FloatingFatMan

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1.) is it possible to make water so that we can dive in it, swim deep and even have an empire under water?


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The Imperious Taskforce contains a room where you can go underwater. This was done as a test for something one of the new programmers worked out how to do, and MAY be used more in the future.

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2.) what is the limit in speed?


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The SuperSpeed cap is just a little below the maximum movement speed the game engine can handle. Any faster and the netcode starts to drop packets, resulting in rubber banding.

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3.) is it just not possible to make different colors for powers or is it more because it takes a massive amount of work?


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It's technically possible, but requires a lot of rewriting to achieve. There's more involved than just the power effect, there are impact effects too.

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4.) what kind of power, that was on the drawing board, isn't possible?


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I believe one was growing/shrinking. Another was wall crawling IIRC.

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5.) if something isn't possible currently, but a different team working on a different game knows a solution, do you take the trouble to let him work on it or do you just ignore the problem and say "it isn't possible"?


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Anything is technically possible, it's more whether it's economically feasible with current tools.

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6.) is glassy shine skin possible on the current tight skin or do you need some engine updates to make it possible?


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Technically possible again, but could cause major lag issues due to the processor power required to render shiny surfaces.

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7.) if you make a costume, do you just create one skin or do you need 3 skins?


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Each piece requires a version for each body type.

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I *think* he could be referring to the addition of the French and German Global Channels... which is just a little bit different to having 3 different servers for the EU.

The EU has only ever had 1 server for Tabula Rasa.

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Yes, my mistake. i meant to say they basicly got 3 servers in 1 (english/german/french). But afaik, parts of the language of zudunkf and viligance are coded serverside, so might give problems to do the same.

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From what i can gather, it wouldnt be all that hard to set it up that way, as the language files are stored client side (I remember setting myself asian text at one point for a laugh). All that would happen is that you have 3 servers the same with no major difference (apart from maybe the change of language for /1 and setting english up to /11 or /12 depending on the *foreign* server you are on)

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It's not that simple. ALL contact dialog and mission text is stored serverside. Only minor things to do with the GUI are clientside. IMO, it was a VERY short sighted decision to do it this way as it means they HAVE to have a seperate server for each language. To change it would require completely redoing the EU version of the game, just as much work as doing the EU version to start with.

Perhaps if they ever make CoH2...

Yes, I would cancel.

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While your passing on feedback, could you also add the ability to buy things from the PlayNC store as gift purchases, and give other people the codes so they can apply them to their accounts?

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We can't do it the way suggested here (it would make things far too easy for fraud), however the ability to make gift purchases is something under consideration.

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I'm curious... Considering you need the login credentials and card details to MAKE a purchase, and you only send the emails to the registered address, how is that too easy for fraud? Other online retailers seem to think it's safe enough. I think NC have tried to make things TOO secure, due to some misplaced paranoia, to the extent that the system works AGAINST the gamers.

This is pretty much proven by how annoying the site is to use with your card of choice, and how restrictive it is with using your card when you happen to be in another country.

I'd be a bit buggered if I tried to renew or purchase anything through my work internet connection, wouldn't I? That's routed through Finland, afterall... No other retailer stops me doing that... Hell, I spent a couple of grand that way a few months ago... Was NO problem at all...

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While your passing on feedback, could you also add the ability to buy things from the PlayNC store as gift purchases, and give other people the codes so they can apply them to their accounts?


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You can already do that, the full code is in the e mail you get from them after the purchase.

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Every time I've bought something from the PlayNC store, they've only given me the last 4 characters of the code, and an "Apply to account" button in account management. I don't get the full code until AFTER I applied it, which is pretty useless really.

Somewhere in Paragon

A wizened hand reached shakily for a glass of water as it's owner coughed between bursts of cackling laughter. A well dressed man with a red streak through his otherwise jet black hair quickly moved to assist his master, and aided him in taking a drink. On the bank of video monitors by his chair, several shots of newspapers showing the Grav Mistress's obituary were displayed

Finally, the old man known only as 00 stopped cackling and spoke, he's cracked voice still showing an edge of laughter to it. "An excellent job number three, you have pleased me greatly."

The man addressed as Number three bowed humbly, a small smile of his face. "I did merely as you commanded, sir. The curse was a difficult one to administer, but the end results are far more than I anticipated. The woman was foolish to think she could remove it so easily."

00 coughed again. "And you've managed to do what my other agents have failed miserably at, make ineffective the alien hybrid as well as caused mass disruption to the Unity Vigil. You will be well rewarded for your work."

Number three bowed again. "I am honoured, sir."

00's hand came in to view again, placing the now empty glass of water on the desk. "Arrange a full cabinet meeting for tonight. Rolando will never be more vulnerable than now, and we cannot pass up this opportunity you have afforded us."

"Of course, sir." came the reply. "I will arrange it at once."

As number three turned to leave, the old man turned back to gaze at the video displays again, and more laughter echoed through the dark chamber.

Personally, I think all the "problems" are at NC's end, not the banks. No other online retailer has these problems with Maestro.

I'm sorry, but all this is REALLY stupid now. To my knowledge, NO other online retailers that use Maestro have such stupid restrictions on them, so why do PlayNC deem it necessary to make life so difficult for the players?

It's sheer idiocy to stop people giving you money when they WANT to!

(( The following is a transcription of live RP. ))

Twenty minutes after leaving the tower, Ellie was wandering through Gemini Park when she spied a familiar figure sitting on one of the benches. Smiling, she walked over to it.

