City of IF

[shy_blu_eyes]

:welcome:

Traditionally, whenever an Ifian begins their first SG the include some kind of disclaimer about their inadequate writing skills.

I’m not going to do that.

Instead, I’d like to get to the heart of the matter.

I stumbled into IF one rainy afternoon bored and lonely, and even though I was a stranger I was welcomed into the community with open arms. In the intervening months I’ve enjoyed friendship, camaraderie, tears, and more than a few excellent stories.

This SG is my humble and sincere attempt to give something back to the community I love and the authors I respect.

A list of the Ifians who have affected this story, or me, could stretch on idefinately, but there are several individuals who need to be thanked by name. Cyberworm, who first encouraged me to write an SG; and DeadManWalking and Phantomfan, who planted the idea in my head, molded it into something worth writing, and then let me keep all their good ideas. I’d also like to thank Chinaren, whose substantial influence will become evident at a later date.

To all Ifians, thank you. This story is for you.

And in the words of Phang, “whatever happens, it’s partly your fault.”
....................................................................................................................................

AdMin 1-2-1 shifted nervously from foot to foot. This was his least favorite part of the job.

“Sir, I understand that you’re upset, but as you can see I have orders from the ruling council to confiscate the following items or devices under the Guidelines for Restrictions to Prevent the Proliferation of God Modding, Subsection thirty-two, chapter eight-teen. As you can see, sir, you are legally required to hand over the All-Mighty Giraffe Clock of Very Ominous Sounds, the Big Book of Thwackness, the Chainsaw of Jasonness, the Crossbow of Krablooie, the Invisible Stick of Invisibility and Tripping-People …”

“That one’s broken…”

1-2-1 cleared his throat condescendingly, adjusted his thick bifocals, and continued to read.

“the Purply Ice Cream Cone of Randomly-Named-Weapons, the Rubber Ducky of NINJA, the Swords of Various Dooms; namely, the Sword of Doomy Doom, the Sword of Nuclear Doom, the Sword of Ominous Doom, and the Sword of Very Very Loud Doom; and the Twin Sickles of the Moon and Ambiguously-Named-Weaponry. You are, however, authorized to retain the Amulet of Putting-Stuff-Back-Together-Again and the Magenta Quarterstaff of Very Awkward Situations.”

1-2-1 gazed at DeadManWalking. His lenses magnified his eyes so much that the thick frames of black plastic seemed to strain with the effort of containing them. As an Administrative Minion, 1-2-1 had been genetically designed by Chinaren Research Labs (a subsidiary of Chinaren Industries Inc.) to be the ideal low level bureaucrat. Reading his instructions, chapter and verse, had restored his confidence. 1-2-1 stared challengingly into the glowing red eyes of the jester garbed skeleton without a trace of fear or mirth.

DMW was not impressed by the AdMin. Dressed in a cheap gray suit with a plain black tie, 1-2-1 (like all Administrative Minions), appeared to be little more than a scrawny, diminutive, clone of Chinaren with mangy, charcoal colored fur. More impressive were his companions, two hulking ex-SF types with plain black suits, dark sunglasses, and ear pieces. Also created by Chinaren Labs, the expendable Security Forces appeared to be in no small part the product of a deranged geneticist and gorilla DNA. The end result seemed to be a reasonable approximation of how Chinaren’s Paleolithic ancestors might have appeared. 8-1, the last surviving member of the original series, was an old man at twenty months. His fur, once coarse and black, had turned fine and white with age. At his temples, it had mellowed into a distinguished shade of gray and the top of his head was bald. The lines in his face had deepened with age and crows feet flanked his eyes. His counterpart, 8-1-2, was three months old and nearing middle age. He had matured into an idealized specimen of the ex-SF series, with thick black fur and rippling muscles.

DMW weighed his options. There was no doubt that he could take on the AdMin and the older ex-SF. He could probably take the younger one out as well. Could he do it before they called for backup on those ear pieces?

Probably not.

DMW sighed, no choice really.

Opening the door, he gestured them inside…
....................................................................................................................................

Now, here is where you come in. I need some interested Ifians to volunteer to appear in this story. The best part is, you can choose your level of involvement!

