Gilidry

Aha!

I wasnt trying to be ornery promise. Was just confused. Thanks for the clearin up.

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Shane Hensley created Deadlands, Weird Wars and Savage Worlds.

Zeb Cook worked on Planescape. Just wanted to clear that up.

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Hang on now I am confused.

In the CoV threads there was this post:

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In fairness, I have to say I didn't do Planescape: Torment. I was a Black Isle at the time, but on another project. The guys who did Torment were down the hall and I have to say they did a great job with the setting.

zeb

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So which is it then?

Sorry, here is the link.

Edited to add link.

Manion realised something wasnt right. He looked up quickly and followed Beth with his eyes as she disappeared. "Oh man..."

"Im sorry Manny, I should have waited. I should go. Promise me that and I will talk again tomorrow. Im not satisfied with this decision of yours yet." Gilidry said as he stood up to leave.

"Yeah sure." Manion replied, not really hearing what was being asked.

"Good I'll call you, keep your cell phone on this time."

Manion looked back at Gilidry and said, "Of course, sorry."

Gilidry paused for a moment, looking back towards where Beth had disappeared with a furrowed brow. "No, I think I should be the one apologizing. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Things like electric arrows (hold), or smoke grenade arrow (-Visibility, -Acc), glue arrows (Immob), maybe. Basically status effect arrows.

I dont think anyone really knows the details right now, and these are all just guesses.

Well I hate to burst your bublle, but there is a timed Outcast mission where you have to save artifacts and hostages. And the artifacts are destructible.

I only manage to complete it successfully about half the time I do it because an artifact ends up getting popped.

I personally hate the mission, but I always try to finish it just out of principle. The biggest problem I run into, is accidentally agroing a second mob trying to save an artifact. The villains on the map seem to put a higher priority on the artifact over me, and I find a hard time keeping them all distracted depending on which alt I am on at the time.

It is there, just because you havent seen it doesnt mean it doesnt exist.

I've never seen a Mace Tank.

Steal Ideas?

You realize that Red Caps and Fir Bolgs have been around a helluva lot longer than Hairy Pothead and World of Walking right?

You might want to go back and read the rest of the thread, particularly the parts about Celtic Mythos and Religion in Ancient Ireland and Surrounding Areas.

I just wet myself.

This is too friggen COOL!!!

/drools

/wipes drool

/pees

Sorry I gotta go... having problems here.

Manion noticed the smile, and the wink. He smiled in return. He was starting to relax a little now that the topic had shifted slightly.

"Well, I never did like the term sponsor. He was just a good kid in a bad place. I had to help." Gilidry continued. "I prefer mentor, teacher, guide, even friend. You're right he is a good listener, but I do know that when it comes to certain subjects you can hardly get him to stop talking."

"Gil...please"

"You're right, Im sorry. Beth I appreciate and respect your reserve. Even though you wouldnt have said anything I didnt know already." he smiled. "I tell you what, if you'll stay a moment longer, I believe I can fill in some of the blanks for you. For Manion too."

Manion glanced back at Gilidry with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"If you are serious about your decision, then you know you cant stay with me anymore. That was part of the agreement. It also means that you and I will see a lot less of each other. Even less than we do now. And there is one question that you never asked me. If you are to get the answer to it, now is your chance."

"I still dont understand, what question Gil?"

Gilidry sighed, then looked up at Beth with a smile. "I think you may find this interesting too. If you'd like, please stay and listen. You would hear about it later anyway Im sure." He took a small sip of his water then continued. "You see Manion and I go way back. Back even further then he realizes." He stopped for a moment and let Manion think about that for a moment. "Still not helping any?"

"No Im sorry," Manion replied.

"Ok, fair enough. I was hoping that I wouldnt have to get long winded on you, but it looks like I need to." He smiled at his own little joke then continued. "The question you should be asking is why I didnt arrest you way back when."

"No you told me the answer to that already. You realized I wasnt a Villain, and wanted to help get me out of that mess." Manion said.

"Yes, thats part of it. But why would I want to do that?" Gilidry pressed.

"I thought that when you entered my mind to subdue me like the rest, you saw something..."

