Introduction
The Basics
You are a hunter, a member of A.S.C.O. The Anti-Supernatural Creature Organization sends you to hunt down the monsters that endanger humanity. Sometimes you have to capture them, sometimes you have to kill them, but more than anything, you must keep their existence a secret.
A.S.C.O. is run by the Board, a group of incredibly wealthy and very intelligent people. The Board is made up of many different individuals, with differing backgrounds, philosophies, and even slightly differing motives. The Board, or sometimes only a part of the Board, assigns active hunters their missions, which most choose to accept due to the stupendous rewards for completion and/or personally agreeing with the Board's motives.
Now, the Board isn't made up out of psychics. Informants live all over the globe, in high population centers and areas known for high supernatural activity. When one of them finds something, they immediately report it for investigation.
A few Informants and even Board members are actual hunters themselves, and it wasn't uncommon for hunters to have work elsewhere. Now, however, more and more hunters are going full-time. The number of mythological creatures showing up recently is staggering. Some are suspicious, others think that it's just a bad coincidence. Where do you stand?
You Want To Join?
You are free to have a human character with any sort of body and mind you want, within common-sense limitations. It should be noted that all main players will be "ordinary" humans. They are not half-elves. They do not have magic and/or supernatural powers. These things would directly contradict the motives of some Boardmembers, and they would never, ever allow it. The point of this RP is, for once, to have everyone playing a human. There are one million RPs out there where you get to be magical fighting magic things or non-magic things. You being non-magical fighting magic things? Rare. More difficult. More interesting.
The story will begin at a final testing ground for candidates for becoming a hunter. These newbies have passed all the tests and have some basic knowledge of the supernatural, but are still inexperienced and ignorant. All they have left is this final task- hunting their (in most cases) first monster.
There are many newbie slots that can be filled, though we may begin before we reach capacity.
Now, I know what you may be thinking. "But Sciamancer, I don't want to be a newbie! I want my character to be a badass that's been killing stuff for two decades!" Well, worry not. We also have 5 (five) experienced slots. These, however, are slightly exclusive. Since experienced hunters will be acting as possible team leaders and mentors to the newbies, their players must be active and good roleplayers. To apply for an experienced slot, you must Private Message me with your profile and an example of roleplaying with the character.
We've already started! Isn't joining an RP that's already started lame?
Usually, I'd agree. But with ASCO, everything is based on missions made up of small teams. Because of this, it is quite easy for anyone to jump right in, given that they are willing to wait for a few people to be done with their mission! Even so, here's a basic run-down of what has happened so far.
The Past:
1st Arc: A test to determine who is hired by ASCO was run. To get in, you must have caught an imp, a small, weak demon. Over 100 applicants, only 30 imps. Tensions were high enough when it appeared that someone had summoned an Ifrit, a powerful demon of fire and air that wipes away massive chunks of the forest. The imps conjugated around the superior being, leading many newbies to it. Board members and experienced hunters were drawn in by the forest fires. After a mighty battle, the monster is finally subdued and banished back into the demonic realm.
The Present:
The first round of missions is being issued. If you're just joining, you may either want to wait or I can stick you onto an on-going mission, depending on how far everyone else is and other circumstances.
Current Roster:
Newbies: New hunters. 9/20 currently accepted.
Jace Enheign dishonorable death
Song Shih
Blazeir Cresthal honorable drop-out
Jason Cabella
Netanya Haddad
Ayo Bhekizita
Bobby Estacado
Aiden Steele
Radmilla Manoylovich
Lazarus Saviante
Yumi "Maha" Rin
Veterans: Experienced hunters. 1/5 currently accepted.
Brennus Vercingetorix (GM characters do not fill slots)
Titus Lancaster
Other Important Characters: Run by a GM or GM-sanctioned individual.
John Greenwich - Board Member
Hotaru Tachibana - Board Member
Carmen Tapia - Board Member
Michael Christianson - Board Member
Profile Skeleton:
To promote uniformity among profiles and to ensure enough information, please follow these instructions for profiles:
Under description, delete everything after the "[/b]:"s and fill it out.
Under personality, write a paragraph or more detailing what they are like. Extroverted or introverted? High or low-strung? Level of empathy? Likes and dislikes? Biases? Why did they personally join ASCO?
Under equipment, detail any important equipment that they possess. Optional.
Under history, write a paragraph or more detailing how your character was raised, what they did for work, and how they got into ASCO.
You are a hunter, a member of A.S.C.O. The Anti-Supernatural Creature Organization sends you to hunt down the monsters that endanger humanity. Sometimes you have to capture them, sometimes you have to kill them, but more than anything, you must keep their existence a secret.
A.S.C.O. is run by the Board, a group of incredibly wealthy and very intelligent people. The Board is made up of many different individuals, with differing backgrounds, philosophies, and even slightly differing motives. The Board, or sometimes only a part of the Board, assigns active hunters their missions, which most choose to accept due to the stupendous rewards for completion and/or personally agreeing with the Board's motives.
Now, the Board isn't made up out of psychics. Informants live all over the globe, in high population centers and areas known for high supernatural activity. When one of them finds something, they immediately report it for investigation.
A few Informants and even Board members are actual hunters themselves, and it wasn't uncommon for hunters to have work elsewhere. Now, however, more and more hunters are going full-time. The number of mythological creatures showing up recently is staggering. Some are suspicious, others think that it's just a bad coincidence. Where do you stand?
You Want To Join?
You are free to have a human character with any sort of body and mind you want, within common-sense limitations. It should be noted that all main players will be "ordinary" humans. They are not half-elves. They do not have magic and/or supernatural powers. These things would directly contradict the motives of some Boardmembers, and they would never, ever allow it. The point of this RP is, for once, to have everyone playing a human. There are one million RPs out there where you get to be magical fighting magic things or non-magic things. You being non-magical fighting magic things? Rare. More difficult. More interesting.
The story will begin at a final testing ground for candidates for becoming a hunter. These newbies have passed all the tests and have some basic knowledge of the supernatural, but are still inexperienced and ignorant. All they have left is this final task- hunting their (in most cases) first monster.
There are many newbie slots that can be filled, though we may begin before we reach capacity.
Now, I know what you may be thinking. "But Sciamancer, I don't want to be a newbie! I want my character to be a badass that's been killing stuff for two decades!" Well, worry not. We also have 5 (five) experienced slots. These, however, are slightly exclusive. Since experienced hunters will be acting as possible team leaders and mentors to the newbies, their players must be active and good roleplayers. To apply for an experienced slot, you must Private Message me with your profile and an example of roleplaying with the character.
We've already started! Isn't joining an RP that's already started lame?
Usually, I'd agree. But with ASCO, everything is based on missions made up of small teams. Because of this, it is quite easy for anyone to jump right in, given that they are willing to wait for a few people to be done with their mission! Even so, here's a basic run-down of what has happened so far.
The Past:
1st Arc: A test to determine who is hired by ASCO was run. To get in, you must have caught an imp, a small, weak demon. Over 100 applicants, only 30 imps. Tensions were high enough when it appeared that someone had summoned an Ifrit, a powerful demon of fire and air that wipes away massive chunks of the forest. The imps conjugated around the superior being, leading many newbies to it. Board members and experienced hunters were drawn in by the forest fires. After a mighty battle, the monster is finally subdued and banished back into the demonic realm.
The Present:
The first round of missions is being issued. If you're just joining, you may either want to wait or I can stick you onto an on-going mission, depending on how far everyone else is and other circumstances.
Current Roster:
Newbies: New hunters. 9/20 currently accepted.
Song Shih
Jason Cabella
Netanya Haddad
Ayo Bhekizita
Bobby Estacado
Aiden Steele
Radmilla Manoylovich
Lazarus Saviante
Yumi "Maha" Rin
Veterans: Experienced hunters. 1/5 currently accepted.
Brennus Vercingetorix (GM characters do not fill slots)
Titus Lancaster
Other Important Characters: Run by a GM or GM-sanctioned individual.
John Greenwich - Board Member
Hotaru Tachibana - Board Member
Carmen Tapia - Board Member
Michael Christianson - Board Member
Profile Skeleton:
To promote uniformity among profiles and to ensure enough information, please follow these instructions for profiles:
Under description, delete everything after the "[/b]:"s and fill it out.
- Code: Select all
[b]Full Name:[/b] Include aliases and nicknames, if applicable.
[b]Sex:[/b] Male or female.
[b]Age:[/b] In years. ASCO does not accept members under 18, and 65 is mandatory retirement age.
[b]Physical Appearance:[/b] A paragraph or more of physical description. Include all colors (hair, eye, skin), facial shape, body build, etc. Pictures optional, but the descriptive paragraph is still required as though there was no picture.
[b]Strengths:[/b] Bullet list of any particular strengths. Mental and physical.
