Welcome to Gaia! ::


User Image





User Image

9/24/06 - We had a couple of complications with the flatsale but we'll arrange to have it some other time - likely soon. More info when I can talk with Boggie >3
9/23/06 - Flatsale today, thread here biggrin
9/14/06 - We've changed the flatsale time to be 8:30 PM EST (5:30 PM Gaia Time)! Please make note >3.
9/10/06 - It's official! We'll be having a flatsale Saturday, the 23rd of September at 5:00 PM EST. (2:00 PM Gaia Time.) The actual time my change, but the date is pretty set in stone. We hope to see you there!
8/10/06 - The auction, despite numerous delays (SO SORRY!), has finally begun. Click here to visit.
- Lilnekochild has won the auction! Congrats, and thanks everyone for participating >3.
8/7/06 - Another manifestation! Welcome Suzannah biggrin
- Grayson has manifested as well!
8/6/06 - Bastien's fully manifested, and he doesn't seem at all pleased with the notion.
- Marisol has manifested as well!


. . .

The GDSG Guild
User Image



User Image
The Grateful Dead Support Group is a selective society dedicated to assisting those with Ghost-related problems - specifically, those pertaining to the "Grateful Dead" - and their Ghosts. Tired of having your spook provide running commentary of your life, or talking while you're trying to sleep? Is your Ghost tired of you as well, and does it complain often of wanting to move out of the realm of the living? We're here to help.

The GDSG has created a brilliant, patented program of therapy available to those with bonded Ghosts. It's simple really: we help you aid your ghost in its attempts to move on to the Afterlife. Unfortunately we cannot divulge all the details in this pamphlet, but suffice it to say we are more than equipped to handle and solve any of your ghost-related quandaries.

Should you decide to join the GDSG, then you must leave your current place of residence and move to scenic Albra, a small island located in the Pacific Ocean. Don't worry - arrangements will be made for your transportation, and accommodations will be made for you on Albra. Your Ghost, as always, will follow. Please remember to pack lightly - articles such as furniture, laptops, etc. will be provided for you - and to mention this to no one. If you must quit your job then do so. There are assorted jobs available on Albra, and you will receive pay for them should you decide to take one. Think of it not as a change of residence, but rather a change for the better!

Therapy can be, and is, rather intensive. Both you and your Ghost must be prepared for some rather frightening experiences. However, we assure you that no harm will come to you during your stay in Albra. We take care of all of our members, and the beautiful lodgings and delightful recreations available on the island are more than enough to help you unwind after a stressful day of therapy. As for your Ghost, he or she can expect the chance to socialize with creatures such as itself, and we will have recreational programs set up for it as well. Would it care for an ectoplasm dip? How about a spectral massage? Our facilities are capable of providing such luxuries - and more.

Now, you may be wondering what the "catch" is to this wonderful offer. Rightly so! The truth of the matter is there is no catch - all we ask of you is the opportunity to work with you and your ghost, and maybe conduct a little research. Nothing serious mind you, no lab tables or sharp metal objects! We�re merely interested in Ghost-Human relationships, and will be documenting your stay here. Never fear - you will be given your necessary privacy, of course.

To enter the program, all we require is a small deposit, and consider it only a means of "collateral" to make sure you attend the GDSG. Let it be known: once you enter therapy, there is no turning back, not until you and your ghost are "cured" so to speak. But don't worry! You will greatly enjoy your stay here, and our expert staff will do everything in its power to give you a pleasurable, luxurious stay.

So consider the GDSG as the answer to all your supernatural predicaments. If we can't help you, then no one can.
User Image



User Image
Nearly everyone knows what a Ghost is. Remember Casper, that friendly ghost, the friendliest ghost you know? Well, he's a rather poor example of what a Ghost truly is, but at least he's fairly recognizable. Put into simple terms, a Ghost is any spirit - malicious or benign - that wanders the realm of the living despite being dead in body. There are different types of Ghosts, however, and the GDSG specializes in dealing with "bonded" Ghosts, or Ghosts known simply as the "Grateful Dead."

