Everybody wants that fire IC but nobody wants to GM it.
16
likes
11 mos ago
If you're roleplaying with your only friends, you're roleplaying with your best friends.
7
likes
2 yrs ago
I think to sell someone on an interest check, it's really important to seem enthusiastic about your own idea. That means writing more than a single sentence to attract potential players.
14
likes
3 yrs ago
The virgin "My post was so bad it killed the RP!" VS the chad "My post was so good it concluded the RP."
16
likes
Bio
W I T H R I G H T E O U S H A N D S
Did you know that Dante's inferno is called a divine comedy because things work out for the protagonist? Back in the day, the only two genres were comedy and drama. The only difference was that in a comedy, the protagonist is better off at the end, and a drama is the opposite. So that's why a story about going through hell can still be considered a comedy, even if it's not funny.
Name:
Broken Promise, BP, Boss
Age:
Old enough to know better, too young to care. (that is to say 30's)
Preferred RPs:
I Prefer to make my own, but will occasionally join something if it looks interesting. I'll join just about anything so long as it isn’t overly edgy/sweet, though it's rare for me to do. I don't do 1x1s too often either.
Preferred Roles:
I tend to play adorable characters everyone wants to befriend or proper assholes everyone wants to stay away from. I try not to play moral paragons or prime evils.
RP Conquests:
I've completed quite a few RP's off site, but most of them are on private forums or have simply been lost to the ravages of server crashes. As for stuff here, I'm sure everyone who sees me post in the off topic sections has seen me find an excuse to talk about Danganronpa: Tower of Carnage. It's a project that took over 4 years to complete and I feel pride not only for myself but all the wonderful people who helped make it enjoyable during its run. Re: Zero: The High Council Is technically my first, but it was just something I kind of took over and ended up ending the story after just six months. It finished, but eh...
For some reason I can't seem to stay away from Ari's magical girl RP, even if I'm not sure why I'm still in it.
As for my own projects, I'm doing Symphony on High to continue the gigachad adventures of the espers in Pax Septimus.
RP Graveyard:
I've been pretty fortunate on this forum. I think I joined one when I first came on the site that didn't really do anything, and there are a few 1x1 things that didn't go anywhere. It's disappointing when an RP ends before it can be finished, but I've come to look at them as learning experiences.
And then there's that london magical girl RP, and that dark magical girl RP. I think I'm done joining magical girl RPs for a while.
Other interests:
Videos
I watch a lot of educational videos on youtube. Usually as research for something I’m writing or purely because a topic interests me. I like channels like Tier Zoo and Daryl Talks Games, and I’ll also watch things like Critical Drinker or Literature Devil to deepen my understanding of story telling. Though I also like memes and jokes, to which I’ll find myself watching stuff like Sseth, but usually find myself surfing through meme videos. I gotta work on that.
Games
I have a rather long history of playing virtually every platformer to come into existence during the indie boom, as well as quite a few other indie games. I’ve played Meatboy, Binding of Issac, Gunvolt, Cuphead, Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt, Classic Metroid, Warcraft 3, Final Fantasy 7,8, and 14, Left 4 Dead, Shantae, Celeste, Danganronpa, God Eater, the list goes on. What I’ve played is kind of all over the place. I don’t play many games these days, I tend to pick things that look interesting and go on a decent steam sale.
Painting Minis
I do this in moderation. Otherwise, it's a pretty expensive hobby to start...
Music
I listen to everything, save most country/rap songs. I have too many favorites to name.
Personality:
Not one to take life or the internet too seriously. Is only serious about writing well and having a good time.
There we are, not as early as I wanted to put it up but it's still the weekend.
Between the new DoCS and the Character Tab, you should be able to make your characters.
As I mention in the DoCS itself, things are still incomplete. Particularly the item/gear system. But I was able to make a solid character that focused on items so I think it's workable.
~ A character sheet can be rejected for any reason, including your behavior in other RPs. Though usually we'll just ask for some small corrections before you can join.
~ I'm not one to set hard limits on what a character can be. But the following are going to be a tough sell:
-Characters under the age of 13.
-Characters that have been espers for a long time. long meaning like, really long time.
-Characters that aren't espers, unless you have the appropriate watcher.
-Characters that aren't Gemini agents, Mavericks, or Freelancers.
-Characters that aren't human. Having a non-human esper form is fine.
~ You may alter the character sheet, but the order of information and how the information is indented should remain the same. Only a single space between paragraphs. Do not use the original Magenta color in the color tags, and do not color the body text. Other than that, you're free to dress it up how you like.
~ All character sheets must be posted in OOC. The extremely shy can PM a GM or Co-GM, who will discuss the sheet in private.
NAME:
Character's Name, as well as the alias for their esper form if they have one. EXAMPLE: Elroy Bates / Immortal Volcano
AGE:
Character's Age. If their Esper form has a different apparent age, list both. EXAMPLE: 67, looks like a teenager in their esper form
SEX:
Male or Female, and list if it changes in esper form. If you answer "yes please," I'm rejecting the sheet >:C
APPEARANCE:
A picture or a written description is fine. Be sure to note key features like accessories, hair style, scars, etc. Also remember to describe both their normal and esper forms.
GRIMOIRE:
Your esper's trinket that enables their transformation.
INSTRUMENT:
Details about the esper's Instrument. Refer to the character creation guide for notes on how to make all glamors. We're mostly interested in what it looks like, as well as its keywords, stats, and extra abilities.
STYLE:
Details about the esper's Style.
GENRE:
Details about the esper's Genre.
Backup:
Details about the esper's Backup.
PR:
Details about the esper's PR.
LEITMOTIF:
Details about the esper's Leitmotif.
TRIVIA:
This is the space where you can describe the character's personality, backstory, and any other details you feel like sharing. Remember to give your GMs and players some good hooks to work with.
NAME:
Bionca Herrmann, Knight of Tonight, Autumn Wolf
AGE:
18
SEX:
Female
APPEARANCE:
Bionca doesn’t look terribly different between her two forms. Her amber eyes change color and the side tail on her head gets much longer. Despite this, no one can see the similarities between her two forms, despite both standing 5 '3". Perhaps their personalities are too different. The quiet, innocent Bionca could never hope to match the flair of the autumn wolf. She’s so reserved and almost exclusively wears formal outfits. Even on the warmest days of the year, she always wears long sleeved shirts and never wears shorts.
The Knight of Tonight on the other hand is always living in the moment. She’ll wear just about anything if her extensive disguise kit is anything to go by. It’s rare to see anything but a smile on her face.
Under the effect of Dan's magic, all of her ninja/wolf related items have been replaced. She looks like a Floridian tourist, complete with a flour print shirt and shorts. Her side tail is shorter, and she has a slew of bead jewelry to make up for her lack of accessories. Her look is polished off with a pair of amber tinted sunglasses. Everything is tight and barely contains her curves, but it's okay because she's wearing a swimsuit under everything.
GRIMOIRE:
A small moon rock with a wolf’s paw print set into it.
INSTRUMENT:
Sköll & Hati (Silver)
WEAPON: Dagger/Dagger DESCRIPTION: A pair of giant twin knives, usually. The beach magic has turned them into popsicles. DAMAGE: F (Arcane) SPEED: C RANGE: C FEATURES: Throw Mastery 6
STYLE:
Fenrir Pelt (Gold)
STYLE TYPE: Light RESIST: F SWIFT: A SENTINEL: C FEATURES: Bebop n' Rocksteady 8
GENRE:
Pack Tactics (Bronze)
ELEMENT: Nature CAPACITY: F (30 MP) POTENCY: C EFFICIENCY: E MASTERED NOTES: Poison, Transform, Heal PROFICIENT NOTES: Push, Pull, Minion BASIC NOTES: Powerful, Portal, Craft FEATURES: Subtle Spell 4
BACKUP:
Blessing of Geri and Freki (Platinum)
WEALTH: B (140 Credits) QUALITY: B STOCK: D LOADOUT:
Enhanced Frying Pan 2: Inflict Vertigo Enhanced Kunai 2: Armor Penetration Enhanced Food 2: Laced with knockout/tiring agent vs monsters Enhanced Disguises 2: Quick Change Enhanced Smoke Bomb 2: Can cast [Touch] melody where the bomb lands.
PR:
Hungry Like The Wolf (Emerald)
STREET: F BOOK: A INFLUENCE: SS FEATURES:
Pretty Privilege 12 Speak Dutch 0
LEITMOTIF:
FACTION: Freelancer F WATCHER: Aigorost, Beyond the Veil of Reality
TRIVIA:
Bionca does not think about her past very much, and she doesn’t talk about it. It’s not that it isn’t interesting, it’s just that the GM really wants to finish this so that everyone else can make their characters there are some things that should remain hidden from prying eyes.
What is known is that she was a prestigious university student, even if she doesn’t act like it. But something happened, and now she travels the countryside. She does odd jobs, but never anything too demeaning. She’s shown up to clubs that would easily take her as a dancer, only to request (and get) a job as a bouncer. She’s surprisingly good at it. Often she can persuade or intimidate troublesome individuals before having to resort to brute force. She’s very good at hand to hand combat when she needs to be, and is very feisty. But only during a fight. Otherwise, she’s very professional and seldom smiles.
Of course, her real job is hunting monsters. There’s plenty of work on Shimr, but not always in the same city. Bionca hops around America from city to city hunting high value targets with fellow freelancers. She’s much more relaxed and free as the Knight of Tonight, and likes to hang out with espers she’s had a good hunt with.
News of the Hand had reached her, and she hurried over to Pax Septimus as fast as she could. But she arrived too late, and Pax Septimus had been turned into the most peaceful city in America. It was also one hell of a vacation spot. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. The price of admission was free, so Bionca was fine with sticking around and having some fun.
There might not be a tomorrow, but there will be a tonight, and Bionca plans to live it up as much as possible.
NAME:
Mika Fang, Cerberus
AGE:
16
SEX:
Female
APPEARANCE:
Mika is not someone who pays much attention to her appearance. Even though she’s half way through her teens, her dress sense is closer to an adolescent. She’ll put on whatever she feels like wearing, and then put all of her favorite accessories on top of it. Mika’s school backpack rattles like chainmail from all the pins she's attached to it. Few of her accessories were purchased for her. She made a good deal of them herself (glue & glossy photo paper FTW) or found them when "inspecting" a garbage can.
The two things that don’t change between her true and esper forms are her height and her dark skin. Her American Indian heritage seems to be present in both forms, not that she dresses the part in either one. Her teal esper clothes look like they belong to an exotic Arabian dancer. The cat ears on her head don’t scream Apache either, but Mika likes them regardless.
What Mika doesn't like is her new suppertime outfit, courtesy of Dan Daggernose. The cat motif is pushed to the extreme as both the top and bottom of her swimsuit are designed to look like a cat's head. It's a little more revealing than what Mika feels comfortable with, which has only made her more irritable that she can't truly transform into an esper.
GRIMOIRE:
Her foster mother's jade amulet.
INSTRUMENT:
Nails (Gold)
Mika’s hands are shrouded in arcane magic. Her nails are longer, nigh indestructible, and twinkle like stars. Though now they are shorter and serve a purely cosmetic purpose.
WEAPON: Hand/Hand DAMAGE: B (Arcane) SPEED: B RANGE: F FEATURES: Spell Drinker 8
STYLE:
Eye of the Tiger (Platinum)
Mika may lack the majesty and presence of a tiger, but she has the will to survive…
STYLE TYPE: Balanced RESIST: C SWIFT: B SENTINEL: C FEATURES: Eject Button 10
GENRE:
Spirit Animals (Silver)
Mika’s magic enables her to call upon wild spirits. Astral birds, spectral cats, and others.
