Current
@Grey Dust: Of course not. Then it's ice water.
3
likes
1 yr ago
When you know you should get ready for bed, but then a cat sits on your lap.
4
likes
2 yrs ago
It's interesting being the indecisive introverted leader of your group of very indecisive introverted friends.
10
likes
4 yrs ago
It's fun to think that play-by-post roleplays are basically just one giant rough draft.
13
likes
4 yrs ago
A quick thank you to Mahz and his minions for making this site into what it is! I've yet to encounter a RP site so aesthetically & OCD pleasing. You guys are the best!
17
likes
Bio
Click Here at Your Own Risk:
Previously Known As: Siaya Dragalorn
Call Me: Riven. What, expecting something else?
Phonetic Pronunciation:rih-vin whyte (like the color)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CT) (GMT-6).
Active Hours: I'm an insomniac with an unpredictable schedule. While I prefer being on graveyard shift hours, it changes regularly. Long story short, there's no predicting what time or days I'll be active on here.
Country: United States of America
Age: How rude! But if it matters to you, I'm over 21.
Writing/Play-by-Post Experience: Well over a decade for both.
Likes + Hobbies: Reading. Writing. The night. Most things fantasy and paranormal. Collecting things (I think I'm part dragon). Crafting. Gaming (PlayStation for the win!). Anime (though I don't watch as much as I'd like). Wandering old cemeteries. Night walks...
Personality: *Laughs manically.* Personality? Do you really wish to know the personality of someone without a heart? Yes? *Sighs.* Very well, then. I'll recognize there's an advantage in knowing what you're getting into. To try and put me simply, I'm an old soul, and yet I have a semi-teenage personality wrapped in a body occasionally required to masquerade as the adult society says it is. Perhaps sharing a connection to that, I favor media in the Children's/YA sections, including with my own writing. But I'm not opposed to certain, more "adult" themes; I'm a sucker for tastefully dark, violent stories that likely fit more into "New Adult" than YA, but we'll save that for the "Preferences" hider below.
Other: ~ If you want to chat and/or roleplay, feel free to message me!
~ Rise of the Guardians ~ The Flash ~ Nightmare Before Christmas ~ Harry Potter ~ Merlin (2008) ~ Warehouse 13 ~ Stranger Things ~ Spirited Away ~ Howl's Moving Castle ~ Avatar: The Last Airbender ~ Trollhunters (Tales of Arcadia) ~ Jackie Chan Adventures ~ Teen Titans (2003-'06) ~ My Hero Academia ~ Yona of the Dawn ~ Death Note ~ The Legend of Dragoon ~ Persona 5 ~ The World Ends with You ~ Final Fantasy ~ Kingdom Hearts (*Gasp!* Such a shocker!) ~ Little Nightmares 1 + 2 ~ Rising of the Shield Hero ~ Shadows House
Because they can make for interesting conversation starters.
1x1: Open! PM me if you're interested! Group: Probably not, but thanks for the thought. PMs/DMs: I do not roleplay this way, but am always up for chatting!
~ None at the moment, but if you have an idea that might fit our matching preferences, feel free to message me!
As of 1/11/24: Depression and life in general has been hitting me with a flaming war hammer. I'm currently prone to vanishing without warning, and posting is unpredictable. If you can put up with that, by all means, send me a message!
(Sorry, I know it's long. What can I say? I know what I like--and don't like.)
~ Main Character Gender: No preference. I'll gladly play a main male or female character! No doubling necessary.
~ Partner RL Gender: As long as you can write decently for the gender (and creature) you want to write for, and are respectful, you could be a hippopotamus wraith living on Jupiter for all I care.
~ Multiple Main and/or Side Characters? Yes to both! I can be equally content writing for a semi-larger group of characters, or playing only a single MC. I do prefer keeping it small on the MC front (two to three in my control, max), but can do as many side/secondary characters as the story needs!
~ Writing POV and Tense: Third-person past-tense. This is both my typical style, and what I'd like from a RP partner. First-person POV would be weird for a RP to me, and present-tense writing tends to annoy me. Nothing wrong with it, per say, it's just not something I care for.
~ Character Age: Various. My favored MC age (or appeared age) range tends to 15-19, but I do write for characters 20+. Especially if there's plans for lots of glorious violence that would be plain awkward for an "adult" to write happening to a bunch of characters whose "actual age" is under 18.
~ Driver, Shotgun, or Passenger? All, mental capacity allowing. I can GM a story on my own, co-GM, or let my partner take the driver's seat while my character(s) causes chaos from the backseat.
~ Genres:Favored: Fantasy, paranormal/supernatural horror, fairy tale, superhero. With a Side Of: Adventure, suspense, mystery, action, drama, magic. But Not: Hard sci-fy, solely slice-of-life, erotica, canon fandom.
~ Cannon or Originals: I will NOT write for cannon characters or plots. I'm all for "Inspired By," or "Based On," though!
~ Swearing: I'd appreciate PG-13-ish in IC. I don't cuss IRL and would be happier if more media avoided it, but I'd be a hypocrite to request an abstinence if it's your typical style, what with the media I consume.
~ Sex/Smut:NO. If you absolutely need smut in your RPs, then we're NOT a match. I don't even lead characters to a "fade to black" point, neither in a RP nor my personal writings. As a sex-repulsed asexual, I don't write sex scenarios. Period. I adore romance (see below), and this doesn't necessarily rule out semi-intimate physical scenes, but my characters' undies stay on. My characters tend to lean more toward Old-Timey chaste. Basically, PG content by modern standards, here, by for me. Maybe low-end PG-13.
~ But, Romance? Love Interests?! Romance and sex are NOT the same thing! I adore the presence of a REALISTIC love interest for characters. But not having romance/love interests wouldn't be a deal breaker, either; if it forms between characters, then great! If it doesn't, then also great! It's story (and general character interactions) over romance in these things for me.
~ General Nudity: PG-13. I can tolerate non-sex-based nudity if it's absolutely pertinent to the story/situation, though it tends to be uncomfortable for me, and I'd request that you don't go into details. Ask yourself, "Would it change anything important if this character wasn't completely nude?" If the answer is 'no,' it's unnecessary in my book--which, honestly, is 99.99% of the time.
~ Gore and Violence: YES, please! As long as it fits the characters and story we're telling, BRING ON THE BLOOD AND AGONY! Ahem, literarily speaking, of course. I enjoy physically (and mentally) torturing characters more than what's probably healthy, and like reading about, writing for, and RPing alongside a partner's cruel characters.
~ Other Mature Themes: I'm okay with the presence of most other "mature/adult" themes not directly mentioned here. Though, that may depend on how, exactly, they come into play in the story.
~ Eras of Interest: Modern, medieval, renaissance, Victorian, mixed, made-up.
~ Gender Pairings:Romance Potential: MxF only. I don't care which I write for in that role. Just Friends: Any pairing.
~ Writing Level: Advanced/literate. And not just because of how long my posts can get. Word count isn't everything, dontchya know?
~ Usual Post Length: Situational. On average, expect no fewer than 200 words, while I've hit 1,500+ with story-heavy and/or loner posts. As a rule of thumb, the more you give me to work with, the more I'll give back.
~ Requested Partner Post Length: Situational. I request my partners be capable of somewhat matching when circumstances allow. But sometimes the situation only requires a small number of words, especially in conversations between characters or other close PC interactions. When in doubt, as they say, quality over quantity! However, I can't stand one-liners, or constantly short, static posts. Avoid those, and we'll be fine.
~ Grammar and Spelling: I ask that a RP partner have basic English grammar and writing skills. I like understanding what I'm reading. But I won't turn into a grammar police officer on you--unless you ask me to.
~ Roleplay Medium: Exclusively forum threads. Why? They're wonderfully organized, the "Subscribe" option lets me keep everything in one place, it shows when a post has been edited so I know I should go back and reread it, and it's near impossible to hit the Guild's character maximum with a normal post.
~ Posting Speed: Some days I can do one or more, others one a week, and yet others one a month+. Depends on, well, everything.
~ Partner Posting Frequency: As long as I know you're still interested, I really don't care. Take your time. This is for fun, not something that should be stressed over! If I like our story, I won't bail on you for slow posting.
~ OOC Chat: Not a requirement for me beyond plotting, but encouraged; I enjoy getting to know the mind behind the characters!
~ Other: >> I'm pretty ghost-friendly. It isn't fun to be left hanging, of course, but I quite understand that life doesn't always give you the chance to say something to a partner before it rips you apart. If you come back, don't feel too guilty to message me, be it to RP or just chat! Chances are, I've been a bit worried about you. But no offence taken if you don't! >> Don't feel shy to give me pointers with my writing! While I look at roleplays as one giant, beautiful mess of a rough draft, I LOVE getting well-intended feedback with my writing. >> I typically create long and overly detailed character profiles, but note that this isn't something I require of my partner. What matters is that YOU know your character well, while I know what I need to know. I just want to warn you! If you want to know what you'd be getting into with there, click here for my character vault on the Guild.
~ Want a Writing Sample? Then click the below hider for an example of an opening IC post.
