11 Years...and (hopefully) New Life

Well. This blog has, unfortunately, been idle for more than a year now. That is totally my bad. I let real-life take precedence, and it got kinda scary and crazy. I'm still dealing with the fallout, but it's time to look forward, I think.

So here's to taking a deep-breath and diving into the future.

As the blog so has the game slowed over the past year. A handful of stalwarts have stood by us, and things have started to pick up the past few months. We have new characters, new directions, and maybe a new incentive.

The incentive would be a seeming resurgence in The Tribe, especially with an international tribe-gathering planned for 2016 in Berlin. [Find more information here: www.facebook.com/TTgatheringEU] We're also seeing new books, new conversations, new fans, and new possibilities coming out of New Zealand for the show and the characters we all love. It'll be really interesting to see how this all comes together!


As for Keep The Dream Alive role-playing game -- wow! Here are the stats:

• 11 years of active game-play
• 111 members
• 39,562 posts
• 20 photo albums
• 9 File Folders of characters, histories, precedents & more

This is such a tremendous accomplishment! Thank you guys so much! And we have members/players still active who were there at the beginning when it all came together. I can't thank you enough for your commitment and your creativity.

So to current active friends--and you know who you are!--keep the dream alive! That is the best we can do and all we can truly hope for, for our world today.

To absent friends, we miss you! Xeno & Prince, Marionette & Sid, Vincent & Zero, Yolanda & Anthony, Savinius & our favorite green-girl fighter and all the other members who've dropped by the wayside over the years -- just know that you are thought of fondly and often. If you ever find your way back to us, the tribe will be waiting for you!

Long live KTDARPG!  Keep the dream alive!

-Chyna

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

The Big 10!

Hey, guys! As many of you know, "Keep The Dream Alive" roleplaying game is getting set to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Can you believe it?? KTDA hit the streets of Fort River in October 2004, taking our appreciation for The Tribe tv show into roleplaying legend!

Wow... 10 years. A huge shout-out to Xeno, Arianna, Prince & all the other originals who took those first steps & set the course for the rest of us.

We're planning a stellar anniversary that includes a revitalized concept for our rp and... well... let's just say our infamous Council of Tribes is in discussions about a very special edition of "Tribe Awards."

So I just wanted to give all our players, members & fans a heads-up. Stay with us, celebrate our first 10 years, and get ready for a bright new future!

Stay tribal!

-Chyna, KTDA Game Owner

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Open Message: All KTDA Members/Players

Is it time for some new directions?

Hey, guys! Lately several of us have been talking offline about Keep The Dream Alive rpg and how to shake it up/energize it & get people involved again. We know real-life always trumps game-life, but we also know KTDA may need to be re-tuned or ramped up to get everyone excited & playing more.

The following message from "Sid" summarizes pretty much what we've been talking about. See what you think:

On 07/15/13 "Sid" wrote:

"After 10 years I wonder...is it time, not for an end but for a new beginning? A spin off of the world we've created? The number of posts speak for themselves; and though we can chalk this up to the game taking a back seat to life, can't we also blame boredom? Who would be interested in a time-jump of 20 years? 40 years? What would the world look like? Would the virus reemerge? Would we be left with new children searching for the cure to their inevitable demise, or children fighting for the land of they're ancestors? Would some defy the odds and claim old age, or will the cornerstones of our game be gone, only to leave room for a new breed? I think it's time to ask, if for nothing more than to ask."

Comments? Questions? Thoughts?

Please respond in-game (or to me or any moderator privately, if you prefer) and let's see what people think. After all, this is YOUR game-world. You brought it to life. Maybe it's time to take a look at where that life needs to head for the future.

KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE!!!

-Chyna, Game Owner

P.S. Thanks, Sid, for pulling this all together so well!

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe

About Birthdays

Since I have a birthday coming up, it had me thinking about how The Tribe did not deal with birthdays or any kind of rite-of-passage milestones in the lives of our favorite characters.

Oh sure, the writers showed us the consequences of unprotected sex in the number of characters who had babies or came close to having them. (Mostly those consequences seemed to be all on the female ... strange ...)

Anyway, I was thinking more about traditions & life passages. Like birthdays. Or like major holidays. I don't know ... it used to be a big deal to turn 16 & get your driver's license. Or turn 18 & vote. Or turn 21 & buy a beer. The closest we came wasn't too bad -- watching Cloe go through her early-teenage bad-girl stage with Ved. It was such a tantalizing tidbit tho' & there wasn't enough of it!

