The Masters

[Zephyr]

please note that I am truly not intending to come across as conceited

Not at all. If you believe you are the one most suited to fighting him, then you may be right. I only hope he will accomodate your wish.

In other news, I've almost finished updating my character. Expect it to be done by tonight. (Tonight my time that is.)

[Shadrach]

*Yawns as he walks in the door*

Yo there, everybody. Y'all can call me "Shad" if you like, heard there was some kinda skirmish in the works eh? Mmmhhh...Something about 'recruiting', yeah.

I'm Dante/GrimmJaw's friend, here to help The Masters. ^^ My character I will be using can be found here.

Hope to have some fun.

EDIT: Hehe, oopsy. Buuut...just remembered that I forgot (hah) to mention: Point me where-ever I need be pointed hehe. Will try to get a hold on this as best I can on my own but if anyone wants to give me the low-down, it would be much appreciated. ;P

[Lucid]

As it stands, I also recognize Godean as taking the chief role during battle in the absence of the Grand Master.

I am also here to offer my assisstance.

[LocoColt04]

Not that my opinion counts for anything, but as an Ambassador and a moderator of sorts in this war, I should like to note that, by the standards of the Masters organization, Godean would be the acting leader in times of "war" as proclaimed by the organization, due to his position as the Pillar of Conflict.

In my eyes, that makes him the leader in any matters specifically regarding the aforementioned war until Anomaly makes his return. This should clear up any questions as to whether or not the Masters have a figurehead to lead them into battle.

[Prodigal Madness]

I've an honest question. While I am fine with leaving out the fortress...

How the hell can they claim they're *attacking* us, and get to choose the battlefield?

*IF* they choose to attack us, they come to us, meaning it would be our choice as to how that happens.

[LocoColt04]

A valid point, and one worth querying. I suggest a response from ToroMor is necessary in regards to this matter. The assaulting faction certainly shouldn't be able to fight in their own backyard... that's why it's called an assault, isn't it? I see no reason why the locations shouldn't be the choice of the Masters, or at the very least, some sort of mutually created battlegrounds (in an OOC note, perhaps the latter would be the wisest choice; as writers, I know you can come up with some awesome ideas together).

[Prodigal Madness]

After it being cleared up that they weren't actually attacking the fortress, I think it becomes our choice in the battlefield.

My logic on it: You attack us. Ok, well we choose to sit on our asses here, xxx. You can't attack us unless you come to us. I don't see any members of TM complaining that we can't use our fortress. I'd certainly enjoy the amusement of their failed attack on it, but I don't expect to use it or need it. However, I don't see how BoD would have any choice in the battlefield if they do choose to come for us.

[GrimmJaw]

For christs sake you two, do us all a favor and chill out. Prodigal Madness, Vicky is a moderator moderator of the clubs section, thus giving her the right to post in TM thread. It's not like it is the end of the world. Vicky, Pm has asked you politely to not post here in the thread, though you don't have to oblige, it would help to quell the drama that is starting up between you two. That settles that, if you two still don't agree, take it to AIM or some other form of messenger.

Now, back to the topic at hand. Prodigal, I see where you're coming from, I do believe that since the BoD is attacking us, we should have the rights to pick the place in which the war will unfold, be it our fortress (Which I would advise against, just so we don't have people complaining that it is too "cheap") or some sort of open area (It may seem bland, be we're all good writers here and could probably spice it up a bit. It would also make things less complicated...which is a good thing when it comes to war).

As of now, I believe our fighting force is as follows.

-Godean
-Slim
-Prodigal Madness
-Nyar
-Grimmjaw
-Shadrach
-Lucid

If this is incorrect, just lemme know.

