ooc When hearts grow cold. Chapter one: Shadows fall [epic] [adventure] [dark]

[Scribblegroove 565]

When shadows fall

Over the valleys
Beneath the clouds that obscure the sun
Who can recall
A dream, once it's over
And everything's been said and done

If I could hold you in my arms just one more time
If I could simply take away the distance between our minds
Forget the sadness in your eyes
The bitterness and lies
No love can hold
When hearts grow cold

History is about to come to the present… To seek retribution.

-------------------------

When hearts grow cold: Chapter one

RP: http://mlpforums.com/topic/112284-when-hearts-grow-cold-chapter-one-shadows-fall-rp/

 

Greetings everyone. Over the last months I’ve been in a ton of roleplays, and each of them had very interesting perks to them. I’ve hosted a few roleplays in the past, but I decided I was going to do it differently this time. I’ve taken a few aspects of every roleplay I really enjoyed and created this. Maybe you’ll recognise some things. Just know that if you think I’m stealing ideas, I’m merely trying to make this roleplay as pleasurable as possible by taking the best of all roleplays I’ve been in. I hope that makes sense

Not very long ago, a powerful artefact was stolen from the ‘Starswirl the Bearded’ section of the Canterlot library. This powerful artefact could grant power and knowledge to the wrong kind of pony. Despite the countless safety precautions taken a thief still managed to break in and steal the artefact. Not many ponies have seen the act of stealing itself, but a few clues have been left behind.

Alongside this problem rumours have spread of a notorious gang causing trouble all over Equestria, leaving trails behind in several locations. Nopony knows what they are up to yet, but they’ve been stealing and breaking into places for a while now. Some are more frightened by this group than others, claiming that they are more organised and precise than all other criminals that came before them.

Your character has been sent a letter and called upon by the princesses to search for the artefact, and perhaps retrieve some more information about who did it, and if they have anything to do with the obscure gang of thieves. You will travel alongside other ponies in the same situation as you in a party, each of you fulfilling a different role. Your first task is to come to Canterlot so you can be informed of the situation and ask any questions you may have.
The different roles are as follows:

I would like you to apply your character for a certain role. In the roleplay itself your character will receive a letter requesting them to join the travelling party fulfilling that specific role. It would also be nice to give the princesses a reason to choose you in your character application. Is your character the best in his trade? Perhaps he’s been loyal to the crown up until now, or has expressed his will to support the princesses before. This is not obligatory however.

Roles:
Guard/Soldier:

Since the party will be facing dangers on their journey, there has to be somepony that can protect them. A heavyweight of some sort that can overcome most physical problems, is proficient with some sort of weaponry and can make decisions in combat. Your character doesn’t have to be completely oriented around combat however.

Mage:

In many situations a mage is very useful. Thus it is important that there is a unicorn proficient with advanced magic present in the party. The mage shouldn’t be combat-oriented though. More so a wizard specialising in utility, research or transmutation spells. That doesn’t mean your character can’t fight, just don’t come up with a battle mage.

Scout/Rogue:

Somepony who’s either too quick to be caught, or too stealthy to be seen. Who can infiltrate and investigate when nescesary. Is it a master of disguise, a mage of illusion or just a really fast Pegasus? That’s up to you.

Diplomat:

When it comes to negotiating, it’s important that you have a professional with you. The diplomat is a pony with a silver tongue, a witty mind and a strong will. Manipulative and cunning, a diplomat can coerce anyone to his or her purpose.

Navigator:

This party is going to travel a lot, sometimes even through uncharted area. To have a pony who knows his way around anywhere is vital if you do not want to get lost. The navigator is in charge of the parties direction, keeping them out of dangerous areas, and is most knowledgeable of the environment.

Doctor/medic:

If anypony becomes injured and impedes the parties’ pace, it is best to have a pony with a medical license at hand to fix the injury as quickly as possible. The medic might even be the most important of all, because he can get anypony back on their hooves. How he does so is up to you, but strengthening others and helping others recover is your sole purpose.

These roles are taken pretty loosely. It’s more to make sure the party has a variety of different skillsets. You don’t necessarily have to be a warrior to fulfil the soldier role, and you won’t precisely be playing a soldier at all times either. As long as your character somewhat fits the description it’ll be fine. Surprise me with something original! I like that

Application template:

Name:

Role:

OC page link:

Special equipment:

Rules.

