Search the Community

Are there any literate or semi-literate role players? I'm looking for a few roleplaying partners to practice with before I make anything on here, and I expect the person I roleplay with to try to reply with as much detail as possible. If anyone is interested, I'll leave a sample of my writing here to read. I write more if the other person is more active, and I'm best at writing starters. P.1 Jo, the small town's 'beauty', was wandering around after-dark, as usual. The spacious plaza was empty, which wasn't much of a surprise at this time of night. Jo loved to go out at night more than anything else, the fresh air accompanied with a peaceful silence was just something he enjoyed. The stars above were reflected on the surface of the fountain and the marble ground, creating beautiful scenery. Jo himself was playing a child's game--hopping from one slab of marble to another that had the same color. How childish, it seemed, but little games like this were things that Jo held close to his heart. Thankfully, there appeared to be no-one out and about at this time, so he was free to dress as he liked... Still, Jo liked his girlish getup. Currently he was using his platinum blonde wig, the length reached his slim waist. A shiny yet simple set of jewelry accented his pale skin. An onyx pendant hung around his neck, while he had bedazzled the hairband to match. With the light from the moon shining on them, each gem looked like a small bit of the sky itself. Jo spun around, letting his dress billow and float in an elegant manner. He knew he was wearing feminine clothing, but did he really pass as a girl? People in town seemed to think so, but what if they were all just pretending, and knew Jo was a boy? Heaving a stressed sigh, Jo sat down on the edge of the large fountain. Staring at his distorted reflection in the dark water, he wondered what it would be like if he was really a boy. Tilting his head up to the sky and closing his eyes, he let his questions slip from his mind and enjoyed the peace. P.2 The next few moments in time played out in almost slow motion for Jo. He heard a noise from the water and like any normal human being, he turned to see what it was. Now, for the poor mundane Jo, this was what some people would call a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. All of the things he heard around the town were true. These things rushed through his mind as a girl--no, a merwoman emerged from the water. Jo's eyes widened, water splashing onto him only slightly. The girl looked amazing in the light of the moon and stars, the water swirling around her as she leaped up from the fountain. It was almost like a magical girl movie, when the main character transforms. Yet this girl was undergoing no transformation, and she didn't need to either. Her hair was long and thick, messy yet still seemingly perfect. The larger patches of scales on her arms and legs shone like gold, a nice combination with her smooth tan skin. Her eyelashes were flecked with water droplets, making her bright green eyes seem to sparkle. This girl was one of another class, another kind than Jo. She was a real princess, the real deal, prettier than Jo could ever dress up as. Her voice rang out a greeting, and Jo being an odd one himself, he replied with sarcasm. "Do you jump out of fountains often?"

Greetings! So I was thinking today on how I can add some creativity to the boards to make it more enjoyable. With NaMoWriMo and the holidays fast approaching I thought, why not start a writer's workshop? There used to be these type of things on TheOtaku on a regular basis back in the day and with Aussie!James thread on Matrix themed peotry, short stories, etc I wanted to try and do it again. I don't have anything personally written yet but I thought we could inspire each other to write. So let's get this baby started! (In case you didn't notice, the theme is holidays. So it can be a spooky tale in time for Halloween or a sweet tale about Christmas or even a science fiction story about robotic leprechauns terrorizing Ireland!)

So, I haven't written anything for a long time. If I'm being honest, I've never really finished any sketches I've started work on, except for the two I have posted over on TheOtaku on my Ether world.  Part of it, I think, is due to outside distractions and my incorrigible imagination ever moving onward, but I think a larger part is that my writing style for years has been to where my first draft is generally equivalent to a work ready for the final editing/revision process.  I don't really do this because I'm trying to be perfect on the first go, although that's probably what it ends up appearing to be.  Mostly I'm just so familiar with how to write things that I end up attempting to recreate everything in my mind's eye exactly as I see it when translating to the written medium.   An ugly side effect of this process is that I end up stymied by phrases becoming disordered or places where I know what I want the idea to mean but can't find the right word.  Spots like this create locks, essentially, on my creative process, and it's very difficult to continue on with anything else without attempting to break through that lock.  I had to start training myself to toss down a similar word or idea and notate it consistently in such a way that I remembered that it wasn't exactly what I wanted just so I could keep writing things.   Recently, though, I've begun to wonder if that's any good for writing at all.  I mean, high quality and fantastic ideas are all well and good, but if they're never brought to a finished state and shared, then what good is all that talent and skill?  No one cares about stories they can't read.  I have upwards of eleven distinct universes swirling around in my headspace, and at this rate no one else is ever going to get to enjoy them.   So what I thought I'd do is I'd become one of those deafmutes take all of the storycrafting that generally goes on in my head and start putting it down from the get-go.  I'm going to translate everything, from the initial concept to the development and building to the expansion and translation.  Hopefully I'll be able to see if this overtly slower approach will actually speed up the process, and potentially allow me to finish a sketch when I start it.   I'll start off with a concept that's been simmering in my head for a few months now, and started to burgeon a couple of weeks ago on the midwatch, when I decided to take a closer look at it.  Concept first.         A man's chronic headaches worsen, sometimes accompanied by sleeping and waking dreams he doesn't understand. He seeks out his great-uncle for assistance.