[b]Weaknesses:[/b] Bullet list of any particular weaknesses. Mental and physical.
Under personality, write a paragraph or more detailing what they are like. Extroverted or introverted? High or low-strung? Level of empathy? Likes and dislikes? Biases? Why did they personally join ASCO?
Under equipment, detail any important equipment that they possess. Optional.
Under history, write a paragraph or more detailing how your character was raised, what they did for work, and how they got into ASCO.
- 90 posts here • Page 4 of 4 • 1, 2, 3, 4
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 13 authors
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"Lazarus Saviante," said the board member, as he read along in his binder. Snapping out of his daze, he quickly read the area he happened to be skimming, noticing the his name beside that of an Aiden Steele and some name of a Russian feel, with a last name he would not be able to pronounce just be looking at it... well, without looking like a moron. Titus Lancaster... now he had heard wonderful things. He had not been around to battle the ifrit, but he had heard tales of the veteran's bravado. He usually hated the gung-ho bravado, but if you can back it up, you had his respect.
The monster sounds delightfully fun as well. Hopefully it would morph into something he had once hunted back in Northern Alberta or the Territories. At any rate, he was also glad about the company. Steele was a looker, and the Russian not too bad herself, considering she was one of those people that could be way more attractive if she felt like it. Smiling to himself, he noticed he was staring at Titus' beard absentmindedly, not the females. Wierdo, he thought, continuing to zone out.
As the seperate groups split off, he looked for Titus.
The monster sounds delightfully fun as well. Hopefully it would morph into something he had once hunted back in Northern Alberta or the Territories. At any rate, he was also glad about the company. Steele was a looker, and the Russian not too bad herself, considering she was one of those people that could be way more attractive if she felt like it. Smiling to himself, he noticed he was staring at Titus' beard absentmindedly, not the females. Wierdo, he thought, continuing to zone out.
As the seperate groups split off, he looked for Titus.
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Ayo was not comfortable. The auditorium seats were small and cheap, at least cheap to ASCOâs budget. The disorganization of the room also made him uncomfortable, and people staring at him didnât help. Ayo spent the last few weeks taking care of the burns on his face, burns that had left a scar across the left side of his face. But Ayo could handle with people staring. The most serious problem was his left eye, which had been partially blinded after the burns. The young African man wouldâve appreciated more time to adapt to this new limitation, but there was a new mission ... He would have to deal with the problem the hard way.
Once the Board members began to speak, everyone stopped talking. The Japanese man frightened Ayo and the scientist intrigued him, but it was a relief to see John, healthy and with his robotic hand. When the speech ended, Ayo got up and saw in his limited peripheral vision Anna, who was on the same team as him. Ayo just hoped she would leave her imp behind...
The young African man heard his name being yelled, and followed John to the elevator. Anna seemed very happy, and it was good to move on after such a traumatic event. Ayo wondered if that woman was able to feel sadness.
Ayo smiled when asked how he was. "I'm fine, Master. It seems that we both will have to adapt to something in this mission. And they say that missing limbs give personality, isnât it? "He signaled for the robotic hand and smiled, hoping that the scar in his face would not make him look too horrific.
Once the Board members began to speak, everyone stopped talking. The Japanese man frightened Ayo and the scientist intrigued him, but it was a relief to see John, healthy and with his robotic hand. When the speech ended, Ayo got up and saw in his limited peripheral vision Anna, who was on the same team as him. Ayo just hoped she would leave her imp behind...
The young African man heard his name being yelled, and followed John to the elevator. Anna seemed very happy, and it was good to move on after such a traumatic event. Ayo wondered if that woman was able to feel sadness.
Ayo smiled when asked how he was. "I'm fine, Master. It seems that we both will have to adapt to something in this mission. And they say that missing limbs give personality, isnât it? "He signaled for the robotic hand and smiled, hoping that the scar in his face would not make him look too horrific.
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A.S.C.O. Headquarters
Michael Christianson picked up the folder marked "Titus Lancaster" and began to slowly read through it. "Alright, ya'll... Aiden, Rad-mill-luh, Lah-zahr-us..." he shouted, attempting to pronounce the foreign names, "Titus is unfortunately still outta commission from his burns. Crazy sonova gun rode a fire demon, after all. So I'm your substitute, Michael."
He stared down at the three newbies as they assembled around him. Two women. He could not recall one good female hunter. In reality, he had met several, but the big oaf had a confirmation bias towards women being inferior. Regardless, he sighed heavily. "Alright, little hunters, we're after one gruesome little bastard, a..." he began, attempting to pronounce the creature's name, "Ass-wang." He chuckled before continuing, "Who thought of that? Anyway, it eats organs, especially pregnant women, and it might just transform into a Man-nin-nin-nin-gul. A Man-na-na-angel. Ma-na-ma-na-gal." Frustrated with the foreign word, the man gave up and said, "Just read your paper."
When John ordered everyone to clear away from the elevators, Michael considered shoving past him to reach the elevator. He did not like the little hippie. He preferred the stairs, anyway. They were faster for his long legs, even if he was going to his office on the top floor. "Ya'll come on, we can talk on the way up," he ordered, taking long strides towards the stairs. "I assume ya'll are accepting the mission, though I could understand if yall'er too afraid. This beastie's scary," he patronized as they reached the Mission Acceptance Officer on the second floor.
Michael Christianson picked up the folder marked "Titus Lancaster" and began to slowly read through it. "Alright, ya'll... Aiden, Rad-mill-luh, Lah-zahr-us..." he shouted, attempting to pronounce the foreign names, "Titus is unfortunately still outta commission from his burns. Crazy sonova gun rode a fire demon, after all. So I'm your substitute, Michael."
He stared down at the three newbies as they assembled around him. Two women. He could not recall one good female hunter. In reality, he had met several, but the big oaf had a confirmation bias towards women being inferior. Regardless, he sighed heavily. "Alright, little hunters, we're after one gruesome little bastard, a..." he began, attempting to pronounce the creature's name, "Ass-wang." He chuckled before continuing, "Who thought of that? Anyway, it eats organs, especially pregnant women, and it might just transform into a Man-nin-nin-nin-gul. A Man-na-na-angel. Ma-na-ma-na-gal." Frustrated with the foreign word, the man gave up and said, "Just read your paper."
When John ordered everyone to clear away from the elevators, Michael considered shoving past him to reach the elevator. He did not like the little hippie. He preferred the stairs, anyway. They were faster for his long legs, even if he was going to his office on the top floor. "Ya'll come on, we can talk on the way up," he ordered, taking long strides towards the stairs. "I assume ya'll are accepting the mission, though I could understand if yall'er too afraid. This beastie's scary," he patronized as they reached the Mission Acceptance Officer on the second floor.
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Lazarus' cocky smile faded as the religious board member, Michael, walked up, garbling his name in his southern accent. He had hoped to fight alongside the bearded one, but he was in the hospital with burns. Riding a fiery beast's back, it seemed. Now they had to learn from this biased hick. He was already talking to the women as if they were slow or something. Or maybe he was aware of his word mangling. Ass-wang? That's hilarious. Speaking of the target, he had been thinking about that. By the sounds of the thing, it didn't sound as if it needed four hunters just to fight it. It was essentially a person or an animal. Lazarus was confident he could easily defeat both, especially with a gun. It must be the creature's secondary form that makes it so dangerous. That, or, they really didn't trust the newbies with any more difficult than a dog.
Passing the likable Greenwich, he noticed Michael glare pointedly at the amiable John. Lazarus grimaced. He liked John. John the cyborg hippy, he liked to call him in his mind. Nothing wrong with loving the earth, maaaaan. Passing by the elevator and headed for the stairs, he lightened up. At least they could skip the awkward silence in the stairs. You couldn't walk four abreast down the stairs. Moving slightly away from Michael and towards his co-hunters, he made a shot at conversation. Trying to decide which one to talk to first, he decided to throw an open question their way. "So, ladies, how are we on this fine evening?"
Passing the likable Greenwich, he noticed Michael glare pointedly at the amiable John. Lazarus grimaced. He liked John. John the cyborg hippy, he liked to call him in his mind. Nothing wrong with loving the earth, maaaaan. Passing by the elevator and headed for the stairs, he lightened up. At least they could skip the awkward silence in the stairs. You couldn't walk four abreast down the stairs. Moving slightly away from Michael and towards his co-hunters, he made a shot at conversation. Trying to decide which one to talk to first, he decided to throw an open question their way. "So, ladies, how are we on this fine evening?"
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The ASCO briefing room was laid out with about as much eye for aesthetics as any police squad room Jason had ever seen. Which is to say it looked as though it moonlighted as a gymnasium and perhaps a laundromat. He could have cared less: this was the culmination of his efforts, even as ass-backward and confusing as the 'hunt' had turned out to be.