"Again, only part of it. Think about this for a second Manion. I am not... was not a fighter" he corrected himself. "In order to come out of a fight alive I had to make sure everyone in the room was unable to fight back. If for some reason even one criminal wasnt put into submission, things got very dicey for me. When it came to a person wearing gang clothes I only had one plan: Subdue first, ask questions later. So again I ask you... Why?"

"You recognized him?" came Beth's small voice.

Gilidry looked up suprised, and said with a large grin, "Bingo. I never used that power on you Manion, it didnt work on good people. You were so surprised over what I had done to everyone else in the room that you froze. Your suprise lead to fear, which lead to indecision, which lead to inaction. You subdued yourself. I took that moment to search your mind to be sure that you were who I thought you were."

Manion was still confused. "Ok that all makes sense now. But how did you know me. I had never met you before."

"Ahh now we get to the good stuff. When I first met you Manion I was about 20. I was a fresh new Hero, and back then I was a sidekick to a huge tank of a man, every bit the classic Hero. He was a great Mentor, and we made a good team. We specialized in search and rescue. People trapped in buildings sometimes arent very loud. Injuries, noise, a lot of things can drown out a voice. A mind in pain on the other hand, can be very loud. I could hear that, and home in on it. Even if the person was unconscious as long as their mind was still alive, I could sense and find them. My partner would follow me, picking up the survivors and carrying them to safety, where I could heal them. We were good at what we did. So when the call went out that a building here in Kings Row had caught fire, we headed there right away."

Slow realization crept across Manion's face. "I think I see where this is going."

"Yes you do." he looked back and forth between the two younger people at the table. "My partner and I arrived too late. The Hero that tried to difuse the bomb in the building didnt realize that there were others, and unknowingly set the rest off. We did manage to save a few people, but the fire was too fast, too intense. A young boy happened upon the scene as things were winding down. He obviously lived in the building and began calling for his parents in a panic. Seeing my partner, he recognized the Hero and came running over pleading for help. My heart was torn, and even though I was certain that there was no one left, I went back in anyway while my partner stayed outside to console the boy." he paused and took a drink of water to clear the lump in his throat.

"After some research it was determined that the building was bombed by the Tsoo, who were eager to gain more territory. They had moved in from Independance Port, and hoped to blame the fire on the Skulls, which would lead to them getting forced out by the Heroes. Almost a good plan. The trail was very hard to follow, and quite a few things kept me off of that case. More immediate threats to the city kept popping up and distracting me. Finally I managed to track down the group that was responsible and headed to their hideout to bust them."

"Wait, are you saying..." Manion said with horror.

"Yes, I found you helping the very gang that hurt you. The irony of it is disgusting isn't it? Now you see why I pulled you out of there."

Manion heard Beth's voice from the other table, and saw her start coming towards them. As he tried to cover his arm again, he saw her quick glance. The color drained from his face. He wasnt ready for this yet. He was going to tell her on the walk home, and hadnt quite figured out what to say exactly. Before he could say anything though, Gilidry spoke up.

"I'm sure we would love to stay for dinner. Right Manion?"

"Umm, uh yeah. Sorry." he said, focusing on the current conversation with a slight shake of his head.

"Good. If he has already ordered, then I'll have the same. If not, then a menu please." He had noticed the look between the two, and realized that Manion had not talked to Beth about his decision yet. He must have had the surgery done recently, possibly even today judging by the fact that the arm was still lightly scarred.

"I'm curious Beth." he continued. "I dont want to keep you too long, but if you would indulge me. I noticed that when Manion intoduced me, you seemed to recognize my name. What has our friend told you about me?"

((OOC: If Beth has any questions about Manion and Gilidry's history, or about either of the men's current conditions, she has but to ask. Neither of them can read minds, so although she may be obviously curious, the reasons may be a bit harder to see. Oh, and Im sure Manion wouldnt mind the interuption.))

"If he is a friend of your house then we have something in common." he said taking the offered hand. "Rest assured I mean him no harm. I will 'stay nice'. I would not do such a fine establishment the disrespect of acting otherwise. Beth can continue to serve us, unless I misunderstood something." He gave Manion a sideways glance with this comment, smiling again as he noticed the color returning to the young man's face. "It is a pleasure meeting you Gal. Thank you for the welcome."

