Volks oenshar!

Nettiropeblogia

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:08:11 GMT

Ryhdyinpä sitten blogaamaan Tiltille nettiropettamisesta.

Blogeja Tilt on pullollaan, mutta ns. virallisia eli promottuja ja mainostettuja blogeja on kolme.

Joskus aikanaan kirjoittelin Liveen mmorpg-kuulumisia, mutta ne jutut eivät silloin laajoja kansankerroksia kiinnostaneet. Jos jotakuta nyt nappaa, niin siitä Lumihiutaleita lukemaan. Päivittyy vähintään kerran viikossa. Mukaan tulee myös satunnaisesti lumiyun sarjakuvia.

A for Android - the novel

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 07:07:06 GMT

Creative Genius - July 2006

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 06:25:43 GMT

Not a victory in Portti competition but hey, I take what I get.

City of Heroes. Creative Genius, July 2006

Haven't posted any recent stories in here due to no known interest.

A for Android: Touch the Sky

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 11:35:00 GMT

(This story is preceeded by and linked to A for Android: Pantheon of Beauty)

A for Android: Touch the Sky

Heroes present: Coile (Andre), the Sword of Truth (Nadia)
Time: 2 am, 18.6.2006 (US East Coast) – 11 am local time
Location: on a plane to Biškek, Kyrgyzstan

Andre kept his gaze steady. Nadia was breathing evenly with her eyes closed. Andre was glad that she was finally sleeping. With all the refuels and the storm front over Austria this was stretching to be a twelve hour flight. In half an hour they would be in Kyrgyzstan’s capitol Biškek. The connecting flight to Karakol would leave in an hour after that. Then there would be a helicopter ride to Karakara which was the permanent base camp where there was a canteen, a café and a sauna. By the end of the trip there they would both be beat from all the traveling. Still he himself refused to sleep.

It wasn’t that he was standing vigil over Nadia. They were in an airplane and just sitting awake would benefit her in no possible way. He didn’t dare to close his eyes because he was afraid. Andre brushed the sweat off from his forehead and bald head with one motion of his hand. When he closed his eyes he saw fingers, fingers that were freezing cold but still burned. The touch of the fake Azure Sting.

He almost let out a shout and recoiled from the memory. Tears were flooding his eyes again and he bent forward almost doubling over. Luckily no stewardesses were near and nearby passengers were all sleeping. He wanted to wake Nadia up so badly but she had earned her brief rest. She had comforted him once already during this flight. He merely put his hand gently on Nadia’s hand and was engulfed by the anxiety that Ripmind had uprooted.

Past the swirling turmoil regret, shame and repent pushed a blue flower. Andre tried to grasp the image but it was elusive, more an idea of a flower than a real image.

When he next was aware of his surroundings they were starting the descent to the airport.

Time: 4 pm, 18.6.2006
Location: base camp on Karakara, a canteen

Nadia and Andre carried their steaming bowls to the table and sat down. Outside it was raining heavily. Lightning cracked right across the sky with the bellowing thunder following after almost immediately. The storm was right upon them. Andre cleared his throat and dipped his spoon into the stew. ”So, how do you like it so far?”

Nadia blew air into her stew and smiled. ”A lot more green that I had thought.” Andre grimaces apologetically. ”I guess I didn’t tell you much about this trip in advance, did I?” Nadia kept smiling. ”No you didn’t, but it’s okay. Why don’t you tell me now?”

Andre’s panicky expression was softening already. ”Karakara camp is just two kilometers from sea level and flush with nature. Trees, meadows, horses roaming freely.” Andre let silence drift in for a moment. ”Of course you know all this since you’ve seen it youself already.” Nadia nodded encouragingly. ”Go on, Andre.”

”This is a staging area for expeditions around the whole area, Khan Tengri, Pobeda Peak, Bayncol peaks and others. We’ll spend a day or two acclimating around here. Let our bodies get used to the altitude and thinner atmosphere. So, after sleeping a little we’ll go for a walk and then retire for the night. Tomorrow I think we could go hiking further and maybe riding. Or flying.”

Nadia ate slowly since the food was still quite hot. She giggled a little at the thought. She liked it when Andre took her along to fly. ”I assume you want us to practice flying using the ropes and harnesses?” Andre nodded seriously. ”Yes. When we fly to Lord of the Spirits we could be hit by winds that are hurricane strength. My flight field extends only so far. I want to be certain that you keep close enough at all times. I have thought this trip through, Nadia.” Again she just smiled. ”Of course.”

Then they ate in silence until Nadia looked up as she remembered something. ”You told me to ask you about someone named Emmily when we are here.” Andre’s mood darkened immediately. Clear mental images began assaulting him, memories bashed at his senses and the overwhelming feeling of failure and inadequacy knotted his stomach tightly. He opened his mouth in an attempt to make those feelings words but they clogged in his throat. It felt like swelling shut. Andre forced a deep breath and shook his head. He wasn’t ready for this after all.

Nadia took his hand between hers firmly and spoke levelly. ”Andre, you don’t have to.” The hands were calming him, giving him something good to focus on. ”Later, okay? When we’re alone. It’s not that I don’t want to share it with you, but it’s hard. Not now.” Nadia observed the man closely for a moment. No crying this time, it seemed. ”Whenever you are ready.”

Just to steer the conversation elsewhere Andre brought up a subject that he had meant to ask about already. ”How did your mission against Requiem’s forces go?” Nadia left the table, brought back two cups of coffee and sat down again. ”We defeated his men and freed his captives. Two of us sustained injuries. Volt Master and Kata. She was hospitalized for her wounds. I thought of going to visit her after we return if she is still under care.”

Staring into his own cup of liquid offered no divine answers. ”I want to do my part. Protect the people the best that I can.” Again she merely smiled at him from beyond her darkened glasses that she had on still. Andre had never seen her without them or the visor, not even early in the morning. ”Finish your coffee, Andre. We still have to pitch the tents before we can get any sleep.”

Outside the rain had subsided. The ground was of course still wet but neither paid it much attention. The scenery around them was breathtaking and the air was so clean and fresh compared to Paragon City. Andre crouched by the heap that was their various gear and pulled out a large wrapped package. ”This is our tents.” Then they headed a bit further off to erect them.

The afternoon sun was greeting them as Andre opened the package and browsed through the contents. Then he frowned and picked up the instructions sheet. ”Problems?”, Nadia queried while she looked around. She loved this place already. Andre didn’t reply, only went through the contents again, this time with a frenzied look in his eyes. When he did that for the third time and looked really horrified Nadia became concerned. ”Andre?”

Andre almost jumped at the voice and looked up. He tried his best to look for the right way to express this. ”We have only one tent.” Nothing like blurting out the shocking truth at the unsuspecting victim. Tact or smarts had never been his strong points. Nadia looked at him not even remotely amused. ”What?”

He tried to shrink under the cold edge in the voice. ”I don’t think I ever mentioned to the camping store clerks that we wanted two separate tents. They only knew we were going together.” Nadia took her time digesting the situation. ”We are far from any stores, the helicopter will not return in days and we have only one tent. Am I supposed to sleep with you in that one tent?” Andre inhaled sharply. ”I can sleep outside!” Nadia shook her head. ”Here maybe, not when we go to the mountains.”

Slowly the situation sunk in with both. Like it or not, this was the reality and neither could do a thing to change it. In the face of a situation she would have no power over Nadia sighed. It couldn’t be that bad. Andre had behaved himself in the apartment. He wouldn’t get any funny ideas now only because they slept in the same confined environment. In their undies. She smiled to lighten to mood and said playfully, ”Maybe this is a conspiracy, Andre?”

The sheer terror on his face required no words to explain. Humour in these situations was wasted on him. He took everything so seriously. ”I know you didn’t plan this Andre. You are too much of a gentleman for it. Shall we get the tent ready? I am tired.” Andre mumbled something and started putting the tent together quickly. ”I hope we have at least two sleeping bags.”, remarked Nadia as she helped to hold the ropes.

Andre muttered a barely audible “yeah” and remembered what the clerk had said. How had he missed it then? The sleeping bags could be combined to make one big sleeping bag. This was one trivia that he decided to keep to himself.

Time: late morning of Friday, 23.6.2006
Location: Camp Three, Khan Tengri, altitude of 5900 meters

Nadia opened the tent’s sleeve just enough to get some idea what kind of weather it was outside. A gust of cold air hit her nose. At the height of almost six kilometers the air was quite thin and temperature freezing making it impractical to go outside without warm clothing. She considered her options carefully and sighed inaudibly. Again a matter she could not affect. Taking care not to make excessive noises she removed her top and gave her skin a quick sponge bath with a cloth and some water that had been snow the previous evening. Andre was breathing calmly not ten inches from her.

She was tired despite sleeping long and her head was aching. Andre had said to expect it. They had flown under their own power from Karakara Base Camp to Khan Tengri Base Camp, from two kilometers to four. That had taken all Monday. From there they had advanced to Camp Site One and then Two all the way up to five and half kilometers during the next two days. The goretex clothing had replaced their more casual wear to insulate against the dropping temperature and the thinning atmosphere was inducing altitude sickness, a common malice to mountaineers. They were packing extra oxygen just in case. The last ascent yesterday to Camp Site Three had been just four hundred meters.

Turning away from her slumbering companion she removed her glasses, washed her face and then put the glasses back on. She felt better but the headache was still bothering her. Briefly she rested her head to her hands and just looked at the man sleeping there. He appeared so serene and at peace. This was how she wanted him to be. Gone were the daily worries that were etching lines on his forehead. Gone was the deer-like fright at the approaching car lights look that he had sometimes, mostly around her. And most notably gone was the frequent terror and despair that Ripmind had bestowed upon him. Briefly she wondered what it must be like to have all the bad choices, mistakes, shameful acts and deep traumas made afresh, sharpened to the point of absolute clarity and to live through them day after day. Then she just shook her head. She was glad that she could be there for him when he needed it.

A wave of small nausea shook her back to reality. Nadia put her clothes back on. Still quietly she brushed her hair. She was ready. Andre stirred as she moved to the tent entrance. Readjusting her glasses she smiled at him and slipping outside greeted him briefly. ”Good morning, Andre.” Outside the sun was shining.

The air was stinging crisp. The cityborn woman was taking deep breaths each prickling her lungs. They had stayed on their trip longer already than intended and still it was too short a time for the body to adapt. Andre had preferred that they go without using the extra oxygen until the last stage, whatever that was. Nadia turned the portable heating unit on and made coffee. She wasn’t hungry. Her personal expedition leader joined her after a while.

In an hour they had eaten what little breakfast they were going to. For Nadia it had meant forcing down a chocolate bar. Andre hadn’t eaten much more. Then they packed up the camp and loaded their belongings into the two backpacks that they had. Andre brushed some snow off of Nadia’s collar as she looked at the looming peak. Down at this altitude there was snow all over. Near the peak there was also stone visible. A slow sweep to their right revealed the northern arm of magnificent glacier of Engilchek, Little Prince. They stood there side by side for a while taking in the vastness of existence.

”I hope you are enjoying the trip?” Andre felt a slight urge to take the hand of the woman who had come to look after him but there was no real need. With her it was imperative to stay totally honest and ask for closeness only when it was required. Nadia looked at him with a smile which was her prevalent facial expression these days. ”You keep asking me that daily.” The smile turned to slightly teasing kind. ”Sure I enjoy it. I have never been this far from home, or this high up. This is in fact a wonderful experience, Andre.”

The young mutant took his hood down for one moment and let the coldness scrape his bald head. He put the hood back on quickly. ”If you want more experiences we can still go from here to Yucatan. While you still have vacation.” His unrequited love shook her head. ”I said before we can go there next year.” Andre felt his heart skip a beat. ”We? We can go?” She didn’t reveal anything more than mild mysterious amusement. ”Perhaps. Who knows? We will see.”

Then the moment reached its end and it was time to prepare for the final leg.

Both made checks first on their own harnesses and then they checked one another. Even if they weren’t climbing the traditional way there was no margin for error in mountaineering. One had to respect the mountain in order to conquer it. They strapped the backpacks on. Andre attached the nylon coil to the harnesses and tested the winch system. Both tugged the gloves better on, wrapped the hoods tighter and then stepped closer to each other.

Andre concentrated and felt the pull of the ground. In his mind he shut it off from him and then from his brown-haired travel mate. Both hovered half a meter above the ground as if suspended in liquid. Then Nadia glided a little forward and up circling slowly around her protégé taking care that the coil did not get tangled. She giggled as she descended. Andre felt joy over the fact that he could bring some happiness in her life even if it was just by allowing her to fly sometimes.

He drifted up himself and made some distance between them. Keeping them both afloat required concentration but was this early on relatively easy. Nadia made slow slides a meter above the ground. Andre motioned to her and pointed towards the peak. ”Let’s fly.” Then they propelled upwards.

The weather was great. There was almost no wind which was remarkable luck considering it was summertime and northern wind could get quite heavy. The pair flew five meters above the ground following its shapes. Their distance had grown to almost ten meters and the coil hung loosened between them.

