Loneliness

Parents. Family. You love 'em. You hate 'em. You can't live with 'em because they drive you flippin' nuts! But you can't live without 'em either. How many times have you argued over something, doesn't matter if it was big or small, and thought the world would do JUST FINE if they just got off your back and ceased to exist?

What if it came true?

In "The Tribe" ... it did.

If you followed "The Tribe's" first season, you saw what the world was like 7 months or so after all the adults died. It was still raw, still violent, still the worst the chaos could be as kids struggled to come to terms with a new reality.

There was a very brief throwaway reference from Bray, talking to the Mallrats, reminding them of the worst days when the Virus began destroying everything. Bray said, "And when The Loneliness came..."

It wasn't much more than that, and I don't recall it ever mentioned again during the series' 5-year run, but I remember the powerful punch I took to the gut when I realized all he meant. "The Loneliness" was the time it finally sank in. When you realized that this was real, that the adults really were dead. They weren't coming back. What you were living wasn't a bad dream that you could wake up from...or chaos that some adult was going to show up and make everything the way it was. When that reality hit, then you could mourn. Then you could admit, at least to yourself, that you loved your parents and your brothers and sisters. You depended on the kind of life you had led more than you could know. No amount of pleading could bring that life back. No prayers. No tears.

"The Loneliness" was exactly that: You were alone. What you do, how you live...or die...all of that was in your hands whether you were old enough to handle it or not.

I think "The Loneliness" has other meanings, too. It wasn't just some condition in Tribe-world. Loneliness will hit you whether you're ready for it or not.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Having a Salene kinda day?

Through 5 seasons of the "The Tribe," Salene was pretty much a barometer for bad news. Bless her heart, from the beginning Salene was the one you just had to feel sorry for. Despite the fact that redheads are known for being fiery and unpredictable and vivacious ... well, Salene was anything but. Look at her track record:

Season 1---Loved Bray. Couldn't have him. Add a bad bout of bulemia and getting imprisoned to be used for a love slave (thank goodness Ryan busted her out of that situation). Yuck.

Season 2---Attacked by Lex. Totally jealous of Danni and Bray. Married Ryan then made a move on Bray right after the ceremony was over. Jeez ... And poor Ryan. His honeymoon wasn't at all what he planned for.

Season 3---Brainwashed by the Chosen. Miscarried Ryan's baby. Fell for Luke, who had already fallen for Ellie. When the Chosen were overthrown, she was totally lost and totally clueless. Finally one of the smartest moves she made, she took off to try and find Ryan who the Chosen had made "disappear."

Season 4---Didn't find Ryan. Didn't find any absolution for how she treated him. Did find a new man to focus on--Pride. And we all know Pride couldn't make a choice if his life depended on it. He was fixated on Amber, was nice to Salene, and also paid some pretty personal attention to May. Salene's luck continues.

Season 5---Pride dead. Drinking herself into a coma. It was actually May declaring her affection for Salene that snapped her out of her funk. By the time everyone was headed out of the city for new places, Salene totally needed a change of scenery.

Everybody has bad days. I've had a few myself lately. But compared to Salene's life? Pfft! Makes my problems a whole lot easier to deal with.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

What if ... Zoot Lives!

Conversations with a new friend -- Llys, who just joined KTDARPG -- started me thinking about some what-if scenarios. Kinda interesting...

What if the writers or producers or whoever had NOT killed off Zoot early in Season-1 of "The Tribe"? How fundamentally would that have changed the shape of Tribeworld?

I don't know if it's true or not that the violence and threats the survivors endured in Season-1 actually shaped them for the rest of the series, but it's something to think about. If Zoot hadn't died...well, he had just met his daughter. Fatherhood changes a man, and the man who was Martin still had a very big heart. He also still loved Trudy.

If Zoot hadn't died...if he and Trudy had got back together and made a family...well, there would have been no Chosen, no Supreme Mother, no kids taken away to who knew where. Carry that a bit farther and you have Dal wouldn't have died, Patsy wouldn't have disappeared, or Ryan.

So much bad would have been avoided. Wouldn't it?

There's always the other possibility, that Zoot was so dedicated to the post-Virus future he saw in his mind that nothing would have changed him. Zoot could have taken Brady from Trudy and given her to Ebony to raise. (Ok, that thought made me a little sick here.) He could have continued with the violence and carnage, setting up the world for his daughter to rule as its queen.

Hm...that also means it would've been Zoot ruling the city when the Technos showed up. Somehow I don't think they'd have had as easy a time trying to take over. That would have been something to see!

Anyway, what-ifs are fun. What if Zandra had lived? What if Lex & Ebony had hooked up? What if Amber had stayed with the Ecos and Pride?

