Part of a new and exciting project, Darker than Black is the first in a new shared universe venture that will be conducted across the Roleplayer guild. Beginning in the fictional city of Justice, California and then traveling across the country and possibly the world, DTB is a crime thriller that takes a group of unsuspecting regular folk from their day to day lives and into the shadowy unknown.
Taking inspiration from the conspiracy thrillers of the 70’S, the art house style and action of the 80’s and with a little of a Tarantino/Rodriguez avante garde style thrown in for good measure. Darker than Black will take you on a journey deep into the darkness you wish didn’t exist. In a world akin to crime movies, graphic novels and even comics; the purpose of DTB is to be the starting point to build a shared RP world through deep inter-connecting storylines and character studies.
The overall idea is for DTB to be the first rp in a new shared universe of rpg's (think about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how each individual film connects with all the others) and hopefully it will produce more spin off rp's that can help expand the universe and they can be in any genre that is desired. It's ambitious we know but it'll be oh so fun.
Our Story Begins....
Peyton Glencross is dead.
Who is Peyton Glencross?
Young archaeology student Peyton Glencross had her whole life ahead of her. With a bright future in archaeology, a long term girlfriend and a loving family, the future was good. That was until her mentor, Professor Robert Gerard took on a new and mysterious job and asked Peyton to aid him. Nobody knows what the job was or what it entailed, all that is known is that Professor Gerard has been missing for six months and Peyton Glencross recently committed suicide in her room at the Boston Heights Brownstone Apartments.
Jessica Dallas “JD” Mason is fresh out of journalism school and ready to make her mark on the world. That is until she finds out that her long-time girlfriend Peyton is dead. Knowing her lover too well, JD finds it impossible to believe that she would kill herself. Moving to the city of Justice, California and into the quiet brownstone building named Boston Heights where Peyton once lived, she begins her career for Channel 4 and her investigation into the girl’s death. As she gets to know her new housemates and begins to settle at the Heights, JD uncovers a conspiracy that runs so deep, she must run for her life. Aided only by her new friends at the Heights and pursued by the mysterious Lodge of Juno, this intrepid reporter sets off on a wild cross country adventure to shine a light on a black truth and find whatever it is Peyton and Professor Gerard were looking for.
Overview
Location: The Fictional Town Of Justice, California Time Frame: Modern with Retro Feel - Neon Lights People! Rp Tags: Modern, Slice-Of-Life, High Casual, Advanced, Large Group, Crime, Thriller, Black Comedy, Murder Mystery Type Of RP: This is a throw back crime conspiracy drama. It will have a lot of twists and turns. There will be clues given in posts that you can keep track of to help solve the mysteries as they unfold. Now, something very important - CHARACTERS CAN AND WILL DIE! This will be done randomly when events arise. It can happen to anyone at anytime without warning. You have been warned and we suggest a back up character to pull into the fray if that happens. Age Requirements: Minimal age for characters is 21, Max age is 70.
Boston Heights
This building is pale blue in color, nearly the color of ice with black trims and a high born appearance on the outside.
1D - Sublevel * *
1A - Main Floor * *
1B - Second Level * *
1C - Top Floor * *
This building is similar to the Regal Building but is a dust rose in main color and looks a bit older on the outside.
2D - Sublevel * *
2A - Main Floor * *
2B - Second Level * *
2C - Top Floor * *
This building is pale yellow with brown trim in colors and looks a bit more like one would think the old Bronx would look like
3D - Sublevel * *
3A - Main Floor * *
3B - Second Level * *
3C - Top Floor * *
Rules
*Rules are enforced - they may seem strict and harsh but I am a fair Gm as long as communication remains open and honest and people do no take advantage.
Gm/CoGm Is God/Goddess
Gm/CoGm has final say on all matters
Gm/CoGm does check on posting and log in habits
CS Sheet Provided Must Be Used
Use code provided below
Do not submit WIP's - Final CS's only
Post CS for approval in OOC
Only GM approved CS's allowed in CS Tab
Change color code to one not in use
May not use default CS color, hot pink, white, red, a187be or 82ca9d (These are preclaimed) - Also, try to avoid colors that are hard to read against the background of the forum.
This is a slice of life rp
Real Life cause and effect will be in place
Realistic Character Sheets Only
Things like jobs and skills must fit with characters back story
Don't go overboard - seriously, enjoy not knowing things and learning as you go.
Language - No Filters
Gore - No Filters - This will get gross
Taboo subjects will be crossed but will be maintained to fade to black if needed
Romance is allowed but this is NOT a Romance RP - Pg-13, then fade to black
Follow All Forum Rules
Communication is Key
Posting Habits
Minimal of 2 well developed paragraphs per post
Must IC post once every 7 days (It is your job to keep up with when you need to post. Your last post hits Day 8 and we remove the character.)