ELEMENT: Nature CAPACITY: F (30 MP) POTENCY: C EFFICIENCY: C MASTERED NOTES: Poison, Transform, Extend PROFICIENT NOTES: Magic Sense, Shield, Reflect BASIC NOTES: Pull, AoE, Construct FEATURES:
Enhanced Note Poison 2:
Poison α: Mana cost (3) Causes the target to become poisoned, which ranks down their speed as the debuff persists. After a number of post cycles, the target falls unconscious. If the target is unable to lose contentiousness, it will instead suffer an even greater speed debuff. The number of post cycles required for the Poison debuff to transform goes up or down depending on how many ranks the target’s arcane defense is over/under the rank of this note.
Enhanced Note Transform 2:
Transform α: Mana cost (5) The target can enhance their anatomy, granting them the strength of three men. Scales with potency. Transformations last 6 seconds.
Enhanced Note Magic Sense 2:
Magic Sense β: Mana cost (5) For 6 seconds, the target can magically enhance their senses to a superhuman level, allowing them to pick up on the presence of hostiles in the area. They can also understand the nature of abilities, be they conventional or otherwise. Full breakdown in the list below, higher grades also have the effect of lower grade versions of Magic Sense β.
H: Can sense targets, but not through camo or conventional means. G: Can tell if hidden targets are nearby, but not pinpoint their location. F: Can tell the nature of abilities/attacks (Buff, Debuff, Damage, Other). E: Can sense the direction of an attack or ability. D: Can know the exact location of a target if it is attacking or using an ability. C: Can tell how powerful an attack is.
Disclaimer: Hidden targets and their attacks/abilities can be detected by Magic Sense β provided its relevant attribute is at or below that of Magic Sense β. Invisibility and illusions will not protect a target from Magic Sense β.
BACKUP:
Mom’s old stuff (Bronze)
Mika didn’t just inherit Su’s amulet, she also inherited her old gear.
WEALTH: E (80 Credits) QUALITY: C STOCK: F LOADOUT:
Taser (3 shots) 40 credits ???? 40 credits
FEATURES: Mastermind 4
PR:
Mad World (Emerald)
For some reason, Mika just sort of… knows things.
STREET: S BOOK: S INFLUENCE: F FEATURES:
Divination 12 Speak Chinese 0
LEITMOTIF:
FACTION: GEMINI E WATCHER: Aigorost, Beyond the Veil of Reality
TRIVIA:
An unfortunate girl loses her parents once. Mika lost hers twice.
Her birth parents were what most people would call trailer trash. They were an older couple and Mika didn’t have any brothers or sisters. But she was hardly lonely as she had all the other trailer park kids to play with. When she wasn’t racing around the park with her peers, she would “dumpster dive” for “treasure.” It’s a hobby Mika still holds near and dear to her heart. Her parents weren’t an active presence in her life for the most part, but she loved them.
Her first brush with the supernatural world brought tragedy to her trailer park, and her parents were among the casualties. That was when she first met Su Fang, who had been dispatched to deal with the problem. She adopted Mika and treated her like her own daughter. Su was a Chinese foreigner who had to work hard to get her position in GEMINI. She was very much a tiger mom who wanted the best and expected the best out of her daughter. Needless to say, Mika had difficulty adjusting to Su’s form of parenting. Being forced to do her schoolwork and clean her plate wasn’t something her old parents fussed over. But over time, Mika would grow to love her new mother, even if she couldn’t reach all of her expectations. Mika isn’t the brightest, but Su was able to foster a curiosity in the world. Mika can be really knowledgeable about things that fascinate her. This mostly shows itself with her wide berth of animal facts.
But being an esper is a dangerous profession, and Su’s life was taken during the fight against the Holy Diver: A giant behemoth class monster. Half way through the fight, Mika found her mother’s grimoire and it responded to her. But this has happened very recently, and the ramifications this will have on her personality was not yet clear.
Then the events of SoH happened. Mika was one of two confused and cynical children that operated under Ashley. Mika had been critical of her ability to lead, and partially blamed her for her mother’s death (despite Ashley not having a leadership role at that time). She was very nihilistic during this time, knowing that everyone was fated to be killed by a monster at some point. It happened to her parents twice, it was going to keep happening. During a chance encounter with Oros the Mad, she learned that it was actually Finn, one of her squad mates, who was most responsible (aside from the murderer themselves) for her mother’s untimely death. The boy had defected recently, and they knew they would encounter him again when they went after the rest of the hand.
But when the time came to get her revenge, she did not pursue it. Why she wasn’t sure of herself. She has some time to think now.
NAME:
Book Kidd
AGE:
Mid twenties in appearance.
SEX:
Male
APPEARANCE:
Kidd is far more human in appearance than his older counterpart. He does retain his superior’s affection for fine things like jewelry, but not in the same way. Book Man uses accessories to establish his wealth and power, while Kidd uses them to show he enjoys shopping at hot topic. He loves his silver accessories, and he does have a fine cloak he wears for “special rituals,” but he’s also a fan of alternate fashion. Black, plaids, religious jewelry, if it goes with the gothic aesthetic he loves so much he probably has it in his wardrobe already.
Though as eccentric as he seems, he’s perfectly capable of blending in as a normal person. When he chooses to.
He didn’t really get a choice with his beach getup though. While his ritual shawl was left intact, the rest of his outfit was replaced by a pair of flaming swimming trunks. And his book of blood was replaced by a book of pleasure, one that he’s less interested in reading. He claims, at least.
GRIMOIRE:
N/A
INSTRUMENT:
Book of Blood (Gold)
A durable black book with red pages. Has an unusually long book marker that acts as a wand.
WEAPON: Wand/Shield DAMAGE: D (Arcane Wand/ Chaos Shield) SPEED: C RANGE: C FEATURES:
Dual Element 4 Sentient Instrument 2
STYLE:
Paint it Black (Gold)
The Kidd likes his fashion, even if some would find it garish.
STYLE TYPE: Heavy RESIST: C SWIFT: D SENTINEL: C FEATURES: Demonic Physiology 6
GENRE:
Dark Rituals (Gold)
While Kidd’s master makes new contracts, Kidd prefers to follow the old ways. His magic seems to be based in blood and rust.
ELEMENT: Lightning CAPACITY: D (50) POTENCY: C EFFICIENCY: C MASTERED NOTES: Paralysis, Speedster, Damage X, Shield, Reflect PROFICIENT NOTES: Extend, Full Extend, Magic Sense, Heal, Summon Elite BASIC NOTES: Powerful, Quicken, Backfeed, AoE, Summon Minion FEATURES: Subtle Spell 6
BACKUP:
Thaumaturge kit (Gold)
Who knows what sort of bobs and bits could be use to enact the next part of the dark one’s plan?
WEALTH: D (100 Credits) QUALITY: C STOCK: C LOADOUT:
Kidd doesn’t quite have the silver tongue of his lord, nor is he as worldly as him. Kidd prefers to learn from experience.
STREET: C BOOK: C INFLUENCE: D FEATURES: Skilled Cultist 6
LEITMOTIF:
FACTION: The Hand C WATCHER: Michodor, of the Shining Sea
TRIVIA:
It’s unclear exactly what Book Kidd is. He’s obviously a servant of Book Man, but the greater mystery is what his actual role in this is. Is he family? Merely a hire? Perhaps his existence is the result of a broken contract. Regardless of what it is, he refuses to elaborate much on it. He’s very much a closed book with regards to his past, and no amount of prying will reveal the pages.
But modern books usually have something written on the back cover. What’s clear about Book Kidd is that he’s here to help end the vacation, even if he doesn’t have the power to do it himself. It’s not like he has any reason to lie. Just like everyone else, his magic seems to have been inexplicably changed so that he can’t hurt anyone, and no harm can be done to him.
For a mysterious goat being, he’s pretty opinionated and will talk about anything from fashion to dieting. Especially those two topics. He’s really big on yogurt and the benefits of probiotics. He's also a guacamole fiend and won’t eat breakfast anywhere that doesn’t serve avocado toast.
NAME:
Iris Silk
AGE:
22
SEX:
Female
APPEARANCE:
Iris has a number of features that would prevent her from being identified as a normal human, or even an esper. Being petite in build is not one of them, but her skin is as pale as snow, and she has several rows of eyes that go up her forehead and disappear behind her bangs. Her eyes are black with glowing red irises, and her teeth are the same off putting black color. Though most will notice the giant spider legs protruding out of her back before they notice any of that.Typically she wears a kimono with an obi, similar to a geisha. Though the colors are far darker and subdued, and have a spider web print on them.
Like many espers, her outfit was magically altered. Her heavy uniform was replaced with a black bikini with a web print on it. That was fine, but why did her weapon have to turn into a corn dog? She enjoyed feeding people, but not this much.
GRIMOIRE:
N/A
INSTRUMENT:
Huntsman (Platinum)
An odachi. Aside from being a large katana, the weapon has few other frills. Even with its recent transformation into a giant corn dog, little more is gleaned on a second glance.
WEAPON: Greatsword DAMAGE: D (Arcane) SPEED: B RANGE: B FEATURES:Extra Appendages 10
STYLE:
Black Widow (Platinum)
Black and purple look good on Iris.
STYLE TYPE: Heavy RESIST: D SWIFT: D SENTINEL: S FEATURES:Demonic Physiology 10
GENRE:
Orb Weaver (Gold)
Iris is capable of weaving arcane webs, and staying hidden, with her magic.
ELEMENT: Darkness CAPACITY: C (60) POTENCY: B EFFICIENCY: E MASTERED NOTES: Obfuscate, Intangible, Pull, Restrain, Heal, Damage X PROFICIENT NOTES: Purify, Dispel, Trap, Dynamo, Stablize, Puddle BASIC NOTES: Trail, AoE, Powerful, Quicken, Backfeed, Damage FEATURES:
Routine+ Damage X 4 Routine+ Heal 4
BACKUP:
Purseweb (Silver)
What else would Iris keep her gear in?
WEALTH: E (80 Credits) QUALITY: D STOCK: C LOADOUT:
FACTION: Maverick Alternative C WATCHER: Michodor, of the Shining Sea
TRIVIA:
Few monsters begin their stories in our world, and Iris is not different.
In a distant dimension in the elemental chaos is a humble little world like our own. Only it’s flooded with magic and most of the humans have been warped into other creatures. In particular, the people of Japan have been turned into yokai. Periodically a curse spreads across the land that causes these transformations, and it’s almost impossible to predict them or even protect oneself from the transformations that follow. Some are able to retain their humanity, but all are transformed physically and mentally. These curses cause huge power shifts and stunt the country’s growth as civil wars break out. Harmonious Nippon returns to the dark ages as creatures do battle for dominance.
The fighting didn’t bother Iris at first. She was plenty strong, and had far more friends in her clan of Tsuchigumo, or earth spiders. Doing well by them and surviving with them gave her greater purpose. She would even cook for them, despite having aspirations above being a lowly maid. But food made everyone happy, and that made her happy.
Unfortunately the fighting would only get more intense. One by one the Tsuchigumo would die or leave, going elsewhere to find a more prosperous or less dangerous place to live. There were only two of them left at one point, and when her last friend died, it became apparent that there was no reason to stay in Nippon. Maybe she could come back some day, but right now she just wanted to find a way out.
