aCe: WAR IS HELL

[Mr. Hyde]

...the conflicts of our dark future will be settled in the ring...



...it's coming...

[Deleted]

Count me in...



~ :-Xsk

[Avarice]

Can't wait to see more aCe action...more aCe is a great thing.

[Mr. Hyde]

A Dimension Divided

Centra. It is a Dimension Divided. It is a dimension beset by murderous beasts and treacherous dogs. It is a dimension at war. Torn asunder by four factions, representing thousands of souls, damned and blessed alike, Centra is adrift in the darkest depths of it's existence.

From Centra Prime, led by the stalwart commander Aegis, forces of men seek to defend their lives. Joining the brave leader is Lance At-Las, the Martian Wanderer, who has finally found a home in Centra. Alongside these two stand the Vagabond Priest Shepard, a being solely designed to seek and destroy the foul creatures spawned from the pits of hell and his partner Scorch, a rough and ready miner anxious to taste conflict. These two form the team known as The Specialists. Rounding out the ranks of this force is Rouser, a man determined to prove his worth and allegiance to the cause. Together, these warriors are known as the R.O.C., the Ramparts of Centra.

Sailing on the edge of the dimension in their vast mothership are the creatures known as The Ravagers. Led by the wise and eternal Nicodemus, these creatures possess the power to obliterate all of Centra, yet choose not to. The creature Ventross serves as the second in command, overseeing the SWAT Team, Warfare, a humanoid, and Flatliner, also a humanoid but equipped with the experimental Flatliner body armor just produced by Ravager scientist. In addition to commanding this force of destruction, Ventross keeps the young and brash Nemean in check. These are The Ravagers.

From the depths of the molten planet Primus a villainous Heathen Chief known as Paganax has emerged. A beast of fire, feeding off of his loyally savage followers, Paganax has consorted with a treacherous Ravager known as General Rankor. And following the beast of fire and the traitorous dog are the savage leaders of the Jakyll and Krypt Tribes, christened Darkness Falls by Rankor. As support, they bring with them Grovel, a lowly beast with enough combat experience to warrant a place in this team, known as The Tribes of Primus.

From the deepest crypts of the blackened world of Antilia has arisen a Harvester of Plagues. He is the Dread Lord himself, Murdok. An ancient warlord returned from the grave to claim Centra for his own. Seeking refuge, a rogue demon, Godsend, has found a place by his side. Murdok commands the hordes of the undead: warriors from long ago reanimated and innocent victims of a gruesome plague. Out of the rows of shuffling corpses comes Resurrection: the team of Corporal Tek and Cremator. And behind them is Noxious. Once a proud friend of Lance At-Las, this warrior was infected by the plague and is now enslaved by Murdok. This horrifying force is known as Murdok's Crusade.

After massive losses of life, and the rise of the Heathen Chief, all four factions have come together to take the fight off of the battlefields and into a wrestling ring. Known as the adversaries for Centra's essence, this grand experiment could save countless galaxies. The prize: a piece of Centra itself. The ESSENCE, it is called. Whomever bears this mysterious energy will be gifted with power and dominance unparralleled. The battlefield: The Centra Consortium. Home of the old Centra Wrestling Federation and now under Murdok's dominion, this arena shall hold the battles that decide the fate of an entire dimension. Despite the hall's ties to sporting entertainment, all but the brave souls who choose to do battle there and the most courageous of travelers are discouraged from journeying to the battlefield. This is not entertainment. This is not sporting competiition. This is war.

And War is Hell.

[Deleted]

Mouthwatering write-up...

To say I'm stoked about this fed is an understatement.


~ :-Xsk

[Mr. Hyde]

The Essence Bearers

As agreed upon after The Great Summit, the four leaders of the four factions gathered together once again, linked by The Ravagers powerful Holovision capabilities. Aegis, from Centra Prime, Nicodemus, from the Ravager Mothership, General Rankor, from Primus and Murdok, from his crypt had assembled to discuss the matter of deciding the very first Essence Bearers.

