[OOC] The Curse of Crestwood Hollow - A Hyperhuman Story [CLOSED]

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T H E P A C I F I C R O Y A L C O L L E G I A T E & U N I V E R S I T Y
T H E P A C I F I C R O Y A L C O L L E G I A T E & U N I V E R S I T Y

F O R E W A R D:
F O R E W A R D:

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Pacific Royal Collegiate and University has grown into a globally influential institute, blessed in abundance with a remarkable student body, first-rate teachers and researchers, dedicated staff and engaged alumni. It holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning, offering innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

As recently appointed Chancellor, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you, whether you are already part of the P.R.C.U. family or if, at this moment, you are thinking of including P.R.C.U. in your future educational, formative or professional career plans.

Leading P.R.C.U. is an honour and a privilege. It is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly and I am committed to our pursuit of academic excellence in learning, teaching, discovery and innovation. We will meet this mandate in an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and mutually supportive.

Our community has a responsibility to make sure we give those who study at P.R.C.U. every opportunity for life-long success. I am grateful to our faculty and staff who fulfil this mandate each and every day. There is no better investment we can make as a province and as a country than ensuring our students have the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. At P.R.C.U., we strive to produce critical thinkers with a hunger to give back to their communities. Our institution takes great pride in its community of alumni, who are achieving excellence in all walks of life, engaging in civil debate, and helping to foster success and acceptance in the next generation.

All of us at P.R.C.U. will continue working together to create an environment that encourages a global perspective across all endeavours. Our campus is a place for open and respectful debate that welcomes diversity in our students, faculty and staff. I encourage you to consider what contributions you can make to P.R.C.U. and look forward to the bold innovations and new thinking you will spark in our shared journey.

Jonas Lehrer

Chancellor, Pacific Royal Collegiate and University

C O N C E P T:
C O N C E P T:

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You will be portraying a student at Pacific Royal Collegiate & University.

P R E M I S E:
P R E M I S E:

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Since our inception, humanity has constantly changed. Constantly evolved. Our way of life as humans is forever adapting to all that surrounds us, shaping to keep up with the world. Society changes and along with it so does our culture. Technology is constantly barreling forward as new devices are being designed every hour of every day. But humanity itself is also changing, in ways mostly unseen to the naked eye but under a microscope, there's a very different story.

On October 18, 1967, Earth was hit by an immense Coronal Mass Ejection During a total Lunar Eclipse. Coronal mass ejections or CMEs, are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields being released into space and often directly at Earth. Most often these CMEs also accompany solar flares which release additional energy from the sun into space only for it to collide with Earth. This massive interplanetary CME doused the entire globe with high-energy particles causing the largest and brightest occurrence of the aurorae ever recorded. Unfortunately, this also brought a geomagnetic storm which ravaged Earth’s electrical transmission lines, causing power outages on a global scale.

It was on this day that the Earth nearly stood still, sitting in total darkness for nearly ten minutes before backup systems began to re-activate. Numerous regions around the globe were left in the dark well beyond that. Cities were powerless for nearly a week while some rural areas were forced to survive for nearly a month without power. This event left a death toll numbering in the tens of thousands becoming known as the Dark Eclipse.

Carried within this event was an unprecedented amount of high-energy particles. Composed primarily of high-energy protons and atomic nuclei, they are of mysterious origin and the limits to their potential remain unknown. The resulting effect of these high-energy particles is an evolution that was first mistaken for a mutation and coined the condition 'Viriumosis'. As research continued, it was realized that the mutation was not a temporary condition but the start of a new species as the 'Homo-Virium' was not the result of disease but rather was born with their abilities. The genetic difference became known as the 'Hype-Gene' or 'Hype-Factor'. The 'Hype-Gene' was a cumulative result of high energy particles stored within the donating parent's chromosomes, who in turn had been bombarded during the Dark Eclipse, which resulted in the creation of the 'Hype-Gene' in their offspring.

As such, a human born without a 'Hype-Gene' cannot develop Hyperhuman abilities no matter how many high energy particles they absorb throughout their life, however, their offspring may be a Hyperhuman. However, whether one parent is a Hyperhuman or both, the child will also turn out as a Hyperhuman and as such the gene isn't exclusively carried within either sex but is a dominant gene within both. Studies are inconclusive on whether power levels are greater or equal within children who have two Hyperhuman parents. Despite the fact that 'Hype-Gene' takes a dominant role during the embryo's development it's practically undetectable until puberty as it lays in a dormant state until puberty. During puberty, the overwhelming release of hormones awakens the dormant 'Hype-Gene' which then begins to develop super-human abilities within the host.

