Pious

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Cage!" cried the host referee, the acoustics in the arena booming his voice throughout the Pocket D nightclub. The audience rose to their feet and cheered with crazed excitement. The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had in fact doubled for this event. Where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it. The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!" A house-shaking roar rumbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters. "JESS FELIS versus GLARE!"

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Cage!" cried the host referee, the acoustics in the arena booming his voice throughout the Pocket D nightclub. The audience rose to their feet and cheered with crazed excitement. The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had in fact doubled for this event. Where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it. The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!" A house-shaking roar rumbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters. "INFINITRON versus OBSIDIAN DREAM!"

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Cage!" cried the host referee, the acoustics in the arena booming his voice throughout the Pocket D nightclub. The audience rose to their feet and cheered with crazed excitement. The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had in fact doubled for this event. Where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it. The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!" A house-shaking roar rumbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters. "OBSIDIAN DREAM versus LEANDRA!"

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Cage!" cried the host referee, the acoustics in the arena booming his voice throughout the Pocket D nightclub. The audience rose to their feet and cheered with crazed excitement. The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had in fact doubled for this event. Where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it. The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!" A house-shaking roar rumbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters. "PYRO RAVEN versus INFINITRON!"

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the Cage!" cried the host referee, the acoustics in the arena booming his voice throughout the Pocket D nightclub. The audience rose to their feet and cheered with crazed excitement. The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had in fact doubled for this event. Where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it. The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!" A house-shaking roar rumbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters. "CASSANDRA ZERO versus LORD DARVEK!"

Nine o' clock it is! Hover by when you can FG, we might still be around.

Shall we schedule for tomorrow night, 9pm? All fighters and spectators welcomed. The event wont take longer than an hour, each fight is only one round, last man standing. Approximately 10 minutes per fight.

I am gutted, absolutely gutted. My internet broke off and I couldn't return to record the last two fights. We'll meet up again another time. I'll start editing the first two fight videos though, while Cass and Darvek can begin forum RP. Thanks again for coming, it was amazing fun. Can't wait till the next fights.

Damn. I lost connection while recording the first fight. Will jump back in, wait for me!

"Welcome to the Cage"

The usual crowd in DJ Zero's nightclub fight arena had doubled for this event, where they usually stood and cheered, there were hundreds of seats, drinks and snacks. Television cameras were stationed around the arena, which had been enlarged and upgraded with Wayne Industries' hi-tech neural-simulation virtual reality programme. The fighters would be battling in a virtual terrain, as real as their senses can make it.

The night was buzzing with activity, the surrounding spectators were drunk with excitement, anticipation and alcohol. The guest referee-commentator Mister Ace McKnight held his microphone tightly in his hands and prepared to announce today's fighters.

"This is the fight you've all been waiting for, the opening night of this year's Pocket D Charity Tournament. For those of you who aren't aware of the rules, its simple. Two teams of gladiators go at it, head to head in non-lethal battle, for your entertainment. The winning team, or individual has the choice to move up in the tournament and &100,000 donated to a charity organisation of their choosing. The visual feed inside the arena is very hi-tech, so we can capture all the super-powered action, also, these fighters often have personal agendas so we've planted some hi-tech acoustics to eavesdrop on the spoken drama. Remember guys, this is being aired all over the Upsilon Dimensions, especially Paragon City, America. Kids will be watching, so edit your language." The guest referee sends a cheeky wink into the cameras, before concluding his speech. "Now, without further ado, let us meet... tonight's GLADIATORS!"

A house-shaking roar rummbled from the audiences as they screamed and cheered for their favourite fighters. Soundtrack music filled the arena, ushering in the celebrated guest fighters.

9pm then? Pocket D.

Then lets start the show. Shall we have it as a charity-sponsored sparing match? Which characters will be represented? Are we free to start this night?

I've just read a page in the House of M comicbook, New X-Men: Academy X. In this one scene, there is a ring fight, two brawlers going at it, the protagonists of the story are watching said fight on TV. The girlfriend says to the guy "I don't know how you can watch this garbage" and he responds "But this guy is cool, Sofia. He's our age and he's as good as Spider-man in the ring. In a couple of months, I guarantee you he'll be the champion." And later he adds, "I don't know... sometimes I wish I could use my powers and not have it be a case of life or death." Anyway, I think it'll be 'cool' to have our own organized, televised cage match, the roleplaying opportunities are endless. So, I'm looking for volunteers to open this up. Anyone?