"I demand the Essence be handed over to me and my men Darkness Falls." Rankor began rather boldly. "Do not forget, my nuclear device is already in place in the core of Primus. At my command, the entire planet detonates, taking with it this whole galaxy!"

"We have not forgotten of the ace up our sleeve, Rankor." Nicodemus responded. "However, simply crowning you and your teammates the Bearers is unacceptable. I propose two tournaments, held over two occasions."

"I was thinking the same thing, Nicodemus." Aegis concurred. "It's the only fair way to do things."

"Exactly. I propose that we hold the Tag Essence Tournament later this cycle. Followed by the Single Essence Tournament next cycle." Nicodemus said.

At this point, the currently silent Dread Lord spoke up. "So, each tournament will take place over how many days, then?"

"Wait a minute!" Rankor interjected. "Why must we wait so long to crown a Single Essence Bearer?"

"Because I will not tolerate all of you insects on my land for more than a bit at a time." Murdok responded.

"The only insects I see are the undead ghouls whom accompany you, Murdok!" Aegis spat out.

Murdok turned toward Aegis and smirked."My followers are beautiful creatures. And after I'm through with you they shall inherit this galaxy."

"Back on topic!" Nicodemus commanded. "The Tag Essence Tournament will be a one day affair. Each faction shall submit two teams for the tournament, totalling 8 teams. The Preliminaries and Quarterfinals will be held in the afternoon. At that time, the two finalist teams may rest. At night, we will all gather back at The Consortium and decide the Tag Essence Bearers. The seeding will be done randomly."

"And I suppose we're supposed to trust you to do it fairly?" Rankor asked.

"No. We shall all gather at the Centra Palladium and each team captain will draw two different seeds blindly from a container." Nicodemus explained. "That way, we all have equal parts in the seeding."

"Now, the question is will the Harvester of Plagues keep his wretches back while we hold the Tournament."

Murdok bowed mockingly, "You have my word, oh grandiose leader of the Ramparts."

"I don't trust you at all, Plague Harvester." General Rankor commented.

Murdok turned to him and feigned hurt feelings. "Coming from a treacherous worm such as yourself, that really stings!"

"Enough!" Nicodemus once again commanded. "It is decided. Go, gather your teams, and meet in one week at the Centra Palladium. During the cease-fire on that day, we will further discuss the Tournament to decide the One Essence Bearer."

"I will inform my men of this, Nicodemus." Aegis said. "These terms are acceptable to me and so shall they be for the rest of the ROC."

"These terms are unacceptable to me!" Rankor bellowed.

"You are absolutely reprehensible, dog." Murdok chuckled. "And how can we soothe your fragile psyche into going along with this?"

"I want full control over who my teams face! That is the only way I will go along with this!" Rankor commanded.

"That is unacceptable." Nicodemus quickly replied. "That will give you an unfair advantage and-"

"No, Nicodemus. Let the dog have his wish. No matter who he chooses to deal with, he will lose." Aegis responded.

"Ooh, arrogance from the Rampart! Almost makes you seem admirable, Aegis." Murdok smirked. "But then again, you are a flesh dweller. But, I agree Nicodemus. This worm has the weakest of factions. Let him have his choice of who will conquer him!"

"...very well. It is done. Rankor, you may choose your first round opponents." Nicodemus complied.

Rankor grinned. "I knew you weren't as stupid as you all look!"

"It is decided." Nicodemus declared. "Let the best team win."

[Mr. Hyde]

A note on timeline:

1 day (Centra time) =1 day (our time)

1 week=1 week

1 cycle= 1 month

1 quarter = 3 months

1 year = 1 year

[Mr. Hyde]

TAG ESSENCE BEARERS TOURNAMENT
CENTRA PALLADIUM
2nd Cycle-1st Quarter-2119

At the arranged time, each faction had gathered at the Centra Palladium. The environment was quite hostile as Murdok’s corroding hordes stood eerily by, still surrounding half of the arena. In addition, inside the arena, along with more of Murdok’s minions, a platoon of Centra Guard had taken up positions among the seating. The Ravagers had a battleship orbiting the arena and General Rankor had brought with him a troop of savages that he kept in cages within his shuttle. Though the hope was that there would be no more battles, this arena certainly looked like a battlefield.

