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Alexis Voltaire
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« Reply #225 on: March 24, 2010, 06:07:14 pm » |
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Alexis, I edited my previous "assault on the temple" post to remove the reference to the Fourth Key actually being destroyed, which on consideration was not really necessary to achieve our goal at the time, and fits better with where your story thread is going. That was actually my fault for confusing the numbers of the keys. One was destroyed at the temple, and that was the one that bound the beast to the emperor. The destruction of that key is what's making it possible to defeat the Seldon emperor in this particular way. The key that still needs to be destroyed is a different one. Sorry about that  |
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"All historians agree that George Washington's greatest regret was not being PERMANENTLY INVISIBLE..." -- The Cloak and Dagger, Team Fortress 2
"She used to look down on me. She used to call me "Rimmer."
"Everybody called you "Rimmer."
"Well, it's the way she said it, though. Rimmer. Rimmer. To rhyme with 'Scum." - Red Dwarf
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #226 on: March 24, 2010, 08:26:48 pm » |
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No problem, I like what you're doing, I just want to be sure I understand your plot intentions before I counter-post. A pyramidal construct of vast proportions, generations in the making, stained with the blood of thousands of lives lost in its testing, had been completed, and its four splendid keys laid in place facing its four crystalline walls. To be clear, there were only four keys in total, and you were very perceptive to place them north, south, east, and west and having different aspects as it were, since that would have been the arrangement in the original crystalline 'pyramid' in which the Beast was created and subsequently escaped from. Ecstatic, the people built a vast, three-sided temple of rare white marble over the meteor and, forging a blade from a piece of the strange metal, hunted and cornered the Beast, driving it into a vault beneath the shrine and sealing it ceremoniously with the remaining three keys of its origin, impossible to re-open without the missing fourth. -------------------- High above, Frank took in the nightmarish scene, and watched in horror as three small objects laid flat upon the dais point-out from the newly placed key began to reflect its glow,...So, having destroyed the Fourth to prevent the 'binding' (very good, that!), and the other three being removed from the dais (and I presume returned to storage in the temple) after the assault, where does that leave us re: your plans? I have some thoughts on how to incorporate your thread into an idea of mine, and just want to be on the same page. Great stuff, keep it coming!  |
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« Last Edit: March 24, 2010, 08:35:52 pm by Theosophus Grey »
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A gentleman and a scholar, albeit heavily armed.
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #227 on: March 24, 2010, 08:33:49 pm » |
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Ah, Nightshade is in his element, a filthy saloon full of cretinous yahoos and backstabbing scum!  Can't wait to hear what the new deal is... |
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Alexis Voltaire
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« Reply #228 on: March 24, 2010, 10:25:55 pm » |
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and the other three being removed from the dais (and I presume returned to storage in the temple) after the assault, where does that leave us re: your plans? High above, Frank took in the nightmarish scene, and watched in horror as three small objects laid flat upon the dais point-out from the newly placed key began to reflect its glow,... The key that was destroyed was about half a meter long (in one of Zuttle's posts). I was thinking that the original keys would be about the same size and shape, and the three objects seem to be smaller. I thought that these might be 'surrogate keys' or crystals of the same type as were in the other keys, or something entirely different for that particular ceremony. What I wrote in the second post with the Shaman, is that the west key (the one that held the beast to the four sided crystalline pyramid) was destroyed at the time the beast escaped. The south key (the one that tapped the beast's energy to power the Martian's machines) is in the temple of Sceltis, which is buried under the ice near the southern pole. The south key is not 'binding' anything, though, so there is really no need to destroy it. The only other key still accessible is the east key, the one that brought the beast forth and holds it in the 'plane' that it's in (if that's the right way to put it.) The East key was hidden under the temple in a second underground chamber, which (I'm guessing) has been forgotten. |
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MWBailey
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« Reply #229 on: March 24, 2010, 10:55:23 pm » |
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I'm working on the "plummet" drawings as I type this (well, not simultaneously, of course; that would be a neat trick, wouldn't it?), and will have them up shortly.
Bailey's assumedly as protective of the dragons as their riders are; he's only just lately been able to hear them, and he wants to keep such an unlooked-for possible group of friends protected, not throw them into a battle they might not survive. I'm thinking the dragons have their own thoughts about such, being indepedently sentient. So far, he does not have an un-bonded Moon-Dragon responding to him (?). That, and teh Moon-dragons having their own thoughts about military service, Might be an interesting plot bunny...
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Walk softly and carry a big banjo...
