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Crimson Jester

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  4. Crimson Jester

    New Rpg

    By Crimson Jester,

    17th August, 1948
     
    It'll be five years next month. Five long, bloody years we've been in this
     
    Five is a pretty small number, contrasted to the rest of those associated with this. Thirty cities in ruins. Ninety-one ships sunk. One hundred seventy-eight planes downed. Three hundred one thousand, six hundred fifty-six men MIA. More than double that KIA. And by tomorrow, I'll be back here, writing again, scribbling out those numbers, and replacing them with the new tallies.
     
    My division has been in the jungles for fifty-one days now. Well, at least what's left of the jungles. What once was revered as being a place of beauty and solace, has now become its' bitter foil. Trees and other plant life crushed and burned lines the jungle floor, speckled with the occasional human or animal corpse, in various conditions. It really goes to show how bitter our race has become.
     
    I've gotten used to the smell of bodies, at least. There's some who still haven't, and boy do I feel sorry for them. Almost every day I see a group of them off in the bushes, puking their guts out. There's been lot of mental breakdowns, too. Almost every day the companies have to send men back to the psych ward at Fort Grey. Makes you feel lucky.
     
    Speaking of lucky, we lost another platoon last night. They were out on a night raid, about 2km south-east, at a UE encampment. We lost radio contact with them at around 2345h, and found their bodies, along with an empty camp, this afternoon. May they rest in peace.
     
    Anyways, it's getting real close to dinner time, and I think we get those fancy MRE's with the meatloaf tonight. I'll try and write tomorrow.
     
    SFC. C.J. Dutkiewicz, 16th Infantry
     
     
     

    Break Point 
    Since the dawn of time, mankind has known no other home but the tiny, sea-dominated planet known as Aven. Although nothing near the legendary, fictitious human home planet known as 'Earth', humanity has developed in a virtually identical manner as that in the tale.
     
    As time passed, through bitter conflict, and political dominancy, Aven divided itself into six independent nations: the Republic of Dayson, the United Empire, Falkland, Byzantia, Kyrin, and Korr. The nations co-existed quite peacefully, confining conflict to their rightful waters, and generally avoiding each others' affairs.
     
    Shift forward to six years ago: November 5th, 1939. The ever-suspicious United Empire got greedy. Their sweep was fast, and powerful. The Invasion was not unlike a sucker punch, lightning fast, and originating from seemingly nowhere. Aven was hit hard, and within three years, all but the secluded nation of Korr had fallen to the United Empire's iron grip.
     
    The captured nations plead with Korr to act, and repel the UE, but they would have none of it. At least until the war hit home. On May 20th, 1943, four-and-a-half years after the United Empire began to sweep Aven, they invaded, pummeling the naval bases on the North Bay, and eventually invading. Within a month, the entire north shoreline had fallen.
     
    Now, five years later, the war still rages on. Back and forth, with no clear victor the forces of the UE and Korr battle.
     
    Will you commit to you national duty, and enlist in the Korr Armed Forces? Or will you pick up a rifle for the United Empire, and crush Korr once and for all?
     
     
    The war is in your hands, recruit.
     
    Index:
    1. Factions
    a. Navy
    2. Locations
    3. Advancement
    4. Character Creation
    5. Faction Creation
    6. Gameplay
    7. Rules
    8. The Gamble Factor
    9. Weapondex
    10. The Infection
    11. Staff
    12. Approved Characters
    13. Campaign Objectives
     
    1. Factions:
    Korr Armed Forces: The legendary military of the secluded nation of Korr. The KAF is divided into three branches: Army, Navy, and Army Air. Upon enlistment, you will be given the rank of Private, and shipped to the jungles in the northwest.
     
    The United Empire: Equally powerful to the KAF, the UE is a battle-worn, malice-fed force that has seen nine years of combat in five nations. Upon enlistment, you will be given the rank of Private and shipped to Korr's northwest jungles.
     
    a. Navy
    Boats are considered an award in their own right, given for missions or as a reward of service. Boats range from small patrol poats, to wooden river gunboats and torpedo boats, to even U-boats. ((For game mechanical purposes, nothing larger is permitted because of the lack of RPing that would be in it. It could not be operated very well unless there were several players on it and working together, while something like a PT boat could be handled by one or two players and a few temporary NPCs.))
     
