James

[color=royalblue]I don't yell at video games...I just tend to do this: :grumble: [/color]

[color=royalblue]I agree. It's definitely true that broadband is the best way to enjoy gaming -- it offers the least lag. The two main problems are definitely cost and infrastructure. As I mentioned, Microsoft is attempting to build that infrastructure support for third party developers and publishers. Nintendo is also supporting broadband (they are supporting both broadband [i]and[/i] narrowband), but as I mentioned, they are allowing third parties to determine their own solutions when it comes to infrastructure. And as I mentioned, different companies have different requirements. Sony's plan is much the same as Microsoft's -- the only reason I think Microsoft is further ahead is the fact that their technology is all integrated into Xbox, rather than requiring the peripherals. So it depends how you look at it. GameCube will be the "easiest" to get online with...meaning that the lay user can just "plug in and play". Xbox will be both easy to get online with as well as easy to use -- since it will be totally centralized. Sony will be the most costly to get online with...and so far, it looks like Sony is option for both a centralized network and a third party-based system. So if they follow that approach in the west, I think it will be a little confusing for consumers.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jabroni3:16 [/i] [B]::cough:: go back and look at my posts and you'll notice they are the same, i have not changed at all... and i knew you were going to say i did... 'tis all i will say to you for now on, due to the fact that if i say more what i say will be called ill-thought up or what have you... i've learned my lesson in the past discussing with you, i don't need to do it again. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Don't be so silly. ;) I recall you unfairly bashing Zelda for being celshaded and then claiming that the Xbox controller was the best controller on earth and if anyone else disagreed, they were flat-out wrong. I'm just trying to let everyone have their say, it's not really fair to call someone's opinion wrong if it's an opinion. In any case, there is no need to be silly about it...if you have something well-thought-out to say, then both myself and everyone else is willing to hear it. I'm not going to jump down your throat for your opinions -- but like any other reasonable person, I'm going to reserve the right to comment and make discussion. I don't see anything wrong with that, afterall, that's what a message board is about. I think that if you post with an open attitude, as far as letting others make free comment...then there is no problem. I certainly don't bear any silly grudges toward people just because they disagree with me. And I certainly don't refuse to talk to people just because they've disagreed with me in the past. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ahh Shyguy...what are you, a Republican? Getting a little old and wrinkly? Heh, some kids have periods at the age of 12 or younger. So I don't think it's like they are promoting abortion or something...I mean, c'mon...how much more tightassed are we going to get when it comes to media/television. Anyway...I like Nick for two reasons: Ren & Stimpy and Invader Zim. ;) I think I need coffee.[/color]