Once Gal had left Gilidry turned back to Manion. "Its good to see your making new friends," he said shaking the heat and stiffness from his hand. "I am sorry for my harsh tone earlier, but you can be a hard person to find when you dont want to be found. You arent in trouble. You and I both know I dont have that kind of power over you anymore, the probation was over a long time ago. So stop acting like you're being punished." He pulled the gauntlet off of his right hand and flexed his fingers a bit. A faint but noticeable aura could be seen around his hand before he put the glove back on with an inward sigh. "Now, out with it. You said turning in your badge was the last step. I want to know what the other steps were."

Manion finally looked up into the eyes of his old friend. "I am sorry that I disappointed you, and that I've caused you so much worry, but Im not sorry for what I've done." He rolled up the sleeve of his left arm, revealing slightly scarred, but blank skin. "Modern medicine can do many things. I had the markings lasered off. Chest and back too. There is no more Tsoo ink in my skin." His voice was shaky, but determined. Besides, it was too late to turn back now.

"So thats it then," Gilidry said in a voice that was surprisingly unmoved by what was revealed. "Well, did it work? Your healing, your leaping... all your powers gone then?"

"No. Not completely." Manion said sadly. "I still heal faster than normal, just not quite so super I guess you could say. There is enough of the ink still in my body to affect me. The doctors said that even with a bone marrow transplant and a blood transfusion I would still likely have a measure of the powers. Seems that the ink does more than color your skin. It changes you inside too somehow. You were right Gil, it will never go away."

Gilidry chuckled and with a sneer replied, "Oh wonderful, so now your just a handicap Hero. What happens when the Freedom Phalanx calls you up from the Reserves? What happens if there is another invasion? You had something that could allow you to help the helpless. Now you will be lucky to be able to help yourself. Was it worth it?"

Manion was shocked and upset with what he was hearing. "Gil, listen to yourself. This isnt you, not the old you anyway. Since when was being a non-super a handicap? Did you always think like that, or is this that thing talking again?" He paused for a moment to let that sink in.

"If there is another invasion, then I'll fight. Right alongside everyone else. Im sure that Heroes werent the only ones fighting off the Invaders. Probably a lot of normal folks out there doing what they could too. Dont think that they cant help themselves. You seriously underestimate a lot of good people.

Besides I still have my powers, they are just a little weaker now. If it came down to it I could still help. If the Phalanx calls, I will answer. But until then I think I've done enough. I've busted more slimeballs in this city than I have friends. I've gone to more dimensions and beat up more Arch Villains than I have books on my shelf. Tyrant, heard of him? Yeah I helped bust him too, got the badge from Statesman himself. I've done my time. I've paid my dues. I wasnt made for this, and I didnt want this. I want out."

"Hi Gal, its good to see ya too. This is..."

"Gilidry." He said firmly, interrupting Manion. "I am his Mentor. He has made himself rather scarce lately, and I followed him here so that I could find out why, and to discuss a few other recent developements." He paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully.

Now was not the time for deceit he decided. He placed an open hand on his chest and continued. "There is one other with me, a Warshade, I would give you his name if I could pronounce it properly. Translated to our tongue it means roughly "Shadow of the Wolf". He is a symbiote, or companion if that is a more familiar term. He speaks through me when the fancy takes him. Neither of us mean to cause any trouble."

He looked down from Gal's eyes, and across the table to Manion, who had bowed his head slightly at his mentor's rebuke. In a soft voice he said, "I am sorry if I have caused any disturbance. If you like we can continue our conversation elsewhere, but it will be continued. He still has questions to answer. I am afraid he may have done something very foolish."

((OOC: Bit-o-background. Gilidry is not an overbearing mentor by any means. Although the recent joining with, and adjustment to, the Warshade has put a certain amount of stress on him. He does still care deeply for Manion's well being. In his preveious incarnation Gilidry was an Empath and a Healer (Mind/Emp controller), but the joining with the Kheldian was not a complete success. There were certain complications. One of the results was that he lost all of his previous powers. Now unable to read the minds of others, or even offer the slightest measure of healing, he feels a great sense of loss. Although he agreed to help the Warshade by volunteering as a host, he still holds a slight grudge against the alien inside him for the loss of his abilities.))