    Boats:
    -Harbour Defence Motor Launch
    -Motor Gun Boat
    -Motor Torpedo Boat
    -Moa class patrol boat
    -Fremantle patrol boat
     
    Submarines:
    -Type U 31
    -Type U 51
     
    More boats may be added later on, however I think there's plenty to go around as is.
     
    Also, there is a limited number of harbor ships which are used to carry patrol and river boats across the sea, or else they would get swamped with waves or caught in storms. This is to make invasion possible. They are used only when needed, authorized by naval command and not capable of being commanded by players.
     
    Custom factions may start with small navies.
     
    2. Locations:
    Aven Map
    Korr: Korr is quite unique compared to the other nations of Aven. For one, the country consists of a single, large continent. Secondly, the regions of Korr greatly vary: A mountain range dominates the north-west; the jungles engulf the east; and plains cover the central region. The climate on Korr varies by region, with the jungles generally being warm and humid, the plains being cool and dry, and the mountains, cold and harsh. Korr is a very militaristic democratic nation, and has one major metropolitan center: its' capital, Korruhnai. Korruhnai is a large city, overlooking the Great Lake. It is considered one of the most contemporary, beautiful cities on Aven.
     
    Kyrin: Kyrin is known as being the smallest and most inhospitable country on Aven. It has two seasons that can change at any time, without warning, throughout the year: severely hot, dry summers, and extreme sub-zero winters accompanied by 'razor hail'. Kyrin has a single inhabited city, named after the country. The city is small, with heavily-reinforced steel buildings. Kyrin has only a local militia, but is a very important military staging point for either side.
     
    Byzantia: Byzantia is interesting, geography-wise. A ring of small, mountainous islands borders a larger island, which consists of a mountain-ringed southern half, and a flat, taiga forest north. The islands are trapped in an eternal, harsh winter, with a good two feet of snow permanently blanketing the landscape. A single Army base dominates the southern half of the main island, whilst the capital city 'Cliff Terrace', along with dozens of other small towns and villages. Cliff Terrace, the nations' capital, is built on the top of a large cliff, overlooking the sea.
     
    Falkland: Falkland, located east of the United Empire, is a sea-dependant nation. Its' four islands are spotted with many small seaside towns and cities, with the two most important being its largest, 'Shale', and the capital 'Stroetz Bay'. Falkland has a mild, warm climate, with a humid, sea-water air hanging constantly. Rocky shores, and vast, rolling plains make up the nations' landscape, and the furthest north island has one of the most advanced Air Force bases on Aven.
     
    Republic of Dayson: The Republic of Dayson consists of two nearly-connected islands, with two major cities: the capital of 'Westfield', and 'Hudson'. The Republic is, save for the cities, fully coated in foliage. The dense jungle has a warm, humid climate, with the occasional burst of rain. Dayson has one of Aven's most important Naval Facilities, Fort Edmonton.
     
    United Empire: The United Empire: a three-nation, three-island imperial alliance. They are one of Aven's most formidable, militaristic countries, on an equal playing field to Korr. The UE is headed in the city of 'Zath', with two other major cities at 'Harem' and 'Gattenfeldt'. The United Empire has a fair climate, with optimally warm summers, and relatively mild winters. There are five major military installations in the United Empire, as well as many small towns and cities.
     