And she did. She didn’t just leave the island, she left reality. Crashing a ritual sent her flying across the elemental chaos into this world. Everything was weak and Iris felt more powerful than she had in a long time, until she encountered her first esper. She survived the encounter, but it was clear this world had its own problems. Things weren’t that different otherwise. Other than the language, she understood how most technology worked. She learned when to keep her head down.
But she wouldn’t have to survive on her own forever. She encountered Billy black and was welcomed into his faction. She performed admirably for her inexperience, and she learned how to make pizza. It felt like her clan had been reunited, with everyone eating and fighting together for a common cause.
She had been left at a hideout to look after some fresh faces outside of Pax, but was called in when Maverick Alternative decided to team up with the GEMINI agents. Iris was there when they fought Big Tony, and was even the one to finally end him because the other players had vanished. It was dangerous, but her new clan was stronger than ever and she knew they wouldn’t be fractured so easily.
And now, she enjoys a vacation. Though she can’t help but feel the shark yokai has something nefarious planned…
An incomplete guide to SoM's many systems. There's enough here for a short adventure if not a full fledged RP
Beach Episode? Isn't that one of those stupid filler things that's just an excuse to see everyone in swimwear?
Whatever, sign me up I guess.
~Regina Bates
April's here.
Usually this would mean I'd host an RP that's too insane for anyone to join. However, this year I have something a little less experimental in mind. I've been working on revamping the game system in Symphony on High (SoH) for it's sequel, Symphony of Madness (SoM), and I have something that is sort of playable for a short RP.
If you're new here, welcome aboard. Symphony of Madness: Beach Trip (SoM:BT) is a small detour of an RP that takes place in the "Symphony of Espers" universe. It’s a supernatural RP that takes inspiration from ”darker” superhero and magical girl IPs such as Madoka Magica, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, Invincible, Watchman, Kingdom Come, and several others. It deals with themes involving enduring failure to reach success, living with your choices, keep moving forward, etc.
You will play an esper: a wielder of a powerful magical artifact that does battle with even more powerful monsters, other espers, and criminals. An esper is not some crusty old mage. They have peak human physical prowess, with some going beyond that.
However, things are going to be a little different this time around.
While Pax Septimus is usually a dreary place filled with mobsters, cultists, good and bad monsters, and unsavory espers, something weird has happened. an orange anthropomorphic shark man has placed a blessing (curse?) on the city of blood. It’s impossible for bad things to happen to anyone, as anything deadly is rendered non-deadly by Dan Daggernose's magic. An esper’s transformation now gives them appropriate “beach-like” wear with their weapons and magic being made less deadly. At a glance, it might seem like the city of blood’s problems have been solved, and the chain of violence has ended.
But are things really so simple?
I may be getting ahead of myself. For those unfamiliar with the setting, read on to learn more about it.
Note: This is the very short version. There’s a lot of smaller character stories that aren’t necessary to understand the setting but are still interesting. They will be omitted for brevity.
Pre SoE:
Pax Septimus is effectively a breeding ground for despair. The place is rife with monster activity, which is causing a lot of gangs and cults to spring up. There’s also an impossibly strong esper known as Iron Queen Penny who has taken to ruling over the city like a monarchy. Nobody wants to go near the place because it’s a sewer and you’ll likely die. Think Detroit, but just as bad as the memes. SoE:
A rouge esper known as Oros the Mad takes out Iron Queen. No one knows how she was killed or who did it, but everyone knows that it happened. Unfortunately this does not make things better. The tremendous power vacuum caused by her removal invites new factions to take her place. The government's GEMINI agents enter the city, along with a group of monster sympathizers known as Maverick Alternative. To make matters more confusing, freelancers also show up to offer their services to whoever pays more or their ideals align with. While they fight to reclaim the city, whatever Penny was trying to appease or keep at bay gains power in the shadows.
Another inciting incident happens when a vampire known as Justin Von Carnage appears and abducts a freelance esper. Both GEMINI and Maverick Alternative use this inciting incident to rally support, and the vampire in question appears to be a key member in a much larger organization known as The Hand.
SoE ends with a confrontation with Justin. Not all of the espers who face him survive, but Justin is slain and his organization, the Hand, is made a little weaker. But it’s clear they will all need to be removed from power to truly free Pax Septimus from its problems.
SoH:
Some time has passed since Von Carnage’s death. The city is worse off than it was, and things like random brainwashings and abductions are happening daily. On the plus side, the identity of The Hand’s other key members has been discovered and now the root of Pax’s problems can be removed.
There are a few minor complications, of course. The Hand is still trying to find ways to keep everyone against each other, but the realization that there’s such an insidious enemy in Pax Septimus is cause for GEMINI and Maverick Alternative to join forces to defeat this threat. And naturally, the Freelancers are on board with this as well. Everyone teams up to send the last members of The Hand packing. Everything culminates in a giant fight inside a luxury living complex. You've got dragons dropping people off on the top floor, guys on motorcycles storming the bottom, it's chaos.
After an epic fight that wore everyone down to their weakest, Oros the Mad showed up again. They had been waiting for this very moment so that they could swoop in, decapitate the leadership, and take control of the city for real this time. Only it’s extra complicated because they got backstabbed by a former GEMINI reasercher known as Sharr Webber, effectively making her a tripple crosser. She wants control of the city herself, and possibly something else.
Out of desperation, a pact is struck with one of the last two members of The Hand and Dan Daggernose shows up to make it so that nobody can hurt each other. End result, all the factions barely survive. Also, we learn that there are eldrich horrors that are trying to expand their influence across multiple dimensions. RP ends.
Now:
Dan Daggernose has turned Pax Septimus into the most peaceful city on earth. All espers are now reduced to summer versions of themselves sporting summerwear and summer props in place of their usual weapons. Similar effects have been used on all the monsters and it’s more or less impossible to harm anyone. Oros the mad managed to escape before he could enact his summer magic, as did The Hand and a few others. Though most of the cast is trapped in what could be an eternal beach vacation.
SoM:BT takes place in a fictional version of our world. While it looks mundane to most people, there are supernatural forces and energies that hide just out of sight. Monsters, espers, and everything in between often try to operate away from prying eyes. When things do go public, government cover ups and the public’s own desire to rationalize such events prevent it from escaping into the mainstream.
Espers are not born with their powers. They are drawn to areas that are heavily concentrated with mana. It is in these places that they locate a grimoire; a magical artifact that lets them use glamors. These glamors are what give them special powers. They can change their appearance, fortify their strength, grant them weapons, let them use spells, and possibly other supernatural powers. It still isn't clear if espers are a result of a bloodline, a DNA mutation, or simply the grimoires themselves calling out to their chosen warrior.
As soon as an Esper picks up their grimoire, their lives are changed forever. The young can imitate their favorite characters, the old can return to a prime they never had, and all can become heroes. But more than that, they become members of the supernatural world.
The espers are the stars of the show, and come from many walks of life. The rich, poor, young and old are all capable of becoming espers. Espers have to adjust their lives accordingly to make time for their new responsibilities. Most switch their jobs to monster hunting, but they still have connections to the mundane world. They must keep up appearances with their friends and family, spouses and children.
But espers aren’t alone. While espers are chosen by fate to wield great power, the magi have constructed their own artifacts to wield a different type of magic. These fellows are the ones more reminiscent of crusty old wizards.
On the less magical side, there are operators and suppliers that work to aid espers in a number of different ways. Espers may be the soldiers in the war against monsters, but they are backed by others who help maintain their equipment, training, quality of life, reputation, and a number of other conveniences.
Pax Septimus is a city located in North America somewhere in the middle of the east coast. During frontier era America there were many wealthy families who had moved in from England and Canada and lived there while the frontier continued to push into the west. With the harbor nearby, it became a hub for trade and still is today. It was a nasty place for slaves to live before the revolution, and during the 20-40's, more blood was shed when a mafia moved into the city. Pax Septimus is cursed; a city founded on blood.
Of course modern Pax Septimus does its best to not look that way. Its population density ranges well into the millions. The center of Pax is a bustling metropolis with a handful of skyscrapers, while the surrounding city is made up of much smaller buildings. There’s even a historic district where the art deco architecture has been maintained. Quite a few tourists stop by just to see it.
Sadly, like any densely populated area, there’s a fair bit of crime. The cursed city has yet to sate its appetite for blood.
At least, until the events of SoM:BT started. It’s hard to kill anyone with squirt guns.
Magic is a largely unknown thing. Magi have only recently been able to study it thanks to advancements in technology. There’s still so much they don’t know about it. What they have is an idea about magic called “memory theory.”
Memory theory states that mana is made in the brain while a human is alive and is released upon their death. There was some speculation that mana might have been proof that human souls exist, but this was later disproved when the levels of mana in people with forms of memory impairment made less mana over the course of their lives.
The more mana that’s in the atmosphere, the more likely it is for supernatural events to happen. This means more monsters, but also more espers to fight them. During the dark ages, there was barely enough mana to sustain more than a handful of espers at a time. But now with the world’s record population, there are espers wherever there are people.
Another odd thing about mana is that it can’t be consumed by anything but monsters. While an espers grimoire uses mana to activate, that mana is drawn in and expelled without actually being consumed. This is a bit of a problem, as it means that killing off monsters before they can feed enough prompts more and stronger monsters to show up. Yet letting them feed also increases the chance that they will cause a catastrophe and generate even more mana. Quite the conundrum.
Monsters are not a product of our world. They come from another dimension called the elemental chaos. It’s not clear if the elemental chaos is a single world or many. No one who has entered the elemental chaos has lived to tell the tale, and those few who have witnessed monsters enter our world have seen a glimpse of it through the portals they use. Burning glaciers, electrostatic smoke, and floating lava are all anomalies that have been observed. The more religious scholars believe the elemental chaos to be hell, or even heaven in some instances. Some have been able to glimpse more tranquil scenery. Floating islands and other pleasant, yet surreal vistas also make up the elemental chaos. Like with mana, there is still much to be learned.
Monsters feed on the ever growing supply of mana in this world. But this can be the start of a vicious cycle. While all humans release mana when they die, they release far more when they are feeling negative emotions. Like any good farmer, hungry monsters will cultivate their crop for a good harvest. These eldritch creatures remain hidden and spread despair. The less patient ones might be content to start a mass shooting by driving someone mad, while the more careful and methodical ones will hold out for something bigger. They are bearers of plagues, wars, and cataclysmic events. Some monsters are harmless and even good natured, but no monster can get by without eating mana.
Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, from giant kaiju to small rodents. While some have a humanoid appearance, they are different enough to never be mistaken for one. While some use magic to take the appearance of humans, their true forms have oddly colored skin or are too big to be real. It’s not uncommon for them to have human level intelligence, but many monsters are little more than thralls or pets, willing to attack at their master’s command.
Perhaps the most disheartening thing about monsters is their near immunity to physical harm. Not only that, but their attacks rip through the most advanced armors available. This is why espers are dispatched to deal with monsters, as they are one of the few things that are able to harm them and resist their attacks.
The danger a monster poses to the public is often indirect. A monster will seldom try to execute a group of people themselves. They will drive people mad, spread disease, but will rarely kill a human with their own hands.
A monster’s presence can also lead to gangs, cultists, and even the mafia showing up in an area. Crime rates tend to soar, as well as the presence of mania of the general populace. Sometimes it gets so bad that the local police force can’t handle it, and espers are asked to assist with the cleanup.
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to the monster conundrum. Kill them, and the growing mana supply invites more monsters. Spare them, and invite despair into the world.
Should the world’s mana levels get too high, it could attract something to this world that even the espers aren’t equipped to fight: an eldritch horror.
