"Yeah, man, they say she's there every day," the speaker was a scruffy young man, wreathed in a nimbus of smoke produced both from his nose and mouth in uneven intervals. He held a cigarette in his hand and had his back pressed against a graffiti smeared wall. Circles beneath his eyes bespoke of bad habits and an even worse sleep schedule, but the smile on his face might melt away the poor impression his appearance could leave. From his left came a derisive snort, a friend who was more kempt; a hand lingering at his mouth to provide a filter against the acrid haze. "What, Terry, you don't believe me?"
"No, Will, I don't. Every fucking town has urban legends, man, and the Subway Ghost Girl is just another one." Terry sighed and stepped a little farther away, shrugging his shoulders and carrying on; Will watching him through half-lidded eyes, his smile now more a bemused smirk. "I take the C-Route every day and I've never once seen the Ghost Girl." Terry spoke more quickly, his mild agitation becoming apparent. "Besides! What kind of fucking description is," he gave his voice a sinister pitch to show just how silly it all seemed, "she has dark skin, short pink hair, some old jeans, black sneakers and is always wearing a green hoodie? Sounds like any chick you could pick up at a club. Hardly fucking scary..."
Will kept smiling, but cast a glance down the alley they were loitering in. "Yeah, but remember those two guys that died last week? I heard they got squashed trying to save some girl. Thing is, ain't nobody see the girl...once the train passed by." He took another drag from his nearly depleted cigarette before tossing it aside, bouncing it off of a trash can. "And that's not the only case like that, in Lightbridge, man. Weird shit goes on around here, all the time...and nobody cares."
"Nobody cares because it's not true. That and most of us have jobs and shit to worry about, unlike someone I know."
"Low blow, man. Low blow. Still, you fucked up on one thing." Will didn't wait for Terry to ask 'what', like he always did. "You take your ride during the day, they say Ghost Girl only shows up at night. If you've got the balls, and the time, come with me tonight. We'll see for fucking sure whether or not the Ghost Girl is a real thing."
"No way, man. Why the hell would I?"
You may have known Terry or Will. You may have never heard of them. What you did hear, however, was the news the following morning. Another set of subway fatalities, too gruesome to be shown; unless you were looking for the video online. Many people paid no mind to it. Another oddity of Lightbridge, a strange city its self. Some people would talk about the Ghost Girl, the following day. It was practically a ritual when someone got smeared all over the tracks. Gossip and amusement, mingled with dashes of sorrow and shock.
Did it spark your curiosity? Did it disgust you? Truthfully, it matters little. Your fate was already sealed. She would call out to you. In dreams, visions, or through your phone. A prank, you could say, but a persistent one. Two weeks have passed since Will and Terry bit the rails. Most people have forgotten. Not you...and not the others who would join you in that ominous portal disguised as a subway; and certainly not the Ghost Girl, herself.
The dread day dawns peacefully; September 23rd, 2043. A day that will bleed into a night that will force you into a bizarre encounter. An encounter that will reveal you to yourself.
"No, Will, I don't. Every fucking town has urban legends, man, and the Subway Ghost Girl is just another one." Terry sighed and stepped a little farther away, shrugging his shoulders and carrying on; Will watching him through half-lidded eyes, his smile now more a bemused smirk. "I take the C-Route every day and I've never once seen the Ghost Girl." Terry spoke more quickly, his mild agitation becoming apparent. "Besides! What kind of fucking description is," he gave his voice a sinister pitch to show just how silly it all seemed, "she has dark skin, short pink hair, some old jeans, black sneakers and is always wearing a green hoodie? Sounds like any chick you could pick up at a club. Hardly fucking scary..."
Will kept smiling, but cast a glance down the alley they were loitering in. "Yeah, but remember those two guys that died last week? I heard they got squashed trying to save some girl. Thing is, ain't nobody see the girl...once the train passed by." He took another drag from his nearly depleted cigarette before tossing it aside, bouncing it off of a trash can. "And that's not the only case like that, in Lightbridge, man. Weird shit goes on around here, all the time...and nobody cares."
"Nobody cares because it's not true. That and most of us have jobs and shit to worry about, unlike someone I know."
"Low blow, man. Low blow. Still, you fucked up on one thing." Will didn't wait for Terry to ask 'what', like he always did. "You take your ride during the day, they say Ghost Girl only shows up at night. If you've got the balls, and the time, come with me tonight. We'll see for fucking sure whether or not the Ghost Girl is a real thing."
