[center][url=https://fontmeme.com/cursive-fonts/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190624/143e2d28fdbe942200a6e1891d689078.png[/img][/url][/center] As long as you can remember, you've known you were different. Don't worry, everyone else did too; the mark around your wrist made sure of that. Some of them looked at you with envy and fascination, others with pity. Maybe a few even shunned you. Maybe the attention bothered you, but you were probably more concerned with that feeling in your chest. That bizarre tug. That longing. That feeling of desperately missing someone. But who? Maybe you've been searching for them; maybe you're not holding your breath. It's tough, right? Unless you live in a massive city you've probably never even met someone like you, and even then your chances were slim. You probably saw people like you on TV though, in movies, online. Talking about it. That feeling you're missing. About being complete, finding their other half. The movies probably tell you how great it is; celebrities on talk shows might say otherwise. Maybe you've read up on your condition, learned the boons it can grant when things work out. Learned what can happen if they don't. Are you scared? Excited? Have you been looking at the moon each night, wondering if your other half is looking too? Are you holding out hope that by some miracle your paths will cross? After all, it happens to some people. Why not you? Well, your chance – probably your only chance – may well have just arrived. You got a letter, in one of those fancy envelopes made out of thick embossed paper, addressed directly to you. It's got one of those cool old-fashioned seals on the back, pink and blue wax swirled together and imprinted with the shape of a lotus. The letter inside looks hand-written, written by people like you, inviting you to attend an event that may well lead you to your other half. Seems sketchy, right? Maybe, but something made you send back your answer, and now you've got all-expense-paid tickets to go spend a week in luxury and take that chance. Think you'll find your destiny? [b][color=a2798f][center]___________________________________________[/center][/color][/b] [center][url=https://fontmeme.com/cursive-fonts/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190703/bac23a2e93f92ace8b32633e3d7a4c03.png[/img][/url][/center] [hider=People][hider=The Intact] The Intact make up the vast majority of the world's population. They have a whole, "intact" soul and no soulmate. For all intents and purposes, they are completely normal and unremarkable.[/hider] [hider=The Fragmented] The Fragmented (also known in some places as the Torn or the Marked) are individuals born with only half of a "fragmented" soul. The other half of their soul is borne by another Fragmented somewhere in the world, often referred to as their "soulmate". Despite technically only having half a soul, they're perfectly functional, developed people, with the caveat that for as long as they can remember, they've felt like they're not quite "complete". The Fragmented feel a longing for something they can't describe, and many are driven to wander in search of someone they miss desperately, but whom they've never met. They are all born with an identical mark, a black band around their right wrist. Public opinion of the Fragmented varies. Some idolize them, either fascinated by or jealous of their bonds with their soulmates, while others shun them under the impression that their partial soul curses them as anything from incompetent to evil. Owing to their rarity, however, most Intact will likely never come into contact with a Fragmented, and thus many have no opinion on them. Fragmented and Reunited often feature in film and television, usually quite romanticized, and some people have taken to getting tattoos of the Fragmented wrist mark, to varying reception from the Fragmented themselves. The Fragmented bear some psychological and physiological differences from the Intact. See the "Lost" section for more detail. The playable characters in this RP will be Fragmented. [/hider] [hider=The Reunited] The Reunited are those Fragmented who have found their other half. Having "reunited" the two halves of their shared soul, the Reunited enjoy better health (both physical and mental) than their Intact counterparts, routinely living to ages upwards of 100; the oldest Reunited pair ever recorded lived to the age of 135. Regardless of their soul bond type, the Reunited are more physically and mentally robust than the average Intact and generally lead happier and more productive lives with their soulmate. Aside from improved health, Reunited pairs also enjoy more interesting abilities, for better or for worse. Being that they share a soul, Reunited individuals are able to sense the emotional state of their soulmate. This effect weakens with distance, but also strengthens over time. Aptitude varies among pairs from a general sense of the emotional state of one's soulmate to feeling one's soulmate's emotions as strongly and clearly as their own. What's more, again owing to their shared soul, Reunited individuals are able to communicate with their soulmates telepathically. This usually begins as bursts of shared thought in times of heightened stress, but will evolve over time into coherent communication at will. Some pairs use this ability liberally to the point that they become two individuals with an essentially shared consciousness, while others use it for convenience and nothing more, not unlike sending mental text messages. Many antagonistic pairs have lamented the fact that their soulmates can force their way into their minds given enough practice and resolve.