([b]As of this edit, I've received several requests and have currently maxed out the number of Partners I feel comfortable with in addition to the group RPs I'm playing. Thanks to everyone who's messaged me for your interest, and I apologize to those of you I've had to turn down and thank you for your understanding![/b]) Hello, and welcome to my 1x1 thread. I'm the kind of person who gets ideas, and then they bounce around in my skull and cause me no end of frustration until I manage to put them on paper...or a screen, or whatever. In addition to group RPs, I also attempt to write stand-alone stuff every so often, but one problem I run into is that I don't feel like I "know" my characters or my settings well enough to make a plotline move on its own. That's where this topic comes into play--when I'm reacting to someone else and getting feedback, I can put a character into a variety of unforeseen situations, or flesh out a setting as someone else asks questions about it or makes their own speculations. In the 1x1 format, the "spotlight" is also split equally in half rather than being pulled in a variety of directions by a group, so that allows me to do more in-depth explorations of whatever concepts I've come up with--one reason I like to write so much is that when I read other stories, I tend to ask myself various questions about themes, cliches, and other more "in-depth" subjects, and then I decide to write my own stories to answer those questions. So, what I'm primarily interested in here is finding a Partner who is also intrigued by the concepts, settings, and characters I propose and who will share with me their own perceptions while still enjoying the usual forms of entertainment that roleplaying provides. I know the 1x1 section is usually for more "intimate" RPs, but while I've got no problem throwing in a little romance or smut I'm primarily in it to improve myself as a writer. On that note there are a few other things I should probably make clear, so here is the list of need-to-knows, ground rules, etc: [hr] [center][h1][i]Please Read:[/i][/h1] * I am a male in my twenties. If you want sexual or other adult-level themes present you MUST be 18+. * I am not comfortable with non-hetero, non-gender binary pairings, and I'm not super into certain kinks like BDSM; I'm a very vanilla kinda guy. Feel free to discuss something with me if it's a core aspect of the story/character you want to write and it's just not the same without it, but my characters and my stories don't go those directions. * I am also not romantically interested in heavily anthropomorphic characters; the furthest I would go there would be along the lines of Monster Girls/kemonomimi. Catgirls sure, Lamia/Arachne maybe, the Lusty Argonian no thank you. But I don't mind just writing plot or character interaction with anthro-characters, though I don't use them myself. * I gravitate towards anime-style genres, plots, and character designs. Not opposed to more realistic things, just something to be aware of. * I like action scenes, like a lot. Expect there to be a ton of fighting and general conflict; if there's any slice-of-life going on it'll be more along the lines of, say, Harry Potter or one of those high-school anime where everyone's got special powers than it will be just plain ol' drama. Can't stand soap operas. * I don't mind talking a bit OOC and getting to know each other over time, but I'm the kind of person who's pretty slow to come out of their shell. Please respect this. * I prefer PM to threads and I'm not really interested in Skype or Discord. * I don't really double at the moment but I've got no problem fleshing out a setting with "NPC" type characters or with a Partner doing the same. I'll typically only be using one "main" character, however many you want to use is up to you, just don't overload yourself or stretch the story too thin. * Some of the ideas I might explore will ask philosophical or hard-hitting questions about society, the nature of people, morality, etc. I'll do my best to give warnings, but if something offends you please don't blow up on me. Keep in mind the ideals presented by stories and characters aren't always my own, aren't always set in stone, and aren't intended to hurt anyone or try to change them in any way. * I have a tendency to ramble, you've probably noticed this list is nearly ten points long already. If I start prodding you too much for feedback on an idea, or if my posts are getting too wall-of-text, don't be afraid to tell me to get on with it. * If you need to drop out for any reason, I understand. Just please let me know. When it comes to being gone for an extended period of time, try your best to let me know AHEAD of time. I'll try to do the same for you, and if you ever get fed up of waiting for me just let me know--currently I'm in a position where I should be able to get out at least one reply every day, and if this changes I'll edit this post to reflect it. * I don't particularly care what writing level you're at as long as we avoid one-liners. I'm more than happy to offer advice to help someone improve, and I'm more concerned about the quality of what's being said than I am with how many words you used to say it. If you want to write "Advanced" style, though, please don't be one of those people who just uses a Thesaurus and Purple Prose and calls it "artistic."