Crouching Bacon

Everyone seems to have settled into a comfortable state. Plus the most active of the time are just not as active anymore if at all.

This place brings memories - especially memories of my terrible writing of a pre-teen. Looks like nothing much happens as often as before?

Hi Grumpy, I'm interesting in donating, but for some reason I keep getting this screen.

 

Spoiler

It looks like your default currency isn't USD, so that's why you're getting that extra screen. Anything roughly equivalent to 10USD is sufficient for donation benefits. I can convert any paypal supported currency myself as well.

Welcome to Batoto, grimmjagger!

 

 

If you would like to share your creations, you can also upload your series to the site.

 

Well, I'm more of a cover drawer and that is where I search for a manga artist.

Been messing around getting modeled backgrounds to look anime-like for the past few weeks.
This is the cleanest I've gotten so far - could do with a lot less noise I think ahh x.x

[and thats supposed to be fullhd oTL]

I think this is the right place to make this announcement since almost everyone he loved frequents here. A special shout-out to Naifu, X & Maia.

 

I wish to announce that the member that was the original owner of this Handle has passed on. He suffered a burst vein and collapsed in his study. Was rushed to the hospital but was declared 'brought dead', the reason being brain hemorrhage. I apologize for any unsettled feuds he may have had and am thankful for all the love he has received from this forum that led to his emotional healing.

 

Thanks Everyone!!

 

P.S: I request the mod for this section to lock his RP "Edge of Destiny".

I'm thankful at least a family member of his were kind enough to speak through his account to let us know what happened. It would've been even more terrible had he just disappeared all of a sudden, never to be seen again, without knowing anything. But Ugh, I agree, RPing just wouldn't be the same without him. It's always been Me, DR, Joker, Naifu, Fay and various others in practically every RP. His mark was everywhere in the RP forum. It was fun RPing with his characters. =(

 

 

He very much became the heart and soul of this little part of Batoto, pushing us all to write better and dream bigger. And above all, I think he just wanted us all to have fun doing what we love.

Thanks for the love, if I could ask a favor. Do you guys know the member with the Handle name Naifu? I couldn't find him here. If you could, please inform him about DR. He was very fond of his skill and often talked about it. He was also planning a surprise visit in the Caribbean to possibly meet up with him in January, so I feel he should know of this all. He said Naifu was his best friend on these forums along with X. I'm sure I have found one of the two.

 

Also, Faye, Captain, Joker, Maia & Ita - I have heard about these members as well.

Narinogoril

 

I exhaled in a vexing tone as I lifted myself off of the ground, moving slowly as to avoid another rebuttal from the Man-Beasts. "Let!" I thought loudly. "LET!" I tried again. The infernal bickering of the axe was deposited directly into my head, there was no reason why I could not do the same. Let wasn't responding. I doubt that the "soul-bond" between could be so easily severed, even if the cretin intended to make good on his proposition of deserting me. It looked like Let had found a new, novel way to agitate me. Now Let refused to speak at all. Attempting to disguise my aggravation I rolled my shoulders and flexed my neck, darting glances back and forth at those surrounding me. It became obvious that I wasn't hiding much of anything well at all.

 

"Aslani? How should I know what that is...?" I said, before taking a quick moment to reconsider my speech. I don't remember much of myself, but groveling wasn't something I do or ever did, at the same time dying out of arrogance wasn't something I was into either. I breathing heavily in frustration of not being able to adequately rely any information at all. "I wanted a pelt and food, and I don't know anything else", I said patting the snow off my shoulders and back. The chill piercing my skin. Somehow my statement sounded almost like a demand even to myself. Digging my heels into the white matter I spoke some more, straining to sound at least a little regretful. "I didn't know you weren't just a pack of wolves, I wouldn't have tried to skin you if I knew you could speak." I said shrugging, a funnel of white air escaping my lips and into the heavens above.

Beasts of the Wild - Muninn

 

 

Battlecry. A powerful, awe-inspiring action a titular hero would use as his opening move in any open fight. Against human opponents, it would often instill a sense of terror, paralyzing them in place as their rattled mind frantically weighed the option to flee or fight. Against beasts, however, the effect were often more detrimental than they are beneficial. A fact made evident by the event unfolding before your eyes.

