The world is full of edges. Some filled with shadow. Others, with emptiness.
The sound of trumpets filled the air, Port Crescendo aflutter with life and joviality. Today marked a special day for them. The Empty Suit watched through a cracked apartment window, smoke curling from where his nose would be. The street below was lined with people, a parade in its center. He scanned their faces, taking note of potential Contestants.
Yet everywhere is marked by a wish. Someone's, anyone's. Poor Champ, you made all this and didn't get to see it. Or maybe you are, right now; down there. Does it move your heart? Does it matter? No. Not really, sorry to say. But, I'll abide by our agreement. The rules have changed, the game is different.
He flicked some ashes into the floor behind him, earning no protest from the stark shadow that lingered in the small abode's doorway. It was occupied with something else. Its eyes never shut, but at least he could tell where it was looking. He turned, watching the struggling embers as they expired. Then it was back to the parade.
Relerian colors flew high on hoisted banners. Purple and gold, a hawk rising in its center. This particular parade, though there were many throughout the year, was to mark the beginning. School was resuming, a joyous occassion for those marching toward their institution. At the front were the university students. Behind them were rank-and-file of lesser years. High school, mostly. Nobodies mingled with the Classed.
Shame, that. Well, no big deal! Got a whole new crop coming in. Wonder who'll be ripe, first?
Leaning, he placed an elbow against the window's frame; taking another long drag. The shadow shifted, shutting the door and taking dainty steps to stand at his back. A whisper. He nodded, holding out a hand wrapped in black leather. His new suit was blue, but the gloves and shoes hadn't been changed. He was, after all, a being of habit and style. Distortion to his left, the opening of a hallway that had not existed before.
"Go on ahead, love. I'll be along in a minute," smooth as silk, casual as could be, "Make sure things are ready for our guests." The shadow grunted an acknowledgement, then took strides toward the hallway. After a moment it was gone altogether, the distortion fading along with the hallway and his odd companion. He still stared on, ahead. The trumpets had begun a song, one he hummed along with. His candidates were marked, their names stashed away for later retrieval.
Suit didn't use the Enlil Network, but it was an interesting byproduct of what Everyn Krauss had envisioned in her final moments. He chuckled, putting out the cigarette and shutting the window; after a moment. The tail end of the procession was just edging its way from his vision.
"Well, then. Guess I should get going. I am very busy, after all."
Once again, the hallway appeared with a wave of his hand. The Empty Suit made his way home slowly, still humming along to the distant music; a smile stuck to his face.
Hello! Welcome and stuff. This is the Out Of Character section for NEMESIS HEARTS: You Are Worthy Of... Here is where pertinent information about the world will be compiled, our Characters posted and various things discussed.
I set out my expectations (and a neat Flavor Intro) in the Interest Check, but if need be I will reiterate them. Here's what I've got, so far! This is all very much a Work In Progress, given the amount of Locations that will have to be added. Player Contributions are welcomed and encouraged!
Thanks for joining me, let's not waste any more time! Also, try not to mind the mess! I'll be reorganizing things fairly often!
Enlil Network: A system integrated into every human being that inhabits Mygis. Operated by conscious thought, the Enlil Network serves a wide variety of functions. Chief of which is the display, maintenance and organization of Personal Data and Inventory. Rank, Class, Tablet Powers and various other Sub-Systems are standard functionalities. Communication is also possible, with or without a video feed, and with or without vocalization.
The Enlil Network also bears navigation functions, and a list of Allies and Nemeses. To be on either list, the other person must accept. Allies will be displayed on the Enlil Network's Navigation Sub-System, but Nemeses will not. Ranked Fight Requests are sent and received through the Enlil Network.
There are many variations of theories and stories about why the Enlil Network came to exist; some claiming it was a gift from a goddess, others viewing it simply as a part of being human. Regardless, it is widely used throughout the Corners of Mygis. Errors do not generally occur with the Enlil Network's functions, but aren't unheard of. They require a person to sleep in order to be fixed.
Mygis: The alternative version of Earth created with Everyn Krauss' sixth wish. It has four continents, referred to as 'Corners'. Relera, Ageuenta, Abele and Slia. Port Crescendo, the central location of our story sits on the south and eastern coast of Relera. Relera is the West-most Corner.
Port Crescendo: One of the largest cities on Relera's eastern coast, Port Crescendo is always rather busy. Facing the Augur Ocean, the city itself is a reflection; or perhaps a jewel. Shimmering and a long-etsablished place of trade, Port Crescendo is known for a variety of things.
