Orcus

Happy day! :D

[font=georgia,serif]Yes. Just yes. I'm in. As for a name, I don't know if it's too simple/cheesy, but you could call the RP "The Beholden", with the title referring to both the character's owing their ancestors for allowing them to fight against the Beholders, as well as the character's "owing" their cause/struggle to the Beholders. Just an idea.[/font] [font=georgia,serif]I do have a question about humanity in 3115. You mentioned disease and pestilence had been wiped out--was this through tampering with the Earth's atmosphere or some form of augmentation placed upon humans? And if it's the later, would they be mechanical augments or biological tampering? [/font] [font=georgia,serif]Otherwise I think this sounds brilliant and intriguing... And somewhat coincidental, because I was just reading up on Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, some gamecube game I apparently missed, which features playing as characters from different time periods. I was thinking how cool that sounded, and then voila![/font]

[center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/AVATAR1.jpg[/img][/center] [center][...][/center] [center][...][/center] [center][...bzzt...][/center] [center][i]Welcome One and All to The Avatar... Backstage! Do we sure have an exciting tale for ya! Avatar Aang-- missing! Otherworldly terror reigning down upon humanity! And at the center of it all, a group of unsuspecting players and a man in a mysterious mask! You've got to hear it to believe it folks, so keep tuned into the Avatar... Backstage! for all of your Avatar-related information. But before we get to the meat of this juicy tale, how about a little backstory? [b]The United Republic of Nations: [/b]After the end of the Great War, the Earth Kingdom told those leftover Fire Nation troops to take a hike! But the division wasn't so simple--let's just say the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom had shacked up! Realizing the delicacy of this situation, Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko created the United Republic of Nations, allowing for people from every nation to live together in harmony![/i][/center] [center][i][b]Republic City: [/b]The crown jewel of the United Republic of Nations, Republic City is a technological masterpiece! Created through the determined efforts of citizens from every nation, the flourishing city stands as a beacon to a bright and diverse future! But even as we speak, clandestine forces are working within the shadows to threaten the new peace![/i] [b][i]Bandits: [/i][/b][i]Wherever there's trouble you can be sure there are riff-raff trying to take advantage of it! Beware! Travel, whether by sea or by land--all forms of brigands and pirates lie in wait, preying on the weak! There's even a rumor going around that they've been abducting benders... Well, that's all we have for now folks-- but the fun doesn't have to end here! Send us whatever questions you have about our gripping tale, and we'll tell you everything you need to know... Without ruining the craaazy surprises![/i][/center]

[center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/AVATAR1.jpg[/img][/center] [left][i]Lightning is rending apart the Fire Nation. Seismic activity tears the Earth Kingdom asunder. In the North and South the Water tribes are assailed by unrelenting tsunamis. The newly-recreated Air Nomads are battling tornadoes. And across the world confused, scared and angry apparitions are crossing over from the spirit world and wreaking havoc. One unspoken thought sweeps the globe.[/i][/left] [font=georgia,serif][i]The Avatar is dead.[/i][/font] [font=georgia,serif][i]But how could the Avatar be dead? The Avatar, who ended the 100 year war between the nations. The Avatar who, having learned the art of energybending, used this newfound art to grant devout followers of the Air Nomad way of life the ability to bend the air around them. The Avatar, whose â??diplomacyâ? created the United Republic of Nations and spared the Fire Nation the true justice it deserved. How could such a momentous figure, such a god, have met his end?[/i][/font] [font=georgia,serif][i]The Avatar is gone because I willed it to be so. The Avatarâ??s blood is on my hands. No... more than just his blood. But there is still work to be done. In a desperate bid for self-preservation the Avatar spirit has fled, albeit shattered and unstable. I must find the remaining pieces of the Avatar spirit.[/i][/font] [font=verdana, geneva, sans-serif][font=georgia,serif][i]And crush them.[/i][/font][/font] [center][size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]++++[/font][/size][/center] [left] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][font=georgia,serif][b]â??Isamu, dinner!â?[/b] came a cry from Isamuâ??s mother Kamiko, who had stepped onto the porch after seeing the returning Isamu walking down the street. Isamu blushed sheepishly and brought up the groceries in his arms to cover his face. His mother ran out to him and gave him a peck on the cheek before snatching away some of the groceries and fleeing back into the house. Isamu chuckled to himself and followed after her. As soon as he walked inside, his younger sister June ran up to him and collided with his stomach.[/font][/font][/size][/left] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Isamu! Isamu!â?[/b] the four year old cried out excitedly. Isamu separated his arms and smiled down at his sister.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Hey there June,â?[/b] he said between chuckles as he attempted to shuffle over to the kitchen with June firmly attached to his midsection. He placed the groceries carefully down on the table, and they were immediately snatched up by his father to be added as a late addition to the meal. [/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Why so late, Isamu?â?[/b] Isamuâ??s father Masao asked with a sly smile on his face. [b]â??Last I checked, today was one of the nicest days weâ??ve had in a while. No heat waves, no lightning storms. Did something else keep you preoccupied at the bazaar?â? [/b]After he finished the last word, both Masao and Kamiko eyed Isamu mischievously. Isamu blushed a deeper shade of red, but nonchalantly tried to play off the moment by lifting up his sister and kissing her on the cheek.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Nope,â?[/b] Isamu mumbled, specifically avoiding his parentâ??s gaze, [b]â??just a busy day down there. Everyone trying to get their shopping done before the next storm hits.â?[/b] That wasnâ??t entirely untrue either. For whatever reason, the Fire Nation had been experiencing severe, fluctuating weather, and more often than not, lately it was too dangerous to even walk outside. But that wasnâ??t the only reason he had been late. There was also...[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Well, I bet Fumiko appreciated the extra time with you,â?[/b] his mother joked playfully. Isamuâ??s breath caught in his throat and his ears warmed up. Fumiko, the chestnut-brown haired, fair skinned, amber eyes spice vendor girl from the bazaar. Isamu had indeed spent the day chatting with her, perhaps buying an abundance of herbs and spices to impress her as well. But why would she be interested in him? The son of a family which had only recently been pardoned from its decades' long exile due to â??treasonous behaviourâ? during the war? Regardless of the fact that the exile had been unwarranted, and regardless of the suffering his family had gone through, the moniker of traitor was stuck with them. He could see the way certain people eyed him in the bazaar. What if Fumiko secretly felt the same way?[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4]Kamiko noticed the darkness that had settled behind Isamuâ??s eyes and quickly ceased teasing him. The rest of dinner was prepared mostly in silence, save the sporadic outbursts from June. Dinner was served in silence as well, but luckily there was no way that that would continue. By a stroke of fate, Kamiko had prepared Dragon Curry Duck for dinner, and the meal required that it be lit ablaze prior to feasting. Kamiko turned to Isamu and smiled.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Letâ??s get things going, boy-o! Light her up!â?[/b] she said with a crazy grin. June began clapping and chanting â??light her upâ? over and over again, and soon Isamuâ??s parents had joined in as well. Isamu laughed and shook his head with amusement.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Alright, alright. Letâ??s just hope I use the right flame,â?[/b] he said with a chuckle. He stood up from the table and took a step back. He inhaled deeply and then, while exhaling, assumed a firm stance, with his legs spread apart and his right arm drawn into his side, to charge the flame. Inhaling again he concentrated, and then jabbed with right fist, intending to set the duck ablaze. However, before the fire erupted from his fist, something amazing happened.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4]A monstrous roar of thunder echoed around the house, and a split second later a blinding flash of lightning tore through the house and struck Isamu. For a second the world went dark, and then suddenly he was seeing everything: the history of the world, the creation of the four nations, the past lives of the avatar... And Avatar Aang being attacked? Before he could grasp the image, everything faded away and was replaced with the screaming voice of his mother.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Isamu! Isamu!â?[/b] he heard, as if through a filter. He opened his eyes slowly and saw his whole family gathered above him, concern lining their face. Isamu reached for his head and laughed meekly.[/size][/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Man, I must have done that all wrong,â?[/b] he said as he hoisted himself up. No one laughed however. Nervous, Isamu looked over to the meal, and gasped. Although the meal had, indeed, been light ablaze, it was surrounded by rubble, presumably hailing from the massive hole that was now in his roof. Looking around, he realized everything had been tossed from the spot he was sitting in, and the ground looked as if it had been struck with a powerful flame. He stood up slowly, with both of his parents grabbing one of his arms for support. He dusted himself off and attempted to put on his most reassuring face.[/size][/font] [font=georgia, serif][b]â??Donâ??t worry everyone, Iâ??m alright. We shouldnâ??t let dinner get cold,â?[/b] he said mockingly, swinging his hand toward the food. Unexpectedly, a gust of wind erupted from his hand and flung the food clear off of the table. Everyone in his family stood perfectly still, and wordlessly stared at the spot where the duck used to rest. Isamu swallowed hard and looked down at his hands.[/font] [font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]â??Impossible...â?[/b] he said, turning to his family. [b]â??Am I the Avatar?â?[/b][/size][/font] [center][font=georgia,serif][size=4]+++++[/size][/font][/center] [center] [font=georgia,serif][size=4]Welcome to The Avatar, an rp brought to you by Darth Malgus and myself, based upon the universe established in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra. Our tale presents a twisted future for Avatar Aang filled with mystery and surprise 40 years after he and his allies ended the Fire Nation's tirade. Is the Avatar dead, or isnâ??t he? If not, then why has the Avatar suddenly and inexplicably split into pieces and â??possessedâ?? a member of the 3 other Nations: Fire, Earth and Water? Itâ??s up to you to venture out and discover the truth about whatâ??s happened to Aang and about whatâ??s happening to the world. And itâ??s your duty as a new Avatar to bring peace and balance, no matter what force, man or spirit, stands in your way.[/size][/font][/center] [center][font=georgia,serif][size=4]For this RP, weâ??ll need one more Avatar (Water). The rest of you interested folk will sign up as the Avatarsâ?? protectors, mentors, friends--think of the relationship between Aang and the rest of Team Avatar.[/size][/font][/center] [center][font=georgia,serif][size=4][u]Sign Up[/u] [b]Name: [/b]Quick note: We'd prefer if you [i]didn't [/i]play as family members of an existing Avatar character, though if you insist we're still absolutely willing to take a look at your character. [b]Age:[/b] Between 14 and 20 [b]Appearance:[/b] Although each nation has a fairly distinct set of physical features, in the 40 years before this story, there has been a fair deal of intermingling between nations, so feel free to look however and be from wherever. [b]Personality:[/b] [b]Role:[/b] Avatar or Ally [b]Weapons:[/b] Benders- bending element, style/ Non-benders- weapons, style [b]Writing Sample:[/b] For the avatar, describe the moment when you received your powers. For everyone else, either write about how your character has been getting along with the current natural disasters, or how you found out about the newly â??appointedâ?? avatar receiving his/her power.[/size][/font][/center] [center][font=georgia,serif][size=4][b]N.B:[/b] Two things: 1. Darth Malgus and I will be the Earth and Fire Avatar, respectively, so if you have any questions/suggestions for your role in relation to our characters, go ahead and either PM us or post in the backstage thread [coming soon]. 2. While thereâ??s no set cap for sign-ups, we may not pick you if your character seems out of line with the established world. This isnâ??t a first come, first serve basis-- take the time you need to make some really great sign-ups! And with that, happy writing![/size][/font][/center]