((Welcome back Sib! Glad you had a good time. ))

((OOC: Well I was planning on using Martin here, but then I noticed he was still in the wine cellar, so I'll borrow Beth for a moment. ))

A man stepped up to the podium. He was wearing a suit of armor that looked tired and worn. It was a slate grey, marked with violet starbursts and gashed with the scars of battle. He had shoulder length, purple hair. He had tried many times to die or bleach it, but the color always stayed the same. He had a slight purple glow in his eyes that no glasses, goggles, or makeup could hide. Even the armor served for more than protection. Had he been wearing regular clothes, one would have seen a glow the color of his eyes coming from his arms and chest. A glow that betrayed what he really was, a Kheldian.

A fact that he himself had still not come to terms with.

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Manion watched the man enter the restaurant. He watched the short conversation between the man and Beth. He watched the way Beth nervously looked back towards him, then made her way to his table.

Before she could say anything, Manion put up his hand and said, "Its ok, I know who he is. Please show him over." He knew this meeting was going to have to happen eventually, but he had hoped to avoid it a little longer.

Beth returned with the man behind her, and offered him the seat across from Manion.

"Would you like something to drink?" she asked him.

"Water, please." he replied, not taking his eyes off of Manion.

"Beth, this is Gilidry. Roomate, mentor, the guy that got me out of that mess way back when. I believe I've mentioned him. The two of us have some talking to do."

The look of confusion on her face changed to one of recognition before she left to go get him some water.

Once the two were alone again, Gilidry leaned over and said in a hushed, but not too friendly tone, "Where the hell have you been, and whats this crap I hear about you quitting?"

"Gil, calm down, please. You know we run on different schedules, I've been home. Just not when you are. As for quitting, well..."

"So you're avoiding me. Why? And why did you retire." He almost spit out the last word, as if the very idea was repulsive to him.

"No I'm not avoiding you, and we've already talked about this. Im burned out on this Hero business. It was your idea I take a break to begin with, or have you forgotten that conversation?"

They both stopped and looked up as Beth came back with Gilidry's water. They both thanked her, then Manion looked up and said, "Im not sure if I will be eating tonight, but I'll still walk you home. Oh and please tell Vegas not to worry." He hadnt seen her yet, but he knew she would have been watching Gilidry, and didnt want her to think he would be trouble.

Gilidry watched Beth leave, then looked back at Manion with a strange smile on his face. "I see now, this is about her isnt it?"

Manion's face blushed brightly, but he shook his head. "No its not. You and I have been talking about this a long time. Before I met her even. This is about me wanting a normal life again, like I had before. No more fighting every day, no more running, no more jumping, no more hunting. Just living."

Gilidry's face softened at these words. He had heard all this before, and understood the feeling. "Manny, you and I both know you cant have a normal life again. Even if you tried to hide from what you have, it wont change who you are." He looked down and gestured to the armor he wore. "Thats a lesson Im still learning. You have a gift, one that wont go away. And as long as you have it you will either be a Hero, or a Villain. It all depends on how you use it. Im not saying anything new here. I know you like helping people, and I know you aren't a Villain. So what was the point of turning in your ID?"

"See thats where you're wrong Gil. Your gift may not go away. But all powers arent the same. Me turning in my badge was just the last step."

Gilidry sat back in his chair as he slowly began to realize what was being said. "What are you saying? What did you do?"

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((OOC: Hate to stop there, but this got a little longer than I planned. Plus I still have to work out the rest. Hope I didnt take Beth too far out of character here.))

"Ah, well then veal it is. Thank you."

He laughed a little at the cute way she scrunched up her nose when talking about the calamari.

"You know I'd keep you here all night talking until closing time if I could, but I dont think any of these other hungry people would like me very much if I did. Martin certainly wouldnt approve.

I also didnt realize how early I was. As good as the food is Im not sure I can milk it all night. I have a few things to take care of when I am done eating, but I will be back to walk you home."