Hi, here's one of my shorter poems! Hope you guys like it. C&C welcome :D   #150125   depleted, defeated reduced obsolete had life on the line but turned on your TV

Disclaimer: This short novel does not contain any form of sexual activities. This is intended for Juvenile readers.   Hello fellow Otaku users, my name's SpiritOfKorra and I'm a novelist. The past couple of years I've been writing action/adventure stories, one big one being 300 pages! Because I don't like to stick with one genre in particular, I've recently been delving into the romance side of literature.    The story that I'm about to share with you is about the love between two young boy; one of whom doesn't realize the other is a male. They will discover feelings that they never knew they had. With each chapter you will watch them grow from innocent teenagers to complex adults.    Now I will be publishing this digitally through a provider whom I will not mention, due to the fact that I'm not sure it would be appropriate to post on here without knowing what I can and cannot post on the forums/boards. It will be released sometime in February.   If you're interested in this story after reading my sample, please don't hesitate to let me know! I'm very open to criticism as long as it's honest and detailed. I'll provide a small sample of the first page. Without further ado, here it is.     (Title of the novel will remain unknown until published. )     Note: The book is still in its editing phase, which is why I'm holding its release date until February. Furthermore, it's not pasting as it should; Format wise, etc.                                                                                             Chapter 2          Michael sat on his coach watching television while eating a can of soup when he heard someone knocking on the door. His mother was out to work while he stayed at home. He took a final sip from his bowl before placing it into the sink and rinsing it out. He walked over to the door and looked out the window; It was Courtney. He opened the door and stepped outside, Courtney greeting him with a hug. Michael shuts the door behind him and locks it, placing the house key into his front pocket.        "So what are going to do today?" Michael asks.        Courtney smirks, taking him by the hand, pulling him along with her. They reach a beautiful garden full of roses and other types of flora. Courtney releases Michael and skips over to sniff the roses near the park bench. She signals for Michael to come over and smell them with her.   "Smell this one," She says. Michael looks at her and then takes a whiff, his eyes falling heavy from the intoxicating arouma the flower let off. It was absolute bliss.        "It smells good," Michael laughed.                    That's the end of the sample. I implore you to leave a comment or message me with your thoughts! Thanks! :D

Here is another one!   silent rumble   kick in the silent thunder wait for the flashes splashes - my vision  a blur and my limbs afreezing, my speech just a mumble a slur but my eyes aflame no rain will tame these kick in the thunder silent but strong and know that I'm ready to rumble.

In fresh mornings I greet you. My island home. Surrounded by a shawl of turquiose. Crowned by the most majestic of mountains. Your waves caress my feet like the touch of an old friend. Your balmy breeze fills my senses. Olive trees in the evening, with a jasmine kiss... The smell of home.

My life is just a sad story I just want to be free My first , I pray to be my last For in the future it hurts to look into the past Every angle, every turn Something around me must always burn The simple words "Don't touch me." Are enough to make me bleed I don't want to lose you But by you my heart is drew With my tears Though I have no fear If you go I will die No matter how much I fight No matter how hard I try The problem started little Then grew hard and brittle Too hard to break Too hard to be a strong fake As I pour out my heart I hope you will not take part In letting out emotions sealed And let them all be revealed For what goes on in my mind Is not for my time I pray that when I die At least one person will cry...

So I'm supposed to pick a poet to do a lot of research and stuff on, but there's a problem... I usually can't stand poetry. Maybe I'm just stupid or something, but a lot of poetry just strikes me as pretentious and angsty. Does anyone have any suggestions for poets whose poetry does not come off that way?

Hey, everyone. [b]NaNoWriMo[/b] started earlier last week and those that are participating are either furiously writing or procrastinating like usual (I am occasionally both). For those of you who don't know what [b]NaNoWriMo[/b] is, it's National Novel Writing Month. It takes place every November and you get the whole month to attempt to write a 50,000 word novel about whatever you feel like. There's also a [url="http://nanowrimo.org"]website[/url] for it. It's called a contest, but the only real prize is the satisfaction of accomplishing such a crazy goal. It can be tough and will really push a writer's limits. I was just curious if anyone else is doing it this year. I know I am and I'm surprisingly doing pretty well compared to previous years. Perhaps if there are others out there, we can discuss each other's works and maybe even give some feedback. So share your stuff!

I'm a teeny tiny bit of a writer so, I thought I'd share a little something that I just wrote that I'd love some feedback on. 5 Thoughts From 1 Where do I start when it comes to my thoughts of you... First thought: Your beautiful smile and how it lights a fire in my heart and urges me to press my lips against your own. Second thought: Your personality and how infectiously wonderful it it. It's like a warm glow of things so lovely and heart warming that I nearly never know what to do when I'm around you except be swept away. Third thought: You. Simply you. You're a goddess before my eyes that radiates an aura of magnificent sun-kissed light with a touch of the most subtle and divine red. Fourth thought: I just want one thing. To be with you. To be able to walk with you, talk with you, embrace you, kiss you, love you. Last thought: Can I be with you... Can I keep pace with your lovely stride, can I match your words with my own, can I hold you as I so dearly desire, can I kiss you with all that is me from the heart? Can I truly love you... My own thought: Yes, yes I can and will as I feel like I already have.

