JackRipper decided to remove himself instead of leaving the decision up to us. As far as where we are, I think the best thing to do now is to start on character background and statistics. Once our characters have been designed, we can begin discussing how to actually begin the story.
Id like to get a rough background posted from all players and the first rough draft of character creation. We'll start with 450 build points, the freebie boosted stat and availability 10. If there are things you think make sense that are outside those guidelines, make a note of them and we'll discuss them as we finalize characters.
Full Version: Setup: Quixotic Restoration
Just to double check, availability 10 is lower then the normal starting limit of 12, right?
And also no karma to play with?
Im sorry..was thinking of sr3. If book availabilty is 12, lets go with avail 15.
As far as Karma, lets first start with base characters, then add extra karma when when we have a better idea where we stand.
As far as Karma, lets first start with base characters, then add extra karma when when we have a better idea where we stand.
Alright folks, listen up!
*grins*
My brain got a little creative and I've decided how we're going to kick off this little adventure in collaboration. It has been decided that the twins are 8 years old at the beginning of our "game". What I would like is a history for each major player (including Alex's main bad guy) that spans the last 8 years.
The way I want to organize this is for each year to be condensed into a single paragraph (long paragraphs are fine) that tells the basics. We can always elaborate on key events at a later date.
However, just to make it really interesting and to help get into the spirit of collaboration, we are only posting one year at a time. As an example, everyone will post their Year 1 biography paragraph. Once everyone has completed that, we will shift on to year 2. As our stories develop, it will be much easier for us to get together with one another to plan how we come together. Some will come together immediately, while some might not meet up with the rest until year 8. In the end, we'll have a naturally meshed group background and will all be warmed up and ready to attack the game proper.
Opinions?
_________________________
Second brainstorm. After meeting Winter Rat at GC Indy (sorry it was so brief!) and knowing that most if not all of us are planning on attending Indy next year, I think it might be really neat to work on building the backstory and the beginning over the next year with a goal of hitting our first major conflict right in time for GenCon, and then have the actual conflict run table top at the convention. If anyone can't make it, we can always set up a computer IM or phone (mobile to mobile is GOOD) as a way to keep them more involved.
More Opinions?
*grins*
My brain got a little creative and I've decided how we're going to kick off this little adventure in collaboration. It has been decided that the twins are 8 years old at the beginning of our "game". What I would like is a history for each major player (including Alex's main bad guy) that spans the last 8 years.
The way I want to organize this is for each year to be condensed into a single paragraph (long paragraphs are fine) that tells the basics. We can always elaborate on key events at a later date.
However, just to make it really interesting and to help get into the spirit of collaboration, we are only posting one year at a time. As an example, everyone will post their Year 1 biography paragraph. Once everyone has completed that, we will shift on to year 2. As our stories develop, it will be much easier for us to get together with one another to plan how we come together. Some will come together immediately, while some might not meet up with the rest until year 8. In the end, we'll have a naturally meshed group background and will all be warmed up and ready to attack the game proper.
Opinions?
_________________________
Second brainstorm. After meeting Winter Rat at GC Indy (sorry it was so brief!) and knowing that most if not all of us are planning on attending Indy next year, I think it might be really neat to work on building the backstory and the beginning over the next year with a goal of hitting our first major conflict right in time for GenCon, and then have the actual conflict run table top at the convention. If anyone can't make it, we can always set up a computer IM or phone (mobile to mobile is GOOD) as a way to keep them more involved.
More Opinions?
Somebody else is playing a bad guy?
Well..it was mentioned that Whizbang wanted to play a minion or two, but what I meant was more along the lines of you are technically the whole corp, but have one main arch villian..I really only want the arch villians story 
Also,..get your butt on IM later. I wanted to talk to you about the twins interaction with the corp.
Also,..get your butt on IM later. I wanted to talk to you about the twins interaction with the corp.
So you met Winter Rat and didn't bother introducing us? That's it Blitz, we can't be friends anymore... 
You weren't around! Though he was there at the start of the tourney later (or was planning to be) so therefore it's GRENDEL'S fault you weren't introduced since he was there at the same time
((loves passing the buck))
((loves passing the buck))
I pointed you out, McQuillan. But you were busy at the time.
