Chrono Asylum: Prelude to Madness (Recruiting)

[xodus]

Welcome fellow guildmates, I will be your host and guide as we delve into the insanity that haunts us all. However before we start, I have a question. How does one go about defeating a monster, a monster that is a reflection of our own inner madness?

When silver bullets dent, there is but one way to eradicate the mallum of alchemy. "To kill a monster, you need a monster."

Chrono Asylum is a relic of pre-guildfall, it's legacy is one that lasted for over 3 years, coming to an end at that fated calamity. This however gave me the perfect challenge to reboot to franchise, add details, solidify the plot and in essence create an experience that will be enjoyable for everyone. If you enjoy an RP that has a concrete plot-line, abundance of themes and an intertwining story that will span over several months and years, than Chrono Asylum will serve its purpose in catering to please and satisfy.

Now let us begin our stroll....

Since the dawn of Mankind's innocence and subsequent fall, he has always sought dominion over that which lies beyond the perimeters of understanding This unquenchable thirst for the taboo lead Man into discovering a force of change, one that could transcend mortals from the restraints cast by their own limitations. A mallum known as Alchemy which man aimed to exploit so as to sever the chains of stagnation and usher in their own individual utopia.

In essence Alchemy is merely a harbinger of change for it transmutes one's will into existence, an instrument of limitless possibilities. However, a price must always be paid for causality demands it. Those that seek to surpass the domain of man are cursed to never return to it, such is the law of insannadition. This law foreshadows the final fate of Alchemists, to lose their raison d'etre. Their reason of existence, sense of self all of it fades till all that is left is the husk of humanity. The use of Alchemy drains one's sanity till they eventually become monsters guided by their carnal and most basic desire, destruction.

To prevent the world from plummeting into decay, one organization took root near the 1400s with the purpose to curb the ensuing madness. Alchemy Management and Restraint Organization or A.M.R.O served as a straight jacket, a constant reminder of a looming presence and lidless eyes that observed everything. Gradually this shadow organization grew to gargantuan proportions, monopolizing alchemy and succeeding in controlling Alchemy. "To kill a monster you need a monster", this rationality was the bases behind the fleeting peace which A.M.R.O had gained. To deal with monsters, they created monsters of their own. Alchemic warriors trained and hardened to face the brunt of insanity and serve as the shield, as the containment. As such they no longer called themselves Alchemists but went by another name, a name befitting their position as the greatest foe madness can face, they are called Asylums.

You will be one of these Asylums and your role is crucial for it is at a time where A.M.R.O's hold is weakening, the tides are changing and the shadows constantly waver. Behind the facade of peace, storms are brewing with a feeling that A.M.R.O is no longer the only organization of its kind.

Good luck~

I am looking for around two to three RPers. The selection process will be based on the sign up sheets you provide. This will not be a first come first serve, but a selection based on merit. However in my books merit does not translate into quantity, but quality. Quality in terms of writing as well as in terms of contribution. Such as how active you are, socializing in the OOC in essence how well you contribute to the CA family.

Sign up Sheet

Sign up sheet ~
Credit to Mikael for layout

Name: ...your name!
Nickname/Title: Either a title that you are famous by and has its own story, or a nickname your fellow asylums can call you. You don't have to have one.

Team Title: All asylum teams can have titles if they are skilled/well respected enough by other asylum teams. Having a title also means that other asylum teams have heard of you.*

Gender: Male or Female

Age: Your choice, but must be between 17 and under 40.

Position: Asylum

Specialty: Sniffer, Hunter, Hybrid, or Silencer -- the four main asylum soldier divisions.*

Alchemic Style: Vocem, Sigillum, Motem. You have to choose a combination of two!

Asylum Code: All asylums have a Roman Numeral code tattooed somewhere on their body -- it is their number and nobody else can have it. This means that your character sheets can be rejected because it wants a number someone already has. Write the Roman Numeral you desire along with the translated number in (parenthesis). Then write where it is located on the body. Your number cannot be zero or 1 through 12, as those are for the 12 Chrono Asylums. So, for example, LXXI (71). Located on the back of the skull. If you need help with the Roman Numerals, use this site: http://www.novaroma.org/via_romana/numbers.html

Weapons: You may have only 3 weapons. While A.M.R.O's technology is a hundred years advance try to be creative with your weapons, but don't let them become too futuristic. If you need help, post your questions in the OOC thread.

