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[color=BABABA][sub]Modern setting in dark, gloomy city.
Occult and eldritch presence in the world.
Inspired by Lovecraft, Stranger Things, Bloodborne.
The genre is action-horror with a splice of mysticism.
Parallel dimension, monstrosities, black operations, cults.[/sub][/color][/center]
	[color=BABABA][sub]P R E M I S E[/sub][/color][hr][indent][color=A1A6AA]Our world is connected to a parallel dimension we call the void. It is a cold and dark reflection of our reality wherein beings of nightmares reside. Every so often anomalies will appear around the world which allows things to pass between these two dimensions. If one is lucky, nothing happens and everyone remains ignorant. But, luck is a luxury that rarely presents itself. It is the sworn duty of those whom are aware of the void to keep it from spilling out into our world. They are not always successful, but they have so far done enough to prevent human extinction.

Knowledge of the void has been kept a secret throughout the ages. The idea of the void has been passed down through titles within major religions long before established governments assigned black operations as defense against and for void incursions. However, certain individuals in this world were exposed to the knowledge of the void against their will. While most of them fell to madness and committed suicide, some became what is known as 'Mystics'—people whom at a young age were physically transported to the void through an anomaly, miraculously found their way back, but brought something otherworldly with them.

Mystics have the ability to create their own void anomalies. This will to the plain eye appear as supernatural abilities, but is in reality a form of phasing between the two dimensions. While most Mystics learn common techniques, all of them have a unique signature ability. However, whenever they utilize their abilities, they draw the attention of void beings, which can use the anomalies created by Mystics to enter our dimension. There are also other consequences such as being trapped in the void while phasing. Nobody fully understands the rules that govern the void, so all forms of supernatural endeavors are discouraged.

The only concrete resistance towards void beings is black operation forces deployed by the government. The branch is known as 'The Division' and houses the best that the military can offer. They receive most of their Intel from paranormal surveillance. Sometimes they cooperate with Mystics and other religious types, but it is a rare occurrence. Most of what the void has to offer in terms of monstrosities can be vanquished with superior firepower. However, this is not always the case. Some creatures of the void are seemingly impervious to physical harm.

It has been predicted that an abnormally large anomaly is about to occur. It would allow for greater beings of the void to pass into our dimension. The last time it happened was at the beginning of the black plague in the fourteenth century. The disease is believed to have originated from the void. However, there is a better chance of stopping the anomaly this time. There are rumors of a young Mystic whose signature ability is obfuscation in the void. A team is assembled to search for the prodigy and stop the massive anomaly.
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	[color=BABABA][sub]T H E	V O I D[/sub][/color][hr][indent][color=A1A6AA]There may be multiple  dimensions parallel to our own in this existence, but the one we know of is called the Void. It is a cold and dark reflection of our world. Everything appears bleak and lifeless, damp and foggy. Locations and structures known to us in our dimension exist in the void as well, but they are torn and aged with thorny tendrils sprouting from every crevice. Webs of strange, alien matter crawl upon every surface. Spores float in the air. Nightmarish insects and other creatures dwell in the dark corners of things. The void is the negative realm, the antithesis.

Unknown beings inhabit the void. Many of them carry no logical form or composition. When they cross over into our realm, they consume matter in order to nourish their starving existence. Those who conduct research on the void postulate that the dimension was once fertile, but at some point ravaged by a virus. Others are skeptical to this view. The void is something different to each and every person that learns of its existence. Some people embrace its cold and dark environment, and the mystical forces therein. These individuals congregate in cults, void walk together, and attempt to become one with the shadow realm.

In recent years, the presence of void beings and incursions have increased. The cause of it is unknown, but nightmarish creatures and strange pathogens are reported all over the world. Those who fervently attempt to keep knowledge of the secret world from spilling out into the public have been busy. They are also decreasing in numbers, as they either die to void beings or ultimately succumb to madness. The greatest fear—one that has been for as long as people have known about the Void—is the possibility that the Void is our own distant future.

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	[color=BABABA][sub]M Y S T I C I S M[/sub][/color][hr][indent][color=A1A6AA]Mysticism is the act of creating 'void anomalies' or otherwise draw power from the Void. The purpose of this act is to create a supernatural effect in our dimension, or an event that defies the physical laws that govern us. The prospects of this ability can be learned by those who are aware of the Void. Others are able to do it whether they want to or not. The latter are individuals known as 'Mystics'. They were exposed to the Void as children, but managed to escape back into our dimension.

Few of those who are exposed the knowledge of the Void remain sane enough to continue their lives. Many simply commit suicide or succumb to madness. Some of them claim to have seen monolithic, cosmic beings within the boundaries of the Void. They say that the Void is the collective dream of these beings, and that their physical bodies actually slumber in the depths of our own world. However, nobody has seen these great beings in the flesh, and the Void sightings are rare and far in-between.