Yeah, ok, we can all probably understand WHY The Tribe writers went the way they did. Keep the story focused on the action/situation. Move forward not backward. And the main character was always The Virus.

I'm glad we haven't totally ignored life-milestones in our game. KTDA has tipped the hat to birthdays, to love & loss, to Christmas & kinda sorta to Thanksgiving/harvest festivals. Our game has a lot of great action, but we also take the time to develop characters & take their backstories into account. Since you can't visually "see" our characters, that development does give them more life than just 2-dimensional playing.

I'm glad. I like our characters.

-Chyna

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Entitled? Says who?

Ok, I'm not exactly sure where this is comin' from right now, but it's rant-time.

Why why WHY do people think they ought to have something -- money, services, things, whatever -- simply because they are "entitled" to it?

Entitled how? Says who? I am so totally tired of dealing with the Entitled Generation, those who expect privileges just because they exist.

"I graduated college, so my 1st job should be company president & I should start at a million dollars." Really? "What do you mean, no discount? I'm over 50!" Seriously? "Everybody else my age (10!) has a smartphone, so I have to have one too--right now!" Oh give me a break...

Yeah, yeah, these are very simplified examples but I see it everywhere including my own family. And for those who know Chyna, they know exactly how I react when I hear it -- I laugh myself silly.

People, we all know it's a hard world out there. The economy tanked & "privilege" often means actually having a job with benefits or being able to pay your electric bill or buy food. And yes, we all try to maximize our situation any way we can. But seriously, expecting people to just GIVE whatever because you're you? What makes you that special?

At least Tribe-world makes more sense. "Entitled" means something totally different. Zoot was "entitled" to whatever he wanted because you knew he'd kick your ass if you said no. Right? In our game-world, you get what you get because of who & what you are, not just because you're breathing. (Well, yeah, Villa gets what she gets because you know she would kick your ass, too. That's just Villa. And she totally made me say that!)

All right, rant over.

And yes, I do feel better. Thanks!

-Chyna

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Tribe Resurrection: The Vamps

Lest we lose sight of our original premise, it seems this season in KTDARPG our players are working hard to make sure "tribes" remain an aspect & a focus of our game-play. Jenna (aka "Jet") went so far as to resurrect a tribe that was decimated in the game many seasons ago. If her post-work is any indication, we think we'll be seeing a lot of the Vamps this season.

Bravo, "Jet" and "Tyla"!

Un-Stuck  [Post #38570, 2/17/14]

Jet stood up in the ring, watching them. When the last of the crowd had gone. Jet was left with her guards, bartenders, waiters and cleaners. "Everyone, gather round. Tyla, come up here with me."

Tyla cautiously climbed onto the ring and slipped underneath the ropes. She wasn't the only girl there, but she was the youngest. A few of the barmaids giggled until Jet frowned at them.

Jet: "Tyla, tell these people what you know about tribes."

Tyla's mind went into overdrive. "Oh, right, umm ... tribes are a group of people that come and live together. They all like ... uh ... protect each other? They were made so people could pool resources and stay alive."

Jet: "Stay alive. And more than ssstay alive. Thrive. Grow ssstrong. Be the bessst. I was there once, and I will be again. Tonight I'm bringing back the Vamp Tribe. This one ..." puts a hand on Tyla's shoulder "... is the first member of my new tribe. Who is next?"

There were more uncomfortable laughs and giggles, and people looking at Tyla. No one stepped up. Jet didn't move. Her hand on Tyla's shoulder was a grip that tightened. Tyla didn't notice the laughs; she was too busy thinking. To become strong, the best. If she became that ... a small smile edged onto her face. No one would ever dare to laugh at her again.

Waitress: "That girl is pathetic. She'll run first chance she gets."

Jet heard every word, and she knew who said what. Slowly she pulled a stiletto from her boot. "Tyla, give me your right hand."

Tyla had learnt that when Jet told you to do some thing, don't question it. She gave Jet her right hand. (Jet won't hurt me, I know she won't. Not bad any way.) She opened her eyes and nodded, confident.

Jet held Tyla's hand tightly and spoke very low, for Tyla alone. "Brace yourself. Do not flinch. Do not cry out."

