Mas Bagus

The mysterious island (multifandom/ OC/ whatever)

I do have an OC that might fit this...
For me, the premise is fun and all, but I haven't got a clearer picture of how this game would run.

Do You Have RP Pet Peeves?

<Snipped quote by Mas Bagus>

I had this happen so many times that I gave up on the site for a couple of years. I'd had a really enthusiastic group of players who were really onboard, had started pulling in threads of their characters' backstories for plot, the narrative was running... and then they all disappeared. It utterly killed my enthusiasm for RP in general for a long time.
I'd say I'm not bitter about it, but it's made me a lot more wary about running RP's since, and made me adjust my expectations a lot. I don't put as much planning in advance in anymore, because I'm not willing to go to all the effort only for people to drop out as soon as things start getting interesting.
I'm hoping my current RP doesn't go the same way.

@Rhona W

Would be a lie to say that I don't feel bitter about it. Being an RP GM is a thankless job that I am still struggling to see if it's all worth it with all that ghosting, drama, and the expectation that comes when I take that "GM" arm band.

RPing Preferences!

I'm currently in the middle of making a detailed RP in order for someone I know to try their hand out at RPing but as I began getting into more tiny details, I was wondering about the preferences of others so I had a few questions.

@Karma Love

• For those of you who like writing a minimum of 2 paragraphs for your posts, do you hope an RP restrict people from posting one to a few lines (whether they're interacting with someone else's character or not)? Or is this something that isn't a problem for a lot of you?

As a player: No problem.
As a GM: Not at all.
In fact, I kinda feel like home seeing a fast-paced one-paragraph style of back-to-backs. The only downside is that this kind of chaotic collaboration requires more tacit coordination between the parties involved. And I have experienced a new player voicing their confusion on our flurry of posts; they couldn't keep up.

Today, because I seem to RP more as the GM, I am adopting a more reserved kind of management and posting interval.

• Do you avoid RPs because the art types they request for appearances don't include the art you want to use?

Uh... depends? I prefer something anime-ish with semi-realistic style to it (Like Genshin vs WuWa art style, I prefer WuWa)if the request is solely on the face claim, I don't think it is a complete dealbreaker.

• Careers: When it comes to picking a career for your character, in a world of magic, do you think certain jobs are pointless to mention? Such as food industry jobs (chefs, waitering/hosting, cafes, etc) or even administrative careers, IT/technology, finance, and even infrastructure?

I think it is important regardless of the existence of magic. Something as mundane as profession could tell a lot about what to expect from them.

• Education of your character:
• For those of you with characters who are still in school, do you want you student to actually attend classes with teachers in them? Or would "class time" being skipped be more to your liking?

Depends on the execution and how the GM presents it? If I can find madness and chaos, or at least something intriguing in the class my character is attending, sure. If the RP is about school life, not having "class time" would be kinda jarring.

• For those of you that have no interest in reading a bunch of different things, do you think there should be an easier way for those with characters who have "graduated" and already in their careers to learn what their character needs to know?

Again depends on what you are writing, I guess. I'm honestly couldn't get a good grasp on what you are trying to convey in this part.

• Battling System:(against characters of the same power level or even special characters that might have a chance against someone stronger)
• Should battles include a "rolling" system, should there be a separate list of what kinds magic is weaker against others? Or would it be better to have conversations OOC in order to dictate how the battle should go/end?

I don't really like the rolling system and would only use it if some serious disputes were emerging between players and the GM. The rock-paper-scissors kind of magic is... well, no comment on that since I don't have experience with it. Apologize.

• Do you like the idea of of "lower leveled" characters being able to roam around the world to learn and get stronger? And in this question is another. While your character is "learning" would you prefer to skip the learning process?

Hmm, this is kinda a 'your mileage may vary' question TBH.

Duplicitous Ruins in the Land of Twilight

"What's your stake in this, wayfarer? You acts like death awaits ahead."

"Death..." Jazdia straightened herself, repeating the word before tilting her head as if the word amused her somehow.

"It's not safe to be alone, yes? Verdant added. "I know that better than most. Doing everything by yourself makes a brittle kind of strength."

"A bit too much, hmmm? It's just a trip to another room full of bookshelves. Boredom is the only thing that can kill you there. Right Curator Arcan?"

The only reply she got from that curator was an impatient look as if she owed him an apology. "Knowledge can kill too, lady," he grumbled.

"Yeah, right. The fun aspect of it, according to many." Jazdia did not see that philosophical answer coming, but appreciated its timely arrival. It allowed her mind to focus on something that wasn't her predicament. The moment Verdant voiced her concern, she knew her mask of nonchalance was slipping. It was undesirable, not because she wanted to do things alone, but because she wasn't ready to show the ugly side of it. She was aware that she needed their help, but at the same time, she didn't want them to feel too attached.

