OwO

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

Armand listened as the detectives gave their thoughts.

Marty's conclusions summarized most of it. For someone who got a job because of endless persistence and (unbeknownst to the fly guy himself) a bet, he did a pretty good job in connecting the dots. Of course, Armand wasn't going to smile and give Beelz his roses. At least, not in this environment. Especially when you considered his ego. For the sake of everyone at the Easy Runner, an egoless Beelzebub would not experience Miksi jumping over the bar's countertop to pummel him for his audicity. Frogs and flies--truly, they were the worst of enemies.

"It could be assumed that it's connected. Violence, fear, insects. It looks like the perp was rather moody." He said as he stroked his stubble.

Yam's thoughts were a good starting place for a perp. Though, it was always risky to case out a perp before a motive was established. Assumptions could easily poison the well just as easily as they could connect distant threads.

"It's a safe thought. But don't get too hung up on it. Strange things have happened in the city."

When Dezzie brought up the issue of respect, Armand didn't speak up. He wouldn't defend his detectives nor admonish them. They were grownups who could solve their own issues, after all. Though, it was probably more likely that he didn't care if his detectives got into fist fights with either each other or other sections.

He did, however, pipe up when the topic of curses and restrictions.

"A contract can--at most--fulfill what a demon is currently capable of. As far as those go in New Helle, if a human is capable of doing it with a contract, then a demon would be able to do it."

As much as he wanted to say something about sniffing around a room with people turned to viscera and goo, Armand did little more but watch as Kittyan sniffed out a clue. Of course, his comments on the scene were pretty astute.

"Multiple perps always makes it a pain. Though, not really. They usually fall like dominoes, but finding the first perp is something that I don't want to deal with."

His face shifted as Kittyan showed him the baggie. While the chief was usually some mixture of annoyed and exhausted, the more astute detectives--especially Beelz--could feel a shift in the air. Something was definitely afoot.

"I'll take this to the lab myself." He said without elaborating further. Usually, he would say something more about it.

Immediately, he inspected the snub nose with greater fervor. He pushed open the cylinder to empty a round onto his hand. His thumb roughly rubbed against the copper of the bullet. The copper rubbed away as if it were merely paint. A bone white exterior.

"It seems that the Saniwa had some great support." He mused. Again, he didn't elaborate further as he emptied the cylinder and placed the bullets in his jacket pocket. A great deal of care was put into not following evidence procedures. But it didn't quite matter when New Helle's justice system was so malleable beneath the surface.

Still, the chief didn't run off in a panic. There was nothing good that would do, after all. He was still listening to the rest of the detectives.

Armand replied to Barbatos as he brought up the familiar face.

"That's a good place to start, if you like conducting interviews. Harass women, red light district gang."

Lorelei's appearance seemed to brighten Armand's mood--even if it was just by a slight amount. Taking his regular, he quickly began sipping it. His usual was, of course, a peppermint white chocolate mocha. It seemed uncharacteristic of him, but hey, it's what he always had. When asked about it, he would always reply it had enough calories and tasted good.

After taking the manila folder, he thumbed through a few files to at least glance at them.

"Good work," he said rather autonomously. "Rumours and urban legends tend to be more truthful than not."

He didn't add much beyond that.

While all of those conversations were going on, he gave the occasional glance at Al to watch him. Having someone who could perceive something else was, of course, something that Armand couldn't do.

He affirmed the others thoughts. What was new was the final clue.

The room was silent as he unveiled his final piece. Uncomfortably silent, but only for a second before Armand gave out a "hm."

"An eye..." He said as he rubbed his stubble once again.

What insight could the great chief have?

"Never seen it before," he unceremoniously said. "No demons or humans I know have eyes like that."

He rose from his knee and stretched with hands on his back. The other detectives could nearly hear the cracking and creaking of a man who had knelt for too long.

"Well, there's not point in sitting around here. Photos were taken, what little there was of import has been bagged. I'll call preservation to fully secure this place."

He walked began to walk towards the exit before stopping as if remembering something he overlooked.

"Dezzie--you're a ride-along today. Technically, you're a suspect. You're also a survivor, which means whatever did this might want to finish the job. I'm sure you'd prefer sitting around with some real detectives instead of returning to an office that has a rat that sold out your little audit to gang members. Welcome to the team."