[size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][i][color=#222222]I should juggle for tips[/color][/i][i][color=#222222], [/color][/i][color=#222222]Katsuro thought dryly as he watched the ferris wheel of apples soar between his hands and the space in front of him. Normally that sort of behavior was frowned upon, to say the least, today no one was harassing him. Why would they? The store was almost dead empty. If someone were to walk in at that very moment they'd probably make some quip about everyone finishing their shopping earlier in the week, and Katsuro would laugh-- not because the joke was funny, but because it wasn't true. With the high string of murders whittling away at the population, not many people did much of anything nowadays. People still shopped, of course, but they sped in and out, as if they were afraid that prolonged exposure to other humans inevitably led to murder.[/color][/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#222222]He exhaled heavily and finished his performance, placing the apples back in pristine order. He looked up at the clock and, noticing that it was his lunch break, picked one of the apples back up and walked over to another section to grab juice. [/color][i][color=#222222]Working at an empty grocery store has its perks[/color][/i][i][color=#222222], [/color][/i][color=#222222]he thought as he took a swig of juice and plopped down onto the floor. Before he could take another, a voice caught him by surprise.[/color][/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b][color=#222222]"You intend to pay for that Katsuro?"[/color][/b][b][color=#222222] [/color][/b][color=#222222]the voice questioned in a mock serious manner. Katsuro rolled his eyes and took another drink.[/color] [b][color=#222222]"No,"[/color][/b][b][color=#222222] [/color][/b][color=#222222]he said with a slight grin before polishing of his drink with a bite of apple. The owner of the voice laughed and sat down of the floor with Katsuro.[/color][/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b][color=#222222]"Incorrigible,"[/color][/b][b][color=#222222] [/color][/b][color=#222222]the voice mumbled, mock severity having melted into sweet chiding. Katsuro turned and looked the person in the eyes. Her name was Ryoko, and she was the reason Katsuro specifically decided Her brown eyes were clearer than usual in this area, so that when the sun struck them they looked bright amber. The bangs of her chestnut brown hairâ??an oddly specific color, yes, but Katsuro had spent a great amount of time working at the grocery, as well as staring at her---fell over her eyes, and glowed against her fair skin. At 5'7'', Katsuro towered over her, and he thought that was adorable. And they were kind of dating.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??So I guess you're on break now too, huh?â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]Katsuro said, looking back toward the front of the store and leaning his head on her. [/color][color=#222222][b]â??I guess that means poor Isamu has to watch the register on his own... That's a shame,â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]he said with a shrug, before taking another drink of juice. Ryoko laughed and punched Katsuro lightly. Katsuro scoffed and swung his arm over his head, knocking down another two drinks. He tossed aside his finished bottle and opened one of the new ones. As he took a long gulp from that he extended the other one to Ryoko.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??Incorrigible,â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]she repeated, before taking the drink. The two sat in silence after that, content to drink their juice and enjoy each other's presence. As Katsuro's thoughts drifted away, he began to daydream about a lovely, and oddly familiar butterfly. It casually hovered in front of his face, gradually getting closer and closer to him. Soon, it was practically on his nose, and Katsuro could almost feel the fluttering of its wings. Just as it touched him, the daydream broke.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??Katsuro!â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]rang Ryoko's voice against the pieces of Katsuro's shattered concentration. For a moment he was terribly disoriented, and could barely remember where he was. When he turned to face his caller, his eyes were filled with a mysterious figure in a butterfly mask.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??Are you alright?â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]Katsuro shook his head quickly, and suddenly everything was back to normal. He was once again just Katsuro, sitting on the floor of Junes Grocery Department, staring at a concerned Ryoko.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??Yah I'm alright,â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]he said slowly, still partially recovering from... from whatever had just happened to him. Ryoko extended her hand to him and helped pull him up.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??You were out cold for a little while there. I was afraid you wouldn't wake up! Try to get some more sleep from now on, yah?â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]Ryoko said half jokingly and half concerned. Katsuro laughed and kissed her quickly on the lips.[/color] [color=#222222][b]â??You got it,â? [/b][/color][color=#222222]he said before grabbing the rest of his stuff off of the ground. He gave the blushing Ryoko a wink before walking over to the trash can to throw away the remains of the food and drinks he had apparently finished consuming when he drifted off. But as he watched the trash plummet into the abyss, an uneasy feeling crept into his chest, just as it had this morning. What was happening to him? Moreover, why did he have an irking suspicion that something ominous was going to happen today?[/color][/font][/size]