As she skipped the thought of reiterating her objection, Miwa came to them.

"I am sorry to interrupt... And to overhear your conversation, but Verdant is correct." Miwa said, approaching both of them as she gave Verdant a kind smile and a gentle headpat, finding the way Verdant showed to care and worry about Jazdia quite adorable.

"I did mention I would help you as much as I could with your curse, wouldn't I? Knowing more about it will definitely make my job a whole lot easier." Miwa said, looking to Jazdia with a reassuring smile, trying to encourage her as best as she could.

Jazdia was reluctant to admit that her heart was swayed; she might admit it just a little bit, maybe? Was it okay? Will it be something she regrets? Too soon to tell. In the end, she smiled and accepted Miwa's words like another sweet promise. Refusing would worry them even more anyway, and she didn't want that.

"Well, if you two are fine listening to me reading lines from old tomes, feel free to tag along." She bent slightly again---to Verdant, well, to both actually, since she towers both of them in terms of height--- and spoke in a playful tone. "And Verdant, you'd promise to be the good girl and keep the glass vial away, deal?"

Their march continued. It was a long passage way, and Arcan didn't seem to be in a hurry. Jazdia, too, out of sheer courtesy, did not see the need to press the knowledge keeper to move faster.

"So your friends managed to reengineer my master's old works, it seemed." The curator said. They might have expected the ice to be broken anytime, but none of them predicted the curator's cold, vibrating voice would cut the silence. He was tall, stern, like a human-shaped battleship advancing across the marble tiles with unmistakable authority. His monocled eyes, slick clothing, and unblinking attention to detail were unnerving, as if he noted every detail, errors, and anything that may pose a threat to his sanctuary, small or big.

Jazdia wondered if this Djinn Curator had put too much effort into presenting himself like this. Perhaps his conversation with Elc revealed an oversight that warranted a need for him to reembody the austereness expected from a curator alike? Well, she could understand that.

"Yeah, they are good," she answered carefully.

"Good is an understatement." He corrected "They are gifted."

Jazdia nodded in agreement, wondering where this conversation was going. Arcan soon added. "Their goal is admirable. When that pasky wizard came here, I wasn't expecting him could be such a nuisance. I am glad someone is planning to deal with him. For that cause, I am willing to help in any way that I can."

Arcan temporarily ended his speech by taking a glance at Jazdia once again, studying her before introducing the chamber they had just entered. "This is where all the important records are stored." He said, with less enthusiasm than before. It has brighter lighting than the previous rooms, the air was cool, regulated, and smelled like parchment and ancient dust.

map

The first thing she saw when entering this room was four bookshelves in the middle, loaded with books and tomes of various subjects, forming a small maze. And then two pairs of multi-story granite and metal cabinets as tall as the bookshelves at the north and east walls. Quite unusual, but probably already common 1700 years ago.

Behind those bookshelves, a large cluster of crystals glowed dimly; it seemed to have been placed there haphazardly, and Jazdia noted that the color was similar to her crystalized arrow. "My master's latest project before his... passing," Arcan said as he strode past a large painting featuring three elves. He only spared the painting a short dismissive look, but Jazdia took the opportunity to study three figures depicted in that drawing.

The painting captured three elves, each with their own distinct personality and pride. The tall, broad-shouldered elven man on the right held himself with a poise that seemed to be more of a product of training rather than genuine joy. A cascade of straight brown hair fell around his handsome figure, an elegant choice of hairstyle that, combined with his perfectly aligned posture, gave off an impression of a stern nobility.

Next to him sat another elf, similarly brown haired, but styled with a more modest and shorter hairstyle. The similar color of their eyes and hair indicated their familial ties, but this one had a more relaxed and outgoing air about him. The way he lounged was a stark contrast to his brother's more rigid presentation.

On the leftmost, stood the third figure, a female elf with silver hair framing a face of startling beauty. Her eyes, the color of red wine, held a glint of mischief and cunningness. She stood apart from her peers, not just in her coloring, but in her more battle-ready presentation: a sleek, black bow she used to aid her posing, and her overall attire that looked more like a stylized ranger uniform.

There was a feeling of uncanny familiarity when one looked at the female elf.

"It was the only painting my Master left behind before his departure to Alkautsar." Arcan had returned, thudding several volumes of books to the nearby desk. He clearly noticed the elf's curiosity, but like in a matter regarding the crystal earlier, he intentionally avoided elaborating on what the painting was all about.

"Here is what you requested. The compilations of my master's tireless research on curses existed in Varenheim 1700 years ago, and probably the recent ones too. Here is his Opus about dark arts weaponized by the... ahem, djinns during the First Struggle. And then by human sorceresses, their limitations, symptoms, and how to break them. Last but not least, the Ascended and the Revenant, those who answered the call, and those who rejected."

