Drizzt Do'urden

Just a completly random thought...has anybody noticed we have almost as many backstage posts as we do story posts? Yes I know they're much shorter and there isn't much thought put into them besides questions and comments, I just thought it was kind've neat. And nice because it means people are checking it and it does help keep the story cohesive.

@ Gavin, I'll change that post now. Just followed the posting, but give me 5 and I'll correct it. @Delarge, please don't think I'm complaining. The story and characters have been great, and I didn't mean to come across as I wasn't happy or anything else. I like the idea of our characters developing, was just a little curious as to how the training/developing was going to run.

I went ahead and posted to keep things rolling but like everybody else I'm kind've stuck in this lull right now with the three things kind've going on at once. I do like where it seems everything is going right now though DeLarge, based on the teaser. And on a side note, I have to say I love to hate what you've done with McKnight Gavin, props on the sadistic drill sergeant approach.

[b]"What do you think is taking so long? That ***hole McKnight better not do anything to Slate," [/b]Tyler growled to nobody in particular as the ones who were in the training room, and subsequently booted by Mcknght and Slate, sat and pondered their leaders training. [b]"Calm down Ty, if Geist wanted to have any of us killed he would just press his little button and end it. McKnight was probably just acting tough to push Slate." [/b]Ri chimed in as she worked on the teams lunch, he wasn't sure what it was by the smell, but he was sure it smelled delicious. [b]"You weren't there to see the disgust in both their eyes Ri, I honestly thought they were going to tear into each other before we even left."[/b] Tyler looked to Esfir who was sitting at the table nodding in agreement with him. He still had been perplexed at the girls helmet, he felt bad since it seemed she was less inclined to talk then she had been before. [b]"He even had the nerve to talk about laughing at Welsh when he mentioned us killing the Big Five, I hope he turns that collar off and Slate really lets him have it,"[/b] Derek added. Tyler eyed Derek funny, though he didn't even realize he was doing it. The two hadn't spoken while they were in their, at least as much as he could remember. Apparently catching the look Derek tapped on his ears, [b]"Your body compensates for the loss of sight when you're blind, and with being born blind I have an even bigger advantage" [/b]Tyler felt his face turn a bit red for being called out, [b]"I hate that stupid visor, how the hell am I supposed to make faces at you?"[/b] The comment brought a few smiles on some tense faces, the teams first trial wasn't even long enough ago for most of them to recover, but yet here they were faced with another. It wasn't a reprieve because it was in a 'controlled' enviroment, instead they were with another man who, by all accounts, was an arrogant *** with nothing better to do then help major corporations kill his own kind. It made Tyler sick, it also worried the hell out of what kind've powers McKnight must possess that Geist trusts him to be able to fend off all of them during training. The thought unnerved him to no end.

This is a great idea Vicky, I do have one suggestion. While I do like the idea of a tiny super power of sorts, something that gives each character a bit of an 'edge' over the average bear...or human...or radioactive hamsters from a planet near mars. I kind've like the idea of keeping characters as close to us as possible and eliminating powers all together. My only reasoning for that is that in almost every RP that contains even the sligtest hint of super power, it never fails that at least one person feels slighted because they picked underwater basketweaving instead of the ability to deconstruct atoms with a mere thought, and that persons weaving wood suddenly becomes an ancient magical wood with the ability to make the person weaving with it completly industructable. I know the idea of using OB characters, names at least, has been done but I must say all my time in the boards I've never seen an idea quite as intriguing as this, in this genre at least.

Tyler sat on the couch in the community room nursing his very bruised ribs and lost in thought while he watched a rerun of some crappy sitcom he'd seen years ago. He hadn't even slept a second after returning from the mission, though he wasn't sure why. Sure it pained him endlessly knowing he ended another life, but that was a weight he could live with; especially with the knowledge that the man would've killed one or everyone in that room. He couldn't live with the fact that he was of absolutely no use to his team. Sure he'd discovered a new addition to his power that would provide an excellent offensive advantage, he also discovered that his powers had more limits than he previously knew. He knew he had to have some sort've visual or auditory signal to his brain to trigger what he always thought of as luck, instead of a 'power'. He found that out when the man who'd given him his scar almost cut out his eye, now he found that his power didn't matter if he was dealing with a being of superior power. The door to the room opened and in stormed Slate, who appeared to be in a mood worse than Tyler's. [b]"Hey bossman how's it..."[/b] without breaking stride he exited out one of the other doors. [i]"I wonder what the hell is bothering him?"[/i] Tyler returned to his program and thoughts. He thought about how useless he felt, and his team role was listed as 'undeterminable given collected data'. Even the guys who kidnapped him weren't sure what purpose he should serve. Again the door opened, this time a young lab assistant entered the room. At least that's what Tyler assumed he was, he was cleancut and wore a white lab coat. His age seemed to put him to young to be one of the doctors, [b]"Mr. Vegas? I was told by Mr. Geist and doctor McKnight to give this updated dossier on you. It should clarify any blank spots from your previous one, I was also asked to inform you that you should try and get some sleep, there is a new round of training to start as soon as some of your comrades heal up a bit." [/b]With a tiny bow the man turned and left the room, leaving Tyler to his dossier. Opening the folder he found a much more descriptive, but still slightly disheartening panel of information along with photos, even some of the mission. [i]Subject's abilities have manifested an offensive capability with the help of a projectile weapon, also subjects power seems to still be mostly subconscious, but are likely to manifest consciously with training. Subject is now classified as 'Recon' per the results of training sim, multiple projectiles can be deflected. Subject is being upgraded from initial Level 4 power to Level 3 and will continue with team per results of initial mission. Tyler layed the dossier at his side, a new sense of purpose giving him a small boost to his confidence. "Looks like maybe I need to step my game up a bit...I wonder if anyone is using the gym?" [/i]Rising up, slowly to nurse his ribs, Tyler walked, and half limped, to the door in the direction of the training room. He hoped it would allow him equipment like it did with Riona's lighter during the team's first training sim together.

I'm not sure how you're doing gods rising KG but I was curious are you going to open auditions for the next excerpt in the witches saga?

I would put one end on the ceiling above the little basketball hoop attached to my closet door, and save the other until I could round up Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. Then I would challenge them to an old fashioned game of horse for a big mac in which I would bust out the second portal.

