Ciraxis

I like to start this discussion with a tale of the experience of mine. Few years ago when I was playing D&D (which I no longer do, many of my old friends had moved from my city) we was playing and quite diversified campaign, in terms of content. There was a dungeons crawling, an murder investigation in the city and our team ever got involved in the siege of the another one, and full fledged battle. While the adventure was full of clichés (well used and with a taste, but still clichés) it was one of most memorable ones I ever had,. Why? Simple. The GM was music lover. Not only that, his intuition of using the music was just perfect. When we traveled through the catacombs, he played a unnerving themes (from first Diablo if I remember) that gave us the shivers . When on battlefield, a inspiring heroic theme, to get our blood pumping. And when appropriate, just a 'silence' (by which I mean squeaking of rats, howling of wind and other environmental sounds), et cetera, et cetera - you got a drift. What I have mean? The right music is invaluable ally of GM (and the players). If GM is not very good at description of the surroundings, the right music can fill up with that. And if GM is good, the right 'soundtrack' can turn great session into awesome one. So, what's your tales with music in the paper & dice RP?

I must admit, writing villainous lines is fun.

"Yesss....that's probably most sensible question right now." said the deep voice behind the Dusk. Both ponies then focused on ridiculously huge black-armored stallion standing over them. "Image this...I was walking the corridors of the palace looking for something suspicious, when I found two dead guards at the Main Gate. Smoking. Fried with electricity. By some unwelcome guest." Black Knight started with 'casual' tone. "Of course I didn't liked this at all. You see apparently Prince of Ravens is missing and I don't have time for petty intruder, but there was no other pony available so I had to track him myself, and that made me ABSOLUTELY LIVID." stallion continued in more angry voice, before raising his armored hoof and punching Verenae across the room. The strike was not strong enough to kill him or even knock Dusk out, but it made his hat fall off, exposing his horn. "Ahhh some questions were solved right now, like the fried guards for example. A Bel'Rahmane, how surprising." Black Knight added in sarcastic tone. "Of course that doesn't explain why YOU aren't on your post but that story can wait." General given Chainmail a disapproving gaze before once more focusing on the unicorn. "Don't try teleporting Bel'Rahmane, palace walls are enchanted for that possibility. And don't even think about resisting for you chances are less then nil. You silly magics won't help you." Black Knight warned him. "Not convinced? Fine I introduce myself in case you spend few years in some cave - which you probably did, being hunted unicorn and all. I am one of Empire Great Generals - one they call 'Black Knight'. No pony or other creature in all of Coltara bested me in combat, single or not. I ended lives of thousands Bel'Rahmane like yourself, both with and without weapon. Never did their untrained spells helped them. You can now answer my questions like a pony with tattered remains of sanity that you are - before you would be locked in the dungeon and later executed - or scream like little girl as I will forcibly pull them out of you." stallion said before pulling out collapsible spear, hidden behind his blood red cape.

'Black Knight' - Within a Diamon Halls, few minutes earlier. "Ahh, but you not telling me everything either, isn't it Your Highness? For example, I recall you did much to try to keep from me the information that Rubyn was born as an unicorn." stallion commented with a snide remark "Don't worry...we have the same goals after all. This secrecy is not lack of trust...I just learned long ago, that it's not wise to put all eggs in one basket." "Silvertongue? How could I forget? It was I, who founded him on the mountain road after this 'ambush'. Yes, he's a great choice...even if he's little old. Depending on how much Goodwin taught to young Prince, either Silvertongue will give him hard time, or it will be other way around hahahahah!" Black Knight laughed in his deep voice amused by the thought "Still, I would like to see how much Rubyn can already do." It was some more minutes after that before Black Knight spoke again. "Prince is late, he should be here already....that's strange. Excuse my...'paranoia' Your Majesty but I will check if everything alright." the General bowed before the Empress and headed straight to one of the side doors.

Nope. Spock (and Vulcans in general) is a vegetarian.