Wow, now you blame the guy for being too busy running games for you guys? Geez....
Anyway, so, on with the character-izing. (Stretched the dates on my background just a little bit to mesh with the timeline.)
8 August, 2062
The night had been perfect. Her life was perfect. Martin had asked her to marry him after the most romantic dinner one could imagine. Dinner at that tiny, expensive resturaunt near the edge of the lake, followed by a moonlit boat ride across the lake with just the two of them. It was a little corny, almost, but Jennie didn't care. She was in love, and he loved her, and their life was going to be perfect together. It had only been six months, but they knew. Everybody said they were perfect together, and that Martin was going to go far. She was going to have a good life, nice things, everything a girl could wish for. Jennie couldn't wait to tell her parents the good news, and all the women that she'd met through Martin. They'd die when they saw the ring!
Anyway, so, on with the character-izing. (Stretched the dates on my background just a little bit to mesh with the timeline.)
8 August, 2062
The night had been perfect. Her life was perfect. Martin had asked her to marry him after the most romantic dinner one could imagine. Dinner at that tiny, expensive resturaunt near the edge of the lake, followed by a moonlit boat ride across the lake with just the two of them. It was a little corny, almost, but Jennie didn't care. She was in love, and he loved her, and their life was going to be perfect together. It had only been six months, but they knew. Everybody said they were perfect together, and that Martin was going to go far. She was going to have a good life, nice things, everything a girl could wish for. Jennie couldn't wait to tell her parents the good news, and all the women that she'd met through Martin. They'd die when they saw the ring!
November 1, 2062
Tomorrow night we move. The last few months have been difficult. The IRA had been extremely hesitant about letting me get too deep into the organization. Their belief that I am working for Interpol or perhaps the Tir themselves has led me to do certain things that I did not relish. After executing several hostages during a raid last week, the leadership has begun accepting some of my input. The raids on Samhain celebrations are hoped to break some of the spritual strength of the people and focus the Tir's attention on internal strife rather than the upcoming diplomatic events.
Tomorrow night we move. The last few months have been difficult. The IRA had been extremely hesitant about letting me get too deep into the organization. Their belief that I am working for Interpol or perhaps the Tir themselves has led me to do certain things that I did not relish. After executing several hostages during a raid last week, the leadership has begun accepting some of my input. The raids on Samhain celebrations are hoped to break some of the spritual strength of the people and focus the Tir's attention on internal strife rather than the upcoming diplomatic events.
Hey Everyone -
Sorry for my silence recently. For those who don't know, I'm in the middle of moving and changing jobs, so it's been pretty hectic for me. I am completing my move this Sunday, and I will be starting my new job Sept. 5.
In the week between now and then I will do my best to complete my character and background for this game. Just wanted to update you all on where I'm at with this.
Blitz - No worries on not catching me again at GenCon. I was late getting back to the SR room and I figured you had to leave early to get to the concert. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see each other again at some point down the line.
McQuillan - Grendel pointed you out and I wanted to say hi and introduce myself, but you were in a tourney game at the time and I didn't want to interrupt. I left for True Dungeon before we could meet and you were gone by the time I returned. I'm sure we'll have a chance to actually meet at a future con down the road.
Regarding the following:
Sorry for my silence recently. For those who don't know, I'm in the middle of moving and changing jobs, so it's been pretty hectic for me. I am completing my move this Sunday, and I will be starting my new job Sept. 5.
In the week between now and then I will do my best to complete my character and background for this game. Just wanted to update you all on where I'm at with this.
Blitz - No worries on not catching me again at GenCon. I was late getting back to the SR room and I figured you had to leave early to get to the concert. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see each other again at some point down the line.
McQuillan - Grendel pointed you out and I wanted to say hi and introduce myself, but you were in a tourney game at the time and I didn't want to interrupt. I left for True Dungeon before we could meet and you were gone by the time I returned. I'm sure we'll have a chance to actually meet at a future con down the road.
