"Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth
Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep."
~John Milton, Paradise Lost
Chapter 1 – God in the Machine A story is, in essence, very similar to a machine. Crafted of anything from a few parts to thousands, both can be as simple or as complex as the need they are made to fill. Both also make use of the concept of a device, literary or mechanical. But what, precisely, is a device? Modern definitions have it as a tool, a construct, a means to an end. But like most words, once upon a time, it meant something very different.
Device: From Latin, “divisus” – divided. From thence, Old French: “devis” – design or plan. “Devis” itself, though, bore another meaning, one that still rings through to today in the spirit of the word. “Device” may be defined today as a means to an end. The word was born from “separation”, from “division.” But over time, it evolved into something else entirely.
It came to mean, “wish.”
15 years ago…
Sara woke up from another nightmare. It was the same one she always had – a flash of bright red light and the city engulfed in flames. Though she saw it almost every night, the screams and the panic seemed as real as they ever did. Sara wiped the sweat from her forehead and crawled out of bed.
Though her father was regarded as one of the most important men in the city, the house they lived in was not large. She didn’t mind it though. It was just the two of them after all and her father spent most of his time puttering around with his machines in the basement. It was already near 3 a.m. but she could still hear the tinkering of metal and see flashes of light coming from below.
“Dad?” Sara called out to him from above the stairwell. She waited a moment. No response.
“Dad…?” She spoke louder as she began climbing down the stairs.
Shen she reached the bottom she saw her father, Leviticus Blue, standing in the middle of the room, almost unnaturally still. As if he were in a trance. His hair and clothes were disheveled and greasy, the obvious results of not leaving the lab for near a week.
“Dad, what’s going on?” she called out to him once more, though he didn’t seem to notice her still.
“I’ve finally found it. After all these years…”
“What’s going on? What did you find?” Sara was scared now. She was used to her father’s eccentricities but something about him seemed off now. He looked like a man ready to set the world on fire.
“God in the machine,” he responded, and the machine behind him made a screeching sound.
The room exploded into a flash of crimson light and Sara Blue lost consciousness. She woke up to the sound of smoke and sirens, but her father and his machine were nowhere to be found.
Premise
Spoiler
"I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble."
- Augustus Caesar
Welcome to Arcadia, an independent city-state nation built upon an artificial island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The city itself was the brainchild of the genius scientist, Dr. Leviticus Blue who received funding from various international corporations for the project. The implications of Arcadia’s founding were enormous. A city without any past ties to hold it down, any historical conflict or clouded nationalism. It was a city that only looked towards science and progress – a city of the future.
It was the year 2042 when construction on the city had completed and its ports were open. Hundreds of thousands of migrants poured in from countries all around the world. They were scientists looking to further their research, wealthy businessmen looking to expand their investments, or merely fortune seekers looking for a new beginning in a new world.
Two years after the city’s founding Dr. Blue began working on another project. The whole world was buzzing with news that the genius scientist that founded Arcadia would continue his chain of progress and technological advancement. For years he tinkered in his lab, never showing his face to the public or releasing any information on what he was working on. Eventually people would stop caring, believing that the man had become senile, and the name Leviticus Blue began to fade away into the past.
It was not until a decade later that Leviticus Blue would reach the tabloids. This time around, it would be surrounded by tragedy. On the autumn of 2054 a great explosion erupted from the home of Dr. Blue, killing hundreds in the surrounding area instantly including Dr. Blue himself. Once considered the greatest mind of his time, he would then be remembered as one of the most despicable villains of recent history.
Perhaps it was mere coincidence or perhaps the deceased Leviticus Blue was not as mad as he seemed. But not long after the incident, a small subsection of the city’s population began to develop supernatural abilities. Unlike in the comic books or movies, when an average person suddenly acquires godlike powers they do not don a mask and cape and try to play hero. They use it to get the girl, or hurt their enemies, or rob a bank. While not all of these so called “Hallows” became consumed by power, their sudden appearance would cause a ripple of panic fear and propaganda among the general public and the city government issued a swift internment policy towards the Sins.