Andre was feeling relaxed inside. He still had his bad moments but being practically separated from his life in Paragon City was proving to have a soothing effect. In fact he had with him the one part of his hero life that he wanted. That he needed. He looked to his right at the dark-skinned woman and managed for the moment push from his mind the maelstrom of unwanted memories.

He was smiling despite the strain that he was starting to again feel. He was doing better than he had thought. The climb from Karakara to Khan Tengri BC had been a long journey but he had managed that fairly well considering that his starting point had been the sea level only one day before. Now the actual legs were quite short but the thinning air made each one still a feat. All that and he was flying the love of his life too! Feeling jubilant he steered to west.

The southern face was the first to grant access to the top back in the thirties. It was referred to as the classic route. Western face was perhaps the most dangerous due to heavy winds from the north whereas the northern face was a technically the most difficult rising straight up for two kilometers with a series of marble ribs going for a kilometer from the top down. Since the weather was favouring them Andre decided to circle around the western face and come up from the north.

The most important virtue a climber could have was humility. There had to be a balance between being dauntless and cautious. It was not unheard of for the weather to deteriorate rapidly from crystal clear to a storm in less than an hour. The pair made slow almost hopping progress as the sky grew darker.

It hit without a warning. A squall landed on them as they glided from behind a ledge and threatened to smash them down. Andre released the stop from the winch and the mechanism rolled the coil in fast. The young lawyer almost slammed against him. However this was what they had practiced for hours at Camp One. He wrapped his arm around Nadia’s shoulders and took a hold of the harness handle while she slipped her left arm through a few hoops on Andre’s harness. Gripping tightly their respective supports they formed one mass point rather than two. Andre took them to the ground.

They crouched down and huddled together faces almost in contact. They had to shout their words or the violent winds would have rendered them inaudible. Having lived most of her life in Boomtown and not being a frequent traveler she was slightly shocked by the abruptness of the climatic assault. ”What now, Andre? Can we go on?” The vacationing Silent Tempest leader took a moment to consider before answering. ”We’ll have to see. I’d like to press on a while longer and see how it goes.” He saw the slight worry on the face of the woman that meant so much to him. ”Hey, I said I’ll be sensible about this. For a mountaineer the reward is the attempt. Reaching the top is just a bonus. Any other attitude and you don’t live long. If we can’t go on, we’ll go back.”

Gliding almost in contact with the ground they started making slow advancement. The direction was up and slightly to the south. This was the hardest challenge yet and Andre pretty much forgot Nadia’s presence despite gripping her tightly as he fought against the gravity and winds that might have as well been hurricane strength. Maybe they were.

Trying to counter Earth’s grasp commanded almost his total attention now. Still that was something he couldn’t do. There was also the howling reach of the world, the fury of the whole of Tien Shan range that was lashing at them with the full blinding rage of the mother nature. A few times he shouted out, screamed at the storm trying to drown it out with his own determination. Stopping was now not an option and resting was impossible. The game was about one of them lasting out the other, and the other just dying out.

Muscles burning as if in fire the unyielding youngster clutched at his lady friend. Once a particularly powerful squall almost pried her off from his protection. Andre felt anger rising within simply refusing to let go, his will succeeding where his body almost gave up. He had never in his life held onto anything with such ferocity. No harm would befall on Nadia if he could help it.

It took them three hours of excruciatingly slow crawling before the winds let up. Both were exhausted to the bone marrow by the end of it. Somehow they managed to erect a resting camp.

Dusk was already falling painting the peak red. After compelling himself to eat one sandwich Andre broke the silence that had gone on from the moment they set down. ”In the old days this mountain was called Khantau. The Blood Mountain.” Nadia smiled as she cradled a mug of coffee between her hands. ”Delightful names.” He narrowed his eyes and pointed towards the western edge of Khan-Tengri not indicating any particular point in the landscape. ”Pobeda Peak resides amidst Forbidden Mountains and gets hammered by winds from Takla Makan that the locals call Thousand Devils. Names in the old world seem often to connect to beliefs.” Then he fell silent again.

He was feeling completely beaten and his head was light. Altitude meter was showing that they were only three hundred meters from the top. The temperature was somewhere below minus thirty degrees Celsius. The air was incredibly arid and thin. Andre inspected the woman that he would trust his life with. She was putting on a brave face but could not really conceal her utter exhaustion all that well. Back down they would go with their oxygen masks on, beside which the gravity would be for a change helping their journey. With a dragooned effort Andre pushed himself up and offered his hand to Nadia. ”Time for the final leg. The Lord of the Spirits awaits.” He had waited for a chance to use that line.

Along with the steadily approaching peak their excitement grew. Andre had decided to pass the final stage without stops but that lasted only for a minute. There was not enough oxygen to keep the body going on on such high gear for any lengthy period of time. They had to pause about every twenty meters to catch their breath. Once or twice he felt almost like passing out but Nadia caught him and again they rested. Then finally the moment was upon them.

The peak itself was about the size of a tennis field with some snow and mostly stone. Every other mountain top was below them. The twilight was rapidly falling but some scattered rays of the sunlight painted the snowy peaks below crimson red. The wind had died into a breeze.

The very world lied at their feet. It was an incredible rush. The immense fatigue melted into the background being for the moment nothing but a slight nagging reminder of the energies spent to achieve this feat. There had never been any certainties about getting there. Still they had. Andre felt like a king. He reached to his right and took the hand of his queen.

He turned to her with a decisive look on his face, looked deeply into her the eyes and smiled. She looked back at him with a curious frown. Slowly reaching he took also her other hand. There was an unfamiliar intensity in his gaze. He pulled her a little closer. Still frowning she let him.

”This is what we came here for.”

Nadia was holding her breath feeling suddenly uncertain what was going on. She didn't allow the slight uneasiness penetrate to the surface. She replaced the upcoming nervous grimace with a smile. All this save the smile escaped his comprehension completely.

Resolutely Andre put his oxygen mask over his mouth and pulled the goggles down over his eyes. Without asking or even saying anything she followed suit. There was a joyous tinge in his voice. ”Time for the real test.” He grinned widely behind his mask and let out another line he had thought of for this occasion. ”Let’s climb high and touch the sky.” Then he launched up tugging her gently along.

The small patch of ground that they had stood on receded fast. The waning light shone around them but the sky above was turning dark. Stars came out and the massive range of Tien Shan first blended into itself, then melded into nothingness. They climbed steadily up. Soon for Andre nothing else existed except his mortal goddess.

For some time now he had had this weird feeling that there might after all be some special feelings that Nadia felt for him. Why else would she leave all of her affairs and go with him to the other side of the world? Letting him live with her in her apartment was explained by her wanting to help a friend to recover from an ordeal but this surely went beyond any call of duty to a team member, or even leader. He had wanted to ask about that. If he was going to this would be the time and place.

Still going higher he paused in his mind to think, to truly think. He already lived with the woman of his dreams. When he needed a shoulder to cry against or a hand to hold on to she was there. If he was going across the globe on a quest he himself didn’t fully understand she would follow him if he only asked. What more could he ask for? This was the perfect friendship, the ultimate companionship. Whether or not there were mutual feelings would finding out be worth the risk? Why spoil the divine thing that hey had with a chance for romance?

This was not the time nor place. Maybe later, somewhere. Perhaps. Who knows? We’ll see.

The target of his affections squeezed his hands. ”Andre, how high up are we?” He slowed down and stole a glance at the altitude meter. ”Just a little over twelve kilometers.” Nothing like blurting out the truth at the unsuspecting victim. The victim paled and increased the force with which she was holding his hands. ”Isn’t this high enough? If you have tests to perform please do so now, and then let’s go back down.”

He started to spin slowly around their common centerpoint. Above them the stars revolved. This was the time when Nut, the goddess of the skies, met with her brother-lover Geb, the god of the earth. Although Nut had said that she was the last of her kind to walk the World. She of course wasn’t there in person but in Andre’s mind his two goddesses Nut and Nadia were meeting. Not that they hadn’t seen each other before, but that was back in the mundane world. This was the true domain of the sky goddess.

Some rarely functioning insight made him sense a disruption within his flying partner. Maybe a sliver of fear? Hoping it was the right thing to do he pulled her closer and held her in a reassuring embrace. ”We can go back now.”

For Nadia the sudden closeness sparked an unexpected reaction. She was suspended between earth and sky. She was hanging in emptiness, hanging onto the man who had professed his undying love to her time and again despite receiving no positive response or encouragement. She closed her eyes and concentrated on what was her topmost feeling. It was safety.

Andre was rash, jumped to conclusions of his own making, reacted in unpredictable ways and currently could break to pieces at any given moment at the suitable stimuli. Still up there totally dependent on him she knew she was under the best care in the world. Having no power over the situation she acknowledged that the man in whose arms she was had that power. It felt good. Other situations would be different, depend on the circumstances but right now she trusted him with her life.

Inside she placed her fate into his mercies and felt free. She knew that upon return to Paragon City she would have her responsibilities but for a fleeting moment she had the freedom to be just a woman. She opened her eyes and spoke softly. ”We can stay a while longer.”

Slowly she reached her hand and moved her fingers over the metallic plate that surrounded his right eye, going from cheekbone to brow. ”You took us to your mountain. You took us this high up. Always go higher, Andre. As I said, the Silent Tempest is but another mountain. You have it in you to succeed if you believe in it. You have done well. I am proud of you.”

In the grip of their painfully slow helix dance they held each other. This moment could become even more if they so wished but neither felt the pressure. They had both gained something precious as if gifted by the very sky above them. Surrounded by the infinite stars they were happy.

No further words were spoken as the could-be lovers descended back to among the mighty and ancient mountains.

More by luck than design they found their way back to Khan Tengri. The newly risen moon was illuminating the rugged scenery. Without so much as stopping Andre headed to northern edge and dived. They fell free past the magnificent marble chimneys that rose from the depths. They were both laughing. As the slope started losing steepness Andre steered towards east, the last face they hadn’t been on yet. For the first time since leaving the top they drifted apart.

Soon all around there was snow again. Their direction pointed to south and Khan Tengri Base Camp. The pace was slow. There was no hurry in the world. They had achieved what they set out to do. The short eternity up high in the sky would live in their minds for the rest of their lives. They should have made a camp but they just drifted on.

Nadia tugged the coil and pointed down. She wanted to stop. They fell knee deep into the snow blanket stretching into all directions. Andre watched her unload the backpack and take off the harness. He turned politely away as she vanished behind a boulder uphill. He dropped his own gear and took a deep breath of the local air.

The landscape by moonlight was simply breathtaking. He was used to snow and frost but Dakota lacked these kinds of mountains. This high there was no animal noises. It was quiet aside from the occasional winds. Except for a high pitched sound as if something was closing in fast. Andre had half a second to be alarmed. There was a puff of snow to his right. And an explosion.

Andre landed on his back and rolled a few times. Groggily he lifted his head and saw Nadia running from behind the boulder. She was shouting something but his ears were ringing too much to make out the words. There was a new puff right behind her. Even dazed as he was he thought he saw the light reflecting off of some kind of a shell before it impacted into the snow. The following burst of light and energy sent her flying through the air, over him and downhill against another big rock. She wasn’t moving. For some reason a picture of Kitia being struck and falling to ground flashed through his mind.

His eyes moved wildly. Instincts commanded him to go to his fallen comrade and tend to her but the combat sense that had been instilled during first the five years of training on the farm and then the weeks in Paragon City’s streets told him to locate and neutralize the threat. All that was around was white snow and deep shadows. Then he spotted a wisp.

It was faint and coming from behind a massive rock to left and down of him. Now that he knew where to look he saw, just barely, a slit in the rock. The whiff of smoke came from there. It was a watch post of sorts. Taking a more balanced stance he pointed at the rock with his right hand. His left one sought the right one out to support it. There was a rapid energy build-up somewhere inside. He let it gather for a few seconds and let it go. This all happened by reflex, not touching his conscious mind.

A bolt of contained energy darted from his extended hand and collided with the post. Snow on it was knocked clean off. Part of the top of the rock caved in. Not wanting anyone to have the time to catch their breath Andre swooshed through the air and entered the small space inside the rock ready to deal damage. There were two men there. They were knocked out cold. The emblem on their uniforms generated a feeling of familiarity.

The small space within the sizeable boulder had only two chairs, a console and a collection of various weapons including some high tech looking shell launcher. All of the weapons seemed to be designed to ward off an assault from the outside. Just having this kind of a watch post in the middle of nowhere didn’t make any sense. There had to be a reason. There was a trapdoor visible on the floor. His urges screamed at him to go to Nadia but if he allowed additional forces to enter the scene through the hatch right now he might doom them both. He yanked the trapdoor open.

There was a quiet beep as the defense mechanism activated arming a bomb and countdown lights started to go out. He had no doubt missed a hidden button which would have disabled the defenses. Now it was too late. Andre rushed out and flew himself into the snow twenty meters away just as the watch post went sky high. A recognition flared through his brain.