"No way, man. Why the hell would I?"
You may have known Terry or Will. You may have never heard of them. What you did hear, however, was the news the following morning. Another set of subway fatalities, too gruesome to be shown; unless you were looking for the video online. Many people paid no mind to it. Another oddity of Lightbridge, a strange city its self. Some people would talk about the Ghost Girl, the following day. It was practically a ritual when someone got smeared all over the tracks. Gossip and amusement, mingled with dashes of sorrow and shock.
Did it spark your curiosity? Did it disgust you? Truthfully, it matters little. Your fate was already sealed. She would call out to you. In dreams, visions, or through your phone. A prank, you could say, but a persistent one. Two weeks have passed since Will and Terry bit the rails. Most people have forgotten. Not you...and not the others who would join you in that ominous portal disguised as a subway; and certainly not the Ghost Girl, herself.
The dread day dawns peacefully; September 23rd, 2043. A day that will bleed into a night that will force you into a bizarre encounter. An encounter that will reveal you to yourself.
Hello, again! Welcome to the Out Of Character thread for Worlds Apart. It's so nice that we're already entering this stage of things! I will not gush, too much, about my feelings on the subject; instead, I will do my duty and provide more pertinent information and a Character Sheet Template.
I trust everyone knows the standard rules and does not need me to provide them, here. My requirement, however, is three to four paragraphs a post; as previously stated.
Right now, this can be considered a WIP, since I still need to add things in the Mundane Information Section; information about Irriss will be added as we go. You can view the Interest Check, also, if you would like!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy it!
Divisions made clear.
There can be worth in all things.
Lightbridge: A sprawling metropolis situated as the sole jewel crafted by man's hand in the Pacific Ocean. Situated a few hundred miles west of the Hawaaiin Islands, Lightbridge is somewhat isolated but enjoys a large influx of tourists; while possessing a sizable and diverse population of its own. Massive Bulwarks protect certain parts of the artificial island, though there exists beach access; both in the upscale sections and the more modest.
-Dayglow Academy: Situated in the cetner of Lightbridge and comprable to a manor-complex, the Academy hosts students of middle to high school level. Despite its lavish appearance and strict environment, it is a public school. While there exist dormatories, they are reserved for students with exceptional potential and are only granted to those of a high-school level.
While the four-storey main building houses only the higher grades, there exist two tertiary buildings; a similar, albeit smaller building for the younger students and a gymnasium. The grounds, themselves are well-kept and provide a variety of athletcis-based additions (track, field, etc).
-Cinkaid Park: Once a frequented landmark, the Park (as it is colloquially known among the less savory inhabitants of the city) is a hot-spot for vagrants and drug-deals. Of course, more serious crimes can occur there; but the systemic and surprisingly efficient rotation of groups and posses (as dictated by a long-standing arrangement between the 'rulers' of the Park) keep violence at a reasonable level.
Winding paths through ill kept grounds lead to many different areas in the south-east side of the city, making it a reliable local shortcut; assuming one can avoid confrontation. In the center of the Park sits an impressively vandalized pedestal...bearing only a bronze foot, its jagged ankle pointing skyward. Once housing a full statue of Evra Cinkaid (head of the Lightbridge Project), the large space and tiered concrete 'bleachers' serve to host a variety of Park regulars.
-Subway: The subway system in Lightbridge is expansive and, in some ways, pervasive. Most people choose this method of transportation, be they locals or merely visiting. With entrances in every quarter of the city, and an incredibly low fare with designated security aboard; the trip is generally uneventful, barring the seemingly frequent accidents along a particular stretch of the C-Route.
Each Route is straightforward in its labeling. A is North, B is East, C is West, and D is South.
-Myriad Aegis Cathedral: One of the oldest buildings in Lightbridge, the Cathedral is an impressive modern twist on the Victorian style of design. Resilient stained glass dominates the building's facade, with no concrete or steel visible; making the front of the Myriad Aegis a moving sight. The rest of the building is high-rising steeples and a tower that hosts a massive bell.
The bell rings out on the hour, coating the north-western section of Lightbridge with an echoing harmony. Many people come here, particularly, to give praise and worship. Though some people around the city consider it a 'mega church', the clergy take their congregation and their duties very seriously. It is most active on Sundays and Wednesdays, though there are also services on Friday.