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MWBailey
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« Reply #230 on: March 24, 2010, 11:45:07 pm » |
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The Plummets
(Sounds like The Sims, doesn't it? LOL)
Please pardon the "quick-n-dirty-ness" of these representations; I wanted to get them up as quickly as I possibly could  If better illustrations are needed, I will do my best to supply them... |
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #231 on: March 25, 2010, 11:53:41 am » |
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and the other three being removed from the dais (and I presume returned to storage in the temple) after the assault, where does that leave us re: your plans? High above, Frank took in the nightmarish scene, and watched in horror as three small objects laid flat upon the dais point-out from the newly placed key began to reflect its glow,... The key that was destroyed was about half a meter long (in one of Zuttle's posts). I was thinking that the original keys would be about the same size and shape, and the three objects seem to be smaller. I thought that these might be 'surrogate keys' or crystals of the same type as were in the other keys, or something entirely different for that particular ceremony. What I wrote in the second post with the Shaman, is that the west key (the one that held the beast to the four sided crystalline pyramid) was destroyed at the time the beast escaped. The south key (the one that tapped the beast's energy to power the Martian's machines) is in the temple of Sceltis, which is buried under the ice near the southern pole. The south key is not 'binding' anything, though, so there is really no need to destroy it. The only other key still accessible is the east key, the one that brought the beast forth and holds it in the 'plane' that it's in (if that's the right way to put it.) The East key was hidden under the temple in a second underground chamber, which (I'm guessing) has been forgotten. Terrific, I like that Alexis, thanks for the explanation! |
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #232 on: March 25, 2010, 11:57:38 am » |
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The Plummets
(Sounds like The Sims, doesn't it? LOL)
Please pardon the "quick-n-dirty-ness" of these representations; I wanted to get them up as quickly as I possibly could If better illustrations are needed, I will do my best to supply them... Good stuff, Mr. Bailey, I'm inspired to do a sketch of the Badger, building on yours of the engine section... |
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Alexis Voltaire
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« Reply #233 on: March 25, 2010, 11:52:11 pm » |
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Interestingly enough... I made this last night, for a nefarious scheme something: http://sites.google.com/site/picturehost412/_/rsrc/1269555914305/home/badger1.bmpI used the color design of polished copper plating on the fins and nose, and red and white paint, from my post of the badger landing. (#81, I think.) with the addition of the observation dome on the top. pictured with the rotating discs locked into place for landing. (so there's probably 2-3+ per row of checkers, actually) I think it might need to be a bit taller, and perhaps have some other minor modifications, but I thought I'd put it up here and see what other people here thought. |
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MWBailey
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« Reply #234 on: March 26, 2010, 05:42:48 am » |
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That sclose to how I first envisioned teh ship, Alexis; there's teh issue of teh "Iron frame," though, which caused me to think of something like this: (Its a graphite-and-felt-tip drawing with the background and blurred details smudged either with my finger or in Paintshop Pro) Blast it! whether it's cold medicine or fatigue, I just can't stay up any longer. night, folks... |
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« Last Edit: March 26, 2010, 06:22:35 am by MWBailey »
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #235 on: March 26, 2010, 11:27:36 am » |
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Actually, that's very close to how I envisioned her, Mr. Bailey - been very busy this week, will post soon.
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Alexis Voltaire
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« Reply #236 on: March 26, 2010, 08:03:11 pm » |
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Good drawing! From the description of the frame I wasn't quite sure how to make it look. I'll see if I can come up with something like that.
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Some history and info on moon dragons
Moon dragons communicate almost entirely by telepathic speech, although they have a limited spoken 'poetic' language that is used for names. Many names are two or more words, and most common names begin with 'wind'. 'Shi' is female specific for wind, and 'Zhi' is male specific.
They have a walking stance much like horses, standing on their fore and hind legs with their wings folded along their backs, and their heads and necks held high. They stand a total of about eight feet high, and have a wingspan of about thirty-five feet.
Females are called Dragons and males are called Drakes, specifically, collectively they are called dragons. Female dragons are also larger than males, similar to most species of birds of prey. They were once matriarchal, although now there is no longer a major gender dominance.
Centuries ago, moon dragons were fiercely tribal, forming close alliances and enemies, and battling each other for land and fishing places. They also had a spoken language, with many tribal specific dialects. Several hundred years ago, they began to develop telepathic communication, and the tribal orders began to be used less. This happened around the time, according to their stories and pictorial records, that a race similar to humans came to the moon. They brought a type of blade that was called a Kiirva, and the dragons adopted it and constructed their own versions made from hard wood and volcanic glass. The people left several years later, leaving few other traces.
The dragons gradually developed their telepathic speech, and eventually used it entirely for communication, keeping only a small amount of spoken language for names. Some still follow a loose tribal order, and use old ways and rituals, especially a gathering called 'last light'.