There is one other element in Weapons that you could consider: AMRO's Anti-Alchemy substance. This substance, when inside an alchemist's body, disrupts their alchemy power. The typical way to use anti Alchemy is to put them in your bullets, so that if one bullet hits an alchemist, it'll set you up for a killing shot. If you have more questions on this, please post them in the OOC thread, as it is a very interesting subject that many people trying to join have misunderstood.

Alchemy specialization: Also known as Alch-Specs. But first, let me make something perfectly clear: all asylums can use all kinds of alchemy, but every asylum has his or her own specialization, which is basically just a kind of alchemy that they excel at. Although there are thousands of asylums working for AMRO that have the same alch-spec, for story purposes, all the players' asylums must have different alch-specs. This means that your character sheets can be rejected because it wants an alch-spec that someone already has. If you need help picking an alch-spec, don't be shy to ask for help in the OOC thread.

Appearance: Describe your character's physique, appearance, and clothing, in at least paragraphs.

Personality: Describe your character's personality with at least 2 paragraphs.

History: Writing your character's backstory is not necessary at the time of character sheet submission. But later on, it would be a good idea to create one and show it in the story. You also don't have to show your character's entire backstory here if you prefer.

Other: Any additional information.

Other: Any additional information.

List of Alchemy specialization that are too over powered or reserved*
Blood Manipulation
Thought projection
Instant regeneration
Space and time
Gravity
Darkness manipulation
Ice manipulation
Nova*
Molecular manipulation
Deconstruction reconstruction at a molecular level

(This list is subjected to increase)

Added information: Asylums always work in pairs, hence you will have to create two characters.

I look forward to reading the characters you all provide and hope to see many more join the CA family. ^.^ If you are interested and wish for a more detailed read I would suggest reading the OOC would be quite crucial.

Chrono Asylum: Prelude to Madness~

[TheMasterNarrator]

~Wrong place, derp~

[xodus]

Yes the RP is in fact open, and yes it has started. However entry inside is fairly easy due to the lax structure of the RP.

Also all character sheets and inquiries, please post them here. =)

[TheMasterNarrator]

Excellect. Before I make my characters, I have a couple of questions:

1) Is self-alteration possible with Alchemy? Giving yourself claws and the like.

2) If it is possible, would it count as killing with Alchemy? It's not actually at all offensive, just enabling yourself to fight.

3) Is it possible to tattoo/engrave sigils onto your body so that you simply have to charge them up instead of drawing them every time?

[xodus]

Alright lets see

1) As to your first question. Alchemy is basically capable of performing nearly any feat, however there are limits. These limits are divided into three casts. A level 3 cast, which is basic form of Alchemy not too strong. Say something like summoning lightning or causing a small kinetic explosion. Than there is a level 2 cast, which is nearly a 100% stronger than a level 3 cast. However using this sort of power requires permission from the higher authorities. Finally there is a level 1 cast. There is very little known about a level one cast, accept that its power can have apocalyptic results. So far in the story level 2 and level 1 casts are not allowed. And we will all start with using level 3 casts.

With that said, body alteration is a fairly easy feat with Alchemy. Hence yes you can give your self claws, blades etc. Than falls under shape-shifting. Also as mentioned in the OOC all Asylums have an Alchemic Speciality, which is the form of Alchemy they are most proficient in using. However this does not mean the Asylums are ristricted to that form of Alchemy, they can use any type of Alchemy they want. Lightning, fire, wind, friction etc. However there are a few limits to this.

2) I don't quite understand your second question. Are you asking if it is objectionable to kill someone using Alchemy? Well yes, that is what A.M.R.O over sees. The only people Asylums are allowed to kill with Alchemy are rogue alchemists and people whom A.M.R.O deems a threat. However in self-defense, the use of Alchemy is also pardonable but Alchemists are not allowed to reveal this art to normal humans,

3) You can engrave sigils into your skin however in the end it will prove futile. The reason for this is, an Asylum can create up to three sigils at a time. The reason being, this style of Alchemy is fairly difficult and takes a higher toll. Also once a sigil is used it fades away, this is the reason why it would be futile to tattoo it on your body.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. =)

[TheMasterNarrator]

What I meant with the second question is, if you aren't allowed to kill someone with Alchemy, does killing someone with an attribute (claws, say) gained from Alchemical self-modification break that rule or not?

