Welcome to Gaia! ::

The year is 2080. The place is Mirawiss, a busy metropolitan city somewhere in Gaia's most developed country. It is surrounded by acres of farmland that is processed by machines and over-seen by human farmers who take pride in their work. Under rigid agri-cultural practices, food is no longer a scarcity and a middle-class population booms in the face of a government representative of a similar entity of almost 90 years ago. Many of the tolerant population sees this as political stagnation and, though unofficially, many of the services run by the government take their practices into their own hands. Taxes and government funding of Civil services are financial matters and seem to be the only part of government still respected by the people who have grown weary of political banter. It is a much more mature society that, despite the lack of respect for state sanctioned government, is far from lawless. The inner city is filled with high-rise buildings and many crowded alleyways. It is a common joke among the citizens that one can find a way anywhere by using back-roads alone. This cityscape and its surrounding farmland make up the backdrop of a conflict among the forces of an elite group of humans who wield a power far greater than the normal masses can imagine?

This is a modern RP of something like North America, albeit in Gaia. It is only slightly more advanced in technology and while it is a peaceful nation, it is not a nation without its crime, corruption and political problems. The main characters of this RP have the option of being Word Bearers of one denomination, a normal human aware of the Word Bearers (being unaware would put you out of context of the RP), or a Word Bearer of no-alignment.

Word Bearers: These are humans who have unraveled the power of spoken word. They can say certain words in such a way as to have an immediate and instantaneous effect on the world around them. Many have to be taught to use a Word, but some Word Bearers discover the talent on their own with a lesser knowledge of the Words. The Words work like spells, albeit it is the Word itself that has power, not any type of gestures or phrase. All Word Bearers are searching for the Words of power. These are the Words that can be said to gain certain effects. Words are learned through all sorts of ways, mostly books and scrolls that gave rise to the notion of wizards. However, some say that talking animals, ancient tablets and other such wondrous items or creatures have the power to reveal a Word to a Word Bearer. Word Bearers keep their identity secret because the civilization they are in is filled with too much turmoil to keep track of everything. Words would be much harder to find and learn if everyone was throwing Words around like that. It's essentially a way of controlling power, as well as many believing that Word Bearing is a calling and a responsibility. It is most certain that to become powerful, one must know Words. It is because of this that it is logical to assume each individual is searching for as many Words as possible. This is usually the driving force to being a Word Bearer.

Theologians: These Word Bearers believe that the Words that have power are words of some divine being. Many are extremely faithful to any particular religion and believe the clues to unlocking all the Words of power lie within religion. While they spend most of their time debating the purpose of having this power, some of the more fanatical have taken it upon themselves to crusade for as many pieces to the puzzle of their powers as possible. They have much tolerance for each other, but those that do not revere this "divine" power quickly become targets for the most aggressive of this group. On the other hand, a few who identify with this group are known to be kind and courteous healers. These healers do not regard a person by skill or association but help everyone in the aftermath of someone who uses the power "irresponsibly."

Evolutionists: The most intolerant of all types of Word Bearers are the Evolutionists. They believe that some people have the power and others do not. They think that those that are able to wield the power are the higher form of humans and deserve to dominate. Evolutionists are searching for Words that can over-ride the free will of lesser humans, but always take the chance to convert or destroy those Word Bearers who do not see eye to eye with them.

The Arcana Revolution: The Arcana Revolution are born of the Arcana Sanctum, a secret and mysterious cult started by some of the very first Word Bearers. The Arcana Sanctum protect all the knowledge of the Words in a large Library deep underground which no one has ever been able to reach. The power contained in there is too great to be used, and the Old Arcana Sanctum sealed it off with very, very powerful Words. However, the first layer of the Arcana Sanctum has been breached and the Words defending it stolen. Responding to the aggressive nature of this attack, and fearing the new denominations of Word Bearers, some Arcana began to fight back, greedily and quickly attempting to contain all knowledge of Word Bearing to their own sect. An Arcana Revolutionist would rather spy out and discover everything they can about a rival sect and are usually slow to lash out at anyone in particular. However, if an Arcana Revolutionist believes that another sect has gone too far in their power, they will strike out. The problem is that each group of Arcana Revolutionists, and indeed each individual, has their own idea of what "too far" is. The more peaceful original sect, the Arcana Sanctum, survives as a minority, collecting their knowledge quietly, each in their own way. Of all the sects, this one has the least comradeship among its members.

