, looking for the best way to get clear of the mess. The group that had been behind them when they fled the rpg building had finally broken through the door. Confused by the current mess they were splitting up, each man running to take down anyone they could find loyal to the Dynast. Their lack of organization at this point was working in Alexander?s and Oref?s favor. Alexander could only hope it was working for Henry as well as it was far too late for him and Captain Oref to attempt to follow. As if reading his thoughts Alan spoke up. ?[B]You?re not likely to find the boy, even if you try.[/B]? Something that Alexander just nodded reluctantly to. [B]?I may have an obligation to this mess, but at this point, your obligation is to your wife.[/B]? ?[B]I can?t just leave?[/B]? ?[B]You can?t stop it either, like you said earlier, there are too many of them.[/B]? The Captain grabbed Alexander by the shoulder, forcefully getting him to turn and start to head down the alleyway leading away from fighting and incidentally towards the Eshe Rehema. A loud shot prompted Alexander to turn around quickly, just in time to catch the Captain as he stumbled forward, his face twisted in pain. Alexander looked around wildly, spotting none other than his superior officer Jonathan Grants as he lowered the small pistol he had with him. He eased the Captain down into a sitting position against the building across the way from the rpg headquarters; fear running through him, making him sick. A sword was no match for a pistol and most members of the rpg were never issued one. With a grim expression he stood his ground, his sword ready, even though he knew it was hopeless. [I]I?m sorry Alecia?[/I] He braced himself for the shot, but either Grants was out of ammo or he wanted the satisfaction of taking Alexander down personally. With a disappointed look on his face Grants tossed the pistol aside and drew his own sword, holding it negligibly, as if he wasn?t expecting much. He came to a halt when he was about ten feet from Alexander. ?[B]And here I thought that you of all people would understand our cause.[/B]? He sneered at him, his look one of disgust. ?[B]You?re a traitor Alexander, you sold your soul and married into wealth, becoming no better than the rest of them.[/B]? ?[B]I think not.[/B]? Alexander answered firmly, refusing to be baited. ?[B]You think not?[/B]? Grants moved in, testing Alexander with a handful of strikes that were swiftly parried. ?[B]I?m sure your soon to be widow will not agree. You have no idea how much it pains me to do this, I had such high hopes for you.[/B]? Alexander refused to answer the implication that Alecia would be on her own; that he was going to die, remembering once again his lessons with his father. He thought of his words, the memory sharp and clear; as if they were spoken yesterday. [I]One day son, you may find yourself face to face with an opponent who will test you, using that which you care most against you. No matter what, you can?t respond, you have to keep your focus least your emotions impair your judgment.[/I] But Grants wasn?t making that easy as he continued to taunt Alexander. ?[B]Nothing to say? No final words that you?d like for me to convey to Alecia?[/B]? Grants smirked when Alexander reddened slightly; picking up the pace, looking for holes in his guard. ?[B]Don?t worry, I?ll make sure she?s properly [I]consoled[/I].[/B]? He dragged the last word out, noting with dark amusement how Alexander struggled to not respond to the veiled threat. If anything it only confirmed in Alexander's mind that he had made the right decision by not helping them, anyone who would threaten one?s family, especially the innocent or children was scum. He said nothing in return. Instead Alexander answered by taking the tiniest of openings to rush Grants who parried his blade mere inches from his throat, forcing Alexander?s blade away as he answered his attack with a cut that took part of his sleeve, grazing Alexander?s shoulder. With a twist to get out of range, he swung in a full horizontal cut, forcing Grants back, but not before he was marked on the left cheek; the cut bleeding freely as both of them pulled back and circled each other warily. Grants just reached up brushing the blood off of his face a bit. ?[B]You seem to have a little bit of skill, but that?s not enough boy.[/B]? His expression hardened. ?[B]Play time is over.[/B]? This time he rushed Alexander, barely giving him time to counter his strikes as he followed up each one by another so quickly that Alexander was forced to give up ground in order to block in time. Within a few minutes Grants had him pinned against the building his sword straining, mere inches from cutting into Alexander?s neck. A flicker in Grants eyes was the only warning he got that something was desperately wrong. With a frantic shove, he twisted sideways, out of the path of the dagger thrust towards his midsection; grimacing in pain when it ripped through the side of his uniform as it grazed his left side painfully before slamming into the brick wall with a shower of sparks. He back pedaled quickly as he pulled his own dagger, tossing it as hard as he could; the blade slicing the top of Grant?s left hand, his dagger falling to the ground with a loud clatter. ?[B]You?ll regret that boy.[/B]? Grants snarled, his face twisting with rage as his composure shattered. He came after Alexander, his emotions getting the better of him. His swings powerful but lacking control, making it easy for Alexander to dodge them. This time Alexander did nothing more than avoid his attacks, only blocking when he had no choice, letting Grants wear himself out a bit, until with a cold glare at Alexander upon realizing what he was doing, he got it under control. [I]If I don?t end this and soon?[/I] he stumbled over Captain Oref?s outstretched legs falling hard on his rear; his sword slipping from his grasp, coming to a halt several feet away from his hand. [I]Hell![/I] Desperate, he rolled over in an attempt to get to his weapon as Grants own blade slammed into the pavement; barely missing him. He caught up his sword, rolling to his feet, slicing the air between them in one fluid move, leaving a thin red line across Grants?s chest as he pulled back out of range. Alexander barely had time to notice that the fighting had migrated elsewhere, leaving the two of them alone in the alleyway, as he did his best to hide the fact that he was developing a painful stitch in his side; tired and worn form the extensive fighting. And even the last cut to Grants was not enough to provoke him further as he ignored the blood that flowed down his uniform in favor of pressing the attack. ?[B]What?s the matter boy?[/B]? He smirked when Alexander stumbled a little, ?[B]Getting tired already? We?ve only just begun![/B]? As he parried a vicious swing towards his right side, stepped back, blocked the follow up to his left, staggering a bit from the sheer force of the blow, Alexander began to wonder if he would be able to stop him. It wasn?t an issue of skill but rather one of being tired; his hair was damp from sweat. His torn, dirty and bloody uniform only served to remind him that unlike Grants who other than the cuts he had gotten from Alexander, was still fresh. It was becoming increasingly harder, putting him on the defensive. A tiny cough caught his attention a bit, surprising him a little since it seemed that Captain Alan Oref was still alive. He didn?t dare risk a glance at the Captain though, other than to make sure he didn?t trip over him again. [I]I have to finish this, so I can get him to the Eshe Rehema.[/I] Alexander was too tired to keep his face expressionless, making his concern all to easy for Grants to read. ?[B]Don?t waste your time on that scum,[/B]? his eyes narrowed in contempt for the injured Captain. ?[B]The only trash I see is standing before me.[/B]? Alexander shot at him as he dodged yet another downward stroke. ?[B]Shooting someone in the back is the act of a coward.[/B]? In a supremely sinister gesture Grants held back, pulling out a small single shot pistol, pointing it directly at the helpless Captain. ?[B]I?m [I]so[/I] sorry.[/B]? He said spitefully, ?[B]I?ll shoot him in the front this time.[/B]? Before Alexander could move a single step, a cry on his lips for him to stop, Grants pulled the trigger, hitting the Captain in the right shoulder, eliciting a cry of pain from Alan. Rage filled Alexander, making his vision darken as he fought to get it under control and failed. ?[B]Y? You?[/B]? he sputtered, momentarily beyond words, shocked by the sheer cruelty of what he had just witnessed. With an angry cry he charged him, sword held high as he brought it down with all of his might. Sparks flying as his blade slide towards him, the force nearly knocking it out of Grants hands. He was lost in righteous anger as he slashed again and again, forcing his former superior officer to retreat hastily. As if realizing he had gone too far, Grants was required to take the defensive against Alexander's furious attacks, barely managing to halt the blows being rained on him. His world narrowed to one of blocking each blow that came his way, leaving him no room to focus on anything else. Until with a surprised look he stumbled slightly, realizing too late that he had moved back in range of where the Captain was sitting and incidentally his feet. With a start he realized that the Captain had used what little strength he had in an attempt to trap his ankle between his feet. He easily pulled free, but it was too late. With a powerful thrust Alexander ran him through, his sword making a horrible rasping sound as it hit bone and dragged. Alexander grasped his tunic with his left hand, staring directly into his eyes which were wide with shock and disbelief. ?[B]You?re a traitor Grants,[/B]? He tossed his own words back at him, ?[B]you sold your soul, becoming a heartless monster willing to kill those you claim to protect. You?ve become no better than the rest of them.[/B]? Grants just stared at him; stunned with his mouth slightly open. With a loud clatter he dropped his sword, reaching up to grab Alexander?s hands, his face twisting into a horrible mask of pain. Grants tried to speak but nothing came out. His face turned deathly white as Alexander, with an angry jerk, pulled his sword free, letting Grants fall to the ground. Breathing heavily, he fought to stay on his feet, his vision threatening to give out on him altogether. Exhausted he stumbled over to where the Captain was, only checking again to make sure that the fighting had moved elsewhere, for the moment they were the only ones alive in that area. Alexander dropped his blade and sank to his knees next to the Captain, intending to help him up so he could get him to the medical center. But he was so tired and a look at Oref expression? ?[B]Take this.[/B]? The Captain struggled to give Alexander his own blade and dagger. ?[B]You?re going to need it.[/B]? ?[B]I can?t do that sir.[/B]? He tried to shove them back, blades such as those were passed down from father to son. Much like his own father would do when the time was right, giving one of them the few remnants from when he had served in the military. For Alan to have them meant that his father had to be dead. And since the Captain was unmarried? Alan coughed violently, grimacing with the effort to speak. ?[B]Don?t let those scum get them - Please.[/B]? Alexander finally nodded, taking both from him. ?[B]I won?t, but I?m only keeping them for you until you get better sir.[/B]? Alan smiled faintly, whispering a thank you before his eyes glazed over, his body shuddering once before going still. Alexander just sat back further on his legs, weary in both body and mind. How many more were going to die needlessly? Tiredly he put the dagger away in his tunic and fastened the sword on, staying in place as he continued to catch his breath. Ignoring the sound of what had to be flames behind him, coming from the building. Smoke began to cover the area, making him cough a little and still he stayed put. The sound of flames coming from the Royal Police Guard headquarters was becoming even louder and before long Alexander could feel the heat from where he was sitting. With a tiny sigh he reached up, closing the Captains eyes before he managed to get to his feet and stumble down the alleyway in the direction of the Eshe Rehema. He had to find Alecia, he only hoped she was still there. Just as he hoped Henry had somehow managed to survive.