. Calrin crouched in front of the Noble’s weapons’ cabinet. His dark blue jeans tightened to accent his leg muscles, his bare chest showing off his toned upper body. Dark blue tribal tattoos on his arms licked toward his chest and shoulder blades, stopping just short of each on either respective side. The cabinet before him was crowded with various weapons, from swords and spears to a couple historical guns tucked securely in the corner. Emphasis on securely. Though disabled now, even Calrin could sense the residue of its protective enchantments. Though that alone should have been enough to deter most thieves, it had at least five different locks keeping the door of the main cabinet secured, with the same number on the small drawer in front of him. The ones on the drawer even required enchanted keys to unlock. And yet, somehow, the Stardust Phantom had broken through all of it, disabling the ones on the drawer, while leaving no trace of himself behind. Five identical daggers rested side-by-side on the velvet lining of the drawer. In one space where a sixth dagger should have been, there was nothing but pebbly sand. Nothing but ‘stardust,’ as it had been labeled. The glittery substance glowed with a faint silvery light in the shadows of the drawer. Each 'star' winked and flickered, as if mocking Calrin and the avorian Noble the dagger had belonged to. Calrin scooped up the handful of the Stardust Phantom’s calling card. As he looked at it, a few of the pebbles winked out, leaving only what looked like glittery black goldstone. He tipped his hand, eyeing the stardust as it shifted. He jerked his head, clearing his vision of his blond bangs, and shifted his dusk-blue gaze to the cabinet. All those weapons, and the thief had only taken a single dagger. He’d known exactly what he was after. He always did. Calrin took a breath and closed his eyes. He had to be certain. Though copycats were few and far between as of yet, they were still out there. He reached into the metaphysical realm where dreams and magic cross. His body shimmered, losing some of its definition into a coppery haze. The tattoos on his arms almost seemed to glow, their lines blurring with the rest of him. Though general magic wasn’t his expertise, he’d spent enough time around its users to be capable of sensing its presence if he tried hard enough, even pick out familiar signatures. To his dismay, the other bits of magic saturating the house were overwhelming, turning into an indistinguishable mass. He grunted frustratedly. His brows furled as he focused harder on the stardust. Though the other magic auras were nearly all the same to him, he’d since familiarized himself with the true Stardust Phantom’s calling card. Finally, he managed it. Though it was fading, and fast, the flitty, mischievous aura of fae magic was unmistakable. It mingled with the twang of human meddling, chemicals the faery magic corroded beyond scientific recognition. In turn, the human chemicals burned away the defining characteristics of the fae magic, making it impossible to tell which Fae Court the magic-user belonged to, even if Calrin had been apt enough in standard magic to sense that himself. Calrin released the partial link to the more abstract realm, and his form solidified. A grin spread over his lips; this was, without a doubt, the work of the Stardust Phantom. “So?” Evara, the victimized Noble, asked from behind him, her voice twittering and musical. “Was it really him?” She finished in a heated whisper. Calrin nodded. “You said you found it missing a day ago?” he confirmed, pouring the stardust from one palm to the other. That seemed right, compared to the strength of the fading aura and glow. “About that, yes.” His grin widened. This was the quickest he’d managed to hear about one of the Phantom’s thefts. Which meant that the thief might not be too far out of town yet. Or, if Calrin was lucky, perhaps the thief was still here. “Did he take anything else?” Calrin asked without looking from the stardust. “Some money I’d left out. Nothing else of such value. Nothing that can be traced.” “The Enforcers already tried to scry for the dagger?” “Twice! But something’s concealing it!” She huffed her frustrations. “Is it true what they say? That he’s nothing but a human?” She spat the word as if it was the foulest of insults. “As far as anyone can tell, yes.” He straightened and faced the avorian. Evara Airlar scowled at the stardust as he trickled it again from one hand back to the other. Feathers in the browns and whites of a falcon sprouted from her head, flowing down like a bobbed haircut. Though she had the face of a human, her features were sharp, her eyes deep brown with pupils disconcertingly larger than a human’s. A pair of feathered wings tucked into her sides, protruding from the open back of a designer halter top. She crossed her feather-speckled arms over her chest, her fingers tipped with avian claws. “Filthy vermin, the lot of them!” she spat, her wings twitching with her irritation. “I’ve put the Enforcers on it, but they’re incompetent buffoons!” She threw a hand and wing up exasperatedly. “Can’t even find a single thief, let alone that nuisance cluster of local rebels that—!” She cut herself off, eyes widening as she remembered who, exactly, she was speaking to. She swiftly bowed her head, hands folding in front of her as if in prayer. “Forgive me, m’lord. I shouldn’t be burdening you with such troubles. This isn’t your territory to worry about.” Calrin waved the apology away. “The burdens of one are lighter when carried by the shoulders of all!” The woman smiled at him. “Eloquently put.” He winked his thanks, though he couldn't take credit for it. It was something his late sister had been fond of saying. The people seemed to love it, so he'd adopted it. “The thief got the real one?” He nodded to the open drawer. “The rest are just decoys?” “Yes, Lord Ba’alrin.” “Please, call me Rin.” He smiled warmly at her. “This is hardly a formal visit! The Enforcers are skilled, but I’m as vexed as you about why they haven’t caught this pest.” He exaggerated a frown at the dust as it trickled through the bottom of his fist. “Might I keep this?” He nodded to the stardust. “Yes, yes. It’s worthless, but yes.” He gave her another charming smile. “Many thanks, Lady Airlar!” He opened a small bag at his belt, careful to make sure the Noble didn’t see the contents. He trickled the pebbly sand inside it, letting the glowing bits join the collection of now dark stones he’d collected from other crime scenes. He straightened, then offered the Noble a deep bow. “I thank you for allowing me into your home under such short notice, good Lady!” Evara twittered at his show of formality despite his own request. That he was shirtless and shoeless paired with his physique to paint a perfect picture of the Nomadic Prince. “The pleasure has been mine, Lor—Rin.” She curtseyed as well as her pencil skirt allowed. Her wings flared slightly beside her. He started through the manor house to the front door. “Won’t you stay for lunch?” Evara asked, following him. “Or perhaps some tea, at the least? It wouldn’t take our cook long to prepare some refreshments for your trouble! It’s the least I could do to thank you for coming all this way.” “That’s generous of you, but no.” He stopped at the grand front door. Sunlight filtered in through a stained-glass window near it’s top. It glinted on the copper-inscribed black torc around his throat. “Sadly, I have business to conduct elsewhere.” “Of course.” He collected his pair of leather riding boots from beside the door, and slipped them on. “Should you need anything,” Evara went on as he opened the door, letting in the afternoon sunlight, “don’t hesitate to call on us!” “You’ll be the first I come to, dear Lady!” He smiled dashingly, gave her another flourishing bow, then left. The mild warmth and blossoming scents of late spring filled the air. The Noble’s manor took up most of one side of the street. Other grand houses found space further down the road. Lawn mowers rumbled as human servants and slaves tended to the gardens of their supernatural betters. Calrin upheld his trained posture and regal stride until, at last, he was out of the line of sight of the Noble's house. He breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing his posture. Though Evara wasn't so bad as far as the Nobles went, he was happy to leave her presence. He reached into the pouch at his belt and removed a small bit of the stardust. He couldn’t tell in the light if he’d gotten any of the pebbles that still retained their glow, but it didn’t matter. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was still keeping it. It really was worthless. It wasn’t enough to trace the origin of the thief, the fae magic scrubbing the traces of its owner away, and it had no monetary value. Yet, Calrin found it intriguing. Its existence felt like a challenge. A challenge he was quite eager to accept. He shook it around in his palm as he walked, thinking. Though he refused to admit it, he'd been obsessed with finding the Phantom since he first heard the rumors. Though the Houses had done their best to prevent the knowledge of this thief from spreading, especially among the human population, spread it had. There had even been speculation that the Phantom was working with a popular rebel group, the Diamond Templar, though the validity of that was yet unproven. Despite the Phantom’s crimes, Calrin couldn’t help but admire the thief. It took no small amount of both skill and talent to do the things this thief had accomplished. Yes, the thief had to have at least one supernatural accomplice to create the stardust and to have evaded capture for so long, but still, even with aid, he'd accomplished things that should have been impossible for a human, help or no. Calrin could only hope that he found the culprit first. A human like that could be of more use alive than dead if in the right hands. And not just for interrogation purposes. Now, he just had to figure out where the Stardust Phantom would strike next, and get there first. Though the Phantom’s thefts had seemed random at first, recently, Calrin had started to notice a subtle pattern. If he was correct, he had a vague idea of what the Phantom would go after next. Now, if only he could figure out where the next target was, along with the possible ‘what.’ He ground the stardust against his palm with his fingers. He needed information. Obscure information that, regrettably, even Evara couldn’t provide. The Noble hadn’t even really known what she had, only that it was an ancient family heirloom. Calrin had been content to let her think that that was all it was. After all, he only suspected it was more than just an old magical trinket. He couldn’t be sure without seeing the real thing. As far as he knew, it could be nothing more than a wild goose chase. As it was, there were two places you were guaranteed to find even the most elusive of information: a library, and a pub. Of the two, Calrin much preferred doing his research at pubs. And he had just the place in mind. He dripped the stardust back into the pouch. With his next step, his body evaporated into a puff of copper smoke, vanishing as he left the physical realm behind. The houses around him turned into ghosts of their physical forms, the emotions of the people inside tickling at his senses as tangible things, not just ideas. In his gaseous state, he shot through the warped streets of the Dreamscape. For now, it was fairly quiet. This city had very few nocturnal creatures taking up residence, their and their staff's dreams distant wisps twanging at the web of this realm. With the twisted time of the Dreamscape, it took only moments before he found himself outside a pub he’d heard good things about. With another swirl of smoke, Calrin reformed in the physical plane across the street from the pub. The noise of people always hit the hardest when he came back from the relative quiet of the Dreamscape. People swarmed about on lunchtime breaks between the brick buildings around him. A passing dwarf in a stained business suit cursed and startled away at Calrin’s sudden appearance. Recognition flashed in the gruff man’s eyes. He belted out a curt apology, then hobbled on his way. Designed to retain an old-world feel, even the magic-fed street lanterns of this business district looked like they came from another era, each one meticulously forged with the likeness of dragons and other spindly creatures wrapping them. A lazy smile played across his face. Now this was where he'd rather be, not some stuffy Noble's estate. Nobles might have the funds for finery and extravagant galas, but the citizens were the ones who really knew how to have a good time. Calrin crossed the cobblestone street to the pub. A sign hung outside the door in the shape of a skull, displaying the pub's name: The Drunken Skull. Keeping to the theme, the door’s handle was a brass skull. A few large crystalline skulls peered out from the door itself, giving glimpses of light and movement from the inside. Pulling the door open by the handle's mouth, he entered the familiar fray of a pub in the raucous throws of lunch-hour.
Dang, you're still here after all that? You deserve a treat for sticking round!
If you have any interest, even vaguely, don't hesitate to contact me! The worst I can do is say no. Hope to hear from you!
So, once you get Ghent into the forest, unless you have something else you'd want to do/to happen, I'll do another time skip to when they're out of the forest. Likely a little after, when they're closer to the town, if you don't mind!
Side note, just in case: Drust had explained the ghost bit for Ghent's sake, technically talking to him, but wasn't looking at either of them. Elayra was observing him to make sure he wasn't curse-ridden, but his focus was on the Chrono. Also, for reference if you'd like, this is a hooded cowl, which is what Drust has on.
Well, thank you so much! I always appreciate hearing it. :-) It's always nice to know when you're work's being appreciated by someone besides yourself! Heh.
Oh my gosh. With Hatter on their side, think they'd have a good chance of survival?
Yep! And one of the descendants of that member will likely come into play at some point.
Not like Ghent's had the chance or anything!
While I've noticed people using that term lately to mean cutesy scenes, its meaning in writing is very different. To my understanding, a fluff scene/wording is a bad thing. Fluff, in editing/writing terms, is essentially synonymous with filler, but can also refer to an overall writing style that fits that definition. Fluff words are your simple, weak words or whole phrases that really only need a word or two, and should be deleted or changed in an edit. A.k.a. filler words. A fluff piece is filled with painfully unnecessary details and often gets boring, fast. Like the articles you may get suggested on your phone that promise one thing in the headline, spend 97% of the article rambling on about something you don't care about, then get to what you want in a couple sentences toward the bottom that you likely skipped to anyway because you got bored of all the other crud that had nothing directly to do with the title. Fluff piece. BUT, in context here, I got your meaning for "fluff," it just gave me pause with its positive context before I remembered how it often gets used nowadays. :-)
Hey. I'm the kind of person who tends to know a little too much about my fictional world. THEY'RE REAL IN MY HEAD, DANGIT! You might be a writer, if... Ha! Well, if I ever stumble on a way to make something that matches the taste description of the jerky, I'll let you know. xD
Yep, yep! It's fantastic how you had him do that. Love that he didn't figure it out right away--makes it realistic! Thinking of, that's another thing you're good at from what I've seen, keeping things so they feel realistic, especially to your character.
If Drust’s abilities also covered reading minds, Ghent was as good as dead.