    3. Advancement:
    Being a military-based RPG, there is obvious room for advancement. Said advancement can occur on a single level: ranking up. The ranks are as follows:
    -Private (Pvt.) – The grunts of the force. All recruits begin at this rank until proven worthy.
    Perks: Springfield, SVT-40, Thompson, Type 99, Colt M1911
    -Private First Class (Pfc.) – You've proved your worth as a soldier, now prove your worth as a leader to move on.
    Perks: Nambu
    -Corporal (Cpl.) – You've begun to display leadership qualities, and have been awarded. Continue to work hard to move up. Perks: Gewehr 43, MP40
    -Master Corporal (MCpl.) – You've worked hard to get here. Now, prove you have the guts to become a Sergeant.
    Perks: scoped Type 38, BAR, Walther P38, M1897 Trench Gun
    -Sergeant (Sgt.) – You're battle-hardened, trustworthy, and tactically sound.
    Perks: M1 Garand, Type 100, Tokarev TT-33
    -Master Sergeant (MSgt.) – The cap rank for most active-duty troops. Only the best get beyond here.
    Perks: Mosin-Nagant, DP-28
    -Sergeant First Class (SFC.) – You've survived fierce combat, and proved that your concern is on the life of your squad as well as your own.
    Perks: StG44
    -Staff Sergeant (S/Sgt.) – You're on the last no-commissioned rank. Keep it up, and you'll become an officer!
    Perks: PPSh-41, MG42
    -Second Lieutenant (2Lt.) – The first officer rank. 2nd Lt.'s are the key branches between executives and ground forces.
    Perks: M1A1 Carbine, FG42
    -First Lieutenant (Lt.) – You've got quite the pair to make it this far. Command of a Company is soon in your hands. Perks: Kar98k, M2 Flamethrower
    -Captain (Cpt.) – One of the most well-known ranks in the world, and for good reason. You've got a tactically perfect mind, keen senses, and an uncanny ability to keep people alive.
    Perks: Colt Python
    -Major (Maj.) – The last active-duty rank. Finish this, and you're off the battlefield.
    Perks: Browning M1919
    -Colonel (Col.) – Welcome to the back lines, soldier. You've completed frontline duty, and now the lives of troops are in your hands.
    Perks: N/A
    -Brigadier General (Brig. Gen.) – The second-highest rank you can attain. You have seen many battles, and have the scars to prove it.
    Perks: N/A
    -General (Gen.) – You are the best of the best. Congratulations.
    Perks: N/A
     
    In order to get promoted, you must show prowess and dedication to the RPG. You will be contacted by a GM upon promotion. NOTE: Ranks Colonel and beyond have no new weapon perks, though, there will be special opportunities for high ranks.
     
    4. Character Creation:
    In order to join, you must fill out a profile, and PM it to me. Profiles are as follows:
    Name:
    Age:
    Affiliation: (only Army branches of each side are available at this point
    Squad Role: (Choose from: Rifleman, Medic, or Submachine Gunner. Machine Gunner, Demolitions, Squad Leader, Marksman will become available as you unlock more weapons/ranks)
    Main Weapon: (Choose between an unscoped Springfield, a SVT-40, a Thompson, or a Type 99)
    Sidearm: (Colt M1911, until you earn a new one)
    Appearance:
    Bio:
     
    5. Faction Creation
    In Break Point, players are given control. Though you may join one of the two opposing armies, you may also create your own small faction, whether it be a guerrilla group, supply runners, or anything else you can think of. If you'd like to create a faction, fill out this form, and PM it to me.
     
    Faction Name:
    Type: (Guerrilla, supply runners, etc.)
    Roster: (How many PCs/NPCs you have. NPCs must be in reasonable number)
    Location: (Include a facility)
    Armament: (Again, be reasonable. You wouldn't have tanks, gunships, bombers, etc. Try and be creative.)
    Description: (Goals, funding, how it was founded, etc.)
    Affiliations: (Other factions, existing or custom. Explain the affiliations.)
     
    6. Gameplay:
    Gameplay is like any other RPG you'd encounter. Here's a quick refresher:
    'IC' for in-character, role-played portions, 'OOC' for out-of-character discussion. Read the rules for more information.
     
    As well, being a war RPG, don't go doing anything overly heroic and stupid. Your character will promptly be killed.
     
    7. Rules:
    -Use IC/OOC, and use them properly. If not, you're gone.
    -No god-modding. You aren't superior to anybody else, and I will gladly prove that to you.
    -Don't kill other player's characters, or I'll have to kill yours.
    -Don't use other player's characters for anything major without prior permission from said player.
    -Just because you're higher rank, doesn't mean you're a freakin' superhero. You have the same abilities/strengths as anyone else. Go abusing your status, I'll abuse you.
     
     
    8. The Gamble Factor:
    The Gamble Factor is a significant, unique factor to Break Point. Being a war buff, I strive on the most realistic text-based war experience imaginable. Thus, the Gamble Factor was born.
     
