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Valerian's Character Profile
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*The early days*
Valerian was the son of a Roman Patrician towards the end of the empire. He was present in Alexandria in 415 AD, when the Library there was burned, and it was during the riots marking this event that he first came to the notice of the Master.
The Master saw in Valerian a ruthless efficiency. During the madness and mayhem, Valerian acted to preserve his life at all costs and this, more than anything else, convinced the Master that he would make an excellent addition to his brood. Valerian eagerly accepted the embrace... the promise of immortality and superior physical abilities was too seductive to pass by, especially after the Master gave a simple demonstration of Valerian’s mortality.
The next thousand years of Valerian’s life were spent with the Master and his brood, slowly learning the powers that set the Master’s direct childer apart from other vampires. Unlike his vampiric sibling Kakistos and his sire, Valerian’s physical appearance changed little during this period... He made every effort to maintain the outer facade his mortal self had been born with, the vanity he'd suffered as a human had not diminished any in his state of undeath.
As the years passed, the Master slowly became irritated with his fractious childer... for although they were powerful, they frequently opposed his goals and obstructed what he saw as his rise to universal power. Finally, in the late 14th Century, these arguments came to a head. Unable to control his childer directly, the Master formed the Order of Aurelius, his own dealth cult, vowing that he would be the sole power within it. His brood, including Valerian, scattered to the four winds as they sought to avoid their sire’s wrath.
*The Brotherhood*
For the next three centuries, Valerian lived quietly... Moving around Europe and Asia, he avoided the notice of the Slayer for the vast majority of this period, though he was responsible for the deaths of four of the Chosen Ones... In September of 1666, when Valerian had settled down in London, he met his fifth Slayer. Although modern historical accounts place the origin of the Great Fire of London at a baker's shop in Pudding Lane, the real reason for the setting of the fire was the Slayer’s desperate last (and almost successful!) attempt to destroy Valerian.
It was after this harrowing event that Valerian realised the dwindling numbers of the Master’s brood as its members were slowly picked off. At least four "Elders" had fallen over the past three hundred years, and Valerian had noticed that there had been numerous attempts on his life, much more so than before.
Having drawn such a conclusion, he contacted a number of his brood siblings and they formed a cohesive that became known as the Brotherhood. Apart, each of them were potential victims for the Slayer - difficult kills, but still within the realm of possibility. Together, the combination of their collective powers meant that it would take more than a single Slayer to kill them.
Valerian was the youngest nightwalker among the four, but by no means the least ambitious. In fact, he was the Brotherhood's driving force, pushing each of its members' powers to new heights through a combination of research and dark magic. Like Valerian, his counterparts (the vampires Dathan, Nicholas and Krispin) were famed for their uncannily developed abilities previously unheard of amongst the undead, which included the ability of flight, teleportation, mind control and astral projection.
The Brotherhood prospered for over two hundred years. Though vampires such as Darla and Angelus were the most notorious of this period, in reality, the Brotherhood did the greatest damage to humanity.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Valerian decided that it was time for the Brotherhood to be dissolved and for the four of them to re-insinuate themselves among the earth's mortal population. The reason for this was two-fold - Firstly, the recent publication of Bram Stoker’s "Dracula" flamed the increasing dismissal vampires as myths by Victorian society in general... It was safer now to go solo as a blooddrinker. Secondly, all four Elders had grown weary of the Hunters and other glory-seeking individuals looking to eliminate the Brotherhood. Staying together was becoming more of a hindrance, since tracking a group was easier as compared to tracking a solitary individual.
Hence, the 4 Elders went their separate ways, scattering themselves across the globe. Dathan made his way to Germany, Nicholas to Russia, Krispin to Australia...
The year was 1941... the Master's whereabouts had been unknown since the 1937 earthquake, not that it bothered any of the Elders. Like many vampires, they were arrogantly self-absorbed. They'd had little interaction with their sire or the Order of Aurelius since the 14th Century... The news of his disappearance and rumoured demise meant nothing.
Valerian headed towards Asia again, settling in Hong Kong. The atmosphere suited him and the recent death of a Slayer during the Boxer Rebellion in nearby China made it a relatively safe place to establish a home base. He built his power slowly, infiltrating the government and triad networks to get them to do his bidding as he went about covering his own tracks. Valerian then slipped from the public's view until the early eighties.
*The 1980s*
It was during this era of disco fever and obscure fashion that the vampire finally learned how it felt to desire another beyond description. Her name was Rose - she worked as a curator at a local art gallery.
To avoid frightening her, Valerian kept his true identity a secret. His plan was to seduce Rose, bring her over to the dark side and make her his eternal mate. Never in his wildest imaginations did he expect to fall in love with her gentle beauty and sweet nature, nor did he anticipate the two of them creating a child.
When Rose discovered that he was a vampire, she fled, shattered and terrified, unable to accept that the "man" she'd come to adore was in actual fact a cold-blooded, murdering monster.
As the weeks passed into months, Valerian's continued failure to track Rose down wracked him with an emotion he hadn't felt since he'd become a nightwalker thousands of years before - hurt. The unfamiliar pain of it was almost unbearable, causing him to take the easiest defence against it and turning his initial regret and guilt into bitter anger.
It was then that Valerian decided to give Rose the dark gift, regardless of her wishes. (After all, he'd have eternity to win her back once she'd been embraced and made into an immortal!) Having devised such a scheme, he doubled his efforts to find her and their unborn child.