[quote][b]Last time i displayed the pro X-Box opinion here i was insulted by... someone who will remane nameless, i hope it won't happen again so far he hasn't responded to this topic good sign. [/quote][/b] [color=royalblue]You weren't insulted, you were just engaged in a reasonable debate. :) I actually contested what you said simply because you were trying to pass off an opinion as a fact. And as we know, an opinion is always subjective. Anyway, your most recent post demonstrates that you are a little more sensible now. And other posts of yours that I have seen seem to indicate the same thing...so that's a good sign. ;) As far as Xbox Live is concerned, it's very tough to predict how this will bode for Microsoft. In the short term, there is both a lack of demand as well as a lack of profitability. Microsoft will lose billions with the implementation of both Xbox and Xbox Live. And during the life of Xbox itself, Microsoft will not be profitable in this venture. Having said that, I think many people miss the fact that Xbox Live is not a service designed for the short term. The reason it has taken so long (and has several internal hiccups), is that Microsoft are preparing for the long haul. Xbox isn't even Microsoft's focus right now. The Xbox 2 (or "HomeStation") is really the product that Microsoft is waiting for. Xbox could be considered a platform for the HomeStation to bounce off -- giving it both the market penetration and available infrastructure to succeed. Think about it -- in four/five year's time, Xbox Live will be significantly established. If it manages to become well established worldwide, Microsoft can introduce a new computer entertainment system with all of the infrastructure already in place. And thus, this would make the introduction of a new hardware platform much easier. Nintendo and Sony are both somewhat traditional, in the sense that they are taking a more conservative stance. Sony definitely lacks Microsoft's technological advantage, in the sense that if you want to get online with a PS2, you need both the HDD AND the BB Adapter. Whereas with Xbox, both are included with the base console. Having said that, the PS2 has been so successful thusfar, that it could be argued that even [i]with[/i] the extra cost of these peripherals, Sony can still get a strong online userbase. It's very hard to predict at the current time. And clearly, out of both Sony and Microsoft, Sony has the better game lineup in terms of online gaming. Sony will want to utilize its very broad franchise base to push its online focus -- Microsoft will use a combination of game franchises and online network services (including integrated community services and other online features [movies, music etc]) to push its network. And then there's Nintendo. Nintendo is behind both Sony and Microsoft in terms of building infrastructure. But by the same token, Nintendo are fundamentally aware of the inherent dangers of the online game business (afterall, Nintendo have been experimenting with networking since the late 1980's). At the moment, Nintendo's strategy is mixed. The first online game for GameCube is Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1 & 2. This game will be available worldwide within the course of 2002 -- meaning that GameCube will be the first machine out of the gates in terms of having a major online game. The difference in the approach is two fold: Nintendo are not focusing on building a centralized network infrastructure. They see it as too costly and too inefficient. Rather, Nintendo are saying to third party publishers "We'll provide the hardware if you provide the required infrastructure for your own software". Different developers have different requirements. On the one hand, a company like SEGA is happy to utilize its own network -- that way, they can completely control their online operations without interference from Nintendo. On the other hand, a lot of smaller publishers will find this method too difficult, because it will require them to build their own infrastructure (something which few small publishers can afford). So in that case, smaller publishers would be attracted to Xbox Live, because they can use an existing service without the need to build their own. The bigger publishers (and some select publishers) will be turned off by Xbox Live because it potentially removes their ability to control their own infrastructure...and it also opens up the entire network to more problems that could affect more companies, because of the centralized nature of the technology. In reality, Microsoft has the most streamlined, "easy access" solution in regard to both game developers and gamers themselves. Nintendo will probably continue to focus on an "open" online system whereby individual publishers make their own arrangements for network services, whilst Nintendo provides low cost hardware. As for Sony...I don't know how well they will do. Sony clearly want to do something similar to Microsoft, in the sense that they want a "PlayStation network" which not only provides an arena for online gaming, but also for a broad range of online entertainment. In fact, Sony has stated several times that with PlayStation 3, it wants to totally do away with physical software -- and have people actually download games and pay for them without buying them in a gaming store. It sounds weird (and would be very difficult to achieve, if online gaming doesn't take off as well as Sony hopes), but from a business standpoint, it could dramatically cut costs. All in all, each company has their own idea of how online gaming should operate. Both Microsoft and Sony are really going to be focusing on online gaming as their primary focus, whilst Nintendo has expressed a desire to make online gaming a part of its lineup...while also making its focus the pursuit of new gaming experiences that [i]don't[/i] require an online connection to play. Either way, it will be interesting to see how each approach eventuates in the future. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SSJ Gotenks ok [/i] [B] And i dont exactly aggre with that. Iv'e been smoking weed for about 3 years now and i have never got the urge to do another drug seeing how it messes up people's live's.I dont smoke cigarrettes because they smell and whats tha point of smoking tobacco and i dont drink alchol i feel that weed tends to lead to eating more food and thats it.:laugh: But thats just me :D [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Uhh, yeah...that smoking weed is [i]really[/i] good for your health. So much so, that you can't even type properly. Nooo...weed doesn't affect people [i]at all[/i]. Ahem. Actually, Marijuana is significantly more dangerous than tabacco. Not only does it cause the same physical ailments that tabacco is known to cause (everything from asthma and cancer to rotting flesh and heart attack), but over a long period of time, it actually causes significant mental instability...including paranoia, dulled senses, confusion/aggressive behavior, depression and in some cases, even skitzophrenia. So, anyone who tries to say that pot is a "harmless drug that should be legal"...well, the facts speak against that kind of comment. As for me, I don't care. If people want to smoke themselves to death...or ensure that in future, they will suffer from various mentail ailments...that's fine by me. I don't care. But yes, drug testing should occur at schools. Not so much for the idiotic (and self destructive) drug users, but moreso for those who deal drugs to young kids who would otherwise not encounter them.[/color]

