Mirandae

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

@Prisk Updated my sheet with the new info.

I just wanted to know: Is it okay to keep to one element or would you like me to pick two more?

@Exit

List three of them, but you can note their distribution. It might be that fire is 98% of Christina's spirits, but the other two, while technically very minor, are still 'dominant' in comparison to the rest of the elements that barely exist within her.

OBLIVION

I had healing in the previous game. So, I'm sticking to that, but with a 'new' character. I'm not awfully attached to it, so if anyone desperately wants healing, I can go with something else.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

Updated character skeleton and will get a post this week(end).

@Krash

Lovely. You can dump all the 100 points into the traits. Any spares don't do anything at this time.

OBLIVION

Oh yes, baby. My body is ready.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

*doesn't post for 13.9 days to get that GOOD ass attention from mom*

Jk I'll be back thurs

@DeadDrop

I know. I saw the message in your game. Yes, I stalk everyone here—gotta see what the kids are up to, you know.

Post first, before you leave, if you can.

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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Location ⋗ The Patch [food tent]. Interactions ⋗ Kelly McDaniel @Bartimaeus, Scott Wheeler @Blizz, Zhalia Ramshorn @Benzaiten. School of Magic ⋗ Conjuration & Enchantment. Items ⋗ Kitchen knife.	_______

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"Not a huge fan of pie—Oh.. my.. Christ." Hanna snapped out of her musings with that expression on her face where something is so outrageous that one begins to chuckle instead. "Kelly.." Hanna began, using the gal's proper name to indicate the absolute seriousness of the situation. "How can someone not like pie? Not to mention apple pie. It's, like, the pie of all pies. It was in that movie, you know, American Pie. That's the most American movie there is, basically a holy relic at this point. I'm quite shocked and totally mentally unprepared for this. But, you are just too pretty and too smart to be upset at so this has to slide." Hanna babbled away, likely talking to herself at the end of the first sentence. It was all in good fun, though. She was not actually shocked, just expressing her own love for her own things like the recovering narcissist that she was.

The sudden appearance of Scott Wheeler spared Kelly from any sort of retort or pressure to explain herself, although she did not have to. Hanna certainly wanted people to taste her food, but if their taste buds were not in the stars that day and time, then it was simply not meant to be. "Right?!" Hanna exclaimed with excitement at Stormy's profound opening comment. "Did you hear Kelly just now? She doesn't like pie. Can you believe it? It's outrageous." Hanna said with chipper tones, keeping a warm smile across her lips throughout the whole thing. It was for the most part to elevate the atmosphere and enjoy the event, but also to make sure that nothing was taken in bad faith. "Oh, here we go. Yeah, take hers if you want, or another plate. I've got plenty here." Hanna commented on Kelly's hand-off of the plate to Scott. She met the gal's glimpse and returned a modest nod that it was totally alright. "Try something else, Dani. I mean, it's all out here now. We shouldn't let it go to waste." Hanna continued and cast her eyes around all the delicious and gorgeous food presented at the tables.

Maybe I should call mom. Hanna's mind wandered. She had not seen her parents in a good while. As she came to think of it, there had been no more than two visits back home since arriving and settling in Shipden Peak. Perhaps it was time for another visit. Sure, Hanna spoke with her parents on the phone several times a week, but being there and seeing them in person was naturally different and much more fulfilling. Lina had been a bit of a parental figure, of course, but it was certainly difficult for anyone to match the real thing. Hanna had a lingering worry that Lina would be the only thing she would have left soon. Divination was not Hanna's forte, but something had recently indicated that her parents would meet their end prematurely. It was something that bred fear within her heart but also the courage to stand against anything that would attempt to force this premonition to be true.

Hanna's musings were interrupted by a person excusing themselves and reaching for some bread. The person in question was Zhalia Ramshorn. She was the very new girl on the block. Hanna used to live for gossip and, frankly, talking shit about people that did not belong. Fortunately, her rounds in different witch gatherings and covens had made her a bit more accepting of differences and quirks. However, in this particular case, Hanna could not help herself due to the fact that EVERYONE ELSE was blabbering all day long about this Zhalia chick. It was like being a recovering alcoholic forced to work at the liquor store. "Hey, do you guys know anything about her? The chick that reached for the bread just now. I heard that she was in some cult that eats people or something. It's almost impossible to get a read on her and everyone just keeps coming up with new stories every day." Hanna spoke with a mellow, slightly lowered volume so as not to make herself heard by surrounding attendees.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

@DeadDrop@Rockette@Archangel89@Aeolian@Krash@Salsa Verde@Exit

The new sections to the character sheet are 'fame' and 'traits'. I've gathered the different steps here in the images to make things easy. Some of the colors in the character sheet have been adjusted. Another change is that we should now focus on 4 techniques/abilities for our characters and 3 elements that are 'dominant'. This is to make the characters feel more unique in their combinations. You can still have any technique/ability that you created yourself, so that is not removed. The text in the 'force' section of the character sheet has been updated to reflect the changes here.

I hope all of this makes sense. I can barely follow the red line here myself. It feels like all sorts of random shit thrown together, which it essentially is. I just want to underline that you won't really notice the traits and all that, still. I mean, we just had a combat scene, and the most you did was to add the cards, which I've updated as well, but I'll add them in later. Combat will continue to be like that, even with these traits and combat 'rules/directions'. The rules/directions give you more control over the bosses in your posts, which is good.

I'm also going to start poking people when 14 days since the last post approaches. I do want to see this game through this time. Although, I'm reluctant to kick anyone out, so I won't do that. However, at some point, if the poking continues, you might have to think about taking care of whatever it is that is distracting you. Real life comes first, always.

Anyway, I'm in the process of doing these character changes to my own characters. Later, I'll update the various places in our threads with these new images/instructions.

Character Creation + Combat

Image here

N A M E ' C O D E N A M E ' S U R N A M E

AGE 《》 HEIGHT

_{P R E S E N C E}

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This section is for appearance description, notes on personality and behavior, or anything else you might think of that is related. A note on character images: I prefer 'realistic' images of people. I know that everyone has their preference and some are uncomfortable with one or the other. I ask that you try, at least, and then we can speak if there is an issue. I can help you with finding an image, if that makes it easier.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

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This is any noteworthy event in your character's life so far. You choose how much you want to disclose here. The only requirement is a few words about their time in the United Defense Force, and what kind of reputation they have built for themselves.

_{T R I V I A}

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Anything about your character or relation to other characters can go in here.

_{F O R C E}

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List your chosen 'abilities', but also add any personal abilities that have been approved. Describe your character's personal weapon. Include which physical feat (if any) that your character excels at above other Aeon. Choose 3 elements that dominate your spirits and list them here. Possible elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Metal, Dark, Aether.

_{F A M E}

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_{UNKNOWN
FAMILIAR
HERO
CELEBRITY}

Choose one and add any additional notes here about what your character is known for. FAMILIAR and HERO would probably be the most common, but there are no restrictions here—choose whatever fits your character.

_{T R A I T S}

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Remove the traits that you do not spend points on.
_{VITALITY 》 0
PRECISION 》 0
VENERATION 》 0
PROTECTION 》 0
RESISTANCE 》 0
SUPREMACY 》 0
DOMINATION 》 0
EXECUTION 》 0
DESTRUCTION 》 0}

Click 'raw' at the right top corner of this post to see the code.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

Thanks for the update, Prisk.

I'm gonna try to crank out a joint Isolde and Peter post today. *crossing my fingers*

Cheers!

@Aeolian

Let me know if anything in my post conflicts with what you are writing or have written, if you started already. Also, if there's anything you want to change about the Portable Research Station in my descriptions, we'll make it happen right away.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

_{SOUNDTRACK 《》 AMBIENCE}

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_{DAY 1 《》 STEELWATER [RD-PRS] 《》 After Noon 《》 @DeadDrop@Exit}

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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