Tyler gently pressed the door to the top floor open gently to avoid being heard, [b]"So tell me again why I have to be the one to go first?"[/b] he whispered to derek. [b]"Because if you're seen you probably won't get shot,"[/b] Derek replied in an equal whisper, Tyler couldn't figure out for sure if the man was serious or joking, either way Tyler had trouble putting his full confidence in his power. The two slowly made their way down the hallway, Tyler on one side Derek on the other. Checking each room of the upper floor for hostages or any stragglers trying to hide and wait out the storm of thugs. [b]"Vegas, come check this out."[/b] Looking over his shoulder, Tyler saw Derek with his face pressed to a partially cracked doorway. Unlike the other rooms on this floor he could see light trickeling out. Tyler made his way slowly and quietly to the door and peered in. Inside he saw a group of people with their limbs tide on the floor, and a man with a blank mask pacing back and forth peering out the windows for signs of law enforcement. He grimmaced when the man kicked a woman who tensed up as he drew close, "I'm not going to kill you *****, but if you don't start acting right I just may kill one of the others. If you don't want that on your consciounce I suggest you shut it." For good measure the man kicked her a second time. [b]"Why can't it ever be fun when someone tells you to look at something. Its never, oh hey come check out these hot woman having a pillowfight."[/b] Vegas immediately regretted his comment as the blank turned around quickly at the sound of the whisper. [b]"Can you seriously not be quiet for 5 minutes?" [/b]Derek growled under his breath as the two drew back. [b]"No harm done Flare, just pop the door open and blast him. I don't mind playing the sidekick in this dynamic duo's first mission."[/b] Tyler's quip apparently missed home as Derek shook his head. [b]"No comment, and besides the lights are off so there's no guarantee I'll be able to absorb enough from this room to be very reliable." [/b]Tyler kicked himself for not thinking about Derek's need for light, [b]"Okay plan B then, follow me,"[/b] checking to make sure the man wrote them off as nothing and returned to his view of the city, Tyler gently pushed the door open and duck walked into the room. A sudden scream radiating through the vents turned the blank's head quicker than Tyler could react. The man quickly turned, and seeing Derek and Tyler raised his firearm and fired without hesitation. The face the man made as he stared at his firearm was one for the books, Tyler thought, as the smoking bullet hole lay a few inches from his head. [b]"Your weapons are useless, take us to your leader,"[/b] Tyler joked, immitating his best space alien voice, the perp raised his weapon again and fired with the same result. [b]"Who the **** are you?" [/b]The man asked, pointing his weapon at a hostage to protect himself. [b]"We are the dynamic duo, I'm Vegas. Pretty much just a bullet shield, and this is Flare. Why don't you put the gun down before he..." [/b]A blast of white light shot past Tyler's periphreal and slamed into the man sending him crashing into the wall, just inches from the window that would've led to a death fall. [b]"Boy, he must be as lucky as I am. Why'd you go and do that for? He may have dropped the gun." "I was actually trying to save him, and the rest of us, from having to listen to you talk anymore."[/b] Again, Tyler couldn't tell if Derek was joking or being serious with him. As the two began untieing hostages, they heard a slight squeal from one of the woman. The man had rose back to his feet, his face slightly burned from Derek's held back attack, with an automatic weapon this time pointed at the woman's head. [b]"Why on earth didn't you try that weapon out first? You may have killed me with that. Not trying to tell you how to do your job or anything."[/b] As he talked Tyler reached over to the table that held the .45 the man had first been using. Grabbing the weapon he leveled it at the man, there was only at best a half an inch of exposed flesh but it would have to be enough. [b]"Drop it super, and don't you even think about trying that little attack again, if I even see a slight glow I'll end her."[/b] The cold barrel pressed harder into the woman's neck making her soft sobs as loud as Echo. Tyler then realized the man was only addressing Derek, he apparently wrote Tyler off as the lesser of the two threats. Tyler's hand felt cold and clamy as he pulled the hammer back, he could see it in the man's eyes. He was either going to shoot the girl, shoot Derek, or just start spraying bullets and possibly kill them all. He concentrated on his target and pulled the trigger, the bullet erupted from the chamber forcing him to pull to the right off his target. [i]"Damn,"[/i] Tyler thought, thinking he missed for sure. Instead of inbeding itself in the wall, the bullet changed trajectory midflight and slammed into the man's temple sending him reeling backwards and onto the ground, only a trickle of blood seaping from the wound. Starring at the barrel and looking up at Derek who was looking at him. Tyler dropped the gun and starred at his hands, he'd avoided being captured and/or murdered by men like the blank all his life but he never tried to really kill anyone. He felt a tear well up as he went to the man and began undoing his belt holster he had for that .45. With the weapon strapped on Tyler helped Derek free the last of the hostages, he knew that blank was the first of many men he would likely have to kill from here on out. He also decided at that moment he felt useful, as though he could truley be an asset to the team. Afterall, who couldn't use a sniper who couldn't miss his target...even if he couldn't figure out exactally how he did it.

