Roleplay: Sunset

Laughter, the sweet sound of innocence and play in the distance woke her from a well deserved afternoon nap. The morning had been nothing but frustrating but it was simply a memory now. Opening her eyes to a half squint she saw that is was late now, the sun low in the sky as a cool breeze kissed her face. The sunset was perfect, as if she had never left her dreams, the balcony she was on an extension to her lab, a quiet place away from most of the chaos that generally ensued.
 
The laughter drew closer as soon she felt tugs on her right sleeve. This drew her wandering mind to the young Asura looking straight up at her, wide eyed with a toothy smile."Mama Ma-ara come play." the child looked up at her trying to pull her from the chair. This made Maranari sit up finally and place a hand on his cheek lifting up his head to see his neck a moment and then smiled with a nod. This made the young Asura grin and while still holding onto her sleeve try to pull her away.

Maranari got up, bring pulled along she saw the others a girl and another boy waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. She motioned them to come as she was pulled along she saw where he was leading her too - one of the smaller sections of the lab, a testing room. It was here she saw the contraption the children had been putting together - a life-sized toy, perhaps a companion for them. Unfortunotely this made her frown."Bray, where did you get this?" she asked him quietly stopping her her tracks.

Bray let go of Maranari's sleeve and looked back at her with a frown "You don't like it Mama Ma-a-ara?" he paused seeing the look on her face then looked back to the toy - it was a mechanical skeleton of an Asura bare and eerie. "We found out you were trying to make toys - we wanted to help..." he walked up to it - the creation nearly his size.

Maranari shook her head "It's wonderful but you know you aren't supposed to look in my lab dears." she sighed and took Bray by the hand. "Lets take a look at you, you sound like you have a frog in your throat." she teased as Bray put a hand to his throat.

"But I wanna pla-ay.." he frowned trying to protest. "I didn't ea-at any frogs I promise!" this came out almost as a whine.

"I insist, once I take a look you can do play with your brother and sister." she smiled assuring them as she led Bray to a small medical room with a cot that she lifted him up on. "Now, say Ah, and open your mouth." she kept one hand on his chin and as he opened his mouth compliantly she took a flat metallic stick that resembled a dispenser used for pressing down on the tongue and turned it on tapping twice on the top of his mouth. This caused Bray to freeze on the spot the life in his eyes dimmed down as he no longer moved or protested the checkup.

She walked over to a console to the left hand side of the cot, pressing a combination of buttons till a screen lit up with a diamond hovering in the middle of the screen "Are you ready?" a voice resonated in the room.

"I believe so, it has been almost three years since the project began. I have witnessed the AI and it out-preforms most of our expectations. They have learned to create, befriend, find a just cause in their own development. It's remarkable,  I give kudos to the prime developer. The AI has grown remarkably smart and I feel it is time to move onto another project." Maranari looked over to Bray, and though she felt a slight guilt to leaving the artificial child she still felt compassion for it.

"Do explain your reasons for this ST1" the diamond's color changed to a deep green as the voice replied.

"I've done everything you asked, including interacting with all forms of species, befriending them and testing their reactions even when my module was malfunctioning. Most reacted positively and the group expanded. I've tested love and heartbreak to which the AI was brilliant and responded accordingly. Combat tactics, death and even abandonment have all been tests. There is nothing more I can do here. Your project is complete, even the internally created AI is starting to recognize how to reproduce it's self. Tell me what more there is to do?" she frowned a bit as she paced but remained facing the screen.

"You are correct then, the project will undergo review and shall be shut down until further notice. You have done well ST1. You may resume to your other duties once you have fully recovered." the screen went dark and the voice was gone leaving a rather sad silence.

