Flux

Happy Birthday, man!

Not sure when you'll see this, but may I ask what drawing pad you use? I've been contemplating buying one, but I'm not really sure what to get. I want something higher quality (with it's own screen preferably, though if it's easy enough without one then that will work too. It just seems confusing to draw on a pad while it appears on a separate screen.)

An all Pokemon Smash game would indeed be cool. Cyndaquil, Aggron, and Nidoking would be my homies, assuming they were in it. In my opinion, Lucina should have just been added as a skin for Marth, and Chrom should have entered as a new character, somewhere between Marth and Ike in terms of speed and power. I think they could really do a lot more than they have with the recolors, something like they did with Olimar/Alph, but for more characters. I would still love to see my Myrmidon idea put into place. A generic Myrimidon character with recolors for different characters -- Navarre, Lon'qu... Otherwise, I'm still pulling for Roy, like it or not. He may be outdated and a character from a game we never got (at least to my knowledge), but he does have a real fanbase in the States because of Melee. (It's not just a tiny fanbase, either.) I'd like to see Nintendo add the characters people have been asking for forever more than anything else. (Roy, Isaac, Ridley... At least they finally brought back Mewtwo.) Seriously, why do we get Bowser Jr. over characters like those...?

You cannot be forgiven for that statement. #Roy'sOurBoy Still though, I'm glad for any old character returning. Why would anyone be mad about that? The only thing that makes me mad is a sequel that removes the old characters. I honestly don't get why they do that, other than to save some time and effort adapting the character for the new game. Which, to be frank, is not a good reason in my opinion.

Arkhidon "Some...man," Ms. Archer repeated. She sighed, reaching under her desk for something. As she rummaged through a drawer, she glanced at Keaton. "I assume he must have been one of the Awakened," she stated. She returned to an upright position, pulling a slip of paper from beneath her desk. She pushed it in front of Keaton. It was a picture taken on the street. In the center of it was a man, unmistakably the same man from the night before. "Was this him?" ------------------------------------------------- The Organization As the meeting drew to a close, one of the three senior members approached the group. It was the one who had called himself "The Magician." "Hello," he said, extending a handshake to each of those who would accept it. "I've already introduced myself, but as Mr. Sterling said, I think it is best that we all get to know each other well. The other two may not appear as excited to see new members as I am, but I assure you, they're wonderful people when you get to know them. Neither of them talk much, though -- Mike's a man of few words, and Wolf's a bit shy. Regardless, you should talk to them some time." He waved a hand. "But what I'm interested in right now is you. What exactly are all of you capable of? I've heard some rumors, but nothing solid. Please, enlighten me." ---------------------------------------------------- Hukuna "Well..." Zeus started, "I can't really say you're wrong. I don't think anyone can. Who's to say any theory is foolish at this point? Hell, a year ago superpowers were a thing of comic books and fairy tales. Now they're reality. When the supernatural becomes the natural, anything is possible. Who's to say that the Pillar didn't just appear because it had to, much like it said. I don't know if anyone could guess what the future has in store, but I'd wager that with the Pillar, something massive is coming -- something to change the world even more than it already has."

Thank you to Ark for introducing me to Mouse on the Keys way back whenever. They're wonderfully unusual, and I love it~!

Oh, I had no idea that the new Dissidia was a thing, but I'm so hype for it. I reaaaaaally hope they talk about it at E3. (Pleeeeease release it for console or at least release in the U.S. in general.) Also, hype for FFXV. I've been waiting for that one for a while. Otherwise, I can't say that I care a whole lot about the rest of the E3 cast.

Pssh. I haven't even reached High Rank. I really do need to go back and play that game again. Just can't seem to get into it as much as I did with 3U.

I couldn't stop watching this. It may not be as funny for everyone else as it was for me, but it's well made nonetheless.

Honestly, I'm a big fan of the 2D sprites. The 3D sprites just don't have the same feel to them. It's kind of unexplainable, as DarkSpite said. They just seem... better. I honestly remember being disappointed with Pokemon X because of the 3D.