[LocoColt04]

((Entirely in OOC fashion: I was making a serious suggestion earlier when I noted that you should work together with the BoD in terms of whipping up some sort of battleground. It should be someplace near the fortress, so that could create a nice backdrop for the scenery. I honestly don't know much about your fortress, but from what I understand, the world beneath it would probably be some sort of gruesome, uncivilized locale, would it not? Forgive me if I'm mistaken as I haven't really looked into this. And if that's not the case, well... some sort of unforgiving terrain would make for an awesome battle site anyway. Something jagged and rocky and otherwise uninhabitable -- making for all kinds of interesting interactivity between man (or demon) and earth. Just my two cents, of course.))

[Slim Perfect]

I don't care where we fight quite honestly. A good writer can make good use of any obstacle. Seeing as we are, for the most part, quite exceptional writers; we should be able to make exceptional use of any obstacle. Applying slight boundaries that require you to bend your creativity is some of the most fun you can have in composing a fantastic story. I say let a third party choose and describe the scenic locale. Keep everything on an even playing field. Regardless, this should make for an interesting match, no matter how things happen to unfold.

[Nekoness]

As it stands, I also recognize Godean as taking the chief role during battle in the absence of the Grand Master.

I am also here to offer my assisstance.

I agree. I don't have much time but if my help is needed, I'm here..

[Zephyr]

the world beneath it would probably be some sort of gruesome, uncivilized locale, would it not?

By it's very nature, the fortress could be anywhere. But alas, you are probably right in this case. It does seem to be a suitable place to host a war such as this.

I say let a third party choose and describe the scenic locale. Keep everything on an even playing field.

A good idea. If both sides are willing to let a third party describe the location of the war, then perhaps that would be best. Although, if the war is a series of one-on-one battles, would it not be possible for different combats to take place in different locations? One location is all well and good for a mass battle, but if it is a series of different battles in the one place, how do we keep up with collateral damage? (And I assume there will be lots...) If a giant crater is blasted into the earth in one thread, while the ground is set ablaze in another... continuity is lost. That, and if all the fights happen in one place, it would perfectly all right (story-line wise) for someone to jump into someone else's and help out.

That is, of course, assuming continuity and realism hold in a fictional environment. *wry grin*

[Slim Perfect]

Although, if the war is a series of one-on-one battles, would it not be possible for different combats to take place in different locations?

I thought about that too. Perhaps multiple 'third parties' could create the battlefields. then we could randomly select which pair fights where.

[ToroMor]

As it has been approved by forum authority, I accept Godean as your stand-in leader unless Anomaly returns or Godean resigns.
So by default, I will fight against you, Godean.
If you don't deem this favorable, feel free to send your best warrior instead.
But be warned, all our warriors are overwhelming jugernauts of doom and by no means less devastating then their leader.
So choose your formation wisely.

For the terms of battle:
It will be 5 separate battles, each a one-on-one clash.
There will be no interaction between the battles (besides perhaps for merely "decorative" purposes).

We could use a common introduction for the battles.
If so, it should contain a portrayal of the BoD armies invading the Masters' world/land/hideout and how the opponents agreed to decide the war by the upcoming duels. Using the Masters' fortress as a "decoration" sounds good to me. This will then serve as a background scene for the individual battles, which will describe the individual surroundings in more detail.
I'm also fine with a 3rd party writer for this task.
However, I must insist on some obligatory incredients, which I am willing to discuss anytime with whoever will write the intro.

Furthermore, I suggest the following:
- character introduction/description should be done in a separate thread or in the first battle post.
- being the attackers, the BoD warriors have the right to do the 1st post in their respective battle threads
- the level of allowed super-human abilities. Of course, god-moding will be disallowed. But since most characters (on both sides as I assume) are superhuman or not even human at all, too much realism would be absurd. I'm sure the judge(s) will find a suitable policy.

[Prodigal Madness]

Furthermore, I suggest the following:
- character introduction/description should be done in a separate thread or in the first battle post.
- being the attackers, the BoD warriors have the right to do the 1st post in their respective battle threads
- the level of allowed super-human abilities. Of course, god-moding will be disallowed. But since most characters (on both sides as I assume) are superhuman or not even human at all, too much realism would be absurd. I'm sure the judge(s) will find a suitable policy.