Mr. Tachibana lead the short ceremony. He made a pass at humor to light applause.
"Blazeir Cresthal, Jason Cabella, Netanya Haddad, Ayo Bhekizita, Bobby Estacado..."
The sharpshooter was pleased enough with the outcome of the trials. The other men and women around him seemed the trustworthy sort, good people to have at your back in a traffic stop or firefight.
"It's simple: If you do not do this, you are fired!" the man finished. He sauntered off the stage, hands in his pockets. Jason blinked and realized that he'd missed a good chunk of the initiation speech to his daydreams. It was unlike him; a sniper's focus was his most useful asset. It was a nature to be honed and cultured in all aspects of life; even in staff meetings, Jason thought bemusedly.
He approached the proffered corkboard with the others and began to read. Before he was halfway done scanning the binder, the skepticism he'd been suppressing began to nibble at his mind. He'd heard of the Aswang, harpies too, but Devil-Monkeys? He had a feeling he'd watched this movie before.
With a lopsided grin, he presented himself to Brennus.
Mr. Tachibana lead the short ceremony. He made a pass at humor to light applause.
"Blazeir Cresthal, Jason Cabella, Netanya Haddad, Ayo Bhekizita, Bobby Estacado..."
The sharpshooter was pleased enough with the outcome of the trials. The other men and women around him seemed the trustworthy sort, good people to have at your back in a traffic stop or firefight.
"It's simple: If you do not do this, you are fired!" the man finished. He sauntered off the stage, hands in his pockets. Jason blinked and realized that he'd missed a good chunk of the initiation speech to his daydreams. It was unlike him; a sniper's focus was his most useful asset. It was a nature to be honed and cultured in all aspects of life; even in staff meetings, Jason thought bemusedly.
He approached the proffered corkboard with the others and began to read. Before he was halfway done scanning the binder, the skepticism he'd been suppressing began to nibble at his mind. He'd heard of the Aswang, harpies too, but Devil-Monkeys? He had a feeling he'd watched this movie before.
With a lopsided grin, he presented himself to Brennus.
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Notes:
Bobby still couldn't believe it. He had passed. It was one month later and he freaking passed. For some reason, Bobby grinned this last month, proud. Finally proud of something that didn't involve stocks and fiddling around with people's portfolios. The last month was pridefull and Bobby's attitude toward A.S.C.O was bordering on getting a tattoo somewhere on his body, mearly forgetting that his steady girlfriend had broke up with him, and living life was it was meant to be: in the present.
So he stood among 30 people, back straightened, until he had felt sharp metal on his back. Bobby turned and nearly all the courage he had exibited was gone in a single second, jumping away from the metal hand, arms across his face, nearly yelping until he saw it was John. It's been a month since he last seen John.
"Come on...now you can have one of those robotic hands..."
In disbelief, Bobby chuckled awkwardly to himself and looked at the board, spotting his name, along with John, Netanya's (a doctor who had treated a John) and an "Ayo." Scanning the board, it was obvious that Bobby had a lewd thought, primarily one of him being used to lure harpies for mating in Greece.
A mating dance. Bobby would jump back and forth and finish by exposing his-
John caught his eye once more and the people around him as they were going to sit down at the table and John gave them his little briefing. For probably once in his life, Bobby felt like he was on top of the world, and he didn't want to spoil the moment.
The group was one of the first to get on an elevator and Netanya and John made some small talk. "I've been doing good Terminator." Bobby said in a cheerfull tone, referencing his robot arm, and swayed his body back and forth in anticipation. "So what are harpies anyway?" The formal stock broker asked, straightening his tie, and took off his gas mask, stuffing it in a coat pocket and replaced with a pair of circular glasses. After all he doesn't need to wear a mask among friends.
Dow Jones Down by 3%
NYSX down 5%
SlainFruit Ifiruit Monster - Priceless
NYSX down 5%
Slain
Bobby still couldn't believe it. He had passed. It was one month later and he freaking passed. For some reason, Bobby grinned this last month, proud. Finally proud of something that didn't involve stocks and fiddling around with people's portfolios. The last month was pridefull and Bobby's attitude toward A.S.C.O was bordering on getting a tattoo somewhere on his body, mearly forgetting that his steady girlfriend had broke up with him, and living life was it was meant to be: in the present.
So he stood among 30 people, back straightened, until he had felt sharp metal on his back. Bobby turned and nearly all the courage he had exibited was gone in a single second, jumping away from the metal hand, arms across his face, nearly yelping until he saw it was John. It's been a month since he last seen John.
"Come on...now you can have one of those robotic hands..."
In disbelief, Bobby chuckled awkwardly to himself and looked at the board, spotting his name, along with John, Netanya's (a doctor who had treated a John) and an "Ayo." Scanning the board, it was obvious that Bobby had a lewd thought, primarily one of him being used to lure harpies for mating in Greece.
A mating dance. Bobby would jump back and forth and finish by exposing his-
John caught his eye once more and the people around him as they were going to sit down at the table and John gave them his little briefing. For probably once in his life, Bobby felt like he was on top of the world, and he didn't want to spoil the moment.
The group was one of the first to get on an elevator and Netanya and John made some small talk. "I've been doing good Terminator." Bobby said in a cheerfull tone, referencing his robot arm, and swayed his body back and forth in anticipation. "So what are harpies anyway?" The formal stock broker asked, straightening his tie, and took off his gas mask, stuffing it in a coat pocket and replaced with a pair of circular glasses. After all he doesn't need to wear a mask among friends.
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A.S.C.O. Headquarters
John feigned a smile at the various pokes at his missing hand. He admittedly had grown a penchant for cracking those sort of jokes himself over the last month, but it did sting a bit. Still, it was better than being called "stumpy." The four of them quickly checked by the Mission Acceptance Desk and proceeded to the third floor to collect their gear. "I'm dandy," he replied, "Now, as for harpies. The binder says it all, really. They're smart and dangerous, but by no means as powerful as, say, an Ifrit. Taking a single one down is no sweat if you have a weapon of any kind. The trick is not getting swarmed. A lot of creatures are like that. You all fought imps. Those things are pretty easy by themselves, but imagine a dozen of them all going at you!" John selected his regular weaponry. A shock baton, a tazer-firing shotgun, and a pistol with a concoction strong enough to take down a harpy.
Once everyone was suited up, they left for Greece in a private plane, sitting surrounded by boxes upon boxes of food and the occasional batch of medical supplies. "Remember, everyone, we're from the Anti-Starvation Christian Organization," their leader reminded them, "That's ASCO." The hippie chuckled before changing the conversation, "We'll need a plan to find where the little pests are hiding. Netanya and Bobby, I want you two to interview the townsfolk. Nothing too difficult. I trust you won't blow your cover. Being a doctor, Netanya, you can also help some of the wounded. This town just suffered another attack yesterday according to reports, and the harpies are not gentle nor careful with their talons when they get it on." After several hours, the plane started to land, hungry Greeks waving to the plane.
"Ayo," he said next, "You're with me. We're going to investigate the surrounding area. If you two find anything immediately important, call me." With that, John picked up a box of food and carried it out to the waiting townspeople.
John feigned a smile at the various pokes at his missing hand. He admittedly had grown a penchant for cracking those sort of jokes himself over the last month, but it did sting a bit. Still, it was better than being called "stumpy." The four of them quickly checked by the Mission Acceptance Desk and proceeded to the third floor to collect their gear. "I'm dandy," he replied, "Now, as for harpies. The binder says it all, really. They're smart and dangerous, but by no means as powerful as, say, an Ifrit. Taking a single one down is no sweat if you have a weapon of any kind. The trick is not getting swarmed. A lot of creatures are like that. You all fought imps. Those things are pretty easy by themselves, but imagine a dozen of them all going at you!" John selected his regular weaponry. A shock baton, a tazer-firing shotgun, and a pistol with a concoction strong enough to take down a harpy.
Once everyone was suited up, they left for Greece in a private plane, sitting surrounded by boxes upon boxes of food and the occasional batch of medical supplies. "Remember, everyone, we're from the Anti-Starvation Christian Organization," their leader reminded them, "That's ASCO." The hippie chuckled before changing the conversation, "We'll need a plan to find where the little pests are hiding. Netanya and Bobby, I want you two to interview the townsfolk. Nothing too difficult. I trust you won't blow your cover. Being a doctor, Netanya, you can also help some of the wounded. This town just suffered another attack yesterday according to reports, and the harpies are not gentle nor careful with their talons when they get it on." After several hours, the plane started to land, hungry Greeks waving to the plane.
"Ayo," he said next, "You're with me. We're going to investigate the surrounding area. If you two find anything immediately important, call me." With that, John picked up a box of food and carried it out to the waiting townspeople.
