Zortel

It's delicious every once in a while, and can be of variable quality, but too much generally leads to bellyaches, confusion and headaches?

Woo, a workable analogy!

Sunday in Pocket D

Jan Boa and trusty henchman Cobra headed to Isaac's Bar (not to be confused with BDSM/Alternative Nightclub 'The Pits', who is managed by Isaac Anderson), and overheard Powerstone inviting the demonic-looking Cinderfall to stay at his place in Dark Astoria. After Cinderfall departed, Jan shoo'd Cobra off and went to speak with Powerstone about business, pleasure and family, including Jan's marriage to fellow half-snake (by mutational accident, not by lineage) Eco System, and whether the pair were going to have any 'hatchlings', as the snakeish Jan described them.

Mentions were also made to where former barwoman, occasional adult movie star, jeweller, eco-activist and slightly mothersome plantlady Alraune/Dinah Ewers was. Jan assured Paul that the German bombshell was safely looking after the Garden Jewels while owner Roselin Thorne got used to motherhood. Apparently, the owner of Boa Personell Services spoke to her through business, and also the fact she often comes into the Euromarket below Jan's offices.

She's got to indulge in her taste for importer European goods somewhere!

They also spoke with a young woman named Steel... uh... something!, sorry for forgetting the name, about a few things. The woman was new to the city and rather impressed with Pocket D. Jan however, had to get back to her husband/mate before he got worried and sent his men out to look for her.

-----------------------------


Monday Night

New hero to the city Arrow Azure met up with The Enlightened Falcon and Automobilised in Kings Row. While on patrol, Arrow had spotted some shady goings on in a cave near the station, and after giving Falcon a fright by leaping from the ledge he was observing on, the three teamed up to track down a group selling Quantum weaponry.

Arrow was low on his trademark arrows, mostly of the trick variety, after a hard evening of action, but was able to support the young Peacebringer and bipedal automobile in the fight, and they were soon off to a warehouse in Atlas Park to follow up the lead.

Finding crates of the anti-Kheldian weapons, Arrow Azure used his miniature explosives to not so miniaturely blow up the crates, and found a few of his Cryocapsule Arrows in his quivers. Automobilised asked why he didn't freeze the weapons instead.

"I'd rather use explosives on guns and freeze people for a few moments than the other way around."

Good answer, I say.

During the night, Falcon was hit by a Quantum blast or two, and when they moved on to track the final deal down in Kings Row, during the last fight against the group (who turned out to be Council supplying it to gangmembers), he exploded in rage. Rage and a iridescant blue-white light and for the first time became what is commonly known as a 'white nova'.

Needless to say, Falcon was frightened, confused and wondering where his arms and legs went, Automobilised was amused, and Arrow Azure just confused. Automobilised did however offer some advice on how to change back, and suggested that the young hero try to find some people to teach him more about his powers. Arrow Azure told them his name at last, and explained why it wasn't Azure Arrow. His father used to hero under Azure Arrow back in his home state, and he picked up the title, but on moving to Rhode Island it appeared the state supergroup register already had someone named that, so he had to accept the alternative, if grammatically confusing, version.

The pair suggested he just introduce himself as Azure Arrow though.

-------------------------

Doctor Megaton Returns! Real Nemesis caught by Silent Tempest! Hopefully, but not likely! A Terrific Trio versus Demonic duplicate! Marauder sent back with his tail between his legs!

Yes, it's Nightsparrow's Scrapbook 72

[ QUOTE ]
In some ways, superheroes should not have existed before 1940 (when the Well of the Furies) was opened,

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought it was opened a few years after the First World War, seeing as 2 people went looking for it to help cure one of their issues with some mustard gas. Also, natural and magic heroes would have still existed, as well as a few rare science/tech ones and maybe 1 in a billion mutants. The release of the Well of the Furies energy only accelerated things and made more heroes come into the world, I thought.

News Report

"Hello, I'm Tony Ericson, and this is Channel 7 News.