I do not accept no inspiration as a reason not to post
Keep up with all IC and OOC posts
No word in IC or OOC after 7 days = your character got killed doing whatever stupid screw up we decide (In other words, you're out.)
No spamming OOC - Seriously, Lady A will gut you
Minimal 2 posts between your last
Know your personal posting limitations before applying to join
If you cannot post, you must contact the GM/CoGm and make them aware, you will be granted extra time to post (do not take advantage of this) - We realize real life comes first but you know your schedule better than anyone, if you join it is your responsibility to keep up and not hold up the rest of the Rpers. We will work with you, just let us know what's going on.
Spots are not first come first serve
Gm/CoGm will review completed CS first
Gm/CoGm will review previous Rp's and posting habits
Gm/CoGm will then notify you if you are approved
Character deaths will happen, no one is safe - it will be randomized and you will be notified when your death approaches. (This does not mean you are out of the RP, it will mean however you need to make a new character should you wish to continue - We recommend having Back Up Characters Ready)
We are looking for long term highly dedicated Rpers. This RP will branch out with others in time, so there may be RP cross over.
You may use characters from previous RP's
Previously used characters must be redone to fit current CS sheet
Previous RP relations are stripped clean
Once Cs's are approved, relation sheet will go up and must be completed and added to CS
Rules and Cs sheet will be added to and changed as need be depending on problems or points that come up.
Under Extras in your CS please post a link to a post you have done in the past to show you have read the rules. If You submit a CS without this it may be declined.
Special - To New Comers To The Guild - Pm The Gm/CoGm for a tid bit to add in that place instead.
Character Sheet
[hider] [hr.][hr.][h1][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Character Name[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1] [center][img]Character Image[/img][/center] [hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Character Summary[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]Name:[/color][/b](Full Name) [b][color=6ecff6]Aliases:[/color][/b](Nicknames, previous names, maiden names, etc.) [b][color=6ecff6]Age:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Birthday:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Ethnicity:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Birth Place:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Apartment Number:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Gender:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Major/Minor:[/color][/b] Place N/A if character did not attend college [b][color=6ecff6]Occupation:[/color][/b] (Give us what you do for a living, job title, employer) [b][color=6ecff6]Languages:[/color][/b] Max 2 (either fluent or learning - If you need more, you need to PM the GM to discuss all other languages before hand and explain why the character would know it.)
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Appearance[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]Height:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Weight:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Build:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Eyes:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Hair:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Skin Tone:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Tattoos/Scars/Piercings:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Personal Style:[/color][/b] Their most common choice of clothing
[b][color=6ecff6]Sexuality:[/color][/b] (What is there born sexuality even if they may not realize it yet) [b][color=6ecff6]Relationship Status:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Personality:[/color][/b] Minimal 2 paragraphs that tells us how the characters mind works [b][color=6ecff6]Habits:[/color][/b] Minimal 2 [b][color=6ecff6]Hobbies:[/color][/b] At least 1 [b][color=6ecff6]Fears:[/color][/b] 3 real fears that make your character unhinged - Other than Infection And Death [list][*] [*] [*][/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Likes:[/color][/b] 6 minimal [list][*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*][/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Dislikes:[/color][/b] 6 minimal [list][*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*][/list]
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Cards On The Table[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]General World Skills:[/color][/b] Max 5 - History must reflect these knowledge's - These are things like Driving (car, bike, etc.), Negotiation, Computers, Electronics, Security Systems, City Knowledge, Mafia Hang Outs, Mechanics, Breaking and Entering, Disguise, History, Book Knowledge's, and so forth [list] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Combat Skills:[/color][/b] Max 5 - History must reflect knowing these - Keep it grounded in the real world. Not everyone is a bad ass. This covers things such as Athletics, Diving, Demolitions, Stamina, Acrobatics, Weapons. Now each weapon type is broken down into the following; Edged Weapons, Clubs, Pole Arms/Staffs, Unarmed Combat, Martial Arts, Throwing Weapons, Projectile Weapons, Heavy Weapons, Pistols, Submachine Guns, Rifles, Assault Rifles, Shotguns, Whips. (Make sure to specify for things like Martial Arts and Unarmed Combat - Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu are two different skills and would take up two skill slots. [list] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [/list] [b][color=6ecff6]What Is On Your Person:[/color][/b] This includes your clothing, jewelry, your wallet, your id, your keys; phone, credit cards, cash, pictures of mom and dad, tooth picks, smokes, lighter, weapons you may carry, shoes, purse and so forth. If it is not listed you are not carrying it. Again, keep it grounded in the real world. [list] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Apartment:[/color][/b] This is your stash basically - all your items that are not on you at all times. General things need not be listed like a bed, microwave and so forth. Somethings are just a given. But things like Computers, Weapons stash, books, files on people,a comic book collection, special mementos, and so forth are something that need to be listed out and very detailed. Make sure to know that this will be updated through out the RP - Computers have to be scraped, bullets get used. Again, keep this grounded in reality. You won't have an arsenal! Bare bones to start folks. [list] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] This spot is reserved for your transportation only and cannot be transferred if not used. This may be a bike, a skateboard, a car (nothing expensive), a motocycle, a vespa, so forth [/list]
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]History[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]What Brings You To The City:[/color][/b] Minimal 1 well developed paragraph
[b][color=6ecff6]Life Before You Moved In:[/color][/b] Minimal 3 paragraphs about your characters life up until this point.