The setting changes from North America to Modern earth, with mythological monsters.
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Maha was jittery that day, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, out of sheer excitement. Nothing but pure anticipation for another atrocity to kill, another blood to spill, and another achievement of murder. Other people might have looked upon this girl and see nothing more then a typical giddy Japanese woman who giggled so sheepishly at nothing but her own thoughts and they weren't far from the truth. Maha had smiled in the warmth memory of yesterday and her imp killing, small hands wrapped around the equally small head of the imp, electricity coarsing through it's brain, eyes popped, body spasming, and jaw dropped open to a final blood-curdling screech. Even after the poor imp stopped squirming and passed on, Maha wouldn't let go of his head until a grey smoke came hither from the orfaces within it's face, and a smell so vile it would make ordinary men and woman sick and haunt their memories for an eternity. It was ever so pleasant that Maha wondered for a brief moment how the other competitors would scream...
But Yumi kept Maha on crazy check, monsters, and monsters only. Dissapointing it was to be on such a leash; especially by oneself. Still Maha's eyes were wide open as she observed her folder and ran through the english. She still remembered how to speak and write English, from years of schooling where learning English was compulsory, but was rather poor at reading. Certain words did jump out at her, Yumi's name for one thing, as well as the phrase "Devil Monkeys", which made her imagne of grotesque primates with horns upon their heads, pounding their chests in a show of power and swinging down from vines to attack from above. Thinking of ending it's pathetic life sent shivers up her spine; the kind as pleasurable as fornification.
She looked around and spotted two other men, typical American man from the movies, standing at a corner with the same folder's in their hands. Neither Yumi or Maha knew much about American's, except that they ignorant, lazy, fat, and oblivious to the news, but Yumi could never say that out loud for fear of being a hypocrite. Maha neared the tall bastards with those unblinking open eyes, lips pursed together in a large smile, and in a sing-song voice called out "Kon'nichiwa~!" She sat herself down at the table and crossed her legs, head slightly turned to Jason, giving him the generosity of a flirtatious wink and a stick out her tongue for him to see. Sometimes, life called for a charity.
"I am Yumi-san-." She spat out the words with disgust at the mention of that pathetic. "-but please call me Maha-sama." She grinned malevolently once more, looking forward to her team referencing her as "master", to build up her already massive bubble of narcissism, and then, in time, they would learn to bow down before her.
But Yumi kept Maha on crazy check, monsters, and monsters only. Dissapointing it was to be on such a leash; especially by oneself. Still Maha's eyes were wide open as she observed her folder and ran through the english. She still remembered how to speak and write English, from years of schooling where learning English was compulsory, but was rather poor at reading. Certain words did jump out at her, Yumi's name for one thing, as well as the phrase "Devil Monkeys", which made her imagne of grotesque primates with horns upon their heads, pounding their chests in a show of power and swinging down from vines to attack from above. Thinking of ending it's pathetic life sent shivers up her spine; the kind as pleasurable as fornification.
She looked around and spotted two other men, typical American man from the movies, standing at a corner with the same folder's in their hands. Neither Yumi or Maha knew much about American's, except that they ignorant, lazy, fat, and oblivious to the news, but Yumi could never say that out loud for fear of being a hypocrite. Maha neared the tall bastards with those unblinking open eyes, lips pursed together in a large smile, and in a sing-song voice called out "Kon'nichiwa~!" She sat herself down at the table and crossed her legs, head slightly turned to Jason, giving him the generosity of a flirtatious wink and a stick out her tongue for him to see. Sometimes, life called for a charity.
"I am Yumi-san-." She spat out the words with disgust at the mention of that pathetic. "-but please call me Maha-sama." She grinned malevolently once more, looking forward to her team referencing her as "master", to build up her already massive bubble of narcissism, and then, in time, they would learn to bow down before her.
The setting changes from Modern earth, with mythological monsters. to Europe
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The flight was peaceful enough for Ayo to get some sleep, but the mood was tense. It was as if this tranquility preceded a stormâĻ Ayo could almost hear the thunder. And the lightning struck right before the thunder, just like the fire that surrounded Ayo struck right before the pain. And later, when he came back to consciousness, he realized he had been given another chanceâĻ And that chance came with a price, obviously. Ayo reached for his scar, almost hoping it wouldnât be there, but his hand felt the stern melted flesh and Ayo sighed. Soon they were in Greece. Ayo searched in his memory what exactly their cover story was, but it didnât matter. In his wanders through Europe, Ayo had never been to Greece, and therefore had no idea of how to speak Greek. Unless one of the villagers spoke English, French, German or AquâAbi, Maliâs dead dialect, he wouldnât have to pretend he was with some concerned organization.
The young African man followed John patiently, and while doing so, he noticed the state of the village. Some kids probably didnât eat for days, and Ayo could clearly see the ribs standing out in the tanned Mediterranean skin. There were people lying down on the dirt, and Ayo couldnât be sure if they were asleep, unconscious or dead. It wasnât an unknown image to Ayo. The Greek village reminded him of the hundreds of villages caught in between the Republican Forces and the rebels during the Mali civil war. The civilians starved and lived their lives in pain and fear, and there was nothing they could do, nowhere to run. They were completely powerless as they watched their lives fall apart. The only difference was that in Mali, the bodies were eaten by lions and jaguars. Here, other creatures filled that gap.
Ayo also noticed the significant lack of men in the village. It was exactly the same as in Mali, but by different reasons. In the African country, all men left either to fight in the war or to escape from itâĻ and die trying. Here, all men had been captured and likely killed by the Harpies in desperate need to reproduce. The final destination was the same, either in Mali or in the Mediterranean island. Death.
Ayo avoided the starving townspeople, hoping Anna could do anything to help. He had his share of starvation during his childhood and didnât need to open any ancient wounds.
Heh. Wounds.
He walked around the houses and went to the limit of the townâs perimeter. The sun shined bright in the cloudless sky, and in the distance Ayo could see something movingâĻ Going towards him. He reached for his stick, and pulled it out jumping to battle stance. It could be a harpy that got lost from the pack, and Ayo would welcome the opportunity of seeing the creatures by himself. The thing got closer, and the African man wondered if it wasnât just his wounded eye playing tricks on him. He covered the imperfect eye with his hand, but the moving dot didnât disappear. But as it got closer, Ayo noticed it wasnât a Harpy. It was walking. Slowly and limping, the thing was walking. A harpy would likely show up flyingâĻ
Ayo approached it with caution, and then he realized it was a man. Ayo ran towards the Greek, and when he reached him the Greek man fell in Ayoâs arms, tired as he was. He was deeply wounded, and his state was deplorable. His clothes, or what it was left of them, were covered in blood, and so were his feet, legs and chest. One of his feet seemed broken, he had a thick unkempt beard and showed signs of starvation. He was desperately trying to talk, but Ayo couldnât understand a word. The darkness of the mere being always engulfed the soul of a man in his last moments, and this one was no different. Ayo didnât think we would make it, but he could give important information before dying. The African man cursed himself for being so cold-hearted, but it was necessary. Ayo quickly lifted the man, and started running back to where the rest of the team was. When he reached them, Ayo headed straight for Anna, explaining while he put the man down on the ground:
âI found him in the outskirts of the townâĻ He seems to have escaped from the harpies. He could have important informationâĻâ Ayo hesitated. âDo your best to save him, but I donât think he is going to make it. Ask him about the harpiesâĻ Try to recover as much information as possible.â Ayo stood up, and right before moving away to give the doctor some room, he whispered: âGood Luck.â
The young African man followed John patiently, and while doing so, he noticed the state of the village. Some kids probably didnât eat for days, and Ayo could clearly see the ribs standing out in the tanned Mediterranean skin. There were people lying down on the dirt, and Ayo couldnât be sure if they were asleep, unconscious or dead. It wasnât an unknown image to Ayo. The Greek village reminded him of the hundreds of villages caught in between the Republican Forces and the rebels during the Mali civil war. The civilians starved and lived their lives in pain and fear, and there was nothing they could do, nowhere to run. They were completely powerless as they watched their lives fall apart. The only difference was that in Mali, the bodies were eaten by lions and jaguars. Here, other creatures filled that gap.
Ayo also noticed the significant lack of men in the village. It was exactly the same as in Mali, but by different reasons. In the African country, all men left either to fight in the war or to escape from itâĻ and die trying. Here, all men had been captured and likely killed by the Harpies in desperate need to reproduce. The final destination was the same, either in Mali or in the Mediterranean island. Death.
Ayo avoided the starving townspeople, hoping Anna could do anything to help. He had his share of starvation during his childhood and didnât need to open any ancient wounds.
Heh. Wounds.