    Now, you might be wondering what this means to you, as the player. Here's the low-down: In a real combat situation, extreme cases of heroism and bravado generally hang with heavy consequences. The loss of a limb, blindness, even death; all have been paid. This knowledge in tow, you must make many war-changing decisions, ones that could involve sacrificing your own life. Make your choices carefully.
     
    9. Weapondex:
    Rifles:
    -SVT-40 (Private)
    -Gewehr 43 (Corporal)
    -M1 Garand (Sergeant)
    -StG44 (Sergeant First Class)
    -M1 Carbine (Second Lieutenant)
     
    Bolt-Action Rifles:
    -M1903 Springfield (Private)
    -scoped Type 38 (Master Corporal)
    -Mosin-Nagant (Master Sergeant)
    -Kar98k (First Lieutenant)
     
    Submachine Guns:
    -Thompson (Private)
    -MP40 (Corporal)
    -Type 100 (Sergeant)
    -PPSh-41 (Staff Sergeant)
     
    Machine Guns:
    -Type 99 LMG (Private)
    -BAR (Master Corporal)
    -DP-28 (Master Sergeant)
    -MG42 (Staff Sergeant)
    -FG42 (Second Lieutenant)
    -Browning M1919 (Major)
     
    Handguns:
    -Colt M1911 (Private)
    -Nambu (Private First Class)
    -Walther P38 (Master Corporal)
    -Tokarev TT-33 (Sergeant)
    -Colt Python (Captain)
     
    Miscellaneous:
    -M1897 Trench Gun (Master Corporal)
    -M2 Flamethrower (First Lieutenant)
     
    If you have a weapon in mind not features here in the Weapondex, you may PM me, and request for it to be added. NOTE: Not all weapons listed are available immediately. Refer to 'Advancement' for details.
     
    10. Staff:
    -Crimson Jester, GM
    -Spink, Moderator
    -Unit#EXFT, Moderator
     
    11. The Infection
    Recent field reports have brought to attention the United Empire's human experimentation, resulting in a bodily fluid-transferable infection. Symptoms are as follows:
    -Hour 1: Pain and discoloration (brown-purple) of the infected area. Immediate clotting of the wound (provided the infection came from a wound).
    -Hour 5: Fever (99-103F), chills, slight dementia, vomiting, and acute pain in the joints.
    -Hour 8: Numbing of extremities and infected area, increased fever (103-106F), increased dementia, loss of muscular coordination.
    -Hour 11: Paralysis in the lower body, overall numbness, slowed heart rate.
    -Hour 16: Coma.
    -Hour 20: Heart stoppage, zero brain activity.
    -Hour 23: Reanimation.
     
    The Infection can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know has become infected, report it to your superiors immediately.
     
    12. Approved Characters:
    Korr Armed Forces:
    Crimson Jester:
    Name: Sergeant First Class Colt James Dutkiewicz
    Age: 26
    Hometown: Korruhnai, Korr
    Affiliation: Korr Armed Forces, Army branch
    Squad Role: Rifleman, Squad Leader
    Main Weapon: STG-44
    Sidearm: Tokarev TT-33 handgun
    Appearance: 6'2", 215lbs. blue eyes, short-cropped dark brown hair. Has a scar trailing down his right cheek from the inner corner of his eye. Well-built, with a strong jaw, and battle-worn face.
    Bio: Colt was born in Korruhnai, Korr on May 20, 1922; he had an immense fascination with military ever since he was a boy. Upon completion of high school in 1940, Colt enlisted with the KAF, and completed training in Fort Grey, by Lesser Lake. After 3 years of service, he was put on the frontlines in the Korr Bay, where he served for 3 years, before being sent to the East Korr Theater, where he has served frontline since.
     
    The United Empire:
     
    Westfield Liberation Front:
     
    Byzantia Home Guard:
     
    13. Campaign Objectives:
    Here is where you'll see any and all current objectives for both sides of the war. It includes individual positions, character status, and waypoints.
     
    Objective Map
     
    KAF C 'Charlie' Company, 12th Battalion, 82nd Regiment, 16th Infantry Division:
    - Exit your tented quarters and meet with SFC. Dutkiewicz in the Command Tent.
     