Dragons are migratory, following the cycle of lunar days to stay in the light side of the moon as much as possible. Most do not move as fast as the light side does, however, and slowly come closer to the dark side. Approximately every 7 lunar days, the dark side of the moon catches up with them. This is called Last Light and is a traditional gathering time for them. this was a traditional time for all the tribes to gather and celebrate a new year, and exchange stories and information. During this time they chose new leaders and resolved disputes, usually by combat. Over the centuries this evolved into the 'dances', a combination of artistic show and skill, and most include moves with wood and stone-edged Kiirva blades. Among those who keep to the older tribal orders, dances are combined with mock battles to decide disputes, determine social order, and choose new leaders. It was kept as a ritual tradition, and most leaders were chosen mainly by the consent of the tribe.
After the gathering of Last Light, the dragons waited through the dark period of the lunar night, and began their migration again when the sun returned.
Although most people don't know nearly how intelligent dragons are, they do know that they are very smart, and can understand spoken language once they learn it. Dragons fly with riders mostly by their own choosing, though why they do is not known. Dragons are protected by the lunar government, and people do not 'own' them, as such. They are very loyal to the humans they choose to be near, and usually stay with them as long as they can.
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #237 on: March 26, 2010, 09:22:11 pm » |
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So, if we equip the proposed riders with long, Bengal-style lances, do we get to call them... (Sorry, I can never resist a good D&D joke...)  |
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« Last Edit: March 26, 2010, 09:24:16 pm by Theosophus Grey »
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MWBailey
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« Reply #238 on: March 26, 2010, 09:46:26 pm » |
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LOL... You said it, not me... Seriously, though, Bailey mentioned "dragon cavalry," mainly due to paradigm-limited thinking --which is going to have to change, and is already doing so; for example, he's already realized that "cavalry" would be applicable in mainly name only, since teh dragons are quite definitely not brutish horseflesh, but may in fact be equal or even superior to humans in intelligence (which is why he wants to spar with Shih-ki-kirza (do dragons use diminutives of names, I wonder?); he figures she would be a challenging opponent, and thus someone he can learn from) Cavalry might be one good role for the dragon-human pairings, but it is only one of many roles they could play, especially if both decided to volunteer, that is to say, join up in the military of their own accord. (how would they handle close-order drill, I wonder...) seems to me, if a dragon could be persuaded to carry and fire his/her own maxim or gatling gun, say... Just ideas, thought i'd t'row 'em out thar... |
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Alexis Voltaire
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« Reply #239 on: March 26, 2010, 11:50:46 pm » |
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Sounds like some good ideas, Mr Bailey. Feel free to work them into the story. You're doing a great job on the tactical part of this, I'm interested to see where it will go. --- The Badger, version 1.1 and 1.2: http://sites.google.com/site/picturehost412/_/rsrc/1269642562283/home/badgern.bmpI like the fins on this one better. I'm not sure why #2 seems to be wider and darker, since they have the same width and colors. perhaps just my computer. |
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MWBailey
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« Reply #240 on: March 27, 2010, 02:19:03 am » |
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I will be gone all day this Saturday and most of Sunday, as I will be attending the Palestine Old-time Music and Dulcimer festival (I left an ad sort of thing in the Texas Steampunks and in the Steampunk in Austin threads in Geographical if there's anybody in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma or Arkansas who's interested in attending. Colorado and others also welcome, but it'd be sort of a long drive for y'all (but whatever floats yer Clermont!).
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #241 on: March 27, 2010, 11:06:39 am » |
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Sounds like some good ideas, Mr Bailey. Feel free to work them into the story. You're doing a great job on the tactical part of this, I'm interested to see where it will go. --- The Badger, version 1.1 and 1.2: http://sites.google.com/site/picturehost412/_/rsrc/1269642562283/home/badgern.bmpI like the fins on this one better. I'm not sure why #2 seems to be wider and darker, since they have the same width and colors. perhaps just my computer. Nice job, Alexis, the rotational framing is closer to what I had in mind - I'll try my hand at a sketch when I have a chance, also! |
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MWBailey
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« Reply #242 on: March 27, 2010, 01:44:23 pm » |
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Don't give up! We need players! maybe you Lady could be a dragon rider/partner or maybe some kind of officer; maybe a counterspy agent to nightshade's...er, nightshade. *mutter, mutter...*
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #243 on: March 28, 2010, 11:57:17 am » |
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Agreed - Miss Curious, I liked your thread with the mysterious invention, and we haven't heard back from poor Miss Askew in some time - please jump in, the pending battle provides a great opportunity for story expansion - for you as well Nightshade, depending on what your "deal" is... Initial blueprints for the Mad Badger :  All comments welcome, particularly if someone knows a better way to post a larger version of this picture, I'm not very PC savvy (that's why I'm only in command, I failed the engineering exam...) Possibly more crossbars on the framing to support the gravitic-deck section in the center - ? |
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« Last Edit: March 28, 2010, 09:22:59 pm by Theosophus Grey »
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Theosophus Grey
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« Reply #244 on: March 28, 2010, 09:18:57 pm » |
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« Last Edit: March 28, 2010, 09:26:48 pm by Theosophus Grey »
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MWBailey
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« Reply #245 on: March 28, 2010, 10:04:36 pm » |
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I'm curious, Theo, is that Mara Jade, or Grey's ensign Perkins? |
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Cornelius Nightshade
Officer
 United States
Cornelius Nightshade
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« Reply #246 on: March 29, 2010, 01:30:49 am » |
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Hello guys,
I have been keeping up with what has been going on the Mad Badger and its, interesting.