First battle post should always contain the description... However, the ABB should be linked within the first post to make things simpler. For BOTH parties involved.

The first post should depend on combatants. After all, we'll know you're coming. If one of us chooses to set up an ambush of some sort, then that would give us the first post. I say it should be done as it always is, the person who finishes the post first gets it up first.

I'm not sure if you mean this is to be done on a higher level of combat, or if you're saying this shouldn't real life-ish. o_O There's *always* an amount of realism to everything. Just depends on what is 'real' for the time. If suggesting a higher level of combat than typically done in battles... Again, I'm afraid I'm going to have to laugh.

By all means, fight the Pillars at full power, near their own fortress, that they can draw power from. Not remotely wise, but sure.

[Victoria]

If suggesting a higher level of combat than typically done in battles... Again, I'm afraid I'm going to have to laugh.

By all means, fight the Pillars at full power, near their own fortress, that they can draw power from. Not remotely wise, but sure.

There's something I don't understand about this.
The way you put that, is that you're going to god mode. >.>

And also, what's wrong with DBZ'ish fights? There's no such thing as a "typical" combat level in RPBs. They're all different.

I'm just wondering why you're "laughing". What's so funny? I mean.. if you're a good writer, you should be able to do any kind of "level" of combat, or what have you.

It just seems to me that you're giving off a vibe that you can't handle "higher levels" of combat.


That's all that I'm wondering about your post. Let me know if my theories are wrong again. =P

[Shadrach]

Hmm, seems to be a pretty typical set up if you ask me. Nothing special. o.O

The character I'll be using is about the weakest I could find, my primary two characters (The first takes appearance after my avatar, the secondary after my signature. =P Tribute characters to GG, some say. ^^ ) are at a "level", and of various skills and "experience" that make them illegal for use here at this site--according to your rules anyway.

A very flexible character that doesn't rely on sheer outright power to win battles (none of mine do, actually. I've done this for a long time...tactics are more useful =P )...

Even if he isn't my strongest I would like my temporary comrades to know I'm willing to fight any of your enemies and am confident of my victory. If I am defeated in this war, my opponent will have my gratitude.

Not cocky at all, just proven experience...and anyway, me thinks I would like to actually apply for this "Club", rather than be purely hired arms...

[Prodigal Madness]

There's something I don't understand about this.
The way you put that, is that you're going to god mode. >.>

And also, what's wrong with DBZ'ish fights? There's no such thing as a "typical" combat level in RPBs. They're all different.

I'm just wondering why you're "laughing". What's so funny? I mean.. if you're a good writer, you should be able to do any kind of "level" of combat, or what have you.

It just seems to me that you're giving off a vibe that you can't handle "higher levels" of combat.


That's all that I'm wondering about your post. Let me know if my theories are wrong again. =P

Pillars have their positions typically due to being able to lay claim to it by battle. So, off the bat, it's a position of strength. Then you want to say take your actual power level and fight at it? With something that is the home of those powers? o_O You don't find that amusing? Someone wants to take a tough opponent, and make them even more difficult to defeat?

Also, a reminder for Godean, name the 5 that shall be participating.

[Zephyr]

Not cocky at all, just proven experience...and anyway, me thinks I would like to actually apply for this "Club", rather than be purely hired arms...

Well, the rules and stuff are in the very first post. If you want to join:

2.)You may battle a Masters member in a Masters organized fight to determine if you are elidgable for entry. It will be a requirement as of May 7 2006 that all applicants supply a sample of an 'rp' post in their INITIAL request to join The Masters.
3.) On certain, rare, occasions offer of membership will be presented to those who have demonstrated remarkable skill in battle outside of an official setting.

So there you go. Just post an RP-style post introducing your character to us, and requesting membership. The fight may have to wait, but that depends on whether anyone is willing to do before the war.

