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[???] ??? -> [???] ???
You are drawn by a mysterious force through time and space, transcending mind and matter and the laws of physics themselves until you arrive in a strange version of Inaba with a dark red sky. It is a strange, ominous version of the town which everyone is so familiar with, but unlike the Magatsu Inaba, it lacks the oppressive air of the fog. Looking around, you find yourself again in the place that you call home...but when you look out the window you see that the town is twisted, in ruin, and teeming with violence and enemies.
Here, there are no allies. Only trials to be overcome.
Just when you begin to think you've gone mad or the world has ended, a man appears behind you in an intangible form...his soft, violet hair and amused eyes stick out, but not so much as the long white coat that he wears akin to some sort of business-oriented scientist. Between his fingers he twirls a piece of candy and places it inside his mouth, appearing to savor the flavor. His eyes appraise you, pierce you, and analyze everything there is to learn about you from appearance in an instant. But the air about him says he knows much more than that...
He speaks after another moment, a French accent audible in his tone. Amused, his voice bears an excitement that is tempered, but palpable. You correctly assume that whatever this is, he is the one with answers. And when he speaks, you have no choice but to listen.
You are drawn by a mysterious force through time and space, transcending mind and matter and the laws of physics themselves until you arrive in a strange version of Inaba with a dark red sky. It is a strange, ominous version of the town which everyone is so familiar with, but unlike the Magatsu Inaba, it lacks the oppressive air of the fog. Looking around, you find yourself again in the place that you call home...but when you look out the window you see that the town is twisted, in ruin, and teeming with violence and enemies.
Here, there are no allies. Only trials to be overcome.
Just when you begin to think you've gone mad or the world has ended, a man appears behind you in an intangible form...his soft, violet hair and amused eyes stick out, but not so much as the long white coat that he wears akin to some sort of business-oriented scientist. Between his fingers he twirls a piece of candy and places it inside his mouth, appearing to savor the flavor. His eyes appraise you, pierce you, and analyze everything there is to learn about you from appearance in an instant. But the air about him says he knows much more than that...
He speaks after another moment, a French accent audible in his tone. Amused, his voice bears an excitement that is tempered, but palpable. You correctly assume that whatever this is, he is the one with answers. And when he speaks, you have no choice but to listen.
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~::Welcome to Van Argiano's Gouma-Den!::~
[If you want to know more about Van Argiano, click on these links...El Scientifico Caramglo]
"Ah, at last you're beginning to arrive! Welcome to the Gouma Den...a realm between space and time created by yours truly," the man spoke, looking entirely pleased with himself (though not satisfied, for he never quite was...it was the nature of his ambition never to be completely content unless he was working on something newer, something bigger) as he rolled around his candy inside of his mouth. Lips curled into a sweet little smirk, he raised a hand to his chest and bowed ever-so-slightly, which might have come off as something of a mocking gesture except that the man didn't really feel the type to care for such trivial things, "And you must be wondering just who I am, mustn't you? Then allow me to introduce myself...I am Argiano, Van Argiano...you may have heard of me, though I am not of your world. I am also known as 'The Sweet Scientist' and 'El Scientifico Caramglo'. It is my pleasure to meet you." Standing straight again, the man did not waste time moving on in his little introduction. Time spent talking was time wasted not experimenting, after all...and he was loathe to waste any of the time that he had (despite having practically infinite time to begin with, being who and what he was).
"Now then, we may skip the pleasantries, yes? You're wondering why I brought you here...and exactly where here is in the universe. And so, I will tell you...here is precisely where you were before you were brought here...the town called Inaba, located on the Japanese Archipelago. You are in this town with the same people who were there before I brought you, and you are in possession of the same skills and items which were with you before I summoned you. And yes...I did summon you for a purpose. That, I am about to tell you...if you would be so kind as to allow it," he spoke with that air of amusement again, knowing that nobody would have any choice in the matter anyway. Crunching down on the last of his peppermint candy, he slid a new one between his teeth and enjoyed the hot sweetness...he had a never-ending well of candy inside of his jacket, it seemed, and if you waited forever you would never find that he had run out. It was one of the many great mysteries of Van...though perhaps the least important to the current subject. "I am...above all things, a man who seeks a perfect knowledge of all things in this...and all worlds. Through my research I've mastered many realms, set foot upon worlds in dimensions beyond count, transcended time and space to reach my hand across the boundaries of reality, and now, I've used it to create a perfect dimensional replica of your...unique hometown, in which I can study the powers and unique properties of the world which you call your homes. Of course, what maze is complete without a few mice, no?" He chuckled a bit to himself, perfectly jovial despite his cryptic and relatively morbid joke.
