A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to a higher power (word replaced for safety). Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
- Aristotle
Even the mightiest of gods recieve their criticism, but this is why I call the news 'light reading
The cause of the Fifty-Third street fire still remains a mystery, as we roll into the fourth hour of this story.
Edenburgh's investigation teams have confirmed however, the blazes that had engulfed the cities oldest land mark, the McBain Steel Mill, around one o'clock this afternoon could have been an accident. Edenburgh's mayor Scarlette DuFrense, states that:
Investigations report that after entering the remains once the flames had been taken care of,
they searched both the rooms and parts of the levels that hadn't been affected by much other than smoke damage.
While the true source is still unconfirmed, we did discover that the fire's epicenter was located where the insulation had been, in-between the walls, and moved down to the first level judging by the char lines. One side of the room we were in was completely black, while the other side only suffered minor damage. We're beginning to believe that the fire was ignited by faulty wiring, specifically on the third floor. While this does not leave the trail of arson, we cannot rule out the possibility. It is known that G.O.D INC, owned by Mirage Shadowlier, purchased the deed to the building, despite its inactivity, only three weeks ago.
G.O.D INC. A name that the public of Edenburgh has become familiar with in these recent months, through their alturistic venues and ressurective power over the cities recessced businesses. It came from nowhere but now has reached celebrity status through its efforts; however as popular as it is only a select few has ever seen it's owner, Mirage Shadowlier, in person.Therefore, it's not illogical to say that the thought on everyone's mind is not only what Mirage Shadowlier may have wanted from this Historic building, but who is Mirage Shadowlier? Perhaps he's one person, perhaps he's multiple, or maybe--just maybe--he's exactly what his name says...
A mirage.
Could this have been an act of insurance fraud on the behalf of our cities most noteworthy business? Authorities will be further investigating the source of the fire, while Mayor DuFrense will make sure to see that G.O.D INC's recent activity, along with its owner are thoroughly checked over.
This is Hailey Starr with Channel 6 Action News. Your number one News source, for your city.
...and even the gods trip over their own feet sometimes. Bravo DuFrense, you just made justice a laughable virtue.
Here's my story...come on, take a seat.
Edenburgh U.S.A. The city of prosperity, the city of a million painted faces. Big boys become bigger men here, simply by association. Edenburgh is a resume's dream;
if you have had the pleasure in working here, you will find work in any city you can think of. We take pride in the fact that people literally spend their lives conditioning themselves, to make it here.
Most don't know though, that their life comes with a price tag here.
You are what you work, and you work for money. A piece of paper plucked fresh from whatever highrise you're fortunate to spend time in, with no worth but the number printed in the margin. Sometimes it's a great sum, others almost insulting; but all in all, a numbered judgement based on the opinion of your god:
How beneficial are you to them?
Business is an institution to a higher power, you slave yourself to the higher force for salvation. It's like being in an eternal purgatory. Theoretically, are you not waiting to transcend from your current position, to the top? Those who actually do achieve promotion and work as the president's right hand man, instantly become Roman Statues to the rest of the company. They inspire - thus, create a new sense of enlightenment with their lesser collegues. If he can do it, so can I If you believe that, and are swayed that easily by immitation, then Bravo. You will achieve your goal of being close to the top in no time at all. Enjoy the gospels of nine to five.
Anyone can work as god's right hand man, but very few, especially in this city have what it takes to be the god. To create the business and be the judge in ruling. In fact I have yet to meet a truly poignant god here in Edenburgh...other than myself. I am Mirage Shadowlier, C.E.O and founder of G.O.D Incorporated. You want to be a Roman Statue in this city, that's fine.
I didn't settle down until I became the Colliseum.
And trust me, it wasn't easy.
here's how it was done.
Know thyself. Two simple words spoken by the dean of philosophy--Socrates, and a metaphysical conundrum that has driven even the most learned men to madness. Well, in order to know thyself, I need to know what is real, right? It's Possible. Gorgias' skepticism on reality is that it's purely subjective and that there is no reality. And even if there was we would not be aware of it; thus inspiring the Allegory of the Cave with the illustrious Plato. We are just simple illusions he claims, and we accept everything we see as 'reality' when really what we see is the idea of its true form. Said form exists outside of time and space, beyond our own deductive reasoning skills. This destroyed the pragmatic ways of Western philosophy, challenging its conformity of realism with insubstantial flaws, to realism with reasoning. Reasoning is of course, a part of the soul. Dismiss all 'forms' of reality, then you will have nothing on your mind--and of course, no reasoning.