Regarding the following:
| QUOTE |
| Second brainstorm. After meeting Winter Rat at GC Indy (sorry it was so brief!) and knowing that most if not all of us are planning on attending Indy next year, I think it might be really neat to work on building the backstory and the beginning over the next year with a goal of hitting our first major conflict right in time for GenCon, and then have the actual conflict run table top at the convention. If anyone can't make it, we can always set up a computer IM or phone (mobile to mobile is GOOD) as a way to keep them more involved. |
Personally, I like keeping all the gaming on the forums. First, it's easier for me to get into the game online because suspension of disbelief is easier for me when I write things out. I honestly think I'm a better player and GM when I can type, edit, revise, and write through an impersonal medium.
Second, since one of our main goals is the telling of a story, I think it's good to keep everything in an easily archived (translation: written) format. The action is obviously a significant portion of the story, and I think it'd be valuable to have it all recorded and written down for easy reference in the future. Also, for sheer enjoyment purposes it's nice to go back and reread previous posts, just like rereading a novel, and I would imagine that the action part would be one of the more entertaining parts we would want to revisit at some point down the line.
Third, while we all intend or would like to go to GenCon Indy next year, the simple fact is there are no guarantees. We all have various obligations at Indy (not to mention real life!) that could easily interfere. It's nice to think about using IM or phone, but in application, I think it could be very confusing and hard to actually execute efficiently and effectively. For a scene as important as the first major conflict, I think it would be hard to pull off well, all the more so if all of us are not actually there, which is a very likely possibility.
That's my two cents on the issue. Others?
And on a side note, have we decided which mega is the evil megacorp out to stop us? Personally, I'm going to vote for Horizon, just because I know of almost no canon information available for it yet, so there's lots of room for surprises.
Winter...you know...your second point is what swayed me lets keep it all here then. Hey, we can always just play any ol' game when and if we can all meet up!
No worries on the delay. Buddha and I are still working on names
lets keep it all here then. Hey, we can always just play any ol' game when and if we can all meet up!No worries on the delay. Buddha and I are still working on names
Glad to hear that I'm going to get to play one of the bad guys. Looking forward to learning from Grendel.
Wish I could join all you at Gencon....but unfortunatly that's a bit far for me to go. You guys need to come to Atlanta for Dragon*Con sometime....
Wish I could join all you at Gencon....but unfortunatly that's a bit far for me to go. You guys need to come to Atlanta for Dragon*Con sometime....
11 SEP 2062
For Official Use Only
From: Trivesan, N2, Operations
To: Director, Operations Section Six, N1, N3
Subj: Genetic Identity Experiments, Project Mirror Gate
1. Knowledge of this project was originally gained during classified HUMINT and SIGINT operations conducted in preparation for a sanction performed by external assets. This information is detailed and corroborated by numerous unclass media tags. It represents actionable intelligence based on SK-OPS-SOP Directive 61-233.
2. I recommend beginning a covert stepped surveillance program immediately. Personnel will be drawn from Operations Section Six rosters, and run from the Seattle Operations N2 office. I will be Actual. Funding will be supplied both from Operations Section Six standard traction funds. Additional funding will be drawn from both N2 and N3 supplemental budget resources.
3. Preliminary estimates are in line with SK-OPS-SOP Directive 58-103 governing the constitution of stepped surveillance teams and assets. As surveillance evolves to active recovery and elimination we will revisit our budgetary requirements and adjust force levels and reinforcements as necessary.
4. This memorandum serves as the establishing document for Operation Pave Spectrum.
5. Downgrade/Declass: as directed/X1
/s/
Trivesan
For Official Use Only
From: Trivesan, N2, Operations
To: Director, Operations Section Six, N1, N3
Subj: Genetic Identity Experiments, Project Mirror Gate
1. Knowledge of this project was originally gained during classified HUMINT and SIGINT operations conducted in preparation for a sanction performed by external assets. This information is detailed and corroborated by numerous unclass media tags. It represents actionable intelligence based on SK-OPS-SOP Directive 61-233.
2. I recommend beginning a covert stepped surveillance program immediately. Personnel will be drawn from Operations Section Six rosters, and run from the Seattle Operations N2 office. I will be Actual. Funding will be supplied both from Operations Section Six standard traction funds. Additional funding will be drawn from both N2 and N3 supplemental budget resources.
