Bakemono-Shiki [Anime|School|Beast]

[Leki]

--★-- Bakemono Shiki --★--
~We are now live~
--★--OoC Discussion--★--
--★--Information/Character Thread--★--
--★--Art Gallery--★--
--★--Chapter 1: Inititation--★--

Requirements
OoC Participation: Players should make an effort to be as active as they can in the OoC of the roleplay. Communication is a critical requirement in group endeavors, and roleplays in general are more fun when people interact and engage with one another.
Posting Length: We've all heard of 'Quality before Quantity', but admittedly it's pretty difficult to have quality when posts are really short. Hence I would appreciate it if players would consistently attempt to write at least two paragraphs per post.
Posting Limitation: To ensure that people aren't constantly being left behind, please wait for 3 (or*) 4 people to post before posting again with the same character. (*Will settle on a number once player numbers are definitive).
Posting Frequency: I would like participants to be able to post a minimum of 2~3 posts a week. I intend for this to be a pretty active roleplay, and I believe activity is crucial to engagement.
Final Decisions: Players should be aware that GM Decisions are final. I'm open to brainstorming and negotiating ideas, however I can confidently claim that I know what will and won't work in a roleplay I've designed. So if something definitively doesn't work, please cooperate accordingly.

Please note: That the characters involved in this roleplay must be 18+ years or older.
They can vary in appearance (human/furry/monster/etc) and sexuality (LGBTQ+)
Partnership within this roleplay are susceptible to change throughout the course of the GRP, so please be open to interacting with a range of different character.

Project Overview
Although most human beings will serve out the entirety of their lifespans blissfully ignorant to the existence of demons, demons have consistently involved themselves in human society. Responsible for a broad range of accidents, tragedy's and catastrophic occurrences, it was inevitable that mankind would seek to control if not eliminate their existences. While spiritual mediums have long waged war against these abominations, the Bakemono-Shiki Project aims to use the demon's own kind against them; training and conditioning a demon(Shiki) into obediently offering their human counterpart access to a range of supernatural abilities... while also taming the beast into serving as a weapon and shield to the caster. 

Sashiki Academy has identified your character as being compatible with this internationally sponsored yet highly confidential program. Shortly after your character's 18th birthday they begin to develop the ability to see the supernatural, and before long a group of men arrive to transfer them to Honganjima; an artificially constructed mobile island equipped with the worlds most advanced technology, along with the brilliant minds that invented them. In short; Bakemono-Shiki is a free-form group roleplay inspired by Anime/Manga, and focuses on the experiences of a group of characters who have been instructed to subjugate 'demonic creatures'(Shiki) in a school-like setting.

Letter of Enrollment

Congratulations! On your enrollment to Sashiki Academy. Our Mystics have chosen your existence to take part in the Internationally accredited programme for the naturally gifted. If you're beginning to experience unnatural occurrence, or witnessing inexplainable phenomena, please be assured by the fact that this is perfectly normal, and a blooming precursor to your soon-to-be talent. That said, we would strongly encourage you to suppress your curiosities, and maintain a safe cautious distance from anything you aren't completely familiar with. The programme is funded by influential governments from across the globe; meaning that your accommodation, training, and daily needs will be fully paid for by the Academy. Furthermore the Academy guarantee's its graduates with a highly paid occupation that will be both personally-rewarding, and socially worthwhile. Your enrollment has already been finalized, and a representative of our institution will arrive to assist you in your transition to our Academy within a few days of you receiving this letter. The details of your enrolment, and any questions you may have will be addressed in due time. In the meantime though, please  prepare yourself for your relocation as best you can in advance, and we reiterate. Your enrollment has been finalized.

And with that... your letter self-immolates, vanishing in to thin air and leaving you wondering if you'd imagined the entire thing... at least until the men in suits come to pick you up; willingly or otherwise.

Shiki Origin
Shiki are demons who have voluntarily offered their services to the Academy. The reasoning behind their contribution varies, but it's important to note that all demons (regardless of whether they have been tamed or not) are chaotic creatures by nature, and while they may not be out to cause malicious destruction, they're still mischievous creatures that have some resentment or disrespect for the human race. Please also keep in mind that Shiki are alien to human customs, culture, beliefs, and reasoning. All Shiki are collared by a special device, and have their power restricted based on how deeply they are trusted by Sashiki's administration.

Bloom's Collar
Developed by Alfred Bloom, the Collar suppresses a Shiki's abilities by using the Shiki's own inherent power against itself. Standard practice is to put the collar around a Shiki's neck, but in some instances it may be adapted into a bracelet or anklet. The device is made from a specially synthesized metal and is not destructible (especially while it's enchanted with the Shiki's energy). The collar is designed to include a five petaled flower which is indicative of the Shiki's power.