It had been Requiem’s emblem.

He rose to his feet slowly and tried to clear his head by shaking it. He suspected he had a concussion. A distant rumble that had been going on for a small while started to bother him. He looked upslope. His heart sank.

There were masses of snow and ice striking towards him. The whole mountainside was seething all the way up as far as he could see and the front was hundreds of meters wide. If there were any mountaineers on this face they would have no chances at all. Terror gripped his stomach. Nadia. He turned to look where she had landed only to see her still form in that exact same spot. Gravity ceased to matter to him and he flew.

He was exhausted from the climb, the storm and ascension to the sky. The brief fight with Requiem’s men had all but wiped out his last energy reserves. He was slow. He strived up to get to his love before the crushing wall of white death reached her. The closer that he got to her location the more the fear was strangling him. He knew he wouldn’t get there in time.

The last two seconds occurred in slow motion. He reached with his hand even if there still was a gap between them. The first tentative shredded edges of the snow front touched Nadia, tickling and caressing her, prodding the body to a slight movement. Then the world turned to complete white and dark. Andre made the last desperate attempt to grasp at the most important person in his life.

There was nothing. Nothing tangible. Just the swirling snow around him. He turned to follow the flood and tried to outrun it but soon he had to push upwards and pull out of the avalanche. He floated just above ever-moving surface darting from spot to spot calling out his vanished partner by name.

The destruction spread all around him. The whole mountain face had shifted. The moonlight wasn’t much and his night sight had been momentarily destroyed by the explosion. Nevertheless he made an assessment of the disaster area. It was multiple square miles. Even the part where Nadia could possibly be was terrifyingly huge. Fear was constricting his chest trying to implode him.

Andre tried to look for any sign, a glimpse of the clothing, a hand emerging, anything. He got nothing. Desperation was shredding him from the inside. He flew in widening circles over the location he somehow wished the love of his life would be at. Never in his life had he been so alone.

All the times he had pushed himself to his limits and over were beginning to take effect. The pull of the ground became stronger. It was increasingly hard to stay airborne. He started to make involuntary dives off which he pulled back up just barely until the last time when he didn’t. He crashed into the snow headlong.

Dizzy and almost delirious he pushed up. Maybe he couldn’t scout for now but he could still keep searching. Nothing would be allowed to stop him. He had to find her. Alternatives scared him too much. He started to plow through the snow with his hands, digging and still calling out for her from time to time.

Soon he realized he could actually do more. He excavated himself a deep hole and started blasting. Energy bolts ripped crevices into the snowmass sending the white solid water high into the air. He did not dare to acknowledge his actual chances to succeed. If there were no results with one blast, then surely with the next. She was there somewhere, just waiting to be found. All he had to do was to deliver on the promise to see her always safe.

Afterwards he couldn’t say how long he kept at it. On the other hand it didn’t matter. The bottom line was that he did not find her. At some point the hopelessness of his endeavour dawned on him. Alone he stood no chance at all. It was like emptying an ocean with a cup of his hands. No matter how hard he tried it would be in vain. All that was staring at him was failure.

By foot it would have taken a day or more to reach the base camp. His only way was to fly down. With an immense effort he fought off the almost debilitating fatigue and the gravitational snare. More plummeting down along the slope than flying he headed to the direction he believed to be south. Inside he felt dead already. Just as dead as Nadia was. The lack of oxygen and the freezing cold were facts. So was her demise.

Coloured lights were flashing on the edges of his vision and beyond them was the beckoning darkness. Resting would be fatal he knew. Resting would be stupid. Resting would rob Nadia of whatever chance she still had of being rescued. Still, just a moment, a little while? He slowed down. The closer he got to the camp the farther he got from the woman who meant the world to him and her being gone felt all the time more real. The devouring emptiness lacked the capability for tears.

There was a stream of steam coming from an unlikely spring. For no reason Andre landed there. A patch of warmth in this cold existence. He did not feel it. Instead there was a hotness behind his eyes. It swelled and coagulated and pushed out. It took the form of droplets of water running down the cheeks. Leaning his forehead to his hand he rocked to the rhythm of violent sobs. When he hit the ground he did not even notice it.

As with the previous time he could not later say if it had been a mere dream or something more, or even what had exactly happened. There was a hand that landed softly on his shoulder. He looked up and there was a being in the shape of a woman but who was so much more. Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky smiled at him sadly. There were no words spoken but Andre still felt like Nut was telling him things. He listened.

The Lord of the Spirits had claimed something of his. There was nothing that Nut could do to reverse it of affect the situation. With immense sadness she said that Nadia was gone now. Such was the way of mortal beings. The weak would be crushed by loss, but the strong would find the strength to go on. He still had a task. There was a flower that bloomed only once in every hundred years. He was to take that flower to Paragon City and plant it while it was still in bloom. Andre would know where. He bowed his head and when he looked up again she was gone. He opened his eyes.

The moon was behind the mountain. Only starlight illuminated the spring by which he was curled up. He inhaled. In the air there was the faintest of fragrance, a mysterious scent that to him was otherworldly. It did not remove the sadness or pain. It in fact deepened them, gave them even more meaning. But somehow the hurting void became sorrow and the despair changed into deep longing. Andre smiled through his new tears.

Next to him a blue flower was reaching for the skies.

(I would like to thank FaeryFire aka Sword of Truth aka Nadia for providing invaluable insight, feedback, constructive critisism and in the end good suggestions to the extent where I feel it proper to name her as a co-author of the story. The plot and words are mine but her involvement made the story so much better than I would have ever managed in solitude.

As always, comments are welcome.)

Story: Pantheon of Beauty

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:04:07 GMT

A for Android: Pantheon of Beauty

”I have never worshipped anyone before.”, said Coile aloud.

He was sitting by the living room table legs bent underneath. On the table in front of him was a statue made of plastic. It was a second-hand tourist trinket that he had chanced upon while passing by a flea market earlier. On its left side a slender white candle was burning. On the right site was a sandwich on a plate and behind the plate the tv-guide.

Coile cleared his throat. This felt awkward, talking aloud and alone. He looked at the statue and tried to just think what he wanted to say but immediately his focus started drifting. He glanced at the closed bedroom door wary of making any noises. Even if he wasn’t engaged in any morally forbidden activity getting caught in this situation filled him with dread. They had fought enough cultists for him not to be at ease with his present activity.

Then again, Sword had so far been a tight sleeper. Or at the very least he wasn’t aware of waking her up with any background noise save for those few nights after being assaulted by Azure Sting that he had spent wandering around, crying some of the time. If he kept his voice low and steady there shouldn’t be anything that might alarm his living companion. He began anew.

”I have never worshipped anyone before. I have never believed in any god before. Not really. We weren’t brought up to think like that. All the gods or the one God were just tales. Things to study. Not that I studied gods, mind you.” Coile kept a pause and stared at the statue. It had no resemblance whatsoever to the woman he had met.

”You came to me when I was feeling down and lost high up on that skyscraper. In a distant way you took interest, soothed me. Then you accompanied me in search for my sister who had gone missing and helped to get her to safety. That’s when I started believing in you. You were the goddess Nut. You felt like one. You were real to me.” Gently Coile brushed the side of the statue with his finger.

”I have seen incredible things. I have met powerful beings who claim to have a divine origin. Architects of our reality. They are all fakes. Impostors. Beings of power who have no credentials by themselves, who only seek to add to their fictional fame and prestige. The feeling they leave is stale and repugnant. I don’t care what they are. They are not gods.” He bowed his head in front of the statue.

”You have the air and the feel. You are ancient. You are of different breed. To you humans are still mortals, fleeting things that pass you by. You look at us from above because you are superior to us. And yet you don’t feel contempt or even pity. You seek to comfort, help and aid wherever you can. That is the way of god. You don’t demand our respect and gratitude, you earn it.” He looked up again, a thin film of wetness blurring his vision for a moment.

”You asked if what I felt was worship, or friendship. I don’t think there is a difference. People of the old feared your kind. You were incomprehensible to them. Beings they had no chance at all to understand logically or even ideologically. You were so far beyond their scope of experience that they had no option but to cower and plead for mercy in exchange for their worship. You said it yourself that those days are now gone. I-”, Coile stayed quiet for a moment, ”I think you are mistaken.”

”Look around you. There are superpowered beings all around you. Thousands upon thousands. Some of them godlike to people who lack these abilities. Some more powerful than you or your brethren. People are accustomed of beings giving flight or striking thunder. You are no longer feared. But that is not the root of worship. It’s gratitude for the good that you do. That still stands. Those people you gave rain to. That man with broken leg on the mountainside that you gave comfort to. They worship you. They may hold no altars or sacrifices but still they have the gratefulness inside.” Looking at the statue and the assorted things scattered on the table he almost made a face but instead just went on.

”Nut, sky goddess, sister and lover of Geb, daughter of Shu and Tefnut, mother of Osiris, Seth, Isis and Nephthys. I don’t fear you but I worship you. I see you as a friend to me. And I am in your service. You can be at many places at one time. I don’t see you here. I still believe that you can hear me, in one sense or another. I have lit a candle for you, and prepared a sandwich. I am not sure why but I feel it is enough, and appropriate. They are my sacrifice to you.” Then he fell silent bowing his head again. He remained still for many minutes until he finally smiled.

”I was wrong. I said I have never worshipped anyone before. I was wrong. I serve two goddesses. The goddess of the sky, and the goddess of the truth. You said there are laws forbidding the relations between gods and mortals. I accept that and don’t crave you. But the other goddess I love.” Now he turned his stance towards the closed bedroom door but kept his words directed at the statue on the table.

”She is no god as you are. She is in fact a mortal woman. But to me she is a goddess of immense gracefulness. She is the vessel for Truth, her avenging Sword striking at injustice.” His head remained unbowed, gaze steady and voice level. ”She is Nadia Forester, the Sword of Truth. I serve her. I love her. And in this mad world maybe one day she will love me.”

Then Coile turned to the candle and blew it out. He gathered the candle, the statue and the sandwich from the table. The sandwich he placed on the windowsill for birds to eat. They would soar high, high to the sky and deliver the sacrifice. The candle and the statue he placed into a drawer in his small room. He smiled faintly as he pushed the drawer shut. ”You two are my pantheon.”

Story: Summertime Sonata

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 09:50:53 GMT

During the past two years I've written a bunch of stories about my rp chars, as well a few stories of other people's chars. Most however give more to the people who are familiar with the chars.

I've so far produced about fifty SWG stories and now one for City of Heroes. It's a sort of an origin story for my character Andre/Coile, his sister Andrea/Coila and their friend Kitia, also introducing their mother ND-1/ND-2 (currently up to model ND-3). Of course the real origins are still hidden and much more complicated. Maybe there will be more stories.

...of course there will.

Starring:

Andre / Coile.............. Khuure
Andrea / Coila............. Eladi
Kitia Shi'hardii........... Kitia
ND-1, ND-2................. Gette

(This takes place almost six years before the current time.)

Oh when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Ya - I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life
-- Bryan Adams: Summer of '69 --

A for Android - Summertime Sonata

A swallow glided fast over the trees before vanishing into a nest that was built under the roof's edge of a large barn. Kitia watched the bird emerge a minute later going off for another run for food. Her binoculars trembled slightly. She was that excited.

"Look Andrea, look!", she said pointing with her finger but jealously guarding the binoculars even if they weren't hers. "There is goes again!"

Andrea crouched next to Kitia and peered through the few branches that were blocking the full view to their father's robot workshop. "Did it fly away already?", she asked masking her slight disappointment very flimsily. It was her binoculars that Kitia was hoarding. "Yes, I'm afraid it did.", answered Kitia laconically and kept looking at the nest that was sure to house some baby birds.

An annoyed voice spoke from behind them. "Mom says food's ready." Both girls sprung around startled at someone sneaking right behind them. Which had no doubt been the very aim of the boy who now stood before them. "Andre! Don't give me a scare or I'll tell mom!" Andrea was quickly transmuting her fright to anger. Her brother could be such a jerk sometimes!

All Kitia could come up with was a nervous smile and a greeting leaning a bit on the squeaky side. "Hello Andre.", she said gaining no reply. No surprise there. Since his thirteenth birthday Andre hadn't much shown interest in playing with girls even if it was his year younger little sister and the girl next door, the only other children in a few miles. Despite her momentary dizziness she was aware of the funny feeling in the bottom of her stomach. She got it mostly when Andre was around.

They walked in a single file along the short path that took them from the top of the hill to the front yard of the robot farm complex that was a home for two of them. During the two years Kitia had lived in the nearby farm she had grown used to the vast array of various technical gadgets that scourged the Kraftverk Robota, a nickname the local towners had given to this place. When they were still a great many yards away from the front door Andre bellowed on the top of his lungs. "We're here!".

