Harknezz

Yeah, nodding too much might get boring for you. A cool thing to see, though it's harder, is to actually emote a full expression without giving away what it is, and letting their character read it how they will.

Facial descriptions and every little hand gesture she makes are both key. You'll want to make up for the lack of her voice with them, and describing them in more detail will be a huge asset.

Welcome t the game and the RPC! =] I'm available for RP too if you want to hit me up to set up an RP contact or something. Just pm on here or in game to Alec Harknezz. =]

I actually go the opposite way, I enjoy using the soulstones IC. I do agree that they were likely added in as a good mechanic way to handle the classes, but they can also add alot in for RP too. As far as how to get one, I'd assume it'd be as easy as going to the group for that class if you are training a new person, assuming there is one and you're part of it. Alec received his from the Paladin that took him into training, but Idk how the other player handled that part. From there, I use the fact that they're like aetherial weapons and have part of the souls of people who have used it in the past still within them. It adds in extra guidance from the stone, and you could even have your character discover things about those they follow in the path and learn from their stories and such.

I would contact SM Nick for details Done =] Also, I can't watch your video at work, but will once I get off, I can't wait to see it.

Val just linked me that as well. Did it ever happen? All I am working on right now is a fullscript, since it cuts around it in the game, but I'd love to hear how it went if it happened.

I know HoD has a stage in the basement, and that's part of the reason I ask. My character Alec isn't an acting type, but I have been wanting an alt for other things, and would love to be a part of it. I've also been working recently on a bigger event, that I won't mention here, as my FC and I are still planning it, and it would have need of Bards and acting troupes. One other thing I have, that is about done, is a modified version of the play from Final Fantasy 9, "I want to be your Canary". I have been making it fit Hydaelyn, abut still used the same names, for reasons that will be shown when I post it.

Awesome! I'll have to look for those groups, and I'd love to talk to you privately sometime about things! I have plans the day of your event unfortunately, or would be there=/

Hey guys, I'm working on something right now and the thought popped in my head. I was wonder, are there any theater troupes or anything like them around on Balmung? With all the different locations set up like stages, I feel like there's some cool things that could be done.

I'd be up for RP. Alec's a studied monk with six chakras open. Hit me up in the Monk LS sometime or PM me if you'd rather.

Heya! Seconding the Monk LS. If your character is interestedin continuing its training or connecting with others of the craft it’s a great new resource. Also, if you’re wanting some PGL or MNK RP, feel free to hit me up on Alec Harknezz any time. As long as I’m not in RP already, I should be available. =]

Welcome! I'd be more than happy to RP sometime as well, hit me up anytime! =]