Unfortunately, the fates seemed to be against him, for the vampire was suddenly attacked and captured by several members of his sire's death cult. The Order of Aurelius, convinced that the Brotherhood had something to do with the Master's disappearance, had placed a toll on his head, as well as on the heads of his 3 brothers, Dathan, Nicholas and Krispin.
By the time Valerian had killed the offending cult members and sufficiently recovered from the injuries they had inflicted, a week had passed and he was too late. Rose had died just three days before, after giving birth to a tiny baby girl she'd named Jadyn (meaning "God has heard"), only no one seemed to be able to tell him where the child was.
Insane with a grief he didn't expect to feel, Valerian had sworn to find his daughter - he saw her as the last remaining link he had to his beautiful Rose - and to raise her the way he felt was appropriate for a child of such esteemed parentage...
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NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
This will be on-site this week
valerian's picture
i thought i'd post up a little montage of valerian's pictures here... heh... johnny depp's so perfect for the part i think! handsome, broody, intense and just a little scary! :)
oh... and thanks to nick for posting valerian's profile and to dave for posting up his picture gallery... wildandbad.com/valerian
NPC Profile - Inanna Fairchild
Race: Human
Sex: Female
Real Name: Inanna Fairchild
Nick Name: Anna
Birth Date & Location: 04/11/1988 Warwick, England
Position: Trainee Witch
Group Affiliation: Coven of Sindell
DESCRIPTION:
Inanna is 5'5" tall, she is of a skinny build with mousy brown hair and pale blue eyes, and a wan complextion.
BACKGROUND:
Inanna was orphaned as a child and since the age of 14 she has lived within the Coven ever since he uncle Tiberian petitioned for her early initiation at the age of 15.
Kate has been her mentor since the age of 16, and they share a very close friendship.
ITEMS:
Inanna has a pet cat called 'Grimm' - said cat has completely black fur with piercing green eyes, given to Inanna by Kate on her 16th birthday.
Drew's character profile
Race: Human
Sex: Male
Real Name: Andrew Langley
Nickname: Drew
Birthdate and Location: June 9, 1980 Berkely, California
Position: Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at UCLA, and graduate student
Group Affiliation: none
Description: Drew is a handsome man with chestnut brown hair desparately in need of a trim all the time, crystal blue eyes that he hides behind a pair of scholarly wire rimmed glasses, and a strong jaw. He is 6’3” and well built, with broad shoulders. He dresses casually in jeans and casual slacks and light shirts.
Drew is a grad student who teaches part time at UCLA. His major is Anthropology, and his area of emphasis is spiritualism and the occult. He likes coffee and quiet conversation. Although he is researching the rise of occultism and the paranormal in America, Drew himself does not believe in the existence of such things. He has no knowledge of magic, demons, vampires, or the like. Drew is just a regular guy.
Background: Drew was born to aging flower children parents in Berkley at the beginning of the 80’s. He grew up on various philosophies and ideas, so he is very open minded. Drew became interested in people and cultures at a young age and showed great intelligence. He finished high school slightly early at 16 and started his undergraduate studies immediately. He traveled a few times, doing a semester in Europe and one in Asia. Drew finished his BS at 20, did his MS in 2 years, and then took two years off to do field work. He has been to various places around the world and worked with a number of groups studying cultures and people. He recently returned to LA to work and study for his doctorate.
Items: It is unusual to see Drew without his black leather bag which carries his laptop and any number of books he is currently studying.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
The Character Profile for this character is available here
No Gallery is yet available
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
The Profile for this character is available here
No gallery has yet appeared
ryan / night walker profile
Race: Demon
Sex: Male
Real Name: Ryan
Nickname: The Night Walker
Birthdate and Location: Date unknown, but he was born somewhere in Ireland
Position: N/A
Group Affiliation: N/A
Ryan is a handsome Irish man, with blue eyes and thick, dark hair. He is about 6’7” and has the build of someone used to working outdoors. His skin is golden and he has a charming smile. Ryan appears to be young, in his early twenties.
Ryan has another side. Up until a few years ago, he was a peaceful and contented demon, living on the Watchers estate in Ireland, and keeping mostly to himself. He met a young woman, Amanda Blaise, one afternoon while he was chopping wood. He fell in love with her and her with him. They carried on their love affair for many months before they were found out by the council. Ryan was captured, tortured, and nearly killed. He was taken from the facility without Amanda’s knowledge.
Ryan was taken to a “Training Camp” in India. His demonic nature was of interest to the Watcher’s. They indoctrinated him in a program to dehumanize and create the perfect warrior to fight against vampiric and demonic forces. The head of the program, Ambrose Delancre, instilled programming in the young man that completely altered his natural disposition. He also tampered with Ryan’s demonic make up.
Ryan prior to the “Training” assumed a demonic form after the sun went down. Each night, he was transformed into a different person. His skin became golden and glowing, and his hair turned into moonlight. In his demonic form, Ryan could see perfectly in full darkness, control and manipulate the thoughts and minds of others, had enhanced strength, and could sense things about his surroundings, particularly when they related to dangers.