[xodus]

Well it really depends. If your character is doing nothing to jeopardize A.M.R.O than they will not care too much. Asylums are not really allowed to kill for self-pleasure, their duty is to kill the rogue Alchemists who are arousing unwanted attention. Hence if your Asylums ar eon a mission they have the authority to kill any threat using Alchemy if they have to.

[TheMasterNarrator]

Final question: do self I modifications 'time out', as it were, or do they just keep up a constant drain on your energy and have to be cancelled? I lean towards the latter, but you're the GM...

[xodus]

As you suspected it is indeed the latter. Self modifications have to be cancelled and they constantly drain you while active. However the drain is considerably less when only a part of your body is shape shifting.

[TheMasterNarrator]

~ Old versions of characters removed ~

[xodus]

Alright now, while your characters do fit the part of Asylums there seems little to set them apart from the current Asylums in 'Chrono Asylum' roster. You should check out the characters that have already been made, they are at the bottom of the first post in the OOC. Clicking the links will direct you to the character sheets.

Also a rogue alchemist will not be able to comprehend a level 1 cast, information on such a cast is available only to Chronos. Hence I will need you to alter your history a little. And air manipulation is currently taken by a recent member, the alchemic specialization of your second character will also need to be changed.

[TheMasterNarrator]

Alright, specialty altered, backstory altered, and a little bit of flavour added here and there.

The Relentless Hunter-Silencer team, known for never failing to complete their mission. Earned their title after following a particularly wily Rogue Alchemist for six days straight across the country with barely any sleep or sustenance.

Arcturus Rex

Nickname: Bloodclaw
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 110kg

Position: Asylum
Specialty: Silencer
Code: C, on the right orbital bone around the eye.

Alchemic Style: Primus Sigilum, Secundus Vocem
Alchemic Specialty: Self-Alteration: By carving Sigils into his flesh, Rex changes the fundamental properties of his body. He usually has two sigils carved: Claws, on his right forearm, to give him weapons, and Healing on his sternum. Every time these are used, he recarves them as soon as possible, so that they are ready to trigger at a moment's notice. The third Sigil is never carved ahead of time, but instead left up to the situation to dictate.

Weapons: None
Other Equipment: Food and water, backup communications system, restraints for prisoners.
Sigil Knife: This silvery-shining knife has never broken any skin but Rex's own. He uses it to carve sigils into his flesh so that he can Change.

Description: At six foot seven, Arcturus "Bloodclaw" Rex is an extremely intimidating figure. His blank eyes seem to be calculating whether it is worth the effort to kill you or not, while his hands hover over the dormant sigils carved into his body. Sometimes, when his sleeves ride up, you can see the scar tissue caused by time after time of knife slicing flesh. He usually ties back his long, black hair in a ponytail, to keep it from his eyes, while his attire of choice is a long, high-necked black coat over a white vest and black combat trousers, with heavy, spike-toed boots. His usual walk is a fine art, calculated to be fast yet deliberate, implacable yet mercurial, solemn yet imposing as his coat flutters behind him and his cold, dead eyes nail you to the floor.
Personality: Cold and solemn to strangers, but once you get past the outer shell, Rex is a surprisingly likeable individual. Though still quiet, soft words spoken to friends carry warmth and a gravitas lent to those who speak little. To strangers, his voice is stronger and commanding, every inch the dangerous rogue-killer: cooperate or else. Despite his solemnity, he has been known to be somewhat... excessive. One incident is often talked about: the time a Rogue Alchemist tried to use a child as a living shield. The cleanup crew had to cover three streets, twenty-seven buildings and put the whimpering carcass out of its misery at the end of the trail.
History: Fathered by a Rogue Alchemist, Rex was often beaten, as was his mother. He grew up in fear, never knowing when his father would take offence at some small movement, some split-second lateness or inadvertent noise. It came to a head in his fifteenth year, when the man tried to sacrifice him and his mother to fuel a casting intended to increase his power. He killed his father and took the body to A.M.R.O.. He was inducted into the Silencer program soon after.

