Pious

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Anyway please go check out Kendaen's page and tell me what you fink

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Honestly, I love it. The profile is well written, I especially like the layout, its the way profiles are best written in my opinion; one fluid and descriptive piece sectioned into relevant paragraphs. Also, you've kept the information basic and to the point. Lastly, the character himself is very well drawn, I am a fan of shape-shifters myself (Pious is a parasite and shifter) and also martial artists. You've classed him as 6/Fantastic which gives the character plenty of stronger, more powerful adversaries and also gives him plenty of room to grow above and beyond his limits. I look forward to the developments of Ken. Have fun playing as him, I'm sure!

Birth of Evil Part Two: The Confession

It was the hour of practice for the choir at Moth Cathedral. A hundred beautiful candles burnt bright to accentuate the evening sunset. A tall man in holy Catholic garments leads the small gospel through the 23rd Psalm.

The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

As they sung, whispers could be heard coming from the confession booth where the troubled Sister Mary Stevens was confiding in Father Anthony. Ever since she joined the church two months ago, she had enjoyed working with Father Pious in their services to the Church, but more so, she enjoyed secretly patrolling the town as their alter egos, Codename and the Priest. Now, she could hide no more.

“Father Anthony, it is I, Altair” said Mary, always preferring her first and non-Christian name.

“Good evening Sister Mary” said Father Anthony.

“Father Pious says he will leave the monastery tomorrow and then visit sporadically. Have you heard?” said Mary. After the reverend confirmed that he was aware of this, she pushed on. “Well, I have a rather embarrassing confession to make, something I have done that may have brought Father Pious to this radical decision.” Mary paused, but the reverend urged her to continue. She sighed, “Father, I’ve become rather fond of Pious and last night I kind of, well I expressed my feelings for him, and, I don’t know. I think that, this is why he’s leaving and I feel terrible!”

The reverend smiled, amused. “You have done nothing wrong Sister Mary; however, I am starting to question your ability to forget the romantics of your past life,” said Father Anthony. “Are you sure you still want to be a nun, because you cannot love Father Pious sexually and remain committed to monkshood, it is contrary to your vows.”

A few moments passed as Mary thought hard about the reverend’s words. The choir’s hymn seemed to grow louder and louder in her mind.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God's house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.

“Thank you Father Anthony, for your time,” said Mary. “I think I know what I should do. But I must see Father Pious and discuss it with him.”

“Father Pious should be in the choir. God bless you Sister Mary, but do control your feelings now, won’t you?” asked the reverend, to which Mary smiled, exiting the booth. The choir had finished their meeting and among them, Pious came slowly towards Mary.

“Come with me” he whispered, leading the way into a nearby room to the side of the cathedral. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’ll have to wait. I have a lead in the Bathory case and I’ll be chasing it up tonight, but I also need you to do something in Sharkhead, I hope you’re not busy?” asked Pious.

“No, of course not, what is it?” Mary replied.

“It’s Akarist. He sent me a telepathic signal to meet up, it sounded urgent, something about the Circle and the Family working together towards a common goal.”

“Oh, that definitely doesn’t sound good”

“Potters Field, can you get there within the hour?”

“I don’t know if you remember, but I got these boots right, they can take me as high as a hundred feet, and I have this jetpack built into my new suit, allows me to travel faster than Shanghai’s express trains, 280miles per hour baby. From here, I could hit Sharkhead in minutes,” said Mary.

“Alright, point proven. We’ll stay telepathically linked,” said Pious, heading out of the room. In her mind, Mary heard him talking. <As always Code, be careful!>

(Writer's note: The musics add to the atmosphere of the piece, try listening to them while you read)

Birth of Evil Part One: The Hitman

An amplified voice echoes around the dimly lit restaurant hall within the notorious Golden Giza casino. Several round tables sit to face a large stage where a smartly dressed man stood by a microphone. The spotlight zooms to full intensity on the tall, handsome singer and the background musicians begin their music. This man was Johnny Sonata, the smooth-singing Italian American singer of Jazz and Swing, owner of the Golden Giza.

