((OOC)) Sigma Forum

http://z10.invisionfree.com/SigmaIotaNu/index.php

If all of the students and teachers can create an account there (yes, even the ones on sabbatical!!) we'll get you set up. :)

Sated

Where do we go when we just don't know
And how do we relight the flame when it's cold
Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing
And when will we learn to control?

- Godsmack


*The black ichor, is long dried now on the walls of the abandoned crypt, and clings to the massive vault threshold like a pox. A festering smear with the make of ill script is found in the glooming. Lost to looming enthropy is the talon which stroked its purpose.*

...But of memories lost, we are thus abused, and in sinner's vice so we amuse. To those who watched, give poor fellows a buss, and listen gladly...for Beyond the dark portal we watch, and with giddy madness come and but follow sadly.

*and then 'painfully' spit and caressed upon the wall*
-NADJA-


*Tis signed with a bloody kiss which licks its way down to the filth and drain below*



((Turn Me on Mr. Deadman. Alas the First Mistress of Gluttony has slipped beyond, but in the aftermath of her hate a worldly infection remains, and may yet breathe the mephitic air of the Isles soon again.))


*a soiled white feather lay crushed nearby*

((Unable to play))

((I just wanted to let everyone know, I haven't abandoned you so much as my paid time has expired. I moved recently and have had trouble finding a job, so it might be a little while before I can get back on... miss you guys. Take care.))

((OOC)) A little light reading...

For those who aren't up on the D/s politics of the group, or may have questions about the way Dia conducts her training (along with others in the group, I suspect), I would suggest that you read the two stories here:

http://www.asstr.org/~Kristen/sfmaster/index.htm

(( OOC: Sorry! x.x ))

(( Just wanted to apologize to everyone for bailing last night and not making it back on to continue, had to get offline for a bit so my roommate could use the computer but by the time she was finished I was practically asleep already.

Sorry everyone!

-Sibby- <3))

Midnight Juri

Last night we gained a new Pledge, Hinjo Juri. Please make her feel welcome while she works out the what's what and the who's whos.

Yay!

Field Trip!!

A note is posted to the bulletin board, on fine calligraphy paper.

Students:

I've been advised that the Sky Raiders are getting a bit too uppity. So, we'll be sticking a bit of coal in their stockings. But, I'm also looking to capitalize on Dr. Octavia's lessons as well. So you will be graded on how well you work together and with your proctors (Miss Styles and myself).

Now, this doesn't mean we can't have some fun with this too! because I'm of the mind that crashing a party is almost as good as throwing one yourself.

A few pointers:

1) I'm a stickler for control. So be careful that you don't undo each other's work, or mine. If I have to work harder to keep our targets from getting too upset at us, someone's not paying attention, and that means no party for them.

2) I fully expect there to be injuries, perhaps nasty ones, so do bring extra first aid. I hope no one gets maimed, but accidents do happen to those that aren't prepared.

3) I will be grading you all on your efforts. There will be no 'fail' grade except for those who drop out after we get started. BUT, as an incentive, the one girl who pushes herself to excel the most will be my private student for two days. I'm just finishing up some sessions with Miss Felicia - she can tell you what fun we've been having. And yes... Miss Styles is eligible for this as well, if she wishes. Nothing wrong with giving the staff opportunities to learn, mmm?

Now... I'm told there's a prerequisite of level twenty for this exercise. I think most are there already, but if not, you'd best work your sweet tush to get there. We convene at 9pm eastern, SHARP, unless everyone can make it earlier. If we don't have enough for a full class, then we'll make do with whatever mischief we can find.

- Professor Diablesse

Field Trip, Wednesday, August 20!

Hello all!

Sorry for the late posting, but I'm running around like a madwoman trying to get my last few summer courses done.

This week's Field Trip supervisor will be Professor Dia! I'm sure she's got something tastey in mind. As always, just sign up below if you think you can make it, and let someone know if you can't!

-kelli

((I'm trying to be there, but this week makes me cry so we'll have to see. 78% likely.))

(( OOC )) Stockholm Syndrome

There's a rather delicious suggestion on the main forums in regards to cross-faction teams.

It's called Probation and Duress.

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=10386229

The basic idea is to implement a system where a villain can 'travel' to the hero zones, and a hero to the villain zones, as long as there's a native character to sponsor them. They cannot solo, and must at least team with their sponsor.

Villains are considered "Probationary" - they're there for a specific purpose, and being carefully watched by the hero that sponsored them.

Heroes are considered "Under Duress" - the sponsoring villain has some means of forcing their cooperation. Kidnapping of a loved one, extortion, et cetera.

I won't go into the mechanics here - the thread pretty much lays the proposal out very cleanly.

I'm looking at the RP opportunities.

With this, you could have a hero in your villain base, or street sweeping, or in your mission instances. They are leashed to the sponsor, figuratively if not literally.




I find the whole concept... extremely delicious.

Grades

*a self important, and whistling(?) little necro-bot marches up to the posting board, and leaves the following*

First grading period results:

Professor: Dr. Alice Octavia
Quiz Topic: Group Tactics 08/13/08

Summary:
Overall the group showed improvement, and the objective was met. It should be noted that where there is no skill, improvement is easy. That said, the Eye of the Leviathan was found, and overcome. Lord Mako also wanted to express his approval with Sigma, especially to the Headmistress.

Kelli: C-
Comment: Nice bruises, but as always the wooden one needs improvement.

Felicia: C
Comment: Adequate Scouting.

Ali: D+
Comment: Control your minions and learn to duck! Bonne chance with your surgery and recovery.

Thessa: C+
Comment: Courageous, but your timing must improve.

Helen: D-
Comment: Her skills and manner are entirely lacking. Needs much MORE discipline, and is a detriment to group morale.

Mercy: B-
Comment: Knows her place, a rarity in this student body. Additionally she knows where to keep her tongue.

Sandre: Postponed

A special thank you to Ms. Styles for her assistance as always.

As for all other students who chose not to attend without an excuse from your Mistresses, and had the brazen effrontery to think my class was actually optional:
F


Signed,
Dr. Alice Octavia
Chair of Gluttony

OOC: City of Heroes: Going Rogue?

Hey all,
I just finished up with a rather exhaustive survey regarding a possible expansion for CoX. Specifically, it included info on a potential expansion (neutral "shades of grey" character types and double agents), and a user mission creator system of some sort. Anyone else get this? They apparently are taking a fair bit of interest into it, as it included a screen cap for the mission maker.

[OOC: Possible Circus Arc Hook]

((Felicia, Thessa, and Sara found themselves crossing the path of the Circus this Monday eve, and they were noted as Sigma members.

They where deeply and powerfully influenced by an unknown higher level controller. Very luckily for the trio, Dr. Qiang fortunate arrival appeared to retask them for their original work, breaking the powerful hold that was growing unbeknownst too them.

Usefully?

Anyone? :) ))

ATTENTION Ladies!

RE: Weekly Field Trip: Wed 13th, 2008
21:00 ET, Meet in the Common Room
i.e. Lord Mako’s Request

I, Dr. Octavia will be leading the upcoming field trip. The security level for this trip will be of an accelerated sophomore level [1], with possibly a few advanced placement positions available for worthy freshman. The selection for these coveted spots will be determined immediately prior to the event.

I have room seven, with NO more than four being –talented- freshmen [2]. The goal will be disclosed at my digression, and on the way. For now, I will only divulge that it involves Lord Mako, and his recent concerns expressed directly to me.

Sigma is not just about ‘pretty’ things, gossip, and bloody back rubs ladies! You must EARN these rights and privileges, as you will be required to TAKE them in your future careers if you truly wish to walk as goddesses’ among the enfeebled masses. As a potential Sigma graduate, you carry the great responsibility of being the steel inside the velvet glove! The velvet aspect I will leave for others to cultivate.

While not a ‘mandatory’ assignment for all girls of the house, this will be a GRADED field exam, and posted to your permanent record [3]. The subject for this field trip will focus on group tactics, a subject that has been woefully lacking to this point.

EXPECT to be tested…and bring your medi-transponders this time goddamn it! Grades will be assigned as I see fit, with possible make up exams for the no shows (by personal appt only!), or by fiat as I am so inclined.

Notice: I anticipate that in being the ill-disciplined, soft, and vile little wanton rabble that you are, that you shall all FAIL…miserably!! I do not curve. Period.

To date, none of the Sigma tactical groups I have observed has shown anything close to group acumen. My long military training with Lord Recluse will be instructional on this point! We may not remedy your obvious shortcomings on Wednesday night ladies, but I assure you…you will become familiar with the basics. Even if I need to acid etch the principles in your feather-soft asses!

I urge you to impress me ladies, for I assure you, I WILL impress you if I find myself displeased by your efforts!!

Final note: Additional points may be assigned for sisters who work with less experienced students effectively, OR … to those students who attend well to "the Extra Credit Option" [4] after the evening’s field work.


