[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180224/0fca6a5e0dcced8079914e40a44588a5.png[/img][/center] [right][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180224/6cfc9e3638bb83d271af64a0710d7c5a.png[/img][/right] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wuS4yNr.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/RvZe3LA.gif[/img] Location: From the distance most non-magical people see it at, the island of Minami Iwo Jima is unremarkable, and isn’t worth traveling out through stormy, treacherous seas to explore. It’s uninhabitable, plain and simple. This, of course, is a lie. Minami Iwo Jima is home to the Mahoutokoro School of Magic, an ancient school dedicated to teaching students from the continent of Asia the art of witchcraft and wizardry. Hidden from the naked eye by different charms and clever uses of illusory magic, the Mahoutokoro School of Magic utilizes the entire island, and even some of its surrounding oceans for its various teachings. Atop the highest point of the island, built to ‘pierce the heavens’ by its founders, is the Mahoutokoro palace. The palace is crafted mutton-fat jade, sections of it seem almost translucent, and the palace seems to always be glowing in the warmth of the sun. Groves of cherry blossom trees surround the palace, enchanted to bloom far more often than their mainland counterparts. Vast wooden bridges connect the palace to the other parts of the island, giving stunning views of the incredibly scenic island. In some ways, it seems the location of the school would better fit as a tourist location, but it has stood here for longer than anyone can remember, and its a tradition now; and the Japanese people take their traditions very seriously. For now, if you want to see the cherry blossom trees, the shining palace, or even walk across the wide bridges, you’ll have to be a student here. [img]https://i.imgur.com/Qr3YcXh.gif[/img] Mahoutokoro, one of the eleven great wizarding schools dotting the globe, might have the smallest student body but it also has the highest standards of excellence. This ancient academy prides itself on its coursework, the student body and their dedication to the magical arts, and on its stellar Quidditch program. As a school for educating the next generation of witches and wizards, Mahoutokoro strives to produce students that develop a deep appreciation for magic as well as an understanding of culture and traditions of both the magical and non-magical variety. Much of the campus is rooted in the cultural traditions of the mainland but with a magical twist to them. Nowhere is this more apparent than the palacial main building itself. Atop the highest point stands an ornate mutton-fat jade gate, to the outside and untrained eye the gate is nothing more than a charred remain of some ancient structure; but behind the gate stands a building that would make the Imperial Palace blush. The architecture pulls from buildings of old, with gilded walls that glimmer in the sun and a campus ground that always seems to remind students of the spring of youth or the serene beauty of winter depending on the season. Cherry blossoms dot the landscape, and in winter the snow never seems to pile up but instead bathe the air in a soft pink veneer. While many of the lessons are contained within the great halls and rooms of the main palace, the entire mountain of Minami Iwo Jima serves as the schoolyard. While some areas are off limits, it isn’t uncommon to see your fellow students mingling amongst the trees or crossing the cherrywood bridges that cross over serene ponds where local and magical flora and fauna provide a tranquil sort of calm. [img]https://i.imgur.com/J167tsu.png[/img] Though the school sits atop an otherwise plain mountain, the beauty of ancient Japan and the wonder of modern living combine to provide students and staff with an idyllic setting for learning the intricate ways of magic. But of course, there’s more to Mahoutokoro than just its campus and architecture. Mahoutokoro is noted for its academic prowess and that can be attributed to its commitment to excellence and its accredited staff. Students at Mahoutokoro are given the freedom to focus on a course selection to suit their desired path. While there is a compulsory course load for new students, even first years are given the choice of elective while upperclassmen are permitted to attend advanced lessons focused on their preferences. At Mahoutokoro, education comes first but it is the students who make the commitment to their learning faculties. At Mahoutokoro, the compulsory classes are similar to those found at other wizarding schools. Every student up to Year Five is required to take the following classes: [b]Charms[/b]: The art of adding properties to objects or creatures. Knowledge of various charms is essential to magical education. Charms is taught by Sekine-sensei. [b]Potions:[/b] The study and art of brewing potions and the knowledge of various ingredients. Mahoutokoro’s potions program has been