A handful of Ifians will become the protagonists in this story. To apply just post your desire here, along with a detailed description of you Avatar and why/how you think you would become involved with the story. One warning however, once you are accepted, the actions of Protagonists are at the mercy of the players, so no thin skins!

Supporting characters will have more control. When/If they get involved in the story you might receive a PM with a situation or a piece of dialogue to which you will need to respond. Your responses will then appear in the story as you interact with the protagonists. To show your interest, just post a detailed description of your Avatar and designate that you are only interested in appearing as a secondary character.

Cameos are also available to anyone who desires one. No post or description is necessary! Just sign up by voting in the poll below!

Thank you all for your interest and I hope to see you at the Chapter One Premier!

[Cyberworm]

I don't know what to say, I've got the honor of replying first... well... uhm... *scratches head and blushes when he remembers he was on the thanks list*

Uhm, you're welcome. :) I really want to see where this is gonna roll, so I'll keep an eye out for this one. *makes a motion between his eyes and the story with two fingers*

;)

Edit:

I've done some thinking, and I decided I want to be a supporting character. Yes, I know I pressed the cameo button, but after much consideration I managed to make myself get involved with this. :smile:

Okay, lemme see if I got this right.

(first attempt)

The outside appearance: jeans or black trousers with long-sleeved black shirt, though I usually fold them up to my elbows. (You know what I mean, roll them up). Usually I carry around my 18th cenutry-style trench coat, just for showing off (and to hide my saber underneath it :grin: ).

A bit pale skin, dark brown eyes, dark brown, almost black hair. An inch away from full 6 feet tall, medium built, though only a few people know I'm a cyborg and weight about 300 pounds. I get all the perks a cyborg can have, inhuman strength, speed and agility, all of which I rarely use to hide my true identity. Always observant, a bit philosophical... you know me, the perfect gentleman with a hero complex who likes to dance while fighting. :smile: Fun before all. :D

I like chocolate and girls... oh... this isn't a dating agency, right? I thought this was the "Love4all" agency? Oh dear. :P Must've taken a wrong turn at the Muaddib's... gah. Forget I said that. :shock:

I hope that was all, correct me if I did something wrong, or if I missed something. (And I bet I did. XD)

I'm willing to fill any free spot. If you are missing protagonists, use me. If you need support characters, use me. If you don't need anyone, you can still use me. (No, I'm not sounding masochistic. Nope.) :)

[DeadManWalking]

I already volunteered.

btw, I got to keep the Magenta Quarterstaff of Very Awkward Situations?

that's the most godmoddy of all of them.

It's the one I use to randomly turn people into other things.

actually, perhaps I should include a list of what these weapons actually do.

Hmmmm...

Well here we go:

the All-Mighty Giraffe Clock of Very Ominous Sounds: Shoots ravenous genetically modified carnivorous nut-eating squirrels.

the Big Book of Thwackness: Thwacks Stuff. It also has a rather convenient self-destruct button.

the Chainsaw of Jasonness: Is a chansaw that cuts stuff.

the Crossbow of Krablooie: Shoots exploding crabs

the Invisible Stick of Invisibility and Tripping People: an invisible stick that grants its wielder invisibility as well as the ability to trip entities that normally would not trip, such as a flying, standing, or insubstantial object. Is currently cut in half due to a certain touch phantom with an itchy sword hand.

the Purply Ice Cream Cone of Randomly Named Weaponry: Does stuff. Mystical Stuff.

the Rubber Ducky of NINJA: increases the agility and dexterity of target entity, as well as granting said entity with proficiency with many different weapons

the Swords of Various Doom: were various swords of differing shapes and sizes based of Phan's Sword of Doom. Includes:
Sword of Doomy Doom: Has a doominous aura. Is very Doomy.
Sword of Nuclear Doom: is radioactive and very unstable. May cause random explosions
Sword of Ominous Doom: Is very Ominous and threatening. In free time, enjoys hanging over people's heads on a fishing line.
Sword of Very Very Loud doom: A sword that makes a loud clangy noise when struck.

the Twin Sickles of the Moon and Ambiguously named Weaponry: Cuts stuff. and Stabs stuff.