"I am joking, of course...you are all much more interesting than rodents, and that is precisely why you've been summoned," the Sweet Scientist smiled, raising a finger as if to make a point, "to complete my scientific knowledge of your world, I shall conduct an experiment...in which all of you will participate as my test subjects. I hope you'll forgive me for taking you against your will, but if it is of any comfort to you, I've taken measures to ensure your safety throughout. ...Safety in your world, at the least. That's right, in my excitement I'd nearly forgotten; when I say that I have transcended space and time, it is no joke. As you are here in my Gouma-Den (A fancy title, no? When I stumbled across the research of a Dr. Viktor in my dimensional hopping I knew that I simply must indulge in the same studies...improve them, and complete them! Hence, the borrowed name in respect for my esteemed colleague...the least I can do since I shall perfect what he, in his lack of competence, could not.), you are also in your own world. A duality of existence is something that I mastered long ago, after all...and to complete my experiment, I've temporarily shared it with you. So while the events which occur here shall be inevitably real to you while you are within my Gouma-Den, you will not remember them outside save for that which you are permitted to take with you. And should you find yourself overwhelmed by my little experiment, you will be returned to a singular existence in the world from which you came, safe and sound. An ideal subject's condition, is it not? Now then...'
'The rules of my experiment are listed below. Please memorize them before you venture out and begin to play my little game. Preparation is the seasoning which best goes with victory! If you have any (good) questions, please do not hesitate to visit me in my temporary laboratory. And now, without any further ado, I bid you 'Good Luck'...I am certain you will prove to be a most entertaining study, indeed."
[If you want to know more about Van Argiano, click on these links...El Scientifico Caramglo]
"Ah, at last you're beginning to arrive! Welcome to the Gouma Den...a realm between space and time created by yours truly," the man spoke, looking entirely pleased with himself (though not satisfied, for he never quite was...it was the nature of his ambition never to be completely content unless he was working on something newer, something bigger) as he rolled around his candy inside of his mouth. Lips curled into a sweet little smirk, he raised a hand to his chest and bowed ever-so-slightly, which might have come off as something of a mocking gesture except that the man didn't really feel the type to care for such trivial things, "And you must be wondering just who I am, mustn't you? Then allow me to introduce myself...I am Argiano, Van Argiano...you may have heard of me, though I am not of your world. I am also known as 'The Sweet Scientist' and 'El Scientifico Caramglo'. It is my pleasure to meet you." Standing straight again, the man did not waste time moving on in his little introduction. Time spent talking was time wasted not experimenting, after all...and he was loathe to waste any of the time that he had (despite having practically infinite time to begin with, being who and what he was).
"Now then, we may skip the pleasantries, yes? You're wondering why I brought you here...and exactly where here is in the universe. And so, I will tell you...here is precisely where you were before you were brought here...the town called Inaba, located on the Japanese Archipelago. You are in this town with the same people who were there before I brought you, and you are in possession of the same skills and items which were with you before I summoned you. And yes...I did summon you for a purpose. That, I am about to tell you...if you would be so kind as to allow it," he spoke with that air of amusement again, knowing that nobody would have any choice in the matter anyway. Crunching down on the last of his peppermint candy, he slid a new one between his teeth and enjoyed the hot sweetness...he had a never-ending well of candy inside of his jacket, it seemed, and if you waited forever you would never find that he had run out. It was one of the many great mysteries of Van...though perhaps the least important to the current subject. "I am...above all things, a man who seeks a perfect knowledge of all things in this...and all worlds. Through my research I've mastered many realms, set foot upon worlds in dimensions beyond count, transcended time and space to reach my hand across the boundaries of reality, and now, I've used it to create a perfect dimensional replica of your...unique hometown, in which I can study the powers and unique properties of the world which you call your homes. Of course, what maze is complete without a few mice, no?" He chuckled a bit to himself, perfectly jovial despite his cryptic and relatively morbid joke.
"I am joking, of course...you are all much more interesting than rodents, and that is precisely why you've been summoned," the Sweet Scientist smiled, raising a finger as if to make a point, "to complete my scientific knowledge of your world, I shall conduct an experiment...in which all of you will participate as my test subjects. I hope you'll forgive me for taking you against your will, but if it is of any comfort to you, I've taken measures to ensure your safety throughout. ...Safety in your world, at the least. That's right, in my excitement I'd nearly forgotten; when I say that I have transcended space and time, it is no joke. As you are here in my Gouma-Den (A fancy title, no? When I stumbled across the research of a Dr. Viktor in my dimensional hopping I knew that I simply must indulge in the same studies...improve them, and complete them! Hence, the borrowed name in respect for my esteemed colleague...the least I can do since I shall perfect what he, in his lack of competence, could not.), you are also in your own world. A duality of existence is something that I mastered long ago, after all...and to complete my experiment, I've temporarily shared it with you. So while the events which occur here shall be inevitably real to you while you are within my Gouma-Den, you will not remember them outside save for that which you are permitted to take with you. And should you find yourself overwhelmed by my little experiment, you will be returned to a singular existence in the world from which you came, safe and sound. An ideal subject's condition, is it not? Now then...'