 
- No god modding, no powerplaying and no Metagaming.
If a character isn't yours. You can't control them. Simple. Taking control of another players character is strictly forbidden. There might also be things that you yourself, as an OOC person knows, that your character doesn’t know. Make sure you keep track of what and what isn’t within your characters knowledge. Also don’t entirely base your character around their powers or exceptional talent. Sure, it can be a very major factor, but it is important that they have an actual character, and are also not too powerful. There are many examples in which you can try to avoid this rule, but please use common sense and don’t do it.

- No Mary / Gary Sue behaviour.
Your character is not perfect in any way. Neither personality, nor appearance, nor talents and powers. Just keep things like that in mind.
 
-Post length.
200 character posts have their place and their uses, but they shouldn't be the norm. I don't like imposing a minimum character limit as short posts are sometimes needed, but I expect a minimum average of 400 characters and would hope that people aim for a minimum of 600 characters. Of course, when travelling, or when there aren’t a lot of things happening, you can greaten the length of your post by spending more time with inner dialogue or describing scenery. That will flesh out the environment and make it easier for others to come up with ideas to write about.

- Post Quality.
Please take your time to proofread your posts for grammar, punctuation and spacing. Don’t just make your posts fun to read, make them easy to read!

- Respect other players.
Your characters may come to hate each other: you shouldn't hate each other as players though. This is a roleplay, not a competition. It's not worth falling out over.

- Communication and activity
Please make sure to let us know if you aren’t going to be able to post for a while, and also try to post at least twice a week. It makes it a whole lot easier to keep the roleplay going. My main objective is to finish this roleplay to the end, and I will take measures to keep it alive! This will include kicking people and inviting new members into the roleplay at some point.

On the point of communication, it’s also great if you talk to each other. About things happening in the RP, but also about posting activity. Lots of roleplays I’ve been in died because everyone was waiting on each other…
 
 

Accepted characters:

 

Guard/Soldier:
Wish Scribe -
 
Mage:
Maya Clarity - @Driz
 
Scout/rogue:
Whisper -
Diplomat:
 
Navigator:
Pathfinder - @PathfinderCS
 
Doctor/medic:
Mastema Ironheart - @IridscentNionios 
 
Other:
Whisper Woods - @Torrent505
 
Wanderlust - @RunsWithSquirlz

One last thing!

I'm still working out the concept of this RP, and there might be things unclear in this OOC. I've got much more information than is actually displayed here. If you have questions, please do ask them. I can explain things unclear, and possibly add to the current OOC explanation so things will become clearer.

I won't bite, please ask as many questions as you want!

Edited October 25, 2014 by Scribblegroove

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

I've kind of phased out of Pony RP's, but I could see myself joining this. Might have to make a new character though...

 

Name:

Wish Scribe

 

Role:

"Adventurer" - Survivalist, skilled combatant but with a strong dislike for it. Prefers non-violence.

 

OC page link:

http://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/wish-scribe-adult-r5928

 

Special equipment:

- Full Plate.

Crafted in the same style as that of ancient Canterlot guards, Wish's steel armour is thick, heavy and her primary form of protection - supporting its own weight fairly well so as to not prove too much of a hindrance. It also holds sentimental value, designed as it was for a very specific reason.

 

- 'Monkey Fist' Slungshot

(Yes, Slungshot. Not Slingshot. Very different things.)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5666595176_9504d8c5b2_m.jpg

A short length of strong rope, with a dense, solid knot at one end. A combination of tool and improvised weapon, it is used primarily in self-defence to knock out and subdue hostiles rather than wound and kill them. This is Wish's primary weapon and tool. Strips of faded and tattered red cloth are tied near the knotted end.

 

- Meteor Hammer

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38HrYyinkA4/U6H9h23gXKI/AAAAAAAAAUs/2haAk3FJ_H0/s1600/Rope_hammer.PNG

The Meteor Hammer is a truly weaponised version of the Slungshot - made from a steel-woven rope and a weighted steel ball at each end rather than a knot at just one, it is a fast and monumentally dangerous weapon when used correctly. It tends to lay forgotten at the bottom of her bags - truly a tool only used when nothing else will suffice.

 

Other:

Wish will be older than on her character page: about twenty eight. She has matured further, but never lost her cheerful outlook and optimistic naivety.

 

She is used to spending extended amounts of time on the road, is skilled with standard navigation tools and can safely path through most normal terrain. She also has a habit of misreading maps, getting lost and being easily distracted.

 

Wish has a fear of blood - the sight of it makes her feel physically sick, and while she usually won't let this effect her if her life is in danger, it tends to ruin her focus completely when the adrenalyne wears off.

 

Extremely trusting and open to a fault. Can be somewhat narrow-minded, but will very vocally stand up for what she believes.