Myriad Aegis is situated in front of what is called the Northcoast Bulwark; which is a stark visual opposition to the Cathedral its self.
-Johnny’s: Hidden in the alleys of the Eastern quadrant is a quiet, largely unknown restaurant. Students who know about it joke that it’s like a cursed island: you can only find it if you know where it is. To those who have been there, it is known simply as “Johnny’s.”
Run by the man himself, the small cafe has the same laid back mood its owner does. Several booths are pressed up against the walls, a few round tables fill the floor, and a swinging door leads back into the kitchen where the magic happens. Johnny is famous for his vast culinary repertoire—he tells of traveling the world and collecting every recipe that has ever existed. His favorite customers are the lower-class students from the Academy who want to go out somewhere to eat without breaking the budget. He’ll accept everyone, though, with a kind word, a soft joke, and a twinkle in his narrow eye. (Provided by @TaroAndSelia)
-The Lightbridge Zoo: While the plans for an aquarium never made it off the seabed (sea life was abundant off any shore), an enterprising Indian man successfully established a small zoo to bring some nature to the artificial island. Settled in the northeast of the city, the Lightbridge Zoo advertises itself as family-friendly and educational--and not at all dangerous, they insist, despite the number of large cats they support. (Provided by @TaroAndSelia)
-Stormy's Place: Not far off the main thoroughfare that carves its way through the eastern side of the city, down a shambling cobblestone path that meanders slowly forward, this way and that, past the old tea rooms, the family-run butcher’s and the chocolate shop, past the jewelers that sells little silver trinkets and masterfully-crafted pocket watches, as the buildings crowd more and more overhead, and the alley gets narrower and narrower, it ends, and opens out into a quaint little courtyard.
In the courtyard, nestled between Mr Wong’s tea and accoutrements store and the store with the flaking sign of a painted alpaca that is run by a lovely Peruvian man, and opposite the large antique shop, which is piled high and hiding treasures, is Stormy’s Tattoo Parlour.
Inside it is rather homey, with the main centrepiece being the two chairs where business happens, and a little stand for her tools, but off to one side are a worn-in sofa and two armchairs, around a Persian rug underneath a squat coffee table, both purchased from the antique shop across the courtyard, in front of a little fireplace whose flame seems to perpetually crackle in the hearth, forever on the verge of guttering out, but never quite wanting to leave, seemingly content to boil the iron kettle that is hung over it from time to time.
Half the wall is bare brick, and the lower half is covered in the same old oak planks that are used as the floorboards, but these ones are decorated with hand-painted flowers, of pastel reds, blues and yellows, as one might expect to find in Romani Bohemianism. Over the wobbly table that holds the old, crank-operated till and a leather-bound photo album, hangs a large dreamcatcher of bright reds and oranges and earthy browns and tans. In a corner, between the stairs leading to Stormy’s room and the fireplace, is a wonky shelf, stacked with books, boxes of tea, and, on the highest shelf, cups and mugs. Around the base of the shelf are two boxes of old vinyl records, and on the floor, perched upon its own cushion, is a turntable that will always be playing some sort of prog-rock or blues. (Provided by @jdh97)
-The Talos Building: One of five new skyscrapers sharing it's likeness, part of the first major expansion of the increasingly successful corporation. The building is tall, stretching up with great big tinting windows, giving the outside something of a checkerboard appearance, with some windows darkened and impossible to see into, others more grey, and some giving a view into the very white offices and labs, the insides being all clean surfaces, bright lights, and expensive looking furnishings. Security in the building is ruthless, only employees are allowed past the lobby and even then they're restricted to only certain floors. The building overlooks the nice part of town, with the upper floors getting a nice view of the ocean. The Director of Research is a native to Lightbridge, and is fond of recruiting the most talented of students straight from Dayglow Academy. (Provided by @Ceta de Cloyes)
-Pleasant Hearts Refuge: Tucked away neatly in the bad part of the bad part of town, what the single story homeless shelter lacks in aesthetic appeal, it more than makes up for with the dedication and passion of those who volunteer their time and money to keep it running. It was built in the late sixties and has the concrete walls and concealed asbestos lining to prove it. It’s not as big as the Red Cross shelter down the way, but it can comfortably accommodate ten people overnight in its dormitory area (constructed and funded by a class at the academy in the nineties), and it’s kitchen and ‘rec’ area frequently see upwards of a hundred people a day, trailing through in search of something to eat and someone to eat it with.
