Just two days left! There have been some great entries so far. Check out threads with the same title in the other servers' sections and in the Player Events section to peruse some of the entries.
I'm looking forward to your seeing yours!
Here is my submission for the contest. It measured 599 words plus the title (or so Microsoft assures me, and when has that ever let me down?). Thanks to PERC for this contest, and enjoy.
“Peace”
In Portal Corps’ databanks it is known as “Theta Xi 66-1”, but to those who lived there it was simply “Earth”. A peaceful world devoted to knowledge and progress. Most would consider a world like this to be nearly perfect, but for some “almost” is never quite enough.
“I must insist-- ”
“ For the hundredth time, High Chancellor, the answer is no. The Council of Elders has reviewed your... opinion and their decision stands. ”
“ Then the Council is mistaken! ”
“ For your sake, Chancellor Akarist, I will pretend that I did not hear that. You have a promising career before you, but these alarmist outbursts must cease. You are a junior researcher, scarcely one hundred years into your service. Do not presume that you have seen something which the Elders have not. ”
Akarist turned away, clenching his fists in silent frustration. In theory, theirs was not an unworthy goal, but at what risk? It was a bold plan, one could not argue that: to unite every living soul on the face of the planet into a harmonious whole, a world-soul without conflict, without dissent, without unrest of any kind. The last war had been centuries before – perhaps mankind was ready for such a thing.
Nevertheless, the ancient books spoke of dangers in the dark, and a world united into a single focus is a world with but a single eye to watch for danger… but the Elders dismissed any such concerns. If no one opens a door for those monsters – if they exist at all – then they can have no purchase here, all the more reason to proceed. Surely after centuries of study, someone would have come across any truly serious threat before now. ’Mere superstition’, they said.
The joining was magnificent; in one blinding, glorious instant billions of minds were rapturously merged together as one. The Pax Aeterna had come. Over the ensuing decades, the Pax made tremendous strides in both magic and technology, transforming their world into a utopia. It was, in a word, perfection. With but one small exception: the sin of pride.
This is not their story, I’m afraid. It was a remarkable achievement. But there are, as every magus should know, exceptions to every rule. Surely, they reasoned, if there are none to open a door to the darkness then no peril can reach us… yet a door opens two ways, does it not? I could smell the prize they had made for me. It woke me from my long slumber, a morsel the likes of which I shall never taste again. Rare we are, soul-eaters, but I could not decline such an invitation as this.
I killed them all, of course. I had intended to torture some, to see the light of terror in the eyes of those who only now recognized their own doom, but the temptation was too great and the power too sweet— in one blinding, glorious instant I took the Pax for myself and now… now there is nothing. I took it all, and now I am the sole voice that remains in this empty dark. And I am so very, very hungry.
In the databanks of Portal Corps this world is called Theta Xi 66-1. The strange machine that appeared in the courtyard this morning marked it as such. Now it is building something, out there in the courtyard. I believe it to be a gateway, a bridge between the moments… a way out! I am so very, very hungry… and this time, you may be sure that I will savor my meal.
In Portal Corps’ databanks it is known as “Theta Xi 66-1”, but to those who lived there it was simply “Earth”. A peaceful world devoted to knowledge and progress. Most would consider a world like this to be nearly perfect, but for some “almost” is never quite enough.
“I must insist-- ”
“ For the hundredth time, High Chancellor, the answer is no. The Council of Elders has reviewed your... opinion and their decision stands. ”
“ Then the Council is mistaken! ”
“ For your sake, Chancellor Akarist, I will pretend that I did not hear that. You have a promising career before you, but these alarmist outbursts must cease. You are a junior researcher, scarcely one hundred years into your service. Do not presume that you have seen something which the Elders have not. ”
Akarist turned away, clenching his fists in silent frustration. In theory, theirs was not an unworthy goal, but at what risk? It was a bold plan, one could not argue that: to unite every living soul on the face of the planet into a harmonious whole, a world-soul without conflict, without dissent, without unrest of any kind. The last war had been centuries before – perhaps mankind was ready for such a thing.
