Chronicle of the D War: A Story from the Playground

After some prompting from some friends, I've decided to relaunch this project. I will be writing a series of short vignettes about my experience from the D War. Don't expect too much in terms of quality writing or a coherent storyline.
If anyone who had participated in the events described would like to contribute a chapter, it would be greatly appreciated. Please PM me first, however.

Table of Contents:

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Prologue
No More Hugs (by Je dit Viola)
Alliance Drawn
Dark Heart
An Unexpected Visit
Parallel Preparations (by Je dit Viola)
Before the Battle
The Rage of War
One Who Knows (by ThePhantom)
Correspondence
Midnight Rendezvous

Prologue

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It is a beautiful day today in the Playground. The brilliant summer sun is shining overhead, bathing the land in its radiance. As I walk down the streets, I am greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the Playground. Bards singing ballads of valor and love, young wizards showing off their magical inventions, friends and companions sharing in the laughter and joy of this magical place that I call home. When I behold the love and harmony of the Playground, it is difficult to believe that but a year ago, the Playground was ravaged by the shadow of strife and war.

I am a wizard and not a bard, and my weak and halting words cannot hope to describe the momentous days of what we now know as the D War. It was a time of sorrow and fear, when the darkest evil threatened the Playground from without and within. The days of the war brought out the worst in all of us.

But I believe that every cloud has a silver lining, that there is meaning to be found in the deepest chaos. The struggle has been a crucible for the molding of my soul, and out of the conflict friendships were forged that have stood the test of time.

Thus, with trepidation and great hope, I, Blue Ghost, take up pen and scroll to tell the story of the great War, that the redemption of those dark days will be complete.

(Applause)
Blue, you are AWESOME and I cannot wait for more!

I was hoping to get the first chapter up today, but it seems that writing narrative is more difficult for me than I thought. It will be up tomorrow, I promise.

*applesauce*
It was pretty good!

Ooh, ooh! Can I write one? (Of course, including some of the stuff that happened in the Kiss or Kill thread, just before it)
(('cause, y'know, I was there.))

(Note: I'm writing this in spite of how much I detest writing about myself.)
In addition, if Blue writes about this same thing, then they don't technically contradict, because of the way mine's set up. Could be falsified, or something.

No more hugs

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-"Hey, look at this. This mainframe must be ancient."
-"Sure looks like it."
-"I wonder what this button does..."
-"Hey, don't press random buttons - !"
-Suddenly, the large, dim screen flickered on, with the occasional static and discolored pixels. It seems to be the recording of something that happened in a secluded room, long ago.

The screen is pretty dark, with the dim silhouette of a teenage girl, sitting in the corner with her back to the camera. Only her right shoulder and reddish hair was onscreen. It's hard to tell what's going on, because there's no sound.
-"Hey, why's there no sound?"
-"Maybe the speakers are shorted out."
-"Or, they could just be off."
At once, the sound is turned on, showing that the teenager is crying. After closer inspection, that off-colored line on her face could be a stream of tears.

On another wall, a door opens, and a yellowish light is cast, lighting up the room on the flickering monitor. Then, a shadow so dark that it seems to absorb the light is cast over the door. A being walks into the room. "Hey," said the voice; the voice that seems to pierce hearts, even through the fuzzy speakers. "What are you crying for - What's wrong?" it asks in a lazy tone.

She sniffed, and turned her head towards the dark being. "Th-they don't like me."

"Stop crying. Please. Or else." The dark being took a gliding step towards the girl.

Trying to stop crying, she failed miserably, as proven by the hiccup. "But...but n-n-none of them like me, and they won't let me play with them."

The being in a humanlike form seems to sigh. "Tell you what. You can come with me for a while.Just get up."

She consented, and also picks up a viola as she stood. "R-really? You really mean it?" she asked in a hopeful voice, yet with fear lurking in the back that he might suddenly change his mind.

"Yes. Now hurry, I have things to do."

The girl squealed with joy, and suddenly found herself with her arms wrapped, in a hug, around the shadowy humanlike mass with glowing red eyes.