After Ambrose tampered with him, Ryan could control the transformation from man to demon. He also gained the ability to drain the life force out of humans through a kiss. Unfortunately, Ryan, now the Night Walker, also gained a terrible thirst for life force. This curse would run unchecked until he managed to find and drain Amanda, satisfying the conditions of the magic set upon him.
Night Walker escaped from the India compound and began searching for Daye. He came to LA not long after her arrival and is currently following Daye, stalking her and waiting for just the right moment.
GoddessMaia has sent us some gifts
We may have our first fan. GoddessMaia has sent in some character profiles from the site for use as NPCs or as "spare" characters for anyone who wants to play them.
She has opened the use of her character/Goddess Maia for our use as well as the NPCs to follow. SO please send her a notice of thanks to her email address (goddessmaia@hotmail.com) if you use her creations...just to be polite.
NPC PETITION for Kimmie
Okay, I don't know how this works exactly, but I'm sure I'll have to petition for the inclusion of an NPC that's going to play a major part in Sam's life. (The rules stated that we need to have a write-up for any NPC that appears more than twice, and she will). I hope this is the right place for it. So I hereby submit Kimmie for your acceptance, rejection, or comments of revision.
OVERVIEW
Name: Kimmie
Race: Changeling (for lack of a better word)/Currently Vampire (see below)
Apparent Age: Currently 21
Height: Currently 5’5”
Weight: Currently 130 1bs.
Position: Student
PAST HISTORY
Kimmie's beginnings were not rooted in physicality, nor even in mysticism. She received her existence through months of absolute will. . .
So consider now, if you will, the past lonely life of Kimberly Stockholm, a professor of philosophy at LACC (Los Angeles City College): 42 years old, single, a virgin, and very plain. You couldn’t have called her ugly when she was alive, but you wouldn’t have given her a second glance, either, no way would you have bothered. You would never have heard her name mentioned had you not been a student in her class, nor would you have cared to know her beyond the need to figure out how she graded. (She graded on a curve, by the way.)
Professor Stockholm had mastered philosophy, literature, and computer sciences to the degree of gaining the unchallenged respect of her colleagues—on paper. But in "real life," her shyness and burgeoning insecurity kept her from forming relationships with the other professors. She never ate lunch in the faculty lounge. She ate alone in the parking lot in her cream-colored Station Wagon. Her daily sack lunch consisted invariably of a bologna sandwich, a Sprite, and an apple.
To make things worse, Stockholm had decided in recent years that she was a lesbian, so finding love in this life was a slim chance in Hell. Being non-sexy and quietly gay. . .not even the nightclubs would have her. Books and the Internet were all that fettered her to sanity.
She found something of a mild-mannered solace in the philosophy web pages she’d visit—the academic chat rooms, and the porn message boards, too. In 1992 she met a small online community of Techno Pagans, one of whom was a computer sciences teacher from Sunnydale. Most of their conversations dealt with differing points of view, numerology, and eventually a grander subject: quantum physics and the concept that you cannot observe anything without affecting its physical nature.
"I'm not sure I believe that's entirely true," Stockholm typed to JENNY_BABE.
"Careful what you dismiss," came the reply. "I'd hate for you to give life something to prove."
PROFESSOR STOCKHOLM ALONE
One semester, Professor Stockholm was given the opportunity to teach night classes. She accepted gratefully, hoping the shadowy campus would add color to her ashen features, any color, even black. But the florescent lights only worsened her complexion. She hated talking under them, and she sometimes stuttered through her lectures.
The college staff seemed comfortable with her move from the daytime routine. The likes of Stockholm—tenure or not—were best kept in the back of their minds, begging to be forgotten.
Stockholm's teaching style suffered. It became rote. Her words poured to her students on a stream of monotony, and the pool of sluggish faces seemed to melt away as thirty pens frantically scribbled lecture notes. It was like the students were no longer on her plane of existence--there, but not. She couldn't blame them for their lack of interest. God, Stockholm wasn’t even listening to herself anymore. As she spoke of Greeks and Motorcyle Maintenance, her attention often wandered to that one empty seat in the back corner of the class: the seat with the wobbly legs that existed beside the heater and the peeling map of the Middle East. No one ever sat in this seat. Affectionately, the students called it "the Forbidden Zone." But in reverie, Kimberly Stockholm pictured a girl there, young and beautiful, a red-head sometimes, a blond others.
She would drive home after class, pretending this girl was in the passenger's seat, laughing prettily and telling her how much she "adored tonight's lecture." She imagined that this girl, were she real, would possess a voice oh so haunting, the lamentation of a loon sweeping over the surface of a lake as dusk creeps through the trees. The more Stockholm allowed herself to fantasize, the more this became fact.
During the night Stockholm would wake up feverish, her fingers between her legs and this imaginary student moving Stockholm's wrists in small circles. At these times, the girl appeared to be brunette. And she loved Professor Stockholm with a passion that only existed in private chat rooms and the pages of Anne Rice.
Throughout the semester, the image of the attentive girl seemed more real. The Forbidden Zone slowly opened up to her presence. But only in the professor’s eyes. Stockholm wished the girl was really real, a student in her classroom who really would stay after class, really would walk her to her Station Wagon and accompany her on the long drive home, perchance to stay the night. Maybe even sneak a club sandwich in her sack lunch the very next morning and kiss her good-bye.
"Have a wonderful day, my love," she might say, "I'll see you tonight in class."