[/center] [hr] Hopefully that's more than enough to cover all my bases and make my expectations clear. Below this piece will be my character and plot propositions, but if you have any ideas of your own that you feel like I'd be a good fit for, feel free to let me know. I would prefer that you send me a PM instead of posting in this topic; if you're pitching your own ideas, please try to do something similar to the format I use below or at the very least be patient with me as I ask for more details--that's one reason I ramble so much, I like to be very thorough whenever I explain myself or consider any kind of proposition. [hr] [center][h1][i]Characters And Plots[/i][/h1] [hider=The Wandering Sage] [b]In Fantasy stories, particularly RPGs or anime/manga, Magic's primary purpose is "power" rather than "tool." It's not so bad in more "literary" settings, but to me it's been very apparent for a while now that Magic only really ever gets used to blast monsters to bits and sometimes build big airships, mechs, etc that are also only really good at blasting things to bits. Is that truly all Magic is meant for? NOTE: I wrote him originally as part of a Fantasy world, but Roland could also work in an urban setting--if you've seen something like the Fate/X franchise or Harry Potter, think that. The Magic society would be secretive and hidden, and Roland would likely be taking a role as a University student or something that would give him access to a lot of knowledge he could use in his magical research.[/b] [hr] [h1][b][color=gold]R O L A N D[/color][/b][/h1] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Ry2oXLp.jpg[/img] [color=gold][sub]"Our bodies were made from the World; we are the World experiencing itself. Thus if we wish to use Magic to change the World, we must recognize the change in ourselves."[/sub][/color] Roland is a Sage from a world of swords and sorcery, and in his world Magic is the use of one's will power, or Mana, to envision and manifest the "possibilities" of the World; it is "possible" that lightning could strike at any moment, or that magma from beneath the earth could erupt anywhere, or that matter and energy could react in just such a way as to produce a particular substance. With Mana these possibilities become certainties, and with enough power one could even create new possibilities, temporarily bending the World to their will. But for each and every action there is a reaction, a consequence, reward, or punishment, and a Magi must be careful that they do not invoke the World's wrath. In Roland's time, however, despite universities and libraries popping up as the knowledge and influence of Magic reaches a never-beforeseen height, its use has become narrow-minded. "To be the strongest mage," is a common goal amongst students, and they become adventurers to slay monsters or soldiers to use their talents as magical artillery in war. They neglect to commune with nature and spirits, and any technology they build or healing they perform is institutionalized, used to create slovenly convenience or to make money. Even other Sages have begun to use their power solely for their whims, without a second thought. So Roland took his leave, and began to wander and study on his own. He agrees that magic certainly is "cool," but it's not because one can throw lightning bolts and fireballs, summon dragons, impress a harem of girls, or conjure a field of blades. Magic, to him, is meant to be a tool of spirituality. But of course, the kings and headmasters and Dark Lords aren't going to just accept one of the greatest magical minds refusing to apply his talents... [hider=Suggestions] The "plots" for this character and his setting aren't as concrete in my head as some of the others, so if you have suggestions for actual storylines feel free to let me know. As to what roles might be easiest to fit in, perhaps your character becomes Roland's apprentice, or is an equal colleague trying to convince him to use his skills and not be such a recluse. Maybe you want to play a non-evil sort of "antagonist," in that perhaps you are a Ruler who wants to convince Roland to be your advisor, or an asset to your army, and the "conflict" comes from the two characters debating each other or Roland being forced into action when a mutual enemy threatens innocent lives. Maybe you're just an adventurer or knight of the non-magical sort, and you and Roland get roped into a quest together doing good deeds for the common folk. Lots of options here, but what I'd like to do with Roland is really pick at the questions of "What is Magic good for, and what does it say about those that use it?" If Magic is only good for combat and killing, then are wizards no better than murderers? If Magic is a natural talent only possessed by a few, rather than something everyone can learn, then does that mean Magi are a superior species to "normal" humans? How does magic affect an economy, the level of technology, the quality of life? So on and so forth--not exactly new territory, as there have certainly been stories that go into detail about magic and society, but I feel like I have a few original spins on it.