"Please do not do that again." Which is, of course, understandable. Hugging someone out of the blue like that, not to mention that she was hugging a physical embodiment of pure hatred and evil...
He forced her off of him and out of the hug.

The teenager smiled coyly. "But sometimes someone just needs a hug." Once again, she managed to embrace him.

After a stern look by the dark being, she let go once again."I'm a physical embodiment of evil. No more hugs."

The girl stuck her lower lip out in a pout. "But...but what if I need a hug?" He started to nod. Before he could finish the nod and answer, she suddenly says, "I need a hug right now. To make me feel better." One final time, she hugged him.

This time, he didn't halt the hug. It was for her, to make her feel better. However, he did sigh audibly, close his eyes, and shake his head.

"Okay. That's enough," he said after a long pause.

She let go, and they both walked towards the door, out of the room. "So what's the name of my new friend?" she asked, shifting the viola from her right hand to her left hand.

"Dark Lord."

The speakers suddenly went out once again, and the monitor flickered madly. The computer started sparking, before it shorted out in an explosion of smoke and the smell of burning plastic, and the screen went dark.

Dun dun duuuuuuunnnnnnn! (:smalltongue:)

Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled stories.

...
I want to hug a physical embodiment of evil. The irony is delicious...

Oh, and nice chapter. ^_^

Awesome work both of you! It might be interesting for others to add their own experiences to the work, while the main story would be conveyed by Blue. Anyway, glad to have this back.:smallbiggrin:

Ooh, thanks, Viola! That was excellent. Just what I was looking for. But now I cannot possibly outdo that...
But I would like to ask that any further chapters that others would like to contribute be PMed to me, so that this thread would not have to be closed.

Okay, I have finally completed the first chapter.

Alliance Drawn

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Two black-hooded guards carrying spears met us at the door of the Brethren sanctum. Without a word, they beckoned us inside. As we stepped out of the sunlight into the cold underground base, my companion, a stocky, heavyset dwarf, gave an involuntary shudder. I don't like this. I don't trust this Brethren gang one bit.

I grimaced as I whispered back. Neither do I, Fred. But we have to do what we have to do. There is much at stake here.

Without a further word, we let the two guards march us through the labyrinthine corridors of the Brethren base. The torches cast flickering shadows on the walls covered with murals depicting bloody scenes of conquest and warfare. After what seemed like hours, the guards led us to a grand doorway carved with a dragon sigil. They ushered us in and took their leave.

We entered to the sight of a number of figures seated around a conference table. One of them, a tall, grim-faced man in a black cloak, clenched his jaws at the sight of Fred, his hand slipping to the hilt of his sword.

The figure at the head of the table, a kobold clad in ornate black robes, rose to greet us. His presence was intense and commanding despite his small stature. Raising his arms in a magnanimous gesture, the kobold greeted us. Blue Ghost! Fred the Fighter! How wonderful it is for you to join us today! As you know, I am Lord of Kobolds, leader and chairman of the Brethren of Spells and Stabbities. Come, take a seat.

I gave the Lord of Kobolds a taut smile and took my seat, and Fred did likewise. Now, let us dispense with the formalities. There is an urgent matter that must be dealt with today. You are aware of D_Lord's recent activities, are you not?

The kobold smiled and nodded. Yes. My men have been carefully monitoring his activities. The D Clones have been on the march, and are rapidly spreading through the Playground. There has not been any overt aggression, beyond what is normal and accepted.

That is what worries me. The Dark Lord is clever and ruthless. Your Brethren were not here to witness it, but this man, or whatever he is, came within inches of singlehandedly conquering the entire Playground. Should he decide to strike again, as he inevitably will, we must not be caught unawares. Yet we cannot risk open war. D_Lord is far too powerful, and even if we should defeat him, much bloodshed will be inevitable.

But war is upon us, whether we wish it or not. D_Lord is already at work, seizing every opportunity he can get to weaken and destroy the Brethren. Action must be taken.

