The Ratings War VI: Aces High - Round 1 (Closed - Judging) Pages PREV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 NEXT | |
Precognition is magical by most definitions, unless you have a sci-fi style explanation for it. Not that's there's any shame in using magic, at a guess I'd say at-least half the contestants here use some sort of magical power :-)
This isn't strictly input but I recommend you join this user-group: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/members/The-Ratings-War | |
No she doesn't; she usually get them from her friends the elves, or if they magical gold coins create more magical coins from random effects. (^_^)
Now that you mention it, it does seem contradictory... Figured I could do something that could make her more human and lighthearted.
Oh, I certainly hope so. Also see a lot of interesting characters to play with. I'd certainly enjoy playing with 'em. :) | |
The random-generation effects of your character's coins and the immense luck that affects my character and everything around him could make for a very interesting battle if we end up against each other lol. | |
I was thinking the same thing. XD | |
Added in my entry. | |
We have 20 people now, so time to wrap this up. Submissions are now closed. The Ratings War VI: Aces High - CastJudgesrevolverwolf ContestantsSPADES staika - Troy DIAMONDS CounterAttack - Daman Ra CLUBS Segadroid - The Mantle HEARTS Hafrael - Smiles I've reworked it so that there are 5 in each based on suggestion - I changed RBMidknight's character to Clubs and Viking Incognito's to Hearts. If either of you are against this change, please let me know and I will do by best to bridge an impasse here. When I gather the time and patience, I will bring this list into the OP and edit in links to every character sheet so that we can all compare notes easily. I will provide links to round entries in the OP as they happen as well. In the mean time, could I please have everyone merge their character sheets and Intros into one post? If you can send a link to it to me via PM as well, I will be eternally grateful. Round 1 will begin this Wednesday, but check back until then because I might have some other things to dish out before we delve into the streets of Chicane. | |
All right! I am ready to be impressed here folks! Get ready to make these live up to the past winners of this thread! I hope that was a suitably epic judges announcement. | |
An updated sheet and intro. I've replaced the Ace of clubs with the Jack, and assumed he has a habit of appearing in the uniform relevant to wherever he arrives. | |
How long will we have from being given our match and having to submit it? | |
Cool your jets. We'll get the limits for the rounds(time and word limit if there is a word limit), some other important details and the matchings sometime tomorrow. | |
Typically you get between one and two weeks depending on the round, plus you can ask for extensions if you are falling behind/ busy/ whatever. As for word limits, they have only been set once to my knowledge for round one in RW5, to make it easier on the judges with the number of entries they had to read (and even then, most people found getting their works down to 1000 words or less easy). They will probably be set again for the first round at least with so many contestants. Despite earlier discussions in the thread, judges forming suicide pacts is bad mmmmkay? | |
Just posting to say that Round 1 may begin a day or two late - I yesterday found out that my girlfriend of 6 months has been cheating on me, and writing/organizing a piece like this has been nigh impossible with my head banging the way it is. I'm sorry if this has caused any inconvenience or disappointment for anyone, and I'm working on it as hard as I can. Thanks for waiting in advance, and I'll be back soon with a clear head and a Round 1 that'll kick your teeth in. (DISCLAIMER: May not literally kick your teeth in. Who do you think I am? A dentist?) | |
My heart goes out to you. Thank you so much for staying dedicated to this when most guys would just give up to focus on the relationship stuff. | |
Ouch, I feel sorry for you man. It's better to sort your life out first then starting this with such a burden, we can wait. | |
Wow, that can't have been easy. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine to wait a day or two more, I've got some studying I'm meant to be working on anyway >.> | |
Take as long as you need. I've waited this long, what's a few more days? Or even a week? Waiting is nothing when your personal life is at stake. Just try and stay positive. If you're having trouble with that, then remember that there's a host of sympathetic people here in the RP that you can talk to if need be. Talking helps. Often, talking to strangers can help the most - objective viewpoint and all that shit. | |
Your personal life and decisions are infinitely more important than my entertainment. To reiterate what the others have said, take your time. | |
Don't worry, as impatient as I am, I can wait for however long you need. You should always put yourself first. Before our entertainment. Also. That really sucks dude. | |
