[center][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/171254-the-spirits-within-silversky/ooc]OOC[/url] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b91H7kyQxYU][img]https://i.imgur.com/U6qlbHA.jpg[/img][/url] [color=silver]Ｈｅｒｅ ｆｏｌｌｏｗｓ ａ ｔｈｏｕｇｈｔ ｏｆ Ｒｅｖｅｌａｔｉｏｎ． Ｗｈｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｓｋｙ ｂｒｅａｋｓ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｐｒｅｓｅｎｃｅ ｂｅｃｏｍｅｓ ｅｖｉｄｅｎｔ， ａｌｌ ｔｈｏｓｅ ｂｅｌｏｗ ｗｉｌｌ ｗｏｎｄｅｒ ｗｈａｔ ｔｈｅ Ｎｅｗ ｂｒｉｎｇｓ ａｎｄ ｗｈａｔ ｔｈｅ Ｏｌｄ ｓｕｆｆｅｒｓ． Ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｍｉｄｓｔ ｏｆ ｔｅｒｒｏｒ ａｎｄ ｃｏｎｆｌｉｃｔ， ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ ｗｉｌｌ ｂｅｈｏｌｄ ｔｈｅｉｒ ｓｅｃｏｎｄ Ｌｉｆｅ ｗｉｔｈ ｇｒｅａｔ ｚｅａｌ ｏｒ ｄｒｅａｄ． Ｔｈｅ ｃｈｏｓｅｎ ｆｅｗ ｗｉｌｌ ｓｔａｎｄ ａｔ Ｂｙｚａｎｔｉｎｅ ｃｒｏｓｓｒｏａｄｓ， ｕｎｓｕｒｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅｉｒ ｒｉｇｈｔｆｕｌ ｐｌａｃｅ． Ｔｈｅ ｓｐｉｒｉｔｓ ｇｕｉｄｅ ｕｓ． [/color][/center] ｐ ｒ ｅ ｍ ｉ ｓ ｅ[hr][indent][color=silver]In the beginning of things, cosmic beings of prominence grew greedy among each other. They meddled with sinister powers that led the stars to ruin. A consequence of such foolishness is known as Calamity. It was a giant meteor that recently impacted the world of Libra. The celestial rock carried with it an otherworldly infestation that has caused great misery ever since. The world is at war. The alien beings that emerged from the crater were fearsome foes. They came in many different shapes and sizes designed for specific purposes. Everything they came in contact with withered. Humans and animals that fell victim to the aliens were turned into a horde of mindless creatures. Despite this gruesome threat, Regents of the many city-states of the world still have not surrendered their petty, political quarrels. While some are fighting and drying, others go on with their lives as if nothing has happened. The world has to unite against this common foe. The presence of the alien beings has disrupted the ecosystem of spirits on Libra. Spirits are sentient entities that exist within all manner of life and matter in the world. When spirits congregate within a single entity they form something that is known as a Guardian, which is a being of great power. The aliens have hurried this process along by spreading a disease known as Stigma, which has forced spirits to abandon their natural embodiment. More Guardians have been created in the past months than in the last ten years. This is good news for humanity and the war effort. The military forces that have joined together to fight the threat is collectively known as the United Defense Force. The organization has been declared an independent governing body in order to avoid further political troubles. However, everything about the current situation is still in utter chaos. A myriad of problems plague the frontline, greedy Regents are attempting to expand their influence and resources, refugees travel all over the world in masses, newly created Guardians who are not willing to help the war effort pursue their own goals, and renegade groups of people are taking action into their own hands by ruthless means. All of this in just eight months after Calamity impact. There must be order if humanity is to survive. Unfortunately, there are rumors of a cult led by a powerful individual that is disrupting the war effort. They believe to have learned an undeniable truth. The leader and some of its members are believed to be Guardians of opposite loyalty to the United Defense Force. They have recently become known as Renegades, as they siphon new spirits instead of absorbing them. The Supreme General of the United Defense Force has issued an order to assemble a special unit, with the code name 'Silversky', consisting only of Guardians, which will investigate and naturalize extraordinary threats. The cult is such a threat.[/color][/indent] ｇ ａ ｍ ｅ[hr][indent][color=silver]The premise of this narrative may appear generic on the surface, but there is much more to it. The main characters will learn a lot about what is really going on throughout the narrative. However, that endeavor will be conducted through modes such as [i]Slice of Life-Drama[/i], [i]Investigation[/i], [i]Survival[/i], and [i]Combat[/i], so it is not an all out action-adventure. The world of ‘Libra’ will be modern to futuristic in its level of technology and conveniences. The weapons and gear and vehicles used by military forces will range from melee to projectile, missile to laser. There is also a presence of magic in the form of spirit possession, but most of it will be basic elemental attacks—no crazy bending of space and time and such. You will portray a ‘Guardian’ in this narrative. Before the Calamity you were just an ordinary person, but everything changed when billions of spirits began to seek protection in human beings. Military intelligence has ever since then kept an eye on prominent Guardians for a multitude of reasons. Regardless of whether you joined the war effort somehow or tried to go on with your life, the United Defense Force has contacted you and demanded your presence at the inauguration of a special task force. The characters’ lives will intertwine from thereon in. There will be a codex with information about the world, and a map. Incomplete previews can be found below. There is much, much more in full. All shall be ready before anything actually begins, if there is interest.