Maranari let out a deep sigh as she walked over to Bray. "I'll miss you the most." she kissed him on the forehead, it was cool and lifeless. She walked over to the console again once more pressing a few buttons and leaving the room. As she walked back over to the balcony the lab started to dim - the two other Asuran children were sitting on the floor together frozen, playing together forever, or at least until the reboot... She sat back down in her chair as she looked out to the perfect sunset. She smiled once feeling the breeze on her face as she took off the very device that had finally permitted her speech. Turning it over there was a few buttons on the back that she pressed in combination - the world fading to dark.

This project may be over... But it was time for a new one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been one year since posting the Hiatus on Speechless, and over that time I've realized that it is time for a new project, regardless of how much I have loved this one. Thank you for the support <3

Take care everyone, and hope to see you in the next project.

~ StronTeir

Hiatus: Farewell Letter

For the time being, Speechless is officially on hiatus. There has been a lot of good and bad RP that's happened and I at one point wanted to write out some very key points that had happened during the course in GW2.

For the time I must wander and do a few other things in real life that desperately need tending too.

For those who know me in game and out; you will probably see me still wandering around every now and then - feel free to toss me a hello.

For now; I leave you with Maranari's farewell to Abranka.

~~~

My Dearest Abranka;

Though I know we've come a long way and now we must go our own, I don't think I ever really got to tell you how thankful I really was. Through our adventures in Tyria, and TRW to QI you have taught me so much.

Not just taught, but given me so much. With our new ways - it pains me to seperate but it is really the best thing to do. You have so much promise in you, so much potential I can see it and I have held you back.

With everything that has happened in the past, the Priory Work, your newfound sister, and now brother-n-law the growth in QI and those around you. I couldn't imagine how everything became such an emotional rollercoaster.

You saved me from my parents, you helped me become stronger, you gave me a voice, you gave me love. All in which I tried to repay in turn and failed. I wanted to give you everything, be with you where you went, even hoped for the child we had lost. We've been through so much, and yet over time we couldn't keep things together.

I wanted to give you some closure, as our seperation was not the smoothest. And I wanted to thank you for giving me everything and more.

And though I hope you do not take this the wrong way, I will always love you - it is an unconditional love that has been implanted in my heart. You have touched me so deeply that you are an Asura I will never forget.

I do want to stay in contact, perhaps we will meet in Lion's Arch one day, or somewhere out in the blue. I do not expect us to re-kindle any fire we once had, only to hold the warmth and not let it ice over. Please do not be afraid to be in touch with me, though I know we will need time to heal. I want to stay friends, and I would hope one day return to QI as a Representation of the Priory.

I hope the Eternal Alchemy favors you, enlightens you and shines on your genius.

Forever Maranari

~~~

I want to give thanks to the people who touched my heart in RP, may your adventures be epic, and your loot bountiful. I hope you don't forget me, and I hope that I will return.

Creative/Roleplay: Researching the Depths

I debated on putting this up here or not and decided to go forth with it as it will be a constantly updated thing so long as there is renewed interest in it.

First off the link: http://www.guildwars2roleplayers.com/forum/m/2737230/viewthread/7746181-rppve-researching-depths-mixing-roleplay-dungeon-crawling

Second off what is this about?

This incredibly long thread is dedicated to the people who enjoy mixing their PvE experience with their RP experience. Using the Lore of the Durmand Priory as stable roots and reason to go exploring the world including dungeons and jumping puzzles. The whole goal is to go around adventuring. It's a random shout out to players into RP/PvE or both to get together and have some fun.

Not everyone will want to RP and there is no issue there, others will want to RP out the entire thing and then some! Go at it! I want people to get to know their community not just relying on pugs from cross servers (though, there is nothing wrong with pugs).

This is a place people can post wanted adds as well; or simply find people on a large list of contacts to get involved. There are plenty of people out there who are into mixing their experiences, it's time to get them and go out and have fun!

I'll let you guys hit up the link now as there is a lot there to take a boo over it.

The next post needs a write-up and some formatting done to a few images - should have it set up middle of the week or sooner!