All player espers in SoM:BT serve one of the three main factions. Depending on who your esper serves depends on their view of the monster problem as well as who their allies are.
G.E.M.I.N.I. stands for “Government Esper and Monster Intelligence and Neutralization Initiative,” and is North America’s government run esper unit. It’s their job to slay monsters wherever they hide, as well as learn what they can about supernatural phenomenon. The US believes that the eradication of all monsters is the only sensible option, and that advancements in technology will eventually allow them to manage the growing mana problem. As you can imagine, there are a few rare exceptions to their “kill all monsters” rule. Monsters that show an interest in cooperating with the government and prove more beneficial than harmful are closely monitored instead of exterminated. They don’t get along with Maverick Alternative, and will attack espers that are known to be from that faction on sight.
GEMINI Agents tend to wear darker colors. Usually formal outfits, but sometimes something closer to a military uniform. Their clothing is neat and tidy, as their kind are trained and disciplined. Usually.
The head of the initiative isn’t known, but Veronica is an up and coming researcher who’s been put in direct control of all GEMINI agents operating in Pax Septimus. Espers working under her can expect to frequently go out of their way to eliminate monsters and collect samples for her research. Occasionally she will dispatch her assistant “Binky” to do work too fine for a normal esper’s hands. Provided she hadn’t been kidnapped.
Maverick Alternative has been labeled by the government as a terrorist organization, but they choose to view themselves as pragmatic heroes of the new age. They do not have faith in the government’s ideas, viewing GEMINI agents as bullies at best and murderers at worst. The mavericks choose the alternative route and try to spare as many monsters as they can. Monsters that choose to behave have to agree to some ground rules before they move into Maverick Alternative’s base. This doesn't make them idle pacifists. Even if they offer monsters another way, a great deal of them still choose a life of menacing humans. But even if they can’t reason with every monster, getting monsters to eat mana helps resolve the mana crisis now. More humans may suffer, but better than summoning an eldritch horror.
Mavericks dress like punks, rock stars, gypsies, and other social outcasts. If you feel like an esper would describe their clothing choice as “non-conformist” they are likely a Maverick. Hair gel, hair dye, motorcycles, and showing skin are also clear marks of Mavericks.
Heading Maverick Alternative is Billy Black, a larger than life man who’s always wearing a gas mask. He’s also a monster. Some view the espers he commands as misguided souls that have simply given into wicked magics, but the truth is that everyone who serves him does so willingly. Those who work for Billy can expect to go on “monster recruitment” missions and quell events that may or may not have been started by monsters. While monsters enjoy human suffering, some humans bring it upon those around them. Billy is also assisted by a few lieutenants: Esper fem fatales that can run operations on his behalf.
The Freelancers acknowledge the presence of the two other factions, but don’t participate in their feud. Their feelings about how to best deal with the mana problem are as varied as they are. Freelancers usually focus on keeping the mundane world in check, and only engage monsters if they are being a menace. They do not aim to anger either of the other two factions, as they might like to be hired by them at some point. Both GEMINI and Maverick Alternative put out bounties that any freelance esper with the “Shimr” app can take on.
There’s no wrong way to dress as a freelancer, though they do tend to avoid dressing up like other factions to avoid getting brutally murdered over a silly misunderstanding.
The freelancers have no leader, or rather their leader is the Shimr app. They ultimately decide who and what they’re going to do on their own. There are some ‘leaders’ in the freelance community, but they are more aspirations or rivals than anything else.
There isn’t enough information available to say much about this faction of monsters. They’re entrenched in Pax Septimus and have access to a lot of resources. They are believed to be responsible not only for the Holy Diver’s appearance in Pax, but the Iron Queen’s initial reign.
What espers do end up working for them are “Dark Web” espers: Freelance espers motivated by profit above all else. The despair their common man suffers at their hands matters not as long as they can wipe away the tears with their ill-gotten cash.
Since the end of SoH, only “Book Man” and his mysterious overseer Glex remain. It’s unclear if they are going to disband or rally, but they are strangely absent from Pax Septimus as of late.
The Vatican has their own personal esper unit. While the strongest of their ranks protect the pope, they do occasionally send out “missionaries” to offer relief and spread the gospel. Their view on the monster issue is unique in that it bypasses any scientific attempt to look at the problem. Magic is simply the presence of miracles, and monsters are either angels or demons. The difference between the two is that angels have an “angelic” appearance and aren’t opposed to working with the Inquisition. Do be aware that some “angels” are more biblically accurate than others.
Espers of the cloth tend to look like priests, nuns, crusaders, and other such folks.
The Inquisition considers itself a servant of god and the pope, but the one who really calls the shots is Raphiel the Righteous Hearted. Anything that might pose a threat to his religion or the goodness of the world must be eradicated post haste.
The depraved are not a real faction. It is a title given to espers who are marked for death. They have done something so heinous that all the other factions want to kill them.
This usually works by making enemies of the government as well as the mavericks. Once they both put a bounty on your head, it’s only a matter of time before the freelancers are there to collect. Though upsetting the freelancers en masse can also have this effect. Once the freelancers are up in arms over whatever happened, GEMINI and Alternative will both be gunning for you to earn their favor.
Depraved do not live very long. The ones that do only survive because they have frightening powers or are very reclusive.
Every esper has a magical artifact called a grimoire. You can’t be an esper without one. More info on this can be found in the DoCS VERII // BETA.
Q: Is this RP a joke?
A: No, it really is a continuation of Symphony on High. Have a look if you want to see what the RPs have been like up until now.
That said, this RP is very much a filler RP. Aside from resolving the appearance of Dan Daggernose, this RP is really just an excuse to play around in Pax Septimus before I open it up again for real later.
Q: How long is a “short” RP?
A: I plan on running SoM:BT for three-ish months. Due to the short time window, please post regularly. I’m not the sort of GM that waits for everyone to post. If you plan on going on a hiatus two weeks into the RP you’ll probably save yourself some trouble by waiting this one out. The "real" one will start up quite a bit later.
Q: My esper form needs beachware?
A: Anything that is summer suited. I’m expecting most people to join with swimsuits, but summer dresses, shorts and a life vest, anything like that is acceptable. I’m also not a stickler for art, so you can just app a character with their “normal” appearance if you don’t want to bother going picture hunting.
Q: When’s the "real" RP dropping?
A: Probably next year. Maybe the one after that. We'll see what happens.
Q: When does my character get stronger? Can I change my glamors/notes after character creation?
A: Normally there are rules for this, but given the short duration of the RP there likely won't be an opportunity to grow your esper's abilities. App the character you want to play, the nerdy stat stuff was always just there to regulate powers and spell usage.
Q: PvP?
A: In SoM:BT? A possibility, but extremely unlikely.
Q: Can we play as the Inquisition?
A: Yes. They were introduced in SoH when Raphael the Righteous Hearted came to Pax Septimus after hearing about what happened to an old friend of his. Raphael has since left Pax, if only momentarily, but other espers from the Holy See have remained.
Q: Does our faction grade always start at F?
A: For many new players/characters it will. Most returning characters will get an E or D to represent their faction's appreciation of their past achievements. Unless it's Himiko, she's going to be G or H if we see her again.
Q: Since this is a short RP, would it be better to make a one off character or one that could last into the next RP?
A: Older characters will always have an advantage, so I would recommend making a character you can enjoy playing for a while. New and old characters stand on equal footing in terms of how strong they are as espers, but older characters will always have more connections and opportunities due to being in the world longer.
~ Metagaming, godmodding, and the like are prohibited.
~ AI writing is also prohibited.
~ AI images, while not prohibited, are discouraged. You don't want your character to look like Dan Daggernose, do you?
~ Keep OOC drama as low as possible. If you have an issue, try to settle it in PMs. Should you need the GM, I frequently log into discord and check my PMs daily. You’ll have a response within twenty-four hours most of the time.
~ If it's been a week since your last IC post without any word from you, the GM may take control of your character. They may not be there for you to take back if/when you return. To prevent this, please notify me if you won't be able to post for an extended period of time, or lose interest in the RP. Common courtesy.
~ You get one character.
~ SoM:BT is a goofy RP, but the setting deals with dark themes/undertones. We try not to veer into total edge. Posts are expected to follow Guild guidelines. That means no gratuitous violence, and fade to black where appropriate.
That's six. I'll have the thread proper up over the weekend. I'm putting the finishing touches on a guide to build your espers and making sure the rest of the material doesn't have too many typos. We still have room.
This looks exceptionally stupid.
I guess I'll join.
Yea u betta qt
Achoo.
Gesundheit.
So who is going to win the contest to make the biggest sand castle, I'll throw my summer hat into the ring.
You cannot fit your hat in the ring, especially if a finger is already in it.
Also I totally didn't edit this in after the fact.
I think I've got an idea in mind for this! Sounds interesting!
Oh cool! we pulled the GM of Worlds Collide somehow! I thought you looked familiar. I peaked that thread a few times. Most multiverse superhero RPs of that nature have struggled with holding together. Glad it's still kicking under your care.
Name: Thalia “Oros of Shock & Awe” Alvoy, Thinking Thalia, Thalia of the glowing pond, Thalia the great, Thalia the conqueror, Vixen of Penrose, Thalia’s mom ain’t the one who’s got it goin’ on, Frankie
Gender: Female, we hope
Appearance:
(Clickable, if you want a closer look. You know you want to, you nasty pervert.)
Pilot Type: Experienced
Age: The original was in her 30s, but this one is, well, “physically younger.”
Background Potentials:
FlashRainbow In The Dark: There’s no kill quite like overkill. Thalia’s Framewerk has two additional primary weapons (for a total of five) and all of her weapon systems have a wider area of effect, deal damage one level higher than her weight class, and can be fired without line of sight or into the midst of allies without loss to accuracy, but with the chance of hitting her allies. In other words, no downsides. Illegal upgrades really are the best.
She can power up her five weapons and use them all at once in an area where she absolutely does not want anything to live. Though there’s a 1d10 chance she could jam/damage one of her weapons by pushing them so hard, which increases by +1 the more frequently she uses this feature of RitD in a single battle.
Clone: While Thalia pretends to be the original, the truth is that she was a test tube baby, cloned from the legendary pilot Thalia Alvoy. After a tragic accident involving the original, her parents cloned their most prized possession. Due to her innate high skill, She has one more Secondary System, and may operate her Framewerk as if its weight class was one level lower.
But being a clone has created a lot of uncomfortable situations. A clone is not the original after all. All of her relationships are strained, especially those with her fellow pilots. She even has “flashbacks” from time to time. Though she especially dreads meeting her again.
Genetically Engineered: Turns out the original Thalia was a genetically enhanced super soldier, with the genes of a fox spiced in. She has greatly enhanced reaction times and the physical strength and agility to make the most of it. This gives her access to an additional Secondary system and gives her the ability to use her chosen sidearms. Yes, her massive swords.
Because she doesn’t have enough head problems, this also makes her more aggressive, further complicating missions and her relationships.
Perks:
Enhanced No Uniform: If Thalia was going to be remade, it was only natural that she was going to need a uniform to matched her majesty. And majestic it is. Rather than some lame plug suit that some exhibitionist might strut around in, Thalia literally walks around half naked, as that accomplishes the same thing while also being easier to manage. Thalia’s flesh is already far more robust than those plug suits anyway, and keeps her at the peak of comfort. Some enhanced suits come with a video game, but Thalia’s lighter load out lets her carry around several swords, which are much more useful (and menacing) when dealing with her fellow pilots or amusing herself.
