searching Put Your Mask On!

[Divine_Heart 51]

::Introduction::

 

Halls checkered with red and black race into the distant unseen darkness. There are echoes of voices filled with small amounts of laughter, serious whispers, worrisome concern...but overall...fear. The scene was not what was bothering the unseen faces, but rather what was being said between the group. Each word filled each and every one of them with many different questions at this point. Lastly about how far this hall goes, secondly about the past, and firstly...their friendship...

 

"I jus' don't know about that sugar..." a voice echoed through the darkness amongst a small collective group of seven, "Quite frankly, I don't know about any of this anymore. Tis' here ol' place has brought the worse outta' me."

 

She tossed up her hands in a passive manner as she stepped forth. Her body was adorned by the strangest garments: a dress that was not that formal to begin with and made of red denim. A button up white shirt with an apple printed at the chest. The last feature was the green sash around her neck that hung in a breeze with how she stepped quickly ahead of the group and at the double doors that seemed to be at the end of the hall.

 

"But this is nothing!" the hand of the female was stopped by the other as she whipped around gently pushing it to a halt.

 

"Not 'THIS' place, Twilight." she raised a hand, "But...the other one! This place...college! I haven't been the same ol' gal. Ya' know? Following schedules? Running around with a buncha' other students who come from all over the world. I jus' can't sit there and nod anymore like I know what everyone is talking about."

 

She shook her head. "I jus' ain't...been honest with no one, lately. Not even ma' self."

 

"But..."

 

"I know what you mean, dear." Breaking away from the group, a figure removed her mask coveted with the most beautiful of jewels decorating the cheeks. The crown-like protrusions from the top that was adorned by pieces of silky hanging cloth had draped with its removal, and the worried white face of the female shown as she stood forth.

 

"I have given it my everything, but...I keep feeling like it's not enough." she continued, "Life was so much easier back then. Even something like 'saving the world' did not seem like such a big thing to fuss about."

 

"When we all had time for each other..." one stepped forth after the other.

 

"When we all had time to celebrate together as friends."

 

"So what?!!" a voice screeched standing from in the center of the group. She had bolted between them so quickly that her open white leather sleeveless coat draped to her heels. The rainbow inseam almost looking like aa cape as it finally touched the back of her leg. Her cuffed sleeves raising a single fist to eye level as she shook it before her face...and her teammates. "That stuff isn't important! It's just kicking THAT thing's butt, getting back to our regular lives, and then..."

 

"So what you are saying Rainbow Dash," the female screeched, "Is that you don't care what happens after this? Evil being is toppled, we go back to our normal lives running across Equestria, and seeing so little of one another! You know: selling clothes, being athletes, going....where ever Fluttershy is going to rescue a helpless baby seal?"

 

"U-umm..." timidly the pink-haired female contested with a raise of an index finger, "Th-they're otters? A-also, I'm going to t-train them in Manehatten Zoo...i-it's going to take just a few years an intern a-and..."

 

"The point is dear," the female rolled her eyes in frustration, "I understand where Applejack is coming from! I miss you all...and the only reason we are here together is...for something sad like this? This is the longest year we have been together. I want this madness to be over...but then-"

 

"Rarity! Don't say that!" 

 

Her fiery red leather bound suit went along her curved boy so snuggly. It complimented her yellow bootsss with the spiked design that made her look like she was on fire. She removed the mask from her face and gave a shake of her head to straighten her hair back into place. With a strong gaze, she looked from the fair white skinned teenage woman, then to the purple skinned-one. 

 

"Don't hesitate here!" she beckoned, "Especially you Twilight. You were the one that taught just how valuable our friendship were...at least, the other you. Overtime, you seem just like her. You see how powerful friendship can be, and even now, you seem to value everyone. I can see that...even now...you are suffering to see everyone like this. I know that leader is in you too. That's why I know, even now...you have the answer."

 

She smiled and nodded her hand as if to give the leadership role once more to her idle. It was returned, even if weak in the expression, but she understood.

 

"You're right, Sunset Shimmer." she continued, "I value my time with you all, no matter how short it may be. That's why, I wish we were together like this forever."

 

*Chi-Chi-Chi-Chiyaaaaaaaaaa...*

 

The sound from the darkness alerted them all with a jump. Just as quickly, their hands clinched the masks that were between their digits. Twilight, her bewilderment lasting only a second, pressed her mask along her face until she could see between the openings down the dark hall past her friends.

 

"Starlight!" she cried, "Starlight Glimmer! Is anything here? I don't see it and there's nothing around us!"

 

"I-I don't know!" a voice echoed all around the figures with no definite source. "I-I am not as good as Pinkie Pie at this! I-I don't understand these readings! It's like something is there, but yet it doesn't make sense where it is! I see you!"

 

This was a bad idea...