If this is so, if you are a simple 'form' of the greater picture, then you will never truly know yourself. David Hume agrees with his atheistic skeptics stating that not only is reality purely subjective, but we may not even exist for we are everchanging. In a second from now, you'll be a different illusion of yourself. "How is that possible!" you may ask, " I'm still sitting where I am, wearing what I had on, listening to this streaming song," but...everything changes. The folds of your clothes rise and fall as you breathe in the patterns, the song has switched stanzas several times, and even your own body has changed; cells are never the same for more than a fragment of a moment. Therefore, we cannot prove our own existence let alone figure out who we are in the grand scheme of things. Why bother trying, It's meaningless. The mind fabricates continuity and reality through creative thinking, and perceptions we have gained through experience in the external world among us. Which is rooted in John Locke's 'Tablua Rasa' theory. We are born with a blank slate for a mind, and through experience we copy 'reality.' The 'true self' then, does not exist.Now is this right? Is the true 'self' just a net of meaningless mind tricks we use to make sense of things? Yes and no. Humans are not machines with all due respect to Locke and Hume. While we are ever changing, you are still yourself. Why? The soul never changes, it exists, and that is an objective truth. Virtues never change, morals never change, and both are what creates the 'soul' of a human.
And welcome to the first step of 'Knowing thyself
There is no greater misfortune that can befall you than to be stricken from the roster of the living, while you are still living.
- Aristotle
We exist, plain and simple. There is matter to us, but it is not actualized until form is imposed upon it. For example, an ashtray has always been an ashtray even before it was molded into one from it's clay housing. The 'matter' was there, making it what it truly was meant to be. Then along comes our sculptor, who 'releases' the ashtrays matter by giving it the physical form of an ashtray. Reality observed in the natural world, not from some supernatural 'form world' beyond space and time. Nothing exists beyond space and time, for then it would have to be some form of it's own to allude to it's existence...thus a paradox within itself. There are four casues of matter:
- Material cause (what it is made of)
- formal cause (the form the thing takes...like our ashtray)
- the efficient cause (the trigger that concieves the thing...creation.),
- and the final cause, being the ultimate purpose, or goal for which the thing exists for.
Make sense? Probably not for the vast majority of you because you're still stuck at the second cause. You exist, but you have not found your true purpose for life. The meaning of life is not a subjective question, it can be answered. The meaning of life is to find your purpose in life and live it. Entelechy, the inner urge to have a purpose and realize it. Find what drives you, not what you drive. A fully realized existance causes you to know yourself, and is the harbringer of true happiness. Only you can make yourself truly happy, and to be truly happy, you must know yourself and accept your true purpose and existance.
That's all it takes: your true purpose.
The life of every man is short, and yours is almost finished if your happiness depends on other people
- Epictetus
I am the richest man in this town, and not just due to money. I truly know myself.
| Name: Mirage Shadowlier |
| Age: 38 |
| D.O.B: July 8th, 1971 |
| P.O.B: Tokyo, Japan |
| Known relatives: Ghostiel Brandt (cousin), Kageri Brandt (cousin), Adrienne Shadowlier (daughter age.4) |
| Heritage: Japanese-Scottish |
| Blood type: O |
| Height: 5'8 |
| Weight: 140-145 lbs |
| Hair: Brown |
| Eyes: Blue |
| Fur color: Light brown |
| Markings: 'Birthmark' on cheek, dragon wings on back/death rune |
| Occupation: C.E.O/Founder/'Don' of G.O.D INC |
| Affiliates: Etienne-Bernard Dauterieve, Constantine Segala, etc |
| Skills: Fencing, diplomacy, business savvy |
| Faults: Physical weakness, over dominant, illusion |
| Hobbies: Wine, lavish parties, fame, wealth, power, corruption, manipulation, fencing, collecting swords, fine dining, the arts. |
| Marital status: Widowed |
Mirage Shadowlier is a two-sided name all of it's own, which makes me smile. Some people say it properly matches the icy 'entrepreneur' essence
to me, just like the above article reads. Do I exist? Or am I just what my name says...a mirage. A clever media pun, especially since they're such the
authority of genuine knowledge. My name is not pronounced like the noun, which is what they favor. It's pronounced My-Ridge...a long luxurious 'I' sound,
like a sigh. Say it out loud, you elongated the I in my name didn't you! Satisfying, isn't it? It's curious that these harpies down with the press
claim to be so on top of the affairs of dragons, yet they don't know my name. It's not to say that the mispronunciation is a bother though.
It's a nice boost to the ego in a way, that indesputable notorioty to the little catch phrase. Sends a slight chill down the spine, for our voyeuristic ambitions can't be satiated by the 'unknown.' It makes me sound like a villain, and of course what villain doesn't acquire a catch phrase after becoming notorious, and posing as a true threat to the hero? It's not the common 'I will have my vengeance' or ' Victory is mine ' one liner. Thank the lord, I am far more of a threat than the peons who have to compensate their lack of savvies and ingenuity, with flashy spells and boisterous cackles.
true villains don't need the razzle dazzle
Allow me to be honest about myself. After all, why else would you be here if you didn't want to know about me.