"Hi Ash, " she says, "I thought I'd find you here."

Ellie's friend, Ashley Gray, looked up with surprise and shock. "Ellie!" Standing quickly, she rushed over to Ellie, throwing her arms around the young woman and hugging her tight.

Grinning, Ellie returned the hug. "Well, hi to you too!"

As she hugged her friend, Ellie caught a whiff of something and sniffed carefully. "Hmm... Had a bit to drink, Ash? It's a bit early for that, don't you think?"

Ashley bit her lip, maintaining her grip on Ellie, and replied hesitantly. "I uh... Got a little..."

Ellie chuckled, "Oh, you got a little drunk? Well, what was the occasion?"

Moving her head back to look in to Ellie's eyes, Ashley frowned. "I was worried about you!"

"Really?" Ellie sounded surprised. "Whatever for? I'm absolutely fine! I just overslept a little, is all!"

Ashley stared at her friend, dumbfounded. "Ellie... You collapsed!"

A confused expression crossed her face as she replied. "I did? What was that?" She looked thoughtfull for a moment, before a memory came to her. "Oh wait... That must have been why I was in the medbay..."

Ashley nodded, "It happened yesterday, in the coffee shop. We were chatting when you suddenly stood up, dropping your cup. You whispered Jess a couple of times, then just... fainted! I was worried sick!"

Ellie looked confused as she listened, then shrugged. "Oh well... I feel fine now... Better than fine in fact. I feel better than I have done in aaaaages!"

A worried expression flitted across Ashley's face as she realised something wasn't quite right. "Ellie, have you spoken to anyone since you woke up?"

Thinking for a moment, Ellie shook her head. "Zori was chatting to her daughter, Hannah, and Hannah's girlfriend... Out in the corridor; but they looked kinda busy so I thought I'd just go for a walk."

Ashley gasped, "Ellie! They were all really really worried about you, everyone is!"

Shrugging, Ellie took a step back and grins. "Well... I'm not sure why. I feel just fine, really. Probably all just a delayed reaction to all that prison food."

Moving to the bench, Ellie sat down and pulled Ashley in to her lap. "Well, sorry if I scared you or anything, but I'm fine now, honest."

Ashley frowned slightly as she was pulled to Ellie's lap, then smiled. "Well, then that's good, really good!"

"So... Other than getting a skinful, been up to anything?" Ellie asked.

"Well... To be completely honest, I... don't actually remember." Ashley seemed embarrased.

"Wow, you must have had a LOT to drink. That's really not good for you, you know. You could have falled down, hurt yourself or anything!"

Ashley looked contrite. "I know, I know... I shouldn't have... But I was upset and worried and well... One drink led to another... I don't normally drink, you know!"

Ellie nodded firmly. "Good, but if you do it again, I will have to put you over my knee!"

A giggle came from Ashley as she suddenly blushed and whispered, "You could do that anyway..."

A smirk crossed Ellie's face as she giggled in response. "Ooooh... Look who's getting all kinky! Well, maybe later, okay?"

A sudden panicked look crossed Ashley's face for a second, before she smiled softly. "I guess I can wait."

"Good, " came the reply. "Because I have a few things to do anyway. I've decided to move my stuff out of the tower and live on my boat full time."

Ashley looked back, puzzled. "What about Jess's stuff?"

Ellie blinked at her, and replied slowly, her voice a little distant. "Jess's stuff? Oh... no. No need..."

A frown creased Ashley's brow. "What do you mean?"

"Well... There's no need, is there?" Ellie's voice sounded stronger, if somewhat emotionless. "She doesn't need it any more, after all. And I certainly don't. I'll probably just throw all that stuff out or something..."

Ashley looked confused. "But... Why would you do that Ellie? Doesn't she want it anymore or something?"

"Oh, no... I mean, it's no good to her anymore, is it? Not now that she's dead and all..."

A shocked expression crossed Ashley's face. "Ellie! That's NOT funny!"

"Funny?" Ellie sounded puzzled. "I'm not joking! She's dead, I felt her go. She burned up or something. Kinda of a shame really, I mean. It's not like she was that old, and she was pretty popular."

Ashley stared at her friend in horrified disbelief, unable to understand how Ellie could be so cold.

Ellie shrugged, "Anyway, it's not important."

Finally finding words, Ashley managed to stammer, "El... Ellie. That really really isn't funny. How could you? She's your wife!"

"I'm not being funny, Ash! It's true, really! Jess is dead and gone, burned up in some kind of fire." Ellie tapped the side of her head. "I can't feel her in here anymore, so she's gone. I guess her friends will miss her but that's life I suppose."

"Ellie..." Ashley's voice sounded horrified. "She's your WIFE! How can you just... Talk about her like... like that!?"

"Wife?" Ellie sounded puzzled, "What ARE you talking about Ash? Don't be silly! She was just... just someone I knew.. from around the statue! Sure, she was nice enough I guess, and I spent a bit of time with her; chatting and stuff. But it's not like we were an item or anything!"

Ashley grabbed Ellie's right hand, feeling angry all of a sudden. "Then explain this? Where'd this ring come from Ellie? Tell me."

Ellie stared at the gold ring on her hand, and examined the slender threads of emerald and diamond twisting around the glinting metal. "Oh, wow.. Ash, that's really pretty! Did you sneak that on there?!" She started to pull it off. "You really shouldn't have put it on that hand though, the friendship ring is on the OTHER hand, you know! People will talk!"

Ashley grabbed Ellie's hand, stopping her from removing the ring. "Ellie... JESS gave you that ring, when she married you 2 years ago. Your third anniversary is at the end of the month, you told me yourself the other day!"