~Five Petals~

- RANKINGS -

The Device has Six Settings; and its effect can be determined by how many petals are lit up. The more petals, the less restriction there are on the Shiki accessing their full potential. Petals are unlocked as Shiki develop an intimate (but non-sexual) relationship with a student at the academy. Zero Petals(0): Slave Shiki; Slave Shiki are newly inducted to the Academy, or have failed to develop a meaningful relationship with any existing human-student. Slave Shiki are severely limited in what they can and can't do; with their magical potential limited to less than 5% of their actual strength, even freshmen to the Academy can best them easily in a one on one fight. Despite this, they can still prove lethally dangerous to the average (non-magical) human. Shiki who are being reprimanded are also often reduced temporarily to 0 Petals One Petal(1): Novice Shiki; Novice Shiki may or may not have developed a meaningful bond with a Student, however they have exhibited a clear willingness to cooperate with their human peers, and show signs of respecting the Academy and its regulations. Most Shiki are awarded this rank after successfully completing their first assignment. They are however only able to access 20% of their former power. In terms of strength they are usually on par, or a bit stronger than an average first-year student. Two Petals(2): Servant Shiki; Servant Shiki have commenced bonding with at least one student, and are regularly able to exhibit a relationship of trust and understanding between the student and themselves. Servant Shiki have proven themselves somewhat trustworthy, and as a reward have been granted access to 40% of their power. Servant Shiki are quite dangerous, but can be effectively taken down by 2~3 students cooperatively working together. Three Petals(3): Elder Shiki; Elder Shiki have developed a true-lasting bond with their human counterpart, Elder Shiki must prove that they're willing to fight against all odds, and even go as far as laying down their own lives for the sake of their partner. With 60% of their power unlocked; Elder Shiki are a force to be reckoned with. If one were to ever go rogue, the school mandates that no fewer than a full squadron of five students are to engage in battle. Four Petals(4): Noble Shiki; Noble Shiki are acknowledged for their services to humanity and are given certain privileges which allow them to operate somewhat independently of their human partner. Noble Shiki have almost regained the grandeur they once commanded, wielding 80% of their former power. Few Shiki are ascend to Nobility, as their betrayal would result in a class-A crisis; requiring the deployment of several capable squadrons. Five Petals(5): Master Shiki; Master Shiki are bestowed with the full trust of the Academy, and are fully entitled to operate as individual agents of humanity. who are additionally granted with the authority and rank of a senior military officer. Their device is all but deactivated; allowing them to wield their power to their full potential and more! The combination of their undertaking, and the bond with their human partner heightens their strength to the point they could easily be classified on par with the greatest threats known to humanity.

Magic
Demons and Shiki within this roleplay are all naturally aligned to one of the five elements.
Shiki are able to command and bend these elements to their own will, but their aptitude and ability in doing so has been severely restricted by Bloom's collar. Shiki regain access to their former power as they develop their bond with a human; this is indicated by the number of petals that are lit up on their collar.

~ Magic & Elements~

- Elements - Agrilao: The most destructive of the elements, Agrilao is primarily represented by fire, but also includes concepts which relate to rising temperatures such as; smoke, ash, molten lava, etc. (Specialty: Raw Power) Nayuva: Pure and cleansing, Nayuva is primarily represented by the element of water, but also includes concepts which relate to falling temperatures such as; ice, snow, mist, etc. (Specialty: Cleansing) Fervus: Representing the natural order of the world, Fervus represents nature. Broadly encompassing everything from geological formations, to plant-life and wild spirits. (Specialty: Adaptation) Krytpa: Delving deep into the unknown, Krypta is primarily represented by the concepts of darkness, shadows and death itself. Krytpa is often mistaken to be the most sinister of the elements. (Specialty: Manipulation) Elianore: Illuminating and Brilliant, Elianore is the element of the heavens and primarily deals with the manipulation of light, illumination, static (eg: Thunder) and positive energy. (Specialty: Enhancement) Deus: The Sixth Element is an unconfirmed element which is rumored to exist inherently in human beings. It's properties, and whether it even exists is unknown. (Unavailable to PC's)

Power Limitations
Shiki & Power
The strength and lethality of a Shiki is measured by the number of petals it has managed to unlock.
Note that demons and rogue Shiki are also categorized by the petal system, irrespective of whether they're wearing a collar or not.
0: The Shiki is more of a nuisance than a danger to mankind.
1: The Shiki is potentially lethal to non-casters, but isn't worth getting too worried about.
2: The Shiki is akin to that of a highly dangerous criminal and needs to be captured and subjugated.
3: The Shiki is a dangerous force, and has the potential to wipe out entire communities.
4: The Shiki is a walking catastrophe, and considered a global threat.
5: The Shiki is an unstoppable force, and could potentially lead to the end of mankind.

Casters & Spells
When a human caster unlocks a petal with a Shiki, they are awarded with one ability. Although the abilities vary in terms of application and usefulness, they are roughly in the range of;
0: Not Applicable, as a bond between Human-Shiki immediately equates to 1 Petal.
1: The Caster is able to perform a relatively useless trick that has little to no use in hostile situations.
2: The Caster acquires a basic ability which barely qualifies them for combat/support in hostile situations.
3: The Caster gains a more advanced ability which clearly has a single defined purpose (but can be used for other simple things)
4: The Caster is elevated further and is granted access to an ability that could prove useful in multitude of ways.
5: The Caster is granted an ability capable of causing mass-destruction, or miracles worth chronicling.

Partnerships
Blooms Ritual: Bloom's Ritual is established when a supernaturally gifted student and a Shiki kiss; this creates a spiritual bond between a human caster, and the Shiki. Allowing the student to access a set number of abilities associated with the Shiki's element. The Human caster is able to bond with multiple Shiki, however Shiki can only bond with one human at any given time.
⚫ Shiki are only able to bond with a single human at any given time.
⚫ Human Bond Recipients, gain 'One Ability' is unlocked per petal that is lit up.
⚫ The ability gained varies depending on the Human the Shiki has paired with.
⚫ The ability gained will be the same, even if a bond is cancelled, and then re-established.
⚫ Shiki are able to null their bond at any time without the consent of their human partner.
⚫ Bloom's Collar is usually reset to Zero Petals, when a Shiki nulls it's bond with a human.
⚫ If a nulled bond is re-established it can sometimes be salvageable at the discretion of the Academy.

Bloom's Law: Although Bloom's Ritual is established between oral contact between a human and their Shiki, the Academy strictly prohibits students from engaging in any further sexual intimacies with their Shiki. The Academy encourages students to develop a strong, but pure platonic relationship with their Shiki partners. In the event that a Student becomes sexually contaminated willingly or otherwise; their enrollment will be terminated, and be dispensed with a variety of severe consequences. Shiki may be reprimanded for a short duration, but the consequences they suffer are insignificant by comparison.
⚫ Prohibition of sexual contact between "Human x Shiki" is purely for plot purposes.
(The GM not only allows, but encourages this rule be broken).
⚫ Shiki will be cautioned not to engage sexually upon registration(enrollment), but whether they respect the rule or not is up to their own discretion.


Character Applications
Below are the character application sheets for Human-Students, and Shiki respectively. Please post application either in the 'Requests Thread' or PM them to me for approval prior to posting the character here.