I am that well versed individual you see at one of those swanky parties,
who is surrounded by the glitziest people in town. The one with a flute of sherry in one hand, while
the other illustrates the captivating story that purrs past my voluble lips. I would honestly sweat
sophistication if it were a bodily fluid, and I draw attention in without even trying. Just like a magnet. If you compliment
me and even hint that you're expecting one in return, I'll simply respond with a neutral 'Thank you'
and carry on the conversation. People who are even slightly self-concious have said that I am intimidating.
But why?
Is it brute strength? Not really, I'm a little on the weak side when it comes to physical fitness. In fact, I avoids hands on combat at all costs. Is it my wealth? No, that only makes me more enviable. Power? Fame? Bingo. That's part of the picture, I'm like being in the presence of a celebrity. When we converse, I will stare right into your soul, not breaking for a second until you look away. It's a matter of dominance, a law in the animal kingdom. The alpha establishes his position with body language, not words. Of course it doesn't hurt that I know who I am in this world, and you don't. Confidence is truly the Excalibur of our society.
Now I won't lie, engaging in conversation with me can be exhausting; even though I may use very few words, you're always left feeling as if even looking at me was doing you a favor. Language is possibly the most ineffective means of communication, but with a mastermind behind it, it becomes an art form.
I am the modern day DaVinci of effective language skills.
I am a mirage, Plato's illusion. there is something else to me than what appears to be.
I am a sinner and a saint. A lover and a hater. An illusion and reality. A liar, a thief, a criminal, and a murderer. Think I'm bad? You are each and every one of those things as well..
But unlike you I am living virtuously, you can't prove me wrong. I have no shame in admitting that I have fulfilled my true purpose.
My true purpose is found within G.O.D INC, a business founded by yours truly in his early twenties that was built out of
altruistic intentions. G.O.D of course being an acronym for the 'Gentlemen of Disarray'(tm).
When your business is in disarray, the gentlemen will save the day! A tremendously dated slogan but like Citizen Kane, some classics just never die.
G.O.D INC has gone through two phases--it's creative phase where it was just a small time act of my kindness back across the pound, then it's progressive phase of today where it is a multi-million dollar business that has rebuilt and stabilized thousands of venues nation wide. G.O.D INC has offices in Detroit (oh, it needs some of G.O.D there), Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago...but hundreds of outposts in almost every state now. The main headquarters happens to be in Edenburgh Massachusetts, which is my pride and joy. Who would have though that a business concept as simple as this, would be so economical?
The following is the exact services of what G.O.D does. When ever your average Joe needs a source for quick money, they turn to G.O.D. Whenever a business is about to collapse and is in need of hype, they turn to G.O.D. Any time you come up with an idea for a business, but don't know how to start it we're there for you. My business was created with your best intentions in mind...it doesn't matter what you stand for, or what you want to promote. We are there, judgement free. This drives the greater public wild. I am a saint to them...they see nothing but honest to goodness altruism in what I do.
Of course, that's all well and good for me. After all, G.O.D is so open minded about our causes, that we do associate with the 'tabooed' and 'rebellious downfalls' of society.
If you're trusted enough by me, I'll do anything you want. anything Edenburgh knows me as Mirage Shadowlier, but friends humerously call me Don' Shadowlier. When a personal vendetta turns lethal (business related of course), the holder of the grudge is welcome to turn to G.O.D. When ever someone has a shady idea for a little black-windowed business, they may turn to us as well. Body guard, lucrative businesses, anything. As I see it, money is money. Dirty, clean, coins, paper...I don't care where it comes from, it doesn't matter. It's the fact that you trust me enough to confess your dark little secrets to me, that counts. I can help you out, I've never failed. Your secret's safe with me, for I'm a mastermind at detatching myself from my business. Edenburgh will be none the wiser, it's entirely stuck on G.O.D's main face.
Of course, I'll expect something in return for these favors. If you're going to make me be a sinner for you, you're going to have to be a sinner for me. G.O.D only punishes those with a foxes sly heart.
And believe me; You can't outsmart me. You will be sleeping with the fishes off the Durnsfeld Pier before you can even say my name.