The grim-faced swordsman spoke up. My lord, what is to prevent us from entering a truce or even an alliance with the Dark Lord? To fight against him will severely deplete our resources, and may well destroy the Brethren. But if we can get him to support us…

I’ll tell you why, Grim Ranger! Fred stood quivering from the table. D_Lord’s evil knows no bounds. You think you will get anything from working with him? Your little Brethren gang will be the first to be destroyed when he gets what he wants. And what does he want? Nothing less than the total destruction of the world! To seek any cooperation with that fiend is utter madness.

Lord of Kobolds nodded. Well spoken, friend Fred. A lasting peace with D_Lord is not an option. To ensure the lasting survival and dominance of the Brethren, the threat must be eradicated.

To speak of eradicating D_Lord is foolish, Lord of Kobolds. He is much too powerful. We have little hope of containing his power, much less of destroying him.

The kobold turned to me, giving me an amused smile. But surely you wish to see your most hated foe destroyed?

What I desire is of little consequence. I act for the good of the Playground, Lord of Kobolds. But you are correct. War is upon us, whether we desire it or not. Action must be taken. We must rally the Playground to our cause, and be prepared to fight.

Then we agree. Let us then stand together against our common foe.

That day, a treaty was drawn up, and I entered into an alliance with the Brethren. Though it was a necessary step, I knew that it had moved us one step closer to war.

Ooooh. Tension and drama. <3

((Oops. My bad. :smallredface: I promise I won't do it again.))

That's a nice first chapter! It's pretty great. And it has lots of dialogue, too!

I'm confused. Is this the second D War, or the first? I thought the brethen were only in the second.

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Originally Posted by Je dit Viola

((Oops. My bad. :smallredface: I promise I won't do it again.))

That's a nice first chapter! It's pretty great. And it has lots of dialogue, too!

---

Sorry, it's my fault. I should have told you earlier. I really appreciate your contribution, Viola.

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Originally Posted by ThePhantom

I'm confused. Is this the second D War, or the first? I thought the brethen were only in the second.

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The Brethren were in the first as well. They were on our side, fighting against D_Lord. Remember?

Oh. Things got mixed together. My mistake.

Ah, so its the clone wars. Good, because I felt the second D War was a little too much like kids on (ironically) a playground.

I stab you with my sword!
No, I'm immune!
You said you were immune to fireballs!
I'm immune to those too!

The first D-War had a little bit more..stability..in my opinion.

Anyway, very nice first chapter, and you did a good job introducing several of the sides. Will the next one focus on D Lord, or will all the stories you write come from your view point, while someone like Viola could write ones about her and D-Lord while Grim could write the sneakyness of the Brethren.

I wasn't even there. This is all new to me. XD

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Originally Posted by Saint Nil

Ah, so its the clone wars. Good, because I felt the second D War was a little too much like kids on (ironically) a playground.

I stab you with my sword!
No, I'm immune!
You said you were immune to fireballs!
I'm immune to those too!

The first D-War had a little bit more..stability..in my opinion.

Anyway, very nice first chapter, and you did a good job introducing several of the sides. Will the next one focus on D Lord, or will all the stories you write come from your view point, while someone like Viola could write ones about her and D-Lord while Grim could write the sneakyness of the Brethren.

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I believe the Clone War was another event, which happened even earlier. I alluded to it in that last chapter. I'm going to be writing about the D War, which, unfortunately, was just what you said. I'm going to dread writing the battle scenes (maybe someone else will write them for me), but there were several interesting and very significant things that happened in between the battles that I'm eager to address.
The next chapter will be dealing with D_Lord and Viola. Viola may not like writing about Viola, but I do. :smallsmile:

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Originally Posted by Blue Ghost

Viola may not like writing about Viola, but I do. :smallsmile:

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Ship. (Shot)
...well, it's a perfectly logical response!

Another chapter completed. It shares some themes with Viola's chapter, which is to be expected, since we're describing essentially the same event.
I found the multicolored chaos that characterizes D_Lord's speech difficult to follow, so I just used a shade of DimGray instead. I hope you don't mind, D_Lord.

Dark Heart

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On the border of the Playground, indeed on the very fringes of reality itself, perpetually shrouded in clouds of black mist, stood the fortress in which the Dark Lord dwelt. Inside, vile machines turned day and night, and hordes of mindless, emotionless gray clones, mockeries of humanity, worked tirelessly on the manufacture of instruments of war. Deep in the heart of the fortress, D_Lord sat on his throne, plots of terror and destruction ever turning in his dark mind.

