in_nomine-digest Wednesday, December 19 2001 Volume 01 : Number 2487 In this digest: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Re: IN> What the Superiors did at the LOTR screening Re: IN> They Are Very Much Like Us: Part 1 Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. IN> Well, this should be less icky... IN> Re: Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ Re: IN> Well, this should be less icky... Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ IN> Okay, enough. IN> Story - Trimming the Tree Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ Re: IN> What the Superiors did at the LOTR screening Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ IN> Re: Finishing off Odin Re: IN> Playing Demonic Characters? Re: IN> Okay, enough. Re: IN> Okay, enough. Re: IN> Okay, enough. Re: IN> Okay, enough. Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 02:40:24 +0000 From: "Janet Anderson" Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. Moe, I know I've asked you this before, but I'll ask you again -- are you getting enough oxygen? Janet Anderson _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 18:47:02 -0800 (PST) From: Maurice Lane Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. - --- Janet Anderson wrote: > Moe, I know I've asked you this before, but I'll ask > you again -- are you > getting enough oxygen? Hey, I didn't think that it was THAT bad... Strange, deranged, grim, warped, possibly a symptom of a twisted mind screaming for help amidst an uncaring universe - but not precisely _bad_. ;) Moe ===== Liber Licentiae Moeticae: http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine.html Last updated 11/13/01(this is usually way out of date) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 21:52:54 -0500 From: Mike Bruner Subject: Re: IN> What the Superiors did at the LOTR screening At 12:20 PM 12/18/01 -0800, you wrote: >>Eli -- Well, they /think/ that was Eli in the front row, but by the time >>Dominic got up there he was gone. > >Heehee. I don't know why, but it was this line that really cracked me up. >I don't quite know why, perhaps it was because it was unsuspected and yet >is so, so appropriate. > >So my question is, should Dominic keep staking out the first screenings of >movies, especially the independent and artsy ones, on the off-chance that >Eli will stop by and give them a look? Hey, it makes a truthful excuse for him... :) - -- Mike Bruner-- mbruner18@home.com I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 18:58:11 -0800 From: "Bevan Thomas" Subject: Re: IN> They Are Very Much Like Us: Part 1 I accidentally deleted the e-mail of "They are Very Much Like Us" before I had a chance to copy it onto my In Nomine files (where I keep all the stuff on the newsgroup that I might use later). And the December archives aren't up on the In Nomine collection, so I can't access it that way. So could somebody who has it resend it to me, please? Thanks. _________________________________________________________________ Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 20:49:41 -0600 From: "Erich S. Arendall" Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. > Well, anyway, it's broken loose, so I suppose that the > best thing to do is to just shudder and move on. > Feedback welcome, as always. :) I think your brain is getting enough Feedback. I guess that's what happens when you're really good at listening to the Symphony. ...I just wish I wasn't handed the White Noise generator. Really, really good stuff Moe. I had to take the angel off my tree. ...---... Erich S. Arendall http://www.egrigor.com/ Egrigor | One monkey. Infinite typewriters. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 20:48:14 -0800 (PST) From: Maurice Lane Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. - --- "Erich S. Arendall" wrote: > Really, really good stuff Moe. I had to take the > angel off my tree. Why? Worst case scenario is, it's just a broken Tsayadim trapped in an eternal, internal hell. I say, whack it a couple times to make sure that it's fitting on there nice and tight.