Only a fool dares to defy a god to his face
It's rather funny if you think about it, we are an 'honest to goodness business by day' then a pseudo-mafia by night. Two-faced, but atleast I acknowledge it. Of course, it's not to say that there aren't instances where the darker underbelly of G.O.D is used to achieve good. Mayor DuFrense for instance? Without getting into extremely tiresome details, she wouldn't be the mayor of Edenburgh without me and G.O.D INC. In fact, the same goes for Joseph Asterelli, the cities former mayor. Both saw how tremendously well the businesses that I gave a breath of life to did within the recession, and both secretly hired me in to 'clean up' their campaigns. And by clean up, I mean a complete overhaul of their platforms in order to blast the competition to pieces. Not exactly how my business to save businesses works, but I have a fond spot in my heart for politics. After all, isn't a great businessman a great politician as well? Of course as you can tell I favored Miss DuFrense over Asterelli, and through my promotion she defeated his platform. Looking back I don't think it was the wisest move on my behalf, strictly due to that little newspaper article you read. DuFrense promised to keep out my hair as long as I kept her usage of my services underwraps, and obviously she has changed the terms and conditions of our little agreement.
I was to set up the destruction of the McBain Steel Mill as a declaration of fiscal war on Edenburgh's mafia outpost, The Deviles. DuFrense and I had planned this in secrecy. Long story short The Devile's have been around far longer than G.O.D, however they're almost like quiet guard dogs for an even larger mafia; New York Cities Segala Family. The Segala's are indeed a slight threat to my interactions behind the scenes (so to speak), but I have my ways around their clutch-hold. Don Segala's most adored blood relative, works for me, and because he does, I feel that G.O.D's interests are free to 'manipulate' The Devile's territory at leisure. Meaning if I want to take control of their little businesses and bookmarks, I sure as heck should be able to.
I am Mirage Shadowlier the city loves G.O.D INC. PR wise, I could destroy them without lifting a finger. Of course I'm old fashioned and I prefer the quiet of the shadows, when it comes to the affairs of dragons.
Needless to say, The Devile's don't like me and especially don't like my attempts to get my foot in their doors. Naturally they've become quite violent due to this, and often try to start fights and riots with some of my 'departments.' I don't like this, not a single bit, so I stepped one level beyond them and escape violent retaliations by buying the cities Historic steel mill; the 'rented' main headquarters for their business meetings since Don Devile doesn't like his 'business coming home.' A few phone calls are made, some purchases are cashed in under the table through my private funds, then ba da-BOOM. The Steel Mill is charred and a hostile structure for anyone to be within. All of this, all. of. this, was conspired between Mayor DuFrense and myself. I came up with the idea, and she gave it the okay by saying that "it was just a building."
She said, " It might be some landmark, but no one visits it anymore. The location is terrible, it's right up against Terrystown (Edenburgh's little parasite of a ghetto-suburb), and I want The Devile's out of my town. No one will notice it gone, it'll just be one less building. Trust me, I'll take care of the media if it gets itself involved. Everyone knows they're a teething pop that's always looking for something to chew on."
Though I can't express how unfathomably enraged I am at her, I do have to give her a round of applause. She is the first person to ever make a fool out of myself, however, she made a bigger fool out of herself. She's going to turn her back on me? That's absolutely fine. I know far more dirt about her, than she knows about me. I made her who she is; the public will latch onto that more than they will me.
Of course, I'm borrowing trouble. I honestly don't think the media is smart enough to sniff through the ashes and point to me on their own, and mark my words, I'll be having a little 'talk' with Scarlette just to refresh her memory on how much of a pawn she is in my game of chess. The police sure as heck won't be able to do anything because not only are my transactions untraceable, but their top dog investigator has an affiliation with G.O.D INC that keeps them turning away from our underbelly.
He is my blood cousin
I'm wealthy in my bloodline, and arrogance runs in the family
Well, in my immediate family that is.
I'll start out basic. My mother is Scottish, and my father is Japanese. Big suprise there, because I know you couldn't tell that by looking at my eyes.
I was born in England, and mostly raised by her since my father was usually out of the country. He is a movie producer, a big time, no lies involved. Have you ever seen Paramount studios Pitchpont? Well, it was up for nine Academy Awards a few years ago, and the producer of course was Souji Takamine; my daddy. Yes you are correct, Takamine is indeed a different name than Shadowlier. Once upon a time he used to be a performing swordsman, and was rather famous around Kyoto. I have an old katana of his still, one that I believe was more decorative than useful considering it has a metal snake wrapped around the blade. When I did get to see him in my youthful days, he taught me the fundamentals of fencing--which I later carried on into college. My mother, well, is a mis-match to my father. While he's a very affluent man he is matched up with a simple lawyer. I really don't have much to say about her.
They are both very much alive still, living happily in Tokyo as a matter of fact, with their grand daughter Adrienne.
I have no siblings, so, she is my beautiful little girl. I was indeed married once, but that ended in violence. She only wanted me for status,
and when she got what she wanted, she ran off with another man. When I found her and the lover I had them whacked.
Broke my heart needless to say, but c'est la vie. I love my daughter very much, she is possibly the only thing I love.