((For an idea of the music for the song: )) The cloaked figurestood solemnly before a weathered stone, far from the civilized areas of Thanalan. The wind buffeted the brown cloak around him, whistling with the force that it battered him. The figure dropped to itsknees before the stone as if praying, but no words escaped its lips. It had been four yearssince Alec began his journey by opening the first gate. He had trained every day from sunrise to sunset, only then allowed time to do what he wanted. These nights he usually spent one of two ways. He either passed the time practicing upon the battered old piano in their tent, his Master’s only relic from a life that had been long forgotten or he read. The people in the cave had little, but in fleeing the Fall, several had prepared enough to bring books, and most were happy to share them with him. He especially loved the ones about Knights and Paladins, heroes among men that fought monsters and protected the realms. HE hoped to one day become one himself, even at an early age, but each morning he woke up to reality once more, and his miserable training began again. The figure did not move for hours, having slid into a meditative position there before the rock. Finally, without moving, a hum escaped its lips, followed close behind by a low song, the smoky baritone drifting across the sands. [align=center]“Are we strangers in this place? [/align] [align=center]Looking for a place unknown? [/align] [align=center]We're just leaning on the breeze... [/align] [align=center]Saying not to give it up... [/align] [align=center]Can we find the truth behind us, [/align] [align=center]When the long journey ends?” [/align] The morning startedlike any other, Alec woke to a breakfast of dried meat and a boiled egg and was dressing to start his training. He was about to leave to seek out his Master in the valley they usually spent their days when the man walked back into the tent. “Slept in again I see, you little shit,” was the loving good morning Alec was given as the man grabbed his hat and gestured for the boy to follow him. Alec followed, as healways did, dutifully in the wake of the massive Highlander he called his master. It had come and gone the time people that saw them asked why he was so scrawny, and many had realized by now that though he was called ‘father’ the man was nothing of the sort, at least not to Alec. This day they did not take their normal path to the valley, and instead mounted a chocobo, a new experience that left the young boy terrified and grabbing at the creature’s feathers to keep from falling. Their mount carried them swiftly through the desert, past landmarks that Alec had never seen, and the trip seemed to last for hours. [align=center]“Are we wrapped in mysteries? [/align] [align=center]Walking down the winding roads? [/align] [align=center]Can we find the reason why we are [/align] [align=center]In this world of trials?” [/align] The figure stood slowly as it sang, letting it’s song ringout through the rocky plains around it. When the beast finally stopped, and the Highlander tossedAlec off roughly to the ground, they stood before a massive stone. Upon its surface grew a strange plant, and Alec could just make out that the debris in front of it had once upon a time been flowers. He knew the rule to not speak unless spoken to, but in his youth his curiosity took over before he could stop himself,” Where are we, father?” A loud crack was all he got in reply as the Highlander threwthe first punch, signaling their training had begun. What followed was a pitiful display of Alecstriking at him, and the man easily dispatching any advance Alec tried to make. This was their routine…The massive Highlander toying with the boy until his anger drove him to use his ability, and today was no different. After an hour of constant fighting, Alec lost his temper and his eyes flashed with aether as he activated what they had come to call, “The Eyes of Rhalghr.” He scanned his master as he always did, seeing every weakness in his form, but having no way to exploit them. A second later the aether faded, as the two had learned a year before that too much use would leave him blind. [align=center]“Here comes the breeze, that's whispering in peace [/align] [align=center]So full of lights, shining in colors [/align] [align=center]Don't be afraid, just keep on trying in your way [/align] [align=center]And you will see how all is sight...” [/align] [align=center] [/align] “Do you know who’s grave this is, boy?” The Highlanderlaughed as his fist slammed into the nine year old’s gut. As Alec shook his head, gasping for breath, he added,” It’s your mothers, out here all alone, because of what a monster she was…A criminal to our people. They feared her in life, and refused to let her near the rest of the dead…She died a bitch, just like she lived…” The words were like daggers to the young boy’s heart, and hefell to his knees and sobbed, much to his master’s dismay. “Get up and act like a man!” The Highlander yelled, slapping the boy hard across the face, his rough hands cutting roughly through the skin and drawing blood from Alec’s cheek. Alec rose up as he was told and stood there as his master launched insult after insult about his mother, all the noise soon fading behind the roaring anger the young boy felt. [align=center] “Are we strangers in this place? [/align] [align=center]Reaching out for dreams unknown? [/align] [align=center]Now we feel our minds are flying high [/align] [align=center]In this world of liberty” [/align] [align=center] [/align] It took little time for Alec’s fury to come to point. Hecould take no more of the insults, and he screamed out as he leapt at his master, launching a flurry of strikes, all of which were deflected. “Don’t you dare speak about her like that!” HE sounded like a mandrake as he screamed out with his attacks, tiring quickly as he used every fiber of his being to try to hurt his master like the man had hurt him. He lashed out like the harsh rains of a monsoon, strikingblindly almost as he sought only to cause pain. He could feel the anger inside him frothing, boiling, rising like a tidal wave trying to break free. And then it did… [align=center]“Here comes the breeze that's whispering again [/align] [align=center]So full of lights shining in colors [/align] [align=center]Listen to me, just keep on trying in your way [/align] [align=center]Get the courage to open the door and soon you'll be free...” [/align] [align=center] [/align] What escaped Alec was not mere anger, the gate holding backhis second chakra crashed open and a tidal wave of aetheric energy erupted from him like a typhoon as he lashed out at his master. Even with his newfound strength, he stood no chance against the seasoned monk, and every attack he made was met to jeers and laughter. It became clear in moments that the boy had no control overthe massive amounts of energy pouring from him and his master knew his job that day was done. He sent a single strike to the boy’s head with his palm, the force knocking Alec out cold,” That’s two, boy…” He started as he hefted Alec over his shoulder and placed him acrossthe chocobo’s back. Then he reached into their travel pack and brought out a fresh bouquet of white tulips upon the ground at the stone’s base,” Sorry I had to insult her like that boy… But it’s best you know what most think…Even if they’re wrong…” This would be the only time he ever apologized, and Alec was unable to hear it. Alec lifted the hood of his cloak finally, squinting in thewind as he took a single daffodil before his mother’s grave. He sighed and whisper to the wind,” I wish I had gotten to meet you, mother…I know he was lying…You could never be like he described, I’ll never believe that…” He walked away slowly as he raised his hood back to shieldhis face, his brown cloak billowing in the sandstorm that threatened to overtake him as he made his way back towards civilization.

