I figure this is about all we'll need to get things underway. I'll be waiting for one or two more people before getting into the serious work of the OOC/IC/Hub thread.
If anyone has questions, I'd love to answer them here. I've also decided to create an original world for this iteration of CiTS. It'll be Earth-like, but with a different geological layout. While things from our world won't necessarily be present; I'm totally fine with including eerily similar things.
My idea is that the story will focus around New Graeline; a city on the continent of Tantas, and in the country of Vessia...which occupies the middle of the continent. Other planned countries/continents include;Jova (heavily japanese influenced), Rissia (inspired by latin countries), Springan (an isolated island-state who's inhabitants have a Jersey-based accent, based on Ireland) and Drasil (a monarchy based somewhat on Great Britain).
These places will not have a huge impact on the story (as of now), but I thought it would be nice to give players the option to have different ethnic origins and customs. I'll explain more about them in the OOC.
To be clear; this will have a '2017-ish' setting. I said earlier that I want it be heavily character focused, because I find that an absolutely tantalizing idea. So, this will not be a fast paced thread. I'm sorry if that puts anyone off, but I want us to really dig into the psyches and motivations of our characters.
Navain will reflect the 'emotional state' of the world our characters inhabit and will be populated by (what I hope) will be interesting characters and plenty of mystery. Questions about that world would be appreciated; giving me a more concise idea of what you guys are interested in seeing, or are simply curious about.
I aslo have three titles picked out already. These titles will be given once the players find their Anchor (an artifact that finds its way to the Pariah Dream is has chosen). The titles are intended to give an insight as to your character's respective 'elemental' affinity. Players are welcome to suggest titles to me, if those provided don't suit your idea.
Can one be disheartened by nothing? Can one become entwined so deeply with emptiness that it becomes you? Will an eternity of mimicry perfect the mirror?
It was a ponderous, placid thought; given form by flaring and flickering constellations of gold. The words were slow, pluming and orange in the umbral womb of a long dead reality. Interred by the woe of countless bygone whispers; entombed in their regrets. There was a heavy rushing of the sluggish flames, breaking their whimsical ascent and chasing them into the distant, wild ether. Why? It queried into the darkness, its eternal tone perturbed by a touch of mourning. In the distance, unseen barriers let loose a crack that resounded throughout the dark suspension. Constellations flickered and rearranged themselves in response.
Why? It put forth again, straining from the spaces betwixt golden stars; strecthing forth countless shadow-hands from its nebulous prison. They spread like serpents, slithering across the nothing; blind and groping for purchase. Are there none left? Is it merely I? Have they fled their broken cycles and buried this world in its final hour? The seeking appendages halted, straining against the tenebrous shackles that held them; fingers straining and finally disintegrating.
Flames of orange and indigo kissed in the darkness, under the watchful gaze of countless golden stars; drifting outward and upward until they ceased to be. Silence took up its mantle and the wreckage of what had been remained still, for a moment; followed by a sudden cacophony.
From the distance, a piercing light shone through. First a single lance. Then a wave that touched on the adumbral shore, throwing errant beams forward; slicing into the graveshard. Soon, the constellations were awash in a sea of radiance; a small undulating nimbus the only hint to their presence.
"Old Devourer, you've never been more dull than today" came a teasing whisper, in the aftermath of the great sound...it was little more than static, almost below the creature's perception. Its hands burst furiously from between the floating orbs, open and grasping, a resounding groan echoing from within the darkness still contained between them.
"Right now, reality is falling apart. The seed of the next cycle is being chosen, as we speak. All of my plans have failed, except one. The most important one; you."
It strained to see the gentle voice beyond the swirling ink, but could only see a tiny silhouette amidst the shining light.
"So, how about it; you wanna be free?"
- - - - -
Alright! That was the flavor intro for Cracks in The Sky//Core Catastrophe. This is an RP heavily inspired by anime and themes involving; the human psyche, reinterpretations of reality, alternate realities and hell, even school life. If the modern touches aren't what you prefer, that's fine! This adventure will occur between two separate worlds; our mundane (though probably not for long), modern world and a fantastic, if a bit nightmarish, alternate world...more in the vein of fantasy. I intend to place a heavy emphasis on character interaction and development as well as the story that (I hope) we will be creating together.
I appreciate you taking the time to read that, and once more for reading this bit of chatter. I'd also like to apologize for the lack of any complex or eye-catching coding, because I, well, would really just like to role play. ONTO THE GOOD STUFF!
1) This RP will be taking place in two alternate worlds. One will center around the bustling hub of New Graeline City, a city located somewhere, or another in the world. The second will be a world called Navain and, while not a mirror of our characters' world; will certainly be influenced by it. Most likely, you will be playing a teenager or young adult who lives in this city and has at least seen the other players. Or, really, you could play one of the bad guys; your call. Slots will be limited, either way.
2) There is a lot going on here, that has been planned out from prior role plays and incarnations of this series. I would provide a link, so you could have an idea as to what I mean; but, unfortunately, it was lost when the old RPGuild when down. Stand assured, though, that I am compiling the information and preparing it for your sweet digestion. For now, it is of note that your character will be one of the Pariah Dreams (most likely); a group of heroes who are present in each cycle, who awaken to their abilities during a predestined time and travel between the two worlds. These powers are thematic, yes, because each Pariah Dream will have a designated title (you get to choose from the list, once its up), but are as flexible as you, the player, can be. Right now, I know information is slim; but I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have.
3) I expect two and a half to three good paragraphs. I know, sometimes, its hard to work with what you're given; or you, yourself aren't feeling terribly creative. That's fine, I don't mind. But, mind you, this is the minimum; I welcome and appreciate more.
Plot Summary: The Pariah Dreams are drawn together by the first Rift to interfere with their Corporeal Reality Shard. This Anomalistic Rift releases a creature into New Graeline city, one which begins seeking out certain individuals who have a corrupted Fate Kernel. These Prime Entities (the humans) are targeted through various means and inevitably (and quickly) suffer death (I figure these will be our intro posts. I was thinking it wouldn't necessarily matter if they all died at once, given the strange desynchronization of time between their reality and Navain...as well as the various other layers of metaphysical un-realms), after their death they are met by a Scribe. The Scribe transports them to Navain, wherein they will encounter the beginning of their journey. They will begin in the Hollow Egress; a scattering of ruins from New Graeline with a nigh-destroyed hospital serving at its center.
Within the Hollow Egress they will meet a character who offers them the chance to return home. As well as, probably, some exposition.
Otherwise, I plan for our characters to interact in the real world and attempt to discover what exactly is going on with their transitions between the two worlds and what impact their actions may have on the 'real world'.
N'that's it for now! I know it's rough, but, eh, it's an Interest Check.
Personality: Straightforward and cold, 'Blue' is particularly blunt in his reasoning and ruthless in his logic. Dominated by a twisted sense of justice, 'Blue' believes himself to be on a divine mission involving the Babel Rook and will let nothing stand in his way. From time to time, he will converse with a being he believes to be guiding him on his righteous path; though its existence has never been confirmed by another.
He cares little for the lives of others, usually weighing them as inadequate sinners, and will eliminate those he views as 'evil' without hesitation.
Abilities: Chosen One: 'Blue' is possessed of extraordinary willpower which can, at times, interfere with the very fabric of Babel Rook its self. This willpower allows him to overwrite localized 'data' and create an isolated 'realm' where he determines the rules. He claims that these rules are chosen by 'Her', the entity whom he serves unerringly. His personality will not allow the rules to give him an unfair advantage, making each encounter something of a test of wits...as well as skill.
Motivation: Justice and 'Her'.
Relevant Notes: It should be noted that 'Blue' is not the primary personality of the body that he inhabits. A strange accident has left his host, Zachary Kyles, with an unwitting dual-life. By day, he is a normal student; outgoing and of a cheery demeanor. Once free of the trappings of daily activities, 'Blue' overcomes Zach; donning a strange garb and taking up his 'sword' to contend in the Babel Rook competition. 'Blue', himself, has a fixation on the three-week time period leading up to this event; believing that they key to his quest is obtainable somewhere during that frame.
He has won the Babel Rook competition four times, consecutively; in his native reality. His wish will return him and the others three weeks in the past. The cycles perpetuated by 'Blue' tend to have anomalistic properties and incursions.
Name: Maya Agato
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Personality: Shy and reserved, she has become somewhat 'subliminally damaged' by the events of Babel Rook. Deeply caring and loyal, she can find herself often acting in the best interests of others; believing her own needs to be largely tertiary. Standing at the precipice, though, it should be noted that Maya has a rather easy time choosing her life over that of another. While she tries her best to be friendly, her sometimes awkward and soft demeanor can make her a target for the more vicious.
Abilities: Mending Nimbus: Maya is capable of healing herself, or others in an extremely short amount of time. While the primary function of this ability is to make whole that which was broken, it can also solidify its self from the usual cloak of mist that hangs about her to form a resilient shield against both magical and physical attacks. The Mending Nimbus, when used on others, tends to sap Maya's energy at a rapid rate.
Motivation: Survival and returning home.
Relevant Notes: Maya has won the Babel Rook competition twice, but has made the same wish at the end of both. Due to this, she does not retain any memory of what has transpired during the days she and the others were summoned to the Babel Rook. People often underestimate her will to live. With her wish, she has chosen to inadvertently force a reiteration of the competition just completed; without her memories.
Name: Alexandra Biggs
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Personality: Hotheaded and prone to fits of petulance, 'Alex' is the type of person who is convinced she is always right. Even when proven wrong, she will continue to argue or fight sheerly out of stubbornness. She is extremely proud and, at times, outright arrogant. 'Alex' tends to be open with people, but only to make a point. She despises others, for the most part, and believes heavily in self-reliance.
Abilities: Volatile Wrath: A heavy hitter, through and through, Alexandra's ability is focused on the most scathing of basic elements. Fire bends to her will, spontaneously generated or pulled from a pre-existing source, and becomes transmogrified into a gelatinous nightmare. Coupled with her up-close style of fighting, Volatile Wrath makes a terrifying addition to countless flurries of punches and kicks. The uncanny nature of her flame will often leave entire rooms burning for hours after she has moved on.
Motivation: Becoming stronger and the thrill of battle.
Relevant Notes: 'Alex' is, in her 'normal' life, a part-time bartender and part-time underground combatant. She has won the Babel Rook competition three times, using each wish to change the parameters and nature of the competition. While most would consider her brutish in her actions, there is an underlying slyness in each of her movements. Her wish will change the overarching goal of the Babel Rook competition.
Name: Yuuki Mizushima
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Personality: Jovial and laid-back, Yuuki tends to play things far from the heart. Conflicted and deeply troubled, he does his best to maintain composure and do what he feels is the right thing. A long-time competitor in Babel Rook, he has been somewhat tormented by his experiences. Despite this, he does his best to find other solutions to the puzzle that constantly seems to be set before him.
While he enjoys meeting new people and talking, quite a lot, he finds it difficult to become attached beyond a certain point. In his 'normal' life, he is simply a slacker; drifting about and trying to find something to bring him a small measure of peace.
Abilities: Unlikely Hero: While his ability does not directly manifest unless necessary, Yuuki has a rather powerful Guardian Spirit. A manifestation of his subconscious desires, the Spirit will often interfere with events to sway them in his favor. Many would attribute it to 'dumb luck', but Yuuki does have a certain degree of control over the actions of his Guardian Spirit.
When manifested, the Guardian Spirit takes a more direct approach; engaging Yuuki's foes with a balanced style of combat, blending mid-tier magic with considerable physical attacks.
Motivation: Freedom and a normal life.
Relevant Notes: Yuuki is deeply distraught with his constant returns to the Babel Rook. He has won seven competitions, but is a seeming favorite of the entity that governs the tower. He can not come to terms with the things he has been forced to do. His wishes have been fairly selfish, until the most recent. Wishing destruction on the Babel Rook and its governing entity may have unforeseen consequences.
Name: Gardenia Treyja
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Personality: Persistently analytical and perpetually deadpan, Gardenia is often seen as humorless or cold by those around her. While she does favor simple practicality, she cares for how much a solution benefits everyone involved. A quick-witted girl, by most accounts, Gardenia often uses subtle means to achieve what she believes to be the prime outcome. Manipulation is something she employs often.
Abilities: Sight Thief: Gardenia's ability is particularly focused on manipulating the perceptions of her target. Whenever utilized, she must make direct eye-contact with the intended 'victim'. Once brief contact has been established Gardenia is capable of manipulating what her target sees, predominately. While it can warp other senses, these illusions are nearly gossamer and easily dispelled by those of sufficient will.
This ability has also allowed Gardenia to more easily ascertain the nature of magic-based abilities, making her something of a fearsome high-tier magic caster.
Motivation: Understanding and resolving the mysteries of Babel Rook.
Relevant Notes: Gardenia is a first time victor, despite the entity seeing her as otherwise. In her 'normal' life she is a devoted student, with few hobbies. It can be safely assumed that her wish is multi-faceted and is intended to deceive the governing entity of Babel Rook. The results may be tumultuous.
Name: Albert Grant
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Personality: Usually silent, a veil of manufactured apathy separates Albert from the world. Sleepy eyes and non-committal responses are his forte, though behind them he is purely machinations. Constantly searching for the weaknesses and cherished things of those around him, Albert enjoys watching others suffer.
Abilities: Shadow Play: Albert's shadow is his secondary weapon, coupled with surprise attacks and dirty tactics. It is capable of detaching and moving of its own volition, though unable to defy Albert's will. The shadow its self adopts a razor-sharp aspect and is used with haunting precision to slowly wear away at its foes. Albert uses his shadow to complete his dire work from relative safety and will only reveal his ability should the need arise for him to work directly with his shadow to fell an opponent.
Motivation: Entertainment.
Relevant Notes: Albert has been the victor of twelve Babel Rook competitions, across four different realities. He is completely without empathy or remorse, but capable of imitating these emotions (and others) when the need arises. His most recent wish will augment his Shadow Play into something truly terrifying, granting him a new advantage when the next competition begins. In his 'normal' life, Albert works as a freelance photographer.
Alright, so there's threefourfive all of the Hours. I might put up some more information, later. As a note, their labeling here does not denote their Hour designation within their respective Babel Rook iteration. They are simply labeled in the order at which the character concepts and subsequent wish-results came to mind.
I've also opted to leave out appearances. For now.
Edit: Made sure to include a direct line about what the Hours' wishes may entail in each mini-CS. Figure that's pretty relevant, so I wanted to give at least a hint as to what will follow.
5b [I see, then, very well. If I must choose, it will be simple. ...I wish to take your place and your power. I wish to see your malice usurped.]
6b [...Hm. ...I want. ...I want a new weapon.]
Forgive me.
Addendum: Thinking of going with posting mini-CS things for the Victorious Hours. That may give people more insight as to what I have planned. While not overtly stated, each of the Hours will have abilities within the Babel Rook. Those abilities will be totally up to the player, as I'm not gonna put a big stipulation on what can and can't be done...aside from the overt "I'ma fuck you up so bad" powers with no real downside. But, hey, I figure everyone knows what I'm thinking for some reason.
I really have to work on that.
I would go ahead and add minutiae about the city we'll be in, where the Babel Rook will appear (and why), as well as how the PCs get involved. However, that depends hugely on the Hour that makes the wish. I've got six (actually seven, if you want to know a secret) possibilities planned out for that. Thinking on it, that may be the best way to clarify things.
So, I'm just gonna leave this here for people to read. If anyone wants more information, drop a line and I'll be glad to oblige a little bit.
The battle was over. Twenty three corpses littered the myriad floors of Babel Rook. The doors at the top easily opened, revealing a space that the victor did not hesitate to enter. White, uninterrupted and unchanging; touched with a writhing sliver of black at its center.