Tyla drew in a big deep breath and stared at her wrist. She forced herself to relax her muscles, put on a show -- otherwise she'd make Jet angry. An angry Jet was far worse than any pain she'd encounter otherwise.

Jet raised Tyla's hand so the others could see. She moved her grasp so she was holding Tyla's first and second fingers slightly apart. The stiletto was razor-sharp. Quickly she slid the knife-tip in a V-shape, from one finger down to the base and then up the other. When she held Tyla's hand forward now it was up showing a V-sign with blood slightly dripping down to her hand.

Jet: "V. For Vampsss." She held up her own hand to show the same sign then turned Tyla loose. "Only Vamps. So? Are you going to let one little girl put you all to ssshame? Do you have her guts? Join the Vamps or get out now."

First one, then another joined Jet in the ring. Tyla finally let herself look at her own hand. It had begun to sting and she winced at the feeling of the loose skin rubbing together. Blood had stained her jeans. She covered it with one hand, sticking close to Jet as other people came forward to join.

Jet nodded and marked each one as they came up. YES! It felt good and right -- finally making a move. THIS move! It took 2 hours and when it was done, Jet stood looking at the people around her with a calculating gleam in her eyes.

"I will never know who ssset up my tribe and took them out, but I ssswear it will NOT happen again. The Vamps will be stronger than ever. Stronger, smarter -- Bandage your hands. Open the doors. Let the people back in. Watch each one. I will give anyone a bounty of 20 coins for each new recruit you bring to the Vamps." She lifted one eyebrow at the silent tribe around her. "Any questions?"


-Chyna

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

KTDARPG -- Game Highlights, Feb. 9, 2014

Highlights from recent events in our game.

Season-11: VIRAL WINTER

Morning is here, and everyone in the city is poised for ... something ... whatever comes next. Newcomers are trying to get their bearings; city kids are scrambling for anything they can find. Hopefully they'll go to Arianna or Krystal and become part of the solution.

Sage, new to the city, is working with Jazzy to learn what he can about Fort River.

Krystal has headed back to her tribe, the River Rats, which has a new leader. His name is Boone, and he's told his tribe they need to be part of the team too -- to give where & how & when they can, whether or not they're in the lead.

At the Fight Club, both Jet and Tyla are struggling with internal battles. But there's a glimmer in Jet's eyes ... in an amazing move, she's cleared the Fight Club. Apparently she's decided to resurrect the Vamps from their tribal ashes -- and Tyla is Vamp #2.

In Dark Cove. Clay and his Pirates tribe seem to want Jade & Gunn to hang around. They're being very helpful ... aren't they? However, Blue-Robin does NOT seem to like the direction Clay's attention has gone -- and she's raising quite a stink about it.

Winter is just beginning. Be sure & get your most recent copy of the city newspaper "Fort River Today"!

Stay tribal!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Wondrous

This was my horoscope for today:

"If it isn't strange, then it can't be beautiful."

-Chyna

photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Christmas Hope

In reading earlier years of "Chyna's Closet," I
came upon the post I wrote for Christmas 2009.
As I think about today, all my family & friends
scattered around the world, this post seemed
especially evocative of what I'm feeling ... and
what I'm wishing for all those I love.

Merry Christmas, everyone. 



We never saw Christmas in The Tribe. Actually we didn't see many old traditions carried into the post-Virus world.

In our Tribe-based rpg, that seems to hold true as well. The only major celebration we've had in all our game-years has been Winter Solstice. A few characters have quietly observed their own traditions. The two that come to mind quickly are Christmas & Hanukkah. Other than that ... nothing.

I think it's a bit sad. The one thing Christmas--and truthfully, most traditions--does for us is bind people together. In this holiday season, we see families come closer & count their blessings. We see neighbors helping each other more. Strangers on the street can be friendlier. Even for someone spending Christmas alone, there can be joyful moments. A card from a distant relative. A phone call from mom in Florida. An unexpected present from a friend. A neighbor shoveling your snow. A candle lit against the dark.

The Christmas season is about hope...something we can't have enough of.

To my Tribe-friends, I hope you're all well & spending Christmas with your loved ones. I don't think you can do any better than that.

Here's a virtual hug coming your way -- *hugs*

Merry Christmas, whatever world you live in.