[/hider] [hider=The Lost] In order to understand the differences between the Fragmented, Reunited, and the Lost, we must do a little theorizing. If you think of souls as having "sizes", then a Fragmented person's soul, while being half of a whole, is roughly 3/4 the "size" of an Intact person's. As a result, when they find their other half and their soul fragments reunite, they have a sort of shared soul that's "bigger" than an Intact person's. Translating a soul's "size" into something like life force explains why the Lost and Reunited have such different life expectancies and vitality than the Intact. Now, put simply, the Lost are Fragmented individuals who have either lost or never reunited with their other half. Seeing as their part-souls are less stable than either an Intact soul or a Reunited soul, the Lost suffer physical and mental health issues at much higher rates than their Intact counterparts. They are generally less healthy and more susceptible to premature aging and illness, many leading their lives sickly and frail. The Lost suffer mental illnesses such as chronic depression at much higher rates than the Intact, and generally lead shorter, less fulfilling lives. Lost routinely die of natural causes around the age of 65 or younger, and suicide rates among the Lost are disturbingly high at around 50%. Fragmented and Reunited individuals can become Lost in a few ways. The most common Lost are Fragmented individuals who never found their other half. Fragmented are usually considered Lost either when they have gone a considerable portion of their adult life without finding their soulmate, or if they have stopped searching altogether. In cases such as these, the symptoms of the Lost set in gradually in a process similar to aging, only accelerated. Some Lost are Reunited who have been separated from their other half, either by distance or by death. In both cases, the symptoms of the Lost will strike a Reunited much faster than a Fragmented; as of yet no Reunited has lived beyond a year after the death or disappearance of their soulmate. This has posed problems for antagonistic pairs, who often lament that they can't murder or live on the opposite end of the world from their soulmate lest they suffer the consequences (more on that in Soul Bonds). [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Marks and Reuniting]Upon finding their other half, Fragmented will become Reunited. For some, this happens the first time they touch; for others, it has happened the first time their eyes met. In that moment, whatever it may be, they experience a near-indescribable euphoric rush as the two halves of their shared soul mend together. The marks on their wrists, formerly identical to every other Fragmented's, will disappear, and a new mark will appear somewhere on their bodies. Both individuals in a Reunited pair will bear this mark in the mirror image of their soulmate's. These marks are unique to every pair and vary wildly in size and colour, though there is no indication that either quality has any meaning beyond aesthetic. [/hider] [hider=Soul Bonds]A soul bond is the connection between the souls of a Reunited pair (that is to say, the connection between the two halves of their shared soul once it's been fused back together). There are three categories of soul bonds: romantic, platonic, and antagonistic. While there is no external way to deduce a soul bond type, the partners who share it will be able to tell; for some, the soul bond type is evident at their first meeting (antagonistic pairs especially have reported combative feelings toward their partner at the moment the soul bond was made), but most Reunited pairs will have to figure it out amongst themselves. In some cases it can take up to a year for a pair to pin down their soul bond, but they will recognize it eventually. The specifics of each soul bond type are as follows: [b][color=F996AE][u]Romantic[/u][/color][/b] [color=gray] - [i]"If I had to, I'd rather lose all five of my children than lose my husband. Does that make me a bad person?"[/i][/color] Romantic bonds aren’t as simple as they sound, and can manifest in a lot of ways. Some pairs [i]do[/i] become the idyllic power couple who are totally compatible and embody all that the media plays up about the romantic bond, but that's not always the case. Sometimes a pair can be so close that they become cripplingly codependent, with all the consequences that come with that; others might be less than compatible on the surface, but need and desire each other just as much as those who get along. This can lead to the second most popular depiction of romantic bonds in media, the mismatched pair who keep coming back to each other because they can’t stand to be apart. Many romantic pairs, however, fall somewhere in between, dealing with the trials and tribulations all couples face with the assurance that they truly are “meant to be.” [b][color=00bece][u]Platonic[/u][/color][/b] [color=gray] - [i]"I don't think either of us has done anything without the other since we met. It would just feel... wrong."[/i][/color] Platonic bonds are generally as one might expect, a bond akin to that of close siblings or very dear friends. Reunited who share a platonic soul bond will often love each other like family, but will never experience romantic or sexual attraction to one another (though one amusing anecdote involves a pair who met through online dating only to realize they’d found their soulmate, just not the type they had expected). Platonic soulmates often excel at cooperation, problem-solving and creative endeavours, feeding off each other’s energy to great effect. Like every bond, though, a platonic bond has its downsides. For example, it’s common for platonic Reunited to struggle with romantic relationships, as often no matter how compatible they are with the people they date, they can never feel as close to them as they do to their platonic soulmate. Similarly, many spouses of platonic Reunited sometimes feel as if their spouse cares more for their platonic soulmate than they do for them or even their children, adding tension to relationships. [b][color=red][u]Antagonistic[/u][/color][/b] [color=gray] - [i]"Eternally fated to find each other through time and space just to say 'fuck you.'"