[color=royalblue]This is also basically just an advertisement for a website. I need to remind everyone that we don't allow you to just post a thread about a website...you can advertise it in your signature, but that's all.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Wicca is a religion the same as anything else. I think you'd have to be incredibly ignorant to think otherwise. In any case, I don't really understand the point of this thread. When I look at the options you've provided in the poll, I think that there is a pretty high probability that this thread could get confrontational for no reason. I'm going to close this thread. It will remain here so that people can read it, however. If anyone wants to discuss the topic any further with sage, I suggest that they use our Private Messaging system (afterall, that's what it's there for).[/color]

[color=royalblue]Sage, what does that have to do with [i]anything?[/i] I think this thread has well and truly run its course. If it goes any further, it's at risk of getting way off track.[/color] EDIT: Sage, I had to highlight your text to read it. Why do we even have green as a selectable colour? lol. ;)

[color=royalblue]The thing is, in this case, the words "under god" were added to the original document. I see this as merely fixing a mistake. And it's a relatively painless move to make. On the other hand, I would not support taking "in god we trust" off the money...simply because it would be a waste of time. In my view, if there are areas that can be fixed, they should be. If the state isn't going to abide by its own laws, then what's the point?[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ahh, I was never a huge Earthbound fan (probably because I played the RPG only a few years ago -- long after its release.) Nevertheless, I can see how people would be pissed at the axeing of Earthbound 64, which was in development some years back. It looked good, too...[/color]

[color=royalblue]Sage: many of us here at OtakuBoards are not American. And I like to think that OB is a place where people learn to respect those from other nations and treat them equally. Sometimes people don't do that...but for the most part, I think people are pretty respectful here. [/color]

[color=royalblue]PD2 is still confirmed for release on GameCube, but it may move over to PS2 or Xbox if Rare decide to publish some franchises independantly of Nintendo (if Nintendo allow them, that is). Zelda is coming out early next year for GameCube. :) In future, please ensure that you put your thread in the correct forum. [/color]

[color=royalblue]Star Wars: Bounty Hunter looks interesting. LucaArts has had a pretty good track record lately -- games like Rogue Leader (developed by Factor 5) and the various flight games on PS2, have garnered relatively strong critical praise. Universal: I'm not looking forward to [i]any[/i] of Universal's games (at least, the ones that have been announced). EA: Lord of the Rings might be interesting, but I doubt it will be very good. James Bond will probably be average...so I might check it out. Infogrames: I'm not very familiar with any of these games. But once again, movie-based games often aren't particularly good. So I'll wait to reserve judgement. Titus: See above. BAM!: I don't know anything about this game... Activision: Minority Report and Blade 2 would make awesome games, but I really doubt that the developers will do these franchises justice. Activision has been a little questionable over the past year or so, in terms of the quality of its releases. THQ: Not interested. Encore: Once again, not interested. TDK: Aquaman? Hm, not interested so far. As far as sequels go, there are a few that I'm looking forward to. Hot Pursuit 2, Rayman 3, V-Rally 3 and Final Fantasy XI are probably the bigger ones. Devil May Cry 2 might be interesting, if they fix up a few of the original's problems. As with Onimusha, DMC felt like a remix of Resident Evil...the controls were vastly different and the action was much more intense, but I really didn't find DMC to be the huge game that everyone said it was. It was nice, but it wasn't outstanding. Same goes for Onimusha. I think the first Onimusha was such a cash-in on RE...it was so similar, but not as good, because it was far less scary...had a very poor storyline and characters and lacked any real sense of depth. I think Onimusha is massively overrated. I'm somewhat interested to see the new Mortal Kombat, primarily because the original series was just so awesome. It was such a shame that lately (particularly with the horrible MK4), the franchise has been dragged down so much. The original Mortal Kombat was really a revolution for fighting games in its day, not just for its graphics or violence, but for the fact that it actually included some kind of original storyline...which previous fighters hadn't really done. MK3 (and UMK3 in the arcades) was my favourite. I really hope that the new game tries something new...while retaining the atmosphere of the originals. Sports games: Pass...I dislike all of them. RPGs: FFXI is interesting -- I want it, provided I get it on PC. I really want Xenosaga as well. And RPG Maker 2 would be very nice. :) [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Krillen [/i] [B]James I have a question that has been boggiling my mind ever since I started reading your intro. Is your house Super, super, super futuristic? Or is it more like a slums appartment like in Final Fantasy 7? [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Did it [i]seem[/i] slummy to you? Would a slum house have a plasma monitor? lol o_O Piro: The races live on different continents, but, as mentioned, the Oleron and Hume have fairly close ties. Or at least, they [i]have[/i] had close ties for many generations. The Oleron outlaw advanced technology, while the Verdun outlaw magic. However, the peoples of each nation are allowed to travel freely between the two. Less people travel to Esperna and Almaran, simply due to the bigger difference in culture and technology. However, you will sometimes find Quart and Halbreed in either Verdun or Oleron -- races can certainly mix within reason.[/color] EDIT: ZeroxSama, did you read this thread at all? Sign ups were closed quite some time ago. ;)

