If it ain't broke... right?

Seems like it never fails. You get a good thing going & somebody decides to change the rules. Reason? Best I can tell is, "just because."

This all focuses directly on dear ole Yahoo & the decision of the Yahoo PTB to totally (... no, I won't cuss, too many younger minds out there ...) change up Yahoo Groups, which means our KTDA group.

For almost 9 years, KTDA has had a nice thing going over on Yahoo. The format was easy to understand & work with. Members had an easy time posting or reading, adding photos or viewing databases. It was nice.

Then, apparently, some tech got bored & we were presented with "NEO."

Oh, my...

So today I want to formally apologize to all the members & players at KTDA.

Special people like Arianna & Prince & Hawk & Krystal & Sid who've been with the game since the beginning, I depend on you to help! You've withstood so much over the years, so I hope sincerely you'll hang tight as we all adjust to the new madness.

To my newer friends like Rio & Jenna & Angie & Tyla & Kane and Co., hang in there! Please!!! We need each and every one of you to weather this current dilemma and help us forge ahead!!!

You will have noticed the "Ram" photos?

This whole situation reminds me so totally about The Tribe Season-4 & the Technos taking over the city & changing all the rules.

Like the Mall Rats and the Mozzies and all the other city tribes, we have to work together to minimize the damage and "Keep The Dream Alive."

Next month marks the 9th Anniversary of our rpg. I need all of you with us, to make sure this isn't the last year. Don't let the Technos win, ok?

THANK YOU!!!

Stay tribal!

-Chyna, KTDA Game Owner

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

From "The Amulet" to "Fort River Today"

The Tribe had Jack & Ellie's "Amulet," a newspaper they produced about the city that was distributed far beyond the Mall. Their newspaper provided an important service & was vital in making all the kids in different tribes throughout the city feel they were parts of a greater whole.

In KTDA, we have Fort River Today, a newspaper put out clandestinely by underground kids so they can tell the city The Truth without suffering harm because of it. This is also a great way to summarize current game "action" & keep everyone on the same page moving forward. All the newspapers are archived in our "Files" section & available for review by all our players at any time.

Here's a sample of our tip-of-the-hat to The Tribe.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Fort River Today

For the Citizens of Fort River, from "Team Bob"

COSMO LIVES!

Season 7, Issue 3

Fort River drenched in blood!

STOP IT, PEOPLE! This insanity is gonna rip us apart! Yesterday Fort River say its bloodiest day in a long time.

Lynching on Merchant Street! - Vigilantes who seem to be running the city lately hauled some poor kid out in public, called him a murderer, then lynched him in front of about 100 people! I was able to find out the kid's name, Kurt. Sounds like he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. From my interviews, the poor guy didn't kill anybody. I heard he left a younger sister alone somewhere in the city. We hope she's okay.

Riot Deaths! - The riot started right after the lynching. Next I knew everybody was fighting! But there were plenty of people trying to stop it even if Urick was a no-show. Marionette & Villa, who run security for Val, plowed into the rioters in a car! Valentine & Vincent were protecting her new indoor market and the traders there. Oliver took down at least 2 of the vigilantes responsible for the lynching. Even Rio was trying to calm things down. To each and every person who tried to help, thanks for lending a hand.

A lot of kids were wounded. I talked to people at the City Clinic where most of the injured kids went. Medics from The 100 were there helping out. Tristan & Cecily made sure the clinic had enough supplies. We also heard some wounded went to Peachtree Mall for care. To Blasko and his tribe, you did a good thing. Thanks.

Tribal Slaughter! - The riot was part of some city-wide madness. In alleys off north River Road near Blood's Bar, the Vamp Tribe squared off with some of their enemies. They lost! Everybody at the scene was dead. Every one of them was a Vamp.

We were tipped off that whoever fought the Vamps actually started the riot to keep eyes away from the north end of the city!

We got people looking for survivors or clues to who took the Vamps out.