I've got you... under my skin.
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
I've got you... under my skin.

I'd tried so... not to give in.
I said to myself: this affair never will go so well.
But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know so well?
I've got you... under my skin.


As the music played, a tall young man in a smart maroon waistcoat respectably approaches a table set high in the upper side-cubicles of the hall. His arms are covered thick in intricate tribal tattoos, a pair of blue tinted sunglasses and a bandanna hide his facial features well. He bows to a bald man in a full white suit and gently places a kiss on the back of his palm. This man was Emil Marcone, son of Manuel Marcone, the former governor of Port Oakes. As mafia politics go, Emil found himself battling for power over Port Oakes and the families of Independence Port. His rival, none other than Guido 'The Mooch' Verandi, head of the Verandi family and consigliere to Manuel Marcone. Much to the distaste of Emil, Guido stepped up to power after the arrest and subsequent death of Governor Manuel Marcone.

“Vincent Zampelli” said Emil, referring to the waistcoat-clad man who remained standing, awaiting invitation to the table. “How’s family? Here, have a seat.”

Vincent slowly took his seat across from Emil, holding his expressionless eyes away from the table crowded with glorious food, a feast of chicken, arancini deep fried rice croquettes, Pasta alla Norma, caponata, pani ca meusa and couscous al pesce, all apparently for one man. “They're doing very well Mr. Marcone, thank you.” he said in a thick New York accent.

“That’s fantastic, Vincent.” said Emil, having finished decorating himself with napkins, he stabs a fork into a drumstick and starts on his fried rice. He motioned to a nearby chef to prepare Vincent with a plate. It would have been rude to decline, but Vincent was hungry anyway, so he gladly welcomed the offer.

“So, Zampelli, you know about what happened to the Barzini family?” asked Emil.

“Yeah, nasty business that. Three months back now. Alicia and her sister were killed. Man responsible was the retired hero 'Evangel', Pious Hunter. The whole media praised the Militia, they considered it a victory on organised crime or somethin'. My own business dried up ever since,” said Vincent bitterly.

“A victory, Vincent? Heck, it’s not even a setback! Listen closely Zampelli, a week ago, I employed a few of those Circle of Thorns mages, they think they know a way to bring Pistol back from the dead." Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Her father, the great Antonio Barzini, he’s dying and he keeps asking to see his favourite daughter, y'know? Anyway, that’s where you come in. The mages need three girls; a new born, a virgin and a demonic hybrid. I don’t understand it myself, but you do me this little favour and I’ll repay you with anything you ask."

"Anything? What's the catch?" asked Vincent.

"Ah, clever boy" said Emil. "Cos there’s always a catch, you understand me?"

Vincent remained silent.

"If you fail to deliver, you get nothing" Emil continued. "What’s it gonna be?”

“Trust me Mr. Marcone, I'm too good for this,” said Vincent. “I'll find your girls no problem.”

“Good. Let’s get started. First things first, you ever heard of a mage called Akarist? He’s a big time traitor of the cult; my spies tell me he’s set a meeting with a hero today in Potters Field. We think he knows what I’m planning, and he’s trying to warn the capes. Can I trust you to stop him?”

“Now you're talkin'. You jus' consider it done Mister Marcone,” replied Vincent.

As the chefs arrive with a plate for Vincent, the two men look to the stage and begin to compliment the jazz of Johnny Sonata, a man with great wealth and a flawless voice.

I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats - how it yells in my ear:
Don't you know, little fool, you never can win?
Why not use your mentality - step up, wake up to reality?

But each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin
'Cause I've got you... under my skin.
Yes, I've got you... under my skin.