A short robot barely five feet in height and crudely imitating female features appeared by the door frame and looked sternly at the boy. "Young master Andre Kraft, no shouting when it is not needed!" Andrea snickered behind his back just loud enough for him to catch it. And Kitia. Both girls giggled turning to each other to hide their mirth from the robot woman. Andre was fuming,

"And where have you been young lady? I think I made it perfectly clear at what hour the supper would be ready." There was no malice in her voice only firmness that echoed deep caring. Both siblings turned to face her and bowed their heads. "Sorry mom." Kitia smiled from behind them and waved chirpily. "Hey Nadia! We have been watching birds!"

ND-1 nodded in an approving manner. There was no facial expression to enhance her vocal messages for now. Zirgei had removed the somewhat natural head that the kids had grown to call "the Nadia face" for the frequentness of its appearance which set it apart from other head units. Apparently there were some new neural modules he was installing but he rarely shared any specifics of his work with his children even if they related to ND-series revisions. "The table is set. Go and eat while it is still warm."

The meal passed as most did. Andrea bickered with her brother, Kitia stayed out of the most heated arguments, Nadia told everyone to behave as was expected from children of their stature and the family's father remained absent. It was only about once a month that he made an appearance on any meal, counting breakfasts, lunches, suppers or midnight snacks.

"So, what are you kids planning on to do this evening?" Nadia stood almost unmoving just watching the youngsters while making sure they ate healthily including the greens. "Doing, mom.", corrected Andre. "Not to do. Has dad downgraded your grammatical programming?" There was no irritation present when Nadia spoke again. "Your father is experimenting with a new form of speech adaptation routine. I have been stripped of the previously installed pre-formulated language packs and will now learn all the nuances of everyday speak heuristically. But aside of that, my question remains."

Andrea having finished her meal first looked out and estimated the remaining light. "I think me and Kitia will go for a swim to the lake. It's so warm out there." Andre scoffed. ”Good riddance!” ND-1 let out a disapproving sound. ”Young master, mind the attitude.”

Out of the blue Kitia cut in. ”Why not come with us, Andre?” Pure contempt permeated his voice. ”With you girls? Get real!” Nadia took the role of a mediator immediately having a far too extensive experience in these sort of things. "Now now, I think it is a marvelous idea for you three to spend some time together.” Andre threw her a dirty look but lacked the courage to back it up vocally. Instead he gave in. ”Yeah, whatever.”

Kitia looked up hastily spilling some milk. There was dreamy hope in her eyes. "Oh, you will join us?" Andrea took the news much more skeptically. "Yeah, sure, as if he’d play with us so-called-stupid girls any more!" Nadia wouldn’t hear any arguments from anyone. ”Go for a swim but be back before dark. Who knows what wildlife lurks in the twilight shadows of the ethereal reality."

"Yeah will do mom!", said Andrea and swung her feet over the bench, hopped up and dashed out the room. Kitia followed right on her heels. Andre disliked being the last so he stuffed the last meatballs into his mouth, mumbled "cut down on the poetry" and hurried out. Nadia shook her head exactly five and half times from side to side and produced a sound that had some distant resemblance to a sigh. "Kids."

The sun was far on the descent already when they got to the lake. Their father believed a good shape was needed for children and thus his progeny went around mostly by foot. This was the form he used to express his interest in his children – detailed objectives to ND-unit who carried them out without question and mostly without fail. So, no bikes and definitely nothing with motors which could have been seen as an oddity considering how many mechanical devices there were around on the farm. Kitia who loved the nature was in her own element as they trekked through the woods and down the late summer hillsides. Finally the beautifully reflecting currently almost calm lake came into view.

Andrea and Kitia watched after Andre who scurried off around a bush to don his swimming trunks. They giggled a bit at the hastiness and almost tangible desperation of his to get far away from view at the best possible haste. He had grown very secretive and protective about his body. However then they too retreated from sight to change into their own secluded spot.

Andrea put on her dark red one part swimming suit while Kitia slipped into her light green bikini. She had started to develop a figure after the first snow last winter and was shaping into a young woman slowly. Shaping all over Andrea thought somewhat enviously. When they were ready they broke through the bushes to the small two meter wide beach. They climbed up an oak tree and with caution advanced along one particular branch that stretched over the water. It was just deep enough to be jumped into.

The short hour before the sunlight started to decrease significantly went past quickly. For the most part it had been amazingly peaceful to the point of being downright uneventful. For once Andre and Andrea played nicely with each other and Kitia fit in just like they used to. Until Kitia got a playful idea.

She dived under the surface and bopped back half a minute later smiling wryly. Using a tone and note she had learned from television she assumed the best imitation of innocence and shouted letting the last vowel stretch long. “Oh, Andre!” Then she sprang from the water tiny stumps for breasts flashing before she plunged back into water. However that was just enough as Andre had automatically turned his head to the voice and was now flushed with red colour. He tried to fit the event into any known frame of reference he was familiar with but in vain. The truth was that he had not ever seen any actual female breasts in his life. And this was Kitia. He was vaguely aware of there being some significance to it.

A whistle echoed over the water. All three fixed their eyes on the boy leaning casually against the old oak sun glinting from the thick chain around his arm. He was clearly older than them, at least four or five years thought Andrea. Even if he was smiling there was certain coldness in the way he was looking down at the kids in the water. Then he pushed himself away from the tree and stood at ease a cruel smile caressing his hardened leer.

"Show them again, little girl." It took a short while before Kitia realized he meant her. She lowered herself into the water an inch or two more just barely being able to breath without problems. She slid slowly behind Andre terrified to the core. It had been just a joke! The boy lifted his beer bottle to his lips and took a flamboyant swig.

Another boy stepped into view from the deepening shadows that the tree cast. He was marginally taller than the first one and he too was sporting a tightly wrapped chain around his right arm. With clear disdain he spoke or rather commanded. "You do as my mate Tom tells you to or you'll regret it bitch." Andre realized that despite quantities they had just been outnumbered. And with that insight the uncomfortable situation changed to dangerous.

Kitia shrunk even further. Not physically as she was at her limits but inside she curled up like a cat. Not in relaxation but feeling like dying. Two more boys appeared nearby both sporting similar metallic ornaments around their arms. Ornaments that could turn into weapons with a flick of a hand. One of the newer boys, the one with thin and chiseled face held something in his hand.

Kitia tensed. She was suddenly painfully aware of a tiny spark of life in her vicinity, a life in mortal distress. Without seeing exactly she was sure that the boy had a tiny bird in his hand. He was squeezing it. The bones were at the breaking point. Kitia pushed herself around Andre and forward, rising standing to her full height which was not all that much.

”Let that bird go. Now.” There was an unexpected sharp tinge of authority in her demeanor very uncharacteristic of the shy girl Andre and Andrea had gotten to know these past two years. The boys cheered as Kitia’s top was still missing. They kept laughing and goading as Kitia walked from the water to the shore her eyes never leaving the fist that held the little spark of life that was just the tiniest of efforts away from being snuffed out. ”She wants you, Edgy!”, roared Tom and clasped his hands onto his groin in a distantly obscene manner.

The boy holding the bird stretched out his hand still clasped into a fist. From it protruded a head of a bird. Kitia looked pleadingly at him. ”Please let it go, it hasn’t done any harm to you!” Edgy looked at his hand, then at Kitia. ”You want it? Here.” The movement was not really that big. Just a turn of the hand, some pressure from the thumb and the fragile bones of an avian neck were snapped with a barely audible crack in the otherwise still evening scene. Then he offered the small feathered thing on his open palm.

Immediately as the echoes of the existence just ended were still ricocheting in her mind Kitia felt sad. All things in nature die. She had known that for an unyielding fact ever since her father had died. Things in nature killed other things. That was the Way. But this kind pointless killing was beyond her capability of comprehending. She felt connected to the very Earth she was standing on. And it was coursing through her. It welled inside her. And found release.

The lightning wasn’t big. It started from her hand and struck the boy into the chest knocking him down. He let out a yelp and looked frantically at his friends to gain confirmation of this just happening. Kitia didn’t even notice. Her whole attention was on the bird that she scooped up and held gently. She had taken care of small injured animals all her life nursing them back to health with love and care. This bird wasn’t dead. It was just massively injured. It would be her greatest challenge so far.

Calling for her inner light she focused all her will at the task. Death was an illusion! She could combat it and prevail. She would bring this little thing back from the gaping maw of the blackest abyss. There was no alternative. She found the ember of a spark within. Now just to sustain it, grow it bigger, feed it with her own might. The ember felt brighter. Kitia felt immeasurable joy. Then the next instant the light went out completely. The natural order was unforgiving. There were limits beyond which the nature would not bend. To ask for it would be to pervert the Way. The numbness overcame her. Then she spun around. This time she wasn’t sad. She was angry. She felt beyond angry. She was enraged. Her fingertips spew sparks.

What separates mankind from animals is a flimsy thing and so very easily forgotten. When faced by anything but the most mundane the primary reaction type is primal. The one called Tom moved his arm in a fast small spiral and then in a wide arc. The freed chain slammed to the side of Kitia’s head but by sheer luck only with a glancing blow. Nevertheless Kitia fell over.

This launched Andre into furious action. Fueled by an intoxicating cocktail of testosterone and adrenaline he ran from the water. All that echoed through his distraught mind was that Kitia was dead. Kitia! The loss was incredible. His sorrow and anguish were drowned only by his mad lust for vengeance. With a huge leap he was standing next to Tom. He wanted to hit that boy with all of his strength. His hand was already moving when he felt something building up quickly. It came from every fiber of his being but it was directed all of it concentrating in one spot in his body. The moving fist.

Andre felt the hit connect. He had always been on the skinny side and shorter than his sister for years. By all accounts his hit should have packed a punch but only to a degree. Tom went flying. He was flung from where he had stood in a low but long arc into the lake. Andrea noticed even in her state of mind that the body was twisted in sickeningly weird way. Even so she didn’t have the time to think any further of it as she waded towards the shore. The two remaining boys released their chains. Andre seemed somehow dazed and made no effort to dodge the incoming blow. There was a spray of red as he fell over. Andrea screamed.

The red haired boy who had struck her brother down nodded to the boy with a sleeveless vest who produced a gun from behind his back aiming at the unmoving Andre. Andrea dashed through the now shallow water towards him. A shot rang.

Andrea threw her hands forward reflexively. It was as if she was trying to catch the bullet but that was a foolish attempt at best. Too far, too slow and utterly inadequate. She knew it but she could not do anything else. She cared immensely about her brother and deep down knew it went both ways, despite him behaving recently like a complete git. She wanted to protect him in any and all ways both possible and necessary. She reached out even further, from within.

A shimmering green hue seemed to emanate from Andre. It encased him caressing his still form and then almost as if deciding the boy was safe it expanded violently. It caught the bullet in mid-air as an afterthought and kept going. It slammed against both boys standing near and knocked them off their feet. Redhead smacked against the tree and the vest wearing boy crashed through bushes.

Andrea’s knees buckled. She wobbled over to Andre and crouched over him. There was blood all over. Frantic panic started to kick in. She hurried to Kitia and embraced her. Kitia grunted and moved slightly. Andrea grabbed her and spoke in level but firm voice. ”Kitia, I have seen you make squirrels better when they have hurt themselves. Please help Andre. He’s bleeding. Lots”

Kitia more crawled than walked to Andre. The delicate balance she possessed was countered by a disturbing thundering inside her head that distracted her focus in a major way. Gently she placed her hands on Andre’s forehead and began to concentrate. She fell into a trance that was so deep she became oblivious to anything else around her. It was left for Andrea to stand vigil.

In a few minutes the three boys had left. Andrea just watched them go unwilling and perhaps incapable of stopping them. Besides, when she actively didn’t pay too much mind to them she could avoid thinking the numbers. Only three had left. She didn’t look at the lake. She just stared at Kitia hunched over the body of her brother and fought the growing nausea in her gut. He looked so restful. So much in peace. So dead.

The chilly breeze around the lake had turned cold. The last rays of daylight had gone and died. Under an oak tree sat three kids huddled together for warmth, safety and to not be completely alone in the world. They trembled every time a gush of night air blew past them. They clenched at each other tightly in complete silence. Bloodstained faces riddled with already dried tears were blank.

Now they were spent, muscles aching and flaring with pain for channeling the energies they were still unaccustomed of handling. Kitia was exhausted to the point of feeling thin, almost eerie. She took comfort from Andre being there. Andre was barely conscious. Andrea had her hands around them both shielding them against the terrible reality.

Arrays of red laser beams penetrated the dark. They swept over the children, the motorcycle tracks and the slight anomaly on the dead calm surface of the lake. Andrea flinched as one beam hit her eye for a fraction of a second. Something huge came to her and helped her to wrap a blanket around herself. Slowly she realized it was Nadia who was sporting a two meter high combat geared exo-skeleton with a retro-fitted jetpack. Battlestation protocols had been declared on the farm.

After they all were shielded for travel Nadia pulled them all close. The massive arms extended and wrapped around them multiple times. When they were secured Nadia launched upwards and homed towards the farm.