 

The six of them wanted to do this together. They wanted to see this through to the end. There was some relief in bringing Sunset Shimmer along. She had been so helpful from the day Twilight joined Canterlot High to learn about being with these group of friends. The truth was, at heart, she was struggling with this being the last battle between the twisted and sickly looking door with the strange number "7" upon its face.

 

She looked towards it once more to see Applejack beside the gates, her friends before her on the floor looking arouind frantically. Sunset Shimmer stood alone within the all partway into the darkness without fear. Her eyes narrowing unseen in a concerned manner...until they opened up sharply remembering that strange sound before. She knew it well! She knew that type of monstrosity like that back of her hand!

 

"Everyone...put your masks on..."

 

She spun around frantically as her face was twisted in horror before she let out one last scream.

 

"EVERYONE! PUT YOUR MASKS ON!!!"

 

*CHIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!*

 

"TWILIGHT! ABOVE YOU!"

 

By the time the screams registered in her ears, it was too late. Her body was forced with a powerful tackle. Her side almost sore from the sudden collision, she was tossed in a roll with a heap, and her mask flew from her face as it slid a few meters from her reach. She looked up to see the monster that had caused the impact...but it was worse than she imagined.

 

"Wheeee!" the pink body of the wildly haired female was suspended in a dark thin liquid that captured her in mid-air. Apparently, she was knocked out of the way by a friend...rather than struck by a monstrous blob or...whatever that thing was! "This is f-"

 

*GACK-COUGH-ACK!!!*

 

"Not....f-fun!"

 

"PINKIE!!!"

 

Twilight recovered quickly. With a quick bound, she had rolled and reached her mask, slipping it upon her face. Her right hand lifted as she prepared to...do....something! She needed to save her friend! Her lips moved. She did not want to lose what she had now. With a gasp of her breath-

 

"Uror! Maragidyne!!!"

 

*FWOOOSHHHH!!!*

 

A pillar of flame had exploded upward wrapping itself around the area Twilight was standing. darkness in all the corner retreated as if it was alive and creeping towards the single woman. As she could see the pillar of flames, behind them, she could see the masked face of the fiery female. Sunset Shimmer, standing with her hand stretched out and behind her a blue brimming beautiful fair-skinned giant female glowed within the darkness in a blue aura.

 

"Twilight! Look around you!"

 

It was everywhere. The darkness was like a sea, and abouut them were the hollowless, blank blackness behind many different faces that reselmed what seemed like masks. There were countless amounts of them. There were so many, she was stunned! She felt like a fool! How did she allow them to get ambushed? They were so close! The most terrifying thing about it...she did not recognize any of them...

 

...she did not see her friends.

 

"We have to go!"

 

She gasped at the suggestion. 

 

"B-but...my friends..."

 

"It's too late! Time is almost up! We HAVE TO GOOOOO!!!"

 

There was a loud roar of Sunset Shimmer's voice that no roar of the summoned flames could compare to. She had reached snatching Twilight Sparkle's hand and with a raise of her own right hand, she nodded her head quickly. She roared with her voice calling out to the deep darkness.

 

"Starlight Glimmer! Do it now!"

 

"No! Don't!"

 

"STARLIGHT! NOW!!!"

 

There was silence, except for the grotesque bubbling sounds coming from the creeping darkness.

 

"...Sutakora Foot!"

 

*SWISH!!!*

 

There was a flash of blinding light that drowned the entire hall in a strange pristine aura. In no time at all, the figures were fished back to familiar terrain. There was the twisted garden of thorns and bramble that were shaped to represent what seemed like a familiar shape of a cartoonish heart by roses of red and black. The brick layered path was slightly cracked and broken with splatters of red that was running along the openings of the bricks. The massive double doors at the front of the wicked looking building that made the outside of the wall of bricks had been at the center of the aligned garden work and at the beginning of this path was the two female figures with a third racing over in a panick.

 

"Twilight! Sunset!" she cried, "What happened? Where's the others?!!"

 

"TWILIGHT!!!"

 

The cry was as loud as a raging storm's thunder clap to the ears of the girls who looked on at the sealed gates. Twilight spun around reaching for Sunset Shimmer who stared on at the twisted, towering building structure in horror. She pushed her shoulder to face her. To scream at her their next order!

 

"We're going back in!"

 

"We can't..."

 

"What are you talking about? We have to! Our friends are in there! We're going back in to save them! Let's g-"

 

"Twilight! We can't!" Starlight Glimmer stepped in front of Sunset Shimmer as if to side with her, "I am almost out of energy...and I am sure you and Sunset Shimmer are too. I can't summon Skuld anymore if I wanted to. We can't risk losing you! There were too many of them! Also..."

