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Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Welcome to Sweet Jazz City, just one facet of a world made a little richer, more colorful, and more interesting by the presence of epithets. Everyone knows the deal, taught in elementary schools the world over: about one in every five people has a word tied to his or her soul from birth. A word from the world's vast, all-encompassing single language that just 'clicks'; a word that feels right, inspirational, and intriguing. Some go their whole lives without finding theirs, and some spend their whole lives trying to find one that doesn't exist, but those that do can develop extraordinary powers derived from their epithets' meaning, with a whole lot of practice and a hearty portion of creativity.

Such cultivation is pretty tough, though. Comparable to mastering a sport or an art, except with nobody else to go on, it's something not that many people do. And most epithets, completely random in nature, seem weak, taking a lot of effort to really pay off. So society really hasn't changed much. There's sometimes friction between those with epithets -inscribed- and those without -mundies- but people still awake, think, work, play, talk, fight, relax, and rest just about the same as one might expect. Still, now and again, extraordinary things happen even to ordinary people.

Otterholt Point is one place where the hard-working citizens of Sweet Jazz City can go to take a load off. Resting on the end of a forested peninsula just barely within official city bounds, its beachside hotel is a reasonably popular getaway for most of the year, although only really crowded in the summer. It's here that one such extraordinary event is about to unfold, bubbling up smack dab in the middle of an assortment of hapless vacationers and resort staff, opportunistic hoodlums, and nefarious assassins. A colorful cast will have to whether the storm, working together or against one another in a mad bid to sink or swim.

About the world of Epithet Erased


This RP's inspired by the animated series produced by Brendan Blaber and his amazing team. It's all about an assortment of quirky characters coming together in cooperation or conflict, using their powers (known as epithets) in a variety of creative ways to confront the challenges before them. However, knowledge of the show is by no means necessary to play and enjoy yourself. Think of this as a down-to-earth superpower RP, with one key difference: epithets.





Expectations


For this RP, there would be some expectations concerning participation. I would ask that players not apply at all if they don't intend to stick with it for the long haul. If you decides after joining that you can't or don't want to continue, I would appreciate notification rather than just disappearance. It's just common courtesy not to get people's hopes up or leave them hanging. There wouldn't be any posting requirement, but I plan to update at least once a week, and it will be using my Reaction Prompt system. If a character is put in a situation necessitating a response, especially in terms of combat, and you don't post one or get a continuation, the results will play out as if your character just didn't do anything, which can range from other characters just thinking yours is weird to getting a free hit from an attacker.

I also ask my players to be straightforward in their dealings. If you have any questions, concerns, or grievances, please bring them up. I'm open to feedback and requests, and do my best to support my players.

Character Sheet


Imaginative character designs, both appearance and personality wise, are encouraged. Basically anything goes, in a sort of anime-ish way. Colorful hair, uniquely-shaped irises, sharp teeth, you name it. You'll be able to adopt any sort of role in the setting, with whatever motivation, which can put you in conflict with other player characters. You could be a mostly-harmless Banzai Blaster mook, out with the buds on a weekend vacation but ready to suit up and start looting once the crap hits the fan. You could be a headhunter from Bliss Ocean trying to take down a prominent Epithet user visiting the resort, a bodyguard for that inscribed, a police officer just trying to keep people safe, or hey, just a kid in the wrong place at the wrong time doing your best to stay out of the crossfire.

In the spirit of the show, and of using creativity to make the most of the hand dealt to you, applicants will be given a selection of up to five randomly-generated words to choose from for your epithet. Just ask and I'll kit you out. If you're just miserable with your selection, I have a limited backup solution you can inquire about. Of course, this thread's also the perfect place to bounce ideas around!







Join the Discord
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Calling all interested parties! Included are your previously-given epithet selections.



















Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Majoraa
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Majoraa yeh

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Noot noot.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Crimson Raven
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Crimson Raven *Rolls a Nat 1*

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*falls*
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Crimson Raven
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Crimson Raven *Rolls a Nat 1*

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Quick question, what's the setting/level of technology like? Modern? Futuristic? Syfy? Steampunk?
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Quick question, what's the setting/level of technology like? Modern? Futuristic? Syfy? Steampunk?