OTHER NEWS

GOLDEN ABYSS DELAYED. Tristan has put off opening his fight club indefinitely. I think that's wrong! Maybe if we'd had a club where people could get aggressions out, maybe this insanity wouldn't blow up in the streets. Think about it, guy.

MIRAGE CLOSED! If you were in the crowd outside Mirage last night, you know that Valentine locked the place down. We hope neither her or Vincent got hurt in the riot.

RESURRECTION? I was there. Ace was D-E-A-D in the Library in a pool of blood. Now reports are he was seen walking around town? Don't believe every rumor you hear.

BREAK-INS ON GOODMOTE. We're still hearing about thugs breaking into apartments on Goodmote Road. Kids over there are locking up and finding ways to protect themselves. That's about all you can do.

TO POLICE CHIEF URICK

I'm really trying to keep my cool here but it's hard, watching as this city goes farther in the toilet. It's got to stop before we go back to the way things were right after the Virus. So this is an open letter to our so-called "Police Chief" Urick of The 100.

Is your head up your ass???

Lynching, rioting, tribes getting massacred, petty thefts and break-ins - if this is the way you control bad elements in the city and make it safe for the rest of it, forget it. You got no place taking that kind of authority when you don't DO anything significant.

As of now, I say Fort River is wide open. We got no security OF ANY KIND. Urick is no police chief. You're better off hanging with crazy-ass Villa! We're on our own, guys and girls. Do what you have to. If that means picking up a weapon and defending what you got, so be it. Find some strong friends or hire a bodyguard if you've got the scratch. You sure as hell can't depend on a man named Urick who doesn't even show up.

MARKET DAY AT TANGO LAKE

Another week has rolled around. Time for Market Day out at Tango Lake. OK, so Val opened up a really great indoor market for the city. But Market Day means we get traders from all over the region, with produce and goods you just can't get in the city these days. So head out to Tango Lake and see what they got. It runs from sun-up to sundown. We'll see you out there.

TODAY’S FORECAST

Crazy Gypsy Chick is back. Here's her latest:  Morning fog has been kind of heavy lately, and yes the dew lays down thick. But in case you haven't noticed, there's been no rain for more than 2 weeks. Check your fresh water. You might want to start stocking up.

Thanks, Rio, for the electricity! You rock!

~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Fort River Rules!

Singing isn't the only talent among our KTDA players! Over at The Mirage casino, the manager decided to have an open-mic night & see what other players/characters might come up with.

One guy fancied himself a stand-up comedian. Now Rio is not the brightest bulb in the box, but he figured out how to get power back to the city by using the old power station to generate hydroelectricity. Still, he's more than just rough around the edges. He has a lot of, well, let's say old-fashioned notions about girls & his attitude toward them. Hasn't made him too popular, as you can imagine.

Here's Rio's stand-up effort. It's an interesting commentary/perspective on the events that were happening at this time (fall 2010) in the game. In the annals of KTDARPG, it's definitely unique!

Open-Mic Night: Stand Up -- Rio

Amy: Next up is a guy you know even if you don't know him. Without this guy, you'd still be trying to find batteries for your cd player or cooking over a fire. Who am I talking about? Our very own Power Czar! Give it up for RIO everybody!

*Rio jumped on stage and snagged the mic off its stand.*

Rio: Hey! Fort River! I'm gonna tell ya a few things, things ya might not know but definitely should. How many of y'all read the raggedy newspaper this city puts out?

*Here 'n there shouts went up for the newspaper. Apparently a lot of Fort River's kids could actually read. Rio made a broad show of shaking out some papers and smoothing them against his chest.*

Rio: Oooo-kay, that's a surprise. In case some of you missed it, lessee what the latest rag put out there. Hey whaddaya know--this Quentin editor guy noticed StormRiver wasn't dry no more. Observant, ain't he? Wonder which clue got him--all the kids who got swept away in the current? Or the fact the minute the river was back, the power was runnin' again? And what kinda name is QUENTIN anyway? What the hell happened to good ole Bob? Anybody think mebbe this Quentin guy made some kinda raid on the paper and tossed out the old regime? *shrugs broadly* It all seems fishy ta me. *shakes out the paper some more* Aright, what else we got here. We got "fight night" and we got "angry girls" -- haha! Sounds like a party ta me! Any y'all been over to the fight club?

