[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/9K0Tkbt.png?2[/img][/center]

[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/brfl30z.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent]If you’ve stuck with my inconsistencies and scheduling issues, then you probably have an idea of what Pariah is in design, background, and style— if you aren’t, let’s give you the fundamental basics.

Pariah (or Pariah Online) is a semi-linear collaborative story based around the concepts of anime serials like [i][b]Log Horizon[/b][/i], [i][b]Sword Art Online[/b][/i], [b][i]Overlord[/i][/b], [i][b]Familia Myth[/b][/i], and the grandfather of the “trapped in a game” framework, [i][b].hack//SIGN[/b][/i]. You’ll notice there is only one real outlier in these influences in that of my mention of Familia Myth, which I’ll admit has more to do with me liking how that particular serial looks at things like guilds, dungeons, and progression in an interestingly designed way. Anyway, as you can imagine the central idea of this roleplay is the whole “trapped in a game” plot device and the hurdles that comes with it. But as with inspired settings, this is wholly original— this is not set in any fandom and is not an amalgamation of them.

But with that said, I definitely still have ideas for Pariah— and I hope for those who are newly interested and those who have put up with me are interested enough to invest their time and energy into writing collaborative stories in this setting. So let’s get on to the stuff I definitely know is important. How the “game” works, what the setting is comprised of, and the character applications.[/indent][/color]
[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/Lt2ZcTJ.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent]2112 CE.

The ambiguous creator of Pariah defines the simulation as an experimental rejection of the status quo. Pariah— a virtual destination for denizens of all walks of life, designed with the newest of augmented reality technologies to cater to becoming the host of a whole new immersive world of opportunities and escapism. 

Moving away from the contemporary virtual reality sensors and peripherals of the past, Pariah is based on a system that has become known as “integrated synthetic hypostasis”. Essentially the technology takes the framework of modern computer programming, artificial reality designs and matrixes, and once theoretical interconnectivity of the human sub-consciousness to allow the user to enter a dream-like state and thus escape the world for what feels like days at a time.

[[ This Section may be edited so it doesn't read like garbage later, but you get the idea. ]][/indent][/color]
[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/XXV8Fl8.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent]Anyway, a character casts magic just as much as he learns a skill or practices with a sword. There are no digital spell lists as the game’s framework is immersive. If I had to presume how magic works based on a rough idea I have I would say that there is casting time for spells, regents for more extravagant spells, conditions for others. It varies. Magic runs on stamina of the user, so if you use more magic you tired yourself out and risk yourself losing consciousness or physical damage depending. It’s a system I’ve used before so I am comfortable with it.

Domains are the central elements of Dark, Holy, Earth, Wind, Fire, Storm, Fire, Frost, etc.

A good framework would be this video from 10:40 onward.

[url]https://youtu.be/tWaw-FMVoa0?t=644[/url][/indent][/color]
[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/2skqJWm.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent]Pariah is not like conventional virtual reality modules and as such does not use traditional levelling systems. Instead, Pariah holds a framework that is designed to allocate things with a state of the art progression system that revolves around benchmarks, achievements, and attributes. With this it can be simplified generally in an easy context— if you want to be skilled with a knowledge, item, or weapon then you need to put forward effort into experiencing the world with that aspect. With this system, level becomes simply a number used to mark progression and not an extent of a character's power. A character's power is entirely defined by the actions they took to reach a higher level. If the character spent most of their time using a sword and killing monsters then they will become proficient in using swords and killing monsters. Alternatively, if the character chooses to spend all their time baking bread then they'll make the best damn bread around.

The character will initially start with a basic level in all skills which will remain hidden. When the character begins to specialize into these skills by using them (i.e. swinging a sword, baking bread) the skill will become visible. Much like in real life, proficiency stems from practice and abilities are learned through experiment. With abilities, pressing a button simply does not work. The character must independently swing the sword or cast the spell and if the system registers their attempts correctly, it will perform the act.

This system heavily favors independence and allows characters to be specialized how the user wishes to specialize them. It might not be efficient or even good but it is possible. Want to be a plate armour-wearing mage? Go for it. Want to be a rogue that drags aggro, sure! Point is, the player is free to build their character how they wish to.

In terms of threat assessment given the nature of the augmented reality that is Pariah, there are no visual statistic boxes of the people or the icons within the world. But Pariah’s creator sees it more as another reality than a video game and as such doesn’t expect people to assess threat beyond their own common sense, research, and observational skills. Essentially the lesson is be wary of your environment, monsters, and hostile icons or players.[/indent][/color]
[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/codDMHl.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent]A pathos represents one of the several virtue-oriented fraternities in the world of Pariah and serve as factions that the player affiliates with to not only serve as the central sanctum that provides shelter as well as esoteric information regarding the path the pathos represents. These pathos are conventionally defended and led by their followers. 

[hider=The Pathos Fraternities][u][b]DRAETHIR:[/b][/u] Sometimes the most essential pillar is the one that will get their hands dirty and not hide the fact. The pathos of Draethir is vicious, but admired for their conviction and dedication to getting results. Founded by a mercenary of the same name, the fraternity attributes its primary virtue as integrity. Represented by unyielding hireswords, self-oriented sorcerers, and pragmatic artisans if you are in a pinch and don’t mind a bit of consequence this is the fraternity to call on. If you choose Draethir you prescribe to getting the job done. 