[/i][/color] Contrary to popular belief, those who share an antagonistic soul bond don’t necessarily have to hate each other; while this is certainly a possibility, the true crux of an antagonistic bond is that each half of the Reunited soul is destined to be somehow at odds with the other. This conflict can manifest in many ways, including mutual disdain (by far the most commonly represented manifestation in media, if not the most common in real life), rivalry, and jealousy. Intensity varies wildly, from a relationship as tame as being otherwise cordial but utterly unable to cooperate, to as explosive as violence. Scholars will note, however, that antagonistic soul bonds are one of the most difficult to categorize in general terms because they can take on the widest variety of characteristics by far. [color=a2798f][b]GM Note:[/b][/color] I made these purposefully vague because I want you guys to have fun and get creative with your soul bonds! All you have to do is stick to the general themes of each bond type and then you can really make your bond your own. As always, I invite you to talk to your partner when you get one and ask me questions if you have any![/hider] [b][color=a2798f][center]___________________________________________[/center][/color][/b] [center][url=https://fontmeme.com/cursive-fonts/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190703/ca0ae820440cea3dfa3a8298e0ac4935.png[/img][/url][/center] This RP takes place in the near future of our world, with a few little changes. For one, the existence of souls has been generally accepted by all but the most insistent of skeptics as the only currently viable explanation for the Fragmented phenomenon. Afterlife theories, however, remain as varied as ever. Miraculously, the world hasn't fallen into anything like nuclear war or environmental ruin, so there are no apocalypses, looming or otherwise, to be concerned about. As well, since we won't be too worried about the state of the outside world, you're welcome to mess with it a little. Want to create a small island nation for your character to be the prince of? Go for it! Fictional huge corporation to inherit one day? Feel free. If you have any inquiries or just want to see if what you have in mind is feasible, I'm all ears. [hider=Technology]Technology hasn't moved past recognition, but some useful and interesting inventions have become commonplace in recent years. For example, it's common for large businesses and high-end shops to make use of holographic displays, fully three-dimensional and shockingly lifelike. Likewise, the second generation of universal translation devices have hit the market for those who can pay; you'll be listening to an AI voice, but the translations are fairly accurate and they process in real time, making them popular among business representatives and politicians for visiting and negotiating with their foreign counterparts. Accessibility devices such as hearing aides have advanced greatly in efficacy and discretion, voice-operated guide sensors for the blind are affordable to the general populace and prosthetic limbs have made great strides in comfort, function, and style, often imperceptible to onlookers and easier than ever for the wearer to operate.[/hider] [hider=Mythology]The mythos of this RP setting are the same as the real world, with one notable exception. Alongside the mythical figures everyone knows (ex. Hercules, David and Goliath, Sun Wukong, those other household heroes you kinda mostly know the stories of from when you learned them as a kid) were another set of extraordinary people, universally known as the Paragons. They don't tend to have names in their stories, but everyone knows them. Some were merciful healers, or wise oracles consulted by kings; others perhaps were friends of nature, who could grow entire forests to keep them company. You've probably also heard the old myth of Alta, the paradise city somewhere in Mesopotamia laid low in a single night by a Paragon hellbent on rending untold destruction. Of course, no one has ever found the wreckage, but that didn't stop the endless film adaptations from blowing up box offices all over the world. Some ancient cultures revered the Paragons, some feared and reviled them, but all shared one interesting thing in common: No matter which myth you read, or which culture it came from, the details on the Paragons themselves never change, describing them as tall, long-lived people who wielded power beyond human capability. Conspiracy theories and History Channel documentaries on the Paragons abound, many trying to argue that the Paragons were more than mere legend. Of course, these arguments usually come from people who also claim to have seen Bigfoot or been abducted by aliens, so... [/hider] [b][color=a2798f][center]___________________________________________[/center][/color][/b] [center][url=https://fontmeme.com/cursive-fonts/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190626/0161b03f321a48819066694d98b80c3d.png[/img][/url][/center] [hider=Rules ★][center][b][color=a2798f][h2]General[/h2][/color][/b][/center] [color=a2798f][b]No god-modding, no metagaming, be civil OOC, take explicit content to PMs, GM word is law, you know the drill.[/b][/color] If there is anything at all you're not sure about, just ask me. I don't bite! [color=a2798f][b]I reserve the right to refuse acceptance for any reason.[/b][/color] Don't stress though, I'm a reasonable girl. There is a possibility I'll have to restrict character submissions of certain genders or orientations down the line so I can get pairings worked out; I'll make an announcement if this happens. [color=a2798f][b]Put your character sheet in the OOC first. Once I give you the go-ahead, you may post in the character tab.