Prodigal Madness, you're not adding anything to the business at hand. And arguing with a moderator is just going to cause unwanted trouble. Do I need to remind you that the Pillars don't actually need to be anywhere near the fortress to draw on it's power? So how does fighting near it make it *any* different? It doesn't. It's just a normal fight.

[Victoria]

Oh, please don't take it as an argument. I just wasn't understanding what he was trying to say in his post, and wondered if he could clear it up for me, and he did so.

Although the explanation for his amusement didn't really come through to me.
To me, it's always good to fight someone at their strongest, as it presents the toughest challenge.

And if they don't fight you at their strongest, and let's say you win when they fight at that stage, it's like they let you win. You know?

That's not cool. xD

[GrimmJaw]

Well it seems ToroMor has decided on 5 one on one battles. Would there, in anyway, be a way to increase this number as to allow inclusion of the others who wish to fight since we have more than five people who wish to fight?

[Zephyr]

As the BOD are the ones issuing the challenge, I'd say it's up to them to decide if they want to allow more battles to take place. They have chosen 5, so anyone not fighting will be in reserve - in case something happens to one of our five combatants that stops them from posting.

If they would be willing to allow more, we could indeed have more - but 5 is an easy number to keep track of. If we had, say 10 battles running concurrently, that would get a bit hectic would it not?

If we are agreed, then I say let Godean select which 5 will be first into the fray. And the choice shouldn't be made simply on position within the group - if a better fighter has a lower rank, that should not exclude that fighter from selection.

EDIT: Btw, I changed my username. Nyarlathotep is a bit silly, after all.

NB: Also updated my character. Not too sure about my 4th level limit though.

[Dark One]

Hey all dang i get one everday for a week and no one gets on. then i go a week and don't get on and everyone gets on. Well im busy reading the last few post but well added more to this when i have finshed. I may not get enought time to read them all today. So i went ahead and posted.

[Akira]

As the BOD are the ones issuing the challenge, I'd say it's up to them to decide if they want to allow more battles to take place. They have chosen 5, so anyone not fighting will be in reserve - in case something happens to one of our five combatants that stops them from posting.

As we have already said, the conditions and terms stand, and are not subject to change. There's a reason we picked the number five for the number of fighters, and if need be, I would gladly explain it. But as it is, we will not be increasing that number.

If they would be willing to allow more, we could indeed have more - but 5 is an easy number to keep track of. If we had, say 10 battles running concurrently, that would get a bit hectic would it not?

PP has just mentioned one of the reasons for the decision to select five fighters.

EDIT: Btw, I changed my username. Nyarlathotep is a bit silly, after all.

You cannot imagine how releaved I am...I seriously was not being an ass about the name, it was seriously not the easiest of names. This one I can work with.


Darkest Dastardly Greetings,

Akira, Vice-Ambassador of Doom

[Slim Perfect]

Pillars have their positions typically due to being able to lay claim to it by battle. So, off the bat, it's a position of strength. Then you want to say take your actual power level and fight at it? With something that is the home of those powers? o_O You don't find that amusing? Someone wants to take a tough opponent, and make them even more difficult to defeat?

Also, a reminder for Godean, name the 5 that shall be participating.

You need to stop. We have already come to the conclusion that the 'god-modliness' of the Fortress will not be included in this battle due to it's very nature. Stop making obscure references to the fact that our members will be at an advantage near the castle. They will not. In fact, a good ambush, as the BoD I'm sure is attempting to plan, would include setting our fortress offline in some manner to disallow it's use.

Again, I must cordially ask Godean to deem me worthy to do battle with ToroMor if he so allows....