AS always, sign the waiver provided below…in blood if you dare.
*below the document hangs a wicked looking razor stylus*


- Dr. Octavia, Chair of Gluttony


*listed so far ((in blood, or otherwise ;) ))*
1) Kelli
2) Felicia
3) Ms. Styles
4) Ali ?
5) Thessa ?
6) Mercy




[OOC Footnotes:]

[1] ((the Renault TF lvl 25-30+; Seeking the ‘Eye of the Leviathan’; please note this for any Coralax tie-ins, arcs, etc that may be found to be useful to the troupe. Also I would love to try to work in a ‘Circus’ hook for anyone if they are interested in using the opportunity. Let me know :) ))

[2] ((= 24th level or less))

[3] ((To be posted with comment on the blog: Dr. Octavia’s 1st set of grades this year...1st of 3.))

[4] ((What does she mean by this?!))

Field Trip- (Wed, Aug 13)

Hey everyone!

We've got another weekly Field Trip coming up this Wednesday at 9pm ((est))! This week, Dr Octavia will be in charge. Please let her or I know if you'll be able to make it, or even if you won't!

Thanks!
-Kelli

1) Kelli

Washout

::In an email sent to every inbox and communication unit on the Sigma grid::

To all,

We regret to inform you that Rebecca Rose, a recent pledge to Sigma Iota Nu, has officially washed out for failing to perform to our standards of excellence. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

-Charisma Calloway,
Greed

((OOC) August may not be SINful afterall

(( No, the computer is fine. I'm fine. The family is fine. BUT... I've a foster son, whom I raised from age 10 to 18, and he's coming to visit today. And I've been informed that I'm NOT to be spending my days at the computer while he's here.

-Grumble grumble grumble.-

So, I'll be popping in and out, probably won't be on nearly as much. He's spending a week here, a week with friends, and then another week with us before he flies back to California. Fair warning, everyone.

RP via email at soultrain oh two one seven at gmail dot com

Love yas!! And already miss you badly... Dia/Ali ))

(( OOC: The hits just keep on coming! ))

This must just not be S.I.N.'s month! I'm writing at the moment from my work laptop, having had to run out to said work to gank it, a spare switch, and a couple of cables.

The issue, for those, less tech savvy, is that I ran an update on my beloved PC, which mulched the OS. For those with a bit more technical an inclination, the Schroeder Town class Intel motherboard used for my particular flavour quad core has this nasty little bug in its BIOS that will, once or twice a month, cause it to reset every hour effectively to the second. I'd done an update to said BIOS a few months back, which seemed to resolve the issue. But, alas and alack, I was playing last night when I heard my CPU fan rev into high gear (though the temperature was well within the "safe zone"), and three seconds later, off it went, and again, and again, at 41 minutes past the hour up until about 10 this morning, when, having gotten bumped out of a conversation with Helen, I decided to try updating the BIOS once again. Sure enough, I found an update had been released last month, and quickly tossed it on. The result seems to have fixed the issue (It is 2:40 as I write this, I realize, so I guess I shall find out in a minute); however, my PC can no longer load Windows normally (though it does just fine with Safe Mode). I'm chalking this up to another failure on MSVista's part (it is only on Vista PCs that this model of board has problems with... and, as it is now 2:42, I can safely say the BIOS is no longer puking on me every hour).

So, having tried what I can, I am down to a re-installation of the OS (meaning the reinstallation of every application that had ties to the registry, but I get to keep my documents and whatnot), or, failing that, the dreaded "Restoration to Factory Defaults," which, needless to say, is a loathesome thought at best. Unfortunately, there appears to be no way to rollback the BIOS to an earlier version that doesn't kill Windows. As we speak, I am in the process of transferring what files I can over to this laptop "just in case."

Either way, what this means is that I must, effectively, kiss a good part of my weekend goodbye, so I will probably not be on as much as I'd planned or hoped. This laptop does have CoH on it, and I plan on playing as much as I can (heh, rhyme), but I have a feeling most of my time will be spent nudging my sickly PC back to Good. Hopefully the process won't take long, but in case it does, I just wanted everyone to know I hadn't buggered off on all of you.

((Rock-Bottom.))

((Well, it's official. Due to a bad run of bills coupled with a truly shitty paycheck, my Better Half and I are hard up. Enough so, that we spent two hours in an extremely seedy Plasma bank today, only to discover that we were being bumped to a different day. A week from now. When we'll -have- money. Thereby making it a moot point.

However, this sudden lack of funds means that even thirty bucks is essential, and since the billing cycle has yet to hit us, it looks like we're going to have to temporarily suspend our CoX accounts, to recoup the loss. This is by no means a permanent thing; all of our bills and rent are paid up, we're just hurting for the loss temporarily, and we could use the tiny boost.

Before I do, however, I want to make sure everyone knows I will be back, and I will keep posting on here in the meantime. Assume Ivy's locked down in schoolwork and Greta's just conspicuously absent or under extreme duress in the lab, and I'll figure out something IC and post it to corroborate these stories. I also want to make sure, from someone more 'in the know', that doing this won't delete all of our characters; that would suck wholeheartedly.

Anyway, this change isn't immediate, but it's coming on soon, and I wanted to keep y'all informed, since, well, I'm pretty damn fond of this group. I'm not bailing, I just gotta obey Real Life Aggro first. It Taunts better, even if it does Con purple.

See how I make nerdy jokes to hide the shame? See how good I am?

-Gimlet.))

[ The Perfect Shit-Storm ]

I just want to apologize to everyone for not being around the last couple of days. I have not logged on at all, on any of my alts, so please do not think I have anything against you all! It's turned into a very trying week here, and I'll spare you the laundry list. I actually have had time to log on, but have been so grouchy and antisocial that, were I to do so, you would find me poor company.

On an unrelated note, there was some hands-on playing of both Champions Online and DC Universe Online lately. The former is now aiming at a Spring 09 release, and the latter for Winter of 09. Everyone's talking about the cell art for CO looking straight out of a comic, but I guess I am waiting for some videos instead of just screenshots. I also want to see some cute girl superheroes, and not all these big meaty Hulk-types, because we all know that that's the kind of hero I'm going to want to play!

DCU is apparently supporting villain PCs right off the bat, which CO will not do. Both seem to be designed for consoles as well as keyboards, and everyone says they are getting the controls to be very easy and intuitive, but I suck at console games so I may be the last holdout for keyboards, I don't know. Handsets also suggest Vent or some other in-game mechanic for voice chat, which would be a plunge for me. But I guess if everyone else is doing it ...

Anyhow, just rambling. I hope to surface back in the Isles in the next few days. In the meantime, all my love and keep the faith. -- Sonja

A Paper on the Notice Board

A paper posted to the notice board, addressed to Professor Shan Yu, Psychology 101. Signed by Felicia Onyx-Calloway.


To: Professor Shan Yu
Course: Psychology 101


It seems a lifetime ago when we had the debate in your class. I believe it was your second or third class of the summer session. You had several of us freshmen in it as well as other upperclassmen. Then you brought up your most famous quote,

“…live with a man 40 years…share his house, his meals, speak on every subject…then tie him up and hold him over the volcano’s edge. On that day, you will finally meet the man.”

I watched that day Professor how your eyes rolled back in your head, the frustration forming on your brow, the tenseness forming in your shoulders after two hours of discourse on who people think they are. Oh yes, there were all those answers from strength, to weakness to even a few saints in the classroom as I recall.

I watched your eyes light with an unholy fire when I finally spoke up.

“We are all murderers we just do not know it yet…”

Oh the uproar that simple statement caused was pure delight to you. There were those who went contemplative and others who denied it, others who tried to attack me rather than my stance. I reiterate my only reply to the comments and questions directed at me.

“Every last one of us has the capacity to take another human life with clear mind and thought. Some of us admit it, others do not, some will bluster about it and others will say that it is evil and a sin. None the less, we all can commit murder and will if the circumstance is right.”

I have not changed my stance in the weeks following. I am however sure of the answer to your question to me after class that day.

“Tell me Ms Onyx, what is evil.”

I thought long and hard on this, I asked some of my professors in Sigma Iota Nu, and one or two of my sisters. Even then, I was not quite sure. I asked my brother, my mother and my father. I looked high and low for answers that really in the end could never come. It came to me recently while I was recovering from my injuries of the building collapse. Oh I know what the papers were saying and you and I both know the truth do we not professor?

If we ask another what Evil is they will probably describe acts that are considered to be evil. What they have actually done is describe acts they find unpleasant to contemplate. They have described something they feel is morally objectionable to their personal or societal code. They have described an act that could be both heinous and disgusting. The death of children, the corruption of youth, murder, genocide, all of which society declares evil. Are they? Perhaps, perhaps not.

The ever so trustworthy and dependable World Wide Web indicates that:

“Evil is a broad term used to indicate a negative moral or ethical judgment, often used to describe intentional acts that are cruel, unjust, or selfish. Evil is usually contrasted with good, which describes intentional acts that are kind, just, or unselfish.
In many cultures, evil is used to describe acts or thoughts which are contrary to some particular religion. In some religions, evil is an active force, often personified as an entity such as Satan, or Ahriman.”

What we then establish is that evil, within its religious context is a way to pass the figurative buck on our own actions. Adams third wife eating the apple was an act of evil tempted by Satan. Soddom and Gommorah were places of evil, sin and vice and had to be destroyed. Even a more modern day and still just as relevant example, expanding from religion to culture, is the so-called “Axis of evil” where nations who live under an oppressive dictatorship that opposes the goals and culture of another country are evil. Perhaps then one could even go so far as to say the events in Germany as it pertains to those not of the blonde hair and blue eyes are too evil in this context.