 

When forced to spill blood in the past, she has very occasionally succumbed to a minor 'bloodlust' - forgetting herself in the moment: actually beginning to enjoy the feeling of control that violence brings to her. She had mixed feelings about this, but above all fears it.

 

She is adamant that she is following in her brothers footsteps by becoming an adventurer of legend: though this is speculation in her part. She left home to search for him many years ago as a child, but never succeeded in finding him.

Edited October 10, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Convergence 83]

Well, wow. I just returned from such a long hiatus from this site. Must have been for several months. Anyway, I definitely could get into this RP, I miss roleplaying with the old gang. If you'll have me, I'd definitely shoot out an application. As you well know, I don't really have the best track record for staying active on this site for extended periods of time. I'm confident that I will be able to, but as you know I have said that before as well. 

 

Just checked, this is my first post since June :/

[Driz 1,552]

Oh man, this sounds awesome! I especially like idea of having a specific role for each character. It does give some variety to the group, and it will undoubtedly make things interesting.

 

Anyway, I'd absolutely love to join this RP, if I could! Here's the form:

 

-----

Name: Maya Clarity (Unicorn/22/F)

OC Page Link

Role:

Not entirely sure yet... I guess she could be the Diplomat, since she is very straightforward and persistent when it comes to getting things done her way.

Special Equipment:

- A small pocket knife, for both protection and utility.

- A full-body hooded coat.

- The key on her necklace (if that can be considered a piece of equipment)

 

Maya was summoned by the Royal Princesses due to the well-known Necromancy abilities she possesses within her family's bloodline. Being able to contact the souls of those who long passed away as well as other spiritual entities, it is expected that Maya's extrasensory magic powers will be crucial on the task of collecting vital information about both the disappeared artifact and the mysterious gang.

-----

 

Hopefully this is good enough~

 

While I'm at it, I wanted to ask... Will the number of participants be limited to the six available roles, or we may have more than one person playing each role?

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,152]

I'm considering having Pathfinder play as the navigator here, considering his expertise in cartography. Give me a little time though, unless someone else wants to try it.

 

But yeah, seriously considering giving this one a try.

[Scribblegroove 565]

@

 

Accepted!

 

'Survivalist' or 'Adventurer' wasn't really on the list, but it's a good one so I'm going to put it on there anyway!

 

If you want, you can add a little to her talents. Herbalism, cooking, hunting? Perhaps something like rock climbing? Scaling mountains is going to be very important in this roleplay!

 

@

 

I've missed you mate! You're welcome to join once you've made a character. This is going to quite a grand roleplay, trust me!

 

@@Driz

 

Accepted!

 

Even though she's been accepted, I'd like you to consider changing a few things to your character. Don't worry, it seems fine as a character in itself, but for you to fulfill a role of either Diplomat, or Mage, you could change her a bit to make her fit in even better. She'd work very nicely as a diplomat or even a detective-like character with her powers, but being insensitive is a serious hiatus for manipulation and negotiation. She needs to be able to analyse other people's emotions properly. So you could make her slightly more proficient with empathizing with others and interpreting their emotions so she can be more manipulative.

 

Or, you could make her role that of the mage. Since her power is already quite special, you can increase the variety of her magic a little more and she'd make a great utility mage. I'd think of more general spells, and also the power to analyse magic in a 'research' kind of way. Knowing what kind of spell was cast, and seeing certain patterns in the magic. For instance, you could say that every time somepony casts magic they leave behind a magic 'signature' in the surrounding, much like a fingerprint. She can match this 'signature' with a unicorn's horn and find out who cast which spell, where and when. Analyzing the remaining energy of cast spells to find out what exactly happened. Trust me, this could be a very useful ability. This is of course open to your own interpretation. You can add your own thoughts to this and surprise me! Imagine the possibilities when you have witnesses speaking to you from beyond death, while you search for clues in a completely different spectrum from conventional research!

 

Anyway, don't think your character isn't good enough. It is. I'm just giving you the opportunity to make her fit in a little better (and I'm also giving you a chance to become slightly more powerful ) You don't have to do any of this. If you believe your character is fine like this, I'll accept that.

 

Answering your question, I think I want at least 6 people, but at the same time I don't want much more than that. If I see very promising characters and roleplayers I'll consider accepting, but after we reach 6 the chances of being accepted become much smaller.