You see, not every person who dies does so peacefully - obviously, due to things such as war, famine, disease, natural disasters. As a result their bodies may not receive proper burial or they may have unresolved conflicts here in the realm of the living. These Ghosts may remain dormant for hundreds - perhaps even thousands - of years before they react to a presence. If you have received this pamphlet, that presence is likely you. There are many reasons they may react to a human, not all of which are understood or even known. The Ghosts themselves don't typically know why either. European folklore may give us some clues, as according to the old, forgotten legends there, the "Grateful Dead" are the spirits of those who have not been buried properly, and are then given proper burial by someone who discovers their remains. These spirits were so happy to have received proper burial that they become something of a guardian spirit of those who buried them, thus why they are the "grateful dead."

There are some documented occurrences where someone, upon finding some poor creature's bones, said a prayer over them and received a bonded Ghost in return, and cases like these still crop up every so often. For the most part however Ghosts seem to react to nearly everything - the possibilities are limitless, really. As for the "guardian spirit" section of the story - well, there is truth to that as well. Should you be able to aid your Ghost into taking the plunge into the real afterlife, he or she may permanently watch over you like a mother hen. There is no guarantee however - it really depends more on the Ghost than anything else. However, there is some evidence that shows that even before moving on the Afterlife Ghosts may provide assistance to their bonds. We will cover this later in the pamphlet.

Either way, chances are you've done something to awaken this spirit, and it has decided to "bond" itself to you. What is bonding, you may ask? Bonding is the process in which the Ghost latches on to you, to put it in rather barbaric terms. It begins to follow you everywhere, and it seems to know your darkest thoughts and your greatest fears - things you yourself may not even know. Being nothing but a restless soul itself it can see, and communicate with, your own spirit without you even knowing. Only you may see it, along with other Ghosts like itself. If the Ghost feels like showing itself other people with bonded Ghosts may see it as well - but those without any contact with the supernatural have no idea it even exists.

There is no guarantee that the Ghost you bond with is benevolent. That is why the GDSG exists - to help you get rid of the less than benign spirits that have decided to haunt you. Other times, however, your Ghost might honestly be a good soul. The GDSG is there to help you in that aspect as well - to help your spirit move on, and to become your "guardian" so to speak.
User Image



User Image
Ghosts go through four different stages upon bonding that are known to us. All ghosts originally bond as something called a "wisp" which is an entity too weak to truly make itself known to you. As a bond, you might hear voices or sense a strange presence, but the Ghost has not fully attached on to you yet and is not strong enough to fully manifest. After being with you for a while however, the Ghost will make its presence fully known, which leads to the second stage. The second stage is simply their normal form, with evidence of how they died. For example, a Ghost who perished due to hunger may be extremely thin and sickly looking, but they will still show signs of how they appeared back when they were alive. They may not even know that they are dead yet if their death was sudden, and understandably, they will have to reconcile themselves with this fact. (We are here to help in this process as well.)

However, once the Ghost becomes closer to you, and begins to know your more intimate fears and desires, it will take on a... different shape. You see, this Ghost survives by clinging to your own living spirit and soul, and it will begin to assume certain characteristics of your psyche. We believe this stage is actually the first step towards becoming your guardian spirit, and the actual evidence that it will become one - it understands your fears, and may even take steps to protect you from them.

The third stage is perhaps the most interesting. The Ghost may become a spirit freed from its bonds to your soul, free to do as it pleases and haunt as it may. It has technically moved on to the Afterlife, but is able to travel between both the Living and Dead worlds. It might even decide to stay with you, just to bug you further. But there is another alternative as well. Should your Ghost forge deep connections with you, the bonds will not break - rather, they will strengthen, and the Ghost will permanently become attached to you. This is the "guardian spirit" referred to in the legends. It will serve as your protector from that point on out of gratitude for allowing it to move on with its Afterlife. Both forms mean that you have, technically, gained a "grateful dead" but what they do with their new freedom is really up to the Ghosts themselves.

To summarize, the stages are as follows: Wisp, Ghost, Fearly, Guardian Spirit/Freed Spirit.
User Image


User Image
Albra is a beautiful utopia located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Its specific whereabouts are unknown, and the island was deserted before its discovery by the GDSG. Since then, the GDSG has set up its headquarters there, and has made it a five-star resort for those with supernatural issues. There is a swimming pool, a hot tub, an arcade, beautiful beaches, and beautiful apartments for residents to occupy (and these are only a few our of recreational activities and facilities!). As far aparments go it is typically two to an apartment, so hopefully you don�t mind having a roomate! The GDSG staff does it best to match up its residents with people who have similar interests, and we are always willing to make new arrangements if conflicts arise.