I’d be more than interested to get involved with Alec IC, hewould be looking to hone his skills by then. I’m also more than willing to help out OOC if you’re still up for more help, loving the idea of a plot-based tournament. As for a fighting system, with it like this, I think it’d be cool to forsake the system completely. Or instead, for fighters who can decided amongst themselves who will win, they can do so, and if not, instead of a three hit rule like the Grindstone, have them roll a set number of times, still basing the win itself on RNG but leaving it to the players to get there however.

Hit me, I'd love an invite!

This sounds like a great way to meet new RPers and have some fun. I voted, hoping that I'll end up being off work on the day that is chosen so I can attend=]

Thanks , unfortunately I was at work that day and unable to attend =/

"I think I've heard some of the people in the Company mention him... An Ala Mhigan, and a trained monk I hear. Yet another following the path of destruction I was forced down willingly, perhaps I should meet him someday."

For the past few days, a new song might be heard playing at taverns and other places where minstrels gladly tread. played to a slow melody, usually on the piano, but it could be adapted to any instrument ( For reference, the tune is to the ). If asked, the person playing might point to another bard they'd heard play it, but if someone followed the chain of musicians, they'd find themselves at the Harbingers of Dawn estate, following tales of a red-haired Ala Mhigan Midlander playing the song at their tavern night. [align=center]Far over the ancient Black Shroud cries[/align] [align=center]A city stands up on the heights[/align] [align=center]What was before we’ll have once more[/align] [align=center]Our nation a distant light[/align] [align=center]Windy Highlands beneath the moon[/align] [align=center]The words unspoken, we’ll be there soon[/align] [align=center]For home a song that echoes on[/align] [align=center]And all who join us will know the tune[/align] [align=center]Ala Mhigo we’ll never forget[/align] [align=center]Garlemald we’ll never forgive[/align] [align=center]Haven’t seen the back of us yet[/align] [align=center]We’ll fight so long as we live[/align] [align=center]Their lies opened the door[/align] [align=center]To Gyr Abania borne[/align] [align=center]Our hearts a gathering storm[/align] [align=center]Until we get our unforgotten home[/align] [align=center]We lay on in Gyr Abania’s wold[/align] [align=center]On and over, the Highlands rolled[/align] [align=center]We must away, our home to take[/align] [align=center]Against the darkness a torch we hold[/align] [align=center]From long before the Fists were spurned[/align] [align=center]Til this day our hearts have yearned[/align] [align=center]For her fate we moan, the gryphon’s throne[/align] [align=center]What was stolen must be returned[/align] [align=center]We must awake, and take the day[/align] [align=center]To find a song for heart and soul[/align] [align=center]Ala Mhigo we’ll never forget[/align] [align=center]Garlemald we’ll never forgive[/align] [align=center]Haven’t seen the back of us yet[/align] [align=center]We’ll fight so long as we live[/align] [align=center]Their lies opened the door[/align] [align=center]To Gyr Abania borne[/align] [align=center]Our hearts a gathering storm[/align] [align=center]Until we get our unforgotten home[/align] [align=center]Far beyond, the Black Shroud’s folds.[/align] (Got bored and came up with this song. It seemed to go over well at the Tavern Night I played it for, so I thought I'd share it here for anyone to enjoy or for any bardic players to have use of. =] Please let me know what you think if you want.)