In a correction to an earlier broadcast, where it was stated that we could not show you the tape due to an injunction imposed on us by the Unity Vigil supergroup, or by their members taking the tapes and any back up copies from Channel Seven Studios. In an exclusive report, we can reveal more twists behind the attempt on the life of Zorielle Rolando, known as Zortel, leader of the Unity Vigil and former CEO of ZorTel Industries.

A group of four people dressed as Unity Vigil members used forged documentation and identities to get into Channel Seven Studios and gain access to most copies of the tape. Electromagnetic damage to the tape from the fight caused a copy to be sent to a film restoration firm to see if anything could be salvaged.

No leads as of yet have been found to the identity of the attacker, or the people behind the tape theft, and the Peregrine Island Storm Defence Shelter remains closed for repairs after the battle. In other news..."

((OOC Information: Zorielle will be looking for some heroes in the Unity Vigil or involved in the investigation to start scouting out some of the film restoration companies and businesses in the city to watch for any sign of approach. Those interested can sign up here.))

-------------------------------------------------

Unity Tower Secure Transmission

"Zorielle Rolando speaking. We're arranging a false press conference in Skyway City's Hotel Geneva, in order to try and lure out my assassin once again. I'm looking for some people to take point and be on guard, as well as someone to act as a decoy for me. This will more than likely be either Ellie Stoneberg, due to her biomorphing capabilities, or the Guardian of Destiny's Sara Aegis. There will be some other details involved, that will be decided upon selection. This message is going to those pre-selected for approval for the mission, so if you wish to take part, then please use a level 4 encoded reply."

((OOC Information: This message was forwarded to some people out of the UV as well. If you think your character might have received one, we can discuss it in PM's.))

-------------------------------------------

Shadow Cabinet Headquaters

"All in favour?" 00's ancient voice croaked.

"I!" The chorus came from the other members.

"All opposed?" 00 asked again.

"M..me... please, don't do this, I won't fail again, I promise, it was a mere oversi-"

A gunshot echoed about the chamber.

08, the person who represented part of the Shadow Cabinet, laid slumped on the table, blood pooling out of the gunshot to their back. Such was the price of failure in these cases. The one who had shot him dragged the body off and discarded it on the floor, before sitting on the chair.

"Motion settled." The new 08 said wryly.

"Was that really necessary?" 04 asked in a slightly sick voice.

"Ah, I forgot, this was your first time at seeing such conduct. Yes, it was. 08 promised us he would kill Zorielle Rolando. His wish to broadcast it live could have compromised the entire operation. He failed to subdue Michael Preston and Ryan Andrews. He cost us Zaidantsu. His brute force method was flawed. My method which I propose will strike where the strongest shield and technology cannot hope to protect."

"Where?" 07 asked.

"The hearts." 08 replied simply.

"Elaborate, 08..." 00 asked in his dusty voice.

"Of course, 00. We have all seen the footage that 03 recorded at the scene. We did not count on Mr Preston and Mr Andrews putting on that show of support for Zorielle. It was the reason the tapes went missing from Channel Seven." 08 paused to reflect on this, sipping from a glass of water.

"We also need to take into account that a war against the heroes will stir up the populous. Someone who is cautious pays more attention to things. Let's keep the flock settled, and harness the power of these heroes to work for us. I have already taken to preparing dossiers on many of the suitable heroes for us to progress. Let us bring enlightenment and illumination to their thoughts. Let us show them the error of their ways and set them upon the true path of justice, and righteousness. Let us put stumbling blocks between Ms Rolando and her precious heroes and drones. This is my motion."

"Very well... all in favour?" 00 asked of the cabinet.

"I!" It was unanimous.

"All opposed?"

There was no response.

"Very well. Authorisation has been granted to you for this task. Use the resources of the Cabinet as you see fit. I wish for all of you who can to assist in these matters. And remember, 08. With success comes rewards beyond your wildest imaginations," 00 wheezed, before a snarl came from his ancient throat. "And with failure... you yourself have dealt what happens with that. This session is concluded. See to the Darkened One that a suitable cover for his death is spun."