A frown creased Ellie's forhead, and she shook her head slowly, her voice sounding confused. "Jess got it? Why should Jess buy me a ring? It's not like we... We never... We didn't..." Her voice trailed off as her expression went dull and lifeless before she spoke again.

"So... Want to help me move my stuff to my boat?"

Ashley just stared at her, biting her lip, before throwing her arms around her friend tightly, trying not to cry as she realised what must have happened. "Oh Ellie..."

Ellie seemed surprised at Ashley's reaction, and rubbed her back gently. "Hey, what's up hun? No need to be so upset..."

Her voice sounded strangled as she tried hard not to cry. "Ellie... You are... " Ashley sighed, "You were, married.. To Jess. For two years. You told me yourself how much you loved her and could never bare to be apart from her for long."

A long sigh came from Ellie as she moved Ashley back a bit, looking in to her eyes. "Ashley, look. I like you, I really REALLY like you, a lot; but I do wish you'd stop saying such silly things. I mean... If all that happened, I'd remember it, wouldn't I?

"Ellie... If you really liked me that much... Don't you think we'd be something more than just friends by now?"

Ellie suddenly grinned, and a flush crept up her cheeks. "Well... Actually, now that you mention it.. I was uh.. wondering if maybe... you'd kinda like to come stay on the boat with me? If you want to of course..."

Tears sprang up from Ashley's eyes and she threw her arms around Ellie once more. "You have NO idea how much I'd love to do that, Ellie. But... You aren't yourself right now."

"No?" Ellie sounded embarrassed, and her cheeks grew redder. "Um... I'm sorry. Maybe I should have waited a bit longer... It's a big step and all... Uh, well.. would you... you could maybe stay over sometimes, if you want to?"

Ashley shook her head. "No, Ellie... It's not that. You *are* married, Ellie. You told me yourself that we... We could never be together.. That you loved Jess and could never leave her, even if you wanted to... Because of your link."

Ellie tilted her head to one side, an odd expression on her face. "I'm... married?" She shook her head, and with a soft sigh, gently slid Ashley from her lap. "I'm sorry Ash, but I... have to go do... something. I'll see you later maybe, okay?"

She stood up, turning to leave. "I won't be too long. Maybe see you at the statue later or something?"

Rising to her feet, Ashley nodded slowly, taking deep breaths. "Right..."

Leaning towards her, Ellie gave Ashley a quick peck on the lips. "Love you."

Ashley's face flushed and she quickly reached a hand out to Ellie's shoulder. "I love you too." she whispered, "And... I'm sorry..."

Light erupted around the two women suddenly as Ashley used her teleportation abilities, and they both vanished. Seconds later, light flared in the corridor outside Ellie's room, where Zorielle was still talking to Hannah; and the two women appeared. Stepping quickly back, Ashley removed her hand from Ellie's shoulder and with a whispered, "You'll be safe here.", vanished in another flash of light.

This is taking over the IC Story thread, so I've decided to make it's own story thread, and an OOC thread to go along with it to invite comments, give other people a chance to participate as and when their characters get affected (up to you!).

Also, it looks like it might turn a bit forum RPy, supplementing any in-game RP; so it's own thread would be better anyway.

EDIT: Apologies to folks for the thread title change. Blame SG.

Behind them, in the private room, Ellie slowly blinked and took a long deep breath. Her brow furrowed briefly as she tried to figure out her surroundings, then cleared as she recognized the place. Slowly, she sat up in the bed, her bare feet sliding out from under the covers.

She glanced around, looking puzzled at being in the medical unit, then slid out of bed and went over to a cupboard. Finding some clothes, she dressed herself then went over to the door, opening it quietly.

In the corridor, Zori was holding Hannah tight as she sobbed, and Yoko was staring blankly in to space. Giving them a curious glance, Ellie shrugged and slipped out of the room to walk quietly down the corridor in the opposite direction.

Unity Tower, Saturday Morning - Originally posted by Zortel on 04/10/2008

"Mr Caine has boarded the Unity Wing with the body, and police reports and evidence, Zorielle." BODICIA's voice came from the room. Her main avatar was currently piloting the groups high tech aircraft to bring back Jessica Stoneberg's body from the Alps where it had been discovered, along with a magic expert and old associate of Zortel's.

"Alright... when you arrive, have her body shipped to Scanner Lab Three, and I don't want anyone to see her. Let's do a thorough scan first and see what details we can get before doing anything rash..." Zorielle replied slightly wearily, rubbing at her eyes.

"Of course. Also, as OverAI I am compelled to remind you that you have been up for twenty seven hours now, and should really get some sleep before your wife shouts at you." BODICIA added before closing the commslinks.

Zorielle -couldn't- sleep though. Ellie was still catatonic, her daughter was at a bedside vigil, a close family friend had turned up dead, a member of the New Vigilants had gone missing, a member of the Unity Vigil was worrying about that, and all the thousand and one other things laid upon her mind.

"... Not much more can be done till then." Zori sighed, setting her internal cybernetics to force her to sleep until the Unity Wing arrived. Her eyes closed almost instantly as the relaxants and electronic impulses surged to her brain, willing her to sleep.

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Stepping out of Scanning Room one, Zorielle sighed. It was only thanks to her iron will and prior experience that Jess' expression didn't drive her into nausea, but it still chilled her to the bone. As she began her walk towards the medical bays, she let her mind wander over the facts.