-Chyna

[Original title: Merry Christmas, 2009"]

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Choosing Your Reality

 

In KTDARPG we deal with life, youth & the challenges of growing up while creating a way of life from scratch. Without the guidance of adults & the civilized institutions we've come to depend on, that's not an easy prospect. Most especially not easy in an rpg where the rules demand at least a semblance of reality from players who are struggling with unfamiliar territory.

Reality? Whose reality?

There's no real answer. It changes depending on who you are & what you're dealing with.

But... I found the following text on another blog. Frankly, it seemed to speak to the characters we're trying hard to establish in a game that none of us has ever had to play for real.

I think you'll see what I mean.

          After a while, you learn the difference between holding a hand & chaining a soul.

          You learn "love" doesn't mean "leaning," that "company" doesn't mean "security."

          You begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts, presents aren't promises.

          You begin to accept defeats with your head up, eyes open--with the grace of an

          adult, not the grief of a child.

          After a while, you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So you

          plant your own garden & decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone

          to bring you flowers.

          You learn that you really can endure. You really are strong. You really do have worth.

          And you learn, and you learn ... with every goodbye, you learn.

Here's to all of us who continue to learn.

-Chyna

Photo source: Webshots

Love in the Time of the Virus

Just like in The Tribe, love is a challenge. Sometimes it works... other times, not so much. We had high hopes for KTDA's Lily & Rook, both young, both working to prove themselves to their older siblings or family, both at the age where they need to define themselves. Yep... reminded us a lot of Ved & Cloe.

But after a brief acquaintance, it just wasn't meant to be. Maybe it's just that boys really don't understand girls. Maybe it's just the "time of the Virus" that gets to us now & then. Maybe Rook was just too logical & Lily was just too emotional. *sigh* Whatever it was, it happened fast. One minute they were together, the next Rook was walking away. Here follows a condensed version of what went down.  O_O 


Adventures
December 2010

Rook: Maggie said you were a member of a tribe. What's that like?

Lily: The Misfits. I was a street kid scrounging for food when Arianna found me. I don't think I'd be alive if it wasn't for her. The Misfits are my family.

Rook: *thoughtful* It's rare a tribe has a girl leader. We seen tribes all over, and mostly they weren't good things. They bullied people, got power by violence or controlling something valuable like water or food, you know? *shakes his head* From what I've seen, the world'd be better off without tribes.

Lily: That's your opinion. The tribes of Fort River came together and rid the city of a common enemy. The Misfits are respected for our generosity and compassion, not for power or strength.

Rook: Well yeah, it's my opinion. But it's based on things I've seen. Lily, aside from the Misfits, what are Fort River tribes like? Can you name...I dunno, three? Three tribes not known as much for fighting as for anything else?

Lily: *sadly* You must have seen a lot of bad things in your lifetime. Hmm...let's see, there's the River Rats, and Big Sis and her kids...no I can't.

Rook: We saw a lot, especially right after the Virus. Families are great things, but mostly tribes haven't been families. They've been private armies.

Lily: *anger beginning to show* Look, I'm sure you've seen terrible stuff. I'm sure bad things happened. But this is Fort River. Have you seen tribes fighting in the street? NO! Are kids stealing, starving, sleeping in the streets? NO!

*Rook shoved his hands deeper in his pockets. He didn't understand Lily's anger.*

Rook: Lots of people sleep in the streets, Lily. And maybe there's less fighting because of that fight club over in the factory district? I heard Baz and Logan say it's a real butcher shop.

Lily: If people are sleeping in the streets, it's their choice. People who go fight in the club make that choice too. Fort River tribes don't fight over power, food or anything else. *tears begin to fill her eyes and she shouts at him* IT'S MY HOME YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. If Fort River is such a bad place, why are you and your stupid friends still here?

Rook: Why are you getting upset? I didn't say it was your fault--jeez, it's nobody's fault, Lily. That's just the way the world is. *frowns* And my friends aren't dumb, especially my brother.

Lily: *wipes at her face* Upset? You basically just said my home is a rotten terrible place. And the cause is my family, my tribe and the other tribes.

Rook: I didn't say that! Even if your tribe wiped out a whole 'nother tribe--the Grimms? *shrugs and seems at a loss for more words* It must've needed doing, I guess?

