Aberrant: Mutant High - Ultimate Aberrant: OOC Thread

[z-The Morrigan]

Morri's uniform will be Vibranium, inspired by Anite Fite/YJL Empress's costume. It'll not be exactly like hers, but something like it.

[SalmonMax]

Kia's exp spending updated to reflect trizzaining.

[Vivi OOC]

After posting in Proposal, I was fiddling around with my Photobucket library and put this together. I enjoy, periodically, comparing things I've done to see if/where I've improved. In this case, I found two older versions of the uniform pic: the first in '05, the next around '09, and the one finished today, four years later. (Actually, I think the second image is just an updated version of the first, whereas I started fresh with the new one.) I wish I could say that, in eight years, my Photoshop skillz have reached a Zen-master level of detail and fluidity, but at least I've gotten the whole "layers" bit down. In case anyone's interested, this is the side-by-side comparison in reverse chronological order.

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[GDP_ST]

Whilst I have no problems whatsoever with the finished article, the middle one is shiny! And has nippleage!

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Nothing more need be said...

[Doryoku]

Ugh... so many good picks so far and I've still to decide mine... >_<

[Dave ST]

Yeah... I voted nipples too... *shrug*

[Dave ST]

I'm getting slammed with work and I've been too tired to really do any character posts. Bear with me, ill get some replies out soon guys.

[GDP_ST]

Kia's song for the Mutant High musical episode:

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[SalmonMax]

Are you kidding? That's her THEME song.

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Though I think I like the other video better...these gals are heavy on the creepy factor.

[GDP_ST]

Do the dansen!

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DOOO EEET!

[SalmonMax]

Alex didn't know what he was doing. I don't know if that excuses him or not...I think most of humanity's worst moments boil down to someone saying 'oops.' In the end, maybe it wasn't even his fault. The stars were in the sky, spinning into the right spots; he was just the one who saw them first. It definitely doesn't change things to know if he's to blame for what happened, but I like to think he meant well, even if those good intentions paved a road that led to Hell.

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Can we forgive him for what he knew not he did? For drowning the world, not in blood and fire, but in cat hats and plush puppies?

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Can we forgive him for invoking THE CUTE-POCALYPSE?

For best results, view these while listening to the song video.

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Kia and Sakurako do the dansen.

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And here's Kia in her supersuit.

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And for the anime-impaired, Kia who is for some reason wearing a Chinese dress. Doing the dansen.

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God save you, Alex. God save us all.

[Doryoku]

Murder your face, Max. All my murder.

[Curtis Shane]

Tonight, I was musing about the Sentinels in operation and stuff with Jordan in private, and this emerged...

(Note: reformatted for better reading)

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Curtis: Worm, blocked. Trojan, blocked. Hacker, American DOD, blocked. Hacker, Indian government... might as well test the stereotype and send back a minor reply...

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Marco just remarks on their terrible taste in clothing and goes back to being rich and fabulous and angsty....

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Curtis: Marco, if all you intend to contribute is self-pitying noise, carry on that in your room. I've got work to do.

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Marco: Well I am sorry but that sweater and shirt paired with those pants is driving me to the depths of dispair. Must we live up to the stereotypes?

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Curtis: Marco, fashion is an absurd societal construct perpetuated by the unified efforts of various industries, the clothing, cosmetic, magazine, et al, controlled and manipulated by them for the purpose of convincing consumers to purchase their products.

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Marco: Oh you dear boy. Fashion, like anything artistic, is an aesthetic. That which catches the eye, appeals to the senses, enriches our minds and allows for more positive and creative thinking. Imagination darling, everyone uses it. Surely even in technical hibbity-bibbity there is elegant design and inelegant design. Which would you rather look at all day long?

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Curtis: First off, do not ever refer to it as 'hibbity-bibbity.' Furthermore, the technical definitions of elegant and inelegant design are far different than your abstract, subjective and perpetually changing 'values' of 'style and fashion.' Besides, are you so naive as to
believe no 'fashion trend' is not arranged as so to benefit certain companies and their products?

[SkyLion]

Blarg!

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Man this year has had me totally slammed. After an injury mid-january lead to me getting sick for most of February, I was taken over by 3 new projects All of a sudden January has become June, but I finally have the bandwidth to come back to my characters.