In our modern examples, to be certain they are distasteful to the average individual that scuttles across this surface of this planet. You could even go so far as to say they are disgusting, reprehensible and outright wrong. However if you say they are evil, what you have then done is make a judgment to enforce your will, view and beliefs upon those of another being. Much as a mugger enforces his will over another for profit. A person who makes such a moral judgment does it to feel better about their own beliefs.

I come back to your quote, poetic as it may be. My brother thought it sadistic nonsense wrapped on florid prose. His opinion was his own to hold, much as his opinion on what evil would be. At the end of the day though I found there is one true evil in the world. It is not the man who straps the other over the edge of the volcano, but the victim. The victims’ behavior is the evil, prior to the revelation of his true self.

It sounds odd to be sure, but the truth is there. To deny ones true nature, to deny ones self is the only true evil in this world. If you believe in the Christians God, then you believe he gave you free will to make your own decisions. To abide by the will of another for simple convenience or to be dishonest so as not to offend, that is evil.

The truth, the core of who you are is not something to be ashamed of. If you can admit that and be ones self as you are meant to be, then you have transcended from the evils that men do and become something else entirely. You become more than human, more than man. You at that point are content with yourself in ways the average being never shall be. From that point on you can apply your mind, your body to any action and live without fear or regret for you know you are being true to yourself. Any action taken less than that would be denying who you are for the sake of pleasing a completely arbitrary and corrupt societal norm. In a word, evil.

So Professor that is my belief. I cannot enforce that upon you; you can accept it or deny it as you shall. I know what I am now, born of blood, fire and the destruction of my past. I no longer deny my nature and thus I can no longer continue to commit evil. I can be both murderous and charitable in the same moment, and they are with conviction and free will.

To surmise the only evil in this world is denying who we are. Anything else is a farce.

Yet another note on the notice board

Written in big letters with magic marker on yellow notepaper and stuck up with a wad of gum is the following note;

Hi,

Could the person who started the rumour I'm about to change majors come see me ASAP?

That's it.

Helen.

An odd notice...

An odd notice appears on the main announcement board near Miss Styles' desk. It's elegantly written, practically caligraphy, and the hand-drawn border around the note itself swirls almost hypnotically in tight, sharp little loops and swirls. The note itself reads:

The time has come.

The chair of Sloth has lacked an official costume for too long; yet the time required to design an appropriate look is beyond my ability to spare. As such, this is an open invitation to all girls, staff, or even faculty to help me design an appropriate look for official outings and field trips. The only requirement is that any costume designed should be a majority--or appropriately accented by--light blue, my assigned color. Beyond that, anything goes. In order to assist you, here are a list of my measurements.

Thanks to everyone who wishes to assist, submissions can either be given to me directly or posted near this notice. I will allow a few days for anyone to submit a design, or express an interest in doing so, and then chose my favorite from among them all.

Signed,

Dr. Zhilan Qiang

An Apology

Outside Thessa's room's door, a red Coralax hybrid sits unconscious and hogtied with hempen ropes inscribed with runes. A note is pinned to the door, in Nell's scribbly handwriting.

"When you take the ropes off he'll wake up. I'm sorry; I hope we can still be friends.

Love,
Nell"

Cleaning Roster

*a necro-droid pops up and artfully tacks a missive on the common board, and then scuttles off*

The need for cleanliness having been established by taste test, I have created the following roster of cleaning assignments.

Sundays: Nell
Mondays: Nell & Sandre
Tuesdays: Mercy & Nell
Wednesdays: Sandre & Nell
(not to interfere with field trips; so do it early, and late)
Thursdays: Nell
Fridays: Sandre, Mercy, and Nell
Saturdays: Nell

Please keep this posted. *a droid dutifully replaces it as needed*

- Dr. Octavia

Field Trip (wed, Aug 6th)

Hey everybody!

I have to work on my community service hours this week to help us keep our standing as an official Soroity, so can't make it to this week's Field Trip night. Professor Charisma Calloway has volunteered to lead, and she told me she's been contacted by Silver Mantis to get our help for a special project. It starts at 9pm ((est)) as always! Please sign up below!

-Kelli

((OOC)) Want Artwork?

Bokuman's really quite popular, and affordable. I'm going to be commissioning two from him, one of Alistaire, and one of Dia.

http://bokuman.deviantart.com/journal/9452152/

((Personal Scheduling Changes and related issues))

((Hey, everybody!

So, as it turns out, I'm switching to a Three-Swing, Two-Grave schedule starting next week. That means, my schedule for CoX will be changing a fair bit to accommodate. However, this isn't the chief reason I'm posting.

I'm on here too much. -Way- too much. Like, I pour all of my free time into gaming. It's taking a toll on me. It's busting up my relationship at home - she's a gamer, too, but not quite to the degree I am - and it's kind of making me lazy. As a result, while I'm not bailing on the game entirely or flaking out of Sigma, I DO need to start regulating my time a hell of a lot better between home, work, future planning, career-prep and gaming, or I run the risk of becoming one of those people you see on Dateline who live to game and game to live. Stupid genetic predisposition to addiction.

In short, while I'm not bailing out entirely, I will be around a fair bit less, and I apologize to everyone for anybody this may inconvenience, bother, frustrate or annoy. I'm still gonna 'slot' Wednesday night to be on for sure, but, until I get my shit together a bit better and stop being a big ol' introverted loner freakjob, I'm gonna have to dial it down a peg.

I'll still be on the blog here, and my e-mail's always open, and if we can schedule stuff here and there, it won't be so bad, and I can get my life back in order, which is the goal here.

Again, sorry, everyone. When I grow up, I'll be stable. Heh.
-@Gimlet))

(( Hastily thrown together taskforce!))

(())

So, many of you are over the level 35, if not in Sigma form than in alt form somewhere. You're all my friends. I wanna do that roman task force thingy with Charisma, and would so much rather friendly company than random strangers, especially since I've never done it and have no idea what's happening.

SO! Nadja's player and I decided we're gonna run one Sunday (Aug 3) morning at 9 pacific (noon est). It takes roughly three hours to do. We hope to start at 9, but will wait until we're fulled up and ready to go.

To save a spot, please respond here or to my personal emal at babydoll.slayer@gmail.com.

Thanks!

(( OOC )) Musings on RP etiquette

This group's REALLY solid when it comes to RP, we stick to the group's structure, we respect each other's stories (well mostly... I tend to play free and loose sometimes).

But, with a lot of new folks coming in, I thought perhaps a little discussion on the subject of "RP Etiquette" might be useful, and possibly entertaining.

Also, although this might sound a bit like a rant, it's not. So far no one in this group has stepped on toes that I know of.

-----

I think [good roleplay] comes down to this:

Keep the character seperate from the player, and have fun.

The trouble with roleplaying as a player instead of a character is this: If you're injecting too much of yourself into your RP, at what point is it no longer roleplay, and instead some projection of you and your hangups onto everyone who happens to be nearby?

I've had some great RP storylines going. Some are still going, others turned into trainwrecks. Things happen. But I've occasionally had to say, "Wait... am I pushing someone else's character in a direction they don't want to go? What consequences will THEY have for this story?" I have to remind myself, I'm just acting. I may not even be writing the script - at most I'm improvising.

most times, this works out really well. But, on occasion an RP will go a little south. And that's when you turn around and say "God I hate that ending! Let's do the GOOD ending!"

As for the OOC drama we've seen sometimes, not all of us know each other beyond a global ID and maybe a general idea of what time zone. Not all of us know each other's personalities, or the 'hot buttons' that make us go ballistic. We don't know each other's favorite foods, or favorite colors, or favorite positions in the bedroom. And we don't have to know. We just need to remember, there is a real person, with real feelings, on the other side of that character... and they probably have just as much time and thought and passion invested, as we all have in ours.

So please, remember that, next time someone goes (( !!!! )) and starts acting offended. Because, somewhere, in front of a computer similar to yours, is a person who just had a button pushed that they may not have liked to have pushed. No one means to step on each other's toes... but it sometimes happens, and best thing to do is do a quick reality check to make sure all is good.

And then continue on.

-------
Thoughts?

((OOC field trip))

((FYI: Miss Alice won't be able to lead the field trip on the 6th, but can instead on 13th. Looking forward to it actually ;) ))

((OOC Notes)) Ali's Voice...

...sounds slightly different. This is due to the Wailer vocal cord Dr. Tod surgically installed in her throat. She can't emit sonic attacks; this is more a subliminal thing.

Right now it's little more than a whisper, but the whisper has an odd yet pleasant tonal quality to it, like a tuned crystal.

Once she gets her voice back, that tone will be present, as an added harmonic, more so during certain times. It'll help 'cut through' the noise and chaos of battle, and give her and her teammates a perceptive edge. Expect that at some point her shout of outrage or anguish at a teammate falling will galvanize everyone around her.

This is the RP for the Leadership Pool. I'm respec-ing this power pool in, and will add more as we level her up.

Fieldtrip, July 30!