How one uses the Void to gain an advantage is different for everyone. However, each instance draws the attention of Void beings, which can use the created anomalies in order to pass into our realm. Overall prowess in mysticism is measured by the ability to stay hidden from Void beings. It is a question of reading the space that you are in, sensing the presence of that which you cannot see in your realm.

The power of the Void is conducted through sound. This means that bells and chimes are used as conduits for supernatural effects, as the sound must be a natural phenomenon. The distinct sound of such instruments have thus become synonymous with fear. When you hear it, your perception of reality may alter in terrifying ways depending on whom that rings the bell. Other sources of sound may bring upon specific effects and void anomalies. Such sources could be the shattering of glass, dripping water, weeping infants, or moaning animals. 

Knowledge of techniques for drawing power from the Void has circulated esoteric orders and religions for centuries. Most of the common techniques have rather low impact and draw little attention in the Void. However, most people who are able to use these techniques can also do something that is totally unique to them. It is their 'Void Connection' rather than a technique. Most of these abilities are abstract in nature, indirect effects that alter the world around them.

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[sub]P H A S I N G[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to rapidly phase between the two dimensions. It will appear as if the user is blinking or teleportation in physical space. Their movement can be somewhat tracked, however, as the user will leave a faint trail of dark smoke behind them. During night, the smoke is nearly impossible to see with the plain eye.

[sub]D A M P E N I N G[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to coat its body with moisture from the Void. It will protect them from elements such as fire and physical harm such as knives and bullets. The effect gradually wears off over time or continuous exposure to damage.

[sub]T E N D R I L S[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to draw tendrils from the Void. These tendrils lash out at whatever is in front of the user in a cone-shaped area. The tendrils only do this once before they vaporize into dark smoke, but the attack is devastating. It has enough force to send people flying backwards several meters, break solid objects, and create massive dents on hardened material such as steel.

[sub]B E A S T H O O D[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to enhance their physical capabilities. They will become slightly stronger, faster, and agile. However, the more they rampage and spill blood, the more their mind will be consumed by the Void. This technique has to be canceled by the user him or herself. The longer it is active, the more attention from void beings it will gather.

[sub]A N O M A L Y[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to create a Void anomaly. It allows people to physically enter the Void. The anomaly will slowly degrade and disappear over time. The same technique can be used inside the Void to return to the real world.

[sub]E Q U A L I Z E[/sub][hr]This technique allows the user to direct inflicted pain evenly across the body. This will reduce the perceived pain in the area of the wound, even if the wound is not healed. This effect lingers until the user cancels it. The longer it is active, the more attention from void beings it will gather.
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	[color=BABABA][sub]T H E	D I V I S I O N[/sub][/color][hr][indent][color=A1A6AA]The Division is the tactical unit of the Department of Paranormal Surveillance. It consists of hardened military veterans who have either been exposed to the Void or otherwise earned the right to partake in the highest form of service to humanity. The Division delivers surgical strikes against void anomalies and occult activities in their designated area. They also conduct void incursions whereby they escort researches in the void itself, or to gather other information. However, they do not willingly enter the void unless there are absolutely no other options. Division members also do not dabble in mysticism, but they do carry trinkets that protect them against certain effects. Their most formidable weapon is an anti-sound device. It emits a low frequency that cancels other frequencies. This prevents most uses of mysticism in the immediate area.

The Department of Paranormal Surveillance and The Division has a neutral-hostile stance towards Mystics. They closely monitor every known Mystic in their designated area of operations. Mystics that sign a contract with The Department of Paranormal Surveillance are given immunity from suspicion in exchange for cooperation whenever such need rises. Mystics are technically void beings, which puts everyone at risk. Some Mystics decide to ally with cults and other dangerous individuals instead. This is why it is so crucial to find and capture new Mystics, children who have recently escaped the void, so that they can be rehabilitated and set on a proper course. The ideal scenario is that Mystics forget about the secret world and go on with their lives. The less they concern themselves with all things paranormal, the better.
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	[color=BABABA][sub]P O R T S M O U T H	B A Y[/sub][/color][hr][indent][color=A1A6AA]Portsmouth Bay is the name of a grater area in Maine, United States. It includes the metropolitan hub, harbor, outskirts, and nearby residential islands. This area is particularly prone to Void anomalies and occult activity. Its native citizens are naturally superstitious. They do not have a name for what they experience, but they believe that the storms that visit Portsmouth carry omens with them, and the eeriness of the sea changes with the tides and moon. Dampness is a significant feature of the Void in Maine, so there is certainly a connection between it and what the citizens describe.

The metropolitan area has a financial district, a large harbor, residential districts, and outskirts bordering large forests. Nearby islands can be reached by smaller vessels. These islands count as part of residential districts, even if they have their own downtown areas with a local supermarket, post office, and police department. The three residential islands are Tremont, Sedgwick, and Ellsworth. The metropolitan area is referred to as 'Portsmouth', and 'Portsmouth Bay' when the residential islands are included.
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