 

The sky broke with a bright lunar light. The beams hit what was now the pristine open garden of trees and bushes that lined themselves around an open building. The double doors were now beautiful gates with the initials UC at the front for the true form: University of Canterlot. There were hundreds of people who suddenly were walking around with backpacks slung on their shoulders in the middle of the night. Their eyes looking at one another with earnesty, but deep down their true thoughts were unsaid. Disconnected with the world around them, to real relationships, and authenticity...they marched on seeming to ignore the only three who were in horror of what was previously a nightmarish landscape and a demon's stronghold beyond it.

 

"We were...pushing it, Twilight." 

 

Starlight glimmer swallowed as she placed her hands on the females shoulders. Their clothes now taking the form of what seemed like uniforms of a prep school except Sunset Shimmer's sailor uniform of red and yellow with a set of leather black boots and a matching leather jacket. The masks were missing from their face revealing sincere and saddened expressions.

 

"I am sorry. They belong to that...'place'..."

 

She fought hard. But now, she was fighting tears. Her friends were not here to fight with her, nor was she strong enough to fight this feeling alone. Sadness settled in and Twilight sniffled as she reached back to Starlight...but failed. Her arms drooped to her side as if she was losing life in them. She sniffled...winced...and then gave in...

 

...she cried.

 

Even now, she cried as the gentle moonlight cascaded on herself and her only remaining friends. They embraced one another as the world passed them by.

 

But her story would not end with her tears...at least...not like this...

 

~Story/Scenario~

 

"Regardless of race or culture, masks exist in every nation around the world. The intention of the powerless people was probably due to the compelling desire to disguise or incarnate oneself as a different person. Humans and masks are connected in this way. The many aspects that people have, the self suffused with divine love and the self capable of demonic cruelty, are also masks. Masks are indisputably not for concealing one's appearance, but probably for human beings to express the various characteristics they are made of."

~Igor

 

One year ago...they graduated...

 

Twilight Sparkle sat down in a chair in what was called the "Velvet Room," and heard these words from a scene riddled by endless amounts of student desks. Standing at a lone chalkboard was the individual who called himself "Igor" behind his own desk. His gloved hands reached before him revealing a deck of cards with many faces of images on them that told of the "Journey of Man" and the major facades of life they went through. This was all while a lovely woman with faded blonde hair, a pair of glasses and a ponytail continued to gaze over his shoulder. A lone yard stick ruler in hand, she pointed to images that appeared on the chalkboard like magic with every tap and word uttered by the long nosed man.

 

Finally, they broke through to her, speaking about and asking what was "Morality" and what it mean to be "Heroic."

 

However, Twilight Sparkle could not even remember this. The only thing she remembered was that she had one year to solve this mystery of what befallen the school herself and her friends were attending. The "University of Canterlot" that was their first choice now was becoming a mysterious wicked building that was shaped by human desire. Friendships and bonds took backseat to the sins of the world and the problems of solitude that came with it. Because of this, the world gave birth to a University where collective minds gathered from all over Equestria to attend this learning insitute that became something twisted at midnight.

 

This building is known as "Universitas." (Latin for "a Whole", in this case meaing 'a Whole' of the world's sins.)

 

With the power of "The Heart," Twilight and Friends fought their way all the way through six warped and twisted floors that warped the reality of what was mind and matter as the twisted version of the University had become toppled place after place. However, naive and cocky to see the wicked building to be thwarted in the end, Twilight's friends had become captured and held in the institution for one night. The University re-shapes itself, regains its strength by siphoning the Equestrian magic from Twilight's friends, and now her journey has become more difficult because of this.

 

With her distress evident, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer's traces of Equestrian Magic starts to spill out like a beacon to five youth who are just like her friends in someway. Dealing with problems of their own or even in similar ways, they become attracted to Twilight and may even become intertwined in her journey to scale "Universitas" and rescue her friends from monsters.

 

...no matter what form they may take.

 

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

 

~Rules~

 

This Roleplay is based on Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series in conjunction with Equestria Girls. Basically, Equestrian Magic is affecting the human mirror world further to the point that hearts are twisting the reality around one place: a University. This will be a tabletop roleplay where chance and roleplay come into play to affect the end result of battles while pushing an (hopefully) amazing story where friendships and relationships play a big part of what it means to get stronger (true to the Shin Megami Tensei series & along the theme of FiM series). This is a very re-worked version of my suggest story: Put Your Mask On and it's original design.

 

1. Basic forum rules.

 

2. This roleplay won't get too graphic, but it will be very philosphical.

 

3. Please follow the template. It is very important in this Tabletop roleplay as not only will it determine your character's abilities, but also stat-points, skills, and their overall potential.

 

4.There won't be a turn-order to post, but Roleplayers are expected to be active unless otherwise notifying me. If you do not plan to post within 72 Hours of the last post, then please do not apply. I do not want to ruin the fun for anyone. Your spot will be easily given to someone else.

