In the beginning...
[ QUOTE ]
I was wondering who'd make one about Rad Superteams.... lol
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah it was just a matter of time. Looking very worried.
Alts on all servers, lvl 50 of every AT:
lvl 50 Heroes on all servers but; Pinnacle, Victory
lvl 50 Villains on all servers but; Guardian, Pinnacle, Triumph, Victory
Current Projects: Tanks
Official MOM of Tribal Alliance
[ QUOTE ]
So great was their pride that Doctor was not allowed to venture with them when his longing for adventure returned.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm hurt Doctor was always welcome to adventure with the teams of the children of Defender (or at least those who listened in the beginning of his understanding and whisperings.)
This next story is based upon this poem. Please read the original first. My work will suffer for it, but it is better to proceed from the sublime to the ridiculous than vice versa...
- Jock Tamson, Who believes getting Defenders to like you is a worthy challange.
One night Empathy was awoken by a great light. Stepping outside to see what had broken the darkness, Empathy was startled to see Statesman writing in a great book.
"What do you write Great Father?" asked Empathy in an awed voice.
"I write the names of those who have met the greatest challenges." answered Statesman.
"Do you write my name?" asked Empathy, lower still.
"Nay", replied Statesman. He shut his book, and darkness fell.
The next day Empathy set out to hunt with her siblings, determined to achieve great things. Together they faced a great monster. Her brother Trick stumbled too close and was struck by a powerful blow. Empathy knew her brother would be hard pressed to recover himself, and so reached out her gifts to heal him. He and the others thus rallied and defeated the foe. Trick turned, smiling, and imitated the voice of Scrapper saying, "Great heals sister!" All the company laughed, but Empathy was troubled that she had not yet met a great challange.
The next day Empathy again set out to hunt with her siblings, again determined to meet a great challange. Together they faced a great hoard of Skuls. Each was individually of little challange, but their numbers where so great that they Children of Defender would in time tire and fall. Empathy could speed and envigorate a companion, but one alone would not be enough. She therefore reached out her gifts and lent speed and vigor to Kin, who was thus able to share his gifts with all the others. The Skuls were defeated and all congratulated Kin on his help. Kin turned to his sister and said, "I know if the others don't, we couldn't have done it without you.". Empathy thanked her brother, but was troubled that she had not herself met a great challange.
The next day Empathy set out once more to hunt with her siblings, still determined to meet a great challange. Together they battled a force of the black clad Malta and brightly dressed Carnies. Empathy knew that it was important to make sure they not stun or disable Darkity or Radia, whose concentration on weakening their foes would be greatly needed. She concentrated much of her effort on keeping their defenses strong and their heads clear so that they would not become distracted. Thus freed to act, Darkity and Radia achieved greater things than Empathy could hope to herself. While they earnestly thanked her, Empathy still was troubled that she had not herself met a great challange.
That night Empathy was again awoken by a great light. Stepping outside she once again saw Statesman writing in his great book. Empathy spoke to him, quietly but earnestly, saying, "I may not myself meet great challanges, but write me as one who has gained the love of the Children of Defender."
Statesman showed her the book, and Empathy's name led all the rest.
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
Jock has truly inspired me... and so I submit an attempt.
------------------------------------------------------
As the children of Statesman matured and grew in their world, they realized that those mortals who needed their help most weren't always available... or.... easily available. So, they turned to their father for help.
Statesman, being the kind and yet disciplinarian that he was, didn't want to just give his children the power to summon needy mortals at a whim... or give them the power to instantly appear where, and when, trouble was afoot. So, he introduced his children to one of his friends, Contact.
Now, initially, Defender, Scrapper, Tanker, and their siblings were quite hesitant. Why should they rely on somebody who was not part of their family to aid them? They could just continue to roam the world and, should they happen to come upon mortals needing their help, simply jump in and help.
But this sparked Statesman's wrath:
"How dare you all complain and grieve over not having enough mortals to defend... and when I grant you access to more mortals, you sadden me more with your bickering and groans."
"But Great Father," Kin protested, "not all of us complain. I find the stray viles of this world of use to me, for I simply 'borrow' their speed to roam faster."
Tanker grumbled, "Oh, certainly it's easy for a thief of speed to get around... but there are those of us who are not as nimble."
The two started complaining and grieving more!
"Silence," Statesman boomed through the heavens. "I have had enough! I shall show you the importance of Contact!"
So, Statesman used his supreme nature and forced a great spell upon the mortal viles that plagued the world. They were granted the ability to know when one of Statesman's children were approaching and... should they desire, run in several different directions at once.
Even Kin found this very frustrating and finally, completely exhausted, the children of Statesman succumbed.
"We agree to meet this Contact and see what he has to say to help us."
