T h e C u r s e o f . . .
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| H | O | L | L | O | W |
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| ◼ G M: Lord Wraith | ◼ G E N R E: Superhuman, Modern Fantasy, School, Slice of Life | ◼ T Y P E: Linear with Sandbox Elements |
P R E M I S E:
"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."
~Friedrich Nietzsche
On October 18th 1967, Earth was caught in a worldwide blackout in the midst of a total lunar eclipse. During the eclipse, Earth was struck by a massive solar flare. The combination of plasma and magnetic fields doused the entire globe with high energy particles which caused the largest and brightest occurrence of the aurorae ever recorded. Unfortunately, this event also brought a geomagnetic storm that ravaged Earth’s electrical transmission lines, causing the global power outage. On that day, the Earth nearly stood still. Nearly three and a half billion people sat in total darkness for almost ten minutes before back up systems began to reintroduce power across the planet. However, numerous regions around the world were left in the dark for far longer. Major cities were powerless for nearly a week while some rural areas were forced to survive for almost a month without power. This event left a death toll numbering in the tens of thousands and become known as the Dark Eclipse.
It has been nearly eighteen years since the day of the Dark Eclipse and while the world has resumed its original course, the aftermath of the Dark Eclipse reached far further than anyone could have ever anticipated. The resulting effect of the high energy particles was a mutation appearing in one person of every one million individuals. While public knowledge of the mutation remains vague, selected sects in the scientific community are aware of it and have dubbed the emergence of the mutation ‘Viriumosis’. In more common jargon, the possession of a mutation is referred to as the ‘Hype-Factor’ or ‘Hype-Gene’. Collectively, these mutants are referred to as ‘Hyperhumans’.
One such Hyperhuman, a girl by the name of Vanessa Bordeaux, was a student at Mather Memorial High School in the sleepy hamlet of Crestwood Hollow. Her secret was unknown to the vast majority of her peers and even her closest friends, but unfortunately, someone found out. Vanessa's body was discovered a week ago, brutally murdered. At this point, the police have no leads are at a total loss towards the killer's motivation due to the secret around Vanessa's true nature.
You will be taking the role of Vanessa's closest friends and peers. Players will be asked to create fellow students who through an event occurring in the first IC post, will also be Hyperhumans coming to terms with their new abilities. These students could be Vanessa's sibling, her lover, her crush etc. Stricken by grief over their deceased friend, the player base will be brought together by Mather Memorial's new and enigmatic school counsellor, Jonas Lehrer. Concealing a secondary agenda not initially disclosed to the group, Jonas himself has knowledge that some might describe as uncanny and was brought to Crestwood due to a premonition surrounding Vanessa's friends. Plagued by visions of a dark figure hunting Hyperhumans on a vengeful quest, Jonas' premonition showed him the only way to stop the evil force was by uniting the group of teenagers and training their potential. Using the guise of a grief counselling session to unite the group, the RP will progress by the group transitioning into a team and training group.
It has been nearly eighteen years since the day of the Dark Eclipse and while the world has resumed its original course, the aftermath of the Dark Eclipse reached far further than anyone could have ever anticipated. The resulting effect of the high energy particles was a mutation appearing in one person of every one million individuals. While public knowledge of the mutation remains vague, selected sects in the scientific community are aware of it and have dubbed the emergence of the mutation ‘Viriumosis’. In more common jargon, the possession of a mutation is referred to as the ‘Hype-Factor’ or ‘Hype-Gene’. Collectively, these mutants are referred to as ‘Hyperhumans’.
One such Hyperhuman, a girl by the name of Vanessa Bordeaux, was a student at Mather Memorial High School in the sleepy hamlet of Crestwood Hollow. Her secret was unknown to the vast majority of her peers and even her closest friends, but unfortunately, someone found out. Vanessa's body was discovered a week ago, brutally murdered. At this point, the police have no leads are at a total loss towards the killer's motivation due to the secret around Vanessa's true nature.
You will be taking the role of Vanessa's closest friends and peers. Players will be asked to create fellow students who through an event occurring in the first IC post, will also be Hyperhumans coming to terms with their new abilities. These students could be Vanessa's sibling, her lover, her crush etc. Stricken by grief over their deceased friend, the player base will be brought together by Mather Memorial's new and enigmatic school counsellor, Jonas Lehrer. Concealing a secondary agenda not initially disclosed to the group, Jonas himself has knowledge that some might describe as uncanny and was brought to Crestwood due to a premonition surrounding Vanessa's friends. Plagued by visions of a dark figure hunting Hyperhumans on a vengeful quest, Jonas' premonition showed him the only way to stop the evil force was by uniting the group of teenagers and training their potential. Using the guise of a grief counselling session to unite the group, the RP will progress by the group transitioning into a team and training group.