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I see this is still going strong. The reception to Mobius was overall positive both from Dave and quite a few players. If there's room, I'd like to bring Moby in if/when there is an appropriate timing...

[Jordan]

Shit Curtis makes while sleepwalking?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO-UghJQGko

Or how about this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3HH7mBTbHM&feature=endscreen&NR=1

[Curtis Shane]

Jordan: You're thinking too small.

[Doryoku]

Well, as long as Curtis can develop non-lethal options too... Mouse might be interested in commissioning (and assisting as she is capable of gadgetry on her own as well) some gear. Although she's already got her first gadget ready.

[Doryoku]

Okay, this was talked about in chat, but I thought I should ask.

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What can I do to improve Mouse? Make her something where she won't hold the group back on a mission or make me feel like I'm hitting a brick wall and getting her into more trouble than bargained for?

[Cirque]

I think it would be interesting to see some character development with Mouse. You've firmly established her as a very skittish, mild-mannered young lady who doesn't like to get in trouble, or become involved in conflicts or violence. That's a fun trope to start out with in a game like this, because there's BOUND to be both conflict AND violence. So I think it would be interesting to see the character learn to deal with that over time. That doesn't necessarily means she agrees with it, although there might be times when she does - when maybe violence does seem like the only way. But it would be interesting to see the character progress. Cirque here, for instance, started off as a prankster who just likes to have fun and was really lighthearted. I mean, her parents passed away several years ago, and that was awful, but in the normal realm of awful, you know? Her parents died, that sucked, but then she went and lived with her uncle and moved on cause life with him was pretty awesome. I got to the point where I felt she was becoming a little flat, and that she lacked dimension. Now that she's been attacked, and almost kidnapped, it's kind of jarred her awake to the fact that the world's kind of a scary place, on more than just the regular level. I'm also doing some character progression stuff with her growing up a little, developing the crush on Alex, that sort of thing.

So I think it would be interesting to see Mouse develop more as a character, become a bit more rounded and complex. That's my suggestion.

[Doryoku]

I think I've been too heavy-handed on Mouse's pacifism. Probably half because I forgot her one point version is just "I don't like violence" but doesn't mean "I avoid all conflicts period".

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But she does have some fear in regards to combat as she does feel pain more than a normal person. Just is something about her.

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But should I start playing her with some backbone?

Well Marco seems to be reenforcing her spinal column a bit. After her encounter with him in the cafeteria.

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Is that a good start?

[Dave ST]

You wanna buy off the flaw, I get it.

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The thing is, no matter how much you RP it, you can't buy it off until I give the thumbs up. So here's what you do: quit asking me 'does this count?', 'does that count?', 'is this a good start?', 'am I there yet?' and all sorts of things along those lines. I'm reading, and I'm paying attention to what characters do and how they act (and making notes). Just play the PC.

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And, no, it wouldn't be a good start. Because back in March when you made that post you were still playing her in full on pacifist mode, just because you've come a sudden realization that you've been a bit too hard core about it, fishing through past posts doesn't make for a 'start'. I've taken into account Saku new attitude based on the conversation that took place last week, that's when I've made notes for her wanting to buy off the flaw.

[SalmonMax]

I think there's two important points to consider.

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1) Show her growing, don't just suddenly re-envision her. What makes character arcs compelling and fun is when there are a series of points along the line, where we can measure the development. It wouldn't make sense to have Mouse go from a trembling waif to a badass slayer of men in a day. As a writer, find experiences for her that will shape her in the way you want her to be. If you want her to grow a spine, challenge her more. Force her to make hard choices. Put her in situations where she is challenged, and don't be afraid to make her falter or fail sometimes. Those experiences will shape her too.

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2) There's a difference between being pacifist and being weak-willed, as you yourself point out. Developing her courage in her convictions would be great road to take her down, especially since a fairly large cross-section of PCs don't take much issue with killing (if not necessarily wanton killing ). One thing I'd definitely do is develop your own courage in your characterization as well. There's a part of you that knows what's next for her...both in terms of what she wants, and in terms of what you want. It's good to bounce ideas off other people, but definitely take the reins once you know what you want.

[Doryoku]

You wanna buy off the flaw, I get it.

