WriterofReapers

Thanks for the... encouraging words. Help me. I guess. I'll be sure to keep it in mind if Kirse makes it. I don't want to die. Help.

Yeah... It kinda scares me too... Help.

Thought you might feel that way. Don't worry, Salamander will start looking for Tuara when he gets to Ta-Koro. Although now that I think about it, she probably left ages ago and he'll just end up chasing her trail that is chasing Utu's which has made its way to Ga-Wahi.Yeah, I like that plan. Now, who would do something horrible like that? Hmm...?

I was actually trying to compare it to the original version. We've added a whole lot of content, and the description has gotten longer as a result. Sorry, that wasn't as clear as it could have been.Edit: Toa Levacious Zehvor, our entry is actually longer than yours. So... there. Not that that proves anything... XD

This might sound strange, but I think you might be making them too nerdy. While I understand that you want nerds to be able to relate to the characters, I also believe that of all the people in your intended demographic (that is, British/European nerds), only a fraction of them will be interested in a story like this.Basically, your aim seems a bit too narrow at this point. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Venator also died, and TDC has officially left the game.

Shush. We don't want to jinx it...But seriously, we've spent a lot of time since the last contest improving it, and I really think it shows. After all, look at how long it is now!

Man... I leave for fifteen minutes to grab a bit to eat and look what happens. :crying:However, I think you did an excellent job of concluding the tale of Venator, and that last post in particular was amazing. I know it won't be the last time we get to RP together, but it's still going to be strange without Venator hanging around Salamander constantly.

IC: Salamander Salamander stood gasping desperately for breath and with numerous wounds, but he stood victorious. It had been a hard-fought victory, but it was a victory nonetheless. And now, it was time to punish Venator for all the horrible things he had done, namely stalking Salamander and being a general pain in the neck. Salamander lifted his arm up in anticipation of the killing blow.Moments went by, with no sign of movement from either party. If Venator still had the ability to move, he acted otherwise. Yet, Salamander remained in the same position, hesitating to deliver the final final blow for the first time in his life. Thoughts rushed through his mind, alternating between violent impulses to utterly destroy Venator and the more rational thoughts of letting the Toa of Ice live. After all, since when had irritating someone become a crime punishable by death? Even if he would like it to be, Salamander knew that killing Venator for that reason would be wrong.Not just that. The whole situation was wrong. For the first time, Salamander could see things in a similar light as Venator. Whatever his faults, the Toa of Ice had voluntarily taken upon himself the task of keeping Salamander in check and preventing him from destroying whatever crossed his path simply because he could. If anything, Salamander should have been thanking Venator, not killing him.And yet... Salamander had come too far to turn around and help Venator. It was too late for him to be a hero, that ship had long since sailed. He was nothing more than an anomaly, a being who couldn't be a hero but refused to become a villain. He was a shade of gray in a world of white and black."You can die if that's what you want, but I won't help you along the way."The words escaped his lips, surprising even himself. They were spoken in a harsh tone, but Salamander couldn't help but feel that somewhere in their depths was a trace of mercy. His desire to kill yet reluctance to back down had spoken up without his consent, but he couldn't help but be thankful for what they had said. With that he began to walk away."If I ever see you again, I will kill you. But for now... I'd recommend not dying."He wasn't sure if he meant what he said or not, but he was certain that even if he never saw Venator again it would be far too soon. Goodbye.OOC: And so ends the duo of Salamander and Venator...Yeah, Venator will probably be back to stalking Salamander within a week or so (if he survives, that is). Especially since Salamander left all the supplies. XD

Ooooh, it's finally started? *Looks at competition* Pardon me while I go dance a jig. XD Anyway, I'd like to take a look at this final version. I think the sooner we get it submitted, the better...

I enjoyed it even before reading Homestuck, although there are definitely jokes you will miss if you haven't read it.

I swear, there are times having Despair as my name can be seriously annoying. That last line completely threw me off for a moment. XD

Because you're in it? Or just because it's plain ol' awesome? Actually been reading it since... Probably day 2. It also got me into Homestuck. Loving both.