The morning light found them awake by the breakfast table. Andre had his head wrapped in bandages. He was nibbling on a toast a cup of tea losing its heat forgotten next to his elbow. Kitia had trouble holding an apple in her hands. They had been treated for light burns. Andrea had finished her porridge without noticing eating anything and was now swirling juice in her glass slowly around mesmerized by the liquid’s solemn motion.

The silence dragged on for the longest of time. Finally a disruption occurred to shatter the status quo. The door opened. A robot strode in. Slowly all heads turned to stare at it.

It was a clearly female build, the chassis had curves and bumps and the minute movements it made did a very good job of mimicking casual human demeanor. Height measured almost seven feet and the face, it was the Nadia face. The kids had seen Nadia in various special forms but it had always been with exo-skeletons. Now it was not the case.

Nadia cleared her throat which was a previously unseen feature and spoke in a tender tone. The ring of it carried a rich palette on nuances. ”Good morning children. I am ND-2 but you can keep calling me Nadia. This chassis a complete reconstruct with more advanced principles than the previous model and my intellectual and interactive capabilities have been greatly enhanced. I retain the memories of my predecessor so for all practical intents and purposes you can treat the personality continuity as unbroken.”

ND-2 swung her head from side to side slowly and changing the pace to fit the logical reasons of the movement. The silence threatened to spill on the side of uncomfortable as Andrea forced a question out. ”Where is ND-1?” ND-2 bowed her head in a sad manner and lowered the note of speech. ”I am afraid she is unavailable now and for the times to come.”

Kitia placed a half eaten apple on the table and gave form to the horrible uncertainty that was shared by her friends. ”What happened to us and how did we end up in the medical room? How did we get these injuries? I can’t remember. Why?” She kept a small pause and summed it up. ”What happened?”

The robot pulled a chair and sat down. Not very smoothly but still. ”Tell me children what do you remember of it? This is important. We have constructed a scenario describing a possible chain of events but it needs facts to be confirmed to be correct.”

This time it was Andre who spoke. He seemed the most anxious of them all to get the questions settled. ”I was in the water. There were some boys on the shore.” Then he kept a pause, struggling to bring some order to the chaos that was his mind. ”They had lasers. One of them flew. Over the lake. Kitia was angry. I-”, he paused again obviously scared of the truth and eyes watering up. He looked at Kitia with all the regret in the world gathered into his gaze. ”Did I hit you?” Kitia smiled warmly her own worries quenched for the moment. ”I’m sure you didn’t. You could never intentionally hurt me. And neither could I hurt you.” ND-2 tilted her head. ”And what do you remember?”

The apple found its way to her again and provided a nice distraction in her hands while she let her mind drift freely. ”Andre was injured. I helped him to connect to mother nature so he could heal.” Then she fell quiet and spoke nothing more. ND-2 kept her visual sensory arrays on her. ”Nothing else, nothing at all?”

”Death!”, exclaimed Kitia dropping the apple and burst into tears. There was a tight coil of fear and terror in the pit of her stomach that now had sprung open. She held her hands in front of her mouth and stared at ND-2 wide-eyed. ND-2 bowed her head. Hadn’t the dosage of memory scramblers been enough, after all?

Andrea reached with her hand laying it on Kitia’s arm, comforting her with physical proximity. ”I know. I mean, I actually don’t, but-”. ND-2 cut in having accessed the mission logs. ”Yes, there was a corpse of a little bird.” Kitia wailed but calmed down soon having depleted her grief for now.

The strain from trying to access the chemically buried memories was highly visible on Andrea’s frown. ND-2 observed her with indistinct interest allowing the girl to make her best effort. It was crucial to see how much she would recall as she was the only one without any great initial trauma. Then the expression of accomplishment gave way for that of defeat. ”There were some boys but I can’t remember what it was about.” Nadia let out an almost human sounding sigh. ”Four members of the Chain Gang from Andros City. Apparently they came to the lake to spend some time, ran across of you, for an unknown reason attacked you and then left the scene. Evidence points at highly aggravated state as their two motorcycles collided at high speed on the mountains and skidded out of the road. They were crushed, especially one on top of whom a vehicle landed.”

A fragment of innocence was swept away. They stood face to face with not only death but their own mortality. The siblings looked shocked. Kitia only nodded as she had worked on the subject for some time now but nonetheless it was a moment of revelation. ND-2 added a soothing tone, continuing her speech.

This had to be done in a fast manner. Keep their minds in disarray and let the fragmented memories coagulate with the fiction and subtle untruths. Now that their brains were again performing their duties the corrective measures taken by them would cement the confusion as facts and rationalize the discrepancies away. It was doubtful if the correct patterns would ever form again, even during sleep, and if so, it was years away.

”Each of you three display certain parahuman abilities. They manifested themselves last night which accounts for the mental shock and trauma you suffered along with the physical abuse. Now, those powers are something that we must now discuss. Your father has devised certain means that allow you to gain control and hone those powers. You must learn to channel your bodily energies at will in order to master the variety of capabilities now suddenly at your disposal. I think you all agree that for now these powers have to remain a secret from the wider population. Despite the frequency of superhuman depicted in news articles they are locally somewhat of a rarity and could lead to unfortunate backlash effects. This is why you will not be returning to your school for the time being. You will be tutored at home where it is safe.” Nadia turned her full attention to Kitia. ”While these plans primarily apply to master’s own progeny he is more than willing to extend this offer to include you as he has noticed your continuing companionship with his children. Do you accept?”

Her ears were simply ringing. She knew that given time she could go over the facts again, think them over and then form an opinion, but right now she was just overwhelmed. She grasped for meaningful points of view. No school. Stay close to Andre and Andrea. Stay close to Andre. She smiled cautiously. That was something she could understand. That was what she wanted. Flashing a nervous smile she replied. “I do.”

ND-2 rose up, put her hands on her hips and scanned around finally nodding in an approving manner. ”Good. Now, go out and relax. Empty your minds. We will start your training this afternoon. And, whatever you do, do not leave the farm. Under any circumstances.” Then she swung around and headed back into the inner house.

Having had enough of pretending to eat the children left the table and waded out. They settled down under an apple tree and looked warily at each other. They were all painfully aware of their lives having been altered irrevocably. Andrea sat gloomily hugging her knees. She closed her eyes and focused on breathing levelly just to ease the anxiety in her chest. Someone wrapped arms around her from behind.

Andrea rested her head against the arm and let out a sigh feeling marginally better already. She parted her eyelids slightly and saw Kitia sitting close by in front of her. Andre spoke softly as he kept his sister in his gentle hold. ”No need to worry sis. I’ll watch your back, always. No matter what happens I’ll be there for you. You’re not alone and you’ll never be.” Andrea contemplated briefly pulling free. Then she let go marked by a soundless sigh and leaned against her brother. She was so tired. Andre was the big brother. Let him carry the weight. For now. Maybe forever.

Kitia edged closer. She might be the most mature and experienced of them but right now she was just a young girl feeling terribly alone in a suddenly frightening world. Uncertain but thirsting for closeness she got next to Andrea. Kitia reached her hand and put it softly on Andre’s arm squeezing very lightly. Tightening his grasp around Andrea Andre reached with his hand and put it on Kitia’s hand. It was now the three of them, and them alone.

Dimly Andre more felt than knew that Andrea had saved him, rushed to his defense in a dangerous situation. Even if he had treated her so harshly and with contempt for months. It was a reminder that they were brother and sister no matter what happened or how bad it got. When it counted they would be there for each other and now he was going to see his sister safe no matter the cost. He knew that he had meant his promise.

His mind was still haunted by doubts. They gnawed and whispered unrelenting in their quest for inner chaos. Andre licked his lips and almost whispered. ”What do you think really happened there?” Slowly Kitia withdrew her hand. Andrea turned around while pulling away. They both stared at him and then lowered their gaze. It was, however, enough.

What Andre saw in their eyes reflected his state of mind. There were unspoken fears. Some deep terror that did not want to be discovered. He could not bring himself to recall the events from last night but he knew inside that there was something important he did not know. It was what was haunting him. But the reaction guarding against gaining that knowledge was rooted deep. A mechanism protecting his already fragile self. It was the same with the girls. Even a mere mention pushed them away. Talking about it or pursuing it even one bit further would risk blowing them apart.

An hour later they were still sitting under that same tree huddled closer together. Not in embrace, just barely enough for mental warmth, their need for companionship fulfilled. Pushed slightly apart by their now common history, bound together forever by ties that had formed the previous day. In the sky there were clouds gathered, blocking the sun.

From underneath the barn roof a small head took a suspicious peek. Baby swallows were learning to fly.

Modern lifestyles

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 09:05:23 GMT

How to live, what aspects to combine for most fun?

Fret no more, there's a handy chart for you!

http://users.utu.fi/simo/lifestyles.jpg

Gold mining the girly way

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 09:00:28 GMT

I don't know if it's necessary to have at least herd of World of Warcraft game to enjoy this. I haven't played it enough to be able top say I have played it, and I found this link one of the most hilarious things this year!

http://www.somethingawful.com/articles.php?a=3635

It's a funny site elsewhere too.

Heavy fantasy

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 07:04:05 GMT

In order to understand the differences between each metal style, let's imagine a certain situation and its outcome, according to each style of metal:

"High above in a castle, there's a princess who was kidnapped, locked in there and is now "guarded" by a terrible huge menacing dragon"...

HEAVY METAL:
The protagonist arrives on a Harley Davidson, kills the dragon, drinks some beers and fucks the princess

GRIND METAL:
The protagonist arrives, screams something completely undecipherable for about 2 minutes and then leaves

POWER METAL:
The protagonist arrives riding a white unicorn, escapes from the dragon, saves the princess and they make love in an enchanted forest

THRASH METAL:
The protagonist arrives, fights the dragon, saves the princes and fucks her - easy and quick

FOLK METAL:
The protagonist arrives with some friends playing accordions, violins, flutes and many more weird instruments, the dragon falls asleep (from all the dancing) and the protagonist leaves without the princess

WHITE METAL:
The protagonist arrives on foot holding hands with an entire congregation of his religious brothers and sisters. He marches into the castle trusting the power of God to protect him from the Dragon. The princess repents for having sinned and is rejoined to the circle of believers. They leave the castle together.

LOVE METAL:
The protagonist arrives at the castle believing that this world ain't worth living. He finds the princess who has wandered to the Dragon's castle because she has decided to end her life while she is still young and beautifull. The protagonist and the princess flirt with each other by slashing themselves with razorblades and speculating on whether they should do it. Very very slowly the Dragon barbecues them to death as they watch each other die in ecstasy.

VIKING METAL:
The protagonist arrives in a ship, kills the dragon with his migthy axe, cooks and eats it, rapes the princess to death, steals the castle and burns the place before he leaves

DEATH METAL:
The protagonist arrives, kills the dragon, fucks the princess and kills her, then leaves

BLACK METAL:
The protagonist arrives at midnight, kills the dragon and impales it in the front of the castle.....then sodomizes the princess, drinks her blood in a ritual before killing her.....then he impales the deflowered princess

GORE METAL:
The protagonist arrives, kills the dragon and spreads his guts in the front of the castle, fucks the princess and kills her....then he fucks again her dead body, slashes her belly open and eats her guts, fucks the carcass for the third time, burns the corpse and fucks it for the last time

DOOM METAL:
The protagonist arrives, sees the size of the dragon and thinks that he never could beat him, gets depressed and commits suicide....the dragon eats his body and the princess as well

PROGRESSIVE METAL:
The protagonist arrives with a guitar and plays a solo for 26 minutes, the dragon kills himself out of boredom, the protagonist arrives to the princess' bedroom, plays another solo with all the techniques learned in the last year of the conservatory... the princess escapes, and is now looking for the "HEAVY METAL" protagonist

HERO METAL:
The protagonist arrives with ten dozen comrades-in-arms wielding swords of STEEL and shields of METAL. Dragon´s FIRE doesn´t have an effect on the brave and just warriors and soon the serpent´s BLOOD will stain the castle wall (which is made of ROCK). The protangonist rushes in to the tower to save the princess but realizes that the dragon had a good thing going on and settles in the castle instead, leaving the maiden in chains for occasional ravishing, cooking and washing of leather underwear.

GLAM METAL:
The protagonist arrives, the dragon laughs at the guy's looks and lets him enter, he steals the princess' make-up, convinces her to dye her hair and tries to paint the castle in a beautiful pink color

NU METAL:
The protagonist or possibly two, arrives and start trying to impress the Dragon with a series of riffs in Drop-D whilst alternatively talking and screaming at him about how they were the original protagonist and that all other protagonists are just copying them. For an encore they refuse to rescue the princess stating that they have far more depth than to be interested in her and are clearly misunderstood.

FINNMETAL:
The protagonist arrives dead drunk and stabs the dragon dead without remembering it afterwards. He weds the princess and two years later chases her and the children out into the snow with an axe, being dead drunk. He ends up living alone, reminiscing about the happier days and goes to sauna every Saturday drinking himself to oblivion each time.