[LocoColt04]

In all fairness, I did say to have the Fortress as a backdrop -- to make it "fair" it could be miles away... I assume it's large enough to be seen from quite a distance, yes? Anyway, since we're looking at five different 1v1 fights here, I was thinking of having members of TM form a pentagon (or star, or some otherwise five-pointed figure) around the Fortress to protect it on all sides from the invading Brotherhood. That way, all the fights are separate, there's lots of room to destroy individual battlegrounds without affecting the others, AND there's a legitimate excuse for terrain to vary for each battle as well.

Granted, it couldn't be as vast a difference as mountains and beaches, but at least there's more room to play with.

[Slim Perfect]

In all fairness, I did say to have the Fortress as a backdrop -- to make it "fair" it could be miles away... I assume it's large enough to be seen from quite a distance, yes? Anyway, since we're looking at five different 1v1 fights here, I was thinking of having members of TM form a pentagon (or star, or some otherwise five-pointed figure) around the Fortress to protect it on all sides from the invading Brotherhood. That way, all the fights are separate, there's lots of room to destroy individual battlegrounds without affecting the others, AND there's a legitimate excuse for terrain to vary for each battle as well.

Granted, it couldn't be as vast a difference as mountains and beaches, but at least there's more room to play with.

A very good idea, but I must say there are definately ways to make the terrain as vast, in terms of difference, as you wish. All you need is a little creativity. For example: "The pentagon created by the Masters had another effect aswell (or) a side effect. It reflected the light cast upon it in a way that created the visage of a completely altered terrain to that on which they stood. This ...apparition... of sorts was so powerful that the objects it reflected were in fact solidified; creating a completely new, interactive, terrain," or something to that effect.

[LocoColt04]

See? That works too.

I'm not feeling exceptionally creative at the moment. I'm a little burned out from a three-hour binge on the new Guitar Hero, and my brain is on overload trying to figure out some... things... on a personal front. I'll not get into details here as it's unnecessary clutter and doesn't belong in the first place.

Anywho, definitely an interesting idea. I'm sure we'll get something figured out one way or the other.

[Shadrach]

[OOC: This is my In-Character application to The Masters. If you don't care to read it, don't. WOW, ugghhh...I forgot that tabs don't transition into message board entries. Many apologies if this is hard to read...can go back later and space it out if someone prefers--whoever has to read this, lol.]