He walked around the houses and went to the limit of the townâs perimeter. The sun shined bright in the cloudless sky, and in the distance Ayo could see something movingâĻ Going towards him. He reached for his stick, and pulled it out jumping to battle stance. It could be a harpy that got lost from the pack, and Ayo would welcome the opportunity of seeing the creatures by himself. The thing got closer, and the African man wondered if it wasnât just his wounded eye playing tricks on him. He covered the imperfect eye with his hand, but the moving dot didnât disappear. But as it got closer, Ayo noticed it wasnât a Harpy. It was walking. Slowly and limping, the thing was walking. A harpy would likely show up flyingâĻ
Ayo approached it with caution, and then he realized it was a man. Ayo ran towards the Greek, and when he reached him the Greek man fell in Ayoâs arms, tired as he was. He was deeply wounded, and his state was deplorable. His clothes, or what it was left of them, were covered in blood, and so were his feet, legs and chest. One of his feet seemed broken, he had a thick unkempt beard and showed signs of starvation. He was desperately trying to talk, but Ayo couldnât understand a word. The darkness of the mere being always engulfed the soul of a man in his last moments, and this one was no different. Ayo didnât think we would make it, but he could give important information before dying. The African man cursed himself for being so cold-hearted, but it was necessary. Ayo quickly lifted the man, and started running back to where the rest of the team was. When he reached them, Ayo headed straight for Anna, explaining while he put the man down on the ground:
âI found him in the outskirts of the townâĻ He seems to have escaped from the harpies. He could have important informationâĻâ Ayo hesitated. âDo your best to save him, but I donât think he is going to make it. Ask him about the harpiesâĻ Try to recover as much information as possible.â Ayo stood up, and right before moving away to give the doctor some room, he whispered: âGood Luck.â
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Greece
Listening to the part of the briefing that took place on the plane, Anna diverted some of her attention to reading the labels on some of the boxes and running a mental inventory of what she'd have to work with in between making pleasant conversation with anyone that seemed so inclined. It seemed like they really were bringing a lot of food; the thought was one that made her smile, though she didn't bother to voice aloud the reasons why. It seemed pretty redundant to say that it was nice to know the cover operation would have some legitimacy. Who wouldn't want that, after all?
The plane landed, and as soon as everything was all sorted out, she decided to get to work. Since she and gas-mask guy, Bobby, were supposed to be interviewing people, it would probably help to get themselves out there and introduce the organization to the townspeople. That in mind, she grabbed a crate of medical supplies and turned to her comrade. "Would you mind taking some food along? We've gotta look all shiny and friendly, right? I bet people would be willing to talk a bit more if they're full, huh?" She hadn't really thought to ask him whether he'd rather split up or whatever, because the answer was obvious to her. She might be kind of okay by herself despite a complete lack of combat experience (she did after all have Paul, though nobody else really knew that), but he was male, which in this case meant that it kind of sucked to be him. Harpies and all that.
She was out the door and a good half-mile or so down the road when she spotted something in the distance and squinted. "Now that's kinda oddly-shaped, isn't it?" she asked aloud, but it became clear in pretty short order why that was, and she immediately set the crate down and began rummaging through it, processing Ayo's commentary but not wasting the time by doing nothing else simultaneously. "Uh... sure," she said at the conclusion. She wasn't a huge believer in luck, but hey, whatever. Thought that counts or something. Ayo seemed to have written the guy off already, but she was bound professionally not to do the same.
Of course, a secondary problem arose pretty quickly after that. She knew some ancient Greek, but none of the modern stuff. Mm... maybe it was close enough for the small number of things she'd be saying. She could remember the answers and translate later or something. Better than not trying at all. "What happened to you?" she asked, a bit haltingly since nobody usually cared about the pronunciation of dead languages. It was the best she had. If she didn't get a reply, she'd just run through all the other tongues she knew and hope something worked. Meanwhile, of course, she was diagnosing as fast as she could, disinfecting, and bandaging like nobody's business. Exsanguination was probably not the best way to go.
"Welcome to Greece," she told herself chirpily, though honestly there might have been just a hint of sarcasm in there somewhere.
Listening to the part of the briefing that took place on the plane, Anna diverted some of her attention to reading the labels on some of the boxes and running a mental inventory of what she'd have to work with in between making pleasant conversation with anyone that seemed so inclined. It seemed like they really were bringing a lot of food; the thought was one that made her smile, though she didn't bother to voice aloud the reasons why. It seemed pretty redundant to say that it was nice to know the cover operation would have some legitimacy. Who wouldn't want that, after all?
The plane landed, and as soon as everything was all sorted out, she decided to get to work. Since she and gas-mask guy, Bobby, were supposed to be interviewing people, it would probably help to get themselves out there and introduce the organization to the townspeople. That in mind, she grabbed a crate of medical supplies and turned to her comrade. "Would you mind taking some food along? We've gotta look all shiny and friendly, right? I bet people would be willing to talk a bit more if they're full, huh?" She hadn't really thought to ask him whether he'd rather split up or whatever, because the answer was obvious to her. She might be kind of okay by herself despite a complete lack of combat experience (she did after all have Paul, though nobody else really knew that), but he was male, which in this case meant that it kind of sucked to be him. Harpies and all that.
She was out the door and a good half-mile or so down the road when she spotted something in the distance and squinted. "Now that's kinda oddly-shaped, isn't it?" she asked aloud, but it became clear in pretty short order why that was, and she immediately set the crate down and began rummaging through it, processing Ayo's commentary but not wasting the time by doing nothing else simultaneously. "Uh... sure," she said at the conclusion. She wasn't a huge believer in luck, but hey, whatever. Thought that counts or something. Ayo seemed to have written the guy off already, but she was bound professionally not to do the same.
Of course, a secondary problem arose pretty quickly after that. She knew some ancient Greek, but none of the modern stuff. Mm... maybe it was close enough for the small number of things she'd be saying. She could remember the answers and translate later or something. Better than not trying at all. "What happened to you?" she asked, a bit haltingly since nobody usually cared about the pronunciation of dead languages. It was the best she had. If she didn't get a reply, she'd just run through all the other tongues she knew and hope something worked. Meanwhile, of course, she was diagnosing as fast as she could, disinfecting, and bandaging like nobody's business. Exsanguination was probably not the best way to go.
"Welcome to Greece," she told herself chirpily, though honestly there might have been just a hint of sarcasm in there somewhere.
The setting changes from Europe to North America
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Appalachian Mountains
Brennus sat in the helicopter, calmly observing the strange girl he chose to accompany him. Song and Jason took a separate chopper to a different area of the mountains. They had their orders, and Brennus would make sure to relay information periodically. The reason Brennus chose Yumi as his partner was not an easily explained one. The man had a strange feeling about the girl, he sensed something unusual about her. It was bad enough that the girl wanted to be called Maha-sama, but her other behaviors were similarly disturbing. Brennus wondered if A.S.C.O knew what they were doing in terms of recruitment...
"A'right Yumi-chan, we are nearing our destination. While we have decent supplies, the first thing we need to do is set up our base of operations. Its bright out, so the thrice-damned monkeys shouldn't pose a problem yet. Even so, keep your guard up. After the base is set, we should try to capture one of the monkeys, get a sample for analysis."
Brennus had spent enough time around Tachibana to learn a bit about Japanese culture. The way the man spoke, it really did convince Brennus that what Tachibana was doing was right, but coercing Brennus was not necessary. Perhaps he should talk to the man, try and explain his side in all this. In any case, Brennus used the diminutive -chan on purpose. To try and get her teammates to refer to her as sama was the height of arrogance. Brennus would beat that arrogance out of Yumi, one way or the other.
Brennus sat in the helicopter, calmly observing the strange girl he chose to accompany him. Song and Jason took a separate chopper to a different area of the mountains. They had their orders, and Brennus would make sure to relay information periodically. The reason Brennus chose Yumi as his partner was not an easily explained one. The man had a strange feeling about the girl, he sensed something unusual about her. It was bad enough that the girl wanted to be called Maha-sama, but her other behaviors were similarly disturbing. Brennus wondered if A.S.C.O knew what they were doing in terms of recruitment...
"A'right Yumi-chan, we are nearing our destination. While we have decent supplies, the first thing we need to do is set up our base of operations. Its bright out, so the thrice-damned monkeys shouldn't pose a problem yet. Even so, keep your guard up. After the base is set, we should try to capture one of the monkeys, get a sample for analysis."
Brennus had spent enough time around Tachibana to learn a bit about Japanese culture. The way the man spoke, it really did convince Brennus that what Tachibana was doing was right, but coercing Brennus was not necessary. Perhaps he should talk to the man, try and explain his side in all this. In any case, Brennus used the diminutive -chan on purpose. To try and get her teammates to refer to her as sama was the height of arrogance. Brennus would beat that arrogance out of Yumi, one way or the other.