[quote name='Sandy']Okay, I exaggerated when I said that the players are strictly divided between the two type of games. My mistake. The division between the players is of course not the same as the division between chat format and story format, if one could call them that. You're right, Crystia, there aren't many RPGs that follow the chat format I was talking about anymore. I've seen some, though. Almost all RPGs are written in story format (familiar from literature) nowadays. But the playing styles of the two groups of players are still different. I think it comes down to what Kathy said initially about planning things ahead versus going with the flow. I like to plan things to a [I]certain[/I] extent, but I don't want to do it for every post I make. It depends on the game, too. But this hasn't got anything to do with etiquette anymore, so excuse my rambling. XP[/QUOTE]I was wondering what you meant by chat rpg as well, so thanks for clearing that up. I can see how that would be quite different, in a way it reminds me a bit of the story format for the short plays for Survivor Four. Anyway, I think people's preferred playing style factor's heavily into etiquette or rather into what people expect from others. To the point that until you have a clash or disagreement, you don't even realize that you're expecting things of others. For example, I've learned that I love extensive collaboration. It's ironic that you mention SD, because one, DB pm'd me asking me to join since that's not my thing and two, since he handed it over to me and thus to all four of us, it went from being more free flowing to heavily planned out. And by realizing how much I love that format, I've also gotten to see how much I prefer it over more random game play. Also, I won't deny that there is some division on my part. I joined OtakuBoards because I was friends with Beth over at myOtaku and I wanted to be able to rpg with her in Silver One when it was going up. I like doing things with her. :p I've since then branched out and done more, but she was my primary motivation to begin with. Anyway, in the end, I've tried to make sure I'm not being unreasonable with my expectations towards others, after all, unless I tell them, they have no way of knowing what I prefer etiquette wise. And even if I like things that are planned out, I also love surprises too. :)

[quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"] I'd kill him/her. This is a relatively easy question to answer, imo. lol[/font][/QUOTE]I agree. It is pretty easy to answer. So if someone you love and vice versa is willing to kill you, I'd say you're past that true love point. It's one thing to die for someone you love, but to just let them kill you? Unless there was something else going on that was forcing them to do so... I would not just let them kill me.

Alex had been beyond relieved that Isen had shown up, giving him the excuse he needed to get the hell out of Nathan?s apartment and incidentally away from Victor as well. Even if the vampire had been courteous, he had made him horribly uncomfortable and even Nall, other than that one short word had been oddly silent. It had surprised him to see her rather blunt manner in dealing with Victor as it was clear she held him in little regard, coldly cutting off his attempts to cut into what they had to talk about. He certainly wasn?t going to argue, after all he had been floundering in his attempts to think of a good reason to cut things off and leave himself. So when Isen indicated they were to leave, he rushed to follow her, frowning a bit as Nall immediately started twitting him for not doing the same as they left Nathan?s apartment, closely behind Isen. Alex wasn?t sure what to expect but when she made off in the direction of his own abode, he turned his attention to what Nall was saying as he followed her. ?[B]Are you even listening to me?[/B]? He was saying. ?[B]Jeez Alex, you were practically letting that guy inside your head, carrying on like a ninny, telling him anything and everything he asked of you.[/B]? ?[B]You weren?t any better.[/B]? Alex countered, turning a little red in the face. ?[B]Me? I didn?t tell him anything![/B]? Alex snorted. ?[B]That's my point, you said nothing at all. Hell, you didn?t even attempt to shut me up. So if I was such a [I]ninny[/I] as you put it, there was nothing stopping you from saying so. It?s not like you?ve ever held back in the past.[/B]? Nall coughed rudely as he dug his claws into Alex?s tunic a bit when he turned away haughtily. ?[B]I made the mistake of giving you the benefit of the doubt, I certainly won?t make[I] that[/I] mistake again.[/B]? ?[B]Just admit it Nall, you didn?t know what to do either.[/B]? ?[B]Don?t be stupid Alex, even if I wasn?t a dragon and able to sense things about others, I?m still older than you are.[/B]? ?[B]What's that got to do with it? Besides, you?re not [I]that [/I]old Nall.[/B]? Alex pointed out and then smirked as a thought occurred to him. ?[B]Victor is older than you are.[/B]? It was a statement instead of a question. He smiled at the startled snort that came from Nall. In all the time he had been partnered with him, the only thing that ever had him being reserved was dealing with someone who was older than he was and therefore potentially a lot more experienced. Nall had always been a little self conscious of the fact that for a dragon he was considered quite young. Now that he thought about it, Nall had reacted like he always did around others who were a lot older than he was. Going into that watch mode of his, simply paying attention and saying next to nothing. Alex had been so caught of guard by Victor that he had failed to notice it. But as Nall continued to say nothing, he knew he was right. Nall could sense if someone was older than he was and by looking back at how utterly quiet he had been, it meant that Victor really was a lot older than either one of them. He continued to smirk as Nall stayed silent. ?[B]The longer you keep quiet, the more convinced I am that I?m right.[/B]? He twitted him, smiling broadly at Nall?s sudden glance of irritation. ?[B]Fine! You?re right! So shut up already![/B]? Alex laughed out loud, causing Isen to look back briefly to see what was so funny. He just offered her a shrug to which she turned her attention back to their intended destination. Alex got his laughter under control while Nall fumed silently on his shoulder. By the time they finally got to his place, they had both settled back down, turning their attention to Isen instead. ?[B]So, Isen.[/B]? Alex said once they were at his place. ?[B]What did you need to speak to us about?[/B]? She gave both of them a measuring glance, ?[B]Nathan wants to see you.[/B]? Her ears flattened back a tiny bit. ?[B]You?re going to need to wait and keep out of sight for a bit first though.[/B]? Her expression became a little terse as she finished coolly. ?[B]Especially from someone like Victor.[/B]?

[quote name='Sandy']You're overthinking it. All I meant was that everybody should be involved in the final events [I]somehow[/I]. I wouldn't want anybody left home wondering where everybody else went. This is the beginning of the final showdown, as I said earlier.[/QUOTE]No I'm not. :p That's exactly what I wanted to know. Whether or not it was in general, or if I was suppose to find some reason to have Alexander and Alecia end up where the others are. Knowing if we have to go in a certain direction or not is imperative. We can't really make any decisions without knowing that. So now that I know that, Beth and I can start brainstorming on what direction to take that will have our characters involved with the [I]final showdown [/I]as you put it.