An eerie and beautiful melody drifted through the room, a viola solo in A minor. The haunting beauty of the music sharpened D_Lord’s mind, spurring his thoughts to new heights. Ever since that girl had decided to tag along with him, his rise to power had been proceeding more rapidly than ever before. His clone legions, powered by the Dark Lord’s thoughts, were working at astounding rates.

The Dark Lord mused aloud, half to himself, half to the girl standing beside him. My enemies have begun to rally against me. Let them do so. It will make their despair all the sweeter when I destroy them. Tomorrow, we make our move, and all the Playground shall be consumed by the Dark Lord.

Viola ceased her song and looked up. Ooh, can I come with you, D_Lord? Please?

D_Lord focused his gaze on Viola. She did not shrink. Why are you still following me, girl?

Viola shrugged. Because you’re my friend. You’ve been nicer to me than anyone else I’ve met. And besides, you need a friend too. It’s not healthy for you to live out here all by yourself.

The Dark Lord’s eyes narrowed, trying to pierce through any deception that Viola may be throwing up. You are not an agent of that wizard, are you?

She laughed, a cheery, guileless laugh that sent shivers down the Dark Lord’s spine. Who, Blue Ghost? Why would I be working for him? I hardly know him. No, you can trust me. After all, that’s what friends are for, right?

D_Lord could see plainly that the girl was sincere, that there was no deception in her heart. Yet there was something about her that he could not fathom, something that shook him to the core. Here she was, a young girl with no malice in her, choosing to stay with the lord of all evil from her own volition. This had never happened before.

So, can I come with you?

Yes, yes, I suppose you can. Make yourself useful.

Viola squealed with delight. Thanks, D_Lord! You’re the best!
And she threw her arms around him in a fierce hug. The Dark Lord did not resist, but let a drop of her warmth trickle into his dark heart.

Will I be smitten by a mighty and evil being if I ship ViolaD_Lord? :smallconfused:

(Not that that would stop me.)

On D_Lord's behalf, I will tell you the answer to that question.

YES.

(Besides, he didn't give his permission for that.)

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Originally Posted by ThePhantom

On D_Lord's behalf, I will tell you the answer to that question.

YES.

(Besides, he didn't give his permission for that.)

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That was in response to Lix and not me, right?
It probably is best if we lay off the shipping for now.

To Lix. We don't want this thread closed, so no shipping.

Lets see, love it Blue, Nice Viola, and to Lix Lorn

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NO SHIPPING MEEEE!!!!!!!

also if you do

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http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:2...xplosion-l.jpg
and for evil messor. http://sushantskoltey.files.wordpres.../explosion.jpg

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Also remenber that Dark Lord is insane and maybe can get to you through the fourth wall Lix.

I think just saying it is fine, otherwise I wouldn't have done.

That'd be awesome if he did. I'd just keep dodging and offer to stop if he made me his Dragon.

It's good, that part is. And, you're right. Doing a single color looks a whole lot easier than planning out when to switch colors, and what to.

One odd quirky suggestion, though. Every time you do speaking, you always put action text before, then speech text after. There's nothing wrong with that. However, to me, it seems really repetitive.
Maybe you could try putting the speech text between action text or the speech text before the action text once in a while? That way, it won't look so
Stuff happens here, "Stuff gets said here"
More stuff happens, "Text starts to blend into spoiler box and is easily skipped over."
Again, more stuff happens here, and then, "This is said."

(Confusing enough, or do you need more clarification about what I'm trying to say?)

Hmm, I will consider that. Thanks!

An Unexpected Visit

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Reports had reached me of the Dark Lord’s forces mobilizing. The battle lines were drawn, and the war had begun. I took up my staff and prepared to meet my longtime foe on the battlefield once again.

Going so soon?

I turned, startled. There before me stood an eldritch being, a vaguely humanoid form composed of raw arcane energy. It was a presence that was all too familiar to me. Randomizer. I clenched my staff tightly. What do you want from me?