She lives with grandma and grandpa because I don't want her exposed to what I do. I want to keep her as young and innocent, as long as possible.
Another member of my family happens to be the head investigator of Edenburgh's police department...Ghostiel Brandt. A fool.
He once has this beautiful relationship with me painted in his head, and is my younger cousin. He looks up to me
for some forsaken reason, and that has always irritated me. I can't tell you why, because I myself have no idea what causes it; possibly different
life styles, I don't know. He tries his hardest to bring me and the gentlemen down off our pedestal, but he always fails. He's so blinded by
the fact that we're blood related, that he he almost 'protects' me against his true ambitions. It's a strange form of guarding, but
I don't trust it to stay as it is for long. Sooner or later, he'll open his eyes and see that I'm not the person
he has painted me to be. That may be a problem, for he is a threat. He's the only person in all of Edenburgh that can do something about me,
butI have no problem destroying him when the first signs of wavering show.
If he knows what's good for him, he'll stay in denial about me.
Lastly, there is Sin. Not exactly blood family but, a nice little pet.
Sin is a pet that I bought for Adrienne initially, until she decided that the kittens her grandmother kept were better playmates. Didn't bother me really, Sin does have his moments where he is snappy...and I wouldn't want her being bit. (much rather have Etienne attacked haha) he's unusually colored for his species, most of the time the flame markings are red tones, but his are violet, black and blue. Makes him look more regal I think. I also think he might be a cross breed, a North American Gallion and a Japanese one, because look at his tail. There's definitely some Asian influence with the long tufts that line it, as well as the sleek and furry mane. He's pretty mild tempered all in all, likes to sleep on my lap when I'm working at my desk, likes looking f0rmidable on my shoulder when a 'customer' (or someone I'm not too happy with) is visiting...enjoys bacon bits and chicken thighs. Only thing he can't do well?
Fly.
You wouldn't picture me with extravagant tattoos now would you? I used to think the same thing until I actually got them.
Lo and behold, this is actually not a tattoo. You can see it on my left cheek, but it's simply
a birthmark (who would tattoo their face in all honesty) It's a bit of an eyesore from time to time, and it's
terribly hard to convince people that it is indeed a natural born marking. Maybe it means something
in an alien language, that could be possible. All I know is that it's unique; you have to admit that!
Now this little dilly is inked on me, and I have had it for years. I was atleast the rebellious age of 21 when I got it.
This is the Norse Death God, the Dragon of Ragnarok coiled around the centre of the earth and biding his time before he is to be awaken.
He is indeed the harbringer of the apocalypse according to man's mythos. At first, the design started as a pair of simple
dragon wings on my shoulders, with an infinity symbol beneath each one. I thought it was smashingly unique until I went to a club in
Cambridge, and found nearly five other people who were just as 'unique' as myself. I then decided to add on to it, and decided
to dive into my longtime love of mythology. Especially Norse, since very few people seem to study it (Greeks? pft!) It's curious
how the Rune mark hamonizes with the previous set of wings, almost as if they were destined to melt into one being. Perhaps they were
ment to be.
There is an insanely low number of people I would credit as a friend, so I won't get into that. I don't trust that easily, though I like to be trusted. These fine gentlemen are what make up G.O.D INC, and behind me we keep the city satisfied in and out of the shadows.
Remember how I said that I have a shield against the mafia group of the Eastern Seaboard? This attractive
man is it. Constantine Segala is the beloved nephew of Don Jager Segala of New York City. Sure, the Segala's could
easily stamp G.O.D INC out of their out post family, The Devile's, hair but Connie here has convinced Jager that I am not interested
in a complete take over of The Devile's affairs. His charm, charisma, and volubility rival mine, which is why he is such a key component
to G.O.D INC. He talks beautifully, and comes up with most of our businesses ideas. He could sell ice to eskimos, I'm serious.
When he is not working with us, he is a part time waiter at Davinos's: a tremendous sicilian restaurant on Hampton Avenue. If you're ever in town, have at least one meal there--even I like it. Apparently Constantine is so well liked down there, that the owner is toying the notion of turning the ownership to him when he retires in a few short months. Apparently this has been a dream to Constantine, but I fear it might strain his loyalty to me. We'll see...
P.S - if you go there, watch what menu Connie gives you if he's your server. He has been known to 'con' people with hiked menus.
...Hate this little wretch. I hate him.
Look at that smirk. I can stand Dauterieve just about as well as I can stand a disease. That irritating little Cajun drawl,
that stupid fedora that always hides his face, the fact that he goes out in public looking very slapped together and messy,
but all in all? The fact that he dares talk back to me.