Hyperhuman abilities develop in a wide assortment of powers allowing for various displays of power. While these abilities can be drastically different from one individual to the next, there are notable similarities and overlaps which led to the creation of the Hyperhuman Classification system. This system allows the various abilities displayed by Hyperhumans to be broken down and organized to allow for a quick assessment of abilities and threat levels.

As a whole, society is generally wary of Hyperhumans. Made aware of their existence in 1967 in the aftermath of a global blackout known as the Dark Eclipse; tensions have remained high as Hyperhumans have fought an uphill battle for acceptance and equal rights to regular humans, otherwise known as Norms. These Hyperhumans who for the most part had believed themselves to be one of a kind in the wake of the Dark Eclipse were now aware of the others in the world like them and banded together to make the world aware of their treatment. While the world became aware, they also became paranoid and afraid. Some saw the Hyperhumans as an abomination while others accused them of being aliens masquerading as humans. Laws were passed and mistakes were made as Hyperhumans were forbidden from working in the food preparation or medical industry as well as marrying 'Norms.' Lastly, Hyperhumans were outlawed from donating blood, organs or any other bodily substance.

However, despite the enforced laws, many 'Norms' avoid known Hypes as much as possible. Teachers will refuse to instruct Hyperhumans citing 'personal safety issues along with the safety of their entire class. Employers discriminate against Hyperhumans, refusing to hire them and if they do manage to get hired without being outed, upon discovery many Employers will lay off or outright fire the Hyperhuman employees. Though Hyperhumans and Norms can't legally be married, relationships still happen between them despite the disapproval of society. Those who refuse to end the relationships often become the victims of Anti-Hype Protesters and their extremist sects. These extremists seek out and persecute Hypes, beating them within an inch of life if not downright killing them. Protests plague the world's government and Hyperhuman Identification software is sold on street corners and even in the form of mobile apps. The validity of this software has yet to be seen but people buy it up like it's going out of style.

It's for reasons outlined above that enrollment at the Pacific Royal Collegiate and University has only increased since its doors opened. Parents wanting their child to have a fighting chance enlist the help of the Hyperhuman Equality, Logistics and Protection department. H.E.L.P., as it's commonly referred to, is the foremost effort in the fight for Hyperhuman civil rights and has erected a safe asylum for Hyperhumans seeking a place of both employment and education.

[Lord Wraith]

P R E M I S E:

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On October 18^th 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 become Hyperhumans who have to come to terms with their new abilities. These students could be Vanessa's sibling(s), best friend, 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.

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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.

H Y P E R H U M A N B A C K G R O U N D:

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Hyperhumans are individuals who have undergone a mutation process known as Viriumosis which leads to the creation of a ‘Hype-Gene’ and development of extranormal abilities. Viriumosis occurs when high energy particles create an insertion and add one or more extra nucleotides into the host DNA. As insertions in the coding region of a gene may alter splicing of the mRNA, or cause a shift in the reading frame, this almost always leads to a significant alteration in the gene product. These alterations lead to a wide variety of effects which are often looked upon as super-human abilities.

While Viriumosis was only able to occur in the individuals who were alive during the Dark Eclipse, the Hype-Gene is passed along through reproduction. This is a cumulative result of high energy particles stored within the donating parent's chromosomes. A portion of these particles is replicated and passed along to through genetic material resulting in the offspring going through Viriumosis in utero. Naturally, this leads to the creation of the 'Hype-Gene' in the offspring allowing them to display abilities akin to those of their parent(s).

The process of Viriumosis itself has a rather high fatality rate, and the sudden incubation period contributed to the death toll during the ‘Dark Eclipse’. This additionally extends to the unborn fetus, contributing to an above-average rate of miscarriage in couples with one or Hyperhuman parent. A human born without a 'Hype-Gene' will not display, nor gain Hyperhuman abilities unless subjected to Viriumosis. Due to the technological constraints and the rarity of high energy particles, there is currently no way to artificially replicate the process which created the ‘Hype-Gene’ during the Dark Eclipse.

The 'Hype-Gene' isn't exclusively carried within either sex but is a dominant gene within both exponentially increasing the chances that the child of a Hyperhuman will be one themselves. However, due to a lack of willing subjects, there are no studies as to whether power levels are greater or equal within children who have two Hyperhuman parents compared to those who only have one.

Hyperhuman abilities are incredibly diverse and more often than not allow the host to accomplish superhuman abilities. When a Hyperhuman is born, they have unlimited potential as to what abilities they will develop. Hyperhuman abilities are not predetermined by parents but instead are developed during puberty in the majority of hosts. However, children are ten times more likely to develop abilities related to or similar to those displayed by their parents. It is possible for those subjected to extreme trauma at a younger age to prematurely develop their abilities. Environment and circumstance surrounding the time of ability development will contribute to determining the host’s abilities.