Hey everyone! It's almost Wednesday, and that means it's almost FIELD TRIP NIGHT! As always, we'll be meeting around 9pm (est, 6 pacific). This week, Doctor Greta Tod will be performing the lecture/practical, so don't miss this chance for victory, violence, and....visceral....learning....

...Sign up today!

-Kelli

1) Kelli

Roll Call

An updated list of our faculty <-- student relationships, as much for my notes as for anyone else's.

* Nadja, Pride --> Kelli, Ivy, Sara
* Greta, Wrath --> Nell, Helen
* Charisma, Greed --> Felicia
* Alice, Gluttony --> Thessa
* Marilin, Envy --> Alistaire, Arana
* Zhilan, Sloth --> Mercy
* Dia, Lust --> Alisandre, Rizz

Unpledged students: Sasha (Sensory Exquisite)

The House rule is no more than 3 students to a teacher. Obviously, it is in the best interest of a student player to pick a teacher player who is not over-committed with multiple students, in order to get more personal RP time. But, so long as the limit of 3 students is obeyed, I want to try to let students make their picks with minimal influence from me.

(IC) A Gift in the common room

Just after crossing the threshold to the girls common room, sits a glass case. While the case is beautiful in its scroll work along the titanium frame. While the glass is polished perfectly in its three alarmed layers. While the pedestal it all sits upon is intricate in design and the platinum inlay on that titanium base make for something worth talking about. They matter less than the object that sits inside.

Floating, though in all actuality suspended on a small metal hook that is nigh invisible, within the case is a prize. The material would be described as diaphanous should any not truly be aware of whom it once belonged. The golden border of the material is magnificently stitched. What draws the eye is the unique shade of purple. It is neither lavender, nor violet. Yet at the same time both. It seems to flow from one color to the next as the light passes through the spectral garment.

A single note, carefully penned in gold ink upon expensive parchment from Romania

"To the Lady of Pride, Headmistress Bathory,

This individual came to our islands. Her pride was stronger than her common sense, believing that we needed her brand of justice to be met out among the streets in the Nerva Archipelago.

I can only say that when I saw it, I wanted it. I took it off her quickly discorporating form after a bit of battle. It seems she overestimates her incorporeal state against enchanted blades. Another point of Pride perhaps?

I present you the cape of one of the Freedom Phalanx, Numina. A gift in thanks for having formed this Sorority and opening my eyes with Mistress Calloway to new world that will be mine for the taking.

Sincerely,
Felicia Onyx
Freshman, Child of Greed"

[ Keyboard Problems ]

Hello everyonem,

My jkeyboard uis m,alfuinctuionuing.

The remainder of this post is edited for your reading pleasure, laboriously, through the use of the mouse and the delete key. Keys in the same area of my keyboard are activating together.

jk
78
m,
ui

Other than buyuing a new keyboard for my laptop, or getting it serviced, does anyone have any ideas? Plugging another keyboard into a laptop is the short term solution but makes it non-portable in a practical sense.

Sonja

...Late Roster Addendum

*at some point a necro-bot stalks down the halls of the house. It agilely leaps up to the posting board and quickly attaches the following notice: *

'A Mr. Evan Williams, CEO of an 'important business interest' in the Paragon area, has recently enrolled his daughter, Mercy at the school [aka Leucrota], while also making a substantial donation. It was his express interest that his daughter attend the university at Cap, but more specifically, attend our special curriculum here a Sigma. Various interests within Arachnos have also shown a keen interest in Mr. William's comfort if I may add. Please take time to welcome this new candidate.

As a side note, Miss Sandre has graciously volunteered to be Mercy's 'big sister' until she finds her way at Sigma.

Mercy is currently undeclared in her major.


-Dr. Octavia'

Varied Business from the Gluttony Chair

Dearest Dia, et al.,

I find you lack of faith in me disturbing. But so be it.

Dr. Qiang, it is ‘lazy’ to bring quiche to a gourmet, especially for the entrée, but perhaps that is you purpose. I will however note that my ‘gimp’ seems to relish the little morsel, and I do enjoy his ravishings of her immensely…so in and of that, I thank you for the gift of the girl.

None the less I have decided to transfer Miss Sandre’s care and feeding to dear professor Calloway’s guidance, who I think you will agree is most appropriate.


Try not to dwell my darlings,
Yours,
-Alice


*at some point the lovely Ms. Marilin finds a horrible cat-like claw mark on her favorite full length mirror.*

(( OOC: Chances to RP ))

(( Hi everyone! I know everyone's schedules don't always fall in line with one another, and I know many of us have a lot of different stories going on because of alts or whatever... so I thought I'd put up an IC email address for both my characters (it's the same email... just put in the subject who it's addressed to) for those of you who want to RP but aren't on at the same time as me, or are busy with other characters when we're both on together! You can hit me up as sibrina.styles@gmail.com I would love to hear from anyone who is interested, plus I LOVE getting emails, they're like little christmas presents!

-Mari- <3 ))

Ooooo. Carnies.

I have been thinking about our first VG-wide plot. The idea of something bouncing off of the Carnival of Shadows was generally well received by most folks, so that is where my brain is working. The obvious story, especially considering the Carnival's regular MO, is some sort of mass-abduction of the students from Sigma, leading to a story in which the Sigma girls are put through the Carnival indoctrination-wringer and -- presumably -- defy it and break free.

At first, this would suggest that teacher characters would have little to do -- but most of the teachers have student/staff alts and I believe Qiang and I are the only two exceptions. My current thought is to allow teacher players to instead temporarily adopt the role of specific Carnival bosses, whom they would then roleplay during the indoctrination process. The caveat would be that you could not be indoctrinating a Sigma girl who is the student of your faculty character. In other words, the RP is specifically designed to get you to RP intimate scenes with characters you may not otherwise get to.

I'm intentionally not setting down any detail on the end/conclusion of this plot, but I did think I might use it to bring in an ex-Carny girl as a new student -- since I don't have such an alt. Of course, this presumes we are not full by then. A new player is better than any alt I could make.

More on this story as it develops. Don't look for this plot to kick off very soon -- we have a party planned for Saturday, and I know one or two of our players are still doing subplots of their own. This is very much in the "working on it" stage, but I wanted to share the concept with all of you and I very much look forward to working more on it.

[ ooc ] Apologies and Tabletop

I apologize to everyone for my non-appearance last night. I had very much anticipated being at our field trip, and had expected to go. The heat began to get to me and I felt increasingly unwell as the night wore on. I may also be experiencing some burnout because, let's be honest, we have all been playing this game like MAD the last few weeks.

In the meantime, I have been tasked with DMing a D&D 4th edition campaign for some of my fellow graduate students. Most of them have never played before, and I am tinkering around with a setting and campaign idea. I ran a lot of 3rd edition, but have only just picked up the 4E books and am very much still learning the rules.

Does anyone else out here play D&D?

((OOC)) Costume goodies for Nell...

... are in the Salvage bin.

If anyone ELSE takes them... Ali will be most upset cos they came from her wardrobe.

In search for a Roommate - Thessa

*A simple small letter, written in blue ink in an odd fashion is posted on the bulletin board*

Hello Dear Sisters,
As you all know, I have become a student of Dr. Octavia and a follower of Gluttony. I must say, I do enjoy the pink I now get to wear! Now that I have found my mentor, I am now in search of a roommate.

I do not take much space, and most of the belongings I have are in the vault. I never bring any of my food and such home either. As the "mermaid" that I am, Miss Bathory has been ever so kind as to place the pool within the room I will be in, so I can sleep in the most relaxing and safest way one of my kind can, underwater.

Of course, any and everyone is allowed into the pool, as it is not off limits from my person, nor has Miss Bathory placed such limits on it. I am unsure who is still available to be a roommate, so I have placed this letter on the bulletin board to see who is interested. Please sign and, if you wish it, leave a note as well.

Thank you,
Thessa

The New Medical Facilities

I am very pleased to report that your continued efforts in the field have resulted in our coffers running over. I have used the funds to secure us proper medical facilities in the House. This means that our honored peer, Dr. Tod, will not longer have to work in the basement. I cannot tell you how much this personally pleases me.

The new medical facilities are very much still under construction, but they are located past the teleportation circles. This has also allowed us to add two more bedrooms to the floorplan. I will update you all with more on these bedroom assignments in the coming days.

The new medical hall includes a Rikti-tech medical teleporter, so you can choose to set your transponder to the House instead of your local hospital, if you choose.

Thank you, ladies.

((OOC) Oh Fortuna(ta)

In conjunction with my last post, I would like to make known that Allisendre has come into her own, if you will, with her Fortunata abilities during last weekend's double XP event. In addition to her ability to kill a yak from 200 hundred yards away with mind bullets(!), this means she will now be able to provide occasional glimpses into the future (read: walking plot hooks).

There are no guarantees that this information will be decipherable, or even in a language that anyone knows; but, should you have a plot point furthered in such a way, please feel free to send me a tell, and I'll try to see that Allisandre has a Cassandra moment at a properly dramatic time. These events should be fairly rare (she's not terribly talented in that regard) unless she's in a locale of diviniatory significance (like the Oracle's Chamber in Vicious Circle's base).