[font=times new roman,times,serif][b]"Wait!"[/b] Katsuro yelled out as he abruptly woke up. For a moment he felt sure that he was still in that place, looking at that man... [i]Man? [/i]And suddenly the image was gone, and he was once more simply Katsuro, sitting upright in bed and reaching for some unknown object. He pulled his hand back into his body and held his chest, trying to make sense of his thoughts and emotions. Hadn't he just been somewhere else, not the home of his recently deceased parents? Hadn't something... surreal just happened? Before he had a chance to think further, a mocking voice addressed him from the other room.[/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b]"I'm not leaving you moron[i]. [/i]I just got home,"[/b] said his sister as she closed the front door. Katsuro rolled his eyes and threw off his sheets, his concern over his dream having been shifted to his concern for his sister. He jumped out of bed and walked up to her.[/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b]"You can't keep staying out late Jun,"[/b] he said, giving her a disapproving stare. Jun rolled her eyes and kicked off her shoes.[/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b]"I'm okay, aren't I?"[/b] she retorted, a bit more venomously than she had intended. They stood in silence for a moment, neither person looking at one another. Finally Jun sighed and laid her head on her brother's shoulder. [b]"I'm sorry,"[/b] she said quietly. Katsuro kissed the top of her head. [b]"Don't worry about it kiddo,"[/b] he said earnestly. Jun smiled at him and walked into the kitchen to make herself some breakfast. Katsuro followed suit and walked back into his room to get prepared for school that day. As he pulled a white undershirt over his head he yelled over to his sister. [b]"I don't want to encourage what you're doing,"[/b] he said, now shoving his right arm through the sleeve of his white button up shirt, [b]"but did you manage to find anything out last night?"[/b] He heard the fridge close in the other room, and then the house fell silent for a couple of seconds. Katsuro opened his mouth to ask again, in case she hadn't heard him, but she suddenly she responded. [b]"Something happened last night,"[/b] she stated with a sigh. Katsuro finished putting on his black leather belt over his work pants and stepped back out into the main room. [b]"Another murder?"[/b] Katsuro asked. Jun shrugged and took a bite of the toast she had prepared. [b]"By the time I found out the police had partitioned the area off, and they shooed me away,"[/b] she said with an air of irritation. Katsuro laughed and grabbed the piece of toast from her hand. [b]"They probably just didn't realize they were in the presence of the latest child detective prodigy!"[/b] he said with another laugh before taking a bite of her toast. He had barely torn a piece off when Jun snatched her toast back from him. [b]"Shut up, you jerk,"[/b] she said, though she chuckled nonetheless. She finished the rest of her toast and then glanced at her watch. [b]"Shouldn't you be on your way to work?"[/b] she half questioned, half stated. Katsuro looked at the clock on the wall and frowned.[/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif][b]"Oh darn,"[/b] he stated with a grimace. He ran over to grab his messenger back and then ran back over to his sister and kissed her on the cheek. [b]"Well at least you can't get into trouble while you're at school, right?"[/b] he said playfully, although his eyes betrayed his real concern. Jun scoffed and handed her second piece of toast and a glass of orange juice to him. [b]"A quick breakfast, so you don't spend the whole day starving,"[/b] she said before walking out the front door for school. Katsuro smiled and shook his head slightly before devouring the toast and swallowing the whole glass of orange juice in a single gulp. He slipped into his shoes and then headed on his way to Junes.[/font]

[size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]Reserving the Star Arcana, if that's alright. I should have my sign up complete in a couple of hours. :)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]EDIT: Finito![/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Name:[/b] Hasegawa Katsuro[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Age:[/b] 20[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Gender:[/b] Male[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Arcana:[/b] Star [b]Appearance:[/b] [[url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Immortals/Marduk.jpg"]Katsuro[/url]][/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000]Katsuro stands at 6'1'' and has an average body type. His black hair is usually pulled back into a ponytail as shown. His eyes are heterochromatic, with his irises being mostly amber, with golden rings around the pupils. Most people fail to notice his eyes behind his black, square rimmed glasses. During his leisure time he typically wears an outfit consisting of plaid button-up shirts, of varying colors, with the sleeves rolled up, dark jeans and black slip on shoes. At work, Katsuro wears a white button up shirt with the sleeves still rolled up, black slacks and black dress shoes.[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Personality:[/b] Despite the recent tragedies in Katsuro's life [see Bio] he hasn't lost his optimism and joviality. This is in part due to his desire to be an ideal role model for his sister, who he feels responsible for now. To this end he is perceived as being more mature than his contemporaries, and has a much calmer and reserved disposition. His friends often look to him for advice and comfort as well.[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000][b]Bio:[/b] Katsuro's life was relatively normal prior to the outbreak of crime in Yokuboshi. His mother worked as a private detective, his father worked at Suou's Mechanics and his two year younger sister had just begun attending Yokuboshi University, where he too went to school. Although he wasn't the closest with his mother and father, he adored his younger sister, and he kept her company when their parents became absorbed in their own livesâ??which happened increasingly once the crimes began. His mother was called away for case after case and his father went out drinking more often as he watched the violence claim a number of his coworkers and friends. Eventually, the chaos took its tollâ??his father succumbed to his own desires and murdered his mother, although not before she had managed to shoot and wound him. Although his body was never found, he was believed dead as well.[/color][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif][color=#000000]Although Katsuro mourned the loss of his parents, he quickly collected himself and began making plans for his and his sisters future. He quit school and began working full time at June's Grocery Department so that he could support himself and his sister. He's worried for his sister though. Since the expiration of their parents, she has become obsessed with discovering the cause of the murders. And Katsuro has noticed that people who seem to be obsessed with anything soon find themselves in danger...[/color][/font][/size]

[font=times new roman,times,serif]Hooray! I'm really looking forward to this. :D[/font] [font=times new roman,times,serif]EDIT: Will you be creating your own new personas for the characters, or picking from the existing pool of MegaTen demons?[/font]

[size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]Haha, that is true. That does bring me to another matter, however-- what is the age range for sign-up characters? Will we be a group of high school students like in the games, or will the gift of persona summoning be available to a more diverse bunch?[/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]That does make the most sense, though it is a bit of a disappointment. I was looking forward to using tonfa as my weapons. Alas! Anywho, it sounds like you've got quite a bit squared away for the rp. Is there anything else I can help with?[/font][/size]