Please Note:

Human Application

Code Select Expand

[img height=300]Image Link[/img]
[u][b]Name:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Age:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Height:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Hair Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Eye Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Type:[/b][/u] Human
[u][b]Sexuality:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Personality:[/b][/u] (Select one word, or phrase that best describes/summarizes your character's personality)

[u][b]HUMAN[/b][/u]
[b]Q. What was your character's life like prior to them Awakening with the gift to see Demons? Social/Family/Love relations? How did they perform in school? What future aspirations did they have before Awakening?[/b]

[b]Q. How does your character feel towards their gift (awakening)? And how do they feel towards the Academy (and/or Shiki)[/b]

Shiki Application

Code Select Expand

[img height=300]Image Link[/img]
[u][b]Name:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Age:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Height:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Hair Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Eye Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Type:[/b][/u] Shiki
[u][b]Element:[/b][/u] (Agrilao, Nayuva, Fervus, Elianore, Krypta)
[u][b]Personality:[/b][/u] (Select one word, or phrase that best describes/summarizes your character's personality)

[u][b]SHIKI[/b][/u]
[b]Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?[/b]

[b]Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.[/b]

[Leki]

Name: Akehro
Age: 342
Height: 5'11” (180cm) Flexible
Hair Color: Deep Blue
Eye Color: Crimson Red
Type: Shiki
Element: Nayuva
Personality: Opportunistic Flirt
SHIKI
Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?
Akehro is a biological entity that was born upon several unlikley natural occurences that simply happened to have worked out in his favor. Awakening in the cold lightless abyss of the sea floor. Akehro spent his early years mindlessly consuming other lifeforms in order to preserve his own, he wandered the darkness for an immeasurable amount of time before he ultimately washed up on the beaches by a small island community. Discovered by a human child, the sentient blob was kept as a bizarre pet of sorts. As Akehro developed more and more though, his human keepers became fearful of his existence and ultimately tried to dispose of him... a decision that ultimately resulted in every last villager being devoured alive before a freak wave consumed the remnants of the establishment. He's primarily kept to the pacific islands, and hasn't gained much attention over the years. Especially since he looks like a harmless pile of goo most of the time.

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.
Akehro's village devouring habits were ultimately discovered by the Academy, and a small group of professional mediums were sent to subjugate and capture him. Unfortunately the group underestimated his lethality like so many other before them and were promptly wiped out. However, the dying words of one of his victims piqued his curiosity, and resulted in Akehro seeking out the island from which his assailants had come from. Upon arriving at the island, Akehro was convinced to cooperate with mankind in exchange for an undisturbed life where he could consume delicious matter, without threatening his life. Although he's grown quite fond of the humans he's familiar with, he primarily still see's human beings as a source of food for him to devour. Although human food tastes a lot better than humans as food, the prohibition to eat humans has left him restless and wanting.




Name: Rensha
Age: 25
Height: 5'7” (172cm)
Hair Color: Golden Blonde
Eye Color: Violet Purple
Type: Shiki
Element: Fervus
Personality: Thrill Seeker
SHIKI
Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?

Rensha is an elusive free-spirited indivual who has spent the entirety of her life roaming the world with neither purpose or goal in mind. Although she isn't inherently malicious towards mankinds, she holds little to no regards towards their livelihoods, and has made it a common habit of her to cause mischief where she can. Undetectable to the average man, Rensha has had the pleasure of watching grown men cower in fear, the satisfaction of driving women insane, and framed many youths for wrongdoings they had never committed. She particularly enjoys committing the act of larceny, collecting valuables and pilfering things that catch her fancy. For better of worse, it usually doesn't take long before she tires of her once treasured trinkets, and has been known to quickly discard them as worthless pieces of garbage. Rensha's crimes gradually escalated during the course of her life time, and she was eventually renown throughout the human world as a mystifying phantom thief who made off with priceless treasures, leaving the authorities dumbfounded each and every time.

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.
Accumulating more and more fame throughout the world, Rensha took delight in watching the indirect consequences her thefts caused human society. She enjoyed watching the bewildered faces of the inspectors, and the emotional agony and grief she caused her victims. But what she enjoyed the most was the attention and recognition she received from the broad populace. Hence it was perhaps inevitable that she'd capture the attention of the Academy and their spiritual mediums who were determined to bring an end to her heists. Rensha eluded the Academy for three more raids before getting careless and succumbing to capture. Given the choice of death and servitude, she chose the latter with surprisingly little resistance, admitting that she'd grown weary of playing an endless game of cat and mouse. Despite surrendering her freedoms though, she remains as troublesome as ever, and some believe that she only consented to working with the Academy after being told that Honganjima was home to a concealed treasure trove.




Name: Laphren
Age: 1572
Height: 10'6” (320cm)
Hair Color: Creamy Brown
Eye Color: Golden Yellow
Type: Shiki
Element: Krypta
Personality: Arrogant Tyrant
SHIKI
Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?

Laphren is a highly dangerous demonic entity who attempted to annihilate mankind during his early years. Amassing several legions of demonic creatures beneath his command, his tyranny expanded across a large portion of Easter Europe during the fifth century. The destruction and slaughter he enacted was so devastating that entire cults were erected in an attempt to placate the madness that had befallen humanity. Yet even those cults unknowingly succumbed to his demonic reign; with charismatic leaders yielding themselves to insanity and promoting unspeakable atrocities amongst their followers. With a horrendous dystopia established, Laphren's horde of despicable creatures seemed poised to advance his reign across the entirety of the continent... yet the calamity never came. Turning on his demonic followers, and abandoning the human heretics to persecution, the tyrant renounced his reign and claim to power in order to garner the approval of a single holy maiden who'd been offered to him as a sacrifice. Although Laphren has fueled several small uprisings during the course of the subsequent centuries. He's largely remained hidden from the world stage since.