3. Preliminary estimates are in line with SK-OPS-SOP Directive 58-103 governing the constitution of stepped surveillance teams and assets. As surveillance evolves to active recovery and elimination we will revisit our budgetary requirements and adjust force levels and reinforcements as necessary.
4. This memorandum serves as the establishing document for Operation Pave Spectrum.
5. Downgrade/Declass: as directed/X1
/s/
Trivesan
April 16th, 2062
The Elven district was in full spring bloom and the perfumed air wafted into the bedroom of Aidan and Neasa Darach as they lay sleeping. At 9:20, Neasa woke with a start, her husband opening his eyes at her touch. "It's time." Though it was not close, they had decided that unless nature's course insisted otherwise, they would give birth in the exclusive hospital within the Tir Nation. They met their Midwife at the dock who helped Neasa settle in for the 90 min cruise to the Elven Lands. The twins seemed willing to abide by the plans, and though Neasa struggled with contractions throughout the duration of the trip, she arrived at the pristine hospital still able to walk on her own. Seven hours later, the elven couple was each in the possession of a tiny wonder, Neasa cradling Malachi and Aidan cooing softly to Maire. Both children had undergone a series of tests to ensure their prolonged health and when the doctor arrived to share the results, both parents were worried at the complex look they received. Dr. Kavanaugh assured them that both children were in perfect health, but that there was an unusual annomoly. The children, first assumed fraternal as they were of different gender, appear to be the first known set of identical twins of different genders. The only differing genetic marker seemed to be that which determined sex. Kavanaugh explained how important such a discovery could be and urged the parents to consent to further testing but the couple refused. If the children were healthy, then they were eager to begin their family. No further testing was authorized, and that afternoon, the Darach's returned to their home.
The Elven district was in full spring bloom and the perfumed air wafted into the bedroom of Aidan and Neasa Darach as they lay sleeping. At 9:20, Neasa woke with a start, her husband opening his eyes at her touch. "It's time." Though it was not close, they had decided that unless nature's course insisted otherwise, they would give birth in the exclusive hospital within the Tir Nation. They met their Midwife at the dock who helped Neasa settle in for the 90 min cruise to the Elven Lands. The twins seemed willing to abide by the plans, and though Neasa struggled with contractions throughout the duration of the trip, she arrived at the pristine hospital still able to walk on her own. Seven hours later, the elven couple was each in the possession of a tiny wonder, Neasa cradling Malachi and Aidan cooing softly to Maire. Both children had undergone a series of tests to ensure their prolonged health and when the doctor arrived to share the results, both parents were worried at the complex look they received. Dr. Kavanaugh assured them that both children were in perfect health, but that there was an unusual annomoly. The children, first assumed fraternal as they were of different gender, appear to be the first known set of identical twins of different genders. The only differing genetic marker seemed to be that which determined sex. Kavanaugh explained how important such a discovery could be and urged the parents to consent to further testing but the couple refused. If the children were healthy, then they were eager to begin their family. No further testing was authorized, and that afternoon, the Darach's returned to their home.
Ok everyone! Ive opened the In Character forum for us. It's labeled with the right name this time (A Brave New World) but subtitled Quixotic for easy identification.
Lets start with having everyone copying their 1st year Bio's over to the IC. To make the gradual mesh a little easier to facilitate, people can start posting their second years here as a rough draft to get a dialogue going for anyone who wants to start forming shared histories. Once all 1st years are in the IC, we can start having people post final version year 2's.
Clear as mud?
Great!
Lets start with having everyone copying their 1st year Bio's over to the IC. To make the gradual mesh a little easier to facilitate, people can start posting their second years here as a rough draft to get a dialogue going for anyone who wants to start forming shared histories. Once all 1st years are in the IC, we can start having people post final version year 2's.
Clear as mud?
Great!
Woohoo! 8 Shadowruns with 7 successes, 1 failure, and no team fatalities. I've had a blast. And I picked up Shadowrun 4 and Street Magic in book form. Now I just need to get back home to my computer so I can put my character sheet together.
Congrats on the success and the loot.
NB: I modified my post somewhat as I posted it into the IC thread.
NB: I modified my post somewhat as I posted it into the IC thread.