* ;) Moe *Sorry: I never react well to those guys at the best of times, and even less now that I've discovered that Casca - bless his twisted, nasty mind - is using my Wild Hunt writeup (from Blackwing Novalis) as yet another way to make my PC's life interesting. :) ===== Liber Licentiae Moeticae: http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine.html Last updated 11/13/01(this is usually way out of date) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 20:54:11 -0800 (PST) From: Maurice Lane Subject: IN> Well, this should be less icky... Not necessarily less barking mad, but certainly less icky. You would not _believe_ how long it took for this to get onto a computer screen... :) Moe Redress "I will not insult you by asking whether you're sure about this." The Archangel of Faith turned and looked his brother straight in the eyes. An independent observer might be forgiven for thinking that no expression of quiet mirth had taken possession of Khalid's features. "And yet, the question is there - without ever it technically being said. Your position has taught you s u b tlety, brother." The Archangel of the Sword half-frowned. "Among a number of other things. One of them is that the Seraphim Council _hates_ surprises. I can see the strategic value of your demonstration, but are you quite so certain of its tactical utility? Our colleagues will be in an uproar for days over this..." "And is this such a dreadful outcome?" Laurence chuckled softly. "Possibly not. If nothing else, it should get Janus firmly in our camp. He will find the next few days enjoyably chaotic, no doubt. That's three. I am certain that Blandine will not cause much of a fuss, and of course my mother will almost certainly beam one of her diabetes-inducing smiles and then fall immediately into our camp. This brings us up to five ... six, if I have read Gabriel correctly ... and that will be enough for a start. We can get the others to accept the inevitable in good time. After a good deal of screaming and shouting, of course." At this point, the slight figure, cloaked in the combined attention of two Archangels, spoke up. "Forgive me, Great Ones, but I would not have my affirmation cause an u n s eemly contention between His servants..." The Archangel of the Sword cut her off with a sudden gesture of the hand, his black wings flickering in almost-irritation. "Your pardon, milady, but this has been already settled. What you are must be accepted, and the sooner the better. My colleagues on the Council tend at times to forget that while I listen to their cou n s el, it is /my/ duty and privilege to command ... and that I am remiss in my duties if I fail to use any and all honorable weapons that come to hand. You are most assuredly an honorable weapon, and I will not allow you to rust uselessly away." Laurence looked up to meet Khalid's eyes. "We have been doing too much of that lately as it is. "And I suppose that I have answered my own question, brother. You are no stranger to s u b tlety, yourself: your silences are most eloquent." The Archangel of Faith spread his hands. "You always did find the right answer, if given the chance to work through the problem." He quirked his head. "Eventually." Laurence grinned. "Remind me to have you up on charges of ins u b ordination later. If this goes extremely badly, Dominic might even try to give us adjoining cells." The Archangel placed one hand on the door to the Council Chambers and opened it. "Ladies before gentlemen ... and, of course, age before beauty." Khalid murmured as he passed, "You *are* happy that I am back, it seems." "Of course," came the equally quiet reply. "If nothing else, it gives my Sergeant-Major someone else to benevolently tyrannize." .... The Council Chambers were, of course, packed. An announcement from the Archangel of the Sword that he 'requests and requires' the presence of every Superior is exceedingly rare, and taken quite seriously for just that reason. Of course, every Archangel present had also decided to come escorted with quite a few aides, adjutants, assistants and ceremonial guards, the better to underscore the fact that, indeed, they were all very busy entities who should not have their collective time wasted. This did not particularly bother Laurence: indeed, he expected it. The more witnesses to this, the better. It would save valuable time later. The Archangel of the Sword could feel the shifting dynamic in the room as everyone present attempted to look at him, Khalid and their mutual guest at the same time, only to be blocked by Superior-level shielding. The mass attention gradually coalesced upon him as he ascended the podium - after all, he was the only one of the three actually doing anything - and focussed sharply as he accepted the ceremonial gavel from Marc. Laurence recognized the slightly apprehensive flavor of that attention, and grinned inwardly as he led the congregated angels in a short prayer. "I am not here to make a speech." The apprehensive flavor notably decreased. "In fact, I am not going to speak much at all ... except to say that Khalid bears my message. He also bears my full, total and utter support for that message." Laurence unblocked part of his shielding. "_Full_ support." The Archangel of