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.
Those who are aware of Laphren's past are perplexed by his cooperation and rightfully uncomfortable with his presence. Despite urgent warnings from renown academics and several countries demanding his immediate execution, Sashiki's Academic board seem strangely convinced that Laphren is no longer a serious threat to mankind, and that his allegiance to the programme is unwavering... despite his brash tyrannical attitude. The problem is compounded by the Administration refusing to reveal his motives, though some outspoken opponents of Laphren's involvement have quietly suggested the possibility that the Baphomet has already made his move to seize the entirety of the programme for himself by corrupting several senior executives to do his bidding.

Old Information

~ Bakemono Shiki ~

- Summary -
Bakemono-Shiki is a free-form group roleplay which will focus on the interactions between human-students and their Shiki(Demon). Demons have existed in our world since the dawn of time, and their influence over our world can be observed through the numerous disasters and mysteries that plague our history books. In the world of this roleplay; the atrocities committed by these abominations has escalated to the point of being a common occurrence. Yet mankind, oblivious to the existence of demons have adapted with ignorance; disregarding the unexplainable with the terms bad-luck and misfortune.

The roleplay will be set on Honganjima, an artificially constructed mobile island equipped with the worlds most advanced technology, along with the brilliant minds that invented them. Honganjima's most distinguishing feature however is not its research laboratories, or bizarre ever-changing biomes. But is in fact an Academic Institution that serves to educate and train a generation of young adults(18+) into combating the plague-like demons that negatively impact upon our world.

While traditionally an institution to train the supernaturally gifted, a recent breakthrough has resulted in a project that aims to turn the demons against one another. Inviting demons from various backgrounds to fight for the human cause, a group of students will be tasked with taming and maintaining a relationship with 'monsters' and channelling the demons power through the use of magic. 

- Simplification -
There's an island with a school on it and your character is sent there due to a inherent talent they have.
On the island your character will be tasked to befriend demons in exchange for magical (element-based) powers.
The institution on the island wants to train your character to fight demons who are the cause of most of the world's problems.

Note: This is an Anime/Manga based Roleplay.
Furry/Anthro and Monstrous Characters are welcome.

- Letter of Enrolment -

Congratulations! On your enrolment to Sashiki Academy.

Our Mystics have chosen your existence to take part in the Internationally accredited programme for the naturally gifted. If you're beginning to experience unnatural occurrence, or witnessing inexplainable phenomena, please be assured by the fact that this is perfectly normal, and a blooming precursor to your soon-to-be talent. That said, we would strongly encourage you to suppress your curiosities, and maintain a safe cautious distance from anything you aren't completely familiar with.

The programme is funded by influential governments from across the globe; meaning that your accommodation, training, and daily needs will be fully paid for by the Academy. Furthermore the Academy guarantee's its graduates with a highly paid occupation that will be both personally-rewarding, and socially worthwhile.

Your enrolment has already been finalized, and a representative of our institution will arrive to assist you in your transition to our Academy within a few days of you receiving this letter. The details of your enrolment, and any questions you may have will be addressed in due time. In the meantime though, please  prepare yourself for your relocation as best you can in advance, and we reiiterate.
Your enrolment has been finalized.

And with that... your letter self-immolates, vanishing in to thin air and leaving you wondering if you'd imagined the entire thing... at least until the men in suits come to pick you up; willingly or otherwise.

- Factual Notes -
Magical Awakening: Although most people will live the entirety of their lifespans being completely oblivious to the existence of demons. Your character awakens one morning to discover they've developed some sort of supernatural gift that allows them to see creatures of various shapes and sizes. Before you know what's happening your character receives a letter informing them that they've been enrolled in a top-secret school... they're whisked away, and forced to befriend some bizarre creature on an island they've never heard of.

Character Age: Characters usually awaken to their ability shortly after they turn 18... though some characters may be late-bloomers and a few years older. The ability will not manifest prior to 18 years of age.

Honganjima: A mobile artificial island that freely navigates itself around the world's seas. The islands most distinguishing feature is unmistakably the presence of an institution only known as the “Academy.” The facility is a top-secret tailored to training gifted individuals into combating 'demons.'

Demon-Shiki: A recent breakthrough in technology has resulted in a project that attempts to utilize the power of demons for the sake of mankind. Demons are collared, and their power is transferred to a human-caster. However the technology is still incomplete and requires the consent of the demon. These demon are called Shiki, and the ultimate goal of the project is to have a tag team of a human magic wielder, and their demonic familiar (Shiki).

Partnership: The roleplay will focus on the partnership between a human-caster and their Shiki. However it is important to note that these partnerships are not fixed, and is expected to change constantly throughout the roleplay. The magical-link between Human and Shiki is based on trust and choice... the link will become unstable if there's an emotional disturbance between the two. And to make matter worse Shiki can completely null the connection at any given time. Note; human can form as many links as they want and will gain access to more power, whereas Shiki can only link with one human at any point.

Bloom's Ritual/Law: The preliminary link between a Human and their Shiki is established by a kiss.... yes, mouth to mouth kissing. However the Academy strictly prohibits students from engaging in any further sexual intimacies with their Shiki. The Academy encourages students to develop a strong, but pure platonic relationship with their Shiki partners. If a student is found to sexually contaminate themselves willingly or otherwise, their enrolment will be terminated, and their fate cast into the shadows. Shiki may be isolated and reprimanded for an indefinite time, but a shortage in cooperative demons means they're punishment is far less severe. (Note: This is a plot mechanic, and players are not only allowed, but actively encouraged by the GM to involve themselves in sexually intimate relationships... it just needs to be kept secret).

Shiki Beast: All Shiki have voluntarily offered their services to the Academy without exception. Some Shiki may have turned coat after a particularly traumatic experience, whereas others could be fueled by curiosity, thirst for a challenge, etcetc. It is however important to remember that Shiki are all inherently chaotic creatures by nature. While they may no longer be maliciously destructive, they should still be overcome with the urge to cause a little mayhem and trouble from time to time. Another thing to note is that a Shiki should not be familiar with human customs, culture, and technology.