WIP, give me a break; ok? This is where sub-Locations for Port Crescendo will go.
Class: What defines your Character is their set of Skills. Skills are determined by their Class. Class is selected by one's own free will, but is a permanent choice. As things are, the ability to select a Class through the Enlil Network is not unlocked until someone enters their fourteenth year of life.
While the Standard Four exist, many opt to create their own Class; giving themselves uniquely designed Skills and a nifty sense of individuality. The Standard Four, are, of course; Warrior, Thief, Mage and Healer. Custom Classes are myriad and varied, as are the Skills they impart.
Class growth is an important part of combat. While a Character has a Rank, their Class has a Level. Their Level determines their number of availabe Skills. Mind you, 'available' Skills means those that can be used in combat. It does not encompass the entirety of a Character's Skill List.
Name: Speak true and be acknowledged. This is what the Enlil Network will recognize you as. Nicknames may be added, or given, in the 'Personal Data Sub-system'.
Age: Time ticks by. You have grown. It is in the nature of all things. The Enlil Network will keep track of this set value, and be aware that it cannot be manually changed.
Appearance: Where you have spoken, before, I would now beseech of you to reveal. Step forward, so that you may be known. A new picture may be taken at any time with the 'Personal Data Sub-system' functionality. Your portrait will be displayed to your Allies and Nemeses, within the Enlil Network. Please be aware of this.
Personality (Optional): Summarizing yourself is often difficult. The Enlil Network does not require this portion of your Personal Data to be filled.
Occupation: Long have Mortals toiled for their glory and pride. Let you not stray from the examples before you.
History (Optional): You are a storied being, as are all. However, it is not difficult to realize that some stories are better told over time. The Enlil Network will display this in your Personal Data, if you so choose.
Class: Of the Four, or more? Curiosity and necessity compels this question. What label is it that you have chosen? What weapon will you face this world with?
Class Skills: You have chosen a label. What power does it impart to wear it? The Enlil Network poses restrictions on Class Skills, with their acquirement and usage. Active Skills will appear in the 'Combat Data Sub-system' and can be assigned to Active Use by the User. No more than four Active Skills may be possessed at any given time.
Tablet Power: A kiss of the Divine on your Mortal brow, a gift bestowed of a Pact forged. This Power has always been with you and it always will be. The Enlil Network will display this in your Personal Data. Tablet Grid options may be found under the 'Tablet Power Sub-system'.
I figure that there will be questions. Feel free to ask away, either here or via PM! I'll give you the best answer I can give!
Thanks, again, for stopping in!
I'll be working on Locations in Port Crescendo and my own Characters, soon!
Is everyone else considering this dead, as well? I intend to continue writing, as long as there are Players interested. I may attempt to recruit more, if the current Players choose to leave.
Another update! I'm fairly happy with what I've gotten done, so far, with the OOC. Port Crescendo needs work, as a whole, but I'll be adding Locations over the course of the next couple of days. First I'll be completing the Character Sheet Skeleton. Next, I'll be writing up the second Flavor Intro; then posting the OOC once that is done. It shouldn't be more than a day, at worst!
I've also been considering making a Discord server, if you guys find the idea appealing. Let me know what you think!
Small update; I'm starting work on the OOC now. Just thought I'd let you guys know!
EDIT: @RoflsMazoy, I don't plan to keep strict tabs on things like that. I expect people to be reasonable with it, so I'm putting some trust in the Players on this one. I'd say, as a general rule, your Character would have an Inventory similar to a large duffle bag.
Ellard shifted at her back, the sound of wings and Ascot's approach putting him ill at ease. Tabitha raised an eyebrow. He said he saw 'em, already. Guess it's different when we're right in front of ya. An interesting change that she wasn't aware fully aware of, but lingering in the cluttered corners of her mind. We. She shrugged, stepping aside; unwilling to be the boy's shield against the group with her. "Yeah, somethin' like that. Glad ya came over, I guess." She motioned in Mike's direction, "Kid's gonna need food." Then a slight point at the path. If her plan weren't already obvious, Tabitha intended to send the boy the direction they had come from. It was risky, for Ellard, but she figured it was better than whatever was happening to him here.
"H-Hello...I'm Ellard."