[b][color=6ecff6]Life Since You Moved In:[/color][/b] Minimal 4 paragraphs on how your character has survived up until this point.
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Extras[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]Character Quote:[/color][/b] Something they say a lot or live by [b][color=6ecff6]Theme Song:[/color][/b] What would be playing when they walk up if we were in a movie? [b][color=6ecff6]Dirty Little Secret:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Anything Else:[/color][/b] (Read the rules and check for what you are supposed to put here before submitting)
[sub][color=ed1c24]*By submitting this CS in its completion I am stating I have read all the rules for this Rp and am agreeing to follow them to the fullest with respect and courtesy.[/color][/sub][/hider]
"No doughnuts? Awww" Dominic pulled his best puppy dog face and directed it at the young woman; he loved doughnuts, they were love, they were life. He listened with a lemon slice hanging from his mouth as Cera talked about several things including a party, a goat and Tas. A slight smile crept upon the mountains bearded and icing covered face; it was outright obvious what Cera and probably Murphy were trying to do here, it didn't really take a genius to work it out but Dominic appreciated their gesture nonetheless. "I'll be sure to take a slice to her, thanks Cera" Dom gave her a hug and smiled once more. "If you're going out tonight, just make sure your safe ok? And have fun" He watched as Cera left his room behind and it fell back into the silence it had before.
Placing the lemony goodness Cera had brought into the fridge, Dom sat back down at his computer to map out the rest of tomorrow's trail. It was going to be a scenic journey into the country, nothing compared to the dangers of todays adventure but it would be nice, quiet and peaceful. It would be good for a few landscape shots that's for sure. Still, that was tomorrows expedition and it had yet to arrive, so it was time for Dom the Explorer to go on a different kind of adventure tonight. It was more or less a certainty that everyone but Dom and Tas were going out tonight, that was fine, they could find something to pass the time but what? There was two six packs in his fridge along with the lemon slice, that's one thing. They had computers and dodgy internet, that was another thing and then there was the collection of dvd's Dom had somehow managed to collect and drag around with him on his treks. Scanning the collection on the shelf, he looked for something good for them to watch, what was ideal for their situation. After a few moments with the lingering thought gaining strength in his mind, Dom sat back in his chair and smiled.
"Emilio"
Dom now had a plan, a solid plan, a great plan, a plan like Fred from Scooby Doo but it was a plan. Now all he had to do was execute it once everyone had left.
@Xtreme@Ruby So in regards to Talon, just to get some background out of the way are we at a point when Dick knows about the Owls and his ancestor, or did we want to keep that under wraps for the time being?
That is currently under wraps. Though the reveal will come relatively soon
Q&A time! (As always, fake questions with real answers.)
"You've mentioned this role of 'Storyteller' a number of times, now. WTF is it?"
A Storyteller, for this game, will be a player that has additional responsibilities. Whereas they aren't co-GMs in that they don't have to deal with any OOC issues, they do deal with IC issues.
So, for example...Dblade26 wants Damian to put a whoopin' on Condiment King, but doesn't want to write Condiment King himself. Well, he could ask myself, the GM, one of the co-GMs (when we get them), but his first and primary option would be asking the Villains Storyteller.
The Villains Storyteller helps the GMs out by NPCing villains in one-shot posts that push the plot and story forward, and they help the players out by writing villains for the players to write against, should the player not want to write the villain themselves like in our hypothetical situation with Dblade26's Damian.
Obviously, being the Villains Storyteller they'd have the ability to use any villain requested/needed, with the exception of PC Villains.
And any Villain plans/questions/etc discussed with the GMs will get shared with the Villains ST, so they stay in the Villain loop.
@LePouvantail has offered to be our Villains Storyteller, which is very much appreciated, and I happily accepted.