Arkhidon The man took the gun from Keaton and stepped aside from the doorway. As Keaton entered, Ms. Archer was seated at her desk. She glanced up as Keaton entered and gave a smile, though it didn't appear terribly enthusiastic. She pushed aside the papers she had been working on, motioning for Keaton to sit in the chair across from her desk. When he was seated, she began to speak. "Keaton Aome. It seems like just a moment ago that I welcomed you to our group, and you're already back in my office again." She gave a sly smile, more genuine this time. "Seems you're destined for trouble." She brushed a lock of hair from her face. "You most likely already have an idea of why I've called you here. Last night, you left the building with Hades, the head of our partnered group, Olympus. He didn't come back with you, and we are unable to make contact with him." She sighed. "I have my own ideas already, but I'd like to hear it from you -- What exactly happened last night?" ---------------------------------------------------- Hukuna Zeus frowned. He could see that Viktor's good mood from earlier was waning. "Hey now... I don't know the full story about your personal life, but you can't keep blaming yourself for everything. That's not going to get you anywhere. The Pillar may have changed much about our lives, but we've just got to push forward and keep living our lives. Make the best of today, and don't dwell on the past. That's the way I see it." He paused, walking over to the dispenser in the lobby to get a cup of water. He took a drink, seemingly thinking about something. "You have a point, though. Where did the Pillar come from, and what makes us different than the other people out there? It's certainly something to think about. Do you have any guesses?"

I'm late to the party, as per usual, but congrats to both! I remember back when Vinny was a mod the first time, and I'm sure this time will be even better. Also, I always thought Kyo was a mod, but apparently not. He's just one of those members I associate most with this site. Again, congrats to both of you!

Haven't said anything about mine iirc.

The Organization Cedric nodded at Ace's remark. "It's understandable to wish to know who you're working with. However, there are more... polite methods of requesting information, as Lux here has pointed out. Regardless, the question warrants an answer." He paused, looking in the direction of the three men. "These men are some of your senior members in the organization. They are the members whose abilities I believe will be of the most assistance during this mission. But I'll let them introduce themselves." The older man was the first to stand. He held his cane, though he did not appear to actually need it to stand. He gave them all a smile before he began to speak. His voice displayed knowledge and kindness, much like that of a grandfather. "Well, hello there. You all must be the new recruits I've been hearing all about. My name is Godfrey Whitman, though I'm known as the Magician around here. I have the ability to "change the location" of things, so to speak. Perhaps I can give you a demonstration later." He gave a bow as he took a seat once more. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you all." The next to stand was the muscular man. He ran his thumb over the stubble on his chin before speaking, his voice low and gruff. "Name's Mike. I can make my skin harder than steel. That's about all there is to say." With that, he sat once more, and the final man stood up. His black trenchcoat fit his lithe form well. He glanced around at the newer members, only making eye contact for a split second before moving to the next. Even now, his face had the same bored look. He was young -- noticeably young compared to the other two. Probably no more than 22 or 23. His voice was low, but had a pleasing tone to it. "...I go by Wolf around here. It doesn't relate to my ability at all. It's just a word I like." He held up his hands, both of which were covered by black gloves. "These hands have the power to interchange materials. It's something I can't show you in here. We'd have to replace anything I use it on." He sat down once more. Cedric began to speak again. "These men will be your allies on this mission. I'd suggest you all get to know each other as best you can before it's time to begin." ---------------------------------------------------------- Arkhidon The woman stopped as they exited the elevator, now in the glass-walled hallway at the top of the building. Ms. Archer's office sat alone at the end of the hall, a man who was clearly part of security standing in front of the door. "You'll have to leave any firearms with him before you may enter," The woman said. "It's a standard security procedure. I'm sure you understand. After that, you may enter whenever you're ready." ---------------------------------------------------------- Hukuna Zeus gave a chuckle at Viktor's first remark. "Trust me... I've had my fair share of women chasing me down. Although... I'm not really about that any more. Just looking for someone to settle down with, you know?" He waved a hand dismissively. Anyway, it's comforting to know that even with the Pillar, the world hasn't changed so much that people like us can't have a normal night out. Sometimes, it's the simple things that keep us going, am I right?"