 

5. Will throw in the occasional reward in the system to encourage you to keep on roleplaying as well as to introduce more fun. So, have fun, but also try your best to express your character. I love good character expression above all else and consideration for your other fellow Roleplayers.

 

6. There will be five spots to this roleplay. First come, first serve.

 

7. This roleplay will be in an action/dungeon run format. You will attempt to cast spells, attack opponents, and roleplay out actions. I will use dice and simulators to determine actions that hit and miss, especially when I give you the stats and display a lot of things that will become apparent as you learn about the system. It's still in the works, but trust me, a lot of it is thought out. Win or lose, we will have fun and I will not kill players without permission. I am actually open to a lot of story and direction since it's not just going to be me.

 

Special Notes

 

*If you happen to join and wish to design your character to compliment others, especially in battle, please feel free to discuss with one another while you are filling out templates. It is best you all post claiming your elements since it's first come/first serve and then fill out the template. WARNING - If you have not finished your template in a weak prior to claim, your reservation will be tossed.

 

*If a sixth person would like to join, I may consider it. However, it depends on activity and pace when the Roleplay starts. If the roleplay goes fluidly well in activity, I will allow someone to jump in and not be too far from story. However, this can vary since I will have to consider the direction of the story to fit the number and the plot.

 

*Apply with OCs. NPCs will be canon characters and will be used accordingly by the game master (myself).

 

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

 

~Mechanics~

 

The main mechanic & ability the characrers have is the ability to summon a "Persona." This is introduced in the roleplay within time and will be the main way of fighting opponents whether they be monstrous beings or others who will wield a Persona. They take the form of mythological and legendary figures that are present within history or even presently spoken of (Examples: Zeus, Susanoo, Amaterasu, Shiva, Odin, etc.). These beings represent the user's heart and the form the power takes within an individual. They have powers that affect the outcomes of battle because, like personalities, they have strengths and weaknesses in certain situations.

 

Each of these "Personas" (as well as monsters/demons) are classified from the different "Arcana" in the story which determine their power and potential (For this story, the 14 Major arcana are the most common). The Arcana manifest the different Persona depending on the personality (For example: Twilight Sparkle who is very agreeabe and continously learning is "0" (The Fool/Joker) and no one else can have this ability). You will gain an Arcana classification when the story starts. 

 

If you follow the template and personality well to match an Element of Harmony, your Arcana should also match the personality/element as well. 

 

Personas manifest when the user wears a Mask that they place over their face. The mask is decorated according to their design to express their personality as well as have a motif outfit they were within "Universitas" to guise themselves from the twisted students who are being shaped and warped by the dark atmosphere of the strange institution. The students have weak wills often submitting to the darkness of the area, most often turning on and attacking the group.

 

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

 

~Template~

 

Name: Feel free to use OC.

 

Gender: Self-Explanatory

 

Age: This is college, so they are 18-23 most likely. 

 

Element: Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity (Pick One: No two characters alike have these)

 

Persona: What is your character's Persona? The history of the God/Myth/Figure?

 

Note: If you rather claim a person from the '>Shin Megami Tensei Wikia or use pictures/face-claim, you are free to do so.

 

Weapon: For self-defense (Cut-Type | Impact-Type | Stab-Type)

 

Skills: Choose one type for each skill. Moderation will fill it in appropriately according to Arcana and selected elements. If selecting one of the following, also selected a type.

 

Physical - Choose a type (Cuts,Impact, Pierce)

Magic - choose one of six elements (Wind, Ice, Fire, Elec, Dark, Light) 

Buff/Debuff - choose a stat (Attack, Defense, Speed).

Status - Choose a type (Poison, Charm, Sleep, Paralysis)

 

Skill 1 - Healing/Physical/Magic/Ability/Buff/Debuff/Status (Weak One Target Skill)

Skill 2 - Healing/Physical/Magic/Ability/Buff/Debuff/Status (Moderate One Target Skill/Weak All Targets)

Skill 3 - Healing/Physical/Magic/Ability/Buff/Debuff/Status (Strong One Target Skill/Moderate All Targets)

Skill 4 - Healing/Physical/Magic/Ability/Buff/Debuff/Status (Strong One Target Skill/Strong All Targets )

 

Note: Skills & Abilities will come from the Persona Q Skill Set wikia. If you would like to claim a skill that is available on List from the Wikia to better suit your character, you are free to PM me and we can work something out.

 

Appearance: What does the character look like? (Features, clothing, and anything particular worth noting)

 

Personality: Their personality MUST focus around the selected Element or have a relation to it.

 

Background: Make sure you explain how and why they are the way they are.

 

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

 

~Sample Template~

 

Name: Sunset Shimmer

 

Gender: Female

 

Age: Nineteen

 

Element: Magic (NPC Only)

 

Persona: Uror

 

Uror is one of the three Norn Sisters of Fate in Norse Mythology. She governs the past. She is adorned by black layers of clothing and fair brown skin. Her hair is a beautiful snow white as well as having a mischievous grin as she is said to be quite a jokester compared to her sisters, the younger Verdandi and Skuld. She specializes in Fire-based elemental attacks as well as Dark-Type attacks.