Every Hyperhuman goes through a period of ability fluctuation. During this period, the host may display several different but ultimately similar or related abilities before their body locks onto one as their own. Hyperhuman abilities are distinctly categorized between ‘internal abilities’ or ‘external abilities’. While there is overlap between abilities in either category, it is how these abilities are accomplished that determines their categorization. Internal abilities are Hyperhuman powers which are characterized by internal manipulation of the body or energies held in the body created by Viriumosis. The most basic example of an internal ability would be hyper-strength. External abilities are Hyperhuman powers characterized by being able to manipulate the world such as the ability to bend and control fire.

Hyperhuman abilities are closely linked to Earth’s electromagnetic (EM) spheres. These electromagnetic spheres could be considered to be the source of all Hyperhuman abilities and without their presence, Hyperhumans would be rendered powerless. In the same vein, the more of them that are in close proximity, the weaker they become as they fight to draw from the same EM spheres. However, there exists a phenomenon where Hyperhumans with a strong relationship or allied cause, can instead lend their strength to another and amplify their abilities. Further synchronization between two or more Hyperhumans can actually lead to temporarily accessing each other’s abilities. The limitation to this total synchronization is that only one ability can be active at once meaning all parties must be of the same intent.

All Hyperhumans are discernable from regular humans through the presence of HZE ions in their bodies. These HZEs or 'hazies' fluctuate with the usage of the Hype-Gene meaning that the usage of Hyperhuman Abilities can be detected and residual HZEs can be tested to determine how recent abilities have been used. As Hyperhuman Abilities require HZEs, abilities can also be suppressed through electron overloading or irradiation. High profile enforcement agencies have begun to implore experimental weapons and restraints which bombard the Hyperhuman body with electrons in order to keep known dangerous Hyperhumans suppressed and under control.

However, the majority of 'Hyperhumans' live their lives without knowing they even possess abilities. Most dismiss a few odd occurrences as being the work of heightened adrenaline or delusion. But there are the few who learn to embrace their nature and use their abilities to accomplish extraordinary feats and others who embrace their nature to manipulate the world and take what they want.

[Lord Wraith]

R U L E S:

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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 behaviour 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 will be submitted to the GM(s) and must include the requested information found on the Character Tab. Character Sheets that do not include the requested information will be rejected and asked to revise. All 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 become 'Hyperhumans' in the IC and should be written to reflect such. No character will be starting off aware of their true nature nor possessing any 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 .:

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_{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 ?}

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 || W H E N D O E S T H I S T A K E P L A C E ?}

This roleplay is set eighteen years after the 'Dark Eclipse' making the current year 1985. As such, all real-world technology, pop culture, fashion and society should represent the state of the world during the mid-Eighties. If you have any questions or hesitations, a quick Google will likely bring you up to speed.

_{0 0 4 || 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 5 || 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 6 || 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 that 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 7 || 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 8 || 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 9 || 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.

[ShepherdOfHope]

Hi! Sorry, I'm just a little confused. The rules say we need to use a provided skeleton, but your post in the characters tab says you won't be requiring one?

[Lord Wraith]

Hi! Sorry, I'm just a little confused. The rules say we need to use a provided skeleton, but your post in the characters tab says you won't be requiring one?

@ShepherdOfHope

Whoops missed that in my editing. I'll update the rules to reflect what's in the character tab.

[Lirriia]

On the subject of character sheets, if we want to provide a face claim, what kind does it have to be: artistic or realistic?

[Lord Wraith]

On the subject of character sheets, if we want to provide a face claim, what kind does it have to be: artistic or realistic?

@Lirriia

Up to you, I always use realistic and think it fits better with the RP's tone but I'm not enforcing anything so I can see how you approach a CS.

[Red X]

@Lord Wraith
Is there anything you're willing to share about Vanessa Bordeaux?
Like her age?
Interests?
Was she a popular girl, a slut, or a total spaz?

[Lord Wraith]

@Lord Wraith
Is there anything you're willing to share about Vanessa Bordeaux?
Like her age?
Interests?
Was she a popular girl, a slut, or a total spaz?

@Red X

The idea was to let you guys define Vanessa. Each player would contribute to the idea of who she was, filling out the picture.

[Blizz]

Ash

Ashley Jones
[ 16 ] [ White ] [ Pansexual ] [ ♐️ ]

I go by “Ash” at school.

