This will be written up better and more categorized in the OOC if there’s enough interest.
Basically this would be set in the RWBYverse, but an alternate reality where the main plotline of RWBY doesn’t happen, so as to give us a more dramatic main story. Teams RWBY and JNPR won’t exist, nor will “team” CRMSN. Students from other teams might be mentioned but won’t make any major appearances. The teachers can be played by people if they want, but since they won’t be getting very much screentime I’d recommend playing a student or villain as well. 
The RP would start at the same point as the show, with students arriving at Beacon academy. All student characters should be first years, but there can be a fair bit more age lenience with villains. Storyline wise this will start out pretty basically, being a mix of action with early missions and that kind of thing as well as a bit of slice of life, but the story will definitely pick up as villains are introduced. The only canon characters I’ll accept people playing are Glynda Goodwitch, Professor Port, and Doctor Oobleck, and I’d highly recommend you play another character as well if you choose one of those, though I’m limiting it to two per person. 
As far as the villainous group goes I want to keep them somewhat mysterious for awhile, but if you have an idea that runs more as a villain run it by me and I’ll tell you if it would work. 

If you haven't seen RWBY I recommend watching at least the first volume, it's only about two hours long and can be found on youtube.