*Lily's hand goes to her throat and the fading scar from the Dealer's knife.* No, Rook, that wasn't something that needed to happen. It just did.

*Lily begins to walk down the street. Rook followed after her.*

Rook: Why are you acting like this, Lily? I don't understand.

Lily: That's right, you don't understand. You never will, so just drop it.

*Rook slowed, letting the distance grow as Lily kept walking. He watched her stiff back and shook his head.* This is wrong. This is very wrong.

*But he didn't know what was wrong, so he didn't know how to make it right with Lily. He hardly knew her. Rook stopped and took a deep breath. Then he turned around and started walking back to Home.*


-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Did you really say "Trust Me"?

Ah, my friends, Chyna truly wishes she had a dollar for every time she's heard a player say: "Trust me."

It's such a warm, cozy feeling to know you have player-friends looking out for your best interests, who want to draw you into their interesting plots & strategies & game twists and turns.

Yeaaahhh ... how stupid do I look?

I know, I know, I've said it myself. "Trust me." Trust that I have a plan in mind that you're PERFECT to help me with! Trust that we'll either succeed or else have someone to cry with when it all goes to hell. Trust that I THINK I know what I'm doing.

One of the first lessons Mom taught me was Never trust a guy who says "Trust Me." Mom would be proud--I learned that lesson well. Sure, I slip up from time to time. Forget the cardinal rules for dealing with "bad boys" & actually think I know someone well enough that I won't get trapped. Silly me. But I get over it, move on, and probably will make the same mistake again somewhere else down the road.

Bottom line? This is just a game, not world domination. And if I went through life never trusting anybody because I've been burned a time or two? Seems like it would get kinda lonely. I think I'd rather be a trusting soul than a cold one.

Oh, and just so you know ... I am generally trustworthy. At least I try to be. I'm not malicious, not vindictive, not so devious that I'll give a green-eyed smile & hope you're bemused enough to follow along just so I can use you and toss you later.

Trust me. *big grin*

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Updated KTDARPG Game/Story Summary

For those new to KTDARPG, either reading or playing, here is the updated game summary that gives a bit of game history & sets up current circumstances.


KTDARPG Game Overview
(December 2013)

"Keep the Dream Alive" role-playing game was inspired by the New Zealand tv show The Tribe. The premise of the show was that a Virus killed all the adults in the world, leaving their children alone to find their way in a desperate new world.

Ours is an "other-world," where real-world geography and history don't exactly apply. There are also no fantasy or super-powered characters here.

KTDA started play-action less than a year after our game-Virus was unleashed and the adults killed. The world's kids (generally age 18 and younger) were left alive and must deal with finding food, shelter, clothing, safety--trying to survive and build a new world for themselves out of the ashes of the old.

The city of Fort River is where most of our action takes place. It's located on a long peninsula. (See map in the "files" section.) The climate has traditional seasons. Trees, plants, crops and animals are all climate-appropriate, too. Surrounding cities include Bayview (west), Darrow (south), Vale (east) and Capital City (north).

Between battles, fires, explosions and even a hurricane, Fort River has taken a beating... but it's still home. 

In our game-world, a year has passed since the first friends met in Fort River, which makes it almost 2 years since the first Virus was released. (A second, kid-killing Virus was also unleashed and defeated.) The current citizens of our city have endured invasion, occupation, and destruction on a massive scale. Now the kids are growing and trying to move forward, finding loves, building lives and creating a city they can be proud of.

It's turning to winter again--the 2nd winter in the game--and it promises to be the worst winter we've had to endure. Old-world resources are mostly used up, and we're having to forage and scrounge more and more. We're focused on survival: surviving the winter while losing as few of our city kids as possible.

Fort River has a shelter and clinic for those in need. There's a local sort-of-hotel that serves meals and a casino for nightlife. We have a newspaper for city news and bards for news from other places. Oh, and we have electricity again!

There have been many tribes throughout the game. Right now primary tribes are Misfits, River Rats, Grasshoppers and coming new to the city is the Grey Tower Tribe.

Aside from individual grudges and rivalries, the primary bad guys have been (in order) StormRiver Tribe, the Brotherhood and the Anti-Kids...but who knows what's ahead?

Every day's an adventure, be we all work to stay tribal!

Welcome to Keep the Dream Alive.