Lucy

Nickname: Whirlwind
Gender: Female
Age: Somewhere in her early twenties
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 63kg

Position: Asylum
Specialty: Hunter
Code: DVI

Alchemic Style: Primus Motem, Secundus Vocem
Alchemic Specialty: Poison: Lucy can transmute poisons of all types with ease. All her weapons have a sac of water built in that she uses to generate various toxins. Some of her favourites are a neurotoxin that, through permanent nerve damage, causes shakes, stammers and spasms, making it difficult, if not nigh-impossible, to cast Alchemy, and a potent but nonlethal venom that she calls the Demon's Blood that creates an excruciating pain wherever it spreads - perfect for disabling a target wanted alive.

Weapons: Claw and Fang: Twin knives. Claw is serrated, and usually held in a reverse grip, left-handed, while Fang is longer and held forward in her right. She dual-wields them with deadly efficiency, slashing and spinning so fast that the knives become little more than a blur, hence her nickname.
Thunderclap: A nanofibre whip able to cut through almost anything, Thunderclap has a reach of around three meters and sports a vicious barbed tip that is often aimed at an eye or testicle while coated in Demon's Blood.
Other Equipment: Various miscellaneous items, some food and water, a backup communications system, and a set of restraints for prisoners.

Description: Petite and delicate-looking, Lucy's appearance belies her true deadliness. Many have died without even knowing it thanks to their underestimating of the woman before them. Lucy has never been seen without her armour on, a silver-white suit that accentuates her curves while still providing as much protection as possible. There are many rumours about it, and while nobody knows the truth, it is evident that is has undergone some serious Alchemic treatment, as it has unflinchingly taken blows that should have far outstripped its defensive capabilities.
Personality: Impish and playful when at rest, with a love of practical jokes and slapstick humour, yet she becomes a whole different person in combat - cold, relentless and utterly terrifying, willing to go to any lengths to win. Despite her usual playfulness, she never truly opens up to anyone - even Rex, the person she's closest to in the world, doesn't know her story. For that reason, most people simply find her a mystery.
History: Nobody knows where Lucy came from. Even the records don't have anything about her other than that she showed up one day, covered in blood, and was enrolled in the Hunter program. Despite this enigmatic past, she has proven one of the best Hunters the Asylums have to offer.

[xodus]

Much better, I like how you take constructive criticism with stride. I would suggest adding a little more to Lucy's personality so I get a better idea of what she is like. Also her alchemic specialty is one I cannot allow. For one, any weapon will not be able to withstand alchemic channeling. Also there is no such Alchemy out there that can disrupt or cancel alchemy. The only thing capable of that is the anti alchemic ammunition, once the substance enters a person's blood stream it make it incredibly difficult to cast alchemy. Other than that a few Chrono Asylums are able to disrupt alchemy, this is done by causing an influx in the alchemic pressure in the surroundings hence making casting difficult.

Here is a list of Alchemic specialities you can use,

Poison Generation

Earth Manipulation

Fire Manipulation

Lightning Manipulation

Empathy

Acid conversion

[TheMasterNarrator]

Hm. I figured that if magic can create an antimagic field, then alchemy could create an anti-alchemy field, but apparently not. I'll go with poison (edit made.)

On the constructive criticism front, why wouldn't I? You can't get better if you don't know what you're doing wrong.

[xodus]

Alright that's great. I have reviewed it all and everything seems a okay.

There is spot open for one more! Once the spots fill up we will incorporate the characters into the story.

Mean while you should read up the posts on the ic, or I can provide you a summary.

[TheMasterNarrator]

I'll read through them. I read at a ridiculous speed anyway, so I'm always running out of material.

[xodus]

Excellent I am sure you will enjoy reading Chrono Asylum =D

LAST SPOT FOR CHRONO ASYLUM IS OPEN FOR GRABS!

[TheUnknowableNyarlathotep]

---
Alright, so I'm fairly sure I'm supposed to place my character sheets here for review? I tried to work in the Anti-Alchemy substance into their weapons, if I did not manage to do so correctly then I can either remove it or edit. I'm completely up for any constructive criticism and I hope that they're up to par!