It’s not really somewhere you would choose to spend your time, but that doesn’t matter to its guests. It’s better than the streets any day, and if just so happens that the manager, Ruth, likes to show a lot of cleavage and if Jimmy-round-the-back has the best deals in town? Well, no one’s complained yet. (Provided by @2plus2isnot5)
-The University of Lightbridge: Established in 1974 by a tycoon with too much money and the hots for a girl who didn’t even know she existed, the University of Lightbridge has long struggled to outgrow its humble beginnings and establish itself as a ‘serious institute’. As such, it has endured several different what can only be termed ‘phases’, much to the consternation of the academic community, its students, and the residents of Lightbridge alike.
As such, it’s campus is a mashup of buildings and architecture snatched from different eras, reaching into and across different parts of the city. Whilst the main campus is located a few miles North of the city centre, it’s not uncommon to find university buildings plopped randomly in East, West, and even South Lightbridge.
Despite its difficult start, over the past decade, it’s been making strides in the areas of science and technology, attracting several esteemed lecturers from around the globe and an increasing number of students from outside of the city limits. Whilst it is yet to be seen what kind of impact the newcomers will have on the existing, somewhat eclectic, faculty members and the local area, one things is certain - a balance has shifted, and things are about to change. (Provided by @2plus2isnot5)
WIP! More to come!
Lightbridge: A sprawling metropolis situated as the sole jewel crafted by man's hand in the Pacific Ocean. Situated a few hundred miles west of the Hawaaiin Islands, Lightbridge is somewhat isolated but enjoys a large influx of tourists; while possessing a sizable and diverse population of its own. Massive Bulwarks protect certain parts of the artificial island, though there exists beach access; both in the upscale sections and the more modest.
-Dayglow Academy: Situated in the cetner of Lightbridge and comprable to a manor-complex, the Academy hosts students of middle to high school level. Despite its lavish appearance and strict environment, it is a public school. While there exist dormatories, they are reserved for students with exceptional potential and are only granted to those of a high-school level.
While the four-storey main building houses only the higher grades, there exist two tertiary buildings; a similar, albeit smaller building for the younger students and a gymnasium. The grounds, themselves are well-kept and provide a variety of athletcis-based additions (track, field, etc).
-Cinkaid Park: Once a frequented landmark, the Park (as it is colloquially known among the less savory inhabitants of the city) is a hot-spot for vagrants and drug-deals. Of course, more serious crimes can occur there; but the systemic and surprisingly efficient rotation of groups and posses (as dictated by a long-standing arrangement between the 'rulers' of the Park) keep violence at a reasonable level.
Winding paths through ill kept grounds lead to many different areas in the south-east side of the city, making it a reliable local shortcut; assuming one can avoid confrontation. In the center of the Park sits an impressively vandalized pedestal...bearing only a bronze foot, its jagged ankle pointing skyward. Once housing a full statue of Evra Cinkaid (head of the Lightbridge Project), the large space and tiered concrete 'bleachers' serve to host a variety of Park regulars.
-Subway: The subway system in Lightbridge is expansive and, in some ways, pervasive. Most people choose this method of transportation, be they locals or merely visiting. With entrances in every quarter of the city, and an incredibly low fare with designated security aboard; the trip is generally uneventful, barring the seemingly frequent accidents along a particular stretch of the C-Route.
Each Route is straightforward in its labeling. A is North, B is East, C is West, and D is South.
-Myriad Aegis Cathedral: One of the oldest buildings in Lightbridge, the Cathedral is an impressive modern twist on the Victorian style of design. Resilient stained glass dominates the building's facade, with no concrete or steel visible; making the front of the Myriad Aegis a moving sight. The rest of the building is high-rising steeples and a tower that hosts a massive bell.
The bell rings out on the hour, coating the north-western section of Lightbridge with an echoing harmony. Many people come here, particularly, to give praise and worship. Though some people around the city consider it a 'mega church', the clergy take their congregation and their duties very seriously. It is most active on Sundays and Wednesdays, though there are also services on Friday.
Myriad Aegis is situated in front of what is called the Northcoast Bulwark; which is a stark visual opposition to the Cathedral its self.
-Johnny’s: Hidden in the alleys of the Eastern quadrant is a quiet, largely unknown restaurant. Students who know about it joke that it’s like a cursed island: you can only find it if you know where it is. To those who have been there, it is known simply as “Johnny’s.”