Amulet of Putting Stuff Back Together: Puts stuff back together

Magenta Quarterstaff of Very Awkward Situations: allows the wielder to transform entities into other alive or unalive objects by touching them with the end of the staff

[Christalnightshade]

Could you explain what cameo means? I'd like to jion this story. I'm dressed in a purple dress and shirt. Plus I have metal wings and I wear boots. I have purple eyes and I have short or long purple hair. All purplish accept my skin that is white. Sometimes I have light-green hair and eyes. White shirt and brown pants, plus pink shoes. So you can discribe me in anyway you like to see me as- oh yea some Ifians call me Crady. Plus I'm an human-angel. :D o-)

[Phantomfan]

Wow... I did something helpful? *is stunned* You must have the wrong phantom...
You've already heard all my meaningless praises, so I just wanted to say once again that this is a great starting point, and that I can't wait to hear more.

Already volunteered and all, but I just thought I should attempt at a whole profile thing...

Appearance; Height is around 5 foot 7, with pale skin with waist length black-silver hair worn half-down, half in a braid. Long, flowy night blue skirt with leggings underneath, and a long sleeved black shirt with belle sleeves. Occasionally I am seen wearing a half mask, and I also wear a necklace that has a pendant of my avatar mask.

As a phantom, I can change willingly from immaterial to material. When immaterial, I am semi-transparent and can pass through both people and things, though it is not always a pleasant experience for either object. I can also fly (:D) in both immaterial and material forms, though it is harder to do when solid.
I also carry the original Sword of Doom, which is wielded with deadly accuracy, as well as a couple of daggers.
And I like ducks. *grins* But that isn't necessarily important, just a little note.

Can't wait to see more!

[Phang]

Sweet. I got quoted. And I'd almost forgotten about that line...

If ye want to see Phang, check out my art thread - she's kinda hard to describe. Those claws and fangs can be extended when required - and for the fangs, the inner set drain blood, while the outermost pair contain a hallucinatory venom that also induces drowsiness - with the effect of a possibly permanent sleep. Oh, and the claws? You'd probably need a good block of concrete to file them down.

The purple and red skin can change colour - though the large amount of non-chameleonic body means this is mostly just for show. Phang's tail moves of its own accord as a very sensitive balance aid - seriously, don't touch it. It'll probably lead to this next ability...

When pissed - really pissed, like, 'Ralph's bloody back again and messing up the place' pissed - Phang's wings unveil themselves, along with auxillary pincer-ended arms above her others. If you see this happen, you're screwed - run. Run run ruu.

Unless, of course, you know a demon's weaknesses - demon emerald, silver and light magic. The bright green gem is from another reality and demon hunters - known as Tamers - frequently charge it with the aforementioned 'holy' magic, with very efficient and power-increasing results. Silver, to a demon, motherhugging burns.

So there's a glimpse into Phang's world, Entuva'Tor save you all from her...heheheh, I guess you'd get that if you were also a demon. Damn, this has got me into the mood for more character descriptions. Grngh...need an outlet...

[shy_blu_eyes]

Thanks to everyone so far. The descriptions are great!

Crady, a cameo is a minor appearence in a story with (maybe) a line or two. In movies, if you see a famous person in a very minor part for no good reason, that would be a cameo. Also, if you could let us know what powers or skills you have it would help. The point of this is so if you have some skill that may come in handy resolving a DP the players will know and be able to suggest using it.

DMW thank you for the weapons info, I knew the details about the most relevent ones, but you've given me some even more sinister ideas...

I'll probably keep this poll up for a week or so, after that I'll start writing chapter one. If there's too many volunteers for protagonists, I might put up a poll to narrow it down and push the whole process back a week. Whether or not you're a protagonist, I promise to incorporate everyone who offers to be in the story.

Thank's again for your interest and support!

[Black Hawk]

hey Shy I'll join as a protaganist

appearance: spiky brown hair, speckled brown eyes, black clothes and sunglasses

items:
Sheol, my custom pistol fires Black Bullets (they explode and cover the area with black smoke and normal bullets

Custom Made Bubble Pistol, fires large bubbles that can be used to trap objects people etc

The Neverending Orb, sucks things into my null space where they can be held until I need them

powers:
Turns into a cat
Can acess AI to do various electronic things

[Sasuke]

Oh, I'll jump on the bandwagon, why not, throw me in as a protagonist.