[quote name='Sandy']*rolls eyes* I realized that, Darren, hence I said "I'd imagine". ;D I do not know what plans people have to their characters, but it would be great if all of them were at the center of the final events.[/QUOTE]*ignores first part since it's silly* :p I am curious to know what you mean by[I] "it would be great if all of them were at the center of the final events"[/I] Are you speaking in the sense that all of them are involved in some way or literally at the same location or rather in the same central drama as it were? And by central I mean all involved in the same event like Henry and Alexander are in the mess at the RPG headquarters together. I'm a little unclear as to what you are referring to.

Well since I just got done answering a question, this is now what I'm listening too. It's such a beautiful piece: [B]Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.2[/B] by [B]Chopin[/B]. [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvxS_bJ0yOU"][U]Music[/U][/URL] Chopin is just so beautifully serene to listen to. It's perfect for when you want something that's totally soothing.

The piano music is [B]Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.2[/B] by [B]Chopin[/B]. Here's a link if you want to listen to make sure: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvxS_bJ0yOU"][U]Music[/U][/URL]

[quote name='Sandy']Alecia will end up with Alexander and Henry, but is there anyone else not accounted for?[/QUOTE]Uh, don't be so sure of that. After all that's Beth's call as to whether or not Alecia sticks to her promise to wait for Alexander. And I don't know if Muse has other plans for Henry or not. It is the most likely outcome... but only the other two know for sure. I only know that Alexander will of course try to get to where Alecia [I]should[/I] be.

Okay, I fixed it to indicate who is played by who. XP As well as adding the picture of Gavrie & Karl along with his scythe. Crystia says she'll explain the deployment factor as to why one end of the scythe has additional spiritual blades. Though it seems clear to me that it means, normally it's like the lower bottom left corner and deploys with the additional blades whenever Gavrie wishes it. I was going to do a post... but I wasted myself on my last post for Almagest. Just under 2500 words no less. XP I'll do a post for this probably later today or tomorrow. Once my brain recovers. Heh.

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]I would say that now we're getting into late afternoon - at least, once Rach has posted about the RPG/Underdogs confrontation, we should be somewhere around there I guess.[/font][/QUOTE]Right now Muse and I aren't even to two in the afternoon, but that's kind of irrelevant really, since it won't affect other's posts. Anyway, now that I finally got that post of mine up, which not only took forever to write on account of that fight scene, but because the site is slower than all get out since VV launched. I keep getting[I] the connection has timed out[/I] message all the time. XP Anyway, Muse and I will try to get it wrapped up since we aren't done yet. :p