Consider the possibilities.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Takin' Care of Business

As so often happens, I'm finding our rp "Keep the Dream Alive" reflects what "The Tribe" reflected through 5 years of shows.

Right now our game is in a bit of a slump. The "big moments" are waiting for other things to finish up, so most of our characters are left to the smaller tasks. Finding food, cleaning up, waiting for friends to show up, sleeping away the night...killing time until the new day arrives and the action can pick up again.

That lull is hard for a lot of players to deal with. Mostly they don't want to deal with the business of a character just living life. Having a meal, washing clothes, taking a bath, even being a little bored. But when you picture the character you've created as a whole person, it's really not so hard. If you see your character as a living, breathing human...with thoughts and needs, reacting to the environment they find themselves in...the business of living becomes a lot easier to move through. It also helps define your character and make them "live" in very real ways.

"The Tribe" was at it's realest when it was showing scenes like dividing up chores, a kitchen full of rats because they didn't keep their places clean, Salene threatening the younger ones with "either we can go collect herbs for Taisan or clean the toilets. You choose." Hehe...I think you can guess what they chose. Even scenes like Ruby cleaning up her bar added to the feel of life in Tribeworld. It's the same with our game. Those small moments add a lot to life in Fort River, giving a reader the actual feel of living after devastation on that scale.

But I guess it's not for everybody.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Never Compromise

We've had a lot of great players in our rp the past almost-5 years. Each brings a unique view & creativity to the stories we develop. And it's always sad to lose that view & that creativity when a player decides it's time for him or her to move on.

It's hard for me to let the "going" pass unremarked, so this is a farewell to a friend. Her name is Angie. She was a part of KTDARPG for almost 2 years. The people that she created to populate her corner of Fort River were unique & interesting.

> "Maggie" was the ultimate survivor. She held it together through slavery & the cruel loss of her little sister "Kitty" with her own kind of grace & dignity. Ultimately she was unlucky with love but determined to go on.

> "Pink" was a little girl with lots of attitude. We didn't see enough of her to get to know all her quirks & laughter.

> "Eve" was by far her most intriguing character. In her own words: Eve was a very unique person and I put a lot into her creation. She was special to me and it felt wrong just to leave her fate unknown. With this ending, she actually accomplishes something and maybe will inspire others to say 'no' to the bad guys even when it's hard.

Here is Angie's last post for "Eve." I think you'll understand the depth of our loss.

= = = = =
[When someone you notice has extreme and untapped potential what do you do hm? Prince has such potential but he can't reach it while there's this...peace..."]

["I've selected you to be my motivation for him. Nothing motivates someone quite like love my dear."]

["I'm not pulling his strings, my dear, I'm cutting them loose."]

["Who knows Prince better then you. Eve."]

(Yes.)

*Visions floated through her brain, making her smile. Prince in high school, hanging with friends, getting into trouble and then talking his way out of it with a grin.*

["You're going to be my test subject. If you fail the test, then you die."]

(I don't make deals with the devil.)

["It always starts with a struggle."]

*The bread didn't smell any more. It was just a lump on the floor where the man had left it. Two days since she'd last eaten...that thought made her smile too. Being with Prince in the tree fort, swimming in the diamond lake, loving under the stars...*

(I had it all. What could be better than that?)

["Love is a powerful weapon, isn't it?"]

*Eve smiled, her eyes slipping closed.*

(Yes. Yes, it is.)

*The wind-up clock had wound down hours ago. The room around her was airless and silent.*

["Don't let yourself go too fast now. The game wouldn't be funif I won too early."]

(I don't give a shit about your fun, asshole.)

*Eve opened her eyes a little bit but it was a struggle. She was so tired. The ceiling was lost in shadows above her. Night was coming on...again...she'd been alone here almost 2 days now. Not much longer...then she could rest.*

*She moved her hand a little bit and there was a tinkling sound as something hit the floor. It was a metal hairpin, one edge of it rubbed sharp against the window's stone ledge. The edge was stained red.*

"Prince..."

*Forming the words was too hard so she closed her eyes and imagined his face, imagined holding him again, loving him again. She heard his laughter and saw the sparks flare in his eyes when he was challenged. She could feel his warmth surrounding her.*

(Love is a powerful weapon, one that can cut both ways. You won't use me against him. You won't hold him hostage because of me. I love him...and I can let him go. Letting go...I'll love him forever.)