ranked in the top five on a consistent basis. The instructor is Potion Master Kitano. [b]Transfiguration:[/b] The alteration of the form or appearance of an object. It is imperative that students do not expect to be transfigured themselves nor do they attempt to do so on their fellow students. Transfiguration is taught by Asano-sensei [b]History of Magic:[/b] Just as we look to the future we must always be mindful of the past so that we never forget where it is we came from. History of Magic is taught by Kawaguchi-sensei [b]Defense Against the Dark Arts:[/b] While magic is a wonderous thing there is no denying that there exists those who might seek to use it for foul purposes. Defense Against the Dark Arts is taught by Abe-sensei. [b]Herbology:[/b] Taught in tandem with Potions, students will learn and be expected to identify various flora and their properties in such pursuits as potion making. Herbology is instructed by Shiina-sensei. [b]Flying[/b]: First Year students only. Given the unique terrain of the campus, flying lessons are done in smaller groups over the course of the year. Because of this, no first year student may try out for Quidditch teams even if they have completed their lesson. Flying is taught by Hisaishi-sensei. There are numerous secondary and elective courses available to students with advanced levels as they enter their final years. Some of those courses include: [list] [*]Calligraphy [*]Arithmancy [*]Astrology [*]Care of Magical Creatures [*]Runography [*]Alchemy [*]Magical Languages [*]Magical Government [*]Exorcism [*]Magical Craftwork [*]Talisman Craft[/list] In addition to coursework, Mahoutokoro encourages its students to join or create clubs in order to facilitate both social interaction as well as a means of further enhancing one’s enjoyment of magical study. While not mandatory, clubs provide a friendly atmosphere and foster relationships that extend far beyond the halls of the academy. At the end of the term, established clubs may take part in a schoolwide festival to show off some of the things they have been working on over the course of the term. [img]https://i.imgur.com/k6IIcap.gif[/img] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180304/006a0e9c74dedae4dc8bc671129d7123.png[/img] If Mahoutokoro is known for its academic excellence first then it is known for its Quidditch second. Every member of the Japanese National Team and the Toyohashi Tengu (reigning League Champions) has attributed their success to the training given by being part of Mahoutokoro’s intramural Quidditch teams. While there is a standard Quidditch Pitch near the back base of the mountain, practice is held over turbulent and often stormy seas where Bludgers are not the only dangers to watch out for. While charms are in place to keep the school hidden from the eyes of [i]niju[/i], there is a nearby active airbase which sees planes landing and taking off. While conditions might be seen as harsh, the training is for the benefit of those who wish to pursue Quidditch seriously after graduation. Matches are held throughout the year and attendance is optional for non-team members. The winning house of the Intramural League gets to house a trophy and the pride of the school at their back. Presently, the Ka house are the reigning champions six years running. [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180224/0fca6a5e0dcced8079914e40a44588a5.png[/img][/center] [right][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180224/6cfc9e3638bb83d271af64a0710d7c5a.png[/img][/right] Houses: Due to Mahoutokoro’s location and the size of its student body, the students who attend full time starting from age eleven are sorted into one of four houses. While the staff stresses that no one house is superior or inferior than the other, the yearly House Cup is a traditional to encourage teamwork and pride among students under the same banner. First year full time students are sorted into these houses by way of a Mahoutokoro Cape whose insignia and color will determine the student’s placement. The four great houses of Mahoutokoro are: [color=cd853f][h2]Chi:[/h2][/color] Represented by the stalwart tortoise Genbu, those in the house of Chi represent a confidence of self but also a certain stubbornness of purpose. Students of Chi are said to be fiercely loyal to their fellow housemates. [color=1e90ff][h2]Sui:[/h2][/color] Represented by the ever benevolent dragon Seiryu, those in the house of Sui represent the constant desire of self improvement but also burdened by emotional guidance. Students of Sui are said to be the most clever of the four be it intellectually or otherwise. [color=ff4500][h2]Ka:[/h2][/color] Represented by the always courteous Suzaku, those in the house of Ka represent the boundless energy of the human spirit, but also the potential to misuse one’s ability. Students of Ka are said to be the most passionate about their pursuits and are the reigning Intramural Quidditch Champions. [color=7fff00][h2]Fū:[/h2][/color] Represented by the