[b]Name: [/b]Gavin Reed [b]Age:[/b] 26 [b]Nationality:[/b] Canada [b]Physical Description: [/b]Gavin stands at 6'2 and weighs a solid 220lbs. He keeps his dark brown hair very short, in a military style haircut. His eyes are an ice blue and stand out more due to his dark five o'clock shadow that he wears at all times.[b] Personality: [/b]Gavin is very protective by nature, losing everything to the dark lord twice has made him weary and afraid to get to close to people. He combats this by giving it his all to make sure those around him are kept safe. [b]Wand Description:[/b] Oak, Shaving from a Basilisk tooth, 9.5" in length: Gavin's wand is built like the wood it's made from, solid and strong. The wand itself is thicker, at the base, than most providing a handle that is perfect for a strong, tight, grip. The handle is engraved with a rune that makes it near impossible to be magically knocked from Gavin's hand. [b]Skills:[/b] Gavin's childhood has caused him to seek out the protective arts. His defense spells and charms, for himself and others, are quite powerful. He is not a skilled dueler, though he is invaluable in a fight since he is very skilled in protecting his allies. [b]Writing Sample: [/b][b]"Run Gavin"[/b] The urgency in his mother's voice had Gavin running for the door even before the first words of the killing curse were spoken by the snatcher. It was hard for him to focus on everything that was going around him. He vaugley recalled seeing the back door, the knob of which being a port key that connected to an imu safe house, splinter into bits that stung his face as he flew back against the wall behind him. Raising to his feet Gavin drew his wand, [b]"Expelliarmus,"[/b] the man in black beat Gavin to the punch. His hand at his side Gavin quickly drew up, wand still in hand, [b]"Stupefy!" [/b]The magic hitting home sent the man back through the doorway in which he came. Turning quickly Gavin saw his mother dueling another man, this one dressed in black as well, but appeared to be better dressed than the snatcher who came in through the back. Seeing Gavin the man directed his next attack at Gavin in an attempt to take out the 'weaker' link. The man wasted no time in flicking his wand towards Gavin. [b]"Protego!"[/b] Gavin heard his mother's voice, the shimmering light from her wand reached Gavin within seconds of the man's spell. I Gavin marveled at the crack in the 'curtain of light' as the spell rebounded and struck its target, dropping the man where he stood. [b]"Bloody half-blood, the dark lord will find you...Incendio!" [/b]Flames immediately swept the room, and in moments it was filled with black caustic smoke. Moving towards the direction his mother was in Gavin could feel the pitch of ths house even before the roof quickly collapsed. The last thing Gavin saw of his mother was the light from her wand, and the words [b]"Accio knob." [/b]The room seemed silent as Gavin ran to the edge of the attic and looked down into the smoldering rubble desperate to see some movement. He sat there for a moment until something bumped into his foot. Gavin reached down and picked up the knob, muttered a few words and opened the port key. As the port key brought him back to his parents safehouse Gavin showered and went to his room. He fought the urge to go look into his parents room to see if they were napping...in two days he lost them both. The tears welled in his face as he starred at a picture on his dresser, a picture of the time before the dark lord rose and the death eaters returned. A time before this, "Harry Potter" who allowed 'He who shall not be named' to come back and begin reaking havoc. Despite what the papers printed, Gavin and his family knew it was true, and they knew it was only a matter of time before the Death Eaters showed themselves, it was the same 12 years ago, and it would only get worse. Gavin dropped his wand and grabbed his photo, holding it to his chest as he lay back in bed, [b]"I won't let anybody else die mom. I will make you proud dad."[/b] With a sob he didn't attempt to hold back, Gavin feel into a troubled sleep...

I'm at work now, I wouldn't mind jumping on this. I've been in a Potter mood, haven't seen DH2 yet, waiting till this weekend. I'll post an audition later this afternoon or tomorrow morning, whenever I get time between jobs."

Tyler was physically froze for the first part of the onslaught, the cracking of the machine guns while everybody else shouted and leapt into action, it was more than he could process right away. [i]"Subject's suit creates a slight energy field that enchances the range of subjects powers by 3-5X's, subject still cannot consciously control his powers and therefore still must have visual knowledge of a target." [/i]That was the first true indication that Tyler truley possessed something greated than he had thought previously. Bending over he picked up the barrel of the gun Slate had ripped off the wall and twisted it in his hand. Taking aim he launched the projectile with all his might at the awaiting wall, as he watched it struck the gun with enough force and in such a way that it jammed the clip, and in a moment the machine destroyed itself the sensor designed to cease fire apparently malfunctioned with the impact. [b]"Holy **** now how is that for a..."[/b] Tyler trailed off because it seemed everybody else was engaged in team effort. [b]"Figures...."[/b] Picking up another heavy pieceof shrapnel, this one more the size of a lead pipe Tyler charged the wall of guns. He smiled as the one he was rushing opened fire and the bullets whizzed by him. As he reached his target a gun he didn't see opened fire on him, the bullets striking his abdomen and sending him sprawling to the ground. The force of the rounds carried him several feet until he struck something solid. [b]"No luck there 'Vegas'?"[/b] Looking up Tyler saw Carter, or 'Brawler', standing over him looking smug, at least until the rounds began striking him. [b]"Not dying is great, but these heavy rounds make it slow going."[/b] He shielded himself as he rounds kept bouncing off him, moving him inch by inch away from them. Raising to his feet he slid behind Carter, unable to stand a headshot like the larger man could. [b]"I have an idea, follow me."[/b] Just as he said that a thing bank of steam covered everything, the sound of doors closing and reopening shot Tyler's plan down like one of those guns were bound to do him now. As they began firing wildly from their new positions. Tyler tried concentrating on sound and listened to where he thought a couple were firing form. [b]"Follow me," [/b]Leaping to his feet he could hear Ri call out to Slate and Carter. He'd have to thank her later for possibly killing him. Rushing towards where he told himself there was at least one gun he heard it open fire,and heard the rounds whizzing by him and Carter behind him. [b]"On 3 take the one firing at us to the right, you'll see it when we break through the steam."[/b] A quick three count and Tyler rolled to his left as Carter came from behind, smashing the gun with ease with his bare fists. Tyler shot the man a thumbs up,and was met with a cold shoulder as the man turned and reentered the fray, leaving Tyler rolling to his feet to rejoin the group. The lead pipelike object his only offense, he sighed as he thought it made him seem a bit of a handicap when compared to the rest. [i]"Least I learnedsomething aboutmy powers, there truely is a bit of luck envolved." [/i]He thought as he got to his feet, he pushed his powers a bit and learned sound is as good a trigger for his powers as sight was. He began wondering whath elsehecould do as he reenteredthe fighting himself.