Don

Name: Aran Donagh Murrough
Nickname/Title: Don or Smoker. He doesn’t really like being called Smokey, Smokey the Bear, or Smokey the Bandit, but this doesn’t stop his partner from doing so.

Team Title: Ríoghnach

Gender: Male

Age: 28

Position: Asylum

Specialty: Hunter

Alchemic Style: Motem, Vocem

Asylum Code: XLIV (44). Left side of chest, over heart.

Weapons: Don uses a cane due to blindness which can, in a pinch, be used as a club; however it is far more deadly due to a retractable scythe in its bottom end, which swings outward when a trigger around the middle of the cane is pressed (there is also a safety switch near the top to avoid this happening accidently and severing anyone’s toes). The cane is carbon fiber, black, and the mentioned switches are camouflaged.

He also carries a flare gun, in part for distraction but primarily as a major complement to his alchemical specialization. The flare gun appears old and bronze, similar to an old WWII model, but it is actually modern; the appearance is cosmetic and has no value except to his sense of whimsy.

And lastly, he carries an old handgun which seems to hold some personal value to him. It’s a silver Smith & Wesson revolver with ebony handle. The only thing special about it is it now uses AMRO’s Anti-Alchemy substance in its bullets.

Alchemy specialization: Smoke manipulation (Pretty self-explanatory, he manipulates clouds of smoke, which can be used for cover or even subduing enemies through asphyxiation.)

Appearance: Don is 5’11” and well-muscled but not buff. His hair is dark brown, straight, and not very long but exceedingly short, coming to a point at the nape of his neck and usually brushed back from his temples. He doesn’t remove his sunglasses unless he is sleeping due to his eyes being grotesquely scarred and useless; before this, and therefore in any old pictures, his eyes were dark blue, narrow, and could have been described as either quite serious or mischievous depending on his mood. His features are strong and well-defined, and his complexion is a little pallid but not as much as the stereotypical pallor of Celtic skin.

His mode of dress could be described as being on the cusp of both casual and formal, with collared shirts and usually dark or khaki pants; when he wears jeans they are new and pressed, never old and frayed, and he sticks to polished black shoes or boots. Occasionally he may wear a fedora. His sunglasses are bronze-framed, large, mirrored aviators to ensure the majority of his scarring is covered from view, but one scar from his right eye extends above and below the frames by a few centimeters either way. He always has his cane as it helps him to navigate. He smokes like a chimney and is usually seen with either a cigar or cigarette unless the situation is impractical.

Personality: Though he comes across a bit short and cold Don can be quite friendly and amiable once he trusts a person; his history has, however, made him not very quick to trust others. Because of his blindness he has been forced over time to improve his trust issues, though his partner is still the only person he will discuss his past with. He is prideful and can be quite vain, though the extent of his vanity extends mostly to physical appearance, the sort who doesn’t like a strand of hair to be out of place or a single stain on his collar. Unfortunately, he has no way of knowing without asking his partner.

Coupled with his vanity, Don was quite the casanova before the accident with his eyes, and is therefore very good at sweet-talking his way out of trouble. He enjoys the finer things in life, has expensive taste and will settle for nothing less. He’s an excellent actor and lying comes second nature, though years of lying has made it difficult for him to even be truthful with himself much of the time. To say he is a good person at his core in spite of this may be a bit of a stretch, but he is loyal and reliable to whomever he is working for and will always return a favor; conversely he can also be vengeful if wronged.

History: Due to Don’s secretiveness regarding his history, this will be brief. Don was brought up by an Irish-American Catholic family in Manhattan with mob ties. He has distanced himself from them and has no contact with them. He knew his partner prior to working with AMRO.

Other:

• Don knows Morse code, as this is how he and his partner communicate.


• He is blind due to damage to his eyes from a source he does not discuss.


• He is a recovering alcoholic and the quickest way to get him to blab about something is to get him drunk. His temper can also shorten when he is drunk, however, so this can be risky.


• He is an atheist and will not discuss it.


• He enjoys fighting having taken MMA training prior to working with AMRO, and he and his partner fight for sport occasionally.