Coupled with what Jason had told her, and the state of her body, there was a chance that her body was merely just an empty shell at this time. But from the hints that she had gotten from Mr Caine, where the rest of her was could be classed as an unpleasant place at best. Her body was dead. Definately. But some strange force that people called magic had set her cellular structure into stasis, preventing decomposition. How she proceeded next could make all the difference.

"Hey Mom..." Hannah called out quietly as she came into Ellie's room at the tower. Ellie had been sedated the night before to let her body rest, and now awake she continued to just stare out at nothing, her expression hollow.

"Hannah, Yoko... I need a word with you both outside." Zori said after a moment, motioning them to her. Noticing the expression and tone, Hannah quickly headed out, her girlfriend following behind her. With the door shut, Zorielle looked to the pair.

"We've located Jessica, girls... but it's not looking good." The older woman sighed.

"... How do you mean, not good?" Yoko asked with concern.

"Mom... what's happened to Jess?" Hannah added, staring at her mother with frightened eyes.

"... We located her body. There seems to be some form of magic involved, as its in a form of cellular stasis... she may just be projecting herself dimensionally via some kind of magic, but there's a chance that... there's a chance that she may have died. I'm sorry... I'd have wished to have given you a definate, but... it's tough to say. I've got some of the best minds in the magical theories looking into it, but... that explains Ellie's current state."

Zorielle hated not having all the answers. They had to know the current facts though, she knew that. But it was never good in telling. With a sigh, she pulled Hannah close as she burst into tears, wrapping her arms around her and stroking her hair gently. Yoko just stood there, staring into nothing with a shocked expression.

Travel Arrangements - Epilogue - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 03/10/2008

(( With many, many, many thanks to Ravenswing for writing this part. ))
(( This takes place in Paragon Time at roughly 7am, 04 October 2008 ))

Bundespolizei Detective Frankmann stood in the entrance of the cave watching the sky. Around him, the trees had been burnt back by a fire which the crime scene people claimed showed no signs of accelerant. Of course, he had heard that before and then some minute analysis of something in one of those big machines had shown something. However, consider what was inside the cave, he was not so sure. He turned, figuring he would hear the sound of the helicopter before he saw it anyway, and walked a few paces back into the cave.

The scene was... bizarre. In the centre of the cave, now surrounded by three halogen lights, was the body of a woman. She was naked, lying on her back, arms stretched above her head. Scorch marks on the stone (right up to the roof) showed that the pillar of flame the witness had claimed to see had probably originated here, but the woman's body was barely marked. The skin was showing signs of heat damage where her clothing had been tight; there were marks from bra straps, for example. There were two more obvious burns, one on her ring finger, the other in the shape of a tear drop pendant around her neck, but there were no signs of molten metal. The forensics guy that had taken Frankmann through the scene was perplexed. Something hot enough to vaporise the metal should have reduced the body to ash, but there was not even any evidence of the jewellery deforming before it went.

The look on here face... When Frankmann had arrived he had seen one of the forensics guys throwing up into a bush and had expected something messy, instead there was the look of total agony locked into her features. It had sent a shiver down Frankmann's spine, he could see how the pain expressed there might have turned someone's stomach. Still, looking closer, there was something else. She had been resisting it, fighting it, determined to get through. And then there was just that slight touch of fear around the eyes, as though she was afraid that her efforts had not been enough. Which, from the look of it, was the case.

As you went out from the body, things got stranger. Well, Frankmann had to admit that he did not get that many tall, green-skinned corpses to deal with, so perhaps he was wrong, but the golden runes carved into the rock just straight gave him the creeps. Lining the body, the runes and sigils which had glowed a bright gold when Frankmann had first arrived, were now dull and lifeless, but they still set his teeth on edge. There was something... wrong about them.

And then there were the forensics people who were glaring at him again. He had taken one look at the scene and told them to get away from the body. There was currently no time of death, because Frankmann had told them not to move the body, never mind sticking a thermometer into it's liver. They had been able to take photographs, and a small sample of the gold substance in the carved runes, but that was about it.

A burst of white light filled the cave entrance, accompanied by a weird sucking sort of noise and there was a man standing there. Frankmann turned and looked at him, taking in the leather duster over an expensive looking shirt and tie, the asian features, the tall, muscular body. “You are Professor Caine?” he said, in English.

Caine nodded, his eyes scanning the cave interior rather than looking at Frankmann. “Es ist auch moglich fur uns Deutsch zu reden,” he said.

Frankmann shook his head. “I get little enough opportunity to practice my English. I thought you were coming by helicopter.”

“They couldn't land close enough,” Caine said. “I got out. Is the scene exactly how it was found? No one's touched the body?”

“They checked for life signs... there are none, by the way. When I saw the carvings, I locked the scene down and called Vienna. We do not have the kind of expertise to deal with this kind of thing in Bregenz.” Even these days, you didn't get a lot of weird magical rituals in routine cop work. He took out a notepad and looked at it. “The only thing that is different is that the runes were glowing when I arrived. Are those... Satanic, or something?”

Jason wandered slowly around the corpse, examining the runes, occasionally dropping to one knee to look closer. “Not exactly. I assume these have been photographed? I'll need you to send those to me case of the Paragon City University.”

“Of course,” Frankmann looked at his notepad again. “We have a tentative identification of the woman as...”

“Jessica Stoneberg,” Jason interrupted. “Also known as Grav Mistress.”

“You know her? She has owned a house here in the mountains for around two years. She was seen in the village below buying supplies, perhaps for a hiking trip.”