You're right, there is no evidence of invitation in the article. It is however, an open plot to which I have been invited to participate in with the Priest. I'd imagine members of the Court are also invited to the plot, as is anyone who have just read the story, according to Liz's above post.

I think its a well written article, like everything, it could be improved, but this isn't a Coursework essay. The story itself and the plot is very interesting. I am already hooked and can't wait to get involved. I hope I'll be able to keep up the standard when I write in my own section.

Question. Jack and his party gathered together at Pocket D before departing to Paris right? Thats an awful lot of demons, vampires and toy dolls (joke). I imagine they would stand out quite a bit. Enough to attract attention and bring news of Elizabeth's weakened state to the Priest I'd think, yeah? Second question; what is this cargo being flown to Paris?

Actually, maybe you should open a separate OOC thread for this plot. Following the incident in Pocket D last month, I'd imagine there's been some tension among the vampires about the arrival of this 'Priest' or not. Either way, I sense war!

Are you chatting me up? ¬¬

Lets not derail. I'll send you a PM Erth. And thanks for the compliment GoodGuy.

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Well, IC they aren't exactly linked. They're the one and same. Nice concept, agreed, but if you want your characters to have individual personalities and stories then that approach won't do much good.

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Not true.

Feel free to link your characters anyway you want mate. Even genetically. Additionally, all my four characters are either close friends or archenemies.

I'll try harder to keep our main page updated. Profile updates shouldn't take much time actually. I've done next weeks one now. Villain was Bambi Delight. Hero was originally Dee Dee Diablo which would have been awesome, but its sort of empty . The second randomization revealed Lady Cobra! Congratulations both of you! I'll update News and Magazines when and if anyone provides new material.

Thanks Coile. If you could help out with with just pasting information on the Main Page and stuff, that'll be marvelous. Your assistance won't be necessary elsewhere. I'll send you a PM.

Actually, I have been discussing this with Zortel just yesterday, that we should ask out loud for anyone willing to help update the Main Page more regularly. Its very simple and easy to learn if shown how. Who's interested?

Main Page needs updating but I've been caught up at University. Should have free time tomorrow evening.

Hey welshie!

About the TF, I don't have time to browse through Paragon Wiki. What is the level range?

Whats the IC proposal?

1:23am Thursday 20th. Conclusion of Shemyazaz's Visit

The stone hurtled through the air, somersaulting its way towards the choir stand, as it lost momentum, it began to descend, closer and closer towards the priest. Gravity pulled at the stone with such force that it sped up as it descended, hurtling dangerously towards the man's face, but suddenly it froze, held in suspension somewhere between time and space. The priest calmly studied it, careful not to touch it.

Immediately Shemyazaz stepped out from the building, the cloaked nun stepped out from within the shadows and shut the great doors with a little too much force. The noise would have been loud enough to wake the entire monastery just across the backyard. "Sorry Father, I'm just so glad he's gone" said Codename, hurrying back through a small door nearby.

The old man called Nokteel slowly fell to his knees and quietly began to cry. He had lied to his only son, and now he could not bare the shame.

"Father, come quickly" said the Priest, still studying the floating rock but the weeping man could not rise. "This piece of limestone, the markings on it... it resembles the Acheulean's Rock, a mythical amulet of leadership. Where would Shemyazaz have gotten it?"

There was no response, nothing but weeping. The priest turned his attention to Noktil and realised the man was crying. Quickly, he rushed to his side.

"What ails you father?" he asked quietly but there was no response. So he moved closer and embraced the fallen angel. With his gloved hands, he patted his arm. "Have faith father. Truly, you have not fornicated and truly, you have not imparted forbidden knowledge. You did defect from God, but indeed you no longer rebel. Have faith father, for I believe in your sincerity. You shant be among the satans of the Abyss. Forget the words of Shemyazaz, for they are wicked and spiteful."