Dezzie knew from her handbook that the Section 7 chief's words superceded whatever duties she currently had.

He then addressed the rest of the team.

"Here's some suggestions for you detectives. Check out the Floating District. Ask around in some soaplands and hostess clubs there--there's probably a few florists nearby. Kick down the door of their back offices in their businesses. Talk to their heads and enforcers. I'm sure they're sitting around in fear since news of this place got out. Or you can follow up with the survivor. See what he has to say--though, four years ago was a long time ago. Or just go off and follow your hunch. I'm going to go confirm these since I am now in a rush. If they are what they think I are..."

He didn't finish the thought.

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

10:52 PM, Saniwa Family Estate

...

"What the fuck was that?"

"Shut up! Let me think." The large gangster paced as he desperately rubbed his face. "What about that section 6 bitch who came by? Tell her to call the pigs."

"Went to get coffee." The short oni-like gangster replied, his breathing ragged and deep as he tried his best to calm himself.

"Shit!" The large gangster kicked a chair across the dark room. "What if we..."

The large gangster and the short oni continued to think and rebuke each other's plans.

The tall oni-like gangster kept whispering to himself as he hid in the corner of the room. Prayers that he won't die. With each second passing, his prayers being more desperate. His hands clutched his head as he tightly gripped and pulled at his face.

Crick. Crack.

His face contorted and tore as skull and flesh had expanded and shorn to form the shape of a lantana.

"Fuck!" The large gangster said as blood splattered onto him.

"B-brother!" The short oni said as he ran to his brother's lifeless side.

The door creaked and the light from the hallway cleaved the room.

"Fuck this!" The large gangster said and he drew his sword.

With knuckles white and nails cutting into his palms, the large gangster thrust his sword into the opening of the door. The sound of falling sand came from beyond. The blade he carried crumbled into rust from tip to hilt. The gangster simply thrust his blade harder and deeper towards what was on the other side of the door.

He only stopped when flesh, blood, and bone was naught but dust.

...

---

CASE 1

porcelain, flowers, and the malice we hold

10:02 AM, Saniwa Family Estate

It was never a good sign when Armand was on the scene. To the detectives of Section 7, that usually meant the case would never be easy. Then again, when were they ever? Section 7's raison d'être was to handle the cases the other departments refused to investigate. It was even worse that he was working at 10 AM. That was, for all intents and purposes, a new one for him.

The Saniwa were new blood to the city. Expats of a Japanese crime family that had quickly found themselves taking over various soaplands, hostess clubs, and other such ventures in the north's red-light district. Their treatment of the red-light district was the same as how they took it over: violent. Despite their affiliation with Gehenna, they weren't interested in the old ways or honour. No, they cared more about profit beyond anything else. They were only affiliated with Gehenna due to the familial relationship their leader had with someone associated with Gehenna leadership.

Their estate was opulent. In spite of their detachment to the old ways, it was a large manor styled on traditional Japanese architecture. The traditional garden outside had quickly fallen to disrepair. Trash littered the stone pathway. Grass was overgrown and uncared for. The cherry blossom trees were marked with slashes from swords and the occasional bullet hole. Were it not for the police tape outside, one could easily imagine the manor as merely abandoned.

The outside of manor was more cared for--if you could call it that. There were no holes in the shoji nor blemishes on the framing. Though, most of that was likely from the protective talismans that covered the wood framing.

The inside of the house was dire. No talisman used in construction could stop what went on inside. The remnants of battle filled the inside. Bullet casings, scorch marks, and blades slashing the inner doorways littered the house. While the occasional loose weapon could be found, there seemed to be a lack of weapons beyond the ornaments on the walls. Definitely not 30 gangsters worth. The western half of the manor appeared to be significantly more damaged.

The corpses were in a dire shape. Despite an estimated thirty members inside--a number given by Desdemona, a Section 6 investigator conducting an audit on scene--only eight corpses could be identified. The rest had been reduced to a mixture of blood splatters and overlapping stains on the paper walls and tatami mats. That made things difficult to count exactly how many victims there were.

In addition, there were supposed to be five Section 1 officers accompanying Dezzie. They are nowhere to be found, but it could be assumed that they have been turned into stains on the tatami mat. Any attempt at radioing them has resulted in nothing.