You will play as a group of Hallows who recently acquired their powers. Will you try to take over and rule the city, become it’s first hero, or merely struggle to survive in an environment where everyone is a possible enemy.
Hallows
Spoiler
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
- Abraham Lincoln
It is yet unclear whether the catastrophe that resulted from Leviticus Blue’s invention and the appearance of the Hallows are related. Those who become Hallows are not born with their abilities, and the appearance of Sin powers in an individual is seemingly random. The powers themselves are also usually directly linked to a person’s personality or talents. For example, a musician might acquire the ability to manipulate sound or create hypnotic melodies.
The current policy for Hallows is to capture them on site, and SERAPH enforcers are authorized to use lethal force if necessary (and they almost always deem it necessary.)
Welcome to Arcadia
Spoiler
Districts
Spoiler
Map of Arcadia
District 0, Central District – Despite its title, the Central district is not actually located at the center of the city, but instead its northwestern sector. It contains all the major offices of government as well as housing complexes for most notable Arcadian politicians. At the heart of the district is the Empyrean, the SERAPH headquarters and the central building for all judiciary and policing matters. The Central District is also the location of Safety, the hundred-story prison facility where all captured Hallows are held. At the edge of the district is the Central Metrolink station with railways that connect to each of the five districts.
District 1, Estate District – A wealthy, upper class district built on the banks of an estuary. Among the restaurants and fine houses, the largest is the Doyle Mansion, home to Howard Doyle the billionaire and founder of the HD Multinational Corporation that funded Leviticus Blue’s construction of the city itself. District 1 is heavily guarded by SERAPH police forces especially during large social events.
District 2, Financial District – The heavily industrialized financial district is the location of the buildings and business offices of the many different corporations that helped sponsor the creation of Arcadia as well as the home of the National Bank. The largest of these corporations is HD Multinational which researches and produces most of the new age technology exclusive to Arcadia.
District 3, Lawless Zone – The only sector of the island not under the control of SERAPH, District 3 was once a residence area and location of the home of Leviticus Blue. After the incident, the District became isolated from the rest of the city. It became a resting ground for vagrants, criminals, and even Hallows hoping to seek shelter from the eyes of the law. Though most the people who live here are of a seedier nature, this district will sometimes get visitors from main island, usually wealthy men interested in the gambling and girls at The Velvet Glove. Nearly all the businesses here, including The Velvet Glove, are run by the Dragunov family, immigrants from Russia with ties to the Russian mob. Rumor has it that the Sergei Dragunov is trying to gather Hallows for some reason.
District 4, Port District – The district that regulates migration to and from Arcadia, as well as a residential area for many living on the island. It is the most densely populated region of Arcadia and its heavily industrialized cityscape resembles cities from other parts of the world like New York, Tokyo, or Paris.
Organizations
Spoiler
Never a moments rest for a SERAPH officer
SERAPH – With the appearance of the Hallowed, the city’s population called for swift and decisive military action in response. Despite the existence of the City Council, it’s SERAPH that acts as the de facto overlords of Arcadia. With absolute authority over all military and judiciary responsibilities on the island, SERAPH has hand in dealing with almost every level of the city’s infrastructure. While several aspects of SERAPH are authoritarian in nature, most of the organization’s officers are good natured men who believe they are doing is justice.
SIN – A group of Hallows and Hallow sympathists who speak out against the automatic imprisonment of Hallows. While most seek nonviolent reforms there are more extremist members of this group who believe the only way to fight for their rights is by toppling SERAPH’s complete military control over the city.
{std::cout << "Hello, Ctrl!\n"; }
Ctrl – A group of cyber-terrorists said to be lead by a Hallow with a powerful ability. So far their agenda has yet to be made clear, though rumor has it that they’ve been able to hack into the databases of both SERAPH and the HD Multinational Corporation.
HD Multinational – One of the most widely recognized brands throughout the world, HD Multinational has been spearheading advancements in technology for the past few decades. Founded by Howard Doyle in 2025, the corporation has had a hand in everything from computer chips to military weaponry.