[/hider] [hr] [h3]Details[/h3] [hr] [b][color=gold]Name:[/color][/b] Roland Ogier [b][color=gold]Age:[/color][/b] Unknown for sure, physically within his prime [b][color=gold]Height:[/color][/b] 6 feet 2 inches / ~188 centimeters [b][color=gold]Weight:[/color][/b] 180 pounds / ~82 kilograms [hr] [h3]Personality[/h3] [hr] [b][color=gold]Goals:[/color][/b] To understand the fundamental Laws of the World; To obtain self-reflection and enlightenment; To create things or perform actions of enduring value [b][color=gold]Notable Traits:[/color][/b] Diligent, Focused, Moral rather than Ethical, Honest, Creative, Intelligent, Aloof, Introverted, and Factual. A good teacher, but not much of a conversationalist; it takes work to get him to open up. Has little time for fools, villains, and manipulators; bluntly honest to the point of insult. [b][color=gold]Weaknesses:[/color][/b] Can study details forever and never act. Freezes up when confronted with knowledge that doesn't fit his perceptions. A perfectionist, but once he has decided on something it's hard to dissuade him. Sometimes an aimless wanderer and misfit among society. A degree of arrogance; self-esteem takes a heavy blow if he is proven wrong or outdone. Limited empathy; sometimes he can be too stoic and "boring." [b][color=gold]Fears:[/color][/b] Being helpless and trapped, being unable to succeed. Being corrupted or going too far for the sake of knowledge. Being mediocre. Being misled, being ignorant. Having unintended consequences to his actions. [b][color=gold]Likes:[/color][/b] Wandering through nature and the wilderness. Communing with likeminded individuals. Reading, studying, experimenting. Using Magic to help others. Simple, home-cooked food. [b][color=gold]Hates:[/color][/b] Those who misuse power, mislead or manipulate others, those who belittle, anything "evil." Cities and most types of large structures. The overly religious; anyone who is too zealous or, controversially, too centrist or too open. The misuse of Magic and meaningless violence.[/hider] [hider=The Dragon-Slaying Tiger] [b]What does a Battle Shonen Protagonist do when, at a tender 14-16 years of age, they travel the world to unlock their potential, learn lots of special moves, and become the Strongest X...and now they've still got their whole life ahead of them? Could someone like that ever re-integrate into normal society? What kind of career could they seek with their abilities? And would the Battles stop coming to them just because they stop fighting?[/b] [hr] [h1][b][color=darkred]H A Y A T E[/color][/b][/h1] [img]https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/touken-ranbu/images/9/99/Ookanehira-5.png/revision/latest?cb=20161223014747[/img] [color=darkred][sub]"Better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war...but wars today are fought with guns and missiles. So...for what reason did I clench these fists?"[/sub][/color] Hayate's story is that of a "Modern-Day Wuxia," similar to things like Dragon Ball Z, History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi, and Korean manhwa like The Breaker and Veritas. Even as a child he loved the martial arts, and was the ace of his middle school Karate Club. During his first year of high school (by Japanese standards) he accidentally interfered in something beyond his comprehension, and found himself drawn into an entirely new world...and new dangers. To protect himself and the people he cared about, and to reach the highest pinnacle of this path that opened up to him, he trained his body to the very limit. He learned how to harness Ki, the spiritual power coursing through every human's body, and mastered ancient techniques that the modern world has long forgotten. He fought at first with simple bullies, disciples whose heads got too big for their own good, but soon found himself drawn into conflicts with secretive clans, assassins, and superhuman masters of the fist. He fought in hidden tournaments on deserted islands, he traveled all throughout the birthplaces of different arts in China and India, even participated in a war in some third-world country no one's ever heard of where swords and fists were still the choice weapons of the regime. He made friends and allies, sparred with Rivals, accidentally became the head of an Alliance, and even surpassed his Master. When an organization sought to bring the Martial Arts World out of the shadows and influence global politics, Hayate stepped up and fought the strongest, most inhuman opponent he had ever faced. And he won. Not too long after that it was time for college entrance