The 1995 spring quarter finals:
Shuffling down the rows of anxious students, Professor Stockholm handed out the end-of-semester tests. “You will have two hours to complete it,” she said solemnly, fearing she herself might fall asleep at her desk during the course of the exam, “but you shouldn’t need that long. If you do choose to take two hours, I can only assume you haven’t studied.”
The faces were blank and the hands nervous, shuffling through the pages.
“Any questions?”
No one responded.
But then there was a movement from the corner desk, and Stockholm smiled upon the image of her playmate whom she'd never bothered to name. The girl’s hand went up. Stockholm wanted to call on her and say, “Yes, my darling?” But how would that look, the professor talking to ghosts?
Benji Sorenson, her worst student, raised his hand.
“Yes?” Stockholm asked, sighing. "Question?"
Benji glanced back at the corner desk. He said, “Aren’t you going to call on Kimmie?”
CURRENT HISTORY
Kimmie didn’t understand why, during her philosophy exam, the professor—her lover, her mother, her mentor—suddenly toppled forward over the globe and speedily died. Everyone else reacted excitedly, but not Kimmie. Kimmie found it all a curiosity. Later, rumors of Mrs. Stockholm's embolism started circulating around campus. Kimmie, quite stoically, figured that the professor had willingly given up her life so that Kimmie may live. And because of the professor's passing, Kimmie knew she was undeniably alive. So there was no cause for mourning. This was a celebration. Kimmie's birth was an Epiphany.
Kimmie continued taking night courses at LACC. As far as anyone else was concerned, she was a student of philosophy, always had been. She found that adapting to the academic life was painless. In fact, she found that adapting to anything--given enough time--was easy, natural. She didn't mind that the other students considered her shallow, bouncing from one campus club to the next, mastering it, and moving on. Her true origins faded from her mind. She figured, If you choose not to believe in them, they don't exist. Correct? Correct.
Kimmie lives in the present. She thinks, and she is.
FEATURES & POWERS
Kimmie, like Professor Stockholm, is essentially very plain. If she were the type to spend time alone, she would develop the tasteless features of the woman who willed her into existence. But in the company of others, she transforms to meet their perception of her.
Kimmie is a socialite and, though not psychic, she displays a powerful empathic genius. She latches on to a person, learns his or her needs, then delivers them. She feeds in this manner, so actual food is not necessary to her survival. Passion is her vitality. She needs the emotions of others.
After time, Kimmie begins changing, however quickly or slowly, under the influence of those she "feeds" from (spends time with). The change need not be physical. If someone were to put expectations on her, for instance, she would absorb them, digest them. The thoughts and realities of others will manifest in Kimmie: in her hair, in the shape of her nose, in her likes and dislikes. It is not outrageous to assume that she will adopt a person's most radical beliefs if given enough time.
Please note that she can develop the talents (or powers) of her “host.” Thus, being a member of the Cult of Fascion for so long now, she has developed vampiric traits. Her short memory has lead her to assume that she is and always was a vampire.
But it’s a new year now, and Season Two of LA By Night has willed her the cutest, goofiest acquaintance she could ever hope to find. His name is Sam, and she’s been putting him up in the professor’s apartment. He’s new in town and could use her help. He’s very needy, which gives her tremblin’s in her elbows and toes. When he's feeling especially sad, mind you, she swears he tastes like chicken.
Sam’s a sappy guy, quietly lamenting over a broken love affair. He’s come to LA to find his ex-girlfriend or something (who cares?), but Kimmie doesn’t expect that will last much longer. Kimmie IS the potential to be everything Sam needs. Recently, in fact, Eriantha mentioned that Kimmie’s eyes were looking astonishingly different. They’d changed from brown to pink—and into an oval shape overnight!—like a lovely lotus flower in bloom.
Though Kimmie has only known Sam for a short time, his blue eyes brighten up whenever she decides to visit him in that lonely apartment. Whenever she walks into the room, she knows that he sees someone in her he wants back.
Who knows? Maybe, if she feels like it, she just might become that someone for him. But this person will not come without a price. . .
WEAKNESSES
Kimmie is aloof in general, but she will appear to care about one's needs as though her life depended on it. In truth, she only does this in order to generate emotional food.
She's mindless in most cases. She cares nothing for the world around her unless it has social value.
If Kimmie finds herself alone for too long, she begins to resemble Professor Stockholm. At first it's sadness, then the beauty drains from her face:
Though Kimmie considers herself a master of mimicry, in truth she does not have total control over her chameleon-like ability. She can choose whom she spends time with, but it's simply the time that causes her to adopt his or her personality and traits.
She lives in the now. Don't ask her about yesterday. She's not there anymore. And tomorrow? What's that?
She just is.
ITEMS
* An eclectic wardrobe to fit all tastes.
* A cream-colored Station Wagon, now run-down and rusty, that once belonged to Professor Stockholm
* The proffessor's old apartment, her bank account, and all her belongings.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I love her. I want to use her to torment some other lonely and needy people in the game. She is certainly in fertile ground for who and what she is. And After Dark is a good place for her.
The only reason we ask for a profile is that allows the others to know what she is all about. In the future, here's a suggestion on how to introduce an NPC (especially now that we are in mid-season).
write a post on the board that features the NPC you are introducing...her background would have made a lively post by itself. Follow that up with her profile to fill in the pertinent details such as who and what she is and what her motivations and attitudes and stuff are.