I like all these answers, but really to me, it's putting way too much thought into it. In my opinion, if done right, no amount of skill makes your character too skilled. It's all about balance. For every new bit of power you gain in the world, you need a weakness. There are all of these super powerful things you could RP as, and sometimes the experience RPing those things can be wonderful, IF DONE WELL. Note I said well, and not correctly, as there are loads of ways to do it. But the RP of those powerful beings could bring alot to stories of others, and could bring about unique challenges of their own. It all plays into balance. IF you wanna be a god among mortals, then you need to have flaws of some sort, no one is perfect. Even the myths of gods told about their negative qualities, like hubris. These are the kind of things that can lead to a David vs the Goliath kind of story, and can make an amazing story for people to watch and be involved in.

I love the idea of the varying styles thing. Alec doesn't use the Fist's style, his master trained him in a way to fit his body more,since he’s not a big guy or anything. He goes for more speed than outright strength, as well as accuracy to focus on weak points in his opponents. He is Ala Mhigan and was trained by a survivor to open his gates, but he’s so young he’s never actually seen the Highlands, only heard stories. I’d love to get him some more involvement with stuff like this! =]

I'd like to throw Alec's name in there. And I'd love the idea of a LS for us =]

[align=center]It was just after midnight at the Harbingers Estate, and the Moonfire Faire were waning into the night, the celebrations for the day all but over. Perched atop a post of the hedge fence, Alec Harknezz stood almost completely still, balancing on one leg with his eyes closed, letting the gentle breeze sway him slightly in his meditation. In the distance, a clap of thunder signaled a coming storm, but Alec either didn't hear, or he didn't care. With a swift grace he jumped into the air, curling his body downwards and landing on his hands, balancing himself, and then lifting his right hand up to balance on his left.[/align] [align=center]"Happy birthday boy. You're old enough now, and it's time for your training to start." The gruff words of the man he called father were all the young boy needed for his stomach to drop. Before 'Father' could speak again, a gust of wind buffeted them, blowing the desert air from the Sagoli across the small hill they had climbed to, and off into the savannas of Thanalan below. The boy dusted his vibrant red hair by running his hand through it, doing so from a mix of nervousness and habit. "Like me, you will devote your life to the Destroyer, and he will grant you a portion of his power, and you will use it to fight the Garleans and take back our city, to avenge your parents boy, and to retake the home of the Fists of Rhalgr. Now, it is time you proved to him that you are worthy of his gifts." The massive Highlander looked down upon the boy with the same stern gaze he always held, letting through little of his emotion for the boy to read. The red-haired boy's mind raced as he thought of what he would have to do to appease the Destroyer, knowing the stories of the terrible things done in the name of such a god. He looked at the mass of stone before them, just now wondering why it was so smooth, and why it stood like a pillar before them. He did not have to wonder long however, as the Highlander spoke again, "Break the stone. Channel the destroyer and shatter it with your hands, then you can eat. But not before."[/align] [align=center]It had been at least an hour as Alec held his mediation, the wind picking up around him as it blew through the trees of the woods around the Estate. The thunder was much closer now, and small drops of rain began to sprinkle sparsely onto the grounds. With another swift move, Alec changes positions again, flipping back to his feet and kicking his right foot into the air, holding it at the pinnacle as he balanced on his left, almost as if kicking an invisible enemy in an extremely slow battle atop the post.[/align] [align=center]The smooth sandy stone was stained red as the boy continued to slam his fists against it to no avail. His stomach lurched with hunger, as the hours of continuous striking took its toll on him, but still he continued, knowing the Highlanders threats of him starving to death if he didn't weren't idle. With most of his energy gone, his punches were little more than him setting his fists against the stone weakly. As he continued his impossible task, the Highlander watched him while snacking on jerked beef, taunting the boy with the scent of the salted meat. "Hit it like a man, Alec. Do you just WANT to starve?"