the Sword looked down on his brother. "Lord Khalid, you may proceed. Do you require the podium?" The Archangel of Faith shook his head slightly as he laid a short carpet on the ground. "No, Lord Laurence. Indeed, I will follow your example and not give a speech at all. Like you, I have someone who will speak the message that I wish to convey. Anushin-rawan, you may step forward, if you so choose, and speak." The cloaked figure came forward. "I thank you, Great One." She moved forward to the edge of the carpet, stood for a moment - and both Archangels silently removed her shielding. The Council was stunned to utter silence as her form was revealed. She was a Djinn. Not one of the demons called by that name: her imago was clearly ethereal, and showed her to be one of the spirits associated with Middle Eastern legend. Technically, it would be more accurate to call her a Djinniya, or possibly an 'Ifriteh: while her garb was modest, it made no attempt to hide her femininity ... or incongruous beauty. As she stood there in utter silence - an ethereal, standing in a place where no ethereal could be expected to stand and survive - it was clear why human legend spoke of her species as being made of 'smokeless fire'. She burned, and was not consumed: she shed light, and did not bring shadow. Up on the podium, Laurence allowed himself a slight smile as he witnessed Dominic and Michael simultaneously read Anushin-rawan's essential Truth .... only to sit back with identical looks of shock. He idly noted that Litheroy, Marc or Zadkiel did not look particularly surprised, and filed that piece of information away for later use. In a perfectly timed moment, before the inevitable cries and shouting could begin, Anushin-rawan curtseyed to Laurence, bowed low to Khalid and knelt on the carpet, prostrate before the Light of Heaven. Her voice was musical and rich as she spoke. "La Ilaha-Illa Allah, Muhammad al-Rasul Allah." The words of the traditional Muslim profession of Faith rang out like a bell. The two sons of Uriel looked at each other. One smiled; the other slowly nodded. And _then_ the screaming and shouting started. ===== Liber Licentiae Moeticae: http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine.html Last updated 11/13/01(this is usually way out of date) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 23:53:02 -0500 From: "Jonathan 'Caraig' McDermott" Subject: IN> Re: Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. >Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 18:32:29 -0800 (PST) >From: Maurice Lane >Subject: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. >Mrs. Claus >Ethereal *eep* It's almost enough to give one nightmares! Spooky, well-written, I like it, thank you! - --- ============================================================ Jonathan McDermott http:\\caraig.home.mindspring.com - ------------------------------------------------------------ "And now I feel that... feel that I've been there. I didn't need this. Can somebody help me breathe?" - Nickelback, "Breathe" ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 21:06:15 -0800 From: "Phillip Des Jardins" Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. > > After all, 'tis the season. Y'know, Moe, this is the kind of work that gives you such a reputation. You are one sick puppy sometimes, and I'd give my right arm to have these kinds of ideas. Well, someone's right arm, anyway. Phillip, the Happy Shiny Mercurian ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 00:21:38 -0500 From: "Rolland Therrien" Subject: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ Just because I'm honestly tired of Santa being a trumped-up Ethereal... No offense, Moe. ^^ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------- The Tsayadim huntsmen stomped through the snow of the Ethereal North Pole, stalking their way slowly to the Workshop Compound of that most infamous of Ethereals, The closet Pagen spirit of Santa Claus. Traumiel, the Ofanim leader of this group of Tsayadim, was perticularly driven to succeed in this mission. Popular rumor had it that the Tsayadim hunted Santa Claus every year, managing to slay him every year, only to be forced to hunt him the next year all over again. ....If only that were true. In truth, no Tsayadim had ever succeeded in defeating this fabled Santa Claus. Generally,. either he avoided their patrols entirely, or he manuvered them towards Nightmarish Operations, forcing them to abandon the Ethereal's trail to slay the Evil forces. But the rare few occasions the odd Tsayadim had ambushed Claus to battle him, a very embarassing thing happened... The Tsayadim got beaten within a inch of