ERode

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

_@Asuras

“Majority of the city’s civilian populace had already been evacuated a couple months back,” Tux replied, waving away whatever heroic concerns Annabelle. “And Beacon’s still got the numbers to handle the situation, with assistance from other benign magicals.” Or well, that was the hope. Though the Shadow Unit had ramped up its recruitment practices recently, they were still pitifully undermanned. Experienced magical girls weren’t going to give up regular payment for something as noble as government work, after all, while it was always difficult discovering locations of Puchuu contracts. Big Sis had the intuition for it, but that was her ‘talent’ alone; the rest had about as much luck digging for gold in the desert.

“Haven’t had the chance to extensively test their security, but monsters showing up nearby their HQ may cause them to recall their patrols instead. Might be more trouble than it’s worth.” The masked girl pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail, evidently tired of her hair being plastered against her face. “Mission’s got three objectives. In order of importance…Beacon has a surveillance network that, at minimum, covers the city of Penrose. Getting access to that would benefit our future operations the most. They’ve also got a teleportation system set up; getting a blueprint of how that’d work could put an end to all this travelling. You two should have been briefed on incident in Ethiopia, yes? We’re looking for information on their ‘super weapon’.”

Tux coughed a couple of times. More water would have been good, but she had already moved onto the ‘pose coolly on top of a building overlooking their target’ segment of the mission, and couldn’t find it in her heart to backtrack.

“If everyone’s been keeping quiet, Beacon shouldn’t know a thing about us. They’re working against monsters and the corrupted, but that doesn’t mean they’re working for humanity. Not if they’re run by Puchuus, at least.” Creepy little mascot lifeforms, the lot of them. “And I’ve been around for a week. Ever since word of the lich incident got out. Now…”

Really was getting cold. She clenched her fists a couple of times, getting back some circulation.

“Let’s get started. Valentine, you lead. Annabelle, follow up. I’ll watch our backs.”

_{@BrokenPromise@Majoras End}

"I'm new!" Myria chirped, humming happily now that Veronica promised something interesting to get back at that rancid basement-dwelling magical bitch with. "And Fine's old!"

Fine smiled, bemused. "Mimoku picked her up a couple months back; she's been a hassle ever since. Works hard though. Gets in over her head often."

"I do not! Those were...tactical scouting missions."

"Your wet underwear speaks otherwise."

The car almost missed a turn as Myria wheeled around, embarrassed and furious. Her magical instincts kicked in though, and the car drifted on rainwater instead, a fine mist splashing upwards as it did so. "That was from the rain!"

The silver-haired dame shook her head, her smile retained. "Cute kid, really." She peered out the window, at the fluctuations of magical power and the shockwaves of force that caused sheets of rain to bend. "Looks like we're almost there."

"Yeah, you bunch want a dynamic entry, or should I just park like a normie?"

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

@Majoras End I think you're the only one who's not on the Discord, so here's a document that's now got a lotta lore Ari's came up with. This is all effective moving forward, so don't worry about retroactive taxation or whatever. If ya got questions or concerns, feel free to PM or just post hereeee.

World Beyond the Lexicon

Ey Blu, could you drop down the basic dorm layout under Dorm Assignments in the Character Tabs? For good ol' ease of access.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

_{@BrokenPromise@twave@Ariamis@Crusader Lord@Flamelord@FamishedPants@Platinumskink}

Amaryllis tensed for a moment, her own hand on her Sword as she watched Rachel. If the woman had tried to end Sophia’s life, she’d have been one arm short by now. But the restorative magics did their work, and the pirate queen lived, made whole by a punch to the gut.

“You have my thanks,” she spoke, catching the glistening coin. “Twice over.”

Lightning scarred the storm clouds, painting a dire image. Hyun Long had wrapped herself around the Flying Dutchman, the ghostly vessel groaning against the monstrous mass that clung to it. She hungered still, even as her body was riddled with countless wounds. Lightning and light, explosions and lacerations, all marked her form in a way that was pitiful rather than invigorating. They were winning the battle, but against who? Was this monstrous girl the one that terminated the Ascendancy’s raid with a single psychic blast? Her sin was simply that of a corpse-eater, an opportunistic scavenger in a warehouse full of the dead. Just like that fanged girl, so long ago.

They too, had deserved a chance.

Another arrived at the battlefield. Mariette, lit up by her own light magic, seared through the night to further bombard Hyun Long. Her assistance was reassuring against a monster, but now…

“Mariette! Place your trust in me and know that this situation will be resolved soon. The true perpetrator of this tragedy still remains unseen; utilize your efforts towards uncovering their hideaway instead!”

…she no longer wanted Hyun Long to die, even as her Sword rioted against such decisions. Denied again, of the meal that it could partake in? Against a creature that was more monster than human? Unacceptable! Her blood boiled under the phantom’s rage, but Amaryllis held strong, kicking off the ground and grabbing onto the anchor chain that swung in the tempestuous air. She scrambled upwards, closing the gap between herself and Hyun Long until she could clearly see where her humanoid body was.

It was almost funny, how quickly the scales tilted. Moments ago, she had been trying to get away from the hydra-girl, and presently, she was doing the exact opposite. Amaryllis's lips twitched into a slight smile.

Rusted roses bloomed and ivy buds emerged in the air around the Monster Queen, scattered by hot air and storm winds. Amaryllis’s heels clicked against the silvered bulbs as she landed right in front of Hyun Long, her hand resting on, but not grasping, her Sword. She breathed. In once. Out once.

“Do you hunger, Queen of Monsters?”

Her blood roared for blood, her Patron demanding tribute, demanding slaughter.

“Your mutations can no longer be overlooked, and Beacon will strive to cut you down, even if your sins are minor. Merely desecration of the dead, merely self-defence when attacked by others. But even though Horrors are just Horrors, every magical girl deserves a chance. To change, perhaps, or to atone. If you wish to stay who you are, even in death and resurrection, then refuse.”

Amaryllis reached out with her hand, opening her palm merely a foot away from Hyun Long.

“But if you wish to start over, to quell this hunger within you, then take this Coin. Use it. And grant yourself the opportunity to go down another path.”

The White Coin pulsated gently in the night and firelight.

“Do so, and I swear upon my Sword that none here will seek your death."

World Beyond the Lexicon

_{@Chezka@samakama@Matsuri@Relin}

Amongst the battered and the broken and the bruised, Kress was slightly confused as to why so many people came out of the battle looking like they've been run over by a horse. Was Professor Nyx's statement of how the 'test will help me determine the level of control you have with your mana in a combat scenario' really all that was needed for people to try to kill each other? The blue-haired youth frowned, his brow scrunched up in a vaguely unhappy manner. This definitely coulda gone poorly, huh? What would he have been forced to do if he hadn't been put up against the two most reasonable people in the class?

Probably something he'd regret. If the whole school term in Class C was like that, that was all the more reason to work hard enough to get out of it, right? Or maybe this was the norm for Avalice, what with its 5% graduation rate.

Kress shook his head, slapped some sense into his cheeks. He made it for another day. He should enjoy it. As a matter of fact, now that classes were over and the sun didn't look as if it was setting yet, it was just about time t-

"Today's been tiring for everyone; sorry, but it looks like we'll have to go see the arcane painters another day. Have a good evening."

Ah. Ahahaha. Yeah. Ok.

"Don't worry, s'all good. Tomorrow for sure then? Oh, and Yvaine! Misaiya, me, and Ankaa, the big woman over there, were thinking of checking out the Arcane Paints Club today! Obviously, we're postponing it now, but you should come with! Think it'll be cool to get a group painting and all." The spellsong was already leaving though, so Kress settled for energetically waving instead. Magical studies, and the promise of an outing. Maybe on a holiday, they could even go out clothes shopping in the metropolis of human civilization? Things to look forward to, for sure. The blue-haired youth made a conscious effort to think about happy things, and stepped off in search for his own dorm room. Another thing to look forward to, meeting his new roommates. Who definitely existed, because it'd be pretty sad if they didn't.

Kress pumped a fist as he neared Dorm C-C, hearing (un)friendly voices inside. That meant there were at least two who made the selection!

Swinging open the door, he waved at the two who were already in the process of getting their things together. The atmosphere felt a bit tense, and if he recalled properly, those two were totally lashing each other with their tongues during the morning but...first impressions didn't mean much. "Good evening," he chirped. "Mr. Varen and Lady Blumenthal, right? I'm Kress, nice to meetcha. Hope we all get along for the short amount of time we're here!"

World Beyond the Lexicon

So...we're actually just the garbos who stayed in Class C, rather than being gifted the opportunity to leave it. Welp.

WitchBlood

Mmm, after some thinking, I won't be joining after all. Best of luck y'all.

Arknights - Project Neptune

Thrones grunted in Vlad's direction, willing the buzz of her brain to go away. Tech companies always liked to do their tests, huh? Made some sense at least. It'd be a nightmare to handle real-life simulations involving squads of machinegunners and casters capable of leveling buildings. Just a little blood too. She pulled out a packet of tissues from her pockets, jamming a couple sheets up her nose.

"Understandable," the Sankta spoke, jamming her hands into her pockets once more. With the meeting concluded and clearance granted, she set off through the hallways of Vindsvair. Movement brought forth some stability to her posture, and a purpose kept her mind grounded. Her elbrow rubbed against the walls as she walked, eyes flickering over the facades. No arrows, but there was a console there, activating as she neared it to show a holographic display of the Vindsvair's interior. Routes were simple enough. She leaned her skull against the wall, took a breath, and continued on.

Her blood was rioting against her now. Wouldn't have been so bad if she'd held back during the simulation. If she'd known that it was impossible to beat, she wouldn't have strained herself so. Whatever. New things learned: Retra Corp's made up of Trekkies.

The observation balcony neared, and Thrones ran the last stretch of the way, practically collapsing against the rails as she hurled out the contents of her stomach. Half-digested pastries mixed with bile fell down, before scattering in the wind streaming over the massive aircraft. The engines were obnoxiously loud, jackhammering into her mind, but it kept the voices away. Thrones hissed deeply, then pushed herself upwards. Felt like a day full of making bad decisions. Just a little bit.

"Just a little bit."

Her right hand stretched outwards, the crystals in her blood and mind resonating, rings of gravitational force expanding a couple meters beyond the observation deck. Always took a little more to quell the delusions when she practiced her Arts without using her Arts, but it'd have to do. Retra was a busy company with big plans. They'll all have work soon. But when was that? Could just ask after.

Thrones continued to lean against the railings, her blood growing colder even as her heart beat faster.

Just a little bit. Just a little bit? Just a bit little. Justice bit. Just...

The ring winked out, and the Sankta hit the ground.

Cacophony Concord

@Shovel
Sounds good to me. So you're aware, everyone knows each other prior to Cacophony Concord, and basically plan on playing together, at least for the time being. Think their connection was something like a game-related Discord server?

Anyways, if you wanna form any special relationships, feel free to discuss 'em. Stanislaw's a former pro gamer, if you want some solidarity there.

Read through the first post of the IC, as well as my second post in the IC. Fill out the sheets, post your CS, post in the IC, and I'll getcha started from there.

Lostman Graffiti

The Sharehouse

Iwao had to be losing it if he was expecting a radio to sound out when it was rather decisively turned off. Nothing ominous or ordinary came out of the machine, and instead, his ears simply picked up the ordinary sounds of an empty house. The clock ticked, the faucet dripped, and old injuries seemed to throb in synchronization with it. His own room was quieter, but not by much. The traffic sounded infrequently outside, while the crows cawed frenetically, a flock scattering away in the last shades of evening. The walls were thin in the sharehouse, sound-proofing non-existent.

So he could clearly hear when the radio was turned back on, a distinct click sounding, followed by the garbling of voices as it changed frequencies. Did Sayuri head downstairs after all? Did Fumiko come back? From within his own room, Iwao couldn’t tell, but the program itself seemed normal enough. ‘Tenoroshi Tonight’, an evening news segment done by a Takahiro Tatsuya, reporting on new happenings around the city on June 15. The police investigating reports of gun shots heard in the Northern District. Another missing persons report, this time for a young man with black hair and square-framed glasses last seen in the Northwestern district. And on lighter news, a runaway goat from the local petting zone having escaped down the train tracks stretching from the Southeastern District to the Central District.

The youth was focusing this time. Paying attention. It was easy enough to remember that today was the 14th. A radio gaffe? Or something more?

Iwao would have to wait though. Through the thin walls of the sharehouse, he could hear loud steps going up the porch, followed by a door being thrust opened, then slammed shut. Someone was home.

---

Sayuri’s message went unread.

Well, it wasn’t like that was all too uncommon. If Hiro was going to be so busy that he couldn’t even make it home for dinner, he wasn’t going to be able to immediately read and respond either. Or maybe he didn’t bother reading it because he was already home?
The walls were thin, after all. She could hear it too, the sound of a door opening and then closing downstairs, accompanied by the indistinct murmurs of the radio she thought had already been turned off.

---

Fumiko and Otoya ran hard, and it wasn’t as if they needed to run far either. The skittering of the giant rat continued to dog them, but as they made the turn at the entrance of the alleyway, as they bounded up the steps of the sharehouse, wrenching the door open, the two both noticed that they were no longer being chased. The rat had turned the opposite direction that they had, nothing but a lump of black fur in the amber light of the streets now.

Except...if they narrowed their eyes, was that another oversized vermin, pushing its form out from a storm drain to follow the first?

Fucking gross. Tenoroshi seriously needed pest control, huh?

Western District

“What are you talking about?” Atsushi replied, a brow raised. “I’m an Uber driver.”

The streets were empty, but the detective still obeyed speed limits and uncooperative traffic lights. The ride was comfortable, but the interior smelled of faded air freshener. One hung from the rearview mirror, shaped like a pine tree yet not smelling of either pine nor tree. A couple minutes passed before he replied, tapping a finger on the steering wheel. “Did he have her shoes?”

The car pulled over to the side, one of the front wheels grinding up against the curb. Atsushi grimaced; he was a good driver when it came to following traffic regulations, but that was just about it. Outside, the neon sign of ‘Camera & Film’ buzzed like a mosquito, moths bouncing against the surface of the ‘lamp’.

He waited for Aya to exit before rubbing the stubble of his chin.

“Department’s not gotten any reports about missing children. Careful on your way back, Aya.”