As far as the detectives could tell, there wasn't much in common between the identifiable victims beyond their affiliation and how they died. If there was a message the perpetrator was trying to display, it was an obtuse one.

Each of the eight identifiable victims had died in a similar way--at least, one would assume. Their head seemed to split, shatter, and bloom into the form of a flowering lantana. If death wasn't instantaneous, it would have certainly been painful. Each victim seemed to be some mixture of fleeing or hiding. Only one seemed to hold any weaponry, but a few had small arms and blades hidden on them. The one with a weapon held an unused pistol in his hand in the middle of a room. A human-shaped stain remained in the doorway while another "bloomed" victim sat in the corner. There was a chair against the wall that had obviously been kicked or thrown across the room.

As for identification of the victims, there wasn't much commonality between them beyond their obvious affiliation to the Saniwa. A handful of higher-ups. A handful of goons. Some demons. Some humans. Mostly men. A few women--though, Desdemona did say that they were mostly men before it all happened.

The air was stifling. The smell of rust and dust wasn't overwhelming, but it was certainly noticeable.

"So," a kneeling Armand said as he picked up and inspected one of the few loose weapons on the ground: an unfired 5-shot snub-nose, "would anyone care to speculate?"

Of course, Armand already had his own thoughts on what happened. If his leadership wasn't democratic, it was at least socratic.

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

@ERode You can put Lorelei in the character tab. Though, I'm not sure me rejecting her was ever in the cards. Literally hit every single one of my weaknesses with that one.

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

First arc gonna be a Laughing Man kinda problemo, eh?

@ERode

Kinda inverted.

She gets grabbled by Section 7 because she was almost a victim, not the perpetrator.

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

Well, it's now Sunday, and as I said, the first round of acceptance things.

@BurningCold@Lemons@Yankee@Bartimaeus@McMolly@SilverPaw You lot can put your characters in the character tab.

As for your connections, tell me how comfortable you are with me controlling/making stuff up regarding them. Keep in mind, the more input/control you want for them, the more questions I'm going to ask you. If you have plot ideas (which would probably more come up when the IC is up), send those to me too.

If you're name isn't on the list, you can DM/PM me and we can talk about it.

If you haven't displayed your interest at some point and/or haven't told me about your delay, then this is probably the time to close new characters. So even though the RP is now listed as full, feel free to continue to work on your character and post them if I am aware of it.

IC will be at some point during next week. Please use this time to fix up any missing bits and establish relationships with others (for the most part, they're all coworkers--your characters should at least be aware of each other).

Hell on Earth - Detectives in a Supernatural and Demonic City

@Yankee@BurningCold@Bartimaeus@Sp00ki@SilverPaw@Sanity43217@ERode@Asura@Lemons

Well, there's no point in delaying it--especially when @s get messed up when we go beyond 10 (unless they fixed it).

The OOC is up.

If you missed shooting your shot in this interest check, you're not missing out on the opportunity--feel free to post your character in the OOC or show up in the Discord to ask some questions.

As for character acceptance and deadlines, I'll look over them more deeply some time next week. If I see something lore breaking or that doesn't work before the deadline, I'll let you know. Initial deadline will maybe be Saturday where I'll assemble an arbitrary number of people to form the cast to start our first case. It's very much not a first-come first-serve basis.

I don't have the time or ability to make a 1998 era anime teaser, but but imagine this playing while the commercial shows partially melted and/or cut-up Yakuza with their heads transfigured into flowers, porcelain dolls, your character looking at the sunset on a windy rooftop, snippets of dialogue that don't really have any context but sound really cool, a memorial in an empty lot hidden within the alleyways, a mysterious figure in the distance, and a zooming out shot of an uneaten slice of lemon cake with a candle on it.

There's also tentatively the chief there as an NPC for characters to understand who their boss is. But it is tentative--I might completely scrap that design and do something else. Probably not, though. Sloppy middle-aged men who are good at their jobs and are more than they appear are my kryptonite.