'The rules of my experiment are listed below. Please memorize them before you venture out and begin to play my little game. Preparation is the seasoning which best goes with victory! If you have any (good) questions, please do not hesitate to visit me in my temporary laboratory. And now, without any further ado, I bid you 'Good Luck'...I am certain you will prove to be a most entertaining study, indeed."
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Instructions (Rules) for Van's Gouma Den!
1. Gouma-Den co-exists with the real world, but is separate from the 'real' Inaba. Gouma-Den is a realm which encompasses all of Inaba in a darker, ruined form. The streets are sparsely populated by demons and shadow-like creatures, though few of them are of notable power...and those that are generally appear with some degree of fanfare as warning.
2. You cannot actually die in Gouma-Den. If you are defeated within Gouma-Den, you will be safely returned to your world with whatever spoils you have received during your time in the experiment. Whether or not you can be returned to Gouma-Den for another round is entirely up to Van.
3. All of your normal skills, powers, and items carry over into Gouma-Den. You may also progress your skills in Gouma-Den as you progress them in the Real World. In addition, through combat and successes you can access further powers inside Gouma-Den which you may use there...and if by Van's leave, after your exit from Gouma-Den, you may be able to take them back with you to the 'real' world.
4. No time will pass in the real world while you are in Gouma-Den. As the two are separate in time-space, you may interact in Gouma-Den while you are also in the real world.
5. The object of Van's experiment is simple: Survival. Within the Gouma-Den there are no allies. The object of the experiment is to fight and defeat every enemy that crosses your path. And the last one standing at the end of the experiment will 'win' Van's Grand Prize as a token of thanks for helping him complete his research.
6. Competitors in the Gouma-Den are chosen at random, and more will be added over time. Keep your eye on the 'Updates' to know when you've been added to the Gouma-Den, and to know who has been eliminated by whom.
7. Victories in the Gouma-Den may yield special benefits if they are deemed worthy by Van. The obtaining of a new skill or item for use in the Gouma-Den may happen often, but occasionally, something truly special will be rewarded. Also on occasion there will be 'Bosses' which appear in the Gouma-Den as creations or recreations by Van of past acquaintances of his. Defeating these powerful foes will yield great rewards for those brave and strong enough to earn them.
8. Tiers are in effect at the start of the Gouma-Den, but within Gouma-Den, they may change over time. Continuous victories may yield boosts in strength, though these do not carry over into the real world without Van's say-so.
9. Demons and shadows throughout the Gouma-Den can be fought at random (you control minor battles). When you defeat a demon they will leave behind a 'chip' with their likeness on it. Deliver this chip to Van and you can store it away for later. Then, at certain points, you can 'cash' or 'fuse' these chips to create something! A new demon ally, a new persona for use in the Gouma-Den, anything is within Van's power! All you have to do is convince him to use it...which is easier said than done.
10. Battles are generally one-on-one with demons except the 'Bosses', though those can be also. Slaughtering masses of weak demons in one short go just to get their chips will most likely displease Van, as it is not in the spirit of the game...and you do NOT want to displease Van. Person v. Person fights can be one-on-one or not. You can run from a battle if you have that ability or wish to avoid one, but doing this too often is also against the spirit of the game.
11. In rare instances you may find someone that you desperately want to fight. If you wish, you may issue a 'CHALLENGE!' to this person in the Gouma-Den (assuming you are both there). 'CHALLENGES' are one-on-one fights in which no one will be permitted to interfere until the fight is over. Generally, the winner will obtain a significant prize for their victory and the loser will be instantly removed from the Gouma-Den. 'CHALLENGES' should not be issued to someone unless they are on a comparable level to you (meaning within a Tier or two, so there is a fight to be had and not a beatdown)...you may not use 'CHALLENGES' just to eliminate weaker competition. These are grudge matches, or a way of testing yourself and taking a risk to obtain something good.
If you are challenged, you may refuse the challenge once...but repeated refusal of challenges may result in ejection from the 'Gouma-Den'. 'CHALLENGES' are meant to be taken very seriously within the game.
12. In short, your job within Gouma-Den will be to navigate the town and defeat all of the enemies that cross your path while collecting items, powers, and demonic allies through your successes. You must not lose...you must survive...and if you are remaining in the end, by whatever means you got there, you will receive your prize. However there are also awards for playing within the spirit of the game...and those who record such benchmarks as 'Most Wins', 'Landmark Victory', etc. will receive awards, also.
