It is said that we are born with an unseen red string tied to out pinky finger and the end is tied to whomever you are fated to be with. However, the thread is tangled, twisting this way and that, making it difficult for a pair to come together.
The idea in mind is inspired by the Chinese myth of the Red String of Fate, as well as a Fandom (Anime/Manga) called Loveless. However, you do not need prior knowledge of either. We can establish our own rules and build the world on our own, and I can answer your questions should you have any. In this particular world, there are units that are made up of two people: A fighter and a sacrifice. They share a soul bond and become capable of engaging in spell battles against other units.
In the Loveless world, certain individuals are born with a name that reflects the true nature of their soul or fate – and somewhere out there in the wide world is someone who shares that name. People who share the same name are connected mentally, emotionally, and spiritually: they’re essentially soulmates (although it need not make them romantically involved). Each Unit has a 'True Name' that the pair shares which represents them as a whole.
The Fighter of a unit engages in spell battles against other Fighters. Only a Fighter can begin a Wordspell Battle and they are the only ones who can cast spells during that Wordspell Battle.
Both in and out of battle, Fighters are bound to follow the orders of their Sacrifices. Although they may not realize it, Fighters innately seek to follow the will of their Sacrifices. Fighters without orders tend to hesitate, which weakens the pair.
A Fighter needs to obey the orders of their Sacrifice in order for the bonded pair to reach their true potential. While a Fighter may disobey or disregard the orders of their Sacrifices, this causes deep feelings of guilt and anxiety – to the point where a Fighter would honestly believe that disobeying their Sacrifice is a threat to their livelihood. Fighters need to obey their Sacrifices as much as they need to eat or sleep.
A Sacrifice takes the damage for their Fighter during a Wordspell Battle. This damage often takes the form of Restrictions, which are lengths of cloth, leather, or chains that tighten painfully around a Sacrifice’s body. Restrictions steal away a Sacrifice’s concentration and strength. If a Sacrifice receives enough damage, they could very easily suffocate to death beneath their Restrictions if their Fighter does not surrender the fight.
A Sacrifice also has the right to command their Fighter both in and out of battle. If a Sacrifice does not command their Fighter, their Fighter will be hesitant and unsure of themselves in Wordspell Battles. Often, many Wordspell Battles in Loveless are dictated entirely by the Sacrifices! For a bonded pair to be truly effective, a Sacrifice must give clear, firm, and honest commands.
If a Sacrifice finds themselves cornered, or in need of help, or they just want to be with their Fighters, they can summon their Fighters mentally and empathically through their mutual bond. No matter where the Fighter is, they will be able hear/feel this call and feel compelled to follow it.
A bonded Fighter/Sacrifice may be able to visualize their bond as a string between the two of them and simply follow it to their partner.
Some notes worth mentioning, trivia, restrictions, taboos and such:
Fighting Solo: It is against a sort of mental societal norm for Fighters to do battle without their Sacrifices. However, while ill-adviced, it is possible. If a Fighter goes into a Wordspell battle without his or her Sacrifice, they will only be at half strength. They will also be vulnerable for whatever damage their (rather unscrupulous) opponent has in store for them. A Sacrifice will be able to sense whenever his or her Fighter goes into a Wordpspell Battle without them – and will in all likelihood come running. Unless, of course, they really hate their partner.
Fighting for Another Sacrifice/Changing Partners: A Fighter cannot fight for another Sacrifice without first breaking the bond of his or her true Sacrifice and taking on the name of the new Sacrifice. The process is excruciatingly painful for the Fighter in question, as his or her name will “retaliate” against this new, forced bond. Wordspell Battles become excruciatingly painful, and their true name will often bleed during the battle. Even if a bond between a Sacrifice and a Fighter is broken, the Sacrifice will still be able to issue orders to the Fighter and the Fighter will feel the compulsion to follow them.
So, those are pretty much the basics, I suppose. Feel free to ask any questions, make suggestions or what have you. I have several ideas for this. I would like to adds romance, a few twists, maybe a dark twist.
I do not know of any legends concerning red strings (okay maybe a bit) or this Loveless but this is interesting and I would like to take part in it if I am allowed.