S E T T I N G:
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Situated along the Eastern Coast of the United States between Hampton and Portsmouth, Crestwood Hollow is a small New Hampshire city originally founded in the year of 1684, shortly before the infamous Witch Trials. Settled in the fertile Orlaith Valley, the city is home to a largely rural area, boasting a very fruitful agricultural industry. The largest export of the city is the Golden Delicious Apple. Beyond the valley lies densely populated forests of oak, maple and cherry trees. This contributes to several lumber mills in the area that provide a secondary industry to the city.
To the North of the Orlaith Valley is the Great Bay Lake. From the Lake, the River Shannon flows South before turning East towards the valley and continuing through the city. The downtown of Crestwood Hollow is split by the river with one street travelling East on the Northside of the river, while on the Southside the road only goes West. Located every few blocks is a draw bridge that both connects the city and separates it when the need arises for a ship travels upstream. Towering buildings look down on the river ranging from hotels to banks, to professional firms and apartment complexes. The Northern side of the city is known for being rougher than its Southern Sister. The 'Beau' half of Crestwood Hollow is home to the Mather Park, in the middle of which is an ancient white oak known only as the Hanging Tree. The Southern half of the city, the 'Belle,' is newer than the Beau and is home to several more residential areas than the North. The further south one travels in Crestwood Hollow, the more construction they seem to encounter as the city is continuously expanded to accommodate new subdivisions.
Towards the eastern edge of the city, the Shannon empties into the Atlantic Ocean, flowing through the Crestwood Port before it is swept away by the tides of the Atlantic. Due to its location within the Orlaith, Crestwood Hollow has very few visits via train and does most of its imports through truck and ship. As such, the Port is often a thriving hub of life with new ships visiting each day. Several fisheries dot the piers but have fallen upon hard times in later years due to over-fishing in the Atlantic. Numerous recreational boats fill the docks and full warehouses litter the boardwalks.
To the North of the Orlaith Valley is the Great Bay Lake. From the Lake, the River Shannon flows South before turning East towards the valley and continuing through the city. The downtown of Crestwood Hollow is split by the river with one street travelling East on the Northside of the river, while on the Southside the road only goes West. Located every few blocks is a draw bridge that both connects the city and separates it when the need arises for a ship travels upstream. Towering buildings look down on the river ranging from hotels to banks, to professional firms and apartment complexes. The Northern side of the city is known for being rougher than its Southern Sister. The 'Beau' half of Crestwood Hollow is home to the Mather Park, in the middle of which is an ancient white oak known only as the Hanging Tree. The Southern half of the city, the 'Belle,' is newer than the Beau and is home to several more residential areas than the North. The further south one travels in Crestwood Hollow, the more construction they seem to encounter as the city is continuously expanded to accommodate new subdivisions.
Towards the eastern edge of the city, the Shannon empties into the Atlantic Ocean, flowing through the Crestwood Port before it is swept away by the tides of the Atlantic. Due to its location within the Orlaith, Crestwood Hollow has very few visits via train and does most of its imports through truck and ship. As such, the Port is often a thriving hub of life with new ships visiting each day. Several fisheries dot the piers but have fallen upon hard times in later years due to over-fishing in the Atlantic. Numerous recreational boats fill the docks and full warehouses litter the boardwalks.
M A T H E R M E M O R I A L H I G H S C H O O L || E S T . 1 9 4 7 :
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Mather Memorial High School is Crestwood Hollow's largest secondary school in the city which collects the graduates from several of the city's more populated elementary schools. One of the oldest buildings in all of Crestwood Hollow, Mather Memorial was originally the city's courthouse when it was built in 1654, before being transformed into a county jail for nearly a decade, spanning from 1802 until nearly 1869.
Unfortunately, a fire brought down part of the building, resulting in numerous convicts being unleashed on the unsuspecting city proper. Opting not to rebuild a jail in the middle of the town, the building sat empty for nearly thirty years until a young architect wanting to make a name for himself opted to propose the structure be revitalized and renewed as a school. In 1902, the school opened its doors under the original name of Mather Memorial Highschool.
Due to the long-standing history of the school, it comes as no surprise that many of the locals consider the building to be haunted. One of the most prominent local urban legends says that the large oak standing in the school's front courtyard was the very tree used to hang the men and women found to be witches during the Witch Trials. As Mather Memorial sits on the edge of Mather Park, this tree is the same white oak referred to as the Hanging Tree.