I met him on the streets about a year ago, attempting to pick my pocket as I was walking by. I remember seeing this little, skinny, thing standing in the shadows with a black fedora pulled over his eyes, and I wasn't sure if he were female or not, considering he was so slight and had longish black hair spilling out the side of his hat. He came out when I passed him and kept following me, but I didn't pay much heed. If any thing were to start up, I'd whip out the gun inside my jacket. He was able to actually pluck my wallet from my rear pocket with very little notice--however the minute he started to run off I knew something had happened, he took something, and I raced after him.
We had a lovely exchange of nasty words and ended up rough housing in an alley, both getting extremely
beaten up by one another. Taking him back to my pent house, I called up Constantine, told him what happened, and expected him to
come and help me off the little thief...but...for some reason, Con just fell for the kid the minute he saw him. He told me that the kid
would be useful to us considering how I had almost left him walk off with my wallet, and the fact that he was so wiley and full of fire.
He should be our hit man. I protested and fought with Con, but, decided to let him have his way...after all, Constantine (if he wanted)
could easily snap me in half. He was determined that Etienne stay and be one of us.
Since then, the kid has been insubordinate, mouthy, stubborn, and belligerent to me. If I hadn't sworn I'd never hurt any man of mine...my god, I'd kill him.
I don't trust him. That's all I have to say.
I don't know this man personally, he works with Constantine. In fact, he was hired by Constantine. Con claims "he's a great hitman,
and I'm always looking for ways to discretely replace (that filthy) Etienne." Very odd coming from the man who wanted us to keep Dauterieve...
thus my suspicion. I don't think Con would intentionally hire someone who would kill me but, you never know.
Connie and I are close, and you know the saying--
keep your friends close and enemies closer; we could very well be close friends, or mutual foe. I have my eye on you Rox Koss...
And when you're as well known as me, everyone wants to be your friend
and it's true, I'm a powerful friend. I will be there for you without any hesitation. G.O.D INC has got you covered, as well as myself. However, my enemies have learned not to talk about what I will do to them. What you just read, is a small fraction of what G.O.D can do to snakes in the grass. My friendship is as strong as my hatred
But you have to be sure that it's really me you're after
Because after all, who is Mirage Shadowlier?
Am I a group? Or one real person?
Or am I exactly what my name says
A mirage
[know thyself]
Welcome to Edenburgh. The city of prosperity, the city of a million painted faces. Take my card
More or less, Cat answers old neomails she used to get concerning G.O.D!
A: G.O.D INC is proudly being published and printed by The Indigo Violet studios! It's an independent creative group that I run, and also does printing/binding for graphic novels/comics/artbooks/etc. At this moment, my co-writer and I are editing the script for part one, and my artist is contacting me to send the panels and storyboard over so she can work on the visuals. Look for part one to be avaliable for purchase sometime within this year. We had a major set back due to a faulty computer ha ha ha. If you are interested in purchasing, drop me a mail! I'd love to get a headcount of how many books to print when the time comes. Also if YOU have a serious comic plot that you'd like published some day, lets talk it over! TIV works with two titles right now, so feel free to approach me!
Posters are about to go on sale for G.O.D. Mail me
Q: Um...then why are you wasting time on Neopets?
A: I need to relax SOME how ;) I can't sit and write the script all day/storyboard/work on freelance commissions. Also, Neopets has been a place of solitude for me for many years hahaha. It's a FANTASTIC place to advertise my graphic novel and get people interested. Far better than dA in my opinion.
Q: How old are you?
A: Old enough to know better!
Q: Holy expletive on a stick Batman, (not exactly the same way it's asked...) my character is in love with Mirage/Con/Etienne... can they hook up?
A: Ehh Con and Etienne are unavailable, however knowing Constantine he'd appreciate the compliment. Mirage on the other hand is an over pompous icicle who would be surprised if someone wasn't in love with him (excluding his obvious enemies)so he won't go hog wild over your character at the drop of a hat. Take some time with role-play, a serious one not a f0rmulated 'romance' one. After all, we do know that Mr. Shadowlier, has loved in the past...just might be harder to get past his wall this time.
Q: I love your art! What do you use?
A: Well thank you! I use Photoshop CS, a wacom gaphire tablet, Flash MX, and a MAC laptop. Why MAC? well...the graphics appear cleaner and more vibrant, plus they're the most commonly used computers for animating. (Corpse Bride as a matter of fact, used Final Cut...a Mac based program.) I draw my line art on Flash and color on Photoshop directly from the tablet. Usually I'll have some sort of photograph reference with me so I can get better proportions and gestures...but sometimes I just draw off the top of my head. Not the wisest thing unless you REALLY know what you're doing x.o.
Q: Can I give you an award?
A: *beam* Of course you may (:
Q: How long have you been drawing?
A: About four years...yeah explains a lot doesn't it XD. I wish I had started when I was younger.
Q: What classes have you taken?