In October 2012, Marvel Comics began the Marvel NOW! event (to run until February 2013), where new writers and artists are launching new ongoing series (including some to re-use titles of earlier comic book series) as well as releasing new issues of still-running titles (namely [i]Avengers Assemble[/i], [i]Journey Into Mystery[/i] Vol. 1, and [i]Red She-Hulk[/i]) to focus on what's next for the Marvel Unvierse super-heroes in canon continuity since the Avengers Vs. X-Men event, including new sercret identities for classic heroes (ex: [i]The Superior Spider-Man[/i], to launch in January, will feature a new person to maintain the Spider-Man name), costume changes for those still maintaining thier repsective super-hero names (ex: Steve Rogers getting a new costume while still maintaining the Captain America identity), new major conflicts and adventures, etc. So far, the event itself involved the launch of the new ongoing series [i]Uncanny Avengers[/i] on October 10 and the release of the Marvel NOW! comic book one-shot [i]Marvel NOW! Point One [/i]on October. So what are your thoughts about so far? What of the Marvel NOW! content you look forward to checking out later on? Sound off your comments. As for me, I may pick up the first issue of [i]A+X [/i]No. 1 when it comes out as it will feature a team-up between Wolverine and Hulk, but I am definitely looking forward for the premiering of the dark-and-edgy [i]The Superior Spider-Man[/i] as I am curious to seeing the new guy behind the Spider-Man mask and what he's all about.

August 10, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Spider-Man's debut. Over the years, Marvel's most famous famous web-slinger has swung into action in comic books as well as in other forms of entertainment media. Fanboys and fangirls, as we celebrate Spidey's 50th anniversary, here is a thread where you can discuss your memories of the Spider-Man category of the Marvel Universe franchise. You can talk of things like favorite moments and battles in the Spidey comics and graphic novels, how you got into Spider-Man in the first place, the merchandise you collect (examples: statuettes, action figures), favorite moments in filmed Spdier-Man media, etc.

[FONT="Tahoma"]Now I know there is a thread like this in the Anime Central, but what about those of us who don?t really read or watch much anime? We need a thread for regular reading! I looked and didn?t see anything like that here in the Anthology so I figured I should start one. >_> Though if there is a thread and I missed it? you can just fix it right Sir Allamorph? Anyway, I?ll start with a book I?m currently reading or rather re-reading since it?s been a while. And that would be [B]Her Majesty?s Wizard[/B] by [I]Christopher Stasheff. [/I] Now borrowing from wiki since I?m lazy? >_> the story goes like this? A PhD student called Matthew "Matt" Mantrell is transported into a fantasy world. In that world, which mirrors our own (but a thousand years ago), magic still reigns supreme. Dragons, wizards, sorcerers and giants are just some of the exotic residents of this world. Most importantly, faith (in the Christ) exists in this world, and largely influences the works of men. Devout men who believe in and follow God- exactly the way the Christian doctrine dictates - will turn out successful in their actions. Matt found himself the unwitting hero who has to rescue royalty-in-distress and help her regain her rule from an evil usurper. Now what makes this book so interesting is the culture shock resulting from an individual abruptly transitioning from our modern relativistic culture into a black and white world. Even if I don?t understand all the Christian philosophy on account of not being familiar with the Roman Catholic Church? the whole concept of moving to a world where things are so clearly defined and poetry results in magic? it?s just a fun read. ^_^ Anyway, I believe that makes it someone else's turn! Tell us what you are reading! And definitely include a bit about it since I'm always looking for something new to read. :catgirl:[/FONT]