Jazdia quickly shifted to the desk, took a seat, and did her best to behave properly. A sense of inexplicable anticipation ran through her as her hand touched the books. Her choice fell on the third one, which featured a cover depicting two angelic beings with pointy ears standing in opposite directions. One angelic figure bathed in rays of light, her wings outstretched as if ready to soar, while her counterpart had his wings and halo shattered, and all the luminescence he once associated with had all but faded.

"Thank you, Curator Arcan. I appreciate it. I really do."

The curator gave her a quick acknowledging nod. "I must say that your request was not very specific, unlike your brethren earlier. Either way, good luck, and don't hesitate to ask should you need any assistance."

He looked back at the painting, and then his gaze lingered on Jazdia for a while, seemingly deep in contemplation. Without nary a word, he then walked into the small maze of bookshelves in the middle of the room, camouflaging his form into obscurity, yet he was still there, like a beacon watching over Miwa and Verdant the youkai.

It was rare for him to meet a fellow djin, and even more so a traveler from a far eastern land. Probably given considering his occupation, but still...

"Young one. May I remind you that alchemy is forbidden in this room? And what's the deal with those absurdly high-heeled shoes?"

Duplicitous Ruins in the Land of Twilight

Akari claimed the enhanced weapon from Eblana. It was a great honor for her, enhancing her weapon as a ninja. She inspected the blade and linked it to herself with ki. Feeling tremendous power inhabited her blade. It made her happy. She unsheathed her scabbard and hid her big shuriken. Approached Eblana, put both her palms on the female elven cheeks, and kissed her. It was her deepest token of gratitude for her. Akari smiled on her with a gentle look.

Despite her focus, Eblana was perceptive enough when someone was invading her personal space, but verily! A scholar's reaction time was no match for the ninja's nimble moves, so when Akari managed to get her cheek, the kiss was all but unavoidable.

Eblana seemed to be frozen on the spot, wondering if she should slap her or remain indifferent about it. Too flustered to be either angry or stoic, the blonde elf calmly got up from her seat, face red beet as she withdrew without making eye contact with Akari. Palms on both cheeks, mumbling something about why, how, and what?

"Fuuuu!"

There were no words exchanged as Eblana curled herself on the reading desk northeast of the room, burying her face in a random grimoire in sheer embarrassment that only got worse the more she thought about it.

___

"Thank you for humoring my request. The elders might indeed notice... They are strangely perceptive when the matter is anything I shouldn't have or shouldn't do... Regardless, I might be able to just talk my way out. These are my hair accessories, after all." Miwa said with a slight bow and a mischievous wink to both Vesemir and Eblana.

"Please take your time, I will be right over there if you need me." she said with a smile, having noticed that Akari did not hesitate in giving Vesemir and Eblana quite the workload.

"Splendid! This will do just fine! And if they somehow make a fuss about it, kindly tell them that Vesemir Barandir will bear the responsibility for it! Hahahaha!"

When Miwa playfully winked and bowed at them. Eblana was already a steaming, beet-red, flustered mess. Vesemir wondered what had happened, but couldn't get anything from his secretary. So he shrugged, being oblivious, he was.

"Oh, what happened? Well, maybe she is just tired?"

Now it was up to Vesemir to finish the job. Before securing it somewhere safe, the elf studied the hairband. It was a delicate craft and he had to pay more attention when enchanting it.

Rezello's spadone was next. Obviously, the length couldn't be properly accommodated by the limited space the enchanting table has, so Vesemir had to be clever with it. He placed the end of the blade at the enchantment socket, and he held the blade by its ricasso before buffing the hilt with his enchanting basalt. The spell was cast, and slowly the runes that were already engraved in that sword glowed dim.

He maintained the process for roughly twenty minutes, and there was nothing else notable that happened to the enchanted weapon until he deemed it finished, as if the spell itself knew the need to be more subdued.
Or was it because of the weapon itself? This irregularity needs to be written in his notebook.

It was the same deal as any other when he dealt with Miwa's hairband and Verdant's sword. Though the sword gave him a little more ominous feeling. It accepted the engraving with a more sinister twist on it; Shrive. Sunder. Sever, those are literal translations of the runewords implanted near the crossguard, and the glow was sickly green.

It seems each weapon attained some sort of... personality after enchanting? These anomalies were new to him.

The second batch was complete, and Vesemir announced it proudly. Since Verdant and Miwa were not present, he took his time examining Rezello's spadone, admiring the existing details and feeling satisfied that the enchantment had enhanced it.

"All done, Master Rezello." He said, respectfully holding the blade with both hands and presenting it to the masked knight."May it serve you well!"

