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Second posting from CC 34: Otork. An alien from a super-sophiscated, multi-species culture whose hyper-intelligence and own enlightened attitude make him rather naïve and glib when it comes to understanding and interacting with humans.
Character Contest 34: Adventure
Otork
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Story
Life on Gososlo was comfortable but dull. Free from want or need, the Gososlobis had taken to escapism. The government was in a panic. Everything worth reading had been written. Everything worth seeing had been seen. The people were listless.They turned to the brilliant physicist and inventor Otork. The genius went straight to work. He had a theory that he could create gateways to other worlds. New beings to meet. New wonders to behold. Lo, he was successful.
Otork entered the new dimension. Instantly, he recognized the room for what it was: a knowledge repository. What luck! Otork snagged a few of the recording discs and took them back to Gososlo.
Otork created an exploration suit so that he could study earth first hand. Sadly, he was low on funding. So he struck a deal with Channel 87312A. In return for financial support, he would provide them with an original documentary. The Cavalier mobility suit effortlessly blends him in with the natives. Little do they suspect that a visitor from another world is among them.
Back on Gososlo, Cavalier was the most popular television show of all time. However, the network wasn’t getting the advertising revenue to keep the show going. The writers came up with a plan. They reviewed the documentaries that Otork brought from the repository.
What they saw impressed them. They decided that Cavalier should be more than a documentary about earth. Cavalier should be a hip Los Angeles detective with a really fast car. Each week, he would help a bikini-clad damsel in distress. Now ratings are so high, that the Gososlobi government has trouble getting the citizens to do anything but watch Cavalier.
Thanks, Myro. I am enjoying this retrospect. Trying to motivate myself to further develop some of these characters. Maybe write a book or pitch a TV series or movie. Speaking of television, Character Contest 34: Adventure. The challenge was to create an extra-dimensional or alien character who becomes a reality TV star on his/her/its homeworld by adventuring on earth.
Yarg (Jay Smith) was my first entry. I am a big fan of matinees and the cliff-hanger serials of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Especially their unabashed campy spacemen outfits. This Cavalier is a tribute to those by-gone days of summer afternoons with movie theaters advertising that they had air-conditioning.
Character Contest 34: Adventure
Yarg (Jay Smith), Cavalier
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Story
The inhabitants of Gaea were amazed that the beings on the other side of the inter-dimensional portal were humans like themselves. They quickly set to learn more about their new neighbors. From videos that they found upon their first encounter, the Gaeans concluded that earth is a barbaric, backward planet. There was a definite sense of right and wrong. The forces of good and justice needed help.The Gaeans decided that before they would announce their presence to the earthlings, earth would have to be civilized. It was decided to recruit their most exemplary citizen to represent Gaea. To involve the whole citizenry, a contest was held: “Gaea’s Greatest”. Each week, television viewers voted on their favorite champion.
It was decided that Yarg, a Corporal in the Royal Cavaliers, would bring peace to earth. Inspired by movies of earth heroes such as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, Cavalier uses his charm and wit before resorting to his stun gun. His left glove has a built-in force field generator. In part to conceal his real identity as a visitor from another dimension, Cavalier has adopted the alternate identity of Jay Smith, All-American kid from Peoria. His costume is also meant to hide his other-worldly origin.
Initially, Cavalier was implanted with a recording chip so that the Science and Culture Ministries could monitor his progress. Due to the popularity of “Gaea’s Greatest”, it was decided that his adventures would be broadcast to the citizens.
Then’nin’s twin Thenn’eg. Didn’t do well with the blood-letting, but I admit that I like the black and gold.
Character Contest 33: Twins
Thenn’eg
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Story
It is rare for a Drow to bear twins. Such an event is oft revered as an omen. Thenn’eg’s mother proclaimed that her offspring would bring about great change Throughout. For their mother’s brazen proclamation, Thenn’eg and her twin brother Then’nin faced great adversity throughout their lives.They persevered. They grew stronger. Soon, the children of a lesser family were attending the courts of the powerful clans. Then’nin was a strong warrior and master tactician. Thenn’eg had become a powerful priestess. Whispers suggested that she could be the next Matriarch Domina.