*This time the cheering was louder.*

Rio: Wooo, fans, huh? Cool. Jet knows how ta throw a helluva party. There's money ta be made if ya got the guts. I made a good haul myself last night--ya know the first guy up here, Thunder? He's also a helluva fighter! Watched him pummel two big bruisers and come out standin'. Now, about those angry girls, unfortunately we ain't talkin' about the fight club. Would be cool if we were, huh? But nooooo, we talkin' about misguided females still carryin' a torch for old Hellstorm. Yeh, yeh, he used ta pack the house--notice I said used ta? Cuz that boy just up and vanished on us all. Mebbe he could sing but he sure wasn't no kinda stand-up guy, walkin' out on his woman and all. See what this world brought us? Dudes like ole Hellstorm and his ilk--just wham bam thank-ya ma'am and they're outa here!

*A large contingent of former Hellstorm fans broke into some very loud boos that were quickly drowned out by others who agreed with Rio.*

"You got a lotta room to talk, man!" *A group of really tall, really big guys stood over from the stage drinking beer and shaking their heads.* "How many girls you shopped 'n dropped, huh? How many guys knocked you on your ass for disrespectin' their ladies?"

Rio: HEY! HEY!

*He swung the mic and got real close to the end of the stage staring straight at the group calling him out.*

Rio: No way--it sooo ain't like that. Ladies! Please! Any you who have had the pleasure of my company, please enlighten these gentlemen. Am I a gorilla? Am I disrespectful?

*Various laughing females shouted out.* "Hell no!" "Rio's a good time!" "Can't a girl just have some fun?"

Rio: *grinning* See? I stand vindicated! Now y'all let me finish up, huh?

*Still grinning, he made a big show of the newspaper.*

Rio: Aright--now it says here we gotta problem with MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES. The 100? *shakes his head* No big mystery there, I'm thinkin'. Y'all remember good old Blasko? Used to strut around while his people worked their asses off cleaning up alleys and playgrounds? I gotta feelin' the guy was buckin' for mayor or sumpin. Nuh-uh-uh, we don't play that in Fort River. WE the ones who got shed of the Brotherhood and the Anti-kids, fer cryin out loud. A punked out tribe like the 100? No way is one tribe takin' over our lives ever again! FORT RIVER RULES!

*Rio let the mic drop to the stage as he raised both fists in the air and repeated Fort River Rules! while the crowd cheered.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOTE: The sketch at left is a rendering of the character "Rio" by another of our players (a great & talented friend from Utah), based on the character description. We have a few of these on file in the game, and it's always useful to get a visual of what the characters look like.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Sketch courtesy of "Keep The Dream Alive" role-playing game.

Love is a Battlefield

One really fun innovation we created in KTDA was musical performance, beginning with the one & only Jade. Her character is a singer/performer. It wasn't long before she stumbled across what would become our game's anthem: Pat Benatar's stellar "Love is a Battlefield." It fit Jade, and it fit our game. Here is the scene where Jade first performed it in-game.

There would be other times, and other singers, and other songs, but first times are special. We hope you think so too!


Love is a Battlefield

*Shari took Jade to a large hall. On a stage littered with garbage and rotten fruit, a rock band was trying to perform between ducking things thrown at them and some of the crowd up on stage attacking them. Already one of the band seemed to be unconscious. And all of this through metal grating protecting the stage at least from bigger objects, like chairs being thrown at them.*

Shari: If you want to be Tom-F's singer... You sure you want to? You can always work in other jobs for him. It is possible. I did it. You're sure?

Jade: *swallows in a throat suddenly desert-dry* Yeah, sure. Umm... where's the restroom?