As agreed upon, the four leaders met in the center of the ring, which was surrounded by hordes of newscasters and journalists ordered to cover this event. The seeds were drawn and Rankor picked his opponents. The stage was set. As each leader traveled back to their camp, it seemed as if the Grand Experiment might actually, somehow, succeed.

PRELIMINARY ROUND

General Rankor & Paganax vs. Ventross & Nemean
Nemean insisted on starting against Rankor and for some reason, Ventross complied. This was a tragic mistake as Rankor easily dominated the young Ravager, tagged Paganax in and let him finish the assault.
WINNERS: General Rankor & Paganax by a PAGAN VOID from Paganax to Nemean

The Specialists vs. The Holy Crusaders
In a shocking display Godsend handily dealt with Shepard, finishing the fight quickly with a powerful demon bomb!
WINNERS: The Holy Crusaders

Shortly after the pinfall, Shepard had already begun to sit up. When he raised his head from the canvas, all he could see was Godsend’s smiling visage standing over him and laughing. Things were already not looking well for the ROC.

Darkness Falls vs. Ressurection
Krypt and Jakyll attempted a killer INSTINCT much too early and Corporal Tek sent Krypt barreling into Jakyll as a result. Jakyll never recovered from this as Tek trounced him and tagged in Cremator for the finish with a CREMATOR CLAW that made Jakyll go unconscious!
WINNERS: Ressurection

From his personal tent amidst his zombie horde, Murdok watched as Ressurection just trampled all over their competition. With a grim smile, and an affectionate glance toward his Queen, Murdok became very content with his minions.

Heroes United vs. The SWAT Team
WOW! Flatliner is still getting used to operating his armor as Aegis deftly avoided a Fusion Bomb and countered with a standing dropkick. He then ascended the top rope and dove off with a pinpoint accurate RAMPART’S REVENGE that drove his skull right into Flatliner’s exposed face, breaking his nose and earning a lightning fast victory!
WINNERS: Heroes United

Although they did not shake hands to begin the match, now that the contest had been decided, both Aegis and At-Las made sure Flatliner made it from the ring in good order. This critical match had now completely eliminated The Ravager Army from the Tag Essence Bearers Tournament!

QUARTER-FINALS

General Rankor & Paganax vs. The Holy Crusaders
Paganax took the fight right to Godsend and Murdok, giving them both a thrashing. Paganax took Murdok to the outside, sending many of the press officials running. Murdok slammed Paganax on the concrete, tossed him into the ring and hit a surprise POWER OF THE PLAGUE. Rankor made the save and a brawl ensued but Murdok snuck up behind Paganax and locked in the CENTRA TAKEOVER, making the Fire Beast submit!
WINNERS: The Holy Crusaders

The Tribesmen of Primus have been eliminated for the tournament as Murdok stand in the center of the ring, proclaiming total victory for his Crusade! His undead fans make some sort of collective rumbling, reacting in some way to their master’s success while Godsend stands atop the turnbuckles smiling into the cameras of the media.

Ressurection vs. Heroes United
Cremator started off strong against Aegis, but Aegis was able to make the tag to Lance. Lance took it to Cremator, but the zombie dug a finger in At-Las’ eye and tagged out to Corporal Tek. Tek beat down At-Las and brought Cremator back in who continued the assault. Out of nowhere, At-Las hit a head scissors takedown and followed it with the MARS MANHANDLER! Aegis intercepted the slower Tek and Lance scored the comeback 1-2-3!
WINNERS: Heroes United

The Centra Guard stationed in the arena were supposed to be on alert against any movement from Murdok’s undead, but they couldn’t help but cheer out for their heroes as Captain Aegis and Lance At-Las will now so battle with Murdok and Godsend in the Finals for the Essence Tag Championships!

Aegis watched as Tek and Cremator shuffled off into the darkness toward Murdok’s camp. At-Las walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Lance: It’s up to us now, Aegis. We have to stop Murdok and Godsend right here tonight and take the Essence.