Unfortunately, a fire brought down part of the building, resulting in numerous convicts being unleashed on the unsuspecting city proper. Opting not to rebuild a jail in the middle of the town, the building sat empty for nearly thirty years until a young architect wanting to make a name for himself opted to propose the structure be revitalized and renewed as a school. In 1902, the school opened its doors under the original name of Mather Memorial Highschool.
Due to the long-standing history of the school, it comes as no surprise that many of the locals consider the building to be haunted. One of the most prominent local urban legends says that the large oak standing in the school's front courtyard was the very tree used to hang the men and women found to be witches during the Witch Trials. As Mather Memorial sits on the edge of Mather Park, this tree is the same white oak referred to as the Hanging Tree.
R U L E S:
As the GM, I reserve the right to deny, veto or otherwise reject any character application based on any number of factors that I find make the character unfit for this roleplay. This can include player history, perceived literacy, lack of understanding of the game's concept, unruly behavior in the iCheck/OOC/Discord or towards the GM, other players or simply a generally poor attitude. Other reasons for application denial will be listed in the following rules.
All Character Sheets must be submitted to the GM(s) using the provided skeleton. Character Sheets that do not use the provided skeleton will be rejected and asked to comply with the set standard. Any applications must be posted in the OOC for review before being reposted in the Character Tab. No review or feedback will be provided on incomplete sheets although the GM will be happy to answer any questions about the game, its world or lore.
All characters sheets submitted will be 'Hyperhumans' and should be written to reflect such. That said, all characters will be starting off either aware or only suspicious of their true nature and/or abilities. Keep weaknesses, flaws, and limitations in mind while writing your sheet. Give them reasons that make them need a team or allies to support them. Most importantly, give your character room to grow and develop. A large part of the RP will be based on the growth and development of your characters and their abilities so keep that in mind.
Failure to adhere to any of the character creation rules will lead to rejection of the application with a citation of the broken rule(s). Critique will be given on Character Sheets which don't break any rules but aren't quite up to an acceptable standard. Please be willing to work with the GM in the event of this.
A Discord will only be created for this RP if all players are willing and able to participate within it. In the event that this is not the case, the OOC will remain the primary medium for discussion and game announcements. Any player is welcome to reach out to me through my Discord found in my signature in the event that this is easier for than using the OOC or PMs.
Absolutely no 'OOC' chatter will be tolerated in the In Character Thread. If you have a question or anything to explain there is an Out Of Character Thread provided. You have no excuse to make an 'OOC' comment in the IC and if done it will be heavily frowned upon.
Writing expectations for this roleplay are at least two (2) well-developed paragraphs as a minimum per post. Three (3) to five (5) paragraph posts, however, would be awesome so long as you're not simply chewing the scenery. Proper spelling and grammar are also expected but small mistakes here and there are understandable. Blatant offences will be called out.
This is a Character-Driven RP, and as such you are encouraged and expected to take charge of your character's subplots and storylines. This is a favourite rule of mine, and that said, there will be a heavy emphasis on collaborative activities and team building as well. The GMs will be leading the RP in the traditional sense with a driving plot and will ensure the RP keeps moving however we do want to see you develop your characters and produce your own plots. However, we don't want to see you lock your character out of interaction and focus solely on your character and their 'world'. No one enjoys watching you play with yourself, it's always better to let someone else join in on the fun.
In this RP, I realize that relationships are a part of this. While I have no problem with this, I do want it kept a specific way to avoid breaking any rules. As part of RPG's rule, mature content is forbidden on the forums. You may, however, use the standard fade-to-black technique if you desire and that will be fine, just keep it PG-13/14A (May contain: violence, coarse language and/or sexually suggestive scenes.) both leading and following up. Please use your common sense if you're going to seek a relationship within the RP. You have been warned of my expectations on this matter and should you fail to follow through you will be asked to leave the roleplay and reported for breaking site rules.
All Character Sheets must be submitted to the GM(s) using the provided skeleton. Character Sheets that do not use the provided skeleton will be rejected and asked to comply with the set standard. Any applications must be posted in the OOC for review before being reposted in the Character Tab. No review or feedback will be provided on incomplete sheets although the GM will be happy to answer any questions about the game, its world or lore.
All characters sheets submitted will be 'Hyperhumans' and should be written to reflect such. That said, all characters will be starting off either aware or only suspicious of their true nature and/or abilities. Keep weaknesses, flaws, and limitations in mind while writing your sheet. Give them reasons that make them need a team or allies to support them. Most importantly, give your character room to grow and develop. A large part of the RP will be based on the growth and development of your characters and their abilities so keep that in mind.
Failure to adhere to any of the character creation rules will lead to rejection of the application with a citation of the broken rule(s). Critique will be given on Character Sheets which don't break any rules but aren't quite up to an acceptable standard. Please be willing to work with the GM in the event of this.
