Chim

When they arrived on the roof, Logan followed the General’s orders. He saw Clint and Sid going to the left, so he decided to go to the right. He took position behind some bushes and looked as Ace and Crush arrived as well. “Ok guys, wait for the signal. You know what to do,” he said while removing the safety from his rifle. His GAOs responded with a nod, ready for action.

I've got a few I don't really like. 3. Plusle and Minun, they are cheap Pikachu ripoffs and annoyed me in third gen. 2. The three elemental monkeys. Their faces (especially Panpour) piss me off. 1. TOGEKISS!! I really hate Togekiss with a passion. It used to be an alright pokemon and I enjoyed using it, until I tried out competitive battling. That thing parahaxed me so bad I had to ragequit or I would've punched my screen. I remember one time (I was trying out water-mono) and I faced a Togekiss. In 30(!) turns it killed half my team and I only moved once(!) because my Gyarados had a Lum Berry.

Sigurd - Frontliners Sigurd was hammering nails like they were the ones to blame for everything, which led to some broken planks. Whenever that happened he started to blame the local carpenters. he was about to start a new rampage on the poor fellows, when Marcus informed him about the upcoming battle. "Finally!" he yelled. "Let's get this over with so I can start hunting me some Gentleman!"

GMT+1 since I'm from Belgium.

Logan's expression was blank. He felt nervous and didn't talk confident like some others. Eventually he took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally. "Yes sir!"

I'm interested as well, but before I make a character I would like to know more about the humans. Since I have no idea how to RP a dragon, I might go for that. Are they close with dragons or fear them? Can I be a farmer / adventurer ... or even join the dragon slayers / dragon riders?

It's all good. Sigurd is supposed to be predictable right now since he has only one thing on his mind: being a well known warrior / hero. So it's rather easy to piss him off right now, especially with a character like Orpheaus around. (Sigurd actually thinks he's strong, but he will never admit it. He will just make things up instead of admitting he's wrong like in the argument with Marcus). The only exception might be when we get to hotter lands since he seriously can't stand the heat. As for the feedback on the NPC's: I agree with Flux. Chauff is my favourite and really realistic. Bjorn and Odin are enjoyable as well. And the female archer (I forgot her name) looks really interesting. Orpheaus on the other hand is kinda annoying for some reason. He gives me the feeling he wants people to feel sorry for him.

I realized I haven't come up with a backstory for Logan yet. Might as well make one involving his medic role.

Logan decided to heal his GAOs just to be sure. He knew that hadn’t taken too much damage in the previous battle, but he wanted to eliminate every possible risk for them being unable to battle. He felt much safer with Crush’s defense and Ace’s fire attacks would surely be a great help against the monstrous bird. After he had released his GAOs again, he checked his rifle and filled up on bullets. He then proceeded to replace his first aid supply; a new habit he had developed during the past months. In the early stages of his training, Logan found out he was quite good at being a medic. He probably had the highest score in that field in his squad. He was even trained specifically to act as a medic while they would be in the field; a job he took very serious. Ever since some of his relatives died in a car crash, before the virus broke out, he had vowed he wouldn’t let anyone die if he could help it. That was the main reason he had accepted his role. While being well aware that one day his friends’ lives might be in his hands, he didn’t want to run away from his responsibilities anymore. And that’s why he couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. Logan walked over towards Surge. “Sir, do I have permission to aid the wounded soldiers? I can’t sit around and do nothing while they need help. Not even for seven minutes,” he said with conviction in his eyes.

“How about we get out of here? I can take you somewhere safe for a while, until you want to leave. I’m sure you’ve had enough trouble for one day.” Eugene was tired. A save place was all he wished for, but he didn’t know if he could trust the man. He was bad at reading people, but at the same time Lawrence had saved his life. He bit his lip and stared at the ground. “I’ll come with you, but where are we going?”

You're right about the test and I understand about some of the characters. But there is a big difference in training and actual combat. Just saying: "Oh let's throw some rocks at it since it's that type and that type and we should be fine" while it just rampaged through an entire base by itself, is taking it too easy.

Is it just me or is everyone confident about taking on a 50 feet Ditto-Articuno who massacred a military base on its own? I would **** my pants.

