[center] Two centuries have passed since the towering obelisk appeared, a large black chrysalis standing as a reminder to the old days of monsters and magic. Long since have any memories of its arrival faded from the minds of the people, leaving naught but rumors and myths surrounding its origins and purpose. Those brave enough to venture into the labyrinthine forest, and lucky enough to arrive at its base, have claimed to have felt a strange energy emanating from the structure. Some have even claimed to have seen a young woman slumbering within its walls. However, all who dare attempt the journey are certain of one thing... There are no certainties when it comes to that forest. Believed to be cursed, most shy away from the forest, taking whatever alternate routes necessary in order to go around it. Since the crystal's appearance, magic has faded considerably from the land. It is not so lost that the common man would not know of it, however, there are very few left who wield it. Those that do are often locked away within labs and libraries, focused on research of various kinds and not bothering with the outside world. Similarly, creatures that once ran rampant across the land, devouring and destroying, have all but faded to legend... Though every once in a while, rumors of mysterious disappearances will spread, inexplicable accidents soon to follow, and the ramblings of a madman describing nightmares come to life. It is no secret though that corruption is now at an all time high. Those that do not see it simply deny its existence, or are part of it themselves. The people find themselves in a state of unrest. War with neighboring nations seem almost inevitable. And dark rumors surrounding the figures of power only grow with time. This realms tension has reached a breaking point, and many are certain that something big is about to unfold... What they are not aware of is that their future very well may rest in the hands of complete strangers. Not only are the destined heroes from another land, they are from another realm entirely. A world devoid of magic, with technologies far more advanced than anything found in their own. Can these heroes overcome the hardships set before them? Or will they succumb to the darkness and leave both worlds vulnerable to attack? [hr] [b]Overview[/b] Your characters are from Earth as we know it today. Cars, planes, cellphones... Reality tv... The whole package. They could be from different cities, countries even, but they all have one thing in common. By some mishap, each one of them manages to stumble across a portal to another world. That world is known as Astoria, and it is the place that will serve as our RPs main setting. It is there that your characters will introduced to the ways of magic in the hopes that they can heal the wounds of the realm and defeat the lingering evils. Some of them may be willing to help with such a task, others might just want to return home... That is up to you. But returning home might not be as easy as it sounds. Either way, sounds like you'll be stuck in Astoria for a while. [b]Abilities[/b] As mentioned before, each of your characters are going to find themselves slightly sturdier than the average person from Astoria. Why this is the case is a complete mystery, perhaps it has to do with their origins... Perhaps it is because they are destined to be heroes. Additionally, once they receive their crystals their magic and other abilities will begin to manifest, though keep in mind not all at once. It'll be a slight process as a sudden, and massive, change like that is likely to kill your character... As sturdy as they are. Fear not though, as you will have a teacher... Not to mention, your crystals will be your guides. (More on that, all in due time). Here is the list of and descriptions for each of the elements again in case you have forgotten, or would like to reference while making your characters. [Hider= Elements] [b]Earth:[/b] Earth is a kind, nurturing, and steady element that requires a certain amount of patience (not to mention determination) to guide. It is the element of strength and prides itself upon being a great protector. Those aligned to this particular element find themselves master over wood as well as stone, and are the least susceptible to visual illusions. This is due to a "second sight" that allows for its users to interpret the vibrations passed through the ground into their bodies. Additionally, those that practice the ways of earthen magic tend to find themselves with greater physical strength than any other alignment, fortifying their bodies to withstand more blows and even lift three times their own body weight. Strong against: Water, Aether, Air Neutral against: Nether Weak against: Fire Casting Type: Strong, but slow. [b]Water:[/b] Water is a cunning element that will raise a person up just as quickly as it would drag another down, and is considered the second most volatile element. Yet it is an intellectual element that seeks constantly to expand its collection of information. Those alligned to its ever shifting whims can find mastery over not only the element itself, but of illusion based magic as well. Know additionally as being quite versatile, spells of the water variety can be varied in temperature ranging anywhere from geyser to arctic status. Perhaps not the strongest physically, those under water's studious gaze are not without their perks. The ability to learn and retain new information becomes second nature, this includes remembering the exact location of places, acquisition of new languages, and near perfect recall of images. This often helps when traveling to foreign lands and