I'm thinking I may try to associate particular languages to particular people: High German to Greta, French with Langue d'oïl, and Nadja with Dacian, etc. And, when in doubt, she has a more dialects of Sanskrit at her disposal then some of the sisters can count to... Again, I want to stress that this will/should not be a common occurence, but, should someone wish their own stories to get a bit of the spotlight, I'll be happy to give it a somewhat cryptic nudge.

((IC)) A Hastily Scrawled Note,,,

... found on the pillows of Miss Calloway, and Dr Qiang:

"The Spider intends to pawn me off; I have seen it! If you mean what you
intend, you should try to sway her in your favor! --Sandre."

... found on the sofa Allisandre occupied only a couple nights before, stuffed within the blanket so no one will see:

"She wants your blood, Helen. We need to talk. Soon!
--S."

Weekend Event Volunteer

Our Wednesday night events have been a great success, and I very much appreciate Kelli organizing them for us all. Not everyone can make that evening, however, and we are also large enough now that a second weekly get-together -- perhaps more RP oriented than missions or Strike Forces -- would be useful.

I am looking for a volunteer among the faculty to take charge -- largely OOC though it could be IC if you wished -- of organizing a regular roleplaying event sometime on the weekends. This does not have to be anything complicated; it could be as simple as a "happy hour" in the club, visits to our coalition bases, beach barbeques, or anything else you might have in mind. School related events -- like discussions on a selected topic, demonstrations, or what have you -- are also possibilities. There are really only two requirements: sometime over the weekend, and not involving missions.

Questions, comments, or volunteers, speak here or contact me in game!

Field Trip - July 23rd!

Hey everybody!

Last week's field trip was great, and I think this one will be even better! We're meeting up around 9 ((est)), and where it goes from there is anybody's guess! Let me know if you're planning on coming along by signing this permission slip for yourself! Thanks!

(( I personally will probably be late, and if a taskforce breaks out don't want you to hold for me. I'll get in when I can, and want the people there at nine to decide what they want to do. Thanks! ))

-1) Kelli

Preliminary Coursework

I'm wondering if someone's trying to sabotage my teachings before they're started.

The Sisters are all on lockdown, their tutors having told them to stay celibate (one under pain of death!) and so the only ones I have any 'influence' over are the ones yet to be assigned. Not sure of the outcome of that grisly contest staged for Dr. Octavia... so I took a gamble, seeing as I've personally observed both competitors engaging in heavy petting with some of the newer Pledges.

A simple enough interview, so I thought. But, already one girl showed severe misconceptions about my proposed coursework! As if all I were interested in was the mechanics of fornication. Far from it. So, with a bit of coaxing, I did find that she does find OTHER things pleasurable.

I've requested an essay in regards to her most recent companion, to wit, a 'sensual essay'... she is simply to describe her companion using ALL five senses, to the point where I could use it to identify the girl myself. I wasn't planning on grading it in this manner, but the saucy wench insisted that she withhold the names! Ah well. We'll see how she does, I suppose.

But I am perturbed. None of the other professors have approached me, neither to clarify my coursework, nor to offer reinforcement or assistance with any 'homework', nor even to tell me that certain activities and exercises are 'verboten'. This is most disturbing. I may have to resort to 'thought experiments' instead of actual experiences, if no one can lay a finger on these girls.

Of course, this could be the Headmistress's way of making sure they are attentive and earnest in class. So be it. If I have to leaf through the young ladies' psyches to find suitable fantasies to use as practica, then that's what will happen.

And... what is this issue of 'privacy'? These young ladies are in a communal school, one where they have no rights, no property, nothing. They are THEMSELVES property, what expectations could they have? None! I'm no monster... so I'll honor some requests if they are warranted... but at some point, there will be secrets discovered, and when they are, I fully intend to hold them up to the class as "Examples".

I believe I may need to get an appointment with Headmistress Bathory, and find out what is going on. Else I'll not have much to teach beyond Creative Visualization - a worthy course, but freshman level, and not one that will carry these ladies to where they are both appreciative of and Mistress of their fiercest internal passions.

Apologia (( OOC ))

between the zone loads, the crashing, and the fact that I was getting WAY too much 'local' attention to enjoy the RP...

... I bailed out.

To Miss Calloway, sweetie, I would have loved to continue, and I'm sorry to have left you high and dry and frisky with no one to be frisky to.

I'mma be offline all double XP weekend, or at least during 'prime times'. I may port a character or two to a less-crowded server for the weekend along with some friends - I heard Liberty and Justice were smooth sailing. But Virtue... sweet Virtue... thou'rt getting gangbanged, and I shan't partake of sloppy seconds.

But right now, Double XP is not fun, it's frustrating. And I'm too old to regard THIS kind of frustration as 'fun' in any way.

If anyone wishes to RP or write or whatever, I can be reached at soultrain0217@gmail.com.

Club Sigma! (And Base Permissions)

The night club lounge area is up and running. It includes a dance floor, a bar, and several large booth areas for groups of people to sit and chat. We'll use it ourselves for a week or so and then invite our allies in for a Sigma party.

I have also expanded base editing permissions to Sister rank. That is so that some very specific people can come in and decorate their rooms. All of these areas are currently walled off with bookcases. You can do anything you want inside that area.

• Alice's crypt is in the lab area.
• Ivy and Kelli's room is past the lounge on the right (towards the lab).
• Felicia and Bombshell's room is past the lounge on the left (against the base's outer wall).

These latter two rooms are currently suffering from a crush of red lighting due to their proximity to Club Sigma, but some floor lights ought to wash all that out if you do not, in fact, want red lighting in your bedrooms.

The Evil iPod!!

Just in case anyone was wondering... this is the kinda stuff Ali has on her iPod when she's out killing alligator bags and shooting holes in someone's suits. (She's MEAN, man, just... mean!)

--------------------------
Ali's "Ruckus" Mix

Name	Artist	Album
Whatever Happened to My Rock 'n Roll	Black Rebel Motorcycle Club	B.R.M.C.
Pistolero	Juno Reactor	Shango
Freeway Jam	Jeff Beck	Best of Jeff Beck
Money For Nothing	Dire Straits	CHS 1985 - The Soundtrack
The Word (PMT Remix)	Dope Smugglaz	Swordfish <>
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap	AC/DC	Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Launch DiVinci	Boswell, Simon	HACKERS 3
Peter Gunn (Featuring Duane Eddy)	The Art Of Noise	In Visible Silence
Red Tape	Agent Provocateur	The Jackal Soundtrack
Battle Without Honor or Humanity	Tomoyasu Hotei	Electric Samurai
These Boots Are Made for Walkin'	KMFDM	Boots - EP
Been Caught Stealing	Jane's Addiction	Ritual de lo Habitual
No Sleep	Liset Alea	No Sleep
Absurd	Fluke	La Femme Nikita
Deadbeat Club	The B-52's	Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation
Real Cool World	David Bowie	Songs From The Cool World
Race Wars	BT	More Fast and Furious: Music from The Fast and the Furious
Give	Missing Persons	The Best of Missing Persons
Low Rider	War	Original Masters - Funk 1
Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing	Chris Isaak	Forever Blue
Main Title	Mark Snow	La Femme Nikita
Switchblade 327	The Brian Setzer Orchestra	The Dirty Boogie
Heavy Metal (Takin' A Ride)	Don Felder	Heavy Metal
Rebel Rebel	David Bowie	Changes [EMI]

class enrollment!

So, just out of curiosity, are we sticking with the idea of solid classes, or have we migrated to a more informal situation, where teachers simply teach when and who they can?

Put another way, are there classes in session offscreen, and the teaching that happens during real RP just extra, or is that it?

Either way, I need a headcount of students interested in Charisma's Infiltration and Survailiance Class, as well as her "What Do you want?" Study group. There is a reason. And it is glorious.

Come together! ((ooc))

Advance notice? Childs play!!

Its a double Xp weekend (yay!)!!!!

But I have plans tomorrow and Sunday (boooo!)!!!

Who wants to run a level-appropriate strikeforce tonight? I know many people have lives and are doing things, but just thought I'd throw it out there and see if anyone bit. I'll be ready to start at 6pm est, and am totally willing to hold for you crazy westies!

I have: Kelli (1 bar from levle 25) and Charisma (31ish) primed and ready, as well as a collection of sub_20 alts in case newer people wanted to give it a go. My preference is for Charisma, but I'm so easily swayed the previous half of this sentence means nothing.

...Also, this is the effect of Dark Knight - sleep + energy drink * work / 0.

Let's play!!!!!!!!!

Party Invitation

We have been invited to a party.

The Widow's Web, an all-female mercenary organization in the Rogue Isles, is hosting a costume party at the Golden Giza, though costumes are not technically required. There will be a costume contest and an auction, with the prizes being dates for the evening. The Cape radio station will be hosting with DJ Fallen Angel.

Day: July 26
Time: 11pm ET/8pm PT until 2am ET/11pm ET
Where: Golden Giza, St. Martial

This is an excellent opportunity for you all to meet some seasoned and professional criminals, and to show them all what Sigma girls are made of.

An Aid to New Recruits

The business with Yuri and Jessica (our first washout, whom only a few of you will recall) got me thinking and this is the result.

If you meet possible recruits who ask what sort of character fits into the school, just send them to our Virtue page, where this essay is located.