Aegis: (looking toward his fellow Centrans and then to the media) Aye. We stop them here. (turning to his friend) And in the process, I’m going to personally interrogate Murdok on Trisis’ whereabouts.

Lance: (squeezing Aegis shoulder) We will find her Aegis. And if you want Murdok alone, I’ll make sure to deal with Godsend. Come now, we should rest for the remainder of the day. The match won’t be for a few hours.

Aegis looks back toward the undead masses, not thinking about the teeming stands or the massive horde surrounding the arena, but instead trying to calm the feeling that Trisis is nearby. Lance begins to leave the ring, and after a few moments, Aegis follows.

(To be continued...)

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: The Ravager Battleship orbiting the Centra Palladium

Nicodemus sits, deep in thought, in his commander's chair. The doors to the Bridge open up and Ventross walks in, head low. He silently walks up to Nicodemus and gets on one knee. Nicodemus takes account of his second-in-command.

Nicodemus: What is this, Ventross?

Ventross: I have come to ask for forgiveness. Nemean insisted on starting our match against Rankor and Paganax, and though I am the commanding officer, I let him have his way. It cost us the match, and had it been a battle, I would have cost us lives.

Nicodemus: (almost amused) Then it is a very good thing that this experiment we call the a.C.e. will bring about the end of armed conflicts. Your loss is forgiven, and your judgement call as is as well. Nemean has much to learn, and there is no better way to learn than to fail.

Ventross: (still on his knee) But, now The Ravager Army has no chance of claiming the Tag Essence.

Nicodemus nods and stands up, beckoning his second in command to rise as well and follow him. Ventross complies as Nicodemus leads him through the winding steel corridors of the battle ship.

Nicodemus: This is only one battle of an entire war, Ventross.

Nicodemus stops at a large fortified door, places his hand on the center of it and emits a strange neon glow that pulses through the steel of the door. The portal opens up, revealing a large room with a heavy glass shielding in the center of it. Inside the shielding are the Essence Tag Championships, pulsating with power.

Nicodemus leads Ventross somewhat into the room, and then motions for him to stop. The belts give off crackling charges of energy and light the enitre chamber with radiant glow. Ventross cannot help but be awed by the sight of them.

Nicodemus: The burden of defending this power now falls to the ROC tonight. We have done what we could here. (turning to Ventross) However, all of the immense power contained within one of those belts is still secondary to the power of the One Essence Title.

Ventross: What do you mean, sir?

Nicodemus: It will take both holders of THESE titles to equal the power that can be obtained by ONE soldier by holding the singular Essence Championship. (turning back to the radiant belts) So, tonight we give the ROC our full support. But, when we meet again to fight for the One Essence, we shall leave no opposition standing in our wake. (sternly) Understood?

Ventross: (looking down) Yes, sir.

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THE SCENE: General Rankor's shuttle

CRASH! General Rankor throws a Tribesman into the side of the shuttle, sending it scampering off in pain. He turns around and sets his sights on Krypt and Jakyll who are in a corner of the shuttle, licking their wounds.

Rankor: Foolish little beasts! (approaching Darkness Falls angrily) You were made fools of out there! You made ME look like a fool! and now your leader SUBMITS! Useless!

Rankor strikes Jakyll with his pistol and Krypt goes on the defensive, ready to fight. Rankor points the muzzle of his gun straight at the Tribesman's head.

Rankor: Move one inch, and I'll end you right here, cretin.

Krypt snarls as Jakyll recovers and assumes a fighting stance as well. Just then, the doors to the cargo bay open and Rankor does an emotional 180 degree turn, quickly holstering his pistol and backing off from The Tribesman.

From the blackness of the cargo bay, he can see two piercing red eyes, and then teeth lit from behind by a powerful red glow. The Fire Beast Paganax has come back from his thoughts.

Rankor: Hello, friend. I was just trying to teach your friends here some def-

Paganax storms out of the cargo bay and grabs Rankor by the throat, lifting him into the air and slamming him into a wall!

Paganax: (smoke billowing out of his mouth as he speaks) I AM CHIEF! YOU ARE SERVANT! I SPEAK FOR TRIBES AT MEETINGS! YOU KEEP MOUTH SHUT!