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

Section 7

____________________________________	Well, you know your assignment. Uh, before you go, got a lighter? Section 7 Chief Armand Reyne The ephemeral and aloof chief of Section 7, Armand is the dishevelled leader of Section 7. He's a man with zero goals and an endless supply of languid apathy. Often enigmatic, he's the sort to tell people to trust in the plan--even though other detectives can't tell if he even has one. In terms of his sense of justice, he doesn't seem to have one--at least on the surface. He keeps strange bedfellows in all of the city's factions. Though, it's obvious from the consequences of his actions that some powerful people are supporting him. Despite this, he still believes in the greater good of the city. That's what his subordinates think, at least. If one cares enough to dig up his past, one would find a man mired in all sorts of controversy and confusion. His pictures from his time as a rookie in Section 6 show him with great jubilation and a healthy glow. Tabloids of his exploits fill gossip magazines. A trail of excessive force claims littered throughout his career. Years of non-existence form the middle of his career. In short, he's the perfect person to lead Section 7--at least what some of the powerful people in the city think.
____________________________________	Have you tried beating them until you get answers? Section 7 Detective Miksi One of two detectives that act as bartenders for the Easy Runner, Miksi is a frog-like demon that's avaricious, greedy, and selfish. While nobody besides Armand quite knows what she did, the other detectives are aware that she had joined Section 7 as part of her sentencing. Since then, she's worked off her sentence and has only stayed because of, in her own words, "free meals and booze." Despite her being a font of bad ideas, she's an apt detective. While she's equally likely to get other detectives to botch things because she thinks it's funny, she still gives a few actual clues on the occasion that she takes pity on other detectives. Surprisingly, she's part of Section 7's rapid response team. In case of emergency, she springs into action to beat the ever-loving shit out of whatever dangers there are. Though, that's less out of honour and more because she really wants to beat things up constantly. While she is cursed to remain in a more human-like form, she has the ability to temporarily weaken the curse as part of her job. Her true form is that of a hummer-sized toad demon, but she's more likely to temporarily shift her limbs.
____________________________________	G-gwuh! Section 7 Detective Moses Mariotte One of two detectives that act as bartenders for the Easy Runner, Moses is an eternally unlucky and pessimistic detective who relegated herself to never conducting fieldwork ever again. She's also the cook and a damn fine one at that. A complete pushover who gives up at the first sign of trouble, it is a wonder how she became a detective in the first place. In terms of ability, Moses is one of the few bearers of a contract with The Vizier. As a result, she's could be considered a traditional literary mage--like Mickey Mouse in the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Though, she rarely uses her abilities outside of convenience and cleaning up the Easy Runner. It's not uncommon to see a broom sweeping the floor by itself or cups sprouting arms and legs to wash themselves off in the sink.

???

____________________________________	...? ??? ______________________________________________________________ Test Test test Test Testestestest test

Hell on Earth: Supernatural & Demonic Detectives

When the gates of hell opened, humanity cowered and feared at what was to come. Infernal beasts. Abyssal dreadmaws. People expected the devil to come with trident in hand, ready to unleash the apocalypse. It was quite a surprise when he showed up with board shorts, a beach towel, and a sunhat.

Turns out, demons were pretty alright. The stories of hellfire and eternal damnation were blown out of proportion. It was more of a frigid bureaucracy, if anything. They were just like us, except for the horns and magic. They just wanted a nice spot for vacations.

To deal with the international political issues that would arise from a friendly demon invasion, an independent island city was built in the middle of the Caribbean sea. The city of New Helle is the one city on Earth where demons can freely visit and live. As such, it's a city filled with casinos, beaches, resorts, and general vice.

Of course, not all demons were interested in fun little excursions to the mortal realm. There wasn't just criminals interested in slinging hash or extorting money. Now there's demons ready to blast skulls with brimstone and hellfire.

---

OP - 「NIGHTLESS CITY」

---

The Bureau of Public Safety

"Some level of concessions are needed to ensure public safety."