FOR REAL, DUDE! But, I quite like his thoughts, especially his, "You're welcome, by the way.. And that he's bitter, but smart enough to not saying anything at the moment. But man, I have a feeling it'll get interesting, depending on how/if that repressed bitterness manifests later on!
To her surprise, Ghent had even figured out the hidden slots at the back of Drust’s cloak. She wiped the shocked, yet impressed look from her face as Ghent finished and joined her. She returned Ghent’s nod with one of her own. Turning, she strode to where Drust waited. Drust glanced to Elayra as she slowly stepped up just behind him. “As before.” He looked back out to the swirling fog. “Ghent in the middle.” Elayra hesitated. If he suddenly gave in to the Curse, having Ghent as the nearest target seemed like a horrible idea. “Might be better if I take center.” Drust looked to her again. His eyes narrowed, but Elayra held her ground, chin raised. With a grunt, he gave a single, curt nod. OmniChrono still in hand, Drust took a deep breath and stepped out of the clearing. A blue light rippled outward from Drust’s form. Between the fog and clearing’s barrier, the knight became little more than a blur. Elayra looked over her shoulder at Ghent. “Like yesterday, even if the ghosts do take interest, they’re weak during the day.” She turned back to the tree line. “And try not to let the fog get to you.” Elayra took a deep breath of her own, trying to prepare herself for the onslaught of emotions she knew awaited her. Holding her breath, she stepped into haunted forest. As it had when she entered, the world around her seemed to stretch, the sensation extra disorientating paired with the swirling mist. But this time, she was ready for it. She stumbled out on the other side, but kept her footing. The despair of the place hit her first. Then the utter silence, dampened further by the chilled fog. The morning’s cool hung heavier outside the Safe Zone, the once bright colors of the forest coated in glittering gray. She grit her teeth and swallowed, hard. Remembering Ghent was likely right behind her, she stepped forward to give him room. The fog danced around her and toyed at her form. It created its unnatural patches of mist-coated air and clear spaces around her. Drust stood no more than a pace away. He looked fuzzy, but the mist abated around him long enough for her to make out that he had his fingers again tangled in his hair, head bent slightly. Elayra quickly reached for her sword. “Drust?” she asked, slowly drawing her weapon, just in case. The gentle shing as it left its scabbard sounded loud in the eerie silence. “Fine, girl.” He inhaled and pulled his hand from his hair, the strands already limp from the dampness in the air. He spared a quick glance back, checking that both the teens were with him. Satisfied, he focused on the Chrono and stepped forward. Elayra looked back at Ghent. “Stay close. If we lose each other in this fog, remember we’re heading south. Following the rising sun.” Not wanting to risk Drust getting too far ahead, Elayra turned and followed after the Knight.
Glad you like it! Not too many changes from that. Just the more I looked at the tents, the more it kinda bothered me. Feel free to let me know if you have a preference between the two! So, unless you have anything you'd like to request of it, here's a scan of the final thing (with a couple computer tweaks to satisfy my OCD):
I often post things I make to Instagram, so would you mind if I did that with this? Felt like I should ask.
Once the ringmistress looked to the camera, Arla bounced her leg, trying to keep her impatience in check. That the woman’s answer would dictate her future didn’t help. Her fidgeting paused as a particularly thick cloud of blue-tinted smoke snaked in front of her, giving her a thick lungful of it. The lurking mental fog pulsed and a slight dizziness made her head spin for a second. She exhaled quickly and scowled. It was the incense, after all. Abandoning propriety for an attempt at discretion, she adjusted in her seat and brought a knee to her chest. Foot on the chair, she rested her arm atop her knee. Hoping the position came off as contemplative, she did her best to filter the air with a hand over her mouth and nose. The woman’s voice brought Arla back to the task at hand. Holding her breath, she leaned forward to retrieve her camera. She exhaled when the ringmistress gave the promise of safety in the circus. Safe. Normally, she would scoff at the concept. There wasn’t any adventure in living safely. And the night was made for just that, adventure. But tonight, ‘safe’ was exactly what she needed. When the woman finished, Arla sat properly in her seat and stared, slack-jawed. “Wait… what?” Formality forgotten, she blinked in surprise, the incense playing little part in her confusion. “For real? I’m in? Just like that?” She watched the woman lean back in the chair. A grin spread over her face. She had come expecting to have to fight to stay. Yet, it took only a few minutes to settle the matter. No questions asked. She looked over when one of the acrobats came at the ringmistress’ silent command. She blinked when the acrobat addressed the woman as ‘mistress.’ Arla tried to recall whether or not the ringmistress’ name had been announced during the show. If it had, she’d missed it. Giddiness raced through her when the ringmistress referred to her as their ‘new sister.’ She’d heard that circus performers thought of each other as family, but smirked despite herself at how cultish it sounded. If her parents could see her now, she was sure they’d both die from a heartattack. Their daughter? In a circus? She suppressed a laugh at the thought as the ringmistress refocused on her. She returned the woman’s compliment with a prideful shrug. “Gotta do what you’ve gotta do.” She returned the camera strap around her neck. “So, um… What should I call you? And do I need to sign anything?”
O.O *Stares. Looks up more info on it. Whispers,* How did I not know this? Yep, you definately won't run out of any conversation starters any time soon!
What gave it away, me taking a good month+ to respond to PMs? Heh. And ah, gotchya. Should I pretend to care, then, for your sake? :-D
So, I decided to do a bit of drawing this morning. I don't draw that much, but one thing that I can kinda draw are fairly simplistic logos. So... I attempted to draw the logo I described. I forgot how much gel pens suck for art--or the ones I have, anyway--and managed to mess up the text a bit because of that. But watchya think?
Sorry for the weird lighting on it. Couldn't find a good place to snap a picture. :-/
Edit: I do plan on changing the tent part a bit, but that gives a decent idea for it for now... I hope.
Arla grimaced when the woman took her hand, only then realizing even they were dirty. But, thankfully, the ringmistress didn’t look fazed. Though, Arla supposed, she was the leader of a circus. She’d probably dealt with much worse. Arla shivered slightly at the sound of her name on the ringmistress’ lips. Somehow, the woman managed to make even that sound like an exotic stage name. The girl blinked in surprise at the woman’s response to wanting to talk to her. Once the woman’s back was turned, Arla took quick moment, pumping her fist at her side in triumph. Straightening herself quickly, she hurried after the ringmistress with eager, proud strides. At last, things were going in her favor. The woman had even seemed genuinely interested in what she’d have to say. She followed the ringmistress along the outskirts of the back yard. Her brows furrowed as she noticed the few people along the ringmistress’ chosen path quickly step aside, giving them space. Talk about respect! Not that she could blame them with the aura the woman exuded. The woman’s job was one typically heavily sunk in a man’s world, yet she owned it better than any man could dream of. Arla found it rather inspiring. It made her hope that much more she would be accepted into the cirque’s ranks. Even if it meant janitorial duties. Or being a clown. One way or another, she would convince the woman to let her join them. When she sat in one of a pair of chairs, Arla hesitated. She didn’t like the idea of turning her back to the main entrance to the area. She glanced toward the rest of the activity. It looked like nearly all the circus performers had paired up with someone, some dancing to the hypnotic music, others lounging in the seats. Some people had even started to doze off. As much as she wanted to, as much as the atmosphere tried to coax her into letting down her guard, she just couldn’t bring herself to completely relax. Not yet. Not until she was further away. Don’t ruin this. With another breath, she forced herself to turn her back on the activity. She offered the woman an uneasy smile in thanks for the offer to sit. She quickly unshouldered her backpack and took the second seat. The amount of willpower it took to not sink completely back in the padded seat surprised her. Until that moment, she hadn’t realized exactly how long she’d been on her feet for. Sure, she’d knelt during the show for the sake of better pictures, but that hardly counted. She placed her backpack between her feet and took another breath, trying again to clear the persistent haze attempting to crowd her mind. She took a moment to regather her thoughts. Hoping she wasn’t allergic to the incense or something, she met the ringmistress’ gaze. “I want to join your circus,” she started, getting straight to the point. “I don’t have an act to offer… or any actual experience in the circus,” she scowled slightly at the admission, “but I’m a quick learner and hard worker,” she tried to amend firmly. Her words threatened to flow into each other in her rush, not wanting to give the ringmistress the chance to respond until she finished selling herself. “I could help with teardown and setup, clean up, whatever you’d need. And I’m not afraid of the dirty jobs.” She gestured to herself with a smirk. At least her current state could potentially help her point. “And I’m a good photographer.” She took the camera from around her neck. “I didn’t get the chance to see if you guys have a website—I just saw one of your fliers—but I could help with updated photos for that if you do.” She turned the camera on to its playback mode and increased the brightness of the screen to what she’d found most people preferred. She squinted as the light lit her face, and turned it from herself quickly. “I was even the photographer for my school paper.” She offered the camera to the ringmistress. “I took a lot tonight, if you’d like to see what I can do in that department. But, no matter what, I’ll pull my own weight.”
Think we should get the search party ready to rescue him? xD
Yep! *Grins.* I'd been waiting sooooo long to get that bit of info out there! It was almost painful keeping it inside. I'm thrilled you like that tidbit!
Admittedly, I was quite fond of that quote too. Glad I wasn't the only one!
Really, again, wow! I'm soooo happy you liked those first couple chapters so far! Yeah, where all of that came from has been mulling around in my head since around the beginning, so it's nice to get it out and solidified.
Hmm. I bet Hatter would get along well with Emma.
'Cause I'm a writer:
I honestly kinda hope I get the reason/inspiration to write a bit more for some of the council at some point. There was actually one member absent. He was on a different errand. ;-) And the banter of besties! xD
I’m curious: you’re using “fluff moment” to mean a sort of cutesy, light-hearted scene, right?
^.^ I’m glad you found them so adorable! I guess being forced to be around a bunch of kids fairly often before moving came in handy. Plus some random research. Yeah, ‘clingy’ definitely describes little Elayra! And glad I was able to do little Ghent justice!
Nope, Soren’s a random kid who came in with the rest of the townsfolk for safety.
Thanks for adding the random/scattered thoughts! And, well all of what you've written/said about it. I always love hearing/reading your reactions to things. And yep, Hatter knows many languages!
Aww! Thank you so much! It’s been my pleasure. I’ve enjoyed writing it out. If nothing else, it’s good for practice. And thank YOU for being a part in this! It honestly wouldn’t have built up so much if you hadn’t gotten involved with it. It’d probably be another single idea in a random document somewhere gathering virtual dust.
Aaaand still need to get that extra section up for Hatter's book. But LAZY on that front.
On a random note, since I doubt it’s information he’d find out unless he brings it up, what Ghent perceives as warts in the jerky is actually hardened pockets of certain nutrients that welled up during its curing process. He doesn’t know that, but doesn’t mean you can’t. :-)
And so you know, if he’d have noticed what Elayra did, Ghent’s cloak also has the hidden slits in the back. Though, it’d probably be big enough on him for him to just drape the cloak over his backpack, too.