Personality : That depends entirely on when you’re asking her. When Ash is at home, she’s quiet, reserved, and meek. This is a result of having a broken excuse for a home life which she doesn’t dare mention to anyone. But outside of home, she has the pleasure of being herself. What her single father doesn’t know about Ash is that she is somewhat defiant, in the sense that she doesn’t just blindly follow orders that people try to give her, but instead questions the authority of those who think she’s just some little girl. When she’s with her friends, she’s a kind person at heart, but had an aggressive side. She already has an abusive and suppressive father at home, there’s no way in hell she’s letting someone treat her that way outside of home. Ash has always been a quiet person, and peaceful when she can be. She only gets angry with people who try to push her around. She has a peaceful atmosphere around her that only her friends can really understand, it’s like the world around her slows down a little. She would die for the few people in this world that she calls her friends, and would throw her peaceful atmosphere to the side if they were hurt, or if she were there when something killed Vanessa.

If I could have just been there with her...We could’ve known something.

Ash likes to question the world around her, either through spiritual or philosophical means, she often thinks about the way the world is, and wonders what she’d do in a lot of dire situations you only hear about on tv. She has seen terrible things happen at home as well, and it’s affected her head in ways only she could explain to others.

Why should I listen to all the people in the world who tell me what to be? They never listened when I had something to say.

Gravity Control
Ash has the strange power to alter the pull of space on matter, and change direction by force. In short terms, it’s an indirect form of telekinesis. Ash’s powers involve apply an unseen force in various directions and various strengths. This ranges from simply pushing an apple off a table to stopping on oncoming car dead in its tracks, resulting in a violent car crash. To someone watching her, it looks simple enough, just put your hand out and push or pull. But to Ashley, it’s like placing a mental point in her head and watching things react to its presence by either coming forward or moving away. She has been aware of this power for roughly a month, and has done her best to keep it a secret while she learns to understand what she has been given.

With enough time, Ash could fly or even ignore the gravity of the planet, but currently, she is nowhere near that level of power, and wouldn’t risk using her power in such a large way, after all, she has to keep it a secret so her father doesn’t find out.

It’s...like I’m a tiny planet or something...

Connection To Vanessa : No one knows this, but Ash actually had feelings for that girl, so it hurt even worse when one of her closest friends died. Few people were as close to her as Vanessa.

...Vanessa...what happened to you?

Other : 3599FF

I have an idea for her to fall towards a more evil side somehow, like a magneto situation where she’s doing bad things for a good reason. That is of course if A) That’s allowed and B) If someone would be willing to pull her back.

[Tackytaff]

Erica

ERICA MARGRET DOUGLAS

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✦ August 13 1969 (16) ✦ Female ✦ Straight ✦ Mixed Race ✦

Appearance:

There are parts of Erica's appearance that she long since gave up trying to control: Her hair, thick and curly is at best kept back in a scrunchy with a number of strays escaping. Typically she keeps it styled somewhat short to keep it manageable with minimal maintenance. Her body grew taller as she aged, but never grew out of the lankiness of youth; her shapeless frame often covered with boyish clothing has lead to quite a few awkward introductions. With all the normal insecurities of a teenage girl, she does put in some effort into making herself more feminine. She often wears makeup, even if it's little more than dark shadow and a touch of blush.

Her wardrobe is mainly jeans; often too large and kept in place by a belt and work-shirts in various states of disrepair. While she's tried her hand at mending clothes there aren't very many pieces of clothing she owns that don't have stains, tears, or missing buttons. The money she doesn't spend on clothing goes the footwear; typically Erica can be found sporting a pair of sturdy, well-made, black leather work-boots, and while perhaps well-worn remain in decent condition.

Personality:

Erica isn't an easily person for most people to get a long with at first. Really all she wants in honestly and directness, but her unfriendly deminor complete with sarcasm and insults make an initial hurtle to get past. She doesn't participate in highschool gossip, but doesn't shy away from confrontation; she'd just sooner get physical than start a false rumor. To her friends she is honest, loyal, and a good time to have around if only for her access to more controlled substances like alcohol and cigarettes through her brothers.

Her reputation in school is a bit of a misfit that sticks with the loners. As a junior she's been around long enough that most bullying used on her has worn thin and outside of occasionally getting called out for misbehavior on the PA she is largely invisible to most in the school; including the staff. She and her friends may occasionally wreak havoc; stuffing fetal pigs in a teachers desk, stealing all the school clocks the first day of exams, or even the rare brawl. But she isn't all that unique from hundreds of other Mather's Memorial graduates and is seemingly headed down the same path; a low paying job similar to the rest of her family, no college education and no chance at ever getting out of the state. This realization turned into Erica's greatest fear over the summer and she feels ready to trade in some of her complacency for ambition but worries it's too late.