[color=royalblue]I support drug testing. Sure, it will be an annoyance for some...but it's a bit like the increased airport security lately, in the sense that if it catches out the people who are actually causing the problem, then it's worthwhile. I mean, if I knew I had no drugs...then I would be quite happy for them to search my car. I mean, who cares? If it helps them find a few drug users (or more importantly, drug dealers), I'd be happy...[i]especially[/i] if they found dealers. I think sometimes people take the whole freedom thing a bit too far...it's the same with owning guns...sometimes you need reasonable legal restrictions so that "freedom" doesn't get ridiculous.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well technically, it [i]is[/i] unconstitutional, because you're including a religious statement in a [i]state[/i] text. So whether people like it or not, it is infact unconstitutional. The question is, do we change it for everybody, or do we leave it there so that it is only relevant to a percentage of the population? Oh and as far as language goes, whatever isn't censored can be said, pretty much. "Damn" is not really a very harsh word. You can say whatever you like for the most part -- as it will auto-censor. However, if you try to bypass the censor, that is a breach of rules. So rules need not be changed.[/color]

[i]Luca and Rasanak sat at their table, enjoying their drinks. Luca was content to just watch the incredible performances that were going on infront of them, but Rasanak looked a little fidgety.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Rasanak, what's the problem? You've been all fidgety ever since we sat down... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Eh, I dunno. This place isn't what it used to be. [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] So you dragged me here for nothing? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] Heh, nah...better to be here than at home. But still, something's missin'. [i]Luca nodded, without saying a word. He felt it, too. They'd been living their lives as normal for the last few weeks and despite the fact that they hadn't been to X-Ion in a while, it didn't seem to have the kind of impact that they'd expected. Luca leaned his face on his hands as he looked at the holographic artists weaving glittery powder through the air. Soon enough, he noticed a figure moving through the crowd at the other side of the room. The figure was bald, with a dark tattoo on his forehead. Luca didn't seem to notice that the man was walking toward them; he was almost hypnotized by the colourful powder... Luca felt something touch his shoulder. He looked up and saw the man standing next to him. To his right, Rasanak was busy watching the nearest waitress to even notice the man's presence.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Excuse me... [i]Luca and Rasanak both looked up.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] My name is Kahn. May I have a seat? [i]Luca looked at Rasanak, who nodded and waved his hand dismissively.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Sure...go right ahead. [i]The man sat down opposite the pair. For a moment, he didn't say a word. Luca wondered what this guy was all about -- his tattoo was vaguely familiar, but Luca didn't remember where he'd seen it. The man leaned across the table...[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] So, have you guys heard about the Vin Kartia Monster Hunt? [i]Luca and Rasanak both nodded. Rasanak didn't seem very interested in the man's presence; he was still eyeing the nearby waitress.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah, what about it? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] You guys in it? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] No...we're not interested. [i]Kahn grinned.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Ahh, what a shame. You two are professional monster hunters, aren't you? Surely you'd have a good chance at the grand prize... [i]Rasanak's ears pricked up...[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Yeh, we're damn good! What's it to ya? [i]Rasanak's bottle of Black Scorpion was empty. And it was the second bottle on the table.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] I happen to think you guys would have a good chance, that's all. Actually, I know Rika-Sun personally... [i]Luca and Rasanak looked at each other.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] You do? [i]Kahn nodded.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Yes. I'm not the most loyal staff member out there though...so, I managed to make a copy of the map that he keeps in his desk drawer. It's a map showing the location of the special monster... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Schpecial monster? Wha...?! [i]Kahn nodded and focused his attention on Luca (who was obviously more sober than Rasanak).[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Yes...only a certain monster will actually win the grand prize. The monster in question leaves blue blood...it's the only monster on Gaia to leave such blood. The contestant must bottle some of its blood and return here to X-Ion to claim their prize. [i]Luca waved his hand.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] No thanks. We're not interested. [i]Kahn reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, transparent plastic card. It read: [b]Rika-Sun PRESIDENT X-ION ENTERTAINMENT[/B] Luca read the card and put it in his pocket.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Why are you giving me Rika-Sun's business card? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Because, Mr. Sun would like to see you. He can get you off to a good start with this monster hunt. Clearly, you have integrity -- you didn't take my map. But at least consider a meeting with Mr. Sun... [i]Luca looked over at Rasanak, who was now asleep on the table. He wasn't sure how to proceed, but then again, he had no idea what the grand prize was. Maybe Rasanak would be interested in the monster hunt? Rasanak had a lot of pride and a strong confidence in his own skills. Luca didn't want to reject the offer just because he didn't want to do it...he thought it best to keep the card and wait until Rasanak was in a more stable state of mind.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Alright, I'll think about it. I can't promise anything though. [i]Kahn nodded and stood up.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/n-sider/images/Kahn_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Kahn:[/b] Good, good. I'm sure we'll see you at Mr. Sun's offices soon. Good evening. [i]And with that, Kahn walked away. Luca was still a little confused. They'd come to X-Ion for a good time and now they had been invited to meet with President Sun personally...[/i]