*Her sigh was loud in the silent room. Her body relaxed. She saw her Prince and he was smiling at her. He was her world. She didn't need anything more.*

-------------------
*When the masked man remembered the girl he'd kidnapped, when he came to see how she fared, he would find her lying on the floor with her pale face toward the window. Her left arm lay against the wall and was gashed in a long line from elbow to wrist. The hairpin she'd spent hours honing to a piercing point lay in a pool of blood beside her.*

*By her head, in her own blood, was one small word was written in very big letters: NO.

= = = = =
Fare well, Angie. We wish all good things for you. Just don't stop writing, kk?

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Tortured

Some people are surprised to learn that "The Tribe" had a darker side, a tortured side. Some would just as soon ignore it, pretend it never existed. But it was there, a lot, and it apparently provided a lot of inspiration for our rp.

Tortured Tribe

From the show, people's minds immediately latch on to Season-3 when the Guardian tortured Bray with Zoot's voice & image.

Rewind to Season-1 & you get Ebony "testing" Virus cures on Lex. You'll also find the tribe that took advantage of Salene's bulimia, offering her food and then snatching her to turn her into a prostitute.

Season-2 had Ebony chained inside a cave by the Chosen until she agreed to be a servant to Trudy.

Season-4 got interesting with the Technos' introduction of virtual reality. That was the ultimate instrument for Amber's torture--vicious & ongoing--and it took her a long time to shake off that experience.

Season-5 took things back to basics ... as basic as Ebony threatening her prisoners with being fed to a lion, or letting them get beat up by their own victims.

Reflections of Some Realities

"Keep the Dream Alive" rpg has flowed up & down the "torture" meter. The Brotherhood put collars on their subjects to both identify them & control them. The Anti-Kids did the same to their soldiers, to punish them or even make sure they didn't live beyond their commanding officers.

We've done it to ourselves too. Xeno tortured Chyna by parading his lover Brena right under her nose. Tom-F tortured Jade from the moment they met--discounting all her established skills, ultimately tearing her down & rebuilding her in the image he wanted. Tristan's entire relationship with Cecily has been based on torture & conditioning, morphed into love & acceptance. Jet is in there somewhere, with the whole vamp/blood/death thing, but that's kinda hard to explain.

Some people, like Chopper, seem to live only to torture & experiment on others at their mercy.

It's been said that children in their innocence can be crueler to each other than adults could ever be. Maybe they're right?

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Keep The Dream Alive--What dream?

The theme of "The Tribe" through 5 seasons remained constant: Keep the dream alive. It was a powerful theme, and we adopted that as the name of our rpg.

Lately I've begun to wonder, what did they mean? What do we mean? Keep the dream alive? In a devastated world filled with children, what dream would they struggle to keep alive in the face of all the challenges they have to survive? What do children dream?

In the show, the pivotal moment I always went back to came in Season-1 when Trudy's baby was born. Ok, I'm older & the image of children having children is already a powerful thing. But in Tribe-world, where everything is upside down & inside out, where just surviving day to day is a hardship ... having a baby? Yeah. Through 5 seasons, all the things Trudy--and her tribe, and the men who cared about her--went through to secure a future took on a different meaning as you saw baby Brady growing up in their arms. Their dream, it seemed, was to build a future that all of them could live in ... not just survive.

To grow up safe, find love, have families, live satisfying lives and give their kids a tomorrow better than today. That's quite a dream for a world full of children.

As for our game, maybe we're not so different.

Just like Tribe-world, we have our share of heroes & villains, losers & lunatics, schizos & creators. Our challenges have been conquering armies, storms & drought, surviving our enemies and even our friends at times. Our players have struggled through 6 seasons and are now in a 7th, and still they persevere. Arianna will take care of her baby and defend her family with her life. Valentine will be damned if she lets anyone tear down all the good things she's worked to build in the city, for herself and others. Hawk will refuse to give up the city and the people who mean so much to her without a fight. Villa will die before she gives up the love of a lifetime, and there are so many more. Power plays, love, revenge.

Behind & beneath it all, there is a dream. Maybe our game's isn't as obvious or universal as the dream illustrated in "The Tribe" but it's there. Each of our players, through each of their characters, has a dream that's personal & real.

Together ... together we keep all of those dreams alive.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Men Without A Clue

Last time our subject was "Helpless Women," so it's only fair I acknowledge that The Tribe also had its fair share of "Men Without A Clue."

Usually they were followers. And they weren't totally clueless...just in certain areas...usually about women. Think Ryan, bless his heart. He was Lex's loyal sidekick & terrified he'd treat girls the way he saw Lex treat 'em. That meant he generally daydreamed his love but mostly stayed away. Salene wasn't very happy about that. Or think Sammy, totally enthusiastic like a little puppy but his cluelessness made him more a love-slave/servant than a potential bf.