Then wait to see if someone else bites on the profile....ask you questions about abilities, attitude and personality. THEN you know youve got a good one. I personally consider it a compliment when people ask my permission to kill or use my NPCs (like Paul who was mine)...as if I would take it personally.
NPCs like Ian and Alaric and Inanna all had some of their finest moments in the hands of people other than their creators. Sometimes an NPC will just "click" in someone's head.
I love your stuff its like a self contained story in and of itself...its art (damn you!). But what happens is that it is out of context. By making it a part of the larger story , you introduce the character into the larger backgoround...it becomes part of the mythology. And I just realized I'm babbling AND preaching...forgive me.
Good NPC!
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Awesome, thanks for the thoughtful reply, and no you weren't babbling. I now know a little more about how things are done.
I guess my biggest question is this:
How do we handle using each other's PC's? I've noticed, during my reading, that this is done--nay, it MUST be done in order to bring the story together. Do we need to ask permission during the collab.? Or can we just do it?
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Kimmie with a customer in the dining area of After Dark
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NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
First off: just want to say, love you work on Kimmie. You're making the rest of us look bad again. :D
More sriously though, it's kind of hard to describe how a collab works - the best way to get a handle on them is probably to sit in on one. Normally what ends up happening is that the player writes most of the pieces for their charecter, so we do lots of passing off. The worst part is trying to do the opening. Then all you have to do is hope you can avoid getting a case of writer's block halfway through the thing.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Um, I must say you all look pretty good to me, which is why I'm here. It'd be pretty hard for me to make anyone look bad. :? But I am glad you like Kimmie. I'm always nervous pitching a new creative idea. The more good ones you achieve, the more likely you are to put out a piece of crap. And I've put out some CRAP in my time. I'm not about to name them, though. :oops: (Some of them are still posted on the NET).
And thanks for the suggestion. I would like to sit in on a collab. When's the next one?
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
In a situation where two or more PC's will eventually meet in a post a collaboration must be arranged with the player of said PC.
Collaborations take place either in 'real time' via MSN chatroom (the most popular choice) etc. or by e-mail (which is the slower option so is only used if players cannot meet up in real time)
We don't allow other players to write for or use other players PC's - NPC's are fine because they are open for anybody to use. However, players must remain true to the NPC's character and although it isn't in the rules it has become proper etiquete NOT to kill off an NPC without discussing it with the creator of that NPC - normally just incase they have something MAJOR planned as part of the plot line that demands certain things of that NPC (such as NOT being dead! :) )
We took the decision on PC's at the start of the game back in February and EVERYONE decided that they would be uncomfortable with other players 'putting words in the mouths of their PC'. Other players don't always know the correct motivations of a PC and the biggest problem is that they will write out-of-character, potentially doing something that a character would never do. (such as having Tash go on a killing spree or have Stalker picking flowers in a meadow)
Hope this helped :)
..
Hmmm good idea I might just have Stalker go pick some flowers I'd never have thought of that thankyou :wink:
Flowers for Alger-Stalker-non
Something tells me Stalker isn't the flowers type. :lol:
Maybe I'm wrong. But if anyone is able to draw him out of the sewers, it's Kimmie. She would definately console him about his abusive father. Hell, she's done it for Sam enough. :roll:
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Hell Greg! I can remember you talking about Stalker playing chess with Victor while dressed in a pink tutu!!
Well at first i thought you were joking but now.... ;)
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I just love this NPC! Good work! I don't know if there will be any collabs planned until next season. The idea of having this mid-season was kind of a break for everyone and would involve a lot more solo work. I think anyway.
Groovy.
Thanks, Kristen.
I decided it was time. I took the liberty of posting Sam's intro mid-season. Otherwise I never would have gotten my feet wet.
If there are ANY objections, I can remove it for later posting. Just don't delete it, because this site holds the only copy.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Ooooh bad idea Sid - I would advise EVERYONE to keep a back up of their game files on their PC at home. While it rarely happens *looks poignantly at Dave* sometimes there are... shall we say accidents? and if you are unfortuanate enough to have posted after the last back-up your posts will be lost!!!
Then you will cry!
Then you will kick yourself REPEATEDLY for NOT making a back-up copy!!!
I know, WE ALL KNOW!! it gets VERY painful not to mention difficult to keep kicking yourself!!
While i seem to be the back-up queen (i have all season one game posts all NPC profiles, etc,) I haven't started making back-ups of the mid season just yet - since it will need to be kept in a chronological order for time reference.
ANYWAY - like i said, PLEASE keep a back-up of your posts AND your character profile and ANYTHING you don't want to loose!!
And save yourself a lot of tears!!! :)
THIS IS THE END OF YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.....
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Point taken. Me understand. Will do. Don't have to tell me three times. Okay fine. Right, yeah. Uh huh. shit. Got me some copying and pasting to do .
And thanks for the warning. 8O
NPC Profiles
Should we maybe have a place with all the NPC profiles that have been done here on the gameboard? It would be a place to post new ones as well and provide easy access to them while we are working.
Profile for NPC Mother Mariah
Race: Ancient Atlantean/Demoness
Sex: Female
Real Name: Mar’iha’khaskana’aka1
Nickname: Mother Mariah
Birthdate and Location: Unknown, but she has been around for a long, long time.
