Onix

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The boat slowly docked in the private harbor of Kurogata Ichiro. Kuroichi stepped off the small ship, the creaking wood and slowly sloshing water the only sounds in the lonely place. It was quite possible that the only people who even knew it existed were the Krilat Zmaj. As Kuroichi stepped off the wooden planks, he felt the earth groan beneath his feet. It's voice was loud and clear, drowning out the voice of water, which receded behind him. It hummed and groaned and rumbled, deep and sturdy. [I][COLOR=Sienna]Kuroichi, do you really think you can beat everyone who opposes you?[/COLOR][/I] [I]Of course I can. I am quickly ammassing power and loyalties. How could anyone stop me?[/I] [COLOR=Sienna][I]But...He is here. The one who is consumed by darkness.[/I][/COLOR] [I]Who? Who is the one consumed?[/I] [COLOR=Sienna][I]I know not his name, and his intentions are muddled. He speaks to me, seeking you. Seeking the Krilat Zmaj. He could seek your death, or to join your side. But he prays to Gaia that you will realize the truth.[/I][/COLOR] And in a flash, Kuroichi realized who it was that the earth spoke of. It was Zoku. Zoku was here in Australia. Zoku was consumed by the darkness of the Moonstone. Zoku was seeking Kuroichi. But was it to return to his fold, or vengeance that guided the new Vampire. Kuroichi could not be sure until he met Zoku. His intentions would stay hidden until he wanted them known. Until he spoke with the Demon. Or... [I]Track him, Earth. I want to know what he seeks. I want to know whether to meet him, or kill him.[/I] [I][COLOR=Sienna]It death the only answer if he seeks you? Can this only be solved by killing?[/COLOR][/I] [I]Perhaps...but I need time to think. If you learn anything, call to me. Please.[/I] [COLOR=Sienna][I]Anything to help save peace, and life.[/I][/COLOR] [I]Life can only be preserved when I rule unlife.[/I] [I][COLOR=Sienna]Are you sure the clans are against man, and life?[/COLOR][/I] [I]I am certain.[/I] [COLOR=Sienna][I]Then I aid you. But beware...the Winds speak of one who wishes for your death. She will not rest until you lay cold.[/I][/COLOR] [I]I fear no one.[/I] [COLOR=Sienna][I]Perhaps you should.[/I][/COLOR] The earth's voice faded before Kuroichi could respond. He felt anger begin to swell inside. He did not fear anyone. No one could best him. He was the strongest in existence. And if he wasn't...then he would get stronger. Any way he could. And he would start with the Zugai.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The room was quiet, a hushed feeling of anxiety hanging in the air. Light poured down through a special filtered glass onto the ring of chairs. The men and women that sat in the ring were clad in rich robes, of pure white or pure black. They sat on opposite ends, the white staring outward serenly, the black glaring in the shadows of the room. "So, business in Australia is going well," asked one of the Blacks. "Fairly well," said a white. He radiated importance, even though he looked no different than the rest. His hair was cropped short, a rich shining chestnut brown. His calm eyes shone in the light, a sparkling blue. A single scar traced across his cheek. "Axosiel has handed over the crown." "To Belligeron?" asked the first. He was slim and gaunt, pale with long black hair cascading down his back in ebony strands. Though he was wrapped in darkness, his eyes shone red in the gloom. His long fingers drummed on the table, a skull shimmering on one digit. "Oddly, no," began a third. He was slender, but not gaunt like the man in black. His hair was also long, down to his waist, but was a shimmering gold. Like the second man, his eyes shone blue, streaked with a gold-brown. He smiled warmly, but there was a darkness behind his eyes. "He gave the 'leadership' to Zuriel." "Zuriel?" chorused around the table. Few could believe that Axosiel wouldn't pass on the helm to his trusted advisor, Belligeron. "However, beyond that, things are going as planned. Kuroichi has reached Australia, and the Gwyar are headed there. There should be little trouble, as long as we reach the Zugai first. Zuriel may not be as popular as Belligeron, but from what I understand he is a good man and will easily draw the Zugai's support." "But what of Belligeron? What if he should take offense at Zuriel's win?" asked the dark man. "My dear friend Lucifer," chuckled the important man. "Even if Belligeron were to hold a grudge against Zuriel, what would he do? Zuriel has taken the place as puppet leader of the Myrkur Aniol, so Belligeron wouldn't dare make a strike against him. As long as everyone thinks that Zuriel is the true leader of Myrkur Aniol, no problems will arise." "Clever as always, dear Michael," said the blonde man. "Stow your false praise, Gabriel," Lucifer sneered. "You saw where lying got my side, eh?" "The Fallen Angels got what they deserved," growled a large man in white. "Do not complain for your own failings, Morning Star." "I'll keep that in mind, Abdiel," Lucifer growled, with a sour look. "Are we done here?" "Aye, I'd say that we are," Michael said, nodding. "Let us adjourn for today. But remember, not a word of the plan to anyone but us." "Of course," murmured the crowd. And so, the leaders of the Myrkur Aniol left the large meeting room.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]OOC: I apologize to Blayze for stealing his moment in the sun, but I had to do it. If anyone is going to lead the Myrkur Aniol, they are at least going to be named after a real angel. And neither Zuriel, nor Axosiel, nor Belligeron are near angels. Sorry. But, you are still leader in name, if not in reality.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]...The Hold Tight, Drink Deep Soundtrack. Well, not really. Just some songs that describe the characters and key events of Hold Tight, Drink Deep. I was bored, okay? If you don't like the song assigned to your character, or have a better one in mind (as my music selection is a tad limited), you can PM me with your suggestion/complaint. Now, the songs.[/size] [U][B][CENTER]HOLD TIGHT, DRINK DEEP[/CENTER][/B][/U] [list=1] [*]Bad to the Bone by George Thurgood - Kuroichi's Theme [*]Half a Woman, Half a Shadow by Roxette - Keitha's Theme [*]The Days of Pheonix by AFI - Kare's Theme [*]Not Falling by Mudvayne - Abaddon's Theme [*]Dragon Lady by Blue Oyster Cult - Elizabeth Archer's Theme [*]The Nightriders by Eloy - Night Rider's Theme [*]Dracula by Iced Earth - Kyu's Theme [*]Crawling by Linkin Park - Zoku's Theme [*]Risen by KMFDM - Kuroichi vs. Il Signore [*]Smack My ***** Up by Prodigy - Kuroichi vs. Zoku [*]86 by Green Day - Abaddon's Departure [*]Ghost Rider by Rush - Night Rider Takes the Fang [*]My Evil Plan to Save the World by Five Iron Frenzy - The Gwyar Plot [*]Bloody Valentine by Good Charleotte - Elizabeth and Kuroichi [*]Iron Man by Black Sabbath - Zoku's Fall [*]Sympathy for the Devil - Kuroichi's Theme 2 [/list] [SIZE=1]Comments? Complaints? Remember, if you need a question answered or have a plot point to discuss, or want to plan some part of the story, just post here or PM me. I'm always here. Except when I'm at school. Or asleep. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Thanks for all your entries. It has now officially begun, over in the Adventure Square. And while sign-ups aren't closed per se, I doubt that anyone will sign up after this. So, if anyone else out there wants to sign up, feel free to do so. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][SIZE=1][U][B][CENTER]HISTORY OF VAMPIRES[/CENTER][/B][/U] Blood. Blood is life. Blood is a necessity that all are granted upon birth. Blood is a given, blood is a constant. Until you fall into Death's sweet embrace. Then, Blood is never taken for granted. We call those that have died and returned many names; Ghouls, Revenants, Zombies, the Undead. But when they seek blood, that purest source of life, we call them Vampires. Though they have permeated our culture, we see them as little more than fairy tales. The stuff of gothic romance novels, cheesy horror movies, and occasionally nightmares. But they exist, they walk, and they hunt. For eons they have walked among us, slowly stealing away our essence in the form of that rich, dark liquid. As they grew in number and power, evolved beyond the simple blood-suckers, they split apart. They formed the Clans. The Clans lived together in peace for centuries, millennia. Save the occasional squabble, things were calm among the Vampires. But when the one known as Kuroichi, the Dark Blood, rose to the world of the Vampire, he decided that things should not be this way. He started his own Clan, the first to start in a thousand years, and slowly he swept across the globe, calling to his brethren. They called him mad when he went the way of peace, so he decided to go the way of war. Thousands fell to Kuroichi's Clan. His bloodthirsty nature, demonic power, and trademark silver hair earned him his nickname...Demon of the Silver Hair. The Clans fought back, and he was pushed back to his homeland of Japan. His Clan dominated the island country, and he was pleased for a time. Unfortunately, the Japanese government finally decided to lash out against the Vampires. They started a secret project, seeking out a few hundred children born with a strange power. These children were trained in the martial arts of the world, becoming expert warriors. They were the Hunters, deigned to slay the Vampires once and for all. Kuroichi was intrigued by these warriors, and decided to test them. There was a great massacre, and many of the Hunters died at the hands of Kuroichi. However, still many lived on, to fight against the Vampires with greater fervor. Suddenly, the now-seasoned Hunters began to disappear. And at the same time, Kuroichi's Clan began to rise in power. The Hunters were becoming his Clansmen, and something had to be done before he became to great a threat. This began what would be known in the future as the War of the Blood. Soon, Kuroichi's campaign swept across Europe as he stole the mighty Gems of the Ijuuj. With the Gyshram as his allies, he struck against the great clan, quickly taking the Emerald and Ruby. Along the way, he joined and fell out with Abaddon, Angel of the Abyss, and fought a former pupil...Goryuu Zokusai. With Three Gems in his possession, Kuroichi was viewed as a horrific threat by the Gwyar. Some of the Elders, Dracula, LeStat, decided to overthrow the Great Elder himself, Cain. They would strike against the Krilat Zmaj and all who joined them. Thanks to Zoku's hatred of Kuroichi, they gained two of the gems, Zoku keeping one himself. The last gem is lost, along with Night Rider of the Ijuuj. Zoku is missing, the Gwyar are plotting, and a beautiful Vampiress is slipping into Kuroichi's good graces. Now, he heads towards Australia to find the Zugai, and form a union with them. Their hatred of the Ijuuj makes them prime allies, seeing as Kuroichi has all but destroyed the religious "Crosses." The Zugai, the "Skulls," will soon join him...unless he can be stopped by the Gwyar.