INDUSTRIAL METAL:
The protagonist arrives wearing greasy overcoat, makes obscene gestures towards the dragon, and gets escorted out of fairy tale land by security guards.

Clear Skies, safe trails to SWG

Tue, 23 May 2006 04:34:38 GMT

Written sometime last week to our forum.

It has come the time for me to quit SWG.

Playing has gradually become a strain. It has become less spontaneuos fun and more an obligation. Obligation to other people, to me, to my characters. I don't want to lose the friends that I have made and I don't want to lose my characters that I have come to love, most notably Khuure and Kataja. Quitting would mean that their path ends too. There's no more adventures or advertisities to overcome.

However, SWG as a game and environment offers less by the day. I have always maintained that playing the actual game was never that important to me. It isn't but since NGE killed it all for me I've noticed that I miss it, even a little bit. Small time casual hunting for hides, stuff like that.

What has kept me going is RP and the good company. The company is still good and realistically I'm having far less stress than when running BSS but somethng has gone missing. Last week I played Kataja and I didn't "feel" her.

This quite probably is a YMMV issue (your mileage may vary) but for me a true character isn't something that I play. It also goes the other way. That character plays me. Instead of thinking what the reaction would be for this character I "feel" it when the time comes. I may think in advance that when Khuure learns that Akane and Katsumi kissed she's going to be slightly pissed. The way it rolled was that Khuure divorced Katsumi on the spot and almost nailed Akane to the floor with her hunting blade. Part of the responses come from my subconsciousness and I get surprised my characters. When the going is good I'm not playing them. I'm observing.

That link was gone. I acted Kataja out knowing what she probably would feel about Kitia finally coming home but there wasn't the resonance that would have told me the reaction for sure. Now, it's no mystical link that I can conjure up or needs a rite to reappear. My enthusiasm has waned and getting into the role has become harder. It's not working any more.

There probably are scores of reasons but there's no advantage in dwelling in them. Scrapping BSS was, still, imho, the right thing to do but with it vanished something fundamental. And essential, I think.

I didn't decide on quitting lightly. SWG has had a huge impact on me, one of the biggest. You have had an impact - the players who made it happen. Those still present, and those long gone. It has been of such great importance that when I two - three days back realized it was over, I cried. I haven't done that since I deleted Khuure two years ago. The other "recent" occasions (thought of this first one just now) have been in the funeral of my grandma and when I broke up the last time, in 1997. There is a terrible sense of loss. Gutting.

What these past two years on Farstar have given me is memories and achievements that I'll treasure until my eventual demise of old age somewhen next century. Trying to recite all the wonderful moments and relationships would be a futile attempt, there have been so many. Even the list of bigger things like Circle of Blood, Cold Flame, Be-Serat Slaret, Devsta Slaret, Phoenix, Smugglers Keep, Desert Sands Regiment, Khor-Angar... even that list would just go on.

I started playing in Beta and carried on when we got the gamepack. A hiatus came when in November of 2003 I wrote a novel. 50k words in one month. After that I didn't come back until mid-March 2004 when Kiti gave her other character, Khuure, over to me to play. Since then it has been a blast! I tried to write in my previous life but nothing much came of it. (Even the novel was way unfinished and is still - maybe I'll rewrite it someday and try to even sell it.) During my SWG era I have been more productive than ever, just look at the pile of Kataja and Khuure stories.

I said that the adventures stop now. It may not be strictly true. We are still discussing with the Circle what will be, who will leave with whom, but there might be a bunch of short stories coming still, or maybe even something bigger. We will see. I would love it dearly if we could keep our wonderful characters alive and on the move even beyond the game. We will see.

Before cancelling there will be still some IC about the departure so the people who have spent part of their lives with these maniacs will know what's up. Expect the New and Blood-Red Clad Resentful Lesbian Brutal Squad to visit the Unlucky Mark. Wink

People. You lot. What has made all of this so grand is not the game world, not my own stories, not anything external. It's simply put you. For the past two years I have logged into the game at the earliest possible opportunity and carried on until I have dropped sleeping, or as it is sometimes even beyond. I bet some people know exactly what I mean, heh. The average playtime per day is somewhere between 4-5 hours. For roughly 800 days. That's three thousand hours. Factored into 8 hour work days it's up to 500 days. I rarely say this but: LOL! You people made it all so interesting! Very Happy

Well, there's the gist of it. I'll hang around the forums and will host them as long as needed. As stories force their way through my skull I'll publish them.

Currently I am playing CoH, City of Heroes. Kiti migrated there after her WoW spree and after so long a break playing with her again is nice. Some other SWG faces are there too, long time vets from pre-BSS days and some "newer" folks. What I find so refreshing is that I have a sensible game to play. Doing the missions solo or in group is fun and even challenging. The world makes actual IC sense. And there are enough sane roleplayers to keep it all real.

You probably know my nature by now. We already have a supergroup going of which my character is a co-leader, I'm now on the verge of starting up a server wide coalition of roleplaying hero supergroups and after a bit of a pause I'm writing again. I can't just rest and be, I have to have something to organize. Something to create beyond just my character's life and actions. If anyone fancies a shot at some of that, the European server is Union. Character is Coile (with global handle @Coile). As Brighteyes, Tamlir and Jisha put it when they left and wanted me to come along: "Why not give the spandex side of life a try?"

SWG has been one of the top experiences in my whole life, and you people made it happen. Thank you. See you IG and IC still, before the curtain.

- Khuure, Kataja, Mireth, Sheevah, Pelire, Viher, Batis, Frost, Kjar, Brinden, Leist, Silvers, Duke Ateres

_________________
- Khuure, BSS founder, cultist, fugitive
"Old loves they die hard
Old lies they die harder"

People have also replied: http://beserat.utu.fi/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2727

Chopping Block!

Fri, 12 May 2006 12:57:34 GMT

Weirdshit black humour. Well, I have to spend Friday afternoon last few mins at work *somehow*!

http://www.choppingblock.org/d/20000815.html

The one linked is dedicated to Emmuzka.

Conversational Ebonics

Fri, 05 May 2006 08:24:01 GMT

There's a book someone found which is a dictionary / guide between african american lingo and japanese. How's it hanging sis? I'm down with the hood, dig? Oh, and the covers and paintings from the publisher's site is something to boggle your mind over too.

http://www.beckysweb.co.uk/beckysblog/2006/03/conversational-ebonics.asp

It's weird. It's freaky. And it's so damn hilariously funny I just have to share it.

End of an era

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 17:14:28 GMT

It had been creeping a long while but suddenly it struck me that I wasn't happy what we had. BSS wasn't living up to the promise of high end roleplay quality that we had attained. We tried to turn it around but it had all grown too huge. Too hard to manage without hurting a lot of people. In the end we formed splinters, dissolved BSS and relocated.

So, we killed Be-Serat Slaret. The most quality hardcore roleplay city of Farstar is now merely a few houses with the city hall slated for demolition. We called quits the city, the GM system and the community that we had.

The post below was made in the hopes of solving the problems in the community. Didn't happen. Problem people didn't recognize themselves or at least decline to acknowledge it. Fuck 'em. Now I have my own little splinter modeled after the original version, Circle of Blood.

Looking back it's amazing I didn't see how much happier I could be.

Jevona will be making a few polls. I want all of you to pay attention. I want all of you to take part. Here's why. You are making decisions on the future of BSS.

I posted something like this into GM Cave yesterday. There have been discussion in the Cave, and we spent four hours straight in MSN with a few GMs discussing the matter.

I'll lay out the current deal plain and simple so you have the right frame of mind while reading the rest. Mind you, I'm speaking as one community member, not as a GM or deity with divine wisdom. I'm saying things as I see them, as a person. As such my style is far less diplomatic than usually and at this point I don't much care about bruised egos. If you feel slapped it was probably intended.

As it stands it's likely I will leave town. Equally likely is that Eladi and Blaize will follow. Probably Cass too.

We don't have a community anymore. Not for me at least. I appreciate that we have separate IC groups, as we should, but we should be still an OOC community. We're not. We're too big, too loose, too fragmented and the innate trust I had for fellow community members as a default is gone.

One definite problem is that we go too soft on people. We accept people in with too little credentials, too scarce performance. Our quality check is "are they doing something they shouldn't?" while it should be "are they doing the right things?"

We take people in if they don't fuck up just because we're nice and we don't want to deny anyone just because "we feel like it". We scavenge for those five magical pro voices just so we can vote yes or abstain and grow, and we've lost the damn focus. Now it's enough that they log in once a week, they were helpful on the channel and their char looks solid, so we allow them in. We call that community.

We have a fuckload of guides and rules to pin down what style to expect. And then we're content on just that the rules have been read. We don't much control if people appreciate them. It used to be that it was our style and dedication which drew the immersion seekers in. We were a magnet for high class, we had quality that people appreaciated. They wanted a piece of just that. They wanted to contribute. They hanged around, slipping in at some point and becoming a true part. THAT was a community. We were of one mind how this all works.

Somewhere along the road we began to expand and offer shelter to refugees from KA and SK and any stray that wandered by. We were content that they didn't piss on the lawn and just chugged the house down after three weeks or so. What changed was that it became enough for them not to mess up. It was no longer necessary to impress us daily. Now we take in any yahoo who "seems" to be on the level. What the fuck? If there are doubts, they shouldn't get in! They need to pull a solid performance just as long as it takes to convince, really convince, enough people that they DO fit in.

We don't do things that way, and haven't done in a long time. And now we have all sorts. We have the current BSS community and I'm not pleased with it.

GM team had concerns of "the Well crew". We shouldn't have, if this was working as intended. Instead we had to get involved, make checks that people in there were going by BSS way of things. Can anyone say that things are running as they should if multiple GMs independently voice concerns of the same matter?

That is one example of how things are being let slide until at long last something is done. The signs of things not working were there for a fucking long time but we just put up with it, seeking solutions. Protecting a single members and not focusing on community. That's what we're imho doing wrong, trying our damned best to integrate anyone in, trying to accommodate styles or view points that don't actually belong, with the faint hope that problems will go away on their or cease to matter. Problems should be dealt with. Either have people fall in line or cut them loose.

Some character consepts are too farout. If someone is a jack of all trades, good in this and that, master of these and those weapons, slicer, runner, driver, player, hustler, businessman, fighter, trader and can hit any curve ball they are in the wrong city and in the wrong community. We have stated that we don't want those and if people persist, they really don't belong. I don't see why the hell we should point such a thing to someone twice, or even more. If a bio reads like "the top of the cream" it's not enough to try and tone it down. What needs to be done is to tell the player that they clearly have NOT grasped what BSS is about, and they don't fit in. If after all the damn guides they make such a mistake they never will fit in.

I'm willing to go out of my way to help people, but I won't be a damn nanny, kindergarden cop or all hugsy community carebear. And neither should anyone else have to be. We are not for all, and if someone requires extensive watching and maintanance, something fundamental is wrong already. We shouldn't have to watch anyone.

We don't want damn jamesbonds. We don't solve things with nifty gadgets. If our guide states that nanotech is out, why would anyone even think of bringing that in? That only shows the total disregard of what they signed while applying to community. Again something that we shouldn't have to waste our fun time on to begin with. If you can't play by the commonly accepted rules, go and play someplace else!

If you go along with someone playing with that stuff, why do you do it? Are people afraid of pointing something like that out? Or don't they just care? Is the image of the world so flimsy that it's not in-built into people what should be possible and what not? How many actually, really, appreciates the world that has been outlined? Hands up, who wants to play by the guidelines we have all accepted, and who wants to go beyond? The beyond starts just outside city borders, you know?

I realize some people have busy lives. They can't log in often. That's not a fault. Then again, if they prefer playing other games, or mostly on other servers, what do they need BSS for? We're not a fallback place for when the action elsewhere gets boring enough. We don't care for drive-by RP just aimed at stirring trouble from outsiders, and neither from our own people. If you don't feel like you can commit, there's really no reason to belong, is there?

Why do people want in? Is it because they see likeminded people with whom they really feel a connection? If that's the case, I'm happy. That's the kind of people I want in. But if the reason is that there are no other options, or that we're seen as elite and it's cool to be in elite, that's bad. Equally wrong reason is to come along just because there's a friend or two. What is needed is dedication to the dream.

We need to stop pampering people. Do they get hurt if we say "no, you can't get in"? Yes, they will. Is it fun to hurt people? No. But sometimes it's necessary. If we keep accepting people because they didn't do anything wrong and "they deserve a chance" we'll continue on the path to our destruction.

People get their chance during their evaluation period. After that we should accept only those that really impressed us, who really feel like they want to belong quite badly. Their reason should be that they have same ideals than the BSS community does. Anything less, falling short on that, they shouldn't get in.

If in the discussion we express concerns, and we take them in, we're doing something very, very wrong. Look at the threads. We express hopes of seeing someone more often later on, to see more of the somewhat promising behaviour. We're confident that the small failings will pass.