[/color][/indent] ｄ ｅ ｔ ａ ｉ ｌ ｓ[hr][indent][color=silver]✣ Be courteous. All voices and opinions are welcome, even the unpopular ones. Just make sure to refrain from strong language and outright assaults such as name-calling and threats. ✣ After two weeks of total silence, I will autopilot your character together with mine until I find a good scenario to remove the character altogether. Life happens to everyone, it is nothing to be ashamed of. This is a hobby, and sometimes it has to suffer. There is always the option of coming back in later when life has stabilized again. ✣ This game has previously been in the advanced section. It should follow that it is now somewhere between casual and advanced in terms of standards. ✣ This story is quite religious in terms of direction. There might potentially be moments and questions that are heavy on the mind and senses. It is not my intention to mock or disrespect any actual religion, so any such perceived instance is purely coincidental. ✣ Old and New players welcome to join. If you click the top banner, there is music for a bit of inspiration.[/color][/indent] [hider=ｃ ｏ ｄ ｅ ｘ (preview)] ｓ ｐ ｉ ｒ ｉ ｔ ｓ[hr][indent][color=silver]A spirits exist in all living things. Mountains and rivers, trees and flowers, thunder and wind, and everything betwixt inhabit sentient entities known as spirits. They are believed to be the remnants of Etro, the energy from which the universe was created. Humans also possess a spirt, which is the soul. It is unknown how the soul is different from spirits of the wild. They might be remnants of Etro as well, old spirits that have endured the test of time, or a congregation of many spirits. Either way, the soul attracts spirits of the wild. Spirits seek strength and prosperity. They gather and form sanctuaries in powerful entities and elements. Those who carry many spirits within them are known as Guardians. This is not only true for humans, but also for certain animals. Guardians have an unusually high spirit density. The spirits within treat these entities as sanctuaries. As such, the spirits seek to improve their chosen host in various ways. The physical attributes of the Guardian become greatly improved based on the number of spirits within. Guardians can also exert the natural energies of spirits, which is known as magic. Even if Guardians can survive situations that would otherwise be fatal and resist most common disease, they are not invulnerable. The bond between spirit and soul is complex, and every Guardian is unique. It is also believed that Guardians live longer, if they keep their spirits. Some of the most esoteric Guardians are said to have lived for over two centuries. The religious practice in the world centers on spirits and union with Etro. One is to be aware of the symbiosis between soul and spirit, and strive towards harmony and balance. The faith has no churches or temples, only shrines scattered around the world where one may show devotion. Spirits often congregate at these shrines and show themselves in material form. Once a person has become a sanctuary for spirits and achieved great harmony, along with many years of devotion and natural balance, that person may transcend and become what is known as an Archon. An Archon is a supernatural being of material form that interacts with the world as it sees fit. Unlike spirits of the wild, Archons can converse with human beings. Spirits of the wild assume many forms visible to the naked eye. They may appear as ghosts of animals, insects, machines, or formless entities. Their appearance is also enclosed by an array of coloration often linked to the many elements of the world and the universe. A spirit cannot use the languages of human beings, but they can show emotion through action and sound. However, animals that have become Guardians are able to learn human languages, if they so choose. When enough spirits have congregated in animals, they form what is known as a soul in humans. The animals become humanoid in the spiritual sense, but remain unchanged in their material form.[/color][/indent] ｇ ｕ ａ ｒ ｄ ｉ ａ ｎ ｓ[hr][indent][color=silver]A person with an abnormally high spirit possession is known as a Guardian. Every person in the world usually possesses two or three spirits in their lifetime. These spirits do not provide much in terms of benefit for that person. However, a Guardian is a person that may possess upwards of a hundred thousand spirits or more. This number will always grow as spirits are attracted to other spirits in large congregations. Guardians have always existed. Their numbers are relatively low during ordinary times. In order to become a Guardian by ‘traditional’ means, one must devote a lot of time and focus to the spiritual faith. However, during times of duress, when spirits seek shelter from external threats, they will congregate in human beings to a greater extent. The full potential of spirit possession is unknown. There are rumors of Guardians being able to briefly transcend their normal form to become what is known as an Archon. These are supernatural entities of immense power. They are rarely seen, but they do exist. This kind of practice is different from those who permanently transcend to become an Archon through a lifetime of devotion to the faith. Archons take numerous forms, as they may appear as animals, humanoid beings, mythological creatures, machines, or