Red7VII

How The Leaves Fall - A 18+ Murder Mystery RP

Very interested. Well done constructing such a concept!

Magnificent Bastards

Age: 29 years old

Species: Nymph Mutt

Abilities: Therianthropy. Marrok's powers come from the nymphic side of his heritage. He is able to shapeshift into and draw abilities from the animal kingdom. Unlike a werewolf, Marrok is not cursed with this ability, but gifted and can utilize it at will. He can transform his entire physique or limit his transformation to specific body parts such as willing forth the claws of a bear or the gills of a fish.

While this ability has vast applications, it also comes with drawbacks. The transformations (the cracking of bones, tearing of muscles, stretching of skin) are not painless. Marrok feels his body being destroyed and reformed with each instance, which acts as a natural deterrence against overuse.

Additionally, any time he goes full-fledged animal, he runs the risk of losing his grip on his human mind and succumbing to his animal instincts, which would result in being trapped as that animal forever.

Other natural animals tend to have an affinity toward Marrok, sensing a kinship. While he cannot communicate with animals as humans do with one another, he finds that he can influence them to a small degree and has a vague empathic understanding of what that animal is feeling.

Longevity. Though Marrok is still relatively young, his blood is enriched with nymphic mysticism which will prove to result in an expanded lifespan with limits currently unknown.

Personality/Info: A child of two worlds, accepted by neither, society has taught Marrok to have a reserved disposition. His psychological walls are high and well fortified but once he lets you in, you'll be introduced to a fun loving, mischievous man-child who just wants to love, laugh and revel in adventure. A fan of gambling and drinking, the man has always been seduced by risk.

Backstory: Marrok is the result of a forbidden relationship. While on a hunt, his father had come across a bear, a prized kill for sure. But before he could let his arrows fly, his path was obstructed by a seldom seen beautiful nymph woman who seemed to be blocking his trajectory in protest. Though words were never spoken, Marrok's grandfather was instantly infatuated with her. He lowered his bow, allowing the bear to take his leave, before timidly approaching the divine looking female before him.

This was the start of lifelong affair that, against all odds, eventually resulted in Marrok and his twin sister Elise. The four of them became a family in a secluded cabin deep within the woods where Marrok, his father and his sister could live under a roof while the matriarch of the clan was free to live among the trees and animals, always close by. His father would teach them in the ways of hunting and tracking while his mother would wordlessly help the twins embrace their more mystical assets. While Marrok took strides in mastering animalistic transformations, his sister was more keen on the embrace and tranquility of plant life.

It wasn't long after the children had reached their teenaged years when their isolated settlement has been found by a group of hunters. In the middle of lessons with their mother, the group of men witnessed matriarchal nymph and her offspring warp their bodies in what they considered ungodly ways. Instantly hating what the could not comprehend, they went on the offensive, attacking the family. Marrok's father instructed them to run while he and their mother would handle the assailants. Elise and Marrok did as they were told but soon enough the attackers caught up to them, chasing them down through the trees and wood. There were no sign of their parents, which could only mean the worst.

The option to run was becoming obsolete as the hunters continued to gain on them. All they could do now was hide, using the gifts they were taught. Elise took the form that she knew best and slowly allowed herself to merge with an oak tree while Marrok took to all fours, allowing his body to rip and contort before the man had vanish and the fox had emerged from its remnants.

Running, running and running still, Marrok finally stopped to look back. To his relief, the terrible men were nowhere to be found. He allowed his human form to resurface before calling out to his sister, hoping she would hear his cries so that they could reunite and perhaps even find their parents. His calls echoed out, but were never answered. For several days and nights he backtracked, paced and patrolled, trying to find any sign of the family he grew up with, but only solitude remained.

Reluctantly, he abandoned the woods deciding that his family must have done the same, and began roaming from town to town as a nomad for years, staying in the local inns for days at a time before moving on until one day he received a letter about a sanctuary for the weird and unwanted. It seemed almost too perfect. Surely if the other members of his family would have received the letter, they might have gone to the manor as well. So it was decided and Marrok immediately set out to find this wonderous place. It has been so long since he had a true Haven to call his home.