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The salty wind cut through the air, an acrid sting like the crack of a whip on bare skin. It forced the eyes to narrow, nerves to scream in protest. Kuroichi, Lord of the Krilat Zmaj, the Silver Haired Demon, payed no heed to the stinging wind and bone-chilling water. He had greater troubles weighing on his mind. The small boat was a private vessel, owned by the Krilat Zmaj (or, to the public, a mister Kurogata Ichiro). Normally, Kuroichi wouldn't mind staying deep withing the warm, dry confines of the cabin. But today...there was more on his mind. He had to commune with the elements. His crimson eyes flicked to the horizon. Ugly purple clouds hovered, light streaking through them in fierce jolts. A rumble, almost innaudible to mortal men, rang clear and crisp to the Vampire Lord. A storm was brewing, not far from the small vessel. Kuroichi grinned. All the better to feel the power of life. The water pooled at his feet. He called out to it, reaching for its power. The faintest whispers caressed his ears, just loud enough to be sensed, but not enough to rise above the lashing waves. He called louder, stronger. He shouted in his mind. Demanded the waters listen to his plea. The roar of the tide answered, angry, indignant. [COLOR=RoyalBlue][I]How dare you demand of us? Try to order the sea and rain? Who are you to rule us?[/I][/COLOR] [I]I, Kuroichi of the Krilat Zmaj, ask of you, great Water, to tell me what I must do.[/I] The sea grew louder as the storm drew closer. Wind, lighting, water, all their voices clammored around him, demanding his attention. [I][COLOR=RoyalBlue]Seak peace...do not fight.[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Crush them all![/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]Listen to the Gwyar...they could wish to aid you...[/COLOR] [COLOR=SeaGreen]Talk...fight if they ignore you.[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Smite them down![/COLOR] [COLOR=SeaGreen]Do not fight without cause.[/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]Do not fight![/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Fight![/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]No![/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Kill![/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]No death![/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Destroy those too weak to join you![/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]Kill no one![/COLOR] [COLOR=SeaGreen]Kill only those you have to![/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]Kill them all![/COLOR][/I] The voices swelled and roared around him, with the storm. Winds whipped about, asking for reason. Waters rained down their pleases for peace, pacifism rising from the depths to splash at his ankles. The cries of war crackled through the air, rumbling and shrieking. It was all too much... [I]Silence all of you![/I] But the storm raged on. The harsh lightning, clamoring for death, struck down into the waters. Steam hissed around his face, whispering the voice of reason. Wind whipped it aside, the balanced thoughts swirling around his head. Lightning struck again, thunder rumbled around him. They bellowed and shrieked and cried and lashed out against those that disagreed. Water flew into his face, pelting down from the heavens, weeping its plea. And always there was wind, the voice of logic, voice of wisdom, voice of choice. Kuroichi staggered away from the bow. The winds whipped around him, catching his clothes and hair. [I][COLOR=SeaGreen]Think! Think![/COLOR][/I] Water still swirled at his feet, struck him in the face, roared around him. Weeping, crying, pleading, roaring. [COLOR=RoyalBlue][I]Please, do not fight! Please seek peace![/I][/COLOR] Thunder rumbled over head, chuckling at water's please, roaring over wind. Lightning crackled in the air, passing through Kuroichi's skin. He felt it roaring overhead, clawing at his very skin. [I][COLOR=DarkOrange]Blood...make the fools bleed and die![/COLOR][/I] "Enough!" he roared. But the storm pressed against him, drowning his screams. For every cry for silence, he recieved the winds whispering roar. For every demand to stop, water's tears splashed against his face. For every plea for rest, the lightning struck out with war. The rage built up in him. His advisors lashed against eachother, mingling and fighting like wild dogs around him. "Silence, all of you! Begone!" Lightning shrieked, wind howled, water roared, thunder bellowed, rain wept. And in the middle, Kuroichi raged against them. The elements couldn't help him, they refused to listen to him. They fought against eachother, and ignored him. They ignored him. Kuroichi felt something snap inside him. Power crackled around him, but it was not lightning, it was not wind. It was the Ruby, the Emerald, and the Amethyst. The gems flashed and shone and pulsed with his fury. Vibrant blood red, crackling neon green, and deep velvet purple slashed out in waves. They mingled and mixed with the power of the storm. But the waves grew, and quickened. And in a great flash, the storm was gone. The energy pulsed through the sky, all around Kuroichi, flashing in a pillar so great and bright it quaked the earth to its very core. He fell to his knees, the water evaporating from the power. He fell not from weakness, but from shock. The elements were silent. They had been cast out. By his power. The Emerald, the Ruby, the Amethyst, and him. They destroyed the storm. With a smile, he stood back up. The sky was calm and clear, dark and shining with a thousand flashing stars. Not a cloud to be seen, or a wind to be felt. Just a fading, crackling warmth and the harsh smell of ozone. The power was growing.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]********[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]As you can see, Kuroichi is still getting stronger. He has found a new strength to the gems...the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And while Kuroichi holds three, there are two with the Gwyar...including the strongest, the Death Diamond. Zoku has apparently fused with the Moonstone, and Night Rider has the Pearl. Who knows WHAT power can be drawn from these forces. Kuroichi is heading for Australia, as you all should be. Since that is where most of the story will take place. Have fun, hold tight, and drink deep. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]All right, just letting you know I haven't forgotten about this. It'll start as soon as kairiKIce2 posts their character, since Zoku has become integral to the story it seems. Anyone else who wants to get their characters in needs to post soon. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The apartment was silent as a tomb as Kana left the parking garage. It was in a slightly better part of town, so there weren't any druggies and prostitutes lying around. Still, it was nowhere near as nice a neighborhood as Kana's apartment was in. And her apartment would undoubtly prove small and pitiful. He quickly ducked inside. It was still raining, and he didn't wan't to get wetter than necessary. The lobby was warm, and dimly lit. There was a bit of an odeur, and a few cracks in the wall. A sign told him plainly that the elevator was out of order. [I]Guess I'm using the stair[/I], he thought, glumly. [I]Eh. I can use the cardiovascular anyway. Don't wanna get rusty.[/I] It turns out that Kiri lived on the top floor...ten floors up from the lobby. Kana was less than pleased. He'd have to ask her how she did it every day. Still grumbling, he looked for her room. Alongside the notice of his new mission, the STU had given him a copy of Kiri's apartment key. He really didn't want to know why they had a copy of the key, and didn't want to ask if they had a copy of his own apartment key. [I]A bodyguard. A bodyguard for her. I'm never gonna live this down.[/I] He fished the counter-fit key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. It creaked open, ominously. Kana would have to recommend oil. He slowly stepped in...and immediately tripped over something. His hand clutched the door knob hard, and he swung his other hand around, grabbing the nearest solid surface, managing to keep from falling. He felt the muscle near his eye twitching again, and reached around on the wall for the lightswitch. It clicked on, revealing a no-man's land. Piles of clothes were strewn about, from dirty socks to frilly pink shirts to...Kiri's unmentionables. The small sofa sitting in the center of the room was draped with clothes, almost unrecognizable. The "solid surface" Kana had grabbed was a low table, covered in more clothes. Predominantly...unmentionables. ([I]Please tell me I didn't touch anything...[/I]) He had tripped over a stack of DVDs. Leaning down, he was met with the sight of two effeminate anime men...getting close. He felt his gorge rising, and bolted for what he hoped was the bathroom. It was, but he suddenly wished it wasn't. More clothes. ([I]How many clothing items does this woman have!?[/I]) More underwear. Pink everywhere. Bottles of perfume, and lotion, and..."lube?" His head started throbbing. He was going to pass out. Staggering out of the room, he found his way to the bedroom. It was still dark, but he didn't feel any...thing in his way. Finally giving in, he collapsed on the bed, oblivion becoming his welcome friend.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Water dripped from Kana's long silver hair. His cold eyes swept the dank, smoky room. A few seedy looking men eyed him nervously, but he payed them no mind. He was well known in the area, so he had no need to worry about them being big. They were just local idiots, afraid that the STU would dive down on them. Nothing to care about, until he was told to care about it. Kana felt a rush of cold satisfatction as Covenant III regarded him. Agent 3 was powerful, that was true, but he knew that Agent 1 was his better. Kana was the top dog in STU, and all knew it. It caused a primal glee to well up inside him. Masking the emotion, he hung up his wet jacket and sat down next to Covenant III. "Rough night?" Kana asked, signaling for the barkeep. [COLOR=Black]{No,}[/COLOR] was Covenant's curt reply. Kana stared at Covenant quizzically, but shrugged off the agent's strange manner. Covenant was strange, Kiri was a woman, and the others were just as inferior. Kana had learned to except their failings, as they could never hope to be as perfect as he was. "What do ye want," the barkeep asked. Kana eyed Covenant's drink warily. "I'll just take a shot of [I]Brush Fire[/I]. And the bottle." "Not man enough fer the Fireice, eh?" the barkeep said with a dry grin. "Didn't think so." Kana felt a muscle twitch in his temple. He growled, "Gimme the Fireice." "Yer the boss," the barkeep said, shrugging. Kana and Covenant sat in silence. A3 wasn't very talkitive. Ever. The barkeep returned with a mug of Fireice, and Kana stared at it complacently. [COLOR=Black]{Two people died in a crash,}[/COLOR] Covenent said suddenly. [COLOR=Black]{Three were hospitalized.}[/COLOR] Kana sighed. "Tell me why I care, Covenant. People are dieing all the time. What's new about this one?" He began to drink the Fireice. [COLOR=Black]{Kiri is out on a mission to infiltrate racers. It was a car crash.}[/COLOR] Kana began to choke on his drink. As much as he would deny it, as much as he would always say otherwsie, he did care, if only the slightest bit, about Agent 4. Maybe it was just because she was his subordinate, and he had to look out for her as her leader. Yeah, that must be it. He couldn't actually [I]care[/I] about the surly woman. No way. "I'll look into her well-being. Thank you for the information," Kana said, coldly. [COLOR=Black]{You...worried about her?}[/COLOR] Kana detected the skepticism in Covenenant's voice. He knew that the agent was insinuating something. And he didn't like it. "Agent 3, shove it." [COLOR=Black]{Consider it shoved, sir.}[/COLOR][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]Thanks for all the positive feedback. Glad to know people enjoy it. So, without further ado, here's... [SIZE=3][CENTER]Chapter Two: The Continuing[/CENTER][/SIZE] "That's the stupidest ruddy thing I've ever heard," Xai laughed. He dropped his voice and added a growl. "[COLOR=Red]'All fear [COLOR=Orange]m[/COLOR]e! I a[COLOR=DarkRed]m[/COLOR] Ca[COLOR=Wheat]rnag[/COLOR], the B[COLOR=SandyBrown]rea[/COLOR]k[COLOR=Purple]er[/COLOR] of F[COLOR=Pink]in[/COLOR]e China!'