Run by the man himself, the small cafe has the same laid back mood its owner does. Several booths are pressed up against the walls, a few round tables fill the floor, and a swinging door leads back into the kitchen where the magic happens. Johnny is famous for his vast culinary repertoire—he tells of traveling the world and collecting every recipe that has ever existed. His favorite customers are the lower-class students from the Academy who want to go out somewhere to eat without breaking the budget. He’ll accept everyone, though, with a kind word, a soft joke, and a twinkle in his narrow eye. (Provided by @TaroAndSelia)
-The Lightbridge Zoo: While the plans for an aquarium never made it off the seabed (sea life was abundant off any shore), an enterprising Indian man successfully established a small zoo to bring some nature to the artificial island. Settled in the northeast of the city, the Lightbridge Zoo advertises itself as family-friendly and educational--and not at all dangerous, they insist, despite the number of large cats they support. (Provided by @TaroAndSelia)
-Stormy's Place: Not far off the main thoroughfare that carves its way through the eastern side of the city, down a shambling cobblestone path that meanders slowly forward, this way and that, past the old tea rooms, the family-run butcher’s and the chocolate shop, past the jewelers that sells little silver trinkets and masterfully-crafted pocket watches, as the buildings crowd more and more overhead, and the alley gets narrower and narrower, it ends, and opens out into a quaint little courtyard.
In the courtyard, nestled between Mr Wong’s tea and accoutrements store and the store with the flaking sign of a painted alpaca that is run by a lovely Peruvian man, and opposite the large antique shop, which is piled high and hiding treasures, is Stormy’s Tattoo Parlour.
Inside it is rather homey, with the main centrepiece being the two chairs where business happens, and a little stand for her tools, but off to one side are a worn-in sofa and two armchairs, around a Persian rug underneath a squat coffee table, both purchased from the antique shop across the courtyard, in front of a little fireplace whose flame seems to perpetually crackle in the hearth, forever on the verge of guttering out, but never quite wanting to leave, seemingly content to boil the iron kettle that is hung over it from time to time.
Half the wall is bare brick, and the lower half is covered in the same old oak planks that are used as the floorboards, but these ones are decorated with hand-painted flowers, of pastel reds, blues and yellows, as one might expect to find in Romani Bohemianism. Over the wobbly table that holds the old, crank-operated till and a leather-bound photo album, hangs a large dreamcatcher of bright reds and oranges and earthy browns and tans. In a corner, between the stairs leading to Stormy’s room and the fireplace, is a wonky shelf, stacked with books, boxes of tea, and, on the highest shelf, cups and mugs. Around the base of the shelf are two boxes of old vinyl records, and on the floor, perched upon its own cushion, is a turntable that will always be playing some sort of prog-rock or blues. (Provided by @jdh97)
-The Talos Building: One of five new skyscrapers sharing it's likeness, part of the first major expansion of the increasingly successful corporation. The building is tall, stretching up with great big tinting windows, giving the outside something of a checkerboard appearance, with some windows darkened and impossible to see into, others more grey, and some giving a view into the very white offices and labs, the insides being all clean surfaces, bright lights, and expensive looking furnishings. Security in the building is ruthless, only employees are allowed past the lobby and even then they're restricted to only certain floors. The building overlooks the nice part of town, with the upper floors getting a nice view of the ocean. The Director of Research is a native to Lightbridge, and is fond of recruiting the most talented of students straight from Dayglow Academy. (Provided by @Ceta de Cloyes)
-Pleasant Hearts Refuge: Tucked away neatly in the bad part of the bad part of town, what the single story homeless shelter lacks in aesthetic appeal, it more than makes up for with the dedication and passion of those who volunteer their time and money to keep it running. It was built in the late sixties and has the concrete walls and concealed asbestos lining to prove it. It’s not as big as the Red Cross shelter down the way, but it can comfortably accommodate ten people overnight in its dormitory area (constructed and funded by a class at the academy in the nineties), and it’s kitchen and ‘rec’ area frequently see upwards of a hundred people a day, trailing through in search of something to eat and someone to eat it with.
It’s not really somewhere you would choose to spend your time, but that doesn’t matter to its guests. It’s better than the streets any day, and if just so happens that the manager, Ruth, likes to show a lot of cleavage and if Jimmy-round-the-back has the best deals in town? Well, no one’s complained yet. (Provided by @2plus2isnot5)
-The University of Lightbridge: Established in 1974 by a tycoon with too much money and the hots for a girl who didn’t even know she existed, the University of Lightbridge has long struggled to outgrow its humble beginnings and establish itself as a ‘serious institute’. As such, it has endured several different what can only be termed ‘phases’, much to the consternation of the academic community, its students, and the residents of Lightbridge alike.
