From owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Mon Oct 23 03:00:51 2000 Return-Path: Received: from lists.io.com (lists.io.com [199.170.88.15]) by pyramid.sjgames.com (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id DAA25402 for ; Mon, 23 Oct 2000 03:00:51 -0500 Received: (from majordom@localhost) by lists.io.com (8.9.3/8.9.1a) id CAA01267 for in_nomine-digest-outgoing; Mon, 23 Oct 2000 02:59:14 -0500 Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 02:59:14 -0500 Message-Id: <200010230759.CAA01267@lists.io.com> From: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com (in_nomine-digest) To: in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Subject: in_nomine-digest V1 #1868 Reply-To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com Sender: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Errors-To: owner-in_nomine-digest@lists.io.com Precedence: bulk in_nomine-digest Monday, October 23 2000 Volume 01 : Number 1868 In this digest: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched IN> A Soldier of Judgement Re: IN> Is my collection complete? Re: IN> Is my collection complete? IN> previous questions IN> TRhe many Trials of Michael Re: IN> Is my collection complete? Re: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge IN> I'm baa-acck... Re: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge IN> Another Impish Challenge ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:15:20 -0500 From: "Charles Glasgow" Subject: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge The Archangels had gathered in the Seraphim Council's meeting hall to hear Laurence make the announcement: "... and what with the many and varied Superiors and other beings that have already taken up the challenge and there having been a full ten days since the last challenger, if no one wishes to step forward or send word by messenger, I will declare Michael's Challenge closed as of the end of today." Laurence read. No one moved. The Seraphim Council reflected upon all the sights and wonders they had seen over the past days, as Archangel and Demon Prince alike had contested the might of the Champion of Heaven on almost every front imaginable. Speed, skill, strength, endurance, cunning, wit, spirit, and heart -- all of these qualities had been tested to the very utmost in both the challenged and the challengers. For millennia to come, angel and demon alike would speak of the events with wonder. But alas, all good things must come to an end... "Well, that seems to have done it." Michael said to Laurence, smiling. "To be honest, I'm kind of glad that it's finally done with. That many Superior conflicts in that rapid a succession does tend to take it out of you... but I wouldn't have traded it for the world." "You did seem to be enjoying yourself," Laurence said while returning Michael's smile. "However, I think that you're being a bit premature. After all, any other contestant who might wish to step forward does still have until the end of today." Michael stopped and smiled back at Laurence. "Why yes... that contestant would, wouldn't he?" Laurence smiled even wider and said nothing. Sensing the undercurrents between the two, the other Archangels, who had started to disperse, suddenly returned their attention to the two militant Archangels standing in the center of the hall. Servitors who had been coming in and out on routine business suddenly stopped and looked. The crowd gathered outside held its breath. Still smiling widely, the two contestants stepped back without a word and assume the en garde position. Laurence's gleaming broadsword lept into his hands as Michael's axe appeared in his. The Host assembled gasped in realization and anticipation. "Same terms as the last time?", Michael asked. "Agreed." said Laurence cheerfully. The Host was riveted at the spectacle of this last, this final, this unexpected and most magnificent challenge. The two most militant Archangels in Heaven had not fought for almost a millennium, had only ever dueled once in their lives. And there had been no witnesses to their last duel. None of those in the crowd had ever hoped to see the like again before Armageddon... .. and then suddenly, it began. Faster than even Janus' eye could follow, the two suddenly flowed into their attacks, their moves perfectly synchronized. Clashing and ringing steel on steel, Michael and Laurence plied axe against sword each with skill beyond the dreams of even an Archangel, in the greatest display of fighting skill that the Heavens had ever seen since the original battle on the Mount. Not a single tactic, not a single strategem was left unemployed. One was Archangel older than Creation itself, the other one younger than most of the Host, but their battle was nevertheless a beautifully matched pairing of equals. Up and down the Hall did they fight, as all the audience stood mesmerized by the most perfect, the most glorious, the most magnificent display of the martial arts that could be conceived. Michael and Laurence dueled timelessly, in a dance of pure joy and movement. Neither one of them had felt so pure, so focused, so utterly free of concern and doubt in millennia. There was no malice here, no hatred, no envy, no spite. Not the single smallest trace of negative emotion marred the glory of the moment, neither from themselves or from their opponent. Both War and the Sword were fully in their element, doing what they had been created to do yet not having the moment tainted with any blood or pain. As Laurence pressed Michael again and again, the older Archangel felt nothing but a pride in his student verging on love. As Michael beat Laurence back, the younger Archangel felt nothing but the greatest respect for his old teacher mixed with innocent joy at being able to grant him the boon of a worthy challenge. As Laurence countered every strategm, Michael smiled wordlessly at him. -I know why you waited to go last_, that smile said. -You witnessed every single challenge, judged every single duel. You studied me through all of them, seeing me go to my limits in situations of every variety. And then only after you'd picked your moment, set up your circumstances, did you challenge me. Well done!