[OOC] Grades!

((OOC))

After studying Miss Felicia's essay written for Professor Shan Yu, Philosophy 101, something occurred to me. Something is missing... Grades!

I wanted to throw out the idea of posting weekly grades, for our student body in their various coursework throughout the school 'year'. My initial thoughts are that these grades (A thru F) come from all Professors, for all students (say a simple box matrix score, based on varied classes taught by the distinguished staff.) Perhaps accrued weekly, in some form of tabular sheet for all to see (posted here, and I think on Virtueverse.)

Such a system would offer a wonderful ongoing focus for many interactions in my humble opinion.

Please, I'm curious?

Thoughts?

[IC] Review so far from the Irascible Epicurean

A bothersome issue of a boon to the student body found its way to my office from the efficacious Ms. Styles. Imagine my irritation when I found not one but two missives on the tedious subject. I believe my contempt is well known for the lesser disciplined and garrulous of our student body, and I have displayed no love of such tiresome duties, yet here it was before me.

I, who wasn’t seeking a sniveling sycophant for personal tutelage, was vaguely impressed when neither wurm backed down from my terms.

For the winner a coveted place at my boot, to learn and lick at my heel for the personal experience of a veritable symphony of consumption and want. For the loser who would waste my attention, and would bore me…well, what indeed??

I decided to give them a simple assignment to start, but one based on my personal maxim that The criminal must be worthy of her deed! From the beginning then, for a proper start we would look at Gluttony from the roots, its dear connection too horror that is so misunderstood, so that we might lay the foundation to learn more of its TRUE nature.

To each of my puerile parasites I offered this challenge:
Intrigue me with your genius for Gluttony, and find three different day’s repasts for me.


And thus the aspirants went forth, and my charming contest unfolded.
To the results thus far…


Of Miss Thessa’s suit -

the 1st entrée: An extremely handsome youth of blond with green eyes. A budding darling of a ‘super-hero’. With his perfectly smashed arms and legs, I found him patiently waiting 'quietly' for me at the appointed hour. Splendid forethought on the ‘chef’s’ part. Warm, rich and ebullient was his startled blood now awash in lost promise. I relished his carnal screams, once if allowed them, for some time as I considered the arrogance of his unctuous profession. A pedestrian, yet very passable start.

the 2nd entrée: What manner dish is this?! The feline form, supple, gracile, and velvety found before my approving lips. And how the meal entertains my sight and yearning before the feast, a notoriously worthy entertainment! But most importantly, nearby I find a bag of sweet effervescent marinade! OH!! How my dish writhes in pleasure as I let is cover and coat her limbs luxuriously, and thus set with abandon to her sumptuous décolletage. The moans are as heavens choir which intone lovingly to my pleasure. But how, oh how, I was taken by this delightfully contumacious aperitif. No doubt a specialty of the race!

But as I finished this magnificent feast, recovering my dignity and licking my talons clean, I find a point of order. I was a trifle disappointed that the dish was not prepared as such by the chef in advance. The note gave some idea of its potency, but no indication whatsoever of what measure to use, or its use with the meal at all. Was this the meaning of the artist in this? That the diner should see to season the dish of their own accord? How, very common. Perhaps some ketchup as well?! Well, in all fairnees I must consider it was not intended, and offer no extra credit. Additionally, and perhaps blithely I think I shall need an expectorate. I see that none was provided.

the 3rd meal: ??


Of Miss Sandre’s suit -

the 1st entrée: A once vibrant and lovely young man of even and dusky hue I found in prostration on my stoop. So exquisitely prepared and presented with poetry was this enchanting dish, and covered in no less from head to toe with the presenter’s inspired and appetizing script and sigils. I methodically licked the shaven body clean of its decoration, and found myself intrigued by its heady subtext. Such the virile package did the once ebullient youth posses, that is was afire with anticipation of lost passions, and it was there I first sought my fill. But alas he was quite cold & congealed by the time I partook. Flat, without flavor, and putrefied to my tastes. Such the pity. GREAT care must be taken in preservation of the vita cruor, or the worth of the meal is quickly lost to father time. In the end a wretched neophyte’s error, and unacceptable to my palate.

the 2nd entrée: The next eve, I found a lovely wisp of a girl-child’s corpse at my feet. Again the presentation was divine, and I could not help but to be inspired by the chef’s mode and seamless poetry. Yet I was now annoyed with what I felt would be the mistake of the first night. And it was to be obtusely repeated! It seemed yet another noble but utter failure on the chef’s part…but lo! Salvation!! The technique of preservation! Could it be true? The body was yet fresh and warm! Could long death taste SOOOOOO very SWEET! Gentle readers, I find myself aching still at this miracle, with the memory of this bewitching repast. I never knew such talent existed. Bravo & Encore!

I must learn this recipe from the chef!!

the 3rd meal: ??



Miss Thessa is a dilgent artist. But, I suspect great things from Miss Sandre, and I often think I hear her now crying with 'laughter' down the hall in anticipation of her last dish. A final grade has yet to be given, and who can say what the decision shall show, but I cannot say that I do not have my curiosities!


With Relish,
-Dr. Octavia

Do you have Style? (OOC)

Or rather, does your character? When I wrote the story for Felicia in the Treasure Box, I had a style in mind of how she moves, how she fights. I tend to describe these things during missions if we are doing well enough I can pause to type. I was talking with Kelli about "how I see" Felicia being and wanted to start a conversation on how people "visualize" their characters moving.

For instance, I see Felicia fighting like this (well getting closer to this). There is a grace to the movements and the way she flows from one manuever to the next.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0jzGuvo4M

And this is what I see her superspeed being like and tried to describe in what I mean when she says "I RUN"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_V1EkYmoJo


So the question is, how do you visualize your characters? (If possible)

[IC] Strange Tidings: The Road to Canossa

*From the dark chamber whence Dr. Octavia finds her days, an eerie blue mist seeps forth from the floor as the vault cracks wide. For a time nothing happens. Then…a flutter of activity as a dozen or more skittering necro-bots race off in a myriad of directions in an apoplectic fit of sound and action. From the lip of the trencherman’s chamber, a sullen figure watches with talons clasped*

*Each in turn of the toaster sized bots seeks out its assignment across the width and breath of varied lands, and places. One for EACH member of the house, wherever they might currently be found, or otherwise engaged, a droid eventually finds them. With each they invariably corner their specified quarry, and deliver the same haunting message.*

*Some droids find themselves in back alley abattoirs, while others in sweaty bedrooms, some in distant mountain retreats, and some in hallowed school halls. One droid is even found perched over a soup bowl in a chic restaurant before an astonished and frightened room of diners.*

*But no matter where, with each visit, a full sized holograph of Dr. Octavia finds itself shimmering before the surprised viewer and their associates.*


"Greeting to you my Sisters of Sigma Iota Nu…Faculty, Staff, and Students.

Please forgive my intrusion, but the time has come to set my opprobrious behavior toward a fellow peer to right. I come to you in remorse, seeking absolution for my sin against a valued and beloved member of our community.

I of course speak of Dr. Tod.

I need not speak of the good doctor’s genius, or value. It is clearly evident. Such words are a useless and servile blandishment that cannot but help detract from an otherwise indispensable and autodidactic talent.

And yet with the closeness of such wisdom, and in such bounty… I was driven to distraction. Such pure inspiration, that I found myself enraptured and ensnared by its sheer poetry. And in that, I sought by fell methods that which would have otherwise been freely given. *a shame-filled tone*

I sought to steal a glimpse of that mind, an in that violated our sacred trust.

Dr. Tod was entirely correct to inveigh and berate me for my folderol and clumsy larceny. It is to her and to you my beloved sisters, that I offer this my deepest of contrition for my egregious trespass.

*Dr. Octavia shifts her gaze back up now*

In 1077, Henry the IV the Holy Roman Emperor had sinned against his Pope and thence his God. Henry was a proud man, not made to suffer lightly the bindings of penury. But he did so for the trust of his lands, and the love of his Lord. Henry spent three days in the cold winter streets of the fortress town of Canossa, fasting, and scourging himself until the pope, Gregory the VII saw fit to open his doors of the keep and receive him back into the Lord’s presence. In the end, Henry led the pope’s burro through the streets of Canossa, as the people cheered and heaven was reconciled.

I am a proud creature, but I am not so proud as to not lead your honored mule Doctor.


*and then with all sincerity she hisses *

Please forgive me, Greta."


*With that, the image of Dr. Alice Octavia bows her head, and the hologram slowly fades.*



*...and somewhere out there, a waiter in a south Florida restaurant faints.*

((OOC)) Paging Greta

((OOC)) Greta, I have a HUGE favour to ask of you. Allisendre has been put into competition with another sister for a position as Dr. Octavia's student in Gluttony. Her challenge: Provide a meal for the good doctor each day for the next three nights. Now, Sandre, being the smart girl that she is, has a plan. But, to enact this scheme she needs one ingredient: a small quantity (read, two-three drops... perhaps one, even) of Dr. Tod's blood. To my knowledge, this will not constitute any real threat to Greta (the blood will quickly be diluted into a large quantity of harmless liquid), but I'm sure it will curry a good deal of favor into Allisendre's court. As to the obtaining of this sample, Sandre's called in favours with most surviving members of the Thuggee cult, as well as many of her servitors to track down Greta and obtain these droplets yet, "if [they] harm her in any way, [they] shall wish for death for the next thousand years," to use her acidic words. Basically, jostling the Doctor in some way to draw the precious droplets. Said jostler need not survive the encounter, so long as the specimen is preserved.