BPS Chief Officer André Oliveira

______________________________

Formed to give the independent New Helle some level of policing, the Bureau of Public Safety is the de facto legal system on the island. With the interests of both small and large crime in mind, the Bureau is split into seven sections. Section 1 deals with everyday occurrences. More or less, they're beat cops. They handle the basic things. Staffing police boxes, cordoning off crime scenes, ticketing speeders, enforcing what little legal claims there are in the city. They don't have much power in the city, but they're the first line against anarchy. Well, janitors are the first line of defence. Section 2, aptly nicknamed emergency services, deals with medical emergencies and fire. When something bad happens, emergency services appears to make sure people live. They're more fire-fighting paramedics than police. They have a fairly good reputation for a section because of this. After all, they're the ones that don't ask questions after you get stabbed. Section 3 is the Bureau's emergency response division. Their job is to deal with active situations that require more force than what Section 1 provides. They're analogous to SWAT. Section 4, general investigations, form the backbone of the BPS' investigations. They aim to solve general crimes. Crimes of passion, crimes of opportunity. They're separated into more units based on the type of crime for operational efficiency, but they're all still considered section 4. Section 5 deals with organized crime. They handle the various gangs that crop up. They're more interested in investigations and arrests, so don't expect anyone from Section 5 to be involved in grunt work. They are the most controversial section due to several corruption scandals. Section 6 handles all cybercrime, large financial theft, fraud, labour violations, and other white collar crimes. They don't usually leave the office. When they do, they're usually investigating wiretaps, cameras in bathrooms, and stolen trade secrets. Section 7 deals with special investigations. While the previous 6 sections are all under the same leadership structure and have some level of working alongside each other, Section 7 works outside the chain of command. They handle the things the other sections can't or won't. They deal with the most dangerous people in the city, perform impossible investigations, and handle all internal affairs. This blend of responsibilities has lead to them being rather disliked by every party in the city. Rather unique to their section, they don't exactly have a sanctified recruitment process. If the section chief wants you in? You're in. It doesn't matter if you're already with BPS or you were part of a crime syndicate. They don't have a book to follow. If it keeps the city safe? Might as well do it. While they technically have an office like the rest of the department, constant vandalism and passive-aggression has led them to perform their clerical duties in a bar/restaurant/office space mix. Located on the edge of Little Phlegethon, the Easy Runner makes its home in a disconnected subway terminal. The food's awful and it leaks when it rains, but you can drink on the job. Plus, it's a fortress. You'd need a bunker buster to tear out Section 7.

Syndicates

"You're in our town now!"

Henchman 7

______________________________

The streets of New Helle are filled with various criminal organizations. Ranging from street thugs to unscrupulous businessmen, there's no shortage in people who wish to engage in illicit activities. Often times, individual criminal organizations form an alliance. These alliances, officially called syndicates, are able to control large swathes of the city. Key syndicates include (but are not limited to) the following groups. Concerned Citizens are a loose coalition of the dozens of small gangs around New Helle. As such, they have involvement in most operations that run low to the ground. While most of them have some level of honour, they're also responsible for most of the smaller crimes. Theft, construction, and protection fees are their bread and butter. They're the largest organization by numbers, but their size ends up with constant infighting. The Family is a cabal of "business-owners" known for their casinos, red-light parlours, money lending, and involvement in the entertainment industry. They tend to be the most open about their activities. To someone of the Family, cash is king. With the money they pull in, they can grease the wheel of any politician or cop and make all of those people who disappear during their yacht clubs a footnote in the newspapers. Gehenna are an orderly organization that values face and honor above all else. While smuggling is fairly agnostic, they specialize in procuring arms, drugs, and other black market items that would otherwise be impossible to get within New Helle. They have their fingers in operations across the city. The Children of Helle are halfway to a cult. Believing in a new age, the Children of Helle deal in magic and the supernatural. Most of their activities relate to the illegal trade of artifacts, enlisting greater demons to share in magic, and other such activities. They also believe that the equalizing curses inflicted upon demons is a cardinal sin.

The City

"White beaches, bright casinos, and cuisine that spans worlds. What more could you want in a city?"