HYPER HUMAN ABILITIES

Tribokinesis: Erica can manipulate the static and kinetic friction of her surroundings. This allows her to remain immovable on any surface, or incredibly fast on others. This ability is limited only to surface's or systems Erica is able to touch, and the affected area is limited but the change is instantaneous whether adding or reducing friction.

Eventually her power may lead to more benefits, such as using kinetic force to create enough energy to generate heat or even small fires. Initially her powers however are more useful for traversal; she can climb any surface with ease 'suctioning' herself to walls or ceilings as she pleases, and escape most any attempt to hold her in place. She is completely unable to alter more than one surface at a time, and must be in constant contact for the duration of the change, which will stop allowing forces to return to their natural state the instant her contact is broken.

BACKSTORY

Erica's family has been living in Crestwood Hollow for generations. She knows the town's layout as well as anything, and has explored nearly every inch of it since childhood. The Douglas' family tenure with the town however, doesn't translate into wealth or even respect. Aura lives with her father and three elder brothers; Martin, Lewis, and Noah on the northern edge of the city in a small single story house only 15 minutes drive from the lumber yard where both her father and eldest brother work. The remaining two brothers Lewis and Noah work closer to the center of town as mechanics as 'Rolling Right Auto Repair'. The youngest in her family and only one remaining in high school Erica's life is largely unregulated and, typically, she is left up to her own devices.

Erica's mother, well known for being clumsy and slightly air-headed, was placed into a coma resulting from a car accident two years after Erica's birth. The Douglas family held out hope for their matriarch before succumbing to medical bills and pulling the plug a short year and a half later. What was a traumatic experience for most of her family, is barely a memory to Erica, who remembers her mother more as a figure in old stories than a real person. Erica's life, while markedly absent of female influence, was not missing for it. Her hand-me-down boys clothes and devil-may-care attitude that came with being the youngest in a family of men pointedly left her labeled a 'tom-boy' before even middles school. From there onward she was largely invisible to those outside her friend group.

Save for a few minor altercations in freshman year wherein typical girl teasing and backstabbing lead to a physical retribution on Erica's part, there have been few dramatics in her highschool career. There may have been whispers and she was aware that many of the girls laughed at her clothes and hair; but so long as no one said it to her face, Erica never concerned herself. While her grades were well above whatever her brother's had achieved she never distinguished herself much as a student, and didn't participate in extra-curricular activities other that 'shop'; a mechanics program that taught basic repair skills and one of the few places Erica felt any sense of belonging.

After Vanessa's disappearance, Erica came to see her home for what it really was; a backwater town where people like those in her family fell into and remain trapped in. She intends to use this year to make a real effort, namely in school so that she can have a real chance at turning out better than her brothers. At the behest of a desperate English teacher, Erica agreed to join the school's disappointing newspaper club as a photographer for extra-credit.

Outside of school Erica is typically helping out at Rolling Right Auto Repair in the center of town for cash or hanging around the eastern piers, usually with a cigarette in hand.

OTHER SKILLS

• Cars (Mechanics and Driving): For her 15th birthday, Erica was gifted a wreck of a 60's Plymouth Savoy. Which with the help of her family she was able to restore to some-what working condition and now uses to get around the Hollow.
• Fighting: While hardly a martial artist, Erica has been in her fair share of fights on the North-side of Crestwood and from a few girls who couldn't keep their mouth shut around her. She isn't above getting dirty if she feels someone deserves it.

WEAKNESSES

• Poor: Erica's family has never had much in the way of money, and her late mother's medical bills still take a toll. Too tall for her mother's clothes, Erica typically wares those which once belonged to her brothers. It isn't just that the Douglas' have money troubles, but the whole town knows it, and most think less of them for it.
• Wayward Teen: After get suspended two weeks into freshman year, Erica has developed a less than favourable reputation among the adults of Crestwood. Most are wary of her around their private businesses, while some simply won't allow her.

RELATIONSHIP TO VANESSA

They were biology lab partners Sophomore year. Their relationship was strained at best. Vanessa had never liked Erica and made no attempt on being anything more than partners. The went to class together, split the report work in half, then complained about each-other to their respective friend groups. Dislike didn't dull the shock of Vanessa's death for Erica though. Instead it made her rethink her own life over the summer, and in an effort to come to terms with her new priorities, she opted to join the counseling offered to those affected by Vanessa's death.