 

Hearing your cries, the pack of six wolves quickly discerned your position and moved out of harm's way; negating any advantages of surprise attack that you should have had beforehand. As a result, the only damage your ferocious trashing attack did to your supposed prey was a graze on one of the smaller, younger wolves' fore shoulder. To your surprise, the hide of the beast was terribly tough. It felt as if you were hitting a fine-crafted chainmail made of splendid woven steel.

 

"What? Is that all you've got? Laaaaaammmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeee~!" Let urged you in his (especially) annoying voice within your head.

 

Angry and hell-bent on proving your worth to your new partner, you decided to continue your swinging in reckless abandon, until you finally needed to stop for a breath; an opportunity not missed by the dire wolves. One of the larger beast lunged straight towards you. It's impeccable timing managed to caught you off-guard, and you were forced to block its attack with your axe. True enough, you managed to stop the beast's fangs from reaching your tender neck. Yet, as a compensation, Let was now firmly lodged within its maw; and with a simple, yet powerful twist, you were forced to let go of him.

 

"Hah! So first you failed to draw some blood, and now you lose me?! What kind of a master are you?? Perhaps I should join the wolves instead? Huh? Huh? Huuuuuh?? AhyahyahyaHYAHYAHyAHYAHYaHYA!!" the obnoxious axe continued to mock your misfortune.

 

"Not helping, Let!" you screamed back at it, frustration beginning to build up within you.

 

And yet, the misfortune did not seem to end. Another wolf moved in from your blind spot, and lunged at you. Without a weapon to defend against it, you were forced unto the ground, pinned both by its massive strength and the sheer weight of its body. You would have died then and there, if not for the powerful, firm voice stopping said wolf from tearing your head from the rest of your body.

 

"Hold it," the voice stated in a calm yet powerful tone. "Do not kill the intruder just yet."

 

"Who.. Who's that?" you thought to yourself. Then, following the source of the voice, you saw an enormous black shadow. It was the largest wolf of the pack; the supposed Alpha Male, the leader of the pack. Though, as you realized it, his current form was no longer that of a quadrupedal beast. No, his form is now more akin to that of a human. A hulking human standing well above 7" tall, with heavy coat of fur and other bestial traits, that is.

 

 

"But young lord," the wolf above you protested in retaliation. "This person made the first move! Surely he's ready for the consequences.."

 

"I said; Let. Him. Go. I need him alive more than I need him dead. Or do you not trust me anymore, Luna?"

 

"But..!"

 

"Luna.."

 

Finally the other wolf, the so-called Luna, relented. With a scoff, it released you from its pin and it too, assumed a humanoid form. A female, this time. While smaller than the Alpha, she too, was of an incredible size. Somewhere close to 7" tall, you presume. That, coupled with the well-toned muscles covering her entire body, she gave off the impression that it would be to your best interest not to try anything funny, even after you regained your freedom.

 

 

The other four wolves then also assumed their humanoid forms. And while not as impressive as either the Alpha or Luna, each and every one of them seemed to be adept fighters, and would have no problem subjugating your average Joe within the count of minutes. Then, with six imposing figures surrounding you and Let securely (and strangely quietly) confiscated by the Alpha, you had not choice but stay where you stand.

 

"Now tell me, stranger. You do not seem to be a part of the Aslani. What do you want, prancing around in our territory? Who sent you here?" the Alpha finally asked.

 

Well.. What say you?

 

 

OOC Info:

Blank,
As the face was soiled with a red tinge the mind grew blank.
The eyes grew black with nothingness, the mind void of all.

A body flopped down on the ground, as the head moved downwards the image of a bloodied human body etched itself into the eyes, in seeing this one would barely hear the voices of those responsible for the scene.
Who would bother registering the sound of something so petty?
If someone thought more of the situation in front of them right now they might have cried, maybe someone else would think of using their magic to attempt to heal... Maybe there was time, maybe the body could be saved.
But those thoughts did not cross the one who did see the scene. The one who did see it was blank.

“Let me ask you this” a voice as cold as the Ice pillars still in the area resounded in the eerie silence.
“Why are you all still bothering to talk?” The body of the voice engulfed itself in a chilling light.

As the question was ask some thoughts finally processed in the mind.
Blame yourself all you want, but before you blame yourself for holding the sheath, look to those who hold the hilt.
With Amaghi thoughts eventually processing in the mind a decision was made, there was no more need to speak to or warn the lowly spirits, with the light that left the body Amaghi would strike.