Money: The Alvoy family has ties to old money, intermingling with the Rockerfellers, Zuckerbers, Musks, and Bezos of the modern age. In short, Thalia is rich, with plenty of credits to spare. Anything she comes in contact with that can be made better absolutely is. From the food she eats to the bed she sleeps in, it's all the finest quality. This includes her swords, which are made out of hardened Carbonox and have a quick-draw mechanism that makes swinging from the sheath similar to using a Framewerk Stake Driver. The kinetic swing is so fast and potent that the Carbonox blade heats up and cooks/melts away whatever it cut through, provided it gets stained with anything.
And of course, no rich girl goes anywhere without some hired muscle at her side. Be it to protect her on and off missions or to manage her Framewerk's upgrades. Thalia is always accompanied by her android companions Bob, Tim, and Dave, which are modeled after a bunny, ferret, and owl respectively. Though she refers to them collectively as the three stooges. Additionally, money has allowed such a person with clear stability issues to be part of such an important project. If money can fix it, by god, there’s nothing her parents aren’t willing to spend it on for their daughter’s clone.
Memento: Woops, rolled this too many times.
Social:
Personality: The original Thalia was a confident, charismatic gal that could capture the hearts of humanity with a few well spoken words. Her beauty was worth fighting over, her wit admired, and her every achievement for mankind was cherished.
This Thalia is constantly being measured up to that one, and it shows.
Rather than cutely stuttering and buckling her knees like a classic tsundere, she’s more likely to react aggressively. If someone challenges her, they need to be taken down a peg. If someone feels sorry for her, they clearly think she’s weak and need to be avoided, or corrected. If she’s commanded to do something mid combat, it’s merely a suggestion. Who would tell the great Thalia Alvoy how to win a battle when she’s won so many by herself? Outright disrespecting her is something that needs to be dealt with swiftly and with extreme violence. Only admiration from her peers is allowed. Excellence is expected of her, failure makes her lesser than the original, and so all criticism needs to be directed at any other forces at work. Otherwise, well...
Also she really likes eyes. Looking at them, drawing them, rolling them in her hand, licking them, and eating them. A cool party trick is to freeze them in ice cubes and use them in her drinks. Thalia also likes drinking as well. While the original had Oculolinctus as well this Thalia has taken it a lot further. Then again, given what happened to the old Thalia and why, this sudden "quirk" may have shown up as a result of trying to suppress her other urges.
Background: For those gifted with reading comprehension, it’s probably become evident that Thalia is not the original, and that the original was something truly special. But what happened? How did such a gifted pilot die? As the case usually is, it started with love.
While Thalia had a reputation as being something of a one woman army, the truth is that she had many dutiful mechanics that helped keep her Framewerk in order. Though none were as dutiful as Penny. Despite being a hardened killing machine, Thalia’s heart longed for something, and she found it in this cyborg mechanic. Aside from her love of Framewerks, there didn’t appear to be anything off about her. Penny wasn’t a bad pilot herself, and Thalia had come to rely on her in combat a few times. But like most couples, they were looking for a way to spice up their relationship, and decided to do something risky. The following event will forever be known in infamy as the Scorgasm Catastrophe.
It was a simple game. They were to get inside their Framwerks and shoot explosives at each other. There was a score system and everything. They took turns lobbing explosive payloads at each other with the goal being to stand as close as they could to an explosion without getting hit by any debris. Initially they started out easy. Both Framewerks were stationary and it was more a game of chicken to see who would move first. But over the weeks the game became more dangerous, with attacks becoming less predictable and an increased incentive to move close enough for the shrapnel to graze their framewerks. No one knows exactly what happened. Either a payload was a little too hot, or Thalia misjudged a distance, but her framewerk was obliterated by one of Penny’s attacks. The hero of humanity didn’t die gloriously in battle, but as an unforced error of the two lover’s making.
Naturally her parents were devastated, but there were plenty of heads promising to reverse this tragedy. And so Thalia was cloned. Everything was done to help the old Thalia catch up to the new one. Excessive school and training sessions, maturity boosters, live combat as soon as she could walk, whatever it took to get this cloned embryo up to where the original was. Nothing was too expensive, too disturbing, or too much to restore the life of Thalia Alvoy.
It’s rumored that the real reason the cloned Thalia Alvoy was put on this new project isn’t because of her parent’s desire to see her reclaim past glories, but to keep her as far away from Penny as possible, who alegedly has a great interest in the clone. She’s had something of a psychotic break since the accident, believing herself to be a queen or something. She’s even dating the CEO of Covington industries, likely for her ties to Framewerk manufacturing.
Missing People: Warm and caring Lothreen, the closest thing Thalia had to a true mother figure. She was one of the scientists working on Thalia, but allegedly she went missing a few months into the project.
Additional information:Mecha pilot Homelander go brrrrrrrrr.
Thalia’s Framewerks looks like, and pretty much is, a giant floating toaster. Power cord not pictured but present. Feather shown to emphasize the lightness of the frame.
Weight Class: Very Light, but not too light.
Framewerk Type: Backliner (Damage)
For B@B’s size, it hits with some pretty impressive force. Obviously there are larger artillery units that can lay down more impressive payloads, but B@B is a good skirmishes and duels. Her light frame and impressive arsenal make her excellent for hit and run tactics. Her breath of weapon systems means no target is truly safe.
- Moves as fast as a Super Light Framewerk and has firepower equal to a Light model. Though at medium to long ranges, her weapons hit hard enough to compare to a medium sized unit.
Primary Weapon Systems:
Passively, all of B@B's weapon systems have a greater AoE effect thanks to some very illegal and very expensive weapon modifications.
Arklight Thunder: B@B has a “power cord” that is capable of aiming and firing bolts of lightning. Very effective against energy shields, barriers, and electrical systems including ones found on a framewerk. Can also emit a nova of electricity to stun nearby targets for several combat rounds. Keep away from large bodies of water, like ponds or your mother’s tub.
Twin Elemental Cannons: Puts the pop in these poptart-looking projectiles. Fires a pair of target-seeking-tarts (missiles) out the top of the toaster. Can be fired like artillery or directly at a target if B@B is floating sideways. Causes a chemical explosion that does significant strawberry (heat) and/or blueberry (cold) damage to biological and mechanical targets.
Stake Driver Power Plug: Despite being a back liner, B@B isn’t defenseless in close quarters. The end of the power plug is made out of solid Carbonox and can be flung around like a flail. It also has powerful electromagnets that can be activated to give her swings some real oomph, tripping her already ludicrous power output. When overclocked, the kinetic energy delivered by a swing is so powerful it can create a “swing arc” that can damage targets that are caught up in it.
Slag Cannon: Along with the other toasty arments, Breakfast at Brittany’s can pop up some super heated tungsten to melt through even the heaviest of armors. It’s not for close quarters combat, but it can be fired much in the same way as her Elemental Cannons. She can even follow up a shot with another shot. Toast comes in pairs, after all.
Moonbreaker Railgun: A high-powered long-range weapon is hidden behind the Framewerk’s dial. It’s the most discreet weapon B@B has, despite being among the most powerful. B@B can freely snipe with her Anti-Battleship Armor Piercing rounds, which more or less ignore any sort of armor plating and can even penetrate a planet. If her opponents are lined up right, she can hit multiple targets with a single shot.
Secondary Systems:
Automated Targeting System -CODENAME- Endless Eclipse: With five weapons to choose from, why limit yourself to only using one attack per turn? With automated targeting, B@B can line up more shots in a shorter amount of time, or allow her pilot to take evasive maneuvers while still shooting. All without relying on RitD. EE is advanced enough to get a lock on the slipperiest opponents and target weaknesses in the strongest armors. This allows B@B to lead shots perfectly with dumbfire weaponry (such as it's Railgun) and lock on to the weakest parts of a larger framewerk's armor.
Stargazer Nebula: Without legs, B@B relies on extremely powerful magnets harvested from super-dense star systems to move around. Exactly the sort of thing Thalia prefers, because it sounds dangerous. Nebula allows B@B to hover off the ground and move to and from locations at great speeds, as well as freely spinning and twisting in any direction it desires. The cockpit floats inside the center of the Framewerk, which prevents the pilot from getting dizzy when performing extreme maneuvers. Additionally, the magnets can be used to alter the course of incoming projectiles, should B@B’s speed prove to not be enough to completely avoid them. Space travel is also doubly fast.
Henshin: Breakfast at Brittany’s can turn into a saucer. As in a plate with sunny side up eggs on it. It can fly around at remarkable speeds but only has access to two weapons. It’s Stake Driver (which now looks like a fork and knife) to attack things beside the saucer, and it’s Moonbreaker Railgun which it can fire directly below like an alien tractor beam of death.
You already know I'm interested, lol. Will be looking for a swimsuit for Marrie soon.
I know you're interested, but it's always good when the OGs show up to show their interest.
I'll try to make a CS for this, as I am interested to at least try it out.
A short term RP is pretty good for just playing around with stuff without committing hard to anything.
I'll put out a guide/character sheet in the RP thread proper once I get enough interest. V2 should be a bit more intuitive and balanced, in case you're looking at SoH. It's different, but not that different.
Beach Episode? Isn't that one of those stupid filler things that's just an excuse to see everyone in swimwear?
Whatever, sign me up I guess.
~Regina Bates
April's here.
Usually this would mean I'd host an RP that's too insane for anyone to join. However, this year I have something a little less experimental in mind. I've been working on revamping the game system in Symphony on High (SoH) for it's sequel, Symphony of Madness (SoM), and I have something that is sort of playable for a short RP.
If you're new here, welcome aboard. Symphony of Madness: Beach Trip (SoM:BT) is a small detour of an RP that takes place in the "Symphony of Espers" universe. It’s a supernatural RP that takes inspiration from ”darker” superhero and magical girl IPs such as Madoka Magica, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, Invincible, Watchman, Kingdom Come, and several others. It deals with themes involving enduring failure to reach success, living with your choices, keep moving forward, etc.
You will play an esper: a wielder of a powerful magical artifact that does battle with even more powerful monsters, other espers, and criminals. An esper is not some crusty old mage. They have peak human physical prowess, with some going beyond that.
However, things are going to be a little different this time around.
While Pax Septimus is usually a dreary place filled with mobsters, cultists, good and bad monsters, and unsavory espers, something weird has happened. an orange anthropomorphic shark man has placed a blessing (curse?) on the city of blood. It’s impossible for bad things to happen to anyone, as anything deadly is rendered non-deadly by Dan Daggernose's magic. An esper’s transformation now gives them appropriate “beach-like” wear with their weapons and magic being made less deadly. At a glance, it might seem like the city of blood’s problems have been solved, and the chain of violence has ended.
But are things really so simple?
I may be getting ahead of myself. For those unfamiliar with the setting, read on to learn more about it.
Note: This is the very short version. There’s a lot of smaller character stories that aren’t necessary to understand the setting but are still interesting. They will be omitted for brevity.
Pre SoE:
Pax Septimus is effectively a breeding ground for despair. The place is rife with monster activity, which is causing a lot of gangs and cults to spring up. There’s also an impossibly strong esper known as Iron Queen Penny who has taken to ruling over the city like a monarchy. Nobody wants to go near the place because it’s a sewer and you’ll likely die. Think Detroit, but just as bad as the memes. SoE:
A rouge esper known as Oros the Mad takes out Iron Queen. No one knows how she was killed or who did it, but everyone knows that it happened. Unfortunately this does not make things better. The tremendous power vacuum caused by her removal invites new factions to take her place. The government's GEMINI agents enter the city, along with a group of monster sympathizers known as Maverick Alternative. To make matters more confusing, freelancers also show up to offer their services to whoever pays more or their ideals align with. While they fight to reclaim the city, whatever Penny was trying to appease or keep at bay gains power in the shadows.