 

Weapon: Brass-Knuckles (Impact-Type)

 

Skills: 

Skill 1 - Physical (Strike - One Target)

Skill 2 - Healing (One Target Skill)

Skill 3 - Buff (Attack - All (Ally) Targets)

Skill 4 - Magic (Fire - Strong - All (Enemy) Targets)

 

Appearance: Five Sentences or More

 

Personality: Five Sentences or More

 

Background: Ten Sentences or More

 

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

 

~Taken Spots & Face-Claims~

 

1. Element of ---- played by - Unclaimed

 

2. Element of ---- played by - Unclaimed

 

3. Element of ---- played by - Unclaimed

 

4. Element of ---- played by - Unclaimed

 

5. Element of ---- played by - Unclaimed

 

6. Element of Magic  played by - Game Master (Divine-Heart)

Edited March 21, 2016 by Divine_Heart

[Hederik 119]

Wow, this was a heck of a read. Now, let's hope I'll remember all the thoughts I wanted to put down.

 

First off, it's Urðr! With a slashed d, not an o. And since the 'r' at the end is just added in Old Norse to certain nouns that had no grammar applied to them, you can shorten it to Urð (or Urd, really) without any harm.

 

Secondly, you could use some serious proofreading. Beyond the occasional, harmless typos, a lot of what is happening in the introductory story is rather unclear. Colors are a nice way of denoting speaking characters, but should not be used exclusively to differentiate between them, and a little description of what's happening here and there wouldn't hurt the dramatic tension at all.

 

Thirdly, this color is absolutely unreadable.

 

Ok, enough of criticizing. Now let me try and understand better what this is about.

 

From what I gathered, the eight main characters (Mane Six, Sunset and Starlight) have almost conquered the school (for whatever purpose), which in itself is a kind of a sinkhole for all that's wrong in the world...? But they failed, lost 5 of them and now need to start over? Or just push beyond a certain point already reached by them? Are the students evil? Are they even aware of what the school is? You say they are weak willed and prone to attack the players -- will they be aware of that having happened before, or forget such events entirely?

 

Is any knowledge of this Shin Megami Tensei necessary to understand what is going to be happening?

 

Are you willing to start with fewer than five players? Because from a few months' experience, this is a high number to expect if your introductory post contains upwards of a hundred words.

 

Why are there only 14 Major Arcana, rather than the full set of 22? (Or 21. I'm not actually sure if the Fool counts into the Majors.) Are you willing to reveal which of these are included?

 

Are the personas supposed to perform attacks in the character's stead? Or are they just visual manifestations of a character's power being used openly, and connected (however loosely) to the type of the powers available to them?

 

Are the masks something kept secret? Do the characters possess any powers without them? Are their properties dictated (like, do they have to be carnival-like, or could they take other shapes as well)? Have they been made by the characters themselves, handed to them by the divine or otherwise superior beings, or just somehow found?

 

...I probably forgot to ask half the questions I had. Well, I may remember something by the time you reply.

 

Oh, and dibs on loyalty, a tank/healer male character. I have no idea about any further details of the OC, but my persona will most likely be from the Norse or Slavic mythology.

[Divine_Heart 51]

Wow, this was a heck of a read. Now, let's hope I'll remember all the thoughts I wanted to put down.

 

First off, it's Urðr! With a slashed d, not an o. And since the 'r' at the end is just added in Old Norse to certain nouns that had no grammar applied to them, you can shorten it to Urð (or Urd, really) without any harm.

 

Secondly, you could use some serious proofreading. Beyond the occasional, harmless typos, a lot of what is happening in the introductory story is rather unclear. Colors are a nice way of denoting speaking characters, but should not be used exclusively to differentiate between them, and a little description of what's happening here and there wouldn't hurt the dramatic tension at all.

 

Thirdly, this color is absolutely unreadable.

 

Ok, enough of criticizing. Now let me try and understand better what this is about.

 

From what I gathered, the eight main characters (Mane Six, Sunset and Starlight) have almost conquered the school (for whatever purpose), which in itself is a kind of a sinkhole for all that's wrong in the world...? But they failed, lost 5 of them and now need to start over? Or just push beyond a certain point already reached by them? Are the students evil? Are they even aware of what the school is? You say they are weak willed and prone to attack the players -- will they be aware of that having happened before, or forget such events entirely?

 

Is any knowledge of this Shin Megami Tensei necessary to understand what is going to be happening?

 

Are you willing to start with fewer than five players? Because from a few months' experience, this is a high number to expect if your introductory post contains upwards of a hundred words.