Name: DespairTheme: Character StoryWord Count: 600Story: LossI walked over to a tall, middle-aged man sitting with his head in his hands, his proud back bent in sorrow. I had seen many others like him during my life, but it was never any less heart-wrenching of a sight. There was no guaranteed way to help people when they were like that, but I had always found that simply talking to them could help ease them a bit.“Excuse me, sir, but visiting hours are over for the day. However, I’d have to be a pretty cruel person to kick you out at this point, so do you mind if I sit down?”The man I was speaking to started at the sound of my voice as if he had been unaware of my presence. Of course, that was probably exactly what had happened; it was clear he had a lot on his mind. After a silent nod from the man, I sat down in one of the chairs next to him. It was almost ten minutes before he felt the desire to speak.“She was only five.”“I’m sorry to hear it.”I was. It wasn’t the first time someone would die so young, nor would it be the last. However, I understood the man’s pain. Losing a loved one is always hard, especially when by all rights they should have the rest of their lives ahead of them.“If you don’t mind my asking, why is it you are wearing that hat of yours while indoors and at night? Does it have some sentimental value to you?”He nodded and reached up to tough it gently, his fingers gently caressing the worn edges. “Before today,” he said, “I would have told you that it didn’t. But she always loved this hat of mine, and now I'm rather reluctant to part with it, even if only for a second. Funny how your attitude towards things can change so drastically over the course of a day, isn’t it?”Now it was my turn to nod, although something I had seen when he reached up towards his hat had caught my attention. It appeared to be a tattoo, but… what it looked like seemed completely random to a person like myself who had only just met this man. However, I suspected that it also seemed random to those who knew him well. As such, I decided to ask him about it.“Sorry to bother you with yet another question, but what exactly is that on your arm? It seems kinda… odd.”At my words, the man chuckled a bit. He had probably been asked that question a hundred times before now, but for some reason that didn’t seem to bother him. Rather, it appeared that he was welcoming the chance to talk to a curious stranger, to share stories of his life with a caring soul. He must have been thinking along those lines, or otherwise why would he have tolerated my questions at such a difficult time in his life?“It’s a wolf with a crown. My wife and I – back when we were still dating – went to a bar one night and ended up completely drunk. During that time, we each got one of these, mine on my right arm and hers on her left arm.”I nodded once more, but he didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he stood up and began to straighten out his clothes.“I know it’s a bit late for introductions, but I’m Doctor- no. I’m Steve. It was nice talking to you, I really appreciate it. Thanks a lot.”With that, he left.

You make it sound like the Suletu can get powers from other players or something. It's just telepathy.Of course, telepathy in this game would be considered overpowered...

Name: DespairTheme: LegacyWord Count: 481Story: HeartVakama watched as the once-beautiful city of Metru Nui vanished in the mist. He, along with the rest of the Toa Metru, had fulfilled their duty of protecting the Matoran, but he couldn’t help but regret that it was necessary to leave his home behind. Sure, there was a new island up above, but it just wouldn’t be the same. There would be no Turaga Dume to gently lead the Matoran, no Coliseum to gather at for sporting events, and no Toa Lhikan to protect the citizens from danger.It felt like only a short while ago that Vakama had watched the Toa and eventually Turaga that he had admired so much taking his last breath and passing away. At the time, Vakama had been distraught at the death of Lhikan, and he had tried his best to ignore those emotions and act as a leader should.Naturally, that had only led to more misfortune. However, that was in the past and a tale for another time. What mattered was that now, on one of the many airships, he finally had the chance to sit down and think properly.With Lhikan’s death and Turaga Dume’s decision to remain in Metru Nui, the Matoran would inevitable end up looking towards Vakama and his teammates for guidance and protection from the forces of Makuta.It just doesn’t feel right. Only a short while ago we were Matoran ourselves, and now we are expected to protect them.If put into this kind of situation a few weeks prior, Vakama would have likely wished that he was a Matoran again. Now, he felt a degree of acceptance towards what lay ahead. It was their duty, tasked to them by the Great Spirit. It had been the job of other before and it would the duty of yet more in the future, but for now it was their task. Their job. Their duty. * * * Six Turaga stood before the recently-awakened Matoran, their smiles outshined only by the expressions of childlike wonderment that covered the faces of the Matoran. It was a new world to them, and also the only world. They had no memories of the past, but that was alright. After all, they had six Turaga there to guide them through whatever hardships they might face.“This is the island of Mata Nui, named in honor of the Great Spirit,” Vakama declared to the Matoran. A few of the Matoran mouthed the words “Mata Nui”, as if the words themselves were a blessing of peace. Looking at the Matoran, Vakama felt a surge of pride for what had been accomplished, and a quiet determination to continue the work that he had begun.Thank you, Lhikan, for trusting us with upholding your legacy. We will keep the heart of Metru Nui safe, even if it is removed from its home; that I promise you.

"It's 20% cooler." You didn't. Please tell me you didn't. D: Seriously though, great podcast. The intro music was cut a bit short, and the dreaded echo started back up a bit towards the end, but it was a solid podcast nonetheless.