Another inciting incident happens when a vampire known as Justin Von Carnage appears and abducts a freelance esper. Both GEMINI and Maverick Alternative use this inciting incident to rally support, and the vampire in question appears to be a key member in a much larger organization known as The Hand.
SoE ends with a confrontation with Justin. Not all of the espers who face him survive, but Justin is slain and his organization, the Hand, is made a little weaker. But it’s clear they will all need to be removed from power to truly free Pax Septimus from its problems.
SoH:
Some time has passed since Von Carnage’s death. The city is worse off than it was, and things like random brainwashings and abductions are happening daily. On the plus side, the identity of The Hand’s other key members has been discovered and now the root of Pax’s problems can be removed.
There are a few minor complications, of course. The Hand is still trying to find ways to keep everyone against each other, but the realization that there’s such an insidious enemy in Pax Septimus is cause for GEMINI and Maverick Alternative to join forces to defeat this threat. And naturally, the Freelancers are on board with this as well. Everyone teams up to send the last members of The Hand packing. Everything culminates in a giant fight inside a luxury living complex. You've got dragons dropping people off on the top floor, guys on motorcycles storming the bottom, it's chaos.
After an epic fight that wore everyone down to their weakest, Oros the Mad showed up again. They had been waiting for this very moment so that they could swoop in, decapitate the leadership, and take control of the city for real this time. Only it’s extra complicated because they got backstabbed by a former GEMINI reasercher known as Sharr Webber, effectively making her a tripple crosser. She wants control of the city herself, and possibly something else.
Out of desperation, a pact is struck with one of the last two members of The Hand and Dan Daggernose shows up to make it so that nobody can hurt each other. End result, all the factions barely survive. Also, we learn that there are eldrich horrors that are trying to expand their influence across multiple dimensions. RP ends.
Now:
Dan Daggernose has turned Pax Septimus into the most peaceful city on earth. All espers are now reduced to summer versions of themselves sporting summerwear and summer props in place of their usual weapons. Similar effects have been used on all the monsters and it’s more or less impossible to harm anyone. Oros the mad managed to escape before he could enact his summer magic, as did The Hand and a few others. Though most of the cast is trapped in what could be an eternal beach vacation.
SoM:BT takes place in a fictional version of our world. While it looks mundane to most people, there are supernatural forces and energies that hide just out of sight. Monsters, espers, and everything in between often try to operate away from prying eyes. When things do go public, government cover ups and the public’s own desire to rationalize such events prevent it from escaping into the mainstream.
Espers are not born with their powers. They are drawn to areas that are heavily concentrated with mana. It is in these places that they locate a grimoire; a magical artifact that lets them use glamors. These glamors are what give them special powers. They can change their appearance, fortify their strength, grant them weapons, let them use spells, and possibly other supernatural powers. It still isn't clear if espers are a result of a bloodline, a DNA mutation, or simply the grimoires themselves calling out to their chosen warrior.
As soon as an Esper picks up their grimoire, their lives are changed forever. The young can imitate their favorite characters, the old can return to a prime they never had, and all can become heroes. But more than that, they become members of the supernatural world.
The espers are the stars of the show, and come from many walks of life. The rich, poor, young and old are all capable of becoming espers. Espers have to adjust their lives accordingly to make time for their new responsibilities. Most switch their jobs to monster hunting, but they still have connections to the mundane world. They must keep up appearances with their friends and family, spouses and children.
But espers aren’t alone. While espers are chosen by fate to wield great power, the magi have constructed their own artifacts to wield a different type of magic. These fellows are the ones more reminiscent of crusty old wizards.
On the less magical side, there are operators and suppliers that work to aid espers in a number of different ways. Espers may be the soldiers in the war against monsters, but they are backed by others who help maintain their equipment, training, quality of life, reputation, and a number of other conveniences.
Pax Septimus is a city located in North America somewhere in the middle of the east coast. During frontier era America there were many wealthy families who had moved in from England and Canada and lived there while the frontier continued to push into the west. With the harbor nearby, it became a hub for trade and still is today. It was a nasty place for slaves to live before the revolution, and during the 20-40's, more blood was shed when a mafia moved into the city. Pax Septimus is cursed; a city founded on blood.
Of course modern Pax Septimus does its best to not look that way. Its population density ranges well into the millions. The center of Pax is a bustling metropolis with a handful of skyscrapers, while the surrounding city is made up of much smaller buildings. There’s even a historic district where the art deco architecture has been maintained. Quite a few tourists stop by just to see it.
Sadly, like any densely populated area, there’s a fair bit of crime. The cursed city has yet to sate its appetite for blood.
At least, until the events of SoM:BT started. It’s hard to kill anyone with squirt guns.
Magic is a largely unknown thing. Magi have only recently been able to study it thanks to advancements in technology. There’s still so much they don’t know about it. What they have is an idea about magic called “memory theory.”
Memory theory states that mana is made in the brain while a human is alive and is released upon their death. There was some speculation that mana might have been proof that human souls exist, but this was later disproved when the levels of mana in people with forms of memory impairment made less mana over the course of their lives.
The more mana that’s in the atmosphere, the more likely it is for supernatural events to happen. This means more monsters, but also more espers to fight them. During the dark ages, there was barely enough mana to sustain more than a handful of espers at a time. But now with the world’s record population, there are espers wherever there are people.
Another odd thing about mana is that it can’t be consumed by anything but monsters. While an espers grimoire uses mana to activate, that mana is drawn in and expelled without actually being consumed. This is a bit of a problem, as it means that killing off monsters before they can feed enough prompts more and stronger monsters to show up. Yet letting them feed also increases the chance that they will cause a catastrophe and generate even more mana. Quite the conundrum.
Monsters are not a product of our world. They come from another dimension called the elemental chaos. It’s not clear if the elemental chaos is a single world or many. No one who has entered the elemental chaos has lived to tell the tale, and those few who have witnessed monsters enter our world have seen a glimpse of it through the portals they use. Burning glaciers, electrostatic smoke, and floating lava are all anomalies that have been observed. The more religious scholars believe the elemental chaos to be hell, or even heaven in some instances. Some have been able to glimpse more tranquil scenery. Floating islands and other pleasant, yet surreal vistas also make up the elemental chaos. Like with mana, there is still much to be learned.
Monsters feed on the ever growing supply of mana in this world. But this can be the start of a vicious cycle. While all humans release mana when they die, they release far more when they are feeling negative emotions. Like any good farmer, hungry monsters will cultivate their crop for a good harvest. These eldritch creatures remain hidden and spread despair. The less patient ones might be content to start a mass shooting by driving someone mad, while the more careful and methodical ones will hold out for something bigger. They are bearers of plagues, wars, and cataclysmic events. Some monsters are harmless and even good natured, but no monster can get by without eating mana.
Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, from giant kaiju to small rodents. While some have a humanoid appearance, they are different enough to never be mistaken for one. While some use magic to take the appearance of humans, their true forms have oddly colored skin or are too big to be real. It’s not uncommon for them to have human level intelligence, but many monsters are little more than thralls or pets, willing to attack at their master’s command.
Perhaps the most disheartening thing about monsters is their near immunity to physical harm. Not only that, but their attacks rip through the most advanced armors available. This is why espers are dispatched to deal with monsters, as they are one of the few things that are able to harm them and resist their attacks.
The danger a monster poses to the public is often indirect. A monster will seldom try to execute a group of people themselves. They will drive people mad, spread disease, but will rarely kill a human with their own hands.
A monster’s presence can also lead to gangs, cultists, and even the mafia showing up in an area. Crime rates tend to soar, as well as the presence of mania of the general populace. Sometimes it gets so bad that the local police force can’t handle it, and espers are asked to assist with the cleanup.
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to the monster conundrum. Kill them, and the growing mana supply invites more monsters. Spare them, and invite despair into the world.
Should the world’s mana levels get too high, it could attract something to this world that even the espers aren’t equipped to fight: an eldritch horror.
All player espers in SoM:BT serve one of the three main factions. Depending on who your esper serves depends on their view of the monster problem as well as who their allies are.
G.E.M.I.N.I. stands for “Government Esper and Monster Intelligence and Neutralization Initiative,” and is North America’s government run esper unit. It’s their job to slay monsters wherever they hide, as well as learn what they can about supernatural phenomenon. The US believes that the eradication of all monsters is the only sensible option, and that advancements in technology will eventually allow them to manage the growing mana problem. As you can imagine, there are a few rare exceptions to their “kill all monsters” rule. Monsters that show an interest in cooperating with the government and prove more beneficial than harmful are closely monitored instead of exterminated. They don’t get along with Maverick Alternative, and will attack espers that are known to be from that faction on sight.
GEMINI Agents tend to wear darker colors. Usually formal outfits, but sometimes something closer to a military uniform. Their clothing is neat and tidy, as their kind are trained and disciplined. Usually.
The head of the initiative isn’t known, but Veronica is an up and coming researcher who’s been put in direct control of all GEMINI agents operating in Pax Septimus. Espers working under her can expect to frequently go out of their way to eliminate monsters and collect samples for her research. Occasionally she will dispatch her assistant “Binky” to do work too fine for a normal esper’s hands. Provided she hadn’t been kidnapped.
Maverick Alternative has been labeled by the government as a terrorist organization, but they choose to view themselves as pragmatic heroes of the new age. They do not have faith in the government’s ideas, viewing GEMINI agents as bullies at best and murderers at worst. The mavericks choose the alternative route and try to spare as many monsters as they can. Monsters that choose to behave have to agree to some ground rules before they move into Maverick Alternative’s base. This doesn't make them idle pacifists. Even if they offer monsters another way, a great deal of them still choose a life of menacing humans. But even if they can’t reason with every monster, getting monsters to eat mana helps resolve the mana crisis now. More humans may suffer, but better than summoning an eldritch horror.
Mavericks dress like punks, rock stars, gypsies, and other social outcasts. If you feel like an esper would describe their clothing choice as “non-conformist” they are likely a Maverick. Hair gel, hair dye, motorcycles, and showing skin are also clear marks of Mavericks.
Heading Maverick Alternative is Billy Black, a larger than life man who’s always wearing a gas mask. He’s also a monster. Some view the espers he commands as misguided souls that have simply given into wicked magics, but the truth is that everyone who serves him does so willingly. Those who work for Billy can expect to go on “monster recruitment” missions and quell events that may or may not have been started by monsters. While monsters enjoy human suffering, some humans bring it upon those around them. Billy is also assisted by a few lieutenants: Esper fem fatales that can run operations on his behalf.
The Freelancers acknowledge the presence of the two other factions, but don’t participate in their feud. Their feelings about how to best deal with the mana problem are as varied as they are. Freelancers usually focus on keeping the mundane world in check, and only engage monsters if they are being a menace. They do not aim to anger either of the other two factions, as they might like to be hired by them at some point. Both GEMINI and Maverick Alternative put out bounties that any freelance esper with the “Shimr” app can take on.
There’s no wrong way to dress as a freelancer, though they do tend to avoid dressing up like other factions to avoid getting brutally murdered over a silly misunderstanding.
The freelancers have no leader, or rather their leader is the Shimr app. They ultimately decide who and what they’re going to do on their own. There are some ‘leaders’ in the freelance community, but they are more aspirations or rivals than anything else.
There isn’t enough information available to say much about this faction of monsters. They’re entrenched in Pax Septimus and have access to a lot of resources. They are believed to be responsible not only for the Holy Diver’s appearance in Pax, but the Iron Queen’s initial reign.