- Concept -

~ Magic & Elements~

- Elements - Demons (and Shiki) within this roleplay are all naturally aligned to one of five elements. Demons/Shiki are able to access their elemental specialty based on their Petal Ranking. Students on the other hand are not specifically designated an element. And instead gain access to an element depending on the Shiki they are ritually bonded with. A Shiki can only bond with one human, but a human can bond with multiple Shiki at any given time. It is important to note that different Student-Shiki pairings result in different abilities, even if the Shiki is the same; however will be the same if a bond is re-linked). Agrilao: The most destructive of the elements, Agrilao is primarily represented by fire, but also includes concepts which relate to rising temperatures such as; smoke, ash, molten lava, etc. (Specialty: Raw Power) Nayuva: Pure and cleansing, Nayuva is primarily represented by the element of water, but also includes concepts which relate to falling temperatures such as; ice, snow, mist, etc. (Specialty: Cleansing) Fervus: Representing the natural order of the world, Fervus represents nature. Broadly encompassing everything from geological formations, to plant-life and wild spirits. (Specialty: Adaptation) Krytpa: Delving deep into the unknown, Krypta is primarily represented by the concepts of darkness, shadows and death itself. Krytpa is often mistaken to be the most sinister of the elements. (Specialty: Manipulation) Elianore: Illuminating and Brilliant, Elianore is the element of the heavens and primarily deals with the manipulation of light, illumination, static (eg: Thunder) and positive energy. (Specialty: Enhancement) Deus: The Sixth Element is an unconfirmed element which is rumored to exist inherently in human beings. It's properties, and whether it even exists is unknown. (Unavailable to PC's)

~Five Petals~

- RANKINGS -
Upon swearing their allegiance to the Academy, Shiki are presented with a Anklet, Bracelet, or Collar which they must wear at all times. Once worn, the enchanted device permanently attaches itself to its host; endlessly sapping at the Shiki's magical potency, and preventing the Shiki from accessing their true potential. The jewel-flower encrusted devices other primary function is to serve as a form of identification, however teachers at the academy are equipped to use the collar as a disciplinary tool. The device can not be removed by Shiki or Student (no matter how physically strong, or magically advanced).

The Device has Six Settings; and its effect can be determined by how many petals are lit up. The more petals, the less restriction there are on the Shiki accessing their full potential. Petals are unlocked as Shiki develop an intimate (but non-sexual) relationship with a student at the academy.

Zero Petals(0): Slave Shiki;
Slave Shiki are newly inducted to the Academy, or have failed to develop a meaningful relationship with any existing human-student. Slave Shiki are severely limited in what they can and can't do; with their magical potential limited to less than 5% of their actual strength, even freshmen to the Academy can best them easily in a one on one fight. Despite this, they can still prove lethally dangerous to the average (non-magical) human. Shiki who are being reprimanded are also often reduced temporarily to 0 Petals

One Petal(1): Novice Shiki;
Novice Shiki may or may not have developed a meaningful bond with a Student, however they have exhibited a clear willingness to cooperate with their human peers, and show signs of respecting the Academy and its regulations. Most Shiki are awarded this rank after successfully completing their first assignment. They are however only able to access 20% of their former power. In terms of strength they are usually on par, or a bit stronger than an average first-year student.

Two Petals(2): Servant Shiki;
Servant Shiki have commenced bonding with at least one student, and are regularly able to exhibit a relationship of trust and understanding between the student and themselves. Servant Shiki have proven themselves somewhat trustworthy, and as a reward have been granted access to 40% of their power. Servant Shiki are quite dangerous, but can be effectively taken down by 2~3 students cooperatively working together.

Three Petals(3): Elder Shiki;
Elder Shiki have developed a true-lasting bond with their human counterpart, Elder Shiki must prove that they're willing to fight against all odds, and even go as far as laying down their own lives for the sake of their partner. With 60% of their power unlocked; Elder Shiki are a force to be reckoned with. If one were to ever go rogue, the school mandates that no fewer than a full squadron of five students are to engage in battle.

Four Petals(4): Noble Shiki;
Noble Shiki are acknowledged for their services to humanity and are given certain privileges which allow them to operate somewhat independently of their human partner. Noble Shiki have almost regained the grandeur they once commanded, wielding 80% of their former power. Few Shiki are ascend to Nobility, as their betrayal would result in a class-A crisis; requiring the deployment of several capable squadrons.

Five Petals(5): Master Shiki;
Master Shiki are bestowed with the full trust of the Academy, and are fully entitled to operate as individual agents of humanity. who are additionally granted with the authority and rank of a senior military officer. Their device is all but deactivated; allowing them to wield their power to their full potential and more! The combination of their undertaking, and the bond with their human partner heightens their strength to the point they could easily be classified on par with the greatest threats known to humanity.

- Expectation -
18+ Characters: All characters in this roleplay will be 18 years of age or older.
GM Decisions: While I'm happy to brainstorm, negotiate and implement player ideas. Please keep in mind that I am the GM of this roleplay, and if I say something doesn't work. It won't work. Also: No God-Moding, Be respectful, etcetc.
Posting Length: We've all heard of 'Quality before Quantity', but admittedly it's pretty difficult to have quality when posts are really short. Please attempt to write at least two paragraphs per post.
Homosexuality Allowed: Characters are welcome to be of any sexual orientation, however please note that it's not the GM's job to find you a partner. Same applies for heterosexual couplings.


Posting Frequency: I would like participants to be able to post a minimum of 2~3 posts a week. I intend for this to be a pretty active roleplay, and I believe activity is crucial to engagement.
Posting Limitation: To ensure that people aren't constantly being left behind, please wait for 3 (or*) 4 people to post before posting again with the same character. (*Will settle on a number once player numbers are definitive).
OoC Participation: Players should make an effort to be active in the OoC of the roleplay. Group projects are always more fun and productive when people interact and engage with one another, and I believe Group Roleplays are no different.

- Character Sheet Template -
- I will only be allowing 2 Shiki per element. (Meaning a 3rd Krypta character will be rejected, for variety's sake).
- I'm only allowing one character per person for the time being. This will change pretty quickly once the RP has started (Appx first 2 weeks).
- Character Images should be artistically drawn, preferably digitally. Photographs of real persons will be rejected for consistencies sake.
- I've opted for a simple character sheet, while also allowing people to explain their character through the questions section. I may or may not add further questions for players to complete prior to the roleplays commencement.