    UE A 'Alpha' Company, 2nd Battalion, 107th Regiment, 31st Infantry Division:
    - Locate 2Lt Westerly, who's currently a half-kilometer north of your position, in an abandoned farmhouse.
     
    Questions, comments, concerns?
  8. Crimson Jester
    Weather's still bad. Snow, wind. Spring Friday.
     
    Four-day weekend, beginning tomorrow. Have to get black-and-purple grad suit. Going to have friends over, play CoD.
     
    Got accepted to teach survival at Cold Lake Air Force Base. Leaving June 28th. Excited.
     
    Boredom ensues. IM/PM me. Want to play CoD4.
  9. Crimson Jester
    Shake it off
    Pick yourself up, they say
    Your life fell apart in your hands, and you've got the scars to prove it
    It's not the first time, and they're getting deeper
    Pull it together
    Button up your shirt
    Roll down those sleeves
    Don't let them see how you've coped
    More and more your demeanor looks like quicksand.
    It seems like your giving up on everything you worked for
    It's pulling you under
    It's gripping around your throat
    Life can be overwhelming, but don't turn your back on the strongest crutch you've ever had
    They have always been there to brace your fall
    Wave goodbye to the past
    You've got your whole life to lead
    It's time to gain some ground
  10. Crimson Jester
    So, went to a two-day sportsman's show on the weekend. Got my National Firearms Association card (yeah, I'm a Conservative, and no, I don't believe in gun control), and talked to some historical society guys. I got talking about my gun, I got offers upwards of $3000 for it. But I'm not sellin'.
  11. Crimson Jester
    Stand on the abyss, the blackening clouds obsuring the view
    Of a million sorrow-drenched faces, their illusions construed
    The hollowed worn hands of society, clawing at mind’s outer wall
    Through gritted teeth, echoed howls engulfing the skull
     
    The simplest design brought not to fruition in the sea of pain
    Oh, when will it end?
    Rapture is in plain sight
     
    There past your empty lies
    There beyond the twisted truths
    Presented to you in plain view
    Look beyond the empty lies
    Look through the hollow illusion
    To see I’m standing alone
    Beyond this nightmare
     
    From here remains nothing but death of self
    Harrowing screams go unheard, ne’er will you get help
    I’m done with all the foolish games, no matter what you say
    Watch yourself be broken now, embrace the decay
     
    Through the storm of death, spirit adrift
    Will you hold on, to the ultimate gift?
    Throughout the struggle, wear the grin
    Strength, perseverance, we can win
     
    (It's still in the works, but I figured I'd show it now. Be sure to post tips/ideas/criticism)
  12. Crimson Jester
    Weather's bad today. -25C in the middle of March. Ready for the snow to go away.
     
    Easily aced English essay today. Done with short fiction unit. Have to study for English exam tomorrow. Don't want to, though.
     
    Nearing graduation; no ideas what I want to do. Many possibilities.
     
    Working on a new short story trilogy. First is ironic, pessimistic interpretive fiction. No war. Second, vigilante. Third, unknown. All will tie.
     
    Working on lyrics. Will post when done.
  13. Crimson Jester
    Dog carcass in alley this morning, tire tread on burst stomach. This city is afraid of me. I have seen its true face. The streets are extended gutters and the gutters are full of blood and when the drains finally scab over, all the vermin will drown. The accumulated filth of all their fornication and murder will foam up about their waists and all the fornicatees and politicians will look up and shout 'Save us!' And I'll whisper 'no'.
     
    loledited.
     
    We still need:
    -Silk Spectre I/II
    -Nite Owl I/II
    -Ozymandias
    -Dr. Manhattan
    -Any Minutemen characters not listed.
     
    You wanna join in? Talk to me or The Comedian.
     
    -Rorschach
  17. Crimson Jester

    Insurrection

    By Crimson Jester,

    Alright, here's what's going down. I had no plans whatsoever in entering RPG Contest 13. But, as fate has it, this absolutely sweet idea popped up in my head today. So, I wrote up a (rather weak) intro, and decided to let you guys look, and be the judge. So, here it is, be sure to leave feedback!
     