Jude strode out from the rubble of what had been the jail. That hulk of a man had put up more resistance than he had expected, but like all the others who resisted, Jude had ended him. Still, the man had taken up too much of his time. The girl was gone, and Jude would have to return to Zweiss without her. It was unfortunate, but he did not believe that she was vital to their divine mission anyway. They were the chosen of God, and he would ensure their success with or without the girl. He wiped the blood from his sword on the end of his cloak as he walked, a smile spreading across his face. Yes. They would succeed. ------------------------------------------------------------- Alister strode down the hallway, the singular door at the end being the only distinguishable feature in the dark lighting. He stopped as he reached it, brushing off his coat and adjusting the lock of hair that fell across his face. When he had finished, he took the white gloves from his pocket and pulled them onto his hand. He smiled and opened the door. The small, square room was undecorated, and the windowless concrete walls kept any light from entering. The room was unfurnished but for three chairs in the middle of the room, each of which held a member of Anver's family, their hands and feet bound and their mouths gagged. The smile still on his face, he approached the leftmost chair, where one of the twin daughters sat. Fear was apparent on her face, as would be expected of any seven year old child in this sort of situation. He knelt in front of her, bringing his face close to hers as he spoke. "You would be little Rei, wouldn't you?" he asked, speaking in a tone like that of an adult to a child. "Or are you Maya? Some might have a hard time telling the difference." He chuckled. "But I know who you are." He paused for a while, looking at the ground. He could see the mother watching him with hostile eyes the whole time, bound to her chair. After a time, he returned his gaze to the child, speaking almost kindly. "Listen, I'm sorry I have to do this. I really am. I love children. But you see... your father made a very poor decision recently, and there have to be consequences for such a thing. But don't worry; it won't be now. All will come in due time. I'm a patient man." He then walked the few steps to the mother and pulled the gag out of her mouth. Before she could say anything, he pulled her head to his, holding her in a kiss. It lasted only a moment, and he returned the gag to her mouth before she had a chance to say anything. As he turned to leave, he saw a tear streamed down her face. And Alister smiled. ----------------------------------------------------------- Hukuna Zeus sat in the lobby of Olympus, occasionally glancing at Viktor -- or Ares as he was known on the battlefield. The man seemed different today. It was almost imperceptible, but Zeus was a people person. He could read emotions, and if he was right, Viktor seemed a little bit... less pessimistic than usual. Then again, maybe he was wrong. Viktor was a hard man to read. "Sleep well?" Zeus called out to him. "You seem a bit peppier, at least to me." He had a smile on his face as he awaited the answer. Poseidon merely glanced from where he sat reading a newspaper, giving an uninterested look and returning to his reading. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arkhidon There was a knock on the door to Keaton's lab. A young woman walked in, carrying a clipboard. She wore a formal vest and skirt with hair tied back in a bun. She adjusted her glasses and glanced at the clipboard as she entered. "Keaton?" she asked. "Ms. Archer would like to speak to you in her office. Please come with me." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cedric woke in a cold sweat. He'd had another one -- another of his dreams. He was shaking, but thinking back to the dream, he didn't know why. There had been no physical threat to him, but the dream scared him nonetheless. It was a simple dream, as well as a short one. He had been in the midst of the city at nighttime. He was walking, where to he didn't know, but suddenly, in a mere instant, something had changed in the dream, and it scared him. His urge to visit the Pillar had disappeared, and when he glanced in its direction, the light was gone. He had then woken up. The urge was back now that he was awake, and as he walked to his window he could see the familiar light of the Pillar in the distance. Still, he was worried. As of yet, his dreams had never failed to become a reality. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone else Cedric entered the conference room, the members he had selected for the infiltration seated around the table. The newest recruits -- Lux, Ace, Beverly, Kenny, and Anver -- would recognize each other, as well as the Bartender, but there were three others seated at the table as well. One was a man who appeared to be in his early thirties, muscularly built with his brown hair cut short. He had a confident gaze and wore a tight-fitting T-shirt, jeans, and boots. The second of the three was an older man who looked to be in his 60s. He wore a suit and a top hat, and a cane leaned against his chair. His whitened beard was well-kept, and a monocle was placed over one of his blue eyes. The final unfamiliar face was a younger man, seemingly in his early twenties. His stiff brown hair stuck out over his forehead, and he slouched behind the collar of his black trenchcoat. He appeared bored, as if he wanted nothing more than to get out of the conference room. Cedric took a final look at the table, confirming that all those he wished to take part in this mission were present. He gave a single clap to draw attention before he spoke. "Thank you all for coming to this meeting. I have called you here because you are the ones I feel are most capable of pursuing the mission I am assigning to you. You have all been briefed as to the goal of this mission: rescuing the family of our newest ally, Anver Dunn. You will be infiltrating the headquarters of one of the most dangerous organizations in all of history. Take care, and remember that the safety of his family and yourselves is the priority. Avoid direct contact with Utopia members whenever possible. And if you see their leader, Zweiss, FALL BACK. He is a powerful individual and I DO NOT want you risking your lives in confrontation with him. You'll know him if you see him. Now for some details about the mission. The headquarters is located underground, inside of the remnants of the city project years ago. The place is practically a labyrinth -- I'm sorry to say that you'll have to find your own way through it. You're looking for a large, mechanical gateway. The door is sturdy and thick -- our abilities aren't enough to break it. However, I do have intel on the location of the power source for the door. It is in a separate location, where the Bartender will be waiting. When you reach the door, you will contact him, and he will open it. From there, you should be inside the actual headquarters. Finding the hostages will be up to you. Again, I thank you all for displaying the selflessness necessary to take on such a mission. Now, before I send you on your way, are there any questions about the mission?"