[size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]I'm glad you like that idea, and I quite like that you'll be choosing which persona people will have. It's kind of a load of my mind, actually. :][/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]And I like the use of the Reverse Arcanas as well. It will make for a great antithesis between the main characters and the villains. Maybe to maintain the suspense of who the Reverse Arcana users are they can submit their sign ups directly to you. Or is that too much?[/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]Coins would be a great medium. To remedy the oddness of normal people carrying around swords and lances and the like, the coin could also "summon" their weapons-- flip the coin, your persona appears, and then your coin morphs into the weapon, which you catch stylishly. Meh?[/font][/size] [size=4][font=times new roman,times,serif]So I like the idea of individual people causing reality to shift around them into their own personal dungeon. However, would that mean that 1) most corrupted people remain stationary, allowing their dungeon to develop around them, or 2) the world constantly transforms as said person journeys along? Or, could it be that the first option happens after the corrupted person has obtained their "hearts desire", at which point they take refuge somewhere? And maybe wherever the shadows/whatever is summoning the shadows originates from could be a corrupted casino like place? [/font][/size]

[list] [*]That's a brilliant idea! That way the ability to summon a persona won't be an arbitrary gift that any schmuck could abuse; the person receiving one would have to "prove" her or himself first. [*]Evolving Personas sound groovy to me. That actually brings me to another concern I had: will the rpers be able to choose whatever persona from whatever arcana they please? And if our personas will eventually progress, would that require the rpers to pick personas that have an "initial/ultimate stage"? [*]In keeping with the tradition of items/places in universe reflecting the theme of the game, as you stated previously (guns and towers reflecting fearful objects P3 and glasses and tvs reflecting the search for truth in P4), will the protagonists carry items reflecting their ability to check their desires? And would it make sense for the "portal" or gate as it were, which links the real and dream worlds together, to be a casino type something or other? Casinos might be a bad suggestion, but I usually equate matters of self-control with them. [*]I like the concept of a mutated Persona, like faulty ones that gradually overwhelm the person's existence or something. (I know this isn't a question or a suggestion, but I thought I'd just share) [*]Actually, to possibly add something to my last point, I had been considering creating a Persona-esque rp myself some time ago, where the protagonists needed to devour/control other personas or shadows so that they could create their own persona. Maybe people who give into their shadows are condemned to a similar fate, wherein they are unable to manifest their own "persona" without killing others and claiming their essence (or something) repeatedly until their "persona bar" were full, so to speak? [/list]

I'm down for anything Persona related, so count me in. I'd love to help in any way I possibly can. I have a couple questions though, if you don't mind.[list] [*]If the story is going to feature Philemon, will Nyarlathotep be present as well? [*]Will there be a social link aspect to the rp? Or some sort of leveling system for either our characters or our personas? [*]You said that one of the two things will occur when someone is pulled into the dream world, the first of which is surrender and possession. What is the other? (Sorry if this question is answered in your post and I'm just not seeing it) [*]Will the characters actively be travelling into the dream world, or will all of their adventures occur in the real word? [/list] As for people who want to join the story later, maybe they could witness one of the main character's summoning their persona, and this acts as a sort of enlightenment, which allows them to be reached by Philemon. Just an idea. :]

[quote name='Knuckles' Girl' timestamp='1322952787' post='710458'] Hey Vongola, I know I'm late and stuffs, but I finally got my character finished and I've read all the posts that are up so far. Would it still be alright for me to join? [/quote] Of course you're in Knuckles' Girls! You can start posting as soon as Chapter 2 starts, which is right after Kayin and Tulas Shorn post. :D

[quote name='Ol' Fighter' timestamp='1319884932' post='710059'] I would say count me in if there is space for meh. [/quote] I know it's been quite a while Ol' Fighter, and that the main thread is already up, but if you're still interested, you should join up and we'll add you into chapter 2. :]

[center][size="2"][font="Times New Roman"][size="6"][u]What It Means to be Human[/u][/size][/font][/size] [size="2"][size="5"][font="Times New Roman"][b]Chapter 1:[/b] [/font][font="Times New Roman"]This is War[/font][/size][/size] [left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][b]â??Again!â?[/b] A fatigued Ichigo yelled at Ginjo. Scars and blood covered Ichigo's body, but despite the damage he remained resolute. Ginjo admired Ichigo's tenacity, but they had been training all day long, and undoubtedly the battery on Yukio's gaming device was almost empty. Yukio's fullbring, Invaders Must Die, could only keep this room going for as long as his game-whatever had a battery. Ginjo didn't know what happened if they were trapped in here when the battery died, and he was in no hurry to find out.[/size][/font][/left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][left] [/left][left][b]â??We're done, Ichigo!â?[/b] Ginjo said with exasperation. [b]â??We've been at it all day. Your body is roughed and, quite frankly [i]I [/i]need a break.â?[/b] Ichigo growled and raised his fullbring for Ginjo to view.[/left][left] [/left][/size][/font][left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][b]â??My fullbring isn't even complete yet! What if the Quincy attack soon? If my fullbring isn't complete I'll be a liability on the battlefield!â?[/b] Ichigo yelled, his eyes glowing with determination. Ginjo sighed and deactivated his fullbring, the Cross of Scaffold, transforming it back into a necklace. Ichigo opened his mouth to complain, but Ginjo put his hand up to silence him.[/size][/font][/left][left][font="Times New Roman"] [/font][/left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][left][b] â??What if they were to show up today?â?[/b] Ginjo asked sternly. [b]â??All this training has left you exhausted, and it's left me tired as well. If we're attacked, you'll be a liability. Do you--â?[/b] Ginjo stopped abruptly as a cold feeling suddenly washed over his body. Jackie, another fullbringer and a founding member of Xcution, was under attack. He could feel her energy fluctuating wildly, implying they had ambushed her. [i]I hate being right... [/i]Ginjo thought to himself.[/left][left] [/left][/size][/font][left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][b]â??Training's over.â?[/b] Ginjo stated emphatically. He looked to the top of the training room to get Yukio's attention, but before he could utter anything, his body was disassembling and reassembling inside of the Xcution hideout. As soon as he head his bearings, he began ordering his troops.[/size][/font][/left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][left] [/left][left][b]â??Orihime! I need you on Ichigo now!â?[/b][b] The girl blushed a deep scarlet at Ginjo's choice of words, but he ignored her and continued. â??Takahiro! Chiniiro! With me! We're going.â?[/b] Ginjo turned from his allies, summoned his fullbring and used his bringer light to rush towards Jackie's location. Judging from the spikes in Jackie's energy, Ginjo figured that there were around ten Quincy there. A bit too much for Jackie to take alone, but an excellent chance to give the relatively new Takahiro and Chiniiro some battle experience. They were capable warriors, and Ginjo was eager to [i]initiate [/i]them into Xcution. But first he needed to see their effeciency. Ginjo stopped abruptly and a roof nearby Jackie's energy signature and waited for his comrades. They arrived only a second after him. Ginjo pointed to where Jackie was and gave them their orders.[/left][left] [/left][left][b]â??Down there is an injured Fullbringer, Jackie Tristan. She's an amazing fighter, but they managed to deal a decent blow to her. She's holding her own, but at this rate she'll be overwhelmed. I'm going to dive in and retrieve her, but I can't stay and fight. My training session with Ichigo has left me at less than 100 percent, however, so you two will need to engage and defeat the Quincy. I will be back as soon as I get Jackie to Orihime for healing. Good luck!â?[/b] As Ginjo dived down, Jackie incapacitated one Quincy, and Ginjo also managed to strike down a single Quincy, before grabbing Jackie and disappearing, leaving the two Fullbringers to finish the remaining eight.[/left][left] [/left] ***** OOC: Simple beginnings. Engage the enemy in two posts each. Have at it![/size][/font] [/center]

I fully support this motion.