((OOC information: All those interested in having their heroes approached by the Shadow Cabinet members for some hopefully interesting devils advocate RP, please could you send me some information on your heroes, background, secrets that might be discovered and used and such, in a PM? I already have ideas for Tiger White, Tiger Dark and Crimson Archer.))

------------------------------------

Magical Investigations

((Gideon will be handling some of the plot that involves trying to track down the Shadow Cabinet. Currently Arachidamia is investigating, and I'll be working with Gid to draw people into that.))

((Hey White Warlock! Long time no see! Welcome back!))

The other one you are thinking of is Night Hunter. Of course, we also had the Robin tribute/homage character, Ultimune, who wanted to be Nevermore's sidekick (but he already had the Nightwing-esque sidekick in Alex Reed/Ravensclaw) and became Night Hunter's.

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't call Liz or Vlad unimaginative characters. And they certainly aren't copyright violations!

[/ QUOTE ]

Aye to the last bit, due to being historical figures/public domain literary characters.

And therein lies part of the problem when these characters are played by people.

What if someone started playing George Washington, Lincoln, any of the founding fathers, Queen Victoria, or any figures like that? Einstein? Tesla? Eddison? Franklin? Nelson? Napoleon? Attila the Hun? Caeser?

Now, I have nothing against people refering to them in their backstories. But when someone takes such a character and starts to play them in game is when we risk toes being stepped on. I don't think it's happened as of yet, but imagine if there was some character who had backstory that refered to a historical/PD figure who was played in game?

What if someone else comes along and decides to play Historical/Public Domain character A when someone else is also playing that character?

It's a bit like when people do those remembering past lives things. Can all those people -really- be Nelson or some other famous person?

Having trouble expressing what I mean on the matter. I'm not saying to those who might play such a character to delete them or anything, just that these are some of the issues that can result from people playing them.

Aye, that category was removed as well. The power and the knowledge of how to use it is coming back to me. I feel like delivering earthquakes and UFO invasions now.

/goes to play Sim City.

*Dusts off admin powahs*

The offending category and (hopefully) the category links in the targetted profiles have been removed.

If anyone else notices such edits, bring them to attention on the thread or through PMs, please.

As for account blocking...

*Presses button*
*Divides by zero*
Oh snap.

CATCH! :O Jeez! I haven't seen you in aaaages! :O (Zortel/Fusebox here )

The RP at GG still exists, the thread is in the roleplaying forum, though the original thread still exists at over 10,000 replies somewhere, and Paragon Dance Party got upgraded to become Pocket D, an interdimensional night club.

[ QUOTE ]
It would be interesting to try and catch up on at least some little tidbits of what happened after I did my disappearing act - after all... The last bit of RPing I did was back during the incredible Teen-Angst phase of the Rooftop Generation

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, that was... um.. mid 2005 time, right? A lot has happened since then, people have left and move on. Currently the only member of the Rooftop Generation still in Paragon City regularly is Fusebox. Spearmint's gone back to Canada, Nyteshade is no longer around (Wordmaker left the game), High Voltage moved away, Pyroclast moved away, Rad Active moved away...

Okay, so lots of people moved away!

Umm, people still in game that you might remember... _Max_ is about, as am I, Doctor Temporis is about sometimes... The above person used to be Reactionary, one of the Vigil. Jester just returned recently too. Gid's about as always (Sara Aegis).

But man, gotta catch up on old times Any chance of getting a Darkie back too?

Channel 7 News, Thursday 21st, 8pm

"And now, we go live to the new Storm Defence Shelter in Peregrine Island at it's unveiling. In attendance is Zorielle Rolando, former CEO of ZorTel Industries and leader of the Unity Vigil organization, known for their heroic and charity work in making Paragon City a better place."

Peregrine Storm Defence Shelter

"Sheila Delori here, in the middle of the new Storm Defence Shelter's commons hall where Zorielle Rolando is about to give the opening speech for the seven billion dollar complex, which promises to provide ample support to all of the inhabitants of the island from the storms and tides that can lash the coastline." The cheery blond reporter smiled to the camera, before turning to look up towards the podium.