The twins’ ruthlessness and cunning left a trail of bodies that led right to Lolth’s hallowed gates. The Queen of All Drow clearly favored Thenn’eg. Then’nin’s jealousy grew. He had slew all who stood in the Drow’s way. Whereas his sister merely used his victim’s blood to “paint pictures” in Lolth’s name.
Thenn’eg believed that is why Then’nin turned to Vhaerun. She was a force in her own right. A powerful Priestess not just in spirituality, but in the True Arts (known to non-Drow as “Black Sorcery”). After Then’nin’s blasphemy, Thenn’eg swore to destroy him, his new Master, and anyone who speaks favorably of either.
Thenn’eg is Lolth’s Matriarch Domina, dual role of High Priestess and War Counsel. Before every battle, she observes a ritual by bleeding herself. To prove to her lost brother, she is willing to spill anyone’s blood in service of her Queen.
For this contest, I went a sort of “Spelljammer” route. The first of my two twins was the cyber-drider Then’nin. Should have done something more with his waistline. It does not blend at all with his legs. Also, his left arm and right hand are poorly juxtaposed.
Character Contest 33: Twins
Then’nin
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Story
Then’nin was a promising young Drow. Though of lower nobility, he aspired to be a great general, a conqueror of worlds and planes. His talents brought him to the attention of Lolth herself. The year was DR 12,973. Too much time had passed without a major expansion of her domain.Then’nin’s twin sister, Thenn’eg, was as ruthless and ambitious. Lolth delighted in their eagerness to serve. However, the intense sibling rivalry proved to be a weakness. One of them had to go. The Queen of All Drow held a contest. The winner would lead her armies across the Underknown and into The Beyond.
Vhaerun, heretical god of Drow males, heard of the contest. He persuaded Then’nin to assassinate Thenn’eg. The plan backfired. The battle between the twins shook the foundation of all Drow Throughout.
For his treachery, Lolth personally turned Then’nin into a Drider. He was to be a drone, cannon-fodder to die in the next campaign. Which was war against Vhaerun and his blasphemers. Then’nin was mortally wounded. But, he did not die.
Vhaerun found Then’nin lying on the battlefield. Without hesitation, his healers and engineers saved Then’nin. Reborn as a Dryder Fanglord, Then’nin swore allegiance to Vhaerun. He is the heretic’s First General, sworn enemy of Lolth.
Rhinoceros
Thunderstorms and tornado warnings have pretty much ruined my Saturday. So, another posting.
Warmage is my favorite CC 32 entry. I have him in mind for several stories that I will think about writing but probably will never put into actual words.
Character Contest 32: It’s a Class Thing
Warmage
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Origin
Kip Poppleton always wanted to be a wizard. While other kids were taking the ACT and LSAT, Kip was studying Arcane Lore. He learned the fundamentals of alchemy and cross-dimensional calculus. His parents really wanted him to go to college but could not afford Cal State-Chico.In junior high school, Kip discovered the ROTC. Not only would Uncle Sam help pay for his college, Kip would also receive training as an electrician should his dream of becoming a wizard not pan out. His ASVAB scores were high enough to enlist. Kip’s recruiter also asked him to take the DMAB (Defense Magic Aptitude Battery).
Kip thought it was a joke. After nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the Army sent Kip to Advanced Individual Training in Salisbury, England. Kip graduated from the Defense Wizard Institute at the top of his class. Now, he fights on the frontlines of the Occult War. Codename: Warmage.
Kip has to tell the folks back home that life as an Army electrician stationed in the Near East is boring. In fact, he battles other wizards, dragons, demons, and all sorts of “ickys” (ICK – Irregular Combat Kobolds).
Warmage is proud of his service. He works alongside the most clandestine operatives in the world. His only regret is that wizards are long-lived. The regular G.I. Bill is a four-year enlistment. Kip’s Military Occupational Specialty Code is WOX-666 (Wizard Officer, Field Operations) requires a 60-year commitment.
Character Contest 30: It’s a Class Thing
Soulknife is one of my personal favorites. I include her in my meta-verse. Though, I might tweak her origin. Definitely giving her a new name. “Katie Perrini” is too close to “Katie Perry.” That was not my intention. I wanted a “cute” name that fit into a stereotypical Jersey family. So, I’m open to suggestions.
