DrabberRogue

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

Indeed... We've already been off and on for a while now. Though lately I've been trying to get back together with it, I'm hoping things will work out this time.

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

There we go, I've made it to two posts!
Sorry I vanished for a few days. My writing muse left to get milk-

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

Movement caught the newcomer's eye, his scarlet gaze shifting to watch as that tattooed man stepped behind the bar. It was a bit surprising to him, given his first impression of the man. Perhaps he was just a regular, familiar with the tavern? Perhaps the barmaid wasn't the only staff tending the bar today, and in fact this abrasive seeming stranger was a local bartender.

Whatever the case was, he was glad to be offered a drink. It was what he'd came for after all.

"Hm." Still undecided, he took a moment to look back over the shelf display, considering what exactly it was he wanted. Just then, a flash of red and white darted onto the stool beside him. Red hues of a different shade followed the tiny bird as it then, seeming to his eye almost indignant, hopped up from its perch onto the bar. Its behavior was curious to him, more pointed and confident than one would normally expect from a bird. Perhaps it wasn't wild after all... or had otherwise just grown comfortable around humans. At any rate, it flew off again as swiftly as it had arrived, alighting on some round object on the other side of the room. He couldn't quite determine what it was, but the sight was faintly amusing. It looked to the quiet patron's eyes as though the bird had settled to nurse some comically oversized egg.

...

...Something was wrong.

It took a few moments for him to notice, a few moments longer to react. As the tavern suddenly grew quiet, all the noise unnaturally dispelled as like a painting muddled by water, the dark garbed visitor went still and alert in his seat. A hand drifted back down to his side as he made ready to stand, sharp eyes darting around the room in search of... something.

When 'something' appeared, plopping into existence from thin air, the sound that accompanied it was answered by the much quieter click of a firearm's hammer being primed. The newcomer's hand was already on his weapon, scarlet eyes glaring squarely at the product of that nightmarish silence.

The well polished pistol would be disappointed, however, as it didn't even get to clear its holster.

What had emerged unbidden into the tavern was not some inscrutable horror, but a bewildered old man in ruddy robes, looking a measure more alarmed than even those who'd witnessed his arrival. Still the now slightly-less-new newcomer eyed that cheerful seeming wizard a moment longer, his posture remaining cautious and ready. Only once he was satisfied that the old man was just that, an old man in need of a drink, did he begin to relax again. With a long exhale he carefully lowered the hammer back to a safe position, settling back into his seat.

Another deep breath was warranted as his gloved hand returned to the bar top, slender fingers drumming restlessly on the wood. Wine. Yes, a wine was what he needed. A rich, relaxing red to quiet his nerves.

"Red wine, please." His tone was clear, polite, yet slightly strained as he addressed the man behind the counter. He'd finally settled on what drink he wanted.

Just in time, too, as yet again a bundle of red and white nearly interrupted him. Though it was much bigger this time, relatively speaking. What was a child doing at the bar? Whose kid was this? Staring baffled from beneath his worn hat, the snowy haired patron blinked a couple times before some recognition set in. Those feathers, though very strange, looked familiar. A vibrant, fiery plumage like only one he'd seen before. He glanced back across the room to confirm, finding no trace of that unusual bird.

Huh. Well, it had seemed oddly intelligent.

Turning back to watch as the boy was scolding his elder, he let out a quietly bemused huff through his nose. What a strange place he'd stumbled into...

After a moment, he turned his attention to where his arms rested on the bar top, pointedly keeping to himself. Kindly magicians and bird children were none of his concern at the moment. He'd sought out a tavern to wind down, relax and have a nice drink. He'd already had enough excitement as of late.

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

At last I make good on my intent to join!

Thought I'd wait for the chaos to move away from the door a bit before I threw my hat in-

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

Again the tavern door swung open, admitting another chilly breeze to sweep in unannounced. This time it smelled of the harvest, a distinctly autumnal air beckoning some few stray leaves past the threshold. Stepping closely behind, his boots making a distinctive 'thump' against the wooden floor, was the one who'd let them in.

A raven blown in with the wind.

Standing a few inches over six feet, his lithe frame loomed a moment in the doorway, unnaturally scarlet eyes attentively tracking the barmaid as she rushed to the aid of some small bird. A white feather graced his somewhat worn cap, while two weapons hung in plain view from his belt. On the left hip, rested snugly in its scabbard, was a saber with a gently curving blade. Its swept hilt took a gracefully winding form, the metal polished to a silvery sheen. On the other hip, sitting in its holster along the wearer's thigh, was what could be recognized as a firearm to those who knew them - a pistol in particular. A flintlock design with an unusually long barrel, its frame was housed in all metal rather than wood. An intricate embossing of winding, thorny vines graced nearly the whole weapon, and it was polished similarly to the hilt of its owner's sword.