Modern, for sure.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Crimson Raven
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Crimson Raven *Rolls a Nat 1*

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Guns but no Lazers.

gotcha
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Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Majoraa
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Majoraa yeh

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I'll probably wait on everyone else before working on my CS. And not cause I STILL haven't found a faceclaim that suits Cepheid.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Epithets don't really have a bearing on one's appearance unless very highly trained, so you know.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Crimson Raven
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Crimson Raven *Rolls a Nat 1*

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I'll probably wait on everyone else before working on my CS. And not cause I STILL haven't found a faceclaim that suits Cepheid.


Same

just

same

I have gone waaaaay too deep down the rabbit hole
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Majoraa
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Majoraa yeh

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Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Gentlemanvaultboy
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Gentlemanvaultboy

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Name: Penny Draconis

Age: 16

Appearance:
While not using her Epithet Penny actually tends to dress down, favoring long skirts and overly comfy looking sweaters. This non-ostentatious manner, however, is seemingly incompatible with her Epithet and her outfit is replaced whenever she draws her sword.


Personality: A scholarly sort at heart, Penny prefers snuggling up with a good book over basically any form of human interaction. This behavior has convinced her parents that she is a "smart kid," and as they have pushed her more and more to succeed her intelligence has sharpened from her constant efforts to get whatever club, after school activity, or contest they enter her in done quickly as possible (one way or the other) so she can go back to doing things she was actually interested in. This has led to her being very goal oriented, but left her with a distinct lack of respect for authority, the spirit of the rules, or any form of pageantry.

Despite her constant sour expression there is a good heart buried in there that's most apparent when she's managed to grasp a quiet moment in her claws. As could be expected she takes real issue with people that try to control or interfere in other peoples lives and she has a soft spot for people that have been obviously screwed over or are trying against impossible odds.

Background: Penny was a regular girl. At least, she tried to be in between all the classes and training she was pushed into. Her father and mother had always sensed something special in her, but even they weren't prepared for how exactly that would manifest.

One miserable raining day while Penny was waiting for the bus to cram school a hand slowly rose up from the depths of a nearby puddle. Clutched in its grip was a magnificent sword, with a shining blade and a hilt of gold beset with jewels. Penny stared at it, transfixed by its beauty. She had had a niggling little suspicion that there was something more to her for a while but this was basically confirmation. She put her foot on the crossguard and slowly pushed it back into the puddle.

The next day at breakfast the hand and its sword rose again out of her cereal. She took her spoon and shoved it back down before her mother and father could see.

Later that night the hand insistently shoved the sword up while she was in the bath. She screamed, grabbed the sword, and started beating at the hand with it. While she only succeeded in destroying the tub her parents were thrilled to discover something their little girl had been hiding from them; she obviously was one of the lucky people born with an Epithet, and after some soul searching and experimentation it seemed to be a pretty good one. This only intensified their already high expectations, which was exactly what Penny had wanted to avoid.

Motivation: Penny has convinced her parents to send her to Otterholt Point to take part in the annual sand-castle contest under the logic that it would help refine her Kingly skills, but in reality she just wants to enjoy three days of peace and leisure.

Assets:

  • Sword Training: It turns out that hitting thing with a real ass god damn sword is super cathartic when you have a lot of pent up emotions, so her bi-weekly training sessions with Sensei Quixote are actually some of the only extracurriculars she reliably attends.
  • Mythology Buff: By far her greatest area of interest. If there's an only myth, fairy tail, ghost story, or urban legend Penny is likely to have heard it before.
  • Determination: Penny believes that you can solve any problem by applying enough thought or bodies to it. If you don't succeed one way, you come at it from another direction. You never just give up.


Flaws:


  • Just A Kid: No matter how much she's studied Penny is still a child. She's not as smart as she thinks she is, and she doesn't have much worldly experience.
  • Abrasive: Penny hasn't had much of a social life, and hasn't mastered social cues. This is compounded by her grumpy disposition.
  • Four-eyes: Penny wears glasses. She needs them to see.