However, the ultimate in clueless were some of the leading men. Near the top of the list was Lex. Lex wanted what he wanted when he wanted it--booze, food, girls, music, possessions. He never seemed to understand why he couldn't be a good tribe leader for the Mallrats or what was wrong with a sheriff who enjoyed the "perks" of the job (i.e. kickbacks).

Ah, but our best example of He Who Is Clueless was the Eco's main man, Pride. Pride had it all. He lived in the woods with Amber, was his tribe's chief protector, and he looked great with his shirt off. Unfortunately he didn't stay in the woods. He followed Amber, traded trees for skyscrapers, and totally lost it. He went from Amber to Salene to May & back again. He ate junk food, slept in a real bed (usually with company), and was Lex's deputy awhile. But the city did our boy in. His cluelessness cost him his life, in the end. It wasn't pretty.

KTDA has it's share of clueless men. Johnny Ohm keeps playing with poor Maggie's affections but we know he's sincere...he just doesn't have a clue. Creed is like Pride in some ways, mostly because he doesn't know how to love someone who isn't Chyna (we think). Our most stellar example is Rio. Believe me, this guy has no clue whatsoever. He treats girls cavalierly, lives his life from one deal to the next, and treasures "his possessions" (which up until recently included Jenna). And he wonders why he has no friends? Uh-huh...some day, somebody will explain it to him & he'll actually listen.

But, hey, god bless 'em - whether they have a clue or not, we love 'em!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Helpless Women

I've been watching the action in KTDA recently, with an eye to how our girls are portrayed.

They remind me of "Tribe" illustrations of appropriate behavior for girls in Tribe world. If you look at them all? They ran 50/50 between strong, capable women & the ones who needed a man to survive.

When it came to helpless, our ultimate example was Trudy. From Season-1 through Season-5, she never broke character. If she didn't have a man to lean on? She was totally lost.

Think I'm wrong?

Start with how we met Trudy--pregnant & clinging to Bray--whose brother Zoot was her baby's daddy. When she found Bray with Salene, got pissed & decided to take off, who did she take off with? Dal. Next up was the Guardian, who guarded Zoot's violent legacy. She became the Supreme Mother of the Chosen, but then the Chosen were out & the Technos came to town. Trudy's next line of defense was Jay. Of course Jay was rebounding from Amber so he didn't mind cuddling with a pretty girl. Ultimately Amber took him back & Trudy was out in the cold again. She was ripe for the friendly overtures she got from Mega, right up to the point where he told her he was using her. When "The Tribe" ended, Trudy was still a single mom, all alone, trying to find her way.

KTDA has strong women as well as the helpless ones. For every "Arianna," we have Jenna. Jenna depended on Rio for more than a year, to take care of her after the Virus & keep her protected & safe. Lately she's traded in Rio for Icarus...we're actually thinking she traded up. But Jenna seems the kind of girl who will ALWAYS depend on a man in her life.

For every "Valentine," we have Jade. There is, indeed, a strength to Jade (to survive slavery as she has), but she has ALWAYS depended on having a man around. First it was Bishop. Then Tom-F. Now there's Zero, who's teaching her & trying to make her a stronger person. With Jade though, no matter what strength her body & mind might have...it's her heart that is dependent. Jade needs to feel & be loved.

For every "Villa," we have Krystal. Krystal is so sweet, but sometimes she seems just so totally lost. She wasn't like that with Jason, who wanted to marry her but ultimately went walkabout. She wasn't like that with Sid; she ran away with him to Bay View, but then he deserted her too. Now she's back in Fort River, back with her tribe...and seems lost these days.

For every "Eris," there is a Pandora. For every "Jet," there is a Maggie. For every "Hawk," there is an Alexis.

I'd say our game is running true to our inspiration.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Zoot Lives! Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Zoot Lives! Award

"The Tribe." Season One. From those first moments when kids started to be rounded up & sent to survival camps, Zoot had his own ideas about survival. It was definitely survival of the fittest. He took orders from no one, owed allegiance to no one. Through Power & Chaos! he would shape the world in his own image. Even after his death, Zoot was such a strong, charismatic figure that his influence lived on and on and on...

The Zoot Lives! Award for evil genius/mastermind was a split decision this time. It was a toss-up between Tristan and Chopper. Though very young, Chopper rules a dark band of assassins with an iron fist; while Tristan has his own ideas about this world of "somebodies" and "nobodies."