There has now been some discussion on what rules are needed. The rules and guides collection is more than a bunch of written documents. It's the very foundation on which our style is built. The application and bio processes should guarantee our high quality if we weren't too timid of actually enforcing them and saying no to people. The discussion has been up for some time now. It's a process that has stalled. I'd appreciate feedback on how the system is seen. After much kicking and screaming some people have actually offered input. But why not the rest? Don't they realize it's a community matter and it is in fact EXPECTED of them to take part?

No, they don't. They don't feel the community. Why should they, really? I don't feel it either.

We have people bitching about there not being plots. Have those people contacted GMs? No. They expect a free meal, no work included. They don't bother with the basic courtesy of making a damn contact.

We have people bitching about there being so many lesbians around. Or indeed being visible. Now, huh? It's a sexual orientation. Would it be as big a bother if there were straight couples giving each other a kiss?`This is something I can't feel apologetic about. Khuure has always been a lesbian. Kataja is/was bi, but she was chased by a female long enough to fall. Sheevah was anything goes, whoever offered the protection to her. It happened to be Kitia. But that's all beside the point. I shouldn't have to justify a legitimate part of my characters to anyone. That's not pushing the limit of believability. That's not immersion breaking. That should be ok, but apparently it is not.

For some guys it's impossible to play a female char. That's cool. For some IRL homosexuals (of which I am not one, just to note) it's the same. They can't play a straight char and immerse themselves. But that's again seeking justification to something that shouldn't require any. When did we end up here? When did lesbian relationships become a bother? When did a natural aspect of life become an issue? And why? Is this alarming anyone else?

Asking someone "not to make the next char a lesbian" is in my book so blatantly wrong I have to wonder what the fuck such a player is doing in BSS any longer. There's the nifty packup option in the house and removing the forum account from community group shouldn't be too hard either.

It has been remarked that we should rethink the mortal threat that our chars face. I'd like some more discussion on that. I for one blatantly refuse to make my chars unkillable. Khuure and Kataja play hardball, they use physical violence and other tactics to gain their way. If there is no real threat to them, that's just bullying. That style is not for me. We play the realistic end. There IS risk. Anyone can of course put an "N" or "C" into CD part of the consent line and just stay away from heavy situations. But I won't. Without the risk of death the life would be just over dramatic theater.

To summarize: we're too big, too loose, and we're not a community. It's evident people try to follow the letter of the guides instead of the spirit. And even the letter is in question. We have taken in people which we maybe shouldn't have. We've failed to keep up the standards that we had.

Now I want each stop for a moment and think. Be realistic, be fair. Is BSS for you? Is it really? If you have the drive to belong, if you feel the commitment inside, then I can work with you. If you have doubts, maybe they are for a reason?

One option would be to change the democratic community into GM dictatorship. Well, Oligarchy. GMs could then decide who belongs and who doesn't. I don't want to go there.

I have always said that if someone didn't feel like belonging, there's the door and don't let it hit your ass on your way out. The viable choice of less hurt that I see is me leaving. I'm not convinced that BSS can be fixed to be what I'd like it to be. I'm not even sure if it should be fixed. Maybe it's not all the people I see not really fitting that are wrong. Maybe I'm wrong.

If me and Eladi bolt that leaves one active GM who keeps managing stuff both IG and in GM Cave. Jevona herself sees that as BSS dwindling away. That would remove IC a huge chunk of Devsta Slaret and most of the city administration.

There are now three ways this can go.

1) GMs dictate what BSS is and removes those that they don't see fitting in. This stands a chance of destroing the community anyway, no matter if people agree or disagree. Bad option. Imho, not to be used.

2) Me and a few others leave and form a new Circle of Blood along the original idea. BSS community can be what it is or morph or whatever.

3) We have a discussion. People voice their opinions. We see what majority wants BSS to be. Those that disagree take their leave. Hopefully the end result is a group of people who feel bonded by their common goal and dream, and have a common vision. A community, in other words. Whoever it is that are left.

I know that asking for opinions or prodding people to take part in a poll usually only garners some nodding and general vague agreement. Let's dispense with those. What I'd like to see is honest opinions, people really expressing what they want. Let the community really define itself and who belongs.

I hope my opening encourages people speaking their minds.

Your turn.

No homepage!

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 06:58:21 GMT

It's so sad! Khuure has no homepage!

Just look!

http://khuure.has-no-homepage.net

Airplanesy experience

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 07:01:21 GMT

I didn't write this. I nicked it from SOE boards and someone else nicked it from elsewhere before that. Still, this is one of the funniest read in a while and I dare wager that it can be enjoyed by also others that SWG players.

Short background: quite out of the blue late last year SWG changed radically. It became simpler, more "iconic, starwarsy and fun" and a lot lot lot things were broken along the way, most of which haven't been fixed yet. A good portion of players left the game, the company fails to communicate worth shit soon three years in a row and 60% of players trying the New Game Enhancements out rated it "abysmal".

But what if Sony Online Entertainment operated a plane company?

"Trying to rebuild a 747 mid-flight into an F-16, using nothing but the same parts on board, changing out the flight crew, AND changing the destination of the original flight, all the while telling the passengers that all the changes are for the better regardless of where they were going or how they originally wanted to get there, and then offering them extra bags of salted peanuts for their troubles."

Stewardess: We're very happy to announce that flight 6274 will now be faster and more exciting thanks to our New Flight Enhancements!

Passenger: Huh? I thought they said they were just gonna have some turbulence, and fly a little higher to avoid it... we didn't ask for any "enhancements". Can you guys just make a second group of airplanes to do that with? I really kinda like this one the way it is.

Stewardess: Unfortunately, having two types of airplanes would be quite impossible. But don't worry, Sir! (Hammering and screams are heard coming from behind her). Our responses have been phenomonal, and we've based the decision to make these changes from the feed-back of the passengers that got off at the last stop!

Passenger: I thought they got off because of engine trouble?

Stewardess: Oh, NO Sir! We've never had any "engine troubles" per say...I mean, everyone knows that ALL planes have mechanical failures. It's normal!

Passenger: But American Airlines doesn't have any where NEAR the number of problems that you have, and they get 20 times your business.

Stewardess: Yes, AA is a FINE airline! In fact, when I travel anywhere, I use them myself!

Passenger: Huh?

Stewardess: It's simple really. We've found that 747's just don't work! But we know that F-16's do! So it'll be more like that! Try it, you're going to like it!

Passenger: Well, I DON'T like it, and I don't use f-16's, I'm just trying to get to Boston, really...

Stewardess: Have no fear, Sir, we'll have you in Los Angeles in no time!

Passenger: Well, thank goo-, wait, WHAAA? I don't want to go to bloody LA!

Stewardess: People LOVE LA! Our focus groups tell us that there are many people who are there already!

Passenger: Listen, I didn't get on this plane to go to LA, I WANT to go to Boston, and...HEY! What's that stewardess doing to that other passenger!

Stewardess: Oh, her? She was violating our safety code by saying negative things about our New, exciting, "Airplanesy" NFE! (Try it today!) And so we duct-taped her mouth shut. But don't worry! There's always a few whiners when major changes happen, but she'll come around!

Passenger: She just jumped out....

Stewardess: She'll be back!

Passenger: And what's this "Airplanesy" nonsense? It seemed plenty "Airplanesy" to me.

Stewardess: Well, we researched a group of fighter pilots, steam boat captains, and grocery baggers, and found that we weren't living up to the full "Airplanesy" experience. But now it does, so YAAAAAAY!

Passenger: You're a loony.

Stewardess: (Pulls out the duct tape) What was that?

Passenger: (sigh) Nothing...well, suppose I'm willing to go to LA, and do it in this b*stard-child of a passenger airplane/flighter hybrid... what's with all broken things on the plane now? Perhaps we could land the plane, rebuild it with the necessary time, equipment, and parts, and start again when we know we're ready to do so?

Stewardess: Oh, we could do that Sir, but we don't feel that we've fully utilized the potential of THIS plane. It's such a nice plane..

Passenger: WAS a nice plane....

Stewardess: And we know that while we could have a plane for both types of flight, we know we can do more with this one.

Passenger: Wait, I thought you told me in the beginning that it wasn't possible to do that?

Stewardess: (Duct-taping another screaming passenger's mouth shut) Sorry, can't hear you! It's hard to process all this positive feedback we're getting, but I'll get to you soon enough!

Passenger: Well, I may as well make the most out of this, could I get some more ice for my drink, please? When we did that flaming barrel roll towards the ocean a few minutes back, it spilled my drink. I...I think I'd be willing to drink what the guy sitting next to me has left (I think he's gone comatose with fear), but I really would like some more ice. And a cup too, please. This one has somehow cracked...

Stewardess: Oh, no Sir, that cup is working PERFECTLY as intended. About your ice, well, that's a bit more difficult...

Passenger: Huh? I just want some more ice..seems simple enough.

Stewardess: (Sigh), I see you don't know anything about airplanes, Sir. It's more complicated than that. You see, to dispense ice, we first have to redirect fuel from the engines into the cargo hold, and fill it with that fuel. But if we do THAT, then our pilots won't be able to see, because thats where we control the plane from..

Passenger: What, that doesn't make any sense!?!

Stewardess: ...THEN, we'd have to fold up the wings to drain the fuel better, and replace it with diet pepsi, which we didn't stock up on during out last stop...

Passenger: Stop, just STOP! Who would operate a plane like this??

Stewardess: You see, this just goes to show what we learned, and that is that 747's just don't work! It's proven now! But F-16's do!

Passenger: NO, 747's work just fine, you simply have to manage and operate them better. If you had simply stuck with the idea of a passenger plane, and focused on making it a BETTER passenger plane, instead of looking at the other guys and their DIFFERENT planes, you would have been fine! Half of the passengers have jumped now, the plane we have left is in ruin, and I STILL don't have any ice. Look, either go back to the way it was, or make another plane like the OLD one that I could fly to BOSTON on, OR land the friggin' plane, and take-off when it's ready again!

Stewardess: (In a droning, inhuman voice) Hi, this is Stewardess Stacy, and I understand you're having some trouble with you Seat! We know this is a problem at the moment, and I'd advise you to re-check your Seat Options. Have a happy, "Airplanesy" day! (Walks away)

Passenger: Wait a second, did you listen to a word I said?? I never even mentioned my seat! Come back here! I SAID, I have no ICE, and I have a cracked CUP, not to mention that this plane is on a course for that MOUNTAIN up there! Good night! I can't believe I'm worried about such little things in a crashing airplane, but by God I'm going to get something fixed! Get back here!

Stewardess: (In the same droning voice) Hi, this is Stewardess Stacy, and I understand your frustration! However, I've already spoken on the subject of your fish dinner, and any further complaints will force me to use my duct tape! Thanks for Flying, have a happy "Airplanesy" day, and enjoy your new experiences as Charles Lindbergh â„¢ or The Red Baron! â„¢

Passenger: MY ICE IS...wait a tick, who? My name's Greg Vines. I don't want to be those guys, I was enjoying being Passenger 12B.

Stewardess: Nonsense! You hate being you! Passengers would rather fly, shoot, and repeat, and that's a FACT. Passengers need to experience what they've seen in WW II movies, not be "Lucy Johansen", passenger 15D, and live with anything they've created or done for themselves!

Passenger: She seemed nice to me, before she got sucked out anyway..

Stewardess: (Cheerfully) Well, your wrong! NO ONE liked her! I here she was a business commuter! Boo! Hiss!

Passenger: But I'M a business commuter!

Stewardess: NOT NO MO' YOU AIN'T! Surprise! You are now either a fighter pilot, navigator, Kung Fu Master, or Stripper! Enjoy!

Passenger:That's it, I'm leaving. (Moves to the already open door, swinging in the wind)

Stewardess: Wait! Before you go, would you like to fill out our exit survey!

Passenger: Heck yeah, I would! Gimme that! (Looks it over).... What the duece? There's nothing on here abot your shoddy stewardesses, bad flight crew, poor managements, mechanical failures, or ANYTHING regarding your "New Flight Enhancements"! All it's got in here is a couple question about food, reading material, and airsickness bag selection! Can't I write anything in? Wouldn't that actually help you get to the source of the REAL problems?

Stewardess: Nope!

Passenger: Well, I guess I select "Food could use improvement", since that's the closest thing to my problem with getting more ice, but...

Stewardess: Thank you, and please come back. You'll love some of the new upcoming changes on the way. We're adding multi-color seatbelts! It's what people really want, and we've put a lot of time into implementing them!

Passenger: Erm, no thanks. (Leaps out the door, and emraces the sweet release of death.)

Stewardess: Oh, Pooh! Lost another one to American Airlines! Now lets see here (Reads the exit survey)...Food! Why, AA has food! Quick, we'll offer more salted peanuts!

All the other stewardesses on board: Brilliant!

...

And the plane continues to spiral downward...

Filk: Be Serat Slerat (by Jisha)

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:55:29 GMT

I wasn't the only one inspired by an idea of making a BSS themed filk. Here's on by Jisha. I laughed my ass off, mainly because it's so true. It's a harsh town.