The light leaving the body turned to orbs, one prematurely erupted engulfing a small space in light.

It was clear Amaghi had only one goal now,
Total annihilation.

That was the intent at least.

The Redeemer - Amaris (Crouching Bacon)

 

 

Walking through the long, great corridor, you cannot help but notice seven statues standing gallantly on the sides. One in particular, the bustier of which decorated the double doors leading to what seemed to be the main hall, seemed very familiar to you. It's wings; the enormous circular halo above its head; and the motherly expression despite the childish look on her face.. There's no mistaking it.

 

"En, Guardian of the Endless Cycle. Surely you are familiar with her?" Lieserl said to you, noticing your apparent mesmerization with the statues.

 

You had known that, sure, but the revelation shocked you nonetheless. Does that mean that the people of Em are familiar with the wondrous being that returned you to life? "Then, these statues are?" you asked. To which Lieserl replied,

 

"Vassa the Prophet. Arba, the Keeper of Secrets. Fora the wise. Roce, the Enigma. Bal of the Paradoxical Truth. And Seir, the Keeper of Balance. Along with En, they are the seven Soul-Forged that were once housed in Em," she said as she pointed at the remaining six statues. "Though of course, most of them returned to the Void when the Blight struck two years ago."

 

The information was simply too much for you to handle. First, there was not one, but seven Soul-Forged that once dwelled in this floating land. You remembered En saying that there were 72 of them altogether, but to see this many of them at once was a shocker. And from what Lys said, it seemed that they were once a part of this side of the world, at least until this so-called "Blight" occurred two years ago. "What does that mean?" You thought to yourself.

 

And finally, the two of you reached the dining hall, where two other winged figure were already seated and waiting for you. The first, was a man with silver hair that seemed to have endured more winters than most, but unlike the typical withered man, he was still more than capable to endure a few dozens more. Lys addressed him as the "Grand Cordon", and paid an utmost respect to him. You though you should do the same, and bowed deeply as you stated your name. A gesture to which the gentleman replied with a curt smile and a polite bow as he too, stated his name.

 

"Laius Knox. A pleasure to finally meet you, Eternal one."

 

 

The second one, was a female with raven hair and wings. She seemed to be of a tender age, yet there was this air of wisdom and grandeur not found on somebody with little experience surrounding her. Lys addressed her as the "First Enchanter" and as she did with Grand Cordon Knox, she nodded politely as she addressed her.

 

"Is this how all people of high position carry themselves around others?" you thought to yourself as you awkwardly reintroduced yourself, this time to the First Enchanter. While it was not annoying per se, the formalities were rather suffocating to your taste.

 

"Marcille van Dine. Truly a pleasure to meet you, Eternal one."

 

 

"Heh. Even the reply was almost identical," you thought to yourself.

 

But after you were seated, and the food were brought in, you forgot about all the unpleasant things and joy filled your heart instead. You almost instinctively clapped your hands in glee at the sight of food, and reached out for it with a tuneful "Don't mind if I do~" before you realized where you were seating and froze in place. Embarrassed, you slowly raised your head, expecting faces of disgust from the other three greeting you.

 

Instead, what you saw was worse. Way worse. All three VIPs were averting their face from you, an arm covering each of their mouth. Their shoulders seemed to be trembling with unbridled fury. One that prevented them from seeing you and your disgusting demeanor directly, you thought to yourself. Yet, before you could apologize, something unexpected happened.

 

Laughter. Hearty, boisterous laughter erupted from the Grand Cordon. And soon, the two ladies bursted into giggles along with him. The seemingly cold First Enchanter was even moved to tears from her excessive laughing.

 

"Forgive us, Eternal one. The formalities must have been suffocating, was it not?" Lys finally said once her laughter subsided. "Please, forget about the manners from now on and enjoy the food," she continued, welcoming you to the feast.

 

And thus, the not-so-formal-after-all feast began. The four of you discussed a lot of things during the course of the meal: about how they received a prophecy that their guardian, En of the Endless Cycle, would return with a new champion with her; about the three VIPs intending to make the best impression on you and get over-the-top formal due to the tenseness of meeting a new champion after so long; and of course, you asking them about Em and its history in general, and they asking you how it was inside the void, and how you get to know En.

 

 

And at the end of the meal, the three people in front of you pleaded for you to join their cause.

 

What would you do?