 

@@PathfinderCS

 

Oh that would be great! I don't think I've seen you in a fantasy/epic/dark roleplay like this before, but I'd like to remind you that it will be quite a grim roleplay at a certain point. It will be quite different from the sunshine-and-rainbow SOL roleplays in EQE. Ponies are going to die (hopefully not characters though) and suffering will be a given. Are you prepared for that? :3

 

I'm sure you are, but I just wanted to make sure that you're reminded of that. Don't want to intimidate you or anything! I'd love you to be a part of this. I know how great you are at roleplaying!

Edited October 10, 2014 by Scribblegroove

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

These roles are taken pretty loosely. It’s more to make sure the party has a variety of different skillsets. You don’t necessarily have to be a warrior to fulfil the soldier role, and you won’t precisely be playing a soldier at all times either. As long as your character somewhat fits the description it’ll be fine. Surprise me with something original!

Consider her an alternative to the soldier archetype, with survivalist and a few navigation skills on the side. A freelancer.

Edited October 10, 2014 by Cinderscribe

[Scribblegroove 565]

Consider her an alternative to the soldier archetype, with survivalist and a few navigation skills on the side. A freelancer.

Right, I'll put her in the soldier role then.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

So... adventure!

 

Yeah, Wish is fairly diverse. She's got a pretty wide skill set, even if she isn't particularly focused on many of them. She's resourceful - always tends to find some kind if way to get out of (and back into) trouble. I tend to have a good idea of what she will and won't know, but its hard to list because she tends to know 'a little bit of everything'.

 

Knows a bit about herbs and medicines, but don't expect her to go fixing broken bones. Can read a map and use a compass, but isn't amazing at staying on course. She's amazingly good at being 'just good enough' to get by.

 

Oh, and she's a natural (if inexperienced) sailor if that ever factors in any relevance. Its in the genes.

[Convergence 83]

@

 

I've missed you mate! You're welcome to join once you've made a character. This is going to quite a grand roleplay, trust me!

 

 

 

. I am developing a character as we speak, it will be done at some point tonight. He is a really unconventional mage/wizard if your okay with that. 

Edited October 10, 2014 by Golden Shield

[Driz 1,552]

@@Scribblegroove,

 

Yeah, I've been thinking about that. I hadn't decided which role Maya could fulfill: I was trying to decide between Diplomat (because of her sort of "want-it-therefore-I-have-it" personality), Mage (so I could develop her magic powers a little more) and Navigator (with the extrasensory skills, she could search the surrounding area). In the end I chose Diplomat just because. But I really liked your suggestions!

 

I was planning on writing more details regarding her magic, since she's still kind of a work in progress - haven't got the chance to really use and develop her in a RP yet. It would be awesome to have her be able to recognize traces of other magical auras nearby and acquire information of who was there before. With that, she could totally play a utility-oriented Mage or the Navigator.

 

I'll add some more to her character page later today, making sure not to overpower it too much. I'll go with your idea so that she's fit to either the Mage or the Navigator with her magic powers. Thanks a lot for accepting me and for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

[Scribblegroove 565]

@

Being a mage is ok, but keep in mind that we already kind of have one. We can have multiple of one role/archetype, but keep the diversity in mind.

 

@@Driz

 

I would like to keep the navigator option open for Pathfinder, since he is an actual cartographer and navigator. Though your navigation could be very important in a more surrouding-oriented environment, more in a detective way of speaking, Pathfinder would actually help you to travel all over equestria with real maps, knowledge of geography and such.

 

@@PathfinderCS

 

At least, that is what I am expecting. Am I close? :3

 

@

 

That'll do just fine then! I'm updating a list of characters in the OP

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,152]

 

@@PathfinderCS

 

Oh that would be great! I don't think I've seen you in a fantasy/epic/dark roleplay like this before, but I'd like to remind you that it will be quite a grim roleplay at a certain point. It will be quite different from the sunshine-and-rainbow SOL roleplays in EQE. Ponies are going to die (hopefully not characters though) and suffering will be a given. Are you prepared for that? :3

 

I'm sure you are, but I just wanted to make sure that you're reminded of that. Don't want to intimidate you or anything! I'd love you to be a part of this. I know how great you are at roleplaying!

 

Haha, don't worry about that! Really, I've dealt with grimdark outside of the MLP range, so I think I'll be good.

 

@@Driz

 

I would like to keep the navigator option open for Pathfinder, since he is an actual cartographer and navigator. Though your navigation could be very important in a more surrouding-oriented environment, more in a detective way of speaking, Pathfinder would actually help you to travel all over equestria with real maps, knowledge of geography and such.

 

@@PathfinderCS

 

At least, that is what I am expecting. Am I close? :3

 

That's the gist of it; yeah. Pathfinder is essentially knowledgeable of the overall geography, and has a VERY extensive collection of maps that detail the land as such. As for the small details, I can see where Driz's character would be best suited for that, but Path is more broad in regards to travel & maps, as you say. :3

 

So yeah, to make it official...