The tavern's newest visitor was already a bit on edge, even as he quietly shut the door behind him to deny the breeze further entry. It seemed to him as though he'd walked in on the aftermath of a brawl, or something worse. The distinctive smell of burnt flesh had reached his senses the moment he set foot in that strange establishment. There was an upturned table, a pile of ash on the ground... he could even make out a distinctive pattern of striking red haphazardly splattered across blast-charred floorboards.

Add to all that, a bird had somehow gotten in, and was now occupying the attention of what appeared to be the only barmaid. He'd never seen such a striking plumage before...

Well... it wasn't his business, the man had to remind himself. Whatever had happened, the rest of the tavern seemed remarkably untouched. No raging fire, no ruined furniture scattered about, no screaming patrons riddled with wooden shrapnel. The lack of collateral damage was almost unsettling.

Reasoning that this strange scene was mostly safe, probably, the black garbed visitor didn't hesitate too long before making up his mind. It didn't seem like the sort of situation that would interest a man like him anyways. He was no constable. Long strides carried him over to, then all the way down the length of the bar, passing by another man who was suspiciously close to that pile of ashes. The newcomer's piercing gaze focused on him for a long moment, a gloved hand instinctively going still near its holstered weapon.

There was something off about that man, and it wasn't the inexplicable smoke wafting from his hair.

The thought passed quickly, as did its thinker, and his arm resumed swinging normally in pace. Maybe it was just the demeanor that put him off. The man seemed an unruly, wolfish type.

Reaching the very end of the bar, claiming the very furthest bar stool as his seat, the slender man in his off-black coat sat such that his body faced out towards the rest of the room. It gave him peace to have a clear line of sight on the other patrons... and a solid wall to his back. Sitting sideways to the counter he rested an arm on its surface, turning his head to patiently peruse what drinks were on display across the other side.

TNT - The Nameless Tavern. (Always Open)

Hmm... Thinking I might want to join in. I need to get back into roleplaying, and this seems like a nice place to shake the rust off.

The princess and the Crystal kingdom- a fantasy based, possible romance/drama/comedy/dark roleplay.

My apologies for taking so long to get a character posted, I've been a bit distracted as of late-

I'll see about getting a sheet posted today. Suppose I should follow Leo's example, and make him eighteen?

The princess and the Crystal kingdom- a fantasy based, possible romance/drama/comedy/dark roleplay.

Kinda reminds me of a show inspired by fairytales. Once Upon a Time or... something like that, where the main character was Snow White's daughter.

Aaanyways, I think I'm interested. Mind if assume the role of one of the warriors?

I Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game, But———?! (Now Accepting)

Dark purple (and capitalization) removed for all but the first mention of dark magic.
I've also increased the brightness, and made bold, that first mention in an effort to make it pop out more.

Probably should've anticipated that'd be a problem, sorry... ^^;

I Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game, But———?! (Now Accepting)

@PKMNB0Y

Sorry about my silence the past several days, figured I'd try to put a character form together before speaking up again.
Speaking of which, I hereby present my submission for a character~

Another Life as an Otome Game Love Interest

• Name: Arcturus Avenza
• Age: 17
• Appearance: Tall and slender, at around 6’4” Arcturus is one of the taller characters on the game’s roster. He’s made even more so by the black boots he usually wears, which have a slightly elevated heel. Ever since recalling his previous life, Arcturus has also taken to wearing a rose pinned to his coat, when he can get away with it. Not a terribly out of character fashion choice for him, if it weren’t for the fact that he never did so in the original game…
• Gender: Male
• Personality: Arcturus is a rather curious young man, a description bearing double meaning. Indeed he is very curious, drawn to that which captures his fancy with a mind to study and reveal. He is also most curious, often found in strange places, exploring where others might not be found. Known to stride energetically about with a purposeful spring in his step, even when he has nowhere to be.
  
  Arcturus is a rather friendly young man, rarely loath to speak with others. Excepting the odd occasion his mind is caught wandering too far, or his focus spoiled upon some object of his fixation. Still, he is most commonly agreeable, inclined to cordial pleasantry and jovial conversation. Though Baron Avenza’s son is known to shirk etiquette on occasion. Not to say he’s impolite, quite the opposite. Most of the time. Arcturus has in fact a keen admiration for grace and formality. However this appreciation is mostly limited to aesthetic form and romantic ideal. Where proper etiquette becomes restrictive, Arcturus grows restless, sacrificing face for ease of form.
  