Position: Sainted Spiritual Leader of the Crimson Brotherhood
Group Affiliation: The Crimson Brotherhood
Occupation: Saint, former Goddess
Mother Mariah appears to be about 12 or 13 years of age. She has golden hair and dark eyes. Her face is very pretty, almost too pretty. She stands about 4’9”, is very slender and delicate looking, and usually dresses in dark, drab colors. She generally looks very demure; her head covered by thick veils and her dresses very modest. However, there is an aura about her that most people find disturbing.
Mother Mariah’s past is lost to obscurity and no one left living knows where she came from. She was born long ago on the lost continent of Atlantis, the youngest daughter of the Atlantean royal family. Mariah was doted upon by her parents, but had no hope of ever inheriting either money or power. She had about a dozen older siblings who were ahead of her in the line of succession. To make up for this, Mariah became very involved in Atlantean mysticism, which was the basis for the culture’s religion. Mariah decided at a young age to join the priesthood.
Mariah joined the priesthood not for the honor of devoting herself to the gods and goddesses, but rather as a means to obtain power. She studied hard, and by the time she was just beginning to become a woman, the girl had discovered a dark path to magik and power. She was just entering her 14th year when she managed to assemble all the necessary components for the ritual. She began late one night in the bowels of one of the temples, where ancient forces were strong. Unfortunately, like so many young people, Mariah was careless and lacked forethought. Her ritual went horribly awry, causing a terrible cataclysm which ended up tumbling all of Atlantis into a watery grave.
Mariah only survived the tragedy of her people because the ritual had caused her to become trapped in a strange astral plane that most people could only access through their dreams. Mariah ended up on the shores of the land that would one day be Ireland. She found wandering tribes of ancient people and through their dreams, managed to persuade them to worship her as a goddess. Mariah could control the thoughts and actions of people that she manipulated through dreams. She thrived on worship, reveling in sacrifice and delighting in the terror and awe of the ancient Celts.
When the Christians came to Ireland, they drove out the ancient gods, including Mariah, subverting her worshippers to the new religion of Christ. Mariah found herself forgotten by most and she was enraged. She managed to convince a missionary that she was actually a child of God. That missionary began the Brotherhood of Crimson, with Mariah as their spiritual leader. She would visit the men in their dreams, offering them the glory of God in exchange for their devotion and service. However, Mariah was not content with this power any longer. Her greed had grown and she desired to affect the world in a more concrete way. Thus she began her search for a way to be free of the dream plane and once again become active in the physical world.
The Brotherhood of Crimson became dedicated to finding artifacts of power and punishing witchcraft. For a time, they gained favor with the church as a whole and waged a war against pagans. During this inquisition, Mariah came by the knowledge of an amulet from her homeland, The Soul of Atlantis. It was a powerful tool of the Atlantean priests used in various rituals and ceremonies. The amulet had many abilities, among them the power to grant corporeal form to the gods. This was theoretically possible through a complex ritual culminating in a mass sacrifice. The amulet had never been used for this purpose.
Mariah desired the Soul of Atlantis to grant her a physical body once again. She sought it all over Europe. After the Inquisition ended, the Brotherhood of Crimson lost its position of power in the Catholic Church. The members continued their work in secret. Eventually, Mariah tracked the amulet to a single family of Irish witches. She tormented and destroyed nearly all the line, but never found what she was looking for. In her final battle with the last surviving member of the family, as far as she knew, Mariah became trapped in the family’s ancestral home, a long standing castle. Her “spirit” was bound by a seal carved into the block wall that one of the family’s retainers built to trap her inside the dungeon. The last living witch, Allysse Blaise, had hidden away her infant daughter, Rhiannon. The child went to live with the family of her nurse in a small village.
The amulet was sold to a wealthy baron and passed from person to person for many years. It finally came into the possession of Jadyn Lee as part of the stock of her magic shop, XY. The purpose and powers of the amulet are known only to Mariah herself. When an expedition of anthropologists broke the seal at the castle, Mariah sought out the last dozen members of the Brotherhood of Crimson, and they led her to L.A. where the last known owner of the Soul of Atlantis could be found. The amulet is currently in the possession of Amanda Blaise, the last living descendant of the family of Irish witches who trapped Mariah.
Mother Mariah has complete control over the dream realm where she is trapped. She can create the illusion of reality within it. The only thing she cannot do is change herself. Therefore, she always appears as a young girl although she possesses the mind and soul of an ancient woman. For a brief period, Mariah can assume a physical form by taking and transforming the body of another. However, the other person must be completely willing, and the transformation lasts only 3 days. At the end of that time, Mariah’s spirit returns to the dream realm and the other person’s body is consumed by fire. While inhabiting the body, Mariah has no powers or abilities other than the ones the person would naturally have.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Mother Mariah is online in the NPC directory. Her page can be reached at
http://latenightgames.com/labynight/characters/mariahchar.php
And I'll move this thread out in a few days.
Joe Mante
Inspired by Dave's suggestion, I sent a thank you letter to Goddess Maia a few minutes ago:
Hello, Goddess Maia!
Just wanted to say thanks for your NPCs (non-player characters), the ones that you submitted to the Buffy game, L.A. By Night.
Amanda and I have been talking about your Joe Mante creation. After bouncing ideas off of each other, we decided to use him in a collaborative story post. Mostly, he will be concerned with Amanda's character, Reah, but my own character will meet him, if only briefly. I'm not yet sure.