Добро пожаловать! Welcome to Velvet Glove, comrade!
The Dragunov Family – Immigrants from Russia who settled in District 3 following the Blue Incident. In a few short years they developed a commanding influence over the district, and are in charge of most of the (admittedly sleazy) businesses and operations in the area.
The Network – A rumored underground network of vagrants, criminals, and other riff raff living throughout the city. They trade and share information with each other, said to be able to find out anything going on in Arcadia.
Important People
Spoiler
TBA
Character Sheet
Spoiler
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
- Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
Name: They call me Mr. Pig. Gender: There are only two. Age: Should we bust out the pacifiers or the hearing aids?
Affiliations: Knowing people is important, I hear. Bio: Tell me a bit about yourself.
Hallow: Your ability. Remember that it’s an extension of your character’s personality and history. Skills: Any other skills we need to know about? Other: Any other miscellaneous notes about your character you want to add?
I take issue with the adherence to a gender binary in your character sheet. In fact, it sickens me so much that I don't think I can even attempt to write up a character for this. You disgust me.
Bio: Max is from the port district of Arcadia. He was a sociable sort of kid, with lots of friends in his apartment complex. He wasn't the sociable sort for long, though. One day, one of his friends awoke as one of the Hallowed. He was a hotheaded little boy and he kept throwing flames and shit everywhere. Max thought it was cool, as did his flame-spewing friend, as did most of their other friends. Less impressed were some of the parents living in the complex. Soon enough, Max's friend was taken away and imprisoned. His friendships grew a bit strained after that. First Bobby blamed Tim because his parents hated Hallowed, but Tim said that he heard Sally's mother call the police about some pyro. It seemed like everyone had someone else to blame for their friend being carted away to jail for life at the tender age of something quite young.
Max didn't play with his friends much after that.
There was another side effect of this event. Namely nightmares. Seeing his friend being taken away screaming, his parents crying, the SERAPH officers all armored up, some of them even bludgeoning the fiery little kid until he calmed down--that's not really something that sat well with Max, ya dig? Really freaky shit, that. He pulled away from much social contact and became more reclusive. Not completely out of the social sphere, but he was the sort of kid to go to school, maintain pleasant, but distant, relationships with people (less awkwardly than he thought, but still quite awkward), and go home to the internet for the rest of the day. Lots of kids were like him in that regard, just not in the "watching your friend get beaten by the police as a young boy" regard.
After his powers awoke, Max had something of a panic attack. Luckily, due to the nature of his abilities, no one saw his panic attack! That was a victory in his book. His current goal in life is to never be found out. Quite a simple goal, that, all things considered. Prison is not a place he wants to spend the rest of his life.
Hallow: Edge of the World: Max is able to create a pocket dimension. Located above the clouds, he calls it the Edge of the World. In this dimension, he is close to a God, capable of creating anything he desires. However, these things do not translate to the real world (he cannot bring back what he has made), and as such the things he creates in this dimension cannot do harm to something from the real world. He can open up a portal to this dimension from any flat surface, and each entrance is hidden from sight unless you know where it is. It is impossible to stumble in; you must be invited, or you must have seen him create an entrance to gain entry.
Skills: Making cute puppets, looking innocuous.
Other: Laments his lack of a cute mascot, like a dog or something.
Edited by Johnny Paradise, 30 May 2014 - 03:15 AM.
Might tweak this a bit I guess. Otherwise it should be done.
Spoiler
"A quote? Nah. I can't be bothered."
Name: Saul. Saul, uhh... Smith. Gender: Dude. Age: Twenty-five. Affiliations: Eh, I get around. No rock-solid affiliations as such. Just friends and acquaintances really. I've done quite a bit of work for The Network. My ability comes in pretty handy to them. What with them liking to get secret information and all. A couple of times my pal over at Ctrl has used me as an extra pair of hands for some hacking stuff. And o'course there's SIN. Ya gotta like those guys if you're a Hallow. Bio: My history? Well. Don't bother buckling in buddy. You're in for a smooth ride.