The Horde: The simplest, albeit most dangerous, type of Word Bearer belongs to the Horde. They are a sect that believes those who have the Word are destined to do battle to the last man. They want a challenge and a hunt, they want battle, and they are not afraid to use their powers to get it. Survival of the fittest is the most common theme and belief among them and they are united merely be a martial code that only they really know. Other than that, the Horde is the most diverse chapter of Word Bearers out their, with people as refined as an English gentleman to as crude as an animal. Because of this, the only thing a Horde member judges on is ability in strength, skill or martial prowess. Any Characteristic relating to this is commendable. They also hate cowards, which is what the think all other Word Bearers are. An outsider Word Bearer must prove himself to be seen as equal to any member of the Horde, even the weakest. Those of the Horde seek to find words that will enhance their martial ability and always test their strength against another Word Bearer when they have the chance.





Finding Words: Words are revealed during encounters or at any time during the RP. They can come in any form. New Words found by an individual who is not the Orator of a sect can choose whether or not to share that Word with the Orator to allow it to be provided to the rest of the sect. However, hiding a Word is a major offense and can result in many unpleasant repercussions. The Words will come up at random in the RP, the repercussions of hiding them is decided by the leader of the sect to which the Word Bearer belongs.

Knowing Words: For you to know how to use a Word, it must be Taught to you. Only someone who knows the Word, or an Orator, can teach you a Word. Once Taught, this Word is available to you at all times.

Word slots: Some puzzles do not give Words. In fact, many of the simpler ones are just Word slots. These are special puzzles that open up the parts of the Human brain required to use a word. A Word Bearer can solve a puzzle or otherwise obtain a Word slot at any time. They can NOT learn more Words then they have slots for it.

What the Words do: The effect of a Word will be listed in a separate section under the list available to each Sect. Also, I will have a master list and each unaligned will have their own.

Weapons: There are no restricted mundane weapons. However, remember the context of the setting. You will have to be able to hid the weapon (Government may suck but police are still at full force and citizens wont always just stand by.), explain it with physics (If that chain-gun is attached to your hand, where does it get its ammo and why can you fire it in one hand?), and have it somewhat available (cant run around with a bazooka, but a small uzi are fine. You might have a glaive, but that would be rare while a short sword might be available at any House of Knives).

Spots: Each Sect has its own leader. Each leader has an entourage if they wish. Each Sect also has an Orator, who carries, in written form, all the Words of the sect and what they do. The only exception is the Horde, who has only a leader, the strongest among them. IN game terms, leaders make Sect decisions like what happens to a Word Bearer who committed an offence OC or OOC. They also have the respect of their followers and can come up with Sect rules, regulations, codes of conduct and what not. Orators are in a sacred position. They and they alone keep a list of the ALL the Words that the Sect can teach and the effects of each one whether or not he can actually use them. An Orator, and only an Orator, can use the Sect repertoire to teach spells he does not know. But be wary, your list CAN be stolen by another Sect or Unaligned Word Bearer.

Theologians:
Grand Master:
Grand Orator:

Evolutionist:
Over-seer:
Orator:

Arcana Revolutionists:
Lord Arcana Aggressor:
Lore-Master:
(Arcana Sanctum do not have a leader, but instead decide as a group about how to respond in case of an emergency. They do not always have to follow the Lord Arcana Aggressor, but can choose their Words from the list provided by the Lore-Master)

Horde:
Grand Champion:
(The Horde can learn any Word they come a cross and teach their known words to anyone else as normal. However, they do not have a common repertoire of Words, which means their members must seek out people to learn from.)

Can PM the profiles to me. If there is an open position just tell me that you want it and I'll tell you if you get it.

Profile:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Appearance:
Personality:
History: (optional; many histories come out better during RP, but try to give an idea of what stories you character generally uses to describe their past.)
Weapons:
Word Slots: (Everyone starts with 1)
Words Learned: (Pick from list)
Sect:

Character Profiles:
Name: Minya Talbot
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Appearance: Minya is medium height and build, standing 5'4" in her bare feet and weighing 125 lbs. She does not look intimidating, and she encourages this by dressing like a boy. She keeps her curly black hair cut to her chin, and in her brown eyes. She dresses in loose male typical clothes, causing most people to assume she is a 14-15 year old boy. Most often in jeans, boots, and a button up shirt over a tee, she always wears a worn looking leather coat.
Personality: Minya has one goal in life. To avenge her brother's death. She does not care about the Word Bearers beyond how they can help her. She has become colder and more manipulative since her brother's death. She has set herself on a path and it would take the world ending for her to stop.
History: Five years ago, her twin brother, Shilah Talbot, discovered he was a Word Bearer. How exactly she does not know, but it took the two of them on a journey, as Shilah wanted to learn more. However they had difficulty finding people in the city who knew what Shilah was asking about. For a year they chased down rumours together, until one night they came across members of the Horde. Unable to convince Shilah to join them and share his Word, they kidnapped him, leaving her behind, wounded. Later, his body was found. The police are still "investigating" his murder. Minya has spent the past fours years training, learning to fight. While she is not a master by any means, rage fuels even the dumbest of students. Now she is looking for those who can help her bring down the Horde, regardless of who that might be.
Weapons: She conceals a Bersa Thunder .380 in an across the back holster. Inside is a 10 round magazine, with another on each hip. She has a 7 inch all steel boot knife on her right leg and wears three 5 inch throwers along her left side, under her coat.
Word Slots: 0
Words Learned: 0
Sect: unaffiliated