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A.S.C.O. Headquarters
At the base of the stairs, Titus waited. Rather patiently for the Aussie. Perhaps he was resting, and hoping not to irritate the raw skin on his thighs and crotch. Thankfully, the damage from riding the Ifrit wasn't too extensive. The skin was merely chaffed and only annoyed slightly. Well, as slightly as an irritation on one's crotch could allow. Thank goodness his jeans were pretty thick, otherwise his when he had kids, they would turn out a crispy fried color. His left hand was likewise bandaged, due to grabbing the horns of the creature. Those burns were a little worse, but still, they couldn't keep the Aussie down. That's what he gets for riding the beast, and this is what he gets paid for. No way in hell was he going to miss a mission because of some "minor" burns.
As Michael descended the stairs, Titus was in the middle of scratching a rather... Sore area. The appearence of the board member cause Titus to freeze in his compromising position for a moment. He locked eyes with the man for a moment and simply asked, "What," in a serious tone, before a smile cracked through. Titus removed the hand from his crotch and ran it through his wild hair. His hat was indisposed at the moment. Must have lost it during the scuffle. That was alright though, he'd just acquire a new one before the mission, something a little more combat suited than a banana yellow football cap.
"Right then mate," Titus said, approaching Michael and putting a hand around him while at the same time grabbing the binder. "Hmm, seems like this is my beastie," he said looking at the binder. He flipped it open with one hand and looked at the creature they were to be hunting. Titus couldn't help but laugh at the name of the creature. "An Aswang? Sound's like somethin' you'd find in ya bloody pants, doesn't it?" Titus said with a loud guffaw. He detached himself from Michael and continued to read the binder as he paced. "The Philippines, yadda, yadda, pregnant women... Nasty bastard, isn't he? Oh, and it shapeshifts. Awesome. Let's see here, who's with me... Lazarus Saviante? The bloody hell is that?" Titus asked looking up trying to spy the man. Seeing the greying man, Titus shrugged, "I guess I'll get to know ya on the way to the Philippines, mate," Titus said, closing the binder, and venturing another itch to his crotch.
"Oh, and a rule for this mission. Iffin' ya see any wild animals that don't look quite right. Shoot it dead," Titus said with a raise of an eyebrow.
At the base of the stairs, Titus waited. Rather patiently for the Aussie. Perhaps he was resting, and hoping not to irritate the raw skin on his thighs and crotch. Thankfully, the damage from riding the Ifrit wasn't too extensive. The skin was merely chaffed and only annoyed slightly. Well, as slightly as an irritation on one's crotch could allow. Thank goodness his jeans were pretty thick, otherwise his when he had kids, they would turn out a crispy fried color. His left hand was likewise bandaged, due to grabbing the horns of the creature. Those burns were a little worse, but still, they couldn't keep the Aussie down. That's what he gets for riding the beast, and this is what he gets paid for. No way in hell was he going to miss a mission because of some "minor" burns.
As Michael descended the stairs, Titus was in the middle of scratching a rather... Sore area. The appearence of the board member cause Titus to freeze in his compromising position for a moment. He locked eyes with the man for a moment and simply asked, "What," in a serious tone, before a smile cracked through. Titus removed the hand from his crotch and ran it through his wild hair. His hat was indisposed at the moment. Must have lost it during the scuffle. That was alright though, he'd just acquire a new one before the mission, something a little more combat suited than a banana yellow football cap.
"Right then mate," Titus said, approaching Michael and putting a hand around him while at the same time grabbing the binder. "Hmm, seems like this is my beastie," he said looking at the binder. He flipped it open with one hand and looked at the creature they were to be hunting. Titus couldn't help but laugh at the name of the creature. "An Aswang? Sound's like somethin' you'd find in ya bloody pants, doesn't it?" Titus said with a loud guffaw. He detached himself from Michael and continued to read the binder as he paced. "The Philippines, yadda, yadda, pregnant women... Nasty bastard, isn't he? Oh, and it shapeshifts. Awesome. Let's see here, who's with me... Lazarus Saviante? The bloody hell is that?" Titus asked looking up trying to spy the man. Seeing the greying man, Titus shrugged, "I guess I'll get to know ya on the way to the Philippines, mate," Titus said, closing the binder, and venturing another itch to his crotch.
"Oh, and a rule for this mission. Iffin' ya see any wild animals that don't look quite right. Shoot it dead," Titus said with a raise of an eyebrow.
The setting changes from North America to Europe
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A Small Greek Town
John hurried along with Ayo, bringing the injured man to Netanya. He grimaced. "Here's a prime example of why we're doing what we're doing, man," he murmured, shivering as he watched the doctor go to work on him.
The middle-aged Greek man choked out a few words in response to Netanya, understanding the Ancient Greek dialect fairly well. "Monsters," he cried in Greek, "Horrible, wonderful monsters!" The man groaned in pain before recounting his tale. "I was out, hunting. Had to get... something to eat. The snatchers got me. Not so bad at first, no, they have some fine..." he explained before cutting off. He continued, "They aren't so gentle once the deed is gone. Started picking at my body, miserable snatchers. But I got away, just barely... they keep flying on and off the mountains north of here. Should have avoided that part of the forest all-together."
John, once he had been given a rough translation by Netanya, weighed his options. By now, a small crowd had gathered to listen to the man's story; a story all-too-common recently. "Poor guy, he's so injured that he's delirious," John shouted for the benefit of anyone present who spoke English.
A teenager stepped forward angrily and exclaimed, "Ai sto diaolo! Why else would we be starving? If you don't think they're real, then go there yourself! No one's been dumb enough to go that far north, not even the reporters!" Two older adults, possibly the young girl's parents, pulled her back, scolding her in Greek. "Damn American!" she screamed one last time, followed by hushes.
"I'm sure there is a logical explanation," John retorted, "Monsters are silly. But don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this." In a softer voice he commanded his teammates, "Alright. Let's get some aid over with and then we'll all head out just to see how scary those mountains really are. Probably just a bear, right? Or an eagle. Maybe a pack of wolves." He began walking back to the plane, which was still being unloaded.
"Either way, better get something to take it down," he called back, unloading his weaponry, "Netanya, finish up with him and make sure no one else is in immediate danger. Bobby, Ayo, help me pass out this food. We're from an Anti-Starvation organization, after all."
An Hour Later
After an hour of passing out food and chatting up the locals, they had managed to pinpoint a probable location. Due north of the little town, near the top of one of the taller mountains but probably low enough not to worry about lack of oxygen. Electric shotgun in hand, John led the way into the forest.
*ai sto diaolo: Greek for "go to hell."
John hurried along with Ayo, bringing the injured man to Netanya. He grimaced. "Here's a prime example of why we're doing what we're doing, man," he murmured, shivering as he watched the doctor go to work on him.
The middle-aged Greek man choked out a few words in response to Netanya, understanding the Ancient Greek dialect fairly well. "Monsters," he cried in Greek, "Horrible, wonderful monsters!" The man groaned in pain before recounting his tale. "I was out, hunting. Had to get... something to eat. The snatchers got me. Not so bad at first, no, they have some fine..." he explained before cutting off. He continued, "They aren't so gentle once the deed is gone. Started picking at my body, miserable snatchers. But I got away, just barely... they keep flying on and off the mountains north of here. Should have avoided that part of the forest all-together."
John, once he had been given a rough translation by Netanya, weighed his options. By now, a small crowd had gathered to listen to the man's story; a story all-too-common recently. "Poor guy, he's so injured that he's delirious," John shouted for the benefit of anyone present who spoke English.
A teenager stepped forward angrily and exclaimed, "Ai sto diaolo! Why else would we be starving? If you don't think they're real, then go there yourself! No one's been dumb enough to go that far north, not even the reporters!" Two older adults, possibly the young girl's parents, pulled her back, scolding her in Greek. "Damn American!" she screamed one last time, followed by hushes.
"I'm sure there is a logical explanation," John retorted, "Monsters are silly. But don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this." In a softer voice he commanded his teammates, "Alright. Let's get some aid over with and then we'll all head out just to see how scary those mountains really are. Probably just a bear, right? Or an eagle. Maybe a pack of wolves." He began walking back to the plane, which was still being unloaded.
"Either way, better get something to take it down," he called back, unloading his weaponry, "Netanya, finish up with him and make sure no one else is in immediate danger. Bobby, Ayo, help me pass out this food. We're from an Anti-Starvation organization, after all."
An Hour Later
After an hour of passing out food and chatting up the locals, they had managed to pinpoint a probable location. Due north of the little town, near the top of one of the taller mountains but probably low enough not to worry about lack of oxygen. Electric shotgun in hand, John led the way into the forest.