[b]OOC: Sorry for posting so soon after my last, not going to be on all weekend and wanted to get one more 'interaction' post in before I head out for the weekend. [/b]Ri's comment had lightened the mood substantially, the light hearted laugh the 'team' shared seemed to set a mood of old friends rather than one of the prisoners they truely were. [b]"Well I have a little something to keep us occupied until chef cody ramsey finishes up dinner,"[/b] Turning towards Aimanan Tyler held his hands out palms towards the man. Closing them he pushed his fists towards the dark skinned man, [b]"Pick the right one win a prize,"[/b] though his look was one of puzzelment Aimanan tapped Tyler's right hand. [b]"Ahh a literal man after my own heart," [/b]With a snap of his wrist Tyler revealed a brand new deck of cards with the Bellagio logo in red on each card. [b]"How the hell did you get those in here!?" [/b]Aimanan snagged the cards from his hand with a dexterity even a seasoned card player like Tyler didn't possess. [b]"These clowns apparently thought an exact replica of the suite I always stay in whenever I head to Las Vegas would help swing opinion of them...and they weren't too far off," [/b]Tyler trailed off and glanced towards Autumn and Ri and winked in a goofy, playful way, [b]"My only stipulation is we play at least two hands of strip poker before magic man shows my little slight of hand up." "I think you forget that your luck at cards doesn't apply in here, and I don't think any of us want to see you in the buff."[/b] The group, even Tyler, chuckled at Aimanan's quip. [b]"Yeah yeah, let's see some entertainment magic man."[/b] Tyler poked back as he finally felt himself start to ease up on his guard.

The thought of laughing outloud at Tyler Reins being considered a 'super hero' was surpressed when he glanced at the dosier on him. Most of it was just blah blah information that he wasn't surprised they had, the picture was what caught him. It was from a world series of poker satellite tournament he'd particiapted in a few years back. [b]"Trip aces on the river for the win, I always thought my wins were a result of karma coming back for a ***** childhood."[/b] He muttered aloud to nobody in particular as everybody else began shuffling their own dosiers, A particular place caught his attention, [i]"Subject is able to project a type of field around himself, its unknown what his potential is. His power lies in his subconscious so if he does not realize you are there he will be easy to take down. This is based on what we've managed to compile so far on him." "These sons of ******* are good"[/i] he thought to himself as he rose from his chair. [b]"I'm not sure about you guys but I'm just gitty as can be about trying on these fancy new digs. But first, I'm going to go find my room." [/b]Tyler turned and began walking out of the room, he was frustrated at the situation and was having trouble hiding his frustrations. Before exiting he turned towards the room and thrust his hands in the air. [b]"I am Vegas, able to manipulate card shufflers and women's hearts with my incredibly tight outfit. Bow down in my presence 'Big Five'." [/b]Tyler stood in a ridiculous super hero pose. After a few seconds he dropped his arm laughed and turned to leave. [b]"I'm going to go change and go check this place out."[/b] Tyler left the room shaking his head.

[b]"That may well be the most arrogant ***hole I've ever met," [/b]Tyler found himself groaning aloud to no one in particular. He was doing his best to let the magnitude of the situation set in. He'd always thought the way things panned out for him was the result of being blessed a little more than most by lady luck, when in fact he's really just more different in a way he couldn't imagine. Tyler scanned the group trying to read their faces, trying to determine who could be trusted and who couldn't. The only thing for certain was that this was by far the most dire situation he'd ever found himself in. [b]"I wish he would've stayed for a minute longer, I wanted to go over designs for my super hero tights. I want something that says 'Hello ladies, why yes I'm dressed like a fairy, but don't worry I'm 100% man'," [/b]He turned to a blonde who had remained quiet, but had a kindness in her eyes. [b]"What do you think? Maybe an all pink jumpsuit with an abbrieviation for 'Has no idea what the hell super powers he's supposed to have man?" [/b]The crack brought a couple nervous chuckles, but mostly groans from the others around him. Shaking his head Tyler starred down at the table in front of him and sighed a bit. Though he didn't like it, he resigned to the fact that killing the big 5 was his only shot at salvation. The one the man called "Mr. Slate" seemed to have this stuff figured out, and seemed like another one of the group he could trust. [b][i]"If these guys don't crack a smile this whole time...god this is going to be a long journey." [/i][/b]Tyler thought to himself with a groan as he slouched back in his chair to observe the others a bit more.