Mayor Jerry Slader

______________________________

Created nearly 60 years ago, New Helle is a city of vice and sin. The city is primarily comprised of mixed districts filled with casinos, high-rises, and other entertainment. The shores of the island are either sandy beaches filled with sunbathers or rocky shore docks. The noise of near-criminal construction groups building skyscrapers fills the day. Meanwhile, nights are filled with the sound of festivities and drunkards. Magic and the supernatural protects much of the city. Warding talismans are a common sight alongside posters for weekly raves. The majority of buildings within the city have talismans covering steel beams. The city is about three times the size of Tokyo in both population and size. A highway network connects the city as does an underground metro. The clearest delineation of borders within New Helle is who controls what. Crime syndicates, unscrupulous businessmen, corporations, and the BPS have all staked some sort of claim over the city. Some areas enjoy an uneasy peace between two factions unable to make the first move. Some areas never allowed crime to get a foothold. While New Helle has an elected mayor and public officials, their power is generally limited to legal claims over land, consumption taxes, and creating public works ready to be sold to a private entity. Money, especially under the table, is what drives the city. New Helle has two prisons. The first is the Jailer Detention and Holding Facilty. The facility is designed to hold any person awaiting trial. It's not pleasant, but it's not nice. It's located nearby the portal to hell (and thus customs). The facility is primarily meant as a temporary holding location for those accused of crime before the council (a group of elder demons and humans who allow entrance and residence within New Helle) decides their fate. Humans are usually shipped away from New Helle to a normal prison of their nationality, while demons are sent back to a real prison in hell. The second is The Pit. The Pit is designed for the indefinite detention of demons and humans that, for one reason or another, are unable to be sent to a regular prison. It's miserable, maximum security, and buried deep under ground. There are so many curses that it's suffocating. Any escape attempt will be met by hundreds of gallons of water or tonnes of magic bedrock. Though, it's at least fair on some level. The council will prefer to indefinitely keep pleasant criminals who are unable to be shipped away from New Helle in the Jailer Facility.

Demons

"Really, our names are the biggest difference. I'm an actuary back in hell."

Vrima the Seventh Knife

______________________________

Demons aren't a uniform group. Personality wise, demons are generally like humans--both with beauty and lumps. Their appearances vary considerably. Some demons appear as humans with a small difference. Their skin may be purple, they may have horns, or they could have different coloured sclera. Other demons may look like anthropomorphic animals; wolves, goats, and other beasts are quite common. Rarer than humanoid demons, some demons may appear closer to house pets or fantastical beasts. Demons also differ in power to humans. A demon could have innate strengths. For instance, a wolf demon could have a better sense of smell. Another demon may have stronger muscle fibres. When a demon is too powerful, curses become a requirement as part of their stay in New Helle. There is a large variety in curses. Typically, unnecessary magic or talents are sealed away or weakened. Demons may be afflicted by a shrinking curse if they do not comply with doorways and apartments (though this is more for their benefit than the stability of society). They may also be afflicted with weakening curses if they would accidentally damage the world around them. The process for both applying and removing curses is complex. The act of doing so is performed by descendants of Hexen. As part of the treaty between the two worlds, the act of applying and removing curses is heavily monitored. Typically, curses are only applied on and removed from demons on the hell side of the gates. The only exception to this is a single descendant who ensures that demon babies are properly "blessed." Toddler rampages are a pain to deal with, after all. However, there are various means that criminals use to lessen the effect of these curses. Differences in demonic languages and regions have given their homeland many names. Hell, Helle, Asphodel, Niraya, and more are all acceptable to most demons. Contrary to popular belief, hell is ice-cold. The majority of hell is cold and mountainous. While volcanic hotspots exist, they are extremely rare. A permanent haze surrounds them and is highly resistant to any magical attempts to create clear skies.

Magic and the Supernatural

"Have you got a license for that spell?"

Section 1 Officer

______________________________

With the gates of hell opening, the world was imbued with magic and the supernatural. While demons have a natural aptitude and affinity for magic, humans tend to have an aptitude for the supernatural. Magic is a demon's ability to bend the laws of the world. The basis of how they do so depends on the demon. Some demons use a torrent of emotions to summon flames. Others use a system of esoteric logic to create constructs. Magic is a diverse and nebulous concept that typically refers to the abilities of demons that can not be rationalized by science. However, it is possible for humans to wield magic. So long as a contract with a powerful demon is made and subsequently painted onto the body of a human, a human can wield magic. Though, they still need understanding of whatever logic is involved with the magic of their patron. The usage of magic is heavily licensed. For a typical demon, if their magic would cause undue harm for no benefit, they would be heavily restricted by curses. Humans also need a license if they wish to enter a contract with a demon. The supernatural, however, is an advantage afforded to humanity. The supernatural is comprised of imbued artifacts and talismans. Unlike magic, the supernatural is specific in nature. While a flame demon could produce and manipulate flames to whatever they desire, a flaming sword artifact would produce the exact slash of flame every time it is used. Typically, artifacts are objects that have history associated with them. Their power reflects their history. Talismans are more disposable and a varied art. Talismans can be used to produce barriers, apply restraints, summon supernatural entities, or otherwise interfere with the physical world. Magic tends to be highly individualistic, while the supernatural tends to be based on a common understanding.