[font="Times New Roman"][size="3"][b]Edit:[/b] You're not being a stickler; in hindsight it does seem a bit selfish to have armor and magic, and it's not really keeping in line with the feel of the Fairy Tail world. When I first saw the Battle Appearance section I thought "I don't remember much armor on the Fairy Tail characters, but maybe I just haven't read enough of it" and then frantically attempted to find some armor, haha. And thanks for answering my question, which I suppose is a tad bit irrelevant now, haha. I was just concerned that since Ormaz'd's magic comes from his hands, I was unsure of whether it would be able to go through the metal non-magical gauntlets. But now that problem's been solved, quite thankfully. :][/size][/font]

[font="Times New Roman"][size="5"][color="#000000"]Basic Info[/color] [/size] [size="3"][color="#000000"][b]Name:[/b] [/color][color="#000000"]Ormaz'd[/color] [color="#000000"][b]Nickname:[/b][/color][color="#000000"][b] [/b][/color][color="#000000"][b]Age[/b]: [/color][color="#000000"]23[/color] [color="#000000"][b]Gender[/b]: [/color][color="#000000"]Male[/color] [/size][color="#000000"][b][size="3"]Casual Appearance:[/size] [size="2"][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Ormazd.jpg[/img][/size][/b] [/color][size="3"][color="#000000"][url="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Costume.jpg"][Clothes][/url] Ormaz'd has burnt orange hair with some golden streaks, and auburn eyes with golden rings around his pupils. He wears a combination of the two outfits shown: the white shirt and white with black lining jacket from his main picture with the sleeves rolled up, and the bottom half of the second, but the pants are black.[/color] [color="#000000"][b]Battle Appearance[/b]: Same as casual appearance.[/color][/size] [color="#000000"] [size="5"]Magical Info[/size][/color] [size="3"][color="#000000"][b]Circle Colour[/b]: [/color][color="#000000"]Burnt Orange[/color] [color="#000000"][b]Type:[/b] [/color][color="#000000"]Caster Magic[/color] [color="#000000"][b]Magic:[/b] [/color][color="#000000"]Seal Magic- Ormaz'd has the ability to place magic seals on the ground, his body, the enemy and rarely even in the air for a variety of effects. The more precisely drawn the seal is, the more powerful it is. [/color][color="#000000"][b]Magical Items/Spells:[/b][/color][color="#000000"][b] [/b][/color][color="#000000"]Basic Spells:[/color] [color="#000000"][i]Explode- [/i][/color][color="#000000"]Ormaz'd traces a circle on whatever body part he so chooses, usually his fists, and then draws in the characters for strike and then a number inside the circle. After this is done, when Ormaz'd punches his opponent, a a concentrated explosion of magical energy erupts into the opponent, subsequently also pushing them away. The intensity of the attack is raised depending on what number is used. One is the weakest, but is able to be used quickly and repeatedly, and ten is the strongest, but extremely taxing to use and should not be used more than once a day. He can also prepare this seal on his heels before battle, so that in battle he can activate them to launch himself at his opponent, or on his vital spots so if an enemy attacks him there it will literally 'blow up in that person's face'. [/color][color="#000000"][i]Trap- [/i][/color][color="#000000"]Ormaz'd traces a circle in the ground, usually with his foot to avoid garnering the enemy's attention. Then Ormaz'd lures his opponent onto the circle, whereupon metal tendrils spring from the ground and bind the enemy. This spell works by levels as well, but due to the imprecise circles drawn even at level 10 the spell is still only moderately restrictive. If he takes the time to draw the seal on the ground with his hands it's much more effective. [/color][color="#000000"] Moderate Spells: [/color][color="#000000"][i]Shoot- [/i][/color][color="#000000"]He creates this seal b[/color][color="#000000"]y rubbing the index and middle finger of both hands together. This allows him to fire three different types of magical bullets: Frenzy Shot, which are tiny, quick firing bullets that are low in strength but can be used at any distance; Heavy Shot, which are slower firing and lose strength the further away they're shot, but are much more powerful; and Bomb Shot, launches cannonball sized bullets at the opponent for massive destructive damage, although they take longer to cast and consume a decent amount of energy. [/color][color="#000000"][i]Bad Day- [/i][/color][color="#000000"]This seal is prepared on Ormaz'd's fist, like Explode, and is supplanted onto the enemy upon contact. This seal is a gamble spell, and upon activation causes a random negative status effect to overcome the enemy, ranging from the less severe sneezing ailment, to the more severe paralysis ailment. Sometimes it will simply turn into the spell Explode. [i]Shield- [/i]One of the few spells Ormaz'd draws in the air, the spell is formed by him creating a large circle using the index and middle finger of each hand, which instantly materializes as a magical shield. To keep the shield going, however, Ormaz'd has to continuously draw in more ornate decorations onto the shield, as well as words describing his feelings at the moment. However, but continuously strengthening the seal he is also continuously sapping his magical energy. Stronger spells can require a long period of fortification, which might result in him adequately defending against the attack, but unable to counter attack. This will become less arduous with training, however. [/color][color="#000000"][i]Heal-[/i][/color][color="#000000"]Although this spell's primary use is healing, it's actually a time-reduction spell. By drawing a seal on an ally, the seal will accelerate the person's body so that their magic is replenished more rapidly. This works on a number system as well, and Ormaz'd usually only uses spells of level 5 or below, as anything higher, while making it so that the recipient can recover almost instantly, will have extreme side-effects on the body and may even cause the person to actually age.[/color] Time reduction might have other applications, but Ormaz'd isn't savvy to them yet.[color="#000000"] Advanced Spells: [/color][color="#000000"][i]Seal of Solomon- [/i][/color][/size][color="#000000"][size="3"]The most powerful seal, it is drawn over Ormaz'd's chest and acts a release for his magical powers, so that his magic is always flowing out into the battlefield. This is a double edged blade-- any enemy able to utilize or absorb magic can take this released magic for themselves, but in this released state Ormaz'd can create seals by manipulating his energy, enabling him to use seals anywhere on the battlefield, multiple times even.[/size] [/color][color="#000000"] [size="5"] Other Info[/size][/color] [size="3"][color="#000000"][b]Personality:[/b] [/color][color="#000000"]Ormaz'd is a mischievous and playful person by nature, known both for his tendency to flirt with women and to play pranks on others, such as placing level one explosion seals in people's food or on their chairs. When he's not playing a prank, he's usually in the foreground of every event, casually chatting with anyone who will listen or anyone who needs a pick-me-up. He's also somewhat enigmatic; he rarely ever speaks about himself or his past, and is always seen smiling, even when he's in dire trouble. When danger arises he feigns disinterest, and refuses to face it unless one of the female members of the guild asks him sweetly, or until he is dragged into battle. During battle he maintains his goofy disposition as a means to trick his opponent into underestimating him. However, when facing an extremely powerful opponent or when his allies are harmed, he fights with amazing resolve and displays an astounding aptitude for strategy, although his attitude stays basically the same.