exams, and holy shit was there a lot of cramming to do. Martial Arts took a backseat for the time being, as Hayate began to wonder just what he was going to do with his life from this point on... [hider=Suggestions] You might already be thinking that it has a sort of One Punch Man flavor to it, and you wouldn't be wrong, exactly. But while there would still be challenges left over from Hayate's "other story,"--like a chaotic power vaccuum caused by the most powerful person suddenly just up and leaving with no warning--Hayate's story is actually meant to be about the struggles of a college kid transitioning to an adult, and about what career paths and trades are really profitable, fulfilling, or both in this modern-day economic struggle. It's also an insight into the philosophies behind martial arts themselves--I did Karate myself for 12 years, and have always been a big martial arts fan, so I'd love to create something from those experiences that can communicate how great it is to other people. An easy way for your character to get into Hayate's life would be as a fellow college student, maybe even someone who went to high school with him or was a childhood friend who started wondering where he's been all this time. Or, you could come at it from the opposite side, as a member of the Martial Arts World who either wants Hayate to return to it, or wants to go back to the "real world" with him. Maybe you're a martial artist, but a mundane one, just a member of a normal club or a professional fighting league, and you're trying to get Hayate to join up or to take you on as a student after you find out how strong he is.[/hider] [hr] [h3]Details[/h3] [hr] [b][color=darkred]Name:[/color][/b] Hayate (given name) Nishimura (family name) [b][color=darkred]Age:[/color][/b] 18 [b][color=darkred]Height:[/color][/b] 5 feet 10 inches / ~178 centimeters [b][color=darkred]Weight:[/color][/b] 170 pounds / ~77 kilograms [hr] [h3]Personality[/h3] [hr] [b][color=darkred]Goals:[/color][/b] To prove his worth through courageous acts; To obtain skill in a chosen field; To protect and care for others; To have a prosperous family [b][color=darkred]Notable Traits:[/color][/b] Hotblooded, Optimistic, Leaps-Before-He-Looks, Generous, Book-Dumb but somehow Worldly, Quick to Anger, Impatient, Hates to Lose Is fairly gullible and easily manipulated, because he's too naive for his own good Has a somewhat twisted sense of might makes right, though he acknowledges that this won't work in the real world [b][color=darkred]Weaknesses:[/color][/b] Takes on too much himself, won't let others share his burdens Experiences temptations to commit deadly violence because of his past experiences Isn't good with technology or domestic life Can't hold his tongue or take a step back from a situation [b][color=darkred]Fears:[/color][/b] Being unable to protect or provide for those he cares for. Being too dumb or too unskilled to be successful at anything besides Martial Arts. Being lonely. Being afraid or being thought of as cowardly. [b][color=darkred]Likes:[/color][/b] Physical activity. Parkour over rooftops, being up high in general. Sparring. Fried Rice and Beef Ramen. Somewhat Pervy things. [b][color=darkred]Hates:[/color][/b] Those who bully others. Those who are too soft on people he thinks need to be punished. Being treated like an idiot. Math.[/hider] [hider=The Black Knight] [b]What happens to all the monster armies when the Dark Lord/Demon King is defeated? How would a Fantasy world with so many sentient creatures really function--after all, Humans in the real world have trouble finding enough resources with just us on the planet. When you throw Orcs, Lizardmen, and others into that equation, surely it's not as simple as the stories make it seem? And would "humanoid" races, like Elves and Dwarves, really be so much better than "vanilla" humans with their long lives and better magic and so on and so forth? What's more, what do the Hero and Party do after they've accomplished their mission? And what happened to the Hero's evil counterpart, the Dark Knight that onced served as the Big Bad's right-hand man? WARNING: THIS PLOT MAY EXPLORE THEMES OF RACISM, CULTURE CLASH, AND ISSUES REGARDING REFUGEE/IMMIGRATION CRISIS. OUTCOMES AND OPINIONS OF EVENTS AND CHARACTERS WITHIN THIS SETTING MAY NOT MATCH OR REPRESENT MY VIEWS OR YOURS, DISCRETION IS ADVISED.[/b] [hr] [h1][b][color=darkblue]G R A Y S O N[/color][/b][/h1] [img]http://i.imgur.com/z6D8uGA.jpg[/img] [hider=In Armor][img]https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/typemoon/images/0/0b/Zero_berserker.png/revision/latest?cb=20121211184806[/img][/hider] [color=darkblue][sub]"I have my honor, my duty, and my beliefs. I may despise everything you stand for. Our duel may be to the death. I may never call you friend. But if we meet with the same resolution on the battlefield, I will respect you."