Name: Lorna MacKelter
Age: 25
Gender: female
Appearance: Wavy brown hair, often kept up in a bun or pony tail. Green eyes, sometimes wears glasses when reading. Very small, petite build, but not weak. She wears leather boots, a brown or black utili-kilt (modern kilt with pockets and loops for hammers and such), army shirts, and of course, black trenchcoats.
Personality: Has both Irish and Scottish in her background, a mix that she's still trying to figure out. She's rather quiet for the most part, but when she gets mad, her Irish temper explodes, often dangerously. She is extremely bitter about the about the "Arcana Revolution", and feels that attacking other sects is not the way to keep the Words and people safe.
History: Grew up, had normal parents with normal lives. Until, that is, she found out that they were Word Bearers, and belonged to the Arcana Sanctum. She discovered she had the power a few years ago, and was taught by her parents the morals and beliefs of the sanctum.
Weapons: She has two small pistols in holsters on the back of her utili-kilt. She also keeps two small daggers on her, one in each boot. She can fight with most swords, as the teaching was part of her heritage, but she can't carry around a broadsword.
Word Slots: 1
Words Learned: Pyritize
Sect: Arcana Sanctum

Name: James "Jimmy" Sanderman, Junior
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Appearance: Go grab an Abercrombie and Fitch catalogue. Good. Okay, now find the guy with the tossled blonde hair, grey-blue eyes, and a charming 'boy-next-door' face. There's plenty of those guys in this catalogue, of course, but the one we want is standing with a group of other guys. He's the shortest one, standing at about 5'8", and he probably has a guitar in one hand and a soccerball in the other. His white dress shirt is carelessly unbuttoned, displaying nice, toned abs and flawless apricot skin. The jeans are slightly baggy but still clean and new, and he is probably wearing shoes to cover his ugly, stinking feet. The other guys in the catalogue picture have detached expressions: some are looking at girls, others at a new car, but not this guy. He's looking right at you, sizing you up and wondering what use you are to him. This is Jimmy, except that his shirt is buttoned and he's probably wearing black sandals. Yuck.
Personality: The biggest thing about Jimmy is that he's a Renassiance guy, a young man who doesn't want to leave any experience in this world unexplored. He's a guy who is good at anything he tries, although he never keeps enough interest in one thing long enough to master it (Word Bearing is the exception, of course). This goes for people too: he loves meeting new people but has no interest in staying around. Soon enough he'll get bored and move on to a new person. Thus, don't trust that he'll have your back covered or keep your secrets safe. He likes boasting about what he knows, and secrets are as fair game for conversation as the weather. Nothing is more tempting to him than information is, even if it is of little use to him. The people who command the most respect from him are teachers, and he will give anything to them in exchange for the information or skills he wants to obtain. His driving force behind collecting all of the Words is simple: he just wants to learn them all! Pride, influence, and money is not what he fights for, and in that aspect Jimmy is admirable.
Jimmy knows a lot of random tricks and information just from keeping his eyes and ears open all of the time, and not only is he observant, but he's also resourceful. Unfortunately, he is completely clueless when it comes to dealing with people on a deeper level. It sounds cruel, but he sees people as objects: some to learn from, some to deal with because he has to (landlord, cashiers, etc), and others to fight with so he can get stronger and better. Social politeness comes easy to him, but don't expect him to recognize, sympathize, or understand the deeper troubles of others. Jimmy is a brave guy, but his self-centeredness makes it so he hesistates before helping/saving others and won't help them if there's a danger he'd get hurt or killed.
History: There isn't much to Jimmy's life. His upper middle-class family have enough money and influence to provide for Jimmy's every need, and he's had the freedom to pursue his large variety of interests. He has lived in Mirawiss his whole life but has also done a good deal of traveling with his uncle, an upper-class business CEO and a member of the Horde. His uncle is the one who discovered Jimmy's skill with Words, and convinced his nephew (also his heir, although Jimmy doesn't know this) that the Horde is the best place for a young man like him. The idea of learning more about fighting and about Words from a diverse group of people, all without being tied down by the stupid restrictions and regulations of other clans, eventually swayed him. So Jimmy proved himself and was accepted into the clan, and he's doing what he can to learn more words. He's also in college (I assume they have colleges?) getting a liberal arts degree. He lives in his own apartment and wanders the city in his free time.
Weapons: Just like everything else, his interest in weapons changes often. He has kept everything from guns to knives to tasers with him, but currently Jimmy's experimenting with good ol' pepper spray. Having a weapon was his uncle's idea, and Jimmy wouldn't dream of using a weapon outside of self-defense. He knows some boxing and martial arts, which is always his first resort.
Word Slots: 1
Words Learned: Stoush
Sect: The Horde