  For all his approachable demeanor, though, one may notice that Arcturus rarely speaks about himself. Of course there are minor things, inconsequential remarks to maintain conversation. However one would be hard pressed to draw his comment on personal matters. He can be rather secretive in this way, reluctant to speak on certain subjects. What was he doing in that part of the school at night? Why was he dancing with that lady? Just what exactly is the nature of his family’s talent? Coy deflections and leading half-answers are often the reply. Even an outright lie on occasion. Arcturus enjoys keeping a bit of mystery about him, though it’s not all for his mere amusement.
  
  Though born a noble, and from a line with a rare affinity at that, Arcturus is not content to dwell on his good fortune. As the scion of a mere barony, he understands that his name can only get him so far. Thus he’s learned to be quite diligent, at least with regards to his interests, and takes great pride in skill developed through practice. By contrast, subjects and obligations which do not strike his fancy tend to find themselves neglected. Still he does tend to get around to those eventually. Usually. Arcturus has a certain appreciation for personal merit, beyond birthright, and fancies to one day rise above his station.
  
  Since having awoken in a new body,
  Since having recalled the memories of another person, Arcturus has adjusted rather well to his isekai’d life in an otome game. He still regards the memories of his past life as his own, yet also has embraced Arcturus’ identity for himself, his personality becoming somewhat of a composite between both. The idea was actually surprisingly easy to adjust to. Once he’d gotten over the realization that he’d died, anyways.
  
  Arcturus had been one of his favorite characters after all.
• Abilities/Skills: Being a nobleman, even one of low station, means Arcturus is well instructed on manners of aristocratic etiquette. Even if he does stray from it at times, whether by conscious choice or mere distraction. Of particular note among his more sociable skills are dance and piano. He adores the aesthetic of an elegant ballroom dance, even if caring more for its form than its political reality, and has become rather skilled in dance as a result. So too does he enjoy performing the music himself, having developed an infatuation with the piano from an early age. His mother, in both his lives, is responsible for having introduced him. Arcturus is an expert pianist, fond of playing when the fancy strikes him. Even when without an audience. Rather, especially without an audience.
  
  Academically Arcturus is… inconsistent. He gets good grades, most of the time, but dislikes studying and what he perceives as busywork. Possessing a long memory and a sharp intellect, he tends to learn quickly and does very well on tests as a result. However he rarely gets perfect marks, due to a reluctance to study, and has a bad habit of procrastinating work until the last possible moment. Long nights before a deadline are not unusual for him. Once he gets going, however, Arcturus typically does good work. He also doesn’t like to leave things unfinished once started, becoming fixated upon his assignments until completed.
  
  Of course his most notable skill, and a subject for which he is well known among the Cross Heart playerbase, is the sinister gift which has been passed down through the Avenza family for generations. Arcturus is one of the few recruitable characters capable of learning Dark magic. In fact he is arguably the best at it. His dark magic skill develops quickly when trained, a high maximum skill rank eventually allowing him to access the game’s most powerful dark spells.
  
  dark magic is a rare affinity dealing in forces one might describe as occult. With it Arcturus can draw forth fell miasma and deadly shadow, inflicting maladies and curses upon others. Of course dark magic isn’t all curses and ill omen, its most basic expression being to simply darken an area, but it does tend to take a rather unpleasant form. Within the dialogue of the game, Arcturus himself likens it to “weaponized malice” as a shorthand for how some of his spells function. Indeed dark magic’s effects often derive from emotion, a distillation of sovereignless will conjured and put to work.
  
  As a specialized dark mage, Arcturus is a heavily debuff oriented caster. While he does learn some damage focused spells, which are relatively quite powerful, most instead sacrifice direct DPS in exchange for debilitating side effects. Some are even wholly dedicated to inflicting statuses and other ailments. He excels in wearing foes down with a litany of curses, reducing their effectiveness and rendering them vulnerable. Arcturus also has access to a few defensive techniques, veiling himself or others in darkness to complicate attacks made against them. Possessing relatively high speed for a caster, he can become rather difficult to hit when properly established, and often has the luxury of acting before other characters.
  