A: Actually, I'm self taught. I HAVE taken one class but it was a literal joke, and I ended up just teaching myself what to do sadly. I first got into drawing like I said, two years ago after reading Jhonen Vasquez's Johnny The Homicidal Maniac series. After that, I fell in love with comics and started off copying his style to practice. Then, I moved into an anime like realm (don't we all at some point?) which THEN turned into a more realistic style. Now, I guess you could say I'm an alternative pseudo-anime, gothic, realist o.O. Just...never tell me I draw anime style. I dislike most anime (probably made about fifty enemies with that.) ALSO...my older sister who is an incredibly talented and professional illustrator has given me tips. She wont' do much more though, she's rather competitive hahaha.
Q: YOU DON'T LIKE ANIME?!?!
A: I like Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, and Lupin the Third. That's all.
Q: Draw for me!
A: Ask nicely. I'm not a slave o.O
Q: Please draw for me?
A: Usually I don't do requests unless you're a friend/I LOVE your character's design. Same goes with trades really...I'm a busy chick and I hate making people wait forever to get their half. Usually though, my adoptables are open for requests and trades because they're easier than drawing a full scale CGed picture. As of right now, I work only with lupes in the adoptable realm.
Q: Do you role-play? If so, where?
A: Yep, but due to the demands G.O.D's script has on me, my RPing has been taking a hiatus. If your character intrigues me though, I'll gladly RP on my website's forum.
Q: What are your standards?
A: No one-liners unless there's NOTHING else you can do, otherwise I'm pretty open. I don't care how literate you are, I adjust my style accordingly ^^; (oh yeah, I'm pretty literate to advanced. I have my good days and bad days.)
Q: Where do you come up with such (insert an adjective here, I've heard them all) characters?
A: Movie influences, obsessions with symbolism, and the fact that I have the imagination of a six year old still. Never lose that side of you folks, imagination and creativity is what keeps the world as colorful as it is.
Q: Can I join G.O.D?
A: You think you have what it takes to work in his business? ;) lets RP
Q: Why don't you accept Neofriends?
A: I don't need a list to tell me who my friends are.
Q: Can I draw you fan art?
A: :) Of course!
C: SOMEONE TOOK YOUR ART!
Q Tell me right away, I'll take care of it :/ If they steal my characters or plot, they're in trouble. Since G.O.D INC is legitimately copyrighted, I can go to court for unpermissible re-distribution. My co-writer is a lawyer in training, and I also have worked with a lawyer to get G.O.D INC's registration papers filed in order. Don't mess with me because it's the internet :/ there IS such a thing as IP pinging...
C: Sorry to bother/bug you...
A: No need to apologize to me in Neomails! All neomails are read and appreciated unless it's n00brific/a question I have already answered here!
Q: WHY HAVEN'T YOU RESPONDED TO MY MAIL?!
A: I'm human too o.o I have real life things going on that sometimes stop me from being on the computer. Sometimes, I really have no reply for you at the moment. I NEVER reply to adoptable mail unless I am finished with yours.
Q: Where did you get those paintbrushes?
A: Well, I have been playing since December 1999 (for proof look up Corbinww), so consider I've been around for six years XD. Most of the time, the brushes I recieve are either gifts from extremely generous friends, ones I saved up for and used the trading post, or, my pets were colored by the fountain faerie when it was free (you had to sign up with sponsors and you'd get a fountain pass...look it up on google, it happened in 2001.)
Q: Where did you get that music?
A: I download it and upload it to my own account. Please don't use it because it eats my bandwidth up, and I have to pay extra when I go over.
Q: Can you make me a user lookup?
A: I'm too lazy to manage my own public website, let alone make lookups xD
Requests: No | Trades: Welcome!
Welcome to G.O.D INC's third floor gift shop! In order to use these little criters, you must adhere to these rules:
- DO NOT TAKE OFF NEOPETS I have no problem replacing
the adoptables image with something bad ;)
- IF IT'S NOT YOUR LUPE, DON'T TAKE IT! these are for specific lupes ordered by specific people. Not free use adoptables.
- Do not enter into any contests
- I'M SERIOUS. THESE STAY ON NEOPETS Don't test me. I have such little patience to adoptable theft.
- Respect my copyright, since these are hosted on TIV.net, they're covered by my LEGAL copyright.
- Don't remove the watermarks. (like you could without it being obvious)
- Always link back to this page
- If you want a custom, please title your neomail with Badabing baby. I have 600 adopt templates and just seeing 'lupe adoptable' as the title makes me go insane.