Niel

Name: Niel Douglas Lynch

Team Title: Ríoghnach

Gender: Male

Age: 27

Position: Asylum

Specialty: Silencer

Alchemic Style: Sigillum, Motem

Asylum Code: XLV (45). Left side of chest, over heart.

Weapons: Niel tends to prefer silent weapons. He keeps a bladed iron knuckle in his left pocket (the bladed side of course covered when concealed) to slip on his primary hand quickly before fighting; and a mid-size crossbow on his back, the ends of the darts imbued with AMRO’s Anti-Alchemy substance. In addition to these he also keeps glass throwing knives, which he may use his alchemical specialization to shatter once they have pierced his combatant.

Alchemy specialization: Vibration Manipulation (He can increase or dampen vibrations, allowing for shattering breakable items such as glass or completely silencing one’s movement.)

Appearance: Niel is slender and lithe, and stands around 6’0” tall. His eyes are a light, steely blue, wide and alert. The lower half of his face and his shoulders are wrapped tightly by a thin, breathable black scarf. His nose is narrow and very slightly crooked due to an old break. Despite his most direct line of heritage he usually has a moderate tan. His hair is jet black and reflects a very slightly blue tint in direct sunlight; it is also long enough to tie back in a ponytail, which he keeps

He wears primarily black and prefers his clothes not be loose for the tactical advantage of his combatants being less able to grab a hold of him. As such he usually wears sleeveless or long sleeve muscle shirts tucked beneath his belt; and cargo pants in which to conceal his smaller weapons. He tends to wear black combat boots with the legs of his pants tucked into them.

Personality: Niel, despite his muteness, has a fairly animated character and a wicked, frequently inappropriate sense of humor; he’s great at cracking up his partner even when the latter is in one of his more brooding moods. He loves adventure and trying new things. Not dissimilar to his partner he is a retired womanizer, though his has less to do with his disability and more with a broken heart. The one thing he does take completely seriously is his work with AMRO; his personality does a 180 when he’s working.

He enjoys gambling in his free time and likes taking risks perhaps a little too much. He has a sense of romanticism for seafaring despite its impracticality in modern times, having fallen irreversibly in love with the ocean after his family visited relatives overseas by ship. When he needs to wind down he takes himself away from other people and meditates, usually as near a body of water as he can be; but usually he is the precise definition of an extrovert, able to make friends with anyone who is able and willing to get past his unfortunate communication barrier. Like his partner, the only thing he isn’t open about is his history.

[b/]History[/b]: Due to Niel’s secretiveness regarding his history, this will be brief. Niel was brought up by an Irish-American Protestant family in Manhattan with mob ties. He has distanced himself from them and has no contact with them. He knew his partner prior to working with AMRO.

Other:

• Niel is mute due to having had his tongue cut out some time ago and communicates in Morse code.


• He is his partner’s eyes.


• He has a fairly severe gambling addiction that he isn’t bothering to fix at the present time.


• He is an atheist and will not discuss it.


• He enjoys taunting his partner into fighting with him when he’s bored.

EDIT: In addition, I had a question regarding ranged weapons, specifically disposable thrown weapons; would the character still be able to carry a certain number of them on him at a time and it still only count as one of his three weapons? I'd think it would be like ammo; like in Niels case with his glass throwing knives, if he keeps ten of them on hand and uses them all, then they're gone and not retrievable, just as with running out of ammo for a gun. I just wanted to make sure that this will be fine; if not I'll be glad to edit.

[xodus]

I see no problem with your characters, in fact I find them quite interesting. For one I really like the fact they aren't blood thirsty psychopaths. xD They have more of a james bond/refined secret agent feel to them. I also like the fact that you have made them impaired, it should be interesting to see how you handle that.

Also while there are two sign ups, a third is on its way. There is room for only two in CA. As I mentioned before the selection process isn't first come first serve, instead its merit based. Hence once all three character sheets are available, the best two will be selected. The third character sheets will be reserved and if someone drops out or there is an opening, than that person will be contacted.

Nya you can hop on to the OOC and link your character sheets there, also introduce yourself to everyone. xD

[TheUnknowableNyarlathotep]

---
Whoop! Glad to hear there were no problems. :D I actually need practice with a blind character for a novel I want to work on soon so I'm stoked about writing this one. Can't wait to get to know everyone! x3