[i][font=times new roman, times, serif]As a break from the constant DJ'ing that I've gotten myself caught up in for the last two weeks... I decided to write a bit of fiction that was spawned from listening to [url="http://soundcloud.com/theglitchmob/between-two-points-feat-swan"]a tune[/url] from one of my favourite band's records. I ran with the theme of the lyrics mostly, and this is the result. Hope you guys enjoy this one.[/font][/i] [i][font=times new roman, times, serif]______________________[/font][/i] [font=times new roman, times, serif] The doctor stared at the concrete wall, tucked away from the chaotic noise and shuffling of the city. The memorial was adorned with newspaper clippings, various arrangements of fauna and pictures of a young blonde with green eyes at numerous points during her lifetime; an oil painting of the young woman decorated with a wreath around the frame of the picture as the centrepiece. One photo that caught Alistairâ??s eye was one of him and the young woman. He peeled the photo from the collage and began to study it. It was the two of them; she was kissing him on the cheek with her eyes closed while Shepard worn a smug grin. A smile formed across the assassinâ??s face as he recalled her laughter as he held the picture in his hand. Juno made her way out of the bar with the thunder crashing and the rain began to pour. As she made her way to Shepard; she noticed something that felt as if it was ripped straight out of a comic book, the rain slid away from him and the memorial. Mercer slowly made her way to the android and reached out to touch him but as she did, a warm sensation met her fingers. A dark orange ripple effect revealed an invisible barrier between him and the outside world; a solid wall to shut out all of the uncertainties and guilt that came with the events that had unfolded within the last three years.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] Halfway across town a doorman is fixing his post, sweeping at the front door when he drops his hat; as he makes his way to pick it up, a young woman beats him to it. â??[b][i]Oh thank you maâ??am.[/i][/b]â? The doorman answers, the woman smiles back at him as she makes her way into the flat complex. The woman takes her groceries in her hand to the lift, where she commands it to bring her to the 27[sup]th[/sup] floor. As she steps into the elevator she heard a trance track with deep soul roots, she quietly hummed along to the chorus as the elevator shot her up to her floor. As she walks out, she greets two of her neighbours who have heavy vases in their hands and she holds the lift doors open to let them through. â??[b][i]Hi Vickyâ?¦ Is that a new vase with your designs on it? I love it.[/i][/b]â? The young woman commented as the artist smiled in return â??[b][i]Yeahâ?¦ I call itâ?¦ Trippy.[/i][/b]â? The artist replied as she looked at her other vase carrying friend as they laughed at an inside joke. The young woman made her way to her apartment as the door unlocked itself as the roomâ??s AI greeted her, she then heard more clamouring outside her door when her roommate noticed her walking in. â??[b][i]Hey you, howâ??d your day go?[/i][/b]â? The roommate asked the blonde to which she replied with something weighing on her thoughts. â??[b][i]Ehhâ?¦ The same thing, different dayâ?¦ But today felt different.[/i][/b]..â? The blonde answered as she set the groceries on the kitchen table. Her roommate made her way toward the bags and squealed as she found that they were going to make citrus chocolate truffles for the winter holiday. â??[b][i]What do you mean â??differentâ??, bunny?[/i][/b]â? Elizabeth pressed on the young blonde as they prepared the pots for melting.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]I donâ??t knowâ?¦ It might be these new oranges from Florida.[/i][/b]â? As she peeled one and bit into it while her roommate looked at her with a blank expression, then went back to heating the pots. â??[b][i]Have you noticed thereâ??re no children or teens here? Plenty of married couples, but no kidsâ?¦ What the hell?[/i][/b]â? The blonde questioned to which Elizabeth agreed to. As the two roommates commenced with the baking, the artist and her vase carrying friend started chatting with the doorman. â??[b][i]How is she?[/i][/b]â? The doorman inquired to which the artist replied â??[b][i]Sheâ??s fine but her occipital lobe seemed to have more activity today than normal and her endorphin levels spiked.[/i][/b]â?[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]What do we do about it?[/i][/b]â? The vase carrying male then interjected to the doorman before he continued â??[b][i]Something about her shopping trip caused her memory to jumpstart itself.[/i][/b]â?[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]Could it beâ?¦?[/i][/b]â? The doorman posed the question to the three of them as they all shared a look of shock. â??[b][i]It could be nothing; we know that it couldnâ??t be the oranges. Letâ??s split and find whatever it is that caused her to thinkâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The artist commanded as the two pulled out their large calibre firearms from the vases when the three of them split away into the city looking for the source of the young womanâ??s disturbance.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]The doctor could hear muffled speech outside of his bubble; he turned to find his apprentice trying to speak to him through the barrier. In a dull flash, like an actual bubble popping, the barrier had dropped and cold rain fell onto the android and Juno made her way to him. â??[b][i]Doctor, letâ??s get out of the rainâ?¦ Youâ??ll catch pneumoniaâ?¦ If thatâ??s what happens to androids that sit in the rainâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The brunette held out her hand when the android took Mercerâ??s warm grip and she guided the two of them back to their hideout. As they arrived, Alistair took a seat in his tattered armchair that made him look like royalty; while Juno poured glasses of whiskey for the two of them, she took a seat on a piano bench next to Shepard and handed him his glass of poison. â??[b][i]Doc, I know how you must be feel---[/i][/b]â? Mercer began when the android cut her off. â??[b][i]No Juno. You donâ??t.[/i][/b]â? Alistairâ??s answer was short and bitter as he continued to nurse his drink. â??[b][i]I did my reading and she seemed like a very bright and understanding womanâ?¦ I mean she managed to temporarily rewrite your script at one pointâ?¦ Which is amazing, doc.[/i][/b]â? Juno began attempting to comfort Shepard when she felt a slight tremor at her feet. â??[b][i]Cut the bullshit, Juno. I know what youâ??re trying to do and itâ??s not going to bring her back![/i][/b]â? Alistair yelled as he got up from his chair, took the bottle of whisky and stormed into his room while some of the china fell over from the persisting tremors. In the midst of the quakes, Juno lied on the couch, thinking about what to say. â??[b][i]Neither will that bottle of whiskey, Aliâ?¦[/i][/b]â? the younger assassin murmured under her breath as the frame of their hideout began collapsing in on itself. â??[b][i]Then what will?![/i][/b]â? The brunette could sense the androidâ??s anger as various objects around their makeshift home began to catch fire spontaneously. Her body shivered in fear as she thought of more things to say.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]As the blonde placed the last of the truffles into the twentieth Tupperware case, Elizabeth was busy making her noteworthy pico de gallo and enchiladas. â??[b][i]I make this every Saturdayâ?¦ Donâ??t you want a different dish, Bunny?[/i][/b]â? The roommate inquired. â??[b][i]No, not reallyâ?¦ Thereâ??s something comforting about it, especially after a long day at Bootsâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The blonde answered airily when Elizabeth pressed on again, being the nosy roommate that she was. â??[b][i]What would that comforting thing be, Bunny?[/i][/b]â? The blonde then began walking around the living room and kitchen when she answered. â??[b][i]Itâ??s feels very tradition---[/i][/b]â? Before she could finish her thought, she and roommate noticed that their hanging mirror in the dinning room spontaneously combusted and instinctively ran underneath the mahogany table as the fire alarm sprinklers went off.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]That isnâ??t normal Bunny![/i][/b]â? Elizabeth yelled as the alarm started its loud droning throughout the complex. â??[b][i]Well of course it isnâ??t![/i][/b]â? The blonde replied as she ran to the Tupperware stack and grabbed one of the containers of truffles while she ran out of the apartment complex; her roommate following behind her as they raced down the fire escape. Meanwhile, Juno was sitting in front of her tutorâ??s door; her body quaked with the anxiety of her forthcoming death as more of their home went up in embers. She could feel the tension forming a lump in her throat as the flames roared behind her and the structure began to disintegrate, she swallowed her fear as she spoke up. â??[b][i]What ifâ?¦ What if I told you that sheâ??s still alive, doctorâ?¦?[/i][/b]â? The brunette spoke to the locked door which caused the lock to turn and the door opened. Juno crawled into the doctorâ??s bedroom where she took a seat on the foot of his bed while the door swung shut.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]Who told you this, mi amiga?[/i][/b]â? The doctor inquired as she looked timidly into her teacherâ??s red camera lens eyes. â??[b][i]I overheard the heads of The Order talking about her... Symanthaâ??s here in London, doctor.[/i][/b]â? Juno answered as she showed him stills from numerous surveillance cameras around the city. Shepard studied the stills and another emotion that had not surfaced in a worrying amount of time had shown on his face, as a tear rolled down his cheek and onto the photo. â??