[/align] [align=center]The boy slapped his fist against the stone again and again, panting out, "No father," before he fell to his knees, pounding weakly against it with the little energy he had left. With his vision fading fast, the boy knew he was about to lose consciousness, and he wondered if anyone would even care, knowing the Highlander had been trained for years back in his homeland to give weakness no pity.[/align] [align=center]"Pathetic." was all the Highlander said as her began to walk away, leaving the boy to the desert, and to the beasts that live within it. The boy heard his footsteps as he stormed off, his vision fading to an eternal black.[/align] [align=center]The rain fell in torrents across the grounds, soaking the grounds and sending ripples across the waters below. Alec was still balanced upon the fence, his clothing drenched and sticking to his taut form as he shifted positions once more. His new position relied on him balancing on both hands with his legs in the air, sending both legs out as if to kick invisible opponents on either side of him, then holding them there.[/align] [align=center]As the black overcame his vision, the boy saw the stone taunting him in his mind's eye. He let out a weak chuckle at the cruelness of fate as he lay there dying, but as he did, he saw something on the stone. He struggled to his feet slowly, his legs shaking beneath him even in his near-death dream state. He stood before the stone, and his eyes were drawn to a spot on the center, a small shift in the smooth texture. He stood there for seconds? Minutes? Hours? He couldn't tell. He raised his hand and he knew what to do. With no strength left, he did all that he could, jabbing forward slowly with what little energy he had in this dream, and he held his hand like a knife as it tapped the shift.[/align] [align=center]Thunder clapped overhead as Alec finally slid off the post and onto the soaked grounds. Every step splashed as he stepped slowly towards the Mansion. Once under the overhand by the door, he shook his hair out with his hand, smiling at the rain before he turned the door to go inside and dry off.[/align] [align=center]A loud crack echoed down the hill, and Alec opened his eyes to see that he had hit the real stone , not one in his mind. From the point his fingers struck, a large crack exploded into existence; shooting outwards in all directions as the stone crumbled apart before him. He didn't understand what had just happened until a meaty hand clapped him on the back and he could hear a sound so rare he thought it might not exist. The Highlander was laughing. He lost consciousness as the man carried him back to their home in Little Ala Mhigo, and awoke to the taste of tea, chamomile he thought. It was followed by fish, a rare taste he got to enjoy, but delightful nonetheless. Over the next few days, he was allowed to rest, having driven his body to the brink of death, and the Highlander explained to him what had happened. He told him of the Fists of Rhalgr and their ways, not stories as the other residents of the cave had told him, things that could only come from the memory of someone who had lived through them. He explained that in the moment he had almost died, Alec had broke the seal of his first Chakra Gate and it had shown him the weakest point of his opponent, a skill gifted by Rhalgr himself.[/align] [align=center]His training had begun.[/align]

Father, [align=center]I was hoping to recieve a letter from you before I sent another of my own, but I know your distaste for writing, and I understand. Since I wrote you a few suns ago, I've fought in the tournament two more times, winning both. My first bout was with a Miqote that used two daggers, attacking swiftly, and he was as fast as me for much of the fight. We found ourselves in a dance more than a fight, dodging attack after attack. In the end, he was able to hit me once, but he made it worthwhile, sending a hard kick into my family jewels. I was able to hit him much more though, and in the end he yielded to a swift punch to the spine.[/align] [align=center]My second fight was much more intense, and was basically an exchange of blows until the fight ended. It happened earlier this very sun, in fact. I lunged at the Miqote swordsman and the exchange began. He was able to strike me in the ribs and then he picked up my shield and used it to slam me in the chest. In the end though, I emerged victorious. My next fight is a sun from now, and after having seen my opponent, I know it will be a good fight, after all, we are in the semi-finals now.[/align] [align=center]Other than that, little of note has happened. the piano was replaced, I helped repair it, and by that I mean I held things while someone skilled worked. I'm not sure when I will write again, but I'll try to send you an update on the tournament at least.[/align] With love, Alec