 

Why are there only 14 Major Arcana, rather than the full set of 22? (Or 21. I'm not actually sure if the Fool counts into the Majors.) Are you willing to reveal which of these are included?

 

Are the personas supposed to perform attacks in the character's stead? Or are they just visual manifestations of a character's power being used openly, and connected (however loosely) to the type of the powers available to them?

 

Are the masks something kept secret? Do the characters possess any powers without them? Are their properties dictated (like, do they have to be carnival-like, or could they take other shapes as well)? Have they been made by the characters themselves, handed to them by the divine or otherwise superior beings, or just somehow found?

 

...I probably forgot to ask half the questions I had. Well, I may remember something by the time you reply.

 

Oh, and dibs on loyalty, a tank/healer male character. I have no idea about any further details of the OC, but my persona will most likely be from the Norse or Slavic mythology.

 

A lot of good or interesting points. I thought some would be apparent...but I have been wrong before, and it's been so long since I've done moderation. Let's see...

 

As far as the introductory post goes, forgive my carelessness. It's hard to type anything without Microsoft Works and Notepad is....unfavorable. I thought I got rid of most errors using Chrome's proofread. As for the vagueness, I don't detail completely what happened because I want it that way. Sure, some people may find they do not understand or do not want to, but generally what I have detailed in the story is that an unusual world is being expressed as well as how events transpired a disaster has happened while giving some details of how mechanics work through a minor mock battle, interaction, and how strange behavior is occurring at this scene.

 

If I leave no mystery, it certainly would be no point or motivation to scale the story so RPers could try to find what happens since I want to integrate them in the feeling that they are a part of the story and not just turning pages.

 

Because of the reasons I just explained, I would skip the next block of text. Those elements were to be conveyed in-story if people choose to join the story. Also, no, experience with the Shin Megami Tensei Universe is not necessary. If anything, this is an AU-type of roleplay focused around the Persona series. The reason I choose that series is  how closely FiM and Persona focus around the theme of relationships and understanding their value.

 

Am I willing to start with fewer than five people? Yes. I look for three really since four posters (including myself) is a favorable number for me. However, I do not want to limit anyone who wants to join in and have fun. That's' why the max is five.

 

The Arcana range will be from Zero to Thirteen. I forget the Fool, Aeon, and World are not especially inclusive to the classifications because of their roles. So, it will be from Magician to Hanged Man (1-12) that will be available to players and play crucial roles in battles and story, and the 0 and 13 (Death and Fool) which will be NPC only/story elements.

 

As for the attack method, it's usually the latter. Characters have the potential to fight on their own using weapons or fighting methods as their basic line of offense, but a Persona is a manifestation of their own will power that can cast spells, use elemental magic, and strike with unique skills in an instance.

 

The Persona series has had different methods for manifestations of the power of "Persona." In one instance, they can simply summon them by will power, another is that they used Evokers which are shaped like Handguns that are pointed towards their heads and a trigger is pulled shattering the boundary between mind and matter, and then there is the manifestation of their will through the respective tarot card that unleashes that power, and the latest being the manifestation of a mask that is worn during combat (which manifests and comes across their face). The summoning methods varied based on themes.

 

In this one, we're going to say "Masks" because the theme of this Roleplay is "Courage." Because it will follow more of a Super Hero theme. Virtue will play a big role in story and the characters themselves. For that concept, I think the Equestria Girls branch of FiM was perfect to incorporate into this Roleplay story.

 

Also, your "dibs" is accepted. Thank you for taking an interest.

[Hederik 119]

I thought I got rid of most errors using Chrome's proofread.

Yeah, Chrome isn't so hot on that. And hardly ever does software point out using similar-looking words in incorrect places (like 'badger' where you'd expect 'badge' or 'bellow' instead of 'below'). Furthermore, I know myself how hard it is to find one's own errors even if an attempt is made to thoroughly proofread the written text.

s for the vagueness, I don't detail completely what happened because I want it that way. Sure, some people may find they do not understand or do not want to, but generally what I have detailed in the story is that an unusual world is being expressed as well as how events transpired

Ok, ok, wait. I didn't mean in the slightest that you should give away the storyline as a whole, or reveal anything you hadn't already. I just couldn't make heads or tails from the introductory post, but only now do I see that the "chi"s and "chiya"s serve as separators between the three scenes, rather than being dramatic noises in a single scene -- which made very little sense. Consider that remark withdrawn.

If I leave no mystery, it certainly would be no point or motivation to scale the story so RPers could try to find what happens since I want to integrate them in the feeling that they are a part of the story and not just turning pages.

Absolutely. Being one to favor a mystery-uncovering RP type, I share and fully support this view.

Because of the reasons I just explained, I would skip the next block of text.

Ok, now that I see the proper shape of the first post, I can agree with ignoring some of these questions. But I'll rephrase some of them, and perhaps add a few new ones, because to play as a character I need to at least have a feeling as to the extent of their knowledge in these topics.