Epithet: Royal
  • Excalibur, the Holy Sword of the Promised King: Penny can draw a magic sword from any body of liquid. This sword is sized for her, very light, beautifully crafted, and deadly sharp. It acts as a conduit through which all her powers flow, transforming her from a simple girl into a King. When she isn't holding the sword, all her other abilities deactivate. If broken it must be returned to the water so as to be repaired. No basis for a system of government
  • Peasant Serf: The backbone of any monarchy, Penny can summon forth Peasant Serfs. Peasant Serfs are diminutive, gnomes like creatures about a fourth of Penny's size, either covered in or made of mud, and armed with various farmers tools. Though their combat prowess is negligible at best they are nonetheless hard and fast workers when assigned manual labor tasks such as digging ditches, sowing fields, building and fortifying shelter, and other such things provided they have sufficient materials. Their awareness and vocabulary are extremely limited, and Penny can only manage to summon a team of five at one time.
  • Knights of the Kitchen Table: Where would any King be without her loyal cavalcade of knights? Though only slightly larger and more intelligent than the Peasant Serfs, these are far more sturdy and ready to throw themselves into battle to protect the King. Though they can fight alone their combat prowess is heightened should Penny fight alongside them. Knights take more stamina to manifest than Peasant Serfs. As such she can only manage two at any one time.
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Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Rockin Strings
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Rockin Strings Mechanically intelligent, musically inclined.

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Name: Mark O'Dess

Age: 21

Appearance:


Mark has been told a lot recently that he resembles an actor from a show he doesn't watch but he doesn't care. It's not like he tries to look like him. He just knows how to make himself look good. With his hair perfected and his outfits usually combining flannel, denim, and/or leather, he can't help when people mistake him for... What was his name again?

Personality: Mark isn't afraid to put a guy in his place, whether that guy is being a douche, being abusive to his girl, or being a criminal. In actual fights, Mark uses his speed to stay ahead of the attacker and grapple them in an armbar, triangle lock, or his signature wind-knocker.

When he's not being a rough-and-tumble badass, Mark likes to spend his time reading. He has many interesting adventure books to catch up on. He'll read in just about every place and position he can.

If you were to catch him on the street, he'd greet you with a nod and a small wave, despite your looks or status. Except for children. Mark has always had a soft spot for the youngest generation, usually making them laugh, or at least stop crying, before going on his way. He's often advised the youngsters to help them out in sticky situations.

Background: Mark grew up as the oldest of 4. With a brother 3 years younger and twin sisters 6 years younger, Mark was always told he'd have to help out. His mom was in a bad condition after the twins' births and constantly getting worse. After fighting for a year, her body gave out. At only 7 years old, Mark had to start growing up. His father was constantly working, meaning they were raised more by their grandparents.

His mom's moms were very loving and tended to spoil the 4 of them. His father's parents were a bit more strict but no less loving. On their dad's day off, he would play with them and take care of them as much as he could.

When Mark was 13, he got in an argument with a friend about words and ended up accidentally activating his epithet. Instantly, he went from shouting in his friend's face to screaming at the back of his head. Needless to say, the argument ended as the boys started talking about the new epithet. They worked together to figure out what the word was and how it could be used.

Over the next 8 years, Mark trained as hard as he could to expand his abilities and become better with his epithet. With the help of his best friend, Mark was able to get a rather impressive skillset that he used daily for making life easier and for helping others.

Motivation: Mark's motivation is his family, friends, and the protection of the innocent. He often spends his days off and time after work walking the streets in search of a crime to prevent or stop.

Assets: Mark may not be the strongest guy in the fight but, even without his epithet, he's rather fast. While not insanely fast, like his favorite comic book heroes, he did train himself to be able to beat the fastest member of the school's track team in a normal foot race. He also has incredible balance and agility, practiced mainly for his skateboard and roller blades, which he has partially transferred into parkour.

Flaws: Mark can be very lazy when he doesn't want to do something. He knows he's a procrastinator and tries to counter it with alarms to get him mobile again but that doesn't always work. His least favorite thing about himself is his ADHD, which he tries his best to act against. On top of all that, he doesn't eat healthy, as he's trying to gain weight. People have told him they want his metabolism. He always tells them they don't really want his, they want one just a bit slower so they're in a healthy weight range, not underweight.