Whatever's ahead of us with those two, it's bound to be awesome.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Zoot & Ebony Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Zoot & Ebony Award

For one short season of "The Tribe," we were privileged to meet one of the show's most interesting characters: Zoot. Zoot was leader of the Locusts, a name that in time morphed into the Locos, which actually fit better if you think about it. Zoot's woman was Ebony. If you saw the 2 of them together, just thinking about the chaos they could cause was enough to freeze your blood. Zoot & Ebony were the true embodiment of power & chaos.

This term's "Zoot & Ebony Award" has new winners. Tristan has been a dark figure of mostly hidden chaos in Fort River for awhile now. His torture of Cecily (and anybody else who crossed his path) was truly enough to make you go ewww! Jet came out of nowhere--an exotic beauty with a dark past, tribe leader of the Vamps who don't exist anymore. Now Tristan is quickly turning her into a powerful force in the city, one strong enough to stand at his side.

Tristan & Jet, this one's all yours.

It doesn't get much better than this.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Trudy Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Trudy Award

"The Tribe" Season One, we had "mom" Trudy. In Season Two, that got bumped up to Supreme Mother. There was also Trudy + Bray, Trudy + Jay, Techno Trudy ... let's just say this girl moved around A LOT and went through a whole lotta changes over 5 seasons of the show.

So, the Trudy Award for "which face will she be showing us this time?" goes to a KTDA newcomer, Anastasia. Outwardly, Anastasia was just a very young girl worried because she can't find her people. But inside? Inside, she had 2 and maybe 3 personas at war with each other. In a very short time we met Sweet Anastasia, Vulnerable Anastasia, Worried Anastasia...which escalated to Threatening Anastasia, I-hate-adults Anastasia, and the ultimate Assassin Anastasia.

Gotta say, it made for some interesting gaming!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Teenaged Cloe Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Teenaged Cloe Award

Who can forget Cloe in Season Four? After 3 yeas of cute and sweet and likeable, suddenly we have Cloe with rampaging hormones! Snide, snarky, hard to live with and totally unpredictable! Sound like anybody you know?

For KTDA, it sounds just like Pandora. The newest member of the Misfits Tribe, Pandora seems to be giving everybody fits these days--Prince, Lily, Arianna, and most especially Izzy. Makes her the perfect choice for this particular award.

We don't know if Pandora and Cloe could have been friends,but they are certainly very alike in the "give 'em attitude" department!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Technos Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Technos Award

In "The Tribe," Season Three ended & Season Four began with the Technos invasion. With very little resistance, virtually over night, this vicious/smart/advanced tribe walked into the city & took over. Period. End of story. After that, all the rules changed.

In our rp, the "walking in and taking what you want" honors go to a couple and not a tribe: Tristan & Jet. Their takeover of Fort River's Merchant Hotel in one night was a classic hit-em-hard approach. As always, very effective against the locals.

It leaves us to wonder what rules may have changed in that single night.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Slade Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Slade Award

Ah yes..."The Tribe" Season Five. We hoped it wouldn't end, especially watching Slade with his new brand of logic & action, his style that was oh so new in Tribeworld. You could never quite figure Slade out, even though the writers were definitely free with details of his past & his connections. Things didn't always add up the way you expected...but it was always surprising, fresh & new and maybe just a little bit off.

In KTDA, that describes Tristan almost detail for detail. Tristan always has a plan, always a strategy, always a reason for the often outrageous things he does or causes to happen. When he gets started, this man can talk a mob into leaving or talk a girl into believing something completely outrageous is merely logical truth.

You truly never know what he's going to do next...but you know it will be surprising..

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Sasha Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Sasha Award

Ok, I'll admit it right up front--I did NOT like the character of Sasha in "The Tribe" Season One at all. Nothing about him. Nope. Didn't matter that he could play music or sing or knew lots of games for the kids...it was the decision to pair him up with Amber. Lord was that a gi-normous mistake! But all right, I'll give the devil his due. Sasha made our Mall Rats remember that they were kids, and that they could still have fun.

It's a similar thing in KTDA, where this term's Sasha Award for showmanship & entertainment is split between Jenna the Bard and Teller of the River Rats. Recently these two storytellers packed the house at Home for a string of nights, telling the kids amazing stories about their history & their heroes.

Much better for our "citizens" than gambling at the Mirage or hanging out on street corners with a bottle of whatever they can find. We just hope they heard the lessons.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Salene Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Salene Award

No matter which "Tribe" season you choose, Salene was the perpetual mother taking care of everyone...or trying to. Problem was, she could hardly take care of herself. She was reluctant in love and when she found it, she generally lost it. Poor Salene...