What espers do end up working for them are “Dark Web” espers: Freelance espers motivated by profit above all else. The despair their common man suffers at their hands matters not as long as they can wipe away the tears with their ill-gotten cash.
Since the end of SoH, only “Book Man” and his mysterious overseer Glex remain. It’s unclear if they are going to disband or rally, but they are strangely absent from Pax Septimus as of late.
The Vatican has their own personal esper unit. While the strongest of their ranks protect the pope, they do occasionally send out “missionaries” to offer relief and spread the gospel. Their view on the monster issue is unique in that it bypasses any scientific attempt to look at the problem. Magic is simply the presence of miracles, and monsters are either angels or demons. The difference between the two is that angels have an “angelic” appearance and aren’t opposed to working with the Inquisition. Do be aware that some “angels” are more biblically accurate than others.
Espers of the cloth tend to look like priests, nuns, crusaders, and other such folks.
The Inquisition considers itself a servant of god and the pope, but the one who really calls the shots is Raphiel the Righteous Hearted. Anything that might pose a threat to his religion or the goodness of the world must be eradicated post haste.
The depraved are not a real faction. It is a title given to espers who are marked for death. They have done something so heinous that all the other factions want to kill them.
This usually works by making enemies of the government as well as the mavericks. Once they both put a bounty on your head, it’s only a matter of time before the freelancers are there to collect. Though upsetting the freelancers en masse can also have this effect. Once the freelancers are up in arms over whatever happened, GEMINI and Alternative will both be gunning for you to earn their favor.
Depraved do not live very long. The ones that do only survive because they have frightening powers or are very reclusive.
Every esper has a magical artifact called a grimoire. You can’t be an esper without one. The new DoCS (Doctrine of Combat Supremacy) will be out when the RP goes live.
Q: Is this RP a joke?
A: No, it really is a continuation of Symphony on High. Have a look if you want to see what the RPs have been like up until now.
That said, this RP is very much a filler RP. Aside from resolving the appearance of Dan Daggernose, this RP is really just an excuse to play around in Pax Septimus before I open it up again for real later.
Q: How long is a “short” RP?
A: I plan on running SoM:BT for three-ish months. Due to the short time window, please post regularly. I’m not the sort of GM that waits for everyone to post. If you plan on going on a hiatus two weeks into the RP you’ll probably save yourself some trouble by waiting this one out. The "real" one will start up quite a bit later.
Q: My esper form needs beachware?
A: Anything that is summer suited. I’m expecting most people to join with swimsuits, but summer dresses, shorts and a life vest, anything like that is acceptable. I’m also not a stickler for art, so you can just app a character with their “normal” appearance if you don’t want to bother going picture hunting.
Q: When’s the "real" RP dropping?
A: Probably next year. Maybe the one after that. We'll see what happens.
Q: When does my character get stronger? Can I change my glamors/notes after character creation?
A: Normally there are rules for this, but given the short duration of the RP there likely won't be an opportunity to grow your esper's abilities. App the character you want to play, the nerdy stat stuff was always just there to regulate powers and spell usage.
Q: PvP?
A: In SoM:BT? A possibility, but extremely unlikely.
~ Metagaming, godmodding, and the like are prohibited.
~ AI writing is also prohibited.
~ AI images, while not prohibited, are discouraged. You don't want your character to look like Dan Daggernose, do you?
~ Keep OOC drama as low as possible. If you have an issue, try to settle it in PMs. Should you need the GM, I frequently log into discord and check my PMs daily. You’ll have a response within twenty-four hours most of the time.
~ If it's been a week since your last IC post without any word from you, the GM may take control of your character. They may not be there for you to take back if/when you return. To prevent this, please notify me if you won't be able to post for an extended period of time, or lose interest in the RP. Common courtesy.
~ You get one character.
~ SoM:BT is a goofy RP, but the setting deals with dark themes/undertones. We try not to veer into total edge. Posts are expected to follow Guild guidelines. That means no gratuitous violence, and fade to black where appropriate.
I mean I'm kind of using my idea, but maybe hearing about my idea will give you an idea for how to approach your own project.
Like you, I was kind of wondering what my next game was going to be like. All of my projects up to this point had been pretty safe and I had exhausted all of the "make a game in a weekend" ideas that I cared to do. While I was trying to decide what to make a friend of mine made the mistake of opening her mouth and saying she'd like to make a game. She's an artist that didn't know how to approach the software aspect, and I had already been using godot for a few months, so we decided we could form a team of sorts. She expressed an interest in making a visual novel, since it "probably wouldn't be too hard." It wasn't exactly what I wanted to program. I kind of had my heart set on something a little more interesting, like a platformer. But doing something as a team sounded cool so I got to work on figuring out how to work on that.
We needed a story, so I got to work on that. Mysteries are something that have always fascinated me, so I decided to do something with that. I knew I wanted it to be based in the the late 1800/early 1900's for the gumshoe vibes. I also knew I wanted it to include horror elements because the artist really likes horror. We kept talking and they kept insisting on making things as small as possible. I got the impression that they did not want to draw a ton of art assets. So we decided the game could take place in a single location, like an old castle in England, which would remove the need to draw many environments.
While I worked on the game and other coding projects I realized that I wasn't really sold on the game. I have faith in my writing, but it's not like visual novels are a genre I'm crazy about. It's not that hard to code and once I learned the Dialogic plugin existed most of the work was done for me. I wanted to make something more interesting, and with the artist's attention drifting more and more towards becoming a Vtuber, we talked about the game less and less. I don't begrudge anyone for changing their mind or losing interest in something. On one hand, I probably don't have an artist anymore. On the other, I can take the idea we started in any direction I want.
A few months ago I got in some game time and did some research on survival horror games. I'm not sure if you know what Blue Prince is, but it's effectively a Myst/Rogue-lite where you build an ever changing house over and over again with different floor plans to solve puzzles. The writing was excellent and while I did need a guide to complete the last few puzzles I did manage to invest 80+ hours into it. Once I experienced it, I knew I wanted to do a game like it. But I knew I couldn't do puzzles like the ones that were done in this game. Partially because they were very complex, and partially because they weren't really my cup of tea. Some of the clues are really out there.
My horror game research however brought me back to a game I had played a very long time ago. It was a clone of "Monster Maze," which puts the player in a "3d" maze where they have to avoid a T-Rex while getting to the exit. There's no sound, but you are given messages as you explore to let you know where the T-Rex is in relation to you.
"The T-Rex smells you."
"The T-Rex is coming closer."
"The T-Rex has spotted you!"
The messages were an attempt by the developer to make it less surprising so that you wouldn't get a heart attack from the T-Rex suddenly appearing on screen. Instead it causes this looming sense of dread as the T-Rex drifts closer and further away from you. Can you get away from them? Are you cornered? The T-Rex isn't scary, but it very much reinforces the idea that you're in a game of cat and mouse with this giant lizard. It's very low fidelity, and many of the missing comfort features make the game even scarier. You can't peak around corners. You have to step out into an intersection if you want to get a better look around. Your only indication of where the T-Rex is comes from some cryptic messages. You don't have a map, so you need to rely on your memory to navigate a maze that largely looks the same wherever you go.
I had my game idea.
You would play a detective. It would be a visual novel, but the castle where you look for clues/witnesses would be haunted, or perhaps stalked by the killer. So you'd have these avoid/chase sequences where you try to maneuver around the level and get to where you need to go. But what makes it kind of interesting is that our protagonist has some memory problems. He tends to forget or misremember things a lot. This is where the Blue Prince influence comes in. The map is actually created by the player. When they get to a part of the maze they haven't entered before, they will be shown some "memories" of the area and have to select one to progress. So instead of being a casual, yet tough puzzle game, it becomes more of an arcade experience. You're enemy isn't RNG or your resources, it's the thing that's following you. The more time you spend making choices, the more time your pursuer has to catch up to you.
I told the artist about it, and it did seem to make them more interested in the project again. Though I'll consider them interested in an official capacity if they ever draw something for the game again. Right now they're pretty busy with commissions. But more important than how they feel about the game is how I feel about it. At this point I'm willing to learn how to sprite better or draw for real if I have to.
I guess all this rambling is to say that when in doubt, go to your roots. It's important to realize that if this is your first time doing this it's going to suck or be kinda jank. But it'll turn out a lot better if it's something you're interested in or already have experience with. This game idea fits pretty squarely in my wheelhouse. I ran a murder mystery/trial RP for 5 years. I pretty much exclusively played horror games in my teenage years. There are going to be setbacks and it likely won't be as good as I hope it'll be, but it could be fun to play. At the very least, I'll learn something.
Look closely at your knowledge base. Consider basing a game off something you know well and merging something you're interested in with it. I can't tell you the number of devblogs I've followed where someone's cool game idea gets abandoned because the creator loses faith in it. They all want to make something new and revolutionary as their first game. Meanwhile some dude decides to make "A Game About Feeding a Black Hole" and releases it on steam about a month ago. It's grossed over half a million and everyone's rushing to make clones of his game. But when I look at it, I just see something akin to a low effort flash game I played 20 years ago.
For you in particular though, and I don't pretend to know you that well, you've participated in a lot of magical girl and Digimon RPs. Maybe find some way to fuse those two things? A creature collection game where you collect magical girls? Magical girls that do battle against each other and monsters with their own monsters?
"Oh so you can hear me!" This seemed to please Oros. "Well, you know, Acid Drop sent me away, so I figured it was important to stick by you. I thought there was going to be a little more room in here." She tried to turn her hand, but it was stuck in place. It reminded her of a few dojins she had read, but she knew she was in reality. Nothing interesting ever happens in real life unless you are Rei. "I’m not sure if there’s a whole lot I can do against a giant monkey or bone thing anyway. But I figured I could help you if something happens to get in here." She giggled.
The bird miseria and locusts clashed. One miseria opened its mouth and sprayed black bile over a swarm of insects. Another fell out of the sky, but wouldn’t hit the ground before the human-faced bugs had devoured every last piece of the bird. For a moment, it looked like the swarms may have been evenly matched, but then the bone giant’s maws cracked open again. More of the blasted undead birds joined their comrades and reinforced their numbers.
But then there was a distraction. Earth Shaker came in fast, and the undead creatures redirected to fight the approaching projectile. They were consumed in a bright expanding orb that swallowed everything it touched. The giga miseria continued to saunter forward, undeterred by the show of force. The orb of annihilation managed to swallow the bone giant’s heads and chest before collapsing back down. Its surface darkened and chipped by the attack, but not destroyed.
It could be harmed. It could be killed.
Then, something no one had seen the last golem do. The air was filled with a bubbling sound, like molasses trying to come to a rolling boil. Black bile oozed out of the seams of the giant, and then a waterfall of black acid fell from its many mouths like a waterfall. It sprayed its acid into the air, and it rained down on everything before it. The bile even had more undead bird miseria in it. They twitched to life and took off to begin fighting anew.
The giant wasn’t far from town now, but neither was the detention club from it.
Acid Drop’s choice to withdraw everyone’s emotions into herself was having an effect on the remaining nightmares. While the apes did not weaken, they weren’t getting any stronger. The smaller chimp-like nightmares were easy to dispatch, while the large gorilla-like nightmares were trickier to vanquish. The largest of them was so like a gorilla that he even had a silver back. Twice he attempted to attack Acid Drop and twice he was repelled.