Haven for the Inhuman

Location: Local Inn > Manor Entrance | Interactions: Open

"They're coming, Elise!" Marrok's heart was pointing in his chest. He could hear the hunters' footsteps growing louder with each passing second. "Run!" But she was petrified, hiding behind a wild oak, unable to move. "Elise, please!" Marrok pleaded. He could hear his own pulse within like war drums whose vibrato served to instill panic and it was working. Marrok was out of options. They couldn't run anymore. They couldn't embrace their fear. They had to fight.

His blood went from warm to fiery hot as he bared his teeth toward his approaching doom. Four dark silhouettes emerged just over the shady hill, their eyes glowing red as they peered down upon him. The evil fiends cackled like crows, laughing at the boy and his efforts to save his sister. Marrok could hear his bones crack, his musculature adjust and transform. His hands were no longer the home of his fingers but, instead, gnarled paws with razor sharp claws. His humanoid canines were replaced with long feral teeth that came to a point. His hate and anger rose up from his stomach and into his throat before exploading out of his mouth in a monstrous, defiant roar.

Knock, knock, knock!

And then it was gone. All of it.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Oy! You have some sort o' critter in there?! We were explicit about tha rules of this establishment! No pets or animals!"

Marrok sat up in his bed. Not his bed, just a bed. He quickly looked around the room to try and get his bearings. His satchel was hanging on the doorknob just across the way. The walls were very near to the bed with just a small chest in the corner of the room reserved for a guest's clothing. A guest's... He was in an Inn. Visions of his activities the night before were slow to return to his memory and once he looked at the night stand, he understood why. Upon it was a jug of ale or, rather, an empty jug where ale used to reside. It had found a new home within Marrok's stomach. Beside the jug sat a note.

Marrock brushed his long dark hair out of his face and furrowed his eyebrows. He didn't recall that note being there before. He quickly snatched it up and gave it a read. A refuge for the extraordinary, a haven from the vicious Normal. The perfect next spot to continue his quest to find his family...

"Ay, now, I'm not tellin' ya again! Open this door and get whatever wretched beast ya got outta this place! And you can go along with it after you settle up!" The voice behind the door sounded angry and deep. No doubt the innkeeper was a man of large stature. Marrok had no intention of finding out for sure. He leaped out of bed, allowing the blanket to fall to the floor, before darting across the room to his hanging satchel. With the flick of a wrist, he pulled it onto his arm and eventually around his shoulder as he made his way to the window. It was time to take his leave. If the innkeeper came into the room and didn't see any animals about, it wouldn't be long before he discovered the true source of the predatory roar and surely no good could come after that realization.

Unfortunately, the window was fixed to the walls and his room was on the second story. Marrok winced a bit. This was going to hurt. Like an athlete, Marrok hit his ready stance, preparing to dash forward and a second later he did just so, leaping into the air and tucking in like a cannon ball before crashing through the glass with a loud clash and falling to the earth far below. Another loud crash was soon to follow behind him. As he looked up from the dirt street he could see the furious innkeeper shouting down profanities from the ruined windowpane, no doubt having kicked through the room door just moments before.

It was time to leave that behind, though, and head forward to the next adventure. Onward to the Manor!

* * * * *

The trek took weeks but he found himself among the trees and couldn't help but take comfort in the scenery. A small blue bird sat atop his shoulder. A brave and curious fellow who decided to accompany him on his journey only moments ago. Eventually the duo found themselves at the edge of a clearing and just ahead they beheld the sanctuary Marrok had been seeking: The Manor.

Marrok stood for a moment and just looked on, trying to take it in.

"What do you think, little fellow? Could this be a trap?" he asked his new feathered friend. The bird seemed to huff as if expelling a nervous sigh. "No matter, though, right? Even if it is a trap, surely you are mighty enough to protect me, eh?" The blue bird whistled in response but immediately took flight, returning to the woods from which it came. "O-kay. Right, then. Solo it is."