The mysterious island (multifandom/ OC/ whatever)

I mean, multifandom is... doable, but you're basically allowing people to bring whatever characters they want along with quirks and identities that might be closely tied to the fandom said character belonged to. For example, in one camp, you have a vampire slayer slinging his iconic silver revolver, bullets and all, because that's a sure way to kill a vampire in the world he was belonged to, but in another camp, you have a vampire who takes a silver stake like it was a small annoyance, the presence of the vampire would make part of the vampire slayer's identity moot. I can imagine that handling the difference in expectations would require a lot of effort from the GM's end.

That being said, I speak about... well, probably the worst case scenario. It's your RP in the end of the day, do not let your fun be compromised!

In another note, what kind of vibe would this adventure be? Survival horror? Survival cozy with fanservice? (Don't mind if it does XD) We have beaches, forests, lakes, and all kinds of terrain for fun outdoor activities... or maybe not, and we should expect hypothermia today and heatstroke tomorrow?

Will there be any pointers in this adventure? Or it will be a giant sandbox?

The mysterious island (multifandom/ OC/ whatever)

I am checking this thread simply because the title and overal theme reminds me of the first RP I and my co-writer participated back in 2017. Ah good times.

But yeah, I kinda find the multifandom part hazy at best and chaotic at worse. I will see how this will be going for now.

Do you listen to music while writing?

I draw most of my inspiration from music, but I don't write while listening to it. I love my instrumental collections, orchestral, EDMs, Vanguard's trance, and so on, but I feel listening to them while writing is too distracting. Listening to music feels like processing a message to me, or understanding the meaning behind every beat and melody. For that, I need to be immersed, and I, or my brain, don't want to be disturbed by things that require brainpower like writing.

Duplicitous Ruins in the Land of Twilight

Eating? Tasting?

Jazdia thought she might need a moment; there were a few of things here to unpack. Verdant indeed looked like she had lost a few marbles at some point, but to meet someone in this level was rare for her. ---But then she remembered her downing a devourer's tentacle, bodily fluids and all. Oh, the memory was hazy thanks to the fires of the battlefield, and at that time, she thought her illness was addling her mind. Well, she had seen worse, so it should be okay... she just needed to readjust herself a bit.

Thankfully, the Curator's intervention prevented her from asking the details.

It seemed Verdant's quiet contrition was deemed enough by the curator, but he did not move out of the way; instead, he looked at the elf in front of him, as if there was something about her that roused his interest. Jazdia noticed that...

"Curator Arcan," the elf said, seemingly unperturbed by the Djinn's scrutinizing stare. "There is a volume that I need to find. I am aware that Theodore's research on curses was extensive. Could you perhaps lead me to where such records are stored?"

Arcan beckoned toward the dark corridor leading to the north wing. "Certainly."

The curator turned, and Jazdia followed him. The feelings that arose inside her were complex. Anticipation and renewed optimism clashed with uncertainty. Life had taught her that nothing was ever easy. Even if she gets her answer, she imagined that the path to it would cost her another sacrifice, and the ugly truth that she herself was unprepared to face.

Abruptly, the elf stopped walking. They had marched past the fountain now, and the north corridor was ahead, already illuminated with dim lighting that seemed to respond to Arcan's presence. She turned her body toward Verdant, bowing slightly so their eyes met. In hers, there was a faint, expertly concealed sorrow.

"Miss Verdant, I think I should do this myself if you don't mind. Feel free to return to the others."

Duplicitous Ruins in the Land of Twilight

***

"I know it might be a bit presumptuous of me to try and explain artifacts to a scholar such as yourself but... the Ama Matoi isn't just a weapon. It is also a sacred artifact for the temple, one passed down from miko to miko for generations. Despite being it's current wielder, I know no better of how exactly it works or how it was created than it's previous wielder... I am not sure of what effects engraving a rune could have on it... Besides, I am not sure what the elders of the temple would do to me if they found out the Ama Matoi was engraved with strange runes. If possible, could you just enhance it's effects without inscribing any new rune?"

Vesemir looked at the large spear from top to down, nodding to confirm that he understood what Miwa was saying. "The concern is understandable," he said, feeling a need to say what is on his mind. "What about a talisman then? Like Miss Jazdia's pocketwatch, an accessory could work too. I can make the enchantment to be as subtle as possible, but, like you said, your elders could feel what our five senses could not."

Meanwhile, Eblana had been working on the rest of the weapons with no particular order, considering they vary in size and material. Akari's blade was the first; she laid it on the table, blade facing the north, and the basalt was rubbed. The spell was uttered in whispers that sounded like a solemn prayer in Elvish. And then the rune appeared on its blade, blue and cold. Curiously, it does not resemble any characters on that basalt, but rather far-eastern lettering that Eblana did not recognize.

She would then do the same to the oversized throwing star and get the same result.

"Akari, your weapons are ready."