My dear Krunk, I would like to register my sympathy. Hope you're doing okay, laddie =) | |
Big Two sat at his desk, browsing over documents that dated back centuries. He was looking for something, but he wasn't sure what yet. But something, some incredible hunch, told him that he was getting close to the answer he had been searching for. He wiped the sweat off his brow, feeling for a moment the many scars that etched across his formerly enviable face. "May I?" He looked up. It was Canasta, Two's personal archivist and collector. He was a failed mage from the Diamond Academy, but even so he was a valuable asset to the mob. Two would never hire a fully qualified Diamond mage as his subordinate - there was just something wrong about them, as if the graduation had stripped the feeling right out of them. He never asked how Canasta escaped their iron grip - failed mages tend to disappear. "Go ahead." Canasta's eyes began to glow red, and the entire collected archives flew out of their cabinets violently. He snapped his pale, thin fingers, and the torrent of pages collected themselves into an enormous pile that shrank until it hovered neatly before him. "What would you like to know?" said the Diamond, his pupils narrowing into diamond-shaped slits. His irises glowed a deeper, more intense red. Fuckin' Diamond. he thought. It always unnerved him when Canasta did this. Regardless, he stood up and examined the mage's handiwork. "The Clubs military takes great effort in breaking their mages down - removing fear from their hearts. But the soldiers - they're agitated. They're mobilizing fast, and donning a traditionally defensive formation throughout Chicane. What were their orders?" Canasta raised his right hand and placed it onto the pile. The text began to glow a deep red and seep into his digits. He could see every single written word flashing before him, his magic sorting them hastily into a sanguine pool surrounding him. A light shone from the pool into the space between the two criminals, a hologram depicting various documents pieced together. Illustrated supplement suddenly became animated, and Two stepped forward to examine his findings. "The order was conceived and distributed by the Diamond Inquisition," he said after a while. "No purpose indicated, merely requirements for immediate mobilization of forces into densely populated areas." He stepped back for a few seconds, scratching the burns on his chin in thought. This seemed less like a defensive strategy and more like a lockdown. But what would those soulless fucks do with the entire city immobile? Are they mobilizing to keep something out, or to keep them in? What for? He thought for a second, and then spoke. Canasta glared at him through the hologram, his slitted pupils thinning further. "You know how dangerous it is to hack into their network. If I connect my mind to it, I could become indoctrinated. Worse, it could reveal our position to the powers that be." Two hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "If I'm right - if we're on to something, then it won't matter. I have a good feeling about this one, but the ball's in your court." Canasta glared at him again - but he closed his eyes in acceptance. "I will never forgive you if you're wrong." With that, he connected to the Hive. Pupils suddenly widened, he tilted his head back and screamed. For Two, his friend's torture seemed to go on forever, his piercing cries too horrible for him to bear. And then he stopped. Smoke poured out of Canasta's ears, as if his psychic connection had fried his brain. His head flung forward, and he collapsed into the crimson puddle. The hologram shimmered and died, the unconstrained archives exploding everywhere throughout the office. Two rushed to his side, pulling him to a nearby cabinet to sit him upright. He shuddered awake. "Th-the white man will c-come for us. The deck w-will be cut. Chicane will f-fall. The Full House shall r-return..." He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked up again. "We-we've been c-compromised. I'm sorry." And with that, he collapsed once more into a pile of paper. Big Two stood up, he knew he didn't have much time. Canasta's cryptic statement rang a familiar bell. Something he was missing. Something at the back of his mind... No. It hit him. He swiftly summoned up his Spades magic. His pupils widened, the tattoo bearing the insignia of a Club Lieutenant on his right shoulder began to glow through his body armour. The sea of paper shuddered, then shot in every direction back into the filing cabinets from whence they came - the only evidence left of the mess was an old, dusty book that lay on his desk. It was a book of fables from his childhood; the last memory he had of the family he lost after he defected from the Clubs elite so many years ago. He picked it up and examined the cover - underneath all the collected dust, it bore the insignias of the four Suits. He flicked through it to the page he was looking for - an ancient scrawl of a pale, scrawny creature with a jester's hat. "Legend once spoke of the return of pure magic to the world, by a mage paralleled