((Blackout))

Preferably a forum with attached website + video/audio enabled welcome page. *hint*

When the fallen angel finally ended his monologue, the Priest was relieved to see him leaving. "I hope never to see you again Shemyazaz," said the Priest. "You are probably the worst satan there is. Begone from this Holy place! Begone, and never return!"

Aww. Coile, you no longer have The Number.

The Priest stood quietly at the choir stand, watching and waiting to see how his father would respond to Shemyazaz' invitation. It was a test like any other to see for himself if, truly, his faith in the angel had ever been betrayed.

Meanwhile, Nokteel and his walking stick limp across the Cathedral nave and past the redeemed demon, who was prodding for answers. He stopped short of Shemyazaz's face and bore into his eyes with a look of disgust so great his every muscle began to shake.

"Read my lips Shemyazaz, for I will not repeat this" said the angel. "Despite the few similarities, you and I are two very different angels. It was your idea to defect against the Lord in pursuit of human life, driven by our uncontrolled shameful lust for women. For this, I have always hated you. Never will I gather with your kind again! Do you understand me? While you and Azazel were busy teaching man to destroy one another, no doubt in the hope of having the women all to yourselves, I have been busy begging for forgiveness, counting the generations go by. Forty-two hundred years Shemyaza, and only twenty-eight hundred until the day of judgment! No. I do not side with Samael. I do not rebel. I shall not go down to the abyss with you and the host of satans. I shall be saved Shemyaza, through my son, who is pure, I shall be saved!"

"For God's sake Shem, keep your voice down" came a deep voice near the great doors. There stood a dark-skinned man with broad shoulders and a handsome beard. He wore a clean cut black suit and rested an arm on a long walking stick. Several lines of age marked the man's face, but was masked by long shoulder-length, dark hair. To the common man, he would have appeared to be another Isrealite Jew wearing a kippah skullcap. "Or have you still not learn to respect Holy ground?" said Noktil. The Priest froze in his steps and snapped his head around towards the voice, looking straight at his old man.

"Enough" the priest ordered. The demon's words were hugely damaging to his belief system and although blasphemous, they rang with some sensible truth. "I ask you now, never to speak ill of my father again. Furthermore, he will have nothing to do with your kind. Leave now!" ordered the priest, in a low voice. He turned his back on the demon, an angel that was once perfect, but now corrupted with the lust of womankind. Was this also like his father? No. Never. He would refuse to believe it. "I ask you to leave Shemyazaz and hope you have a pleasant night, may the forgiving God be with you." With that, he made to leave, heading towards a door behind the choir stand.

I'll recap as well, Sabrina and Hayate have moved into one of the expensive apartments high up at Jay's Building. She is in there most of the time, if not at the nightclub. I believe also, when Hayate is not in there, he's working for Central Intelligence. Their babies are due early November.

Damn. I have no active Militants. When is Amber coming back, do you know?

"Yes. I have heard much about thee Shemyazaz, you are known among the Greek as Samyaza. I can and will like to speak on the behalf of my father, so please continue" said the Priest. "But Sam, just so you know, Noktil is nothing like you or the other damned angels. He is no longer a Grigori. He has repented and reascended to the heavens. He is back in the ranks of th Most High. He told me so."

The priest was not so surprised that this strange man could identify him as Nephilim, but when he mentioned about his father, an alarm went off inside him. This was no ordinary demon.

"The great flood was many millenias ago. I am of this era, and so are others like me" said the Priest, feeling an urge to defend his goodness and denounce the abomination, the monstrousity that was attached to being a Nephilim. But he didn't go on, he needed not prove himself to the likes of an evil demon, so he went straight in with the big question. "Who are you and what do you want with my father?"

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...getting a link put on the City of Heroes, City of Villains homepage...

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Thats an interesting idea. Creative Genius awards are publicized and player-organized PvP events are also advertised on the homepage, never seen a roleplay event spotlighted on there though. But, how would we propose this idea to the Forum Moderators, the Wiki isn't exactly an event.