-Chyna, Game Owner

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Keeping the Dream Alive

Thinking lately of the characters we've lost over the years, and the players who have moved on, and the friends who've drifted away because life got crazy.

The characters will forever be with us. I hope the people know, they will be too.

Happy Thanksgiving & Hanukkah 2013.

Does it fade?

Pain. Terror. Uncertainty. Fear.
Sadness. Loneliness. Desperation.

That hollow ache inside when the absolute worst happens

and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it...

Does it fade?

Is that how we survive?

Or do we just become so numb that one more thing
can't affect us ... can't touch us inside

because inside is empty.

Characters in our game have suffered and lost, time after time.

Some of them disappear. Some of them die.

Some of them hold onto some hope

that maybe things can get better.

Tomorrow... if we can just make it until tomorrow.

Does it fade?

Or do we?

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Fast-forward

In a text-based rpg with many players, we've had a single day last 2-3 months. After 9 years of play, at that speed we might be maybe 6 months away from the Virus release rather than almost 2 years.

We attribute that to one of our most closely guarded, moderator-controlled devices: the time jump. Kind of like a fast-forward for writing.

We haven't used it a lot, and always with agreement among players that this is something to be desired.

It's kind of fun too!

Example: at the end of our game's Season-1 where we destroyed a good chunk of the city and didn't know who survived, we decided not to start Season-2 as the same day/next day and what comes next. Rather, Season-2 began weeks later where we picked up with the Brotherhood in control of the city and slowly... slowly... let people know who had survived the perilous battle. We "jumped" ahead to keep from getting bogged down trying to step-by-step the aftermath.

A more recent example was the "jump" from mid-summer to late fall. Our characters were getting bogged down & we needed a fresh perspective. Ergo, voile! Harvest-time.

Our fast-forward strategy focuses on the story line & making sure we can get ourselves out of situations before we write ourselves to a stand-still.

If text-based gaming has taught us anything, the lesson is to find every way we can to be creative without sacrificing our game to gimmicks. If we over-used it, the time-jump would really have no meaning. We'd lose control of the story & the whole point of our work together.

But used discretely? Ah... creative, yes. Wicked creative. And it keeps our tribal story line fresh, exciting, and maybe a little unpredictable--which is sooo not a bad thing!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Hawk's Conscience

The world in which we play is often harsh & cold. We do whatever it takes to survive, but loss can be hard to overcome. One major lesson we've learned is that those we trust, those we love... they may go on before us, they never really leave us behind.


Hawk's Conscience
Post #28,562 - May 2009

Hawk paced the deserted camp--the mess hall, the parade area near the twisted remnants of the gate, a pile of rubble that was once a guardhouse.

It was here, Sis, we last talked. It seems so long ago. What would you say now, with all that has occurred? Bishop's death, Creed alive, the final battle against the AKs. The last time we were here, it snowed.

Words formed of themselves in the back of Hawk's brain. They were not her words, and the voice was just a memory in her heart.

[Snow made me restless, like I was forgetting something.]

"You were always restless. I wish you were here, Chyna."

[I've always been here, Hawk. I never left you.]

A flicker at the edge of Hawk's sight, maybe just a night bird following prey. "Sis?" She sighed and then shook her head. "Maybe I am starting to lose it."

[You were always the practical one. See a problem, fix it, move on. Why haven't you moved on, Hawk? Why are we here?]

Hawk looked out into darkness. "I thought I had. Mated, a babe, healing... but the path always brings me back here."

[Sounds like unfinished business to me. That's not like you.]

"Being in the city at all is not like me. Now it's worse. Death to the city if my death doesn't occur?" That was what Joker had promised.

[You always said you weren't a leader, Hawk, but you always seem to wind up taking responsibility. How did that happen?]

"Because I remembered. The training, my purpose. A guardian is not a leader but a caretaker. With Jean's death, the River Rats chose me."

[You never liked to face death. You took each one personally. That's not being a caretaker. It's acting like an owner. You can't own people, can't take their choices from them.]

"Nor would I, but they need to have real choices. This Joker has given them the choice of killing me, staying in the city and dying, or leaving in the middle of a drought. According to Joker, I am the evil monster. He is the good guy trying to help."

[Are you a monster?]

The question startled Hawk with its brutal simplicity. She closed her eyes. "You never saw, Chyna. Never witnessed the full-out berserker I could become."