by no other. The Druids that once lived in the heart of the forests of Chicane believed that the legend is true. They also prophesize, unlike the teachings of the House, that the arrival of The Joker (as they refer to it in their tales) will herald not only the long awaited return of the grandmaster mages that built our great city, but also the fall of Chicane. It is believed that to kill a Joker is to take its place, to assume its' responsibility as a champion of Misere. And that several Champions from other worlds will challenge it for its throne." Two put down the book, shaking his head in disbelief. Misere is an old wives' tale, a devil to make their children behave. To think that the Diamonds believe in it, that it scares even those soulless monsters. He shuddered at the thought. His butler arrived at the door to greet him, hunched over the desk in thought. "I've received word that several Clubs squadrons are mobilizing in our direction. The Diamond Hives are alight; we are no longer safe here. Does your friend require assistance?" Two looked back at his old friend, twisted in a heap against one of the cabinets. "Yes. Contact our doctors and roboticists - they have a new project to work on post haste. I need him in working condition in a few days. I will evacuate our men - inform the outer networks that the Big Two is dead." "As you wish," replied his butler, using his Spades magic to raise and detatch the floor underneath Canasta for use as a makeshift bed. As he led the bed with his magic to the door, he looked back at his employer. Big Two looked at his office fondly; the maps on the walls, the cabinets holding up the roof above them, the ornate desk once owned by the former Decimator of Spades. With a snap of his fingers, it was all aflame. He shed a single tear, and then began his descent into the catacombs below the floating city. "They know the code. May the revolution begin!" | |
Oooh. That is some mightily appetizing plot you have there. Good to see you back Krunk. I hope things have turned out alright for you. | |
"It was said that in the beginning, there was a world of slaves. Cast into shackles by entities of pure will, to do their will. It was said that four mages rose from the earth itself - the true earth, below the cloud of time - to free them and escape endless torture forever. Spades, Diamonds, Clubs and Hearts emerged from the chaos of arcane purity. And with the four orders combined, a flying continent was built from the flesh of the world. "I am the administrator of the Full House, the figurehead of the religion that defines the very core of Chicane. Some may refer to me as the King of Hearts, but most call me House. The Diamond Inquisition has placed you in my custody, and thusly I bear your responsibility as Champions of the House. I will be your host in the coming weeks." "And I am the Ace of Diamonds, speaking to you through time. I would have taken you under my wing in person, but we are currently... preoccupied in your immediate future. Please excuse the rudeness of my claiming your host as my own, but we have some matters to attend to." The possessed man stood up and stepped toward them. "We are all in terrible danger. An agent of Misere will find or city in two weeks time, and we are witnessing the slaughter of the people we saved so long ago, perched atop the tower in the centre of our continent. Our magic crafted this world, but is not sufficient to defeat such a being. We require a number of Champions unaffected by the physics of our world to restore order and save what little is left of Chicane." "That is why we have brought you here, to help save the lives of a people that have only known slavery. To not only allow them to survive, but give them a chance to live." He swept over them once more. "This is not merely an act of generosity on your part, however. One of you, should you succeed in slaying the Joker, shall obtain his godlike powers. You shall become as powerful as the being even the Full House fears. Would you like a chance at such incredible power? Well, here it is." "We can not train you all, however. There are a few unique magical artefacts that you will need to defeat the Joker, but fewer of you will have the chance to wield it. We need to test you to reap the strongest and smartest from our selection, and train them in the ways of the Four Magics so that you may be ready for any confrontation - god or otherwise." "Our first test is to test you all against one another. To harden the hardened and discard the weak. House will provide you with the suitable transport; the Decimators shall assign you on your tests. They are the perfect warriors, after all." He sat down once more. As he did, behind the champions the door to the cathedral opened to reveal four silhouettes. They were tall, and light reflected off the metal that comprised most of their bodies like exoskeletal armour. Each had a single power core in their chest that glowed brightly, seen only through a window in their chests - the shapes of one of the Four Suits forming the shape of the light that shot from them. They looked at their pupils with blank faces. It