Description: I go for the simple look, an extended cloak in black or red and a bit of fabric from my heels to just before the first knuckle of my feet is about all I wear, 'cept the necessaries, I need to protect my modesty in the case of a good draft, so a pair of pants are needed as well, anything you like. I'm roughly the size of an extra-but not horridly so-tall human teen, maybe a 5' 9", my scales are an un-lustrous silver but not gray, my eye color changes a bit, they're dark red in normal and full-dragon forms, and grey-blue in near-human form, hair is an even more confusing change, ash grey in normal form and neck length in the back, but short in the front, with darker short-cropped hair in near-human, and none in full dragon. My forms are as follows, Normal; my half-dragon form, fully scaled and common humanoid draconic physical traits, though I have five digits to a hand and no horns, Full dragon; Kind of self -explanatory, though there are restrictions here, I can only sustain my transformation indefinitely at the size of an adult horse, anything bigger and stronger has a time limit, for example, at the size and strength of an adult dragon I can hold myself for a couple days, but at the size and strength of an elder wyrm I have around a second or less, depending on exertion, Near-human; kind of self explanatory as well, in this form I have small nubs where my wings are in the other forms, and I only have scales in certain areas, near the edges of my fingers and toes, the area around the nubs of my wing and a few other small patches around my body. I carry two enchanted swords, Carnis and Herrous, they will return to me at a thought if I can focus solely on them, so in battle or other very distracting situation it won't work, though they're both razor-sharp in all occasions. Carnis is my favored blade so it is used in my favored hand, the left, it's an ornate broadsword style weapon, I use it at all times possible. Herrous is used in my off hand whenever I wield it-which is only in serious battles-though most often I use it in a dual-wielded fashion. It's a much shorter weapon, in the style of a kriss but lengthened to around the length of a short sword, I've had extensive practice but only small amounts of training both in dueling and dual-wielded forms. I'm fair enough with my fire and claws, but I really shine in my swordsmanship and magic, as was presented in the description of my swords I'm good with my personalized blades, though I have no set techniques or styles to use as a side-effect of my meager training. My magic is the skill I have put the most training into, though it doesn't have as much experience behind it, as my time is spent mostly practicing my swordplay and Studying my magic.

Well, that was longer than I thought, and much later than I had hoped, hope it helps Shy.

[Christalnightshade]

Weapons: on metal wings, it is fashoined with axes, heavy ones. So I'm quite slow in walking but in flying a bit even harder, so when jumping and landing I make quite a noise, sometimes the axes would drag behind me.

Weakeness: um... let me think... dog whistle and huge magnit. Jip.

Power: Talking to ghosts nah just kidding... Shapeshifting is my power...

Skills: Hacking, High agility and strength to keep those wings away from the ground

Loves turning into a huggable tree. what? Yes a tree! Her tiger-lion doll from her best friend, she'd do anything to get the thing back in one piece.

Hates questions.

There ye go... That's all.

[Chinaren]

I don't mind allowing myself to appear, in a very brief and dignified* cameo.

I think you know my appearance and so forth. ;)


*unlikely I know, but you can always hope.

[Syranore]

i'll try out for protagonist. I am a large red dragon(pure-blooded red, mind you, and proud of it), about large enough, as Rai put it, to curl comfortably around a mountaintop, although i can downsize to fit into smaller spaces. i am able to transform into a semi human form, which combines a tall, broad-shouldered male with dragon wings, keeping the fire breath and resistance as well.

Weapons-fire breath, talons, sheer size. Immunity to all sorts of mundane fire, including fire from another red dragon. Scales can only be penetrated by weapons magically enhanced against dragons, and extremely high-grade explosives, but is vulnerable while in human form.

weaknesses-Willpower, common sense, aim, temperamental at times. For the most part, completely lacking in ferocity, although can be driven to rage, in which case, i will turn black, and become feral.

skills-flying, finding the lootage,tossing things through walls, fetching things in a hurry, fighting with talons and breath, baking cakes.

Likes:meat in any form, preferably venison or beef, and people actually being afraid of him, canines, other dragons, Cheetos.