Nevertheless, the ancient books spoke of dangers in the dark, and a world united into a single focus is a world with but a single eye to watch for danger… but the Elders dismissed any such concerns. If no one opens a door for those monsters – if they exist at all – then they can have no purchase here, all the more reason to proceed. Surely after centuries of study, someone would have come across any truly serious threat before now. ’Mere superstition’, they said.
The joining was magnificent; in one blinding, glorious instant billions of minds were rapturously merged together as one. The Pax Aeterna had come. Over the ensuing decades, the Pax made tremendous strides in both magic and technology, transforming their world into a utopia. It was, in a word, perfection. With but one small exception: the sin of pride.
* * *
This is not their story, I’m afraid. It was a remarkable achievement. But there are, as every magus should know, exceptions to every rule. Surely, they reasoned, if there are none to open a door to the darkness then no peril can reach us… yet a door opens two ways, does it not? I could smell the prize they had made for me. It woke me from my long slumber, a morsel the likes of which I shall never taste again. Rare we are, soul-eaters, but I could not decline such an invitation as this.
I killed them all, of course. I had intended to torture some, to see the light of terror in the eyes of those who only now recognized their own doom, but the temptation was too great and the power too sweet— in one blinding, glorious instant I took the Pax for myself and now… now there is nothing. I took it all, and now I am the sole voice that remains in this empty dark. And I am so very, very hungry.
* * *
In the databanks of Portal Corps this world is called Theta Xi 66-1. The strange machine that appeared in the courtyard this morning marked it as such. Now it is building something, out there in the courtyard. I believe it to be a gateway, a bridge between the moments… a way out! I am so very, very hungry… and this time, you may be sure that I will savor my meal.
Iscariot's Guide to the Tri-Form Warshade, version 2.1
I'm sorry that math > your paranoid delusions, but them's the breaks -- Nethergoat
P.E.R.C. Rep for Liberty server
The Player Event Resource Committee would like to thank all those who participated in "Memory Lane." We will do our best to get the winners announced in a timely fashion, and we thank you in advance for your patience as there are many entries to read and score! We had a wonderful time designing this contest and watching so many different styles of entries pop up. We hope you enjoyed this contest!
If you have any ideas for future contests, events, etc. please do not hesitate to contact a PERC Representative.
The Player Event Resource Committee would like to thank all of our 57 participants in Memory Lane! We had such a wonderful time reading all of the entries. It was a special delight to see so many different styles of writing and so many unique CoH/CoV experiences. We enjoyed this contest so much that PERC members donated extra influence so that everyone in the top group would be able to win a prize (25 mill inf each)!
As promised here are the Top 25 (increased from Top 20 due to tied scores) in alphabetical order with their randomly drawn(random.org) prizes:
Archiviste- 25 million inf
Damianamae- 25 million inf
Dr Byron Poe- 25 million inf
Fiery Hellraiser- 25 million inf
galadiman- 25 million inf
Garent- Full set of Gladiator's Strike PvP IOs
Grey Pilgrim- Full set of Gladiator's Net PvP IOs
Ineffable Bob- 25 million inf
jchinds- 25 million inf
Justaris- 25 million inf
Menrva Channel- Full set of Javelin Volley PvP IOs
Mister Squinty- 25 million inf
Morvani- 25 million inf
Mr Grey- 100 million inf
OHakubi - 500 million inf
Pattern Walker- 25 million inf
Pheonyx- 25 million inf
PhoenixPhrenzy- 25 million inf
Riverdancer- 200 million inf
Sardonic Paladin- Numina's +Recharge/+Recovery, Celerity +Stealth, and Miracle +Recovery IOs
Sooner- 25 million inf
Stalemate- 25 million inf
SultrySiren- Full set of Fortunata Hypnosis Purple IOs
Turgenev- Steadfast Protection +3% Defense, Steadfast Protection -kb, Karma -kb, Blessing of the Zephyr -kb, Performance Shifter +Endurance IOs
Ura Hero- Luck of the Gambler +Recharge IO
Judge's Favorites (prize of 500 million each)
Morvani
Pattern Walker
Stalemate
Turgenev
Ura Hero
Surprise Redname Favorite (prize of Costume Code of choice)
Stalemate
Winners, please contact PERC 1st Chair Madame Pistacio via PM with your global name so that you may be emailed your prizes. Thank you again to all who competed! We look forward to providing the community with more events soon.