In KTDA we have been known to say, "Poor Maggie." She works at Home and tries to take care of all the customers and boarders. She had a sister and lost her. She reluctantly found herself falling in love, and then he disappeared. But it's hard to keep this girl down. She works hard for a living at Home, then helps out at the City Shelter and tries to be a friend to everyone she meets. We really really hope she keeps bouncing back and, maybe, finds the right one to love at last.

We're firmly on your side, Maggie. Congratulations on winning the Salene Award.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Ryan & Salene Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Ryan & Salene Award

They were the normal couple, the careful couple, the shy couple. Ryan was sweet, cautious, worried about treating girls the way his mate Lex did. Salene was easy to love but confused because she thought Ryan's distance meant he didn't really like her. They were both fun to watch, their normal courtship dance mixed with all the angst & chaos that Tribe world threw their way.

In KTDARPG, the sweet couple slowly discovering each other are Jenna & Icarus. From the moment Rio threw them together during the city riot, you could see the chemistry start to spark. They both have their own personal baggage to deal with, but their relationship is fun to watch develop. I think we all hope they do it right & don't let all the garbage separate them.

The Ryan & Salene Award goes to you guys, Jenna & Icarus. Good luck!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Ruby Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Ruby Award

A real delight of "The Tribe" Season Five was Ruby. She ran her own place outside the city, cooked, served, cleaned up, and took no nonsense from anyone. Definitely her own woman, very much of the New World.

KTDA has Valentine, also very much of the new world. At this time in our game, Val has built herself quite an empire with the help of her friends and her lover Vincent. From the family-oriented Home to the crazy casino world of the Mirage, from an indoor market that helps everyone to the Fort River Shelter & Clinic that helps those most in need--Valentine is definitely the city's hostess. This lady knows how to make you feel welcome, and being in love certainly hasn't hurt her zest for life.

The Ruby Award definitely goes to Valentine. We wish her all the luck in the New World.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Ram Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Ram Award

In "The Tribe" Season Four, the Techno leader Ram was indeed the man. He had it all + 2 wives to boot! Wasn't too long after the Technos took over the city that he added a 3rd wife so he could have a matched set. You know them, the 3 sisters -- Java, Siva, and Ebony. For my money, Ram was just a glutton for punishment! Tribe fans know how that story ended: Ebony got a divorce. Siva was kicked out & went straight to Lex. Poor Java, who really did love Ram, died in a fight she shouldn't have picked.

So...the Ram Award for having all the luck--and no luck at all--with women goes to our KTDA power czar Rio. His new-found riches may make him a chick-magnet at the Mirage but the one girl who believed in him (Jenna), he lost faith in. Then the one girl he set his sights on (Jade)...well, let's just say getting in a fight and accidentally punching HER lights out wasn't such a good way to get her attention. He seems to be building a friendship with Arianna but we advise caution and GO SLOW!

In Tribe-world, it really looks like 3 strikes and you're out!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Pride Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Pride Award

When he first appeared in "Tribe" Season Three, he had more than one female viewer drooling. Nature-boy Pride took the show in a whole new direction. Back to nature? Can any girl forget when Pride was going to fight Lex & the first thing he did was take off his shirt & start flexing muscles? Oh my... Problem was, our Pride had woman-issues. He loved. And loved. And loved. And just couldn't seem to get it right. First Amber. Then May. Then Salene. Then May, Salene, May, Salene...you get the picture. Maybe the concrete jungle had his senses all screwed up? Maybe he just wasn't a relationship-kind of guy? Then again, maybe he just couldn't make up his frickin' mind! *sigh* And who knows? Maybe that endeared Pride to us just as much as all the rest.

So for KTDARPG, this time the Pride Award for just not knowing how to handle a relationship goes to Hawk. Such a strong woman, Hawk even stepped down as tribe leader for the River Rats--people she genuinely loved--to keep them from harm. It took Hawk a long time to find someone special to love, but now it looks like her relationship with Creed (her husband) is going south. We just hope she doesn't wind up the way Pride did, dying loved but ultimately alone.

We have faith in you, Hawk. Trust your instincts, and find your way.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Paul Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Paul Award

Patsy's brother Paul may have been hearing-challenged but that didn't make him less of a character in "The Tribe" Season One. He was a child just like every other one--mischievous, determined, smart, and sometimes even devious. He saw everything and used what he saw. He flushed out Jack's hidden food stash, and then almost out-smarted Ryan when he found out their secret.

KTDARPG has Chidori. She doesn't speak (well...she didn't when she won this award!) but she observes everything & records what she sees by drawing in her special notebook. Like Paul she also has closely guarded secrets...some of which we're still waiting to discover.