---

[ML]

Joshua Draper

INFO:

Josh P. Draper || Almost 18 || M

HYPERHUMANITY: Perfect Coordination

Josh's muscles are perfectly synced with his mind, and his mind is perfectly synced with the world. This manifests as enhanced reflexes, mental processing speed, reaction time, perfect aim, intuitive knowledge of his surroundings, and how he can affect them to his benefit. He can throw a coin into a vending machine from the other side of the cafeteria, shoot the wings off a fly, and—most impressively—do a flip.

Extended to the logical extreme, Joshua could feasibly set up complex chain-reactions to achieve events which seem impossible. Flipping a coin to cause an airplane crash, for example. Surviving a catastrophic car crash with only minor injuries. Breaking the record of the excellent 1983 arcade game Star Wars for the sixth month in a row. That sort of thing.

There are some caveats, of course. First, Josh is seventeen. His powers will not immediately manifest (and may never manifest) to such a degree as mentioned above. Second, his ability to perform degrades under pressure. This has actually worked to his benefit: struggling to show off his incredible power has the added benefit of keeping the G-men off his doorstep.

RELATIONSHIP TO VANESSA:

Josh didn't know Vanessa well, but he did know her older sister Amanda. They had an on-again, off-again relationship of near-mythic proportions, which recently came to a screeching halt due to the tragedy. He tries not to be bitter—it's not about him—but he can't help but wonder if there is some malicious higher power out there, yanking his chain and laughing about it.

Sure, he liked the girl. She'd always been close with Amy; Josh often found himself and Amy playing chaperone and chauffeur until the younger Bordeaux finally got her license. She'd been witty, sometimes even acerbic. And then she was gone, and Josh's chances with the girl he loved along with her.

PERSONALITY:

Josh tries to live his life by a few simple rules. First, treat someone with kindness until they fuck with you or your little brother. Second, it's better to dodge drama if you can. Three, if an answer can be determined using a coin flip or rock-paper-scissors, it should be. He smiles easily, enjoys being around people, and does what he can to help people when they ask. He likes to think of himself as funny, clever, and able to take a joke.

This is balanced by an unhealthy amount of selfishness. Like anyone, Joshua doesn't think of himself as self-centered, but he always manages to turn situations about others into situations about himself. He looks out for himself and his interests before anyone else's, that's all. It's not a bad thing, right? Nobody can hurt him that way. And besides, he cares about his little brother. He'd die for Daniel. He's not selfish, and fuck you for bringing it up.

Amy's brought it to his attention before, and he promises to work on it before eventually lapsing back into his old ways. Such is the power of routine, and cognitive dissonance. If Josh can come to terms with his flaws, and find a way to fix them, he might actually find himself improving. Growing as a person. But that would require a deep dive into the soul, something Josh does everything in his power to avoid.

HISTORY:

When Josh was twelve, his mother cheated on his father. An idyllic life of home-cooked meals and summer movies fell apart overnight, and suddenly Josh and his younger brother Daniel were thrust into a war not unlike the trenches of no man's land. Every narcissistic and self-serving impulse in humanity's millennia of evolution came to the forefront of the resulting divorce. Some twisted god turned his loving parents in raving husks of their former selves.

After two years, their godfather, Neil, saved them. After a fight of particular vitriol left Daniel unconscious on the floor, Josh called his godfather in tears. Neil was a lawyer of some renown, coincidentally. After exploding on Josh's father, Neil and his wife took custody of the two boys, bringing them four states over to Crestwood Hollow. Once they had recovered enough to smile, the boys nicknamed that period of their lives the "Terrible Two".

Josh entered high school knowing no one, still shell-shocked from the Terrible Two. A nervous new kid should have been prime target for bullies, but puberty saved him, in more ways than one. First, he got tall, and broad-shouldered. Handsome. People wanted to be around him for that.

Second, he was coordinated. His muscles did what he wanted them to, when he wanted them to. This talent paid off: he ended up on the Crestwood High Football team. After a few years, he'd become one of their star players. Over those years, he also got involved with Amanda Bordeaux, the girl who has captured his heart for two years now.

Daniel, two years behind him, took a slightly different path. He grew tall as well, but took after their slender mother. He wasn't so much into sports, and probably qualified as a nerd. Of course, everyone knew that if you messed with Dan in any way, Josh would come by to fuck you up six ways to Sunday.

Then, the murder. Despite his internal griping at how unfair the situation is for him, Josh instinctively told Amy that he'd do whatever he could to help her, and that he'd catch the son of a bitch who did it. Ignoring the fact that he is only slightly above-average in intelligence, Josh decided that he was Nancy Drew, and has been asking around Vanessa's friends and acquaintances for leads.