Name:Graros Spelloyal
Age:28 (I might have a little trouble playing an older person, though. just a little.)
Gender: Male
Appearance: Graros has a long black leather cloak that reaches down to his ankles. The hem is sort of jagged, and has several knife sheaths attached to the inside of the cloak. Up higher, near his chest, are two gun "slots" that allow him to carry a couple of uzis, or his twin machine guns. He wears black leather pants and long-sleeved black silk shirt underneath his cloak, wich is always worn unbuttoned. Black leather gloves cover his hands, with small grips on the palm. His hazel eyes catch everything that passes before them. His unkempt black hair seems to go out to all directions, despite how he tries to keep it in check. He has an ivory face, though his skin can't be seen much. He wears black tennis shoes, with black ankle socks underneath.
Personality: Graros is very mysterious, and acts almost like a king. He believes, like all other Evolutionists, that he is better than all of that other riff-raff.
History: Not much is known about Graros's past. He tries to hide it from other members of his sect. He used to be in the Horde, only he gave up his knowledge in order to become an Evolutionist Orater at the age of 27.
Weapons: Twin Machine guns, 2 knives (If possible, I wanna get as rapid fire as I can)
Word Slots:1
Words Learned:Mucro
Sect: Evolutionist Orater

Name: Yume Ongaku
Age: 16
Gender: female
Appearance: 5'0", 120 lbs. Long sleek black hair and pale fair skin. Dark brown eyes hidden behind emo glasses, giving her the appearance of intellegence and mystery. Sports a look between goth and victorian, black victorian looking dress with net top, tights, and leather boots. Wears a cross necklace, and a trenchcoat when it's cold.
Personality: Intellegent and mysterious, she has come to the understanding that her gift is from god, and she does her best to live His commandments. She loves music, and strives to pursue her dreams. She also plays the violin.
History: She ran away from home two years ago, fed up with their Evolutionist ways. She has a natural talent for word using, a talent that her parents tried to use to exploit her. She is now on the run from her parents and the law, wandering from town to town, using her talents to perform services to earn room and board for the night. Attends church services whenever she gets the chance, but runs at the site of danger. Her goal is to one day live freely and become a nun or other type of religious figure, perhaps marry if the right man comes along.
Weapons: Carries a knife with her for protection, but otherwise is peaceloving or uses her powers for defense. Also know some basic martial arts.
Word Slots: 1
Words Learned: Telaesthesia
Sect: Theologists


NPCs:
Jacko the Germ - A natorious human who has no gift for Word Bearing, but can wiggle out the secrets of even the murkiest deepths. Jacko is a front for several obscure sources who give him information of various accuracy. Jacko, if prompted with money, is more than happy to exchange what he knows over a few drinks. Never to be trusted, he knows more than you think so dealing with him is a very risky business...but then again, thats his trade of choice...

The Searchers: This is the small group of Evolutionists rumoured to be set apart from the normal faction. Some say they are elite Word Bearer's hand picked by the leader, other's say it is the family of the leader...what it is no one knows. Each member wears a long lab-coat with a S emblazened over the heart. They are supposedly mindless and merciless Bearers who learn of a Word and hunt down all clues that would lead to learning it. Whereever they show up, there is sure to be some hint of a Word's existence. It is rumoured that they can smell the energy left behind by a Word's use. Their highest ranking member, below the leader, is known as the Relentless. He is a powerful Word Bearer and is reputed to know several forbidden Words that not even the Evolutionist leader will allow normal members to learn. So horrid are the results of thes Words that they cannot be recorded, but many Evolutionists live in hope that the Orater will learn of them and make them known to the whole sect. There are very few of them at all, though no one knows their true number. Mystery abounds in their very presence.

Question! I know the RP is color coded, and I know the street is blue, and Jacko's Den is green. But is the inside of each building green, or does each building have its own color?

Yes, that's wonderful. Thank you!!