[/color] [color="#000000"] [b] Background:[/b][/color][color="#000000"] Ormaz'd was the middle child of three boys born to the great mage [url="http://www.zerochan.net/237432"]Phersu[/url] and his wife [url="http://www.zerochan.net/545271"]Uni[/url] in Enca. Phersu was a powerful Summoner Mage and Uni was an Earth Dragon Slayer, so their children were all born with a great deal of magical power, but Oramz'd was born the weakest. His eldest brother, [url="http://www.zerochan.net/804085"]Bald'r[/url], was a holder mage and he channeled his ability, called Silent Vow, through the lantern he carries. Bald'r could manipulate the white flame within the lantern, which, upon making contact with another object, forced that object to make a 'vow' to never hurt Bald'r. His younger brother, [url="http://www.zerochan.net/804052"]Gabri'el[/url], utilized caster magic which he called Trumpet, which allowed him to turn sound into concussive force. Due to the uniqueness and power of his brother's abilities they received much more attention than Ormaz'd, but he was never jealous of them; he had no interest in being a public spectacle, and he felt that he didn't have to worry about others taking interest in him simply because of his magic. Ormaz'd's life was relatively normal for a number of years, where he would simply practice his magic and spend time with his friends. He generally avoided going home, as his brothers grew up to be cocky and hubristic, and had taken to bullying him. Since his parents, for one reason or another, refused to punish their sons, Ormaz'd opted to stay either in the library during the nights, or increasingly, at his girlfriend [url="http://sonohara.donmai.us/data/ed9e9a7daef91087068edcfe417b9c0a.jpg"]Verity[/url] house. Unfortunately, his freedom was short lived. One evening when Ormaz'd returned home from a visit to the library he found Verity tied up, sporting an odd new tattoo on her neck of a Mountian bathed in golden flames. He discovered from his family that they had created a new guild, [b]Olympian Fire[/b], because they felt that their magic was superior to the other mages of Enca. Their goal was to become the strongest guild in existence, and to annihilate weaker guilds and mages in general. Despite Ormaz'd being 'too weak' for their standards, they offered to allow him to live and either get stronger and face them, or hide forever lest they find him and kill him. After this Ormaz'd wandered around Enca, eventually settling in the city of Bearden. He met the younger Veran and his friends, and joined New Moon as their 'chaperon', or at least that's what he called himself. Although at first he was content to lay low with them, he eventually grew ashamed of his cowardice and wholeheartedly agreed with Veran's decision to join Excalibur. He doesn't know if his family, or Verity, are alive or if they were defeated by another guild, but if they reappear he doesn't want to be caught unprepared. [/color][color="#000000"] [b]Flashback:[/b][/color][color="#000000"] [b]"A cat... in a tree?"[/b] Ormaz'd dropped his smile for the first time in a couple of months after the man in front of him finished his sentence. He was the first person to walk into their guild house, aside from some of the other guild member's parents... And he came in to ask that they rescue his cat. From. A. Tree. [b]"Yah, Mittens strolled up there yesterday and refuses to come down. I used my flight magic to try and grab him but he scratched me. So I thought to myself, I thought, hey! Those New Moon guys never have anything to do. I'm sure they won't mind getting scratched up," [/b]the man said nonchalantly. Despite being across the room from him, Ormaz'd could see Veran's face contort with anger, and Raibyr was forced to hold him back. Ormaz'd smiled at his lively friend and waved, wordlessly mouthing to Raibyr to grab him tighter. He then clapped his hands and stood up from his chair, so that he was face to face with the man. [b]"Hey sure, I'll get your cat down. Uh... we should go now though," [/b]he finished, noticing that Veran had almost broken out of Raibyr's grip. Ormaz'd grabbed the man by the arm and escorted him out of the building, and as he closed the door behind him he heard a loud crashing noise. Ormaz'd held the door shut, yelled for the man to run, and then after a few moments sprinted after him as well. About five minutes later they slowed their pace, as no one had charged after them yet. Their employer shook his head and laughed. [b]"Man, you New Moon losers are even funnier than I thought! I'm gonna have a great time telling this to the guys," [/b]he said, following it up with a loud, obnoxious laugh. Ormaz'd simply smiled at the man, but secretly ran through a list of things he'd rather be doing than dealing with things--basically everything. He spent the rest of the walk thinking about this, completely blocking out whatever the other man was saying, until he felt the man's hand press against his chest and stop him in his track. Ormaz'd raised an eyebrow at the man, fully intent on simply tagging him with an explode seal and leaving him to his fate, when he noticed that they had finally arrived at their destination. [b]"Think you can get him down?" [/b]the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. It wasn't a tree he had brought Ormaz'd to. It was a tower made of wood. It was easily as large as two houses, and it was the only tree in the neighborhood this size. Meaning... this tree was made by magic. Undoubtedly the magic of one of his employers friends. Ormaz'd looked from the man, back to the tree, to the man again. The man just stood their with a stupid grin on his face. [b]"Yeah, did I mention I had a friend who knew wood magic? Yah, he tried to get the cat down to but just made it worse somehow," [/b]he said, attempting to contain a snicker. He patted Ormaz'd's back and mumbled good luck to him condescendingly. Ormaz'd took a moment longer to stare at the tree, and then sighed internally. This man was going to suffer. Ormaz'd turned to face his employer and flashed his teeth. [b]"Your cat will be down in a minute. You just stand right there. I'm going to set up a couple seals, which should get your cat down and in your arms in no time," [/b]Ormaz'd said, attempting to sound as sincere as possible. He walked up to his employer and drew a circle around his feet, with the number five in it. The man shifted nervously, although he pretended to be unconcerned. Ormaz'd then drew one circle on the tree, with the number five in it as well. He then walked back to the man, patted him on the back, and took a couple of steps behind him. [b]"Heeeeeere's your kitty! Trap level five! Explode level five!" [/b]Tendrils shot up from the ground and bound Ormaz'd's prey to the spot. As the man began to struggle with his binds, the bottom of the tree erupted, completely destroying its base. The tree then smashed down into its stump and began falling in the direction of the victim. The victim panicked and attempted to fly out of from his bonds, but a couple where still latched onto him. As the tree got closer he closed his eyes and squealed like a little girl in anticipation of being flattened. He wasn't, of course. The tree missed him by a couple of feet, and he was only knocked over by the shock wave. What did hurt, however, was the frightened cat that jumped out of the tree and dug its claws into him. Ormaz'd smiled and trotted back to the guild, already thinking about which of the local ladies he could ask out for a drink that night. OOC: I apologize if adding in the bit about my character's family and their guild is presumptuous or out of place, I just wanted Ormaz'd to have a past that constantly acts as a source of guilt and concern for him. Again though, if it's out of line, I will totally take it out.[/color][/size][/font]