And for those interested in what happened at the Con, I posted the summaries under the Missions section.
Did we ever decide about the rotating GMs thing or Secret Santa GMs, where we run as GMs for specific characters...
ummm.....hello?
Has everyone finished their first year posts? Sparky and I are almost ready for our 2nd year tandem post.
Was their a decision on my above question?
Has everyone finished their first year posts? Sparky and I are almost ready for our 2nd year tandem post.
Was their a decision on my above question?
We are still waiting for Fenris, WinterRat and Whizbang to post their first years. Can you guys sound off so we know you haven't fallen off the face of the earth?
As far as GMing goes...Im still trying to work it out in my head. Im kinda inclinded to wait until we actually get started to see what works and what doesn't.
As far as GMing goes...Im still trying to work it out in my head. Im kinda inclinded to wait until we actually get started to see what works and what doesn't.
I'm still here....just still trying to pull background together....
9 July 2063
It had been two months since Martin had come home. He had missed the appointment with the wedding planner to hash out the last few details before the fall event. He had missed Jonatha's 1 month birthday...not that anyone had come to the party anyway. He had missed their 2 year anniversary, the first time his child had smiled at her parents, and Johnnie's annual Fourth of July barbeque.
She left the bed less and less often. Only when the baby needed to be changed and she didn't have diapers near the bed, or every couple of days to eat something so she could keep breastfeeding. Nobody called any more, nobody stopped by, and nobody answered their phones. She had tried going to see people after the first week. She had gone to the houses of the people that had welcomed them in the past, houses she had cooked at, houses they had partied at. Strangely, every time she knocked on a door or rang a bell, there was nobody home. Despite the cars in the driveway, the furtive faces at the window, and the whispers behind the door, there was nobody home.
It had been two months since Martin had come home. He had missed the appointment with the wedding planner to hash out the last few details before the fall event. He had missed Jonatha's 1 month birthday...not that anyone had come to the party anyway. He had missed their 2 year anniversary, the first time his child had smiled at her parents, and Johnnie's annual Fourth of July barbeque.
She left the bed less and less often. Only when the baby needed to be changed and she didn't have diapers near the bed, or every couple of days to eat something so she could keep breastfeeding. Nobody called any more, nobody stopped by, and nobody answered their phones. She had tried going to see people after the first week. She had gone to the houses of the people that had welcomed them in the past, houses she had cooked at, houses they had partied at. Strangely, every time she knocked on a door or rang a bell, there was nobody home. Despite the cars in the driveway, the furtive faces at the window, and the whispers behind the door, there was nobody home.
My apologies, I just moved and started a new job this past week, and I still haven't caught up. I will bump this up on my list of things to do to top priority. Once again, I'm sorry for holding everything up.
1st year is up. Sorry it was so long and for the long delay, I was having a severe case of writers' block the last few weeks. I had a general idea of the character I was going for, but I simply could not put it into words.
I finally had to write the IC post just to get a better sense of the character before I even had stats or a background. I'm getting a better handle on him as I go though, and this post really helped him take shape in my own mind.
Should we start working on the 2nd year posts now?
I finally had to write the IC post just to get a better sense of the character before I even had stats or a background. I'm getting a better handle on him as I go though, and this post really helped him take shape in my own mind.
Should we start working on the 2nd year posts now?
Mine's already up, just above.
Sparky and I are in process...we are bouncing ideas back and forth for a long joint post.
I will be out of the country from Saturday, Sept. 23 till Sunday, Oct. 1. I may or may not have internet access during this time, but don't count on me for anything until I get back. See you all in a week!
Enjoy your trip!
Have a great trip Winter!
Once you all have your second years up, lets post em here just in case there are any minor adjustments we want to make before posting them official in the main thread
Glad to see it back on track!
Once you all have your second years up, lets post em here just in case there are any minor adjustments we want to make before posting them official in the main thread
Glad to see it back on track!
Looks like it's slowed down a bit.
It would probably help to sort of bump things along if we could get the next year from the twins? As far as I understand, there's supposed to be some sort of connection between our party members and them eventually, right?
It would probably help to sort of bump things along if we could get the next year from the twins? As far as I understand, there's supposed to be some sort of connection between our party members and them eventually, right?