“I know of her, and I don't think she was going hiking. I don't think she knew what she was doing, quite frankly, otherwise she wouldn't have tried something this stupid.” Jason stood and wandered out to the entrance of the cave, Frankmann following, looking a little confused.

“What do you mean?” the detective asked, taking a pen from his pocket.

“She was trying to travel to another dimension, not a very hospitable one. You would have to be utterly desperate or amazingly arrogant to try. As it is, she may have succeeded, or not. I won't be sure until I've checked every last rune, and even then there's so much more that could have gone wrong.” Jason pulled his cell phone from his coat, flipping it open and leafing through contacts.

“Who are you calling?” Frankmann asked.

Jason pushed the dial button and listened to the phone while answering Frankmann. “I thought it would be nice if you did not have to notify the next of kin yourself, Detective.” He paused for a second as the phone was answered. “Yes, could I please speak to Zorielle Rolando... Jason Caine, we've met. I work at the University... Yes, I realise she's extremely busy. Please tell her that it's an urgent matter regarding the possible death of Jessica Stoneberg.” There was a slightly longer pause. “Ms Rolando, Jason Caine. I need some assistance getting a body back to the US...”



(( This entire story range can be found: This Wiki Page feel free to leave comments on the discussion page.))

Originally posted by FloatingFatMan on 03/10/2008

M. Harvey Medical Centre, Founders Falls, 7:15pm


Ellie lay quietly in the bed, staring out of the window. Her expression was blank and lifeless, and her eyes seemed dead. Around her, various pieces of medical equipment beeped quietly as they monitored her physical condition, but she heard none of it.

Outside, Ashley Gray sat in the corridor, her knees tucked up under her chin and a worried expression on her face, whilst down the corridor, Zorielle Rolando was talking to one of the doctors.

"So you've no idea what caused her to collapse?" She asked, her voice carrying a tone of urgency.

The doctor shook his head. "As far as we can tell, Ms Stoneberg is perfectly fine physically. We can't find any sign of injuries or toxins or anything that could have caused her collapse and current condition."

Zorielle frowned. "And just what exactly IS her current condition, doctor?"

The doctor tapped his teeth with a pen, making an irritating 'tic tic' sound. "Hmm... Hard to say without further tests. All her autonomic responses are completely normal except for her pupil response. I'd say her current state could only be described as catatonic, but as to why... " His voice trailed off.

Zorielle frowned even further, her patience wearing thin. "And just what have you done to bring her out of it?"

The doctor tapped his teeth again. "For the moment, we've been concerned mainly with stabilizing her condition, giving her glucose and so on, standard procedure for now. Any further treatment would, of course, depend on her level of medical insurance. Our records show Ms Stoneberg's hero license is currently suspended, so city insurance doesn't cover any expenses I'm afraid."

Zorielle's jaw set, an eyebrow raising as her gaze became somewhat cold and piercing. "Denying emergency treatment due to a percieved lack of medical insurance, Doctor? Might I remind you of the Hippocratic Oath?" She said quietly, still staring the doctor down.

The doctor looked back at her in surprise, then frowned himself. "Now hold on there, Ms Rolando. We have NOT witheld any medical treatment. Ms Stoneberg is stable and resting quietly, her immediate needs are taken care of and she's in no danger. However, further treatment DOES require authorisation from next of kin AND appropriate payment. I'm sorry Ms Rolando, but we do have regulations here and we can't just authorise non-emergency care pro-bono."

The doctor sighed. "Quite frankly, it's not my most favourite of hospital policies, Ms Rolando, but I have a duty to the hospital as well as my patients. Where would we be if we just treated everyone free of charge? Closed, that's where."

Zorielle listened to the doctor, her expression not changing. "Nevertheless doctor, Ms Stoneberg DOES have full medical cover as a member of the Unity Vigil, and I expect her to be given the absolute best care until she can be moved to our own medical centre, understood?"

The doctor blinked at her, then smiled. "Of course, Ms Rolando; that won't be a problem at all. Now.. Would you like to see her?"

Zorielle nodded, "Yes please."

The doctor nodded down the corridor. "She's in room 6, that young lady sat just outside came in with her."

Zorielle nodded and started down the corridor. Arriving just outside room 6, she turned to speak to Ashley. "Miss Gray? You were with Ellie when she collapsed?"

Ashley looked up at Zori. Though her eyes were covered by her dark glasses, her expression clearly showed she'd been crying. "Y... yeah, I was."

Zori's expression softned and she sat down next to the young woman. "Can you tell me what happened, exactly, please?" she asked.

Ashley sniffed before replying, gathering herself. "We... We were just having a coffee, chatting about stuff, y'know? Talking about a movie we saw yesterday when she just... dropped her cup. It smashed all over the place. I heard her whisper Jess's name, her wife y'know? Then she stood up. I asked if she was OK but she didn't answer... Just whispered Jess again, then fainted. I didn't know what to do or anything. Someone called 911 and an ambulance turned up pretty quick. Once we'd got here and Ellie seemed OK, that's when I called your office."

Zori looked puzzled. "She said Jess's name, you say? Hmm..."

Looking thoughtfull for a moment, Zorielle activated her internal communicator. "BODICIA, I want a trace put on Jessica Stoneberg. Find out where she is, and if she has a comm or cellphone on her, I want to speak to her immediately."

"Yes Zori, immediately." came the response.

Zorielle nodded and shut off her comm, then held a hand out to Ashley. "Come on, let's go in shall we?"

Ashley nodded, and taking Zori's hand, allowed herself to be lead into Ellie's room.