So I got this idea of expanding this fantastic league of ours, into an in-game roleplay supergroup. The seven lords as leaders, then we can invite our evil associates, and then recruit subordinates into the league. Its an audacious suggestion, but can you imagine the roleplay possibilities, the fun and the benefits of one active supergroup made up of all the key roleplayers from our seven villaingroups? Members of the Gang, monsters from the Castle, terrorists from the Liberation Front, evil parties from Romanov's syndicate, plus, outside recruits.

XV, Erebus and Borealis's villaingroup commitments, I am not sure of, but the question is, is it possible? Can we make it happen, do we want to try? I know the league is arguably the biggest secret in the Union Universe, but we have minions that are now in the know, so becoming a big group shouldn't be any different, surely? Obviously it wouldn't be suggested in-character, so soon, it might be an idea discussed after Romanov's successful rule of the Liberty Islands, which now seems imminent.

Apology accepted, thanks for the private message.

In answer to your question Romanov, Alicia's death is not the end of my involvement with the Lords, the Gang still have a leader. However, I am rather shocked at Primogen metagaming with Pistol's men. I received no OOC foretelling that they would be attacked, what makes you so sure, Primogen, that Pistol's men were still on the island, ready to be turned into vampires? You really should have talked to me about this little play. Please don't do it again. For now, let us just move on. Make like eight young thugs were captured, but the rest of the Gang have gone underground, untraceable. Later, I'll discuss with Romanov, the plot moderator, and the other Lords about my own next play.

Vanquishing of Nasfahtu

Alicia had combed the island through in search for the Priest. She found him in police custody, being escorted off the island. “We appreciate you coming to help us Reverend” said the chief of police. “But right now is just not the best time for foreign visitors. When things have died down, please do come back. God knows we need a miracle on this island.” “My heart stays with you all” replied the Priest, as he rose to the air.

Moments later, he was jetting over the ocean at the speed of sound. His mind was unsettled, something was wrong on that island but he couldn’t put his mind to it. That’s when he sensed it, something on his tail, and then he was falling. With a loud splash, he hit the water. It was so hot the heat singed his body hairs and stung at his senses. But he remained submerged; something or someone had attacked him. Looking skyward, he could make out a dark blob floating above the waters.

“Hunter!” screamed Pistol, laughing maniacally. “What took you so long?” She produced two jet black Uzis and began to spray steel-reinforced bullets into the waters. Below, the Priest constructed a psychic shield around himself and the bullets ricocheted right off. Still protected, he emerged from the water and ascended to Pistol’s eye level.

“Liberty Island” said the priest. “You have a hand in whats going on there, don’t you?” “What makes you think I’m not the sole mastermind, brother?” replied Pistol. “I am not your brother, demon,” said the priest, raising the sword of Leviticus in a threatening pose. “Tell me now, what you are doing to these poor people, or I promise you death by the blade”

“Your father banished me to the netherworld with that same sword, Pious” said Pistol, or rather, the demon inside her. “I will not fall for the same trick-”, in a sudden flash of movement, the Priest had thrust the point of the blade straight through Pistol’s forehead, so ferociously; it pierced the skull and brain. Her body hovered there, twitching madly, her face contorted in an ugly death mask, eyes paralysed. The sword began emanating a blinding white light and in an instant, the demon called Nasfahtu was gone, vanquished for ever.

As the light dimmed down, the priest solemnly withdrew the blade from Pistol’s skull and allowed her body to fall. “Alicia Barzini-Hunter” the priest began to pray. “May your soul now rest in peace, and may God look favourably on you on the days of judgement.” With a loud splash, the corpse of the long-dead crime lord hit the ocean and sank to its watery grave.

"I say..." Alicia began, a swirl of darkness emanating from her feet. "...***** you! ***** all'aya!" and then she was gone. She materialized outside the villa, surrounded by vampires, zombies and her own gunmen. "Boss, we got a problem" said on of the gunmen, "its the Priest, he's here!"

Alicia took a few seconds to absorb the information, but her fact soon turned from shock to excitement. "Well, its about time" she whispered. "You lot stay here and keep the Lords occupied. I can't have them interfering with this. God, its like f*cking house of the living dead out here, any sign of trouble, rain on these freaks, got that?" "Got it boss" a man replied, and then Alicia was gone.

Just outside of the villa, dozens of Alicia's gang were closing in, bringing news of an unwelcomed guest on the island. They suddenly took to arms at the sight of vampires and zombies positioned around the building. Inside, adrenaline was pumping furiously through Alicia, she clutched tightly at her guns and shifted her aim from Adam to Lord Erebus. "That a threat Erebus?" she spat, a crazed look on her face. "This some kinda conspiracy? You people trying ta muscle me out of my own initiative? Huh? Win the world without me? Hmm? All'aya gonna try and kill me now, right? Well I got news for you," she paused and her eyes turned jet black, the colour of her possessed soul. "I'm already dead!"