 

So...

1. Do the students (PCs in particular) know anything about anything strange going on in their school?

2. If so, is it public knowledge (known beyond the boundaries of the school), or are the school-goers the only ones informed?

3. Do the PCs know they (may) have any superhuman powers?

4. If not, do they know that such powers exist in their world?

Am I willing to start with fewer than five people? Yes. I look for three really since four posters (including myself) is a favorable number for me. However, I do not want to limit anyone who wants to join in and have fun. That's' why the max is five.

Sounds reasonable.

As for the attack method, it's usually the latter. Characters have the potential to fight on their own using weapons or fighting methods as their basic line of offense, but a Persona is a manifestation of their own will power that can cast spells, use elemental magic, and strike with unique skills in an instance.

Ok, cool. I already have further questions, but I guess they're best left for the in-character revelations.

a mask that is worn during combat (which manifests and comes across their face). The summoning methods varied based on themes

So, the masks are non-existent except for when combat ensues, at which point they somehow materialize, already on the faces? Yet based on the introduction, these can also be carried by hand... I reiterate the question, however, whether the masks are in any way made by the characters, or obtained in any other way? Just this much information will suffice until the proper explanation of the topic in the RP.

Also, your "dibs" is accepted. Thank you for taking an interest.

No, thank you for making me interested. And I'll be posting a more fleshed-out draft of the character in a few days. One quick question -- just to be sure -- the names will (should) all be MLP/EQG-like, correct? Otherwise, Twilight and the rest would sound queer in the midst of your Janes and Johns.

 

 

EDITED IN: As an afterthought, are we expected to yell these Japanese-y skill names every time they are used? Not that I'm going to oppose that, I'm just not big on the eastern style of fiction.

Edited March 21, 2016 by Hederik

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

Dibs on Honesty, Copper Strikes, best male athlete in Canterlot High.

[Divine_Heart 51]

Yeah, Chrome isn't so hot on that. And hardly ever does software point out using similar-looking words in incorrect places (like 'badger' where you'd expect 'badge' or 'bellow' instead of 'below'). Furthermore, I know myself how hard it is to find one's own errors even if an attempt is made to thoroughly proofread the written text.

Right. I will be trying my best to proofread. This Roleplay has been thought of for days, but typed up in a matter of a couple of hours. I did not focus on organization since I did not want it to be system-driven as much as i would be story.

 

Ok, ok, wait. I didn't mean in the slightest that you should give away the storyline as a whole, or reveal anything you hadn't already. I just couldn't make heads or tails from the introductory post, but only now do I see that the "chi"s and "chiya"s serve as separators between the three scenes, rather than being dramatic noises in a single scene -- which made very little sense. Consider that remark withdrawn.

Absolutely. Being one to favor a mystery-uncovering RP type, I share and fully support this view.

Ok, now that I see the proper shape of the first post, I can agree with ignoring some of these questions. But I'll rephrase some of them, and perhaps add a few new ones, because to play as a character I need to at least have a feeling as to the extent of their knowledge in these topics.

The impression of having any knowledge on the mechanics is virtually none. In order to keep the feeling of adventure and the phantasmagoria-type feeling of being exposed to something new and unusual, the Roleplay is presented along with any knowledge of knowing what is happening to both the handler and their character.

 

So...

1. Do the students (PCs in particular) know anything about anything strange going on in their school?

2. If so, is it public knowledge (known beyond the boundaries of the school), or are the school-goers the only ones informed?

3. Do the PCs know they (may) have any superhuman powers?

4. If not, do they know that such powers exist in their world?

The answer to all of those questions is "No."

 

1. It goes with the theme true to the depressing/narcissistic story theme of Persona series: social constriction and faulty structure. The students are oblivious of this phenomenon and are not even able to become are of this strange phenomenon. The only reason your "character" will be able to experience these phenomenons is because they will gain the potential to develop as people and want the change the dullness of social norms and stereotypes they fall into. In other words, your character differs from the rest of the world through social enlightenment.

 

2. It is not public knowledge, because the phenomenon occurs in a super natural phenomenon that warps time and space to create the strange building structure being spoke of (Which will not spoil anything so I can say that). However, the world does have negative effects on the real world, which you will see why as time goes on.

 

3. No. They do not know. They just will be experiencing the strange phenomenon from the moment the Roleplay starts. The streets become a sickly black color, the sky turns red, and the buildings become warped, twisted, and illogically stable in strange shapes. They may accidentally start summoning their "Power" when attacked by monsters.

 

4. No, they do not know...but they will know shortly after the roleplay begins.

 

Ok, cool. I already have further questions, but I guess they're best left for the in-character revelations.