Inside, Ellie continued to stare out of the window, her eyes unblinking and her face ashen. Zori released Ash's hand just inside and moved over to the bed. "Ellie?" she said, her voice soft. "Time to wake up, Ellie."

Ellie didn't reply, and just continued to stare towards the window, almost as if she was looking through Zori. Taking Ellie's hand, Zorielle sighed. "What are we going to do with you, Ellie? Everything always seems to happen at once, doesn't it?"

Zorielle held Ellie's hand for a moment, looking very much like a mother comforting a sick child, then let it go, moving to tuck Ellie's cover in, even though it already was. "We will find her for you, Ellie. I promise."

Straighening up, she turned to look at Ashley, her voice taking on a more matter of fact tone. "Come, Miss Gray. We should let her rest. I need to arrange to have her moved to the Unity Tower, and I'd like to talk to you some more if I may?"

Ashley sighed and started to move towards the door, before pausing briefly. "She will be okay, won't she?"

Zorielle smiled and nodded, her voice showing a confidence she didn't wholly feel. "Of course she will, don't worry."

Ashley nodded, then with another sigh, stepped out of the room, Zorielle close behind.

Originally posted by FloatingFatMan on 03/10/2008

Founders Falls

Ellie sat in the coffee shop, sipping on her latté as she chatted to her friend Ashley, when she suddenly froze, the glass holding her drink just touching her lips. Deep in her mind, a tiny light suddenly flared brighter than the sun for a moment, bringing with it a feeling of almost intolerable pain, before winking out suddenly, leaving only darkness in its wake.

The glass fell from her suddenly numb fingers, and shattered on the ground, splashing her feet with the hot liquid, but Ellie felt nothing of it. Her face turned as white as a ghost as she whispered, “Jess?”

Ashley glanced over at her as she heard the glass shatter, her blind eyes hidden by her dark glasses, and a worried frown crossed her face as Ellie slowly rose to her feet, her face a mask of horror. “Ellie? Ellie, you okay?”

Ellie didn’t reply, and her face seemed blank, as if she were looking within herself. She took a couple of steps away from the table and again whispered, “Jess?” Her voice sounded empty and hollow, as if she’d just suffered a massive shock.

Abruptly, her eyes rolled up and her knees collapsed under her as she fainted dead away. A couple of other patrons screamed as she collapsed, and Ashley jumped from her chair, her hands fumbling over the table and chair backs as she hurried to her friends’ prone figure.

A voice called out from amongst the patrons, “Someone call 911!”

Travel Arrangements - Part 4 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 03/10/2008


Jessica gathered up her things and walked out into the open air, closing the door to her cottage in the Alps. She had spent some time to make her preparations. Should things go wrong, it’d be a safe place to go to without endangering anyone else, plus she didn’t want to worry anyone if things went smoothly.

After a few steps, Jessica flew up over the pine trees going higher up the mountain to a shallow cave she found some time ago. Conjuring up a floating ball of light, Jessica checked once again the carvings on the floor. All was still as they should be and Jessica checked the time, it was nearing 7pm and it was getting dark outside.

Going to work on finalizing the ritual needed to secure safe passage to this particular dimension, Jessica frequently checked the notes. She made very sure that she filled the right carvings with the right powder. Cornathas was an unforgiving dimension and so was the ritual. It didn’t make it easier that the powders were all the same terracotta colour.

When she was sure everything was in order, Jessica checked the clock again and looked outside. Just past 10pm and it was rather dark outside. Jessica walked out the cave and looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath. It could well be a while before she could see those starts again, what few she saw through gaps in the clouds at least. She send out her love to Ellie before she walked back inside.

The mage sat down among the carvings, making sure her robe did not cover any of the runes before she started to recite the incantation. It wasn’t long before the outer circle erupted into flames, soon followed by the runes along the edge as Jessica spoke their names. Closer and closer the eruptions and flames came to the centre as the ritual progressed. Jessica felt the heat clearly but continued without faltering.

When Jessica uttered the final word with her arms raised, she felt a moment of doubt. The texts were not that clear in what form the transportation would come, just that the caster would be transported to Cornathas. Her doubt turned into fear as the lines of fire erupted violently. Jessica screamed in agony as she felt the fires burning through her clothes and eating away at her flesh, but she could not move, she was paralysed. In that brief moment that seemed like an eternity, her thoughts were chaotic, but a few stood out: thoughts about her loved ones and wondering what she had done wrong.

Then suddenly it was over as darkness fell over Jessica.



In the town below the mountain, a woman looked out her window as was going to shut it to prevent the starting rain from coming in. She stopped half way, though, as she started up the mountain where she saw a column of flames erupting high on the mountain. Blinking her astonishment away she closed the window. Taking the burning tree tops as a sign she hadn’t imagined things, she took up a phone and called the fire brigade.

Travel Arrangements - Part 3 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 30/09/2008


Jessica sat straight up in bed as the gong sounded to wake everyone (and probably everything in a few mile radius as well). When she remembered where she was a second later she dropped back down on the bed. Although she was once an early bird, the last few years she’d gotten used to sleeping in when it was possible. To her internal clock, it was still very much in the middle of the night. Deciding that jetlag is a drag, Jessica dragged herself out of the bed and washed self with the bowl of water. She smiled as she felt Ellie more pronounced again, a feeling of peace coming from the sleeping woman on the other side of the world.