So. Where to start? Hmm.. Okay. I got it.
As a child my parents would always try to tell me to do things. Hoover the floors Saul! Wash the dishes Saul! Don't be a lazy prick Saul! But I never cared much for effort. I never did as I was told. You always hear, don't you, about a good hard days work. I always thought working hard for an entire day was anything but good. I much preferred the easy life. The simple life. You know. You wake up. You go back to sleep because it's only twelve o'clock. You wake up again. Breakfast. Relax for a little while, because waking up always tires you out. And then, and only then, do you go about your business. Somewhere along the line you have lunch and dinner. You know. Just the important things. Until, eventually you get older. You may not grow up and change, but you always get older. And then you need money. Because poor parents from the slums can't afford to keep feeding you forever.
So you try and get a job. Nothing big. Nothing that needs effort. Nothing that needs smarts. Just washing dishes or something. Because having smarts is too hard. All that studying. And then, horror of horrors, you discover that there are no jobs. Well what are you to do? Get forced out onto the street and starve? No thanks. I started stealing. Again, nothing that required effort. Nothing that needed smarts. I just kicked the odd apartment door down, or, if you'd rather hear the truth, I got someone else to kick a door down. And then we'd find their cash and run like the wind. It was a lot less work than having a job. Though the running was pretty bothersome.
And then I became a Hallow. Right out of the blue. I didn't really believe they were real. I'd thought they were just modern day fairy tails to be honest. Magic people who could do weird magical stuff. Sounded like nonsense. And then I became one. I'd heard the 'Hollows' people gained were very fitting to their characters. I thought that was just a rumour. Until I got mine. Now I believe it. My Hollow is the ultimate cheat code on life. The best way to avoid all the effort and time spent. It's perfect for me. And since I got it I've had more money than I'd ever even seen in my past life. There are people wanting to use my Hollow all over the city. And I'm only too happy to help occasionally. For the right price anyway. Just so long as they don't bother me much.
Hollow: My Hollow...[le sigh]... Sure. I couldn't be bothered to come up with a name. So I just call it the Hollow Touch. Kinda fits I guess. Basically, when I touch people I suddenly know what they know. It tends to wear off eventually but it's pretty handy for a lazy guy like me. Like if, let's say, I wanna know where you're hidin' the cash. I could beat it outta you, sure, but that's so much effort. And it wastes a lot of time. Instead I just give em a quick poke on the face or whatever and I know exactly where all the money is. And the snacks. And how to build that computer they made the other day. It's cool. But it sucks as well. I don't really need the memory of the last dump you took rattling round in my head... I try not to use it much. Skills: They come and go nowadays. I can get a lot of things just by walkin' down the street and shakin' a few hands... Does sleepin' count as a skill? I'm pretty good at that. Oh. I can make some pretty tasty food when I can be bothered. Other: Nah.
Edited by Unbelievably Majestic, 31 May 2014 - 02:08 AM.
Sorry for the two bad CS before and your time , this the newly edited CS after taking your hint... hope this is satisfactory for you..
Spoiler
Name: Kenny Graham
Gender:Age: 23
Affiliations: His former gang member from the street, his pub's boss and his parent that he doesn't wish to speak of them ever again
Bio: Born in the city of New York, Kenny is raised to be the best by his strict and cold parent. He was home schooled at the age of 5. He was taught the manner and education needed to be an adequate upperclassmen just like his parents. His parents are very strict with him,thus he rarely meets with any kid his ages in his complex. He was taught not.. he was doctrine that a great businessman doesn't need friend and money the only thing he can trust.
During his 7 years old birthday he was taken to the man-built city of Arcadia by his parents. His parent's background as businessmen saw them moved to the man-built wonder in the middle of Pacific ocean.
At the ages of 13 he was enlisted in school for elitist. Due to his lack of social skill, he never made a single friend in his class. Grade-wise he is regarded as an role model in his school. Until now his parents are nowhere friendlier than a stranger to him, coming home only at night and leave by the next morning. With no one to understand his pent-up emotion and no one to talked to, he begins his planning to change that.