was no doubt that these were the Decimators, the generals of the Clubs military - they were physically superhuman, yet also seemed perpetually cold and calculating. "There are a few warnings I must issue you before I return to my duties. You are from beyond this plane of existence, and thusly you are our greatest chance against the pure arcane. But this does not make you invincible, you are still just as affected by the Four Magics and the Jokers' as any of us. It simply means that you can not be immediately destroyed by the same forces that created you." "Another warning is one that you may regard or diregard your own discretion; that all citizens of Chicane sans some... unsavories are firm believers in the House. To them, the Aces have been absent for centuries. They will not take kindly to you as our Champions, as even our slightest involvement in your actions will be considered a heresy punishable by death." "The same goes for the tower at the centre of Chicane - the Ace of Hearts has built and maintained an incredibly strong perception filter to ensure that we remain hidden from their every sense. Seers and druids living in the underground woods have caught glimpses of he tower through the corner of their eyes, but should they mention what they have seen, the kindest reception they will receive is to be burned at the stake." "We have gone to painstaking length to hide our presence to the people, but it is for a good cause. Our presence and direct intervention is like a beacon of magical energy to the forces that wish us dead. We must hide if they are to survive." "I will keep in contact, and some time soon we shall meet in person. I await that day. But before we do, you have your own duties to attend to. Be gone - I will be watching." House's eyes returned to their original proportions, and he slumped forward in his chair as unconsciousness claimed him. The Decimators stood side by side behind them. The Ratings War VI - Aces HighRound 1Block 1 - Black
The Black Decimators looked at their pupils with contempt. They were certainly no warriors. However, if there was anything a Decimator could face it was adversity, even the adversity of disipline. The Reds had since parted ways, heading into the urban districts of Chicane while the Blacks began their way downwards into the heart of the continent. Spades and Clubs are ruled by the physical, a communion with nature and the self. And these champions would be challenged thusly. They came to a set of five doors at the end of an enormous corridor - the walls of the caveshad not been sighted in hours. Spades stepped ahead to inform the Champions: "Your arenas are through each of these doors - you have each been given a number between 1 and 5. The doors will not open until one stands victorious. You do not need to kill your opponent, only to make them concede. But where's the fun in that?" ARENA 1: Soneyo (000Ronald) v Isaac (Nukey)The Mines Deep in the heart of the caves of Chicane resides the backbone of the continent - the Spades workers that toil with and without their magic to extract minerals and construct facilities for various other faculties. The Diamond Inquisition and the Clubs army have men posted here, keeping watch over the workers and keeping alert for the rising of any workers' strikes. Or worse, revolutionaries. Be aware that guards are keeping watch for any and all violence, and will attempt to either restrain or kill you if you are caught trespassing on their premises. Also notable is the high concentration of explosives littered throughout the mine - be careful what you do here, one wrong move could blow both of you to pieces. ARENA 2: Wight (elementsoul) v Troy (staika)The Woods Deep underground at the absolute lowest part of the continent resides a woodland - pools of light shine from under the ground to illuminate the stony roof and the leaves and roots that spiral and etch throughout it. The Druids also live here, seers that count the cards of fate - they use illegal Diamonds magic (i.e. not being connected to a Diamond Hive) to see the past, present and future with precision. It has helped them escape the gaze of the Clubs patrols for so long, but your actions may attract the attention they have acted so carefully to avoid. The luminous marshes at your feet may contain carnivorous leeches as well - watch your step. ARENA 3: Faustus (Tips_of_Fingers) v Zayin (RBMidknight)The Factory District Nearer to the surface of the mines lie many industrial zones that the Spades workers toil in. Most of them have clocked off by this stage, but there are still a few people working the machinery. The molten furnaces, the crushing plates and most importantly, the deadly tools enchanted with Spades magic - they never break, they penetrate any surface, and they could mangle a human body like tissue paper in a variety of different ways. Truly a battleground for those with a twisted mind. ARENA 4: James (Zombie_Fish) v William Darke (ThreeWords)The Church Another, smaller scale church of the Full House - no violence is tolerated within these hallowed walls. But we're not exactly model members of the House, are we? If you