[CENTER][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/henryavatar.jpg[/img][/CENTER] [I]Well so much for that plan,[/I] Alexander thought as he sat down next to Henry in the darkness. He had hoped to be able to convince the others that Henry had only been trying to keep Gual from leaving, but the group coming up the stairs to the main level hadn’t even given him a chance to talk. Not even to give the code word given to him by his superior officer earlier that morning so he could identify himself as an Underdog. The first few forerunners had attacked him immediately, forcing him to defend himself or be cut down. Which in turn prompted others coming after him. He had done the only thing he could at that point, he had retreated. As he had feared, by the time they managed to fight their way to get back to the front, the chaos was too great for them to be able to slip out the front without getting killed. And the holding cells? Though it was a good spot to try and determine what to do next, what he had told Henry was not true. They would not be able to wait things out. In time, once those members of the guard who were loyal to the Dynast had been dealt with. They would either burn the building to the ground or search it for any survivors who were hiding. No, staying there was merely a tactic to let the others move elsewhere, to become more scattered in the building and to hopefully give them another chance to slip by. The sounds of men hurrying along outside the corridor caught their attention, causing both of them to freeze and then relax a bit when no one tried the door. Something that did not surprise Alexander. He had chosen the room for a reason. Gual Rosier had a policy of keeping the cells in utter darkness, even though the area was equipped with the bright lights available via magi technology. It was in Alexander’s opinion, an unnecessary and overly harsh tactic. Denying people the ability to determine the time of day, dragging them out into the harsh and bright light of one of the interrogation rooms for questioning. In short, the RPG had a reputation of being on the cruel side and this practice was one of the reasons. He was debating on attempting to slip out again when the sound of something moving came from back within the darkness. Alexander didn’t waste a moment, instantly reaching up for where the switch for the lighting was. Activating it and flooding the room with the harsh bright lights, something that had both him and Henry closing their eyes briefly in order to adjust. “[B]Wait here.[/B]” Alexander said softly as he got up, his sword ready as he moved down the path between the empty cells closest to the door. The whole thing was almost medieval considering the level of magi technology used in the construction of the building. The cells were nothing more than strong iron bars with nothing to give anyone any form of privacy should they be unfortunate to be locked up in one. The front room was empty, but when he came to the door leading in to the next room, he was not surprised to find Captain Alan Oref back in the farthest cell, sitting up on the small bed inside. As Alexander approached he noticed how the Captain’s eyes strayed to his blood stained sword and then back to meet his own gaze. “[B]What is going on?[/B]” He glared at Alexander, the uncertainty in his posture easy to see. He got up uneasily to his feet, taking a guarded stance. “[B]The Underdogs are taking over sir.[/B]” He told him, elaborating further as to what was going on, an idea beginning to from in the back of his mind. He finished and ignored Captain Oref’s questions in favor of looking for a means to unlock his cell. After his behavior at Rosengard the other night, it was no wonder he was being disciplined. But if he could get him out… Even if he was a fool, he was still trained to fight. And the fact that he was still locked up meant he was not a member of the Underdogs. “[B]What are you waiting for? Get me out of here! We have to put an end to this at once![/B]” The Captain was becoming impatient after hearing Alexander‘s tale. “[B]The keys should be back in the main room, next to the lockers where they put the prisoner’s personal effects.[/B]” “[B]There are too many of them sir, we need to get out of here instead.[/B]” Captain Oref gave him a flat stare and then finally nodded, “[B]Then I suggest you hurry.[/B]” He didn't look to thrilled, but the sounds of fighting that could be heard even in the holding cells lent credibility to what he had been told and he reluctantly accepted it. Alexander nodded and turned to run back to the other room, glancing over briefly at Henry who wore a puzzled look when he went for the first locker next on the far wall, opening it to reveal not only equipment for securing a prisoner, but different types of keys hanging on one side. He shoved several things aside, careful to make as little noise as possible. “[B]What are you doing?[/B]” Henry moved over until he was standing next to Alexander, looking into the locker to see what he was up to. Alexander closed the door once he had the right key and gave Henry a wry grin. “[B]I’m going to let Captain Alan Oref out. We’re going to need all the help we can get and ass or not, he is trained to fight.[/B]” He grasped Henry’s shoulder with his left hand, keeping his voice low. “[B]Just follow my lead and follow any commands from the Captain alright? Even if he is a jackass, he'll keep you from harm.[/B]” He waited for Henry to nod and then let go. “[B]Check the other lockers to see if there is anything we can use. If you can’t find anything, I want you to give the Captain the sword you found, okay?[/B]” "[B]How do you know you can trust him?[/B]" "[B]If he really was a member of the Underdogs, they would have released him.[/B]" Henry didn’t look to happy about it but he nodded reluctantly and then turned to start checking the lockers once Alexander had left to fetch the Captain. A moment later, the two returned as he finished looking only to find nothing else. Without a word he handed over his sword to the Captain and readied the police baton he still had. He winced when the Captain shoved the benches and chairs aside without regard to the noise and opened the door, instantly heading for where the back exit to the building should be. The group moved swiftly, heading to the steps that had been blocked before, rushing down to the next level and barely making it down the corridor and out of sight before the next rush of men from the tunnels below the city came up. “[B]Hurry up lads! This way! We need to secure the exit least more rats escape![/B]” Alexander recognized the sound of his superior officer Grants coming down the hallway from behind them. They were close to being to the exit leading to the alleyway behind the building, only a few more hallways and rooms to get through. Alexander only hoped that the way wasn’t blocked by Underdogs at this point. He glanced briefly at the others who were following him, the Captain bringing up the rear; when the sounds of fighting in front of them caused him to come to a halt.[I] Damn! [/I] “[B]Now what?[/B]” Henry was tense, looking ready to bolt and the Captain was looking back at the way they had come, the sound of footsteps drawing closer. “[B]We press forward boy,[/B]” The Captain said firmly. “[B]We don’t have a choice.[/B]” He looked over at Alexander as they picked up the pace again. “[B]Our best bet is to force our way out if possible and get clear.[/B]” Alexander didn’t bother to answer, readying his sword once more as he moved to open the door and charged into the room with a wild yell, startling guard and Underdog members alike, cutting down two of them before they could even realize he was there. The others were slow to respond and in no time, with the help of a few guard members, the rest were taken care of. Both Alexander and the Captain giving them no time to retreat as Henry took advantage of the chaos of the fight to deliver resounding whacks to the few Underdogs who attempted to retreat through the door they had just come through. A moment later and it was over. “[B]What do we do now sir?[/B]“ The few remaining guard members were looking at the Captain for answers; the fear in their eyes evident. The room itself was a shambles as bodies were everywhere and the floor was slick with spilt blood. “[B]We retreat for now,[/B]” He ordered them, moving swiftly for the door leading to the last room before the exit to the building. Without question the others followed him, both Alexander and Henry only pausing long enough to lock the door behind them and drag a heavy table up against it. Both of them looked at each other for a moment, probably thinking the same thing. Wondering if they’d live to see those they cared for again. It was a thought that Alexander tried to shove out of mind. He could only hope that Alecia had kept to her promise that morning to not leave the medical center no matter what. He couldn’t let himself think about the possibility of her trying to come and see what the fuss was about. The moment was broken by the sound of a group of men smashing in the door from the outside. “[B]Oh hell!”[/B] Alexander exclaimed in exasperation upon realizing it was a group of Underdogs.[I] We were so close![/I] He frowned as Captain Alan Oref and the others rushed to greet them with a sickening clash of steel on steel. He did the same, moving to counter the first man that made a swing for him, wondering just how many there were outside. If they didn’t get out and soon, once the others broke the door down, they would be caught between the two forces. [I]Alecia…[/I] With a grim glance at Henry after nearly cutting the one man in half, Alexander’s gaze was caught by one of the men who’s movements was that of another creature altogether. He was slim and sleek and his darting eyes and moves that were all feint and rush; practically screamed assassin as if he had it tattooed on his forehead. A few moments later as the man parried a swing from a guard member’s sword, he darted forward just enough to hit his opponent with his left hand. Seconds later the guard collapsed. Mostly likely hit with a lethal poisoned barb. He turned to find a new target and his eyes locked with Alexander’s. For the longest moment the two simply stared at one another, semi oblivious to the fighting going on around them. Alexander reached into his tunic and pulled forth the short dagger he had in answer to that look. As if realizing that Alexander was the only real threat to him in that room, the man readied his sword and closed with him. “[B]Keep clear Henry,[/B]” Alexander warned as he circled cautiously, thinking back to the lessons he had gotten from his father. If he stood his ground, he’d be leaving himself open to poisoned darts or hidden stings that the man probably had hidden all over his body. And yet if he retreated too much, the man would wear him down, making him tired. Either way, he would lose. He had to take the offensive and he had to do it in a way that would be unstoppable, and he had to do it quickly. Alexander continued to circle, allowing the man to force him to dodge and retreat while he waited for the right moment to strike. He snarled inwardly as his opponent kept rushing and feinting, hunting for a moment to strike and then… the man moved forward just a tad too hard, just a tiny bit to far and Alexander seized the opening to rush him. He came at him in a two-handed dance, one he had learned from his father; something that had surprised him at the time as he hadn’t thought the old man could even move that quickly. It certainly wasn’t something he learned from guard training. But his father had served in the military, and he had loved nothing more than passing on what he had learned to his sons. It took Alexander’s opponent completely off balance as he back-pedaled furiously to get out of the way of the blur of steel, great and lesser, that were his sword and dagger. And when he finally stopped running, it was to find himself cornered. Alexander saw him make the slightest movement with his left hand as he came in with his sword in an over and under cut. He paid his sword hand no heed, barely paying attention to it as it was the other hand that he was watching. Under the cover of his attack the man made a strike for his upper arm with his gloved left hand. Alexander barely avoided it in time, something that later made him sweat when he thought about it. He executed a spin and cut that took the man’s hand off at the wrist at the end of the move. While the would be assassin stared stupidly in shock at the spurting stump, he carried his blade back along the arc to take his head off as well. Pulling back and stepping clear of the fountain of blood and the body as it fell with a sickening thud to the floor. He turned to see the others staring at him in shock, even the Captain. Alexander focused on Henry who was looking pale as if he was going to throw up. Quickly he sheathed the dagger and took two steps over, gently grasping Henry’s shoulder and turning him towards the back door of the building. Away from the gruesome sight of the fallen man he had just slain. With the Captain and the remaining guards, there were only five of them. If there were too many outside… Alexander shook his head. There was only one way to find out. “[B]Let’s go.”[/B]