Code Select Expand

[img height=300]Image Link[/img]
[u][b]Name: [/b][/u]
[u][b]Age:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Height:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Hair Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Eye Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Type:[/b][/u] Human/Shiki
[u][b]Element:[/b][/u] (Shiki Only: Agrilao, Nayuva, Fervus, Elianore, Krypta)
[u][b]Personality:[/b][/u] (Select one word, or phrase that best describes/summarizes your character's personality)

[u][b]SHIKI[/b][/u]
[b]Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?[/b]

[b]Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.[/b]

[u][b]HUMAN[/b][/u]
[b]Q. What was your character's life like prior to them Awakening with the gift to see Demons? Social/Family/Love relations? How did they perform in school? What future aspirations did they have before Awakening?[/b]

[b]Q. How does your character feel towards their gift (awakening)? And how do they feel towards the Academy (and/or Shiki)[/b]

For the up to date Overview of the roleplay go to;
Bakemono-Shiki [Information]

[MelodyCake]

You can put me down as interested :)
I really like the concept you have going here, and it looks like a lot of fun to play around with.
I have Co-GM'd and GM'd before, so you can also put me down as interested in helping you out there :P

Question, I'm guessing Shiki's don't receive a letter like normal students?
I'm really interested in playing a Shiki :)

[Leki]

Glad to have at least one person interested! xD
Well technically you're the second person to express interest... but since you did it publicly, we'll pretend you were first, deal?  :P
I'll message you regarding the Co-GM'ship, since I'm actually pretty picky when it comes to people helping me.
I don't mean to sound like a snob, but I've seen far too many Co-GM's who's appointment did absolutely nothing for the GRP.

Answer:
You're correct, Shiki do not receive a letter from the Academy as they've voluntarily offered their services to humanity. How this occurs is entirely up to the player. They could sympathize with the weak little human race, be intrigued in some way, offered a deal, beaten into submission, etcetc. The common factor of voluntarily (reluctantly of enthusiastically) participating in the programme is the only requirement.

Note
I'm glad that someone's interested in playing a Shiki x3
If anyone else expresses interest, I'd appreciate it if you could hint at whether you plan to play a human or Shiki, so that I can figure out if I have the numbers to run this or not.

[pdragon]

Putting in my interest. I'd be down to play a human or a shiki depending on what we end up needing.

[Broken]

Quick Question; Is a Shiki in the way of a Pokemon, as, they battle for the user, or is it more like they are only a tool to empower the user?


Also adding interest, have an idea, but don't know if it's allowed.

[Leki]

@Pdragon
Thanks for the interest Pdragon, I'm actually quite interested in seeing what you come up with.
Hopefully we'll have a better idea in regards to the balance of character types soon :)

@Broken
Hey Broken :)
Thanks for the question; since it's probably a question that needed a bit more clarification that what was provided.
The short answer is; Both... or whichever people decide to opt for.

A Shiki is essentially a 'tool to empower the user.'
Developing a bond with a Shiki allows a human caster to draw on the demons elemental affinity.

But at the same time, they're also able to act autonomously so they could serve in a fashion similar to pokemon.
That said though, most Shiki probably won't want to be fighting considering how their strength has been severely restricted... and I'd be a bit concerned if a Shiki is 100% trusting of the Academy, much less some fragile looking human.

In regards to your idea, I'd be more than happy to hear and discuss your idea with you either through PM's, or here.

Additional Note
I should probably mention that a Human-Caster's spell ability will depend on the Shiki they bond with.
This will be something the Human-Caster and Shiki Roleplayers discuss with one another.
Having a fire element doesn't mean they've got free reign to do whatever they want as long as it vaguely relates to fire.
The powers attained aren't a huge component of the roleplay (though it will be significant at certain points) so I'll try to be pretty accommodating, but anything that infringes on other players playing their character, or being so powerful that they'd hog the spotlight all by themselves... there might be issues.

[Broken]

Hey Leki,

So, the idea I was having was that My Shiki is one that will fight for it's owner upon being bonded, however, since a normal Shiki's power is limited, maybe mine grows in power from the passion of the owner, if they truly wish for it to win, or care very deeply for it, it grows stronger in combat, and if the Shiki developes similar feelings, it will transform into it's true form.

Also, the elemental power of the Shiki in question I was hoping to be a bit of a unique Hybrid, A cleansing blue and white flame that can either devourer and destroy, or cleanse, heal, and purify an area, depends on the commands of my Shiki's owner.

[Leki]

Part 1: Growing Stronger
This doesn't really work for several reasons.
Firstly it circumvents the Five Petals system, and tries to establish a power progression of its own.
Secondly, it's difficult to determine the depth of a relationship. "Very deeply" for one person could be simple friendship for another.
Finally it works again the theme of distrust that should be present between a human and it's Shiki, as the Shiki would be able to use it's strength to determine that the human is being genuine.



Part 2: Hybrid Elements & Dual Purposes
Unfortunately I'm going to have to say 'no' to this one as well.

I considered allowing Shiki to be hybrid elements, but eventually decided against it. If people are interested in mixing elements they'll need to play a human character and develop a bond with two Shiki. I mean, there's got to be some sort of perk for being a human-caster.

As for Dual Purposes, I've learned that 'healing' is often synonymous with unlimited sustainability. A character that can constantly dish out damage, while also healing itself is broken (Pun~), and akin to life-draining. Nevermind the fact that it practically nulls the purpose of a devoted healer. (In a stat based roleplay it works because you can alter the strength of the effect, but this GRP is freeform).

What you're proposing could work with a human character (if they can establish the appropriate bonds) but a simple pairing wouldn't grant that much power, and you'd need to be at least 3~4 petals active before I could consider allowing that level of flexible power.

[Broken]

Alright, then I think I will establish a human character instead if that is alright, for it seems I keep listing off things that the humans have anyway haha. What kind of information would you like for the role play? IE Appearance name, and all that.