Marrok's every step was slow and methodical as his eyes darted every which way, ready to spot some sign of trickery or deceit. By the time he got to the front doors, he was pleased that he encountered no such thing thus far. Who knew what could be waiting on the other side of this sanctuary's entrance. One thing was for sure: He wouldn't find out by standing out here. With that, he swallowed hard, placed a hand on the knob and opened it wide...

Haven for the Inhuman

Ah, perfect! I only just now saw the 0th post in IC. I think I'd enjoy the slow reveal. Has a nice discovery element to it.

hi there, slight newbie here

Welcome to the Guild! I hope you enjoy your stay!

A Wannabe GM's Roleplay Selection: What RP Should I Make For The New Year?

Out of the three, the Durango project piqued my interest most. Good luck!

Haven for the Inhuman

I'll probably be making a first post later today or tomorrow, unless someone else would like to do so.

@Cotton

I don't mind knocking out a post later today about how Marrok gets to the Manor. Once he (and the rest of the characters) are there, though, I suppose we could use an introduction as to the layout and description of the Manor and how this all works.

Haven for the Inhuman

Marrok

Age: 29 years old

Species: Nymph Mutt

Abilities: Therianthropy. Marrok's powers come from the nymphic side of his heritage. He is able to shapeshift into and draw abilities from the animal kingdom. Unlike a werewolf, Marrok is not cursed with this ability, but gifted and can utilize it at will. He can transform his entire physique or limit his transformation to specific body parts such as willing forth the claws of a bear or the gills of a fish.

While this ability has vast applications, it also comes with drawbacks. The transformations (the cracking of bones, tearing of muscles, stretching of skin) are not painless. Marrok feels his body being destroyed and reformed with each instance, which acts as a natural deterrence against overuse.

Additionally, any time he goes full-fledged animal, he runs the risk of losing his grip on his human mind and succumbing to his animal instincts, which would result in being trapped as that animal forever.

Other natural animals tend to have an affinity toward Marrok, sensing a kinship. While he cannot communicate with animals as humans do with one another, he finds that he can influence them to a small degree and has a vague empathic understanding of what that animal is feeling.

Longevity. Though Marrok is still relatively young, his blood is enriched with nymphic mysticism which will prove to result in an expanded lifespan with limits currently unknown.

Personality/Info: A child of two worlds, accepted by neither, society has taught Marrok to have a reserved disposition. His psychological walls are high and well fortified but once he lets you in, you'll be introduced to a fun loving, mischievous man-child who just wants to love, laugh and revel in adventure. A fan of gambling and drinking, the man has always been seduced by risk.

Backstory: Marrok is the result of a forbidden relationship. While on a hunt, his father had come across a bear, a prized kill for sure. But before he could let his arrows fly, his path was obstructed by a seldom seen beautiful nymph woman who seemed to be blocking his trajectory in protest. Though words were never spoken, Marrok's grandfather was instantly infatuated with her. He lowered his bow, allowing the bear to take his leave, before timidly approaching the divine looking female before him.

This was the start of lifelong affair that, against all odds, eventually resulted in Marrok and his twin sister Elise. The four of them became a family in a secluded cabin deep within the woods where Marrok, his father and his sister could live under a roof while the matriarch of the clan was free to live among the trees and animals, always close by. His father would teach them in the ways of hunting and tracking while his mother would wordlessly help the twins embrace their more mystical assets. While Marrok took strides in mastering animalistic transformations, his sister was more keen on the embrace and tranquility of plant life.

It wasn't long after the children had reached their teenaged years when their isolated settlement has been found by a group of hunters. In the middle of lessons with their mother, the group of men witnessed matriarchal nymph and her offspring warp their bodies in what they considered ungodly ways. Instantly hating what the could not comprehend, they went on the offensive, attacking the family. Marrok's father instructed them to run while he and their mother would handle the assailants. Elise and Marrok did as they were told but soon enough the attackers caught up to them, chasing them down through the trees and wood. There were no sign of their parents, which could only mean the worst.