As such, it’s campus is a mashup of buildings and architecture snatched from different eras, reaching into and across different parts of the city. Whilst the main campus is located a few miles North of the city centre, it’s not uncommon to find university buildings plopped randomly in East, West, and even South Lightbridge.
Despite its difficult start, over the past decade, it’s been making strides in the areas of science and technology, attracting several esteemed lecturers from around the globe and an increasing number of students from outside of the city limits. Whilst it is yet to be seen what kind of impact the newcomers will have on the existing, somewhat eclectic, faculty members and the local area, one things is certain - a balance has shifted, and things are about to change. (Provided by @2plus2isnot5)
WIP! More to come!
Wrought in mystery, ensorceled by the divine.
Enlightened: The servitors of Order and the Enlightened One in Irriss, these beings often appear as winged creatures crafted elegantly in otherworldly golds or silvers. Known by many of the mortal inhabitants of Irriss to be 'the divine', their worship is spread throughout the Mortal Coil...and not without cause. They possess the power over 'Luminous' magic, able to perform miracles of what many would consider a 'merciful nature'.
While the Enlightened One is known to be supreme among the Enlightened, it is not they who are active in the role of governing the Enlightened. The Veiled Council maintains that role, passing down the whispers of the Enlightened One's judgement. There exists a complex hierarchy, beneath the Veiled Council, consisting of many titles and levels of authority.
Unfettered: Creatures of impulse and pride, the Unfettered are the eternal enemy to the Enlightened. While Mortals may view them as Monsters or Devils, that is not necessarily the truth. The Unfettered do as they wish, unless forced to by the combined might of the Unfettered Lords. They are born of Chaos and carry it with them; whether that be for good or ill.
Their appearances vary from the bestial to the downright grotesque, though there have been instances of Unfettered who appear very much Mortal-like. They command 'Umbral' magic, capable of incredible physical feats and able to bend the very elements of Irriss to their will.
The Unfettered Lords are the strongest among the Unfettered, taking their position by guile or force. Only four Unfettered may hold the title of Unfettered Lord at a time. The Lords often convene; forging temporary alliances, scheming and managing the rest of the Unfettered as best they can.
Fallen: The name given to an expired Unfettered or Enlightened. As they do not die and decay as Mortals do, the Fallen are often turned into a Semblance; interred in the Crystalline Gardens thereafter. Once forged into a Semblance, the Fallen exists only as a corporeal distillation of their essence.
Semblance Caretakers: A group that has existed before either the Enlightened or Unfettered. It was these quiet, masked beings that forged the first Semblance; having already prepared their Crystalline Garden in ages past. The residents of Irriss universally respect the Caretakers, though they are rarely seen outside of their Garden, earning courtesy from the most barbaric of Unfettered and humility from the most vain of Enlightened.
No one is certain why they exist, nor why they have taken it upon themselves to perform their 'duties'.
Semblance: A Mask forged from a Fallen. It can imbue a Mortal wearer with the abilities and essence of the Fallen. While an Unfettered or Enlightened can not place a Semblance upon themselves, it is possible for them to absorb a piece of its essence; gaining a greater power. This, however, is a dangerous process and taboo among those of Irriss; and can even draw the ire of the Caretakers.
Mortals can absorb the entirety of a Semblance, destroying the Mask and drawing it into themselves. This causes a merger within the 'soul' of the Mortal, slowly changing them as they adopt more traits of the Fallen their Semblance originally was. While this change can be extreme, it is not possible for the Semblance to replace its 'host'.
Enlightened: The servitors of Order and the Enlightened One in Irriss, these beings often appear as winged creatures crafted elegantly in otherworldly golds or silvers. Known by many of the mortal inhabitants of Irriss to be 'the divine', their worship is spread throughout the Mortal Coil...and not without cause. They possess the power over 'Luminous' magic, able to perform miracles of what many would consider a 'merciful nature'.
While the Enlightened One is known to be supreme among the Enlightened, it is not they who are active in the role of governing the Enlightened. The Veiled Council maintains that role, passing down the whispers of the Enlightened One's judgement. There exists a complex hierarchy, beneath the Veiled Council, consisting of many titles and levels of authority.