Soul Death, then abandonned as he left. Needless to say, the Tsayadim never corrected the rumors, as it wouldn't be good for morale to let it on that an Ethereal could defeat the glorious forces of Heaven in battle. Still, the Santa Slayers were really getting sick and tired of this game, and this year, had decided to take the battle right to the enemy, and defeat Santa Claus before he even left his workshop. This year, Traumiel swore to himself, this year, Santa would die. He lead his troops closer to the old elf's home, hidden in the Ethereal snow, then ignited his flaming sword and prepared to order his troops to charge, when the front door opened, revealing the massive frame of ol' Kris Kringle, standing in the light, gazing at them with a stern look in his eyes. Traumiel met his gaze, blinking only once, then gathered his resolve. "Prepare to have your Essence cast to the wind, you Heretical Ethereal! I, Traumiel, servitor of Purity, have come..." "I know why you came here, you misfledged cretin! And by God, I'm getting sick and tired of getting my Christmas Run interrupted every year by a bunch of twits who're acting in total defiance of the Seraphim Council's commands! Now get your asses out of my backyard before I come out there and give you all a serious thrashing!" Traumiel blinked, finding himself unable to continue his proclamation. He then shook his head and pointed at the Ethereal with his Sword of Fire and ordered the charge. The dozen Tsayadim all leapt into action, Flaming Swords swinging, slashing and cutting at him for all they were worth... ....And ended up getting their limbs broken, their ribs bruised, and their Swords... inserted up a cavity they had no idea they had, before being tossed into a crumpled heap by Claus, who was holding Traumiel in a choke hold. "*cough* ...H-how... How can a *Hack* mere Ethereal..." Santa grinned as the Tsayadim started to lose consciousness... "Oh, but it's simple, really. I'm NOT an Ethereal... You never even considered I would be a Celestial, did you?" He threw the Tsayadim down on the snowy ground, then threw down his coat and spread his own Black Wings, also exposing the Steel bands on his arms. ....The Malakite Wings and armbands... "What in the name of Purity are you?" "I am Nicholas, you self-righteous twit. Once known as Saint Nicholas, during my original tour of duty on Earth. I was once a Servitor of Purity, like you. Remember me now, Traumiel?" The Tsayadim stared in disbelief. "Nicholas? Nicholas the Arianist-hater? What... What are you, a Servitor of Purity doing, being involved in this Heresy!!??" The red-clad Malakim glared at his former companion and snorted. "I serve Purity no longer, Traumiel. I serve Heaven first and foremost. When Uriel was called back to the higher Heavens and Lord Laurence was placed in command, I served under him... Unlike you other self-righteous twits who believe serving a lost Superior is more honorable..." Traumiel gritted his teeth and sat up as Nicholas continued. "And Archangel Laurence I served faithfully for decades, earning many a distinction under him. Including the rank of Master of the Armies of God, which is how I silenced you earlier. But always I felt something else calling me... even back when I served Uriel..." Santa looked up and sighed, looking at the Ethereal sky. "I was one of the first witnesses, Traumiel... I was there when The Messiah was born. No other night of the year touches me so as that night did. And when the Christians began celebrating Christmas, I took to celebrating it with them, amongst them." He looked down at Traumiel again, his gaze becoming stern once more. "...I became friends with the young Christopher around that time, in the dark ages. I took to learning how to make toys to give to the poor children. Archangel Eli actually took the time to teach me how to do so, God Bless him. I traveled all over Europe delivering toys to the needy children, favoring Good children and not bad ones, to try and teach them a little morality. Used a lot of Roles back in those days, even a female one in Italy." "Eventually, though, the Christian world just got too big for giving physical toys... So I applied to transfer to Dreams, and was sent to work for Archangel Blandine. Lord Laurence approved, apparantly, as he allowed me to keep my old Distinctions. Since then, I've been doing my Christmas rides entirely in the Dreamscapes, visiting Good children to give them happy Christmas dreams." Traumiel, by that point, had gotten up and was actually preparing to attack Nicholas from behind, when he felt a sword tip poking him from behind. He turned around to see an elven warrior right out of a