The option to run was becoming obsolete as the hunters continued to gain on them. All they could do now was hide, using the gifts they were taught. Elise took the form that she knew best and slowly allowed herself to merge with an oak tree while Marrok took to all fours, allowing his body to rip and contort before the man had vanish and the fox had emerged from its remnants.

Running, running and running still, Marrok finally stopped to look back. To his relief, the terrible men were nowhere to be found. He allowed his human form to resurface before calling out to his sister, hoping she would hear his cries so that they could reunite and perhaps even find their parents. His calls echoed out, but were never answered. For several days and nights he backtracked, paced and patrolled, trying to find any sign of the family he grew up with, but only solitude remained.

Reluctantly, he abandoned the woods deciding that his family must have done the same, and began roaming from town to town as a nomad for years, staying in the local inns for days at a time before moving on until one day he received a letter about a sanctuary for the weird and unwanted. It seemed almost too perfect. Surely if the other members of his family would have received the letter, they might have gone to the manor as well. So it was decided and Marrok immediately set out to find this wonderous place. It has been so long since he had a true Haven to call his home.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

For your consideration:

Rex

Name:
Rex Carmine

Age:
32

Skill:
• Hunter - Proficient in tracking, marksmanship, archery and stealth
• Primitive Survivalist - Proficient in setting up camp and living off the land
• Animal Tamer - Proficient in training and caring for animals from dogs to livestock

Preferred Weapons:
• 357 Magnum Revolver - A gun given to him by his late father. Rex only has a limited supply of bullets and the gun tends to be loud so it is only used in emergencies.
• Compact Compound Hunting Bow - Small and light, this bow packs a punch without being cumbersome. Rex wears a custom sling that houses the bow across his back with an added quiver filled with crude bolts that he whittles himself.
• Survival Knife - Whether he uses it as a weapon or a tool, Rex doesn't go anywhere without his knife.

Personality:
There are days when Rex embraces solitude. It's a simpler way to live in the midst of the apocalypse. Less mouths to feed, no need for suspicions about other peoples' motives. However, isolation has it's cost as well. In truth, Rex prefers the company of others and, when comfortable, can be quite funny, compassionate and fiercely loyal. However, if someone were to prove themselves unworthy of his friendship, he can be fiercely vengeful. He is low to trust, but once you've earned it, it's incredibly difficult to lose. He is also generous to a fault when it comes to those in his clan which whom he feels an obligation to protect. On cold, lonely nights, he is no stranger to brooding but he tries to keep his emotions in check.

He's got a love of drinking, smoking and gambling. In the times before the world turned upside down, he was a good ol' boy party animal raised on a ranch and brought up to enjoy the small things in life. Today, he still tries to embrace that mentality when he can, but the opportunities to do so are fewer and further between.

Brief Bio:
Rex was raised on his family's ranch. The sole son of his parents, he took over the property when they passed. He eventually found love in a woman named Nikki the two of them created a small picturesque family complete with their dog, a German Shepherd named King,
with a daughter on the way.

The beautiful dream life that Rex wove for himself soon came crashing down once the dead refused to stay that way. While Rex and King were out herding the cattle, the ranch house was quietly overtaken by walkers. A pregnant Nikki was alone, fending for herself against the shambling mass of grotesque horror. When Rex and King had returned, all they found inside the house were animated corpses, one of whom looked tragically familiar. The horde was too much to take on by himself so he decided to do the one thing he could to clear out the problem in one fell swoop; he set his familial home ablaze with the abominations trapped inside.

With no house, no more family and just his canine companion at his side, Rex fled his homestead and set off on his own, living off what nature provides and seeking companionship with the living or vengeance against the dead.

Titans: Dawn of a new Tomorrow

You have my tentative interest. Very curious to see what sort of stories the players would be tackling.