Dislikes: having his ferocity proven false, undead(in general, but there are exceptions, like Phan, or DMW), things that try to obtain draconian body parts, people trying to raid his treasury.

Fears: it being brought into the open that he is not ferocious in the least, and is probably tame.

[shy_blu_eyes]

Okay, I'll be traveling on and off for a few weeks so any one who's interested has some extra time to sign up. Some time after the 20th, I'll put up a poll to vote on the Protagonists. I'm really sorry to do this, but I have alot of great volunteers and not enough story to do you all justice as a main character. As I've said before anyone who want's to be in the story will be, and secondary characters will get alot more input into their appearences. Thank you all again, and I'll see you soon in about ten days or so!

[Black Hawk]

:D Hey Shy is there room for a seconary antagonist? because I'd be fine as a villian actually that might be rather fun

[shy_blu_eyes]

The short answer is probably not BH.

I am willing to hear you out though, so PM me a more specific idea and I'll see if we can't work it in...

[shy_blu_eyes]

Okay, it looks like we have Crady, Phang, Sasuke, and Syanore as our Protagonists. Black Hawk and Cy will be secondary characters, and Chinaren will have a cameo that is briefly dignified. Thank you all for volunteering and please watch for PMs in the next week or so.

[Crunchyfrog]

Any room for a small role for a latecomer? Cameo please, and typically... late.

You can make the character Crunchyfrog whatever you want it to be - male, female, human, non-human, totally up to you. But if you're stuck for ideas, most people seem to like using a benign, inept, greenish amphibious thing, who is rather good at swimming. :?

[Reasoner]

Um...I'm in an extremely great mood...maybe too much alcohol or however you spell it... ugh, set me up as a protagonist or maybe a secondary person, I really don't care. This might be descriptive so hold tight...

Character description: ugh... I really don't know... It's more of a in the moment thing who I am... like examples: I'm the cat you find in your path that leads you to and certain area so events can take place, or gets through a certain complication. Or a drunk homeless on the street, mumbling random crap that comes in use... but, I'm always there, tagging along somewhere. Or I'm the person who gives you faulty information, like a mercenary, or a true neutral character...

*description of true neutral is a pretty much random person... they can be on your side, but once you get the upper hand and it seems your about to win, they switch... : ) maybe one of the most annoying people you meet.



Special abilities: jeez, special powers/abilities... uh, I guess I can easily meld into crowds and and the shadows... I have support magic and use it only when necessary, like, slow people down or paralyzing them, or speeding them up or giving strength amplifiers.


Profession: Well, since its hard to follow someone without being seen...ONCE!!! I guess my profession would be thief/assassin. I already have blood on my hands, so I don't mind killing people... but I do it EFFECIANTLY and effectively... no running out and stabbing people... I only do that when I'm feeling ninja *coughs* anyway... I don't come forth of much of a thief, since I'm disguised as so many people.


Well, these goblins are about to invade a small village of sprigers... ( just made it up... ) and they stand no chance, so I got to go kill some goblin sergeants and two goblin kings... can't be late now... can I?


*Sprigers- small creatures that have the head of a bald eagle, only green, the body of a lion, except with scales, and the legs of horses... they have limited magic so they cannot shape shift to everything... like a Spriggens can*

[NeverNeverGirl]

Hey there! Just getting my IFian Mojo back on!

Love the way you wrote that intro shy its teh awesomeness!!

I would love to be a part of your If tale if you would have me- my reasons? Who wouldnt love to read more about moi??

LOL just kidding!

I would love to be in it - i would also like to leave my description etc open to your personal interpretation! If anything major needs to be clarified then thats cool but i trust you.. :D

[shy_blu_eyes]

I appologize for the stagnation...

Due to an extremely heavy course load and mounting RL obligations my free time has become very limited at present. As a result, Plethera is going to have to go on a shelf for the time being.

Once again, I apologize for the continuing delay. I promise to give this the respect and attention it deserves as soon as I get my head above water. Thank you all for your support.

P.S. Despite the delay, anyone with the interest and patience are encouraged to keep signing up for roles as cameos or secondary characters!

Hope to see you all soon,

Shyes