Ugh, yet another entry written for the sake of entering something. I really wish I had a bit more confidence in most of my entries, but oh well. They stink, so it's simply to be expected. Name: DespairTheme: UltimatumWord Count: 583Story: HostageI looked down at my bloodied hands, my eyes moist with tears that refused to fall. Littered around me were dozens of destroyed objects, all victims of my despair-fueled rampage throughout the empty house.Empty. She was gone, taken. No doubt suffering as I sat and wallowed in my own misery. And yet… There was nothing I could do. I was no hero, and neither the authorities nor I had any idea who had takenher. All we knew was that she hadn’t gone willingly, but I could have told anyone that much.From within my pocket but what felt like a world away, something began vibrating. After a moment, the realization that it was my phone sank in and I pulled it out, still in a daze had what had transpired that day. Judging by the fact that it had only vibrated for a second, I had probably received a text message from yet another person curious as to what the situation was and to tell me how sorry they were for me, how they knew I was suffering and felt my pain, even while they sat in warm and loving rooms surrounded by those they cared about. It had been difficult maintaining my composure during those instances, and I was tempted to ignore this one until I felt a bit better.However, I couldn’t help but check to see who had sent it.The instant I saw her name, I froze up. I wanted to scream at the world for its playing such a cruel trick on my mind, to weep with joy, and to chastise her for worrying us so much all at once. Of course, deep down I knew that the conversation I was about to engage in wouldn’t end up like any of those. With a practiced motion, I pulled up the message and read it, my confused emotions quickly transforming into a singular, mind-rending, rage.Bring $500,000 to the main entrance of the Wood Hills Mall at 10:00 tomorrow morning.So it was a ransom. A ransom I could deal with. The part that infuriated me was the lack of any mention of their hostage. Even when asking for half a million dollars, they had made no indication that the sum would do anything to free her. For all I knew, she was already dead. It was a cold, distant thought, but once it entered my mind it refused to leave. Still, I couldn’t just abandon her.I knew I should talk to the authorities about it, but something stopped me. I don’t know what it was, and looking back I can’t possibly imagine what was going through my head at the time.Even after I arrived with the money I had somehow managed to scrap together at the designated time and place, there was no sign of anyone who might have been expecting to receive half a million dollars. I waited for what felt like hours, my heart racing and my armpits sweaty. I was nervous, nervous for both my own safety and the safety the person I was trying to save.Turns out, that nervousness was perfectly justified. For all my efforts, all my stupidity, I received a bullet to the heart. As I lay there, dying upon the concrete and amidst all the gum that people had carelessly tossed aside, I pressed my hand against my chest. I pulled it away, examining the crimson blood. It was beautiful in its own way, death was.

I voted for number 4 (AKA, my own), but it was a tough decision between that and entry 5. In the end, I found its sudden changes of focus to just be (while seemingly necessary to the story the author was trying to tell) a bit too well... sudden for me to really feel immersed in the story. Not to say my own story is any better, since personal bias can blind you to the most obvious of errors...

Okay, not sure how this entry turned out, but I liked the idea behind it. Maybe I'll try it again sometime.Also, the canister didn't open because it had been programmed to stay closed in the case that something went horribly wrong (which is exactly what happened). Too bad they didn't make it indestructible as well... Name: DespairTheme: Alternate UniverseWord Count: 555Story: ArrivalA cylindrical object washed upon a deserted shore. Despite the signs that it had been adrift for many years, its hull gleamed a bright silver in the cheery sunlight. A few birds darted from their trees, curious as to what the new arrival was. One in particular was especially daring, and settled itself upon the strange object. After a moment of deliberation, its head ducked down in a pecking motion, making a considerable noise on impact. The sound rang throughout the air, a signal to all that lived on the island that its heroes had finally arri-Something inside the canister began screaming, initially out of frustration and eventually out of simple rage. The birds, startled by loud noise, retreated back to their trees to observe from a safer distance.After a few minutes, the voice fell silent. The beach seemed strangely quiet in its absence, as if everything on it was waiting with bated breath for what would happen next.They didn’t have to wait long.Blows began to sound out from the canister, with each growing increasingly louder as whatever was trapped inside grew more desperate to be free. The bangs and crashes unnerved the Rahi; they were accustomed to the peaceful sounds of the island, and this strange object and whatever creature it contained had shattered that peace.Suddenly, a hand burst through the side of the canister. Crimson blood ran down its length, and its owner howled in pain. Flames began to escape from the canister, somehow in response to the creature inside.The nearby Rahi all fled, wanting nothing to do with this strange monster that could create fire in response to being injured. Even in their primitive minds, they had plans that didn’t involve being roasted alive because their curiosity got the better of them.Eventually, the creature worked its way out of its prison. It stood tall, its crimson and orange body covered in numerous wounds and of unmistakably masculine design. In its eyes was the rage of a savage animal intent on destroying anything and everything that crossed its path. Gripped tightly in its right hand was a blade seemingly composed of fire, the flames flickering in a way that made it seem like they craved for destruction.The being looked down at his sword, as if hearing the voice of his weapon and its cry for devastation. Slowly, the sword was pointed at the nearby forest. The trees themselves seemed to shy away from the spectacle, as if they knew what was about to happen and wished to somehow wished to escape their fate. Unfortunately, they had no chance for escape; a pillar of fire quickly shot out from the sword and began to consume everything that stood before the being of fire and destruction.And then the creature screamed. It screamed and screamed and screamed. It screamed out of rage, despair, frustration, loneliness, and finally as a challenge to the rest of the island. “Just try to destroy me as well,” its scream seemed to say. It had nothing save the impulse to destroy, the desire to burn.It was meant to be one of the saviors of the island, tasked with the duty of liberating the villagers from an oppressive dark force. Instead, it was a monster.The Toa of Fire had finally arrived.

Ice cream?

Guys, stay on topic. If you want to kill yourselves through those terrible puns, do it in a PM where there won't be any innocent people harmed because of proximity to the sheer awfulness of aforementioned puns. :PSo... Where's Nuju at? Seems like he kinda disappeared... Or maybe I've just not noticed any of his recent posts...