Unfettered: Creatures of impulse and pride, the Unfettered are the eternal enemy to the Enlightened. While Mortals may view them as Monsters or Devils, that is not necessarily the truth. The Unfettered do as they wish, unless forced to by the combined might of the Unfettered Lords. They are born of Chaos and carry it with them; whether that be for good or ill.
Their appearances vary from the bestial to the downright grotesque, though there have been instances of Unfettered who appear very much Mortal-like. They command 'Umbral' magic, capable of incredible physical feats and able to bend the very elements of Irriss to their will.
The Unfettered Lords are the strongest among the Unfettered, taking their position by guile or force. Only four Unfettered may hold the title of Unfettered Lord at a time. The Lords often convene; forging temporary alliances, scheming and managing the rest of the Unfettered as best they can.
Fallen: The name given to an expired Unfettered or Enlightened. As they do not die and decay as Mortals do, the Fallen are often turned into a Semblance; interred in the Crystalline Gardens thereafter. Once forged into a Semblance, the Fallen exists only as a corporeal distillation of their essence.
Semblance Caretakers: A group that has existed before either the Enlightened or Unfettered. It was these quiet, masked beings that forged the first Semblance; having already prepared their Crystalline Garden in ages past. The residents of Irriss universally respect the Caretakers, though they are rarely seen outside of their Garden, earning courtesy from the most barbaric of Unfettered and humility from the most vain of Enlightened.
No one is certain why they exist, nor why they have taken it upon themselves to perform their 'duties'.
Semblance: A Mask forged from a Fallen. It can imbue a Mortal wearer with the abilities and essence of the Fallen. While an Unfettered or Enlightened can not place a Semblance upon themselves, it is possible for them to absorb a piece of its essence; gaining a greater power. This, however, is a dangerous process and taboo among those of Irriss; and can even draw the ire of the Caretakers.
Mortals can absorb the entirety of a Semblance, destroying the Mask and drawing it into themselves. This causes a merger within the 'soul' of the Mortal, slowly changing them as they adopt more traits of the Fallen their Semblance originally was. While this change can be extreme, it is not possible for the Semblance to replace its 'host'.
Name: A name can have power, in Irriss or the Real World.
Age: Mortality demands such incremental measures.
Appearance I: Your first visage; that which the Real World recognizes as the changing truth.
Personality(Optional): A measure of your demeanor can be taken with time, or you can be an open book. It is a beautiful facet of free will.
Occupation: Time passes slowly, if empty, but the urgency of our world demands action.
History (Optional): The past is a nebulous thing, if one misremembers something.
Semblance Type: Enlightened or Unfettered? I suppose it does not matter, now. This Mask is but a tool.
Semblance Appearance (Optional): You can see the edges, the expression. I wonder if the Fallen ever truly looked as such. The Caretakers have been known to take 'artistic liberties'...
Semblance Abilities: What can a Mortal do with such a gift? How will it manifest within them? Curious...the way it binds so quickly to their soul.
Appearance II: You have shed the chrysalis. What is it that will emerge?
Fallen Information (Optional): Perhaps we can glimpse the mystery behind this Fallen's fate...
Age: Mortality demands such incremental measures.
Appearance I: Your first visage; that which the Real World recognizes as the changing truth.
Personality(Optional): A measure of your demeanor can be taken with time, or you can be an open book. It is a beautiful facet of free will.
Occupation: Time passes slowly, if empty, but the urgency of our world demands action.
History (Optional): The past is a nebulous thing, if one misremembers something.
Semblance Type: Enlightened or Unfettered? I suppose it does not matter, now. This Mask is but a tool.
Semblance Appearance (Optional): You can see the edges, the expression. I wonder if the Fallen ever truly looked as such. The Caretakers have been known to take 'artistic liberties'...
Semblance Abilities: What can a Mortal do with such a gift? How will it manifest within them? Curious...the way it binds so quickly to their soul.
Appearance II: You have shed the chrysalis. What is it that will emerge?
Fallen Information (Optional): Perhaps we can glimpse the mystery behind this Fallen's fate...
As always, I am willing to answer any questions that any Players may have. Feel free to contact me in this thread, through PM, or on the Discord Server.
I will begin work on my Character Sheet shortly.
I have posted 'Tabitha' as a completed Character Sheet. Yay!
1x Thank