We're going to turn Joe into a weapons merchant (tentatively), which he will use as a cover while hiding from the thugs you implied were after him. Hope this fits your creative vision, and hope to see you popping in from time to time to follow Joe's new livlihood.
Nice to have your support.
Love and Bullets,
Sid Siclid
Two Things
Thing the first:
Is it okay if I write a few more stories with Chinaka in them before I submit a NPC profile? I want to get a better feel for her before I set down what her profile is. Frankly, I just don't know. Don't know if it's the norm, but things occur to me as I'm writing them -- you should have seen the first profile I had of Parasol -- in the middle and it was already, like, 9 pages long. So, if that's okay and appropriate, I'm gonna wait to put Chinaka's profile up.
Thing the second:
I have niece and amazingly, her name is Chinaka, too. Go figure. Almost 18 and going to NYU in a month. Anyway, she's a writer too and something she wrote is in Newsweek's My Turn column (deeply edited I might add). Read it if you like: http://www.msnbc.com/news/792189.asp?cp1=1
Apologies if the braying of a childless woman is inappropriate.
Sherlynn
No worries
Please, bray away. We welcome you to it. And as for Chinaka, I think we all agree that you should take as much time as you need to flesh out a character.
Mariah and you all
Ok, so here's my question/suggestion. Mother Mariah is going to start growing in power in the very near future, due in part to acquiring a certain journal and in part to the massive recruitment drive her "order" is about to undertake. Once she has a whole bunch of willing volunteers to feed off of, she will have plenty of power to manipulate the dreams of L.A.'s fine citizenry. So, I am thinking, it would be great if some of you started finding yourselves going to sleep only to end up in her dream realm. There are one of two things that Mariah will try to do through your dreams. She will either try to seduce you with pleasant imaginings, or she will try to disturb you with terrible nightmares. Whichever you prefer is entirely up to you. The only thing to remember is that if Mariah starts to bring you into her dream, you will wake up feeling as if you never even went to sleep.
I don't know if anyone else wants to use this, but I'd be delighted if you do. Thanks.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I know i already spoke to you a bit about this in MSN... but.. this was something i was wondering about, it's nice to have the green light though. Since Kate is the queen of the freaky ass dream :? Jeez most of last season was Kate having one horrific dream after another!
Also I imagine Mariah will be aware of Kate and the power she has since her meddling in her affairs when she freed Daye in Ireland - and also now that she has seriously pissed Ryan off! :?
Oh we're in for some sleepless nights... :D
go with it
Exactly the kind of thing I had in mind. Anyone who's interested feel free to run with it. Use and abuse Mariah and her minions as you see fit. :twisted:
sorry
sorry i havent posted for logan yet i have been so busy of late.plz dont cancel him ill post asap
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I have a question...
Valerian affects people's dreams as well. Whether this is a concious ability or whether itis a by-product of his presence is unclear. Does he have some sort of arrangement with Mother mariah? Are they rivals? Are the Partners?
It seems to me that he does not have his own realm but works within the framework fo the dreams he is in. Just hoping that (for clarity's sake) someone can offer a working hypothesis of how this dream thing works.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I have no intention of deleting him, or removing him or converting him to NPC status for months yet. Don't sweat it.
However, if you get a little time if you could update his profile in the character descrions forum...or send me a picture or two ...just to get his background set up I'd appreciate it.
I know how it is to get busy and it sucks. But thats the price we pay for doing this as a hobby and not for a living.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Well since Mariah inhabits the dream world I'd say it was pretty easy for her to access anyone's dream. Valerian on the other hand, I would imagine that he would have to be in a close or physical proximity to work his 'thrawl' upon his intended target.
Kind of like the way Dracula effected Buffy's dream in 'Buffy vs. Dracula' - does that make sense? Not sure if you wanted a metaphysical reason for why this works, this is just my reasoning...
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
As far as I recall Valerian has affected the dreams of Tash, Jade and Sorrow.
In the case of Jade and Sorrow they are both his Childer and therefor are connected by blood.
As for Tash he once held her in thrall and as a result of some residual linkage He affected her dreams while working on Jade.
That pretty much suggests that without a direct connection to Valerian, He's unable to affect you directly.
As for whether Maria and Valerian could interact I think it would only happen if they try and affect the same person's dream at the same time.
Just my thoughts on the issue
Here's what I think
Ok, I like this question. I think it might be interesting for Mariah and Valerian to cross swords. The fact is though, that Mariah effects people by drawing them into her dream. The more power she gets, the more likely she is to do so, and the more people she can draw to her. She will be trying to either coerce people into joining her, or scare them into staying out of her way. Anyone with a connection to Daye is more likely immediately to be vulnerable. Mariah and the Brotherhood will also be trying to recruit new members, so she will be bringing men into the fold by seducing them through the dream. Mariah never recruits women. She is very jealous.
Another Thing About Joe...
Another Item
Joe also owns a diamond python, given to him by his uncle Vinnie as a reward for his good business...before the police incident.
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Okay I've added that to Joe's NPC profile - btw, what the hell is a diamond python?? Am i just being increadibly dense here? :?
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Yes extremely :P a diamond python is a snake, duh! it's really pretty. (Morelia spilota spilota) The Diamond Python is a non-venomous snake. It is typically glossy olive-black above with cream or yellow spots on many of the individual scales, forming a series of diamond shaped patterns.