“All done,” Logan said with blood on his hands. “I’ve stopped the bleeding; you’re good to go, Nathan.” He then turned to the rest of the cadets who were talking about how they wanted to kill the giant bird. The way they talked seemed like it would be a walk in the park. Was he the only one who felt nervous and even a little scared? Or was it their way to relief some steam before their first serious mission? “You guys make it sound so easy. Don’t forget this is our first mission, so don’t underestimate what that thing can do. And if you need a remainder, just look around you. That thing massacred a lot of the more experienced soldiers.” Logan used his uniform to clean his hand before laying it on Kenny’s shoulder. “Especially you; while I do think you’re on the right track don’t rush to your death. I don’t want to be the one to pull your body from under the snow.” With that said he hoped his fellow cadets would be a bit more careful. He took his rifle and walked off behind General McCarthy.

Female Steelix: Iron Maiden ^^ (not very original, but ok)

Before the start of the World Cup, some friends and I tried to predict the outcome. Or rather what we expect and I decided to share my prediction. Most of the teams already played their first game and I can already throw some of my predictions out of the window. Feel free to comment on them or share your own expectations. Group A: My prediction: 1. Brazil 2. Croatia 3. Mexico 4. Cameroon After first game; Brazil is one of my two favorites to win this World Cup. However they didn’t convince me in their first match. Maybe it’s because of the pressure but if they go on like this, I don’t think they are going to win. They mainly won because the referee made some ridiculous decisions. I still think they’re going to win this group. Croatia played well against Brazil. If they keep it going like this, the match against Mexico will decide the winner. I gave them a slightly better chance because I believe they have a bit more quality. Mexico convinced me in their first game. If not for the referee they would have won with more than 1-0. They have a good chance of surviving the group stage. Everything will be decided in their last game against Croatia. Cameroon, I expected them to have a hard time in this group, but after the first match I think they don’t stand a chance. They might even be sent home with 0 points. Conclusion: I stay by my previous prediction. Group B: My prediction: 1. Spain 2. Chile 3. Netherlands 4. Australia After first game; Australia is a bit in the same situation as Cameroon. While they don’t have a bad team, they had no luck with the drawings. The other 3 teams are on a much higher level. Chile is a dark horse. They play enjoyable offensive football and have the potential to go far. Before the World Cup started I gave them second place in this group and they didn’t disappoint me against Australia. I still believe they will reach second place. Netherlands basically destroyed my predictions for this group. Aside from their attackers, they lost quite a bit of quality. I saw some practice games and they didn’t convince me. Combine that with a complete change of their usual system, I didn’t believe in their changes. Boy, did they prove me wrong. The hype is back, but they have to be careful not to be too confident like they usually are. Spain so far is a disappointment. They might have the most quality in their team and they have the experience. However Torres was a complete disaster as was Casillas. Their defense was a mess and it will be hard for them to come back. If they had lost with only 1-0 or something I would still give them the benefit, but 1-5 is hard to deal with. They have no other choice to win their remaining games and it’s all or nothing in their next game against Chile. Conclusion: Based on the first games I would probably change Netherlands and Spain. If Spain doesn’t win against Chile, this group is decided. Group C: My prediction: 1. Colombia 2. Côte d’ivoire 3. Japan 4. Greece After first game; Colombia, even without Falcao, was my favorite for this group. I didn’t watch the whole game but what I saw convinced me they will survive this group. Côte d’ivoire might end up first place, but they’ll have to be better than in their game against Japan. Again, I only saw this first half on replay, so I can’t say too much about it. They started to turn the tide only after Drogba was on the field. Japan is a good team, but they basically stopped playing after they scored. If they want to make it to the next round, they’ll have to win twice. Not impossible, but it’s going to be hard against Colombia. Greece, there is not much to say about them. I’ve never been a big fan of their playing style and they never stood a chance. Another team with a possibility to end up with 0 points. Conclusion: Again, I stay by my prediction. Group D: My prediction: 1. Italy 2. Uruguay 3. England 4. Costa Rica After first game; Costa Rica made it sure interesting in this group. I knew they had a great goalie but that was about it. I thought they were in the same situation as Australia and didn’t really stand a chance, but yet again, I’m completely wrong. Their comeback against Uruguay was great to see and I’m curious how they will fare against Italy and England. Uruguay was another dark horse for me. (Together with Chile and Belgium). Last World Cup they reached semi-finals and I enjoyed their games. I expected much from Forlan, Suarez and Cavani but I was let down. Even without Suarez it wasn’t enough. They might be in the same boat as Spain since their experienced players let them down as well (Forlan, Lugano). And it doesn’t help when your goalie is insecure in the air. It will be hard for them. They have to win their remaining two games, which is no easy task. England is always considered a threat. Their players have a