A while later Jessica sat at breakfast with most of those in the monastery. Though she was wearing the blue robe, she did stand out a fair bit. As if being a head taller then most, having green skin and blond hair wasn’t enough, Jessica didn’t see any other women. But then, it was a monastery. During breakfast there was ample opportunity to get better insight in the place. It housed roughly a thousand monks as far as she guessed. Though she couldn’t say what it was, but Jessica had the distinct impression that it was as much a school of magic as a monastery.

After breakfast, she was once again greeted by Shan Li, who took her for a walk through a tranquil garden.
“I know you are here following the footsteps of Magus Renwin, but what is it you hope to learn at our school?”

Jessica took her time to consider the question and her answer before answering truthfully.
“I hope to learn of a cure for a curse that I am under, one I believe Magus Renwin was under when he came here.”

Shan Li nodded as they walked along a small stream.
“That curse of apathy, yes? I am sorry to say you will find no cure here.”

Jessica did not seem at all dismayed by the blunt statement.
“But you know of the curse? Would you know where I might find a cure?”

Shan Li stopped and turned to look up at Jessica.
“What if I were to tell you that there is no cure?”

Jessica did not have to try to keep her face from falling, she believed her answer with all her being.
“Then I would choose not to believe you. As that answer goes against my understanding of the universe.”

Shan Li examined Jessica for a moment before nodding.
“There is a cure, that much I do know. But exactly what it is or how it works, I do not. Where would you search if you had no success here?”

“If I found nothing here, I would attempt to go to the dimension from which the book originated.” Jessica’s face revealed little of her hope that she would not have to do so.

Shan Li nodded again. “That is also the place I would search, though I can not in good conscience advise anyone to go to Cornethas. It is a dangerous place indeed, even if you manage to get there.” He examined Jessica’s determined face for a moment longer before he continued. “Magus Renwin did go to Cornethas in search of a cure. I know he found one, but if it was there or elsewhere, I can not say.”

Jessica pondered the monk’s words. “It is a place to start, even if it leads me down a path through many dimensions, it is a step that I will take.”

Unexpectedly the old monk smiled. “It is good to see such determination. For determination and faith will be your strongest tools in Cornethas. More so then even your magical power, Magus of the Tellurian Stone.”

Jessica’s eyes opened wide and her jaw dropped a little. Only come across that title in her library, nowhere else had she found her bloodline’s mages described thus. She had not thought anyone alive would even know of the title, let alone recognize her as the current holder of that title.

Shan Li grinned “I have my secrets as well. You are not the first my spirit has met.”

Shan Li continued to walk before Jessica could formulate more questions, further altering the subject by suggesting: “Now, let us see what we can find to arm you with more knowledge of Cornethas and what to expect there.”

Jessica and Shan Li spent several hours looking up what they could find about the demon dimension Cornethas, with the help of several other monks and students. By the time Jessica said goodbye to Shan Li and the other monks she felt more confident about her trip across the dimensions, though it possibly scared her even more.
Dressed ones more in her own clothes and with her backpack secured, she opened up a wormhole and let herself be pulled in.
She was off to finalize her preparations for her trip to an other world.

Travel Arrangements Part 2 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 29/09/2008

(( For clearity, Part 1 happened on Sunday, Part 2 on Monday ))


Jessica stepped onto the plateau on top of the stairs, leaning with her hands on her knees, she panted from the exertion of the climb. Straightening up she looked at the structure properly for the first time. It was, in one word, majestic. The building was indeed a large pyramid, but layered like stairs. Each layer had it’s own colour and structure. Though Jessica could only see the top half because of the fortified but no less ornate wall that surrounded the compound.
As Jessica took in the view, she was marvelled at the way it caught the last rays of the sun as it shone between the other mountains. The last minute the sun was sinking below the jagged horizon, the walls seemed lined in millions of small gems in every colour of the rainbow, gems that were not visible before.

Taking a deep sigh, Jessica walked the last 100 paces to the large doors, guided by several large lanterns. Examining those doors she saw many decorations, most revolving around a dragon theme. She also recognized more then a dozen runes hidden in the decorations. She smirked, realising that most would just think them part of the figure that overlapped them.

Walking to those ornate doors, Jessica was not surprised in the least when they opened up with only a slight creak. The doors opened just a little of their width, but it was more then enough for Jessica, even if she had come with a truck. What did surprise Jessica, how ever, was the blue robed monk that greeted her with a friendly smile and a hand held paper lantern.

“Greetings Stoneberg. I am pleased to see you have made it here. I took the liberty of arranging a room for you.”

Jessica had to take a few moments to digest the image, and process that this friendly looking person was the same person as the incredibly grumpy and rude monk that grudgingly let her buy a map showing the path to the fortress monastery.
“Greetings Shan Li, I’m grateful for the hospitality, and that you seem more social then in town.”

Shan Li chuckled lightly and began to lead Jessica to a building in the courtyard which looked like guest quarters even in the dim light of lanterns.
“My apologies, that was part of the test. As was the walk to here. I must congratulate you, not many that come here do so without the aid of their magic.”

Jessica didn’t know how to react, other then just nod in accepting the compliment. She was tired, her feet were beyond aching and all she wanted right now was something that resembled a soft bed and sleep the night away.

Jessica was not disappointed by her guest quarters, Spartan as was, it was better then the tent Jessica had put up the previous night. After saying bidding Chan Li good night and thanking him for the hospitality once more, Jessica made use of the tub filled with hot water to relax in and wash off the dust before going to bed. Even though it had been just two nights ago that she slept in a comfortable bed back home on the other side of the globe, this bed felt rather good after her trail.