No need to get testy. I come in peace.

Peace? I stared at the Randomizer. Images flashed through my head, of villages set ablaze in a mad fit of rage, of meaningless carnage and destruction, of the time that he forced me into a duel to the death. Peace and the Randomizer did not exactly go together.

Ever the suspicious one, eh, Blue Ghost? The Randomizer laughed, a crackling of arcane energy. I thought you would welcome another helping hand in destroying the Dark Lord. You do wish to see D_Lord destroyed, do you not?

To destroy D_Lord is out of the question. He is much too powerful, as you well know.

That is not what I asked, Blue Ghost. Randomizer leaned in closer, his eyes glowing dangerously. I asked if you wished to see him destroyed. Do not lie to me, Blue Ghost. I know how much you long for your hated foe’s destruction. He let the word “destruction” echo in the air with malicious glee.

I am making you an offer, Blue Ghost. I will not only fight alongside you in the war, but I will lend you some of my own power, power enough to destroy even the greatest elder being. The Dark Lord has been a thorn in my side too long, and I hunger for his destruction as much as you do. The Randomizer sneered. Of course, even if you refuse, I am not missing a good war for anything. But I cannot guarantee that we will be fighting on the same side… So, will you accept my offer?

My mind reeled. Here was the Randomizer, perhaps the only being in the Playground whose power could match that of the Dark Lord. Here was a possible opportunity for me to be rid of D_Lord and his evil forever. All I had to do was reach out and accept the Randomizer’s eldritch power…

Very well. Let us put our differences behind us, and fight together against our common foe.

The eldritch being smiled. I knew you would see things my way.

I shook his hand. I felt a sharp tingle in my flesh, as an infusion of terrible magic began flowing through my veins. It was a strong, heady sensation that gave me confidence. I felt a spark of hatred kindled inside of me, hatred for D_Lord and all that he stood for.

Today, D_Lord shall be destroyed.

My staff in hand, I slipped through space-time to the battlefield. Soon the battle for the Playground would begin.

Sorry about the delay, as well as the slip in quality. This piece didn't come as naturally to me as the ones before. I'm still not sure where the developments here will be going.

Joining up with Randomizer? Oh no!

Delays are alright, in my opinion. It just means you were busy.

(I see you took my suggestion! It looks better. But if that was the cause of the lack of flow, then you don't have to do it.)

Blue and... the Randomiser? Working together?

Watch out, Blue... you're on a slippery slope, and the moral event horizons only half way down.

Bah, Blue is strong enough to resist being tempted by Randomizer. Though if he is more easily tempted by Randomizer than you, we might have problems.:smalltongue:

Anyone with a lower will save than me has ISSUES.

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Originally Posted by Lix Lorn

Blue and... the Randomiser? Working together?

Watch out, Blue... you're on a slippery slope, and the moral event horizons only half way down.

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Yes, I realize that. As I hinted in my prologue, this war brought out the worst in me. The chapter was a reference to the Randomizer giving me the avatar that may have sparked D_Lord starting the war.
Now, I don't know where this will end up. Maybe I'll just forget about this whole affair with the Randomizer and it won't come up again. Or maybe it will.

(hugs and smiles at)
Now be happy!

Can I see said avatar...? (Worried)

:smallsmile: Don't worry about me. I'm always happy. I just hope Viola will be all right...
So yes, the avatar. At the time, D_Lord's avatar depicted him attacking me with some sort of vile dark magic, so I requested an avatar showing me fighting back. And the Randomizer took my request.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...bowblast-1.png
The intrigue had already started in Kiss or Kill and the other SMBG threads, but after I put on that avatar, D_Lord made the war official.

...
Does it show how Neutral aligned I am that my response was 'Aww, I want to be invovled in a playground-wide war!'

Also, (Clings anyway cause I don't believe people when they claim to be okay)

Another update. This will probably be the last one for a while, as I will be leaving on a trip (a quest, if you will) for a week. And the next chapter will be rather difficult for me to write.