[quote name='MoyakuKeramushe']I'm responsible. It was here, and I was going to make such a topic, but searched first, so I figured it couldn't hurt.[/QUOTE]The only real problem with reviving an old thread is if either the posts are no longer relevant, or if the quality is severely lacking. I don't know enough about D&D to determine relevancy, especially since I've never played it. But the quality is just fine so I don't see a problem with the revival. And you're right, it doesn't hurt to revive an older thread. Especially since it's easy for me to separate something into a new thread if the old thread is better off left in the grave. ;) Anyway, as for the topic, as I said, I've never played this game. So I don't have anything to say about it. I had friends who did when I was growing up, but I didn't find the idea interesting so I never joined in.

I like both, ones where the format is defined and ones where it's a little more free flowing. As you said Kathy, it really does depend on the type of rpg and on what the creator wishes. Personally, I think it's important to try and work together in the sense that though you have the fun part of unexpected things on account of others having different ideas, you still have a level of cohesiveness that comes from collaboration and from asking questions to get a feel of what others have in mind for their own characters. In the end, I prefer character-driven since I like putting the work or thought into understanding why a character would behave a certain way. I like to have lots of ideas in the back of my mind so that depending on how the story flows, I have more than one path to take. I really don't care for plot driven since it's too easy to make a character do something only to serve the plot. I'd rather abandon a particular plot point to stay true to the actual character. As for etiquette, it's hard to say since as you said people have different ideas. Again, personally, I prefer more collaboration. Because as I've learned from SD, bouncing ideas off of someone else and hashing out said ideas is something I really enjoy. The uncertainty of something like say the death card series was fun, but I like the depth one can get from working together on created a more detailed story. The four way control going with all the players in SD is by far one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had since I started rpging.

Just a quick note for everyone. As you know, Muse and I are writing up the deal at the RPG headquarters. Part of that deal is that Hugo Black is personally leading the group. So it's important that no one posts about him being elsewhere since that would mess things up. Thanks!