A Discord will only be created for this RP if all players are willing and able to participate within it. In the event that this is not the case, the OOC will remain the primary medium for discussion and game announcements. Any player is welcome to reach out to me through my Discord found in my signature in the event that this is easier for than using the OOC or PMs.
Absolutely no 'OOC' chatter will be tolerated in the In Character Thread. If you have a question or anything to explain there is an Out Of Character Thread provided. You have no excuse to make an 'OOC' comment in the IC and if done it will be heavily frowned upon.
Writing expectations for this roleplay are at least two (2) well-developed paragraphs as a minimum per post. Three (3) to five (5) paragraph posts, however, would be awesome so long as you're not simply chewing the scenery. Proper spelling and grammar are also expected but small mistakes here and there are understandable. Blatant offences will be called out.
This is a Character-Driven RP, and as such you are encouraged and expected to take charge of your character's subplots and storylines. This is a favourite rule of mine, and that said, there will be a heavy emphasis on collaborative activities and team building as well. The GMs will be leading the RP in the traditional sense with a driving plot and will ensure the RP keeps moving however we do want to see you develop your characters and produce your own plots. However, we don't want to see you lock your character out of interaction and focus solely on your character and their 'world'. No one enjoys watching you play with yourself, it's always better to let someone else join in on the fun.
In this RP, I realize that relationships are a part of this. While I have no problem with this, I do want it kept a specific way to avoid breaking any rules. As part of RPG's rule, mature content is forbidden on the forums. You may, however, use the standard fade-to-black technique if you desire and that will be fine, just keep it PG-13/14A (May contain: violence, coarse language and/or sexually suggestive scenes.) both leading and following up. Please use your common sense if you're going to seek a relationship within the RP. You have been warned of my expectations on this matter and should you fail to follow through you will be asked to leave the roleplay and reported for breaking site rules.
F . A . Q .:
0 0 1 || I S T H I S A N O R I G I N A L U N I V E R S E ?
0 0 2 || D O R E A L W O R L D L O C A T I O N S E X I S T ?
0 0 3 || C A N I M A K E A N O R I G I N A L C H A R A C T E R ?
0 0 4 || H O W M A N Y P L A Y E R S W I L L T H E R E B E ?
0 0 5 || W H A T K I N D O F P O W E R S C A N I U S E ?
0 0 6 || C A N I U S E M O R E T H A N O N E C H A R A C T E R ?
0 0 7 || C A N M Y C H A R A C T E R B E A N A N T A G O N I S T ?
0 0 8 || W H A T W I L L T H E P L O T B E L I K E ?
Yes, it is a hard reboot and adaption of my previous original universe RPs.
0 0 2 || D O R E A L W O R L D L O C A T I O N S E X I S T ?
Simply yes, while Crestwood Hollow itself is a fictitious city, it is still set inside the very real state of New Hampshire and country known as the United States of America. Real-world cities such as New York, San Francisco, all exist with no changes outside of the technological advancements made in the lore.
0 0 3 || C A N I M A K E A N O R I G I N A L C H A R A C T E R ?
Yes, in fact, that would be preferable to adapting a character originally conceived for another RP. However, there is no penalty for re-using a character and it won't slow or affect your acceptance. I just prefer fresh ideas, especially with the Hyperhuman concept.
0 0 4 || H O W M A N Y P L A Y E R S W I L L T H E R E B E ?
The aim is to gather four to six reliable players who will make up the group.
0 0 5 || W H A T K I N D O F P O W E R S C A N I U S E ?
The ideal powersets will be those which allow the character to affect the world around them. Powers which leave the character with physical deformities will be given a low priority in acceptance as the RP is based on the players attending a public school. Throughout the RP, the character's abilities will grow so they should be written with development in mind.
0 0 6 || C A N I U S E M O R E T H A N O N E C H A R A C T E R ?
No. However, in the event that your character died in the IC, you may create a replacement player provided you weren't removed from the RP.
0 0 7 || C A N M Y C H A R A C T E R B E A N A N T A G O N I S T ?
Your character should struggle with morality, after all, suddenly being gifted with powers above those of mere mortals could lead to some overwhelming temptation whether to get revenge or use them for self-gain. But that said, your character should not spiral out of control, or at least the group should step in before then. The overall idea is that our characters do become heroes in the end.
0 0 8 || W H A T W I L L T H E P L O T B E L I K E ?
The plot will follow a group of students who are being taught to embrace their Hyperhuman nature and learn to use their abilities. The group will ideally bond and grow together eventually leaving the classroom behind to protect their home from both others like them and forces no one has ever seen before.