completely alien. Besides providing the Guardian with magical abilities, the spirits within have a number of passive benefits as well. The physical enhancements that a person undergoes through spirit possession makes them superhuman in every sense of the word. However, if the spirits disappear, the person will return to normal again. While all Guardians display identical benefits in the early stages of their power, they grow differently over time. Spirits develop differently depending on the person they inhabit. It is a unique symbiosis. The following is a list of the common traits shared by all Guardians in their early development: [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Agility]Peak Human Agility[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Accuracy]Accuracy[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Balance]Balance[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Durability]Durability[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Endurance]Endurance[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Flexibility]Flexibility[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Healing]Healing[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Longevity]Longevity[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Reflexes]Reflexes[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Sensory_System]Senses[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Speed]Speed[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Stamina]Stamina[/url], and [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Strength]Strength[/url]. As the Guardian absorbs more spirits and grow in power, these traits will develop differently. Some may focus on strength and durability, while others might focus on other things. At the later stages of development, these traits venture into the supernatural territories.[/color][/indent] ｃ ｏ ｍ ｂ ａ ｔ[hr][indent][color=silver]Enemies in this game are defeated when certain conditions have been met. Any attack that is not listed as a condition for defeat is considered evaded, resisted, or having low impact on that enemy. The conditions for defeat will be listed for each individual enemy. [i]MAGIC[/i] Magic in this world is based on spirit possession. Spirits are based on elements of the world. This means that most magic is based on various elements. The available elements will be listed here. In the [i]Strife[/i] section of the character sheet, you should list 10 attacks and techniques that your character has learned. This list can be expanded over time. Some attacks and techniques might not be appropriate, but it easier to mention it when they appear. The more powerful an attack or technique is, the more dominant those spirits will be, thus limiting the presence of other elements. [indent][i]Elements[/i] (links) ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Earth_Manipulation]Earth[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Ice_Manipulation]Ice[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Magma_Manipulation]Magma[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Poison_Manipulation]Poison[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Water_Manipulation]Water[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Air_Manipulation]Air[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Electricity_Manipulation]Electricity[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Fire_Manipulation]Fire[/url][/indent] [i]PHYSICAL[/i] There are four physical damage types: [i]slashing[/i], [i]piercing[/i], [i]blunt[/i], and [i]explosion[/i]. Projectiles from firearms count as piercing. When describing your character’s weapon, include damage types. [i]CONDITIONS[/i] The conditions for defeat in enemies will be based on what player characters know or a combination of what they know together. The conditions may vary in form and mechanics depending on the situation. Therefore, no standardized list will exist. This way, some player characters will be more powerful and important than others during certain situations—everyone will be the star of the show at some point.[/color][/indent] [/hider] [hider=ｍ ａ ｐ (preview)] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DFlJmEW.jpg[/img][/center] ａ ｅ ｒ ｅ ｄ ｉ ａ[hr][indent][color=silver]One of the southern most regions is Aeredia. It consists mostly of forest and plains, but there is a modest mountain ridge that borders two other regions. Oakridge is its only city-state. Most of the towns around the region devote themselves to farming or mining. The southern islands of the region are tourist hot-spots throughout most of the year, as the temperature remain warm. There is rarely snow in Aeredia, only the northern parts may see it now and then during winter. The typical weather conditions of the region include sunshine and rainy storms. Natural disasters include hurricanes and flooding. The total population of Aeredia is 22 million, 14 of which is in Oakridge. The native language is Librian. Oakridge is the physically largest city-state in the world. Most of its financial industry centers on service and consumption rather than production. It also has a significant presence of banking, stock exchange, and corporation offices. As such, the economy of Oakridge is based on transaction, interest, and lease. The Regent of Oakridge is a former business man who was elected by a committee with aid from citizen recommendation. While he might be fair to the natives of Oakridge, he is quite ruthless when it comes to financial deals with other city-states. Aeredia follows the standard, spiritual faith. Its people pray at shrines and give gifts to spirits. The people have an inherit love for the sea. Every year, the people celebrate spirits of rain and water during a fourteen-day festival held around the coast. People eat and drink and engage in various water activities and sports. The festival is called ‘Flow of Water’, or something similar, in the Aeredian native language. However, tourists have come to simply call it the ‘Water Festival’.