*points at Buddha*
Yep year 2 falls on my shoulders. 
Look for a post from me on Friday when I have the free time to create it and post it.
Look for a post from me on Friday when I have the free time to create it and post it.
February 17th, 2063
The sounds of terse voices can be heard through the door of nursery. The chaos of having twins are seen everywhere. The piles of clothes, toys and the doubling up of all the basic gear for raising an infant are strewn across the room. The soft sunlight bathes the room in a warm glow of yellows and whites. The door opens with Neasa holding Maire, trying to get her to nurse while Aidan trails behind with Malachi already eagerly sucking on a bottle.
"I think we should seriously think it over.." Neasa glares over the baby's head, cutting him off. "You have got to be joking? I know things are tight but I don't think it's gotten bad enough to rent out our own children to a corporation. Come on Aidan, that woman creeps me out.....she looks at the kids like they're some sort of new meat snack that she can't wait to eat..." As she speaks, she grabs and wrestles a rocking chair underneath her and sighs with relief once she sits down.
"Look I know it's not perfect but we could really use the money, we're drowning in bills here. We had planned and saved for a baby not two." Another glare from Neasa and Aidan looks guilty. "I would not trade them for the world, I just think we need to be realistic about all of this. I say we hire a lawyer and see if we can iron out some sort of arrangement we can all live with. Find a way to keep control of the situation and get the money, money we desperately need I might add." His pointed look at everything around them seems to sit with Neasa. The silence seems to fill the room before she lets out a long held breath.
"Alright I am open to talking about it but I am not signing anything until I am absolutely sure they are not going to do anything to the kids or try to take them away from us. Laugh all you want but I know these corps, they think everything is for sale - people included. In the meantime, let's call your mom again and see if she can swing another stay for a week or two to give us a break and let me pick up some freelance design jobs to ease some of the money worries?" Aidan smiles and nods, walking over and placing a kiss on her head.
"That's all I was asking for."
The sounds of terse voices can be heard through the door of nursery. The chaos of having twins are seen everywhere. The piles of clothes, toys and the doubling up of all the basic gear for raising an infant are strewn across the room. The soft sunlight bathes the room in a warm glow of yellows and whites. The door opens with Neasa holding Maire, trying to get her to nurse while Aidan trails behind with Malachi already eagerly sucking on a bottle.
"I think we should seriously think it over.." Neasa glares over the baby's head, cutting him off. "You have got to be joking? I know things are tight but I don't think it's gotten bad enough to rent out our own children to a corporation. Come on Aidan, that woman creeps me out.....she looks at the kids like they're some sort of new meat snack that she can't wait to eat..." As she speaks, she grabs and wrestles a rocking chair underneath her and sighs with relief once she sits down.
"Look I know it's not perfect but we could really use the money, we're drowning in bills here. We had planned and saved for a baby not two." Another glare from Neasa and Aidan looks guilty. "I would not trade them for the world, I just think we need to be realistic about all of this. I say we hire a lawyer and see if we can iron out some sort of arrangement we can all live with. Find a way to keep control of the situation and get the money, money we desperately need I might add." His pointed look at everything around them seems to sit with Neasa. The silence seems to fill the room before she lets out a long held breath.
"Alright I am open to talking about it but I am not signing anything until I am absolutely sure they are not going to do anything to the kids or try to take them away from us. Laugh all you want but I know these corps, they think everything is for sale - people included. In the meantime, let's call your mom again and see if she can swing another stay for a week or two to give us a break and let me pick up some freelance design jobs to ease some of the money worries?" Aidan smiles and nods, walking over and placing a kiss on her head.
"That's all I was asking for."
Hey Blitz let me know if that post works for you or not, I'll wait for your approval before posting it in the other thread. Thanks!
Me likey lots!!!
Update coming here soon (read: tomorrow). I'll be grovelling to all of you in IM. Promise.
Are we otherwise clear to post year 2 or are we waiting on something/someone? Just checking.
We're clear to post, but its a good idea to post it here first in case anyone wants to interject with your story and blend together a bit.
Rough draft of year 2. Needs some editing and revision of the prose, but I think it generally gets the point across well. As always, thoughts are appreciated.