Epithet: Stride
Quick Stride: Able to step to random places around the battlefield.
Long Stride: Able to "teleport" to anywhere he can see (max 1 mile) with a single step. This ability must be charged. The longer it's charged, the further he can stride.
Heavy Stride: Can create a 1-foot diameter crater where he stomps.
Take in Stride: When concentrating, he only takes half as much damage as normal when hit.
Air Stride: While in the air, he can slow his speed to half.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by TruthHurts22
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Actually, I'll join after all! Was thinking about it, and now I got an idea that won't let go. Just need to find a decent faceclaim... I'm awful at those
Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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@Gentlemanvaultboy That character looks amazing! I really like the interpretation of the epithet, and what her powerset says about her conception of the word. I'd say you've made a perfect fit for this world. Just one thing: the name of the resort is Otterholt Point, rather than Otter Creek.

@Rockin Strings, not bad so far. Still, there are a couple aspects to the power that could be ironed out. Running fast involves a whole bunch of strides, so instead of just having super speed, you might make Quick Stride a sort of flash step instead, allowing him to quickly dash from one point to another in a short distance. A mile+ teleport for Long Stride is a little out there, especially 5 miles to a place he can't see or has a straight line to. I'd be fine with Long Stride requiring a charge time to be able to 'step' to anywhere he can see under a mile. That's still a pretty darn strong ability, but not a broken one.

@TruthHurts22 Are you quite sure about this? This roller-coaster ride doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. If you like, you can make your character just to get your idea out, and we/I can tell you what we/I think without it actually going into the RP.
Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Gentlemanvaultboy
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I don't even know how I made that mistake considering its a beach.

*edit*

It's because otters live in rivers in my head. Fixed.

To add on here, if anyone is having trouble finding character art I have a huge collections so I can probably help if you tell me what you're looking for.
Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Bluetommy
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Tentative interest, toss me some words wordfather
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Rockin Strings
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@Rockin Strings, not bad so far. Still, there are a couple of aspects to the power that could be ironed out. Running fast involves a whole bunch of strides, so instead of just having super speed, you might make Quick Stride a sort of flash step instead, allowing him to quickly dash from one point to another in a short distance. A mile+ teleport for Long Stride is a little out there, especially 5 miles to a place he can't see or has a straight line to. I'd be fine with Long Stride requiring a charge time to be able to 'step' to anywhere he can see under a mile. That's still a pretty darn strong ability, but not a broken one.


For Quick Stride, I was thinking something closer to "his strides are quicker" which is how I tried to explain it. I can see the flash-step thing being better in a battle, which is more of what I was thinking for Long Stride. Speaking of Long Stride, I can see it working better as a charge, but the places he knows well, such as his home, his job, stuff like that, seem like they'd have a longer distance since he knows exactly where they are and can basically "portal" to them easier.

In summary - Quick Stride was more for mobility, Long Stride for battle and quick retreat if necessary, and limiters can definitely be added to all the abilities to keep him from being too strong.

Your thoughts?
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Lugubrious
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Sometimes I peruse art to try and find an inspiration for a character, but other times I think of the character first and no art suits it, so I rely on description alone.

Tentative interest, toss me some words wordfather


Here you are:



@Rockin Strings I personally think it'd be more sensible to have Quick Stride by the short-distance mobility / battle option of a flash step (not a teleport, just a really quick one-dimensional movement to a target point) and Long Stride for utility, with the charge-up time making it difficult to use in a fight. 'Stride' doesn't really associate with 'teleport', and if your character could instantly go anywhere in one mile (let alone five miles) that he knows well, around corners and through walls and countless other obstacles, there could be almost no stakes to anything that happens to him. He could always instantly retreat from any danger, take things permanently beyond the reach of others, contact authorities and get them involved, and so on. I would recommend Long Stride being this: Mark pours energy into his leg muscles, and once sufficiently charged, he can take a single long step to any point of ground he can see that's less than a mile away.
Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Rockin Strings
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Rockin Strings Mechanically intelligent, musically inclined.

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@Lugubrious Ok, I see your point. I'll make the changes and work on it later. Just woke up and gotta go to work.
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