Be Serat Slaret
(Doris Day: Que Sera, Sera)
mucked up by me

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother,
"What will I be?
Will I be pretty?
Will I be rich?"
Here's what she said to me:

"In Be Serat Slaret
If you not screwed now, soon you’ll be
You’ll be doing spice by thirteen
Be Serat Slaret
here you're scewed, or dead."

When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweetheart,
"What lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows,
Day after day?"
Here's what my sweetheart said:

"In Be Serat Slaret
All romances will crash and burn
You'll go dyke and trade in for girls
Be Serat Slaret
Get a worrt instead."

Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother,
"What will I be?
Will I be handsome?
Will I be rich?"
I tell them tenderly

"Be Serat Slaret
Made a wreck of my life and me
Your turn will come next, you’ll see,
Be Serat Slaret
It will get you yet
Be Serat Slaret!"

Filk: Dead To The World

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 08:09:19 GMT

Oh my how the time flies. It's been almost a year since Pelire storyline came to a conclusion and Exura storyline started. I didn't write Exura's origin story then, even if it was in my mind already. Instead I wrote a filk. It started as a short quote from the Nightwish song of the same name in a message that Exura wrote after killing Ciro Virochan and 200+ passengers. I realized that I had an idea that wanted to come out and there's rarely denying the writing urge.

In brief Exura was a princess whose two sisters Petaleyes and Dragonflies fell from the grace and joined Pelire as agents Void and Moondance. After the sisters were captured in a Cold Flame operation they were executed. When the then queen Leafblossom learned of this she gave in and went to train under Pelire becoming Exura. Then a few Kingdom operatives conspired to take out Pelire who was becoming a liability and maneuvered Cold Flame to do the dirty work. Upon Pelire's death Exura was activated and she started taking out targets on both sides of the fence for quite some while before she was hunted down, cornered and killed.

A great many people came real close losing their lives. Some did. And all the while Exura was dead to the world.

Dead To The World
TTTO: Dead To The World by Nightwish
(Filked by Kataja)

All the Flame take them away
They're dead to the world!

The Blue gave shape to the lost one's world
Gave purpose to the Fallen
(Heartdead, lovelorn)

Remaining, lurking in the shadows
Those words tainted my soul
(Poisoned soul, lightless soul)

It's not the monsters under your bed
It is the Girl next door
That makes you fear, makes you cry,
Makes you cry for your life
All the wars are fought among those lonely girls
Unarmed, deepscarred

I want you to die a scarred man
In lonely fear
(Tell me Blue what to do)

I studied silence to learn the terror
I joined the Kingdom to regain innocence

Zabrak queen, cover me
In all your blue
Petaleyes, Dragonflies
They’re dead to the world

Scarred queen, carry me
Away from my pain
Both my sisters taken away
They're dead to the world

Dead, silent, joyless
And ever falling
- My darkened view of this world

As they died, they will return to live in me again
Leaving the world, giving birth to the Vengeance Child
Who gave her life not for the Blue but for blood
Innocence reborn once more

Heartless queen, carry me
Away from my pain
All my life fallen away
I’m dead to the world

Horned queen, entomb me
In all your blue
Ciro boy, their precious joy
Is dead to the world

Soulless queen, carry me
Away from my pain
All Cold Flame, dying away
They're dead to the world

They’re dead to the world!

What kind of date goer are you?

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 16:34:51 GMT

I did this presumably serious test for my character Khuure. Khuure is a 21 year old Zabrak girl who has lead a busy life since leaving her home three years ago. She's been a cult leader, vigilante, fugitive, wanted killer, rebel symphatizer, mass murderer, city mayor, swooper, drunkard and an all-terrain commando. She also turned out to be a lesbian. I based my answers on Khuure's In-Game (IG) actions as well as how she views things. This is the result.

The date test

The Sudden Departure
Random Brutal Love Master (RBLMf)

Sweet. Dear. Loving. At Gate 18. Final call.

You are The Sudden Departure.

You've been in a lot of serious relationships. More than a few have ended ugly. Uglily. Whatever. Our guess is that you're a really fantastic girl who doesn't really know what she wants, and you've broken a few hearts as a result. You fall for people easily, and you enjoy the feeling of falling in love, but once you're there, either boredom or the old "grass is greener" syndrome sets in. The mind wanders, and with it goes the flesh. And then the toiletries.

We know you're not the classic "love 'em and leave 'em" type, at least not in a purely sexual sense. You have too many serious bonding tendencies for that. But even though you're theoretically looking to settle down, you don't settle long on one person. "Serial monogamist" is probably something you hear a lot. "Emotionally loose" is another way to put it. To the poor girls eating your dust and sniffing your panties, it doesn't really make much difference. Of course, it's not really your fault that people get hurt. You have every right to move on when you choose.

ALWAYS AVOID: The Intern, The Maid of Honor

CONSIDER: The Sudden Departure, someone just like you

Domain names gone wrong

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:48:24 GMT

Nomen est omen.

Firstly there is "Who Represents", a database for agencies to the rich and famous:
www.whorepresents.com

Second is the "Experts Exchange", a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views:
www.expertsexchange.com

Looking for a pen? Look no further than "Pen Island":
www.penisland.net

Need a therapist? Try:
www.therapistfinder.com

And there is an Italian Power-Generation company:
www.powergenitalia.com

Finally we have the "Mole Station Native Nursery", based in New South Wales:
www.molestationnursery.com

Ninja!

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:43:47 GMT

http://planetvids.com/html/The-Little-Ninja.html

http://www.7secondsoflove.com/ninja/

It's playing in my head. Hopefully in yours too.

Filk: Pet Semetary

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 19:25:47 GMT

(( I know we don't have cloning IC but when the idea came to me it was too good to pass by, and IG cloning fits to the theme perfectly. ))

Be-Serat Slaret
(The Ramones: Pet Semetary)
Filked by Khuure

Under the scorch of the blazing twin suns
Ancient sabers and rayguns
Take me to ground, by making a sound
Circle of Blood is all around
And the night when the Cold Flame moves
No one cares, nobody knows

(CHORUS)
I don't want to be cloned in Be-Serat Slaret
I don't want to live my life again
I don't want to be cloned in Be-Serat Slaret
I don't want to live my life again

I follow trail to the city in sands
Feeling wary I throw a glance
Troopers and clans, P-Sec roaming around
Brutal lesbos ruling the town
And the night when the witch gives fright
Devsta stirs, something ain't right

(CHORUS)

The Nest is full, the air is still
All of a sudden, I feel a a chill
Mayor is grinning, blasters pointing my way
Twi'lek girls dance, I curse this day
And the night when the scyks cry out
Listen close and you can hear me shout

(CHORUS)

My Lj, my stuff and if you don't like it, bail out

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:04:02 GMT

Every now and then I hear moaning about how "game stuff", or, more specifically, "my game stuff", is boring. Granted, it can be. If the subject interests you not then you are bound to find it boring. Tho if the point is "interests not" that goes pretty much for any subject.

I've neglected posting stuff in my Lj for some time 'cause I haven't wanted to bother people more than I have in the past, be it failing in my duties or speaking of stuff that people haven't been keen to listen about. That's, like, going ass first up the tree. And finding about a branch the painful way. My Lj is *my* thing. I post what the fuck I want.

I don't know what you people expect. Stories about kids? Some nifty workplace gossip? Reviews of stuff I've come across? Hasn't happened so far, ain't likely to happen in the future either. I used to be some sort of temporary fandom hotshot, pouring my energy and creative shit into Finnish sf fandom until latest Turku Finncon burned out all the reserves and the action degenerated into routine I had no time for and that looped no energy back to me. What I do now is Star Wars Galaxies. What I do now is our community Be-Serat Slaret. That's where I pour my creative enthusiasm now. I write almost daily some prose, I create systems, I toss around ideas and I get real jolts of meaning from particularly fine pieces of roleplaying. That's what I do. That's what I am.

I have no right to waste your time face to face, and it'd be rude of me to talk about stuff I know you're not interested in in the slightest. I try to avoid that, on the rare occasions I ever meet the lot of you in person. Having an interest is no excuse to be an arse to people, to paraphrase one RP rule. IRL (In Real Life) it's not up to you if I follow you and prattle about game stuff. But, as far as Lj is concerned, it *is* up to you. Up yours, so to speak, and not entirely dismissing the double meaning. If you don't like to read about the stuff I post, then bloody well don't read it!

Let's make this clear - chances that I will regularly, or otherwise, post about stuff other than my gaming related are not high. Most, if not all, entries are bound to have something to do with BSS, SWG or the people involved. Read at your own peril.

If I bore you in person, bring it up. I'd hate to be an unintentional dick. But, after this clear and present warning, I don't want to hear any more whining about how the stuff in my Lj is boring. For fuck's sake, surely you have better things to do than to waste your time on something you know you won't get any enjoyment out of! Like, get a life. Post-x-mas sales are bound to have some bargain ones in the bins.

To put it plainly, if you haven't enjoyed much of my stuff so far, unfriend Khuure. Right now. Do it. No need to endure shit. If you want to know what's up, call. Not our home phone no more, it got scrapped a while back. Or visit. No need to follow my fucking gaming blog unless you fancy such stuff.

If after this you feel the urge to spew dispiriting griping how that game stuff in my Lj is boring, go visit http://users.utu.fi/shimo/

Pikkujoulut?

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 10:49:44 GMT

Tänään on kuulemma tösöfösön pikkujoulut.

Spinissä sanotaan notta lisätietoa myöhemmin.

Sivuilla viimoisin julkistettu tapahtuma on marraskuun syyskokous (paikka ilmoitetaan myöhemmin).

Kysymys: milloin alkaa?

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 10:43:56 GMT

People who didn't earn the title but use it anyway

WARMASTERS
- probably don't know how to place a house.
- think that their title will strike fear in the heart of their enemies despite encountering fifty other WARMASTERS on their way from bazaar to cantina in Mos Eisley.
- won't ever become mayors because every time they are on their way to a player city they get distracted by all the "new", "fun" and "exciting" content and loot, also known as "bright, shiny things".
- most likely are unaware their their title is related to the Politician profession or that such a prefession exists. It's not related to combat in any way.

MASTER POLITICIANS
- are the ones most likely to spell the profession 'polotition' despite the title hanging above the head of the person in front of them (surrounded by at least ten WARMASTERS).
- are surprised to notice that they can't put down a garden in front of their houses despite being 'polotitions'.
- believe that keeping the title up makes them part of the Galactic Senate despite the game happening after ANH where the Emperor was said to have disbanded the senate.
- wonder why Tour Aryon never picks them to run against Sean Tremwell.

ELDER POLITICIANS
- put down a city hall and are dumbfounded to learn their city is only Level 1 even if they are already CL 31!
- are angered when they don't get the title 'militia' above their head.
- want a title 'elder militia'.
- try to grant zoning rights sitting on their throne in city hall and file CSR tickets when they can't.
- are exploiting a bug in the system by showing the titles that don't belong to them and should be punished. However they are not because SOE is staffed entirely by WARMASTERS.

Kingdom falls

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 07:45:39 GMT

Kingdom coming
Another kingdom falls
The rightful are waiting
But all are not rightful
Wait and receive the weight of the fall
--Manowar: Kingdom Come--

A year and a half of running a campaign behind the scenes and in plain sight. The Kingdom plot was removed from player hands a few months ago and placed under GM control only.

Two weeks back we had a few people over from Helsinki and one from Greece, and we had a table top session for the end of Kingdom. A Jedi fell to the Dark Side, thousands died, bargains were made with a pale devil and the largest conspiracy the Galaxy had never heard of took a fatal blow.

The journey there and the big rumble in the end has been portrayed in about a hundred pieces of player written news, stories, in character announcements and the like. But, one story remains.

We have now the Cold Flame: Family side of the final battle. We have the preparations from the Cold Flame: Clan. The final piece is the new Cold Flame killing a city and storming the fort while the other team sneaks in from the back and severs the beast's head. That piece is in the works. It'll showcase many integral characters, new and old, from Be-Serat Slaret and also from the very first SWRPG campaign that we ran soon twenty years ago.

I would also like to throw in Shael, Rivena and Dorian. This takes place a year after the Empire fell so their age would be about forty or so. I hope to have the piece written over the weekend. Mari, Hanne, you have until then to forbid me using your characters. Shael will be there, in the heart of the invasion running the tight underground corridors with Khuure and her motley crew while the rest of the battle rages on over the city, in the orbit and elsewhere in the gigantic Kingdom complex.

Some will survive. Some will not.

In fire they drown.

Kingdom Come.

*****

The whole Kindgom storyline: http://host.hostingseries35.net/~bright/bss/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1106&start=1

In Fire They Drown: http://host.hostingseries35.net/~bright/bss/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1214 (Bad guys signing off)
Cold Flame: Family & Clan: http://host.hostingseries35.net/~bright/bss/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1260 (Good guys signing off)
Down in Flames - The Fall: http://host.hostingseries35.net/~bright/bss/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1725 (Fight to the end)