*Shari pointed the way and then stood outside the door to the Ladies' while Jade went inside. After a minute Shari shook her head, leaning against the wall to wait with the sounds of Jade losing her lunch.*

Shari: (So much for the cool professional singer...)

*When Jade finally walked out, she was back in control of herself. She took a deep breath, nodded to Shari then began walking toward the stage. Off to the side is an announcer with a microphone, sheltering behind some tall amplifiers to avoid being hit by by flying objects. Jade leaned close and whispered in his ear. He nodded and handed her the microphone. Jade checked to make sure it was on. She closed her eyes a second then moved to the top of the steps leading to the performance cage. She put the microphone near her lips.*

Jade: *shouts* WE ARE YOUNG!

*Her voice and the amp-reverb thundered out over the hall, causing people to hold their ears and scream at the unexpected sound. The band on stage quickly ducked out the back. Suddenly all eyes and a wicked yellow spotlight focus on Jade's slight figure.*

*The audience was silent (probably in shock) as Jade tossed the mic back to the announcer and walked slowly down the steps. The spotlight followed her. On the high notes, her rich voice carried loudly. When her voice went low and sexy, the acoustics carried her words to the farthest seats.*

"WE ARE STRONG!
No one can tell us
WE'RE WRONG!
Searching our hearts
for so lo-o-o-ng,
both of us knowing
Love is a Battlefield.

Do I stand in your way?
It would help me to know.
But if you get much closer
I could lose control.
And if your heart surrenders,
you'll need me to hold.

WE ARE YOUNG!
Heartache to heartache we stand!
Both of us knowing
Love is a Battlefield."

Shari: *watching from the back of the hall* (Oh, sh*t...)

*The crowd got over the shock of her first vocal attack on them. Some of them began to take out their vengeance on the amplifiers for being so loud. Others try to act out her words by grabbing a girl off someone else's lap. The girls are enjoying it, as long as they're paid, some of them making a point of proving how young they are, others trying to act out the line "But if you get much closer I could lose control" to the enjoyment of their partners. Some of the crowd turned on the guards to create a battlefield. The guards in return turned on the water cannons. Through all of this, Jade walked. As she continued to sing, some joined in. When she finished, an amplified voice blared out above the noise.*

"Enough! Stop!"

*All action stopped as the audience recognized Tom-F's voice. All eyes turned to the platform above the stage where Tom is standing.*

Tom-F: "May I introduce our new house singer--Jade! She'll be performing every night at 23:00 at the Flying Pig Bar."

----
With all respect & applause to Pat Benatar for her great song. You can see the original on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGVZOLV9SPo 

~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

A Tribal Winter Celebration

In one of our game's best tributes to The Tribe & the concept of tribes in KTDA, our Winter Solstice celebration included a massive city-wide parade that embraced all the inhabitants of our city. With the help of a great partner from Cleveland, we were able to pull it all together in 1 fantastic post. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!


Winter Solstice Parade
Post #3729 - October 2005

Welcome to the first Winter Solstice Parade, brought to you by Tom-F Enterprises. I'm Stacy and I'll be your announcer for this occasion. So let the show begin!

And here they come, guys! The parade's starting! There's Grand Marshal Tom-F, but hey he's walking. What happened to the carriage? The blonde with him is Jade, the girl who worked like crazy to pull all your Solstice entertainment together! Let's hear it for Tom-F and Jade!

Ok, behind Tom-F we have the Fort River Marching Band. Dressed in sparkling red and blue uniforms. Hey, they look great! Listen as the band of 30 plays 20 different types of instruments!

Next is the float for Tom-F's Casino. Look at the showgirls dance! Be sure to stop by Tom F.'s fine establishments including the clubs and casinos. They're open 24/7 during Solstice!

Next we have... hmm. Ok, here's a little something for the guys. Madam Mona and her girls! Aren't those costumes great? Well, colorful anyway. Maybe a bit cold for some of those-- is that girl at the back turning blue? Somebody should check on her.