Favorite Music: I love the Brawl Final Destination theme and Midna's Theme on Bridge of Eldin. Nerfed: Lucario, honestly. That recovery gets ridiculous and his down smash is crazy strong for how fast it comes out. Buffed: Marth. I'm probably extremely biased on this since I'm a Marth main from Melee, but I cannot STAND playing Marth in Smash 4. He's slow, he's got almost no ability to combo (compared to the other characters) and his tippers just have the wonkiest hitbox in this game. Even if they just give him back his short hop double fair I'd be happy.

Name: Vayne, the Traitorous Hero Archetype: Ranger Race: Human Age: 22 Appearance: Vayne stands at an average height, if a little on the short side, at 5'6". He has a taught body, though he is not bulky and muscular. His untamed brown hair is sticks up, long in the front, yet not reaching below his ears in back. Vayne is most well-known for his shockingly golden eyes and his dark green hooded cloak, which he wears at all times. Vayne carries a longsword as his primary weapon and wears a longbow across his back. He chooses to wear minimal armor so as not to obstruct his movement, wearing only a metal-plated leather chestguard, leather gloves, and boots. Personality: Vayne may not possess the sort of intellect found in a library or a school, but he is an intelligent and clever man nonetheless. He is a quiet individual, often found dwelling in his own thoughts off in a quiet corner. He prefers solitude to friendship and nature to people, his only constant companion being his raven, Krov. Despite this solitude, Vayne is not cold when dealing with others. He is matter-of-fact with people, preferring to skip any formalities and niceties to get right to the matter at hand. Vayne is a very patient person and is not easily angered. Signature Moves/Spells/Skills: Animal Companion (Raven) - Ranger The Shifting Forest - Vayne has a mastery of the forest that only the best of wizards could equal. He can communicate with the plants and they will respond in kind, such as entangling a foe or shifting their positions. One with Nature (Toggle) - Vayne lived the majority of his life in the woods, surviving only by his own wit and experience. He came to understand the ways of the forest, and over time he learned to recognize even the most obscure of nature's patterns, such as leaves blowing with the wind. Combined with his mastery over plant matter, Vayne can easily blend in with the forest, surpassing even the best of camouflage, becoming practically undetectable if he so desires. However, this extreme level of attention to detail takes intense concentration and effort to maintain for extended periods of time. Flurry Focus (Toggle) - Vayne sharpens his focus to a level beyond the capability of most humanoids, improving both his reflexes and attack speed. He is able to dodge most attacks during the period that the ability is active and attacks with greatly improved speed. This level of focus and reactions is taxing on the body, and physically exhausts Vayne for a time after using it. Background: Vayne was born during time of great war. His mother died shortly after his birth, due to complications, and his father, a military man, died shortly after in a battle. He was then adopted by a friend of his father's, a human druid who lived alone in the forests. Vayne showed an interest in the druid's nature magic as a young child, and the druid passed on what little he still could in his old age. He proved to be a quick study, learning the magic nearly as quickly as the druid could teach it. When Vayne was 16, the druid passed away. Vayne was saddened by the loss, but continued his life in the forest, now alone, except for the raven he had rescued the year earlier, having found it injured by some sort of animal. They established a bond and became inseparable, their link only strengthening over the years that followed. Vayne watched the forest closely over the years, learning to recognize its patterns and tendencies. He spent his days reading into the movement of the forest deeper than