For witnessing the world without being able to give voice to it, the Paul Award this time remains with Chidori.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Patsy Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Patsy Award

In "The Tribe" Season One, Patsy was sometimes a harsh reminder of what the kids had to live without, especially when her hearing-challenged brother Paul disappeared and was never seen again. Fortunately it was easy for her to bond, with friends like Cloe and especially with Trudy's baby Brady. That's how Patsy became the perennial babysitter. Most times she enjoyed taking care of Brady. She even wanted it to be her full-time job for the tribe! But then...it was on her watch that Brady went missing, when the Chosen stole the baby because Zoot was its daddy.

In KTDARPG, the perennial babysitter for the Misfits tribe is Izzy. Even though he's a boy, he has responsibility and guts enough to make sure Arianna's baby Saphire is safe and protectd.

Congratulations, Izzy. The Patsy Award is all yours.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Mouse Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Mouse Award

One of the absolute delights of "The Tribe" Season Four was meeting Mouse, the little girl Salene brought home to the Mallrats from the streets, and who immediately started winning over hearts. Mouse was one tough little girl. She weathered a lot, including the disappearance of a brother she adored. She was a breath of fresh air. Seeing Tribe-world through her eyes definitely gave us a fresh look at what was happening and how it affected people. Among her tribe-mates, Mouse also made them see how their actions affected the little ones...

Krystal received the Mouse Award this time around, and it just feels right. Like Mouse, our Krystal has witnessed a lot in Fort River. Where she is now, it seems she's following Mouse's example--turning away from the city's violence & darkness, clinging to the health & kindnesses she finds within her own tribe, the River Rats.

Krystal doesn't have Mouse's innocence, but she does share Mouse's belief in "good" & desire to find that in her own world.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Mega Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The Mega Award

Then there was Mega, "The Tribe" Season Five's answer to an angst-ridden young man who figured he'd go out with a bang and take everybody with him. He almost did it, too.

One of Mega's special talents was pretending empathy. His personality was such that no matter how much he lied to you, he did it so sincerely that you just normally believed him. Trudy sure did...believed him right up to the point where she realized she'd given him the fugitive Amber & Jay. Amber believed him because Amber didn't believe he was lying when he threatened her baby. Taisan believed him...but, hey, Techno-Taisan is a whole 'nother story altogether. What we all remember about Mega was his incredible beyond-Ram ego and his willingness to sacrifice as many as it took.

That being said, we presented the Mega Award this time to the enigmatic Chopper. All we have to go on here is impressions--there isn't a whole lot of direct reference in KTDA to give you a total handle on what Chopper will do or say or stoop to. There's just enough...enough to let us know, you just never know when that child-like façade will fall & you'll see the psychopath behind it.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Lex Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

Lex Award

Lex was one of the most fun & most unpredictable "Tribe" characters. One day he would act like a petulant 12-year-old who couldn't get his way...and another day you'd find him being all sensitive & thoughtful. In other words, our Lex was a chameleon. He could be whatever the situation called for--bad boy, tough fighter, savvy survivor, sensitive husband, relentless enemy, faithful friend.

But he was also playful & petty, loved jokes & having his fun. Sometimes that could get pretty evil. Remember how he tried to "advise" Ryan on how to handle Salene? Yeeaahhh....

So this Lex Award is specifically for that playful petty side, and in KTDA it goes to Oliver. If anybody thinks that Rio would've been in a position to wind up punching Jade without Oliver's help, raise your hand...

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Locos Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The Locos Award

They started out as the Locusts, but it didn't take long for that to morph into the Locos Tribe. Because that's what they were--LOCO! Crazy! With Zoot the craziest of 'em all. No moral hangups, no scruples, no fear. Ebony found that out for herself when Zoot finally made her understand what being Zoot's woman really meant. And even after Zoot died, the Guardian & the Chosen kept up his loco ways. It became a living legacy.

In KTDA, we tend to give the Locos Award for grossest game moment. We've had some doozies, too! This time, the award is given to a very crazy pair of characters. Quite honestly, we're not sure which one is more loco than the other: Blasko & Azazel. Together their scene leaves an icky feeling in your mind--poor Azazel with some genetic distinctions that will either make you stare or make you run, and psycho Blasko thinking he can actually cure Azazel of his birth defects. (Believe me, you'd have to read the thread & absorb the implications to really get a mental picture of this one...if you can handle it.)

Anyway, congratulations guys! That scene will probably be forgotten by more people who just don't want the image in their brains.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Lex & Taisan Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The Lex & Taisan "Romantic Moment" Award

From the day she showed up in "The Tribe" Season One, you just knew it was going to happen. Do you remember those early days of the Mallrats before they even had a name? (It was actually Taisan who anointed them with it...) Lex was all angry & barky & horny & full of attitude, messing with everybody's heads including his gf Zandra's. Then here comes this new-age space cadet Taisan, who actually knew more than most people gave her credit for.