Yes, it has been as awkward and ham-fisted as it sounds.

[Skai]

Andy

FULL NAME:

Andrea "Andy" Walsh
^{October 28th, 1968 (17)}

APPEARANCE

Slim and toned from three and a half years of running track, Andy has the body of a runner. She stands at 5'6" tall with an average sized derriere and bra size. She doesn't intentionally flaunt her shape, but doesn't wear loose fitting clothing to hide it either.

Andy's type of style isn't as high tier as 80's fashion magazines, but it has its own casual look to it. Mom jeans, denim or cotton paper bag shorts that fall an inch above her knee, or sometimes even denim skirts. She pairs these classic 80's pants with comfy sweaters, a tight cardigan and tank top, t-shirts, or long sleeves. Half of her shirts are off the shoulder on one side for a casually chic look. Her clothes are either bright and patterned or they have neutral tones to them. She often wears her favorite white sweater tied around her waist in case she gets cold.

Andy doesn't style her hair. Instead, she embraces it's natural waves and volume. She has gotten used to wearing her hair up in a ponytail for track, so she usually either pins half of her hair up behind her head or has it in her signature pony with a big scrunchie. She does have bangs, but she likes to keep the rest of her hair out of her face.

Andy doesn't wear makeup. She prefers her natural look to that of the preppy girls who wear eyeshadow and heavy amounts of blush. If she does put on anything. Its usually colored eyeliner or mascara for a pop, and maybe some lip gloss instead of her usual chapstick.

Besides her usual favorite outfits, Andy enjoys pairing them with a perfect shoe. She owns the classic Reebok's, both high top and low ankle showers, a pair of white converse, and a pair of white Nike high tops with lavender accents.

PERSONALITY

Andy has been given the classic innocent stereotype by many at Mathers Memorial, but behind her wide eyes lies an independent and determined young woman. From years of track, Andy has learned to be self-confident and strong even if she is unsure of the outcome. When her parents divorced, she used these moral lessons from running track to keep her going.

While this method helped to put the pain of the divorce behind her, sometimes it felt like Andy was just running away from her problems. Avoiding her emotions this way for so long has rooted this defense mechanism into her life. It has recently become evident that she is also running from the pain of Vanessa's death. Andy does worry that she will eventually reach a breaking point, but until then she will keep running.

At 17, Andy has only learned a few hard life lessons. She is too young to understand the extreme risks of the world yet, but she is aware that it is better to be careful than to be risky. The only carelessness she shows is in the way she speaks to people. While she is kind and warm towards everyone she meets, she has the temperament of a volcano.

Normally dormant and cool, she only starts to heat up when people are rude, disloyal, and cold-hearted. She learned from her parents that she should always keep her head high, and to protect those who have not learned to stand up for themselves yet. So, she often speaks her mind when there is an argument to be made. While her pride does get in the way at times, she also tries to find ways to humble herself so that she does not come off as pretentious and naive. Although, most of the time it does.

HYPERHUMAN ABILITIES:

Deflection: Andy has the ability to deflect projectiles or blunt force by using her arms or legs. While she isn't a physics genius, Andy understands that she can block any potential harm to herself with a flick of her wrist. She likes to think of it as a science experiment she once did in class. Two magnets sitting on a table. Opposite charges = a connection. The same charges = Repulsion. Its just that Andy somehow can change her own "polarity." She is new to the ability, but she is also able to redirect the energy in any direction she chooses. Mostly by aiming her swings or kicks.

Unfortunately, Andy cannot deflect any attack she is unaware of. Such as a low flying object from behind or the side. She also must be quick enough to block the blow, or the object or force will make its mark. Her control of the direction of the deflected energy is also directly affected by her emotional state. If she is upset or unfocused, the force could go in any direction.

Andy is at average strength normally and it reflects the strength of her deflections as well. While it would be easy to deflect a wayward football or TV remote, Andy certainly isn't able to deflect a car or falling piano yet. Not like she'd put herself at risk to test the ability anyways. For now she'll just stick to small objects.

RELATIONSHIP TO VANESSA:

Andy knew Vanessa through gym class, history class, and from the girl's after school track and field. The two bonded during these classes and often met each other halfway between their neighborhoods to jog throughout the town together. After hearing of Vanessa's death, Andy was devastated. She's been missing track practice since.

BACKSTORY:

Andy is an average girl next door. She grew up in the neighborhood a few blocks from Mather Park. Her parents were happy, and so Andy was happy. While Andy and her father remained happy, her mother's happiness was replaced with a need to leave the town she grew up in. Her mother left when Andy was sixteen, and her parents were divorced the following year. Since then, Andy has found her happiness in school with her friends and her lessons. She's a good student and a great athlete. Still, as her mother once felt, she yearns for some adventure of her own.