Paganax throws Rankor across the room, leaving the treacherous one grabbing at his throat.

Paganax: I TELL THEM I WANT MURDOK! I GET MURDOK!

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THE SCENE: Inside the Centra Palladium

Nemean: Paganax? Paganax who? Let me tell you guys something. We Ravagers are very wise, and we always have a plan. If something happens in this ring, it's only because we LET it happen. We ALLOWED Paganax and Rankor to win earlier today.

The media at ringside gives a collective murmur, writing eagerly in their notebooks and then coming back with more questions for the brash Ravager. Nemean eats it all up, being the glory hound he is and is content with his decision to sneak away from the Ravager Battleship and come here to appease the eager media.

Nemean: Hey you guys want to hear a joke? So, a Ravager and a zombie walk into a bar-

Just then, from behind Nemean a sign rises up above the ring ropes reading "God Bless the ROC!" It is Rouser. In mid-word, the media rushes from Nemean, who is now dumbstruck, over to the member of the Rampart's of Centra Team!

Nemean turns to see what the commotion is about and angrily pushes his way toward Rouser.

Nemean: (poking Rouser in the chest) So, exactly what are you thinking stealing my audience like that?

Rouser: Stealing your audience? Please. Aegis and Lance At-Las (the names make the media murmur) sent me to give a statement for them about going into the Finals later tonight! You got schooled today, so you can't be talking about going to the Finals. What are you doing out here Nemean?

Nemean: (his yellow eyes narrowing) If I remember correctly, YOUR team didn't even let you COMPETE in this thing. So, I don't know who you THINK you're talking to, but if I were you, I'd shut my mouth, junior!

Rouser: Listen, man, I've been fighting for Centra since you were still doing whatever it is awkward young Ravagers do when they have no friends. So, I don't know who you're calling junior, punk, but I'll be gald to whoop you just like Paganax did! (the media gives off a "oh no you didn't" gasp)

Nemean: Is that so? Well put that sign down and-(Nemean's communicator crackles. It's Ventross.)

Ventross: NEMEAN! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?

Nemean: (timidly) I had to leave the ship for a sec. I'll-

Ventross: GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE NOW! DOUBLE-TIME!

Nemean puts his communicator back onto his belt and gets in Rouser's face.

Nemean: Later, ass clown!

Nemean walks off with his head up high as Rouser looks after him. As the brash one walks out of the arena, Rouser turns back to the media.

Rouser: Anyway...

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THE SCENE: Murdok's personal tent amidst his Horde

Murdok sits idly by with his head back and his eyes closed. He is not sleeping, but instead imagining his coming victory. Corporal Tek and Cremator sit in a corner of the tent, Godsend is doing push-ups on one finger and Trisis, Aegis' wife, now infected by the plague and enslaved by Murdok, sits at her masters feet. Godsend gets bored with his workout and stands before his leader.

Godsend: (addressing Murdok but looking at the Rotting Bride) So, do you think Aegis has any clue?

Murdok: (slowly smiling) I'm sure all sorts of awful thoughts have been torturng him since his wife's disappearance. (placing his hand on Trisis' head) But it doesn't matter. If he wants to know so badly where she is, he shall have his answer later tonight. (opening his eyes to look at Godsend) I am a kind lord, after all.

Godsend: Indeed, master.

Murdok: Tonight shall be glorious Godsend. I will watch Aegis' heart break right before my eyes, and then we shall both taste the Essence. I am greatly looking forward to this.

Godsend: As am I, my lord. Together we shall become infinitely more powerful.

Murdok: And then I will capture the One Essence and become a God. With you and my Queen by my side, I will bring Centra to it's knees.

Godsend: (the words make him sick) Yes, lord. You shall be a God. And I, your loyal angel of death.

Murdok narrows his gray eyes, very much distrusting of his "angel of death."

Murdok: Indeed. But, let us obliterate our foes here tonight before we get too caught up with Gods and loyalty. (the last word cuts the air like a knife)

Godsend: (bowing) Yes, my master.

[Deleted]

Simply awesome.



~ :-Xsk