[b]"Tens full of 8's, read um' and weap Reins," [/b]The crowd that had gathered around the two came to a complete hush as they all looked at the stone look on Tyler's face. The pot in the "friendly" game has risen tremendously and everybody in the speakeasy style casino had taken an interest in the rather large stakes. Tyler couldn't help fight back the smile, Terrance had been trying to beat him for more than a couple years now. He even opened up the illegal casino for the purpose of riging the game, and up until this point it had worked. He slowly laid down his hand, and the grin he had was the biggest insult even before he said. [b]"Aces full of 10's my friend," [/b]The weapon was in Terrance's hand so fast Tyler barley had time to register it. Apparently the 'friendly' game was the man's way of making sure if Tyler won it would be his last. He scanned the room, every person but one was holding a weapon on him, it wasn't the first time he'd been in a situation like this, he rubbed his scar as he thought about that fact. [b]"Now before you guys go getting all ancy, remember I'm the richest man in the room after that hand so..."[/b] He was cut off by the back door being kicked open and a group of official looking men in suits came pouring in. Never being one to miss an opportunity Tyler rushed towards Terrance, the rest of the crowd caught up in a confused panic thinking their fun was going to be replaced by the joy of riding in the back of a police cruiser. Apparently wanting a Bonnie and Clyde type ending to his life Terrance opened fire at Tyler, the three rounds he got off skimming his head as he slammed into the man. As he toppled over Tyler shot a glance at the man, [b]"Luck beats proper planning again ***hole,"[/b] Raising a shoulder Tyler lept through the glass window knowing the two story fall wouldn't hurt. Rolling to his feet among the shards of glass Tyler began running away. [b]"Tyler Reins, stop where you are." [/b]Turning, Tyler saw a man standing at the broken windown with a strange type of weapon leveled at him. Very unpolice like, in Tyler's mind, the man discharged the weapon. Unlike a bullet though, Tyler saw the hypodermic needle coming at him, but luckily for him it still missed him like a bullet. The needle struck the ground next to him and exploded in a green puff that quickly rose into the air. Tyler instinctively covered his face and began running again, trying to escape the gas. He noticed a low hanging fire escape ladder on the building next to the casino and began climbing, the years of running from cops and sore losers gave him an agility rival to many street runners. He ascended the ladder before the men in suits were out the window. Pulling out his .45 he fired round after round into the bolts as he ran up the fire escape stairs. The escape jolted and creaked under his weight and his pursuers as he cleared the tenth floor, the only level left was the roof. Acting on pure instinct he lept to a nearby drainpipe that even he was surprised didn't give way, changing to the last six shot cylinder he had loaded Tyler fired and broke away the last of the bolts sending the escape, and several of his pursuers, crashing to the ground in an iron and steel mangled mess. The yelps and cries were replaced by the sound of something different, the pipe groaned and moaned under Tyler's weight. [b]"Oh **** he's coming down,"[/b] The yell from below him verified his fear that the pipe was buckeling, and before he could reach the roof it completly gave way. Tyler felt a small yelp of his own escape his lips as the pipe lunged him backwards and down, that is until it hung itself up on the roof of the neighboring smaller building. Quickly scampering to the roof of that building Tyler pulled himself to his feet and prepared to run, until he saw the group of men standing in front of him. At least 8 of them on the roof he was on, and behind him he heard several clicks as hammers were pulled back and locked on several other weapons. He doubted these ones held gas darts like the other. [b]"Geeze, you guys really take illegal gambling seriously eh? I can't imagine what you'll want to do when you eventually catch me and add the little tilly with the fire escape to it." [/b]Turning quickly Tyler rushed for the ledge and lept out, the nearest building was over 20 feet away, but that wasn't his target. The awning of the building he was on would coushin any fall...if he was lucky. [b]"Who the hell is this guy? How the hell."[/b] He heard a man yell as he landed and gently slid off and began running again. He only paused for a second when he heard the awning rip and the scream of the man yelling about his leg and cursing about being smaller than Tyler. Rounding the corner into an alley Tyler came face to face wih the man who shot at him with that sinister gas needle. [b]"Haven't we been through this once already? Can't you just let me go?"[/b] Tyler was panting pretty hard, he'd done some stupid stuff and gotten off thanks to his extraordinary luck. This time it was wearing on him as the men were ready for him at every turn. [b]"The funny thing about luck Mr. Reins, is that when it goes right for one person, it almost always goes awry for another."[/b] As he spoke a man snagged Tyler from behind in a reverse bear hug and swung him around two quickly to react, as he did he heard the needle gun discharge. Kicking off of the man he at once realized he was two late, the syringe busted as it hit the man directly in his back. The gas had already taken up much of the alleyway and had taken its affect on its true target, Tyler. He had felt as though a gentle breeze was blowing through him as everything else was drowned out...unfortunetly he still felt everybit of the ground as he thudded. ................................................................................ Tyler woke up rubbing his head. He expected to awake in jail, instead, however, he was in a much more sinister looking room. He had something attached to his head, he knew only for sure that for once in his life, he did NOT feel lucky. OOC: Editing my post to add a restriction on Tyler's power, I kind've felt I made him seem to "lucky"

[size="2"][b]Subject Number:[/b] 007 [b]Real Name: [/b]Tyler Reins [b]Codename:[/b] Vegas [b]Age: [/b]23 [b]Appearance:[/b] Tyler stands at 6'2 and weighs a solid 215, he keeps his dark brown, almost jet black hair in a shorter military cut. His ice blue eyes are said to provoke a feeling of uneasieness to his enemies. His facial hair is seemingly always in a five o'clock shadow. He chooses to dress as though he were 'vegas bound' every day choosing black slacks, white shirt, and over jacket whenever possible; feeling that looking lucky makes you lucky. He has a scar running from the corner of his right eye down to the right corner of his mouth from a time when his luck almost ran out. [b]Personality: [/b]Being 'lucky' all his life Tyler has developed an incredibly carefree personality. It seems as though everything in his life has went his way. This causes many around him to lack the ability to take him seriously; for those that stick with him to see his loyality and true self shine through that trait is normally erased and his carefree demeanor becomes the caring one he truley possesses. He's willing to die for the ones he lets in, and willing to put screw those he doesn't know to the wall. [b]Powers/Abilities: [/b]Vegas' powers at first, and for most of the story, seem to be nothing but incredibly good luck. Punches that would fell any boxer seem to skip off him, bullets racing for his head change trajectory at the last moment. Even his name translates to his card playing when royal flushes are dealt to him like nothing even the most seasoned gambler as ever seen. His power is limited in the way that, at least right now, he must visually have seen the danger or combatant before his 'luck' can affect them. His ability cannot react fast enough to affect machine guns reliably, he may knock away a few shots but will be overwellmed quickly. Later Vegas will discover he has telekeinesis, a weaker form that has allowed him to save himself unconsciously. He will gain some manipulation, but his total mastery will likely never been known, at least on a conscious level. [b]Writing Snippet:[/b] [b]"Hey kid come back here"[/b] the voices shout from behind as Tyler runs through traffic, a bus narrowly missing him. Without slowing he looks down at the small mountain of money he obtained from hustling people. It always seemed as though it ended the same way for him no matter if he choose to use the cup and ball, craps, cards, or any of the other numerous games he'd ridged. Somebody always got wise and wanted their, and everybody else's money, back. [b]"I said stop now!" [/b]Risking a glance Tyler saw the three burley men he'd taken for a cool grand gaining ground on him. He thought it seemed as though the men were bigger than before. [b]"Umph"[/b] Tyler muttered as he fell to the ground, tripping over the one thing boys his age trip over...his own feet. He attempted to roll to his feet as quick as he could, but they were already on him. Two held him down while a third stuck him with something he couldn't see, or feel since it brought a swift blackness with it. The screaming in his head was so loud as he awoke he thought it was what had awoke him, it wasn't until a second had gone by that he realized he was soaking wet. Opening his eyes he saw one of the three thugs that chased him holding a dripping bucket, the apparent cause of his dampness. [b]"A motherly good morning kiss would've been a little gentler"[/b] It was at that moment Tyler realized just how sturdy the bucket was as it struck his skull. [b]"Aww you must be really scared to make jokes like that runt."[/b] a fourth man sitting at a table starred at him in a way that for some reason struck Tyler with true terror. In front of the man the three cups Tyler used for his games sat. One was exposed showing the hatch mechanism he used to suck the ball up, or drop it out of. [b]"This really is a genius idea, its unfortunate though you choose to set up shop in my territory and rip my money."[/b] The man pulled a revolver and immediately blew one of the three men who chased Tyler away, the sound of gunfire was deafening, the sound of the dead man thudding to the ground was even worse. [b]"I told you three to go straight to the store and pick up my goodies, then you lose my money to this kid."[/b] Directing the gun to Tyler almost cause an accidental bowel incident that he wouldn't forget. [b]"We're going to play a game my young friend, you pick the cup with the ball and I'll let you live. Fail and my good friends here will burn your remains with my exassociate here." [/b] The man began working the cups as Tyler approached the table, he could see the men draw their weapons, similar revolvers, in his periphreal. He wathced the cups, knowing it didn't matter since the man figured out the mechanics of the cups. As the cups came to a stop Tyler saw the man's thumb twitch on the cup with the ball, the other simultaneously twiched on a second cup. Without hesitation Tyler grabbed the cup that would now hold the ball, and much to the surprise and displeasure of the boss, picked up the cup revealing the prize. [b]"Kill him anyways,"[/b] The man's apparent lack of a humility bone shined through as Tyler instintively leapt back. A push from behind revealed another thug apparently that had apparently been quietly watching Tyler incase he'd decided to try and make a break for it. The boss leveled the weapon at Tyler, he could swear he saw the round in the chamber as the cylinder moved into position as the trigger was pulled. Tyler closed his eyes and fliched as he heard the crack, and only opened them as the man behind him slammed into the ground. [b]"You killed Jerry boss," [/b]The thug that struck Tyler in the street switched targets and instantly blasted the boss, apparently killing of the henchmen was a typical occurence this guy didn't like. As if in a stupid movie on tv the other guy, still loyal to a boss that was obviously dead, shot the man that killed the boss. Feeling confused and still genuinly scared, Tyler droped to the ground and felt for the dead man behind him's weapon. Raising to his feet he pointed the weapon at the man who was already targeted on Tyler. [b]"Too slow kid,"[/b] The man pulled the trigger, but something unexpected happened. The weapon backfired, sending the hammer backwards into his skull. As the man fell to the ground Tyler turned and ran, he didn't care about the money, didn't care about the scam he'd taken weeks to design and create, didn't care about anything except getting back to the orphanage he'd left weeks ago to 'make a life for himself.' Maybe they'd take him back, he found himself praying as he ran. [b]Other Skills:[/b] Tyler's power allows for a certain degree of 'luck' when it comes to firearms. He's not a dead-eye by any means, but his bullets sometimes seem to curve to reach the more threatening targets.His blows can sometimes hit harder than they should be able too, but only when he feels truley threatened.[/size]