Hey, look-- it's Blood and his boys! The rebels with motorcycles. Word is they'll connect with the band Tribal Thunder for a great song and stunt show later this afternoon. You'll definitely want to check that out!

Look in sky! It's a tribute to those amazing Birds that kept us safe when they helped us out in recent rough times. Wherever you are, Birds, you inspired these giant kites! Everybody give us a special hand for The Birds of Prey. We thank you!

OK, let's see what's next...

They flip! They bend! They stretch--and can you say "ouch"? Does that hurt? Wow, Guys, they're absolutely amazing! Yes it's the Fort River Acrobats! Flexibility is no factor for this bunch. Watch as they perform tricks, tumbles and twists we can only dream of doing.

Here comes the outstanding Flag Team! Holding those poles and flags high, representing the symbols of our most well-known and loved tribes from across the city, as well as our allies in the recent battles. Hey, be respectful, guys! Some of those tribes were... well, were wiped out in all the fighting. They gave their all for Fort River. May we continue to stay united and strong!

*A brief hush falls over the crowd. They remember Vixens, Manglers, Lost Boys and other tribes who were literally erased when the smoke cleared. The last flag through is a small Brotherhood banner. No one boos...*

Ok, is it just me? Do I hear more than one type of music mixed? Yeah, I thought so! It's the Folk Dancers with an arrangement of choreographed world dances. Fancy footwork, tradition and fun! They'll be performing later this afternoon near the river promenade. Hey, this is our heritage! If we don't learn it and remember it, it all just disappears!

You've seen them earlier--on the beach, on Merchant Street, and wherever there was a crowd gathered. They continue to put smiles on our faces-- The Clowns Tribe! Hey, the Clowns always know how to get a laugh from kids of all ages with their jokes and silly antics! Give them a big hand. Better yet, a big laugh!

*Clowns rush in all directions, tossing candy coins and paper flowers to the kids, handing balloon animals on strings to the youngest. They get smiles and cheers from everyone!*

Now here's one you definitely don't see every day. It's "Kingdom Kid Critters," otherwise known as the Zoo Tribe. Led by King Safy & Queen Katara, they remind all of us to love animals and take care them!

Now what is this float? Oh, OK, my list says the next float is courtesy of Shadow and "The Way"! Be sure to stop by "The Way" booth on Merchant Street or over on the beach. Learn more about this new Way of working together to build our future.

The Puppet Master is here! Now this is really cool, Guys. How in the world does he control those three very large giant puppets at once? It's truly freakishly amazing! They look like actual humans... are you sure they're not? Scary! See you later, Puppet Master!

Last, but certainly not least-- The most colorful bunch you're gonna see during Solstice. Give a big round of applause for The Painted People! Some painted up as leafs and flowers, and others as the sky and constellations! Truly a sight to see! Is it body paint? Tattoos? Do we care? No-- we just love their beautiful body art and dramatic poses. Each and every body tells a story!

*Stacy backs away from the mic and takes a drink of water, watching the end of the parade passing by.*

And that's it, Guys! The Winter Solstice Parade! Thanks to everyone who participated! We love you! I've been asked to remind you all that Blood's Bike Show starts in an hour on the beach near the bandstand. And for all you lucky VIPs, the private lunch at Tom-F's club will start in 30 minutes. There's music at the bandstand, great food and drinks at the booths, and game of chance under the Blue Cabana. Still a lot of Solstice left to celebrate, so don't go home just yet! Happy Solstice!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

KTDA's Craziest Tribal Couple

For many Tribe fans, the thought of Lex & Ebony teaming up is totally frightening. But I was always intrigued by the what-ifs of that duo.

In KTDA, our strangest power-couple is Marionette & Villa. And they are totally one of my faves! Explosive, strangely vulnerable & sometimes even child-like, these 2 are always a treat to watch.

They're even more fun to play, since crazy-chick "Villa" is mine & split-personality "Marionette" belongs to an awesome friend in Boston.