All that said, would you be so kind as to oblige me in this task? Like Kali, I have a fallback, should you decline and her boys fail her, but it shall not make for quite as dramatic a read when I finally get the post up in the Treasure Box for Allisendre's "dinner gifts."

Major Updates

Now that our faculty lineup is set (and let me take a moment to say I could not be happier with it) I have gone back to our Virtue Verse page and made major expansions and additions to cover not only the faculty, but a number of other items that have come up over the last two weeks.

An incomplete list of these changes includes:

• Our new alt and activity policy.
• An update to our roster to include all faculty, new students, and alternate versions of main characters.
• A brief discussion of our enemies and potential plots with them.
  

For a better discussion of these changes, and to get involved in making our Virtue page the ultimate resource for all things SINful, go here.

I see your true colors shining through...

(( OOC!))

Right, so as I was trying to come up with a Greed-based costume for Charisma...I got to thinking. There are seven deadly sins, seven faculty members...and seven colors in the spectrum. How do people feel about each sin having a color associated with it? The idea would be that the Faculty member's costume feature this color in some capacity, and each of their students would incorporate it in some way, left to the discretion of the teacher/student, or whatever politics they have amongst themselves.

The only two I know of so far are
Pride - Red (because Nadja claimed it!)
Envy - Green (because of being "green with envy")

Left over are Sloth, Gluttony, Lust, Wrath, and Greed. The colors are Orange, Yellow, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. It'd be nice if we didn't have to resort to black, white, grey, or pink, but I'm certainly not opposed to the idea.

What does everyone else think?!

Professor Dia

Hello Darlings.

Headmistress Bathory asked that I introduce myself to you. I am known as "La Diablesse" which is French for "The She-Devil"... but I prefer to simply be called Mistress Dia. Please, don't call me Professor, as although I probably COULD get honorary degrees simply by virtue of my age, I'd rather not presume. Headmistress Bathory has granted me the Chair of "Lust" based on, well, my life experience.

As for my age itself, I know it's rude to ask a woman how old she is, but in my case, based on my *ahem* nature, it's excused. I was born in 1287 BC, and have spent the last two thousand and sixty-one years on this world. And no, I'm not some mummified crone, or vampire, or other undead. I'm a demoness, a succubus specifically.

Now I know a lot of you are remembering sweet Consuela and wondering how a succubus got to be faculty, much less a Chair. Rather simple. Consuela is still very young, and according to her, this is her second summoning. She was also VERY happy to be serving you all instead of the Thorns, although she did say the pentagram was a bit cramped at times. But, she's still rather new at this whole "living with mortals" bit.

I, on the other hand, have been living among you, and your ancestors, for as far back as History can record... give or take a few centuries. In that time, I've seen just about every debauchery, fetish, kink, perversion, and turn-on you could think of. And you know what? You girls... get to be the ones I teach them to.

Now I'm not just talking sex, although sex is a wonderful way to enlighten and stimulate the senses. I'm talking sensation. Hedonistic appreciation for all that surrounds you. Taste, smell, touch, sight, sound, pain, and pleasure... all of those shall be avenues to stimulate your souls and enrich your minds.

Now, why would I do that?

I believe that, with your potential for greatness, you all have the singular opportunity to be true hedonists, and get away with it. To the hoi polloi, hedonism is frowned upon, as it takes away from one's responsibilities. However, you all will be hoi aristos, the Power Elite... and as such, you should be comfortable with enjoying the fruits of your dominion.

Now, as for Consuela, Miss Bathory decided that since Lust is represented, that you save up your desires for carnal pleasures for my classes, rather than assuaging them with her. I've bound her to me as my assistant and maid. I may 'lend her out' as rewards for excellent classwork, but I would prefer to see what your appetites are like before I spend coin I may need to keep.

Any questions?

(( OOC: As a Domme/Instructor, Dia will be demonstrating extremes in sensation, as well as techniques to blur the lines between the senses. Anyone who signs on as her student should be expected to deal with sensory deprivation, pain tolerance, forced orgasms and orgasm denial, breath control, associative sensory overload, hypnosis and post-hypnotic triggers, and other techniques to demonstrate the full scope of the senses over the mind and body. Expect to be used as a teaching tool for others. I entertain the use of safewords, but, may decide during some classes that they not be used. However, Dia will NOT damage a student, and both she and Consuela are experienced in bringing a sub back from any dissociative "headspace" they may find themselves in as a result of a class or exercise. She expects students to talk to her about their limits and their experiences, honestly and candidly, so that she can help them explore beyond their comfort zones. I hope to make it a fun ride, but do remember to keep hands and feet inside the vehicle until it stops. ))

Your GMs Speak

Everyone,

Our VG has some unique challenges. Because of our nature as a Hellfire Club type organization -- not to mention the fact that the faculty are all master criminals -- it is perfectly natural and even expected for the faculty to intrigue against one another and also use the students in their machinations. This is part of our theme. However, some ground rules are essential and I would like to ask you all to be conscious of your fellow players in some specific regards.

1. Keep your Head GMs informed. When you plot against your rivals in the school, or do anything which might in the long term threaten the school's roster or existence, tell me -- Nadja -- or Kelli/Charisma. We, as the founders of the VG, are the Head GMs. We are not here to tell you No. Indeed, we want to let people do what they want to do. But we need to be kept abreast of what is going on so that, if you should be planning something which (perhaps without your knowledge) will be harmful to the VG, we can consult you about it. Note: When I say "threaten the school's roster" I mean anything which might result in the death or other expulsion of any faculty, student, or staff member. These plots should never take your GMs by surprise. We should always know about it.
2. Speak to your fellow players OOC. If you are plotting against another teacher, talk to the other teacher about it OOC before you surprise her with it. The other teacher will tell you how far you can go and what the consequences might be. This is called "Consent" and it is critical to RP on a large game such as ours. If you plan something, and the other player reveals that such an action will result inevitably in one of the two rivals dying or leaving the school -- you are obligated to find some other mutually agreeable plot. Sharing your plot with its participants is simply good manners. Nasty surprises sometimes do painful things to the VG as a whole.
3. Large plots must be proposed, not simply enacted. If you wish to struggle against another faculty member in a tit-for-tat intrigue, simply inform your GMs about it. But if you wish to do something larger -- a plot which gets a large hero group to attack the school for example, or a coup, or you decide to sacrifice the school to Cthulhu or what have you -- this plot must be proposed and approved through consultation with your Head GMs. Again, those individuals are me and Kelli/Charisma.

Why these guidelines? Your Head GMs are responsible for keeping an eye on all the plots going on both inside the school and involving the school's outside foes. We know more about the school's plots than any one of you do; this is our task. When you tell us what you are doing, we can see how that plot might work off of or interact with another plot which someone else is doing. We are not a totally freeform RP group. There are hands guiding us gently.

Secondly, these guidelines exist to ensure that all intrigues and plotting occurs IC and not OOC. It is much easier to have fun with a rival when that rival is a good friend of yours in Real Life. Talking to one another promotes this. We, as GMs, cannot allow you to conduct a plot which will force another player to quit the VG. You do not have the right to do whatever you want to another player, just explaining it all off as "its just RP." We, as GMs, are obligated to ensure first and foremost that everyone who is in Sigma is welcome to remain in Sigma.

I very much appreciate your consideration and cooperation on this matter. Those of you who do not have my email address can certainly get it from me, and the same goes for Charisma.

Our Final Faculty

We have made our last two hires for the Sigma faculty. Doctor Quian, known also as Esper Sephira, will be sitting the Chair of Sloth while Miss Dia will be our Lust. This completes our staff hires for the term. [ Dia is an alt of Bombshell, so you all know her already, while Sephira is a new friend. ]

We also have a couple more girls: Sara [ an alt of Octavia ] and Sasha [ who comes to us from Ares Corp, one of our coalition partners ]. I believe this brings our student roster to ten. We have room for four or five more girls in Sigma's first class.

If you have not yet had the chance to meet our new professors, I encourage you to do so. I could not be prouder of the exceptional faculty we have here, all of whom are fiendish geniuses of the highest caliber. A fitting set of instructors for the first generation of Sigma girls.

Five Bedrooms

As I lay out the base, we have five "Bedroom Spaces." This is how they are going to be assigned. I realize this does not give everyone all the space we would like. All I can say is: the size of the roster is limited but the size of the base is not. As we grow, everyone will get more private space.

• Felicia and Bombshell's room will be to the left off the lounge/bar area.
• Kelli and Ivy's room will be facing it to the right.
• Alice's tomb will be adjoining the workshop area, in the basement.
• Nadja's chambers will be tucked in the back of the Control room.
• And that leaves one more bedroom adjoining the Arcane Power, which I will turn into a generic bedroom for the rest of our casual needs.