Name: Darius Johnston Age: 28 Appearance: [url="http://http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixdcr/AnimeBoy4.jpg"]My link[/url] Darius stands at just over six feet tall and has a solid build, he tends to dress a little more 'upper class'. Personality: Darius grew up in one of the few remaining 'well-to-do' families left. He was raised to view the slums as a world of evil, rather than a world of people struggling to just get by. Darius managed to block out the 'better than you' attitude and instead developed one of pitty for those who have had to struggle. He takes his personal vow to help rebuild from the bottom up to heart, this has consequently given him a gulible nature and is easy to take advantage of. Power: [u]Telekenesis:[/u] Darius awoke from his vision to find he has the ability to levitate small objects. His power will evolve with larger, and multiple objects. Weapon: Darius knew the slums couldn't be what he thought, but to prepare for a life away from the protection of his family he purchased and praticed with his .45Colt revolver. He has a small background in fencing, but not real combat experience. Holy Weapon: Darius will be given Gabriel's own blade in the future. Bio: Darius' family was a wealthy family who had been at the top of the 'food chain' for generations. This continued after the great battle. Darius never bought into the role of being better than anyone, and choose to take a large amount of his furture inheritance and leave for 'mission' work. His goal was to find himself, and a way to help even a few less fortunate people. [i]Darius awoke to a light so blinding he had to sheild his eyes, though they were still closed. Risking a peek he found himself not in the hotel room he feel asleep in, instead he was in a great white room with a decor that reminded him of ancient rome. In front of him stood a giant of a man, a long flowing robe who held a sword that seemed to burn with a flame so intense it was almost white. The man didn't move his lips, but spoke to him through his mind. "Darius, I am Gabriel, archangel of peace. It is time for you awaken my son, for you are a desendent of an angel. An angel who came to earth to experience humanity, the same humanity you must now protect." Darius found himself trying to speak, but was unable to move his mouth. "An angel named Jeremiah is preparing a second assault, my brother Lucifer is planning on aiding him in order to rise, while my brother Michael is raising his own army with a sole goal to stop Jeremiah at any cost. You must stop Lucifer and Jeremiah before the second wave of battle destroys what little remains of humanity." With out another word the angel touched his blade to Darius' shoulder, the white hot pain lept through his body causing him to jump back.... [/i]Darius awoke on the floor of his hotel room after falling out of bed. The pain in his shoulder still lingered. The one thought of his head was not of the dream, it was the name and address of a cafe in New York. He'd never been there, but he knew he had to go. OOC: Sorry again for the delay, here's my sign-up for an example. I've had a couple questions asked of me that I thought I'd address here, The remainder of the world was moved to the United States to rebuild, since 12 years has past there has been a lot of progress. The populated cities don't show much if any damage, but the general population lives in near inpovershed conditions and as such the crime rate is outlandish. There are no 'mutants' but Satan's major demons roam the land in that guise. As of now none of our characters know that or know what truley has happened. There is no residual radiaiton, but everybody believes the fallout is so severe in the rest of the world there is not travel outside the U.S. I'm going to start a backstage once we get everybodies characters up