[Leki]

Completely fine, I think the current roster is;
1 Human, 1 Shiki, and one Versatile(Undecided) character anyway.

I'd like to start the roleplay with one character per person, but will be allowing secondaries pretty early on. (Probably within the first two weeks).

I'll be requiring the basic, name/age/height/personality, etcetc
Along with an appearance image.
But I'd prefer to hold off on character applications until I'm certain I've got the number to run the group.

[Broken]

Gotcha, got an image ready, and look forward to seeing this group get bigger.

And not end up like all of my groups lately.

[Idlewyld]

I'm definitely interested. I don't know who I'll play yet though...

[Leki]

@Broken
Haha, I'm certainly hoping that this won't end up in the scraps~ xD
Took me forever and a day to get it all written up :P

@Idlewyld
Great to see you again :)
There's no hurry to decide, so feel free to ponder over it for awhile.

Note
I'm hoping for at least 8 people
(Leki, MelodyCake, pdragon, Broken, Idlewyld)
Means that we've got 5/8 if everyone sticks through :P

[Zaer Darkwail]

I voice interest to join in, either as shiki or human student depending which one is needed to balance things out :).

[Leki]

@Zaer
Welcome aboard~
Still need a few more for this ship to set sail, but we're slowly getting there.

It's also pretty nice to see so many people offering flexibility.

[MelodyCake]

Since Broken mentioned something about having an image in mind, I thought perhaps I'd share how my character might look if I go with a Shiki :)




I don't have any better images yet of the character, but I am planning on giving him a solo piece in the upcoming future :)

[Leki]

Thanks for sharing MelodyCake~

Character Sheets
I was going to wait on posting a character sheet template until I'd gathered more interest... but since a few people have messaged me with enthusiasm, I'll be posting it below.

A few important things to note:
- I will only be allowing 2 Shiki per element. (Meaning a 3rd Krypta character will be rejected, for variety's sake).
- I'm only allowing one character per person for the time being. This will change pretty quickly once the RP has started (Appx first 2 weeks).
- Character Images should be artistically drawn, preferably digitally. Photographs of real persons will be rejected for consistencies sake.
- I've opted for a simple character sheet, while also allowing people to explain their character through the questions section. I may or may not add further questions for players to complete prior to the roleplays commencement.

Code Select Expand

[img height=300]Image Link[/img]
[u][b]Name: [/b][/u]
[u][b]Age:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Height:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Hair Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Eye Color:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Type:[/b][/u] Human/Shiki
[u][b]Element:[/b][/u] (Shiki Only: Agrilao, Nayuva, Fervus, Elianore, Krypta)
[u][b]Personality:[/b][/u] (Select one word, or phrase that best describes/summarizes your character's personality)

[u][b]SHIKI[/b][/u]
[b]Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?[/b]

[b]Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.[/b]

[u][b]HUMAN[/b][/u]
[b]Q. What was your character's life like prior to them Awakening with the gift to see Demons? Social/Family/Love relations? How did they perform in school? What future aspirations did they have before Awakening?[/b]

[b]Q. How does your character feel towards their gift (awakening)? And how do they feel towards the Academy (and/or Shiki)[/b]



[MelodyCake]

It's a work in progress, but I thought I'd get started :P


Name: Bunnubis
Age: 19
Height: 152
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Peach Pink
Type: Shiki
Element: Krypta

((WIP))
Personality: (Select one word, or phrase that best describes/summarizes your character's personality)

SHIKI
Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.

[Idlewyld]

Name: Timanka
Age: 9316 (appears to be 19)
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Type: Shiki
Element: Krypta
Personality: Trickster

SHIKI
Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?

Timanka was actually worshiped as a goddess in a remote valley in the Balkans. She wasn't particularly malicious, but she was mischievous. She enjoyed inflicting frequent and embarrassing if minor inconveniences and misfortunes upon the villagers. Her name was often invoked as a warning not to stay out past dark, or just when anything might have gone wrong. On the other hand, she was actually quite fond of the little humans and would actually extend a surreptitious helping hand when it came to the important things like the harvest and annual fertility festivals.

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.

While fear and adoration is all well and good, the loneliness tends to press after nine millennia or so. The whole order of things didn't allow for her to form any meaningful kind of relationship or friendship with a human, and she was the only demoness around (the other "gods' were simply figments of the villagers imaginations, or perhaps they had left before Timanka had arrived.) And over the years, she had grown quite curious about humanity, and there was only so much she could learn from a distance. So when a representative from the Academy came with the opportunity o partner with some of the humans, how could she refuse?

[Broken]

Name: Ilian Grimoire
Age:18
Height:6,5" (196cm)
Hair Color:White
Eye Color:Rich Blue
Type: Human
Personality: Stoic, Aristocratic

HUMAN
Q. What was your character's life like prior to them Awakening with the gift to see Demons? Social/Family/Love relations? How did they perform in school? What future aspirations did they have before Awakening?

The Grimoires are a clan of people from old money. Him, his father, and mother come from the land of Romania, they travelled to Japan to establish a business. His father used the old family money to back prospering business's, and had a knack for picking the ones that would be successful. His mother was a talented musical composer and singer which was quite popular in Japan with their language and style. Ilian was a hybrid between the two, his father taught him old style manners, patience, and reservation. His mother, taught him how to see the beauty in art and music, which led to him learning how to play the Piano.
But the wealthy life is quite lonely. Ilian discovered quickly that there is resentment towards money. The other families were not very warm to him, especially the kids who were quite cold, and did not allow Ilian to participate in the games at the neighborhood, or at school. This made Ilian very mad at a young age, being lonely, and ignored. However, Ilian's father had a big hand in helping his loneliness by occupying his time with lessons on manners, etiquette, and patience. So much so that Ilian is adamant on carrying these types of mannerisms. Bowing to everyone of equal or higher class, drinking and eating in a specific way, speech, and even romance, it all has very specific alterations than the norm. It was thanks to his mother that he found love. During a dinner party, Ilian grew fond of a girl who could play the flute, and sold the deal when he played the Piano for her, the entire party gathering to listen to him play. She was a small girl with a cute round face. For being so small she was very fiery and assertive, which Ilian thought was endearing. It filled a gap that Ilian had from since childhood, friendship, and companionship. Ilian soon discovered that with what time he had in his life, he wished for it to be devoted to his family, and to music. To care for them, and to play for the world, however, that came to a very abrupt end.