Before the Battle

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I arrived at the battlefield to the sight of a veritable horde of Playgrounders who had responded to my call and were ready to fight alongside me against D_Lord. A legion of black-cloaked Brethren warriors and mages stood in formation, behind Lord of Kobolds. My friend, Fred the Fighter, stood at the head of an army of Playgrounders of every race and class, eager to do battle. I felt a spirit of confidence on me, as I stepped forward to address the Playground.

Friends, allies, Playgrounders, we have gathered this day for a common purpose. We come to defend our country and home against the forces of darkness. We come from many different backgrounds, with many different dreams. Law and Chaos, Good and Evil, on this day join together to fight for a common cause.

Grim Ranger and Fred, who happened to be standing side by side, exchanged a tense glance.

We come to stand against the Dark Lord, who has attempted again and again to take over the Playground. Our enemy is not merely Evil: He is a threat to our very existence. He would have us all, subjugated and conformed to his vile will, or annihilated. Many of you have stood alongside me against D_Lord and his clones before, and you have seen the horrors that he would inflict upon the Playground.

The Randomizer was now hovering over the battlefield, listening with amusement to my every word. In the distance, we could see a mass of gray. D_Lord’s army was approaching.

While the enemy would take away our freedom and our dreams, we will not bow. We will stand strong and let our diversity be our strength. We will not relinquish our freedom. We will fight! We will fight against the oppressor! We will fight for liberty! For hope! For the Playground!

The crowd took up the cheer, drawing their weapons in support. For the Playground!

Then D_Lord fell upon us.

This is setting up some super epic!

Aww, I'll miss you... good luck on your quest! Level up and don't go into negative hit points! I shall be irritated if I have to Res you.
(Casts epic level buff spell)
Eternal Hugs!

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Eternal Hugs
Epic
Casting Time:Standard Action
Range:Touch

The target is filled with a warm, happy feeling of being loved. This gives them a moral bonus on all rolls equal to your caster level, or your charisma bonus, whichever is higher.

Ooh, thanks!

I am actually not at all looking forward to writing the battle scenes. If you take a look at the thread (in the OP), you can see why.

Yes, FFRPs can be rather... chaotic and uncontrolled.

(It wasn't FFRPG. FFRPG, people give and take more because the whole point of FFRPG is to make as many people have as much fun as possible.
That was more of a "I super attack you!" "You missed! I counter!" "I stole your ammo!" "I dodged and kept my ammo!" thing. Some people were more concerened with winning rather than making a good story or letting both sides have fun.) [/standing up for FFRPG] I think the cause of that was because some people wanted to show that they were superpowerful and invincible and wanted to stand up against an ultimate evil to save the Playground, which forced D_Lord to have to come up with increasingly implausible excuses to make sure people could still have fun.

That's a pretty good start of the fight! I liked it. It's a good motivational speech.

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Originally Posted by Je dit Viola

(It wasn't FFRPG. FFRPG, people give and take more because the whole point of FFRPG is to make as many people have as much fun as possible.
That was more of a "I super attack you!" "You missed! I counter!" "I stole your ammo!" "I dodged and kept my ammo!" thing. Some people were more concerened with winning rather than making a good story or letting both sides have fun.) [/standing up for FFRPG] I think the cause of that was because some people wanted to show that they were superpowerful and invincible and wanted to stand up against an ultimate evil to save the Playground, which forced D_Lord to have to come up with increasingly implausible excuses to make sure people could still have fun.

That's a pretty good start of the fight! I liked it. It's a good motivational speech.

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Yeah, that's pretty much it. Which means that I'm going to have to write the fight scenes from scratch, while still somehow remaining faithful to the important events that happened.

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Originally Posted by Blue Ghost

Yeah, that's pretty much it. Which means that I'm going to have to write the fight scenes from scratch, while still somehow remaining faithful to the important events that happened.

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Which is why I am glad that you are a good enough writer to do that.

Have a cookie.

Don't worry about writing it. Fighting scenes are fun to write! (At least, I think so.)
As you said, the hardest part will be trying to decide which parts were too over-the-top and had too much emotional investment in them, and which parts to keep.

Would you like to write the scene for me, Viola? :smalltongue:

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Originally Posted by Je dit Viola

(well reasoned argument)

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I agree; it wasn't in the spirit of an FFRP. But, that was what it was. XD A godmode FFRP.