[center][img]http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/SDBanner05.png[/img][/center] Welcome to the revamped backstage for [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57789"][u]Shinigami Dance[/u][/url]. The original thread can be found here: [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57763"][u]Shinigami Dance: Playground of Deities[/u][/url] However since the original creator handed creative control over to the remaining four players over three months ago, the original thread is more of a reference and not to be taken as how the story will now progress. Most concepts and the original history have been altered and many cases completely left out. So though it might be fun to read, it is no longer accurate. [center] [b][size=4]Current Cast[/size][/b][/center] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=785505&postcount=3"][u]Alexander Ma'Shala[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Scythe01.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Nall__The_White_Dragon.jpg"][u]Nall[/u][/url] smaller form | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Lunar__White_Dragon_by_Dragonmistra.jpg"][u]Nall[/u][/url] true form [size=2]~Played by Rachmaninoff[/size] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=785531&postcount=4"][u]Lucia[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/WIP___Fantasy_Scythes_Kick_Ass_by_A.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Card-Ruby-frame.jpg"][u]Ruby[/u][/url] smaller form | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Red_Dragon_srs_bznz_colored_by_tess.jpg"][u]Ruby[/u][/url] true form [size=2]~Played by SunfallE[/size] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=786799&postcount=10"][u]Nathan[/u][/url] | [url="http://www.realmcollections.com/images/pl/_Hanwei_Kama_Right_Hand_HAN-XH1041_6027.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="https://www.themartialartsstore.com/Catalog/graphics/tiger_claw/tc-45-84wu_lg.jpg"][u]Scythe 2[/u][/url] | [url="http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/fs20/300W/i/2007/306/1/3/Adrianne_by_FreneticAmnesic.jpg"][u]Isen[/u][/url] | [url="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z158/Allamorph/RP%20pics/SD/IsenHuman.jpg"][u]Isen[/u][/url] human form | [url="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z158/Allamorph/RP%20pics/SD/KatanaSilverDragon.jpg"][u]Weapon[/u][/url] [size=2]~Played by Allamorph[/size] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=788335&postcount=18"][u]Adrian[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Oriental_Swords_Hanwei_Naginat_HAN-.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Astera01.jpg"][u]Astera[/u][/url] [size=2]~Played by indi[/size] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=809941&postcount=21"][u]Phaidra[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/PhaidraScytheStaff001.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Sarvel002.jpg"][u]Sarvel[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Sarvel001.jpg"][u]Sarvel[/u][/url] human form[size=2] ~Played by Sabrina[/size] [center] [b][size=4]NPC's[/size][/b][/center] [url="http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z158/Allamorph/RP%20pics/SD/svlenvers.jpg"][u]Victor[/u][/url] [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Gavrie01.jpg"][u]Gavrie & Karl[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Scythe03.png"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/Karl.jpg"][u]Karl[/u][/url] human form [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/PatrickTerryFiero02.jpg"][u]Patrick, Terry & Fiero[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/PatrickTerryFiero01.jpg"][u]Patrick, Terry & Fiero[/u][/url] | [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/PatrickScythe.jpg"][u]Scythe[/u][/url] [url="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Shinigami%20Dance/The_Seagull_by_rei_i.jpg"][u]Christine[/u][/url] [center][b][size=4]History[/size][/b][/center] [center][size=3][url="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=815789&postcount=65"]Excerpt drawn from A Study of the Vampire and its History, an essay.[/url] ----------------------[/size] [/center] [size=3]The exact date that the vampire emerged into being is unknown. Since the evolutionary process that resulted in their species was originally deemed freak accident, no detailed reports exist that document their rise. That they are, or were, human is certain: it was humanity's craving for eternal life combined with a small innate sense of the so-called -spiritual- realm which allowed for the species' evolution. Furthermore, though both shinigami and vampire may mask their presence to normal humans through the manipulation and control of spiritual energies, the act is not natural for the vampire and requires some small degree of effort, indicating that the vampire is fundamentally tied to the mortal realm, and not the spiritual. By contrast, the shinigami is required to expend a similar effort in order to become corporeal and interact with mortals, and thus the conclusion is drawn. Further difficulty in determining the vampire's origins arises when examining their records and lore, for though the vampire can boast one of the most extensively recorded histories known to exist on Earth-second only to the shinigami and perhaps the Hebrews-no two sets of records or journals can agree on a single common ancestor. Rather, the vampire as a species appears to have begun as multiple isolated incidents within the span of around thirty years, with sporadic repeat occurrences every few centuries, followed by a gradual but steady proliferation. Also of note is the singular failure of the shinigami in catching and preventing the vampire's evolution. Certainly the error is due in part to the encasement of the vampire's soul, which would have prevented any shinigami from sensing the human's approaching death; but even so, death is the business of the shinigami, so it follows that some sort of advance knowledge of death must have been present. Any speculation on the reason for the oversight is ultimately futile, however. With so many different instances, it is highly unlikely that any more than two or three occurred under similar circumstances. Whatever the case, the first vampires managed to escape the eye of the shinigami for long enough to ensure their continued survival, allowing their bodies to slowly adapt to their newfound attunement. Not being true creatures of the spiritual, the first vampires underwent several major physiological changes shortly after turning, as it came to be called-the most prominent being a marked increase in strength, speed, and endurance. In most cases, this change was accompanied by a period of intense physical pain, either in a single excruciating session or as a series of sporadic fits. The few who escaped this side effect were instead subjected to severe psychological torture, invariably rendering them insane madmen or in the worst cases psychotic masterminds. The journal of one such person noted briefly that several of his comrades did not survive the torture; those who suffered physically commonly died from organ failure or internal bleeding, and those who suffered mentally became brain-dead. Those who survived the transition, as stated above, became stronger and faster, with noticeably superior reflexes. Early on, these changes only manifested openly as instinct, in circumstances when the vampire might be under mild stress or other cases which require thoughtless reaction, but as the vampire aged the difference became decidedly more pronounced. Vampires as young as a decade can achieve an average running speed of twenty-five miles per hour and can sustain these speeds for nearly twenty minutes. They are also easily able in a single leap to clear horizontal distances of over thirty feet starting from an easy jog, and can generally jump over twice their height from a standing position. All vampires continue to grow stronger as they age, though the rate at which they mature gradually decreases over time, meaning that the difference in strength between vampires of twenty-five and fifty years is more pronounced than is the difference between vampires of seventy-five and one hundred years, though the age difference is the same. Other changes to the species were much less beneficial. The vampire almost immediately developed an extraordinary allergic sensitivity to sunlight, for reasons that even now remain unclear. The initial