[/b][/color] Pretty standard. I recommend using the same post for all your sheets if you're doing multiples. This RP is largely going to be character-driven, and there's some fun plot in store as well! As a result, despite the lighthearted premise, there is a possibility for darker content down the line. [color=a2798f][b]Please contact me if there are any subjects you do not want to breach[/b][/color] and I will gladly adjust things accordingly. [color=a2798f][b]Talk![/b][/color] An active OOC is always fun, and as a bonus, makes RPs last longer! Please join the RP discord server (coming soon!) to stay updated on RP happenings, chat, meme, and whatever else you want! [center][b][color=a2798f][h2]Posting[/h2][/color][/b][h3][color=red]The partnered nature of this RP requires dedicated players. If you don't think you can commit, then I thank you for your interest but recommend you look elsewhere. Any dropped characters will be puppeted by me until such a time that they can make an organic exit. Thank you for understanding.[/color][/h3][/center] Whew, sorry, just needed to get that one out there! I'm not going to jump down your throat if you lose interest later on (it happens to the best of us) but I [I]implore[/I] you, if that happens, tell me! Now: [color=a2798f][b]The posting standard for this RP is high casual.[/b][/color] 3rd person, past tense, you know the drill. I value quality over quantity and a lean post here and there is no big deal, but do try to give people something to work with. Don't worry if your posts get long; write as much as you feel you need to. [color=a2798f][b]Do your best to use proper spelling, grammar and formatting.[/b][/color] We all make mistakes now and then, but at the very least I ask that you proofread your post. It only takes a few minutes and it's an easy way to catch most mistakes -- I make stupid mistakes every other word and proofreading is my saving grace. As with everything in this RP, if you would like help or advice, I would be more than happy to talk to you. [color=a2798f][b]All characters must be posted for at least once a week or they will risk being removed.[/b][/color] Due to the paired-up nature of this RP, this is a must. Nobody likes getting stuck because their partner hasn't posted. You don't have to post a novel, but do put out [I]something.[/I] [color=a2798f][b]If you foresee a problem with this, please bring it to my attention ASAP.[/b][/color] To that end... [color=a2798f][b]A weekly update of some kind will be posted by me every Monday.[/b][/color] This could be anything from a time skip or event update to a simple benchmark post. You do not have to post every 7 days on the dot, but you must post at least once per update cycle for all of your characters. Speaking of which... [color=a2798f][b]You may have multiple characters, but be prepared to post for all of them.[/b][/color] To keep the cast a little leaner, I'll instate a 2-character limit for the time being. I won't accept being swamped with characters as an excuse for inactivity, so make sure you only play as many as you know you can handle. [color=a2798f][b]Please don't include pictures in the headers of your posts.[/b][/color] Fancy text headers from places like 1001fonts and fontmeme are welcome and encouraged, but no character images please. To be perfectly honest, this is just a pet peeve of mine. But this time [i]I'm[/i] the GM, so I make the rules! If you have read these rules, please put a star ★ into the "Other" section of your character sheet.[/hider] [hider=Character Sheet] [color=a2798f][b]NOTE: Please do not alter the character sheet.[/b][/color] Don't add things, don't subtract things. This is just a basic template so you’re welcome to fancy it up all you want, but just make sure you use all the sections that are listed. Please don't add extra sections; you can add additional info in the "Other" section all you want. As well, because my eyes are stupid, I'd appreciate it if you'd put all your images in hiders. If you have questions, comments or anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me! [hr] [b]Character image:[/b] Non-anime artwork please! [b]Name:[/b] Full name, titles if you have any, include nicknames if you'd like [b]Age[/b]: 20-25 please [b]Gender:[/b] Male or female [b]Sexuality:[/b] I’ll need this to make pairings, so please don’t skip! [b]Appearance:[/b] Extra reference images should be linked or in a hider please! Make sure to include anything we can't see in your image and details like height, weight ([url=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm]this is a good website for figuring out an appropriate weight for your character's height and build![/url]) identifying marks (tattoos, scars, piercings) and general style of dress, as well as any differences from your character image. You know, the standard. ***This RP takes place in the vaguely near future, so it's totally safe to say that fashion has evolved a bit. That is to say, if you want your character to have a wardrobe that's a little more extra than the modern day-to-day, that can be arranged! Don't worry, I'll tell you if it's too much. [b]Personality:[/b] A short rundown of your character's personality. Don't stress too much over this section, there will be plenty of time to demonstrate your personality IC! [b]Biography:[/b] Here's where you're invited to get detailed if you'd like. Your character can be from anywhere in the world and have any background you want, so get creative! Travel, lodging and everything else will be provided and there will be accessibility and translation devices at the manor, so don't worry about expense or communication. [b]Other:[/b] Trivia, miscellany, and anything else you'd like to include goes here! I also recommend sticking your text colour code in here. [/hider]