The gunshots could be heard from outside the house, birds scuttled out of the trees, rustling the leaves as they took to the skies, frightened. Alicia had directed a round of steel-reinforced ammunition at Romanov.

I'm thinking a little scuffle would be quite fun, should be interesting to see what happens, who sides with who and all that. However, some of Pistol's men will bring news in a short while, news that might just settle and refocus the team. By the way guys, please go easy on the poor girl? *poppy dog eyes* Its that time of the month for her.

Alicia glared into Romanov's dark eyes, an intense moment of silence suffocated the room, suddenly, the door opens to reveal Adam and the female crimelord's instincts took over. In the blink of an eye, she'd produced two jet black Uzi's from a puff of darkness. One was raised at the newcomer's head, the other at Romanov. "We aint on the Rogue right about now Rom. I pop you one and nobody'd give a sh*t" Pistol spat, her Italian-American accent ever so evident. "Lemme tell you something mister big shot, you ***** like a spoilt, skinny little schoolboy and I damn well know that tongue of yours can be real sweet when it needs to be, so when you speak to me, it really better be f*cking sweet. I put this team together and I can call it off when and if I sense it going off. Now you go on and finish this f*cking meeting. We understand each other, you manipulative little pri*k?"

Okay.

What Pistol is likely to do next might steer the meeting in a new direction, so before I write my post and ruin everything, I ask if anything else was planned for discussion? She might end up ruining everything anyway.

Deportation of the Priest

It was a beautiful sunny day on the once-French islands of Liberty. A crowded market kicks up clouds of dust on the dirt roads, rising and settling in the wretched humidity. Loud voices could be heard from the heart of the market place, a gathering surrounding a handful of speakers, dressed in simple clothing. “This land is our home, OUR home! The so-called anti-alien army is a lie! The Vanguard is owned by the Europeans, the very people who have destroyed our lives! We must take the law into your own hands, people. Forget about Buku and his destructive regime; forget about Nasri and his western friends! We must seize our own freedom! Down with Vanguard! Down with Buku! Come on islanders, raise your voices!”

Gradually, the shoppers and passer-bys in the market began to chant. It quickly became clear that each person had his own view, some supported Nasri and the Coalition, some supported their leader, General Buku, others empathised with the Vanguard, but most of them just wanted to be free. “Freedom and true Liberty!” one man screamed before receiving a heavy blow to the jaw and falling into the dirt, unconscious. The attacker was then struck from behind and like pebbles against a pond, rage consumed the rioters in a great rippling effect. Fish stalls were knocked over, mothers and children abandoned their shopping, some joined in the fray, slapping meat on each other’s faces, clubbing each other with fragile vegetables. All the while, the simple-clothed speakers smiled with each other, another day’s work well done. “Good job Tony, good speech” said one of them. “Lucas, Buku’s police will arrive soon, let’s disappear” replied Tony but Lucas wouldn’t budge. His gaze was fixed at something in the distance; he raises a finger and points through the rioters. “Tony, we might have a problem”

Beyond the fighting islanders, a man could be seen emerging through the clouds of dust. His head bobbed in and out of view, but it couldn’t be mistaken. His white collar and dark, sweeping robes distinguished him as a holy man, but what really marked him, was the silver eye-plate with the crucifix slits. “It’s the Priest! What the hell is he doing out here?” asked Lucas. “We gotta warn the boss, she’s at the Vampire’s Villa” Tony commanded, and the gang hurried off.

By the time Buku’s police arrived on the scene, the market people were all gone. Upturned stalls littered vegetables, meat and seafood across the dirt road, broken benches, covered in blood splayed across the dust. A policeman spotted something far in the distance, a small girl running towards them. They stopped her and demanded what had happened to the market, to which she merely smiled. “A preacher came and stopped the fighting; he’s on the hill doing magic, the townspeople are all there, please I have to go and get my mama! She won’t believe me unless she sees this herself!”

The police marched up the hill to find the Priest preaching to the multitude, feeding them free fish from the nearby river. They approached him without hostility. “Sorry preacher, but foriegn nationals are currently not allowed on the island, or don't you watch CNN? You’ll have to come with us" said the commanding officer and the priest obeyed. The multitude however, followed the police vehicles, walking and running in pursuit.

Alicia was in a bad mood, she ignored both the Countess and Romanov entirely. "My men have done thier job, most of the islanders are rebelling and there are riots everywhere, happy? Good. Because I'm sending them home now. They've been stuck on this island for well over two months now and actually, they are of better use elsewhere. This whole operation is taking forever, the gang is getting very bored and I am getting very angry. I just need to kill someone"