[b][i]Well... Hello, again; my sparrowâ?¦[/i][/b]â? He quietly greeted his blonde haired green eyed muse.â?[b][i]It seems that thereâ??s hope for us yetâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The android said out loud with a smile on his face while Juno opened the door to find that their pending death by immolation had ceased. At that moment, Juno took the androidâ??s hand and began leading him back to the bar. On the other side of town, the three angry guards stood outside their badly burned apartment complex, with the local fire department tending to the remains of the building as the remaining two former tenants started at the wreckage from a distance. â??[b][i]Wellâ?¦ Our apartmentâ??s gone, bunny.[/i][/b]â? Elizabeth reminded the two of them as they sipped on lattes from a rooftop café, she noticed that the blonde was looking out toward another smoking building and that her attention was put in a chokehold by it.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]I SAIDâ?¦. WELL. Our apartmentâ??s goneâ?¦ HELLO?![/i][/b]â? Elizabeth repeated herself and finally the blonde snapped out of her trance and looked at her roommate. â??[b][i]Iâ??m sorryâ?¦ Iâ?¦ I got lostâ?¦. There was another building on fireâ?¦ What do we do now?[/i][/b]â? The blonde posed the question. â??[b][i]Wellâ?¦ I have a party to go to, soâ?¦ Iâ??ll see you soon, bunny?[/i][/b]â? Elizabeth said as the two of them made their way to the entrance of the restaurant. â??[b][i]Ohâ?¦ Okay.[/i][/b]â? The blonde said nonchalantly when a thought crossed her mind. â??[b][i]Then Iâ??ll head over to that new Spanish tavern that just opened up, it isnâ??t too far from that building burned down, I want to see if anyoneâ??s okay.[/i][/b]â? The blonde replied as the two went their separate ways.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]Half an hour after their hideout had burned down, Alistair went back to bar duty while Juno started up with her hostess work. It was the same English drunkards who came through and some families on holiday who were just so fascinated by the styling of the tavern. The bell chimed and a stunningly beautiful blonde with green eyes made her way in. â??[b][i]Hola, welcome to The Drunken Shepard. Iâ??m Juno andâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The brunette was cut short when she realised who she was dealing with. The blonde waved back and smiled which caused many of the men in the waiting area to become mesmerised with her looks. â??[b][i]â?¦ And you look like a bar kind of girl! If youâ??ll follow me, maâ??am.[/i][/b]â? Juno continued as she made her way to the assassinâ??s bar, as the two continued in route to the alcohol tap, many of the customers continued to drink while some noticed the blonde who looked too terribly out of place. â??[b][i]Hereâ??s your seat maâ??am, the bartenderâ??s name is Ali.[/i][/b]â? Juno said as she pulled the centre seat out for the distinguished guest. The blonde cleared her throat as she situated herself while Shepard made his way to his new customer. He was taken aback for a split second when he realised who his newest client was.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]Hola, mi llamo es Alejandro y yo estaremos cuidando de ti esta nocheâ?¦ What can I start you with?[/i][/b]â? The tall, muscular Puerto Rican asked the blonde who was immediately fascinated with his strikingly good looks. â??[b][i]Umâ?¦ Hi, my nameâ??s Symantha, Alexanderâ?¦ Can I get aâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Before the young woman could finish the assassin interjected. â??[b][i]¿[/i][/b][b][i]A piña colada, para ti, mi bonita señorita?[/i][/b]â? Which got the blonde to laugh and nod in agreement as Alistair noticed her delicate truffles; she brought up the Tupperware and offered one to him, as the android took one he said. â??[b][i]Oh citrus, pretty good isnâ??t it?[/i][/b]â? Symantha smiled and laughed slightly. â??[b][i]Howâ??d you know, mister Alexander Barkeep?[/i][/b]â? the blonde questioned.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]Iâ??d know the scent of a good Florida orange anywhere... My last name is Shepard by the way.[/i][/b]â? The android answered he poured her drink as he continued. â??[b][i]Soâ?¦ What brings you to The Drunken Shepard, Sam?[/i][/b]â?[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]Well my apartment burned down and coincidentally another building was going up in flamesâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Symantha laughed nervously to herself when the realisation of talking to the owner of one of Londonâ??s newest drinking holes dawned on her as the android offered her drink. Symantha handed a £5 to her bartender which caused him to smile. â??[b][i]Itâ??s on the house for you, señoritaâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Alistair said to her as he slipped the fiver into his pocket before he continued. â??[b][i]If you were wondering if those in the apartment next door are okay, youâ??re looking at one of them.[/i][/b]â? Shepard smirked as he noticed her ruby necklace. â??[b][i]Thatâ??s a nice necklaceâ?¦ A ruby? Julyâ?¦ Right? Iâ??ve seen it somewhere beforeâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The bartender began as Laurent looked down and began to study it as well. â??[b][i]Itâ??s an amazing necklaceâ?¦ Thank youâ?¦ Iâ??ve had it for so longâ?¦ I donâ??t remember how I got itâ?¦ Tell me, mister Alexander Shepardâ?¦ Do you remember where youâ??ve seen it?[/i][/b]â?[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] A nostalgic smile formed on his face before he answered. â??[b][i]I saw it while I was visiting my grandmother in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Ricoâ?¦[/i][/b]â?[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]I guess thatâ??s not where itâ??s from because Iâ??ve never been to Puerto Ricoâ?¦[/i][/b]â? She laughed as began to take in her dose of poison, when Alistair reached over the bar and opened one side of her jacket to find the Puerto Rican flag within the inside seam of her coat with the phrase [i]Hecho con orgullo en Puerto Rico [/i]written above it. She then looked at her coat and said to herself â??[b][i]Made in Puerto Rico?[/i][/b]â? While Alistairâ??s field of vision changed when his onboard computer noticed a change in her temporal lobes, they were slowly but surely working. Symantha pushed her empty cup back to Alistair with a slight smile on her face, while he made her another drink. [i]At least weâ??re getting somewhereâ?¦[/i] The Puerto Rican thought to himself as he returned with another Piña Colada.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]You seem like el tipo que pasar algún tiempo en un playaâ?¦[/i][/b]â? The doctor wondered out loud as the blonde laughed and smiled again, she took his hand as while drinking down more of her poison with her free hand. â??[b][i]No habla español, Mister Shepardâ?¦ Can I get a running translation?[/i][/b]â? Symantha asked kindly as the glass came back down.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]â?¦Of course, anything for you señorita. You seem like the type who would spend time at a beach.[/i][/b]â? Alistair translated when a look of apprehension came across her eye and she gasped.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]I remember nowâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Symantha began as the android tried to make her another drink but she wouldnâ??t let his hand go as her grip tightened. Alistair had to make sure the alcohol wasnâ??t talking as he double checked her brain scan; the temporal lobes lit up like supercharged Christmas trees in the middle of an Independence Day celebration. â??[b][i]â?¦ I was with someone, he was rather cute. Green eyes, heâ??d an accent, dark hairâ?¦ Really muscular with a perfect tan, he always smelled of coconuts and oranges with a great sense of humourâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Laurentâ??s eyes darted down to the dirty floor for a split second as she blushed with a shy smile on her face before looking into his red camera lens eyes, but her look was different from many of the others who looked at him in fear of being immolated, it looked as if she was on the verge of greeting an old friend.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif] â??[b][i]Heâ??d speak to me in his native tongue of Spanish, sometimes heâ??d tease meâ?¦ But what I remember about him wasâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Laurentâ??s voice was breaking slightly as she tightened her grip on Alistairâ??s hand a bit more.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]He always called me hisâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Symanthaâ??s eyes slid to the right, trying to recall her pet name which always gave her butterflies when she heard him say it, when the assassin took the moment to finish her thought. â??[b][i]Let me guess he always called you â??My sparrowâ??, right?[/i][/b]â? Alistairâ??s answer made Symantha smile as tears slowly began streaming down her face while she nodded and laughed nervously again to hide the fact that the floodgates were about to burst open. Alistair flashed a goofy smile which caused everything to come back to her in an instant. Symantha leaped over the bar, tackling the android in the process.[/font] [font=times new roman, times, serif]â??[b][i]The shortest distanceâ?¦ Between two points, is the line from me to youâ?¦[/i][/b]â? Symantha whispered the line she heard from the elevator ride to her long lost lover just before the two locked each other in a long kiss while Juno escorted everyone out of the bar and closed the door behind her that had a sign that read [i]Estoy en el almuerzo [/i]hanging from it.[/font]