The entire fighting scene, which lasted several pages? Probably not.
But, maybe, if I find time, a couple of the fighting scenes.

I was thinking of splitting it into several scenes, since the fighting was continuous.
And... I don't think that could be called FFRP. :smalleek:

Technically, isn't an FFRP jus a roleplay without rules?

I'll help write if you want. I'm supposedly good at fight scenes.

Hmm... Very well, I give Viola and Lix permission to write the story, up to page 4 of the thread. But I want to write the parts about Recaiden and Viola myself.

Eep responsibility.
Page four of the D-war thread?

Well actually, just make it up. Use the thread as inspiration, since nothing really important happened in those pages anyway. Just fighting. :smalltongue:

(Up to page four isn't that bad. It's not very long, either.)

So, yes, I'll be writing some battle scenes, and some not-battle-scenes, maybe. Since, ~page 4, I had a PM conversation with about 3 different people at once, an often confused who I was talking to.

So, I'll try to write at least one tonight.

Right. (Nods) I'll try to get something done. DXD

Well, this one would come just immediately before Blue's Before the Battle, and it draws inspiration from the first page and from my memory as well.

So, it's a little out of order in terms of all the stories, but it works just as well here.

Parallel Preparations

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The dark castle was completely silent, save the sound of a single viola echoing throughout the halls. The song was dark and dreary, and Viola played it with skill.
The Dark Lord sighed as he lounged across his throne. "So what does this song do, again?"
Without making pause, the teenager answered. "It sounds good. I played it last year. You see, this next part is pretty difficult." She continued to play, the tempo increasing and the number of simultaneous notes skyrocketed.
The Dark Lord sighed again. How was he supposed to prepare for battle with the song distracting him?

Fred cleared his throat. He felt uncomfortable just being near his nemesis, and it got worse. He has to ally with him.
"You know, I hate this much as you do. Probably even moreso," said the hooded warrior, the Grim Ranger. "The instant this is over, I'm going to kill you. Or, maybe I should just kill you now."
Fred shook his head. "It would be a pleasure to get back to fighting you. But let's just focus on the task at hand. We've been charged with finding out what the Dark Lord is planning, and I intend on completing this mission."
Grim sighed. This once-fighter was sapping his darkness. It felt disgusting, like petting unicorns and butterflies.

The Brethren finished roll call. They found out that their numbers have swollen since their last meeting, with everyone in attendance save the Grim Ranger. "We have numbers on our side, and many powerful wizards as well," shouts the Kobold Lord to the room full of people. "We are still gathering more and more people every day!"
The room cheered.
"We will completely defeat the Dark Lord!"
They cheered again.
"We will rid The Playground of his evil, so that we may take control!"
A third cheer. This cheer was the loudest and most gleeful of them all.
Blue Ghost, in the the back of the room, sighed. He couldn't believe he was working with all these vile and unscrupulous individuals. But there was no choice - the forces of good just couldn't afford to not work with them.

In the grand hall of the Dark Lord, a light and airy song was being played. "Hey, do you think I have time to memorize this song?" the violist asked.
"What benefit would memorizing that song have?" asks the Dark Lord in an extremely bored voice.
She spent a couple minutes mulling the question over in her mind. Finally, she came to an adequate answer. "It's from Les Mis. It apparently makes flowers grow faster."
Once again, the Dark Lord sighed. This was going to be a long day.

In the back room of the Brethren's citadel, Blue Ghost and the Lord of Kobolds discussed their plans. After formulating an adequate strategy, they shook hands and were about to depart.
Seeing this moment as a chance to discuss his concerns, Blue Ghost spoke up. "With so many natural enemies working together, I fear there may be some conflicting motives."
The Kobold Lord nodded. "Those are valid concerns. I'll see what I can do to remove your fears."
"What do you think the chances of traitors are?"
"Don't worry, I'll come up a solution," ambiguously replied the Lord of Kobolds. "Remember, the entire alliance hinges on us two. If either of us show fear, there'll be more traitors than if we both appear confident."
Blue Ghost sighed, and looked out the window. "I just wish there was a better alternative."