[/sub][/color] There are volume upon volume of bestiaries written on the Monsters in this world. Slime, Goblin, Lizardman, Dragon. One of them, the Black Knight, strikes fear into even the heart of a Hero. Like a Werewolf or a Vampire, a Black Knight is not always born--certainly, the very first of them was [i]made[/i], long ago. A noble knight betrayed his liege lord and swore both his sword and his heart to another. Some stories call it a curse, some say the dark powers he served granted him their blessing, but from that day forth he was changed. Never to be without arms, to be without peer in combat, to resist all but the most potent sorceries...and, like any Knight, to live in servitude to another. He wasn't the only Black Knight in the world, but he was one of the strongest. The Master General of the Dark Armies, the right hand of the Demon Lord; he was the object of the quest for vengeance that almost corrupted the Hero, before his Precious Companions convinced their leader that he was better than this Monster. The Black Knight stood before the Hero once again, just before the entrance to the Dark One's throne room, the penultimate act before the Final Battle that shook the continent...and once again he was defeated. He would rather die than be taken captive, so he slapped away the Hero's outstretched hand...and fell through the collapsing floor, down into the depths of darkness... A year later, a young man calling himself Grayson enters the Adventurer's Guild, looking for work. No one recalls ever seeing him before, but surely as strong as he seems he would have made a name for himself by now...? [hider=Suggestions] I'm going to leave exactly what tier of Fantasy and how RPG-like this world is up to my Partner to an extent; I've already implied a fairly JRPG kind of setting, with a dash of the light novel "Isekai" genre where a character is typically transported/reincarnated/bodyswapped/etc into a new world where they join a guild and level up their stats and so on, but if you want to we can definitely change it to be High Fantasy or Dark Fantasy or Berserk/Dark Souls-lite or whatever. However, I do have some ideas for the different countries, races, cultures, etc that I'm rather set on. It's open to discussion, but it would definitely be harder to get me to budge on than some of my other ideas. With that said, Grayson himself will be doing a lot of traveling, a lot of questing, a lot of generally "getting involved," so this plot opens up the field a bit in terms of what a Partner could do instead of making them meet me halfway. If I were to suggest anything, though, maybe you could be a member of the Church or some kind of Evil Hunting organization, and somehow you become involved with Grayson without realizing that he himself is a Monster. A fellow Adventurer, a former member of the Hero's party, a new wannabe Dark Lord who needs a right-hand man of their own, a poor villager who needs someone to help or protect them...lots of options here.[/hider] [hr] [h3]Details[/h3] [hr] [b][color=darkblue]Name:[/color][/b] Grayson Dopplesoldner [b][color=darkblue]Age:[/color][/b] Unknown, appears to be early twenties. [b][color=darkblue]Height:[/color][/b] 6 feet even / ~183 centimeters [b][color=darkblue]Weight:[/color][/b] 200 pounds / ~91 kilograms (noticeably doesn't look this heavy) [hr] [h3]Personality[/h3] [hr] [b][color=darkblue]Goals:[/color][/b] To find a liege worth serving, a cause worth fighting and dying for; To achieve great things through military strength and cunning; To find comrades, maybe even a lover; To die with honor [b][color=darkblue]Notable Traits:[/color][/b] Strong and Silent type, More Calculating than he appears, Cold but not necessarily unkind, Honorable, Honest but sometimes hides the truth with cryptic speech, Stubborn, a Berserker in battle. Will always keep his word, never harms innocent bystanders if he can help it. Doesn't believe in traditional values of Good and Evil [b][color=darkblue]Weaknesses:[/color][/b] Would rather die than admit defeat Doesn't trust anyone, is borderline paranoid Always assumes the worst of people and situations Has no mercy or forgiveness to give, holds grudges [b][color=darkblue]Fears:[/color][/b] Being weak. Being looked down on and despised or laughed at. Having no purpose or person to pledge himself to. Old age, dying of infirmity or sickness. [b][color=darkblue]Likes:[/color][/b] Fighting Drinking Meats of all kinds and cooked all ways People who stand by their convictions People who value facts over feelings [b][color=darkblue]Hates:[/color][/b] Weaklings or those who would use underhanded tactics when they aren't necessary. Those who get involved where it doesn't concern them or where they don't have the strength to make a difference. Archers (especially elven ones) Elves (especially the ones with bows) Sweet foods[/hider] [/center] [hr] That should just about cover it for now. I look forward to hearing from some of you, and thank you for taking the time to read all of this! Edits in the future will either be marked in this post or announced alongside a bump post, so if you don't see anything you like now consider checking back later!