Echo

 

Having given her response, the captain's reaction reminded her of how the wolf did in the forest of darkness. Why did the respond like that? She did reply truthfully, after all. Curious, maybe what she lacks as something to do with it. Still lost on what exactly it is, Echo wasn't given time to think on it as the man pulled out and handed her a piece of cloth, telling her to wrap it around the blade.

 

Apparently, not convinced of her answer, the man wanted the both of them, her and 'Garm', to fight. Echo wasn't sure exactly of the purpose of the cloth but she did as ordered, tying it tightly to the sword. Match.....Combat.... she ran over in her head, "Combat..." she repeated silently as unbeknownst to her, her eyes grew cold and fierce. Like a predator staring down it's prey, her eyes bore down on 'Garm'. Combat.... it repeated in her mind as something started to click.

 

Taking no real stance, she calming stood there with sword in hand, pointing towards the ground. As Garm started watching her, Echo began moving slowly but surely, keeping an eye on his expression, movements and the grip on his blade. For some reason, his movements were completely sloppy and his expression seemed ill-suited for 'battle'. Why is that I wonder? Curious... Tightening the grip on her blade, her movements started picking up pace before lunging forward with blade raised all of a sudden.

 

Taking advantage of his unsteady movements, before you knew it, Echo, acting on instinct, was almost right in front of him before unleashing a powerful swing with both hands. While there might've been no ill-intent behind it, even a seasoned veteran could mistaken it for killing intent. The cold expression on her face while doing so didn't exactly help that perception.

 

OOC:

Bjorn - Champion of the Blood Throne

 

It was afternoon when he woke up from his festive stupor last night. It seemed that had passed out in the middle of the village at night. The fires had quietened and the frogmen were about their daily business. The elder came up to him with a weird smelling drink and told him to down it to cure his hangover. It had been his first time in this birth, experiencing hangover that is. He thanked him again and drank it.

 

"Now that I was thinking about what you told me, Elder. I'll need a flag of your village if I'm to go around uniting this empire." he said in a gruff tone. The fine Salamander's Silk was wrapped around his loins, he caught an occasional stare of the frogwomen but he ignored them.

 

"I'll leave for the west gate and travel on further. I thinking having a token of your tribe or a flag would serve to justify my claim. What kind of other tribes are surviving in these lands? Would they really rally behind me if I talk about you or would I have to show them my strength?" he said as he got up and stretched.

 

--

 

After having the answers from the elders, he set out to explore more about this Pricor empire. Maybe he'll find more otherworlders within its borders. He had a hunch that he wasn't alone. Aber rested across his shoulders as he marched on silently by the swamp, his senses sharp and his arm ready.

 

He'd leave the heavy thinking to his sleeping time, as long as he was out on the road it was all about survival. His blue underwear glistened in the evening light as it contrasted against his bluish black skin.

 

My Friend, Alice

Madness danced in the eyes of the maid,

She who was fair and astrophysics her trade,

And while her smiles were as sweet as American pie,

She was a serial killer known from here to Shanghai.

The daughter of two lovers and mother of none,

Our story actually begins the day she bought a gun,

No one understood her or so she said,

As she killed and crippled my poor, Uncle Ted.

 

In her mind all of the rules were reversed,

People were animals and life was a curse,

Pain and suffering were how things were meant to be,

So why should she be nice when she could go on a killing spree.

Crystal Caverns

Another night had graced this grove,

Secluded, beyond Reality’s realm,

And now begins to grow again;

 

Another hole has surface broke:

One of many, but one of substance, which

May abound with earthy riches.

 

The wall is ruptured; explorers

Swarm its halls, bathed in swimming ribbons of

Luminescence, gazing in awe:

 

A single shard hangs from above,

Dripping with glassy moisture, like melted

Refined ice, glist’ning in silence;

 

Light’s thin hands unveil the sacred

Cavern, shimmering with crystal

Flowers, moondrops, and patterned shards:

 

Solid streams of purity wind

Throughout palaces of vivid hue and power,

Reaching out with spindly branches.

 

Now, extending into the sky,

Flowers and soft shards, sparkling in true light,

Cloak the landscape, dripping Moon’s tear;

 

And that river stretched its tendrils,

Until even nine-mouthed Styx’s delta

Could not compete with true power.

 

Yet another world comes to mind,

Belonging to no one’s self, nor to mine,

Whose secrets lie as yet uncovered.

 

- Emerald