Zorielle Rolando stood, dressed in the 'dress' version of her combat armour, looking down to the audience below. The usual black armour plating had been covered with the white jacket with Unity Vigil badge, and further touch ups took away the somewhat menacing appearance to be more in line with the rest of the Unity Vigil's uniforms.

"Good evening everyone, I'd like to thank you all for turning out to the opening of this complex. As I'm sure many of you are aware, having worked or lived on Peregrine Island, Mother Nature can be somewhat vigorous when it comes to the tides and weather here. In the past 8 years alone there's been many a flood, storm, blizzard or hurricane to hit the island. Granted we get the good weather in the summer as well." The dark haired woman chuckled.

"The costs, both in dollar and sometimes life, can be a little much to handle. Also, the costs to upgrade and repair all the buildings on the island to be storm proof, as well as the labour costs and inconvienence caused, would be astronomical. So, with the aid of the City Planning Commission and some of the brightest minds in Paragon, this is where we meet the elements halfway." She said with a gesture around the hall.

"The Peregrine Storm Defence Shelter can hold up to 200,000 with some comfort, and keeps medical, water and supply stockpiles to care for that amount for three weeks. Not only is the complex designed to weather the events that hit the island, but the multi-million dollar monitoring systems will help predict and issue warnings for whatever weather patterns come towards Peregrine, and Paragon City proper."

"If you'll just look behind me at the dis-"

The picture went black...

Channel Seven News

"We appear to have some technical difficulties with our live transmission, but hope to resolve them as soon as possible. In other news..."

-------------------------------------------

Peregrine Storm Defence Shelter - Exterior, 8.15 PM

"This is Tom Robertson coming to you live from outside the newly built Peregrine Storm Defence Shelter, where just quarter of an hour ago we lost contact with inside. All attempts to get into the building or raise communications have proved useless. I do believe we can now speak to two of the Unity Vigil staff on the scene now, press officer Klair Elwyn and Vigilant Operations Manager Belicia Uvos."

"Hello Tom," The dark haired Ms Elwyn smiled.

"Good evening." The blond and black haired psuedonym for the Vigilant OverAI BODICIA answered.

"Does the Unity Vigil have any idea of the situation inside?" Tom asked Belicia.

"As of this moment, attempts to get inside information have proved ineffective. A Vigilant team under my command is currently attempting manuvers to get inside and ascertain the situation."

"And is there any speculation?"

"There's always speculation whenever something happens, Tom." Klair replied. "Currently we're working on the assumption that a technical issue arose with the EMP shields that protect the medical and communications equipment inside, causing the blackout."

"So, there's nothing to be alarmed of?"

"Of course not." Belicia said sweetly. "The estimated projection of events would state that there is no reason to be. We will continue to attempt to gain contact with those inside, but as of this moment there is no reason to force an intrusion."

"Despite the fact that the building has entered full Storm Defence mode?"

"Conjecture on that matter would point to either a simple fault in the system that should be rectified soon, or perhaps even a demonstration that lead to the blackout of comms."

"Very well, more on the situation as it happens, this is Tom Robertson, for Channel 7 news."

-------------------------------------------------

Channel 7 News, 9pm

"This is a Breaking Story on Channel 7 News. I'm Andrew Wallace, and it has just been reported that an attempt on the life of Zorielle Rolando, leader of the Unity Vigil, has just occured.

Tonight, at the unveiling of the new Storm Defence Shelter on Peregrine island, our broadcast was suddenly cut as Mrs Rolando gave her speech. After an hour of blackout and lockdown, contact was finally restored with inside, and several people were evacuated by Medical Transport Network for emergency treatment.

Reports of the injured include several attendees, Zorielle Rolando herself and Ryan Andrews, a member of the Unity Vigil on staff as security. And we've just recieved reports that Security Chief Michael Preston has now also mediported for treatment to his injuries. Whilst we wait for footage from the Channel 7 cameras to arrive, we go live to outside with Tom Robertson, who is again with press officer Klair Elwyn."

Storm Defence Shelter - Exterior.