-The Player Event Resource Committee
As promised here are the Top 25 (increased from Top 20 due to tied scores) in alphabetical order with their randomly drawn(random.org) prizes:
Archiviste- 25 million inf
Damianamae- 25 million inf
Dr Byron Poe- 25 million inf
Fiery Hellraiser- 25 million inf
galadiman- 25 million inf
Garent- Full set of Gladiator's Strike PvP IOs
Grey Pilgrim- Full set of Gladiator's Net PvP IOs
Ineffable Bob- 25 million inf
jchinds- 25 million inf
Justaris- 25 million inf
Menrva Channel- Full set of Javelin Volley PvP IOs
Mister Squinty- 25 million inf
Morvani- 25 million inf
Mr Grey- 100 million inf
OHakubi - 500 million inf
Pattern Walker- 25 million inf
Pheonyx- 25 million inf
PhoenixPhrenzy- 25 million inf
Riverdancer- 200 million inf
Sardonic Paladin- Numina's +Recharge/+Recovery, Celerity +Stealth, and Miracle +Recovery IOs
Sooner- 25 million inf
Stalemate- 25 million inf
SultrySiren- Full set of Fortunata Hypnosis Purple IOs
Turgenev- Steadfast Protection +3% Defense, Steadfast Protection -kb, Karma -kb, Blessing of the Zephyr -kb, Performance Shifter +Endurance IOs
Ura Hero- Luck of the Gambler +Recharge IO
Judge's Favorites (prize of 500 million each)
Morvani
Pattern Walker
Stalemate
Turgenev
Ura Hero
Surprise Redname Favorite (prize of Costume Code of choice)
Stalemate
Winners, please contact PERC 1st Chair Madame Pistacio via PM with your global name so that you may be emailed your prizes. Thank you again to all who competed! We look forward to providing the community with more events soon.
-The Player Event Resource Committee
P.E.R.C. Presents: Memory Lane
April 16th - 30th
What:
Every character has a defining moment in their career; maybe they stopped a powerful Archvillain in their tracks, saved their team from immenient peril, or perhaps they are that cackling villain who constantly stymies the heroes. Do you have such a story to tell? We want to read about it!
P.E.R.C. is looking for stories that show off what you consider your favorite character's crowning achievement. What made that character stand out to you? What daring plan did you pull off (or thwart)? Here's your chance to share the tale and potentially win a prize for your creativity!
When:
Entries will be accepted from April 16th until April 30th.
Prizes:
Ten stories from the top 20 we pick will be randomly selected and awarded a prize. In addition to that, 5 qualifying stories will be picked by the judges and awarded a "Judge's Favorite" prize.
(10) Random Prizes:
1. 500 mill Inf.
2. 200 mill Inf.
3. 100 mill Inf.
4. Full set of Gladiator's Strike PvP IOs
5. Full set of Javelin Volleys PvP IOs
6. Full set of Gladiator's Net PvP IOs
7. Full set of Fortunata Hypnosis Purple IOs
8. Numina's +Regen/+Recovery, Celerity +Stealth, and Miracle +Recovery IOs
9. Steadfast Protection +3% Defense, Steadfast Protection -Knockback, Karma -Knockback, Blessing of the Zephyr -Knockback, Performance Shifter +Endurance IOs
10. Luck of the Gambler +Recharge IO
(5) Judge's Favorites:
500 mil Each
Rules & Additional Info:
1) Only one entry per player.
We will only accept the first story submitted by a player. You may edit and update the story as you see fit until the deadline of April 30th.
2) Your story must be between 150 and 600 words long.
While Flash Fiction is an artform in and of itself, this is a short story contest. The maximum length helps keep entries manageable from a judging standpoint.
3) You may attach a screen shot of your character.
This is optional, but encouraged. As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words." You may insert the image in your post, or you can e-mail it to us at PERC.COH@GMail.com.
4) Please submit your story in a reply to this post.
5) Prizes will be awarded on North American servers.
The group funding this event is limited to NA servers, and due to current global e-mail restrictions we are only able to award prizes to players also on NA accounts.
If you have any questions about event rules/details, please feel free to contact a P.E.R.C. representative by replying to this thread or sending them a private message.
Good luck, and happy writing!