Those of you with rooms will be able to decorate them yourselves. I have sealed them off with bookcases, and when I reach a good point for it, I will simply open up decorating priviledges. You will be able to do whatever you like inside that space.

Field Trip!!! July 16th!

(IC-Kelli)

-A note placed on the bullitan board on white stationary with pink hearts and dolls on it, neatly typed up in a cute font-

Hey girls!

Don't forget that Wednesday is FIELD TRIP NIGHT! We'll be meeting outside Aeon University at 9 PM, so get your uniforms and sign up for the Madness!!! Rumer has it a big, bad demon's trying to bust loose, and we're gonna stop it!

Please Sign Up here, so we know what to expect!

-Kelli


(OOC-

So, as the roster update pointed out, we now have 10 players playing a buncha characters. This means there's a good chance people would get turned away from a main team, OR that we'll jusdt have to organize ourselves into rotating small teams from the get go (much prefer the second option!). In an effort to manage team night better, and see what we're working with, I'd like to ask people to sign up this week, letting us know if you can make it, when, and who you think you'd be bringing. I personally vote for the first strike force, since I -believe- we all have a level 15 or higher, but with the new additions happening these last few days when I couldn't really get on, I'm not sure. I've done it many, many times with four people, and if we've gotta split it'll be a good starting point.

The plan is to meet at 9pm est/6 pacific, in front of Aeon University. Hopefully we'll be organized and underway no later than a halfhour after that. It takes a few hours to complete.

Please, sign up here or offer feedback and tell me what you think about this experimental system. Maximum inclusion is my primary goal!!))

[IC] Gone fishin'.

*Found on a note pinned to the newly restored corkboard in the lobby*

To whom it may concern,

I will be out of the office for a short duration of time, on a leave of absence to Southern Florida. Should I need to be reached, I will have my communication device with me at all times, but, I humbly request the priviledge of privacy during this time, as I have a great deal of catharsis to indulge in, and a grotesquely limited timeframe in which to do so.

To quash rumors to the contrary now, this has nothing to do with the recent departure of my ward, nor the unpleasant discourse between myself and Frau Octavia.

Sincerely,
Doctor Greta Tod.

Our newest Sister, and a Roll Call

Alice has brought her alt, Ciraabi aka Sara, into Sigma as Nadja's third student. A quick roll call of professors, students, and alts.

1. Me: I have Nadja and no alts. Nadja has 3 students: Kelli, Ivy, and Sara.
2. Charisma: Charisma has an alt: Kelli. Charisma has 1 student: Felicia.
3. Greta: Greta has an alt: Ivy. Greta has no students.
4. Marilin: Marilin has an alt: Sibrina. Marilin has two students: Bombshell and Nox.
5. Alice: Alice has an alt: Sara. Alice has no students.
6. Felicia: Felicia has an alt: Nox. Both her characters have mentors.
7. Kali's Embrace: Kali has no alts. Kali is probably pledging to Alice, but not yet done.
8. Bombshell: Bombshell has no alts. Bombshell has a mentor.
9. Thessa: Thess has no alts and does not have a mentor.
10. Helen: Helen has no alts and does not have a mentor.

Did I miss anyone? According to this, we have ten players playing five teachers, nine students, and one staff. We have room for one more student at this time, more if we fill in the last faculty spots. We also can take a few staff members.

A little OOC help, and discussion please

So, I've been considering remaking Sibrina to another archtype... thinking that will spark my interest in playing her more. Seems like Mastermind just isn't my cup of tea, and I already have a Dominator in Marilin, so I'd like to get some thoughts and ideas from those who know Sibrina about what sort of archtype you think she'd fit into and those who don't know her... just some thoughts on the other three archtypes out there.

Any feedback would be very appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Base Thoughts

We're long overdue for a base decoration. For the first couple weeks, Sigma had a tiny base which was very useful for RP purposes; it consisted of a trophy/office room, a lounge, and a bedroom. Now we have much more space and some very useful equipment: an invention station, a storage vault, and teleporters to Nerva, Mercy, Grandville and Cap. Now we need to get roleplay space that matches the base's functionality.

My priorities are:

• A new lounge built around the control table, with plenty of comfortable seating, well lit, and pretty. One side of the lounge will include a bar, not only for us but so that the lounge can function as a place for us to invite over our allies and coalition partners.
• A science/technical area for our scientists and doctors (Alice, Greta, and Marilin). This will be in the workshop area. The storage vault and invention table will be switched from arcane to tech to help accomodate this RP area.
• Decoration of the teleport chamber into an occult workspace, primarily for Nadja but also for any other magical characters we have and the occasioal magical working (such as we saw with Yuri's departure).

These are the things I am doing first. Once that is done, I will begin trying to fit bedrooms into empty spaces on the floorplan. If I can create a single "dorm room" for two Sisters, that room can serve as all the girls' rooms. Likewise, a single "master bedroom" can -- albeit in somewhat generic fashion -- accomodate all the faculty. As we grow, obviously giving each teacher and each pair of roomates their own space will be important.

As part of my intended redecoration, the current lounge area and its adjoining space will be converted into a kitchen and a library. The reception area will remain, with Sibrina's desk.

Plot Fountain Bravo: Longbow

Back when Ivy joined us, we discovered through roleplay that Longbow had inserted her into the school as a spy. However, the Crey cloning technique broke down under exposure to Ivy's powerful radiation, and the conditioning broke.

This story has remained dormant for a couple of weeks, which is not unreasonable. When Ivy failed to report back in, Longbow would have presumed their agent had in fact turned, and resumed surveillance of the school while they as an organization debated their next move.

The form of that next move is a subject for some consideration. Presumably Longbow's monitoring of Sigma's activities is simply part of Longbow's ongoing mission to contain criminal threats around the world. The "cheapness" of their clone tactic -- creating a temporary and likely-to-malfunction clone to spy on the fledgling school -- fits with this idea. Longbow has a lot of things on its plate; it is not going to stage a major effort against Sigma when there are many larger and more dangerous groups out there.

However, the school has grown considerably in the last month and we are very near to filling our last two faculty spots. There are many things we might do as a group which would, as a side-effect, result in an elevation of our threat level, prompting Longbow to devise a more aggressive containment scheme. Moreover, Longbow might see in Sigma a target it can successfully contain at an early stage. That is: Sigma Iota Nu is something that Longbow can successfully destroy. (Unlike, for example, Arachnos.)

For now it is safe to presume the school and campus are being watched by undercover Longbow agents. When we go on missions against Longbow, their observation and knowledge of our activities should be represented by an elevation in the mission difficulty. As we continue to brainstorm about future plots, a more focused narrative concerning Longbow should present itself.

Plot Fountain Alpha: the Carnival of Shadows

As I was working towards 50 last night with the gracious help of Felicia and Bombshell (in their level 50 alter egos of Bloody Tari and Dame Demolition) it occured to me that the Carnival of Shadows is virtually tailor-made to be a long term adversary of Sigma. All the leaders are female, they're sexy, they have that dominance mind control mask thing going on, they use men only for mooks, and "running away to join the circus" has got to be the direct opposite of "enrolling at the university."

I'm not a big fan of a "nemesis" or "archenemy" group for us, simply because such a thing is terribly hard to organize and maintain over the medium and long haul. Rather, I think the most successful supergroups in the comics have many foes whom they rotate through, preventing any single foe from becoming boring or sterile. In that sort of a set-up, the Carnival might be just one of several major foes of the school, alongside a hero team, a good organization like Longbow, and perhaps another villain team we might consider rivals.

I'll be doing more plot brainstorming over the coming days. But the Carnival of Shadows is definitely one excellent source of stories for us -- though as yet we have no particular reason to earn their ire, and as we think about one, it should be big, linked not to a single student, but to a member of the faculty or, ideally, to the very school as an institution.

[IC] A Doktor Scorned.

*Found on a note pinned to the House lobby's corkboard, in clean typewriter print, and splattered with flecks of some foul-smelling black ichor*

Fraulein Octavia,

How long did you suppose to maintain this charade? Did you think I would not know? For a moment, for an infintessimal second, did you believe that your intrusion would go undetected? My laboratory is my womb, Frau Doktor, and I am as connected to it as a lamprey is connected to the jugular of a fatted calf.

I felt I should use a metaphor you would be intimiately understanding of.

To paraphrase the author Harlan Ellison: "If the word 'Hate' was engraved on each nanoangstrom of hundreds of millions of miles of wafer-thin circuitry, it would not equal one one-billionth of the hate I feel at this micro-instant. Hate. Hate."

However, like all emotions, this feeling will pass as well. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of committing every note on the research into your condition I was conducting to memory - no small task, as I have worked tirelessly - and destroyed the originals. When you have proven you can be trusted, I will begin work anew.

Consider, for a moment, the amount of privacy you have been allowed. Then, consider how easily that privacy could be revoked. At any time. By any person. Especially a person you can't see, can't smell. Especially by one who has been wronged in the past.

To the rest of you, consider this an object lesson; I am not some spiteful harpy. I am a scientist and a proctor. I have my rules, and my regulations, insomuch as any scientist or proctor will. Should these simple - and I do mean 'simple', in the most routine and idiot-proof sense of the word - guidelines be violated, the penalty will be stiff.

-Doctor Greta Tod.