Elayra glanced away from Drust at Ghent’s response to her question. A look that said, ‘Good, because I’m going to kill you later,’ crossed her face. But the expression softened as she took in Ghent’s pallor. She knew all too well what it felt like to be at Drust’s mercy. Only she had the luxury of knowing her life wasn’t in danger from him. Torn between glad and shocked that Ghent had the sense to keep his mouth shut beyond his answer, Elayra took his lead. She slowly lowered her sword and went to her own pack, collecting her cloak from the ground as she passed it. She hesitated by her pack, glancing between her stuff and Drust. Drust looked upward toward the canopy and ran a hand down his face. He took another deep breath and held it. He closed his eyes and his shoulders relaxed slightly as he exhaled. Opening his eyes, he reached for his katana. Keeping his movements reassuringly slow, he slung the katana’s sheath over his back and tightened its strap. Hesitantly, Elayra sheathed her sword at her belt. Holding the cloak in front of her with both hands, she sought out a crease at its back near the shoulder. She pulled the crease apart, two sides of a hidden slit kept together by snaps. She quickly did the same with another on the opposite side. Elayra put the cloak back on, knelt down, and slipped the straps of her pack around her shoulders through the slits. His own pack shouldered, Drust stood and adjusted it so its presence wouldn’t hinder drawing his katana. Muscles still tense, he reached into his belt pouch and retrieved the OmniChrono. “Smaya’s kept her promise,” he growled, his voice low. Elayra looked to him and dared a quiet sigh of relief. Though the black lines still pulsed at the corners of his eyes, they had grown less severe, and the shadow of the Curse’s undertone had abated from his voice. “The fog.” He jerked his head toward the wall of mist creeping at the treeline. “It confuses the spirits.” He popped the lid of the Chrono open. “They won’t disturb us. If we don’t disturb them.” Drust examined the Chrono, then nodded to his left. He stepped to the treeline. He stopped, still in the safety of the clearing, waiting for the teens. A tendril of fog licking at the ground curled around his feet hungrily, impatient for him to fully enter its embrace. Elayra looked to Drust and swallowed. The idea of going into the forest so soon after narrowly avoiding a Curse flair-up made her uneasy. But he wasn’t exactly giving them much of a choice. With a frustrated sigh, she turned to Ghent to make sure he’d readied himself, or see if he needed a hand.
Arla paused for just a moment in front of a secondary exit. She tugged at her shirt, trying to fix it at least a bit. The damp stains on her knees had long since dried, only to leave behind a thin crust of dirt. With a growled sigh, she gave up. She shoved her folded invitation into one of her back pockets, pushed back the thick canvas of the tent flap, and followed after the man who had been ahead of her. The girl hadn’t been sure what to expect. In all her years, the only evening “parties” she’d been dragged to had consisted of people dressed to the nines and chatter about stocks and other monotony. Even the other kids forced by their parents to attend had been dull. But the cirque’s afterparty made her think of a Halloween bash rather than a corporate dinner party. Even the canopied space felt more like a large living room with its mismatched seating. Most of the performers still wore the outfits from their acts, setting them apart from the few other audience members already in attendance. The colored lighting made her sigh in relief, the tint eliminating the typical harshness of white lights. She inhaled slowly. The scent of the incense was somehow calming, yet intoxicating. It smelled like an alluring promise. The promise that the night would be as unusual and magical as the show itself. She couldn’t help but smile at it all. She fidgeted with her camera again. The urge to turn it back on and get a quick picture made her fingers itch. Realizing she still stood in front of the entrance, she quickly stepped aside. Between the ambient music and incense, she felt the tension in her shoulders slowly release. But it returned quickly when she noticed quite a few eyes had turned to her. Her smile faded. Maybe she wasn’t so easily mistaken for an adult, after all. Fearing someone would realize she wasn't supposed to be there and kick her out, goal unaccomplished, she scanned the crowd for the ringmistress. A slight haze hung in the air, the smoke floating lazily about. She stepped a bit further toward the center to get a better view of the space. “Welcome, my dear.” Despite the friendly tone, the voice made Arla gasp and spin toward the speaker. Fearing she’d been caught, she readied herself to defend her presence. But the argument died on her lips. Instead of security or a suspicious performer, Arla found herself staring up at the ringmistress. For a moment, she could only gawk at the woman. She could tell the ringmistress was tall from seeing her in the ring, but standing before her, the woman had well over a foot on the teen. But as imposing as the woman was, something about her and her tone felt comforting. Welcoming. It took her a second to register that she’d been asked a question. She couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect opportunity, and she was just staring like a complete idiot. So much or a good first impression. She cleared her throat, fighting against a scowl at the thought. She shook her head, trying to expel a mental fog that had begun to toy at the edges of her mind. “It was amazing!” Her smile returned, giddiness rising in her anew at the mere memory of the show. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Using everything her parents had taught her about good business posture, she squared her shoulders, displaying full confidence. “I’m Lune,” she introduced herself, using the alias she had decided on before leaving home. She released her camera and held her hand out to the ringmistress to shake. She met the woman's brilliant blue gaze. “Lune Smithington. I was actually just looking for you. I wanted to talk to you. If you have the time,” she added almost grudgingly, dreading the idea she could be turned down here and now.
Elayra’s gaze turned back to Ghent. The White Knight bent his head and gripped the bridge of his nose, his teeth clenched as he tried to keep his breaths metered. Elayra took her own quick breath at the expression on Ghent’s face as he looked to the jerky. This couldn't end well. Trying to warn Ghent against whatever reaction he’d have to it, she jerked her head to Drust, eyes begging him to keep quiet. Alas, he apparently didn’t notice her. Or didn’t care. She raised an eyebrow as Ghent shifted off his backpack to his hands and knees, the unhooked cloak fluttering off his shoulders. She couldn’t help but smirk; he'd been just fine before he knew what he was eating. But what amusement she got out of watching him overreact came to an abrupt end. Drust looked to Ghent with a snarl as the boy groaned out his complaints. His neck twitched. The pulsating lines at the corners of his eyes had stretched out over his skin, just visible in the gray morning light. Inhaling, her heart quickening, Elayra reached to draw her sword. But Drust was faster. In the span of two long, quick strides, the Knight closed the space between him and Ghent. He gripped the back of the boy’s neck and wrenched him up. Not giving him time to retaliate, Drust pressed his free arm across Ghent’s chest and pulled the boy’s back into him, his hold tight. His opposite gloved hand adjusted to clamp over Ghent’s mouth, cutting him off from spouting out any focus words. Elayra stood, frozen, in front of the two, her blue saber held uselessly before her. The red in Drust’s eyes pulsated with the lines on his face. The Curse had yet to completely consume him, the veined red of his irises still threatening to overtake his pupils, but that brought her little comfort. “Drust,” she tried, softly, struggling to keep her voice firm and even. She took a slow half-step toward the two. “He didn't—” “Silence, girl!” he snarled, a menacing, gravely undertone threatening to take over his voice. His gaze flicked to her feet as she moved to take another cautious step toward him. “Stay!” Elayra stopped. She glanced between Drust’s and Ghent’s faces. Disobedience meant risking further provocation. She grit her teeth and swallowed. Drust had been willing to go for the kill with Ghent in his Cursed state the previous night. If he lost to the Curse now, he could easily snap the boy’s neck before she could so much as twitch to help. “Chocolate won’t sustain you,” Drust growled down at Ghent. His head twitched again, and his fingers involuntarily curled, claw-like, at Ghent’s face, digging into his cheek. “The luxuries you had on Earth are gone, boy. That toad is all we could manage that wouldn’t spoil. Refuse what food we have. And you’ll die.” With visible effort, Drust forced himself to release Ghent. He transferred his hand from the boy’s mouth back to behind his neck, and shoved Ghent away from him, hard. Elayra took the opportunity to hurry toward Ghent. She kept her sword raised, ready to defend him against Drust if the Knight fully snapped. “Adapt, boy,” he snarled, glowering at Ghent. His fists trembled slightly at his sides. “Or you won’t survive Wonderland.” Drust turned from the teens. Head bent, he again gripped the bridge of his nose, his breaths heavy. “Gather your things.” Keeping his back to his charges, Drust returned to his pack and katana. He knelt in front of them, but didn’t reach for them. He clenched and unclenched a fist at his side, the other tangling in his messy dark hair. Elayra watched him for a moment as he tried to steady his breathing. She glanced to Ghent as she reached up to unhook her cloak with her empty hand. “You alright?” she half-whispered, not daring to let her guard down quite yet. She tossed her cloak in the general direction of her pack, fully freeing her movements. Just in case.
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[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOvaPmnvwfo&ab_channel=TheMelodiousNocturn[/youtube][/center]
[h2]Click Here at Your Own Risk:[/h2]
[hider=Introduction][img]https://i.imgur.com/V9r4Cn4.png[/img]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8crUwn3.gif[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/RJebQce.png?1[/img][/center]
[color=gray][b]Previously Known As:[/b][/color] Siaya Dragalorn
[color=gray][b]Call Me:[/b][/color] Riven. What, expecting something else?
[color=gray][b]Phonetic Pronunciation:[/b][/color] [i]rih[/i]-vin whyte (like the color)
[color=gray][b]Time Zone:[/b][/color] Central Standard Time (CT) (GMT-6).
[color=gray][b]Active Hours:[/b][/color] I'm an insomniac with an unpredictable schedule. While I prefer being on graveyard shift hours, it changes regularly. Long story short, there's no predicting what time or days I'll be active on here.
[color=gray][b]Country:[/b][/color] United States of America
[b][color=gray]Age:[/color][/b] How rude! But if it matters to you, I'm over 21.
[b][color=gray]Writing/Play-by-Post Experience:[/color][/b] Well over a decade for both.
[b][color=gray]Likes + Hobbies:[/color][/b] Reading. Writing. The night. Most things fantasy and paranormal. Collecting things (I think I'm part dragon). Crafting. Gaming (PlayStation for the win!). Anime (though I don't watch as much as I'd like). Wandering old cemeteries. Night walks...
[b][color=gray]Personality:[/color][/b] *Laughs manically.* Personality? Do you really wish to know the [i]personality[/i] of someone without a heart?
Yes?
*Sighs.* Very well, then. I'll recognize there's an advantage in knowing what you're getting into.
To try and put me simply, I'm an old soul, and yet I have a semi-teenage personality wrapped in a body occasionally required to masquerade as the adult society says it is. Perhaps sharing a connection to that, I favor media in the Children's/YA sections, including with my own writing. But I'm not opposed to [i]certain,[/i] more "adult" themes; I'm a sucker for tastefully dark, violent stories that likely fit more into "New Adult" than YA, but we'll save that for the "Preferences" hider below.
[b][color=gray]Other:[/color][/b] ~ If you want to chat and/or roleplay, feel free to message me!