And there was peace around the planet as Contact was able to use his vast knowledge of fate to show the children of Statesman where adventures could be found.
The harmony wasn't long-lived when the children, spoiled as they were, complained once more...
"Father," grumbled Scrapper. "This Contact is all well and good... but...."
"Speak, child," Statesman said with a voice of pure command.
"However, we grow tired of running back to Contact each time an adventure wanes." At this, they glared at Kin, who knew wise enough to remain quiet.
Statesman sighed. "Very well... I have much to do to grant you all more in the Great Tome of Issues.... and I really do not wish to hear your grumblings much more."
With a whim, the children could feel something mystical appear in their robes. They all dug their hands in with great anticipation and pulled out a spinning blue glowing artifact. They all fell silent at the power that the devices emanated.
"What....what is this," Trick asked in awe.
Statesman beamed proudly. "I call it... simply.... Scanner."
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Being contrary to Jock's tradition, placing his description before his name, Soundtrack
Satan trembles when he sees...
the weakest saint on his knees.
<----- Click there to learn how you can help!
Lol these posts are incredible. I'm reading them for the first time.
Jock, you should edit your first post to include links to each and every other "tribute" to your style, and include your own posts too. That way we don't have read 16+ pages of a thread, we could just click a link on the first page to take us directly to your (and your fans') wonderful stories.
Oh and btw, this is probably how the Bible was created, seriously. Bunch of people wrote stories to explain things and teach moral lessons, hundreds and hundreds of years later people will forget they were about a video game, and will live by them. You'll see, they'll start calling Earth "The City" and all will hail Statesman and fear/love the Spider. You'll have all your different forms of religion that believe the same thing in different ways: Defender, Blaster, Tanker, Controller, and Scrapper, and the villain ones.
Sounds funny, but in hundreds and hundreds of years you'll see I'm right. Then it'll just be sad...
[ QUOTE ]
Jock, I somehow missed this thread during its first incarnation. I'm getting to read these for the first time, and I must say, masterfully written. I do have one correction to make to your story...
[ QUOTE ]
Scrapper had three sons, Dark, Essar, and Reg.
[/ QUOTE ]
Where is the retelling of the [censored] child, Invuln? It is commonly overlooked now, and seemingly erased from the history books as well?
[/ QUOTE ]
Inspiration, thanks Sarrate. Much love to Jock for his stories that started this all.
This is the story of how a child of Scrapper gained some of the power of Tank.
Skip
My Char. List and Market Transactions
HeroStats Developer
Legion of Valor
Iron Eagles
In the early days of the City, Scrapper's three sons Dark, Essar, and Reg were well known. Often overlooked was Scrapper's fourth and youngest child, a girl whom all called Shinee. For she was the most easily amused of all the Children of Statesman, and rarely performed any deeds of note, but rather wandered off in pursuit of shiny objects.
One day Shinee was following her brothers through the canyon of steel, and her eye was caught by the light of the sun reflected from a lake. Laughing happily she plunged into the water to catch the sunlight, creating much spray and beautiful rainbows. When she tired of this game, she rested upon the shore, and there it was that she first saw her cousin Invuln in battle.
Invuln was a child of Tank, and his strength was great in those days. He would choose his ground and stand firm, daring his foes to topple him from his unyielding stance. Rare was the enemy that could injure Invuln through the power that manifested as a glowing light around him. Any enemy that drew too close was dazzled and unable to flee, forced to impotently attack until Invuln deigned to notice and fell him.
Shinee was captivated by her cousin's shining figure in the midst of battle. For days she followed his steps, delighting in every moment. Occasionally she would help to fell his foes, but more often she would simply watch, captivated by the glowing light of his power.
Invuln soon grew weary of this state of affairs. "Cousin, must you follow me to every battle?" he complained. "I have deeds to accomplish and no need of an audience." But Shinee took no notice.
Thus Invuln went to his father, Tank. "Father," he said, "I have need of your wisdom. There is a child of Scrapper who follows me everywhere, admiring the light of the power you have bequeathed to me. Tell me how I may avoid her."
Tank thought on his son's request, but no answer immediately presented itself to him. So he went to his brother Scrapper, saying "Brother Scrapper, I have a question about one of your children."
Scrapper immediately replied, "Reg didn't mean it. He's a good kid, just gets a little carried away."
"No brother, I speak of another of your children. Shinee has become enamored of the light of my son Invuln's power, and refuses to leave his side. He wearies of her presence, but try as he might, nothing can distract her for long. Have you any suggestion on this situation?"
Scrapper thought for a moment, then shrugged. "If she likes his power so much, give her the same. She won't use anything I give her anyway."