eternally moral Byakko, those in the house of Fū represent the free flowing spirit of the wind, for better and for worse. Students of Fu are said to be the kindest of all the houses and possessed of a certain wisdom all their own. Each house is situated at a main cardinal direction on the campus grounds. While the entrances appear to be unassuming, save the deity that represents the house serving as an insignia, stepping inside the common room proves that looks can be deceiving. The Chi House is situated to the North of the grounds and its common room and living quarters are built into a beautiful earthen cave with natural lighting and brilliant gemstones. The Sui House is situated to the East of the grounds and its common room and living quarters dip beneath the sea where windows provide an always calming look at the colorful and exotic aquatic creatures. The Ka House is situated to the South of the grounds and its common room and living quarters are perched near a crackling fire, though there is no danger of burning up to be found. Many find the flames soothing. The Fū House is situated to the West of the grounds and its common room and living quarters are among the clouds, where the sky is always a gentle blue and avian creatures flit about the winds. Transportation to the School: In order to get to the school, students board a subway train at a port near the shoreline of the main Japan Coastline. The train starts out like any other underground bullet train, zipping along the track. About twenty minutes into its journey, though, the speed of the train slows tremendously, and the scene changes from the normal grey concrete of the urban tunnels, to that of the ocean floor. The Mahoutokoro Bullet Train travels across the seafloor. A soft magical glow radiates off of it, allowing students to look out the windows and enjoy the aquatic life as they breeze past it. As the train barrels closer and closer to the island the school is on, the wildlife surrounding them changes as well, shifting from normal, Muggle creatures, to that of a more magical variety. The students disembark and begin their school year in a small cave crafted into the side of the island. A long, winding staircase leads students to Kirin Hall, where their first meal and a welcoming speech from their headmaster awaits. [hider=Uniform]Like with contemporary schools in Japan, Mahoutokoro has a uniform though it allows for some flexibility in accessory. [i]Gakuran[/i] for the boys and [i]seifuku[/i] for the girls along with [i]uwabaki[/i] for indoor school lessons. What makes Mahoutokoro unique, however, is in its uniform robes. [img]https://i.imgur.com/GYs2EW8.gif[/img] The Robes: The thread the Mahoutokoro School Robes are woven from are said to have been blessed by Amaterasu, and most graduates will keep their robes and wear them for their day-to-day life in the wizarding world. Based on the skill of the wearer, the robes color will shift. The robe colors are not dynamic, they’re static in nature. They change to higher ranks, just as well as lower ranks based on individual skill. Most people see this as motivation to work harder. One thing most students don’t believe, is that the robe is not based on the magic skill you outwardly show, but rather what you’re capable of. Though the robes of the students are colored individually, it is not necessarily a mark of superiority and discrimination towards those of a lighter color is discouraged. A common saying among alumni and the staff which is worth remembering is: “Everyone at Mahoutokoro started in pink.” There is some significance to the color of the individual’s robe; much like the wand, the robe chooses the color as it feels the wizard deserves it. Many students think simply being top of the class will ensure the natural advancement of robe color but that is not entirely accurate. [color=pink][b]Sakura[/b][/color]: The color of inexperience, or [i]mijuku[/i], and the color of every first year student without exception. This robe shows that a student is aware of the basic tenets of magic and are starting their journey to become a master of their craft. [color=orange][b]Sunrise Orange:[/b][/color] The color of morning, or [i]asa[/i], these robes are often found on second and third years though, of course, there are exceptions. This color shows a student waking up to their potential as a wizard and is typically an indicator of one who has an eagerness to learn more - as so we all eagerly await the morning and the day it brings. [color=red][b]Sunset Red:[/b][/color] The color of evening, or [i]ibunigu[/i], these robes often mark the transition from underclass to upperclassman and as such it is common, but not exclusive to, for fourth year students. As with the evening sun, it promises a bright horizon to come, such as a deeper and more advanced level of magical study. [color=blue][b]Ocean Blue:[/b][/color] The clearest mark of an advanced level of magical aptitude, students attired in the blue robes make up a decent percentage of the