In Season One, Taisan took care of Lex "for the good of the tribe" and wound up "rearranging his chakras." By Season Three, they were in love & getting married AND dealing with the Guardian and his Chosen. Taisan became Supreme Mother to try to mitigate some of the damage the Chosen were causing to their world. What she almost did was lose Lex forever. There was a great scene...a small scene...outside, near water, where Lex told Taisan what he was thinking and feeling...and where she made him understand that her love was true and strong and forever. That's the scene the photo (at left) is from. Definitely one of those "awwwww" moments.

Our game has had a number of those great "awwww" moments too. Most recently--and I'm surprised to be saying this--the best romantic moment belonged to the psycho couple of the year: Marionette & Villa. All it took was a diamond lake sparkling under a star-studded night sky, a bit of a swim, and a lot of warmth and love...hm.

Well, just goes to show you, crazy people can be deep too.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: KC Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The KC Award

KC came on the scene in the first first season of "The Tribe." His specialty? Hehe...you name it. KC was sort of an entrepreneur. Name a money-making scheme, and he was usually way ahead of you. Zoot's goggles? KC's got you covered (multiple times!). Need a game? How about the city's first "rat race"? It was totally hilarious when he tried to have Patsy & Cloe work for him--first you sell everybody watches; then you trade sunglasses for the watches back, and start all over again. Funny part was KC forgot to tell the girls, you have to make sure the watches actually work!

In our game, Lily is the entrepreneurial one. The minute Rio got electricity on line, Lily cornered the market on ice! Finally! Real iced tea. Real cold beer. It was genius!

Way to go, girl!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Jack Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The Jack Award

Jack was truly one of a kind, a boy genius trapped in a world that would exploit him but never really appreciate him. In "The Tribe," our Jack figured out how to purify water, harness wind power, print a newspaper, hot-wire up old video tapes, and even supply a tricked out sound system for the local all-tribes dance party.

The nearest thing KTDARPG has to Jack right now is Rio. Against some pretty hefty odds, Rio figured out a way to get Fort River's old waterwheel working, harnessed hydroelectric power and brought electricity back to the city. Not bad that he found a way to profit from it, too...but that's our Rio.

Congrats, man.

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Guardian Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

The Guardian "Creative Execution" Award

Ah, the Guardian. The first of Zoot's adherents, good old Joffa. So devoted, most especially after Zoot was deceased. He was creative, too. He knew how to solve problems without getting his hands dirty. Need someone dispatched, quick & neat? Why you just have one of your Chosen haul their ass up to the roof (preferably 4-5 stories high) and pitch them off.

In KTDARPG, it's Blackrose who seems to be our creative executioner. Executionatrix? Anyway...who can forget the great scene where Blood sent his goons to snatch Jet, who was holed up in Cecily's Herb Shop. When the goons finally forced their way inside, Jet & Blackrose were on their way out the smashed-out front window. And just as a parting gift, Blackrose lit the place up. Nobody got out alive. Very effective. (That fire also managed to get rid of some very damning "evidence" hidden in the basement too.)

Something tells me Blackrose might have fit right in with the Guardian & his Chosen. Hmm... maybe not Supreme Mother material, but who knows? Queen of the Chosen?

Congrats, BR!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Behind the Scenes: Good of the Tribe Award

Taking the Winter 2009 Tribe Awards & breaking 'em down to "Tribe" references so you can see what each award refers to, then the defining moment that resulted in a character receiving this award.

"Good of the Tribe" Award

Throughout the run of "The Tribe," one phrase kept the same unmistakeable meaning: For the good of the tribe.

For the good of the tribe, Bray risked his life to tell his tribe mates the truth about the Chosen. For the good of the tribe, Taisan became the Supreme Mother to try influence the Guardian. For the good of the tribe, Taisan destroyed the chemical formula for the Virus antidote & recreated it using herbs. And for the good of all tribes, the Mallrats gave away the antidote freely.

The "Good of the Tribe" Award is presented to Saber. But there's a slight problem here--Saber doesn't seem to have a tribe of her own. This skater 'n trader is also somewhat of a loner most days. But that doesn't mean she has no friends. Saber's friendships run deep. She has ties to most of the primary tribes in town & gets them whatever they need...for a price.

Saber's loyalties are strong & without question. Jade, Valentine, Arianna, Hawk, Cecily--for these people, Saber will go to extremes to be of help as she keeps proving time & again.

Congratulations, Saber. This one's for you.

-Chyna
Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"