So, the masks are non-existent except for when combat ensues, at which point they somehow materialize, already on the faces? Yet based on the introduction, these can also be carried by hand... I reiterate the question, however, whether the masks are in any way made by the characters, or obtained in any other way? Just this much information will suffice until the proper explanation of the topic in the RP.

 

There is a special status that occurs in the series after enemies suffer a "critical blow" which is called "Knock Down." This will occur at times and that moment in the Roleplay exemplified that because the character was unable to act. I thought the inaccessibility of the mask was perfect was to make point of that.

 

No, thank you for making me interested. And I'll be posting a more fleshed-out draft of the character in a few days. One quick question -- just to be sure -- the names will (should) all be MLP/EQG-like, correct? Otherwise, Twilight and the rest would sound queer in the midst of your Janes and Johns.

You are welcome in that case, and yes, this is still an Equestria Girls relative RP.

 

EDITED IN: As an afterthought, are we expected to yell these Japanese-y skill names every time they are used? Not that I'm going to oppose that, I'm just not big on the eastern style of fiction.

Those names are not necessary. It's the reason why I made the template with simply skills and the available strengths. It's to use the Persona series system and theme because of the compatibility to drive the story, but nothing more.

 

Dibs on Honesty, Copper Strikes, best male athlete in Canterlot High.

I accept your reservation. Just be aware the bulk of the Roleplay will be focused around the University and not High School. You can say they are in an early credit program or even that they frequent the University for athletic program reasons.

[Hederik 119]

Ok, now my thirst for knowledge is temporarily slaked. Coincidentally, here's a WIP version of my OC, the WIP being mostly his backstory, which I didn't have the time to conjure up and pen down today.

 

 

Name: Vivid Locus, aka Vivaldi

 

Gender: Male

 

Age: 25

 

Element: Loyalty

 

Persona: Svarog

 

Slavic mythologies differ wildly from place to place, so there are many gods whose roles and areas of influence overlap; each of them is the main god in a sense. That being said, Svarog is one of these "main" gods. Under his powers was said to be the sun, which he himself created and his sons carried across the sky, his domain. He was also the patron of fire and blacksmithing. He is often compared to the Greek god Hephaestus. His appearance is most often similar to that of Thor or Christian God: a tall, muscled, bare-chested man with a flowing beard. His attribute is a smith's hammer.

 

Weapon: Two two-feet long wooden sticks (Impact-type)

 

Skill 1: Weak One Target Physical Impact Attack

Skill 2: Moderate One Target Attack Buff

Skill 3: Strong One Target Magic Fire Attack

Skill 4: Strong All Targets Defense Buff

 

Skills are subject to change if something should be needed to better suit the party, however I think this is a well-rounded set.

 

Appearance: Vivid Locus isn't the tallest man that's ever been seen. In fact, he is a head shorter than most of the other students. This doesn't stop him from being presentable, a feat accomplished easily thanks to the impressive girth of his arms and clearly cultivated muscles of the upper body. While at first this might bring to mind a beginning body-builder, he is nothing of the sort. Instead, it is a result of scrupulous training, mostly bench pressing -- and playing the drums, which had been his chief hobby for many years. This, in conjunction with the similarity of name, earned him the nickname of Vivaldi, gladly used by him to this day.

 

Playing the drums is also what prompted him to pick up fighting with sticks when he began attending martial arts trainings in junior high school. He kept it up throughout high school, but then neglected once he moved away after work and then began studying as well.

 

His skin is a very dark red in color, leaning towards brown*. His chin sprouts a thick, black beard, cut in a straight line at merely an inch's length. Other than that, he sports almost no facial hair - aside from brows, of course. That is not to say he's bald, but without looking closely that might well be assumed, so closely does he trim his hair.

 

As far as clothing is concerned, his outfit of choice is a faded and worn black leather jacket paired with jeans and one of his favorite bands' t-shirt. His right ear is pierced, as though or an earring, but he never wears one, nor any other jewelry aside from plain black leather braces -- but these can hardly be called that, and are an accessory he usually uses only during concerts.

 

* - What Wikipedia calls "Maroon" and I'm more inclined to call "#990000".

 

Personality: Neither overly outgoing nor outspoken, Vivid is nonetheless gregarious enough once he gets to know someone. Partly due to his lack of enthusiasm towards actively trying to get to know new people, he is fiercely loyal to those whom he already considers friends, to the point of lacking assertiveness towards their decisions. He is very slow to anger, prone rather to suppress his emotions than let them out, but he's easily irritated by the spitefulness of inanimate objects. Because he's often alone, even in the midst of a crowd, he has acquired an innate ability to focus even in the weirdest circumstances and process well what's going around him at the same time. Adept enough at the things he's expected to be learning in the school, he nonetheless much prefers to spend the time in front of a computer otherwise.

 

Background: (will get filled in soon)

[Divine_Heart 51]

@@Hederik

 

Looking very good so far. Looking forward to seeing the backstory of your character.