any other had before him, learning to see patterns that few others could. He taught himself to move along with these patterns, becoming indistinguishable from its undergrowth. At age 20, Vayne was discovered by a military scout during a training session. After seeing what Vayne was capable of, the scout returned to his commanding officer, who offered to meet Vayne in the city, in order to discuss a possible career in the millitary. They were entering war, and could use any talent they could get. Vayne agreed to meet with him, and entered the city for the first time in 4 years. It was here that he would meet Lyra, the girl of his dreams. She was working in the barracks as a medic, due to her healing capabilities. He shared a glance with her on his way to meet with the officer, but even then, he knew what he felt for her. He agreed to join the military, if only so he could visit her more and see her. He talked to her more and more as time passed and his reputation in the military grew. He eventually became known as the Phantom of the Forest by his peers, as he would slay enemies who entered the forest before they even knew he was there. He was becoming known as the hero of the city; none of his allies would fall in a skirmish where he was present. As his kill count increased, Vayne withdrew more and more from society. He became quiet and emotionless around others, Lyra being the only exception. He opened up to her, and she did the same to him. She would constantly show him the sites of the city, and he longed to show her the beauty of the forest. Eventually, he got the chance. He took her to the forests and showed her all the places he would visit during his childhood. As the sun fell, catastrophe dawned. Vayne had overextended himself into the forest, overconfident in his skills. They were in enemy territory, and they were surrounded. The two of them were taken to the enemy barracks, Vayne's reputation being all that kept them alive. The enemy army could see his attachment to Lyra, and they used her as a bargaining chip. Vayne would lead them into the city and fight for them, or she would die. It was then that everything fell apart. Vayne led the opposing army through the underground passageways, taking them to the heart of his home city. He stood alongside the enemy ranks as he slaughtered his previous allies, all to save the one person he cared about most. He stood on the city's walls and watched it burn as the general rode in with Lyra behind him, her hands tied. The general looked up at the walls and grinned, and Vayne realized what was happening. He rushed down the walls as Lyra looked up at him, giving him a final smile before the general's sword ended her, his goal accomplished. Vayne reached the ground, his emotions rising in a battle for the first time in years as he charged towards the general. Arrows pierced his chest as he approached, but he fought on. He was meters away from the general when he finally fell, his mind blank. The emotions faded away as he died, and all he could think of was his greatest mistake and what it had cost him. ((I feel like this is the most cliche thing I've ever written, and it was kind of rushed, but I think it gets the point across. Also, I know Vayne is a little younger than you recommended, but I kind of intended that to be one of his defining traits. Just let me know if anything should be changed and I'll oblige.))

Well, I'm certainly interested. I'm thinking I'll probably play a human ranger? If not, then likely a sorcerer of some sort. The whole signature move system is pretty cool though.

Sounds cool. I'm actually really excited for this remake.

...You never told me you were a female. Jk. Believe it or not, I know which one is you. Lookin' swell, my friend. Also, I'll probably try to get a picture from my graduation up here as soon as I get my hands on one...

All right, I'm done graduating and all that, so let's get a final head count before starting this up again to make sure everyone is still around! Those who don't respond here can expect a pm about it.