student body by sheer virtue of the fact that the higher colors have more specific aptitudes not tied simply to magical proficiency. It is entirely possible for seventh year students to have been Blue for multiple terms. [color=green][b]Forest Green:[/b][/color] The mark of responsibility, students attired in the green of the tranquil forests are more than just passing students; they are also students who do more than simply attend class and socialize after lesson hours. The volunteers, the ones who aid in seemingly menial tasks, the ones who help without being asked to do so, all of these contribute to earning this robe, not necessarily simple high marks. [color=purple][b]Plum Purple:[/b][/color] The mark of leadership, students attired in the purple tend to be those who take on a role of leadership within their respective circles. Club leaders, class leaders, those with above average markings in academics. [color=black][b]Charcoal Black:[/b][/color] Reserved for students who have the highest markings in their classes but either refuse to take on the mantle of a gold robe or just missed the mark. [color=gold][b]Gold:[/b][/color] Reserved for eight specific seventh year students who have the highest marks in their year. The eight students, one pair from each house, serve as the pinnacle of Mahoutokoro's education. [img]https://i.imgur.com/RtqRNyV.gif[/img][/hider][/center] [hr][hr] [center]Hello again and welcome to the RP! To those of you who expressed an interest: thank you for sticking with it. And for those who might just be browsing and thought the name was catchy: thanks for stopping by! I'm new at this whole GM thing but don't hold that against me or think I'm not wholly committed to this RP. If you guys are into it, then the least I can do is give one hundred percent. That said, always feel free to come to me with questions, concerns, comments, suggestions, anything. You can do so by messaging me here or via the RP's handy Discord server which is located: [url=https://discord.gg/QcHMp2D]Here[/url]. There seems to be a lot to take in, but everything above the lines there are more to help set the initial stage for this RP as well as provide a bit of context and perhaps guidance for characters. Think of it as the starting point of a glossary that we can all add to. I didn't want to simply fill the first post with a novel of background stuff - especially since most of it will be explored (hopefully!) in the RP itself. Now as much as I'd like to say I'm the cool mom type, there are some rules which I highly suggest keeping in mind. [h2]Rules:[/h2] [list] [*]-I maintain an [b]Open Door Policy[/b]. My inbox here or on Discord (in the event of a Discord being made for this RP) is always open so feel free to come to me with questions, concerns, or anything of the sort. Communication is essential in an RP like this and I will always opt to discuss any details no matter how small they may seem. You have a question? Fire away! You want to plan an event or something? By all means let's hear it and see how we can make it work! My door is always open for my players. [*]-Since this RP is set in the Harry Potter universe but also a magical academy set in Japan there was discussion of those oft-maligned things known as 'face claims'. A decision was made. This RP will be using [b]realistic claims[/b]. This is me suggesting that characters would more likely be from East Asia, Southeast Asia, or even the Indian subcontinent as they would be from North America, South America, or Europe. Those regions have their own schools after all. I am fairly lenient, however, so if you've got a transfer student or a 'military brat' or something, then by all means go for it. [*]-I will play RP Mother as often as I have to, but I don't want there to be any drama here if it can be avoided. If there are concerns or disagreements that can't be worked out I refer you to rule one. OOC drama is not going to help anyone. I expect everyone to be able to separate IC and OOC. We're all friends in this RP. Or at least we will be. [*]-There is no post limit at the moment, if the RP moves too quickly this may change. I reserve the right to do so. [*]-Players are allowed TWO (2) characters MAXIMUM [*]-While I have storylines planned, I don't have a required speed to see them through. This may well be a slower paced RP at the start. That said, if I see scenes ending or slowing to a crawl, I reserve the right to advance the plot in order to facilitate new posts or the like. I will always give warning when this is happening and I will ask before pulling the trigger so as to give people enough time to finish whatever they might need to do. [*]-Keep it rather realistic in terms of spell knowledge. First years wouldn't go around using wordless spells or whatnot. [*]-Characters can be first year boarding students up to year sevens, meaning ages 11 to 17. As such this will be a PG-13 RP in terms of language and the like. I expect everyone to use their best discretion otherwise. [*]-I'm not a stickler for post quantity, just post quality. This is a casual RP. I don't expect people to write novellas every post. Just make sure there's some effort put in and I'll be happy. [*]-Have fun and be safe with it. [/list] With all that boring shit out of the way, let me be the first to formally welcome you to Mahoutokoro! I look forward to writing with you all! I am now accepting students to Mahoutokoro! [hider=Character Name][pre][ hr][ hr][center][color=You can put a color but like everyone uses fontmeme so do whatever][h2]NAME HERE[/h2][/color] [img]Picture Goes Here[/img][ hr][ hr][/center] [h3][color=???]THE BASICS[/color][/h3] [color=???][b]Name:[/b][/color] [indent]Full name. You can put nicknames here too. Why not.