“Tch…**** your God…” A deep rugged voice cut through the emptiness of the night, fading amongst the alleyway walls. Brick and worn, they’d heard similar threats of malice in their time by the hundreds or thousands. Two figures were standing adjacent to the wall, one of them extremely large and dwarfing the second at six foot six inches. There was no light to speak of in the alleyway, adding to the disturbing threat’s nature. The smaller figure was on their knees, hands caked with fresh blood his own wrapped around the other figure’s solitary trunk of an arm, fighting back the gradual squeeze and depletion of their life.
“P-please, no! No! I’ll do anyth-anything you want just don’t!” another voice cried in desperate plea. It became clear that these two men were not friendly with one another in the least, as the larger man seemed to emit a sparkle from his eye, a chilling blue light radiating through the darkness between them as he lifted the smaller man into the air. Muffled gasps for air and cries of fear of dying pulsed about them, lost to those unforgiving bricks. Only seconds after lifting the man, the larger raised his other hand, which held some sort of L-shaped object—a pistol.
Click.
Thick blood and bits of grey-matter splattered against those wordless bricks following the sudden, nigh-unexplainable disappearance of a veritable section of the entire wall. Fragments of brick and blood sprayed through the air in this one, distinct moment preceding the ear-shattering, cracking sonic-boom danced through the entire city. No mistaking it, the hand-cannon had removed the smaller man’s head clean off his shoulders, silencing him forever and leaving the larger to stand with his arms still suspended, his right empty hand covered thickly in blood while the lifeless body slumped and thudded against the cobblestone ground. He stood like this for several lingering moments, unmoving and unflinching at the encroaching stench invading his nostrils.
Then he smiled, seen only to the all-seeing eyes of those bricks surrounding him.
A flicker of orange and crimson ignited from his very body, enveloping firstly his hands, a scarlet mist snaking into the air as he cleansed himself of the blood. The light revealed his eerily handsome features without fail: dirty blond hair that fell over his left eye, cheek and jaw in a tapering, jagged point; matching crystal blue eyes beset amongst chiseled, tanned features. His arms—trunks, were scantily covered in a light blue-dark blue striped button up shirt, curled back to the midst of his forearms as they couldn’t go any higher. The top was slightly open, exposing his extremely well toned and defined chest, the shirt falling lightly over the rest of his core to conceal the rest of his physique. Slight a concealment it was…
The man wore slightly loose or “just-right” fitting faded jeans that fell over the tops of his spit-shined combat boots, blacker than the night. After the spiraling light snaked down the rest of his body and inevitably extinguished, the man holstered the hand-cannon at his left hip and flipped his shirt back down over it, looking to his left then setting his gaze to the right.
There was an old lantern street light flickering at the far end of the alley, which the man used to recall his bearings on this old city. Thoughts of dogs, cops, and angry local-folk invaded his mind and annoyed him intensely, causing his smile to contort into a flustered frown. So, he turned on his heel and walked into the black of the other direction behind him.
“I need to move…I’m not having another repeat of –that- incident…” the man thought to himself, thinking only of his preservation and not another moment wasted on the life just ended. His steps were well placed and fell silently, pulling his body along the wave of rising fog and steam—stench of waste from various buildings he passed. He moved swiftly, as if perfectly capable of seeing the scattered junk of boxes, trash and other such obstacles strewn out before him. The silent assassin continued to traverse the backstreets of the city for a good fifteen minutes before coming ‘round a corner and into the light, a good ten blocks away from the ‘scene’ he had just made.
Looking down to his watch, the assassin read the black-faced, gold accessory with no hands.
“2:43 huh…right on schedule. Damn I’m good…” the assassin took the moment to congratulate himself for not being late. He stepped forward rhythmically, walking along the illuminated path that lead straight for a building with two doors side-by-side and a brightly lit sign above reading “The Goblin’s Cove”. The building itself appeared nothing special; the Assassin raised his right hand and gripped the handle, pulling the door open and walking inside nearly in one movement.
Thirteen individuals, including the barkeep and three women at the bar were inside. Three more of these individuals were grouped together at one of the wooden, ordinary tables with ordinary wooden chairs sipping a scotch, brandy and ale; while the others were strewn out across the dimly lit, orange-yellowish room. Though the assassin made himself aware of those inside, he appeared to simply walk in with a down-cast gaze, looking at the creaky-wooden floor. Naturally he wasn’t so foolish a man.
He walked up to the bar and lifted his gaze, staring into the dull brown eyes of the average looking scum before him, otherwise known as the barkeep. Scraggly looking guy with nappy hair and a mustache, he just wasn’t easy on the eyes. Keeping his business to himself, the giant ordered a White Russian and stood patiently, making certain not to touch the grimy granite bar.
Reaching into his pocket, the man pulled out several multi-colored coins and dropped them on the bar as he took his drink, uttering a thank you and walking over to a far table in the west corner of the tavern. The nearer he came to the table, it became apparent to those few wandering eyes on the man’s back that he was meeting someone here, a man cast in shadow that even he couldn’t fully discern. As he approached the table, he pulled out a single chair, the man he was meeting sitting within the ‘booth’ side against the wall, and sat down lightly.
“2:45 on the dot, Mister Business man. The name’s Shadrach, or Mr. Darkholm if you will.” The large man’s rugged voice waltzed into the others’ ears, the duo far enough from the other occupants so that their discussion could easily be carried out in private. Shadrach, as he revealed himself to be, raised the cream coffee colored liqueur glass to his medium lips and sipped plentifully, keeping his dazzling blue eyes on the figure before him with a sinister grin…

[Slim Perfect]

Did any posts get lost or something?? Feels like somethings missing??