The GDSG staff is always present to accommodate your needs. Whatever you may require, the GDSG staff can provide! Albra also has a twenty-four hour kitchen available for the residents to use, along with a cafeteria with prepared food open for three hearty meals a day. They will also handle cleaning when you are out and about.

We mentioned, previously, different jobs available for you to do. If you would like you can assume a staff position - IE: cook - or work as a lifeguard, or as the arcade manager. You will also receive pay for your work! Admittedly, it won�t be anything extravagant, but we believe in rewarding your efforts. Simply ask one of the staff if a position is available, and we will inform you promptly. Remember though, you are under no obligation to work: it is all your decision.

The topography of the island is worth noting. The beaches are beautiful, and the central part of the island is fairly mountainous (perfect for hikes!). There are a few lagoons and caves spread out here and there. The GDSG facilities themselves are located near the beach, while the rest of the island is free for you to explore on your own. Beware of wildlife, however. We highly recommend you do NOT travel the island alone, if at all. It's always safer to stay in the GDSG headquarters, remember that!
User Image



User Image

1. Entry to the Grateful Dead Support Group (which will now be referred to as the GDSG from now on) is simple - we send those we want to join our program a pamphlet, and all you have to do is accept our generous offer. How do you get a pamphlet, you ask? Simple. Get yourself a bonded Ghost. However, you must provide proof that you have a Ghost to gain full membership. How do you do this? Again, simple! One method is to respond to an essay prompt that will pertain you and your Ghost (we have termed this a "flatsale" wink . Another is to buy yourself a slot, or to win one in one of our rare, rare raffles.
2. During a flatsale, the GDSG will take writing entries for an hour. There will be a five minute planning period available before the hour begins, in which the GDSG will post the prompt - any entries received before the planning period is over will be ignored. When the planning period is over, the GDSG will make a "go" post signaling the beginning of the hour. When the hour is up the GDSG will make a "stop" post, and entries will no longer be considered except for those very, very close to the deadline. Please make your response pertinent to the prompt, and please make it at least two paragraphs long. the GDSG is looking for responses that are creative, intelligent, demonstrate ample writing ability, and are well-composed. It may take the GDSG a while to judge, so please be patient. Please do not edit your entry once it is submitted. The deposit on gaining access to the GDSG is 16K (16,000 gold). We need to pay for the snack table somehow.
3. Since Ghosts rarely attach themselves and thus are so rare, it is expected that you will only apply for one membership. Additionally, you may not share your membership with others.
4. Auctions will begin with a 35K bid. Since GDSG membership auctions are typically rare, we will accept the following items (exceptions can, and might well be, made): pure gold, any amount of '03 donation letters and items, five '04 donation items/letters per month (depending on the month, more detailed lists will be posted during the auctions themselves.), and up to four '05 items/letters per month (depending on the month) '06 items are limited to three per month (depending on the month again). '03 event items are also accepted, along with angelic and nightmare headbands (only one of each, however). Bidding will run for at least a week, and as an anti-snipe guard it will not officially stop until 24-hours after the last bid. You may NOT withdraw a bid after it has been made or substitute any items. While you are most certainly allowed to help someone bid, you may not co-own.
5. Raffle tickets will be sold for 300g, and the amount of tickets sold will vary with what is being offered in the raffle. The amount you may purchase will also vary with the raffle. All trades must be sent to -The.Grateful.Dead-, and must be in pure gold. You are free to purchase tickets for friends, but if you are to win the raffle you may not give away the membership slot you receive.
6. We reserve the right to add more rules as we see fit.