Holla~ I decided it would be a great plan for us to make a list of books and things you would recommend to anybody who's cool enough to read them. Lately I've spent time catching up on great reads, and I still have a ways to go, but now I have to work mostly with classics that pretty much everybody knows. Which is great, but I'd like to have people's opinions of what they think are great novels, so I - and anybody who's looking for a great read - can go by your judgement picking out my next buy! So basically, time to make a list of written work that you people think cool people should've read before they're done reading. My first entries: [blockquote][b]Josef Skvorecky - [/b][i]The Swell Season[/i]. This novel (or it's English translation at least, because I can't read Czech) is seriously one of the most pleasant reads I've had in a long time. It's about a teenager in the Czech Republic during the start of World War II, and the problems every teenage lad has, regardless of what goes around him. The style of writing is really involving, kind of reminiscent to [i]Catcher in the Rye[/i] but then less annoying. [b]Walter Moers - [/b][i]The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear[/i] and/or [i]Rumo[/i]. Walter Moers is a German author who does a lot of wordplay and makes up his own vocabulary, but the English translations are great work nonetheless. His novels mostly revolve around a time before humans, when a lot of strange other creatures roamed the world and Atlantis was still there, and civilization was at its prime. The novels have hints of fantasy and fairy tales, but then for any ages, though mostly adults. Just reading these stories is an adventure by itself. This author is one-of-a-kind. Open your nose, smell the scent of adventure - burnt wood and cinnamon - and embark on the greatest adventure of your life.[/blockquote]

