MUMMRAA

"MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Mummraa! But dat's wit' two 'A's an' no hyphen! An' I look just a like a female version of Mumm-ra on the show 'cause dat's how people describe me!"

The computer was quiet for a moment as it ground out the information.

"This variation is acceptable although your powers will be limited. Will your clothing also mimic Mumm-ra's?"

"Yep. But for a girl. Oh...and I won't be as sucky in my non-powerful form,'kay?"

"That is acceptable. Character designated 'Mummraa' 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 maybe gathered in time."

"A weapon?" said Mummraa with surprise. "I guess I can't have a Sword ofPlundar, eh?"

"I'm afraid the Sword of Plundar is unavailable to new characters though it can be earned."

"What if I don't want a weapon, but want more magic," asked Mummraa.

"You may exchange your weapon for a higher level in one attack," replied Bast.

"Good! I want some more of dat red lightning thingy!"

"Lightning attack has been increased one level. Please choose a second item of equipment."

"I need a big bag of peanut butter cups!"

"That is an unusual request," said the computer once the answer had been processed. "What would such an item be used for so that I may add it to mymemory banks?"

"To keep away the Elves," said Mummraa, glancing around wildly.

There was another moment of silence. "Very well," said the voice of Bastsimply. "Please adjust your attributes and choose one primary skill and two secondary ones."

Mummraa balanced her skill points, but hesitated when she reached the skills. "Hmmm...I don't know what I can use there! I don't supposed torturing Thundercats is a skill..."

"Body knowlege would give you adequate information for torture," replied the computer.

"Okay! I'll take dat! And I want something tactical for all my evil plans.Oh, and my writing of course! It's good for spells," she confided.

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

"See you on the other side," grinned Mummraa as she waited for the wall to lift and, after carefully reaching into the light to search for obstructions, ducking out of the antechamber and into the world of VR2L.

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ALTAICA

Altaica described herself as a deep orange Siberian tiger, slim of figure.It was a character she had played before in role playing games. She dressed the Thunderian in a green bodysuit with a long blue overcoat and boots and belt to match.

"Character designated 'Altaica' 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 in time."

Altaica too chose two weapons instead of an extra piece of equipment. "I want a laser pistol and a whip," she said, although reconsidered when she was told that her first choice would be her highest proficiency. "Make my first weapon the whip," she decided. "It takes more skill than pulling atrigger."

"Very well," said the computer, making the change. "Please adjust your attributes," it continued, explaining how to do so.

Altaica did so eagerly, deciding on tactical knowledge and body knowlege asher first two skills in order to indulge her character's "hobbies" of bounty hunting and torture. For the third she chose animal knowledge.

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

"The Wench of Wickedness is let loose upon Third Earth," grinned Altaica ass he ducked under the rising wall and stepped into the bright light.

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MDG CALYPSO-578

"Well, you can use 'MDG' or 'Calypso578'...both have significance for me,"said the player, describing the appearance associated with each name and waiting for the verdict.

"Character designated 'MDG Calypso578' 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 in time."

"Wait!" protested the player. "That's two names! I wanted one or the other!I...er...which character is that?"

"MDG Calypso578," said the voice of Bast mildly. "Caucasian male, six feet tall, approximately 200 lbs. Blue right eye and green left eye. White streak in hair, brown on right and green on left, cut short. Body is a combination of organic and mechano-organic biology. Natural power includes high mechanical knowledge and mechano-communication."

"Mechno-communication?"

"You may 'speak' with the vehicles of VR2L Third Earth," explained Bast."This will increase your chances of being able to operate any vehicle you find. If you are dissatisfied, you may overwrite this character. Would you like to begin again?"

MDG thought it over. He loved cars, but a car would have a difficult timein Third Earth due to the lack of roads. To accept the computer's versionof his character would give him the skill to work with what vehicles*would* run in the Thundercats universe. "No," he decided. "I'll give this character a try."

"Very well. Would you like to choose your weapon and additional item of equipment now?"

"Well, for my extra piece of equipment, I'd like a mechanic's kit.Something portable, but with the tools most likely to be used on Third Earth," said MDG. "As for a weapon...I never even considered such a thing.But I supposed it *is* necessary. What do you suggest?"

"Basic blades and laser pistols are most common among the undecided,"replied the computer.

"Then I'll take a laser pistol. With any luck I'll be able to meet theThundercats and engineer something else," grinned the player.

MDG went on to choose his attributes and named mechanical knowledge - above and beyond his present ability - as his primary skill, followed byindustrial design and basic engineering.

"Attributes designated to character 'MDG Calypso578' are saved," replied Bast. "Thank you for joining the VR2L test group. I hope you enjoy yourstay on Third Earth."

MDG considered the character he had inadvertantly created. "If nothing else, I'll be unique," he admitted as he watched the wall on the oppositeside of the room rise up. He shielded his eyes and plunged into VR2L ThirdEarth.

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