Q&A

This section is for miscellaneous information that people (mostly) ask or I get the idea for. It gives some lore insights without writing as seriously.

What language do people speak?

Their native tongue. New Helle is surrounded by a magic which allows people to understand all other languages. Thematically, think Tekken where people just somehow understand each other.

What level is the technology?

Think some mix of late-1980s bubble Japan, magitech infrastructure, and modern day with just a tiny drop of futuristic. The supernatural and magic tends to interfere with complex technology, so more analogue technologies are usually preferred for larger infrastructure.

What are the inspirations?

Black Joke is one of the big ones. Besides that, the Yakuza franchise, some non-specific detective shows/manga, and a bunch of other stuff that was on my mind. Expect some level of serious, some level of goofy, and some level of tonal whiplash because life is a dramedy. I will Columbo your asses at some point. Oh, and Project Moon stuff--but everything I do is inspired by that these days.

Can I make X as a character? Can I do X? Can I add X to the world?

Probably. The only guidelines I have is that hell is a mirror of our world and is rather "realistic" all things considered. IE, any gigademon is pretty nerfed on Earth. Just shoot your ideas. I'll reel back anything a bit too far. Plus, your character should be a Section 7 detective. Whether brand new or a veteran matters not. There's a maybe for a character that's a tag-along that gets recruited after the first arc, but that's a big maybe. I have to write it in and plan around that kind of thing, and it feels too crowded if there's multiple.

The demons described all seem pretty animal-like. What about other types?

Animal and coloured skin are the most common. But don't feel limited to those--I just don't want the world to aesthetically look like a nightmare reality. Think of designs as closer to Punch Punch Forever for most mooks or Vivziepop (if you're into that sort of thing). Weird ass abominations are generally nerfed by curses to look less frightening. Think Darkstalkers character designs, where a massive flesh golem would be turned into Victor von Gerdenheim or a giant beast being turned into Sasquatch. Ultimately, remember that these are demons trying to exist in human society--not the other way around.

What about demon society?

Very like ours, but with more magic. Most of the typical depictions of hell are mythos for demons too. IE, think of the punishment of the damned being closer to some Paul Bunyan or mythological fables than something in history books. The only difference is that they have walking WMDs of living beings known as the ancients. Imagine ancients as you actually seeing Paul Bunyan in real life and when you ask him if anything about his stories were true, he just winks and says "who knows". Surprisingly, there's less conflict in hell, if only for the most powerful entities have decreed it that way.

What about half-demons?

They exist, are usually rare, and are limited to either New Helle or Hell proper. No Jure Sanguinis for people who can launch fireballs, unfortunately. They almost always inherit more from their demon parent than their human parent, but I won't say always.

What about the souls of the dead?

They stay where/around where they die. Before the portal, they usually went poof or were undetectable. After the portal, they started to create the supernatural.

How railroaded/open will the story be?

I have a few arcs outlined. I'll probably force the necessary plot points, but much of it is written to be very flexible.

Artifacts...

Go nuts, buddy. I have the expectation that there is some basis to them and reasonable narrative around possessing them. IE, you either base it off a real life supernatural concept, real relic, or have an in universe explanation of it. Don't just have an artifact that does something--give it history, flavour, that big badaboom. Also don't give yourself WMDs. Remember, at the end of the day, you're a super-cop, not a super soldier.

The general rule is that artifacts should be unique and storied. Alternatively, you can just go the disposable route and use items that utilize a common belief in their supernatural power. Things like holy water, talismans, nazars--objects created that share a concept.

What about locations/locales?
Make it up. I'm playing fast and loose. The city is massive. There's dozens of districts and enclaves. At some point, I might make a map (at least a relational one), but not yet. The main guidelines are: the base of Section 7 is Little Phlegethon in an abandoned subway tunnel. Casinos are usually in close proximity to each other in the Strip. The portal to hell, the airport, and the Jailer detention facility are all in very close proximity.

What about the rest of the world?