- - -Thank you. After all, you taught me how.- The two of them did not need speech to communicate, they were so attuned to each other in the fight. Minutes slipped by. Maybe hours. Maybe days. Forever after, neither the combatants nor any of the spectators could ever testify as to how long it lasted, as Michael and Laurence showed themselves to the fullest against each other, taking each other's soul in full measure. All else stopped and faded around them as the timeless and perfect duel unfolded... .. and then suddenly, the Council Hall was rocked by the sounding of the Song of Alarm, crying of emergency. Of catastrophe. Of a sudden setback, an unexpected disaster so large that it required the personal attention of not just one Archangel, but several. Without an instant's hesitation, the two combatants disengaged and lowered their weapons in wordless agreement. "The terms of the challenge..." began Laurence. "... were that it could not interfere with the duties of my office. The same would apply to any challenger." Michael and Laurence turned as one to face the audience. "The match is ended.", they said in perfect unison. "There was no victor. There was no vanquished." "And now," Laurence cried in ringing tones, the Commander of the Host calling his troops to arms, "let us attend to our duties. The Challenges are over. The true War awaits." The Host dispersed, each one to his appointed place. Most of those who left did so with regrets, with a sense of something unfinished, something spoiled before it could end, something that could have been but was not to be. But the two Archangels in the center of the hall walked away in perfect harmony, with no regrets at all. - -- Chuckg ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 23:28:44 EDT From: BillionSix@aol.com Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched In a message dated 10/22/00 6:17:01 PM Central Daylight Time, santiago@cs.utexas.edu writes: << His speech was followed by a tense silence that hung in the air with an oppressive heaviness. "It appears you have found a way to turn my best weapon against me, young one...I concede." >> Okay, this one was pretty good. Though the little fart only won on a technicality. I was starting to see Michael as being similar to those Mr. T websites. Unbeatable. I rather liked that, too. Reverend Brian A. Rogers BillionSix@aol.com ICQ# 22544590 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:49:05 -0500 From: David Edelstein Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Rolland Therrien wrote: > "Kendo is not a 'sport'", Laurence said crisply. "It's the formalisation> and ritualisation of Kenjutsu, one of the fundamental aspects of Bushido..." Actually, kendo IS a sport. And "regulation" kendo matches are fought with shinai (bamboo swords) not bokken (hardwood swords, which can kill). Interesting story. I don't buy the Force-betting (which would surely be forbidden in Heaven, even if celestials WERE capable of stripping themselves of Forces and giving them to others, which they're not), nor do I think Michael would forfeit a match because some Servitors made stupid choices. - -David ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:56:38 -0500 From: David Edelstein Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched BillionSix@aol.com wrote: > Okay, this one was pretty good. Though the little fart only won on a > technicality. I was starting to see Michael as being similar to those Mr. T> websites. Unbeatable. I rather liked that, too. Michael _should_ be unbeatable. - -David ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:52:36 -0500 From: "Charles Glasgow" Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War - ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Edelstein" To: Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2000 10:49 PM Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War > Rolland Therrien wrote: > > "Kendo is not a 'sport'", Laurence said crisply. "It's the formalisation> and ritualisation of Kenjutsu, one of the fundamental aspects of Bushido..." > Actually, kendo IS a sport. Well, yes, but Laurence still has his own opinion about it. Swords are a subject he isn't quite objective on, and it's not like he's the Elohite Archangel Of Infallibility, after all... *g* > And "regulation" kendo matches are fought with shinai (bamboo swords) > not bokken (hardwood swords, which can kill). Between frail humans, they're fought that way. Superiors don't need safety gear or bamboo... .. however, you are right. As the guy Rolland trusted to be his editor, I eat the responsibility for this error. My mistake. > Interesting story. I don't buy the Force-betting (which would surely be > forbidden in Heaven, even if celestials WERE capable of stripping > themselves of Forces and giving them to others, which they're not), Editor's Note -- Who says it was in Heaven? Marc was quite careful to say "sometimes, some celestials", and not "angels are doing it today". If it ever happened in Hell even once, and Marc knew about it, that would make his statement literally true. All of Marc's statements were literally true. Just incomplete, and designed to let the listener fill in the mental blanks himself -- incorrectly. IOW, How To Lie To A Seraph (Provided That He Doesn't Get High CDs) Standard Trick #1. And you'd better believe that Marc was doing Superior-vs-Superior resonance shielding at that moment, as hard as he possibly could... (see "Seraph Archangels And The TRUTH", in Dominic's Superiors 1 writeup. Michael only got a check digit of 2 that time, as opposed to the usual Superior 6+) > nor do I think Michael would forfeit a match because some Servitors made > stupid choices. Well, we're all entitled to our own opinion re: Michael's personality, and that one's yours. - -- Chuckg ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 23:26:19 -0500 From: David Edelstein Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War Charles Glasgow wrote: > Well, yes, but Laurence still has his own opinion about it. Swords are a> subject he isn't quite objective on, and it's not like he's the Elohite> Archangel Of Infallibility, after all... *g* No, but I imagine he'd be aware of the difference between kendo (sport) and kenjutsu (martial art). > > And "regulation" kendo matches are fought with shinai (bamboo swords) > > not bokken (hardwood swords, which can kill). > > Between frail humans, they're fought that way. Superiors don't need safety> gear or bamboo... Yes, but the stated conditions were a regulation match. Using bokken wouldn't just increase the risk factor; it would change the nature of the match, since kendo rules are designed with lightweight shinai in mind. > Editor's Note -- Who says it was in Heaven? In any event, trading Forces like that is still not possible between Servitors. > Well, we're all entitled to our own opinion re: Michael's personality, and> that one's yours. Indeed. - -David ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 23:27:38 -0500 From: "Charles Glasgow" Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War - ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Edelstein" To: Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2000 11:26 PM Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Business is War > Charles Glasgow wrote: > > Well, yes, but Laurence still has his own opinion about it. Swords are a> subject he isn't quite objective on, and it's not like he's the Elohite> Archangel Of Infallibility, after all... *g* > > No, but I imagine he'd be aware of the difference between kendo (sport) > and kenjutsu (martial art). > > > > And "regulation" kendo matches are fought with shinai (bamboo swords) > > > not bokken (hardwood swords, which can kill). > > > > Between frail humans, they're fought that way. Superiors don't need safety> gear or bamboo...[A Snip Marker Goes Here] > Yes, but the stated conditions were a regulation match. Using bokken > wouldn't just increase the risk factor; it would change the nature of > the match, since kendo rules are designed with lightweight shinai in > mind. Like I said, this was a mistake. Acknowledged. > > Editor's Note -- Who says it was in Heaven? > > In any event, trading Forces like that is still not possible between > Servitors. Who says it was only between Servitors? Or with their consent? Hypothetically speaking, some Demon Princes might do *anything* for a cheap laugh or a momentary diversion... including making bets with lesser demons (that is to say, with the lesser demons' Forces as the *stakes*). Or accepting bets from really, really, *really* insane demons, who would quite cheerfully risk going from 7-Force to 3-Force in turn for the chance to go from 7-Force to 11-Force if they win... yeah, it takes suicidal insanity crossed with great stupidity crossed with access a Demon Prince in a quirky mood for that to happen, but I'm sure Kobal's done it at least once just to see the expression on somebody's face... On second thought, Mammon probably does stuff like this whenever somebody stupid enough to think he has any real chance of winning can make it past his secretary. His Servitors would do *anything* for a chance to make a profit, and Mammon will accept any chance to snatch a profit for himself. A technicality to be sure, but taking refuge in the technicalities is exactly how you spoof a Seraph and not get pinged. Hair-splitting is your *friend* in that kind of situation... > > Well, we're all entitled to our own opinion re: Michael's personality, and> that one's yours. > > Indeed. Agreed. - -- Chuckg ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 00:31:43 -0400 From: Whistling in the Dark Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges: Outmatched At 10:56 PM -0500 10/22/00, David Edelstein wrote: >BillionSix@aol.com wrote: >> Okay, this one was pretty good. Though the little fart only won on a >> technicality. I was starting to see Michael as being similar to >>those Mr. T> websites. Unbeatable. I rather liked that, too. > >Michael _should_ be unbeatable. Actually, to me that's one of the challenges of these stories (and I assume they're not necessarily over just 'cause someone ended them. ). You have to assume that Michael will win, period. It's making the story interesting despite the ending being foretold. It's a little like pro wrestling, only without having to listen to Jim Ross. - -- Eric Alfred Burns - Habbalite of Belaboring the Point ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 00:52:53 -0400 From: Douglas Muir Subject: IN> A Soldier of Judgement Charles, I liked your Zedekiah. For those who have a few minutes, here's a medium-long article about a real-life character who'd also make an excellent NPC. He's a bounty hunter (yes, they exist, and are legal) working out of New York City. I think this fellow would be a near-perfect Soldier of Judgment. http://www.theatlantic.com/cgi-bin/o/issues/2000/11/tietz.htm (If you hate reading stuff online, the same article is available in this month's _Atlantic_, at any newsstand.) Doug M. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 01:11:06 -0400 From: Douglas Muir Subject: Re: IN> Is my collection complete? >And would someone please send me the original "challenge" posting, which I >can't find and must have deleted? Janet -- here you go. (This generated much more interest than I thought it would, BTW). Doug M. * * * * * Inspired by the confessions of Dominic... * * * * Laurence set the parchment down on the conference table. "A challenge to... who?" "Everyone." The ancient Seraph leaned back on his chair. He and Laurence were alone in the General Staff Room, high in the highest tower of the Spires. "I'd like to issue a challenge to single combat, one on one. To everyone and anyone who cares to accept it." "I... see." A silence stretched. Laurence shook his head. "No, I don't see. You've obviously given this some thought. Please explain to me why this isn't as insane as it sounds." Michael smiled broadly. "Think about it. There have been only a handful of Superior-level combats since the Fall. Not nearly enough to be able to develop a general tactical theory! But if we could hold a whole series of combats -- _trial_ combats, of course -- between Superiors, we could learn so much!" "And is that the only reason?" "Oh, no." Michael leaned forward, his gaze growing intent. "There's at least one other reason." "_I_ need to be challenged." "I'm the Archangel of War. I'm Heaven's champion, the Hero Victorious. And I /am/ victorious, again and again." "That's the problem, Host Commander. It's been decades since one of my Servitors came up with a trick in combat that even gave me a moment of trouble. Centuries since I had a *real* fight, one that forced me to think and to sweat." There was something in Michael's voice that Laurence had never heard before. "I... I _need_ this challenge, Laurence. Or _some_ challenge. How else can I know that I'm pushing myself to the furthest possible limit?" "I see." _Pride_, thought the Angel of the Sword. _Hubris, even. And yet... yes, he does have a point. A sword kept sheathed grows dull._ "Well. Do you have... parameters, for this challenge? Rules, of some sort?" Michael nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes. As I said, I've given this some thought." "One, it must be held here in Heaven. Obviously, I'm not going to wander off into the Marches, or stage a battle between Superiors on Earth. But any location in Heaven is fair ground." "Two, I'll fight anyone who shows up, Superior or not, at any place in Heaven, at any place in Heaven, using any means of combat they require --" "Wait." Laurence raised his hand. "So, you'd fight Janus, say, in a free-fall judo match ten thousand feet above the Groves? Or Gabriel in the heart of her volcano?" "Yes!" Michael slapped the desk. "Exactly! Their locations, their rules... as long as it's a fair combat, I'll accept the challenge. "A fair combat as defined by..." "You, of course." Michael shrugged. "You command the Host, by God's will. Yours is the final authority. If you determine that it's fair, it's fair." _He means it,_ thought Laurence wonderingly. _Of course he means it. It's the Truth._ "Mind you," Michael added, "it is a challenge to a trial of /combat/. I'll agree to any sort of combat, no matter how weird... but it has to be combat. I mean, I'm not going to take on Novalis in a flower-arranging competition, or Jean in a Fermi Quiz." "Ah. A combat, not just a competition. Someone has to get hurt?" "Well..." Michael frowned. "...there has to be the /possibility/ of someone getting hurt. That's what combat is about, after all." "But if Jean used a giant robot, say, or a battle-suit..." "Yes! Exactly." Michael nodded vigorously. "...or if Novalis came up with a..." Laurence paused. "I mean, if she decided to... ummm..." Both archangels fell silent for a moment. "Well, the point is, it has to be some sort of combat. Even if it's just thumb-wrestling. Any sort of unarmed combat, or any sort of weapon, anywhere. Or a contest that tests combat skills, even. But no foot-races or riddle-games." "I see." Laurence rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and looked down again at the draft of Michael's challenge. "And... trial combats, I see. Non-lethal." "Well, I'm certainly not planning to kill anyone." "Right..." Laurence rustled the parchment again. "And, ah, stakes. I see that you're offering..." "To anyone who can defeat me in a fair fight, one boon. Anything that's within my power to grant, and not inconsistent with my duties as Champion of Heaven. Attunements, forces, relics, Essence... Anything within my power to give, or do, as long as it doesn't interfere with my office." "So if someone asked you to dance in a ballet? Or spend a day shining their shoes, or hand over your axe?" Michael frowned. "If I lose the contest," he said heavily, "of course I will pay the forfeit. Fair is fair. But I really don't think it's going to an issue." "Ah." Laurence turned to the parchment again. "I notice that you've gone to some trouble to specify that the Pax Dei applies to any challenger." "Well, we don't want to scare anyone away, do we?" Michael shrugged. "If an Ethereal, say... or, well, anyone... was thinking about walking into Heaven to wrestle me, or whatever, well, we wouldn't want them worried about being ambushed by the Host, now, would we?" "Mm." _Is he really hoping that a Demon Prince is going to endure the pain of the Light of Heaven just to take a whipping from him?_ Laurence contemplated the ancient Seraph, his tense stance and intent expression. _Yes, I do believe he is. Hope springs eternal._ "Well. This is very interesting. So, information on Superior-level conflicts, possible new challenges, and a good workout for you..." Laurence paused. "Are those the only reasons you have, for proposing this?" There was a long silence. Then Laurence spoke again, very softly. "It'll drive Baal just mad, won't it?" ...and Laurence found himself seized by an uncharacteristic emotion. _I would never have believed that I could ever want to laugh at Michael. But - -- the look on his face!_ When the silence had stretched to the point of acute embarassment, Laurence allowed his gaze to drift away to a corner of the tent. "Of course," he said in his best General Staff-meeting voice, "a Demon Prince could never issue such a challenge. First, since demons inevitably cheat, and defeat would mean death, he would be placing himself in deadly danger." Laurence steepled his fingertips. "Perhaps an unusually strong and... valorous.. Demon Prince might issue such a challenge anyway. Perhaps Lucifer might even allow it. But what then? Even if he did so, and did defeat all comers... why, what would he gain? Everyone in Hell would assume the contest had been rigged to support the status quo. He would lose face, not gain it. A no-win situation." Laurence glanced at Michael, who had gone very quiet and still. "So, just by issuing such a challenge... why, you would be striking Baal at his most sensitive spot. Reminding him of what he was, and where he now is, and how far he has Fallen." Laurence let his gaze drift back to Michael. "Correct?" The ancient Seraph seemed to have some difficulty speaking. _Sometimes I'm glad God didn't make me one of the Most High,_ thought Laurence. When you see them wrestling with the Truth like that..._ When a few moments had gone by, Laurence spoke again. "Actually, I think this is a good idea." "You... you do?" Laurence found himself suppressing laughter for a second time; Michael surely didn't realize how surprised he looked. "Yes, I do. Enraging Baal is good tactics. His pride is his weakness; I think there's an excellent possibility that this may cloud his judgement. Which could easily lead him into tactical error." Laurence tapped the parchment. "Yes, as a piece of psychological warfare, this is first-rate. Michael, I approve." _And perhaps_, the commander of the Host thought to himself later, after the overjoyed Seraph was gone, _perhaps this will do good in one other way as well._ _You're the Champion, Michael. You're skilled with every weapon, infinitely cunning in combat._ _But I am the Commander of the Host, and I have some idea just how clever and resourceful Heaven's inhabitants can be._ Alone in the room, Laurence smiled to himself. _It's true that this will enrage the Prince of the War. But... Baal may not be the only one whose Pride takes a rebuke from this._ _Good luck, my old commander. I think you'll need it._ * * * * * And the rest is up to you guys. Doug M. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 01:22:11 -0400 From: Douglas Muir Subject: Re: IN> Is my collection complete? Oh, bother, I didn't mean to re-send that whole thing to the list. Apologies. Doug M. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:52:03 -0700 (PDT) From: chris carr Subject: IN> previous questions i asked some questions before, but they have not been responded to. i havent played yet, and these are some things i wanted to clear up. first, the book says you can dodge or resist, but it doesnt tell how to resist, just dodge. second, what does celestial combat look like? if punches have a power of zero, how do they hit each other? if you are having celestial combat on the celestial realm, could you then punch one another since you wouldnt go through things? if so, how would that be resolved? __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE. http://im.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 17:14:52 +1000 From: "Azrael/Demigouge" Subject: IN> TRhe many Trials of Michael I hate to say this, as it may wreck everything, but how can the characters engage in actual combat in Heaven? Doesn't it cause Dissonance? Azrael You laugh at me because I'm different...I laugh at you because you're all the same. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 06:24:15 GMT From: "Jo Hart" Subject: Re: IN> Is my collection complete? I think you're missing 'baal in the bath' but I'm hard pressed to say that your life won't be complete without it. jo >From: "Janet Anderson" >Reply-To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com >To: in_nomine-l@lists.io.com >Subject: IN> Is my collection complete? >Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 01:56:51 GMT > >I have collected the following in the "Michael vs. Everybody" series: >Litheroy, Novalis, Kobal, Dominic, Janus, Blandine, The Nameless >Three-Force >Gremlin, Jordi, Eli, Khalid, Beleth, and Yves. > >Have I missed any? > >And would someone please send me the original "challenge" posting, which I >can't find and must have deleted? > >Janet Anderson > >_________________________________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > >Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >http://profiles.msn.com. > _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 17:24:29 +1000 From: "Azrael/Demigouge" Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge No no no no no the final challenge came too soon! But it was nice....but too soon. Azrael You laugh at me because I'm different...I laugh at you because you're all the same. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles Glasgow" To: Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 1:15 PM Subject: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge > The Archangels had gathered in the Seraphim Council's meeting hall to hear > Laurence make the announcement: > > "... and what with the many and varied Superiors and other beings that have > already taken up the challenge and there having been a full ten days since > the last challenger, if no one wishes to step forward or send word by > messenger, I will declare Michael's Challenge closed as of the end of > today." Laurence read. > > No one moved. The Seraphim Council reflected upon all the sights and > wonders they had seen over the past days, as Archangel and Demon Prince > alike had contested the might of the Champion of Heaven on almost every > front imaginable. Speed, skill, strength, endurance, cunning, wit, spirit, > and heart -- all of these qualities had been tested to the very utmost in > both the challenged and the challengers. For millennia to come, angel and > demon alike would speak of the events with wonder. But alas, all good > things must come to an end... > > "Well, that seems to have done it." Michael said to Laurence, smiling. "To > be honest, I'm kind of glad that it's finally done with. That many Superior > conflicts in that rapid a succession does tend to take it out of you... but > I wouldn't have traded it for the world." > > "You did seem to be enjoying yourself," Laurence said while returning > Michael's smile. "However, I think that you're being a bit premature. > After all, any other contestant who might wish to step forward does still > have until the end of today." > > Michael stopped and smiled back at Laurence. "Why yes... that contestant > would, wouldn't he?" > > Laurence smiled even wider and said nothing. > > Sensing the undercurrents between the two, the other Archangels, who had > started to disperse, suddenly returned their attention to the two militant > Archangels standing in the center of the hall. Servitors who had been > coming in and out on routine business suddenly stopped and looked. The > crowd gathered outside held its breath. > > Still smiling widely, the two contestants stepped back without a word and > assume the en garde position. Laurence's gleaming broadsword lept into his > hands as Michael's axe appeared in his. The Host assembled gasped in > realization and anticipation. > > "Same terms as the last time?", Michael asked. > > "Agreed." said Laurence cheerfully. > > The Host was riveted at the spectacle of this last, this final, this > unexpected and most magnificent challenge. The two most militant Archangels > in Heaven had not fought for almost a millennium, had only ever dueled once > in their lives. And there had been no witnesses to their last duel. None > of those in the crowd had ever hoped to see the like again before > Armageddon... > > .. and then suddenly, it began. > > Faster than even Janus' eye could follow, the two suddenly flowed into their > attacks, their moves perfectly synchronized. Clashing and ringing steel on > steel, Michael and Laurence plied axe against sword each with skill beyond > the dreams of even an Archangel, in the greatest display of fighting skill > that the Heavens had ever seen since the original battle on the Mount. Not > a single tactic, not a single strategem was left unemployed. One was > Archangel older than Creation itself, the other one younger than most of the > Host, but their battle was nevertheless a beautifully matched pairing of > equals. Up and down the Hall did they fight, as all the audience stood > mesmerized by the most perfect, the most glorious, the most magnificent > display of the martial arts that could be conceived. > > Michael and Laurence dueled timelessly, in a dance of pure joy and movement. > Neither one of them had felt so pure, so focused, so utterly free of concern > and doubt in millennia. There was no malice here, no hatred, no envy, no > spite. Not the single smallest trace of negative emotion marred the glory > of the moment, neither from themselves or from their opponent. Both War and > the Sword were fully in their element, doing what they had been created to > do yet not having the moment tainted with any blood or pain. As Laurence > pressed Michael again and again, the older Archangel felt nothing but a > pride in his student verging on love. As Michael beat Laurence back, the > younger Archangel felt nothing but the greatest respect for his old teacher > mixed with innocent joy at being able to grant him the boon of a worthy > challenge. > > As Laurence countered every strategm, Michael smiled wordlessly at im. -I > know why you waited to go last_, that smile said. -You witnessed every > single challenge, judged every single duel. You studied me through all of > them, seeing me go to my limits in situations of every variety. And then > only after you'd picked your moment, set up your circumstances, did you > challenge me. Well done!- > > -Thank you. After all, you taught me how.- > > The two of them did not need speech to communicate, they were so attuned to > each other in the fight. Minutes slipped by. Maybe hours. Maybe days. > Forever after, neither the combatants nor any of the spectators could ever > testify as to how long it lasted, as Michael and Laurence showed themselves > to the fullest against each other, taking each other's soul in full measure. > All else stopped and faded around them as the timeless and perfect duel > unfolded... > > .. and then suddenly, the Council Hall was rocked by the sounding of the > Song of Alarm, crying of emergency. Of catastrophe. Of a sudden setback, > an unexpected disaster so large that it required the personal attention of > not just one Archangel, but several. > > Without an instant's hesitation, the two combatants disengaged and lowered > their weapons in wordless agreement. > > "The terms of the challenge..." began Laurence. > > "... were that it could not interfere with the duties of my office. The > same would apply to any challenger." > > Michael and Laurence turned as one to face the audience. "The match is > ended.", they said in perfect unison. "There was no victor. There was no > vanquished." > > "And now," Laurence cried in ringing tones, the Commander of the Host > calling his troops to arms, "let us attend to our duties. The Challenges > are over. The true War awaits." > > The Host dispersed, each one to his appointed place. Most of those who left > did so with regrets, with a sense of something unfinished, something spoiled > before it could end, something that could have been but was not to be. > > But the two Archangels in the center of the hall walked away in perfect > harmony, with no regrets at all. > > > -- > Chuckg > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 23:33:40 -0700 (PDT) From: Maurice Lane Subject: IN> I'm baa-acck... ... and what a fun trip it was. Delays, a wedding, a moment of pure, adrenal terror (followed by a supreme act of blatant self-preservation or moral cowardice, depending on your point of view*) ... and a Michael challenge. Yes, that one. :) Let me say in passing that I've managed to cut through some of the digests, and the stuff that I've seen so far has been fragging _fantastic_. Especially Eric's Novalis story. Luckily, he went a different route than me, so I feel no qualms in tossing http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine/stories/Novchal.htm into the pot. If the link is broken, you'll have to cut and paste, because it took me four hours just to transcribe this bloody thing into the computer. I haven't had a chance yet to set up a story page, and I won't be doing it tonight. Please bear in mind that the brightness level on this one has been ratcheted up a few notches, and that I've (as usual) stretched certain parts of canon as far as they can go and then stretched them some more. I've also populated this piece with a few cameos from other stuff of mine, out of sheer narcisstic pleasure. Please also bear in mind that I think that Mr. Burns came up with a bloody good story, and that this piece is in no way, shape or form an answer or rebuttal to his. It won't be the first time that we've attacked a concept from different angles (see Eve, Archangel of Women), and merciful God willing, it won't be the last. Of course, if my challenge story's bad, it only goes to show. :) Moe *Long story. Not apropos for public consumption. Let's just say that I had to run like a scared rabbit to protect my virtue. Not dignified at all. :) ===== In Nomine stuff: http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/innomine.html Everything else (not that there is, right now): http://www.stormloader.com/users/moelane/main.html Last updated 9/5/00 (this is usually way out of date) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE. http://im.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 02:50:16 -0400 From: Whistling in the Dark Subject: Re: IN> Michael's Challenges -- The Final Challenge At 5:24 PM +1000 10/23/00, Azrael/Demigouge wrote: >No no no no no the final challenge came too soon! But it was nice....but >too soon. The tyranny of linear time belongs to Kronos and Hell. Who is to say *when* the final challenge came? 2099 comes to mind. - -- Eric Alfred Burns - Habbalite of Belaboring the Point ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 18:55:19 +1000 From: "Azrael/Demigouge" Subject: IN> Another Impish Challenge In my original (or should that be cliche`d?) Micheal story, I wasn't sure how I should do it, I had this other idea...and this is it, but slightly modified. Baal was enraged, That Snotling!, it had escaped to Heaven, an advantage to the opposition however slight. Asmodeus had been rather uppity about that, which only served to enrage Baal more, he was the Commander of The Legions of Hell! He was not subject to the Games questions. With all the problems his challenge had created, he hadn't even seen an outcome. While the sounds of Baal training, and raging around Hell echoed throught every structure, the gibbering and yammering mass of flesh in the Pit of the Kamikaze Messengers (as they were jokingly refered to in Hell), had even heard about the last messenger's stunt, and he was in Heaven! A Reliever to Micheal! Unlike the rest of Hell they had not heard the stories of Heaven's oppression nor any of the other propaganda, in the filth and noise of their Pit, Heaven seemed, well...like Heaven. While Baal wasn't in a hurry to deliver any messages through their service, there still were Princes who regularly used them, the secrecy they provided was useful. Often Kronos would send them as his agents, their destruction ensuring his secrets were kept, Alaemon often used them too. The Prince that used them most was VApula, though he would just plunder the Pit, and run them back to his Laboratory, this was generally cosidered a bad thing. Valefor used them for their stated purpose the most, his communications with Janus, escaped the knowledge of the Game, the Snotlings, the Demonlings, beneath notice. He also enjoyed the fact that he was stealinhg the Messengers' lives for his own purpose. Today Valefor was sending a message to Janus about a flying craft that he had stolen from the Vapula, its speed and various other things would no doubt make Janus jealous. Valefor slipped to the edge of the Pit, stealing a Demonling before anyone noticed. Taking it to a secret place in heartbeat, the pitiful creature didn't even notice until Valefor shook it into thought. This was a particularly slow Demonling, no original thought could or would cross its mind in the entirity of it existance, but it did have a Plan, it too would challenge Michael. Theft studied the creature thoughtfully, he knew what it was thinking, but seemingly did not care. Though the story of the newly named Zotiel's triumph had circulated the even the depth of the Pit, it was hardly an accurate account. Imps angling to become Balseraphs, parts omitted by Djinn-to-be in an effort to show they didn't care about it, and plain exageration brought on by the hope of escaping their exsistence and fate, had hopelessly warped the tale. Zotiel challenged Michael, broke his arm before being defeated, and now enjoyed power, stature and position in Heaven by Micheal's side. As the creatue made its way through Blandine's Marches, thinking slowly, somewhat like pitch moves, that this would be a good place to stay, he could grow and become powerful here. It surmised that it could get revenge on the demons that had taunted them all in the Pit, get revenge on all those that had wronged him, through malice, or just being stronger, and transcending the horror that he had known. A dark swirl. A hand grabbed it. A gruff voice "Another one, hmmm, not very original either, lacking in honour." Though the Malakite that had captured it bore only desire for its death, he was not cruel in the manner in which he handled the Infernal One. As it was questioned it vowed revenge on these cruel angels. The Demonling lacked the intelligence and artiface to decieve, so made its purpose clear, when questioned, to live in well in Heaven, to gain power and various other selfish things. No angel that spoke to it was very impressed, they had seen Demons with similar intentions, they seldom gained anything. When asked its buisiness it told all it had a message for Janus, and he came to challenge Micheal, the angels that heard, weren' overly suprised, after the first shock (and success) they came to expect that many more would try, hoping to gain from it. Many smirked. After Janus recieved his message, the blinding effects of thr Princes' message of song began, but the Archangels were expecting this and quickly stopped it, expending more effort thatn they usually did,but only because he had challenged Michael. He was sent to the Hall of challenge. He was not impressed by all of Heaven's glory, he only desired it, for it was far nicer than Hell. Nor was he inpressed by the angels and Heavenly spirits that he say, though he was jealous, and felt animosity that they had had it easy. Surrounded by many things that the original audacious imp had seen, he looked about, many things were interesting, but flitting around near a very large Seraph, that looked familiar, was a very small Reliever, it was cleaning the windows behind the Seraph, but never moving very far from it. It turned to look at him, pausing briefly from its duties, though the Reliever was small, it was the radiated to brightest light that the Demonling had seen, especially from the many Relievers the Demonling noticed as it was conveyed throughout its new home (so it hoped). For a moment, The Reliver dimmed, its smile faded, as it looked at the Infernal spirit, perhaps, sympather from the new Reliever, or a reminder of its origins. It turned away and continued its work, chiming brightly, and regaining its brightness, seemingly revelling in its new voice. Then Laurence appeared, he quickly went through the various ceremonies, before asking for challengers, a Reliever challeged, as did a few Archangels, then it was his turn. Unlike his predecessor, he had not the wit to impose restrictions upon his opponent, merely and without respect declaring "I challenge Micheal to combat, I offer nothing.". Laurence visibly blanched, clearly unimpressed, Micheal grimly declared he accepted. After Micheal's challenge's from the earlier challenges were completed, the Demonling's turn was up. He watched the competitions, with mixed intrest, not really understanding, but was rather resentful of the Bright Reliever that he saw, always hovering near Michael, going about some chore that it made up to ensure it could be close to the Archangel. Michael strode forward, proud, beautiful, and terrifying to the little spirit. As he looked down on the Demonling, a voice boomed in its head "You may withdraw now, I will allow you to return to Hell Demonling". The Demonling refused, rather impolitely, and then the challenge began. The creature rushed forawrd, conifdent from the stories it had heard, it aimed for Micheal's arms, all its strength focused on a strike. Micheal didn't even move, as the Demonling continued to strike, yelling at him, trying to make him falter. The the nasty spirit began yelling blasphemies, things agaisnt god. SMACK!!! The challenge was over....but so was the demonling. Azrael ------------------------------ End of in_nomine-digest V1 #1868 ******************************** The material here is (C) 2000 Steve Jackson Games, Incorporated. All rights reserved.