User Image

User Image
1. Part of the recovery program offered here at GDSG includes writing about your experiences with your Ghost. This way we can analyze your specific situation and come up with a method of solving your Ghost problem. Upon receiving membership, you will be given a Journal to pen your more interesting occurrences with your Spook. It is expected that you will make at least one entry a month, however, it is not required. A lack of activity on your part, however, will eventually lead to being removed from the group. Should you be busy, you are welcome to take a hiatus as long as four months. If your hiatus is to exceed this amount, good luck handling your Ghost on your own, as you will be removed from the GDSG.
2. Please make sure your Ghost does not get out of hand. If it starts, say, pretending it has super powers and is better than everyone else, going so far as to "control" others, we will be very upset. The colloquial term for this is "godmoding" and at the GDSG we greatly disapprove of it.
3. Please make sure that you are respectful to everyone. As a member of - and thus a representative of - the GDSG, we expect you to be a stunning example of how to behave respectfully and politely. That means no "flaming" as some are wont to call it, and kindly bring up matters of contention pertaining to the GDSG management with the managers themselves before flying off the handle. And please, remember to do so privately. The staff will be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.
4. Please do not pretend to have a Ghost when you don't. Additionally, do not take any of the photos taken of said Ghost and claim them as your own. The GDSG constitutes intellectual property to both owners, and they would not be pleased to see anyone copying or using their ideas without permission. Thank you.
5. Almost every Ghost becomes attached with a set personality - they did have a life before you, after all. If we see this personality alter in any extreme ways, we may have to take the Ghost into custody and give it a psychological profile to make sure the sudden bizarre changes in its personality are not due to psychological damage. It is not likely that the Ghost will be returned to you if this is the case.
6. Every member is on a "three-strike" policy - if you make three mistakes, you're out. You can mess up by being disrespectful in the thread, by "letting your Ghost get out of hand", by not making an entry at least every three months, or by causing huge personality changes in your Ghost. It is possible to regain a Ghost after having lost one, but it's extremely difficult.
User Image


    Bond/Ghost Name/Stage/Player/Journal

    Brad Traux/"Pence"/Ghost/BogusAgenda/
    Isaac Cook/Gabriella ("Gabby" wink Rodriguez/Ghost/Puchiko/
    Dusky Worth/July Donaldson/Ghost/Aster Crosslie/
    Yvonne Blair/Suzannah Davis/Ghost/Tweek/Journal
    Charlena "Charley" Jones/Bastien Delibes/Ghost/Rosemilk/Journal
    Knox Faraday-Bates/Marisol Vitali/Ghost/Raife/Journal
    Lucille "Lucy" Glenn/Grayson Rose Archer/Ghost/Quinny-Chan/Journal


User Image


    User Image

    User Image User Image User Image User Image
    User Image User Image User Image


    User Image

    User Image User Image User Image User Image
    User Image User Image User Image


User Image


User Image
Name: Basil Escavlair
Age: 26
Position: Social Counselor
About: While it would seem logical for Basil to have his loyalties to the GDSG organization, those who meet him find it hard to see exactly where his loyalties do lie. This doesn't mean that he's a particularly shifty or shady individual, it just seems that Basil always seems to be amazingly unpredictable in his actions. All his decisions have been thoroughly thought through, however, and it is rare for the counselor to make a hasty decision.

















User Image
Name: David "Davey" Kaisley
Age: 20
Position: Janitor
About: A jumbled ball of nerves and neurosis, Davey seems to lack any obvious skills other than the ability to scream like a girl, flee in an instant, and (quite clearly) clean. He'd be the first to admit that he is far from a knight in shining armor, but he can make your room excellently and painfully clean. Although jumpy and easily startled, Davey is dependable. If he starts a job, he will finish it, despite the odds.















User Image
Name: Desiderio "Desi" Calavera
Age: 23
Position: Hairdresser
About: willdothissoonreally<3





















User Image
Name: Allie
Age: 24
Position: Dance Instructor
About: ...



















User Image
Name: Eston
Age: 28
Position: Security Officer
About:...
User Image


Flatsales: Saturday, the 23rd of September at 8:30 PM EST. (5:30 PM Gaia Time.) Time subject to change.

Auctions: None at the moment!

Raffles: None at the moment!
User Image


User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
Shadows of Africa
. . . . . .
Care to link us? Here are our banners! Simply PM for affiliation, and we'll send you the code.


User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.
User Image
User Image
User Image


    None yet!



User Image


    None yet!



User Image


    None yet!
User Image


Here are how the certs are going to look! Some tweaking may be done, but this is the template!!

User Image


User Image
User Image


WE LIVE. BWAHAHAHA. I went through and fixed a few things - quotation marks, for one - and added info on the Wisp stage.
User Image


They attack. Seriously. Their incredible shortness and fatness!

User Image
User Image


Art and Graphics(c) Bogus Agenda
Concept and Writing (c) Puchiko

Please don't copy anything, <3. It gets me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.

Quick Reply

Submit
Manage Your Items
Other Stuff
Get GCash
Offers
Get Items
More Items
Where Everyone Hangs Out
Other Community Areas
Virtual Spaces
Fun Stuff
Gaia's Games
Mini-Games
Play with GCash
Play with Platinum
//
//

Join Now

// //

Have an account? Login Now!

//
//