Tolkien novel, grinning at him as he held him at swordpoint. Nicholas turned and grinned. "It's about that time that I befriended some Elves and secretly negociated a truce with them: They help me bring happy dreams to good children, and not only do I protect them from Nightmares and the likes of you, they get to keep the Essence they earn from the sleeping children they help. Oh, and they've taken to liking the whole "Christmas Cheer" thing, too. I can't believe how I've come to love them so... Ho ho..." Traumiel spat at the snow at Nicholas' feet. "You'll burn for this, you traitor... How dare you betray Uriel so!" "He betrays no one, Traumiel..." Traumiel turned towards the workshop, to see the shining figures of Laurence, Archangel of the Sword, stepping down towards them, followed by Blandine, Archangel of Dreams. Traumiel simply gulped as Laurence stepped forward and glared at the Tsayadim. "Nicholas is here in direct Service to Heaven and God, as the Angel of Christmas, with my blessings and Lady Blandine's own." Traumiel blinked and shook his head. "NO!! That's Impossible!! He traffics with Ethereals, ETHEREALS!!" Laurence looked at Blandine, who smiled at him, then turned back and shrugged. "He keeps them in check, Traumiel, and does so without dishonor. Which is more then I can say looking at your past deeds... But in any case, you are to stop your attacks on Nicholas from this moment on. While we're still debating the legality of your continued actions in the Marches, attacking the Servents of Heaven are a clear violation of your Heavenly Oaths, Traumiel. You're hereby ordered by The Commander of the Host to leave now..." Traumiel simply nodded and staggered away with nothing more to say, his battered Tsayadim limping behind him. Nicholas put his coat back on and turned to Laurence and bowed. "Thank you, most Noble Commander..." Laurence smiled and waved it off. "No need to be so formal, old friend. I still owed you for saving me back in Carthage..." Nicholas smiled at his old companion and superior, then smiled and bowed at Blandine, who once again had little to say verbally, but who's smile spoke volumes. "Now, with your leave, my old friends, my Elves and I must prepare for this year's run through the Marches." As he prepared to re-enter his Workshop, this time, for once, Blandine actually had a parting word to say. "Tell me, Nicholas... when will you finally accept the promotion to Archangel? You've more then earned it..." Old St Nick just turned and shook his head. "Nay, my Lady, I don't consider myself worthy of such an honor. I'm just a Jolly old Elf trying to bring joy to the children of the world one night a year, in honor of God and the Lord my savior... Hardly Archangel material, by my accounts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to check up on the raindeers, in case that ruckus bothered them..." As he stepped back into his workshop, Laurence and Blandine smiled at each other and turned to leave back to Heaven, both feeling thankful that Christmas was under such a watchful eye... - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------- I'll make some actual stats for him tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope you liked this. - -Exit the LoneWolf ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 00:24:24 -0500 From: "Josh Moger" Subject: Re: IN> Well, this should be less icky... > >Moe > > >Redress > >snip When it rains, it pours. When Moe makes it rain, Noah starts looking worried. Dept. of Cats, Dogs, Rainbows, Two of Every Animal, and Umbrellas, Josh Moger Josh Moger ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 21:32:11 -0800 (PST) From: Maurice Lane Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ - --- Rolland Therrien wrote: > Just because I'm honestly tired of Santa being a > trumped-up Ethereal... No > offense, Moe. ^^ None taken*. :) Moe *One does wonder what he'd be a potential AA _of_, though... :) ===== Liber Licentiae Moeticae: http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine.html Last updated 11/13/01(this is usually way out of date) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 01:00:51 -0500 From: "Eric Bertish" Subject: IN> Okay, enough. Let me preface this by saying that I don't have a problem with Mr. Moger; his post was simply the one that created critical mass. > When it rains, it pours. > > When Moe makes it rain, Noah starts looking worried. Guys? Moe is NOT God. Yes, he's creative. Yes, he's brilliant. Yes, he's a good player and a competent GM and I wouldn't kick him out of my game for anything short of assaulting my girlfriend. But frankly, the unabashed *worship* is getting old. Simple