[i]Luca closed his front door behind him, which locked automatically. The thumbpad on the wall glowed a soft red, indicating that the door was locked. Luca made his way down the hallway and just as he'd suspected, he saw Rasanak standing there. Rasanak was playing with his Game Boy Hologram, which was projecting images and light all over the hallway infront of him. He saw Luca approaching and swiftly turned the little machine off. He folded it in half and slid it into his wallet, alongside his credit cards.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Hey, Luca. I was just playin' around with my GBH; it's so cool! [i]Luca smiled.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Heh, yeah...I have to get me one of those. ^_^ [i]Rasanak nodded. He walked over to the elevator doors and waved his hand infront of a pad on the wall next to them. The doors promptly opened. Rasanak and Luca stepped inside. The elevator was on the outside of the building. Luca and Rasanak could see across the vast city of Vin Kartia. It looked beautiful at night -- the sky was lit up with all kinds of strange airships and the streets below looked like the glowing veins of some kind of weird machine. Luca and Rasanak were on the 180th floor of their apartment tower, so it was going to take a couple of minutes to reach ground level. Rasanak pressed a button on the interior control pad, which was labelled [b]"Force Wall On/Off"[/b]. As Rasanak pressed it, the semi-opaque blue glass of the elevator evaporated into thin air. Rasanak and Luca were now standing on a solid titanium platform on the side of the building, which had nothing but a thin rail running around it. [/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Ugh, Rasanak...you know I hate it when you remove the force wall...-_- [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Heh, yeah...I know. ~_^ [i]The elevator silently slid down the apartment building's vast surface. The building itself was a unique mix of metal alloy and fibreglass. And it was shaped somewhat like a very tall, very thin pyramid. Luca and Rasanak were on the south elevator -- it was travelling down the southern face of the tower. And on that very same side of the building, there were at least thirty other elevators travelling up and down. The building itself was at least half a mile wide in the middle -- making it over two miles wide at the base. Despite its size, it was actually one of the smaller apartment towers in Vin Kartia. Rasanak leaned against the railing. His eyes were closed. He was enjoying the cool air, as it ran through his long hair. Luca looked a little pale -- he didn't like heights.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Hey Luca... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] What was your dream about? [i]Luca leant against the the railing and looked out over the enormous cityscape.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] I heard a voice...a woman's voice. [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] ...Oh? [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah...she was calling out to me. She was in pain... [i]Rasanak paused and took a deep breath.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Yeah, I had the very same dream... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] ?! [i]Rasanak nodded.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] I wonder why we are having the same dream... [i]Rasanak leant against the rail and looked down at the traffic below.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Man, who knows. [i]Luca nodded in agreement. Right now, he thought it best not to consider the issue further. Rasanak didn't seem to want to talk about it either. After at least fifteen minutes, the elevator began to slow down. Luca and Rasanak were now at ground level. The railing retracted into the wall of the building, leaving nothing but a bare platform. Luca and Rasanak both stepped off, onto the sidewalk. As they began to walk off, they heard the elevator say "Thank you for riding on the South Point Elevator Service, have a nice day!" in an electronic tone. Luca and Rasanak began to walk through the bustling crowd, down Main Street. They were lucky, in the sense that their building was only two blocks from X-Ion. As they walked through the crowds, Luca noticed that there were countless people, young and old, who were carring several swords and armlets under their arms, or in overflowing plastic bags. Some people were bartering on the street, trading various items with each other. And every now and then, Luca would spot a small child crying, looking around helplessly for its parents.