[/COLOR]" Carnag snorted in disgust, hopping down from the mighty war-horse. His cape billowed behind him as he dropped, shining like blood in the noon sun. As he stood in front of the two warriors, he leveled them a glare, eyes like chips of granite. "[COLOR=Red]As Evil Overlord of all the Land, I order you to be silent, you effeminite little man-bitch.[/COLOR]" Xai's eye twitched and he went to grab his sword. However, he had already drawn his sword, and only managed to stab a hole in his cloak. "Well, shit," Xai swore. "I liked the cloak. It was all blue and shiny." "[COLOR=Red]Less talking, more dying,[/COLOR]" Carnage sneered. With dramatic flair, he lifted one black-gloved hand to the sky. Fires burned in his palm, and a massive ebony sword appeared, dropping into his waiting palm. He swung it down in one magnificent slash, and brought it level with Xai. "Fancy," Kain said. "Stop admiring the bad guys Special Effects and get ready to cut 'im open!" Xai drew up his blade, ready to fight. Again, the Dramatic Wind fluttered about. As the wind whiped about, Carnag noticied something. Around Xai's neck was a shimmering silver chain, from which hund a large Sapphire, glinting in the sun. Carved in the deep blue gem was an arcane symbol. His eyes widened in shock. "[COLOR=Red]Your...necklace...[/COLOR]" Carnag began. "[COLOR=Red]Where...?[/COLOR]" "What, you mean the sapphire the size of a [B][I]fucking Goose egg[/I][/B] hanging around my [B][I]neck[/I][/B]!?" Xai snapped. "I don't see how the hell you missed it during the past five minutes, unless..." He paused, giving Carnag the once-over. "You were staring at my ass, weren't you," Xai said, grinning. "[COLOR=Red]Wha...!? I...I never...I...[/COLOR]" Carnag sputtered. Red flushed to his face at the inferrence. "[COLOR=Red]I was [I]NOT[/I] staring at your ass, you impetuous fool![/COLOR]" "Fine," Xai conceded. "[COLOR=Red]I'm glad you...[/COLOR]" "My crotch, then." Carnag was struck dumb, stopping in mid-sentence to stare at Xai open-mouthed. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but he was unable to speak. "I mean, not that I should be surprised, or anything," Xai said, smiling like a madman. "I am sexy enough for both genders." Kain stiffled a laugh, and Carnag just stood there. After a few minutes, Kain edged over to Xai. "Maybe we should escape while he's stunned," Kain whispered. "I don't know about you, but I don't feel like fighting an Evil Overlord right now." "Yeah, all right. Let's head through that forest over there." And with that, the two heroes left the slain...er...stunned-by-homosexual-innuendo Overlord to...um...be stunned. Damned fools, not playing by the script.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]And so, the two Heroes bravely...erm...ran away through "Ye Olde Foreste ofe Extrae E'se." No one is quite sure how it got its name, as there are very little Es to be found in a forest. Except the legendary Tree of Letters, but that was in another Forest, "The Forest of Bizarre and Inane Plot Points." It was aptly named. Anyway, they were walking briskly through the forest, when Xai decided to start his bitching again. As he so often did. [[I]Xai: Do not![/I]] Yes you do. I'm the narrator, I make the rules. [[I]Xai: Wrinkled old he-bitch[/I]] Whiny, effeminate little he-bitch. [[I]Xai: Touche[/I]] Anyway, Xai decided to begin complaining about something, again. "I hate bloody nature with all its bloody animals and bloody monsters and bloody lack of gin and attractive women," Xai scowled. "Xai, for the last time, [I]SHUT THE HELL UP YOU WHINY LITTLE HE-BITCH![/I]" Kain barked. A tic had developed in his right eye, obviously for being in close proximity to Xai for days on end. [[I]Xai: Why must everyone call me a little he-bitch?[/I]] Because it's true. So shut up. Xai fell into a sullen silence, only occasionally ceasing his angst to comment on the lack of alcohol. They slowly walked through the peaceful, quiet forest, with nary a cute fuzzy animal to abuse. Not that I'm advocating the abuse of cute fuzzy animals. 'S just the kind of thing those two bastards would do. As they passed the fifteenth cranberry shrub, they discovered a sign jammed in the ground. It was crudly carved from cherry wood, and was written on with wild, woolly handwriting. It was clearly labeled, "Pond of the Sea Lady". Which made no sense, as she wouldn't be a Sea Lady if she lived in a pond. But sense is a rare commodity in this world, so all discarded it. They carefully walked to the clear, glistening pond. Enclasped in the shining waters was a beautiful woman, clad in a pale white dress that drifted softly with the wind. How, something underwater was affected by the wind, we do not know. "Col blimey, mate," Kain gasped. "Bloody 'ell," Xai replied. "She's fuckin' gorgeous, eh?" "Wait...since when did we 'ave rather workin'-class accents, Xai?" Kain asked. "'S the only way the author can properly convey the Brit-ness of our speech, as he is not one," Xai explained. "I know this because he likes me, but not you. Tol' me 'e though you were gettin' fat. And yer mum's a poor shag." Kain stared at Xai for a moment, looking a combination of cross and confused. Xai grinned like an idiot. "...Yer a jackass, mate," Kain said, shrugging it off. "Right you are," Xai agreed, still grinning. "Now, about the stacked babe in the pond. Think she'll lob a scimitar at me? Then I can be emperor." "Stop referencing movies that don't even exist in this dimension and let's go. It's no business of ours." "Aw...but's she hooooooot," Xai whined. "But we don't even know how to go about waking her up." "Elecro-shock therapy always seems to work for me," Xai said, his eyes glittering. Kain glared. "So you're the cause of my singed nostril hairs!" "Stop bitching about your muzzle, ye great git, and check this out," Xai said. He pointed to a large stone lying near the pond. A strange language was carved into it. . [I][CENTER]"醒める ザ 処女... ...麿 べき 召 幽幽たる より ザ 水域... ...又 嗽 , ' 莫迦! ' "[/CENTER][/I] "Well crap. How're we gonna read that?" Xai grumbled. "Stupid arcane languages." "Wait, I think I can translate," Kain said. "I'm a little rusty, but it comes out as... [I][CENTER]"To awake the virgin... ...a power call deep from the waters... ...again gargle , ' fool! ' "[/CENTER][/I] Xai opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. "You're an ass. What the hell does that mean?" "I think to awake her, we have to call upon the power of the water and...gargle...'Fool!'" Xai stared at Kain and blinked slowly. "You want me to kill you, don't you. You're deliberately sabbotaging my chances with the sexy Pond-Chick. For this, I must destroy you." "Woud you stop with the destruction attempts?" "No." "Listen, just take a drink and gargle 'Fool!' If I'm wrong, you can hit me," Kain conceded. "With a blunt instrument of DOOM?" Xai said, eyes sparkling like a kid on Christmas Day. "Yes. A blunt instrument of DOOM." "Yay!" Xai quickly crawled to the waters edge. With a steady hand, he bent down to the serene waters and drew up a handfull of the liquid, drinking deep. Then, in a loud, moist voice, he cried out, "[B]FOOL[/B]!" The pond exploded in light, a geyser of pond-water shooting into the air. It was blinding, the drops of water raining down like a torrent of gems, or some other poetric clap-trap like that. And rising from the center of the explosion was the beautiful woman, black hair whipping around her like tendrils of shadow. Her clear, sapphire eyes shone, and a light flush filled her cheeks. "Who the hell called me a fool!?"[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]And thus, we meet the newest member of the Azure Prince family. Who is she? How will I mock conventions? Will Xai get anywhere? Why am I still talking? Find out next - -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][SIZE=1][U][B][CENTER]HISTORY OF VAMPIRES[/CENTER][/B][/U] Blood. Blood is life. Blood is a necessity that all are granted upon birth. Blood is a given, blood is a constant. Until you fall into Death's sweet embrace. Then, Blood is never taken for granted. We call those that have died and returned many names; Ghouls, Revenants, Zombies, the Undead. But when they seek blood, that purest source of life, we call them Vampires. Though they have permeated our culture, we see them as little more than fairy tales. The stuff of gothic romance novels, cheesy horror movies, and occasionally nightmares. But they exist, they walk, and they hunt. For eons they have walked among us, slowly stealing away our essence in the form of that rich, dark liquid. As they grew in number and power, evolved beyond the simple blood-suckers, they split apart. They formed the Clans. The Clans lived together in peace for centuries, millennia. Save the occasional squabble, things were calm among the Vampires. But when the one known as Kuroichi, the Dark Blood, rose to the world of the Vampire, he decided that things should not be this way. He started his own Clan, the first to start in a thousand years, and slowly he swept across the globe, calling to his brethren. They called him mad when he went the way of peace, so he decided to go the way of war. Thousands fell to Kuroichi's Clan. His bloodthirsty nature, demonic power, and trademark silver hair earned him his nickname...Demon of the Silver Hair. The Clans fought back, and he was pushed back to his homeland of Japan. His Clan dominated the island country, and he was pleased for a time. Unfortunately, the Japanese government finally decided to lash out against the Vampires. They started a secret project, seeking out a few hundred children born with a strange power. These children were trained in the martial arts of the world, becoming expert warriors. They were the Hunters, deigned to slay the Vampires once and for all. Kuroichi was intrigued by these warriors, and decided to test them. There was a great massacre, and many of the Hunters died at the hands of Kuroichi. However, still many lived on, to fight against the Vampires with greater fervor. Suddenly, the now-seasoned Hunters began to disappear. And at the same time, Kuroichi's Clan began to rise in power. The Hunters were becoming his Clansmen, and something had to be done before he became to great a threat. This began what would be known in the future as the War of the Blood. Soon, Kuroichi's campaign swept across Europe as he stole the mighty Gems of the Ijuuj. With the Gyshram as his allies, he struck against the great clan, quickly taking the Emerald and Ruby. Along the way, he joined and fell out with Abaddon, Angel of the Abyss, and fought a former pupil...Goryuu Zokusai. With Three Gems in his possession, Kuroichi was viewed as a horrific threat by the Gwyar. Some of the Elders, Dracula, LeStat, decided to overthrow the Great Elder himself, Cain. They would strike against the Krilat Zmaj and all who joined them. Thanks to Zoku's hatred of Kuroichi, they gained two of the gems, Zoku keeping one himself. The last gem is lost, along with Night Rider of the Ijuuj. Zoku is missing, the Gwyar are plotting, and a beautiful Vampiress is slipping into Kuroichi's good graces. Now, he heads towards Australia to find the Zugai, and form a union with them. Their hatred of the Ijuuj makes them prime allies, seeing as Kuroichi has all but destroyed the religious "Crosses." The Zugai, the "Skulls," will soon join him...unless he can be stopped by the Gwyar.