lot of talent and the expectations are always high, but they never convince on tournaments. Before the start I thought it would be the same, but they convinced me I’m wrong. If they keep playing like this and win their remaining two games, they will advance. Italy, a team I expect a lot from. They have a great mix of talent and experience which was the main reason I put them first in this interesting group. They pretty much met my expectations. Conclusion: After the first games I think England will take second spot. Uruguay might end up fourth which will be a big disappointment to them. Group E: My prediction: 1. France 2. Switzerland 3. Ecuador 4. Honduras After first game; Honduras will still come short. It’s not the hardest group, but they just don’t have the talented players like some of the other teams. Ecuador, I considered placing them second, but in the end I went for Switzerland. That game was probably the worst I’ve seen so far, but they still lost in the extra time, which is a blow. It will be hard for them to win against France. Switzerland did what they had to do; win against Ecuador. I only placed them second since they have more talent (like Shaqiri), but they didn’t convince me. They’re lucky to win, but if it goes on like this they will lose to whoever wins Group F. France is my absolute favorite in this group. Last World Cup was a disaster so they have a lot to make up for. Even without Ribery they still got some great talented players (Pogba, Benzema). They had no problems in their first game, even it was ‘only’ Honduras. I expect them to reach at least quarterfinals. Conclusion: After seeing Switzerland win their game, I think I’m right with my prediction. Group F: My prediction: 1. Argentina 2. Nigeria 3. Bosnia and Herzegovina 4. Iran After first game / expectations; Argentina, I only saw a part of their game and it didn’t convince me. I expected more out of them. They got some great players but everyone looks at Messi and as I already mentioned in this thread, the pressure might be too much to deal with. I still think they will win this group, but becoming World Champions might be a bit too much. Depending on who they run into and circumstances, they might exit in the quarterfinals. Bosnia and Herzegovina did well for a debuting country / team. They aren’t a bad team and this group is certainly interesting and possible to survive, however I think they will run short on a few points / goals and Nigeria will take second place. Nigeria hasn’t played a game yet. The main reason I placed them second is because the group they are in. If Argentina doesn’t step up their game they might even get a point against them. Furthermore I think they are a better team than Bosnia and Iran. Iran is, to me, in this group the ‘lesser’ team. They might decide who takes second place by taking points from the other teams, but in the end they will run short. Some sort of conclusion? I can’t really say all that much since Nigeria and Iran still have to play their first game. Bosnia and Nigeria will decide who takes second place. Group G: My prediction: 1. Germany 2. Portugal 3. Ghana 4. USA Expectations; Germany is my second favorite to win this. They might not be on full strength since Reus is injured, Khedira has no rhythm after his long injury,… but they will, as usual, play their tournament. The overall quality of this team is definitely top 3. I’m really looking forward for their game against Portugal. Portugal is a dangerous team. They got some incredible talented players (Ronaldo), but they don’t have the quality of Germany. They had to play extra qualifiers because Russia took first spot in the European Qualifiers. From time to time they aren’t consistent enough and the rumors about Ronaldo’s injuries aren’t helping. Ghana will have confidence. They beat Korea Republic 4-0 in their last practice game. They do stand a chance but it’s going to be hard. But hey, this World Cup is full of surprises so don’t count them out. I do believe they have a bit more quality than USA so that’s why I placed them third. It can be easily the other way around though. USA is, on paper, the team with the least individual talented players. They do make a decent team and have an incredible coach who can help them out and can change the game with his tactics. It was hard to place them fourth but someone has to be. Some sort of conclusion? Since they haven’t played any games yet I can’t say anything about changing their places. While I do feel confident about Germany and Portugal, Ghana and USA might chance places and cost me some prediction points. Group H: As a Belgian, this is the group I’m looking forward to. My prediction: 1. Belgium 2. Russia 3. Algeria 4. Korea Republic Expectations; Belgium, what can I say? I’m from Belgium so I hope they get far. I do believe they are a dark horse and will win their group with 7/9 (Tie against Russia). They got a lot of talent, but since I’m not neutral, I’m going to leave it at that. Russia is definitely the biggest challenge. Some of their biggest names have retired and now they have a compact team. I believe they will also get 7/9, but they won’t score as much goals as Belgium. (Or I hope xD) Algeria I don’t know much about. I believe they are a hard team with some talent on the wings. They might be the big surprise in this group and I’m looking forward to see them lose play against Belgium. Korea Republic is another team I’m not familiar with. I did follow the results of their practice games. The feeling I get is that they are a disciplined team (like most Asian teams), but their defensive is a weak point. That might be their downfall in this group. Some sort of conclusion? What can I say aside from cheering for Belgium? I seriously hope I’m right on this one (or Belgium 9/9 points), because I don’t want them to run into Germany so soon.