This pleased Tank, and he returned to his son, finding Shinee nearby as always. "Young child of Scrapper, come here." When she came near, Tank rested his hand on her head and called forth his power, transferring a little of it to her - though not as much as he had given Invuln, for after all she was not his child. "Now go into battle, Shinee, and see what I have given you."
Shinee did as she was bidden, running directly into a nearby group of Skuls. As she fought, she began to glow with the same power as her cousin. Pleased, she thanked her uncle and continued to battle foes wherever they could be found, for in battle her newfound power shone brightest. In time, she became as well known for her deeds as her brothers - a child with the power of both Scrapper and Tank.
Skip
My Char. List and Market Transactions
HeroStats Developer
Legion of Valor
Iron Eagles
[ QUOTE ]
Tank thought on his son's request, but no answer immediately presented itself to him. So he went to his brother Scrapper, saying "Brother Scrapper, I have a question about one of your children."
Scrapper immediately replied, "Reg didn't mean it. He's a good kid, just gets a little carried away."
[/ QUOTE ]
That had me laughing for about four minutes straight.
... as a main player of a Son of Reg, this is so very true.
"Reg didn't mean it."
I'm laughing so hard I think I hurt myself.
This post brought to you by the Thunderfire Campaign to Out-Weird the Internet.
Score so far: Thunderfire-0, Internet-157893678
[ QUOTE ]
That night Empathy was again awoken by a great light. Stepping outside she once again saw Statesman writing in his great book. Empathy spoke to him, quietly but earnestly, saying, "I may not myself meet great challanges, but write me as one who has gained the love of the Children of Defender."
Statesman showed her the book, and Empathy's name led all the rest
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you Jock, thats the tale that inspired me!
Even I'm getting inspired, now... I might have to write a story!
@Shenalia
Triumph: Ion Force (SG)
Victory: Evil Triumphs (VG)
Proud member of the Triumphant Defenders Coalition.
Back to the spirit of the first stories with tonight's tale, in which Defender take's shameless adavantage of Blaster.
- Jock Tamson, Who counts Blasters among some of his best friends.
Statesman was proud of his son Blaster who strived always and never gave up, though he fell often. He desired, therefore, to give him a gift to reward him. So he called Defender to him and asked, "You have often hunted with my son Blaster and protected him with your gifts. Surely you must know as no other, what is my sons greatest weakness." Defender answered saying, "Why that he has no means to protect himself from harm. Tank and Scrapper have their armors. Controller has her allies, and I can blind and weaken my foes, but Blaster has no such gifts." So Statesman said to Defender, "I shall create from the darkness of night weapons that can smite and blind a foe such that Blaster might gain protection from his enemies as he fights them. Go tell your brother of this boon."
Now Defender quite liked the sound of such weapons, and did not wish her brother to need her aid any the less. So Defender went to her brother and said, "Our father spoke of you to me earlier today". "Oh?" asked Blaster, "What did he say?" "Well", said Defender, "he said that you clearly enjoy your ability to do great harm at distance, but for the sake of all, you should do more to weaken them instead. He said he would call you to him and change your gifts to make this so." Blaster did not wish to give up any of his great fires and energies and said, "This is terrible sister, whatever shall I do?" Defender replied earnestly saying, "Such things are my job brother. Tell Statesman that I will gladly take whatever he has planned for you, and that you wish it so. I am sure he will listen." So the next day when Statesman called Blaster before him, Blaster said, "Father, whatever you have planned for me, my sister Defender has agreed to take. Weakening our foes is her job, so I gladly agree." Smiling Statesman said, "If that is what you wish. Such generosity of spirit! Truly I am proud of you my son." Blaster was greatly annoyed when he realized what his sister had done, but with such praise from his father, what could he say?
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
So that's why blasters don't have Dark Blast...heh...always wondered why...dirty Defender. Jacob and Esau much?
Y'know Jock, there's one tale you haven't told that I'd like to see you translate through your lens. Has to do with our favorite of Defender's children, Darkity. Now you told the story of how she took away her powers from the controllers, but I'm curious how you'd translate, through your lens, how she came to bestow her gifts on one of the children of SCRAPPER (Dark Melee/Dark Armour has a lot of tricks right out of the dark defender pools).
Just a thought to maybe get your mind working. Absolutely LOVE the stories to date.
- Polecat
A friend of mine, and old old friend of more than 2 decades, has been complaining about you guys. Apparently he ran into a couple of Defenders in a PuG on Liberty talking about Fruit Salad and these stories, and told them off for giving me a swollen head
This story was inspired by his first Defender.
I present, The Origin of Dancing!
- Jock Tamson, Who is certain he is no more egotistical the he has even been.