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[img]https://i.imgur.com/bSjkdrQ.gif[/img]
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Rise of the Guardians
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] The Flash
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Nightmare Before Christmas
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Harry Potter
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Merlin (2008)
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Warehouse 13
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Stranger Things
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Spirited Away
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Howl's Moving Castle
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Avatar: The Last Airbender
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Trollhunters (Tales of Arcadia)
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Jackie Chan Adventures
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Teen Titans (2003-'06)
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] My Hero Academia
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Yona of the Dawn
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Death Note
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] The Legend of Dragoon
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Persona 5
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] The World Ends with You
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Final Fantasy
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Kingdom Hearts (*Gasp!* Such a [i]shocker![/i])
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Little Nightmares 1 + 2
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Rising of the Shield Hero
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Shadows House [/center]
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[img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/b7a2ec8bb931bbd0b6269344d7aa8810/tumblr_pstzh2j9gm1tvvsht_400.gif[/img]
Because they can make for interesting conversation starters.
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Bladed weapons
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Button pins
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Books
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Masks
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Enamel Pins
[color=gray][b]~[/b][/color] Crystals[/right]
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[/hider]
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[h2]Click Here at Your Own Risk:[/h2]
[hider=Roleplay Preferences]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/qoth5Oj.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/GnYWhpC.gif[/img]
[color=gray][b]1x1:[/b][/color] Open! PM me if you're interested!
[color=gray][b]Group:[/b][/color] Probably not, but thanks for the thought.
[color=gray][b]PMs/DMs:[/b][/color] I [u]do not[/u] roleplay this way, but am always up for chatting!
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[img]https://i.imgur.com/O9E2hXz.gif[/img]
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][/color]None at the moment, but if you have an idea that might fit our matching preferences, feel free to message me! [/right]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/ntjvhI1.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/yaDvzeY.gif[/img]
[b][color=gray]As of 1/11/24:[/color][/b]
[color=gray][b]D[/b][/color]epression and life in general has been hitting me with a flaming war hammer.
[color=gray][b]I[/b][/color]'m currently prone to vanishing without warning, and posting is unpredictable.
[color=gray][b]I[/b][/color]f you can put up with that, by all means, send me a message!
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[img]https://i.imgur.com/fePs5Fw.gif[/img]
(Sorry, I know it's long. What can I say? I know what I like--and [i]don't[/i] like.)
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[color=gray][b]~ Main Character Gender:[/b][/color] No preference. I'll gladly play a main male or female character! No doubling necessary.
[color=gray][b]~ Partner RL Gender:[/b][/color] As long as you can write decently for the gender (and creature) you want to write for, and are respectful, you could be a hippopotamus wraith living on Jupiter for all I care.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Multiple Main and/or Side Characters?[/b][/color] Yes to both! I can be equally content writing for a semi-larger group of characters, or playing only a single MC. I do prefer keeping it small on the MC front (two to three in my control, max), but can do as many side/secondary characters as the story needs!
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Writing POV and Tense:[/b][/color] Third-person past-tense. This is both my typical style, and what I'd like from a RP partner. First-person POV would be weird for a RP to me, and present-tense writing tends to annoy me. Nothing wrong with it, per say, it's just not something I care for.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Character Age:[/b][/color] Various. My favored MC age (or appeared age) range tends to 15-19, but I do write for characters 20+. Especially if there's plans for lots of glorious violence that would be plain awkward for an "adult" to write happening to a bunch of characters whose "actual age" is under 18.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b]Driver, Shotgun, or Passenger?[/color] All, mental capacity allowing. I can GM a story on my own, co-GM, or let my partner take the driver's seat while my character(s) causes chaos from the backseat.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Genres:[/b][/color] [u]Favored:[/u] Fantasy, paranormal/supernatural horror, fairy tale, superhero. [u]With a Side Of:[/u] Adventure, suspense, mystery, action, drama, magic. [u]But Not:[/u] Hard sci-fy, solely slice-of-life, erotica, canon fandom.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Cannon or Originals:[/b][/color] I will NOT write for cannon characters or plots. I'm all for "Inspired By," or "Based On," though!
[b][color=gray]~ Swearing:[/color][/b] I'd appreciate PG-13-ish in IC. I don't cuss IRL and would be happier if more media avoided it, but I'd be a hypocrite to request an abstinence if it's your typical style, what with the media I consume.
[b][color=gray]~ Sex/Smut:[/color][/b] [i][u]NO.[/u][/i] If you absolutely need smut in your RPs, then we're NOT a match. I don't even lead characters to a "fade to black" point, neither in a RP nor my personal writings. As a sex-repulsed asexual, I don't write sex scenarios. Period. I adore romance (see below), and this doesn't necessarily rule out semi-intimate physical scenes, but my characters' undies stay on. My characters tend to lean more toward Old-Timey chaste. Basically, PG content by modern standards, here, by for me. [i]Maybe[/i] low-end PG-13.
[b][color=gray]~ But, Romance? Love Interests?![/color][/b] Romance and sex are NOT the same thing! I adore the presence of a REALISTIC love interest for characters. But not having romance/love interests wouldn't be a deal breaker, either; if it forms between characters, then great! If it doesn't, then also great! It's story (and general character interactions) over romance in these things for me.
[color=gray][b]~ General Nudity:[/b][/color] PG-13. I can tolerate non-sex-based nudity if it's [i]absolutely pertinent[/i] to the story/situation, though it tends to be uncomfortable for me, and I'd request that you don't go into details. Ask yourself, "Would it change anything important if this character wasn't completely nude?" If the answer is 'no,' it's unnecessary in my book--which, honestly, is 99.99% of the time.
[color=gray][b]~ Gore and Violence:[/b][/color] YES, please! As long as it fits the characters and story we're telling, BRING ON THE BLOOD AND AGONY! Ahem, literarily speaking, of course. I enjoy physically (and mentally) torturing characters more than what's probably healthy, and like reading about, writing for, and RPing alongside a partner's cruel characters.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Other Mature Themes:[/b][/color] I'm okay with the presence of most other "mature/adult" themes not directly mentioned here. Though, that may depend on how, exactly, they come into play in the story.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Eras of Interest:[/b][/color] Modern, medieval, renaissance, Victorian, mixed, made-up.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Gender Pairings:[/b][/color] [u]Romance Potential:[/u] MxF only. I don't care which I write for in that role. [u]Just Friends:[/u] Any pairing.
[color=gray][b]~ Writing Level:[/b][/color] Advanced/literate. And not just because of how long my posts can get. Word count isn't everything, dontchya know?
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Usual Post Length:[/b][/color] Situational. On average, expect no fewer than 200 words, while I've hit 1,500+ with story-heavy and/or loner posts. As a rule of thumb, the more you give me to work with, the more I'll give back.
[color=gray][b]~ Requested Partner Post Length:[/b][/color] Situational. I request my partners be capable of [i]somewhat[/i] matching when circumstances allow. But sometimes the situation only requires a small number of words, especially in conversations between characters or other close PC interactions. When in doubt, as they say, quality over quantity! However, I [i]can't stand[/i] one-liners, or constantly short, static posts. Avoid those, and we'll be fine.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Grammar and Spelling:[/b][/color] I ask that a RP partner have basic English grammar and writing skills. I like understanding what I'm reading. But I won't turn into a grammar police officer on you--unless you ask me to.
[color=gray][b]~ [/b][b]Roleplay Medium:[/b][/color] Exclusively forum threads. Why? They're wonderfully organized, the "Subscribe" option lets me keep everything in one place, it shows when a post has been edited so I know I should go back and reread it, and it's near impossible to hit the Guild's character maximum with a normal post.
[color=gray][b]~ Posting Speed:[/b][/color] Some days I can do one or more, others one a week, and yet others one a month+. Depends on, well, everything.
[color=gray][b]~ Partner Posting Frequency:[/b][/color] As long as I know you're still interested, I really don't care. Take your time. This is for [i]fun,[/i] not something that should be stressed over! If I like our story, I won't bail on you for slow posting.
[color=gray][b]~ OOC Chat:[/b][/color] Not a requirement for me beyond plotting, but encouraged; I enjoy getting to know the mind behind the characters!
[color=gray][b]~ Other:[/b][/color] >> I'm pretty ghost-friendly. It isn't fun to be left hanging, of course, but I quite understand that life doesn't always give you the chance to say something to a partner before it rips you apart. If you come back, don't feel too guilty to message me, be it to RP or just chat! Chances are, I've been a bit worried about you. But no offence taken if you don't!
>> Don't feel shy to give me pointers with my writing! While I look at roleplays as one giant, beautiful mess of a rough draft, I LOVE getting well-intended feedback with my writing.
>> I typically create long and overly detailed character profiles, but note that this isn't something I require of my partner. What matters is that YOU know your character well, while I know what I need to know. I just want to warn you! If you want to know what you'd be getting into with there, click [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/189349-rivens-brain-children/ooc]here[/url] for my character vault on the Guild.
[color=gray][b]~ Want a Writing Sample?[/b][/color] Then click the below hider for an example of an opening IC post.
[hider=Writing Sample]
. Calrin crouched in front of the Noble’s weapons’ cabinet. His dark blue jeans tightened to accent his leg muscles, his bare chest showing off his toned upper body. Dark blue tribal tattoos on his arms licked toward his chest and shoulder blades, stopping just short of each on either respective side.
The cabinet before him was crowded with various weapons, from swords and spears to a couple historical guns tucked securely in the corner.
Emphasis on [i]securely.[/i]
Though disabled now, even Calrin could sense the residue of its protective enchantments. Though that alone should have been enough to deter most thieves, it had at least five different locks keeping the door of the main cabinet secured, with the same number on the small drawer in front of him. The ones on the drawer even required enchanted keys to unlock.
And yet, somehow, the Stardust Phantom had broken through all of it, disabling the ones on the drawer, while leaving no trace of himself behind.
Five identical daggers rested side-by-side on the velvet lining of the drawer. In one space where a sixth dagger should have been, there was nothing but pebbly sand.
Nothing but [i]‘stardust,’[/i] as it had been labeled.
The glittery substance glowed with a faint silvery light in the shadows of the drawer. Each 'star' winked and flickered, as if mocking Calrin and the avorian Noble the dagger had belonged to.
Calrin scooped up the handful of the Stardust Phantom’s calling card. As he looked at it, a few of the pebbles winked out, leaving only what looked like glittery black goldstone.
He tipped his hand, eyeing the stardust as it shifted. He jerked his head, clearing his vision of his blond bangs, and shifted his dusk-blue gaze to the cabinet.
All those weapons, and the thief had only taken a single dagger. He’d known exactly what he was after.
He always did.
Calrin took a breath and closed his eyes. He had to be certain. Though copycats were few and far between as of yet, they were still out there.
He reached into the metaphysical realm where dreams and magic cross. His body shimmered, losing some of its definition into a coppery haze. The tattoos on his arms almost seemed to glow, their lines blurring with the rest of him.
Though general magic wasn’t his expertise, he’d spent enough time around its users to be capable of sensing its presence if he tried hard enough, even pick out familiar signatures. To his dismay, the other bits of magic saturating the house were overwhelming, turning into an indistinguishable mass.
He grunted frustratedly. His brows furled as he focused harder on the stardust. Though the other magic auras were nearly all the same to him, he’d since familiarized himself with the true Stardust Phantom’s calling card.
Finally, he managed it. Though it was fading, and fast, the flitty, mischievous aura of fae magic was unmistakable. It mingled with the twang of human meddling, chemicals the faery magic corroded beyond scientific recognition. In turn, the human chemicals burned away the defining characteristics of the fae magic, making it impossible to tell which Fae Court the magic-user belonged to, even if Calrin had been apt enough in standard magic to sense that himself.