I have to be honest and say that the turn towards “ high fantasy” { the beast and the dragon plot devices } is not really my cup of tea. I am glade you all are enjoying it and hope it really takes off .
I have tried to get into how the plot was developing but frankly I am just not into the “ high fantasy” thing. Write what you are interested in, is one of the first rules of good writing, that is like as not why I have not had any thing to post.
So I have decided not to try and force it and move on, I don’t think Ill be joining in the thread any time soon. I am still writing about Nightshade, I really enjoy the character.
But having failed in his recruitment of the asteroid belt pirates{ Despite the rumors of his return with a pirate fleet } he is moving on with other things. I don’t see him involving himself with the Mars disaster any time soon. He is in fact onboard The Roma, Earth bound, with a plan that with luck make him an even richer man. Is their no end to that mans greed!
As for Dr. Moriarty, feel free to write him out of the story OR use him as an NPC as you like.
Any way wish all of the crew and passengers of the Mad Badger the best.
Jim/ Nightshade
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« Last Edit: March 29, 2010, 02:01:45 am by Cornelius Nightshade »
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Many words describe Mr. Cornelius Nightshade words like Conspirator, Villain, Miscreant, Evildoer ,Delinquent, Insidious scoundrel, Dastardly Rapscallion, Ne'er-do-well, Gentleman Exploiter, Nit-picky Bastard, Murderous cat hater and Heroic Financier are but a few,,,
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MWBailey
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« Reply #247 on: March 29, 2010, 04:20:05 am » |
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Sorry to lose you, Jim. You will be missed.
The Trilidians are not Pirates; they're just independent wildcatters. I guess they could be seen as Pirates by some, mainly because of their lifetstyle, their communal approach to mining and handling assay and sale issues, and their outright defiance of imperial authority in favor of consortium politics, but they are not freebooters or buccaneers in the traditional sense, nor do they plunder one another or others, but rather try to stay out of the way of rustlers and pirates until time to sell their cargoes, and then acknowledge them only long enough to shoot at them when they try to move in on their cargoes.
I hope the Trilidian post didn't drive you off, Jim. I am sorry if I horned in on you.
I'm still going to write about the dragon corps; I'm not sure why they have to be "high fantasy" any more than any other "alien" species, but to each their own.
Just a random just-now thought: a good analogy (except for the communal approach to collectively hoarding their "color" for delivery to the "Assay office" at the ore crusher stations) for the Trilidians would be the "fossickers" (placer-type miners) of the Australian gold rush...
Too, their ships' 'weapons' would or could be the very mining apparattus they use every day, but slightly re-applied or re-wired... ro so I think of it at the moment.
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« Last Edit: March 29, 2010, 05:10:28 am by MWBailey »
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Zuttle D. Curious
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« Reply #248 on: March 29, 2010, 04:32:50 am » |
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Apologies, There isn't much a spy kind of character can really do here... In real life, I highly doubt Miss Curious would even be allowed on the ship after it became a war vessel, I'm having a bit of difficulty thinking of WHY she is on the ship... Getting timing right is difficult too. I have an idea for a next post though...
A question. Has anyone actually given thought to what we do if taking the key out in one foul swoop like this really works? Do we just make up a new adventure then? Would be a real shame after refitting the badger for this.
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MWBailey
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« Reply #249 on: March 29, 2010, 05:23:07 am » |
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could be sort of a rethinking of teh battle of serenity valley, I suppose; the Badger & company (the browncoats) are succeessful but then have to flee to escape persecution ofr some crime they're falsely accuse d of, or perhaps Allenbee gets the ear of the ruling heads of states and outlaws Grey, who gets a unanimopus vote to take the Badger(along with the Dragons/Trilidians/what have you who stay loyal to Grey and the Badger)rogue, and become the rebel pirates they were originally envisioned as.
A spy could become a counter-spy to Bailey and/or vilkaus and his/their bunch, or perhaps an allyto both and the Badger, someone who knows or finds out things about potential jobs/targets.
of course, those are just ideas thrown out on the table for consideration.
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