[/color][/indent] ｌ ｉ ｖ ｒ ｉ ａ ｓ[hr][indent][color=silver]Perhaps the most southern region of the world, Livrias is also known as ‘Paradise’. It is comfortably warm all around the year. Turquoise water and palm trees clads the scenery. Its people are cool and relaxed. Hundale is its only city-state. The few towns around the region devote themselves mostly to traveling tourists, but also to fishing and mining. The weather conditions of the region are relatively clear throughout the year. It may encounter the occasional storm and hurricane during those seasons. The most common natural disaster is definitely flooding, as the land is not particularly elevated above sea level. The total population of Livrias is a mere 5 million, most of which reside in Hundale. However, that only counts for the natives. If one counts the rotation of tourists, the population of Livrias increases to between 8 and 10 million at any given time. The native language is Rivanas. Hundale is a relatively small city-state. Most of its economy is based on tourism, but also export of fish. The division between residential, financial, and food districts is disproportional. Hundale has the smallest residential district of all city-states in the world, as most of its structures are either restaurants, hotels, or entertainment. Natives do live in the city, but mostly for the sake of short commuting to work. Being a travel agent, guide, or similar in Livrias pays quite well. The eastern archipelago of the region houses the most extravagant and expensive resorts in the world. It is the furthest away from civilization one can get without having to make you own fire in a cave. Lastly, the Regent of Hundale is a native born woman, a politician. She is very outspoken in matters of equality between men and women. Livrias follows a pacific spiritual faith, which is slightly different from the standard one. Instead of bringing gifts to spirits, they perform ritual dances with colorful clothing and smoke for the purpose of honoring and entertaining. It is a very popular display among spirits, which gladly stay and mingle with the natives during such events. The ritual is performed once or twice a month throughout the region.[/color][/indent] ｃ ｅ ａ ｃ ｒ ｉ ａ ｓ[hr][indent][color=silver]The eastern region of the continent of Cetra is Ceacrias. It consists of great plains, forests, one of few major lakes of the world, an impressive mountain ridge, and extensive shores. This region borders several other regions, so trading comes natural to it. There are two city-states: Stoneridge and Dunwall. The former was previously part of Aeredia, but due to a dispute that led to physical confrontation, that part of the region was legally surrendered. The war was short, and it concluded many years ago, but there is still a bit of bad blood between the natives of Aeredia and Ceacrias. The dispute began with a claim from the Dunwall Regent at the time, that the borders of Ceacrias extended “beyond the great ridge in the ancient days, and so it shall be now.” Political and legal quarrels lasted for years until the people of Ceacrias took matters into their own hands and simply took what they thought was theirs. That is when the official confrontation began. The total population of Ceacrias is 46 million, 14 of which is in Dunwall and 9 in Stoneridge. The native language is Ceraca. Dunwall has always been one of the more prominent military powers of the world. While they focus on naval warfare, they have an impressive air force and ballistic missile capabilities. The war with Aeredia and Oakridge was no match for them. Dunwall is the leading city-state in the export of whale oil, which is the go-to energy source in the world. It is used in almost everything that requires electricity or fuel, which means that Dunwall is also one of the wealthier production city-states of the world. They devote a lot of time to whaling and processing of the oil. The natives of Dunwall are mostly men and women of the sea. The current Regent of Dunwall is a proud, former Admiral. Most will call him stubborn, but he is a man of foolish honor, elected through majority vote and loved by the people. While the inhabitants of Ceacrias follow standard spiritual faith, they favor spirits of destructive elements. Ceacrias has a yearly festival that celebrates their past victories, and such is accomplished by massive amounts of fireworks of different colors. The ‘Festival of Lights’ lasts for a week, and the people feast and play games. The spirits of Ceacrias deeply enjoy the display orchestrated by the human inhabitants, and they also appreciate gifts of gunpowder and colored particles used for smoke.[/color][/indent] [/hider]