especially so with illusion type spells. The more you know, the stronger it is. Strong against: Fire, Nether Neutral against: Aether Weak against: Earth, Air Casting Type: Varies depending on complexity. [b]Fire:[/b] The most emotional of elements, often angry and violent. Always seeking to spread its destruction, it is the most difficult of elements to control. Alignment with this particular element cannot be taught, but must come from a natural affinity to its rash nature. Those that can master it wield explosive type magic that can be difficult to control but quite devastating. These disciples are naturally resistant to the cold and have been found to be the fastest of the alignments, fueled mostly by their own spirit. Strong against: Earth Neutral against: Air Weak against: Water, Aether, Nether Casting Type: Explosive. Powerful, but uncontrollable and quite draining. [b]Air:[/b] Air is a lighthearted element, a free spirit so to speak, but quite mischievous as well. Those under its patronage gain control over the air currents, and maybe most surprisingly... Sound. This element can be just as unpredictable as those of Fire and Water, however this is due to its creative nature. While not as powerful as its counterparts, its applications are widespread and limited only by ones imagination. They are not without their physical enhancements either. Air alignments can pick up on sounds others are likely to miss, including certain types of magics. They are also lighter, and can jump to much greater heights as well as distances than any other. If done right, it is said to be possible to hover for periods of time. Strong against: Water, Nether Neutral against: Fire, Aether Weak against: Earth Casting Type: Fast, but relatively weak [b]Aether:[/b] Aether is the giver of life, guardian of the spark that is creation itself. Alignment to this particular element is especially rare, and if not handled properly, dangerous. Influenced heavily by the world around them, they draw their strength from positive forces (sometimes known as holy). Lucky users of this 'element' find themselves among the few conjurers. Able to breathe life into living minions, Aether users rely on familiars to fight their battles for them. They are also known to be quite effective at healing spells, and can even grant short bursts of additional energy to their allies. These fellows are also quite lucky, almost extraordinarily so. And can innately sense future dangers, even if they do not have the ability to interpret these sensations. Strong against: Fire Neutral against: Air, Water Weak against: Earth, Nether Casting Type: Semi-continuous. Link dependent. [b]Nether:[/b] Darkness and deception taken physical form. Much like Aether users, these rare birds have no physical element to control. Instead they have mastered magic draining techniques, compelling charms, and even the ability to bend inanimate objects to their will (within reason). Their strength is drawn from curses placed upon others, and from those they have corrupted to their cause. Additionally, those aligned to the nether find themselves able to see and communicate with the dead. Some can even establish telepathic connections with those they are close to. Strong against: Aether, Fire Neutral against: Earth Weak against: Air, Water Casting Type: Semi-continuous. Link dependent or charm based. [/hider] Now, concerning the crystals themselves. I've already picked out what kind will go with each element, but I didn't want to completely take away from the creative spark. As it will serve as your characters' source of power and guide, it is your choice as to how it will be worn; be it neclace, ring, bracer... whatever will fit your style. [Hider= Stones] [b]Earth:[/b] [url=http://www.sacredsource.com.au/blog/wp-content/gallery/aventurine/aventurine.jpg][i]Aventurine[/i][/url] [b]Water:[/b] [url=https://www.gemselect.com/other-info/graphics/lapis-lazuli-gem-large_info.jpg][i]Lapis Lazuli[/i][/url] [b]Fire:[/b] [url=https://energymuse.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/red-jasper-jewelry-box-05.jpeg][i]Red Jasper[/i][/url] [b]Air:[/b] [url=http://4cs.gia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/12047-960x960-electric-blue-moonstone.jpg][i]Moonstone[/i][/url] [b]Aether:[/b] [url=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9l4WBaQhB7k/UZCZrBxgaCI/AAAAAAAAArI/yp-wH73ur1Y/s1600/Citrine+Stone+Gemstone+Therapy+Remedies+Online+Home+Healing+Properties+Gemstones.jpg][i]Citrine[/i][/url] [b]Nether:[/b] [url=http://www.crystalage.com/img/products/tibetan-quartz-natural-point-small.jpg][i]Tibetan Quartz[/i][/url] [/hider] [b]Rules[/b] Just the basics people. Play nicely with others. No Godmodding. No fighting. Make mistakes. And most of all, just have fun. This is meant to be a creative space for all of us. And as much as this RP, and this world is my idea... I am opening it up to you. Take some creative liberties. Let's see where this adventure takes us. Quick note: If I haven't mentioned it before... The writing style for this should be mid-high casual. Stumps are understandable, but please stick to this as often as possible for the sake of all of us. Difficult to create responses when there is little to work with. :) [b]Character Sheets[/b] {Picture-I usually use anime-styled personally} Name: (Nicknames/Alias) Age: (18-25) Gender: Description: (Something short to accompany the picture) ~~ Personality: History: ~~ Elemental Alignment: Crystal Form: (This is how you will wear it) ~~ Other: (Any fun facts, or anything you think you want to mention that doesn't have a home) [hr] Greatly looking forward to your submissions guys! [/center]