THE SNARF

The snarf considered his options. He thought about being a Snarf, but decided instead to use his screen name with a relative ordinary description. "About six foot, seven," he said, though the figure on the right did not change much as it was already an aproximation of his own shape. "Short hair...brown," he continued, adjusting the shade and adding glasses as the computer complied. His clothing was plain: jeans and a black shirt with a green sports jacket. He wondered if he should included kevlar...he was well aware that he could rub some of the other Thundercat fans the wrong way.

"Character designated 'the snarf' is saved," said the voice of Bast. "Basic equipment includes food, water, and basic bedroll. You may choose one weapon and one additional item of equipment. Others may be gathered intime."

"Hmmm...a long sword would be appropriate to the Thundercat universe,"mused the snarf. "Although I wouldn't want to use it unless it was absolutely necessary. And I would like to carry a book of Shakespeare'splays," he finished.

"Very well," said the voice of Bast, asking him to choose his attributes.

The snarf did so, choosing basic scientific knowledge as his primary skill, followed by literacy and, finally, faerie lore.

"Attributes designated to character 'the snarf' are saved," replied Bast."Thank you for joining the VR2L test group. I hope you enjoy your stay onThird Earth."

"Twas my pleasure, lass," bowed the snarf as the wall raised behind him. "I hope we will soon meet for a much longer conversation.

"And, with that, he turned to leave the chamber, sheilding his eyes as he went.

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FUZZBALL

"MWAHAHAHAHAHA! I am a Snarf! A Snarf I say!" laughed the player madly."But not a whiny little common Snarf, oh no! A dark, sadistic, outcast Snarf!"

"Care for some eggs with your ham?" asked the voice of Bast mildly.

"Er...yes...right," grinned Fuzzball with false insanity. This was going to be fun!

"Character is a male Snarf of standard colouring," confirmed the computer."Character designated 'Fuzzball' is saved. Basic equipment includes food, water, and basic bedroll. You may choose one weapon and one additional item of equipment. Others may be gathered in time."

"A staff! I like that kind of fighting! With hidden blades," Fuzzball added slyly, "because that's just the kind of bastard I am, heh heh heh. As for my second item, I'll take a laser pistol. Hmmm," he mused, "guess I'll needa holster for my character."

"You have chosen two weapons. Your highest proficiency will be in the first weapon chosen."

"Yeah, yeah...fine," said Fuzzball, thinking of how his character might use the weapons in question.

"You must also adjust your attributes," reminded Lady Bast, reciting the method of doing so.

Fuzzball balanced the attributes presented to him and chose the skills of tactics, marksmanship, and aviation.

"Attributes designated to character 'Fuzzball' are saved," said Bast. "Thank you for joining the VR2L test group. I hope you enjoy your stay on Third Earth."

"Heh heh heh...I will. Whether anyone else does is another joint to smoke,"grinned Fuzzball evilly.

With his mind full of plans, he stepped through the new doorway, barely noticing the bright light around him.

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WILYKAT

"I'm sorry, but 'Wilykat' is already a designated character. I'm afraid you will have to choose again."

"What? I can't even use the same name? There are humans with the same name! Why can't I use the name?"

"Please choose your physical description and then the decision will be made," replied the voice of Bast without emotion.

"Okay, well I'd be about twenty-five years old...six foot, three or so. Solid enough build..."

The player continued until his description resembled an older version of the Thundercats character, but with a much more practical costume.

"I will analyze your decision," said the computer in the voice of Bast.

After what seemed to be an eternity, the voice returned.

"Your petition has been accepted. Character designated 'Wilykat' is saved. Basic equipment includes food, water, and basic bedroll. You may choose one weapon and one additional item of equipment. Others may be gathered in time."

Wilykat chose his character's standard kit of alchemical products as his extra item of equipment, but was stumped on a weapon. A lariat was certainly inadequate for a full-grown Thundercat. Finally, he opted for a high-tech crossbow/pellet launcher with a laser attachment. It was difficult to get it approved - being a weapon of seemingly great power -but he was allowed to keep it as he would be starting out with littleexperience.

He then adjusted his attributes and chose computer knowledge as his primary skill. Mechanical knowledge and basic chemistry - to restock his supply of tricks - brought up the rear.

"Attributes designated to character 'Wilykat' are saved," said Bast. "Thankyou for joining the VR2L test group. I hope you enjoy your stay on ThirdEarth."

Wilykat waited with barely concealed impatience as the wall rose into the ceiling. He waited a moment to see if his eyes would adjust to the light.When they did not, he merely squinted, squared his shoulders, and stepped out of the antechamber.

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