Alright, this is about 90% curiosity at this point as this series of books is both obscure and widely known. It never ceases to amaze me who actually knows these books, so I want to know who actually knows about this series and what you think.

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"]An idea I've been toying with. It's like one of those text-based adventure games. Or a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Basically, you all input commands after each segment. This will be useful because I can be spontaneous and stupid, which takes less planning and effort, plus I can make it as long or short as I want. Anyway...[/font] [FONT="Fixedsys"][CENTER][I]You wake up in a DUNGEON. A quick glance at your surroundings reveals a SHOVEL, a DIRT FLOOR, an ESCAPE TUNNEL BLUEPRINT, and some SKITTLES.[/I][/CENTER] [B]> Dig out[/B] [CENTER][I]With what, your hands? Pick up the SHOVEL, bub.[/I][/CENTER] [B]> Take Shovel[/B] [CENTER][I]You grab the SHOVEL. You can't help but wonder why all the items are in all caps, but you suppose it makes them seem more awesome.[/I][/CENTER] [B]> Take Blueprints[/B] [CENTER][I]You take the BLUEPRINTS.[/I][/CENTER] [B]> Take Skittles[/B] [CENTER][I]You wonder why there were SKITTLES in the cell. Usually dungeon masters would rather feed their patrons CRUSTY BREAD and STALE WATER. You notice the caps and suppose that those items will probably come into play eventually.[/i][/CENTER] [B]> Take the freaking Skittles already[/B] [CENTER][I]You grab the SKITTLES. Happy now, punk?[/I][/CENTER] [B]> Dig escape tunnel[/B] [CENTER][I]You equip the SHOVEL and begin to dig, following the BLUEPRINTS to the letter. Suddenly, you begin to see a light. You dig a little further to find... Congratulations, Einstein. You just dug a hole through the bottom of an Airship. As you plummet to your doom, you wonder what kind of idiot designs an Airship with a dirt hull. You wonder if there's anything you can do to impede your downward progress.[/I][/CENTER] [B]INPUT COMMAND:_[/B][/FONT]

Here's a forum thread where you can discuss your thoughts so far about Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man of Earth-1610 (also known as the "Ultimate Marvel Universe" and the "Ultimate Comics Universe"). For those of you disappointed about the demise of Ultimate Marvel's Peter Parker in the comics, at least be happy that Ultimate Marvel isn't the mainstream Marvel Universe (Earth-616), whose Peter Parker is still not only alive and well, but also continuing his adventures as Spider-Man. Although I don't usually read Ultimate Marvel titles because I normally read what takes place in Earth-616, I had the chance to purchase a copy of "Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man" Vol. 2 No. 1 last week, and I find its plot is a nice start to explain the superhero origins of this new Marvel Comics character, so I look forward to picking up the next issue. If DC Comics can pull it off in featuring an African counterpart to Bruce Wayne in the pages of "Batman Incorporated", Marvel Comics should be able to pull it off with a black-hispanic wearing a Spidey suit. Well, that's my opinion. Anyway, more stories about Miles Morales are on the way.

Hey there you everyone. I just thought of how unfair it is that some of your greatest writing might be in an RP that is only read by a tiny bit of the OB community. I decided it was a wonderful idea to post the work you're proudest of in a certain place for the whole world to see! Basically, just post anything here ranging from entire RPs to just small quotes or even just an idea you have once had for an RP that was so awesome, you decide you want to share it. It's sort of like a shameless plug really, but I appreciate shameless plugs much. I liked the invention of tables for RPs and adding music and pictures so ever since I've been abusing them in the few RPs I've been in, and here's examples of two of them: [b]EXCEPT THAT THIS FORUM WON'T SUPPORT HTML SO MY ACTUAL POSTS WILL NOT BE POSTED YET.[/b] [b]OCEANUS, BY SHY - [/b]My character Bomber is from the planet Reptillion, that in the next scene is being whiped away by the evil forces of Selene, goddess of Silence. Throughout the RP the crew of the Oceanus is to beat Selene by using music as their main weapon. Post: [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/index.php?/topic/45029-oceanus/page__view__findpost__p__708102"]Oceanus[/url] [b]OTAKU SIN CITY, BY KOREY/NOTBOO/AVALONANGEL/T.O.P. - [/b] My character Boo Dutch, a freelance journalist and photographer, just bumped upon something big. There were plenty of people in Otaku Sin City who were going to make sure he'd forget all about his find however. Posts: [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/index.php?/topic/43508-otaku-sin-city-mature-content-warning/page__view__findpost__p__676153"]Otaku Sin City 2[/url] [url="http://www.otakuboards.com/index.php?/topic/43508-otaku-sin-city-mature-content-warning/page__view__findpost__p__677103"]Otaku Sin City 3[/url]