*ai sto diaolo: Greek for "go to hell."
The setting changes from Europe to North America
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A.S.C.O. Headquarters
Michael came down the stairs, everyone armed and signed up for the mission.
The hulking man was a bit reluctant to give up his mission. It had been so long since he had been on one. So much damn Board Member paperwork. Still, it was Titus' mission, so John gave it up. "Howdy, Titus," he greeted before turning to the new recruits he was no longer leading, "Alright, ya'll, this is Titus. Ya'll listen to him, he's one of the better hunters around here." With that, he went back towards the stairs to go to his office on the top floor. "I'll let Mission Planning know on my way up," he called, "You probably don't need it, but good luck."
Michael came down the stairs, everyone armed and signed up for the mission.
The hulking man was a bit reluctant to give up his mission. It had been so long since he had been on one. So much damn Board Member paperwork. Still, it was Titus' mission, so John gave it up. "Howdy, Titus," he greeted before turning to the new recruits he was no longer leading, "Alright, ya'll, this is Titus. Ya'll listen to him, he's one of the better hunters around here." With that, he went back towards the stairs to go to his office on the top floor. "I'll let Mission Planning know on my way up," he called, "You probably don't need it, but good luck."
The setting changes from North America to Europe
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Greece
The tale was rather short, all told, but that was not to say it was in the least uninteresting. Netanya was pleasantly surprised by how similar the ancient and modern Greek languages were; it would seem she'd have no difficulty communicating at all, much unlike if she tried to speak Latin in Italy, for example. Well, unless she happened to be speaking with a very traditional Catholic priest, but then she doubted many of those would have the time of day for a Jewish woman, now would they?
She finished bandaging her patient with great care, snickering under her breath at his obvious implications, though her face dropped into a troubled frown when he mentioned the rest of it. She remembered that she was supposed to seem incredulous, though, so she infused a delicate skepticism into her translation, which the astute John made more obvious with his proclamations. The interruption was unexpected, but perhaps it shouldn't have been. Superstition tended to pervade more in rural areas than it did in urban ones; that was simply a fact. She turned her eyes back down to the man she was treating and did not comment, going for tact while John played the more obviously-dubious foreigner. Always good to have a range with these things, right? Like good cop/bad cop, only nobody was actually a police officer.
"Can I get some help moving him?" she asked aloud, and immediately a few men stepped forward to carry their injured neighbor back to the town proper. She smiled at the sight of such courtesy- that was something you didn't often get in cities, either.
As soon as they were back at "base," so to speak, she attended to anyone else with injuries or sicknesses, harpy=related or otherwise, while the others handed out the foodstuffs and make like a good little humanitarian organization. Hm. If vegetarians ate vegetables, weren't the harpies the real humanitarians? Oh, that one was bad. She made a mental note to use it sometime anyway. Just because a joke was awful didn't mean it wouldn't make someone laugh or break tension, and you really couldn't overestimate the importance of something like that.
An hour later, Netanya, unarmed as usual but carrying a number of supplies on her back including recon equipment as well as emergency medical stuff, followed John into the forest. She took the middle of the formation, as it was probably the safest place for a noncombatant to be. Ideally, she'd have a tactical van and some comm gear, but these were hardly ideal conditions, if such things even existed. She'd make due. She always did. Smiling, the young woman tapped the pocket that still held the slip of paper. Unarmed, but never helpless, right Paul?
The tale was rather short, all told, but that was not to say it was in the least uninteresting. Netanya was pleasantly surprised by how similar the ancient and modern Greek languages were; it would seem she'd have no difficulty communicating at all, much unlike if she tried to speak Latin in Italy, for example. Well, unless she happened to be speaking with a very traditional Catholic priest, but then she doubted many of those would have the time of day for a Jewish woman, now would they?
She finished bandaging her patient with great care, snickering under her breath at his obvious implications, though her face dropped into a troubled frown when he mentioned the rest of it. She remembered that she was supposed to seem incredulous, though, so she infused a delicate skepticism into her translation, which the astute John made more obvious with his proclamations. The interruption was unexpected, but perhaps it shouldn't have been. Superstition tended to pervade more in rural areas than it did in urban ones; that was simply a fact. She turned her eyes back down to the man she was treating and did not comment, going for tact while John played the more obviously-dubious foreigner. Always good to have a range with these things, right? Like good cop/bad cop, only nobody was actually a police officer.
"Can I get some help moving him?" she asked aloud, and immediately a few men stepped forward to carry their injured neighbor back to the town proper. She smiled at the sight of such courtesy- that was something you didn't often get in cities, either.
As soon as they were back at "base," so to speak, she attended to anyone else with injuries or sicknesses, harpy=related or otherwise, while the others handed out the foodstuffs and make like a good little humanitarian organization. Hm. If vegetarians ate vegetables, weren't the harpies the real humanitarians? Oh, that one was bad. She made a mental note to use it sometime anyway. Just because a joke was awful didn't mean it wouldn't make someone laugh or break tension, and you really couldn't overestimate the importance of something like that.
An hour later, Netanya, unarmed as usual but carrying a number of supplies on her back including recon equipment as well as emergency medical stuff, followed John into the forest. She took the middle of the formation, as it was probably the safest place for a noncombatant to be. Ideally, she'd have a tactical van and some comm gear, but these were hardly ideal conditions, if such things even existed. She'd make due. She always did. Smiling, the young woman tapped the pocket that still held the slip of paper. Unarmed, but never helpless, right Paul?
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Netanya Haddad
"You know... it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. You must be serious about your facial fitness."
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Lazarus Saviante
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A.S.C.O.
1 ... 10, 11, 12by Sciamancer on Tue Aug 16, 2011 4:33 pm
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- Last post by dionkar336
on Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:45 am
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A.S.C.O.
Most recent OOC posts in A.S.C.O.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Not dead, just abandoned. Roleplays never die, Dion. They just float off into cyberspace and get compressed and deleted. But they don't die, never forget that!
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Alrightie. If everyone agrees to a Necromancy RP, then we can work on fleshing it out, but if anyone has a better idea, do tell. Since ASCO is dead (sadface), I assume everyone here in our "small group" would be fine with starting a new RP. Right?
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
I kind of like the idea of Necromancy. Really never see necromantic rp's out there. Asco had some epic potential, but due to some unpredictable circumstances (random drop outs, unexpllained no posts, excessive work) it could not continue. Sadface. Smaller groups with trusted players is best, because if one of us isn't posting, we can always yell at the non poster until they post. To answer the question, Gracie's full name is SarahGracie, and she is pretty dern fun.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
I am glad that I am your list despite only RPing with you twice (including this RP). I appreciate it.
Anyway, I think that perhaps having a small group is better, but we must always be on the look-out for more to join our secret society. Did I say secret society? I meant totally innocent roleplay group. But yeah. Small group, but be on the look out for new people. Maybe one RP with the small group and another open one. Looking for talent.
I really hated the orange!
I'm upset about this RP, but I can't say I'm surprised, sadly. I'm up for a smaller group RP with some of the best RPers I've met (ie, those that dionkar listed... plus a few more?)
Maybe I'm just being slow, but what is Gracie's full username? Doesn't sound familiar. I'd add Shiva to that list. Unless Shiva is Gracie. Then I'd feel really stupid.
Any ideas for a small-group roleplay that all of our small-group would be interested in? Specific ideas or genres. We all liked Insurrection, so it's safe to say that we all like dystopians, sci-fis, and super-powers. Everyone on that list joined this RP I think, so Contemporary Fantasy goes on that list along with the idea of being a regular human and hunting monsters. Hmm. I'm going to throw ideas out like tossing shit out of a dumpster: something might be useful in there, but it would take some work to clean it up.
Okay, so the dumpster didn't have much in it. I'd do an ASCO with this smaller group, but after this one failed, it just feels... wrong. Repetitive. You guys have any ideas/actually think my ideas are good? I'll brainstorm more. I need to RP! This and another one on another site are all I'm in, and the other one doesn't look good activity-wise.
EDIT: I just realized that none of these ideas have real plots. How is plott formed? How roleplay get plotted?
Anyway, I think that perhaps having a small group is better, but we must always be on the look-out for more to join our secret society. Did I say secret society? I meant totally innocent roleplay group. But yeah. Small group, but be on the look out for new people. Maybe one RP with the small group and another open one. Looking for talent.
I really hated the orange!
I'm upset about this RP, but I can't say I'm surprised, sadly. I'm up for a smaller group RP with some of the best RPers I've met (ie, those that dionkar listed... plus a few more?)
Maybe I'm just being slow, but what is Gracie's full username? Doesn't sound familiar. I'd add Shiva to that list. Unless Shiva is Gracie. Then I'd feel really stupid.