"You mentioned you might have a Storyteller for a specific storyline/episode. How's that work?"
For our Night of Owls, we'll have a Storyteller for that arc. One of my long time Guild favorites, @Xtreme, will be filling this role. His role as ST for this episode is rather specific: he's helping me write Talons, because let's be honest, they'll probably be too many Talons in too many scenes for just one person (read: me) to handle.
After the Night of Owls episode wraps, he's done being a Storyteller.
So if during the Night of Owls episode you have a question regarding Talons, or your scene with a Talon, or your character possibly jumping in to help someone else fight a Talon, you'd holler at Xtreme. And if you asked me, I might (depending on if I'm writing your Talon or not) direct you to Xtreme for an answer.
As with the other Storytellers, the GMs will keep Xtreme in the loop on all things Talon related, so he's never in the dark.
"How do I know who's the Storyteller of what, exactly?"
I'll list them on the OOC opening post, along with what they're the Storyteller of.
Got any real questions? Don't be afraid to ask, you won't look dumb, and I don't judge. But hopefully the fake questions and real answers helped folks understand this RP game management concept.
Beware the court of owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadow perch, behind granite and lime. They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed, speak not a whispered word of them or they'll send the talon for your head.
So my life just went to hell really fast. Unfortunately I will have to pull out of this RP, and all my others. My brother was not taking care of his diabetes and went into a coma yesterday, after his roommate found him collapsed in his room. The doctors think he will have to get his foot amputated. And I just found out my grandad has stage four cancer.
I'm so upset about everything. I was crazy happy to be in this RP. AAHHHA!
Anyway maybe for some chaos drama in the game: Princess Myriah is found dead in her bed. He throat is slit. Or like she jumps out a window of the tower during one of her mental moments. IDK
I love this RP, but I just can't function right now, and RL is shit.
Best wishes to you and your family. All the love x
Skills/Abilities: - Knife Throwing - Acrobatics - Hand to Hand Combat - Escapology
Weaknesses: - Emotional Instability: William is emotionally unstable and despite his usual calm and collected demeanour, when things don’t go his way, he is prone to losing control and making decisions on a whim. - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Will suffers from the debilitating heart condition known as HCM. He could literally drop dead at any second. This is a side effect of Batman’s tampering with his body.
History
On a Knife Edge William Cobb was born on October 10th 1901 to middle class family. Tragedy struck early on when his father died in an industrial accident when building a bridge for Cameron Kane. Unable to make ends meet, William and his mother fell into adversity. Resorting to petty theft, the young boy by chance crossed paths with a thief known as Miro Volkov. Taking pity on the little man, Miro brought him under his wing and into Haly’s Circus. His mother sadly passed a short time after, murdered by an unknown assailant. Miro taught William how to juggle and eventually this graduated from balls to knives and the boy became the circus’s post popular knife thrower; all the while aiding Miro in his more and more spectacular heists. The two worked seamlessly together, everything running like clockwork. Everything was timed and precise, with jobs being planned out months in advance. They were living on a knife edge and life couldn’t have been better.
The Gray Son of Gotham When he returned to Gotham City at the age of twenty, a large crowd applauded their hometown celebrity. One woman caught William’s eye though. Her name was Amelia. She was the daughter of one of Gotham's elite and an original child of Gotham. The two fell in love at first sight. The two began dating and they were happy together. They were two children in love. Little did they know, it was the beginning of the end. One day when walking into her house, Amelia's father Burton Crowne asked to speak with Cobb. He told William that there are only two people in life (the rich and the poor), no room for grey. Burton had banned him from ever seeing Amelia again, but not before making her pregnant beforehand. Despondent, William told Miro whom in turn revealed a secret, he was an assassin and all the time they had been together, he had been training William to take his place. With that, Miro finally revealed his true colours. He offered the man a choice, get revenge on Burton and become the next Talon or Miro would kill Amelia and the unborn child. Taking option A – William and Miro broke into the Crowne estate and murdered Burton in his sleep. He then was ushered away in secret and began his training to become the Talon. 12 months later, William returned to Gotham and he broke back into Amelia's house. Aware of the legacy of the Talons, he resided himself to steal his then born son into the night. Outside of the house, he met Nathaniel, his boss at Haly’s Circus and handed him the baby, "Raise him in secret, Nathaniel...prepare him for my legacy. My son. The Gray Son of Gotham". This baby would become John Grayson's father, and his son, Dick Grayson's grandfather.
Izzy's internet Hubby for Lifey.
"You and me were always with each other, before we knew the other was ever there."
<div style="white-space:pre-line;">Izzy's internet Hubby for Lifey.
"You and me were always with each other, before we knew the other was ever there."</div>