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The thing is, no matter how much you RP it, you can't buy it off until I give the thumbs up. So here's what you do: quit asking me 'does this count?', 'does that count?', 'is this a good start?', 'am I there yet?' and all sorts of things along those lines. I'm reading, and I'm paying attention to what characters do and how they act (and making notes). Just play the PC.

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And, no, it wouldn't be a good start. Because back in March when you made that post you were still playing her in full on pacifist mode, just because you've come a sudden realization that you've been a bit too hard core about it, fishing through past posts doesn't make for a 'start'. I've taken into account Saku new attitude based on the conversation that took place last week, that's when I've made notes for her wanting to buy off the flaw.

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I already understand all of that, but it's not JUST that, it's the character itself I'm trying to push in a different direction, that is why I asked for advice. In fact here is the question: "What can I do to improve Mouse? Make her something where she won't hold the group back on a mission or make me feel like I'm hitting a brick wall and getting her into more trouble than bargained for?"

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Advice. Not trying to push for some sort of change right now. I don't know what I did to make it look like that but that is not the case.

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My concern is that this is the wrong time to start looking in that direction as the game is moving to a phase that isn't the best time for soul searching and getting past your problems. This character was built for a different game it feels. That is my problem.

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Max: You too misunderstood what I was asking. I asked where I could grow to, not how fast. I don't know where people are getting the idea that I wanted to instantaneously wanted to change. That is not my intent at all. I understand your points, but by stating I shouldn't change in a blink of an eye feeds into the misconception that I wanted a change now.

[Jordan]

Actually, every time in a game is good for soul searching and getting past your problems, particularly if your problems relate to combat and violence. Truthfully though, I think your problem with Saku stems from your inability (due to agreements you made when you fist created the character) to take her in the direction you want to. Saku isn't going to be the uber-tech god (hyperbole) that you like to play because Curtis is already sitting in that role and, you know, niche protection and all that. So now you are left floundering around trying to fit Saku in to a role you aren't quite sure she fits in to. Which by he way is a great story and allegory for teenage life in general.

Saku is a geeky wallflower who doesn't fit in and has deeply rooted beliefs that violence should be a last resort, not a first. Her general lack of experience with physical confrontation means she often doesn't react quickly to violent confrontations and she can't take a punch. What is wrong with her as she stands? I think that makes a great counterpoint to many of the other characters here who are eager to start mixing it up with the humans and their killer robots. If you play her with a little more confidence and belief that her world view is valid (even in the face of someone like Warren or Oneca mocking you for it) I don't really think you need to worry about changing her flaws.

As for her role. I took a peek at your character sheet just so I would be able to give some accurate advice and what I see is budding Biophysicist. Let Curtis have the tech side, you are already going for first responder/paramedic based skills, why not go full doctor or even better, bioengineer and mutant genome specialist? Eventually maybe you can even create yourself a genetically engineered pet to protect you or biotech devices like they have in Aeon/Trinity. It's a thought anyways and certainly gives you a niche that no one else is exploring. You remain super duper smart like Curtis but focus on people rather than machines.

[Doryoku]

Jordan, we actually went over this between I and Curtis. He is the software person who has an innate understanding of tech (like Forge). I'm more like Beast who knows how the stuff works and can put it together. She is also moving towards the medical/biological side as there was talk at one point she would end up being the medic for everyone (a perfectly fine place for a light pacifist). I still will have her develop in those directions. Both as a actual mechanic/inventor and as a medic. All are doable. But this isn't a mechanical issue, it is a issue of character. The stuff NOT on the sheet now.

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On a side note; Jordan, this whole thing about an agreement? There was just one look-over on my character and that was to remove some things I had taken power/enhancement wise that was not liked. I was not advised once that my flaws would be problematic, and to me at the time they didn't look problematic. But I've been traveling blind with this game here since jump as I've not been in it from the start and I've not had the time to read other stories, and most of those had been retconned so I ignored them. I only really heard about the Sentinel program OOCly for instance a bit of time after I joined. I think a few days after Dante's ended.

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I am going to be blunt, the communication about this game hasn't been a two way street from all involved, and I have been trying to ask questions. Now I am seeming quite direct because I'm feeling there is not a whole lot I know about in terms of this setting. I'm getting frustrated more than anything else.

[Doryoku]

You know, I'm just going to take some time to think.