No demons allowed, except for diplomatic envoys and other globally important things. The supernatural either gets locked away or shipped off to New Helle. They are very much aware of New Helle and demons as entertainment (Hellywood? I'm workshopping it) is a massive export of the city.

If there's one main entrance/egress, how does smuggling work?

Bribes, hiding things very well, the works. Anywhere that doesn't have a beach shoreline has a permanent hazy smog that's a mixture of magic and pollution. There's a few marinas, so some people are willing to brave smog (rough waters inside, for some reason) and sneak in that way.

Discord?

Probably, unless a large portion of players have an aversion to it. Because this is a cop drama/adventure/comedy, there's going to some amount of hidden information since being a detective without sufficient information sucks (the old "I couldn't make this conclusion with the information, but the character would have noticed" conundrum). Discord expedites this a considerable amount.

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OP - 「BLOODY MARY」

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Discord Link

Character sheet:

[img]image here--try to make it anime or at least similar to others if you use one[/img]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b] (Normal human limits, for the most part. Demons vary--the slower the metabolism, the longer the lifespan. Don't go ancient, though. Call it a 250 year max, not counting hibernation. No being part of the old days of Hell)
[b]Description:[/b] (Consider this a combination of appearance, personality, and history)
[b]Ability:[/b] (What your character is good at, more or less. Magic, whether contracted or innate, goes here too)
[b]Artifacts:[/b] (Put what artifacts--be they talismans or blades--your character possesses and uses. Fundamentally, they should just be a written description of what its called, what it does, what it looks like, and its associated history if applicable)
[b]Connections:[/b] (What does your character think about others and vice versa? Also list any recurring NPCs here)
[b]Misc:[/b] (Put anything that doesn't fit in other sections here. Fun facts, home locations, important things I need to know that don't fit in other locations, etc.)

garbage zone

____________________________________	Well, you know your assignment. Uh, before you go, got a lighter? Section 7 Chief Armand Reyne The ephemeral and aloof chief of Section 7, Armand is the dishevelled leader of Section 7. He's a man with zero goals and an endless supply of languid apathy. Often enigmatic, he's the sort to tell people to trust in the plan--even though other detectives can't tell if he even has one. In terms of his sense of justice, he doesn't seem to have one--at least on the surface. He keeps strange bedfellows in all of the city's factions. Though, it's obvious from the consequences of his actions that some powerful people are supporting him. Despite this, he still believes in the greater good of the city. That's what his subordinates think, at least. If one cares enough to dig up his past, one would find a man mired in all sorts of controversy and confusion. His pictures from his time as a rookie in Section 6 show him with great jubilation and a healthy glow. Tabloids of his exploits fill gossip magazines. A trail of excessive force claims littered throughout his career. Years of non-existence form the middle of his career. In short, he's the perfect person to lead Section 7--at least what some of the powerful people in the city think.
____________________________________	Hey, I did my time. I'm not doing field work unless one of you jerks are bleeding out. Section 7 Detective Alia Lialala this woman is probably being reworked

Hell on Earth - Detectives in a Supernatural and Demonic City

That's probably enough people. If people want to get started on their characters, they can. I'll repost the character sheet here--you can probably fill out most of it except the connections section which does probably require other characters and a general idea of who the accepted cast will be. I'll probably leave the interest check up for a few more days before the OOC. Here's a Discord link, which is probably the fastest place to reach me for any questions.

[img]image here--try to make it anime or at least similar to others if you use one[/img]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b] (Normal human limits, for the most part. Demons vary--the slower the metabolism, the longer the lifespan. Don't go ancient, though. Call it a 250 year max, not counting hibernation. No being part of the old days of Hell)
[b]Description:[/b] (Consider this a combination of appearance, personality, and history)
[b]Ability:[/b] (What your character is good at, more or less. Magic, whether contracted or innate, goes here too)
[b]Artifacts:[/b] (Put what artifacts--be they talismans or blades--your character possesses and uses. Fundamentally, they should just be a written description of what its called, what it does, what it looks like, and its associated history if applicable)
[b]Connections:[/b] (What does your character think about others and vice versa? Also list any recurring NPCs here)
[b]Misc:[/b] (Put anything that doesn't fit in other sections here. Fun facts, home locations, important things I need to know that don't fit in other locations, etc.)