These 2 are hard to explain, so here follows a taste of what they're like together. This scene was where these 2 crazies started coming together. Enjoy!


Moth. Flames.
Post #10309

Villa: What just happened? You yanked Wrath back inside--the first guy I maybe could have an intelligent conversation with-- have something in COMMON with! No damn wonder I can't make friends. All the really interesting guys have effin' KEEPERS.

*Villa snatches a handful of darts and starts pounding them into a dart board.*

Marionette: Temper, temper. You don't need to get angry at me. He's a monster. I suggest you stay calm around him since excitement and anxiety rile him up.

Villa: Rile HIM up? I was TALKING to him, for crissake!

*She tosses the rest of the darts then strides back across the room until she leans down and puts her hands on the table in front of Marionette-- putting her right in his face.*

Villa: How the HELL am I supposed to find anything out when nobody TALKS to me? That's how we get information, y'know--talking? playing? learning about people? It's a thing, something you don't seem too good at. *smacks the table with her hands* Rile HIM up? What about ME? You guys don't seem to care about riling ME up.

*A wicked thought crosses her pretty face.*

Villa: Guess there's one thing I didn't consider. You, Wrath, and whoever #3 is... you got some kinda competition going on in there? *touches his cheek, then runs a finger down the side of his face* I didn't mean to stir things up. Was just looking to make a friend. And I've just barely met Wrath. You're right, I don't know him. You stopped that fast. Did I touch a nerve? *runs her finger back up the side of his face slow* Maybe it's you I should be gettin' to know better?

Marionette: (oh sh*t. HAHA! F**K YEAH! DO I HEAR A LOW BLOW? WAIT FOR IT... WAIT FOR IT... BAMM!! THERE IT GOES!!! LOW BLOW TO MARIONETTE--OUCH! HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HE'S GOING TO RECOVER FOLKS. THIS ONE MIGHT BE WRAPPED UP! Haha, looks like she caught you, Marionette. --This isn't the time for this crap. What the hell am i supposed to do here?-- Snag her in the sack, buddy, it's what I'd try. --Please, that indecency is hardly that of a patient person. *five-second pause* This is different, I'll have you know! No it
isn't, right Manmod? F**K YEAH!! I HAVE FRANCIS ON MY SIDE!! SCREW YOU, PATIENCE!!! --Geez, you're just a bunch of children.--)

Marionette: What are you doing? You shouldn't do things like that to people you don't know. It's rude.

Villa: I'm just a rude little girl. Teachers tried to beat that outa me before the Virus. Didn't help.

*She walks around the table and sits on the edge of it, leaning even closer to him than before.*

Villa: It's just a game, Marionette. Something to pass the time. *carefully NOT touching him now* Ace told me to get close to you. I thought he meant something else... maybe I was wrong. What do you think?

Marionette: *sighing slightly, face reddens more* I think I need a break.

Marionette: (Alright, Manmod, you're up. --No way, man, this sh*t just started gettin' good. Who knows man, you might score today if this keeps up.-- Why you rude, inconsiderate asshole! --Well she is getting closer to us. All you'd have to do is lean forward. --I would never!-- Maybe Manmod should jump back out? At this rate, you're gonna pass out. --No, I can handle this. It's just a stupid trick.--)

Marionette: *leans his head back in an attempt to get away* If your teachers couldn't help, what would you suggest I do?

Villa: Do? Nothing at all, Marionette. *puts her fingertips under his chin in a touch that's butterfly-light* Nothing... *leans across the last of the space* ...at... *white hair falling forward to frame her face* ...all. *brushes her lips lightly across his mouth, and then to his cheek, whispering in his ear* I guess Ace was wrong after all.

Marionette: *malicious smile crosses his face, very wrathful* Maybe you really are a crazy chick. I think Ace was right. You and me are gonna get along fine. *kisses her quick and stands up* I like you. Maybe I should stay awake a bit more, now I have a good friend here who knows how to play.