13. Any questions may be directed to Van at his laboratory, or to Van (me) in a PM. The world operates at his whim, so all debates or matters which cannot be settled will simply be decided by him as he sees fit.
14. Good luck! And be ready when your time in the Gouma-Den comes!
1. Gouma-Den co-exists with the real world, but is separate from the 'real' Inaba. Gouma-Den is a realm which encompasses all of Inaba in a darker, ruined form. The streets are sparsely populated by demons and shadow-like creatures, though few of them are of notable power...and those that are generally appear with some degree of fanfare as warning.
2. You cannot actually die in Gouma-Den. If you are defeated within Gouma-Den, you will be safely returned to your world with whatever spoils you have received during your time in the experiment. Whether or not you can be returned to Gouma-Den for another round is entirely up to Van.
3. All of your normal skills, powers, and items carry over into Gouma-Den. You may also progress your skills in Gouma-Den as you progress them in the Real World. In addition, through combat and successes you can access further powers inside Gouma-Den which you may use there...and if by Van's leave, after your exit from Gouma-Den, you may be able to take them back with you to the 'real' world.
4. No time will pass in the real world while you are in Gouma-Den. As the two are separate in time-space, you may interact in Gouma-Den while you are also in the real world.
5. The object of Van's experiment is simple: Survival. Within the Gouma-Den there are no allies. The object of the experiment is to fight and defeat every enemy that crosses your path. And the last one standing at the end of the experiment will 'win' Van's Grand Prize as a token of thanks for helping him complete his research.
6. Competitors in the Gouma-Den are chosen at random, and more will be added over time. Keep your eye on the 'Updates' to know when you've been added to the Gouma-Den, and to know who has been eliminated by whom.
7. Victories in the Gouma-Den may yield special benefits if they are deemed worthy by Van. The obtaining of a new skill or item for use in the Gouma-Den may happen often, but occasionally, something truly special will be rewarded. Also on occasion there will be 'Bosses' which appear in the Gouma-Den as creations or recreations by Van of past acquaintances of his. Defeating these powerful foes will yield great rewards for those brave and strong enough to earn them.
8. Tiers are in effect at the start of the Gouma-Den, but within Gouma-Den, they may change over time. Continuous victories may yield boosts in strength, though these do not carry over into the real world without Van's say-so.
9. Demons and shadows throughout the Gouma-Den can be fought at random (you control minor battles). When you defeat a demon they will leave behind a 'chip' with their likeness on it. Deliver this chip to Van and you can store it away for later. Then, at certain points, you can 'cash' or 'fuse' these chips to create something! A new demon ally, a new persona for use in the Gouma-Den, anything is within Van's power! All you have to do is convince him to use it...which is easier said than done.
10. Battles are generally one-on-one with demons except the 'Bosses', though those can be also. Slaughtering masses of weak demons in one short go just to get their chips will most likely displease Van, as it is not in the spirit of the game...and you do NOT want to displease Van. Person v. Person fights can be one-on-one or not. You can run from a battle if you have that ability or wish to avoid one, but doing this too often is also against the spirit of the game.
11. In rare instances you may find someone that you desperately want to fight. If you wish, you may issue a 'CHALLENGE!' to this person in the Gouma-Den (assuming you are both there). 'CHALLENGES' are one-on-one fights in which no one will be permitted to interfere until the fight is over. Generally, the winner will obtain a significant prize for their victory and the loser will be instantly removed from the Gouma-Den. 'CHALLENGES' should not be issued to someone unless they are on a comparable level to you (meaning within a Tier or two, so there is a fight to be had and not a beatdown)...you may not use 'CHALLENGES' just to eliminate weaker competition. These are grudge matches, or a way of testing yourself and taking a risk to obtain something good.
If you are challenged, you may refuse the challenge once...but repeated refusal of challenges may result in ejection from the 'Gouma-Den'. 'CHALLENGES' are meant to be taken very seriously within the game.
12. In short, your job within Gouma-Den will be to navigate the town and defeat all of the enemies that cross your path while collecting items, powers, and demonic allies through your successes. You must not lose...you must survive...and if you are remaining in the end, by whatever means you got there, you will receive your prize. However there are also awards for playing within the spirit of the game...and those who record such benchmarks as 'Most Wins', 'Landmark Victory', etc. will receive awards, also.
13. Any questions may be directed to Van at his laboratory, or to Van (me) in a PM. The world operates at his whim, so all debates or matters which cannot be settled will simply be decided by him as he sees fit.
14. Good luck! And be ready when your time in the Gouma-Den comes!