[/SIZE][/COLOR] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]It is your job to find out who gets the crown in the War of the Blood. One Clan must win, and your warriors will decide who. The Clans are: Nyroma - The Nyroma own the lands of Eastern-Europe, governing the Vampires there with their great magical skill. Their illusions and spells are responsible for many of the myths surrounding Vampire lore. While the Nyroma aren't known for their physical prowess, they draw great fear in their knowledge and magic. Members: Knubrap - The Knubrap are the second newest Clan, existing wherever there is corruption, filth, and darkness. They are predominant in major American cities. The Knubrap are the basic Vampires, drawn together into their Clan out of necessity, rather than want. Though they have little power, their numbers are overwhelming, and they always know the terrain. Members: Zugai - Also known as the Skulls, the Zugai are violent, physically powerful, and deadly in numbers. They hate the Ijuuj above all others, seeing them as holier-than-thou scum that needs to be destroyed. The Zugai are resilient, strong, and have a never-may-die attitude that gives them an army of suicide soldiers to hurl against their foes. They are mostly found in the harsh terrain of Australia. The leaders of the Zugai have taken an interest in Kuroichi, mainly due to his mostly single-handed annihilation of the Ijuuj. Members: Maura Trepas - Bloody_Moon Ijuuj - The Ijuuj may be the most formal and strict of all the Vampire Clans. Acting as a religious order for Vampires, they fight against the reckless Anarchists of the Zugai Clan. The Ijuuj follow their leaders (called the Kerlek) with fanatical devotion comparable to human fantasists but their greatest asset is their resistance to holy objects, a usual weakness for Vampires. They exist mostly in Western Europe. They have been almost decimated by Kuroichi and the Krilat Zmaj, and all seven of the mystical gems that gave them their holy resistence have been taken. It seems as though the Ijuuj are doomed. Members: Mirichai - Militaristic and bloodthirsty, the Mirichai seek power amongst the Vampire community, their desire for one great Clan preempting Kuroichi's. They utilize advanced human weaponry, mainly guns, in their conquest for power. They make their home in the Southern US and Mexico. Members: Gyshram - Shadowy assassins, the Gyshram hire themselves out to anyone who can pay well enough. They are well known for never failing to kill a target. Their exceptional speed and agility, as well as the power to manipulate shadows, gives them an edge in this secret war. They generally hide out in the World's deserts. They are in league with Kuroichi, but no one is sure how long, or even why. Members: Keitha - demonchild781 Lana - amgoddess Labareda - A Central American Clan of Vampires that routinely dip their hands into human (and criminal) affairs. Drug trafficking, assassination (often aided by the Gyshram), political takeovers, extortion, and murder are just a few of their daily activities. With coffers full and weapons a plenty, they might be a hard force to stop. Members: Kunarma Dubrin - Pumpkin Myrkur Aniol - Though small, the Myrkur Aniol is by far one of the most dangerous of the Clans. Taking the names of Angels (Fallen or otherwise) upon their "creation?, the Myrkur use the power of name to strike fear into the hearts of others. And if that doesn't work, their inhuman power will. While one of their members, Abaddon, is disgusted by Kuroichi, the Silver-Haired Demon himself is the second-spawn of the mighty Gabriel himself. Will Kuroichi's relation bring about an alliance, or will Abaddon convince the Angels otherwise? Members: Zuriel - Blayze Krilat Zmaj - The powerful Clan lead by the Silver Haired Demon himself, Kuroichi. With the mysterious Power, a telekinetic energy, at the disposal of many a Krilat, and the use of near all Asia's Vampires, Kuroichi may be too great a force to defeat. The Krilat Zmaj have grown immensly in power due to Kuroichi's secret powers. He wields three of the Seven Gems of the Ijuuj, and it seems as though his higher-ups have other mysterious abilities. Who knows what their true power is? Members: Takeda Kana, alias Kuroichi - ULX Zoku - kairiKIce2 Gwyar - The most ancient, wise, and powerful Vampires form the hallowed clan of the Gwyar. They show that Vampires truly are immortal, many of them present at the Crucifixion. It is rumored that their numbers include Dracula himself, and they are rumored to be lead by the very first Vampire. The Gwyar are led by Cain, the first Vampire, though he may not lead for very long. Other higher-ups seem to be tired of Cain's rule, and they plot to overthrow him and take over the Clan to destroy Kuroichi entirely. Members: Kyu Hitori - Sole-Energia Jinsei - Midnytsun Humans- Gene Colville - lil kitsune boy Neutral- Sumiyaka - Methuselah If being a Vampire is not your fancy, a few Humans should be thrown into the mix. I place no restrictions on the lives of the Humans, but know that they shouldn't have any real powers, unless you PM to see if you can be one of the last surviving members of the Project. Having a few Zugai would be nice. And all from the first Part can join. I am contemplating a Chapter system. Feedback would be nice. --SIGN-UP SHEET-- Name: It should fit your region of origin. Remember that the Myrkur Aniol must have the name of an Angel. Nickname: If you have one. Age: From 20-2000. Gender: Male or Female. Species: While most will be Vampires, this is in case there's a human or two. Clan: Not necessary for human players. Appearance: Either a picture or a fairly detailed description. Weapons: Keep it basic unless you are a Mirichai or Labareda. Powers: Telekinesis, magic, Chi techniques, shadow control...keep it under control, let's say five powers/techniques each, and don't have too much power. Remember, Knubrap don't have much in the way of power, Zugai are reletively weak when it comes to energy and magic, and the Nyroma are incredible sorcerors. Personality: Bio: Not too long, but give me some info. Other: Anything else you feel necessary to include. Here's me: Name: Kuroichi (Takeda Kana) Nickname: Ginkami no Akuma or the Silver Haired Demon Age: Around 500 years old Gender: Male Species: Vampire Clan: Krilat Zmaj Appearance: I have a picture somewhere, but until I find it... Kuroichi is of average height, with a lean, muscular build, kept from years of martial arts. He has silver hair that reaches around shoulder length. His eyes are a deep gray that changes color based on his moods (or so he says). He is pale (he is a Vampire, after all), and his body is laced with scars, the most prominent a large gash across his chest. Despite this, he is quite handsome, known for seducing his female victims. He wears a simple outfit of a black t-shirt, black jeans, and a black trench-coat. Around his neck is a silver chain with a pentagon at the end. He wears a large, simple, silver ring and a more elaborate silver dragon ring. He also has a silver skull belt-buckle. Weapons: A katana that he calls Shinku no Umi (Crimson Sea), the Ruby of Blood, the Amethyst of the Night, and the Emerald of Corpses. Powers: Kuroichi has the unique power to manipulate blood, be it his or another?s. He can change it into a very strong material, with which he crafts weapons, armor, and other structures. His favorite use for it is the Blood Mist, a cloud of incredibly small blood daggers that slowly cut anyone inside the mist to ribbons. He also seems to command the Power, though instead of its usual Gold color, it is a dark red. Thanks to the three Gems he holds, he has three more powers: the Ruby gives him the ability not only to manipulate blood ( apower he already had), but to create it, as well. The Amethyst gives him mysterious powers during the night hours, but so far it seems to manifest as an energy force much like the Power. Finally, the Emerald of Corpses can animate the bodies of the dead, as long as there is enough intact to animate. Personality: Kuroichi is suave, cool, and in control no matter what the situation. He is incredibly wise, as well, a quick thinker and a devious planner. He can be very manipulative at times, leading people into thinking exactly what he wants. When not conversing with pretty women or his equals, he can be very smug and cocky. He treats those he sees as inferior as inferiors, making his opinions of them known quite well. It takes a lot to earn his respect. When in a fight, Kuroichi is condescending to his foes, trading witty banter and leading his opponent into stupid mistakes. He is sadistic, cold, calculating, and merciless. Bio: Kuroichi (born Takeda Kana) was born during the Sengoku Period of Japan in the Kai province, shortly before Portuguese sailors reached Japan. He was trained in swordsmanship and the martial arts by his father, a high-ranking Samurai in Takeda Shingen's army. However, his father was killed in one of the Battles of Kawanakajima, the Battle of 1564. Kana was only in his early 20s. Kana left his home in the Kai province, seeking fortune elsewhere. While walking out near Kawanakajima itself, he was accosted by a filthy soldier. Kana nearly defeated the man, but he lashed out with unnatural strength, and bit Kana's neck. Days later, Kana awoke late at night, and found himself a Vampire. Kana was at first disgusted by his fate, casting off his name in favor of Kuroichi, meaning Black Blood. The name carried, but the disgust rapidly faded. He began to embrace his nature, learning to control his powers. His latent Power, a red energy force that could manipulate matter with no visible cause, was awoken during a fierce battle, the Siege of Osaka. Kuroichi had seen many empires fall. At the beginning of the Meiji Era, he scorned the modernization and the destruction of the Samurai Class, aiding in a few attacks against the new government. But as the country finally settled down, Kuroichi took flight, seeking powerful warriors. It was during a stay in Croatia, just before it?s becoming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, Kuroichi met a powerful Vampire of the Nyroma Clan. The Vampire taught Kuroichi about the Vampire's existence, and their various Clans and past battles. Kuroichi did not believe that the Clans could last forever, and he and his teacher parted ways. It was during World War II, in the puppet state that Croatia had become, that Kuroichi decided to attack the Clans and form a new government. He decided that the current system had been in power far too long, and that a new system needed to replace it. He returned to Japan and rallied the Japanese Vampires to form the Krilat Zmaj (a word learned during his stays in Croatia). After his first attack on the Clans failed, Kuroichi decided to make the best of the situation, making the Krilat Zmaj the predominant Asian Clan. When the Japanese Government began the Project, he had to see what the "graduates" were capable of. He slaughtered many, turning some into Vampires, and left the others to hone their skills. Now, he is sweeping across the globe, gathering the Hunters into his Clan. Soon, he will bring an end to the Clans. And he will be around to see the final results. Other: Nothing, really. If you read through the first part ([URL=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=43821]here[/URL]) and see an NPC you want to be, feel free to sign up as them. Just PM me before-hand for the OK. And remember, I would appreciate at least ONE Zugai. And an Ijuuj or two. Have fun, hold tight, and drink deep. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Thanks for the support on re-starting it. I'm going to do that very soon, and hopefully we can get it going again. But first, another question: Would you like it switched to a Chapter System? While this may restrict freedom a little, it'd keep for some tighter play and people would probably be more dedicated. Let me know. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][U][B]Agent Sign Up:[/B][/U] [B]Real Name[/B]: Kana Yoshitomo [B]Code Name[/B]: Agent 1 [B]Gender[/B]: Male [B]Weapon of Choice[/B]: Kana is skilled with pretty much anything you put in his hands and call a weapon, and he is also proficient in hand to hand. However, he does often carry a compact, high-power handgun called the Kana-X (his own design). His even more specialized weapon is a prototype. He is always seen wearing several silver rings (see picture). These rings are, in actuality, the prototype weapons, a cyborganic compound that crafts itself into a large sword-like object (see picture). He eagerly vaulenteered for the project, to again prove his superiority. [B]Appearance[/B]: [URL=http://hyung-taekim.org/displayimage.php?album=12&pos=3.jpg]Kana[/URL] [B]Personality[/B]: Kana, being Agent 1, is naturally egotistical and arrogant. He veiws all others as inferiors - particularly Agent 4. In addition to his swolen head, he also has a tendancy to play games with other people's heads. This makes him a good investigator and interrigator, allowing him to lead people into boxes and force confessions out of them faster than sodium pentathol. Outside of his professional affairs, Kana is still generally arrogant and self-confident. He's also known for having a new girlfriend every month or so. In fact, it seems the only girl he can't charm into his bed is Agent 4, mainly because he takes pleasure in her pain. [B]Why are you here?[/B]: Kana joined the Special Tactics Unit for one reason and one reason only; to prove that he is the best. He has always been the best at everything he does, and joining the respected STU is perfect for someone seeking an ego-trip. Smart, capable, and deadly, he quickly rose the ranks, becoming the semi-leader of STU. While this is widely believed to be true, some doubt that that is his only motivation. However, he refuses to divulge more on the topic, having broken a few skulls for pushing the point.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]Long ago, in a far off land of magic and mysticism, there was a hero. He was noble, true, and gallant. Truly, he was the greatest... ... Aw, hell, who're we kidding. In truth, he was a letch, a drunkard, and a fool. His armor wasn't particularly shiny, and he was never knighted. In all truth, he was just a lazy prince who saved the world. He was...[/SIZE] [SIZE=4][B][CENTER]The Azure Prince[/CENTER][/B][/SIZE][/COLOR] [COLOR=Navy][SIZE=3][CENTER]Chapter One: [INDENT]The First Chapter[/CENTER][/INDENT][/SIZE] [SIZE=1]It was a peaceful day in the peaceful (and aptly named) town of Peaceful Valley. Peaceful Valley was so peaceful, in fact, that most people were scared to visit it. They figured that some place so peaceful had to be plotting something. Something...non-peaceful. Or something. Am I actually reading this right? [[I]Just read it. You're the narrator. Don't interfere with the fantasy[/I]] *Sigh* Right, okay. Anyway, Peaceful Valley was peaceful, as usual. No one realized that anything not peaceful could happen. But they were wrong. Dead wrong. Only, not dead. Just wrong. It was in a pub just outside Peaceful Valley (because a place as peaceful as Peaceful Valley could never have something as rowdy as a pub), called the Drunken Horse Head of Our Lord coincidentally, that the trouble began. It was a pub frequented by miners. Dwarf miners. Dwarves, as is commonly known, become very pleasant while drunk, except when insulted. Then they pick up large sharp and/or blunt implements and become infinitely less pleasant. Anyway, the many Dwarves were having a very pleasant time, drinking large amounts of alcohol and bragging about the sizes of rocks they had broken that day and comparing beard thickness. Even the women, as Dwarven women are known for hearty arm muscles and even heartier beards. Which is probably the reason that one doesn't encounter many half-Dwarves. Suddenly, as often happens is exciting action stories, the door of the pub swung open, two tall gentlemen walking in. At least, tall compared to the clientele. One was probably only of average height, his companion actually rather tall for a human. This made him extremely tall compared to Dwarves. The shorter man (or less tall, if you prefer) was lean and incredibly handsome. His steely gray eyes sparkled with a strange glee, and his soft blue hair hung down in front of his face. (Well, just his eyes, really, because otherwise he'd have extremely long hair. Which he didn't.) His face was creased by a weary smile. The sweat wiped across his brow showed that he had been working hard, and the grin obviously meant that he was happy to be close to a good brew, and maybe a good wench. He was clad in rich armor, sturdy and ornate, covering his rich blue shirt and blue pants. A long blue cape hung down his back. The silver, stylized handle of a fine-crafter blade hung at his side, a sapphire gleaming at the center. Obviously, the man liked blue. Even his shoe-laces were blue. The tall man was broader, and more muscular. His hair was a dull, rusty red, and his eyes a strange yellow. His looked around cautiously, his brow creased with worry. His hand never left the sturdy iron handle of his broadsword. He wore much sturdier armor, dark plate-mail unlike his companion's few pieces of stylized metal. He too wore a cape, but it was a simple black. A scar traced down one cheek, marring his tanned, weathered skin. The Dwarves watched in a mixture of fear, unease, and anger as the two strangers walked in. They sat down at a table that was much too small, especially for the large red head. The handsome man was still smiling jauntily, the red head scowling faintly. "So, am I a genius, or what?" asked the handsome man. "You found a pub. Bloody brilliant," the red head replied, rolling his eyes. "You know you are in awe of my greatness, Kain," said the blue haired man. "I got us to a safe haven long before [I]you[/I] would've. If it was up to you, we'd be lost in Granhamir Forest right now, being assaulted by angry gnomes." "Shut it, Xai," Kain shot back. "You're the one who had the brilliant idea to cut through Karel Canyon back in Hondel. I still wince if I see golems." "Not [I]my[/I] fault you tried to 'reason' with them," Xai growled. "Shoulda cut 'em down the instant we saw them. Which I did most of, by the way." Kain let out a barking laugh. "If by most, you mean none, then yes." "At least I wasn't pounded into the ground," Xai muttered. "What was that?" Kain snarled. "You 'eard me," Xai said. "You got pounded into the ground. I could've told you that wild golems wouldn't be pleasant speakers. But [I]noooo[/I]. You just had to be Mr. Talks-To-Wild-Monsters. Should call you [I]the Dragon Hunter[/I], they should." "Shh," Kain said suddenly. "We might get sued." "Yeah, yeah." Xai waved it off. "Bloody typical that I'd get stuck with the cowardly bodyguard." "I could say a few things about your quirks, Mr..." "Shut up!" Xai snapped. "You want to get us noticed, you great git?" he added in a harsh whisper. "Oy!" bellowed a rough voice. The two turned slowly around, Kain gulping. They met a particularly muscular Dwarf at eye-level - he was standing. The Dwarf had a ruddy face with dull brown eyes and a thick red beard. He was glaring at the two travelers, holding a large hammer loosely in one hand. "What're you two doin' 'ere?" he asked, his voice tinged with drunkenness, adding to his thick accent. Most Dwarves sounded inexplicably Scottish, even though there was no Scotland in this land. Otherwise the land would probably be called Scotland. Which it wasn't. "We were just passing through and decided to rest in this tavern before heading on," said Kain. "No trouble is wanted." "Plus, I never say no to a good drink and a good wench," Xai said, grinning. "And as you probably know, both are better after a nice, hearty day of work." The Dwarf leveled a glare with Xai, who shot back an equally harsh stare. Kain looked nervous, but the Dwarf's face suddenly split into a wide grin, and he let out a loud, drunken laugh. "I like yeh, kid," said the dwarf, clapping a meaty hand on Xai's shoulder. "I be Nok the Meaty. What's yer name." "I am Xai...the not so Meaty," said Xai. "And he's Kain the...Big and Wimpy. So, what's the best brew in this fine establishment?" "That'd be Ogre's Bane," said Nok, smiling wildly. "But I dunno if'n yeh can handle it." "I'd take that bet," Xai growled.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]As one would expect, drinking a brew so strong that it can make an Ogre tipsy generally makes one stupid. Very stupid, in fact. So unbelievably stupid, that they could say perhaps the stupidest thing in the history of stupid. [[I]Xai: It wasn't that bloody bad![/I]] That's what [I]he[/I] says. Anyway, Xai and Kain were having a good time drinking Ogre's Bane with Nok and his friends, when they started telling jokes. Most of them involved breaking people's skulls in half with ball-peane hammers, and most of the others made fun of Elves. Because no matter what fantasy world you're in, Dwarves hate Elves. Xai desperately searched for the best Elf-Bashing joke he could think of. Where he came from, there weren't many Dwarves, or Elves, so jokes usually didn't feature stupid, foppish Elves. "'K, 'K, I gotsh one," Xai said, his speech slurred by the thick drink. "Sho, God's making all the creatures in the world, right? Well, first he makes all kindsa monsters, like Ogres n' Dragons' stuff. But they're all mean and stupid, so he decides to make summat smart and less ugly. So first, he makes Elves. He spends lotsa time makin' em pretty and stuff, but finds out that they're still really dumb, and pretty much useless." All the Dwarves laughed loudly, and quite drunkenly. Some fell off their chairs. One particularly drunk Dwarf fell off his chair, rolled through a trap door, and was eaten by a gigantic rat. But then again, he was named Skug the Puny. "The God decided to make somfin stronger. So worked real hard and made things real tough, and muscular. But he used so much on their muscles, he ran out of material, so he made them all short. They became the Dwarves. Finally, he decided to make one that was real smart. So he made their brains real big, and gave 'em sorta pretty faces, and pretty good muscles. An' he called 'em humans. And so all the humans an' Dwarves n' Elves lived amidst the monsters, 'cause God forgot to get rid of 'em." The Dwarves laughed far less boisterously at the end of the story, obviously not liking how the humans were made out to be superior in any way to Dwarves. But most of them were too drunk to realize [I]why[/I] they were angry exactly. After that, Xai couldn't remember much. But obviously, the aforementioned incredibly stupid statement was made at some point. All he knew was that something went wrong and that Ogre's Bane was hazardous to your health.