The wind stirred the trees. Somewhere a wolf howled. From the distant city, now and then a voice drifted across the field.

[You were never the monster. Never the freak. That was me.]

"You were no freak. You were normal, Sister. I was the one who was scarred."

[You never saw the scars I hid inside, Hawk. Love lost. Life shattered. Hope gone. All before you and I ever met. Your scars are clean, earned in exchange for lives saved. You only knew Chyna that the Virus created. You are so alive. Life is precious to you. When I killed, I was an executioner. When you killed... you mourned. Who is the monster?]

The breeze tickled Hawk's cheek, tossing strands of hair into her eyes. Playful. Gentle.

[It doesn't matter. We're all kids. The Virus was the last monster. Remember the last thing I said to you?]

Hawk remembered. "When this battle comes, don't worry about trying to watch my back--focus on your own. And stay alive. Stay alive."

[You've lived so long for other people, the way you guarded the River Rats for me. People don't love monsters. You have always been loved.]

"Aye. Creed... I have loved."

[If you love, there is no monster. Have faith in love until you die from it. Stay alive, sister of the sword. Stay alive.]

Hawk looked puzzled by revelation. "Not a monster. Of the wild, but still human?"

[Just a girl. Surviving. Forget the past, Hawk. If anyone calls you monster, do what you have to do. You won't prove them right or wrong. Don't judge, but don't be judged either.]

Hawk chuckled. "Just a girl. You're the only one to call me that."

Another voice came out of the darkness. "You've been in the woods too long, Hawk, if you're out here talking to yourself. Either that or the heat's gettin' to you." Aeryn came farther into the open. "Is this a private party or can anybody play?"

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

Photo Source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Arianna's Journal

Our KTDARPG writers are wicked creative. Something as simple as a journal entry can be used very effectively to (a) summarize action, (b) give the story a time- or date-stamp, or (c) introduce small facts vital to setting the next stage of drama (without having to act out every detail through multiple postings) ...

My friend from Michigan does all this & more using such a normal device as a diary.



Dear Journal
Post #7008

Arianna sits alone in the warehouse writing in her journal.


April 1

Dear Journal,

It's been 3 months since the hurricane destroyed half of Fort River. Many people died, others were hurt badly. So many buildings gone, water everywhere. it doesn't look like home any more.

I'm worried. Most of the Misfits have left or disappeared. I haven't seen Rourke or Adear in what seems like forever. Breya went off a couple weeks ago, to look for her son I think. All the others except Lily and Izzy have joined other tribes. I hope those two are ok. They went out last night and haven't come back. It's sweet, those two getting together. They're a little young but who isn't these days?

Oh yeah - don't forget. I'm exactly 19 weeks today. That's about the only thing that keeps me going.

Well, that's all for now.


Arianna closes the book and puts it and the pen into a drawer next to her bed. She walks out into the empty warehouse. There she sighs, her hand on the small bump of her belly. She walks to the kitchen area and begins heating some water for tea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"

Choreographing a Great Fight

Some of the hardest rpg-writing I've done has been in the construction of fight scenes -- and you know, we ALL love a good fight! But it ain't easy. It really helps if you have a good partner. For the cage-match scene we created between Chyna & Sid, I had a great partner/friend from California on the other end. (Thanks, Josh!)

I hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed writing it.




The Fight
Post #1265

*Sid pushes through the crowd. He picks up a sword, swings the cage door open and walks in. The crowd starts to ambush the cage. They begin to chant and scream but Sid does not turn. His eyes stay focused.*

Jamie: (This will be one war to remember.) 

*Chyna approaches the table, picks up a sword. With a glance at Hawk and the River Rats, she moves to the door and steps inside. The metal door clangs shut. The padlock clicks. Her half-smile grows to a grin. She faces Sid, salutes him with her blade.* "Well, we have the floor and the audience--let's dance!"

*Sid stands still for a moment, then starts to jog around the perimeter of the cage. Chyna steps into him, aiming high, and Sid meets her blade. The sound of steel-on-steel crashes over the crowd. The Travelers roar their encouragement and pound on the sides of the cage.*

*Sid comes back at Chyna with a deep breath and a strong sword blow. Chyna staggers from the weight of it, slamming her back into the cage wall behind her. She recovers fast and dodges around him to get more room.* (I can't take him in a slamming fight. He's too strong--have to be faster.)