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Or at the very least roll along with what comes. I think that is really the only option I got. (Hence my post)

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I am in this with you guys, not the other way around. That's what I forget.

[SalmonMax]

Sorry, I never meant to accuse you of attempting to change instantly. I was exaggerrating to make a point. In fact, I wasn't trying to accuse you of anything at all...just warning that a character arc is something that ought to be taken over time, and savored.

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I know too well how slow time seems to move in PBP, and how tempting it is to scale character development to real-time, rather than game time.

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That's all I meant.

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Sorry I was unclear about it. Reading it again, I see I didn't phrase it very well.

[Doryoku]

Max, I think that is one of my Problems. I am used to having things move at a tabletop pace or at least to a pace I am comfortable with.

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I didn't want to bring that up as Rev does have a lot going on outside the game and honestly that becomes our pacing instead of his. He can't do everything.

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Although I still wanna do a fun little thread where Warren takes the plane for a spin and Mouse (who was studying the vehicle) ends up on the same ride. Should be fun. That and no ST stuff needed, just lots of getting into trouble and Mouse whiter than her labcoat.

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That would be fun.

[Dave ST]

I could move MH faster, but every time I've increased the pace I end up being the one waiting weeks for people to do something. I found it best to work at the players' pace.

[Doryoku]

Something I have to remember, honestly.

[SkyLion]

I'm getting around finally to posting my arrival fic and was wondering about the timing. The current group fic is The Proposal..if I wanted my intro to segue into that fic, what time of year is it, what season? Will The Proposal be going on for a bit, or do you guys think it will wrap up shortly? I have to head out for a day or so but will have more time this week to finally settle into writing mode.

[Vivi OOC]

I don't recommend trying to break into Proposal right now. The PCs involved are pretty well-established, and it would break a lot of verisimilitude for A) some new guy to come traipsing in, or B ) someone who has supposedly been at the school for a while but strangely has never been mentioned suddenly appears and everyone has to scramble to rearrange things in the story.

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My recommendation would be to see what happens in this plot fiction and intro your character after that.

[SkyLion]

Cool, sounds good to me. Dave said it was open to all, but yeah I need to have an "establishing shot" of who Moby is, him arriving at the school, being greeting by faculty and (presumably I hope) some of the other PC students, etc.

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Or...rereading what you wrote, are you saying I should wait until after The Proposal is totally complete BEFORE I write my intro?

[Doryoku]

Okay, should we come up with a gameplan here in the OOC for the crisis, or what? Perhaps having a plan here will help the coming problem for us run smoother.

[Dawn OOC]

I'd say keep it IC. I don't see a bunch of teens having a long sit-down tactics discussion. I see a mad dash for the hanger instead.

[Doryoku]

Probably. I can imagine Saku doing a mad dash and will probably be just barely getting her suit on with all the medical gear she will be taking with. Although on arrival she'll also get a chance to show off her invisibility cloak. Well... actually it's hard to show off something that makes you invisible, right?

[Dave ST]

I'll be concluding Proposal soon. Where Proposal ends, the next fic will begin.

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If there is something you wanted to say, say it now.

[Dave ST]

Alright, Proposal is closed and it leads directly into Four Hours in Hell.

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If you have any questions or need some help with anything, let me know. I'll be around or in chat.

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I'd recommend everyone do an introductory post of what's happening around the city and how they are helping. Give yourself a feel for the scenery and theme. You do not have to discuss teams in the thread, you can do it here and simply break away and go from there. You can sum up a decision in a simple paragraph without 50 posts of RP leading up to it, trust me, I won't be mad about it.

[SalmonMax]

Okay, so two kinds of fighting...anti-mutie and anti-robot, and what might be less of a combat thing and more of a social/defense thing.

Something for everyone, in other words.

Kia by her nature is pretty flexible in terms of what she can offer...I'd like to see how the teams shape up, then shore up any weak spots.

[Doryoku]

I'm going to need someone to go with me to Hell's Kitchen. I can fly us down, and you can help soothe the masses while I look over the wounded. Sound like a plan? I'm going to talk to Abby too and see if she can be fire support.

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Also, can Kia fly? I can give one person a lift, I wager with the medical gear I'll have with me it's not going to be easy.

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That and once we're sure the people we rescue there are able to get to the proper evac point safe, that is when we should let them go. That point being Chelsea Park.