He looked up from his water, and saw a bright smile that was easily returned.

"Hey, fancy running into you here."

He saw her armful of menus, and noticed that business was picking up.

"I dont want to keep you too long, you seem to be busy. Just wanted to see you and at least say hi before things got real crazy in here. Maybe see if you wanted some company tonight on your walk home."

He fidgeted a little, looking back at the table. He enjoyed spending time with her, and hoped he wasnt overdoing it, stopping by like this every night. He certainly didnt want to overstay his welcome.

Thinking she was probably waiting for him to order he said, "Oh and uh, what are your specials tonight?"

"Kick his [censored] Seabass!"

"Hmm well, if we are going by the book, then technically I dont think I ever asked for a table of one. But you're still right, I am alone, and thank you taking that into consideration.

As far as my 'complaint' goes, you and I both know that these tables are exceptional, and the section you chose for me is more than acceptable. So any 'complaint' would be hollow. Gal would see right through it, but I know you arent bluffing. Even if you knew I was joking you'd call her out anyway, so I'll let you have that. No need to waste anyones time.

And yes, I'll have a glass of water please." he finished with the same smile he had started with, happy to have gotten more than the usual routine out of Martin.

"You know this is fine Martin, and I know you have to ask." he smiled as he sat down. "Although I do wonder how you would react if I ever did actually say no. Probably wouldnt even blink as you offered me another table. One thing you are, and that's consistent."

Manion did notice the table setting change, but he had seen that trick before and was getting used to it.

"Ya know, one day Im going to figure out where you hide all that stuff you keep taking from the table." he said with a mischevious grin.

((OOC: Just one quick question, how much time, if any passed while you were on break Sib? Is this the next night, or have we gone a few days? May need to come up with an excuse depending on that. ))

Manion stood there for a moment, his jaw opened and closed a few times as he searched for the words.

He had never gotten into the habit of wearing a watch, so he was only slightly surprised that he was early. It was still embarassing though, and he could feel the blood drain from his face.

He looked up and smiled at Gal's greeting, raising his left hand in a wave. Then he looked back at Martin, the mans stoic persona only caused a slight pause. "Im sorry Martin, I didnt realize the time. I can sit in the bar if you prefer. I realize the kitchen isnt ready, and I dont want to inconvenience anyone. Came more for your pleasant company." He said with a grin, knowing Martin probably would not reply to the slight ribbing.

He looked around the room and realized he wasnt the only one who had arrived early, and felt a little better.

Manion stepped through the front doors into the alcove. Stopping to brush some dapmness from his jacket that a light drizzle outside had left on him. Once he was satisfied, he made his way to the podium, removing his gloves, and putting them into his left hip pocket.

He searched the room for familiar faces as he waited to be seated.

((Hello again, glad to see the place back up and running. ))

I started just after the Halloween event. Actually it was listening to all of the fun my buddies were having during that event that finally broke the last threads tying me to DAoC.

So, no... I dont have a rock.

I agree, if there's no Beth... well, Im sure you get the idea. Love what you've done here, but enjoy the time off. Relax and have a few drinks on us, please.

((Fair enough. ))

All in all it had been a wonderful evening. Good food, and a wonderful conversation with the beautiful Beth left Manion feeling warm inside.

"Sounds like things are getting ready to wind down." he said to her. "Shall we head out, or did you want to stay a little longer and talk some more?"

He had a smile on his face that hadn't left all night once they had relaxed and the heaviness of the early talk had dissolved. He had even ventured to reach across the table to hold her hands in his once Martin had cleared the empty dishes.

He gave them a light squeeze as he waited for her answer.

((Forgive my absence, please. Hope this is an ok return.))

((OOC: Now, now. Don't be too hard on the girls. I know it got a little busy in here, and figured I'd let things calm down a little before jumping back in. Im still reading and enjoying everyone's posts though. Just consider that Beth and Manion are enjoying the quiet moment together until our food arrives. I know he's not in any rush, and hopes she isnt either. ))

Wow!

Thank you guys. That was a great movie.

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I love that film
Used to watch it back to back as a kid

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Here, this will wreck it for ya

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ugh...

Is it wrong if that made me angry?