"Tom Roberston, outside the scene of the attempted assassination. Klair, quarter of an hour ago you and Miss Uvos stated that this was merely a technical issue. Could you have expected something of this magnitude?"

"I don't believe we could have, no. The most likely explaination is usually the case when it comes to such situations, and we worked along the present guidelines as best we could have, taking in to account as much as humanly possible."

"Do you have any details as of this time on motive, source of the attack and the assassin themselves?"

"Information is still coming through the Unity Vigil's communication network, but from present information I can state that it was a professional attempt, and that the assassin has been dealt with."

"Dealt with how? Has he been taken in for questioning? And what's the report on those members of your group who were injured?"

"I cannot say at this present time. As for the injured, they are being treated in Unity Tower's state of the art medical facilities by top class doctors. If you will excuse me now, I have to attend to business."

"Very well. More on the situation as it happens. Tom Robertson, Channel 7 News."

----------------------------------------------

Coming Soon on Channel 7 News, Exclusive Footage of the attack on Zorielle Rolando inside the Storm Defence Shelter.

Arguments with Nene? Pirate treasure? Silent Tempest back in Action? Discos, demons and smellycatpeople? Evil generals? Gotta be issue 67 of Nightsparrow's Scrapbook!

Britanic Dead! Silent Tempest Vs Nemesis - IN SPACE! (Or Alternate dimensions), yes, it's Nightsparrow's Scrapbook 68.

Catpeople in dumpsters? Valentine's Day Drugsbusts? New babies and first words? Attack of the Interdimensional Feral People? Darksparrow in danger? All this in Nightsparrow's Scrapbook 69.

Nemesis in Space Again? Silent Tempest put a stop to that! Doomsday Devices Doomed and museum break ins! That's right, Issue 70 of Nightsparrow's Scrapbook.

Kiddnapped Kitties? Silent Tempest and The Militia hand in hand and fist on fist? Scandals between the **** Angel and Tigerboy? Rikti devices rumbled? The latest entry to Nightsparrow's Scrapbook!

[ QUOTE ]
I would like to include some quotes but none of my characters met Britanic in-game, and I certainly don't want to put words in anybody's mouth.

[/ QUOTE ]

While he wasn't present at the memorial, a young, blond haired hero was spotted dropping off a bouquet of flowers outside the building.

"There's more than enough people to remember Britanic as the great hero he is, y'know... I'll always like remember him how I saw him when I spent a Sunday with him and the family. A loving father and kind husband, and all round nice chap... that's a kind of hero too." - Ryan 'Cindersnap' Andrews.

"Britanic fought not only for his country, but for ours and even more importantly, for everyone regardless of creed. And that is why I've commissioned a statue and display for him in Unity Tower's Hall of Honour, so that others may learn of all he did for the world. It was a pleasure to work with him, and to know him." - Zorielle 'Zortel' Rolando.

On the left in the suit is Zortel/Zorielle Rolando, leader of the Unity Vigil. On the right is Big Lunk/Ben Campbel. Next to him is Luna Starbright, then Wavekite, White Vampyr/Suzi White, Shadow Pariah, Amber Banshee.

I don't think they're going to be that useful at all. Reason why? I'd host an IC wedding on IRC or IM group chat or something. Or even forums. Mostly due to seeing as you can't have wedding dresses in game, can't have a church, synagogue, temple or registry office in game, so on and so forth.

The visuals needed to perform any ceremony are extremely lacking, so why bother doing it in game at all? The two proper weddings I've attended have all been done on IRC. Dress descriptions or pictures were written up and posted, along with rings, the actual place the wedding was taken place was designed in MS Paint with descriptions added.

So my view of the emotes?

A gimmick. Nowt more, nowt less, and not all that great for RP'ers.

Now, give us the emotes to lie down, collapse, things like that. Give us a new mobile phone and camera emote that aren't positively archaic. That'd be more useful.

That'd get me more interested than throwing rose petals and such for a limited time in game. Heck, the propose emote isn't even needed, before it's been fudged to use Rest instead to kneel on one knee.