August 31, 2063
Simon stared out the window of his apartment on into the pouring rain. From his vantage point on the side of Victoria Peak, along the Splendid Dragon Path, he had a spectacular view of Hong Kong in all its glory. Tomorrow it would be exactly one year since his official employment at Wuxing; that he could already afford such a prestigious location in the crowded city of Hong Kong was all the testimony anyone would ever need as to his success as a rising star in the corporation.
For a normal person, of course, that would be nearly impossible. But Simon was not normal, he was Awakened. The corporation had known about this, of course. Known this from the time he had been adopted, and trained him to be everything they wanted him to be.
He didn’t resent it, as some activists in the civilian world seemed to imply that he should. There were those who implied that the corporation was using him somehow, that they were achieving an unfair proportion of benefit as his personal expense. Such a notion was preposterous. The corporation, in its wisdom and benevolence, sought to help him become all that he could be, and it was incumbent upon him to strive to repay Wuxing with his loyal service and hard work for all that they had invested in him.
Wuxing had guided him gently and lovingly, as a parent would train a child. Some saw adepts as mere machines of destructions, martial artists out of the sims who ran up walls and jumped off them upside down while firing four guns at once and kicking twelve people in the head. Or perhaps adepts were supposed to be the sneakiest ninjas of them all, capable of walking through a crowd without ever being seen, disappearing into shadows in plain sight only to reappear on the other side of a wall somewhere. Or more recently, a charmer nonpareil who used magic to enhance their soft words and physical charms to get anyone to do anything they wanted, mere puppets dancing on the strings of their magically gifted masters.
Simon was none of those. His talents did not run towards combat, nor stealth, nor congeniality. His talents lay in the field of observation and analysis: a matchless ability to observe the physical and astral world around him; a keen mind able to study the facts and circumstances of a situation and come to a reasoned conclusion; most important, the ability to blend observation, logical thought, facts and circumstances, and so much more into a picture that others could understand, and more importantly, act upon.
That was the basis of his value to his superiors, and it was that gift which the company graciously permitted him to indulge every day in service to the corporation. In but a year’s time, they had deemed him worthy of that most prestigious title that meant more to him than any mere financial gain or esteem of the world; no, his satisfaction, indeed, his identity, came from three precious words: Wuxing Company Man.
Wuxing Company Man…not a child, but a man of the company…not just any company, but Wuxing. To be a man of the company, to be found fit for service in the corporation at the highest, most elite levels of the institution, no! The family! There could be no greater honor than this.
Without taking his eyes off the gently falling rain outside, reading the clock on his nightstand through the reflection off the window, the red numbers seeming to project themselves through the window into the sky, Simon smiled to himself. 23:59:00. In sixty seconds, he would be a Wuxing Company Man. What in his heart he always had been, what in his soul he always would be.
August 31, 2063
Simon stared out the window of his apartment on into the pouring rain. From his vantage point on the side of Victoria Peak, along the Splendid Dragon Path, he had a spectacular view of Hong Kong in all its glory. Tomorrow it would be exactly one year since his official employment at Wuxing; that he could already afford such a prestigious location in the crowded city of Hong Kong was all the testimony anyone would ever need as to his success as a rising star in the corporation.
For a normal person, of course, that would be nearly impossible. But Simon was not normal, he was Awakened. The corporation had known about this, of course. Known this from the time he had been adopted, and trained him to be everything they wanted him to be.
He didn’t resent it, as some activists in the civilian world seemed to imply that he should. There were those who implied that the corporation was using him somehow, that they were achieving an unfair proportion of benefit as his personal expense. Such a notion was preposterous. The corporation, in its wisdom and benevolence, sought to help him become all that he could be, and it was incumbent upon him to strive to repay Wuxing with his loyal service and hard work for all that they had invested in him.
Wuxing had guided him gently and lovingly, as a parent would train a child. Some saw adepts as mere machines of destructions, martial artists out of the sims who ran up walls and jumped off them upside down while firing four guns at once and kicking twelve people in the head. Or perhaps adepts were supposed to be the sneakiest ninjas of them all, capable of walking through a crowd without ever being seen, disappearing into shadows in plain sight only to reappear on the other side of a wall somewhere. Or more recently, a charmer nonpareil who used magic to enhance their soft words and physical charms to get anyone to do anything they wanted, mere puppets dancing on the strings of their magically gifted masters.