[i]The sky cast an ominous red hue that seemed to tell a tale of a heaven bathed in blood... [/i] If only those that saw it had known the truth behind that sky, if only the prophets of old could have warned them of what was to come. Maybe that tiny bit of preparation could have been enough to save them from the coming war. Unfortunetly nobody knew, nobody had been warned of the impending doom. The war for the souls of mankind had begun, and nobody knew...nobody except those that died in the initial conflict.... Fallen angels were those that gave up their 'holy' blessing in hopes that they may go to earth, not as a harbinger or to sing praise of god's graces. These angels went to earth in search of one thing, to become human. The first fallen is the most well known of them all, Lucifer. His hatred of humans and refusal of power forced his father's hand, and being sent down into the abyss amassed power over all things evil. He created demons out of fallen souls to serve as his minions in hell, and once in awhile on earth. This is the way it was to be; that is until a fellow angel, Jeremiah, began digging through the ancient scriptures and discovered the truth that lucifer took with him to hell. A truth that would shatter the loyal followers, and could rightly spark a war in heaven. Jeremiah kept the word of Lucifer to himself, and began preaching to the multitudes that would listen. He eventually gained enough support to launch a rebellion in heaven that surpassed Lucifer's rising to power. The battles raged on for over a millenia, until finally over the smoke and smoldering ruins of heaven stood only Jeremiah, Michael, and Gabriel. Knowing he himself did not stand a chance in defeating the two arch angels, two of gods original sons, Jeremiah sacrified his 'holy' and thrust himself down to earth to find the only being who could finish Gabriel and Michael and claim heaven for the wicked...Lucifer. [i]Fallen.....Fallen it is time to awaken. The world is being pulled apart, and only you are able to stop it. [/i][i] [/i]The message rings in your head over and over again as you go about your daily life. It began a few weeks ago and you can't seem to shake it. Its like a broken record that repeats endlessly with no end in sight. That is, until you finally see the light; a flash and a bang, more blinding and deafening than anything you've ever heard. It isn't until the smoke clears that you see him, a man, or at least you think he is, holding a firey blade. He doesn't move his mouth but his words ring in your soul, he touches you with his blade and you change.....and then you know the truth. [i]Fallen.....Fallen it is time to awaken. The world is being pulled apart, and only you are able to finish it.[/i][i] [/i]The message rings in your head over and over again as you go abou your daily life. It began a few weeks ago, and you can't seem to shake it. Its like a broken record that repeats endlessly with no end in sight. That is, until you finally see the light; a flash and a band, more blinding and deafening than anything you've ever heard. It isn't until the smoke clears that you see him, a man, or at least you think he is, holding a firey blade. He doesn't move his mouth but his words ring in your sould, he touches you with his blade and you change.....and then you know the truth. Which side will you fight for? The time for the final battle for earth has arrived. It began as a great flash of light that engulfed the earth, killing over 85% of the earth's population in one blast. The remaining governments banned together, claiming an accidental nuclear launch destroyed most of the planet. The remaining population was moved to the United States in an attempt to create a new world head quarters to begin rebuilding. Unbeknownst to the general population, the minions of satan covered up the battle between Jeremiah's followers and Michael and Gabriel's followers that fell upon the earth as the great "nuclear" blast. They moved the population not to begin recovering, but instead to hide the search for the 7 seals that would free satan. Before the blast you were a simple human, living your life and surviving like the rest. You were moved to the United States with everybody else and began building again. The year is 2025, 12 years after the bulk of the earth was destroyed. You just had your vision and you awake with a power and a mission, but the mission is your choice. Some were visited by Michael, some by Gabriel, and still some by Lucifer. If Michael or Gabriel visited you, you are a descent of a fallen angel of light. An angel who feel to earth to experience and embrace humanity. If you were visited by Lucifer you are a descendent of a fallen whose goal was to find a way to destroy his father's 'greatest' creation, humanity. Signups: Name: Age: Appearance: (Description or picture) Personality: Go into detail Power: Remember we're humans who are descendents of angels so there is no flying around on angel wings, keep you powers simple and remember you've only had a few years to develop it. Leave room for it to grow a bit, If you choose telekeneisis, for example, start off by levitating smaller objects don't jump into dropping a house on a witch. Weapon: What weapon have you used to survive, are you a master in the use of a firearm? Maybe you prefer the upclose and personal touch melee weapons choose, or you're just old fashoined and love a good bow and pointy arrow. Holy Weapon: During the course of the story, whether good or evil, all descendents are going to gain a holy weapon. A weapon that has been past down in your family and has been waiting in your blood for a chance to be unleashed Bio: Who were you before your vision, what did you see in your vision, and what did you do immediately following. This is intended to be a mature RP that will show the darker side to the holy war. Most of the begining of the story will be both sides gathering, and then the bulk of the story will take place in the wastelands of the eastern hemisphere. I'm going to add my signup later this afternoon for anyone who feels they need a template, anybody else can just feel free to sign-up. (Anybody choosing to fight for lucifer, please pm me after your sign-up. I have some story markers I need you to work your way to early on, though how you get there and how the events unfold are going to be all up to you)

I'm walking into this waaaaay after the fact, but I do want to tell you that I wish you the best with this Chibi. I wish I could offer some sort've advice, but the only thing I can do is offer something from my cousin who was terrified to come out to his father based on a friend of his' violent confrontation with his father over the same situation. Basically what we did is I came to his house, we were 17 at the time, and sort've just played it off as coming to visit. During the course of the evening, I believe the three of us were doing a madden tournament on the original xbox (yes 17 when the original xbox was out, I am that old.) and after a few hours of father son time he just sort've came out with it. The reason I was there, not that it wasn't a typical weekend to be over there when not a sporting season, was to act as a third party. My uncle is incredibly religious and the type to spout gay slurs every thirty seconds when drinking. There was the more awkward silence I'd ever experienced while the pause screen sort've became a fantasitic metaphor for the stoppage of time at that moment, it wasn't broken between any of us. We did quietly finish out last few games and it was off to bed later that evening with only my cousin and I speaking. It continued for a couple of days that way, I extended my stay without an invitation as a 'just in case' precaution. Finally the two of them had a sit down while I eavesdropped from the living room. It was a good bit of my uncle backpeddling trying to convince my cousing he wasn't, but my cousin did it right, in my eyes, and didn't judge my uncle for his views. He didn't belittle him and say he was 'to old fashioned, or any other thing to put him down for having his beliefs. There was some shame at first in my uncles eyes, and I think the typical "who is going to carry on my name" thought crossed his mind several times. Eventually that was replaced with the same love and affection there always was. I'm not saying this solution is right for you, but in my opinion him doing that gave his father a chance to adjust while he was younger. A lot of people wait to long for fear, and its understandable, and then the end result a lot of times is they completly lose their relationship with parent/parents/family. Whereas if its brought out earlier it seems that everybody has a chance to adjust and re-examine their beliefs (which is something everybody needs to do anyways). Either way, good luck Chibi and keep us posted. A lot of people post a bad situaiton and never follow up so you're left wondering if they're okay or if everything worked out for them.