Calrin released the partial link to the more abstract realm, and his form solidified. A grin spread over his lips; this was, without a doubt, the work of the Stardust Phantom.
“So?” Evara, the victimized Noble, asked from behind him, her voice twittering and musical. “Was it really [i]him?[/i]” She finished in a heated whisper.
Calrin nodded. “You said you found it missing a day ago?” he confirmed, pouring the stardust from one palm to the other. That seemed right, compared to the strength of the fading aura and glow.
“About that, yes.”
His grin widened. This was the quickest he’d managed to hear about one of the Phantom’s thefts. Which meant that the thief might not be too far out of town yet. Or, if Calrin was lucky, perhaps the thief was still here.
“Did he take anything else?” Calrin asked without looking from the stardust.
“Some money I’d left out. Nothing else of such value. Nothing that can be traced.”
“The Enforcers already tried to scry for the dagger?”
“Twice! But something’s concealing it!” She huffed her frustrations. “Is it true what they say? That he’s nothing but a [i]human?[/i]” She spat the word as if it was the foulest of insults.
“As far as anyone can tell, yes.” He straightened and faced the avorian.
Evara Airlar scowled at the stardust as he trickled it again from one hand back to the other. Feathers in the browns and whites of a falcon sprouted from her head, flowing down like a bobbed haircut. Though she had the face of a human, her features were sharp, her eyes deep brown with pupils disconcertingly larger than a human’s.
A pair of feathered wings tucked into her sides, protruding from the open back of a designer halter top. She crossed her feather-speckled arms over her chest, her fingers tipped with avian claws.
“Filthy vermin, the lot of them!” she spat, her wings twitching with her irritation. “I’ve put the Enforcers on it, but they’re incompetent buffoons!” She threw a hand and wing up exasperatedly. “Can’t even find a single thief, let alone that nuisance cluster of local rebels that—!”
She cut herself off, eyes widening as she remembered who, exactly, she was speaking to. She swiftly bowed her head, hands folding in front of her as if in prayer. “Forgive me, m’lord. I shouldn’t be burdening you with such troubles. This isn’t your territory to worry about.”
Calrin waved the apology away. “The burdens of one are lighter when carried by the shoulders of all!”
The woman smiled at him. “Eloquently put.”
He winked his thanks, though he couldn't take credit for it. It was something his late sister had been fond of saying. The people seemed to love it, so he'd adopted it.
“The thief got the real one?” He nodded to the open drawer. “The rest are just decoys?”
“Yes, Lord Ba’alrin.”
“Please, call me Rin.” He smiled warmly at her. “This is hardly a formal visit! The Enforcers are skilled, but I’m as vexed as you about why they haven’t caught this pest.” He exaggerated a frown at the dust as it trickled through the bottom of his fist. “Might I keep this?” He nodded to the stardust.
“Yes, yes. It’s worthless, but yes.”
He gave her another charming smile. “Many thanks, Lady Airlar!” He opened a small bag at his belt, careful to make sure the Noble didn’t see the contents. He trickled the pebbly sand inside it, letting the glowing bits join the collection of now dark stones he’d collected from other crime scenes.
He straightened, then offered the Noble a deep bow. “I thank you for allowing me into your home under such short notice, good Lady!”
Evara twittered at his show of formality despite his own request. That he was shirtless and shoeless paired with his physique to paint a perfect picture of the Nomadic Prince.
“The pleasure has been mine, Lor—Rin.” She curtseyed as well as her pencil skirt allowed. Her wings flared slightly beside her.
He started through the manor house to the front door.
“Won’t you stay for lunch?” Evara asked, following him. “Or perhaps some tea, at the least? It wouldn’t take our cook long to prepare some refreshments for your trouble! It’s the least I could do to thank you for coming all this way.”
“That’s generous of you, but no.” He stopped at the grand front door. Sunlight filtered in through a stained-glass window near it’s top. It glinted on the copper-inscribed black torc around his throat. “Sadly, I have business to conduct elsewhere.”
“Of course.”
He collected his pair of leather riding boots from beside the door, and slipped them on.
“Should you need anything,” Evara went on as he opened the door, letting in the afternoon sunlight, “don’t hesitate to call on us!”
“You’ll be the first I come to, dear Lady!” He smiled dashingly, gave her another flourishing bow, then left.
The mild warmth and blossoming scents of late spring filled the air. The Noble’s manor took up most of one side of the street. Other grand houses found space further down the road. Lawn mowers rumbled as human servants and slaves tended to the gardens of their supernatural betters.
Calrin upheld his trained posture and regal stride until, at last, he was out of the line of sight of the Noble's house.
He breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing his posture. Though Evara wasn't so bad as far as the Nobles went, he was happy to leave her presence.
He reached into the pouch at his belt and removed a small bit of the stardust. He couldn’t tell in the light if he’d gotten any of the pebbles that still retained their glow, but it didn’t matter.
He wasn’t entirely sure [i]why[/i] he was still keeping it. It really was worthless. It wasn’t enough to trace the origin of the thief, the fae magic scrubbing the traces of its owner away, and it had no monetary value. Yet, Calrin found it intriguing. Its existence felt like a challenge. A challenge he was quite eager to accept.
He shook it around in his palm as he walked, thinking.
Though he refused to admit it, he'd been obsessed with finding the Phantom since he first heard the rumors. Though the Houses had done their best to prevent the knowledge of this thief from spreading, especially among the human population, spread it had. There had even been speculation that the Phantom was working with a popular rebel group, the Diamond Templar, though the validity of that was yet unproven.
Despite the Phantom’s crimes, Calrin couldn’t help but admire the thief. It took no small amount of both skill and talent to do the things this thief had accomplished. Yes, the thief had to have at least one supernatural accomplice to create the stardust and to have evaded capture for so long, but still, even with aid, he'd accomplished things that should have been impossible for a human, help or no.
Calrin could only hope that [i]he[/i] found the culprit first. A human like that could be of more use alive than dead if in the right hands. And not just for interrogation purposes.
Now, he just had to figure out where the Stardust Phantom would strike next, and get there first. Though the Phantom’s thefts had seemed random at first, recently, Calrin had started to notice a subtle pattern. If he was correct, he had a vague idea of what the Phantom would go after next.
Now, if only he could figure out [i]where[/i] the next target was, along with the possible ‘what.’
He ground the stardust against his palm with his fingers. He needed information. Obscure information that, regrettably, even Evara couldn’t provide. The Noble hadn’t even really known what [i]she[/i] had, only that it was an ancient family heirloom.
Calrin had been content to let her think that that was all it was. After all, he only [i]suspected[/i] it was more than just an old magical trinket. He couldn’t be sure without seeing the real thing. As far as he knew, it could be nothing more than a wild goose chase.
As it was, there were two places you were guaranteed to find even the most elusive of information: a library, and a pub.
Of the two, Calrin much preferred doing his research at pubs. And he had just the place in mind.
He dripped the stardust back into the pouch. With his next step, his body evaporated into a puff of copper smoke, vanishing as he left the physical realm behind. The houses around him turned into ghosts of their physical forms, the emotions of the people inside tickling at his senses as tangible things, not just ideas.
In his gaseous state, he shot through the warped streets of the Dreamscape. For now, it was fairly quiet. This city had very few nocturnal creatures taking up residence, their and their staff's dreams distant wisps twanging at the web of this realm.
With the twisted time of the Dreamscape, it took only moments before he found himself outside a pub he’d heard good things about.
With another swirl of smoke, Calrin reformed in the physical plane across the street from the pub. The noise of people always hit the hardest when he came back from the relative quiet of the Dreamscape.
People swarmed about on lunchtime breaks between the brick buildings around him. A passing dwarf in a stained business suit cursed and startled away at Calrin’s sudden appearance. Recognition flashed in the gruff man’s eyes. He belted out a curt apology, then hobbled on his way.
Designed to retain an old-world feel, even the magic-fed street lanterns of this business district looked like they came from another era, each one meticulously forged with the likeness of dragons and other spindly creatures wrapping them.
A lazy smile played across his face. Now [i]this[/i] was where he'd rather be, not some stuffy Noble's estate. Nobles might have the funds for finery and extravagant galas, but the citizens were the ones who really knew how to have a good time.
Calrin crossed the cobblestone street to the pub. A sign hung outside the door in the shape of a skull, displaying the pub's name: The Drunken Skull. Keeping to the theme, the door’s handle was a brass skull. A few large crystalline skulls peered out from the door itself, giving glimpses of light and movement from the inside.
Pulling the door open by the handle's mouth, he entered the familiar fray of a pub in the raucous throws of lunch-hour.[/hider]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3[/img][/center]
[b][color=gray]D[/color][/b]ang, you're still here after all that? You deserve a treat for sticking round!
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/hsGZnJX.gif[/img][/center]
[color=gray][b]I[/b][/color]f you have any interest, even vaguely, don't hesitate to contact me! The worst I can do is say no. Hope to hear from you!