Simon was none of those. His talents did not run towards combat, nor stealth, nor congeniality. His talents lay in the field of observation and analysis: a matchless ability to observe the physical and astral world around him; a keen mind able to study the facts and circumstances of a situation and come to a reasoned conclusion; most important, the ability to blend observation, logical thought, facts and circumstances, and so much more into a picture that others could understand, and more importantly, act upon.
That was the basis of his value to his superiors, and it was that gift which the company graciously permitted him to indulge every day in service to the corporation. In but a year’s time, they had deemed him worthy of that most prestigious title that meant more to him than any mere financial gain or esteem of the world; no, his satisfaction, indeed, his identity, came from three precious words: Wuxing Company Man.
Wuxing Company Man…not a child, but a man of the company…not just any company, but Wuxing. To be a man of the company, to be found fit for service in the corporation at the highest, most elite levels of the institution, no! The family! There could be no greater honor than this.
Without taking his eyes off the gently falling rain outside, reading the clock on his nightstand through the reflection off the window, the red numbers seeming to project themselves through the window into the sky, Simon smiled to himself. 23:59:00. In sixty seconds, he would be a Wuxing Company Man. What in his heart he always had been, what in his soul he always would be.
Your skill and ability with writing has done an excellent job of taking a somewhat tired cliche and giving it a great deal more depth then one expects. You've done a great job of portraying the kind of zeal that we imagine most actual company men have, and of rationalizing and explaining that zeal at the same time.
My only suggestion might be, and this is a might, to add a little more detail about exactly what he's doing for Wuxing. You do a good description of his adept powers, but is the company using it to observe people in business deals to gain the advantage, or pore over surveys and geological analysis to find potential profit that other's may have missed, blah blah blah. Obviously, if there's a reason you haven't mentioned specifics that's important to how you're telling the story,don't change a thing.
My only suggestion might be, and this is a might, to add a little more detail about exactly what he's doing for Wuxing. You do a good description of his adept powers, but is the company using it to observe people in business deals to gain the advantage, or pore over surveys and geological analysis to find potential profit that other's may have missed, blah blah blah. Obviously, if there's a reason you haven't mentioned specifics that's important to how you're telling the story,don't change a thing.
Thanks for the critique Fenris, I made some changes for the final version. The compliments were very encouraging and the commentary was very helpful in adding detail to the post. Thanks again for your help!
Year 2 is up. Who else are we waiting for to post year 2, and when are we cleared to work on year 3?
Also, since we've been a bit slow on this lately (I admit, I've been as guilty as anyone else for not helping keep the flow of this project going) I was just wondering what our status was, and if we had a projected timetable for when we'll actually be able to start playing.
Year 2 is up. Who else are we waiting for to post year 2, and when are we cleared to work on year 3?
Also, since we've been a bit slow on this lately (I admit, I've been as guilty as anyone else for not helping keep the flow of this project going) I was just wondering what our status was, and if we had a projected timetable for when we'll actually be able to start playing.
Sparky and I are still dragging tail...but then again quality takes time. We should have something up "some time soon"...
Its ok that it's a little slower than normal. I think the depth we're aiming at here is kinda at fault for the slower pace. Lets wait until we have all year 2s up before really delving into year 3.
In the meantime, a short paragraph for physical description in this thread would be great! Ive started some basic doodles and would like a little more detail on what will make each character unique artistically.
In the meantime, a short paragraph for physical description in this thread would be great! Ive started some basic doodles and would like a little more detail on what will make each character unique artistically.
April.
Just kidding. Sorta. And the dragging is all me. McQ was ready with year 2 before anyone.
EDIT: Wow... that's cool, you can make 'hidden' links with emoticons.
Just kidding. Sorta. And the dragging is all me. McQ was ready with year 2 before anyone.
EDIT: Wow... that's cool, you can make 'hidden' links with emoticons.
McQ...rawr! er...I mean...good choice.
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