*Villa freezes for only a second, then her laughter floats through the bar.*

Villa: Wrath! I knew it! Just needed some motivation for them to let you come out and play, huh? I'll have to remember that.

*She puts her hand out and he hauls her to her feet. She stands looking very much like a little girl with a new toy.*

Villa: Since we work here, I'm thinking drinks are definitely on the house. This gig is looking a whole lot better to me now.

Marionette: (--Hey guys, I'm-- Don't worry about it, you idiot. This is the first time we ever really felt happy. You should have some of that too. --Thanks, guys.--)

Marionette: So what's your story, crazy chick? Where'd you come from to find a dump like this?

Villa: From a lot of other dumps that make this place look good. *accepts a glass of beer from him* Imagine, somebody trusting ME with a job! And I'm guessing, if i start talking about trashing this place again, you'll get banished back inside--so, no burning the bar. You got other rules inside there? *taps Marionette's forehead* I'm wonderin' what else they let you do that's "allowed"?

Marionette: Rules? Dunno. No burning, killing or breaking I guess? I have no idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Tribal Storytellers

By the time we reached KTDA Season 2, someone invented a new tradition for us. It would help with continuity, help us remember events already in game, and give a new perspective on game history for veterans & newbies alike.

We invented sort of a new class of player: The Storyteller, or The Bard. Through their stories told at parties, in tribal gatherings, in bars & casinos or other venues, these special kids  bring past events into the present & keep game history alive. Whether we're doomed to repeat that history or not is another matter entirely!

Here's an example, from a storyteller competition during Season 2's winter solstice celebration. It's a brief re-telling of the battle of the plains, a pivotal moment in the Anti-kids War.

Tales of Heroes

Told by Jason of the River Rats Tribe

The cloud-choked sky hid the sun and darkened the southern plains as a harsh wind blew from the south. Tension filled the air with the sound of marching feet and men laughing, eager for battle. We waited, hidden, outnumbered.

Alone, Phoenix ride to draw them in. Astride Thunder, king of horses. In her hands, a bow. Deadly was her aim.

The trap was sprung, destroying many of the enemy. Then came the first meeting of champions. All eyes were on this fight, which could determine the fate of the battle.

Unblooded, heavily armed, hulking Barbaric Warlord of old.
Fel, leader of the AK forces.

Phoenix faces him with single blade.
Though Fel towers over her,
though fighting since battle began,
No fear or fatigue are seen in Fort River's Champion.


Law of the Wild. Death to one. Or Death to all.

Phoenix ducks under Fel's swing, spinning, meeting his blow. Her blade catches his at the hilt, locking them as each tests the other's strength. Phoenix looks into death-black eyes and growls, pushing back, breaking free, pressing an attack of her own. Fel barks a laugh, catches her stroke on his blade, spinning out, turning, lunging again.

Attack dodge feint move strike--blades ring! Sparks fly! Phoenix pressed harder, forcing Fel to drop his sword for his battle axe. Her hands are talons.

Loudly Fel challenged Phoenix with a blow that cut across her face. One that would fell another, did not stop this Phoenix.

Lightening flashes, thunder roars. Head-on they charge. Blows and counter blows with furious intensity. Talon to blade. Attack--twist--pivot--roll dodge strike! Blows causing and giving damage neither acknowledges. Each searching for the deathblow.

Forced is Phoenix to give ground, slowly, back toward sheer cliff side. With a shout fierce as any predator's cry, Phoenix is running towards the cliff. Up the face. Over Fel's head. He watches as in mid-air, she reaches out and grasps the Katana's hilt from his back!

She draws it and lands on one knee.
Turning to face her, Fel sees his death.

Ancient blade shot with blue fire, forged in fire in woman's hand. Death.

With her full might, through muscle, bone and sinew, the blade slices through his throat. Silences arrogance. Fel's head falls to the ground.

First one voice then another...ragged cheers of the Freedom Fighters. The AK enemy fall with their leader.

The battle is over.

It is won.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"