OOC: Thanks for the lead in KG, I like how you brought Sorrano in starring. You'd think we'd done an RP or two together or something :) [color="#8b0000"]"We need to find a way out, I thought you may be able to help," Sorrano had been a little thrown off by Iron Bars' demeanor, it wasn't often his typical lightheartedness was brushed aside. [/color] [color="#8b0000"]Sorrano jabbed at the man's chest with his elbow, "So thats your lady "friend" eh Boles? I'm impressed you've kept her interested in you rather than your brothers, god bless her for slumming a little right?" His joke was met with a kind've stare that only Geralt could give you, it was impossible to read and intimidating. Sorrano couldn't tell if he struck a nerve, drew a laugh, or lost a little more respect than normal for his inappropriate comments. Looking back to the woman craddling the boy as if he was her own, his eyes settling on the boy he felt his heart race a little. He never thought he'd get close enough to a true carrier, close enough to the essence of life it made him gitty, and serious. Withdrawing a small black ipad type device, Sorrano brought up the screen with the layout of the network of tunnels that totaled 4 miles worth of confusing tunnels. Handing it to Geralt he pointed out a specific course through the network. "Take this path here, it'll only take you about 2 miles to this exit," Sorrano gestured as he spoke, "This will bring you up across the mansion's reseviour. I doubt the Malditos brought enough men with them to be searching. Even if they do the denseness of the woods this time of year should prevent anyone from seeing you. I'll be close behind so don't bother waiting." "You need to come with us now, I'm sure they've found the tunnels by now." Geralt's iron grip seized down on Sorrano's wrist. "I'll be right behind, just book it. I'm going to give the Maldito goons a much deserved bath." Pointing to the ceiling Sorrano gestured to the line of charges down the particular shaft of tunnel. "Planted them here years ago for just such an occasion, I have to arm both detonators on either end to bring the whole lake down on their heads. Just go now, I'll need to get set up. Blind or not I figure the girl can move pretty good, and the boy..." "How did you know she's blind?" Geralt interupted. Patting him on the shoulder Sorrano laughed, "You know me well enough Boles, I don't miss anything when it comes to pretty girls. Now go before I drop the roof on you to free her up." He turned and sprinted down the hallway.[/color]

[quote name='Knuckles' Girl' timestamp='1308872458' post='708107'] [font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Drittz! OMG Been a long time! Good to see you back and in action my friend! Good to have you back![/color][/font] [/quote] Its great to finally have a real chance to be back KG, I'm looking forward to getting back to the swing of things. Name: Soranno Milkens Age: 26 (Joined the crimson guard 8 years ago) Appearance: [media]http://http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm93/CrazyDreamerGirl/AnimeSwordsman.jpg[/media] Sex: Male Family: Crimson Guard Personality: Soranno chooses to live life as he does for the same reason he choose to seek out the crimson guard, the sheer beauty of the world. He embraces the world, even the negatives, with a type of optimism and innocence a child possesses. He's typically found lost in his thoughts, examining the smallest details and taking in the beauty. He believes strongly in the preservation of the spirits life and secret and fights relentlessly to protect it, the only things he fights for in life are his allies and the spirit. Occupation: Though a career as a clown would likely suit him better, Sorrano choose to work as a computer programmer. He now works on software for the various gadgets and gizmos the crimison guard use in their daily funcitions. Powers: Sorrano has the ability to manipulate the energy flow within his body. He can take life energy from his arms and pump it into his legs giving him a sudden burst of inhuman speed, consequently the rest of his body cannot react to these bursts so he is unable to alter his course or adjust his sword blow making him incredibly vunerable to the slightest deterance in his course. In reverse he can take the energy from his legs into his arms for a stronger faster, single, sword swing. Weakness: Besides the action reaction downside to his powers, they take a moment to prepare and as a result they are almost useless in constant close quarters combat. Sorrano's biggest weakness is his carefree nature, he tends to project an aire that he does not care or take anything seriously. This nature has caused him trust over the years with people he's loved not taking him seriously. Weapons: Taking advantage of his power, Sorrano does not use any firearms. His power has always, since he discovered it on his 16th birthday, given him the option of closing gaps quickly in combat or giving him an out when needed, so he choose to train in the use of the katana. He is working on a technique in which pumping energy into one arm allows him to whirl a weighted throwing knife at amazing speeds. Bio: Orphaned at a young age, Sorrano went through his adolescent years bouncing from foster home to foster home. It was during those years he began noticing the true beauty of the world around him. That awareness kept him from slipping in an endless depression that threatened to consume him. At the age of 16 a bully at a new school targeted Sorrano due to his happy go lucky and carefree attitude. During a particularly brutal confrontation Sorrano choose to fight back, his first punch didn't budge the bully and he was met with a kick to the stomach that threatened to bring his lunch back. The blow also cleared his mind and focused all his thoughts on landing a devestating blow of his own. The kids that watched on talked for weeks about how it seemed his arm grew as he thrust his fist at the bully, the principal that expelled him swore the doctors said the blow would have killed the boy if Sorrano's legs didn't buckle as if he'd never stood on them. The next two years found Sorrano alone on the streets since no foster parents wouuld agree to take him. He began to learn how to harness his powers, and some control was gained. A few weeks before his 18th birthday Sorrano watched on a scuffle as two groups of people, who were way to skilled to be just normal street gangs, turned deadly. The ones who survived celebrated, and he heard something about the name Maldito. Searching the name on the internet brought him a history, more of a fictional story, of greed power and corruption. Intrigued he searched farther, finding stories of a great fued between the Maldito's and an unnamed group. He was amazed to only see a few sites with information about the family, as the librarian called for everyone using the public computers to log off since the day was almost over, Sorrano caught a glimpse of a picture. It was a painting of a woman supposedly battling the group, he left the library thinking he was crazy but he swore one of the fighters was the same woman in that painting, dated 1815.