     
  20. Crimson Jester
    Don't turn away
    I pray you've heard
    The words I've spoken
    Dare to believe
    Over one last time
    Then I'll let the
     
    Darkness cover me
    Deny everything
    Slowly walk away
    To breathe again
    On my own
     
    Carry me away
    I need your strength
    To get me through this
    Dare to believe
    Over one last time
    Then I'll let the
     
    Darkness cover me
    Deny everything
    Slowly walk away
    To breathe again
    On my own

    Name it, and I'll upgrade you to a grape drink.

  21. Crimson Jester
    Well, stuff hit the fan today.
     
    I'm done, all this stuff is ridiculous. Seriously, what have I done that's so abhorrent that I'm granted nothing in this pathetic excuse of a life? I've absolutely had it.
     
    I'm scheduled to see a mental specialist next week.
     
    I learned how to fall today, didn't think it would kill you
    To settle the debt I thought never would be paid.
    Found out I was wrong today (I was wrong)
    Too weak to continue
    One final defense to fall
    Still unbroken
     
    Now I am torn, thought it was over this time
    And we know there's still a fire inside
    And we know, and we know
    We're gonna let it burn
    Let it burn
    Till the image fades away
     
    Knew there was a price to pay, didn't think it would thrill you
    To witness the fallen ones shattered and ashamed
    No I'm not the only one (only one)
    Yearning to fulfill you
    Unwilling to risk it all
    Still uncertain
     
    Now I am torn, thought it was over this time
    And we know there's still a fire inside
    And we know, and we know
    We're gonna let it burn
    Let it burn
    Till the image fades away
     
    Now I am torn, thought it was over this time
    And we know there's still a fire inside
    And we know, and we know
     
    That I am torn, thought it was over this time
    And we know there's still a fire inside
    And we know, and we know
    We're gonna let it burn
    Let it burn
    Till the image fades away
  22. Crimson Jester

    5 Years

    By Crimson Jester,

    January 27th, 2004. Five years ago today. A bored-out-of-his-mind, Bionicle-loving youth, with a handy computer, got bored and searched for Bionicle sites. Near the end of his fruitless searching, one site in particular caught his interest: BZPower.com. Something drew him in, and that day, he signed up, under the name 'Troopertoran'.
     
    Time went by, and Troopertoran, now known as Inferno Nuva: Toa of Rage became a regular forum-wanderer, haunting the Comedies forum, and Completely Off Topic.
     
    Names changed; Inferno Nuva: Toa of Rage, to Inferno Nuva: Hordika of Rage. Pointless, yes. But somehow suitable. BZP had been wonderful for that first year, and the member met many a great friend between comedy writers, and CoT role-players. But, as these friends left, Inferno left too, not to return until September 2005.
     
    Upon returning, the member met one of his dearest BZP friends (no longer here), Mourning Jester. After some time, he was invited to become a Jester himself, adopting the name 'Black Jester'. The member's BZP career flourished, creating and participating in well over forty CoT RPGs. Then, one day, Mourning Jester left, and Black Jester moved on, to the Bionicle RPG Forum.
     
    A two-year stint in the BZPRPG, as well as The Academy, and several other RPG Contest heavy-hitters, including three miserable wins of his own, skyrocketed his role-playing career to an all-time peak. Many wonderful friends, including Hak, Mout, Lazzy, Dwin, Tom, Nid, EU and HG were gained in the BZPRPG.
     
    But, as time faded, so did the BZPRPG. Two years after entering, the member left, killing off his central character, and leaving his faction behind to a real-life friend and fellow member. Back to CoT he went, and in CoT he remains, as a writer, critic, guitarist, and role-player.
     
    That member was me. And I'm proud to have such a rich history with such good friends. And this blog entry goes out to them (including some not mentioned here)(in no particular order):
    -Hak
    -Mout
    -Necro
    -EW
    -Vak
    -Vak II
    -EU
    -Nid
    -Tom
    -Lazok
    -KoApp
    -Dwin
    -HG56
    -Robo
    -Spink
    -PTS
    -Niki
    -Doc B
    -Koname
    -Sera
    -Rehz
    -Veef
    -DoF
    -Nayaks
    -A heckuva lot more of ya
    -And last, but definitely the most significant, Mourning Jester. (You'd better show up again some day)
     
    Thanks to all of you, and everyone else, for a wonderful experience on BZP.
     