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/4hWNt64.gif[/img][/center][/hider]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3[/img][/center]
[center][h1]It was so... [i]kind[/i] of you to stop by.[/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/j0Xku1K.gif[/img][/center]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RJyFv7T.png" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jsheRX6.gif" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><iframe src="//youtube.com/embed/QOvaPmnvwfo?theme=dark" frameborder="0" width="496" height="279" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br><div class="bb-h2">Click Here at Your Own Risk:</div><br><div class="hider-panel"><div class="hider-heading"><button type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-xs hider-button" data-name="Introduction">Introduction [+]</button></div><div class="hider-body" style="display: none"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/V9r4Cn4.png" /><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8crUwn3.gif" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RJebQce.png?1" /></div><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Previously Known As:</span></font> Siaya Dragalorn<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Call Me:</span></font> Riven. What, expecting something else?<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Phonetic Pronunciation:</span></font> <span class="bb-i">rih</span>-vin whyte (like the color)<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Time Zone:</span></font> Central Standard Time (CT) (GMT-6).<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Active Hours:</span></font> I'm an insomniac with an unpredictable schedule. While I prefer being on graveyard shift hours, it changes regularly. Long story short, there's no predicting what time or days I'll be active on here.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Country:</span></font> United States of America<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">Age:</font></span> How rude! But if it matters to you, I'm over 21.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">Writing/Play-by-Post Experience:</font></span> Well over a decade for both.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">Likes + Hobbies:</font></span> Reading. Writing. The night. Most things fantasy and paranormal. Collecting things (I think I'm part dragon). Crafting. Gaming (PlayStation for the win!). Anime (though I don't watch as much as I'd like). Wandering old cemeteries. Night walks...<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">Personality:</font></span> *Laughs manically.* Personality? Do you really wish to know the <span class="bb-i">personality</span> of someone without a heart?<br> Yes?<br> *Sighs.* Very well, then. I'll recognize there's an advantage in knowing what you're getting into.<br> To try and put me simply, I'm an old soul, and yet I have a semi-teenage personality wrapped in a body occasionally required to masquerade as the adult society says it is. Perhaps sharing a connection to that, I favor media in the Children's/YA sections, including with my own writing. But I'm not opposed to <span class="bb-i">certain,</span> more "adult" themes; I'm a sucker for tastefully dark, violent stories that likely fit more into "New Adult" than YA, but we'll save that for the "Preferences" hider below.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">Other:</font></span> ~ If you want to chat and/or roleplay, feel free to message me!<br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/oKVvwzz.png" /><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/bSjkdrQ.gif" /><br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Rise of the Guardians<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> The Flash<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Nightmare Before Christmas<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Harry Potter<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Merlin (2008)<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Warehouse 13<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Stranger Things<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Spirited Away<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Howl's Moving Castle<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Avatar: The Last Airbender<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Trollhunters (Tales of Arcadia)<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Jackie Chan Adventures<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Teen Titans (2003-'06)<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> My Hero Academia<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Yona of the Dawn<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Death Note<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> The Legend of Dragoon<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Persona 5<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> The World Ends with You<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Final Fantasy<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Kingdom Hearts (*Gasp!* Such a <span class="bb-i">shocker!</span>)<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Little Nightmares 1 + 2<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Rising of the Shield Hero<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Shadows House</div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-right"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UsRJvcK.png" /><br><br><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b7a2ec8bb931bbd0b6269344d7aa8810/tumblr_pstzh2j9gm1tvvsht_400.gif" /><br><br>Because they can make for interesting conversation starters.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Bladed weapons<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Button pins<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Books<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Masks<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Enamel Pins<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~</span></font> Crystals</div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4dePkyv.gif" /></div></div></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6HGd4BT.png" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1mwxAXC.gif" /></div><br><div class="bb-h2">Click Here at Your Own Risk:</div><br><div class="hider-panel"><div class="hider-heading"><button type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-xs hider-button" data-name="Roleplay Preferences">Roleplay Preferences [+]</button></div><div class="hider-body" style="display: none"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qoth5Oj.png" /><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GnYWhpC.gif" /><br><br>	<font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">1x1:</span></font> Open! PM me if you're interested!<br>	<font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">Group:</span></font> Probably not, but thanks for the thought.<br>	<font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">PMs/DMs:</span></font> I <span class="bb-u">do not</span> roleplay this way, but am always up for chatting!<br><br><div class="bb-right"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Dfvs5bh.png" /><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/O9E2hXz.gif" /><br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span></font>None at the moment, but if you have an idea that might fit our matching preferences, feel free to message me!</div><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ntjvhI1.png" /><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/yaDvzeY.gif" /><br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">As of 1/11/24:</font></span><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">D</span></font>epression and life in general has been hitting me with a flaming war hammer.<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">I</span></font>'m currently prone to vanishing without warning, and posting is unpredictable.<br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">I</span></font>f you can put up with that, by all means, send me a message!<br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/0xp8D16.png" /><br><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fePs5Fw.gif" /><br><br>(Sorry, I know it's long. What can I say? I know what I like--and <span class="bb-i">don't</span> like.)</div><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Main Character Gender:</span></font> No preference. I'll gladly play a main male or female character! No doubling necessary.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Partner RL Gender:</span></font> As long as you can write decently for the gender (and creature) you want to write for, and are respectful, you could be a hippopotamus wraith living on Jupiter for all I care.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Multiple Main and/or Side Characters?</span></font> Yes to both! I can be equally content writing for a semi-larger group of characters, or playing only a single MC. I do prefer keeping it small on the MC front (two to three in my control, max), but can do as many side/secondary characters as the story needs!<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Writing POV and Tense:</span></font> Third-person past-tense. This is both my typical style, and what I'd like from a RP partner. First-person POV would be weird for a RP to me, and present-tense writing tends to annoy me. Nothing wrong with it, per say, it's just not something I care for.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Character Age:</span></font> Various. My favored MC age (or appeared age) range tends to 15-19, but I do write for characters 20+. Especially if there's plans for lots of glorious violence that would be plain awkward for an "adult" to write happening to a bunch of characters whose "actual age" is under 18.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span>Driver, Shotgun, or Passenger?</font> All, mental capacity allowing. I can GM a story on my own, co-GM, or let my partner take the driver's seat while my character(s) causes chaos from the backseat.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Genres:</span></font> <span class="bb-u">Favored:</span> Fantasy, paranormal/supernatural horror, fairy tale, superhero. <span class="bb-u">With a Side Of:</span> Adventure, suspense, mystery, action, drama, magic. <span class="bb-u">But Not:</span> Hard sci-fy, solely slice-of-life, erotica, canon fandom.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Cannon or Originals:</span></font> I will NOT write for cannon characters or plots. I'm all for "Inspired By," or "Based On," though!<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">~ Swearing:</font></span> I'd appreciate PG-13-ish in IC. I don't cuss IRL and would be happier if more media avoided it, but I'd be a hypocrite to request an abstinence if it's your typical style, what with the media I consume.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">~ Sex/Smut:</font></span> <span class="bb-i"><span class="bb-u">NO.</span></span> If you absolutely need smut in your RPs, then we're NOT a match. I don't even lead characters to a "fade to black" point, neither in a RP nor my personal writings. As a sex-repulsed asexual, I don't write sex scenarios. Period. I adore romance (see below), and this doesn't necessarily rule out semi-intimate physical scenes, but my characters' undies stay on. My characters tend to lean more toward Old-Timey chaste. Basically, PG content by modern standards, here, by for me. <span class="bb-i">Maybe</span> low-end PG-13.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">~ But, Romance? Love Interests?!</font></span> Romance and sex are NOT the same thing! I adore the presence of a REALISTIC love interest for characters. But not having romance/love interests wouldn't be a deal breaker, either; if it forms between characters, then great! If it doesn't, then also great! It's story (and general character interactions) over romance in these things for me.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ General Nudity:</span></font> PG-13. I can tolerate non-sex-based nudity if it's <span class="bb-i">absolutely pertinent</span> to the story/situation, though it tends to be uncomfortable for me, and I'd request that you don't go into details. Ask yourself, "Would it change anything important if this character wasn't completely nude?" If the answer is 'no,' it's unnecessary in my book--which, honestly, is 99.99% of the time.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Gore and Violence:</span></font> YES, please! As long as it fits the characters and story we're telling, BRING ON THE BLOOD AND AGONY! Ahem, literarily speaking, of course. I enjoy physically (and mentally) torturing characters more than what's probably healthy, and like reading about, writing for, and RPing alongside a partner's cruel characters. <br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Other Mature Themes:</span></font> I'm okay with the presence of most other "mature/adult" themes not directly mentioned here. Though, that may depend on how, exactly, they come into play in the story.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Eras of Interest:</span></font> Modern, medieval, renaissance, Victorian, mixed, made-up.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Gender Pairings:</span></font> <span class="bb-u">Romance Potential:</span> MxF only. I don't care which I write for in that role. <span class="bb-u">Just Friends:</span> Any pairing.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Writing Level:</span></font> Advanced/literate. And not just because of how long my posts can get. Word count isn't everything, dontchya know?<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Usual Post Length:</span></font> Situational. On average, expect no fewer than 200 words, while I've hit 1,500+ with story-heavy and/or loner posts. As a rule of thumb, the more you give me to work with, the more I'll give back.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Requested Partner Post Length:</span></font> Situational. I request my partners be capable of <span class="bb-i">somewhat</span> matching when circumstances allow. But sometimes the situation only requires a small number of words, especially in conversations between characters or other close PC interactions. When in doubt, as they say, quality over quantity! However, I <span class="bb-i">can't stand</span> one-liners, or constantly short, static posts. Avoid those, and we'll be fine.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Grammar and Spelling:</span></font> I ask that a RP partner have basic English grammar and writing skills. I like understanding what I'm reading. But I won't turn into a grammar police officer on you--unless you ask me to.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ </span><span class="bb-b">Roleplay Medium:</span></font> Exclusively forum threads. Why? They're wonderfully organized, the "Subscribe" option lets me keep everything in one place, it shows when a post has been edited so I know I should go back and reread it, and it's near impossible to hit the Guild's character maximum with a normal post. <br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Posting Speed:</span></font> Some days I can do one or more, others one a week, and yet others one a month+. Depends on, well, everything.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Partner Posting Frequency:</span></font> As long as I know you're still interested, I really don't care. Take your time. This is for <span class="bb-i">fun,</span> not something that should be stressed over! If I like our story, I won't bail on you for slow posting.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ OOC Chat:</span></font> Not a requirement for me beyond plotting, but encouraged; I enjoy getting to know the mind behind the characters!