Defender's daughter Bubbles in her own time had many children. One of these was her son Shield. Shield was a diligent companion in seeing to the protection of his friends. After his duty was met, however, Shield would let his attention wander. If there were glowing prizes to be had, Shield would run off to claim them, even while his friends still fought.
One of Shield's friends was Blaster's son Dev. Dev's talents lay in tricks and traps. Talents Dev decided to use to teach Shield a lesson. So Dev took a brightly polished box and lined it with honey. Then he placed it near a spot where he and Shield liked to hunt.
The next day they hunted together, Dev lead them along a path he had prepared. Shield extended his gifts to protect his friend. Then Dev patiently began laying a series of traps. Shield watched for a while, then growing restless asked, "What ever are you doing!" "Laying a trap for someone.", replied Dev. Dev continued to patiently construct his increasingly complex set of snares. "This is taking forever!", complained Shield, "What could possibly be worth all this work." "Fear not!", answered Dev, "you will not soon forget the experience you gain today." Shield grew bored beyond his limited ability to bear and looked around for a way to amuse himself. Nearby, he saw the box shining in the light. "Ah", said Shield to himself, "shiny!", and rushed to open the box. Forth from the box came a cloud of insects. Many of them had stingers. All of them were annoyed.
Dev turned to see Shield jumping and waving his arms about in frustration, and laughed heartily to himself. Dev took much pleasure in repeating the tale to all who would listen. Always his favorite part was to imitate Shields motions. In this way, Shield was taught a lesson, and dancing was brought to the City.
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
No comments. I have lost my audience to double xp weekend I continue, none the less, with my commitment to post these one a day until they are all put back.
Tonight's story brings Kheldians in to the mythology, and discusses what it means to be a Defender...
- Jock Tamson, Who resisted the urge to use an origin involving calamari leftovers.
You have read how the Spider came to the City from the Web that is the Universe. You have read also how when the Land of the Kora Fruit was shattered creatures came from the Void Beyond to dwell there and guard the fruit. Not only evil exists beyond the walls of the City. There is good also, and it, in time, also came to the walls.
Thus came the strange Kheldians to our land. They watched the Children of Statesman and were amazed and desired to become more like unto them. So one amongst them went to the each of the Great Progenitors to ask what most defined them.
"When are you most like yourself?" it asked Blaster. Blaster laughed and replied, "When I act before my foes and strike them down. When the battle is over ere it began. When I stand wreathed in fire and smoke encircled by my fallen foes. Then I am most like myself."
"When are you most like yourself" it asked Controller. Controller considered thoughtfully and replied, "When I move through the world with patience and grace, stilling and befuddling my foes. When my friends and allies, protected and strengthened, move before me like an all consuming wave. Then I am most like myself."
"When are you most like yourself" it asked Scrapper. Scrapper answered without hesitation, "When all others have fallen or fled and I alone stand and finish the fight. When the all too clever cannot cut the knot, and I draw my sword. When I Scrap! Then I am Scrapper!"
"When are you most like yourself" it asked Tank. Tank considered briefly, then answered slowly but confidently, "When I stand at the center of a great host, and their slings and arrows avail them not against me. When I hold against the charge so my friends may shelter behind me. When I am a touchstone of strength for all who follow me; I am myself."
"When are you most like yourself" it asked Defender. Defender had long before considered this question and replied thus, "When Blaster stands encircled by his fallen foes. When Controller has all in her grip. When Scrapper stands alone against great odds and prevails. When Tank stands unharmed against a great host. When all these things occur. When all these things come to pass because I did what needed to be done at the moment it needed to be done, and they barely realize it. Then I am their Defender."
So the Kheldian resolved to be like Blaster when needed, to be like Controller when needed, to be like Scrapper when needed, to be like Tank when needed. To be what was needed, when it was needed. In this way, it chose to be like Defender.
- Jock Tamson, Mythologist
<3
I still appreciate you, Jock! I look forward to Kheldian stories!
Talen_Lee: Taking absorb pain is like branding 'H' on your forehead. Which stands for 'Failure'
Scarf_Girl: ever since I six slotted my Rp with cyber/emo Hami-O enhancements they haven't been able to touch me
<QR>
Yay! The kheld story was one of my favs from the old thread
[ QUOTE ]
No comments. I have lost my audience to double xp weekend I continue, none the less, with my commitment to post these one a day until they are all put back.
Tonight's story brings Kheldians in to the mythology, and discusses what it means to be a Defender...
- Jock Tamson, Who resisted the urge to use an origin involving calamari leftovers.
[/ QUOTE ]
nobody likes the last story, Jock... it makes us look bad
No
Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo
I think you underestimate our fools, sir.
Why /duel is a bad idea
no, it makes us the best, as Kheld wanted to be most like Defender.
Ahhh...you just can't beat flaming poo. Awesome!