list ettiquette: If you have something constructive to say, post it to the list. If all you have is unabashed adulation, private email is the way to go. I now await the firestorm sure to come my way. - -- Casca "Many people hear voices when no-one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing." --Margaret Chittenden, writer ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 00:09:21 -0600 From: "Erich S. Arendall" Subject: IN> Story - Trimming the Tree I should be in bed, but I couldn't quite get this little fictionette out of my mind. I blame all the other IN Christmas related posters of tonight. (...more on the Arelim and Ethan Vale at some later date...) - ---------------------- Trimming the Tree An Ethan Vale Story By Erich S. Arendall "Is he?" my secretary asked as we began the process of walking a string of tiny lights down and around a brand new, big, fake, green, plastic, fir tree. It felt good to participate in these kinds of rituals; this year I wasn't planning on letting anything kill that feeling. "What?" I asked back, wondering if I had missed part of the question. "Is he?" she put all the emphasis on the word "is" that time and I knew what she was getting at. I had wondered when something like this might come up. And even though I expected the question it still took me by surprise. Heather had known for over a month what I was, but had avoided any questions about it. She's normally as wise as she is smart, but I suppose everyone is entitled to a mistake now and again. I wasn't ready to respond to her question yet, though. We were about halfway down the tree and I wanted to at least plug in the lights before handling this. "Is who?" I made sure that my voice informed the listener of every iota of annoyance within me. Heather ignored my contriteness. She always did. "You know exactly what I'm talking about." See, I told you she was smart. "Quit playing around!" "What makes you think," I grunted, leaning down to encircle the tree a few last times, "I know anything about it?" That should fluster long enough for me to plug the lights in, I thought to myself. My secretary completely forgot about the lights she was helping me wind around the tree. "Well, because you're... you know!" "An arelim?" "Yeah, an arelim, an angel! I figured that you were there with the other angels singing, 'Glory to God in the highest.'" "No such luck," I informed her while positioning myself to plug the lights in. "I was one of those who did some writing for Ezra -- we let Asiel do most of the work there -- but I never sang to shepherds keeping watch over the flock at night." I stood up and surveyed my handiwork. The tree looked good for a $24.95 tree bought at a drug store. I thought the multi-colored bulbs really brought out the green in the plastic needles. A few passes of silver tinsel and it wouldn't matter that the tree was fake. "You haven't answered my question." The moment was lost as Heather spoke again. "Was Jesus the son of God?" I sighed and tried to keep from rolling my eyes as I passed her a box of tinsel. "What do you think? What do you believe?" I asked her. She stood there quietly as I climbed back up the ladder, preparing to let the silver strands float down onto whichever branch they chose to land. She wasn't helping with the tinsel as she mulled the question over. Finally, she answered with an affirmative. I took the box from her hand, annoyed that she wasn't going to be of any help and that she was ruining the magic for me. "Then yes," I patronized, "Jesus was the son of God." It didn't take her long to rise to the bait. "What if I had told you 'no'?" She sounded miffed. That didn't bother me too much. In fact, it made me feel just a little bit better that I wasn't the only one who was having their joy taken away. "I would have informed you that the whole son of God thing was a myth. And if you had said, 'I don't know,' then I would have told you that I didn't know, either." "You would have lied?" "You've seen me do it before. You've watched me shortchange a waiter. In a few months you can watch as I cheat on my taxes. What makes you think I would be truthful on one of the more nebulous questions humanity ponders?" She sounded on the verge of being on the verge of tears. She wasn't ready to get fussy, but she was getting ready to get ready. "I thought we were friends," she moaned. Another sigh escaped my lips. These kinds of conversations are never easy. I hopped off the ladder and steered her to the couch. We sat together, my arm around her. "Heather, we are friends. But if 'God,'" I wondered if she noticed the quotes I verbally put around the proper noun, "isn't going to answer