(( As this is getting rather involved, have decided to move all the posts here after discussion with the other players. Please don't just jump in. There will be an OOC thread for discussion. ))

Travel Arrangements Part 1 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 28/09/2008

Jessica wiped her brow with the back of her hand, looking up at the seemingly endless stairs leading up to… a speck in the distance she knew was a temple on the mountain side. If she was lucky, at least, it could just be a gateway before a turn or something. It was so temping to just fly or teleport there, but she was told that she had to walk the entire way if she were to have a hope of getting advice, let alone help. She took a swig from the water bottle she had on her belt before taking the next step up the mountain.

Keeping a brisk pace, Jessica ignored the ache in her feet and in her back. It was barely 10am on the mountain and she had already gained several miles of climbing stairs. She let her mind wander as her hands held the backpack tightly in place to keep it’s bounce to a minimum. Her mind wandered back to her time of the past weeks, researching a particular curse she had a particular interest in. For this curse had been put on her.

This curse was tempering with her emotions, it’s effect had snuck up on Jessica over the course of months. But when she realised what was happening to her, she had to act. Apathy can be a dangerous emotion, and that has been fed by the curse. Filtered as it was by Jessica’s own perceptions of priority, it wasn’t noticeable until she stopped to compare her actions and feelings with her own past.

Her research revealed to Jessica that this (or rather similar) curse was used at least twice.
Once on a king to keep him out of a conflict between the instigator and a neighbouring kingdom. The other time in a similar but smaller scale rivalry between two mages, one who was good friends with a more powerful practitioner of the arts.
The king still approved of a military response proposed by his general, not caring enough to stop it. In the mage conflict, however, the more powerful friend surprised most by not stepping in to save his friend.
Who knew how many fell under this subtle curse that didn’t get noticed, let alone documented.

Her mind going over various clues that lead her to this mountain path, a flash from up ahead broke her trail of thoughts. Jessica wasn’t quite sure what it was, it was small and in the distance. Though she could not be sure, Jessica assumed it was from that speck that was now more a spot. She was making progress, no matter how long the road was, she’d get there sooner or later. She was sure of that.

A few miles later, Jessica could barely make out the pyramidical shape of her destination. She needed a rest, though. Making herself as comfortable as possible, Jessica snacked on a sandwich. She wondered if the translation had been accurate, or if her interpretation of ‘no magic, walk the path’ had been a bit too literal, or maybe not literal enough. ‘No magic’ resulted in Jessica sitting on the cold stone rather then a comfortable recliner. The combination meant she took it to mean ‘no abilities beyond the normal’. She could transform to Kurukt form and jog for hours without breaking a sweat, but no, not even a revitalizing Essence Boost.

After the short break, Jessica got up and hoisted the backpack onto her back. She was grateful to say the least that she kept in shape with jogging and swimming, making the long hike less challenging then it’d be if she had allowed herself to slouch. Setting a brisk pace again, she started walking towards her goal. The view around her was spectacular, but Jessica did not notice that. She walked almost as in a trance, her focus turned inwards with only enough senses focused on staying on the path and being mindful of danger.

Jessica’s mind wandered as she walked on, going of things, thinking of people, pondering yet again how that conversation from 10 years ago should have gone. Most of all, her loved ones and the memories she made with them passed the screenplay. She couldn’t help but sigh out there, all alone in the middle of nowhere, as she thought of her partner Ellie. Ellie’s a kind and loving person and Jessica loves her dearly, but she’s also a trouble magnet. Feeling the dull ache of every step as just something distant, Jessica thought of Ellie’s current situation, being locked in the Zig for overreacting and accidentally putting a very rude woman through a wall. Knowing the root cause of Ellie’s problem did little to diminish her disappointment, though she hid it from Ellie as best she could.

She admitted to herself then and there, that this trip was partially to get away from it all. The trip could have been postponed so Jess could be there for Ellie, but she had decided against it. At the time she rationalised it by the agreement she made with Ellie: Jessica would sort out her problem, and Ellie would sort out Ellie’s problem. It sounded cold as she mentally said it like that, but when each has a problem the other can not help fix, it is logical to each focus on what can be done. And so Jessica trod along, a minor speck on the side of a mountain in the Himalayas, far from having to deal with the issues of having a partner in prison, trusting in Zorielle, her lawyers and the Law that Ellie will spend no longer in jail then was needed.

I guess you've not actually played a Kheldian before?

The issue is likely to be a combination of low/shared video texture memory, and poor drivers... The Intel stuff really is rubbish for modern games and is more suited to presentations etc. I'm assuming you've tried updating the drivers?

Well, you're going to need to add a decent video card to that if you want to play any games. I can't think of ANY warranty that wouldn't allow you to install a video card though. Installing cards in PC's is standard stuff!

Shields are a pure defense set, and though we have no actual details, it WAS said by BaB that there's only one attack. There is no shield throw attack, the engine can't do it.

They'll probably be releasing info about them before long, as the beta testing is meant to start soon.™

Is this a laptop? It's looks like it's a video driver issue, and with that onboard chipset, I don't think you'll get much better out of it as you're pretty much borderline for the minimum spec for the game.

[ QUOTE ]
FFM i know your a tech god but has your line been used by some one else in the past and the line still linked to that isp even if its defunct? ( or is some one stealing your adsl

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah.. All cable here, no ADSL. I finally let curiosity get the better of me earlier and I rang BT up to ask them.. It's because we're on their light user scheme (we hardly use the phone). If I swap to ADSL, we have to go to normal line rental.