take the route of violence, beware the priest. His Hearts magic can woo even the most brutal persona into peaceful submission - all he needs to do is be given a chance to speak. ARENA 5: Izumi (Fragrance of Mtn Dew) v The Mantle (Segadroid)The Ruins Hidden away in a chamber forgotten by time, lie the ruins of a colossal temple. In the centre of this obsidian pyramid lies a throne the size of a football stadium - it is believed that the Ace of Spades once sat upon this seat before the Full House mysteriously disappeared. Be wary of the hostile nature of this place - there are traps everywhere. There is a fabled treasure at its heart, for those who would dare seek out its riches, and there is even lore that once upon a time, the golems that stand guard in the throne room would come to life... ------------------------------
Block 2 - Red The Red Champions stood in a glass elevator that rose slowly up one of the many towers of Chicane. Looking inward, one could see the hasty movements of various businessmen - mostly consisting of young professionals hailing from the University of Hearts. Or at least, they certainly looked young. Hearts mages thrill in the art of deception - there was a reason they were charged with control over business and the media. Looking outward, you will see the glass towers of Chicane in all their glory. The intense sunlight glistened on the walls, refracting and diffracting to produce brilliant shows of light and colour around the urban wonderland. Two towers in particular used the light to produce a hologram of a clock, using the sun's position as a frame of reference. The Decimators stared blankly at the display, as if it bored them. In fact, they seemed somewhat more irritated by the blinding light that reflected off their exoskeleton armour. "We're here." The elevator finally stopped to reveal a set of five doors situated before them - the roof of the building was sheltered underneath a glass dome. Inside the dome, there sat a handsome blonde man at an ivory desk, glancing at a manuscript as he spoke into a microphone. When he noticed the champions entering the room led by the duo of supersoldiers, he announced a break from regular transmission and diverted his attention toward them. "Hello, you must be the ones His Eminence spoke of." he said in a soothing, deep tone. "Allow me to introduce myself - I am one of the four brothers bearing the title of Jack. We assist in the general orchestrations of society that our superiors cannot. I believe you have already met my king - His Eminence, the House." He straightened his white tie, pronounced by the scarlet silk of his shirt and framed by the white of his blazer. He stood up, leaning on his ruby encrusted cane to greet them properly. "The people know me as Mister Chicane, the voice of of our great city. From here my speeches are broadcast across the entire continent, inspiring the lives of so many. Surely you appreciate the beauty of control - that is why you are here, are you not?" The Decimator of Hearts spoke up. "Jack, we are running on borrowed time. Save your speeches for the radio, we have business to conduct and time is of the essence." The elegant man conceded. "Very well, as you wish. These five doors behind me are portals to various realms across this continent - your fellow Champions of the darker persuasion have already entered their own." He gestured toward a set of envelopes addressed to each Champion on his desk. "Your allocated letter contains a number - that is the door you shall enter, the one you will share with one other in this room. Only two can enter this door, but only one may exit. My business with you is henceforth done - please leave my office quickly, I have to resume my show." Jack returned to his notes, glossing over them as he switched his microphone on. The doors opened, and the portals beckoned the Champions through. ARENA 1: Underwood (Lost in the Void) v Reject (wesdabigman)The Library A labyrinth of towering bookcases expanding almost endlessly, this is home to many an aspiring Diamond mage. Many of the books have magical properties, so beware of reading them. If one beckons to you or asks you to read it, try to resist the temptation or do at your own peril. And don't ever attempt to access the Restricted Section - prolonged exposure to magical radiation from the heavily enchanted tomes may cause hallucinations or even madness. ARENA 2: Smiles (Hafrael) v Shift (Viking Incognito)The Brothel A favoured place of the Spades mage on leave, this resort is a world of earthly pleasure. Many failed Hearts mages find themselves using their talents professionally here, regardless of said profession's questionable nature. Beware the lure of the many whores of both genders, the sultry but ruthless Madame of the resort has heard rumours that two Champions of Hearts may be here as clients. If she works out who you are, her words (not to mention her men and women) might seduce you unwittingly under her employ. ARENA 3: Baramiah (Khedive Rex) v Doctor (Baldrek)The Clubs Barracks Where the Clubs mages train for service in the Chicane military, the Barracks are the proving grounds