    -CJ
  23. Crimson Jester
    Hello, readers.
     
    As I'm sure a few of you know, I took a 6-week Survival Instructors' Course over the summer of 2008. After completion, I am now fully qualified to teach military-grade survival skills.
     
    Now, before you go saying 'Oh, when will I need rubbish like this', think. These incidents are a lot more common than you think. Things from getting your car stuck in a snowy ditch on a low-to-no-traffic highway, to being in a commercial plane crash. You see them on the news frequently, and sadly, the common factor in all of them is: too many people died. How can I say this, you ask. Well, the concept is relatively simple. Would the initial survivors have had some sort of survival skills training, they would have all had an extremely high chance of making it out alive.
     
    And that is why I'm blogging today. I figure, I should share my invaluable information with BZPower. Each and every lesson is my personal interpretation of information handed down to me, all of which is Canadian military-grade training. Only a select few will ever attain these skills, so consider yourselves a lucky bunch.
     
    Now, on to today's lesson:
    Survival Psychology Part I
     
    Survival depends on several factors, the will to survive and mental preparation being two of them. Human beings have an innate will to survive but we also have higher intelligence than most animals and are able to repress any feelings or drives we may have. If we panic or lose hope, we may defeat our will to survive. The most important ability we can have is being able to recognize a new situation and reacting/adapting to it.
     
    FEAR OF
     
    1. Death
     
    2. Being alone
     
    3. Animals
     
    4. Darkness
     
    5. Weakness
     
    6. Failure
     
    7. Discomfort
     
    8. The unknown
     
    9. Other personal fears
     
    DEALING WITH FEAR
     
    Fear is a normal reaction for anyone faced with a new or unfamiliar situation. Fear is a double-edged sword; it may aid or hinder the individual depending on their reaction to it. It can lead to hopelessness and decrease self-confidence, hindering their will to survive. In can also, by releasing adrenaline, give greater strength and stamina, reduce pain sensation, give you the ability to think more clearly, and help you act in a more coordinated manner.
     
    SEVEN ENEMIES OF SURVIVAL
     
    1. Pain: Pain is a natural way of making you pay attention to something that is wrong with you. However, nature also has ways of holding off pain if you are too busy doing something else to play attention to the injury right then. You should treat whatever needs to get treated and then get busy or pain may go unnoticed and become more serious.
     
    2. Cold: Cold is a much greater threat to survival than it seems. It not only lowers your abilities to think, but it also tends to lower your will to do anything but get warm again. Cold is a subtle enemy; at the same time that it numbs the mind and body, it numbs the will. Because it is hard to move and you want to sleep, you can forget your goal: to survive. Solutions: Build a fire*, get dry, and keep busy*.
     
    3. Thirst: Even when thirst is not extreme, it can dull your mind. As with pain and cold, thirst can be almost forgotten if the will to survive is strong enough. It is also important to remember not to deprive oneself unnecessarily of water. Serious dehydration may occur in a survival situation even when there is plenty of water available. Solution: Attain water*.
     
    4. Hunger: Hunger is dangerous because of the effect it can have on the mind, primarily in lessening the person's ability for rational though. Both thirst and hunger increase a person's susceptibility to the weakening effects of cold, pain, and fear. Solution: Eat food, set snares*, fish*, collect edible plants.
     
    5. Fatigue: Even a very moderate amount of fatigue can reduce mental ability. Fatigue can make you careless as it becomes increasingly easy to adopt the feeling of just not caring. This is one of the biggest dangers in survival. The confused notion that fatigue and energy use are directly related may be responsible for many deaths in survival situations. Certainly, there is a real danger of over-exertion, but fatigue may actually be due to hopelessness, lack of goal, dissatisfaction, frustration, or boredom. Fatigue may represent an escape from a situation that has become too difficult. If you recognize the dangers of a situation, you can often summon the strength to go on. Solution: Take short naps, and stay busy the rest of the time.
     