*Sid turns and she catches his left arm, leaving a trail of blood. He swings at Chyna but hits the cage and brings the blade back around, just missing her head. He raises the sword for a powerful strike downward. Chyna's blade catches his, holds it--the muscles in her arms screaming with the effort.*

"C'mon, Sid! Your fans out there expect more!"

*She breaks away and backs up, then comes in swinging at his side where he catches it and shoves her back again. Chyna dodges left, making him follow her. She moves quickly, circling him, catching Sid from behind and smashing her boot into the back of his knee, taking him down to the ground. She swings her blade wide, eyes fever-bright with violence.*

Jamie: "No--Sid! Behind you! "

Hawk: *softly* "No, Chyna. Not for you ... that's not the way." 

*Chyna screams out her fury--at being used, manipulated, played with--brings her sword forward with both hands in a powerful strike--then pulls the blow as Sid jumps to his feet. Her blade scrapes across his hip. The momentum of the stroke carries her with it until she twists aside, facing Sid. He cracks his neck and pulls his arm back, swinging hard. Chyna tries to brace herself for the blow but his sword doesn't stop until its close to her left upper arm. She meets Sid's eyes. He pushes the blade and pulls back quickly, opening up a gash on her arm.*

*She smiles coldly into those white eyes and steps into him, pushing back on the crossed blades. He laughs and moves with her. She twists left, pulling her sword down. Her blade scores his chest as she backs away, shouting.*

"That's more like it! C'mon, Sid. Just a girl here. How tough can it be?"

*She brings her sword up to block his next stroke, moving left again.* (He's not even breathing hard!) *Sweat pours down her face as she dances out of his way.*

*As Chyna starts to circle around him, Sid swings and knocks her back then rushes in and grabs her by the neck. His grip is iron as his fingers dig into the flesh of her throat. He feels her blade come up on his leg and kicks it to the ground. Chyna beats at his grip with both hands, trying to break his hold, then rakes her sharp nails across his face. Sid brings up the handle of his blade, smashing her over the right eyebrow. He lets her go and she staggers back, falling to her knees in the dirt. Sid backs up, grinning, motioning for her to pick up her sword.*

*Chyna crouches on the ground, breathing hard. She shakes the blood out of her eyes and laughs. Her hand closes on the hilt of her blade and she moves fast to the side, finding room to maneuver. Two-handed, she aims a blow at his chest. Sid parries but his blade slides and Chyna twists her strike, cutting into his side. Before she can back off, Sid swings out wildly and rips through the leather on her left leg, cutting into her thigh. He reverses his swing and pushes her back, his blade biting deep into her left side.* 

*Chyna barely catches his next swing and pushes him off. She backs away to the center of the field. For a heartbeat, they stand motionless. Chyna panting for breath as her blood stains the ground. Sid cold, ruthless, blood-stained, gauging his opponent's weakness.*

*Sid suddenly goes into motion, closing the distance between them. He swings--Chyna ducks and hits him brutally in the ribs with her fist. He staggers but brings his elbow down on the top of her head. She drops like a stone, face-down in the dirt. Sid kicks her hard in the side, flipping her over on her back. Before she can move, Sid puts his foot on her throat. His cold eyes look over the crowd surrounding the cage. The Travelers are shouting and chanting loudly, calling his name. He smiles at them, puts his thumb to his throat and slowly pulls it across, waiting for their approval.*

Nestor: Say it, Chyna! SAY THE WORDS! Don't make him kill you!

Hawk: At least make it a clean kill. She's earned that right.

*As the shouts of the crowd grow wild, Sid takes his boot off Chyna's throat. He steps over her, one leg on each side of her body, pinning her in place. With both hands, he pulls his blade all the way to his back. With every bit of power he has, Sid swings straight at Chyna's face.*

*Shouting Chyna pulls her blade forward with both hands, trying desperately to block his deadly stroke.*

*The two blades meet with a thundering force and SHATTER!*

*The concussion rocks Sid back as metal shards cut into his arms and chest. Chyna's wrist screams agony from the blow. Broken metal bits rain down all over her body.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ah, the course of friendship between Sid & Chyna had a lot of bumps along the way. This is a condensed version of a very powerful scene. If you want more, visit KTDARPG soon!

-Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"