:< *hugs* See you Brit! Hope things work out for you, and now I have yet another reason to try and go to Bristol Comic Expo.

I was working on a second version, but I lost the draft in a HD incident ><

I nominate FloatingFatMan's Rikti Invasion story, Zero Hour (Parts 1-4).

The thread with all the parts on.

Andre 'Coitus/Coile' Kraft Dead? Sammy's Foot Long Sausages limp and soft? Drugs busts in carnival outfits? Untrue Obituaries? Insane trios? Reformed villains helping protect the city? It's got to be issue 65 of Nightsparrow's Scrapbook!

And what, more?

Tea party birthdays? Temporal things given as gifts? Criminals taken down in Paragon City, War on the streets? Paragon Protectors run amok? Bizare chinese resturant backdoor shernanigans? Dead nuns in Africa and Silent Tempest rescues? And a Bookmobile's worth of stolen literature rescued from the Thorns?

Yup, that's right, issue 66 of Nightsparrow's Scrapbook!

Or in other words, this for all those who are out on New Years Eve or not in game and want their characters to be somewhere:

The Unity Vigil New Years Eve Celebration
Unity Tower, 9pm.

Following on from the success of the Unity Vigil's Christmas celebrations, where Unity Tower was opened to families to stay in and enjoy a festive day with lunch and dinner, and a visit from Santa himself, the Unity Vigil are proud to put on another seasonal event for the heroes, and their associates and family, of Paragon City.

Join us from 9pm onwards in the Unity Tower lobby for music, entertainment and good food and drink as we countdown to the start of 2008 and see out the end of the year.

The dress code is formal, and there will be a small fireworks display at Unity Plaza, viewable from inside the Tower, at the strike of Midnight.


((Have your characters stop by to see the ravishing Rolando women in their finest dresses! BODICIA's faithful Vigilant body, 084, looking stunning in a silver gown with her hair done up! Ryan (Looking rather respectable and handsome), keeping fellow team-mate Cass company as a sympathy date , and much more (Such as Storm Sapphire and Cauter in their finest suits, Jane Darc geeking it up with boyfriend Jared, and that sort.). Any questions or little things you wish to add to the event can be added here. The Vigilants and et cetera will be all dressed up and staffing the event, going around with trays of drinks and snacks and the like, and there is a buffet table and drinks table too.))

It did take the hard drive out anyway, but I'm reinstalling now and may have been able to save my COH install, so... here's fingers crossed!

Also, I'd just like to say that the Aria.co.uk tech staff are pretty good. They called me back, didn't ask silly stuff, let me say what had been going on and what I had tried, and helped out by providing bios information and the suggestion to actually use memtest (Thank the LiveCD for Kubuntu for having that handy.) due to the guy on the phone having had that problem on a PC before. Nice to know a company employs people who actually know what they're doing than reading steps from a screen.

Hello again! To bring an old topic back from the grave, because that's where my PC has gone. Possible Mobo or Drive Controller issues mean I have lost my PC yet again.

So, my characters won't be around for an undisclosed period of time in game.

Ryan'll be at Unity Tower or home, trying to get to grips with his new powers, Nene is working on something big and getting into scandals with Dee, knowing her. Clan Rolando are going about with 'normal' life, Jan is seeing to business (just after she talks to Laura Craft to speak to Big Game, sigh), Jane is doing whatever a former Jewish roleplaying gamer does with her free time and working, et cetera et cetera.

Any RP can be arranged through MSN, forums, PM's or heck, maybe even give PBeM a try.

Yours Sincerely, stuck on the Kubuntu laptop playing Ktetris,

Zortel. :<

Evidently not, no. Even though I love them with all my heart, like all good romance stories they end up wanting to [censored] with my mind and leave me broken and sobbing.

:/ I've done what I can for tonight, Linux failed and I can't access any of my drives. May be a drive controller problem, so phoning the vendors tomorrow. Le sigh.

I was going to come to this tonight, and then my C:/ drive decided to go and corrupt itself. Thankfully I can use the power of Linux to help out in the restoration effort, but it may take a while. :/