The Dark Lord and several of his clones were studying some battle plans, as he finally found a few moments of silence. That girl had left the room.
As he was formulating a new strategy, the door opened.
"Hey, do you think this skirt, or this one looks better on me?" Viola held up two different skirts, one pink and one green.
Without even pausing to look at them, the elder evil answers. "The green one. It matches your eyes better." Before she had a chance to protest that her eyes changed colors depending on her mood, he shooed her away.
He sighed. Why am I even bothering to keep her alive? he wondered.

Moff Chumley, a man known for hedging his bets by joining every side, walked up to the Dark Lord.
"How did you get in here?" demanded D_Lord.
Moff shrugged. "I don't know. Is the fight started yet? I heard there was one."
"Please get out."
Moff raised his eyebrow. "I've rarely heard you say please before. But, if you so insist...I might as well just have fun!" As D_Lord tried to grab Moff, Moff danced out of the way. He ran around and around the castle, up stairs, through the dungeon, and being a general annoyance.
The Dark Lord sighed, and waited until Moff's run around the castle brought him back to the starting room. The second Moff entered, D_Lord grabbed him, and threw him out the window. "Time for you to go."

Fred and Grim split up; Fred went scouting around the Dark Lord's castle, to try to gain some information or find some weaknesses. Unfortunately, he couldn't find a way across the moat. Other than that, everything went as expected.
That is, until he heard the humming of a young woman off to the left. Wondering what sort of woman would be found in a dark place such as this, he followed his ears, until he came across the woman in a small bed of flowers. It was a stark contrast to the desolation everywhere else. "It's dangerous here, you know. I would advise getting away as quickly as possible; the owner of this castle doesn't take kindly to trespassers. In fact, there's going to be a war around here soon."
Viola stopped humming, and looked up. Fred noticed some of the flowers were decorating her red hair. "Oh, no, I'm not a trespasser. I'm a guest. I'll be in the war, I think."
Fred appraised her. "You know, a war isn't much of a place for an unarmed woman. How about you come with me, and we can keep you safe throughout the war?" She didn't look like a warrior type, nor did she have that particular arcane scent about her.
"I can't." Viola shook her head. "D_Lord's my only friend right now. I have to stay."
Fred sighed, and walked away from the forsaken castle. "Godspeed. Try not to die."

Blue Ghost was alone, thinking to himself.
How was this to work? How many would die? How many traitors would there be? How many people would lose their confidence in good? How many will fall to evil? How villainous will both sides stoop to? Would The Playground even survive, let alone remain unscathed?
He sighed.
War was never pretty.

D_Lord and Viola were back in the same room. "With so many clones, how can you tell which one of you is the real one?" asked the young woman.
Without even thinking, the Dark Lord responded. "I am, because I say so." Even though the logic wasn't very sound, it made some sense.
"But why - "
He interrupted her, because so many questions would keep him from sufficiently distracted. "Out the hall, in the third door to the left, there's a kitchen. In the oven, the cookies are almost done. Could you go get them? Take as many as you would like." He reasoned the enchanted cookies would keep her out of his way for half an hour.
Viola's eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you!"
Just before she hugged him again, the Dark Lord raised a finger, as if saying 'stop'. "Not now, I'm busy."
The musician sighed. "Later, promise?" She pouted, and her eyes swelled up with tears until he finally agreed.

All the warriors of The Playground were gathered together, not far from the Dark Lord's base. Morale was dropping because the Dark Lord hasn't shown yet, and the air was tense between rivals.
Blue Ghost looked over allies, enemies, and strangers, all working together and waiting.
Today was the day the Dark Lord would attack.

So it's not a battle scene. Sorry. I'll try harder next time.
*sigh*

You're good at this. XD

*has a next one planned out, but not completely written*

I should post it tomorrow. Sorry for the delay! Sorry, was unable to complete it in time, due to injuries. I'll figure out something.

:smallbiggrin: *squee* That is beautiful! Beautiful! Jeudi, I love--

... Jeudi... :smallfrown:

(Pity glomphuggle)

I miss her too. I want my minions back!