 

Name: Pathfinder

 

Role: Navigator, Cartographer

 

OC page link: http://mlpforums.com/page/eqw-characters/_/approved/pathfinder-r206

 

Special equipment: General survival equipment, ropes, maps, journals, etc. Also, his powers relate to making a holo-graphic map; as well as a compass needle that can point out where you need to go but ONLY if Path is familiar with the area.

 

That good? :3

 

 

[Scribblegroove 565]

@@PathfinderCS

 

Accepted!

 

And I'll add you to the list! 

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

@@Scribblegroove,

 

Hello I would like to ask a question on this RP since many people don't like certain OCs do you accept Changelings? The rogue style could match a transformation Changeling perfectly. If no then that's fine. 

[Scribblegroove 565]

@

 

Give me a while to think about it. I like the concept, but I need to see if fits into my setting and world. I'll get back to you on this as soon as possible. 

[Driz 1,552]

@, @@Scribblegroove,

 

I believe we could work with two different types of Mages here. My character isn't much of a heavy magic user: she doesn't know a large variety of spells, but instead focuses solely on a more psychic-like element. We could say she's more of an "Esper" than anything else: she's a Utility/Support Mage.

[Scribblegroove 565]

 

I'm going to accept a changeling with this exception rule:

 

All changelings are inherently evil. Not because they want to be, but because they crave to feed on emotions, and because they grow up in an environment which encourages these horrendous ways of living. However, you grew up outside of a hive, between ponies, and Twilight Sparkle managed to neutralize your craving of feeding on emotions through a few magical spells. Now, simply friendship will do. You feed on the power of friendship now.

 

Either that, or something along those lines. I know the friendship thing might sound lame in a roleplay like this, but the entire friendship thing will become a major aspect of this roleplay and I'm going to make it way cooler than the show portrays it :3

 

Keep in mind though, your character is not yet accepted. I still need to see it

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

@@Scribblegroove,

 

Name: Void Crawler

 

Role: Scout/Rogue

 

OC Page Link: http://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/void-crawler-r7169

 

Special Equipment: His steel shell armour

 

As you said we are changing him for the RP so ignore his backstory. Oh and if anything else is disliked let me know, I can edit his story.  Oh and ignore his other form, that is for certain RPs only.

Edited October 10, 2014 by Void Crawler

[Scribblegroove 565]

 

Actually your backstory is fine up into this point:

 

'Once he did eventually return to his Hive and Queen he told them how evil stealing love without ponies noticing is so he was Exiled for being a deserter to his Hive'

 

You could make it so that after the battle he was captured, but he didn't fight because he wanted to change. Then twilight decided to help him, and after a few years everypony came to trust him a little more. The reason why the princesses chose to invite you is because you were the first and only civilized Changeling in history! Or something like that.

 

If you change that to his backstory it is actually ok and I think I'll probably accept him then :3 just make sure his magical powers aren't that strong. His most powerful ability should be that he can shapeshift. He shouldn't have much more powers than that. I mean he can already fly and cast magic at once, so let's keep it reasonable.

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

@@Scribblegroove,

 

I can like that story yeah, I don't mind the editing at all, for this RP I will change his backstory if you allow me to join, Oh and yeah he is a bit overkill in his magic but he is a very, very weak flyer, he basically can't fly, and I will weaken his magic for the RP to make him less OP.

[Scribblegroove 565]

@

 

As long as you do that, and watch your punctuation a little I think you'll be fine. Use a period once in a while. Your whole last post was one sentence with 6 commas :3

 

The same thing can be seen in your backstory. I would appreciate it if you watch your writing just a little more. I can see that you are literate enough if you take the time to think about what you're writing, how it will be read by others and how you can make it as pleasureable to read as possible.

 

Once you've edited his backstory I'll accept him. 

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

@@Scribblegroove,

 

Hmm, I have never seen how many commas I use

Ah well can I ask one last thing, by edit his backstory do you want me to edit the actual Character Page?

Not to sound picky but if I do that for this RP it would be easier instead of editing his whole page because then other RPs I am participating in now may not make sense with that Backstory behind him. I sound like a picky idiot now but do you think we can say that is his backstory for this RP specifically instead of me editing his page?

[Scribblegroove 565]

@

 

I didn't really mean editing his character page, though I could've been a little more specific :c . You still have to write it though. You can either post it here or send it to me in a PM.

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

Ahh, good okay I will get the story set up then post it.