So far, there has been a matter of controversy, regarding DC Comics' New 52 plan, which involves an attempt to revamp the image of the DC Universe for the modern readers while considering launching some new series, relaunching some already-established ones, and ending some already-established ones so as to have 52 titles running on an ongoing regular basis after August 2011. As a DC Comcis, fan, I feel the New 52 strategy is what the "DC Universe" franchise needs to boost things up in terms of appeal to a wide mainstream reading audience within North America, especially in a time when it seems like the Canadian and American comic book industries are suffering from a decline in commercial sales. However, I have my positive and negative thoughts about DC The New 52. So far, I actually like the redesigns for some DC Universe characters, including Bruce Wayne/Batman (who will look more of a high-tech soldier and knight hybrid), Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (now trying a new metallic coloring while maintaining a 21st century warrior woman costume style), and Hal Jordan/Green Lantern Agent 2814.1 (taking up a futuristic fashion style while maintaining his trademark colors). The costumes I am not happy with are Superman's and Barry Allen's. I mean, what's with Supes wearing an armor when he's suppose to be the man of steel and why is Barry Allen wearing Wally West's trademark belt look? As for storytelling, it saddens me that Dick Grayson is no longer Batman after only about 2 years (in real time that is) carrying on the mantle with Stephanie Brown no longer maintaining the mantle of Batgirl. Plus, I now concern about the Justice Society's position in the revamping of the DC universe as no official word about ahas been made. Despite my negative thoughts, I still will still remain a fan of the "DC Universe" franchise. For all you fanboys and fangirls out there, you are welcome to share your thoughts about the upcoming revamp.

Lost within my head, A thousand screams echo. Lost within myself, A river of tears flows. Why do I love When I cannot be loved? Why is my anguish all that people see When they look at me? Lost within with no light to follow for my own, I guide others to their light While I only wander through this world. Lost and screaming no one hears me. My tears unseen, My heart barred My eyes shadowed My soul burdened. What is this? I can see the goodness others do not, And light the way for them to follow. The path I walk alone. I walk my path, I walk alone Always a leader, Never with someone at my side. I'm lost and alone, Lost within my head. I die a little more With only my tears to call my own. I walk alone And no one can save me The pain I cause unwittingly Always drives everyone away. I can show a smile through it all It's not hard to do. It's easy to hide behind a mask And never show my tears. Lost within my head, A hundred memories play Lost within myself, I cant see the dawn A sorrowed heart adrift in the storm Wandering at the mercy of the tides. Lost at sea Never to be saved. Lost lost lost....

[font="Tahoma"][size="2"]Sequelitis? Maybe a touch, but I figured it's been nearly two years since the last version of OB's fun-sized fiction fest and it couldn't hurt to bring it back again. Firstly though let's get those pesky rules out of the way first. [indent][quote][font="Arial"][size="2"][B]The Challenge: [/B]Write a story in 55 words or less. Well, "or fewer," to be grammatically correct, but you knew what I meant. And ideally, it would be 55 words exactly, and we wouldn't have to worry about any of this indefinite plural stuff. [B]The Rules: [/B]The name of the game is "55 Fiction." That means: 1.) You're writing a story. It should include: [list][*]Setting [*]Characters [*]Conflict [*]Resolution [/list] 2.) You are not writing poetry, idle thoughts, or anything else that does not fit the above requirements. Your story should be 55 words long. Hyphenated words do not count as one word ("red-orange" would be two words, not one.) Contractions do count as one. ("it is" would be two words; "it's" would be one.) The title of your story does not count towards your word limit; however, it should be no more than seven words. You can write horror, drama, mystery, spoof, romance, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, kids' stuff, whatever you'd like. The setting does not have to be original, but shouldn't be blatantly fan-fiction either. If you've got questions, feel free to ask.[/size][/font][/quote][/indent] [center][b][url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eab7kgg8I3I]Ventiquatro: The Legend of Juan Bauer[/url][/b] It was a haunting melody the stranger played, his fingers gliding over and between the strings with the deftness of a master [i]guitarrista[/i]. He did not speak as he moved towards me, as the tune became a dirge. With the last note he struck the side of his instrument; lightning flashed, thunder roared. [i]Hasta luego[/i].[/center][/size][/font]

a stoic return to the lands of desire. the ashes, empty embers, of smooth emotion. polarity. threads. sewn. tight. bits and pieces, left like a puzzle, they trail on forever. -LF

I'm feeling a little deserted whirlwind running through this section lately. So, awhile ago, we had the OB Prose competition by Allamorphamojo. It was an excellent little competition... which I didn't win (and forever cry at night from this painful experience) :p. But I thought maybe to liven things up, another competition could be run. Now, I'm normally real busy like, so I could probably do with some help :). Firstly, anyone interested in participating, post here. There'll be no standard acceptance criteria, just say "I'm in" or whatever. We'll probably play it in rounds as usual. Secondly, I need a few unbiased peoples to help me think up some round themes, exercises .etc. Realistically, you won't be able to participate in the competition as a writer. But perhaps if we have a tie in certain rounds we could have these few unbiased people delivering the final judgment. I'm not too sure about this, though. Anyone interested in helping design themes, ideas, rounds .etc then send me a private message. Thirdly, anyone can comment with any ideas here. I won't be taking part this time, waaaaaaah. But I'll be trying to direct things when I'm around and about. Also, if you're not a writer, then you can take part anyway and give it a shot. I'd rather have the focus of good writing on ideas and delivery, so you never know what you might come up with.