- TO ORDER A CUSTOM PLEASE FILL THIS OUT:
- Lupes Name: (Full name)
- Tie color: (I can't remove the tie)
- Reference picture: (If it's not on Neopets, DON'T SEND ME A LINK WITH 800 SPACES. Just take out the http:// )
- Link to your adoptables: (So I can see what to expect for my half of the trade)
- For my part of the trade, I will do: (Please choose from Mirage, Skylar, Darrin, or Ghost to do as YOUR part of our trade. Don't ask me to choose, for I've already chosen my candidates (: you just need to finalize whos design you like more.)
- Do you have faith? (In G.O.D of course ;) )
- Send ALL neomails to me
SPECIFICATIONS ON CUSTOMS...
I WILL:
- Add multiple tails
- Add REASONABLE bangs (i.e - tufts)
- Add REASONABLE accessories (i.e - Bands, scarves, bangles)
- Make Naruto lupes even though I'm TIRED OF THEM...(but see below regarding hair)
I WILL NOT:
- Edit the tail to make it thinner/remove it/etc
- Remove limbs
- Add clothes like shirts, pants, and capes
- Add long hair. It looks awful with my style.
- Remove the card or the tie
- Edit the card
Easy enough! Just sign here, and you're all set to go love! You can pick up your order by copy and pasting the info in here, then changing LUPENAMEHERE to your pets EXACT name (in lower case) All numbers and underscores included.
Pick up
Don't have adoptables to trade for mine?
Check out these default mobsters ;)
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE...
Back in 2002, I used to make special 'themed' lupe adoptables. Since then I stopped, but when I made this new template, I was like 'hmm...lets reintroduce the theme adoptables.' They cover holidays, elements, weather, anything that I think would make an interesting adoptable. These can be used anywhere ON NEOPETS...but in order to use, you must promise to NOT use the designs as your own lupe's designs. Why? Because it'll end in tears...believe me. More than one person'll use the same design and CHAOS WILL ENSUE. CHAOS! So once more, in order to use these:
I SOLEMNLY SWEAR I WILL NOT USE THESE SPECIAL ADOPTABLE DESIGNS AS MY OWN LUPE'S DESIGN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WILL END UP IN CHAOS AND DRAMA AND HAVE CHOSEN TO SIMPLY ADMIRE THE DESIGNS AND USE THEM AT MY LEISURE TO PRETTY-FY MY LOOKUP/PETPAGE/SHOP/ETC.
GOT IT? K. Lets roll son:
Wolf
Fox
Ice
Valentine's Day
Water
Holy cow, thanks guys D: I love each and every one of these! A lot have died since um...2006 XD so, I'll post up what I can salvage!
Old look
....That was more than I expected to find! WOO WHOO ARCHIVES!
*beams* Honestly, thank you guys so much for thinking of me like this! I appreciate it so much, it's not even funny! HERE'S A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR YOU GUYS! *claps but isn't heart obviously* Yep. :3
Count: 15!
Status: Accepting applications. (warning: this is NOT easy to get)
Mirage has taken it upon himself to leave his card behind on outstanding pet pages. He looks for a well developed character, artwork that takes effort (doesn't have to be absolutely mind-blowing) content that's not cliche and over worked...and most important of all, an obvious dedication to the work you have displayed...something that represents your character in it's own unique way--whether it's in the layout, or, how you chose to organize the page. There are two ways to get this award:
- Apply to me and title the neomail Calling Card
- I stumble across your page and am wowed (usually this)
If you apply and want to know why you didn't win, include that in your neomail. I'm pretty good with critiques so, you won't get a reply like "I hated it." or " There was a lot wrong." You'll get what I liked, and, what needed work at the standard of the award. Also, if you're applying you get an automatic 10 points if you link to Mirage's page. It's only fair to network a mafia don, you scratch his back, he scratches yours! Also shows you read all this.
If you don't include that and still don't receive in about five days, (first check my lookup to see if I'm taking a break from Neo or not...) then you have not received it. This is NOT a biased award...meaning, I don't just automatically give it to friends. You have to deserve this award. There are far too many biased awards out there. Sad really...
Winners so Far...
Complicates
Eurrek
Vyala
Seiyumi
Praedius
Sycherri
Segala (advertising)
Kurof
Dice
Take a patch, post it. Spread the word of G.O.D and it's ruler. Pollute the minds of our youth, one by one ;)
88 x 31 |
50 x 50 |
50 x 50 |
50 x 50 |
Neomail for a trade.
Others
To everyone who has read this page and enjoyed it enough to mail me. I FREAKING adore you! I LOVE feedback on my plot/characters of all kinds, positive, negative, critiques, you guys give me hope that G.O.D will go somewhere!
And yes, thank you Mario Puzo, where ever you are, for writing one of the greatest novels in history. GOD BLESS MAN.
G.O.D INC all characters related © The Indigo Violet Studios 2006-2008. Do not redistribute or reuse without written consent from the owners, C.Asteri and K.Rivera. Fan characters not included.
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