Q. How does your character feel towards their gift (awakening)? And how do they feel towards the Academy (and/or Shiki)

When the Awakening happened, he was scared of it all. But it scared him more to think that his family didn't believe them. He tried telling his parents, but with such a proper family with no incident like this, their impulse was to throw money at it. Putting him under heavy medication. His lover, someone he believed could help him, encouraged him to take the meds. He grew to hate the meds, and to hate them. IT made him feel inhuman to be put under so much. And after one day, of seeing a truly horrifying demon follow his mother into the house, even after taking an exceeding amount of his daily meds, he knew it had to end. He stopped the medications secretly, and bottled up his fear for his family. A message finally got to him that finally acknowledged his new power as not an illness, but an asset. However, he knew his family wouldn't understand. With a heavy heart, he left a letter behind. Only containing one sentence.

There is something I must do, Forgive me Mother, Father, and my Dearest.

[pdragon]

Since there seems to be a good push towards Shiki, I think I'm gonna go ahead and make a human character



Name: Roxanne "Roxxy" Laveau
Age: 19
Height: 5'11" (180cm)
Hair Color: Brunette
Eye Color: Yellow
Type: Human
Personality: Chill Dynamite



HUMAN
Q. What was your character's life like prior to them Awakening with the gift to see Demons? Social/Family/Love relations? How did they perform in school? What future aspirations did they have before Awakening?

Roxxy was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was an only child, her parents each holding long, tiring jobs to make ends meet. Because of this for the majority of her life she more or less had to raise herself, or more accurately she had to let her neighborhood be the one to raise her. Some of the older residents around the block did their part to keep an eye on her here and there, but as a group of bored young kids with little supervision it didn't take long for her friends to start getting into trouble, sometimes harmless, other times not quite so much. However a few near run ins with actual gang bangers and a few good ass whoopin's from their parents were enough to more or less beat the hoodlum out of them before any of them got into any serious trouble. Roxxy graduated high school with more or less average grades, and immediately found herself jumping into the workforce, not having any particularly high ambitions, and college being a proverbial pipe dream with her family's financial situation.

Q. How does your character feel towards their gift (awakening)? And how do they feel towards the Academy (and/or Shiki)

When her gift first awakened Roxxy didn't actually realize or believe it. One day she would start seeing strange things shifting in the shadows as she walked home from work, but she always assumed she was just seeing things. After all in New Orleans kids grew up hearing a thousand different ghost stories and tales of witchcraft for each and every block (hell it was easier to count the number of streets that weren't supposedly haunted), and she had always had a pretty active imagination. It actually wasn't until she received her enrollment letter that she put two and two together and realized she really was "special" in some way.

As far as the academy goes she was overjoyed to go. Growing up she had been hooked on Saturday morning cartoons and hero shows, and had dreamed of becoming a super hero herself. While obviously that dream had been quickly forgotten once she grew up and went into the real world, after being introduced to the Shiki her passion for justice and adventure has reignited tenfold! It doesn't hurt that the promise of a high paying job means she'll be able to take care of her parents and give them the kind of life they've always deserved.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Name: Unknown (he never cared tell his name, but academy uses code name 'Gaia' for him until he bonds with human who gives him actual addressed name)
Age: Unknown (primordial entity)
Height: 6'6'ft (198cm)
Hair Color: Gold/Blond
Eye Color: Gold
Type: Shiki
Element: Agrilao
Personality: Blood Knight

Q: What was your character's life like prior to aligning with the Academy? How did they terrorise/infuriate mankind?  What kind of reputation did they have among their own kind?

The man who had never named himself is known had born (or 'awaken' as he calls it, as he is old as planet itself and some suspect he is literally demonic presentation of the earthly core of Earth) when dinosaurs died when meteor landed on earth and blocked the sun for centuries and caused ice age to arrive. Since then he has been source for all natural disasters related to fire, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. But also he has been revered as god of destruction various cultures (or apocalypse) and also war; Mars, Ares, Gaia, Earth Fury, Lucifer, Enkidu (Gilgamesh companion) and various other names. Since humans learned to wage war and battle, he had keenly interested on it and been gladly incited wars between nations, rebellions and revolutions which had shaked humankind across it's history and given birth to civilizations through creative destruction. But same token he had wiped human civilizations with just single disaster. However all these are theories from hints from his words and speech and his in-depth familiarity on human history, customs and ways how they can wage war and battle. He has never confirmed nor denied the accusations or questions him being said entity.

Q: Explain why your character decided to align themselves with the Academy.

He wants to bond with a human to experience 'thrill of battle' of once more. Some researchers suspect if their theory of his origin holds true; presently such entity gains little to no thrills from humans present era which is largerly peaceful between nations and he has no desire 'wipe out' humanity entirely with catastrophic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Instead go through weakening himself and fight other Shiki who fear his powers in full scale. As even most minimal diminished form, his human form is among strongest amongst Shiki. However he is very picky on partner he is willing to bond with though.

[Leki]

Wow, I certainly didn't expect to wake up to find so many character submissions.
I've glossed over each one briefly, and will be sending individual people PM's later today.
Have to head off for a bit now, but this will be one of my top priorities when I get home.

Also hoping that this'll be enough to secure us at least two more people.
From a first impression, the characters seem really appealing ;P

If you can think of anyone who might possibly be interested in a GRP like this, send them a PM, or send me their username and I'll message them instead :P A few female players wouldn't be a bad thing, but I don't care all that much for the gender behind the screen anyway xD

[MelodyCake]

Well! Cause I am a bit of a scatter brain, I'm a bit unsure if I should be going with Bunnubis. So, I thought I'd ask ya'lls here if any of these characters look appealing to you :)

Shiki's: