Semblance

Word association Game!

Fungus

Prismatic Hourglass: Scenario 1

@AmeliaAnny Awesome! Looking forward to it.

Prismatic Hourglass: Scenario 1

Despite the fair number of people who expressed interest, I am still willing to accept one or two more before shutting down recruitment!

Just thought I would get word out☆!

Prismatic Hourglass [Interest Check]

Just to make it known @Doll Maker has been appointed my Co-GM for this endeavor.

Two of the questions he put forth were answered and added to the Pertinent Info section in the OOC.

I also added a couple of edits, one of which urges analysis of the flavor intros.

Anyway!☆

That's all, for now~☆

EDIT: My bad on the double post!

Prismatic Hourglass [Interest Check]

@Doll Maker

You're a lifesaver☆!

In Scenario 1, everyone will be highschool age. Aside from the Shrouds, who are generally ambiguous about that sort of thing. I won't say exactly why this is, until later in the thread. I should also point out that I intend to carry this through several different Scenarios.

Notes on this: Seekers present in Scenario 1 have no memories of their past excursions, nor memories of one another. While those memories may be buried, however, there are certain individuals among the Seekers who are drawn to one another through bloodlust or a strange feeling of having known this person before. So far as they are aware, aside from what their Shrouds can impart to them, they have come across Peace before...and killed her. Held the Prismatic Hourglass and made their wish.

After that moment, they find themselves in Cardinal City.

Something is awry with this Scenario.

Prismatic Hourglass [Interest Check]

@Doll Maker

Thank you so much for asking☆

I knew I had forgotten something!

While, yes, this is in what's equatable to our modern times; each Seeker is part of the Babel Network, which essentially allows them track Friends and Fiends, Road Dogs and Rivals. Essentially, it is something attached to their 'soul' that allows them to see the world they inhabit in a different light.

As this is a tribute to anime/JRPGs you can imagine how far the functionality will go; though it will have to be unlocked through In-Character progression. Starting out, you can view other Seeker's stats if their Oracle Emblem is currently active. The Target (Peace Lunarmada) will be marked on each Seeker's Map, after a time. It also eliminates the need for a cellphone, and messaging system.

☆☆☆

Prismatic Hourglass [Interest Check]

@Doll Maker

@mercenarius

@AmeliaAnny

@Flamelord

@OwO

@Aviaire

@ERode

I think that's everyone!

OOC is up!

Prismatic Hourglass: Scenario 1

August

Name: August Archer

Age: 17

Appearance:

[+]

Personality: Despite being filled with grim determination; August is a rather laid-back guy; when things are going his way. Prone to bouts of fury and wrath-blindness, the Volatile Resonance he utilizes seems to be eerily near an extension of himself. He rarely holds grudges, but places his victory well above that of everyone else’s.

Affinity: Volatile (South)

Abilities:

•Alacratic Inferno: His utilization of the Volatile Resonance can be considered both intuitive and extremely strange. Rather than refining it into a specific spell or form, August simply lets the raw Resonance coalesce with horrifying speed; often using this unstable version of flame to create explosions.

•Overheat: Pushing his Resonance Pathways to their limit, August pulls in as much Volatile Resonance as his body can hold; and keeps it contained. Along his body, the Pathways will light up, his visage cracked and weeping magma. When using Overheat, August is considerably more agile and capable of striking with more force; at the cost of damaging himself. If sustained for too long, Overheat can cripple or outright kill August.

•Arsonstep: A gathering and release of Volatile Resonance at a specific point on the body, though this technique is only safe to use with his hands and feet. A quick gout of flame, or a perfect way to dodge an oncoming attack; this is one August’s most utilized Abilities and the one he is most intimately familiar with. Often used to close space between himself and a target.

Oracle Emblem: A keychain, given to August by Pomona when they forged their pact. It’s a stuffed alligator, or crocodile, he could never really tell. Regardless, he keeps it attached to his belt at all times. The thing is ragged, emerald green faded to the moth-bitten color of old moss. It is missing one of the beads that once served as an eye, and has been stitched together countless times.

•Pomona’s Boon: When the mouth of his Oracle Emblem is opened forcibly, a strange thing occurs. Everything seems to slow, but this slowness allows them to witness the change taking place. This Oracle Boon can overwrite the Native Resonance of an area and allow for MODERATE conversion into a chosen type of Resonance.

•Ophidian Flow: A simple whip-like Flowing Affinity spell, most often used for disorienting enemies. Creates twin serpents of water from the palm of the Seeker’s hand, has a reach somewhere close to ten feet. Hard to maintain given Affinity Clash.

•Pressure: Another simple Flowing Affinity spell, Pressure simply creates a dense bubble. It floats along in a straight line when launched, and will explode if touched by an enemy or willfully detonated by August. Despite the simple nature of this spell, August has adapted its use for many different situations.

Honest Blade: A heavy spear, carved of what appears to be bone. The point is serrated and cruelly flanged, while keeping the weapon keenly balanced. The Ability of this Honest Blade is to “eat”. Put simply, it can break defenses by “consuming” them. To “eat”, The Longinus must make direct contact with a source of interfering Resonance. Aside from the ability to “eat”, August has learned that the spear he wields has an uncanny way of picking targets.

Pomona

Name: Pomona

Appearance:

[+]

Affinity: Flowing

Personality: Usually a quiet, monotone sort; despite her cheery appearance. Pomona has become increasingly excited and frustrated with the situation developing in Cardinal City. She supports August every time she sees an opportunity, but she can be a bit of an opportunist, herself. A calculating sort, and fond of having back-up plans; she serves as the logical side of this duo.

Assistant Capabilities:

Stained Glass Shield: Barriers twisted and latticed together in bizarre intricacy, Pomona will deploy a sturdy deterrent if her Seeker is in serious danger. While the Stained Glass Shield provides cover, Pomona will utilize her most prominent ability; which is healing. The Shield will disperse after a short moment, and can’t stand up to large scale onslaughts; however, she usually has time to grant MODERATE recovery to August.

Vera

Name: Vera Solaclad

Age: 16

Appearance:

[+]

Personality: Quick to anger, quick to act; Vera is confident in her abilities as a Seeker. Even if she is the irritable and, in the current Scenario, somewhat unhinged, she strives constantly for what she believes is right. Bitter and of venomous tongue, Vera rarely keeps her thoughts private; unless the situation calls for it. Is strangely capable of admiring enemies as deeply as she does certain allies; though her loyalties, once decided, do not sway.

Affinity: Steadfast (East)

Abilities:

•Shelling: Where many see the dominion over Steadfast Resonance as a way to rip up streets and cause massive amounts of collateral damage, Vera has developed a technique that pulls Resonance into her body; creating a protective layer of semi-solid Steadfast Resonance around vital points. This makes her incredibly tough, but can cause slowing of movement the longer it is used.

Releasing this skill can allow Vera to reform, while simultaneously launching the Resonance at up to four nearby enemies.

•Bullheaded: She is stubborn, that much won’t be argued. However, she did not name this technique after herself; but rather what she had seen. A creature with horns could more easily scoop, throw off balance and perhaps even gore an addled foe. Vera can grow four horns on her head, and a thick protective helmet is formed to ensure her eyes are not gouged or her otherwise sensitive neck area easily targeted.

•Patient Fury: Gathering Steadfast Resonance and implanting it, as a trap is something that often gives Vera an edge. While she seems the berserking sort, almost every move when Patient Fury becomes involved becomes a pure game of strategy. If an enemy steps on a spot marked with a Patient Fury stomp, they will immediately become the target for dormant Furies in the area. Vera can place up to five at a time, though these constructs can be quite dangerous.s

Oracle Emblem: A crystal. A Prism. Non-Euclidian thing that seems all too malleable in the hands. Activating it requires sacrificing a small bit of blood and then aiming the prism toward your enemy. Once the blood touches the crystal, it begins to take on a large an imposing form; riddled with spikes, ribs and dire bladed implements. If inert, it simply hands around her neck on a leather thong.

•Suit’s Support: Once the Prism Thrall is formed from his Emblem, Vera has the ability to remotely control the creature’s actions; guiding it as if the body were her own. It is considerably stronger than her mortal form and doesn’t tire nearly as easily. While she prefers Steadfast Resonance for this form Data Resonance has proven equally effective.

Essentially, she is given a suit of armor that follows her command and greatly increases combat capabilities and Resonance Resistance; at the cost of using Suit’s Affinity.

•Paradox Moment: It couldn’t have happened, like that. How could they have lost so easily. Suit’s Data capabilities truly frighten Vera, so she tries to avoid indulging him. Paradox Moment eliminates a course of action from a single opponent; leaving them trapped in a thick haze of existential horror. That’s usually when the Rocket Cleaver comes through.

•Mannequin Maestro: Another Data Resonance utilization that touches and twists the mind of an unguarded creature, once the spell has taken hold; Vera can give two commands to her new subordinates. This is an ability that requires physical touch to take hold. After a short ’incubation’ period, the afflicted will be subject to Vera’s will.

Does not work on Seekers, Shrouds or other ‘Higher Entities’.

Honest Blade: Similar to the Rocket Hammer Vera often has summoner, the Sucellos is a merciless thing. When summoned, it is immediately obvious who the source of the Emblem signal is. Vera finds the release of her Honest Blade to be exhilarating, and hopes to cross a worthy contender while wielding an earth-shattering striker.

Suit

Name: “The Suit”

Appearance:

[+]

Affinity: Data

Personality: An instigator and cruel entity, Suit seems to defy the conventions of Shrouds; as a whole. He is rarely in a ‘placid state’ and seems rather adamant about Vera being the victor in this scenario. Reality itself seems to have an issue with his presence, given his ‘glitchy’ movements and complete disregard for the lives contained within the ongoing Scenario.

Assistant Capabilities:

Deepdweller Congregation: Unlike many others, Suit can summon his anomalous minions…numbering up to six. Usually he only does this when Vera is in danger, as letting his shadows roam free would eventually leave his consciousness divided. The summoned static spawn are equipped with grasping tendrils and a thirst for the blood of corporeals. While their stay is short, they do their best to inconvenience those who would hinder Vera,.

Prismatic Hourglass: Scenario 1

Static

"Sometimes, when a glass is broken; not all of the shards are swept away. Months later, even, they could dig into your heel as you tread so pompously," though it moved like a Shroud, and had the same ghostly presence, this exuded a menace beyond all reason, "Of course, isn't it always a pain to dig those little slivers out?" It was the worst time for this conversation, the subtext too much for Seeker Vera Solaclad. The thing before her, a suit full of nothing and a twitching, static, toothy grin that hovered above a neck that didn't exist.

"You sayin' what I think...?" She eyed the gray and black thing with a barely veiled malice, which made his smile seem wider and the alley around shrink almost immediately. Tightness forced a quiet, dry heave as she looked away; eyes watering and mouth lightly coated with bilious regret. "Ain't no way something like that could happen. It'd mean that Peace remembers. She ain't supposed to fuckin' remember!" Vera and Peace had their bitter moments, whenever they met. An instinctual disapproval of the other that, more often than not, would lead to bloodshed.

As she thought on this, The Suit Shroud twitched and jump-cut his way through a reality that rejected him. He was at Vera's side, a white leather glove, somehow possessing the weight of a hand, resting on her tightening shoulders. "But she will. Maybe not this time, but soon. How do you think she's gonna react after finding out that every Seeker in this Scenario has already tried, if not succeeded, in managing to end her life?" Shrugging the glove away, Vera Solaclad stared hard at The Suit; or what existed of him.

"Then...just means their ain't no hope in makin' this easy on her, right?" The walls seemed to move with her strangely labored breathing, undulating in time with her sharp exhalations. Neon stains inched closer, then pulled away; as though the tide of her thoughts brought them forward, only to be revolted. "S-So we just go in for a kill when she's not expecting it." Saying it felt dirty, envisioning it a painful endeavor. Peace Lunarmada had used to be a real friend. Now, she couldn't even be used as a replacement. Vera let herself sink back, then slide down uneven brick; looking up at the night sky.

"An assassination?" He clapped. Three times...then chuckled. Vera hated Suit. So many secrets where he was involved. "It sounds like a lovely plan, Vera. Do you plan to strike tonight, or will you wait for the Prismatic Hourglass to manifest elsewhere?" Vera lowered her head, clutching tight the Oracle Emblem this anomalous Shroud had given her.

"If she remembers, why can't we?" Eyes weren't lifted or locked, though she saw Suit shrug. With his silence, she carried on. "How the hell did we get here? Why do we all have a common target? Why is it Peace? What relevance does all this have to what happened-"

In a moment, it was kneeling in front of her; though all she could see were bursts of manic static and that wide grin so characteristic of the being that owned nothing else. "I can't answer most of those questions. I don't know why we're here, either." Suit straightened, staring Vera in the face for a long moment. "It may be because someone used the original Hourglass to make a foolish wish. It may simply be because Peace Lunarmada is becoming an unsuitable Prism." A coin fell from his sleeve, following a flourish of his gloved hands. "Though if I were to place a bet on the reason...I would say that this Scenario exists because every Seeker failed in their last attempt at glory."

"A repeat..." Vera felt her stomach drop, "I heard about this happening to a different team, but..."

Suit rocked back and forth on his heels. "What you heard is true. Now those you called 'allies' will have no memories of you, nor you any true memories of them. I've told you only what's convenient for your understanding. Any more, and I'd be breaking the rules." Standing, it considered her for yet a moment longer. "The best place to start looking for parallels or resolved paradoxes is to find out who ended up missing from the group of Seekers present in this Scenario."

Vera Solaclad pushed herself upright, shoving the Oracle Emblem into her jacket pocket. With a flash of Steadfast Resonance, she now held a cleaver; easily twice her side, outfitted with rockets on the back and a hefty blade on the front. It wasn't her Honest Blade, but it had never let her down before. Suit took his place four or five steps behind, and as he did, Vera spoke.

"Alright, then, let's finish off this fuckin' doll and get that wish."

A chuckle, low and terribly pleased.

"Your heart's desire...for the price of one life."

It wasn't a good bargain for Vera. It wasn't a good bargain for any Seeker.
Still, she wouldn't shy away.
Last time that happened, she'd died.
Of all the things to remember, Vera Solaclad remembered her fiery demise.

Welcome back! This is the OOC Section for Prismatic Hourglass: Scenario 1. Some pertinent information from the Interest Check has not yet been moved over. Right now, I'm just making sure the new stuff gets out there.

Cardinal Landmarks

Labyrinth Paths (Center Affinity): Every alley in Cardinal City has a tie to The Labyrinth, in one way or another. Graffiti serves as warning, or guide, in the inhospitable squalor that goes unseen by most. Enter any alleyway in Cardinal City and look hard enough, there is a high chance you'll find an old warning or freshly made mark of obvious chroma. Despite the dangers, both known and uncertain, there exists one saying concerning The Labyrinth that holds true.

"Follow the red and yellow trails. All others will lead you astray."

Seekers who enter this place will find an abundance of Negative Resonance that can be harvested without effort. However, utilizing this place's dark heart will drive spikes of madness through those who are unprepared. It is not unusual to encounter people in one of the many veins of The Labyrinth, be they friend or foe.

Right now there is a rumor among the 'street artist' community of a ghost tagger, who no one can seem to find; save for the moniker they have left behind. "KOKO" which can be seen plastered in strange places, is attributed to no artist currently living in The Labyrinth's scene. Many of the Labyrinth Dwellers and delvers feel a strange 'otherness' from these tags...as though they were not meant to exist.

Abandoned Docks (Volatile Affinity): Since their abandonment twenty years prior, this southern stretch of Cardinal City's beautiful beachfront is marred by rotting abodes and baleful hovels constructed by the stubborn, leathery folk that still call this place their home. Most of the derelict abodes are abandoned, or being used by squatters. Few people travel to this area, alone. The sheer number of abandoned buildings is somewhat staggering, when truly considered.

Despite proximity to water, it seems the Docks have accrued a Volatile Affinity; a weave of conflagration drifts over the area, simply waiting to be ignited.

Beyond the eerie atmosphere, there are several dangerous groups that congregate in and around this nigh lawless part of town. A rumor concerning a corpse washing up on shore has left most of the residents uneasy. A quieter rumor has spread that a full scale war is finally going to break out among the creaking homes and groaning pier planks.

Shutter Street (Flowing Affinity): Colloquially known as such because of 'Main Street's' appearance during the tourist 'off-season' and lack of any real entertainment or distractions. During the summer nights it is an acidic stretch of debauchery, along with a few quaint diners. Once fall sinks its talons in, the shutters are closed and many of the shop owners move away until spring returns with a small rush of customers. Then, again, will the northern beachfront and shops be populated once more.

All that remains, at the moment, is a local favorite simply called Butch's Diner. Rumors swirl around this place more often than others, and the most prominent states that a local recluse has been warning those near the waterfront about a great storm lurching toward Cardinal City. Another states that someone has begun pinning strange cards to certain buildings; though these cards seem to be gone by the time morning rolls around.

The Resonance that permeates this place is decidedly positive, quite useful for Flowing Affinity Seekers who wish to have an easily replenished supply of Lingering Resonance suited specifically to their specialty.

Train Station (Steadfast Affinity): No one ever really seems to come or go, at least via train, to Cardinal City. A place in disrepair, but still treated with a measure of silent reverence as a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to go; the train station holds about it a crispness of air and odd abundance of occasional roaming wildlife. It serves as the city's oldest standing building in the eastern quarter.

Other than the 'artists' from The Labyrinth, few people are willing to deface the stationary sentinels as they hold their strange vigil. Still, where others would balk; some will draw smiles and shark teeth beneath broken windows. Despite being a rather well known spot, very few people go there. A single train will leave at the end of each month. Resonance hangs over the place like a canopy, thick and constantly shifting.

Though a peaceful aura caresses the place, a few ill deeds have taken place in the Train Station over its long years. A rumor being pushed around states that the specter of a girl can be seen pacing along the edge of the boarding platform. Another states that several specters will appear, if a person approaches as the clock strikes the Witching Hour. Yet another says that the entire place is transformed at night, becoming an unrecognizable tangle of trains, tracks and trees.

Those who can harness Steadfast Resonance have an easy time in a place like this, but some can find the sheer pressure of it to be a strain on Resonance Pathways.

Glass Tunnel (Tempestuous Affinity): A carefully crafted mosaic of deep blues and haughty turquoise, this tunnel runs from the western beachfront to the center of Cardinal City proper. It seems to catch reflections of light, water and things that may not be there at all. At its center, a mermaid greets passersby with a sly and sultry grin. Noise is carried through the tunnel with ease, and a perpetual breeze seems to push its way through.

Many students utilize this tunnel, simply stepping in at an appropriate point, to get a direct line to Karma Academy's front gates. As such, the Glass Tunnel (or Siren Tunnel, or Kraken Basket) is busy before and after classes. Rumors have persisted around this place for at least forty years; many being postulations about who the designer was, who commissioned the piece, and why even make something of that sort? Right now, rumors revolve around disappearances occurring where the Glass Tunnel meets the western beachfront. One even suggests that cruel laughter could be heard, before a sudden silence.

Despite the sometimes tense and busy nature of The Glass Tunnel, it carries Tempestuous Resonance throughout the city. While it disperses quickly, outside the Tunnel; harvesting it within can have devastating effects.

Karma Academy (Null Affinity): Cardinal City's most prestigious public high-school, a place of adequate (if outdated) supplies and enthusiastic (if all too tired) teachers. It is a four story building that hosts a grade on each floor, with the cafeteria being on the second. The third floor is currently under lockdown, given a strange incident involving one of the chemical labs; each entrance is held shut with heavy chains and a padlock and security staff can be seen watching over the area.

Resonance seems to wither when it reaches Karma Academy, whether it is in the courtyard or on the roof. With the constant gossip, countless rumors seem to turn up with each passing day. Right now, rumors are all speculation about what could be wrong with the third floor. Those that aren't simply serve as the usual urban legends about Karma.

No advantage is given to a Seeker, in this area. Resonance seems to be absorbed or dispersed by the building itself.

Resonance Clash

As explained before, each Elemental Demense has a direction and specific Element attached. Said simply, some Elements do not mesh well with one another; even if a Shroud has endowed a Seeker with their abilities.

Volatile (South) vs Flowing (North) = Both Elements will struggle to inflict their full potential. Consider matchups like these to be WEAK.

Tempestuous (West) vs Steadfast (East) = Once again, a WEAK attack will be produced. This halved the potency of Elemental Resonance when paired against its Negative Cardinal.

Flowing (North) vs Tempestuous (West) = A POTENT match, meaning that spell clashes will be more impressive and damage done by properly assaulting your opponent will be increased by half.

Steadfast (East) vs Volatile (South) = Another POTENT match. Similar to what is listed above.

Data (Center) vs Any (Cardinal Direction) = NEUTRAL match. Since Data is Center Affinity, it suffers no penalty against specific Cardinals; but nor does it gain any advantages.

Data (Center) vs Data (Center) = POTENT match, though not in the way Elemental Resonance tends to interact. Wielding Data Resonance against Data Resonance can cause serious problems for both contenders; though it is highly unpredictable how exactly it will go wrong...it almost invariably does. Damage against other Data Users can wildly vary.

Pertinent Info

This takes place in what's equatable to our modern times; each Seeker is part of the Babel Network, which essentially allows them track Friends and Fiends, Road Dogs and Rivals. Essentially, it is something attached to their 'soul' that allows them to see the world they inhabit in a different light.

As this is a tribute to anime/JRPGs you can imagine how far the functionality will go; though it will have to be unlocked through In-Character progression. Starting out, you can view other Seeker's stats if their Oracle Emblem is currently active. The Target (Peace Lunarmada) will be marked on each Seeker's Map, after a time. It also eliminates the need for a cellphone, and messaging system.

☆ ☆ ☆
In Scenario 1, everyone will be highschool age. Aside from the Shrouds, who are generally ambiguous about that sort of thing. I won't say exactly why this is, until later in the thread. I should also point out that I intend to carry this through several different Scenarios.

Notes on this: Seekers present in Scenario 1 have no memories of their past excursions, nor memories of one another. While those memories may be buried, however, there are certain individuals among the Seekers who are drawn to one another through bloodlust or a strange feeling of having known this person before. So far as they are aware, aside from what their Shrouds can impart to them, they have come across Peace before...and killed her. Held the Prismatic Hourglass and made their wish.

After that moment, they find themselves in Cardinal City.

Something is awry with this Scenario.

CS Skeleton

Name: You weren't chosen by chance, alone, kid. What's your name? You remember?

Age: It's on the list. Not like I wanted to ask. Guessing you're in high school.

Appearance: Step on out into the spotlight! Everyone's dyin' to meet you! (A picture or description works.)

Personality: Show us your heart, even if you have to tear it out; still beating! (Two or three sentences is fine.)

Affinity: I can smell the Resonance on you. Weird, how that happens. (Seeker Affinity.)

Abilities: Seekers are chosen for a lot of different reasons. What can you do? (List three Seeker Abilities, based around your Resonance Affinity.)

Oracle Emblem: Precious gift, ain't it? Important to you, or someone else? Tell me about it... (A picture is fine, or a description. You'll also list two Shroud Abilities, here; as well as the unique ability of the Oracle Emblem.)

Honest Blade: Before you take a bow, give the people what they really want! The truth! The cutting, rending, slaughtering shape of your soul! (While it doesn't have to be a blade, an Honest Blade is a manifestation of a Seeker's resolution to acquire their true desire...it should be reflective of your Seeker. Mind you, when an Honest Blade is used nearby Oracle Emblems will 'activate'.)

Shroud CS

Name: Well, that was kind of intense. Moving on! Any old name will do.

Appearance: No, no stage. Just you and a mirror. What do you see?

Affinity: We exist to share our power with Seekers. I hope you have something nice, for them.

Personality: Shrouds are just like mortals, after all; we have our nuance!

Assistant Capabilities: If the situation was dire...how would you step in to help your Seeker? (Essentially what your Shroud can actually do while your Seeker is endangered. Now, this can be useful; but not spectacular, given that your Seeker already has an Oracle Emblem.)

Rules & Stuff:
•Two paragraphs a post, minimum. I think that's pretty fair.

•Cooperate with other Players. Sometimes a collaboration, or something similar is necessary.

•Be courteous, if not respectful. I'm not a fan of OOC drama.

•Let me know if you're in need of my help, as GM.

•Have fun!

Well, thanks for reading!

I'm sure questions will surface. If you've got them, feel free to ask.

EDIT: I'll be moving information from the Interest Check, over to here; most likely tomorrow.

EDIT: I will also expanding on Locations. I welcome any ideas/submissions.

EDIT: The flavor intros give hints as to what's going on in this Scenario. Please read both Variance and Static

Word association Game!

Roots