A deracinator ship has docked in the harbor. Its patched hull weighs heavy with well-used cages and traps. On the deck, a towering glass dome protects a tiny rainforest.
The ship's gangplank touches down and grizzled crewmates carry a caged creature on their shoulders. It writhes with feathers and sinew, teeth and whiskers, all gold and pink and violet, its leg wrapped in blood-crusted gauze. They will deliver the cage to the rehabilitation center, where it will recover until the ship's return.
The crew of the Scion Uprooted have completed their contracts. Work and passage aboard are open for application.
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DERACINATOR: A professional who tracks and captures mundane or magical plants, wildlife, or monsters that are injured or are causing problems for nearby civilizations.
SCION UPROOTED: The name of the weathered old deracinator ship that is currently seeking a crew. It is well known as one of the oldest, most efficient emergency responders.
--
The World
The known world is a wide ocean filled with rich and colorful life. Humans live among the many islands scattered across the waves.
Magic is a natural phenomenon. Creatures and plants commonly possess magical properties, but humans have no innate magical ability. Instead, humans have developed technology that is powered by the magical resources found in nature.
Magic is rich only where ecosystems are healthy, but healthy ecosystems inevitably encroach upon civilization. The deracinators humanely capture, contain, and relocate magical wildlife and monsters that are hazardous to the resident humans.
The Gameplay
This RP will be character-driven and decision-driven. Those who make no decisions, who do not act, will not have much fun here. This RP will keep moving, things will keep happening, as long as the characters make them happen.
In other words: the world will react to your character's actions, not the other way around.
At the same time, be sure not to steamroll or ignore the other players. I'm well aware that anyone could drop out at any time and leave conversations unfinished, but try not to let that possibility get in the way of interaction and communication. The relationships and teamwork among the PCs will make or break this RP.
The Characters
Characters may be anyone of any background, with any reason for joining the crew. Characters who work well with others are highly preferred: you will be RPing with each other as much as with me. The GM reserves the right to question or reject any application for ANY reason.
Example potential positions/reasons to be onboard:
- Radio Communications
- Magitech Mechanic
- Tracker
- Diver
- Trapper
- Biologist
- Sailor
- Navigator
- Shiphand
- Cook
- Animal handler
- Doctor
- Gardener
- Paid Passenger
- Stowaway
These are the restrictions:
- The captain is the GM's NPC. No PC character shall have authority over another. All of you are (more or less) on the same level.
- They must be a new recruit to the ship. No one has previous experience with this ship or captain.
- You're free to invent what life is like at this dock city and outside it, but everything is subject to GM veto. This only happens if something you created conflicts with the plot.
- If the character came from outside, do not assume your own premade locations or cities. The farthest reaches of this world remain entirely under GM creation and control for very good plot-related reasons. Suggestions, however, are welcome!
- If you feel the need to be Different right out of the gate, consider your reasons why.
- "Can I --?" Maybe. PM me your ideas if you're not sure they would be allowed.
Inspirations
- artstation.com/artwork/8lyGeE
- artstation.com/stillace
- artstation.com/artwork/n0G6BX
- tumblr.com/eisly/647838119803207681/p…
- tumblr.com/spindlewit/739053203563364…
- tumblr.com/monstersovka
- Ecopunk/Solarpunk
- Epic: The Musical and The Odyssey
- Jules Verne
- One Piece
- Spiritfarer
GM Notes
I'll be real with you: It's been over a year since I've done an RP and I kind of forget what I'm doing. This ad will develop as I slowly remember how this goes.
My writing has been stagnant, and RP is one way I know to dig up some creativity. I like the community aspect and I like weaving worlds around players who do unexpected things. I have a full time job and several other irl responsibilities that keep me exhausted, so I can't guarantee speed.