As he enters high school, Kenny finally started his little act of rebellion. Skipping class, involved in gang activities and such. Eventually this comes to the ears of his parent. His parents cannot bear the shame and anger their son had cause, they decided to locked him up in home for a long period of time.
Eventually, he decided to break out of this cage. He is tired of being told what to do and the constant pressure from his parents.
He leaves his home for good. Even the life on the street is hard, Kenny didn't regret this decision. At least leaving there has given him a taste of freedom he never felt. He was introduced a job as a bartender at a small pub in the port district by his delinquent friend, a job that Kenny never thought he would work as. For the first time in his time in Arcadia, he stepped out of the Estate district where his home is located. The bustling street filled with people and urban city's land scape of the port district soon become a part of his life.
Several years past, his parent never attempts to find him whatsoever and Kenny is already fond of his life as bartender. Listening to the constant complaint and emotional outburst from the drunk customer didn't seem a bad job for him either. But all of that changed forever after the Hallow become a thing and he found out that he had become one. For a starter, some of his customers turned out to be Hallow and were "quarantined" by the Seraph officers and Kenny is still safe, given the nature of his power. Still some of the officers are smart enough to suspect him as a hallow. Kenny managed to escape that, with a little manipulation done. Business goes as usual, the incidents of hallow-hunting takes toll on the pub's business.
Hallow: Emotion Doll. Seemingly another usual day in the pub he is working in, one of the drunkard begins crying and uttering nonsenses. While continuing his work he wished for the drunkard to stop crying, When Kenny's eyes met with him, the drunkard soon become elated and started to dance as if nothing had happened before. He soon realized his ability to control people's emotion after testing it on the others. Similar to hypnotize, Kenny can imprint an emotion to his target's mind through eye contact. Be it lust,anger,happiness or depressive mental state. However he can't control what people will do with this ability
Skills: He makes good cocktails
Other: -He doesn't like alcohol albeit he is a bartender
I looked over both CS's. For your first character, I would expect to see actual references to the setting I created rather than someone apparently living in a completely different universe suddenly attaining powers. Beyond that, being depressed and suicidal does not necessarily equate to interesting. How did he get that way? You mentioned his parents cold and materialistic, but didn't elaborate further. As for the second character, I'm not sure you were even trying. He turned into a hallow while making a pizza delivery? Really?
If I sound blunt or rude, I apologize as I don't mean to be. However, I would rather see a single, well developed and interesting character than two mediocre ones. I'm afraid neither display the level of writing I'm expecting for this RP.
@Mors: Can peeps with a little average writing skills still join?
If you have the time:
Spoiler
Through the vast entity that is the Internet, we now find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. A place of new faces, new personalities, and new adventurers alike. This place is the new home of our motley crew, and it is called Batoto. Here, as we meander through bustling streets and cobblestone draped markets, we find the first new person we will meet this day. Diabolical Rhapsody. What is so curious and is immediately the most noticeable thing about this shy soul is his height. Towering over eight feet high and sporting a two-handed mace that weighs more than some men, one would expect this scraggly bearded giant to be a savage barbarian. Yet those who dare try to scratch the surface a touch soon find a kind soul who so earnestly aims to please. Accompanying the vodka that he drinks and sings softly to is a pen quill made of the finest eagle's feather. His tools of imagination and creation, the studious giant fervently writes his passages for us all to see.
I don't want to discourage people from joining, just submit something and we'll see Frigid ^^
@Midnight: Good job reworking the character, it's a lot better. I would, however, like to see the history actually tie in with the setting I've created. It still seems like he grew up in some normal every day sorta place and not a futuristic city and the CS fails to mention any of his struggles actually living as a Hallow.
For whatever reason this boy could be found working at a hotel in the Financial District is always up to question. It appears that he no longer goes to school, but instead spends his time attending to the guests of his building and being an excellent host. Perhaps it was his beauty that attracted others, but yet, nobody could ever find out why is it that he always seems to be running the hotel literally by himself.