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Blah, all these damn people...they think they know all about monster hunting... [i]Luca nodded in agreement, as a particularly elderly woman pushed past him, sword in hand.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah, some of them seem to have no idea how tough monster hunting can be. I wonder why Rika-Sun would come up with such a dangerous competition... [i]Rasanak didn't seem to care who was in his way -- Luca noticed that he was steadily clearing a path in the sea of people, often by simply bumping people out of the way. Clearly, he was frustrated by the whole situation.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Bah! These people have no idea how hard it is. You and I, we work so hard to bring in monsters and collect our reward...this is our livelihood! But these people treat it like a damn camping trip... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Yeah, you're right. [i]After much bustling through the crowd, Luca finally saw it. A gigantic holographic sign floating way above the crowd, which flashed with different colours...[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/X-Ion.jpg[/IMG] [i]The huge sign was casting light over everyone below. There were no lines at the door, but the crowd directly infront of the building was huge nonetheless. X-Ion was the largest club in Vin Kartia (and probably the largest club on Gaia). It was often full of celebrities and was packed to the roof with people. It was also a physically huge building -- it was more than 30 stories high, with several underground levels. Each level had a semi-transparent holographic floor, so that one could look down and see the many floors below. The exterior of the building was a curious mix of geometric shapes and curves. From a distance, X-Ion looked somewhat like a giant creature, sitting on its haunches defiantly, almost daring people to enter its cavernous mouth. Various parts of the building had large coloured spotlights attached, which explored the streets below. The building itself was constructed of a special kind of fibreglass. And every few minutes, the entire building would slowly change colour -- sometimes it would even become a mirror, reflecting everything around it. The club's owner was none other than the famous businessman, Rika-Sun. He owned many clubs across the city and he was known throughout Verdun as being one of the wealthiest Hume on the planet. Luca and Rasanak approached the large, curved entrance. The entrance itself had no doors -- rather, it used a large holographic force wall. Each time a person entered, the wall would ripple like water and change colour and texture. It was really an incredible place -- Luca and Rasanak had often visited in their University days. They made their way through the large force wall (which always give Luca the shivers -- it felt weird to him) and stood in the spacious lobby area on the ground floor. Beyond them, they could see what seemed like miles of tables and bars, as well as the inexplicably huge dance floor at the other end. There were acrobats wearing colourful costumes hanging from the rooftops and the waitresses in the building were wearing anti-gravity boots -- they'd take an order on one floor and float up to another floor for more orders. There were also firebreathers running around and Luca could even see holographic artists walking around the walls and ceiling. The holographic artists would cover their hands and feet with a special form of powder. As they danced, they would leave streaks of powder hanging in the air -- the powder would then glow different colours in the light and form unusual shapes. Rasanak sat down at the nearest table and beckoned for Luca to join him.[/i] [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] Ahh, I love it here! ^_^ [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Luca_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Luca:[/b] Heh, it looks just like it did last time we came... [IMG]http://www.itsmysite.com/j-otaku/images/Rasanak_Avatar.gif[/IMG] [b]Rasanak:[/b] I wonder what show they'll have on the ground floor tonight...I hope it's good! [i]Rasanak seemed to have calmed down since his complaints about the people outside. Luca was glad for that. A waitress came up to their table and asked what they wanted. Luca ordered what he usually did: a lime fizz, while Rasanak felt adventurous and ordered a "Black Scorpion". Rasanak laughed and pointed to the menu: "The Black Scorpion is the most alcoholic drink in the world! One sip and your head will explode!". Luca rolled his eyes. The last thing he needed was a drunk Rasanak...[/i]