Theme Song
Another Image

[King Kindred]

I love how it seems that we all planned to be raised by single fathers in one way or another.

[Red X]

I love how it seems that we all planned to be raised by single fathers in one way or another.

@King Kindred

Welcome to America where marriages just don't last.

[Lord Wraith]

I've updated the rules to reflect the lack of a standard CS format. The wording has been changed to focus on the relevant information requested instead.

[Blizz]

I’m already foreseeing some kind of Detroit: Become Human stuff happening lol.

[Lord Wraith]

I’m already foreseeing some kind of Detroit: Become Human stuff happening lol.

@Blizz

I'm not familiar with that one.

[Tackytaff]

I’m already foreseeing some kind of Detroit: Become Human stuff happening lol.

@Blizz

I'm more looking forward to Wraith losing all control over the direction when we turn the roleplay into Footloose.

[Lord Wraith]

<Snipped quote by Blizz>

I'm more looking forward to Wraith losing all control over the direction when we turn the roleplay into Footloose.

@Tackytaff

Furiously writes down notes.

[Blushing Donkey]

Gilda Gleson

FULL NAME:
Gilda Gleson
July 14th, 1970 | 15 | Female | Asexual | White

HYPERHUMAN ABILITIES:

Sound/Air Wave Manipulation: She can take advantage of the endless stream of sounds and images floating in the atmosphere. This ability has several potential uses, like tricking people into hearing something that isn't there, but it is mainly useful in manipulating what is seen and heard on televisions and radios. While she cannot simply project anything she wants onto them anytime she wants, her emotions can interrupt them, and replace them with something else. Depending on the amount of energy and emotion, it can be anything from cutting out the local radio stations to nothing but static when she is very angry to projecting blurry images of her dreams on top of television channels when she is having nightmares. This last bit has happened once before, becoming a sort of campfire tale to the local teens who have no idea it was her...though they exaggerated the horror factor quite a bit.

With little experience using this, it can take a great toll on her whenever it happens, leaving her feeling weak and sick to her stomach. She is unaware of her potential, or even that she is responsible for certain events, only knowing that sometimes electronics act up around her. Trying to purposefully control and direct her ability would require a great amount of concentration, enough to make anyone observing believe she has gone catatonic.

RELATIONSHIP TO VANESSA:

For Vanessa, Gilda was a pity case. She noticed Gilda either ate alone at lunch or would slink away to the library, and decided it was her duty to try and drag her into making friends. That didn't go over so well, leading only to greater heights of embarrassment, but she did appreciate the attempt and came to share lunch with Vanessa every once in awhile. When both were free to do so. They didn't really have a ton in common-- Vanessa wasn't into reading fantasy novels and Gilda wasn't into athletics or attending parties --but they were friendly enough that her death hit differently. Perhaps rather selfishly, she must deal with a sense of 'being alone once again.'

PERSONALITY:

A loner, but not quite by choice, most of her social decisions are driven by that inexplicable fear that causes butterflies to bloom in your stomach and sweat to slick your palms-- social anxiety. She avoids talking as much as possible, never raising her hand in class, never raising her voice in the halls. When she is unfortunate enough to be backed into a corner, it becomes clear she couldn't raise her voice if she wanted to: it is too quiet, and she has a tendency to stutter or trail off when panicked.

A decent student that could be a great student, a lot of the time her head is elsewhere...lost in the clouds. Voraciously consuming fantasy novels and television series has left her with a lot of obscure knowledge but nobody to share it with.

BACKSTORY:

Gilda was born into a right mess of a family. Her parents lost custody at age three, brought up on drug and assault charges, and she was left to the care of her far more sane grandmother. They have come to call the local trailer park "theirs" in the sense that not only does her grandmother own it, but in how they care about its presentation and livability. Ever since she was little, she'd work with her to plant trees and flowers around the trailers, pick up trash, and check up on the residents.

As a teen, her responsibilities increased tenfold. Grandma growing old, Gilda has learned to cook, clean, and even care for medical needs like medication management. She certainly has her share of fears about the situation, but shoulders them bravely as she can.

She has a history of being bullied in middle school that has driven her social anxiety to extremes. The perfect target: dreamy, only child, loner, it was only a matter of time. High school has proven to not be as nearly dog-eat-dog, but her fears haven't left. To avoid even the smallest chances of being picked on, she eats alone, walks alone, hides behind library shelves and the pages of novels. At home, she likes to unload in front of the television with a microwave meal after taking care of her responsibilities.