"And I say it WILL work! <plunks and screeches>....Well...I guess it won't." Name: Garnet Vermilllion, named after her colour shame. Sex: Female Age: Filly, on the very edge of adulthood. Birthday: December 1 Species: Pegasus Eye colour: Her eyes are slightly mismatched. Left iris is amber while right is gold. Unnoticeable until examined carefully. Coat: Overall, her coat is scarlet colour. Near her hooves it turns into amaranth. She usually wears dark coloured clothes, her favorite being black 'biker' jacket. Mane and Tail: For most of her childhood she used to have her neck long mane kept down, she only feels herself when it's spiked up on both sides of her face. Her tail is kept long, spiky and roughly 'natural' in style. Both mane and tail are vermilion and are the reasons for second part of her name. Physique: Garnet posses curvy, voluptuous body that makes stallions droll. She is flexible, athletic and have quite long legs for a pegasus. Residence: Born in Canterlot. Currently lives with her aunt in Stalliongrad. Occupation: Begun studying engineering to became airship designer(or other job that will involve working with large vehicles - trains, ships whatever!) at the Stalliongrad Engineering University. Motivation: Becoming great engineer and innovator. To inherit her father company not as a noble with bunch of stocks but as the visionary. Cutie Mark: An airship propeller, with wrenches instead of blades. It shows her talent in airship engineering. History part 1: Born as the second daughter to the noble family, Garnet was much loved by all of her family for she was eagerly awaited even before her birth. From her early years Garnet was very cheerful if a little forceful and headstrong girl. While she was well versed in the customs, luxury and lifestyle of her social class she always liked to do 'unladylike' things like leg-wrestling, playing superheroes and other things more fitting the colts. With passing years these traits deepened with Garnet having zero interest into becoming the proper lady - preferring to have ponysonal freedom. In school she pursued physical activity, to the point of joining gymnastic club. She did very poor in such topic like literature and history while having excellent marks in mathematics and physics. Around time of Middle School Vermilion discovered her Special Talent... Cutie Mark Story: Around the time Garnet was in 7th Grade, she and her family had a trip in the airship factory at witch her father was part-investor. The trip was a present for her older brother, but he wasn't even as nearly excited as Garnet was. Vermilion was almost literally charmed by the large machinery and fascinated by the end product. From that day, Garnet used her not-so-small allowance to buy books about engineering, airships and other large vehicles. She begun to read about them even at the cost of sleep (until her parents noticed and she became more careful). However the real thrill came when young Garnet ordered the advanced engineer tool set. Within the next week, all complicated devices in all of her school friends houses was mysteriously repaired. After that dared to construct something herself. The result was unimpressive miniature self-propelled engine...which after first start, flied uncontrollably from Garnet hideout in the attic and managed to crash a dinner at the parter below. Her secret now exposed, young filly brought herself to her father. To Garnet surprise however, her dad brushed whole accident aside. More importantly, something appeared on young Garnet flank! Everyone was particularly overjoyed, even her dad who still considered his daughter talent as a mere 'hobby', despite that deep inside he knew better. History part 2: In the future he was to be proved wrong. For the time being, Garnet could experiment with various machines undisturbed. This especially worried her father who would rather prefer for young mare to be perfect model lady. He tried to subtly mold her into a role but his filly proved too wild for that. While he still allowed her to work with her gears and oils he started to openly say about them not being fitting for a mare her status. And then young Garnet found ally. Her aunt, - a sister of his father - was sympathetic to her desire of being 'self made mare' and persuaded her sibling parent too allow Garnet chase her dream. Pointing out the futility of his attempts and calling out to his fatherly love she manages to change his mind. Finally defeated, Garnet father realized that his daughter will never be a perfect lady as he planned. He allowed Vermilion enrollment into Stalliongrad Engineering University, just as she always wished for since gaining her Cutie Mark. Soon after that she moved into her aunt house, waiting for her first year to start. Personality: While Garnet is quite cheerful pony she has some problems. One is her honesty and pushy attitude, often coming to the point of rudeness. While her parent tried Vermillion to act more ladylike, they seemed to achieve opposite effect. Garnet also thinks nothing about etiquette and customs of her social class. Young pegasus deems majority of them are silly and she really is looking forward to break them (not that others know about her social class. Just for pure ponysonal satisfaction). Vermillion does not mind being in center of attention, milking it for all it's worth - but does not actively seek it. Actually one can say it's the opposite right now as she is trying to lay low, preferring to focus on her studies. Still she was very popular in high school so the feeling is not alien to her. Because of her passionate nature Garnet came to value personal freedom more then anything. She react badly when somepony tries to restrict her without logical reason - much to the trouble of her Ma and Pa. This extends not only to Garnet parents but at others as well. One should be very careful when using phrase 'must do' or other similar in her presence without excuse. The only pony allowed too speak to her like that is her Aunt (which Garnet feel she owns a dept) and to lesser extent - teachers. Garnet is at her happiest when playing with machinery and when tinkering with gears and oils almost nothing can break her good mood. The mare can get later clingy when meeting somepony with same interests. One can guess that it is her desire to be understood that made her behave as such. Just don't try to say that her new device will not work before she tries it. She has really good aim with that wrench of hers. While overall tomboyish don't confuse Vermillion behavior with being some ladette. While rebellious Garnet has a very healthy amount of respect for herself, she isn't a type that go clubbing all night long. She has a goal, you know! OOC: Design of her physical design (mane and body) was inspired by Kallen Stadtfeld from Code Geass. Similarities to other fictional or real characters are purely coincidental.