The Research Division Portable Research Station (RD-PRS) was a lot more sophisticated than one would expect looking at the dome from the outside. The dome itself was but a protective layer of advanced plastic material for whatever purposes that Emilia could never think of. Inside, the station was what could only be described as large shipping containers stacked upon each other, because it was possible to descend two levels below ground. Emilia was rather baffled as to how they had put this thing in place so fast. It eventually hit her that the station had likely already been there for a long time before the attack this morning. The equipment inside the station was state-of-the-art. Emilia had not spent much time inside anything even remotely related to the Research Division, so all of the fancy tech was impressive to her. The tiny bleeps and sounds from all the machines and instruments mixed well with the faint smattering of rain outside. The soundscape was soothing, which was a much needed change of pace compared to the hectic entrance they had experienced roughly fifteen minutes ago. On the other hand, the moaning from injured soldiers and occasional bickering among the ResDiv personnel balanced things out in the atmosphere of the station. Isolde Featherswallow was hard at work, doing what she did best and managing the odd rebel here and there when needed. The ground-level interior of the PRS was the trauma unit. This is where all things medical of the Research Division were kept and conducted. The second level, one below ground, had all manner of convenience for personnel—cafeteria, beds, showers, and so on. It was all a bit cramped and compact, but it was functional. The third and last level below ground was the Research Wing. Not even Guardian Corps were allowed in there without a myriad of bizarre security clearances only known to the Research Division. Emilia left the girl she had carried to the professionals. The nice looking guy who appeared to have found her in the woods would surely close any remaining question marks concerning the girl's health. He was clearly Guardian Corps, she thought, but out here alone? Aeon always had a team with them. Emilia would have to speak with him in a moment to see if he was what she suspected him to be, as well as the BlackRock operator. For now, her attention was on the rest of the team that had taken down the Stigma monstrosity. Emilia did not have to be a detective to know that Robert had caused that flashing sun on the ground. Aaron and Scylla likely had more than one hand in the thing's demise. These individuals were all extremely capable and high-threat Aeon. If they ever decided to go rogue, the UDF would certainly have a serious problem. "You are going to kill yourself one day if you keep doing that." Emilia said and handed Robert a bottle of water she had haphazardly found and snatched inside the station. "We probably have long ways to go still, so try not to burn yourself out right away... that goes for everyone." She glanced at Scylla and Aaron, who were close by, regardless of whether they actually heard Emilia or not. "I'm sorry I left you guys like that, but I noticed those two in the woods close by." Emilia nodded at Christina and Peter further down the interior space. "I had to make sure that we were not about to get ambushed or something. We just want to get the job done and go home, right? Back to the goode olde farm." A light chuckle escaped her modest smile. Emilia had no problem with explaining herself to people, but this one was a bit different. She felt obligated to do it, not only to Robert but to Scylla and Aaron as well. These were the individuals Emilia knew on and off before SWARG. Perhaps she was a bit sentimental about it. ▇ 》》》 LATER 《《《 ▇ I should probably check on the other two, soon, and Eun-Ji perhaps... she is probably distracted by Isolde or some ResDiv things, though. Emilia thought to herself. After speaking with the combat team for a while, Emilia found herself wherever Peter and Christina were held up. Despite having endured fairly daring adventures already, they had not even had proper introductions yet or spoken more than a couple of words. However, a distracting thought kept lingering in Emilia's head. They would need all the manpower that they could get if they were about to do what she feared that they would have to do with Benjamin. Every ounce of her mind and body tried to resist that scenario from playing out in her imagination. Nonetheless, it was a possibility and so far the Group had already been stripped of several members. UDF High Command either did not appreciate the severity of the situation or simply did not care, as with most things. So, the question was whether or not they should ask the BlackRock operator to assist. "So, what happened? Why are you here?" Emilia asked Christina and sat down on a stool nearby. It was not a hostile tone, but neither was it friendly. Emilia caught a glimpse of Errikos just as she began her 'interrogation'. They had not even said a word to each other yet, which only affirmed what a chaotic morning it had been. Emilia would have to speak with him as soon as she was done with Christina and Peter, unless he would approach them himself.

Summary

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Everyone gathers at the Research Division PRS. Emilia leaves the injured girl she carried for Peter in the trauma unit, but checks up on the combat team right away to explain herself. She takes several mental notes of what she should do and who to speak to. She eventually gets around to asking the BlackRock operator, Christina, some questions.

Quest Steps

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This scene is meant for character interaction, so posts might and may be shorter than usual. You can also collaborate with someone if you want a more in-depth conversation. Other things to do with your character include freshening up, tending to wounded soldiers, checking on gear or personal injuries, and speaking to NPCs that @Aeolian created. @Aeolian has GM 'powers' over those NPCs, so I won't speak for them at all.

I'd say that the 'Chapter 2' image at the top is of the Research Wing of the PRS. However, the other two levels would have the same aesthetic. For dimensions, each level is about 3 meters high, 3 meters wide, and 15 meters deep (length)—give or take, just for some manner of reference. That being said, our characters can move about at ground level and sub-level 1. Sub-level 2, the Research Wing, is accessible to Isolde @Aeolian and Eun-Ji @Salsa Verde only. However, I'd say that they can grant temporary permission to others of Guardian Corps.

Note the time change from 'late morning' to 'after noon'. I also added a clear indication of weather.

ᵀʰᵉ Spirits Within/Aeon

Very cool image! Much on point.

@DeadDrop@Rockette@Archangel89@Aeolian@Krash@Salsa Verde@Exit
I'll move us forward in my next post and mark it 'chapter 2'. The post will assume that everyone gathered up at the Mobile Research Station. They recover there for an hour or so, and then they get ready to enter the city proper once Navigation has cleared out the last bits of Stiggies from bombing runs. As always, any previous notes can be taken care of in a Flashback or just briefly mention in your narrative.

We are also going to revisit our character sheets and add a couple of new sections. All the updates for that are ready soon, so I'll tag everyone again at that point.

I usually don't promise posts, but for the sake of planning and mental prep, I'll get this post out this week.