Well, each character will have his/her own story. But my posts will relate to the "main" body of the plot. And in some cases, the paths of different characters will cross. I guess I'm talking mostly about being imaginative with your surroundings and specific objects/items. Be creative...and don't be afraid to push the plot in new directions. :)

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jamvis [/i] [B]James, until youre an american... keep outta this! [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]You say anything that rude to me again and I'll ban you pretty damn fast. I may not be American, but I can completely understand this issue. Do you really think that non-Americans can't understand the relevance and importance of what the subject is about? I think that's an insult to the intelligence of other members on these boards, including myself. I recommend that [i]you[/i] don't post in this thread again. You've made your point clear, now stay out.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Final_Flash recommends that I delete this thread entirely. I can't say I'm very pleased with the general state of Games/RPGs lately. People are creating new RPGs at a very fast rate and are not even putting any thought into them. I encourage all members to create RPGs that are thoughtful and worthwhile -- if you don't put some effort in, then there isn't much point. When joining the RPGs of others, try to be true to the original story and the intentions of the creator. I think that all Mods in this forum should crack down on new RPGs which display no effort. For now, I'm going to close this. I may delete it in future, however.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I agree that it's a small issue. But I think, at the same time, that removing it (as it is technically unconstitutional anyway)...is kind of like fixing a mistake that was made in the past. As I said, if people want to add it when they say it, that's totally fine.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Yeah, if you read my description of the races...you'll find that the Hume rely on technology. No other race does. My first post is up, anyway. So you can get a clearer idea of a few things. :)[/color] EDIT: I also want to encourage everyone to be original. Try not to follow typical RPG conventions. In this RPG, I started with a traditional dream sequence...but I kind of diverged...and the first post seemingly has no relationship with the overall "back story" that I posted in this sign up thread. In terms of describing technology, magic or weapons...I want people to try and think outside the square as much as possible. :) Also, keep an eye on my signature. As the RPG enters new chapters, I will update my sig with an image (a kind of snapshot) of the latest chapter. As you can see, my sig currently features X-Ion, the big nightclub in Vin Kartia. That is where the first chapter has begun (even though your characters may start elsewhere, my character is kind of the "central" part of the story). So as the RPG moves on, I will update my signature accordingly. :) Also...this RPG is largely about using the IMG tag. I'm trying to encourage people to use it as a way of enhancing the storytelling and expression. If any of you start a new RPG, I strongly encourage you to think creatively -- especially in relation to the IMG tag. ;)

[color=royalblue]It's all very well to say "if you don't like it, ignore it"...but I think that for everyone else, it's a case of forcing a line on everyone. I mean, it's better to have nothing there than to have something which is not representative of everyone in the community. By effectively "forcing" the line into the pledge, I think it's actually stifling free speech, technically...by stifling the free speech of others. Why should they just "sit and take it"? I don't think it should have been added in the first place, to be fair to all.[/color]