He seemed intent on staring at the ground. She eyed him, arms crossing before she turned to Ascot. "Figure he can help us, ya know? Then we can help him," shrugging, she continued, "He told me a couple'a things that ya guys should know." Ellard winced, taking a step in the same direction; looking down the path. "'Bout the Magician." That part was quiet, purposefully so. Wonder if he can watch us. If he's been watchin' us. Unnerving to think about, but hardly beyond the scope of what they had experienced in Irriss; or before.
Oedipus started ranting. She couldn't help but giggle, a little, walking closer to the group; Ellard in tow. "If ya gouge they eyes out, then kill 'em, how they gonna see the life they loved took away?" Some part of her genuinely found it funny, though she only heard part of it. Another part was more proactive, sliding fingers to the grip of her gifted gun; repulsed by the sound of his laugh. It wouldn't be hard. Seems like ya on thin ice. Tabitha wouldn't be the one to draw the weapon, or pull its trigger, though. I'll keep an eye on ya. Might as well. Everyone else is. Instead, she caught sight of a man. In a suit. Wavin'. Like this is some kinda fuckin' meetin'. Who the hell? Fuck.
Another unbidden giggle. Ellard shifted at the man's posed question. Dread colored his features, but from where Tabitha was standing the kid did a good job hiding just how deep it ran. Anni, the girl she'd briefly spoken with earlier, spazzed out and made herself and Ascot known. Pretty weird that he's the one lookin' out of place. Mike made his introduction and asked a good question, prefaced by some surprisingly smooth situational direction. S'good to have someone like that around. Still, ain't seem like the type I'd get along with. She only offered her name, and a slight nod of her head.
"Tabitha," she didn't feel like giving much more than that. Instead, she listened for a minute. Heard of her, but ain't seen her. Brought here by somethin' that calls her 'mistress'? Fuckin' weird. Yet, again, not beyond the spread of her expectations. Tabitha gave a little sigh, tapping her foot, when he produced his Semblance. Ain't that great? We gonna end up with more people? How many's that even gonna make? Fuck. He continued speaking.
"Train, for me. Dead on the C-Route. Splat. Mostly the same for everyone, here. Ya from Lightbridge?" She didn't like that Zino had referred to the Ghost Girl as 'our mysterious mistress' and it might've shown on her face. She didn't care. "I mean, that ain't all that really happen down there, but yeah." It was more painful to think of Will's expiration, than her own; easier to make light of her own. Even the memory of waiting on the tracks, fresh as it was, paled to that thought.
He didn't even get a fuckin' second chance, or a fancy mask. The fuck did any of us do to get here, instead of those other idiots on the tracks? Get lucky?
She fought down another unforeseen set of little laughs and straightened herself. Fuck. I'm feelin' weird, today. Ellard was staring at her, having taken a step closer while she was talking. Shame crept up from somewhere deep, as she met his gaze. He's still scared, and he's gotta tough choice to make. For some reason, the boy smiled. She couldn't fathom it immediately, but he was steeling himself. It was a nervous, tenuous thing that twitched at the edges; but he was serious.
"If you're going after the Magician, I want to come with you!"
This time, she did laugh. "I'm gonna send ya the other way. The hell ya wanna tag along with this bunch for? We don't even really know why we're lookin' for the guy," Tabitha shifted, putting her hands on her hips. "Ain't my place to decide that, though. If ya wanna come along, whatever. Talk it out with these folk," Enough resistance would drive him more heartily to the idea. She decided to use a trick that had long been a favorite; apathy. Tabitha had taken it on herself to get Ellard to the path, away from Silverbrook, and though she hadn't possessed the foresight to consider food...it was already there. Everything was set. S'far's I see, he'll be alright either way. Maybe. Her job was done. "Ya gotta tell us what's up, regardless." His look did little but make Tabitha lift her hands. "About him. Magician."
"I know what you meant!" He turned to the group, putting his hands together before him. Ellard gave them each serious consideration, remaining silent for a moment. Tabitha toyed with the end of her bizarre hat. His voice was lowered, when he spoke, eyes once again to the ground. "But I won't here. If I can go with you, I'll tell you everything. If I can't, I won't tell you anything and I'll head down the Long Walk myself." The harlequin smiled, a little. Ellard brought his eyes up, focused. "To the Magician."
Kid's got some kinda guts. She understood well what he meant. Tabitha Calvicante could see it written all over his face. It was a look of desperation, of cold eyes and a disregard for consequence.