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]The small town of Peaceful Valley was very peaceful this, fine, peaceful morning. At least, it was, until the door of the nearby pub exploded off its hinges, a crowd of angry, drunken Dwarves wielding large sharp and/or blunt implements came charging out. Moving just a bit ahead was a tall man with blue hair and a taller man with red hair. "You're an idiot. You realize that, right?" "Just shut up and keep running!" Xai and Kain barreled through the not-so-peaceful Peaceful Valley, people ducking out of their way for fear of being trampled. The peaceful people of Peaceful Valley obviously weren't use to such rowdy things. "If the Dwarves don't first, I'm going to kill you!" Kain barked. "Aw shut it!" Xai groaned. Thinking quickly, the blue-haired man stopped and swirled on his heel, cape flapping dramatically. He whipped out his long silver sword, pointing it towards the crowd of charging Dwarves. "Kain, we stand and fight! No more running like cowards!" "Xai, you can be dead and brave, or cowardly and alive! Chose!" Kain said, grabbing Xai's arm. "I pick brave and alive," rang Xai's baritone voice. "You're a stupid, cheesy git," Kain growled. "But I'm honor-bound to save your lousy hide, so I'll do just that." The Dwarves skidded to a halt in front of the two warriors. Some of them growled, while others belched drunkenly. They began to advance slowly as dust was kicked up dramatically by a previously nonexistent wind. Xai and Kain stood side-by-side, swords at the ready. "Le's see if yeh can really eviscerate fifteen Dwarves with a single sword stroke, like yeh said yeh could," growled one Dwarf. "Or if'n they really call yeh Xai the Bringer-of-Death," sneered another. "Or if yeh've reallah gotten it with five women at once," called a female Dwarf. All of them stopped, and Xai had to shudder at the though of the full-bearded Dwarf woman. The dramatic wind started up again, whipping Xai and Kain's capes around and kicking up more dust. Down the road, a farmer contracted Tan-Lung, a disease similar to Black Lung but caused by dramatic dust storms instead of coal. "You shall not pass!" Xai bellowed. "We're no tryin' teh pass, we're trying to kill yeh," called a Dwarf in the back. "Stupid git!" "[B]You shall not pass![/B]" "I told yeh we're no trying teh pass!" "[B]YOU SHALL NOT PASS![/B]" Suddenly, the Dwarves blanched. Weapons clattered to the ground as they dropped them. As suddenly as they decided to kill Xai and Kain, they fled, tearing through the continually non-Peaceful streets of Peaceful valley. Xai and Kain stood, staring for a moment, until Xai spoke up. "See? Told you it works every time." "[COLOR=Red]Actually[/COLOR]," came a deep booming voice. "[COLOR=Red]I think that was [I]my[/I] doing.[/COLOR]" Xai and Kain turned. Sitting astride a great black warhorse was a man clad in gleaming black armor, more impressive than Kain's and more ornate than Xai's. What clothing that was visible was blood red and rich. A blood red cape flapped behind him. He slowly pulled off his demonic helmet, revealing a handsome face, marred by a single X just above the bridge of his nose. His platinum hair shone in the sun, and his red eyes glittered fiercely. "[COLOR=Red]For all fear Carnag...the Destroyer![/COLOR]"[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]And with that, I post the first Chapter of the Azure Prince. Hopefully it was interesting and, more so, funny. Humor was really what I was aiming for. And trust me, there will be more jokes, actual fighting, and more characters in the near future. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[quote name='Chabichou][COLOR=#004a6f']The controversial part is how the heck can a mutation be good? How can it give rise to a new species? Sure's it's possible, but what chance does it have of occuring. No scientists have come up with a mutation that is favourable to an organism. They zap them with radiation and even play around with the genes, yet they can only come up with flies that have legs for antenae. [/COLOR][/quote] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The reason that radiation-caused mutations are detrimental is because mutation is not naturally caused by sudden bursts of radioactive energy. Mutations are caused by the intermingling of genes of two different organisms. As they have a slightly different genetic code, the offspring is different than either parent. Just like you and your parents. You don't look and act exactly like them, now do you? Evolution happens when these genetic mixtures bring about a major physiological change. Let's use, as an example, a five-legged lizard and a lizard with feathers. The five-legged lizard cannot move as easily, and is thus killed by predators. No more five-legged lizards. Meanwhile, the feathered lizard has no adverse effects due to the feathers (maybe they even prove beneficial) and thus has little feathered lizard babies. Through the years, they grow more feathers, their mouths harden into beaks, and they become birds. I had more but...my post was deleted. And I don't feel like typing the rest right now '0_0 -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][B]You're dead already. You just don't know it yet.[/B] - Just a great Christopher Walken quote from [I]The Rundown[/I]. Plus, it seems like the kind of thing I'd say. Heh. [B]Note to self; don't eat the glowing cabbage.[/B] - A great line from OBBII, said by our own Lady Katana. It was a funny line from a funny event. Made me all giggly. That is, if I giggled. [B]It's only illegal if you get caught.[/B] - If my father only left one piece of advice with me, that is definitely it. True, though. [B]By opening your mouth, you *****-slap intelligence.[/B] - Heh. I busted this one out at a friend of mine. Just another inventive insult from the Great ULX. [B]I think gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman.[/B] - Don't we all, Governor Schwarzzenegger, don't we all. Five phrases to live your life by. And then be murdered by an angry mob. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[quote name='Methuselah][COLOR=RoyalBlue][SIZE=1]Also Unborn Lord Xion, 'cause that guy is the coolest, yo1[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Yes. Yes I am.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [quote name='Danethol][SIZE=1']Methuselah and Unborn Lord Xion are always fun[/SIZE][/quote] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Yeah, but I'd never assault your pants in search of catnip. *sly grin*[/SIZE][/COLOR] [quote name='Dark Serena][COLOR=RoyalBlue][SIZE=1]I'd love to meet the West Coast OBers[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]West Side, representin'. *uber-poseur arm cross and sneer* Whom wouldst [I]I[/I] like to meet?[/SIZE][/COLOR] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Methuselah, 'cause then we could berate eachother in person. Plus she's teh awesome-ness, and teh sexah. Danethol, because he's just plain cool. Eikou of course, because she's done so much for me. And then I can have my friends meet my ex-wife, and watch them pass-out. Which is always fun. Heh heh. Solo, mainly because of his love of Digimon, and his use of BR in his avi. That instantly makes him cool in my book. And he's just awesome. And the host of others who I've had the desire to hug, high-five, and beehotch slap since first arriving at this massive online community. OB; bringing people together, so they can be torn limb from limb...or is that just me? -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][U][B][CENTER]STORY[/CENTER][/B][/U] Fort Sang, New Orleans. October 13, 2006. All Hell is breaking loose. While it may have one of the most blood-soaked pasts in American history, nothing prepared the residents of Fort Sang for this. Rising from the very ground, came...demons (for what other word for them was there?) that proceeded to kill anything in site. In a mere 5 hours, everything came to a standstill. The city started off as a French settlement during pre-American days. When the French discovered the swamp, they "persuaded" natives (at gun-point, of course) to fill in the muck with anything available...even their own corpses. The swamp became the future city, Fort Sang, Fort Blood to the English. But to all who know its sordid history, filled with genocide, murder, suicide, and relentless sin, Fort Sang is called simply Hécatombe S'échouer, the Slaughter Ground. Huge walls were built around Fort Sang, sturdy as a rock. The wall served not only to keep Natives and the English out, but keep prisoners in. The only way out of the Fort was through the gates on all four sides. They were easily locked by Guardsmen, manning the wall. The Fort saw usage in the Revolutionary War, by the French and Americans against the British. Before the Civil war, it was a refuge for slaves, fleeing slavery. Many were hunted down and killed in the surrounding area. It served in World War I and II. For every war, it has churned out soldiers, and been modernized. The walls are concrete with tempered steel structuring, the gates controlled by switched in advanced guard towers. No one can get in or out of Fort Sang unless they are allowed out. Fort Sang has become a prison. The Demons have blocked the gates out, and are systematically killing everything in site. Everything seems powerless against them. Soldiers die as easily as children. There is only one bastion of safety left: the Mall. The remaining survivors have holed up inside the sturdy building, fighting against the endless tide of monstrosities. [U][B][CENTER]MONSTERS[/CENTER][/B][/U] *Quotes taken from the game* Slayers - "I first witnessed these creatures jumping out of the ground itself. Their heads were attached from their torsos held aloft by hideous contraptions. Their limbs have been replaced by blades of the sharpest steel. To my eyes, they appear to be a manifestation of decapitation, yet it seems improbable that anyone ever had their head cut off in Abbot. I suppose on Carnate anything is possible. I have dubbed these monstrosities Slayers." Marksmen - "Based on the battery of rifles attached to its back and the blindfold around its head, these Marksmen appear to be the reincarnation of a military firing squad. Abbot was originally a P.O.W. camp during World War II, so it seems likely they would have had executions of that sort. Indeed, there are stories of a rogue Colonel who was to be court marshaled but instead took his own life. Perhaps he is connected to these abominations." Changes to Hécatombe S'échouer Marksmen - Not only do the Marksmen of Fort Sang have rifles sticking out of their backs, it also has an advanced, automatic-rifle where its left hand should be. Noosemen - "Not only is this Nooseman dead from being hung by the neck, but he also appears to have had his skin removed. I wonder if these creatures are tied to the legendary story of the inmates who, outraged by the death of fellow workers in a Quarry mining accident, hung and skinned five C.O.s. The Nooseman are more supernatural the many of their brethren, ripping themselves straight out of the ceiling in an entirely impossible manner." Burrowers - "These Burrowers are some of the most lethal creatures I have encountered, primarily due to their ability to spring fourth from the ground itself and just as quickly, re-submerge. They're closely tied to the very soil of Carnate, a theme among monstrosities. He appears of a human body tied up in a gunny sack, constrained by leather straps, with deadly steal chained attached in various locations. I believe they represent those buried alive." Festers - "Continually emerging from the slave ship, these are the festering creatures who foil my attempts to escape this confounded rock. Rats live within their flesh, wreathing within it and then springing fourth randomly. They appear to be a reincarnation, not of the slaves, for then, they would be of darker skin tone, but instead of the slave traders. In this form, they are forced to live out again and again the fate they forced upon those hapless slaves." Burnouts - Clad in black bodysuits, large gas-masks obscuring their faces, the Burnouts are a threatening force. Looming out of the darkness, plastic eye-covers shining, they seem to have an almost mystical ability to paralyze one with fear. The Burnout's true weapon, though, is a the flame-thrower is wields, burning down all in its path. It is said that during the Civil War, a tactic of the Confederate soldiers seeking slaves in the dense jungle was to set fire to the area. These Burnouts might just be those soldiers. Flayers - Born from the corporal punishment used in the Fort during World War I, the flayers are skinless monstrosities, their muscles drooping down from their bloody bones. Held in their mutilated hands are long bullwhips, ready to strip the flesh from any others they meet. Mucklings - Born from the souls of those unfortunate enough to drown in the swamps of Fort Sang, the Mucklings are certainly a vile lot. Slime and filth drips off their bones, as most of their flesh is melted away. They are wreathed in vines and plants as well as mud. Some have tools for hands, and others are wrapped in chains, obviously brought on by the Native workers that died in the construction of the Fort. They seem to have the unnatural power to disolve and move like water. Half-Men - One of the strange methods of execution formerly used in Fort Sang was the usage of native creatures. Specifically, some prisoners were killed by venomous snakes and crocodiles. The Half-Men seem to be those killed in that way, having tails, snake-like lower halves, and fangs, among other things. Some also have parts that harken to dogs, bears, and other creatures, furthering the dark history of Fort Sang. Xs - Clad in the black mask of an executioner, and with two massive axe-blades for hands, the Xs obviously represent the beheadings carried out in Fort Sang. Making them seem to represent the Guillotine, however, is the large basket each carries on its back. Fever Spawn - Yellow in complexion, covered in sores, and clad in torn white hospital shrouds, the Fever Spawn are those that have died from the many epidemics that wracked New Orleans. Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Malaria have devastated the area in the past, and these malformed specters desire to spread their toxins once again. Often followed by clouds of biting insects, they are a fearsome sight to behold, [B][U][CENTER]KEY CHARACTERS[/CENTER][/U][/B] James Black - Technically the hero of the story, though he's very much not one. James's father, a soldier, was abusive and drunk. His mother was not much better, sniveling and weak around his father, and exerting what little power she could around James. James was a target to his father, whipping boy to his mother. He has only recently become "stable," since the imprisonment of his parents and much therapy. His foster family has provided well for him, and he has found romance with his foster sister (a little creepy, yeah). However, it seems the dark side buried in his mind has awakened once again...and it may be the only thing that can keep anyone alive. Foster Sister - James and his Foster Sister were out on a "date," as it were, at the mall when all hell broke loose. She remains pretty much the only thing keeping James's dark side in check, and maybe even his reason for fighting off the endless horde. Sergeant Hattheway - The current commander of Fort Sang, Hattheway seems to have been consumed by the darkness surrounding the town. Holed up in the central guard tower, he is eliminating anyone and anything that comes near him.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Hécatombe S'échouer is a horror/suspense/action-adventure RPG, much like it's prequel, the Suffering. The RPG will open just before Hell Breaks Loose. The main characters gather at the mall, and suddenly, everything is madness. Feel free to invent your own monsters to throw in, as long as they make sense in the environment. Remember, Military Fort in a swampy area of New Orleans. The Monsters are all based on methods of death. As far as characters go, no special abilities, no samurai, no crazy stuff. These are just normal people. Some may be soldiers, but others will be grocers, or school kids. I'll allow one or two Spirits that are trapped in Fort Sang. [U][B][CENTER]SIGN-UP[/CENTER][/B][/U] Name: New Orleans, so predominantly English and French/Cajun Age: Whatever seems reasonable for how you want to play. Scared little kid, battle-ready adult, terrified old man/woman Gender: Nationality: Just cuz' Appearance: Weapons (If any): Not everyone is going to use weapons. We need some people who are weak, and fodder-ish, just to keep things interesting. Weapons can range from pocket-knives to military-issue firearms. Whatever suits your character. Remember, you may find weapons later. Special Skills: Combat training, survival skils, etc. Personality: Biography: James Black - ULX Foster Sister - Sergeant Hattheway? - Spirit? - Name: James Black Age: 17 Gender: Male Nationality: English/German/Native American Appearance: [URL=http://losvenegas.free.fr/Manga/cowboy/vicious.gif]Here[/URL] Except, you know, without the freaky bird and the katana. Weapons (If any): James carries around a folding knife with a locking blade, providing a good weapon when needed. Special Skills: James has taken some combat training, proficient with a handgun or his fists. Personality: James is dark and pessimistic, as a result of his past. Abused physically and mentally, he was reduced to an empty shell prior to the incarceration of his parents and transfer to his foster family. Since then, he has had therapy, and currently uses his combat training as an outlet for his negative emotions. However, the greatest alleviator for his dark past has been his new family, showing his that there is a light side to humanity. James is generally ostracized, and it suits him fine. Very antisocial, he sees the masses as sheep, despises school spirit, and would sooner have his nose ripped off than be seen cheering. He only really associates with his foster family, and what little human nature he has picked up has come predominantly from them. Biography: Technically the hero of the story, though he's very much not one. James's father, a soldier, was abusive and drunk. His mother was not much better, sniveling and weak around his father, and exerting what little power she could around James. James was a target to his father, whipping boy to his mother. He has only recently become "stable," since the imprisonment of his parents and much therapy. His foster family has provided well for him, and he has found romance with his foster sister (a little creepy, yeah). However, it seems the dark side buried in his mind has awakened once again...and it may be the only thing that can keep anyone alive. (I'll expand on this later) Have fun. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Ask and ye shall recieve - [CENTER][U][B]ORIGINAL STORY[/B][/U][/CENTER] The Suffering (the original one) was about Torque, a man sent to jail for the murder of his ex-wife and two children. During his stay in the ancient prison, Abbot, monsters invaded, slaughtering everyone in sight. Torque is broken free from his cell, and he attempts to escape, killing just about everything in sight. Meanwhile, he does battle with the insane warden Hargrave, is tormented by the sadistic Dr. Killjoy (former head doctor of the assylum on Carnate, the island Abbot is on), frees a tormented spirit, and overcomes his own insanity. Based on your in-game actions, there are three endings (Good, Bad, and Neutral). (Did I forget to mention that it's a game?) [CENTER][B][U]MONSTERS[/U][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER]*Quotes taken from the game*[/CENTER] [B]Slayers[/B] - "I first witnessed these creatures jumping out of the ground itself. Their heads were attached from their torsos held aloft by hideous contraptions. Their limbs have been replaced by blades of the sharpest steel. To my eyes, they appear to be a manifestation of decapitation, yet it seems improbable that anyone ever had their head cut off in Abbot. I suppose on Carnate anything is possible. I have dubbed these monstrosities Slayers." [B]Marksmen[/B] - "Based on the battery of rifles attached to its back and the blindfold around its head, these Marksmen appear to be the reincarnation of a military firing squad. Abbot was originally a P.O.W. camp during World War II, so it seems likely they would have had executions of that sort. Indeed, there are stories of a rogue Colonel who was to be court marshaled but instead took his own life. Perhaps he is connected to these abominations." Changes to Hécatombe S'échouer Marksmen - Not only do the Marksmen of Fort Sang have rifles sticking out of their backs, it also has an advanced, automatic-rifle where its left hand should be. [B]Noosemen[/B] - "Not only is this Nooseman dead from being hung by the neck, but he also appears to have had his skin removed. I wonder if these creatures are tied to the legendary story of the inmates who, outraged by the death of fellow workers in a Quarry mining accident, hung and skinned five C.O.s. The Nooseman are more supernatural the many of their brethren, ripping themselves straight out of the ceiling in an entirely impossible manner." [B]Burrowers[/B] - "These Burrowers are some of the most lethal creatures I have encountered, primarily due to their ability to spring fourth from the ground itself and just as quickly, re-submerge. They're closely tied to the very soil of Carnate, a theme among monstrosities. He appears of a human body tied up in a gunny sack, constrained by leather straps, with deadly steal chained attached in various locations. I believe they represent those buried alive." [B]Festers[/B] - "Continually emerging from the slave ship, these are the festering creatures who foil my attempts to escape this confounded rock. Rats live within their flesh, wreathing within it and then springing fourth randomly. They appear to be a reincarnation, not of the slaves, for then, they would be of darker skin tone, but instead of the slave traders. In this form, they are forced to live out again and again the fate they forced upon those hapless slaves." [B]Burnouts[/B] - Clad in black bodysuits, large gas-masks obscuring their faces, the Burnouts are a threatening force. Looming out of the darkness, plastic eye-covers shining, they seem to have an almost mystical ability to paralyze one with fear. The Burnout's true weapon, though, is a the flame-thrower is wields, burning down all in its path. It is said that during the Civil War, a tactic of the Confederate soldiers seeking slaves in the dense jungle was to set fire to the area. These Burnouts might just be those soldiers. [B]Flayers[/B] - Born from the corporal punishment used in the Fort during World War I, the flayers are skinless monstrosities, their muscles drooping down from their bloody bones. Held in their mutilated hands are long bullwhips, ready to strip the flesh from any others they meet.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]There's a little more info on the ghosties and ghoulies of Hécatombe S'échouer, and the original story of The Suffering. Any ideas are welcome. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The latest MMORPG, DBP: Death By Plushy, while finally reaching the Females-Under-12 demographic, alienated the rest of the clientele. Shown here is the only player NOT slaughtered while trying to hug one of the monsters.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Just a little idea I'm toying with. Let me know what you think.