that kind of question then what makes you think I can? "Look. I'm not put here to answer questions. I'm not put here to lead people to a certain faith or to give credence to a religion. I'm here to help humanity. All of it. And any answers I give about faith will only lead to pain. You think all the Heavens were partying when Gabriel decided to introduce a new faith into the world when he spoke with Mohammed?" I stood and helped her to her feet. "I can't answer your question, Heather. Even if I didn't know I couldn't tell you that I didn't know. All I can do is not reply and let you figure out your place as a human for yourself. It's not easy, but sometimes being a celestial being isn't a cakewalk, either." She smiled and it was more beautiful than any tree could have ever been. I had forgotten, like she had, that all celebrations are about people. Not faith, not trees, not things, but people. I grinned at her, "now go get the Santa for the top of the tree." You thought I'd put an angel there? Hey, if I'm not going to shove something like that up my pants... well, you get the drift. ...---... Erich S. Arendall http://www.egrigor.com/ Egrigor | One monkey. Infinite typewriters. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 00:17:12 -0600 From: "Erich S. Arendall" Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ > Oh, and they've taken to liking the whole "Christmas Cheer" thing, too. I > can't believe how I've come to love them so... Ho ho..." Definitely my favorite line in fiction. Fun. Very fun, LoneWolf. Can't wait to see the stats for the Angel of Christmas. ....Only Uriel would be jerk enough to saddle one of his angels with the name of Traumiel. The Ofanite was probably teased by all the other relievers and told that his name was just a thinly disgused prophesy. Probably what made him so tough, too. Like the children who get teased for having "girls names." ...---... Erich S. Arendall http://www.egrigor.com/ Egrigor | One monkey. Infinite typewriters. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 08:04:45 -0000 From: "Stephen McIlvenna" Subject: Re: IN> What the Superiors did at the LOTR screening - ----- Original Message ----- > > Heh. Which is why Litheroy never gets invited to > surprise parties. > > ===== > Michael Walton, #9805-068 > "A lot of comedy is tragedy plus time." -- Carol Burnett Servitors of Litheroy gain Essence for being the first one to leap out and reveal the surprise. Servitors of Alaemon are usually still hiding in a cupboard two days after everybody has gone home. Stephen ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 09:21:20 +0100 From: "Donato Ranzato" Subject: Re: IN> Really, I quite like Christmas. Really. From: "Maurice Lane" > Mrs. Claus > Ethereal Really, really nice :-) So, who is going to pull all these Santa Claus - Tsayadim threads together and write a beautiful, haunting scenario that IN groups can play each Christmas? Donato ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 09:33:47 +0100 From: "Donato Ranzato" Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ From: "Rolland Therrien" > Just because I'm honestly tired of Santa being a trumped-up Ethereal... No > offense, Moe. ^^ > I'll make some actual stats for him tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope you > liked this. This is just great. It would make a perfect grand finale to that hopefully upcoming IN Christmas scenario. My compliments. Donato ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 00:27:30 -0800 From: "Phillip Des Jardins" Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ > *One does wonder what he'd be a potential AA _of_, > though... :) That's easy. Mammon, redeemed, becomes the Archangel of Plenty. Santa's just a side thing. Phillip, the Happy Shiny Mercurian ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 16:24:52 +1100 From: "james walker" Subject: IN> Re: Finishing off Odin >>Subject: RE: IN> Finishing off Odin.... > >> Unless the PC's find out, and stop the True Tsayadim, of course.... >> ================================================================ > > Does one of the True Tsayadim have a vessel/6 in the form of a minilop bunny > with a relic switchblade? > > > Brook 'Fraid not; no point in creating a new ethereal, after all. On reflection, though, rather than kidnapping the santa's at later points on the tour, actually having the True Tsayadim BE the Santas would be better, as they could wreak havo, and if killed, an extra Santa or three lying around won't hurt. Cheers, James. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 10:12:20 +0000 From: "Jo Hart" Subject: Re: IN> Playing Demonic Characters? >From: pbarkow@is2.dal.ca >Reply-To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com >To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com >Subject: Re: IN> Playing Demonic Characters? >Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 21:42:59 -0400 > >On 18 Dec 01, at 19:56, Elizabeth McCoy wrote: > > > At 8:51 AM +0000 12/18/01, Jo Hart wrote: > > [...] > > >But FWIW, I had a lot of fun playing an incompetent Shedite in Beth's > > >game. > > > > Mellor wasn't incompetent! It was just... young. And impressionable. And > > indirectly responsible for the character of Danny, Malakite of Judgment, > > now that I think about it. O:> > >Does that count for, or against him? Pass. We should prolly stop being insular about that game, but if Beth posts the URL, anyone interested can see for themselves :) (I did especially like: a) The bit where I got to possess the doctor and give people medicals with v cold hands, and play with needles b) The bit where Asmodeus came to check up on me and turned up on a motorbike, then bought me a chocolate ice-cream. ) jo _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 10:16:48 +0000 From: "Jo Hart" Subject: Re: IN> Okay, enough. >If all you have is unabashed adulation, private email is the >way to go. > >I now await the firestorm sure to come my way. > I don't agree. Casca, one of the few rewards for creative types posting here is the feedback and praise from other list members. If you read something and really like it, DO post feedback. It's not v spammy and it encourages everyone else to write too. jo _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 05:49:35 -0600 From: David Edelstein Subject: Re: IN> Okay, enough. Jo Hart wrote: > I don't agree. > > Casca, one of the few rewards for creative types posting here is the > feedback and praise from other list members. If you read something and > really like it, DO post feedback. It's not v spammy and it encourages > everyone else to write too. I sensed some jealousy on Casca's part. Personally, I don't disagree with him entirely; an endless stream of fawning can be annoying. But you're right too; if you post something and get no positive feedback, you're not likely to post any more. - -David ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 08:42:58 -0500 From: "Josh Moger" Subject: Re: IN> Okay, enough. >Let me preface this by saying that I don't have a problem with Mr. Moger; >his post was simply the one that created critical mass. > >> When it rains, it pours. >> >> When Moe makes it rain, Noah starts looking worried. > >Guys? Moe is NOT God. Yes, he's creative. Yes, he's brilliant. Yes, he's a >good player and a competent GM and I wouldn't kick him out of my game for >anything short of assaulting my girlfriend. But frankly, the unabashed >*worship* is getting old. snip ::Looks down at the ground, hands behind his back, toe part of shoe fidgeting with the dirt at the ground:: Sorry. Looking for a large, Josh-sized rock, Josh Moger ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 07:53:00 -0600 From: "Charles Glasgow" Subject: Re: IN> Okay, enough. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Bertish" To: Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 12:00 AM Subject: IN> Okay, enough. [snip] > Simple list ettiquette: If you have something constructive to say, post it > to the list. If all you have is unabashed adulation, private email is the > way to go. > > I now await the firestorm sure to come my way. Pretty much every list that I'm on allows positive feedback for fanfic and/or story ideas. Why else do people post fanfic at all? All that creative effort, all that worry juice -- and you *can't* get paid for it... When a performer has to work for free, the applause of the audience is his only reward. Cutting him off from that is just Not Fair. - -- Chuckg ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 05:56:49 -0800 (PST) From: Michael Walton Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ I like it! Especially the part about how he often evaded the Tsayadim patrols -- I love an escape Claus... ===== Michael Walton, #9805-068 "A lot of comedy is tragedy plus time." -- Carol Burnett __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 08:00:48 -0600 From: "Charles Glasgow" Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Walton" To: Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 7:56 AM Subject: Re: IN> A different Claus... [part 1[ >I like it! Especially the part about how he often evaded > the Tsayadim patrols -- I love an escape Claus... Release the hounds. - -- Chuckg ------------------------------ End of in_nomine-digest V1 #2487 ********************************