Any ideas for a small-group roleplay that all of our small-group would be interested in? Specific ideas or genres. We all liked Insurrection, so it's safe to say that we all like dystopians, sci-fis, and super-powers. Everyone on that list joined this RP I think, so Contemporary Fantasy goes on that list along with the idea of being a regular human and hunting monsters. Hmm. I'm going to throw ideas out like tossing shit out of a dumpster: something might be useful in there, but it would take some work to clean it up.
Forms of Necromancy exist in a modern setting. Anything from speaking with the dead to resurrecting them. A variety of undead monsters, some of which could be playable. Anyone up for playing a vampire that's actually a resurrected corpse? Or a zombie! A lich! A ghost! There's more than one way to keep someone alive who shouldn't be. Plot on this one I'm still pondering. Some Holy(-ier-than-thou) Order out to get them could be interesting. Switch the roles of good and evil. Still seems cliche, though... we could also have the two opposite sides, but with such a small group that might not work quite as well.
Several hundred years from now, a plague swept across the earth wiping out most animal life. Scientists, in their desperation to stay alive, fused humans with non-animal lifeforms/bred sentient non-human lifeforms by splicing human genes with others. Can't decide which one. The results are plant/fungus people. Probably mostly plant. Blargh plant-based superpowers. At some stage of development in a new society, whether that be just as these plant people are emerging, several generations later, or what. This sort of idea has been on my mind for a while but it always seems retarded when I try to flesh it out.
You are a supernatural creature, but have only the cons and none (or very very few) of the pros of being said creature. Vampire needs blood, turns to ash in sunlight, and burns when it touches holy objects, but is not immortal, not strong, not fast, cannot transform, and to top it all off has no fangs. Werewolf turns into an absolutely uncontrollable wolf during the full moon and has a horrible silver allergy. Etc. Taken from an ideas thread here on RPG
Okay, so the dumpster didn't have much in it. I'd do an ASCO with this smaller group, but after this one failed, it just feels... wrong. Repetitive. You guys have any ideas/actually think my ideas are good? I'll brainstorm more. I need to RP! This and another one on another site are all I'm in, and the other one doesn't look good activity-wise.
EDIT: I just realized that none of these ideas have real plots. How is plott formed? How roleplay get plotted?
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Orange, orange everywhere.
It's going to be a shock when they revert the site, my eyes have already got use to the orange.
It's going to be a shock when they revert the site, my eyes have already got use to the orange.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Unfortunately, I may have to agree. The new site layout is freaking me out a bit. I also think I may have to pull a Machina. College, work, and RPG is just way too much to deal with.
This depresses me. Actually, I will stay on, but I think I can only join RP's with just a small close knit group. Kiku, Scia, Kumori, Gracie, and Talis basically. People I have experience with and could trust (Though Kumori is kinda on my shit list right now). So if you guys are interested in trying a smaller rp, I am totally in
This depresses me. Actually, I will stay on, but I think I can only join RP's with just a small close knit group. Kiku, Scia, Kumori, Gracie, and Talis basically. People I have experience with and could trust (Though Kumori is kinda on my shit list right now). So if you guys are interested in trying a smaller rp, I am totally in
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
I think we may have crossed the magical threshold from "slow-moving" to "dead and buried."
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
If only all cookies were digital internet cookies. I ended up binging quite a bit, which doesn't matter since I try to maintain some degree of fitness, but it made me physically ill. Ah well, thanks for the cookie Kiku, it made my soul feel better. In return, I send unto ye the Luck of the Irish! May all your endeavors be blessed with whimsical Leprechaun magic!
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Hey guys... What day is it? It feels like I haven't been here in forever. This is actually the first bit of free time I've had in.... I don't even know. And I cant stay long, as I have to get up early tomorrow. And then more calculus until my brain explodes. And... I NEED TO SCHEDULE A FUCKING READING TEST, BECAUSE JUST BECAUSE I AVERAGE A 3.5 + GPA, IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY IMPLY THAT I COULD READ!!!!!!
Yea. Im just. Yea.. waaaaayyy too much to complain about. I am... actually pretty damn close to murdering someone. The bastards dont want to let me graduate unless i could prove that I am smarter than the average stoned monkey. How goddamn asinine.
Well, ta-ta good fellows, I need a minor mental breakdown. I miss Machina, and I now totally understand why she had to leave. Kiku... I have no idea how you are still doing this, but I think it is safe to assume you are some kind of inhuman genius who never needs to sleep... Or pretends to while actually just finishing whatever work is leftover.
Alrighty, off to go explode now.
Yea. Im just. Yea.. waaaaayyy too much to complain about. I am... actually pretty damn close to murdering someone. The bastards dont want to let me graduate unless i could prove that I am smarter than the average stoned monkey. How goddamn asinine.
Well, ta-ta good fellows, I need a minor mental breakdown. I miss Machina, and I now totally understand why she had to leave. Kiku... I have no idea how you are still doing this, but I think it is safe to assume you are some kind of inhuman genius who never needs to sleep... Or pretends to while actually just finishing whatever work is leftover.
Alrighty, off to go explode now.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Pardon my language but...
Fuck college... Srsly.
I just finished a Bio test that beat me about the head and neck, I have a sucky chemistry lab to go to tonight, and I'm struggling in homework, everywhere. A paper due for Bio lab and graph for Chem lab.
Now that my rant is done, I probably should get on some of that.
Fuck college... Srsly.
I just finished a Bio test that beat me about the head and neck, I have a sucky chemistry lab to go to tonight, and I'm struggling in homework, everywhere. A paper due for Bio lab and graph for Chem lab.
Now that my rant is done, I probably should get on some of that.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
We are soul mates bound by the common pain of college! lol, I kid. But daaaaaamn, that sucks. I actually would trade with you though. writing is a strength of mine, math is not. I had an insane amount of calculus and jazz to do. As well as study. Im fried
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
@Dion: Yeah, I wrote a grand total of 15 pages this weekend on top of studying for two exams, one of which is Latin and reading for two more classes. I feel your pain, dude.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Eh, not a problem Wheatley. I'm all crazy busy anyway.
@Kiku: Hooray! Netanya finds happiness!
On an unrelated note, I feel physically sick and exhausted. College is brutal.
@Kiku: Hooray! Netanya finds happiness!
On an unrelated note, I feel physically sick and exhausted. College is brutal.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Can't post tommorow. Have a meeting with my law class about a project. (Just thought I'd tell ya now doinkar.)
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Oh, hey cool! We'll play it like Netanya doesn't know that, and she can be happy as a clam when it totally works haha.
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
Indeed, I was unsure of who was doing what. Wheatley, you are up, as i am posting shortly.
Das EDIT:
Hey Kiku, I almost forgot! Modern Greek actually is similar enough to Ancient Greek that you can get away with using either language interchangeably. In fact, some of the more secluded areas of Greece only speak Ancient Greek. For example, My family got lost on a big road trip through the mainland a few summers ago, and we stumbled upon this secluded town in the mountains where they only spoke the Ancient language. I had a blast! I never get to speak Ancient Greek. The main difference is that Ancient Greek is more.... eh. whats the word? Ah, its more efficient. Words become shortened, but are still understood. An example of this would be the phrase, "how are you?" becoming shortened to just "you?" but the word used and the inflection makes the meaning perfectly clear. Eh, not the best way to describe it. It doesnt make sense unless you know both languages! -_-
Das EDIT:
Hey Kiku, I almost forgot! Modern Greek actually is similar enough to Ancient Greek that you can get away with using either language interchangeably. In fact, some of the more secluded areas of Greece only speak Ancient Greek. For example, My family got lost on a big road trip through the mainland a few summers ago, and we stumbled upon this secluded town in the mountains where they only spoke the Ancient language. I had a blast! I never get to speak Ancient Greek. The main difference is that Ancient Greek is more.... eh. whats the word? Ah, its more efficient. Words become shortened, but are still understood. An example of this would be the phrase, "how are you?" becoming shortened to just "you?" but the word used and the inflection makes the meaning perfectly clear. Eh, not the best way to describe it. It doesnt make sense unless you know both languages! -_-
Re: [OOC] A.S.C.O.
dionkar336 wrote:right... 2 or 3 of the people who are on my team arent posting. And they havent been on in forever. Therefore, I will flex my Co-GM muscle and progress Wheatley and myself to the actual mission, and explain the other people's absence as they are in different areas of the Appalachian Mountains.
If anyone has any complaints, know in advance that I dont care. You have had long enough to put in something, and you havent. Anyone is free to ragequit like Noxize if ye disagree.
Dionkar, 3 people is your whole team minus you, so I'm pretty sure it's not 3.
Hehehehe.
I might even get a post in tonight if I can get through some other things. If not, I will struggle to get one tomorrow. Weekend, busy busy weekend, here I come!