Sigurd - Frontliners Sigurd completely lost it. He had no idea why Marcus got angry, but now his anger resurfaced as well. “It’s not about killing the most enemies; Orpheaus doesn’t want to fight! He won’t leave this village, even I can see that. Someone like that won’t be helpful, no matter how skilled they are. And at the Temple they used to call me oblivious!” Sigurd said while shaking his head. Suddenly Bjorn showed up out of nowhere. “Listen, Sigurd, about that so-called Gentleman, I think I know someone who might know more.” Sigurd’s anger turned into surprise and excitement once again. “Who? Where is this person? When can I speak to him?” he stumbled over his words as he tried to ask multiple questions at once. The Northener felt a headache coming up, but ignored it. He wasn’t used to this quick change of emotions and combined with the last couple of events, it started to drain him mentally.

That Piplup died after his first battle and so did Surge's Pidgeotto.

Logan felt nervous. He didn’t expect to be a part of such an important mission so soon. When General McCarthy ordered them to move out, Logan turned to Erick and Nathan. “Wait a sec,” he said while pulling out some bandages. “At least let me stop the bleeding for now.”

Alright, I think I'll go with that idea. It suits him better than being on the front wiping out enemies. I'll get it into one of my next posts when Nathan receives treatment.

“Are that… Dr. Ray and Erick? They aren’t… are they?” Logan looked up to Lionel. “No, they’re still alive. Crush can probably wake them up after I’m done checking for injuries,” he said while taking out his medical supplies. Logan always had some on hand, just in case. “I can’t find any serious injuries on Erick. I think he got knocked out, but he feels really cold…” Logan mumbled more to himself than to Lionel. “Ace, warm him up.” The monkey turned around and ran up and down next to Erick, the flame on his tail growing and burning. The snow started to melt a bit when Logan moved over towards Dr. Ray and giving Crush a signal. The turtle gently sprayed some water on Erick’s face. “By the way, Lionel, what happened to the rest of our squad?”

Not that many ifs and buts. It just sounded like it's easy for Argentina to get to the finals. While I do believe they will win their group (as will Germany I think), they won't have the hardest campaign. That's why I think they will run into either Belgium, Portugal or Russia. As for Messi: It's the same situation as Ronaldo and Portugal. While they have more amazing players, it always comes down to those two. And I think the pressure is even harder on Messi since Barcelona didn't have a great season so I'm wondering how he will deal with that. It can't be easy to be considered the next Maradona and have a whole country wait until you make them champion.

How good is the medical knowledge for cadets? Because I'm thinking about giving Logan a more supportive role / infield medic on missions..

Logan followed Jory’s advice and ordered Ace to heat things up. The monkey’s embers, gaining strength with Eve’s help, made sure Logan could hold his position with Crush by his side. The turtle focused on taking on the enemies that slipped through and didn’t even falter when a giant bird showed up and blew up the guard tower. While his GAO’s were supporting their rock type allies, Logan watched as the giant bird started to whip up a ferocious wind-attack. He recalled Ace and Crush just in time to hide. When he looked again he saw that Surge was the only one left standing. Logan immediately started to scan the bodies on the ground to see if any of his fellow cadets was with them. Suddenly he heard someone’s voice. “Is everyone alright?” Logan recognized Lionel’s voice and felt a short moment of relief. “Somehow!” he yelled back before he spotted two people he knew well lay down in the snow. “Ace, Crush, cover me!” Logan ran as fast as he could and made a sliding next to Erick and Dr. Ray. “Are you two alright? Erick? Dr. Ray?” Panic took over as Logan thought the worst. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down and checked their pulse. Thank god, they are alive he thought while checking for wounds. “Ace, keep an eye out for enemies, Crush, wake them up gently with some water.”

Don't underestimate Switzerland. They aren't a 'top' team but they aren't exactly easy either. Spain lost against them last time in World Cup 2010. And if Argentina ends up first in their group and Germany as well, they will avoid each other until the finals. They will probably run into Belgium, Russia or Portugal. USA isn't that great so I don't expect them to survive their group. And I'm interested how Messi will play. He didn't have a great season and he doesn't always play well for Argentina.

I'm not even at Florinia in my new save file. I ran into it on a clear day while I was fighting the trainers on the stairs in the Opal Ward.