Innue

Shattered Reflections - A Pokemon RP (OPEN FOR APPLICATION)

@Sisyphus Just FYI Qiao is a woman.

Let's B!tch. I feel it's a healthy release for our roleplay annoyances 2.0

Bitching at myself: When I have a vague idea of the over-arching plot of an RP but I have a hard time sprinkling clues/allusions to it throughout the course of the RP without feeling like I am being either overly obvious, overly cliche', or too vague.

Which brings up a question, is there a good spot on this forum for brainstorming with others about things like plot for those of us who are struggling? Or is someone interested in chatting with me to be another brain for me to bounce some ideas off of so I can avoid a writer's block situation?

@Drache

You are welcome to PM me or message me/guild-at-large on Discord.

Shattered Reflections - A Pokemon RP (OPEN FOR APPLICATION)

Orchid (Lin) | Vermilion (Qiao)

The first difference Song Lin had noticed when she had first arrived in Pallet town was the air. It had a fresher scent to it, despite the fact the air quality in Saffron was more than fine. Qiao had told her that the city was much smaller than Saffron, which allowed the breeze to more freely pass, which is likely what attributed to such a difference. Lin had opted to put her Eevee on a leash to provide some guidance as she navigated Pallet with an influx of people it was not the best equipped to handle.

Qiao had insisted that she dress up in her most formal silk dress for the event; a borderline ostentatious crimson-purple dress. Of course, Qiao also insisted on pairing that with a silver, asymmetric necklace with her family's crest. It didn't help that the dress itself had strands of silver woven into floral patterns on the front, running up to waistline on the opposite side of her necklace, ending just before it met a sash that Qiao had also insisted as being necessary. At least in this outfit she knew Qiao would have to carry her gear, as she knew Qiao would dress practically, as she always did. Which, of course, is precisely what was the case, Qiao opting for a pair of dark pants, black ankle high boots that disappeared under the bottom of her pants, and a nicer than usual crimson shirt and dark jacket, which fell just below her hips, to conceal some of her weapons.

Lin disagreed, pointing out her standard outfits would likely be sufficiently fine and that she could not even see what she was wearing, so it really did not matter. But Lin relented to avoid an extended discussion on the topic, which is what brought an overdressed Lin to the Pallet Cobblestone Amphitheater with an Eevee on a leash, looking rather ridiculous.

"Qiao," Lin commented, "I get the sense people are looking at me."

"They are," she responded, noting many of the eyes now trained on Lin as she passed through the crowd of trainers, "I may have been incorrect in my assessment of your required attire for this ceremony. But I was able to get some of my knives through security with all of the attention your outfit drew."

"At least the ceremony shall be visibly memorable for some," she retorted, adding a rare touch of sarcasm, something she only dare do really with Qiao given they were essentially sisters, "However, let us save our surprise for a little later and find somewhere away from some of the bustle. I would prefer not to draw too much excess attention."

With that Qiao and her Eevee guided Lin to a pillar near where Willis was. Qiao nodded to the young man politely, keeping a close watch on Lin. She could tell he was involved with the Kantonese military in some fashion, both from just the way he was composing himself as well as a quick glance at his attire. Qiao was familiar herself, having had a father in the Katonese National Military and the Kanto Secret Service.

Qiao thought about diverting Lin to a different location because of him, but that would raise unnecessary questions from her ward and was not worth an extended conversation about Qiao's paranoia. Once situated, Qiao took a stance in front of Lin, between her and the bulk of the rest of the trainers, with a slight tilt to keep an eye on Willis. While she noted the injury that likely had ruined his chances in the military, Qiao was not one to underestimate people with disabilities - clearly demonstrated by the way she treated Lin when she was not guarding her in public.

Kneeling, Lin put her hand on her Eevee, running her hand through her longtime companion's soft fur. It was familiar to her and she appreciated that given all of the new things she was experiencing. However, Lin could feel in the air another familiarity. Many of the same feelings she had felt herself as she had lost her vision.

"I still sometimes get flashes where I think I can see," she commented, just loud enough for Willis to hear, turning toward shim slightly. She was kind of guessing he suffered in some fashion himself. "Song Lin," she added quickly, bowing slight, introducing herself to as not seem rude, "And Song Qiao, and my Eevee." She had made sure to introduce her companions as well.

Naruto: Yoshin (AU)

Chuunin Exams Island

"Hey!" Norio cried, even though the arrow was stopped, "I don't need anymore wounds." Although, Norio was nearly finished by the first responders of Kyokujitsugakure's Medical Corps, one who flashed their badge at Kyoko before beginning to do a medical exam on Norio, which gave him authority to pause her authority until after the medical exam was completed, followed shortly by the rest of the Corp and Shiō, who quickly began organizing into teams to begin treating the wounded. Shiō pulled the arm of her young medical shinobi off of Norio, indicating that others needed his attention more.

"I know you are arresting me, but maybe do that afterwards? I can help look for survivors." he asked, indicating to Kyoko he understood the urgency of her request but pointing out that there may be other items required more pressing attention. "I'll willingly submit to whatever you want, I have nothing to hide." Norio had the sense Kyoko was not a woman to say nothing but the truth too and attempts to charm her would only result in something he dare not even attempt to imagine.

"Enough of that," Shiō chastised Kyūryū, addressing one problem at a time. "Your Kage needs medical attention by experts to survive. Let us do our jobs." She whistled one of the squads of her medical shinobi over to begin treating the Tsuchikage. However, based on her quick visual diagnostics, the prognosis wasn't good. Even if she could stabilize the Tsuchikage, it was likely there would be permanent health issues. The Tsuchikage had essentially been hit by a direct blast and the fact that even all of her limbs were still on her was a miracle in itself.

What worried Shiō was the status of the Sankage - at a time they could use her more than ever. However, not even their best sensors could sense Ayameko within the rubble. While Shiō was a gifted medical shinobi, the lack of her access to Yggdrasil, in a situation that needed the access to those powers more than ever, would force her to make some difficult decisions.

Shiō was at least grateful that Shien and Kyoko were able to manage much of the chaos, leaving her to focus on her job of dealing with the wounded.

It was then Shien, as well as some of the upper leadership of Kyokuitsugakure, would be reached out to by Yggdrassil. But if anyone had been observing the faces of the members, it would not be a message of hope. It was clear, despite the lack of words, that Ayameko could not even be found by Yggdrassil, despite the once thought boundless connection Ayameko and the tree had. However, there was at least some hope - if Ayameko was dead, her spirit would have gone to rest within the confines of the tree like all of the other Kage before her.

Shio kept her mouth shut about it, but she could tell instantly who knew what. Shiori seemed deep in thought and had begun scribbling away on a tome, likely to inform many of the Yuki clan what was going on and likely to relay a message to Tokumei. Shiori's position gave her that authority, as well as the Vows that many of the Yuki clan subscribed too which meant that the secret would be closely guarded within the clan's ranks.

Io opted to make an approach directly to Shien, a sour look on his face, "I insist that we have a council meeting immediately upon returning to Kyokujitsugakure. If Yggdrassil is unable to make a selection of Sankage, then we will return to the old methods and vote on leadership of the nation. We need one voice of leadership now more than ever."

Shiori shot Shiō a look of 'well the cat is out of the bag now'. Normally Shiō would be involved in this type of discussion, but she had to tend to the wounded and only had time to reply with a nod.

Chiyoko meanwhile was on the scene with Tokiko and Hitsujiki, having been summoned directly to the shrine. While usually expressionless, Chiyoko seemed confused.

"The seal is still functioning," Chiyoko said, "But it seems as if it was temporarily weakened enough to allow a bijuu to break out before it snapped back to normal." She wasn't really talking to anyone in particular, but she was aware that she had an audience of those who had arranged her summon. "I may have to go to the Pure World," she mused, taking a cross legged position as she thought about the problem, occasionally consulting with Hitsujiki on key spiritual matters, while still making sure Tokiko did not pick at any plants of flowers in the area with her puppet strings.

Shattered Reflections - A Pokemon RP (OPEN FOR APPLICATION)

Definitely true, but Qiao would want to be prepared for situations where there aren't Pokemon lol, so may edit in a civilian appropriate weapon.

A question for my beloved guild colleagues

@NuttsnBolts

I think the opinion could have been better phrased because (it seem sufficient without the first line), to be frank, the only reason I commented was because of that post.

Shattered Reflections - A Pokemon RP (OPEN FOR APPLICATION)

Finished the bio. I'm not sure what gear a bodyguard would have in this world, so I left that vague until I could get specifics. Also still need to find the pictures for those two.

Admittedly, the history was more of a struggle than I expected.

Shattered Reflections - A Pokemon RP (OPEN FOR APPLICATION)

Song Lin and Song Qiao

【Legal Names】
Song Lin and Song Qiao
【Image of Reference】
【P.K.M.N Trainer Identity】
Orchid | Vermilion
【Current Rank】
Novice | "Novice"
【Occupation】
Trainer | Bodyguard
【Gender】
Female | Female
【Age】
16 | 29
【Physical Description】
Song Lin is a thin framed girl. Barely above five feet, she struggles to do more than get lost in a crowd. She has a soft, violet colored eye and a skin tone on the pale side, giving her a bit of a haunting look. She has dark colored hair which Song Qiao puts in a variety of braids, with the untied length just at her shoulders.

Song Qiao has a starkly different appearance from her companion with a large, imposing frame. While she only stands six feet and a few to spare, Qiao's body naturally seems to hold itself broadly. She has much sharper features than Lin, with a higher cheekbone which often gives her a look of continued judgment or displeasure to those she meets. Like Lin, she has dark colored hair, but has a deep bronze color to her skin, coupled with dark eyes that are often described by other's as soulless.
【Medical History】
Blood Types: O- | O-
Height: 5'0.5 | 6'3"
Weight: 103 lbs | 168 lbs
Allergies: No Known Allergies | No Known Allergies
Disease: Lin suffers from a degenerative genetic disorder resulting in complete blindness in both eyes. Qiao has no known medical issues and is considered to be at the peak of her health.
Misc.: Qiao has been treated for multiple injuries from training and fighting.


Academic/Exam Proctor Report
Report Card - Song Lin
Grades
Mental: 10
- Note: Candidate has exceptional judgment and a diverse field of knowledge. However, access to that judgment can be limited by the lack of sight, requiring companions to make use of her insights. She has a wide breadth of knowledge especially in regards to plants and medical applications. We still find that despite her disability, she rightly earns her score. - Shiela V. Varilin
Physical: 2
- Note: Candidate struggled in all forms of physical testing, even with attempts at accommodating her unique circumstances. Bar exceptional scoring in other areas, we do not recommend passing this student. - Reginald T. Lastonra
Agility: 7
- Note: Candidate demonstrated quick reactions to simple stimuli and once familiar the capability to complete a simple agility course without issue. Significant potential for a higher score should she have been able to see the course. - Sorina X. Vanamose
Species Recognition: 98%
League Code: 100%
Wilderness Survival: 5%
Situation Recognition: 99%



【Personality】
Song Lin is a reserved young woman, a product of her inability to experience the world like most others her age and the stature of her family. She has an inherent kindness and almost psychic like empathy that allows her to easily engage with other people, providing they are willing to tolerate her slightly rigid behaviors.

Song Qiao is reserved in a different fashion and solely a product of her own restraint and dedication to the Song family. While she has a sense of honor, her sense of duty far outweighs it, which gives her enough leeway to easily cross into morally grey zones should her ward need her to do so for her protection. She, like Lin, is very capable of engaging with people, but from a different perspective due to her involvement with the Songs.

【History】
Song Lin is the only daughter of the wealthy Song family. She was born with high expectations for her aptitude, her family having made significant amounts through various ventures throughout the years. And from the early start, she looked like she would meet those expectations. She excelled constantly - top of her classes in every year and constantly pushing for more. However, at seven her struggles began as her vision began to fail. Consumed with fear, she hid the early stages of her disease from her family. The family's Espeon, as well as her own Eevee, helped with Lin's charade by moving furniture, or even guiding Lin herself, around obstacles in the house.

After a year, Lin's sight was too bad for just the Espeon to get her by. She spent a year in constant care of someone as she was shuffled between medical facility to medical facility to find a solution. Despite throwing significant money at Lin's issue, they were unable to restore, or even halt, the loss of her sight. By fourteen, she had lost all of her sight. Lin's fears of failure or losing the love and approval of her family were unrealized. It was then she realized that the pressure had largely been from herself and she felt freer than she had been.

Despite her setback, she continued to do well, but on her own terms and without the fear of failure.

Qiao's involvement with the Song family began when Lin was four years old, at which time she was hired as a full time staff to guard young Lin. Qiao met the Song family when Qiao's father was selling a few art pieces he had managed to acquire to the Songs. When the Songs met Qiao she was already an imposing woman, having served as her father's security for many years due to her ability to intimidate some of their more problematic clients out of their store by merely staring them down. Of course, Qiao's father had spent time serving in the KMN and the KSS and taught Qiao many of the skills he had learned. In fact, he had been the intention for Qiao to serve within the KMN herself. However, Qiao's father knew the opportunities that would be afforded his daughter by working for the Songs.

Of the years, especially as Lin's health began to fail, Qiao became a more important part of the family. While Lin would still be involved, the Songs knew that Qiao would potentially be needed by Lin her entire life, which meant that Qiao needed to be familiar with the family's business. What was not expected by the Songs was how adeptly Qiao would insert herself in the the various business holdings. Knowing that Lin was their only heir and that it could be a threat to their status, they adopted Qiao and named her heir, with specific conditions that Lin be given free access to the family resources when she came of age - showing just how much confidence they had in Qiao and how much she had treated Lin like a sister, taking on a role beyond that of just a bodyguard.

Realizing that she was free to make her own mark in the world, Lin persuaded her parents to allow her to take the trainer exam on the condition that Qiao come along with her. After significant debate on the prudence of the idea, they eventually relented with assurances from Qiao and Lin's Eevee that they would take care of her.

Lin's exams were a mixed bag. She did well on the more academic portions of the exams but struggled to complete many of the physical challenges. One of the proctors almost convinced the others to fail Lin due to 'risks a foolish girl couldn't understand' but relented when Qiao started him down.

As assurance, the Songs purchased a Vulpix from a breeder for Qiao to have with her.



【Abilities and Special Traits】

Qiao is well trained in close combat and standard weaponry, who also taught Lin the basics of defending herself as she refused to treat her as less than capable.

Lin is smart and almost psychic like with her empathy. She has in depth knowledge of plants and their uses as remedies.



【Weapons, Tools and Equipment】
Qiao's weaponry varies depending on the environment, but she usually has at least a knife on her, if not a longer blade.

Qiao:
- Vulpix, Male

Lin:
- Eevee, Female

A question for my beloved guild colleagues

So the agreement seems to be just because the character interaction doesn't involve yours allows you to dismiss it as unimportant (as per the OP), but that also 'you must read all posts' (as per some of the immediately following comments) has certain conditions that I think have been well documented. I'm glad there has been some clarification and discussion from some of the earlier posts. Made an interesting read at least.

At least for the most part, 'you should read all posts on most threads and most posts on all threads' has held true.

A question for my beloved guild colleagues

However, it is not the same as being with a RP from the beginning and refusing to read posts which I think what the topic is more centrally about.

@Inkarnate

I think yes, for a new thread it is definitely an instance to be reading all of the posts. However, I think the question was broadly posed to all threads, unless I missed something in the OP.

---

I think @yoshua171 is right to stress the important of communication. If a player is interested, willing to communicate with a sufficient understanding of what is going on, and one one of my threads where I know they really don't need to be reading every post because of a large amount of filler, I'm going to work with them to get them involved.

This is the type of thing I'll judge on a thread by thread basis when I GM and ultimately it is just that - it is up to the GM. RP has very few hard set rules.