[u][b]DROX:[/b][/u] The pathos of service and humility, the Drox fraternity has stood indifferent of pathos politics and more concerned with the plight of the smallfolk; and in the current days of the world of Pariah this seems to be unchanged. The Drox fraternity has held many professions and roles in its history but most of all they have seemed to follow a trend of the ranger, warden, priest, and spiritualist. Their founder, Kieamiera Drox, was a fair-haired girl who did right by her gut and not her birthright; a sentiment that is carried in the virtue that has remained central to the fraternity— compassion. If you choose Drox you have the soul of a protector of some form.

[u][b]QUEON:[/b][/u] The creativity of spirituality, magic, and nobility is always a curious thing; a fact that the pathos of the Queon fraternity have kept in mind for centuries. Founded by the first “wizard”, Queon Toraendel, the fraternity has come to represent a pathos that has evolved with the times; much like their scientific knowledge. Represented by scientists, spellcasters, spiritualists, and craftsmen— the limits of the fraternity seem endless. But with a virtue like knowledge would the sky not be the limit? If you choose Queon you are a great thinker and possibly indebted to your curiosity. 

[u][b]SIKTH:[/b][/u] As discreet as they are ruthless, the pathos of the Sikth fraternity are not for the weak-willed or naively idealistic. However, the followers of the fraternity are not full of assassins and spies exclusively, as anybody who believes in their paramount virtue of unity as defined by the fraternity’s founder, Sieana Kthar, can commit to their cause and beliefs. If you choose Sikth you have a keen practical and cautious mind that believes at all costs things must be bound together.

[u][b]TYHRIEN:[/b][/u] Out of all of the pathos that are followed it probably comes as no surprise that the Tyhrien fraternity has been the most significant and well-renowned. Named after its founder, Ser Tyhrien Toraendel, the fraternity serves as an icon to all residents of the world that only one virtue is important in life— honor. It is for this reason that one will find many devotees among the noble professions and individuals who are simple idealistic in their mission. If you choose Tyhrien you have the spirit of a knight and a hero.[/hider][/indent][/color]
[hr][hr][b]	[img]http://i.imgur.com/UzDmfpc.png[/img][/b][hr][hr]
[color=gray][indent][u][b]Section I: Character Creation[/b][/u]

[hider]Character creation is limited, but still inclusive.

Players are expected to create characters that are reasonable in design. What this means is I will be accounting for depth, characterization, motives, and capabilities of the character extensively to see if they are appropriate for the vision and tone of the RP.

See the CS for more answers. If that is not sufficient ask me questions or stuff.[/hider]
[u][b]Section II: Writing Level[/b][/u]

[hider]The writing level I expect is somewhere around [u]medium expectations[/u] (high school-level equivalent). This means comprehensive understanding of basic grammar and spelling is expected, characterization is important, narrative is important, and detail behind those are appreciated. I’d want maybe two paragraphs as a rule, though if it fits a post that there is enough to respond to and react with in one paragraph than that’s fine, but one-liner’s will definitely be off-base. Keep with the fluidity and enjoy yourself; though quality posts don’t have to be textbooks and I severely doubt I will require a “novel”-esque post. 

A good guideline is this quotation that I adhere to for my own posts:

[indent][i]“Roleplaying should focus on developing interesting and complex characters that become part of plot-lines which catch the imagination and inspire the writer behind them to exercise creativity. It is mature, humorous, imaginative, tragic, terrifying, passionate, and rife with descriptive language and characters with real personality and relatable cares. Quality posting is far better than needless novels, yet one should never neglect detail when one feels the need. However, while word and paragraph requirements ought to be unnecessary, single paragraphs cannot contain enough detail to suffice.”[/i][/indent]
With that said, I will not be putting posts under extreme analysis nor will I be inciting a “word count”. So just use your personal judgment and we’ll be awesome.[/hider]
[u][b]Section III: Etiquette[/b][/u]

[hider]Rule number zero of my perspective is pretty simple; don’t [i]test[/i] my patience or be a [i]irredeemable[/i] jerk. 

Generally, the idea here is a simplified version of any sort of rules since we are “veteran” members of RPG and we pretty much know the big rules— follow the host site’s rules, communicate, collaborate, and don’t be antagonistic towards others or at the very least keep the toxicity to a bare minimum. Playful banter and crass jokes are one thing; but actively making somebody feel unwelcome is another one entirely. There is a difference between being blunt and being [i]tactless[/i]. 

Within the framework of the RP we know that communication is very important, so we should consider a few things in the regard of IC interaction. I will [u]not[/u] tolerate sentiments such as “figure out how to defeat my character on your own” as sometimes characterization is above the player’s own ability; so if somebody PMs or opens a discussion about wondering how to defeat your character, help them if it is a good story hook or adds depths to an arc. Though with that said, don’t metagame; even if you know the weaknesses understand your characters own ability as well as what would be best for the story.

Respect the GM staff and their authority.
[/hider]
[u][b]Section IV: Applying[/b][/u]

[hider]Post your CS in the OOC as per the template. I will review it. I will tell you to put it in the CHAR tab if acceptable. Profit. Ask questions if needed.[/hider][/indent][/color]