But if you want more information on one, like a picture, because of your densness :P go to:
http://www.rareearthinc.com/2-5.htm
is that better? :twisted:
Characters Revisited
I'm stoked, my fire rekindled at the sight of it. There is a new spark in Derek Park. Groovy.
The torch, long snuffed, has been enflamed. Dave has lifted it from the ground and started running. I'm wondering if it's not too late to hand it off to Drew. Drew's ideas, Dave has held high. What's to come of this PC/NPC? I vote PC.
Scooby Drew, where are you??????
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
I actually thought that Drew had wrote that post himself, correct me if I'm wrong though because I was completely baffled as to why Dave posted it, unless Drew couldn't get to his computer.
The only reason I assumed this is because Drew sent that post to me absolutely AGES ago, or one very VERY similar...
Oh the confusion!! :?
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
The truth of the matter is that Drew has expressed to me an interest to step back and NPCize his character. He sent me the story as well, and I used his idea with my own special brand of perspective to try to breathe some energy into the character and let it live in the pages of LABN.
Andres wanted Derek to have a "power" and had been talking about an ability to shoot energy bolts from his fingertips. Personally I find energy bolts pedestrian. They are powers for super heroes and fantasy mages.
A more interesting power (especially for a cop) would be one that gives him insight or an edge over and above his contemporaries. So I was thinking he sees ghosts. These ghosts appear totally real to him and talk to him as if they cannot remember their death. The security guard he sees at Wolfram and Hart is a ghost. It has been patrolling the abandoned building as if nothing had happened.
The model I am using for this power is "The Sixth Sense" and I am using it in a similar manner. There should be eveidence to people without the power that tere are ghosts present (chills, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up).
I also liked the NPC Kendrick. He seems like exactly the kind of straightforward by the book foil someone who does things unconventionally needs. And if you can see the dead then you are definitely unconventional.
I am not going to push Derek to do any posts if he doesn't want to, and if he has an idea but does not feel he can execute it, he is certainly welcome to send it to me and I'll be happy to post it (or he can post it himself).
My business partner uses the phrase "The paralysis of analysis" to describe overthing things to the point of inaction. I am a go for it guy. And, Andrew, if you don't want it there I'll gladly remove it.
Questions, Questions, Questions....
Talking about absent players - is Heather (the OTHER heather) still coming back as Zayn?
And if so, is she planning on doing it anytime soon?
And what about Logan??
Has Neil dropped off the face of the Earth??
And once more, what about Greg?
Come on Greg, don't let that lousy real life stop on your fun, get writing!!!
Come on! Do it for... puppies and christmas... :D
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Okay. I think I should go back on track. It's so weird. Me, not having any idea what to do with Derek Park. I wouldn't want my character to be The Haunted rip-off (Sorry, Dave, if that upsets you?). I can't seem to think of a storyline for Derek. I just need more time on getting ideas on to me. I am just busy doing, well, mostly nothing, but I'll try to THINK.
BTW, I liked the way you wrote the story Dave. Thanks...
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Personally I loved the powers given to Derek, even if it is a rip-off of the Sixth Sense (such a good movie - how could you go wrong?) I don't think there's anything wrong with 'poaching' ideas from other shows/films/books so long as you treat the idea in an original manner.
Besides we could easily have people with telepathic powers coming out of our ears, nice to see something new thrown into the mix.
Nice to hear from you Drew :D
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
In this setting, the game setting, ripping of ideas is especially okay. Roleplaying games mirror a fictional world. Well-snatched ideas anchor us to the work of others. Every reference reminds us that we're playing Buffy (or something from the horror/humor realm). Use them like your tool kit in telling your own stories.
Hi, Drew!
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
Hey, Sid.
I am still thinking...
Hm, I think Dave should check this topic out.... :?
NPC - News / Announcements / Updates / Information / Pics
It's to the point now as I say, "Hey, Maia, shut the fuck up and start writing for LABN. What's with all this outside-gaming? Good to know you. We've created a special thread for you. Now shut up and join!"
NPC Picture Gallery - Samantha Chan
Since Samantha / Sam has been featured quite a bit in our recent posts, I thought I'd have a picture gallery of her too. Haven't written her profile yet, don't really think it's necessary since she's more of an accessory to Valerian than anything else so I'll do it when I have more free time on my hands.
Dave, if you want to create a gallery for her on the LABN webpage, I've zipped the pics for you to download here.
http://www.geocities.com/widowpoison/Samantha.zip
Till that's up and running, I've created a temporary gallery at the 2 urls below.
http://www.geocities.com/widowpoison/ziyi01.html
http://www.geocities.com/widowpoison/ziyi02.html
NPC Picture Gallery - Julian Chen
I'm still working on JC's profile. He should be a permanent fixture since Jade will need someone to help her run XY when she's off helping her friends save the world. Hehe... Will post that up as soon as it's ready.
For now, here are some of the pictures I've found for his gallery. :wink: Hope you girls find him as cute as I do...
Dave, if you want to create a gallery for him on the LABN webpage, I've zipped the pics for you to download here.
http://www.geocities.com/widowpoison/Jerry.zip
Till that's up and running, I've created a temporary gallery at the url below.
http://www.geocities.com/widowpoison/julian01.html