[colour=green]"Yeah, yeah, yeah...just old habit of mine."[/colour] Swift dismissed Dunder comment. Unicorn proceeded to move on stage. [colour=green]"Him."[/colour] Squall pointed at Abbot without looking. He was ready to sing, and sing he will! Swift took the microphone into his telekinetic grasp and closed his eyes as first beats of the song filled the room. The memory of the song words flashed through his mind. [colour=green]"Your cruel device Your blood like ice One look could kill My pain, your thrill I want to love you, but I better not touch (Don't touch) I want to hold you but my senses tell me to stop I want to kiss you but I want it too much (Too much) I want to taste you but your lips are venomous poison You're poison runnin'thru my veins You're poison, I don't want to break these chains!"[/colour] At first Swift was just singing, but now he started swaying to the sides. [colour=green]"Your mouth, so hot Your web, I'm caught Your skin, so wet Black lace on sweat I hear you calling and it's needles and pins (And pins) I want to hurt you just to hear you screaming my name Don't want to touch you but you're under my skin (Deep in) I want to kiss you but your lips are venomous poison You're poison runnin'thru my veins You're poison, I don't want to break these chains Poison[/colour] Now everypony could notice that Swift singing got even more passionate. His eyes were open now, but he apparently didn't saw them. [colour=green]One look could kill My pain, your thrill I want to love you, but I better not touch (Don't touch) I want to hold you but my senses tell me to stop I want to kiss you but I want it too much (Too much) I want to taste you but your lips are venomous poison You're poison runnin'thru my veins You're poison, I don't want to break these chains Poison I want to love you, but I better not touch (Don't touch) I want to hold you but my senses tell me to stop I want to kiss you but I want it too much (Too much) I want to taste you but your lips are venomous poison, yeah I don't want to break these chains Poison, oh no Runnin'deep inside my veins, Burnin'deep inside my veins It's poison I don't want to break these chains[/colour] Finally, the music stopped and the swordstallion singing did as well. Unicorn still breathed fast, yet he himself came back from reality. There were a strange sparkles in his eyes.

She looks better in pink!

Adamantium is even stronger then titanium!

[colour=green]"That's what worries me..."[/colour] Swift muttered in response. * * * * * * * * * * * Two days later Swift was exiting his cabin on the board of the airship with an annoyed groan. Unicorn decided to rent an extra large one and insisted to take extra equipment ''Just in Case''. Sworstallion wasn't sleeping well. And not only because of his usual nightmare routine... While he was not allergic to catnip, the amount of the very stuff was large enough to make everything on board reek with it's smell, including ponies themselves. [colour=green]"Merciful Celestia...I never thought I would miss Endugu Swamps in Unyasi...and the place odour was horrible." [/colour] he said to himself. It's not like smell was especially horrible. It was it's intensity that was killing him, similar to sniffing strong perfume for too long. Swift shuffled slowly to the airship mess. Candy wasn't there yet. Either she was still sleeping, or took some flight both to warm up her wings and escape the stench even if for the little while. [colour=green]"Lucky girl."[/colour] stallion said in his mind. Squall took a plate of rice and his favourite broccoli for a breakfast and sat behind the empty table. Normally he would be very hungry at that hour, but catnip smell took all his appetite. Count knew that he needed too eat through, so he did just that even if without much of enthusiasm.