People would find their bags in their room the moment they take the elevator, with the door closing on Haruka’s smiling face. Indeed, it was something of a ghost story, trying to figure out where these phantom workers could be found. Of course, even the investigators could never find out how exactly Haruka is able to supply a feast despite being the only cook, and why the beds are made and the rooms cleaned just a few minutes after somebody would leave it for a snack. There were no bellboys and the only recipient was Haruka, who continues to stay in the lobby as if he had never left. Morning coffee could always be found on the bedsides next to people, as if Haruka himself had walked in there and gave them coffee as they slept: yet, none of their stuff was taken, and indeed, it was like having a mother on your side once again. The hotel itself was a simple six story building, with around fourteen rooms on each floor, except for the first, where a lobby and a dining room can be found. The hotel holds a very European design, at least in the lobby, yet once you enter a room, the floors are made of tatami mats and the beds are futons. In fact, the baths are public too, making it incredibly similar to a hot springs inn found in Japan.
Yet, despite its creepiness, it was a safe hotel, and an incredibly comfortable one at that. And the strangest thing is that people seem to think it’s just a normal hotel, despite all of its hauntings. Of course, there was a story where the hotel was a building that had been burned down a few weeks before, and yet it stands, in perfect condition. Whenever SERAPH members come in to investigate, Haruka is seemingly found with people, workers who work in the kitchen. It might suggest a larger network of people he works with, but chances are, those were all homeless or poor people working for some quick cash.
If you ask Haruka about it, all he would do is smile and say that the rebuilding effort was incredibly quick, while rolling down his sleeves to hide what appeared to be burn scars, and to have a nice day.
Hallow: The ability is called Horror Story, which allows him to recreate the “phantoms” of the people who have died in a building to do simple tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, building, and even killing. The main weakness is that the phantoms have no intelligence: as such, Haruka has to list out all the steps to the phantoms before they can take action (such as the exact recipe of a dish).
Interesting character Britza. Just a couple of minor quips. Could you possibly add more details about the hotel itself? Also ghost stories would undoubtedly attract the attention of SERAPH, so I hope you have some countermeasures for when they go sniffing around.
Made edits. Not too sure what you wanted to know more about the hotel, so I added a description of the interior, a "floor plan", and some more ghost stories.
Affiliations: "I'll only associable people that I deem worthy"
Bio: Born into a n Aristocratic family, all she has ever known is fine taste and well mannered individuals. She'd often get what she want when ever she wanted, thus making her herself. Short tempered, self-centred and arrogant, she is considered to proud for her own good. However, because of her personality, she is often alone. She had people like adults to talk and befriend, but not many people her age... Until she met Daniel. She's finds it hard to show her emotions to others and will get frustrated doing so. However, when she down show them, you can bet they are from her heart.
Hallow: Loyalty to Milady - A hallow that reflects Amelia's want for loyalty and need for companionship. She calls forth her "faithful" Butler/servant to assist or do a task for her. The Butler is name Daniel Slynn. He is Faithful to Ameila, but he can only do so much.
Spoiler
"Yes, Milady..."
Name: Daniel Slynn
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Bio: Forced to move out, he had no where to go. he spent one night in an motel and two nights on the streets. However, his lifestyle changed old man offered him a job in a high class family, a servant job. he took the job, cause it was the only best option he had. he was hired to serve the Voltaire family, he was given food to eat and a roof over his head. However, his duty wasn't what he expected it to be. He had to serve and tend to Amelia. She was noisy, Self centred and quite rude to Daniel, but every now and then she'd show the better side of her to him and only him. The two had their ups and downs, and Daneil remains loyal to Amelia.
Skills: Whatever Amelia asks for
Other: He's Whipped XD
Skills: Aristocratic Aura - the skill to motivate others and organize things.
Sign In
Create Account
Back to top
, this the newly edited CS after taking your hint... hope this is satisfactory for you.. 