[font="Times New Roman"][size="3"]Hooray! More people! How exciting! :D Humaru, thank you for adding in your Fullbring's ability-- it's an awesome one, by the way. Knuckles' Girl, I'm glad to see you're on board and I can't wait to learn more about your character. Kayin, as I've told you already, your sign up looks great and I'm eager to see it completed. So we should be looking forward to two possible sign ups in the near future, as well as a post from my partner Tulas Shorn that will describe the new head of the Quincies, Kenjiro. After that things should get up and running! Anyone still interested, fear not, even when the RP begins sign ups will remain open for quite a while, since both sides will always need more members as the conflicts escalate. :D P.S. Where it says Quincy and Xcution in the backstage thread I've added links to the Bleach Wiki for anyone who wants take a look (or for anyone who actually decides to sign up as a Quincy, haha)[/size][/font]

[font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]Great sign up Humaru, and you reminded me of something I missed in my initial post. So for anyone else who might be considering signing-up as a Fullbringer (and I'd like it if you could add this to your sign up as well, Humaru) under the weapon section could you write the name of your Fullbring, and under powers could you write the ability of your Fullbring (i.e. Jackie Tristan's Dirty Boots gets more powerful the dirtier they get). Anywho, I hope to see some more sign-ups soon, and if anyone has any questions whatsoever, please don't hesitate to ask. :D[/size][/font]

[font="Times New Roman"][size="3"]Welcome to the Backstage for the rp What It Means To Be Human. Here, you can post your comments, suggestions and questions, as well as interact with the other rpers. Also, as the rp progresses, I'll be updating this first post with information about important characters, as well as a recap of the 'Chapters'. Don't worry too much about the chapter system, it will mostly be used to keep track of the events that occur.[/size] [center][size="7"][url="http://bleach.wikia.com/wiki/Fullbring"]Xcution:[/url][/size][/center][center] [/center][size="5"][center]Shūkurō Tsukishima-[/center][center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Tsukishima.png[/img][/center][/size][size="3"][center]Tsukishima found Ginjo years ago while fleeing a group of Quincy. Surprised to see that another possessed abilities akin to his own he formed an alliance with Ginjo, which eventually led to the creation of Xcution. However, although Tsukishima helped find their organization, he largely takes a backseat to Ginjo in regards to monitoring the group, as he prefers to work alone. Among his fellow Fullbringers he is kind and amiable, and most of them think of him fondly, as a brother or a best friend they've had forever. His enemies see another side to him-- a merciless, sadistic fighter who enjoys torturing his opponents. His Fullbring, Book of the End, has the ability to cut through anything. He has caused certain Quincy to join the Xcutioners simply by striking at them once, which apparently was enough to frighten them into joining...[/center][/size][center] [/center][size="5"][center]Kūgo Ginjō-[/center][/size][size="5"][center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Ginjo.png[/img][/center][/size][size="3"][center]The leader of the Xcution. While he is a Fullbringer, he is also possesses Shinigami abilities, although he prefers to use his Fullbring. During a routine Hollow hunt years ago he encountered Tsukishima engaged in battle with Quincy soldiers and assisted him. Realizing that there were others with abilities like his, and that they would most likely be hunted down as Tsukishima was, he resolved to create Xcution with Tsukishima. Since then he has been the official leader, recruiting members personally whenever possible and leading them to the best of his abilities. The other Fullbringers trust him completely as their leader, as he is charismatic and pragmatic.[/center][/size][center] [/center][size="5"][center]Ichigo Kurosaki-[/center][/size][size="2"][center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Ichigo.png[/img][/center][/size][size="3"][center]A new Fullbringer surrounded by mystery. Ichigo has always been special, being able to commune with ghosts all of his life. A few weeks ago, however, he encountered his first malevolent ghost, a Hollow. The Hollow nearly killed Ichigo, but just as it went to strike it's last blow Ichigo heard a whisper in his ear. Despite being unable to hear what the whisper said, an eruption of reiatsu sprang forth from him and he was bathed in black energy. Using this form he fought against the Hollow until Ginjo appeared and recruited him. Although Ichigo is a new member, the other Fullbringers have taken fondly to him, thanks to his dedication to keeping his comrades safe and out of harms way, and his generally good-natured attitude. The reason for Ichigo's fullbring resembling a Shinigami's outfit as well as the nature of the silent dark-haired figure who occupies Ichigo's dreams are unknown, although Ginjo has a theory...[/center][/size][center] [/center][center] [/center][size="7"][center][url="http://bleach.wikia.com/wiki/Quincy"]Quincy:[/url][/center][/size][center] [/center][size="5"][center]Kenjiro Masahiro-[/center][/size][size="3"][center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Kenjiro.jpg[/img] [/center][/size][size="3"][center][size="3"][size="3"]Kenjiro is the current 'Captain' of the Quincy. He is by far the most talented and powerful Quincy to be seen in hundreds of years, although the young Uryu Ishida might someday surpass him. He is the model of an effective leader-- he is firm and resolute, will always make the most tactically sound decision, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty and join into a conflict if necessary. Although he is an amazing leader, other Quincy do not feel as close to him as the Fullbringers do Ginjo due to his curt and rough manner of conversation. He often butts heads with the Quincy elders also, as he obstinately believes that the Quincy have been stagnant for too long and need to advance lest they face [/size][size="3"]obsolescence. Due to a traumatic incident in his youth, Kenjiro rarely uses his Quincy bow, opting instead to use the Quincy art of Ginto. He is so proficient at this art that he doesn't need to use the actual Ginto tubes to perform it, instead gathering and liquefying reishi in the air.[/size][/size][/center][/size][/font][font="Times New Roman"][center] [/center][size="5"][center]Uryū Ishida-[/center][/size][center][img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Reizou/Uryu.png[/img][/center][size="3"][center]Uryu is a prodigy among Quincy, able to perform extremely complex and dangerous Quincy abilities despite his young age. Uryu comes from a line of powerful, devout Quincy, save for his father Ryuken, who refuses to take part in the current Quincy activities. Although generally reserved and quiet, he harbors an extreme passion for his fellow Quincy and the Quincy name, and avidly attempts to uphold the 'Pride of the Quincy'. To this end he is extremely chivalrous and refuses to use lethal means against his opponents unless it is absolutely necessary. Despite Uryu's strong belief in upholding the pride and honor of Quincy, as well as his desire to protect his comrades, Uryu is uncomfortable with waging war on the Fullbringers as, even with their Hollow powers, they are still human.[/center][/size] [size="3"]So get on those questions and sign ups, ladies and gents. :] [/size][/font]