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][U][B][CENTER]STORY[/CENTER][/B][/U] Fort Sang, New Orleans. October 13, 2006. All Hell is breaking loose. While it may have one of the most blood-soaked pasts in American history, nothing prepared the residents of Fort Sang for this. Rising from the very ground, came...demons (for what other word for them was there?) that proceeded to kill anything in site. In a mere 5 hours, everything came to a standstill. The city started off as a French settlement during pre-American days. When the French discovered the swamp, they "persuaded" natives (at gun-point, of course) to fill in the muck with anything available...even their own corpses. The swamp became the future city, Fort Sang, Fort Blood to the English. But to all who know its sordid history, filled with genocide, murder, suicide, and relentless sin, Fort Sang is called simply Hécatombe S'échouer, the Slaughter Ground. Huge walls were built around Fort Sang, sturdy as a rock. The wall served not only to keep Natives and the English out, but keep prisoners in. The only way out of the Fort was through the gates on all four sides. They were easily locked by Guardsmen, manning the wall. The Fort saw usage in the Revolutionary War, by the French and Americans against the British. Before the Civil war, it was a refuge for slaves, fleeing slavery. Many were hunted down and killed in the surrounding area. It served in World War I and II. For every war, it has churned out soldiers, and been modernized. The walls are concrete with tempered steel structuring, the gates controlled by switched in advanced guard towers. No one can get in or out of Fort Sang unless they are allowed out. Fort Sang has become a prison. The Demons have blocked the gates out, and are systematically killing everything in site. Everything seems powerless against them. Soldiers die as easily as children. There is only one bastion of safety left: the Mall. The remaining survivors have holed up inside the sturdy building, fighting against the endless tide of monstrosities. [U][B][CENTER]MONSTERS[/CENTER][/B][/U] In addition to most of the monsters seen in the original Suffering (namely, Slayers, Marksmen, Noosemen, Festers, and Infernas), Hécatombe S'échouer has its own brand of ghoulies. [B]Mucklings[/B] - Born from the souls of those unfortunate enough to drown in the swamps of Fort Sang, the Mucklings are certainly a vile lot. Slime and filth drips off their bones, as most of their flesh is melted away. They are wreathed in vines and plants as well as mud. Some have tools for hands, and others are wrapped in chains, obviously brought on by the Native workers that died in the construction of the Fort. They seem to have the unnatural power to disolve and move like water. [B]Half-Men [/B] - One of the strange methods of execution formerly used in Fort Sang was the usage of native creatures. Specifically, some prisoners were killed by venomous snakes and crocodiles. The Half-Men seem to be those killed in that way, having tails, snake-like lower halves, and fangs, among other things. Some also have parts that harken to dogs, bears, and other creatures, furthering the dark history of Fort Sang. [B]Xs[/B] - Clad in the black mask of an executioner, and with two massive axe-blades for hands, the Xs obviously represent the beheadings carried out in Fort Sang. Making them seem to represent the Guillotine, however, is the large basket each carries on its back. Any other ideas would be welcomed. [CENTER][U][B]KEY CHARACTERS[/B][/U][/CENTER] James Black - Technically the hero of the story, though he's very much not one. James's father, a soldier, was abusive and drunk. His mother was not much better, sniveling and weak around his father, and exerting what little power she could around James. James was a target to his father, whipping boy to his mother. He has only recently become "stable," since the imprisonment of his parents and much therapy. His foster family has provided well for him, and he has found romance with his foster sister (a little creepy, yeah). However, it seems the dark side buried in his mind has awakened once again...and it may be the only thing that can keep anyone alive. Foster Sister - James and his Foster Sister were out on a "date," as it were, at the mall when all hell broke loose. She remains pretty much the only thing keeping James's dark side in check, and maybe even his reason for fighting off the endless horde. Sergeant Hattheway - The current commander of Fort Sang, Hattheway seems to have been consumed by the darkness surrounding the town. Holed up in the central guard tower, he is eliminating anyone and anything that comes near him. ...I'll think of some more characters later.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Well, feedback is appreciated. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Just a space for anything to discuss about HTDD, the War of the Blood, or Vampires in general. If you have something to say about the world of the RPG, say it here. Actually, I had an idea a while back...what if the War of the Blood was broken into several parts. This would (possibly) keep the story from stagnating, allow for fresh blood, characters could die but you could still be in it...etc. HTDD seems to be shutting down right now, and I was wondering if the "arc" should end (if the Part system comes into effect) And if the Part-System sounds interesting...what's next? I think that some of the currently unrepresented Clans should be focused on. My key idea right now; HTDD Part 2: Skulls and Crosses. Kuroichi heads to Australia to speak with the Zugai, and the Clan Alliance tries to stop him from gaining the Zugai's support. As the Zugai despise the Ijuuj, Kuroichi has the advantage. Other ideas could be "Nectar of the Pirahna," dealing with the Labareda in South America. Maybe a visit to a major metropolitan area could show of the Knubrap, or there could be a mini-war between the Mirichai and Labareda in Mexico for power. Just throwing some ideas out here. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Crack. The whip cut through the air, slicing through Monochromon's back. Dark blood flew from the long gash. The hulking dinosaur was chained down and the Digimon Kaiser stood tall above it, glaring down behind his tinted glasses. "You sniveling beast!" Ken snarled. "How dare you fail? You know what I think of failure, do you not?" The Monochromon sat silent, tears of lava dripping from its eyes. "Answer me, you pathetic monster!" Crack. The monster let out a low growl, but remained silent still. "I gave you the easiest mission ever. Destroy those stupid kids. That's it. You just had to incinerate them with one blast! But could you manage that!? NO!" Crack. "Somehow, one of them managed to defeat you! You, a Champion, them, just a bunch of human whelps! Stupid interlopers who want to enter MY world! You exist to do my bidding, and my bidding was to kill them." "But...they had Digimon..." Monochromon groaned. "Yes...the Rookie and the fallen Champion, Gatomon. They should have been no match for you, you weak, stupid creature!" Crack. "There was a Champion!" the Dinosaur roared. "A Champion! One of the Digimon Digivolved!" "What!?" Ken snapped. Crack. "Tell me more! How could they Digivolve against the power of my Black Towers! HOW!?" Crack. "I don't know!" the Dinosaur roared. "I heard one of the children yell 'Armor Digivolve,' and then there was a Champion that broke the ring." "Armor...Digivolve?" "Yes, Great Digimon Kaiser." "Hmm...you have proven useful," the Kaiser said, a sadistic grin creeping up his face. "Guardromon!" One of the machine Digimon lurched in behind him. "Yes, Great Kaiser?" echoed the mechanized voice. "Take Monochromon elsewhere. See if he can be used in...Project C." "Yes, Great Kaiser." "NO!" The Dinosaur Digimon roared and snarled in protest, but the Guardromon dragged him out easily. Blood streaked the ground, dripping from the many lashes on his back. The Kaiser glared disgustedly at the gore. "Wormmon." "Yes, master?" came the sniveling reply. "Clean this mess up. Now. I'm going home." "Yes, master."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Jack leaned back in his chair, a seat in the far back of course, brooding as usual. His feet were propped up on his desk, and the small earphones were covered by his long hair. The teacher was blathering on about some bullshit that Jack probably already knew. [I]Fucking cops, taking my fucking liscense so I have to ride the fucking bus with those fucking losers...all I did was run one goddamn red light and the fat ass cop reads me the goddamn riot act! Fucking justice my ass. Then they take my liscence for 'reckless endangerment' and 'resisting arrest'. I wasn't going to be arrested, so how can I resist arrest? Jesus fucking Christ.[/I] A shudder suddenly ran down his spine. Not from the cold, but as if someone was watching him. He looked up, and half the class was staring at him, some in disbelief, some laughing. Suddenly, the face of his teacher darted in in front of his face. "Mr. Graves pay attention!" the older man yelled. Jack casually pulled out one earphone and, cool as 0 Celsius, said, "I'm sorry, you'll have to repeat that." Several people gasped in awe. Some laughed, and it sounded like one person fell out of their chair. Blood flushed into the teacher's face, and his eye twitched threateningly. "Take of the headphones, Mr. Graves. Now." "Eat me, teach," Jack said. At least two other people fell out of their chairs, and a few let out a whoop of laughter. One person yelled, "Good one, Jack!" The teacher's hand was shaking as he pointed to the door. "Office...now!" "Whatever. Probably knew whatever bullshit you were spewing anyway." The room was struck silent as Jack left the class. He traveled the familiar route to the office. He stepped inside, and the secretary stared for a moment. "Back again, Jack?" "You know it, Audrey."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Great sign-ups so far everyone. I'll start it up as soon as I get one for Toshi. Sign-Ups will be open for a while after that, not sure how long though. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Name: Ichijouji Ken...The Digimon Emperor/Kaiser Age: 15 Gender: Male Appearance: [IMG]http://settiai.fanspace.com/Kaizer.jpg[/IMG] Digimon: (appearances too please and attacks if possible) In-Training- [URL=http://ca.geocities.com/digi_josied/digidex/Minomon.html]Minomon[/URL] Rookie- [URL=http://ca.geocities.com/digi_josied/digidex/Wormmon.html]Wormmon[/URL] Champion- [URL=http://ca.geocities.com/digi_josied/digidex/Stingmon.html]Stingmon[/URL] Ultimate- [URL=http://ca.geocities.com/digi_josied/digidex/Dinobeemon.html]Dinobeemon[/URL] Mega- [URL=http://ca.geocities.com/digi_josied/digidex/GrandKuwagamon.html]Grand Kuwagamon[/URL] Digivice colour: Black Crest(s): N/A Personality: In a word, Sadistic. Ken is brilliant, evil, devious, cunning, cruel, clever, and other, similar adjectives. Ken is not only the most cunning man in existence, he can also flawlessly cover up with dark heart with a charming facade. With his brilliant plans, complete disregard for any life, and megalomaniacal dreams, he is determined to take over the Digital World...and probably can, too. **** Methuselah said I could be Ken and Tai, so get ready, Digidestined. I'm on both teams now. Keh heh heh. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Name: Jack Graves Age: 17 Gender: Male Appearance: see attachment Just like that, only in regular clothes. Usually, a black t-shirt, jeans, and a black leather jacket. Love Interest: Jack claims he "doesn't do love," and he probably doesn't, being antisocial and self-absorbed. But that doesn't stop him from beind bisexual, it just means he doesn't act on it. Personality: Jack is a bastard, plain and simple. He's the epitome of badass, the incarnation of surliness, and a walking cloud of negative emotions that can suck the joy out of a person on Ecstacy. Terribly antisocial, he spends all his time alone, or beating the crap out of someone who pissed him off (a very easy thing to do, by the way.) Despite his utter hatred of the entire human race, he is viewed by many of the female population as the "Unapproachable Badboy-type", which, coupled with his good looks, makes him high on the market. Too bad for the girls he doesn't care. OOC: Time for something nice and creepy to get the blood flowing...literally, perhaps? Heh heh. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]