<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Other:</span></font> >> I'm pretty ghost-friendly. It isn't fun to be left hanging, of course, but I quite understand that life doesn't always give you the chance to say something to a partner before it rips you apart. If you come back, don't feel too guilty to message me, be it to RP or just chat! Chances are, I've been a bit worried about you. But no offence taken if you don't!<br> >> Don't feel shy to give me pointers with my writing! While I look at roleplays as one giant, beautiful mess of a rough draft, I LOVE getting well-intended feedback with my writing.<br> >> I typically create long and overly detailed character profiles, but note that this isn't something I require of my partner. What matters is that YOU know your character well, while I know what I need to know. I just want to warn you! If you want to know what you'd be getting into with there, click <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/189349-rivens-brain-children/ooc">here</a> for my character vault on the Guild.<br><br><font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">~ Want a Writing Sample?</span></font> Then click the below hider for an example of an opening IC post.<br><div class="hider-panel"><div class="hider-heading"><button type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-xs hider-button" data-name="Writing Sample">Writing Sample [+]</button></div><div class="hider-body" style="display: none">.	Calrin crouched in front of the Noble’s weapons’ cabinet. His dark blue jeans tightened to accent his leg muscles, his bare chest showing off his toned upper body. Dark blue tribal tattoos on his arms licked toward his chest and shoulder blades, stopping just short of each on either respective side.<br>	The cabinet before him was crowded with various weapons, from swords and spears to a couple historical guns tucked securely in the corner.<br>	Emphasis on <span class="bb-i">securely.</span><br>	Though disabled now, even Calrin could sense the residue of its protective enchantments. Though that alone should have been enough to deter most thieves, it had at least five different locks keeping the door of the main cabinet secured, with the same number on the small drawer in front of him. The ones on the drawer even required enchanted keys to unlock.<br>	And yet, somehow, the Stardust Phantom had broken through all of it, disabling the ones on the drawer, while leaving no trace of himself behind.<br>	Five identical daggers rested side-by-side on the velvet lining of the drawer. In one space where a sixth dagger should have been, there was nothing but pebbly sand.<br>	Nothing but <span class="bb-i">‘stardust,’</span> as it had been labeled.<br>	The glittery substance glowed with a faint silvery light in the shadows of the drawer. Each 'star' winked and flickered, as if mocking Calrin and the avorian Noble the dagger had belonged to.<br>	Calrin scooped up the handful of the Stardust Phantom’s calling card. As he looked at it, a few of the pebbles winked out, leaving only what looked like glittery black goldstone.<br>	He tipped his hand, eyeing the stardust as it shifted. He jerked his head, clearing his vision of his blond bangs, and shifted his dusk-blue gaze to the cabinet.<br>	All those weapons, and the thief had only taken a single dagger. He’d known exactly what he was after.<br>	He always did.<br>	Calrin took a breath and closed his eyes. He had to be certain. Though copycats were few and far between as of yet, they were still out there. <br>	He reached into the metaphysical realm where dreams and magic cross. His body shimmered, losing some of its definition into a coppery haze. The tattoos on his arms almost seemed to glow, their lines blurring with the rest of him.<br>	Though general magic wasn’t his expertise, he’d spent enough time around its users to be capable of sensing its presence if he tried hard enough, even pick out familiar signatures. To his dismay, the other bits of magic saturating the house were overwhelming, turning into an indistinguishable mass.<br>	He grunted frustratedly. His brows furled as he focused harder on the stardust. Though the other magic auras were nearly all the same to him, he’d since familiarized himself with the true Stardust Phantom’s calling card.<br>	Finally, he managed it. Though it was fading, and fast, the flitty, mischievous aura of fae magic was unmistakable. It mingled with the twang of human meddling, chemicals the faery magic corroded beyond scientific recognition. In turn, the human chemicals burned away the defining characteristics of the fae magic, making it impossible to tell which Fae Court the magic-user belonged to, even if Calrin had been apt enough in standard magic to sense that himself.<br>	Calrin released the partial link to the more abstract realm, and his form solidified. A grin spread over his lips; this was, without a doubt, the work of the Stardust Phantom. <br>	“So?” Evara, the victimized Noble, asked from behind him, her voice twittering and musical. “Was it really <span class="bb-i">him?</span>” She finished in a heated whisper. <br>	Calrin nodded. “You said you found it missing a day ago?” he confirmed, pouring the stardust from one palm to the other. That seemed right, compared to the strength of the fading aura and glow.<br>	“About that, yes.”<br>	His grin widened. This was the quickest he’d managed to hear about one of the Phantom’s thefts. Which meant that the thief might not be too far out of town yet. Or, if Calrin was lucky, perhaps the thief was still here.<br>	“Did he take anything else?” Calrin asked without looking from the stardust.<br>	“Some money I’d left out. Nothing else of such value. Nothing that can be traced.”<br>	“The Enforcers already tried to scry for the dagger?”<br>	“Twice! But something’s concealing it!” She huffed her frustrations. “Is it true what they say? That he’s nothing but a <span class="bb-i">human?</span>” She spat the word as if it was the foulest of insults.<br>	“As far as anyone can tell, yes.” He straightened and faced the avorian. <br>	Evara Airlar scowled at the stardust as he trickled it again from one hand back to the other. Feathers in the browns and whites of a falcon sprouted from her head, flowing down like a bobbed haircut. Though she had the face of a human, her features were sharp, her eyes deep brown with pupils disconcertingly larger than a human’s.<br>	A pair of feathered wings tucked into her sides, protruding from the open back of a designer halter top. She crossed her feather-speckled arms over her chest, her fingers tipped with avian claws.<br>	“Filthy vermin, the lot of them!” she spat, her wings twitching with her irritation. “I’ve put the Enforcers on it, but they’re incompetent buffoons!” She threw a hand and wing up exasperatedly. “Can’t even find a single thief, let alone that nuisance cluster of local rebels that—!”<br>	She cut herself off, eyes widening as she remembered who, exactly, she was speaking to. She swiftly bowed her head, hands folding in front of her as if in prayer. “Forgive me, m’lord. I shouldn’t be burdening you with such troubles. This isn’t your territory to worry about.”<br>	Calrin waved the apology away. “The burdens of one are lighter when carried by the shoulders of all!”<br>	The woman smiled at him. “Eloquently put.”<br>	He winked his thanks, though he couldn't take credit for it. It was something his late sister had been fond of saying. The people seemed to love it, so he'd adopted it.<br>	“The thief got the real one?” He nodded to the open drawer. “The rest are just decoys?” <br>	“Yes, Lord Ba’alrin.”<br>	“Please, call me Rin.” He smiled warmly at her. “This is hardly a formal visit! The Enforcers are skilled, but I’m as vexed as you about why they haven’t caught this pest.” He exaggerated a frown at the dust as it trickled through the bottom of his fist. “Might I keep this?” He nodded to the stardust.<br>	“Yes, yes. It’s worthless, but yes.”<br>	He gave her another charming smile. “Many thanks, Lady Airlar!” He opened a small bag at his belt, careful to make sure the Noble didn’t see the contents. He trickled the pebbly sand inside it, letting the glowing bits join the collection of now dark stones he’d collected from other crime scenes.<br>	He straightened, then offered the Noble a deep bow. “I thank you for allowing me into your home under such short notice, good Lady!”<br>	Evara twittered at his show of formality despite his own request. That he was shirtless and shoeless paired with his physique to paint a perfect picture of the Nomadic Prince.<br>	“The pleasure has been mine, Lor—Rin.” She curtseyed as well as her pencil skirt allowed. Her wings flared slightly beside her.<br>	He started through the manor house to the front door.<br>	“Won’t you stay for lunch?” Evara asked, following him. “Or perhaps some tea, at the least? It wouldn’t take our cook long to prepare some refreshments for your trouble! It’s the least I could do to thank you for coming all this way.”<br>	“That’s generous of you, but no.” He stopped at the grand front door. Sunlight filtered in through a stained-glass window near it’s top. It glinted on the copper-inscribed black torc around his throat. “Sadly, I have business to conduct elsewhere.”<br>	“Of course.”<br>	He collected his pair of leather riding boots from beside the door, and slipped them on. <br>	“Should you need anything,” Evara went on as he opened the door, letting in the afternoon sunlight, “don’t hesitate to call on us!”<br>	“You’ll be the first I come to, dear Lady!” He smiled dashingly, gave her another flourishing bow, then left. <br>	The mild warmth and blossoming scents of late spring filled the air. The Noble’s manor took up most of one side of the street. Other grand houses found space further down the road. Lawn mowers rumbled as human servants and slaves tended to the gardens of their supernatural betters.<br>	Calrin upheld his trained posture and regal stride until, at last, he was out of the line of sight of the Noble's house. <br>	He breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing his posture. Though Evara wasn't so bad as far as the Nobles went, he was happy to leave her presence.<br>	He reached into the pouch at his belt and removed a small bit of the stardust. He couldn’t tell in the light if he’d gotten any of the pebbles that still retained their glow, but it didn’t matter.<br>	He wasn’t entirely sure <span class="bb-i">why</span> he was still keeping it. It really was worthless. It wasn’t enough to trace the origin of the thief, the fae magic scrubbing the traces of its owner away, and it had no monetary value. Yet, Calrin found it intriguing. Its existence felt like a challenge. A challenge he was quite eager to accept.<br>	He shook it around in his palm as he walked, thinking.<br>	Though he refused to admit it, he'd been obsessed with finding the Phantom since he first heard the rumors. Though the Houses had done their best to prevent the knowledge of this thief from spreading, especially among the human population, spread it had. There had even been speculation that the Phantom was working with a popular rebel group, the Diamond Templar, though the validity of that was yet unproven.<br>	Despite the Phantom’s crimes, Calrin couldn’t help but admire the thief. It took no small amount of both skill and talent to do the things this thief had accomplished. Yes, the thief had to have at least one supernatural accomplice to create the stardust and to have evaded capture for so long, but still, even with aid, he'd accomplished things that should have been impossible for a human, help or no.<br>	Calrin could only hope that <span class="bb-i">he</span> found the culprit first. A human like that could be of more use alive than dead if in the right hands. And not just for interrogation purposes.<br>	Now, he just had to figure out where the Stardust Phantom would strike next, and get there first. Though the Phantom’s thefts had seemed random at first, recently, Calrin had started to notice a subtle pattern. If he was correct, he had a vague idea of what the Phantom would go after next.<br>	Now, if only he could figure out <span class="bb-i">where</span> the next target was, along with the possible ‘what.’<br>	He ground the stardust against his palm with his fingers. He needed information. Obscure information that, regrettably, even Evara couldn’t provide. The Noble hadn’t even really known what <span class="bb-i">she</span> had, only that it was an ancient family heirloom.<br>	Calrin had been content to let her think that that was all it was. After all, he only <span class="bb-i">suspected</span> it was more than just an old magical trinket. He couldn’t be sure without seeing the real thing. As far as he knew, it could be nothing more than a wild goose chase.<br>	As it was, there were two places you were guaranteed to find even the most elusive of information: a library, and a pub. <br>	Of the two, Calrin much preferred doing his research at pubs. And he had just the place in mind.<br>	He dripped the stardust back into the pouch. With his next step, his body evaporated into a puff of copper smoke, vanishing as he left the physical realm behind. The houses around him turned into ghosts of their physical forms, the emotions of the people inside tickling at his senses as tangible things, not just ideas.<br>	In his gaseous state, he shot through the warped streets of the Dreamscape. For now, it was fairly quiet. This city had very few nocturnal creatures taking up residence, their and their staff's dreams distant wisps twanging at the web of this realm.<br>	With the twisted time of the Dreamscape, it took only moments before he found himself outside a pub he’d heard good things about.<br>	With another swirl of smoke, Calrin reformed in the physical plane across the street from the pub. The noise of people always hit the hardest when he came back from the relative quiet of the Dreamscape.<br>	People swarmed about on lunchtime breaks between the brick buildings around him. A passing dwarf in a stained business suit cursed and startled away at Calrin’s sudden appearance. Recognition flashed in the gruff man’s eyes. He belted out a curt apology, then hobbled on his way.<br>	Designed to retain an old-world feel, even the magic-fed street lanterns of this business district looked like they came from another era, each one meticulously forged with the likeness of dragons and other spindly creatures wrapping them.<br>	A lazy smile played across his face. Now <span class="bb-i">this</span> was where he'd rather be, not some stuffy Noble's estate. Nobles might have the funds for finery and extravagant galas, but the citizens were the ones who really knew how to have a good time.<br>	Calrin crossed the cobblestone street to the pub. A sign hung outside the door in the shape of a skull, displaying the pub's name: The Drunken Skull. Keeping to the theme, the door’s handle was a brass skull. A few large crystalline skulls peered out from the door itself, giving glimpses of light and movement from the inside.<br>	Pulling the door open by the handle's mouth, he entered the familiar fray of a pub in the raucous throws of lunch-hour.</div></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br>	<span class="bb-b"><font color="gray">D</font></span>ang, you're still here after all that? You deserve a treat for sticking round!<br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hsGZnJX.gif" /></div><br>	<font color="gray"><span class="bb-b">I</span></font>f you have any interest, even vaguely, don't hesitate to contact me! The worst I can do is say no. Hope to hear from you!<br><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4hWNt64.gif" /></div></div></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7QnMzQi.png?3" /></div><br><br><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h1">It was so... <span class="bb-i">kind</span> of you to stop by.</div><br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/j0Xku1K.gif" /></div></div>
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But, I quite like his thoughts, especially his, "You're welcome, by the way.. And that he's bitter, but smart enough to not saying anything at the moment. But man, I have a feeling it'll get interesting, depending on how/if that repressed bitterness manifests later on!