Sight...I gonna feel bad for using this image. Thank you. Good night. End of story. That's all folks....we can roll up the thread!

Heh, in today world of fiction, there are no such things that are uncounterable. Here you go. Darkseid. He have a Black Hole instead of a heart. What now, Char ?

I suggest adding those to the list: Biker Mice from Mars, Conan the Adventurer, Extreme Dinosaurs, Batman Beyond (possibly with the movie "Return of Joker"), New Adventures of Johnny Quest, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Bionic Six and Transformers:Beast Wars.

I will but on PM. No reason to spoil others the fun with my theories. Yes, total page count is waaaay shorter, but Guin Saga is still longest continuing work. It started in 1979 and finished in 2009. That means that even when Wheel of Time will be finished, it will be still one year too short to beat that record. If we going with page total then I believe that Xanth series would be better candidate (not to mention it's unbeatable in the amout of puns), 35 books total and no sign of stopping.

If we going with numbers then nothing beat the The Guin Saga. One hundred thirty volumes and twenty one side-stories, straight from Japan (they kinda specialize in long running works). Unfortunatly the death of the author means that story will not be resolved. But back on track....I think I see where are you going with Lilith, Valence .

~ Black Knight, within Diamond Halls Black Knight couldn't shake the feeling that something will happen tonight. Even more, because for the brief moment, General could feel a killing intent in the air. While now the enmity disappeared without trace, stallion knew better then believe that all had returned to normal. He was as surprised as all other when Tupalia announced that young Moonfire will be personal Gardener of the Prince. The gaze of Black Knight and Eisar meet over the crowd. In this short moment they exchanged all what was needed. Black Knight waited unlit two baraki and the Prince left the room before he spoke to the Empress. "It was bold move Your Majesty. Are you sure she have what it takes? The cub can have the blood of the Viola and skill with magic but does she have what it takes?" he asked, with a doubt in his deep voice. Black Knight was one of the few who had guts to question Tupalia decisions. "Especially now...they may be many who will seek to...dispose of the Prince. And this young Moonfire seemed a little too innocent." Black Knight felt silent for the moment. "And about your son...I heard much about him from Goodwin. Wise Goodwin was a student of mine, and he himself was teacher of the Young Prince...not that Rubyn knows this. Goodwin written me many letters about him." Black Knight shifted in place and gazed at the moonlight. "In his opinion, Prince was patient, disciplined and wise over his years. And I also heard that he chose the Way of the Spear. Even before sickness triumphed over him three months ago, my pupil written more about Rubyn then about his own health." Black Knight paused and looked at Tupalia "Because of this,Prince training is not complete...he needs a new teacher. If that would be possible, I would like to instruct him ponysonaly, Your Majesty."

Swift sat in the silence for the moment, staring at the sketch and trying to conceive the monstrous size of the animal depicted on it. [colour=green]".......Let's get straight. You, Candy - was sent to study and possibly catch this? Ridiculous... It can stomp on you and not notice..."[/colour] Squall expressed his disbelief. He stood up and begun to trot back and forth at the opposite side of the table. [colour=green]"You realize why I tagged along during our first trip? It was because of Dunder and Dunder only. I just couldn't allow him to participate in such reckless and stupid operation on his own. Dunder is my friend...my first real friend I got. And you too know he can be just like kid sometimes."[/colour] unicorn said, shaking his head. While he complained over pegasus childish behaviour, Candy could notice the affection in swordstallion tone. [colour=green]"And where this brought me? To another ridiculous trip. You know what that means?"[/colour] Swifts stopped and looked directly at Candy. [colour=green]"That means that I will not let you to go alone Candy. Celestia preserve me and curse your kamikaze tendencies but I will go with you. Because your my friend as well. The length of things I do for you guys.... Besides I was boring the horesapples from myself anyway."[/colour] count said, adding a quite mutter to himself. [colour=green]"So you have me...and with me you have funds. What else do you need?"[/colour] Squall asked a mare. Now that he counted himself in, Swift knew that preparations were to be made.