In the mean time I leave you a link of this fabulous GW2 cosplay I came across. Enjoy!

http://teamparaluna.tumblr.com/

A Moment for Pause

Hi all, sorry for the month-long pause in posts. I have a bit on my plate and have become a bit distracted with a few things including gaining full time employment from contract work.

With that said, I do have some RP in the works but it's been through Skype. So here is a short segment of the latest in Mara's world taken from Skype this afternoon.

~~~~

Maranari rubbed the back of her head "I don't know if it means anything but... I'm sorry. For how they acted and... myself."

"Don't be sorry. You cant control them or that. It just happens." Abranka spoke.

Maranari pulled her knees up to her chest holding onto them "But I can't help but feel at fault..."

Abranka ran his hands through his frizzled hair several times leaning back forward and blinks.

Maranari hid her face in her little balled up position her ears weren't visible at the time with her hair. She just let out a sigh and tried not to let on how bad she felt.

"I'm tired. I'm going to rest for now." Abranka leaned himself back and shifts on the bed pulling himself up to rest fully.

Looking up Maranari saw him lay down, she nodded moving so he could lay down properly.

Abranka continues to keep himself still and places his hands folding over on his stomach turning his head to one side.

Maranari moved laying beside him but not up against him. Just far enough to give him space. She watched him a bit more wiping tears from her eyes.

~~~

I will be trying to post a few adventure posts in the next while as catching up on things I've missed since the last little bit of story. I considered doing posts retroactively  2 per week since June 13th, but I think I'll just keep making things forward to avoid any further confusion.

Sorry for the delay all - will get back into gear soon!

Cheers!

~Mara~

Creative/Roleplay: This isn't my Identity

I was linked this song through a friend, and though it's a good song standing on it's own, I find it relates to Maranari in a way through her background. One that I haven't brought forward too often with all the other things that are happening in game. Hints of it have been present in roleplay including the large Skype roleplay posted back in April and May.

It's hard to explain without spoiling things in upcoming roleplay but Mara did not have a rather pleasant childhood - this song relates to that time of her life. Reflections on how things were and how she is now.

"I can't help but close my eyes for life
And dream a different ending
That when I wake, I won't be so exhausted
And I will stop with my pretending
That I'm fine, I'm fine if I can fool myself tonight
And my lie will drown out all of yours"

Imagine a child Asura, trying to sleep at night, covered in burns and stitches, trying to fall asleep and get away from the world as she knows it. Being told by family she'll be alright and that everything that happens to her is for the good, meant for progress, for her benefit. She's tired, alone just wants to stay asleep, forget and wish that everything will be better.

"I will not bend until I break, how much can one bruised body take?
Just not enough to silence me, you're only a memory
I'll scream these words 'til they come true, then I will think no more of you
Look back on what I'm going through, this isn't my identity"

This haunts her as she grows up, pushing all that has happened to a memory - wanting to be something other than what she was, a mere tool for experimental use.

"You will bleed for what your hands have done
You can't outrun your ending
And I'll get well long before you let yourself
I may forgive you, but you never will

I will not bend until I break, how much can one bruised body take?
Just not enough to silence me, you're only a memory
I'll scream these words 'til they come true, then I will think no more of you
Look back on what I'm going through, this isn't my identity 

And I told you, I told you, you had no right
How damaged you must be
Watch you panic, it's tragic, you'll carry this for life
You have my sympathy"

Her voice taken from her, she pushes forward trying to live on without them with support of her friends and those around her, memories of her parents haunting her. This causes her to second guess who she is, concerned that she will sub-cum to being a tool all over again yet to new oenrs the process repeating all over again.

She withdraws without thinking of the negative impact of those around her.