Father, [align=center]I sincerely hope this letter finds you well. Things in the Harbingers have been moving as fast as ever, just my speed, I can imagine you saying sometimes. Haha. So what has happened since last I wrote you? Ah yes, the foremost thing I'm sure you would like to know about is the tournament I have entered. I fought my first match two suns ago against the Company's giant of a Groundskeeper, Worren Tigre. The man fought well, and he was a veritable wall of muscle, but my speed helped me steer clear of most of his attacks. He did get one solid punch in on me before he yielded though, and it knocked one of my teeth out, but I did as you taught me and used his own hit against him, letting the momentum flip me around to strike at him once more. I must admit, it is nice having won, people see me as more than some pup with no experience under his belt now, and my win earned me at least some respect within the Company. I know you're thinking how much a fool I am right now, but don't worry, I was careful as I fought, and my style has evolved enough it's nearly unrecognizable. I only know of two who might suspect something, both members of the Company. One goes by the name of Maruud, I'm not sure his last, I only caught his first in passing. The man has a profound knowledge of the Fists of Rhalgr, as I overheard in a conversation afterwords, but he made no mention to me that he might suspect. The other however, has likely figured it out, but I am unsure. His name is Scorpio Shirica, a member of the Strategic Division like myself. He owns a pair of goggles that he says are Sharlayan in design, and they could show him the aether in my body as I fought, and it was to he that Maruud later spoke to about the Fists and their ways, so as a man of learning I expect him to have pieced together the puzzle. I requested he keep the information to himself and the Saint, leader, of the Strategic Division and he agreed, but I am not fool enough to trust blindly. I have noticed that since joining this Company, the people here are far more tolerant than outsiders, allowing all who serve the common goal among them, so long as issues do not arise. Because of this I do find myself slowly coming to terms with who I am, who you made me, father. I used my abilities in that fight and found no trouble for myself, so I will likely continue to do so, in the hopes of winning this little tournament. In the other parts of my life, things have been no slower. A woman I considered a friend left the Company just today, but not before including me in some strange web of lies revolving around her. She told me falsely of rumors spreading through the Company about me, and the reputation I had with the Matriarch, Lady Covington. I spoke to the Matriarch after only to find out it was a lie, and that she had also told her I had tried to kiss her. I'm unsure what brought this about, but it was shocking to hear, and during our meeting, she even went so far as to insult the Matriarch as well as the Saint of the Strategy Division before resigning from the Company. I can only hope I was able to stop the rumors from spreading before they reached Anadl's ears, she has had a hard life, and has an Ala Mhigan's trust that I must earn because of it. Sorry, I know sometimes I say things that confuse you, and I know already that that might be one of them, so let me explain. the girl has had such a hard life, filled with people lying and betraying her, and because of that she is hard to earn the trust of, much like our own people. I was a fool a few suns ago and tried to kiss her, feeling a moment that was not there, and because of that she ran from the Hall upset. I tried to apologize that night, but she ignored me as she left, so later I went to leave flowers for her in a spot I knew she visited privately, only to find she had fallen asleep there. I thought it best not to leave the flowers and the note I had written and instead went inside to fetch a blanket to cover her up so she didn't catch cold. Since then we have spoken more, and I am entirely unsure of what there is between us now. She asked me why I cared so deeply for her, and I tried to explain, but sometimes words alone cannot do justice to the matter of the beating heart. I told her of the moment I started feeling this way, of the nigh we met and she was too proud even as she could barely stand to take my help to get up the stairs, and I had to tell her I was drunk to and make it seem as though she was helping me. She is a strong woman father, even after her life has shown her horrors and pain, and I can't help but admire her for it. That plus her beauty makes it hard for me to even think rationally around her, it's like I am on a roaring rapid and I must say I am enjoying the ride, despite the bumps and splashes. Ah, but you do not want to hear the ramblings of a heartsick pup, as you've told me in my younger years. In that case, I will end my letter here, sparing you from my musings. As I said father, I hope this letter finds you well, and know I am safe and following my heart, as I told you I would. [/align] [align=right]With Love, Alec[/align]