reaction was, in fact, so violent that direct exposure for even a few seconds would cause the vampire's internal body temperature to literally skyrocket, often resulting in spontaneous immolation. Even indirect exposure was extremely painful-especially, it appears, to the eye and the sinus regions, for if light were streaming into a darkened room the vampire would not be able to even look near the source without their eyes watering. Because of this side effect of the evolution, vampires naturally became nocturnal in habit, transitioning to their new lifestyle within a matter of decades. Their still-adapting physiology allowed their night vision to adapt rapidly in individual cases, and the traits were cemented and enhanced into the species by successive generations. The vision of modern vampires rivals and in some cases surpasses that of most predatory felines for distance and clarity, and they are only truly blind in the complete absence of light. Interestingly, vampires seem to suffer no ill effects from exposure to moonlight, though it is in essence merely sunlight reflected off the moon's surface. Cause for the selective photosensitivity could be certain types of direct radiation that is absorbed by the moon's surface, but very little significant testing has been done to ascertain the truth of this supposition-though it has been consistently observed that light from the full moon seems to have a pronounced euphoric, almost drug-like effect on the vampire. Human myth mentions that the vampire is also susceptible to various other items, including such disassociated objects as crosses and wooden stakes and even venturing to such absurd lengths as garlic and -holy- wafers. However, most of these myths are merely that, and only one or two hold any real truth. The wooden stake, for example, is believed to be fatal to the vampire once plunged through its heart-but the same outcome would naturally be expected if one stabbed any living creature in the same location. Likewise, legends that an arbitrary herb or other foodstuff possesses the ability to subdue a creature for no discernable reason are almost certainly derived only from pagan rituals and lore; the concept of crosses, or -holy- water or wafers, bringing the vampire harm is also pagan in root, having become inextricably entwined with Judeo-Christian beliefs during the Catholic empire in the millennia following the fall of Rome. The myth of the vampire's aversion to crosses does hold a kernel of truth. Numerous cases of vampires recoiling from or being burned by certain crucifixes have been documented and verified, but the reason does not lie with the notion of divine blessing or the power of faith since there have also been recorded instances where such objects elicited no reaction at all. Instead, the truth in the myth is held in the material which makes up the item: silver. Vampires are essentially humans who have partially crossed into the dimension inhabited by the shinigami-also dubbed the -spiritual- realm-and because this state is unnatural their core being draws heavily on the energies of that realm in order to sustain them. Silver seems to act as a ground for this draw of energy, causing it to be dispersed back into its natural environment without being absorbed by the vampire, should a vampire come into contact with it. This siphoning-away of energy is harmful to the vampire, and manifests outwardly in severe burns at the point of contact, even occasionally through articles of clothing, and prolonged exposure is thought to be fatal. Silver also seems to react violently with the vampire's blood, disintegrating and oxidizing within seconds of exposure and preventing the vampire's blood from carrying oxygen to the rest of its body while still acting as an energy ground. The reason for this reaction remains unclear; perhaps the transfer of -spiritual- energy acts as a catalyst for the chemical process, but again, no significant studies have been done concerning the matter. The last of the vampire's physiological changes were the canines, or fangs. Contrary to popular culture, a vampire's canines are not obviously lengthened, but merely sharpened to fine points that extrude a few millimeters beyond the normal plane of the teeth. The difference is almost imperceptible, and only those who know what they are looking for may see it-and sometimes the change escapes even them. The purpose of the unique canines is, naturally, the means to satisfy the mythical bloodlust. As has been mentioned before, the vampire's body draws heavily upon the energies of the -spiritual- realm for sustenance; however, the relationship is more akin to breathing than actual feeding. To continue its survival, the vampire requires another form of -spiritual- energy: one found almost exclusively in the blood of humans. A vampire may be able to go a span of some years without -feeding-, as they call it, but unless its hunger is at some point satisfied it will gradually become more sluggish, and its body will weaken to a degree. As of now, no records exist of any vampire succumbing to starvation from blood, but the possibility has not been ruled out. In the process of feeding, a vampire possesses the ability to pass its nature on to its victim, like a sort of spiritual seeding. Every vampire while feeding enters a state of moderately heightened spiritual attunement to which their victims are exposed through direct contact, and this exposure begins to prepare the human for the transition to vampire via the gradual formation of the soul sac unique to the species. The sac, which exists in the same plane as the soul, effectively compensates for its loosening connection to the body and prevents the shinigami from sensing when the connection is weakest, when death would normally occur. After the brief window of weakness the connection gradually becomes stronger again, making the separation of the soul from the body of a mature vampire a more arduous task than the separation from a vampire of merely a few decades. This change, though never immediate, can occur under one of several circumstances, all of which require a feeding to occur. First, a vampire may turn its victim after a succession of feedings, in which the victim's soul is gradually encased in the singular spiritual sac while they are still alive. Younger vampires must engage in multiple feedings to achieve a live turn, and mature vampires may only need as little as three for the same result; it is also rumored that vampires of a sufficient age may be able to turn a victim in a single feeding, but this rumor is unconfirmed. The other two methods share the common factor of the victim's physical death. In the more common case, a vampire can turn its victim by feeding just before the human's death, its own spiritual aura combined with the trauma of death amplifying the seeding effect to the point that only the single feeding is required-although in most instances of this case the human has been the subject of at least one prior feeding. In the absence of another vampire, however, an infected human will only turn if they have been fed upon sufficiently for the shock of dying to serve as sufficient impetus, and in this alternative scenario the human was typically one or two feedings away from turning anyway. Once the soul is completely encased, the fledgling vampire will experience the same torment described above, but the harsh effects are softened to a degree by the gradual turning process, and dying partially prepares the vampire to endure the ensuing pain. Because of this difference, the survival rate of turned vampires is much higher than that of the natural vampire, and it is commonly viewed with some small measure of contempt or disdain which manifests on a social level. Natural vampires, who are rarely found living in the modern era, hold higher stations in the vampiric social strata than turned vampires, almost without exception. Additionally, born vampires-humans who are the offspring of at least one vampire, and who go through their transitionary ordeals during adolescence-typically hold themselves in higher regard than turned vampires, though this social stigma has long been under dispute. One final change that accompanied the vampire-s shift to the -supernatural- spectrum was the ability to employ forces known as magic, forces which humans have the capacity to merely sense....[/size] [center][size=2][size=3]-----------[/size]-----------[/size][/center] Okay, the history is up and yes I'm stating the obvious here. =P