[left][left][center][font="Times New Roman"][size="5"]What It Means To Be Human[/size][/font][/center][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"] There is an afterlife. In this world, when a spirit dies it is visited by a pyschopomp, a figure robed in black-- a Shinigami. These Shinigami are powerful spirits who have come back from the afterlife to guide the newly deceased, called a Plus. If the Plus was evil in its life, the Shinigami condemns the spirit to an eternity of torture in Hell. But if a Plus was good and just in its lifetime, then the Shinigami escorts the Plus to the Soul Society; a massive city where thousands of souls live without hunger and with extreme longevity. If a soul does feel hunger, even that is a good sign-- only souls with powerful spirit energy can feel hunger, and thusly will most likely become Shinigami. When these souls, Shinigami or not, die, they are reborn as new people in the human world. This is the cycle of life. But in this grand scheme, itâ??s easy to overlook the importance of life on Earth. The importance of being human... [/size][/font][/left][center][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"]*****[/size][/font][/center][left][font="Times New Roman"][size="3"] [b]â??Stop running!â?[/b] The fleeing man streaked away from his pursuer without looking back. The man grimaced and reflexively grabbed the cross around his neck. [b]â??Cross of Scaffold,â?[/b] he muttered. The cross immediately erupted with crackling, expanding reiatsu, manifested spirit energy. He ripped the item from his neck as the energy equalized into the form of a peculiar claymore. The handle of the sword ran through the guard and continued into a hollow space at the base of the blade. He gripped the handle below the hilt with his left hand and above the hilt with his right and then jumped and spun in the air. As his body rotated, a large triangle of his reiatsu formed around his blade. Right as his body was facing the direction he had come from, his pursuers came into view. I hate those ******* white robes, he thought. [b]â??Raaagh!â?[/b] He swung the blade in a powerful arc, and the energy erupted off of of his blade and flooded down the alleyway. Before his enemies could react the energy slammed into their chests and incinerated them. The man landed on the ground and scoffed. [b]â??What a waste of a day this has been so far,â?[/b] he muttered under his breath, and then turned around to continue running. Unfortunately, there was another obstacle in his path--this time, an annoying teammate. She was shorter than him-- 5â??5â??â?? to his 6â??1â??â??-- and slender, with magenta hair parted into two ponytails. She was moderately attractive, or at least she would be if she wasnâ??t so ******* annoying... [b]â??Ginjo,â?[/b] she screamed into the manâ??s face, [b]â??why did you leave me back there! I could have been killed you jerk!â?[/b] Ginjo rolled his eyes and pushed his ally out of the way. [b]â??You lived didnâ??t you, Riruka? And try not to be so loud, youâ??ll give us away,â?[/b] he said without looking at her. Riruka opened her mouth to respond, but Ginjo simply shrugged her off and continued running away from her, using his â??bringer lightâ?? ability to launch himself into the air and further the distance between them. He smiled as the air whipped against his face and Rirukaâ??s nagging voice faded into the background. Once upon a time he had thought that the â??bringer lightâ?? and other abilities relating to his status as a â??fullbringerâ?? were a curse. What else would any sane person think of abilities that they gained from being attacked by monsters? But over time he had come to appreciate and even grow fond of his ability. Now he wore the title proudly, and adamantly struggled against those who sought to kill him and his comrades for their association with those monsters-- the Hollows. Ginjo touched down on a rooftop and surveyed the area while continuing to think on his situation. Indeed, the Hollows were what had led him into his current predicament. Despite currently being engaged in an all out war with Qunicy, a group of arrow-wielding, anti-hollow fanatics, it was still his duty to perform his Substitute Shinigami responsibilities, which included hunting down Hollows. He had only seen a Shinigami once in his life, and even then only long enough for the Shinigami to elect Ginjo as a Substitute. Since, Ginjo had been tasked with eliminating the Hollow, as well as stopping the â??Quincy.â?? At first he had been confused by the manâ??s words but now, after having encountered the Quincy time and time again, he understood perfectly. [b]â??Ginjo! Beneath you!â?[/b] interrupted Rirukaâ??s voice from behind him. Ginjo looked down and grinned, gripping his blade tightly. [b]â??Well would you look at that...â?[/b] he muttered, pleasantly surprised. The Hollow he was looking for, a not-even menos class, was currently engaged in battle with a young man, the second matter Ginjo had come to examine. With war against the Quincy coming ever closer, one of his new responsibilities was to gather together other Fullbringers like himself for the purpose of protecting them from the wrath of the Quincy, as well as adding them to his ranks. When he felt the reiryoku, or spiritual power, of the Hollow, he had felt another as well, one clearly identifiable as belonging to a Fullbringer. When a Fullbringerâ??s ability first manifests it is extremely unstable, and thus their reiryoku fluctuates wildly. But this personâ??s particularly reiryoku was phenomenal, so that even miles away it felt as if that personâ??s energy was washing over him and the other Fullbringers. But there was no way that Ginjo could have predicted this... A Fullbringer who looked like a Shinigami. [b]â??Hey carrot top! Need a hand?â?[/b] Without waiting for the teenager to respond, Ginjo jumped off of the roof and raised his sword over his head. His reiatsu coated the blade again as he descended, and he swung his weapon down onto the head of the Hollow. Using the force of his fall he dragged his blade through the Hollowâ??s body, halving it. The Hollow erupted into smoke which flooded the whole street. When the smoke cleared, only Ginjo and the orange-haired boy were left. Ginjo reduced his weapon to necklace size and turned to face the young man. [b]â??You got a name, carrot top?â?[/b] he said with a smile, simultaneously examining the boy. He was a bit shorter than Ginjo, standing at 5â??11â??â??, but was surprisingly muscular for a teenager. From what Ginjo had seen of the boyâ??s fight with the Hollow, as well as the markings on the boyâ??s fists and body, Ginjo guessed that he had been involved in a number of fights. Despite the fight having ended, the boyâ??s Fullbring was still active. Ginjo recognized it immediately as a clad-type Fullbring, one that covers the body and functions as both an armor and a weapon. This Fullbring manifested itself as a Shihakushō, the standard garb for Shinigami. If this was the manfiestation of the boyâ??s powers... Then there was a good chance that-- [b]â??Ichigo. Ichigo Kurosaki. What the hell was that just now? And what the hell am I wearing? And how the hell did you do that?!â?[/b] the boy exploded. But Ginjo was barely listening. He simply stared on in awe as the boyâ??s name rung in his ears. Ichigo Kurosaki. Kurosaki. Ginjo inhaled heavily and gripped his forehead, attempting to calm himself down. [i]Scratch what I said earlier. This is turning out to be a great day...[/i] [b]â??Itâ??s a pleasure,â?[/b] he finally responded, having collected himself.[b] â??My name is Kugo Ginjo. That thing was a Hollow, and we are Fullbringers. I know that doesnâ??t exactly answer your question, but believe me when I say, youâ??re going to want to come with me. You need me now as much as we are going to need you...â?[/b] [center]*****[/center] Something mysterious has happened in Soul Society. A great calamity has kept the Shinigami from Earth for years, resulting in the Quincy Massacre never occurring. As such, the Quincy have been mercilessly hunting down Hollows and all things related to them, which has placed them into direct conflict with the newly awakened Fullbringers, whose powers derive from exposure to Hollow energy. The Quincy believed that they would easily destroy their weaker, inexperienced rivals. However, their assault was deftly halted by the appearance of two extremely powerful Fullbringers-- ShÅ«kurō Tsukishima, who possessed a blade that could cut through any material, as well as other unknown abilities, and KÅ«go Ginjō, whose spiritual power was unlike anything they had ever seen before. With the introduction of these two players the Fullbringers grew in power and numbers and became a substantial force. With both sides having recruited new members, all out war is upon Karakura town. Which side will you join? [center]*****[/center] Welcome to What It Means To Be Human, an rp brought to you by Vongola and Tulas Shorn. Youâ??ll be creating your own Fullbringer or Quincy to fight it out in a war between humans. But that is only the beginning. The Quincy were meant to be eliminated for a reason. By killing Hollows they are unbalancing the scale between Soul Society and Earth, an issue that the Shinigami feared greatly. They claimed it would be the end of the world. And without the Shinigami's timely intervention, youâ??re about to see the fruition of this trouble. In addition, rarely ever do the problems in Soul Society or on Earth stay in their respective realms. Matter of fact, itâ??s only a matter of time before the trouble in Soul Society and the war on Earth begin to spill into each other. What danger is waiting in Soul Society? Fight on and find out! [center][u]Sign-Up[/u][/center] [b]Name[/b]: Seeing as this takes place in Japan, your name will probably, though not necessarily, be Japanese. [b]Age:[/b] Any age is fine [b]Gender:[/b] [b]Appearance:[/b] [b]Personality:[/b] [b]Weapons:[/b] [b]Powers:[/b] What Quincy abilities do you have access to? Is your Fullbring fully developed? How good are you with hirenyaku or bringer light? Let us know. [b]Bio:[/b] Inform us about your life prior to discovering your powers [b]Writing Sample:[/b] How did you get recruited into the war? Were you saved by a Fullbringer/Quincy? Or did you access your abilities on your own and seek them out [b]Arrancar/Shinigami?[/b]: This wonâ??t play into the story for quite a while, but choose wisely nonetheless. If you have any questions, PM me or post it in the Backstage thread I'll have up soon. Happy writing! [/size][/font] [/left][/left]