of the Decimators. There is a large arena surrounded by an armada of tents, and inside the arena is provided a variety of weapons at your disposal. Normally the Clubs mages would watch the spectacle, but many of them are absent for some reason... ARENA 4: Daman Ra (CounterAttack) v Dimitry Shanks (Armitage Shanks)The Office Inside an office filled with lawyers and their mountains of paperwork, two Champions settle their differences. There are many security guards distributed throughout the building, ready to break up any tension so be careful to avoid them where possible. Be advised as well that the glass walls, rooves and floors of the building not only make you extremely visible but also place you on unreliable ground. A single misplaced shot, and an entire floor may collapse inward. Lose your balance badly enough, and you might fall through one of the walls to your demise. ARENA 5: Hui (JoJoDeathunter) v The Solver (Doc Gnosis)The Prison The most hardened criminals, the most brutal mages, all wind up here in due course. You're stuck in a building with them all, and they're all waiting to get a piece of the new guys. But to be honest, they're not your biggest problem. Your biggest problem is the assortment of Clubs Wardens - they're ready for any kind of violence with more arms on their person than would seemingly be necessary. But in the event of a riot, you'll need all the help you can get. | |
*wags finger* Ohhohoho you. Yoooooou. That was clever, making sure Shift couldn't use his powers in any "unwarranted fashion". But the bit about the druids confused me, I can't tell if it is actually significant to any of us or not. | |
All right! Let's get this started! I'm looking forward to some good reads here! | |
I think I just peed myself with excitement. | |
I'm guessing you're talking about that druids that had seen the tower? I suspect it will be significant once we're doing missions/ battles in the actual city and we risk accidentally talking about the aces -- say, if someone overhears your character mentioning them -- and then the possibility of being killed becomes much more likely. Anyway, looks exciting. | |
You certainly got me pumped up and ready to go after that magnificent piece of text I've just read. Great to see you've recovered and I am happy to partake in this! | |
65 hours and counting. If there are more delays for whatever reason I would at least like a notice that they exist. I also suggest a title change. | |
I agree, I would also like to note a suggestion that @Lord Krunk: should perhaps consider choosing a co-GM to share the work-load with if his schedule doesn't always allow enough time to run this, real life can take up a surprising amount of time sometimes :-) | |
I've discussed it a bit further up at the Round 1 post above, but I will say that the reason it's taken a day longer than I had originally planned was because I have had no access to my computer until now. Sorry if it's caused any problems, but I really couldn't have got it in sooner. I really do have to start meeting deadlines at some point - it makes me really hypocritical to expect you to meet them now. So Jojo, that Co-GM is an idea that is a very tempting idea that might just work. Round 1 has started, by the way, so check if you're in the current participating block. If not you'll be given your opponent and arena on Wednesday. It's 3a.m. and I have work this morning, so I'm gonna hit the hay - I'll send the PMs tomorrow afternoon, just in case anyone's been out of the loop recently. | |
*Looks at round 1's line-up* Ah, shit. Well, better crack my knuckles and start doing some research... | |
Looks like my match is up now. What good timing too since my projects and my finals were finished about three days ago so now I have loads of free time to write. @element: good luck to you sir may the best story win. | |
Haha, it literally took me ages to figure out why your character was listed as "Zayin" in the 1st round line-up. 10 days is possible for me even though my girlfriend tore the ligaments in her ankle today and will be needing a week's worth of home-care from me. Good luck to both of us...although seeing as Faustus is a man of luck, he doesn't necessarily need it lol. If you'd like to communicate through PM about our characters (in order to do each other's justice) I'm more than happy with that! In fact, I'd heartily recommend a bit of light-hearted "trash-talk" and discussion via PM. Your call though. = P EDIT: Just reread your sheet again (not the intro yet though) an can pretty much see why partnering us together seemed like a good choice. A single mother with a young son, who dislikes/fears spontaneity VS a guy who's unpredictable luck makes it difficult to plan any action - who also has a strong belief that hurting women is wrong. So very wrong. I certainly have to work my creativity really fucking hard in this first round, don't I!? | |
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Hmm... Wonder if I'm too late to the party? Anyway, here's my application.
Karl G. Mandelbaum
Introduction
Any input is welcome, even though it might be too late to change anything.