    6/7. Boredom and Loneliness: Boredom and loneliness are two of the toughest enemies of survival (trust me, I know this first-hand). They are dangerous mainly because they are unexpected. When nothing happens; when something is expected and does not come off; when you must stay still, quiet, and alone, these feelings creep up on you. Solution: Keep busy (camp crafts*)
     
    *: Later features of Survival Weekly.
     
    Well, I believe this wraps up this weeks' lesson. I hope you all enjoyed this, and be ready for another one next week!
     
    Comments, questions, criticism? PM me, or leave a comment.
  24. Crimson Jester
    Hello, fellow BZPers.
     
    You may have noticed that I've decided to go ahead with a Short Story Contest. So, here's the lowdown:
     
    You have until February 4th to create for me a Short Story. Length, I don't care. I care about quality.
     
    Now, with any SS Contest, there will be a theme. This contest's theme will be the lyrics to Disturbed's song Remember. You may choose to incorporate the lyrics, or simply build a story based upon said lyrics (granted, you include an explanation of how the story fits the song with your story).
     
    Stories will be judged by myself based upon originality, ties to theme, and grammar. Yeah, I'm simple.
     
    As well, I'd suggest listening to the song as well. It's simply beautiful.
     
    Now, to run over the info one more time:
    Final Entry Date: February 4th
    Length: Your choosing.
    Theme: 'Remember' by Disturbed
     
    As I final note before I give you your lyrics, winners will be announced February 7th.
     
    Lyrics:
    Sensation washes over me
    I can't describe it
    Pain I felt so long ago
    I don't remember
    Tear a hole so I can see
    My devastation
    Feelings from so long ago
    I don't remember
     
    Holding on, to let them know
    What's given to me, given to me
    To hide behind
    The mask this time
    And try to believe
     
    Blind your eyes to what you see
    You can't embrace it
    Leave it well enough alone
    And don't remember
    Cut your pride and watch it bleed
    You can't deny it
    Pain you know you can't ignore
    I don't remember
     
    Holding on, to let them know
    What's given to me, given to me
    To hide behind
    The mask this time
    And try to believe
     
    If I can
    Remember
    To know this will
    Conquer me
    If I can
    Just walk alone
    And try to escape
    Into me
     
    Sensation washes over me
    I can't describe it
    Pain I felt so long ago
    I don't remember
     
    I'm just holding on, to let them know
    What's given to me, given to me
    To hide behind
    The mask this time
    And try to believe
     
    If I can
    Remember
    To know this will
    Conquer me
    If I can
    Just walk alone
    And try to escape
    Into me
    into me
    into me
  25. Crimson Jester
    RPG Masters' Guild
     
    What is this?
     
    This is a group of Role Players who have experience and knowledge behind how these games work. Currently there are three members to this group; Robo, Crimson Jester, and Spink. The two on the ends (Robo and Spink) Have been known to help out with a few RPGs and get questions related to RPG Help to them, and for Crimson Jester (CJ), he has knowledge in many of the aspects and has experience from running several of his own, as well as writing up several.
     
    We are here to help with other people with Role Playing in general, from IC structure, or just questions out of the blue on Role Playing Games that are Text Based, we are around to offer our help to those who want it. We do not consider ourselves the "Best" but are the three willing to answer these questions and help out with possible new RPGs. Since two are Judges for RPGs in COT, they generally know what will and what won't get by, so help from them is probably a good thing. CJ knows what he talks about, and knows how to structure and create an RPG, as well as play in them.
     
    We are here to help, nothing more, nothing less.
     
    We call ourselves the "RPG Masters' Guild" because we are a group of people who know what we're talking about and what we're doing, and have put ourselves in the group to help. The name isn't to give a "We're better than everyone demeanor" but just a fancy titles that sounds good.
     
    There is not much else to say, that relates to this group, but this;
     
    Robo - Basically the guy in the head of it, since the idea was generally his.
    Crimson Jester - Robo's right hand man and second to know of this, and has graciously put this in his blog.
    Spink - The Freshman of the group, he's the one who wrote up what you are reading, and so actually *GASP* DOES STUFF.
     
    All three are open to any and all questions you may have regarding the TBRPG business.
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