[/indent] [color=???][b]Gender:[/b][/color] [indent][/indent] [color=????][b]Orientation:[/b][/color] [indent]Of course this is here[/indent] [color=???][b]Age:[/b][/color] [indent]This RP is starting in April of 2017. Why not 2018? Because I'm not a time traveler.[/indent] [color=???][b]Blood:[/b][/color] [indent]It wouldn't be a Harry Potter thing if blood wasn't mentioned. Pure, Half, or [i]Nijūblood[/i][/indent] [ hr][ hr][h3][color=???]Style[/color][/h3] [indent]Since we're using real FCs and all, it might sometimes seem redundant to describe their appearance. Pictures are worth yadda yadda words. While you certainly can go into detail here, this is more along the lines of any particular accessories or dress habits rather than describing the contour of their jaw or whatever. [/indent] [color=???][b]Background:[/b][/color] [indent]Contrary to what the thing says, I don't want your full life story. Because it's still being written, that's the point of school and socializing isn't it? What I would like to see is at least a bit about who they are as a person and why. Call it personality. Call it family. Call it whatever. Here is where you sell me on your character without giving them away for free. I don't care how long it is only that you provide a general idea of how your character is and how you want them to be seen by others.[/indent] [ hr][ hr][h3][color=???]SCHOOL RECORDS[/color][/h3] [color=???][b]House:[/b][/color] [indent]Chi, Sui, Ka, or Fū[/indent] [color=???][b]Year:[/b][/color] [indent]2-4 are 'junior high' level while 5-7 are 'high school' level. First Years are special and playable as well[/indent] [color=????][b]Robe:[/b][/color] [indent]What color is your robe? Robe colors fluctuate based on magical knowledge and aptitude and not specifically by year. It is possible for a seventh year to have a lower colored robe. More information will be given on robe color in the OOC proper but don't see it is a means of "Purple means the best!" and all flock to it. If you're a seventh year and want to be a Gold Robe (top marks) you can, but there are only Seven (7) positions for those and it is absolutely first come, first serve. Pink (First Years Only) > Sunrise Orange > Sunset Red > Ocean Blue > Forest Green > Plum Purple > Charcoal Black Quidditch Captains have a unique robe of Black plus trimmings of whatever color they were prior to being made Captain (Black/Green, for example).[/indent] [color=???][b]Electives:[/b][/color] [indent]The core classes will be listed in the OOC proper along with some potential electives. Select two of them, please. Or come up with your own. Fuck it I'll list the electives that'll be in the OOC just so you have a little idea. [list] [*]Calligraphy [*]Arithmancy [*]Astrology [*]Care of Magical Creatures [*]Runology [*]Alchemy [*]Magical Languages [*]Magical Government [*]Exorcism [*]Magical Craftwork [*]Talisman Craft[/list] [/indent] [color=???][b]Favorite Class:[/b][/color] [indent]Self Explanatory [/indent] [color=???][b]Least Favorite Class:[/b][/color] [indent]Your reasons are your own. You can specify why if you wish[/indent] [color=???][b]Extracurriculars:[/b][/color] [indent]Are you in a club? Multiple clubs? Do you play Quidditch? Put that stuff here. [/indent] [color=???][b]Wand:[/b][/color] [indent]What's your wand made out of? Cherry wood in this particular setting is super sought after and rare so don't everyone pick it. And remember that size isn't everything. If you want to use an ethno-specific creature for hair or whatever then that is your right. I'm not picky.[/indent] [color=???][b]Pet:[/b][/color] [indent]Students are allowed to have a pet. It can't be anything larger than, say, a medium sized cat nor can it be anything dangerous. But hey, if you wanna have like a fennec fox or some Japanese or Asian creature as a pet to do your bidding then by all means.[/indent] [ hr][ hr][h3][color=???]EXTRAS[/color][/h3] [color=???][b]Miscellaneous:[/b][/color] [indent]Wanna add something that's not covered above? Here's where you do it. Do you want to list their likes and dislikes for some reason? Here you go. Do they have a fear of heights? You can put it here. This is your space, do with it what you will. Drop a theme song here. Do whatever.[/indent] [ hr][ hr][/pre][/hider][/center]