Soulknife
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Origin
Young, hot, and psionic. Yeah, Katie Perrini had it going on. That was until her father, New Jersey’s leading mob prosecutor was murdered. Though no one has ever been charged with the crime, it is known that he was found in his classic convertible with a shuriken between the eyes. Was it the Yakuza boss Toyoma Hitori who ordered the assassination? Or was it Don Vincent “Don’t Call Me ‘Vinny'” Giorgiono who tried to frame the rival Japanese syndicate?Katie’s mother, striken with grief, committed suicide. Or did she? Why would a crusader and favorite to win the gubernatorial election quit like that? Katie doesn’t want answers. She wants revenge.
Katie dropped out of college. She now uses her inheritance and trust-fund money to fund her career as the avenging heroine Soulknife. Though she is not a murderess, some of her battles have resulted in fatalities. She will kill in self-defense.
As Soulknife, she manifests her psyhic energy into shurikens, to mock her father’s killers. Her abilities are not limited to creating energy blades. Though, that is the manifestation that Soulknife has chosen. The shurikens also explode or merely push objects. They also non-lethally bind opponents. She has even experimented with using her powers to read minds. Unfortunately, the results have left the interrogation subjects lobotomized.
Thanks for the nods. It’s Heck Week, so I’ve fallen behind on my daily additions. Continuing on…
Character Contest 30: It’s a Class Thing
I have had this story lingering on my hard drive for a long time. This saga is separate from my mecha-verse, though I might incorporate it later.
Paladin of Tyranny
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Story
Achi’i had been engaged in open global war for nearly one hundred years. Peace was a distant memory. One clear morning, a message came from Heaven. A benevolent alien civilization offered to broker a lasting peace. The Achi’a granted the new species powers of law enforcement as they did not trust one another.For nearly thirty years, Achi’i was peaceful. What had started as a peace grew into new alliances. New alliances became confederations; confederations became blocs; eventually the blocs united under the eight Ruling Councils.
As these events came to pass, the Benefactors’ presence increased. The alien species brought more technology and more enforcement. The Ruling Councils began to demand more production and efficiency from the Achi’a. More mines, more factories, more obedience.
Millions of Achi’a began to openly revolt. The Ruling Councils reformed into the Global Council. The new planetary government immediately declared martial law. To enforce this law, the Benefactors brought the Paladin class tank. They laid waste to much of Achi’i.
With its power secure, the Global Council began to reform Achi’i. Achi’i is known throughout the Systems as a brutal, oppressive regime. There remain pockets of resistance. It is difficult for the rebels to make headway against the Global Council. They are unorganized and suspicious of everyone. Though they will accept almost any help that they can get from the Outworlds.
The Free Achi’a have yet to score a kill against the Paladins. All efforts are concentrated on their destruction. Behind the scenes, the Benefactors have their own plans for Achi’i and the Global Council. Achi’i Rizah willing, her spirit will be free!
Character Contest 30: It’s a Class Thing
My second entry was “Warblade.” A random, one-shot character, he is a cinematic martial artist. In D&D terms, a warblade is a professional soldier / mercenary.
Warblade
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Warblade’s origins are a mystery. Depending on the rumor, he is a former Green Beret, a Russian Spetsnaz, a Mossad agent, a former MMA champion. It doesn’t matter. He is the ultimate human weapon. Seemingly master of all forms of martials arts and weapons of all eras.
He is neither hero nor villain. Simply a man obsessed with fighting heroes and villains. He never talks. It almost seems that he doesn’t even breath. His exposed skin is completely hairless. His eyes are a cold blood red. He is never seen without his mask nor his trademark white hat.
Sometimes Warblade appears invited. He takes on all challenges. Money and prizes are accepted so he may live to fight another day. Other times, he appears without warning. He has been known to position himself between opposing sides already in the midst of battle. Taking on all challengers, any number at a time.
He never speaks. Warblade simply gestures for his opponents to dare take his hat. More than once, it has been knocked from his head. Never has it touched the ground. With super-agility, he is able to snatch it from the air and place it back on top.
Warblade has been known to use all kinds of weapons. He even improvises weapons. If necessary to escape, but not finish a battle, he has used explosives and firearms. He prefers his bokken. Perhaps it is the irony of being known as Warblade and severing limbs with wooden swords.