"So, we once again meet at The End. You are truly a terrible foe, are you not?"
1 [Yes, I am. They could not escape justice. Their errors have been corrected.]
2 [N-no I...just want to...go home.]
3 [Hahaha! Ha! Hahaha! Yes! Fuck all of you!]
4 [Why do you keep bringing me back?! What the hell is wrong with you?!]
5 [This is The End? Interesting. Tell me, why did my friends have to die for me to come here.]
6 [...]
"Did it ever truly matter why you chose to climb the tower? Think on that for a moment. Then you will receive your boon. As I'm sure is expected. Your wish awaits you. The Genesis Egg awaits you." The sliver of darkness widened like a sinister grin, stretching to form a bizarre crescent that pulsed and seethed with a seemingly miasmic aura.
1b [Of course it matters. Don't ask such frivolous things. Had I not set my sights on returning to this room, I would have faltered in my quest. Set the world right, again. I wish to return to three weeks prior to this incarnation of this event.]
2b [Huh? I...don't really know. Was there ever any other choice? Did you ever give us another choice? A wish...? Really?! Ok! I want everyone to come back and for nobody to remember any of this!]
3b [You always say the same boring things, don'tcha? Well, I gotta say that it's a bit of a letdown. I thought we was friends. Fine, though, I'll use the Egg again. This time...whaddya say we up the stakes a little bit?]
4b [Goddamnit! I just want it to stop! I want you to stop! I want the Babel Rook to be destroyed, and you along with it!]
Well, ok, that was a fair amount of struggling to set up something that could have been relatively straightforward in presentation. I don't know, though, it seemed like a good way to stage something. Thanks for taking a look. I know some parts are missing, but I'll be providing them in a different post to stop my fight with basic formatting for a minute. I kind of just wanted to do something off-the-cuff and this was the first idea I felt I could really roll with. It ended up taking longer than I thought...
Anyway. The parts I'll be adding are the remainder of 5b and 6b. Those will go up soon and I'm sorry about how weird it'll be.
As you might've inferred; each Hour has made their way to the top of Babel Rook, a giant tower in which they participated in a cruel game, and upon victory met with some sort of god-entity in an empty Collapsed Space. This entity offered them a wish, which they took...without fail. This wish creates a new world with broad strokes painted from the victor's intent...without fail. In this new world, inevitably, the Babel Rook will appear again.
The weird part about it, though, is that I kind of want a consensus on which Hour will be setting the stage for our particular world's incarnation. If people want me to provide ideas of what each character is all about, I'd be willing to do so in a mini-CS...or outright set it up to where the Victorious Hours are all set against one another, leaving them up to the players. Though, really, I think it might be more interesting to do the former. I have it figured that the Victorious Hour will be set to appear, again, in this new iteration; though they may not always be the same person, they will always be forced to participate.
So, yeah! That's what I've got going on for that, at least on the surface level. This is set to be a part of a much larger universe. Which means that I have a lot of material to work with, at least in terms of base systemic overlays and lore-based references; meaning that I have a structure in mind and everything else is kind of to-be-determined as we go. Lore-based references will probably be kept to a minimum, for a while. It's easier that way, I think, than having to write out a lot of the stuff that will constitute spoilers.
I'm sure there will be questions, if interest is piqued somewhere. Feel free to PM me them, or post here.
As a note: This was copied from the other Interest Check I did, hence the awful formatting. Sorry.
1: [I corrected some issues that had been left lingering. No error can escape justice.] 2: [I'm pretty sure I made the grammar a little better...] 3: [There's a fucking 'Anime/Manga' tag, now. Because group size ain't a thing to worry about.] 4: [Oh, yeah. I guess that part was left out? The whole thing about "putting up the finished 5b and 6b". Well, whatever, it's there now...even if it is only an extra line or two.] 5: [A laudable effort to provide accessible information in a rather poor situation, is it not? Five-b and Six-b are now complete and added, albeit in the incorrect spot.] 6: [...The title and tags needed fixing. ...]