"But maybe he should? You know what they say, Your Majesty 'One should not fear the questions...and the answers.' " Black Knight said slowly, weighting each word. "But they also say, that silence is the greatest advisor." he added. When servant finally offered him some wine, he just shook his helm bearing head "I need beverage not, child. And don't fear...as long as you serve Empress faithfully your heart and my blade shall never meet." General waited a moment it took Tulipia to taste her wine before he continued. "Indeed I found one who I was seeking. Boisterous pony he was, in his arrogance he challenged me... Surely he believed that barrier of distance will protect him, and that I will not answer his call..." Black Knight stopped for a moment to gaze the crowd before he continued. "I spared his life, but took the flight....will he work hard, he can regain it. And if that fool became any wiser from the experience, he would not seek attention of those above him without reason." Gigantic stallion turned his head slightly, to look directly at Empress. "But it was not as interesting as some things that I found out while travelling there and back...I even made a few side-trips to pursue them. I can say only some of them here thought" he explained and once more looked around a room. Somehow the atmosphere of this night felt familiar to Black Knight...but he couldn't tell if it was good or bad. "First, - the 'Boundary' is shifting. It is possible that something...or somepony could come to our side. The disturbance seems to come from the 'other' land. It will last a full lunar cycle. Watchers expect that opposite will be achievable during next one." general stopped to give Empress time to digest the information "I also collected some whereabouts about one of Sages. I was surprised that he...or her is still alive but the proof I found is undeniable. However it costed me...few of my soldiers. With you permission, I will pick their replacements from the Army ponysonaly, like usual." he requested. "And finally...'They' are making their move. They believe that the Young One could be incarnation of 'Him'. Not surprising considering a 'last time'. But even I couldn't find what exactly 'They' are planning to do with that suspicion..." he told in apologizing tone. Suddenly Black Knight frame stiffened. He straighten up to his full high and looked around. "Something is wrong..." he growled "It's just like then..."

The very next day ~ Waterside Resort, Clock Tower Plaza, 7:50 AM Swift Squall was waiting for young filly for quite a while. Of course he wasn't waiting outside, he instead kept himself occupied, by pretending that he was interested with stamps in Post Office at the plaza. Squall had a clear look for a Clock Tower from there. [colour=green]"She is late...did she gave up on the book already?"[/colour] he thought [colour=green]"I wonder why it was so important to her. A diary, perhaps? Cover didn't had a title."[/colour] "Sir, will you buying ANYTHING? Not that you hinder businesses. But to be honest, this is getting annoying" said an irritated post mare, cutting Swift pondering short. [colour=green]"Oh...yes, I am sorry. Umm... I will take four. No, wait....SIX stamps and the same amount of envelopes."[/colour] swordstallion ordered. At the same time, he gave a look outside, through the large window. [colour=green]"It's almost eight..."[/colour]

And now, enter 'Black Knight'.....literally.

Within the Diamond Hall~ As the applause died out and the hall was illuminated in the silver light, suddenly a clanking sound was heard in the floors below...and it was closing in. Despite the fact that was almost a year since this metallic sound echoed in the home of the Imperial Family, all of the creatures who gathered in the Silver Hall this evening, knew who was heralded by it. The clanking was heard closer and closer, until it stopped just outside the room. A single pony in whole of the Coltara had nerve to be such late at the celebration...or how other would put it; had privilege to do so. And then the massive iron gates of Diamond Hall opened once more. Only one pony came through the entrance, temporarily drawing all attention. Huge towering amongst the crowd, clad in the onyx black plate armor and with a crimson red cape waving behind him. The pony known as the 'Black Knight' , the most famous of all Great Generals, first sword in the Coltara and Empress confidant have returned. Despite being such late he walked proudly straight forward, completely ignoring all others aside from Empress and Prince of Ravens. The Black Knight finally stopped before both and the he kneeled. "Your Majesty, I had returned." said the pony with a deep voice, hidden behind his black helm, which distorted his words even further. Even through no one could see his eyes or expression, Empress knew Black Knight so well the she could guess just by tone of his voice that he brought a good news. Obviously his latest assignment was resolved successfully, even if they couldn't discuss it with detail right now. A warrior raised from his knees before he turned his head around and gave a gathered an amused look. He then walked over the steps an took his place standing just behind the Crystal Throne, at the Empress right side.