"I will not bend until I break, how much can one bruised body take?
Just not enough to silence me, you're only a memory
I'll scream these words 'til they come true, then I will think no more of you
Look back on what I'm going through, this isn't my identity 

You're only a memory
This isn't my identity 

You're only a memory
This isn't my identity (I will not bend)
You're only a memory (I will not break)
This isn't my identity (I will not bend)
You're only a memory (I will not break)
This isn't my identity (I will not bend)
You're only a memory (I will not break)
This isn't my identity (I will not bend)
You're only a memory (I will not break)
This isn't my identity (I will not bend)
You're only a memory (I will not break)
This isn't my identity"

As some of the damage inflicted on her in the past is removed and she becomes more confident in her skills through trial and error a revelation of who she is, as her own being - not just a tool starts to take over. Feeling a renewal.

~~~~

I could elaborate more, but i n some ways it's hard to. I want to thank my friend Fable who sent me the song initally and showing me who Icon for Hire is. I've fallen in love with the band as I listen to the wonderful songs they've created full of emotions and overall amazing music. 

Till next time - hope you all enjoyed!

Cheers! 

Creative: Fan made GW2 Card Game

Initially I wanted to hold back a bit on this, as the feedback I had received though quite good and supportive has been quite little as I soon realize not many people are into the whole "Trading Card Game" genre.

Alright fine, I don't mind at the end of the day, it's just a matter of at this point in time needing people to test different battles with and talk technicalities.

Where is this going you may ask?

Well then, this leads up to what started out as fun little stat card graphics into a battle card game based on Guild Wars 2.

Decks populated by players in the game as every card is based on a player.

Already I've started out a template (ignoring the fact these are all Asura Shadows...) which I think looks preeeeeety awesome.

Now, the hard part... Rules and technicalities... A lot of refinement and testing. Something that though I would love to do alone and be able to perfect, will need more than just myself. As of right now things are very much based on popular trading card games mixed in with a bit of other fun variety that ties it back down to Guild Wars 2.

The trick I've found so far with games like Magic the Gathering, Yugioh and Pokemon trading card games (TCG). Is that it is either:

• a) too simple
• b) too complicated

I say this having played may types over the years, mostly in the more popular streamline. That and each time the majority of the games you are defending the player's total hit points.

Here I wanted to focus on the players working in a team. Yet still have the flexibility of having a deck and a cost of bringing players to the field.

~~~~

Posts will be rather slow in the next while as I work on this, and various other things going on in both real life and in the game. I'll be posting card images for updates and rules over time. I have a few people who are going to help with play testing and mechanics - so here we go!

Sorry for the late post all!

<3

Creative/Roleplay: ZED INP (Intelligence Neural Protocol)

Another GUI creation, this time it's for QI Lab's Artificial Intelligence nicknamed ZED.

Originally created by Abranka to protect the lab and assist in relaying information across the lab, ZED is limited to relaying over the TVAC units as well as any console within the QI labs.

Recently being re-worked on after a poorly timed shut down, ZED has been upgraded by Gaalla with the ability to visually project himself as a Hologram.She insalled:

• Haloemitters around the lab, that create a small field on the ground allowing ZED to walk around.
• Particle adjusters and amplifiers into the haloemitters so that ZED can touch, pick up and operate physical objects.

Essentially making the A.I. near living as possible without a real physical form.

A few other intresting features of ZED are:

• Self learning intelligence system. The potential and ability to constantly learn and recognize his own mistakes.
• Able to watch others within anywhere in the lab with the exception of sleeping rooms visual watching the others and learning from interactions and how they converse.
• Has the ability to manipulate code, proxy himself, and save information simply by listening into the database.
• He can rewrite programs for his own use say in example Inquest design and spam useless code against firewalls that prevent intrusion.

Overall ZED has been incredibly helpful in treating injured patients and relaying information clearly to anyone who needs a simplified and short form version of while in the lab or over a TVAC.

At the end of the day though, ZED is a vast work in progress he is treated very much like another member of the QI labs. The longer he continues to opperate in the QI lab setting the more over time he will develop and learn.