  Arcturus possesses a hidden ability, also related to his affinity, called Dark Cipher. Often missed by most players, it only triggers and becomes visible when an enemy he’s in battle with casts an enemy-only dark spell. This skill characterizes his fixation with studying dark magic, allowing him to eventually learn the witnessed spells. Such spells are normally ‘enemy-only’ due to their high power, bearing dangerous effects to cement the threat of the late-game adversaries who cast them.
  
  Although Arcturus himself never actually learned about this skill, having never triggered it in his own playthroughs…
• History: Before getting isekai’d into the polished boots of an otome ‘capture target,’ Jace Rose had been a recently graduated high school student of little repute. Raised by successful parents in a comfortable household, he had an oddly paradoxical upbringing of both being spoiled and having the value of hard work drilled into his head. The result? A young man used to finding ways to get what he wanted, but not quite so as to be entitled. A terrible student prone to catastrophic procrastination, yet frustratingly capable when actually convinced to sit down and work.
  
  Despite being quite friendly in conversation, he had few real friends, and even then rarely spent time with them outside of school. Not that he was shy or even that he preferred to be alone, although he certainly didn’t mind having time to himself, but Jace was a creature prone to avid fixation. In particular, he had long been a chronic gamer, known to spend long days and longer nights engrossed in his hobby.
  
  Otome games were never quite his speed, (he wasn’t an “otome” himself after all), nor were dating sims in general. Sure he dabbled in the occasional VN every now and then, but it wasn’t the sort of thing he was typically interested in. Jace had always been a more action oriented gamer, drawn to genres which tested his mechanical skill. Action rpgs, fps games, fighting games, that sort of thing. Though he did occasionally catch the odd muse for strategy games and the like…
  
  When he stumbled upon Cross Heart Academy, however, it managed to intrigue him in a way no other game had. Always willing to try something new, Jace found himself drawn in by the sheer breadth of variation the obscure game had to offer. It quickly became one of his new fixations, as he periodically dove in to see what new experience it would offer him next. The whole dating sim backdrop still never quite fit his tastes, especially with all the potential love interests being guys, but he’d be lying if he claimed the story and characters hadn’t grown on him. If only he could romance one of the cute girls instead…
  
  Jace doesn’t remember what happened, exactly, that got him whisked away to another world. The last thing he had done, ironically, was attend a graduation party. His recollection of the exact events are fuzzy, like a half remembered dream… Fitting, as the next thing he knew he was sipping his morning tea in the garden of his family’s estate.
  
  It was rather jarring for Arcturus when he realized, with some horror, that the strange events drifting through his mind were those of his past. Not dreams, but very real experiences which he himself had lived. Another life, now lost.
  
  Luckily no one was around to witness his initial lapse of composure. Although his attire still suffered the disgrace of being sullied by spilled tea…
• Original Role and Background: Within the game of "Cross Heart Academy", Arcturus is one of the primary ‘capture targets’ for the heroine to romance. Painted in the initial impression of a mysterious, alluring rake, pursuing his route leads the heroine to uncover the truth of a tragically guarded young man.
  ”Immersed with the trappings of high society, yet isolated in ward of his fearsome secret. Can Anne unravel the dark chains that seal his heart?”
  
  The ’fearsome secret’ in question is his hereditary affinity for dark magic. Throughout the first act of the game, and often even throughout much of the second, Arcturus tries to keep the exact nature of his talent a secret. Afraid of how its unpleasant nature might affect his reputation, he only practices it in solitude, keeping a degree of distance from others to reduce the risk of being found out.
  
  Present throughout almost every major plotline of the game, Arcturus always has some minor part to play, his personal motivations causing him to cross paths with the heroine in one way or another. Many factors throughout the game can influence what exactly he does, as well as his fate, with some players even theorizing that an element of RNG is involved. This makes him difficult to predict when not directly recruited by the heroine. It also means that he has quite a few death flags, which can be triggered seemingly without any interference from the player.
  
  If the heroine decides to pursue his route, Arcturus gains quite a bit more screen time, with a major role in the ensuing plotline. Typically taking place over the backdrop of a 4X campaign, the second half of Arcturus’ route involves him taking advantage of the kingdom’s instability to pursue his own ambitions. Exactly how he goes about this and what those ambitions are is subject to the player’s influence, with a number of different endings possible. Whether she chooses to help him, to betray him, to pursue her own aims in turn… Due to the flexibility of the 4X format, a great many options are available, even allowing the player to disengage from him entirely.
• Other: Arcturus usually carries a silver pocket watch on his person, though often hidden from sight within one of his pockets. Most of the time he doesn’t wear it properly.