You say Superman...and I say...Goku! Dragon Ball Z Movie 14: Battle of Gods. Oh my gosh! <Squeeeeeee!> Yes, yes, yes, yes!

[colour=green]"I heard that Blusty. Still delusional with a little dreams here and there? Well, maybe not so much delusional. One is fulfilling today after all."[/colour] he smiled and waved. Swift was actually beaming, with his best pal getting married today. Dudner would probably not go on as many voyages as before...at last for a while. Still unicorn guessed that he was happy, and this was enough to make him joyful as well. Even if Swift had problems with expressing that. [colour=green]"I comming...[/colour] he answered, ready to join him, but upon seeing Fire - who made her way towards him - he changed his mind. Swift had a crush on crimson mare for a while, and honestly speaking Dunder being married made him joyful ever more because of this. Fire Walker used to have a crush on Dunder himself, much to stallion obliviousness. That was the reason why Swift didn't invite her on date yet. Broken heart needed time to heal. [colour=green]"Few moments."[/colour] he assured Dunder. Fire Walker was a tough mare, and if he want a chance to win her heart, he have to be confidant! And this was a perfect opportunity. He looked at Fire, ready to greet her. But before Swift could open his mouth, she berated him over his 'Dynamic Entry'. [colour=green]"Errr...good to see you too Fire."[/colour] he said, totally non-apologetic. Instead he was just staring at her, suspiciously happy. [colour=green]"Believe me or not, I couldn't. I was in Las Pegasus, preparing a little surprise for the weeding. Some rampaging dragon, turned a rail road into junk metal and I had no choice but to travel along with my 'Little Surprise' by the air. Don't ask what it is, you will see for yourself soon enough."[/colour] he explained. [colour=green]"When I was training for Honor Guard we made jumps every three days. And at worst, Dunder and Ice would get world richest fireplace rug."[/colour] swordstallion said, giving a sample of a gallows humour. [colour=green]"But it was cute that you were worried about me."[/colour] he teased. Yet when Fire said about something on his face an awkward silence creep in, and Swift's confidence dissipated. Worse yet, unicorn couldn't help but notice that her happy demeanour seemed forced. [colour=green]"T-thanks."[/colour] Swift quickly said, wiping his face. [colour=green]"Fire...can you wait for a moment while I say 'Hi' to Dunder? I...I want to ask you about something."[/colour] he muttered, giving her an strange look. Was it hope? Anyway he dashed off quickly towards an stallion pegasus, surrounded by friends. To be frankly, he wasn't exactly comfortable with this. Dunder apparently had many friends and while Swift Squall had nothing against meeting them, he preferred to do this one per time - not en masse. He was familiar with Muggo and Candy at last. Yet unlike others, the dark green, earth pony mare seemed familiar to him somehow. He decied to be hold it for himself for now. Squall was sure they never meet...maybe he was told about her? No matter, that can wait for later. [colour=green]"I see that the Princess showed up after all."[/colour] swordstallion commented, looking at the side before returning his attention to Dunder. [colour=green]"You did wisely that you mentioned this to me in the invitation latter. I pulled a few strings - there will be no paparazzi around today."[/colour] Swift informed. He was quite sure that Princess heard this as well - he intended her too. After all, alicorns were rumoured to have senses much more sharper than any other kind of pony. And princess or no, everypony deserved some privacy. [colour=green]"Sooo Blusty. Who is your witness?"[/colour] he asked just to make a talk going. He was more concerned with the Fire Walker, even turning his head around trying to follow her in the crowd.