Grick
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Posts: 35 
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Post by Grick on May 29, 2016 6:19:50 GMT
As the gryphon introduced them, Thitero finally took time from his social vanity and anxiety to assess the others around him. Though he sought to remain in character, he could not fully suppress his instinctive reactions as a harpy.
Armed as heavy as her accent, the woman called Orli struck him as a strong and proficient warrior. Female harpies played the roles of hunters and raiders, and so Thitero innately found great strength attractive in women. Though somewhat put off by her lack of feathers, he found himself slightly enamored with her confident posture. Also, even though she was a human, he could not view her as a potential meal, not due to his feelings towards her, but because he doubted he could safely handle her in a fight. Once time came for the main event, he would likely steer clear of the muscular survivalist unless he found some way to render her helpless.
The red robed Princess Lucia would make for a far more appealing meal. Though far from frail, she looked as though she would not threaten him should they come to blows. As evidenced by her fine clothing and pale skin, she had likely lived a life of royal decadence, making her meat much sweeter than an average human’s. Thitero salivated lightly under his veil before turning his eyes away; it was far too soon to think of such things.
The wolf he almost completely disregarded, not out of disrespect, but because he could see no threat or gain in interacting with him. He might make for difficult competition once the event began in earnest, but until then Thitero’s avian thought process did not prioritize him.
Thitero regarded the gryphon Zastech with confusion and envy. By hiding his true title, the creature had added a layer of mystery to his background, an embellishment Thitero sorely regretted not adding. Also, the gryphon’s apparent attempts to make peace with Thitero confused the harpy greatly. By now the pair should have squared off among the crowd, blaring insults at one another while brandishing their wings. Thitero felt certain that this armistice was meant to trick him in some way, but until he figured out what the other avian meant to accomplish, he thought it best to play along.
Besides, he had far more important things to do than harass an imagined rival: a photo was imminent. If he rallied the others around him, he would end up in the center of the shot. Smiling at his scheme’s cunning, he quickly commanded, “Gather around, then. Let this ‘group photo’ commence,” before taking a practiced profile pose.
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wulf
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Posts: 19
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Post by wulf on May 29, 2016 9:46:44 GMT
Orestis chuckles at the title of honor given to him. "It's a great honor to take a picture with such high royalty! My clan has been the greatest hunters of the kingdom throughout the generations, providing master Zastech with enough sustenance to feed his people." The part about being a skilled hunter wasn't exactly a lie, but he loved playing the part.
The wolf became a tad irritated by Thitero's snobbish response, or rather lack of one, but decided not to make a fuss out of it. Perhaps his character was such that he needed to act like this. "You really like to project yourself, don't you? Captain Thitero." He exclaims, having a pretty good insight on other people's thoughts.
Noticing Oril's response, he couldn't be sure whether she was joking or actually thought they'd leave her out. Deciding on the latter, he tries to be friendly with her, hoping she'd get they wanted her as part of this group. "What, are you joking? You're coming to get your picture taken with us of course. Did we give you the idea we're excluding you or something?" He asks in a happy tone. "Besides, that's what automated cameras are for!"
"Come on everyone. Let's get closer to the Captain!" He announces before looking at Lucia. "You know, princess. You remind me of a girl named red riding hood I had met once. I hope we get along just as fine as I did with her." He lets a laugh escape his mouth. "Ahem, excuse me for my informality, Princess Lucia. Shall we pose for the greatest of pictures now?"
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Post by Chammy on May 29, 2016 20:21:59 GMT
Lucia was delighted that everyone was taking to the picture proposition. She had seen tons and tons of cosplay pictures over the years and all the fun things that they did with the setups and various poses. To be a part of that was something that the redhead always wanted to experience. After all, it was like solid proof of the memories that you made.
And, well, maybe this group wasn't all cosplaying things from the same series or shows, but that hardly mattered in the grand scheme of things. It was all in good fun. And after feeling a little disappointed after arriving, her mood was finally looking up.
Role-playing outside of the internet was still a little new to the college student, but she was excited, nonetheless. It showed in the sparkle of her light blue eyes. "Titles aside, I'm sure we will all compliment each other nicely together for some great photographs."
...And she wasn't letting anyone weasel their way out of it!
"EVERYONE should be in the picture!" Lucia declared, leaving no room for argument. "Yes, you too!" She took Orli's arm in a surprisingly firm grip for a short young woman in a princess costume, pulling her into the group. Then, she flagged down one of the convention workers. "Hey there! We'd like to get some group photos! Can you take some?"
Without waiting for a response, she shoved her camera into their hands and turned back to the group with a pensive expression. "Now... how to set this up?" She didn't exactly have an eye for photography.
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ScrambleandClick
Junior Member
Ivershka @ bar|writer's block, Zastech @ photobooth
Posts: 66
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Post by ScrambleandClick on May 30, 2016 15:52:58 GMT
"We should have the shorter ones stand in front so that way we don't obscure the ladies." Zastech said before carefully sliding his feet across the floor to put himself behind Orli and Lucia in the back to try to not show bias to either girl.
Yet, Zastech might've conveyed another unintentional bias. To himself. Was the gryphon planning to make himself the center of the photo?!
However, Thitero's avian eyes are the only ones to catch a sign of weakness in the mythical beast. The gryphon's plumage, while still flamboyant, is slightly flattened. Was Zastech not the big-shot bird the gryphon painted himself to be?
The gryphon still was. Nonetheless, Zastech felt he made a mistake. Telling Orli his secret had a mixed effect on her. The buff woman seemed to be warier of him. Maybe it's because he hadn't signaled to her he wasn't acting. On the other hand, the confusion she experienced did make her slightly more integrated into the group.
Zastech glanced at the edge of his peripheral vision at Thitero. He opened his beak slightly and said, "Would you like to be at the center, Captain Thitero?"
While he would also make the offer to Orestis, the wolf man wasn't quite tall enough to be a literal pillar of the community.
Zastech then looked back at the man Lucia shoved her camera at. The gryphon's back straightened as he restrained an exasperated sigh.
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Grick
New Member
Posts: 35
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Post by Grick on May 30, 2016 17:06:33 GMT
Again the gryphon deferred to him, this time with a tinge of melancholy in his eyes. Immediately, Thietero understood what had happened. Intimidated by the harpy’s fashionable costume and keen social skills, the other avian had capitulated. Spurred by this success, Thitero's false voice lapsed, and he began squawking commands to the others.
“Of course I will take center,” he said, “It would be garish to draw the viewer’s attention too far to either side.” Standing on one leg, he hopped about and gestured with his talons rather than his fingers, shoving them uncomfortably close to the others’ faces. “You there, Orli,” he called, “You should stand under my left wing. Your practical tones will look better if slightly shadowed.”
“And you, Princess,” he continued without stopping for breath, “You should stand here under my right. The coloration of your hair and dress should complement my own quite well.”
“You two,” he turned sharply before Lucia could reply, “Zastech Whose-Title-Is-Not-Known, and Sir...” he searched for the name, “Wolf-Person. You two should flank us, maybe a pace away. Though you lack in grace, you should make a nice frame to separate us from the crowd,” he smiled as though it were a compliment.
“This plan is good, yes?” he declared.
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Post by darkduran on May 30, 2016 21:46:49 GMT
Normally, when Orli is manhandled, her response is to give someone a black eye or a broken nose. A boy once grabbed her ass and she broke his arm in reply (naturally, SHE was the one suspended and he got off with a stern talking to, life is unfair). But she's in such a confusion about what these people are all on about that she just allows herself to be pushed and pulled around like a ragdoll. She gets the feeling that behind the acting, there is something... more going on here.
She writes it off as macho power games between the boys; that explanation makes sense to her.
And it's reinforced when she and Lucia are separated from one another, which is a standard bar pickup tactic, and then again when the two are maneuvered to either side of Thietero. "Well.. iffin you guys really want me in the picture... yeah, okay."
But she does lean back a little as she's moved into position for the photo, trying to catch the red-headed woman's attention behind the disguised harpy's back. She mouths, 'hey, is this shit normal?' at the girl, her face a mask of confusion. She really is in a different world from what she's used to, everything is strange, everyone acts different, and it's really starting to put her on edge.
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wulf
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by wulf on May 31, 2016 11:19:54 GMT
Orestis watched Thitero take charge and start arranging the setup. It pissed the wolf that the harpy was basically taking a picture of himself, making the other four look like add-ons to the photo, but decided against speaking up on it. Having a calm and friendly atmosphere was his only concer, though, and therefore obeyed the harpy. "Ay-Ay captain Thitero!" He said while chuckling
He gave a quick glance towards the griphon, making a hand gesture to stand as the harpy asked. The memories of the picture were surely more important than the center of attantion after all.
Looking at Oril, he could see the awkwardness on her face, but he was glad she would be with them in the picture. He simply nodded to her.
Not really wanting to be cast aside by the others, Orestis took his place next to Lucia. He didn't stand as far as Thitero had asked him, but he figured it would be OK with the rest of them. "Would you give me the honor of letting me stand beside you, my princess?" He said and smiled. Roleplaying was something he enjoyed and didn't get the chance to play that often.
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Post by heebiejeebie on May 31, 2016 19:20:54 GMT
They were all so young, Marta thought, or at least they seemed that way. She was no stranger to fandom—nobody who had grown up with the internet could be—but watching them, how their excitement fed into itself and off of each other, gave her a nostalgic feeling for an experience she had never had. That was funny, perhaps.
It was clear that all of them were busily arranging themselves for a group photo, so Marta waited and watched. The girls were in costume too, though it was of a different theme compared to the boys.
Maybe I should have worn something myself, she thought. Ah, well. Nothing for it now.
Noticing that the convention staff was fidgeting with the camera, looking around as if he had somewhere else to be, she walked over to him and gently tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and looked up at her, plainly taken aback by her height, and she smiled down at him.
"Sweetie, why don't you run along? I can take this picture." As kind as she made it sound, her tone also made it clear this wasn't really a request.
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Post by californasun on May 31, 2016 19:28:18 GMT
John Smith watched from a distance. He wanted to join in, however he was a bit nervous of interrupting their picture. He saw one gal in particular, midriff barring outfit, however she looked athletic and tough, one of his favorite types of prey. He also did so love bellies. As a human with a simple strange power to consume girls whole and digest them he didn't have a 'outfit' to fit in with the group. However over the years he had encountered some monsterboys and they knew of him. So his cosplay was his old outfit from the 1600s back when he was exploring the new world. It had been patched up many times obviously, yet still held together. Oh and he wore tennis shoes, as he had once had to walk in moccasins for a hundred miles. Modern footwear was amazing. Taking a breath he decided to walk up and talk with the young lady.
"Miss I hope you don't mind. May I join your photo?" He asked. The young lady looked annoyed. "Great outfit by the way. You getting ready for the zombie apocalypse or aliens?" He tried to smile in order to not come off as super macho or annoying.
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Post by Chammy on Jun 1, 2016 4:15:54 GMT
Being positioned by the others didn't bother Lucia. She was content to put herself wherever they wanted her and adjusted herself accordingly near Thitero's right wing as instructed---she didn't need or want to be center stage or anything. Just being a part of something like this was enough. Her inner geek was having a blast. And now with a real close-up of all the costumes, she was even more impressed than before. They crated some really amazing outfits!
And Lucia was glad that Orli didn't fight her off or refuse to be in the photograph. Truth be told, she didn't want to be the only girl in the picture. She felt a little less self-conscious with another female nearby. And when she noted that said fellow female was trying to get her attention, the redhead blinked back at her. "Normal? Uh---I think so?" She shrugged, a sheepish smile on her lips. "This is my first time to a convention, actually. I've read about them, but never been to one before." That probably wasn't what Orli wanted to hear. "It'll be fine!" she assured the other girl quickly. "It's just a picture."
As Orestis came to stand beside her, she offered him a timid smile, making room so he wouldn't be pushed too far off to the side. Gosh, these guys were like towers on all sides! She felt almost like a little dwarf standing next to them...
"O-Oh! Of course you may," she responded politely, adding a tiny bow to continue her princess act.
Now, however, there were two more people who came upon the scene suddenly. A worker had been holding her camera before, but now someone different entirely seemed to be offering to take the picture instead. Lucia was surprised she had not seen her before---she was so tall! And the other newcomer seemed keen on joining the photo and sidling up to Orli.
This group was certainly growing quickly.
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ScrambleandClick
Junior Member
Ivershka @ bar|writer's block, Zastech @ photobooth
Posts: 66
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Post by ScrambleandClick on Jun 1, 2016 5:13:47 GMT
Zastech scooted himself next to Orli. As he takes his position, he can't help but notice that the tough woman is... out of character, to say the least. Instead of being the tough, scrappy gal she was when they met, she was an object. Were his social skills with humans slipping through the window?
Though he wanted to voice his dissent, he doesn't shift his feathers again. Thitero would catch it if he did. And more of his weakness meant Thitero squawking bizarre, egocentric orders.
More important than the harpie's cockiness was the composure of the photo. It's asymmetrical. Two feathered towers to one side and a fuzzy wolf tower on the other would be unsightly. The only saving grace of Thitero's ego is that the harpie's wings provided a smooth transition between the varying heights of the group.
He eyed the human male that started talking to Orli, but only for a moment. His heart pounded not from joy, but from stress! His inner art critic kept yelling at him, "His shoes! They clash with his outfit!" The gryphon beaked out some silent words than were along the lines of, "He's-a-time-traveler-for-this-so-those-clashing-boots-make-sense-somehow." He continued muttering this insane, quiet mantra until Marta approached the group.
The gryphon pulled himself from his insanity and blurted, "Mind if you check out positions one more time, Captain Thitero? Got to make sure it's perfect before giving our camerawoman the signal."
(( OOC note: The gryphon's just being paranoid about the composure of the picture. He's nutty like that. ))
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Post by heebiejeebie on Jun 1, 2016 18:20:37 GMT
It was only a moment before she sent the worker off, and he kept looking back at her as he left but she paid him no mind.
Marta turned back to the group, watching them, how they fussed at and with each other as if they were friends who had known each other for a long time. Still, she could see that some of the personalities were stronger than the others, and given over to bickering.
"Excuse me, you cute things," she said. "I can see how much fun you're having, but I think you might operate better under a bit of... pressure. So I'm going to snap this photo at the count of five whether you're ready or not."
She brought the camera up to her face, focusing it on the center of the group.
"If you want my advice, you boys center around the girls. Frame them!"
A beat.
"One."
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Grick
New Member
Posts: 35
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Post by Grick on Jun 1, 2016 19:09:14 GMT
Conspiracy. Treachery. Mutiny. All at once both the gryphon and the tall woman with the camera had practically demanded that Thitero surrender his position in the photo’s center. This must have been that gryphon’s plan all along. He had deferred to the harpy not out of fear, but in order to buy time as his cohort secured control of the camera.
Now Thitero stood outnumbered, flanked on both sides by uncompromising adversaries both larger and stronger than him. They had not yet made any move to physically manhandle him out of the frame, but if they tried, he doubted he could escape them. A plan, that is what he needed, some brilliant excuse to retain his position.
But there was no time! Already the camerawoman had begun counting down. Five seconds was not nearly enough time to concoct a plan, much less finalize and name it! Flustered, Thitero glanced around at the others for support, but they seemed to take no notice of his plight.
Huffing, he shot a mean glance the gryphon’s way and hissed, “Next time…” before stepping aside and striking a new pose directly in front of Orestis, taking no notice as he hid the wolf almost entirely behind a flare of feathers.
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Post by darkduran on Jun 1, 2016 19:57:34 GMT
Even though she still doesn't think overly highly of Lucia, Orli also quietly appreciative of the other girl's presence. More guys are just coming up to them out of nowhere and it's... weird, actually. There's macho alpha-wolf stuff and she's see all that before, but there's just something... off about the way these guys are behaving. It's a little like they've come to a decision within themselves about Orli and Lucia, they're just fighting over... Orli doesn't know what.
"Yeah, no, I'm a robot laser unicorn from space." Orli replies to John, distracted and finding refuge in being a smartass.
She 'poses' for the picture, placing a hand on one of the police batons on her belt. Yeah, she wants the picture over with, then she's finding a reason to get away from here. Something is just not adding up here. She's pretty certain that it's only a matter of time before someone tries to cop a feel here. "Just take the picture." She says to the lady with the camera.
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Post by heebiejeebie on Jun 1, 2016 20:02:38 GMT
The sudden flurry of motion is almost more than Marta can bear. The little group is adorable, though the tension is rising in a way she can't put her finger on.
"Two."
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