After doing a head count, Acid Drop discovered that she had cleared out all but 25% of the apes. Though the ones that remained were far stronger, even if they had been wounded. Though the waking humans did not move. Without emotions, they had no desire to leave, and just looked at the ceiling. Among them were a few strange individuals. They did not look like local girls from Habusa Town. Had they been carried here? One of them was a familiar girl with pink hair and the other was unfamiliar girl who’s outfit was outrageous enough it could have belonged to a magical girl Though it also could have belonged to a delinquent fashionista.
Some Miseria started to come through the window, and were immediately attacked by the silverback. It effortlessly tore the bird creatures in half, and absorbed their energies. Miseria were just dark emotions, and dark magical girls were fueled by dark emotions. It made sense that their minions could drink their power and regain their strength, or at least, it made sense for Black Gate. The girl was so frail that all of her power had to be going to her nightmares. After the silverback feasted, it spread its wings. They almost stretched to the sides of the cafeteria. With a primal roar, The silverback pointed its wings at Acid Drop and started fired off its feathers. They soared through the air like hundreds of little daggers.
"But my dreams, they aren't as empty. As my conscience seems to be."
— Black Gate
Mr Banana did his best to deflect the blows. His hands were nearly indestructible, or at least not as indestructible as the rest of his body. Hizuki’s pointed spear was blocked by his palm, but stopped his charge in his tracks. He tried to grab her spear, but Hizuki spun, and her wings came for him. The first cut into his arm and face and dislodged a lens from his sunglasses, but he batted the follow up strike away from his head. Then she came for Mr Banana with her sword. Her first strike cut across his stomach, the second struck his shoulder, but the third found itself in his palm, and his fingers coiled around the blade and her hands before she could pull away. Something dark and inky could be seen through some of the openings in the patchwork ape, but it was still unclear what he was filled with. It was just apparent it wasn’t stuffing.
"Friends, that word means something different to everyone, doesn't it?" Mr Banana grinned.
"It does." Black gate hopped out of the monkey’s paw and onto his shoulder, and he extended his arms. Then he spun like a cyclone while Black gate held onto the back of his head. She still had the plush cat in her arms. "When I was a light girl, I had many friends. But now I see it’s just a title you give people you find useful. A lot of people find you useful, I imagine. But my original parents didn’t even want me."
The tropical fruit cyclone drifted into the school, and its demolition continued. It didn't matter if it was his fist or Hizuki that struck first, what was once a place for learning was quickly being stomped out. The cafiteria wasn't too far away now either. A dust plume had settled at the ground level, and between Mr Banana's spinning and earthquakes, the dust didn't have time to settle. "You spin me right round baby!" What was left of the school was dwindling with Hizumi's remaining time, but so was Mr Banana's costume.
[b][color=silver][center]
[img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/9bf0ab63-afe2-4637-aa10-6dc90db5fc8c.png[/img]
[h2]W I T H R I G H T E O U S H A N D S[/h2][/center][/color][/b]
[hr]
[i]Did you know that Dante's inferno is called a divine comedy because things work out for the protagonist? Back in the day, the only two genres were comedy and drama. The only difference was that in a comedy, the protagonist is better off at the end, and a drama is the opposite. So that's why a story about going through hell can still be considered a comedy, even if it's not funny.[/i]
[b][color=Silver]Name:[/color][/b]
[indent]Broken Promise, BP, Boss[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]Age:[/color][/b]
[indent]Old enough to know better, too young to care. (that is to say 30's)[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]Preferred RPs:[/color][/b]
[indent]I Prefer to make my own, but will occasionally join something if it looks interesting. I'll join just about anything so long as it isn’t overly edgy/sweet, though it's rare for me to do. I don't do 1x1s too often either.[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]Preferred Roles:[/color][/b]
[indent]I tend to play adorable characters everyone wants to befriend or proper assholes everyone wants to stay away from. I try not to play moral paragons or prime evils.[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]RP Conquests:[/color][/b]
[indent]I've completed quite a few RP's off site, but most of them are on private forums or have simply been lost to the ravages of server crashes. As for stuff here, I'm sure everyone who sees me post in the off topic sections has seen me find an excuse to talk about [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/157933-danganronpa-tower-of-carnage-finished/ic]Danganronpa: Tower of Carnage[/url]. It's a project that took over 4 years to complete and I feel pride not only for myself but all the wonderful people who helped make it enjoyable during its run. [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/173392-re-zero-the-high-council/ic]Re: Zero: The High Council[/url] Is technically my first, but it was just something I kind of took over and ended up ending the story after just six months. It finished, but eh...
Last RP I finished was [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/186698-symphony-of-espers/ooc]Symphony of Espers[/url] which turned out pretty good.[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]RP's in progress:[/color][/b]
[indent]For some reason I can't seem to stay away from [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/180148-darkest-before-the-dawn-a-cyoa-magical-girl-roleplay/ic]Ari's magical girl RP[/url], even if I'm not sure why I'm still in it.
As for my own projects, I'm doing [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/191774-symphony-on-high/ic]Symphony on High[/url] to continue the gigachad adventures of the espers in Pax Septimus.
[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]RP Graveyard:[/color][/b]
[indent]I've been pretty fortunate on this forum. I think I joined one when I first came on the site that didn't really do anything, and there are a few 1x1 things that didn't go anywhere. It's disappointing when an RP ends before it can be finished, but I've come to look at them as learning experiences.
And then there's that london magical girl RP, and that dark magical girl RP. I think I'm done joining magical girl RPs for a while.[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]Other interests:[/color][/b]
[indent]
[b]Videos[/b]
[indent]I watch a lot of educational videos on youtube. Usually as research for something I’m writing or purely because a topic interests me. I like channels like [url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsRtomD4twRf5WVHHk-cMw]Tier Zoo[/url] and [url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfJWct8jN1RpCuVWk3zHTA]Daryl Talks Games[/url], and I’ll also watch things like [url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJPFQdZwrOutnmSFYtbstA]Critical Drinker[/url] or [url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz1fTbwui7o5aDZ6W1dOLTQ]Literature Devil[/url] to deepen my understanding of story telling. Though I also like memes and jokes, to which I’ll find myself watching stuff like [url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6VugMZKRhSyzWEWA9W2fg]Sseth[/url], but usually find myself surfing through meme videos. I gotta work on that.
[/indent]
[b]Games[/b]
[indent]I have a rather long history of playing virtually every platformer to come into existence during the indie boom, as well as quite a few other indie games. I’ve played Meatboy, Binding of Issac, Gunvolt, Cuphead, Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt, Classic Metroid, Warcraft 3, Final Fantasy 7,8, and 14, Left 4 Dead, Shantae, Celeste, Danganronpa, God Eater, the list goes on. What I’ve played is kind of all over the place. I don’t play many games these days, I tend to pick things that look interesting and go on a decent steam sale.[/indent]
[b]Painting Minis[/b]
[indent]I do this in moderation. Otherwise, it's a pretty expensive hobby to start...[/indent]
[b]Music[/b]
[indent]I listen to everything, save most country/rap songs. I have too many favorites to name.[/indent]
[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]Personality:[/color][/b]
[indent]Not one to take life or the internet too seriously. Is only serious about writing well and having a good time.[/indent]
[b][color=Silver]People to Insult:[/color][/b]
[indent]Dalton is a Dingus.[/indent]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/9bf0ab63-afe2-4637-aa10-6dc90db5fc8c.png" /><br><div class="bb-h2">W I T H R I G H T E O U S H A N D S</div></div></font></span><br><br><hr class="bb-hr"><br><br><span class="bb-i">Did you know that Dante's inferno is called a divine comedy because things work out for the protagonist? Back in the day, the only two genres were comedy and drama. The only difference was that in a comedy, the protagonist is better off at the end, and a drama is the opposite. So that's why a story about going through hell can still be considered a comedy, even if it's not funny.</span><br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Name:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">Broken Promise, BP, Boss</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Age:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">Old enough to know better, too young to care. (that is to say 30's)</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Preferred RPs:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">I Prefer to make my own, but will occasionally join something if it looks interesting. I'll join just about anything so long as it isn’t overly edgy/sweet, though it's rare for me to do. I don't do 1x1s too often either.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Preferred Roles:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">I tend to play adorable characters everyone wants to befriend or proper assholes everyone wants to stay away from. I try not to play moral paragons or prime evils.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">RP Conquests:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">I've completed quite a few RP's off site, but most of them are on private forums or have simply been lost to the ravages of server crashes. As for stuff here, I'm sure everyone who sees me post in the off topic sections has seen me find an excuse to talk about <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/157933-danganronpa-tower-of-carnage-finished/ic">Danganronpa: Tower of Carnage</a>. It's a project that took over 4 years to complete and I feel pride not only for myself but all the wonderful people who helped make it enjoyable during its run. <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/173392-re-zero-the-high-council/ic">Re: Zero: The High Council</a> Is technically my first, but it was just something I kind of took over and ended up ending the story after just six months. It finished, but eh...<br><br>Last RP I finished was <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/186698-symphony-of-espers/ooc">Symphony of Espers</a> which turned out pretty good.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">RP's in progress:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">For some reason I can't seem to stay away from <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/180148-darkest-before-the-dawn-a-cyoa-magical-girl-roleplay/ic">Ari's magical girl RP</a>, even if I'm not sure why I'm still in it. <br><br>As for my own projects, I'm doing <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/191774-symphony-on-high/ic">Symphony on High</a> to continue the gigachad adventures of the espers in Pax Septimus.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">RP Graveyard:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">I've been pretty fortunate on this forum. I think I joined one when I first came on the site that didn't really do anything, and there are a few 1x1 things that didn't go anywhere. It's disappointing when an RP ends before it can be finished, but I've come to look at them as learning experiences.<br><br>And then there's that london magical girl RP, and that dark magical girl RP. I think I'm done joining magical girl RPs for a while.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Other interests:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent"><span class="bb-b">Videos</span><br><div class="bb-indent">I watch a lot of educational videos on youtube. Usually as research for something I’m writing or purely because a topic interests me. I like channels like <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsRtomD4twRf5WVHHk-cMw">Tier Zoo</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfJWct8jN1RpCuVWk3zHTA">Daryl Talks Games</a>, and I’ll also watch things like <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJPFQdZwrOutnmSFYtbstA">Critical Drinker</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz1fTbwui7o5aDZ6W1dOLTQ">Literature Devil</a> to deepen my understanding of story telling. Though I also like memes and jokes, to which I’ll find myself watching stuff like <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6VugMZKRhSyzWEWA9W2fg">Sseth</a>, but usually find myself surfing through meme videos. I gotta work on that.</div> <br><span class="bb-b">Games</span><br><div class="bb-indent">I have a rather long history of playing virtually every platformer to come into existence during the indie boom, as well as quite a few other indie games. I’ve played Meatboy, Binding of Issac, Gunvolt, Cuphead, Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt, Classic Metroid, Warcraft 3, Final Fantasy 7,8, and 14, Left 4 Dead, Shantae, Celeste, Danganronpa, God Eater, the list goes on. What I’ve played is kind of all over the place. I don’t play many games these days, I tend to pick things that look interesting and go on a decent steam sale.</div><br><span class="bb-b">Painting Minis</span><br><div class="bb-indent">I do this in moderation. Otherwise, it's a pretty expensive hobby to start...</div><br><span class="bb-b">Music</span><br><div class="bb-indent">I listen to everything, save most country/rap songs. I have too many favorites to name.</div></div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">Personality:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">Not one to take life or the internet too seriously. Is only serious about writing well and having a good time.</div><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="silver">People to Insult:</font></span><br><div class="bb-indent">Dalton is a Dingus.</div></div>
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