Trouble at Sunset (Urban Fantasy/Detective RP)

Sunset City. On the surface, it's an ordinary little city in an ordinary little world. And if someone drives by and happens to see it from the distance, they'll think the same. However, if someone actually bothered to do the research, they'd notice one little problem. ...Alright, quite a few little problems. And they might not be 'little.' See, Sunset City can't be found in books, on any maps, or even on the internet. It's just not THERE. Or at least, that's what those running Sunset City would like you to believe.

In truth, Sunset City has made itself practically unknown to the outside world, because of one little secret; it — or rather, part of it — is one of the last bastions of the magical and the unknown in the known world. Of course, some citizens in Sunset are still completely oblivious, but others know the truth. Now, as you might imagine, such a city would be bound to have problems from time to time, correct? And that's why the the MSSCPD — the Magical Section of the Sunset City Police Department — exists; to take down any threat that happens to endanger this fair, strange city, but more commonly, to keep those unaware of the truth out of trouble, (and to keep them from MAKING trouble,) and also, to insure that Sunset City isn't made aware to the larger world. For if it is — if the truth of Sunset were to get out — then no-one could predict the results that this would have on the world.

However, that may soon prove to the be least of the MSSCPD's problems. For, far beneath the city, — and even within the city itself — something STIRS. For Sunset City has quite the past, as it turns out, even if many do not fully know of it. And there are those wishing to use that past for plans of their own...

Hey there, everyone! This is my fourth RP, and as you might have guessed by now, it's something of a Urban Fantasy RP. All of you are detectives working within the Magical Section of the Sunset City's Police Department, working to keep the city safe, both from threats that wish to harm it, as well as from the prying eyes of the outside world, and, in some cases, even from those in this city who are still ignorant of the truth, and who could unknowingly jeopardize the safety of the city. However, it isn't long before you discover that someone's moved in to Sunset City, which raises a whole heap of questions: how did they know about Sunset City, who are they, and why did they come here? All of that, you'll of course have to deal with, although, since you're officers that have to deal with all sort of sh*t, there might be some opportunity for some side-stuff too, depending on what you do in the RP.

General Information About Sunset City: Sunset City's been around for a long time, before it even became Sunset City. However, many people living today are uncertain of just how or why this is, but prefer to just live in the here and now regardless. Some people are just ordinary humans, though in some cases, they only used to be ordinary, and since have been affected in some way by the Supernatural. Both lycanthropy, vamprisim, and zombieism exist here, if only in small numbers, though if you can think of any other sort of Supernatural influence that could be afflicted on someone, feel free to use it. And of course, all sorts of Supernaturals exist as well. Anything from classic Horror monsters, to demons, to less 'standard' beings, such as Petting-Zoo People, oni's, fairies, etc, though these beings prefer to stay out of plain sight, aside from their own separate community. Although many such beings come to roost at Devil's Corner. On the outside, it's just a small, simple black building. Nothing remarkable, really. But on the inside, it becomes the biggest and most fantastic bar in Sunset City, and it's there that humans and Supernaturals often intertwine. (Take that as you will.) In case you haven't guessed, you might be coming here a lot. Oh, and the bartender is a sentient bear named Barry. Yup.

Also, Sunset City is, in general, isolated from the rest of the world, thanks to the efforts of the MSSCPD; while they haven't been able to completely cut of the influence of the ever changing society of the large world that they live in, they've still done a half-decent job, to the point where both the culture and technology of Sunset City has only advanced up to the 1940's. Except for the MSSCPS. Their culture and lifestyle is still firmly 40's, but their technology is not only up-to-date, but more advanced in some ways then the rest of the world. However, due to the efforts of the MSSCPD to keep the rest of the world from finding out about Sunset City, they've also kept their own city in the dark about general outside events. For if Sunset knew about just what the rest of the world had to offer, they'd want to go out and see it, wouldn't they? And that would only lead to who-know-how-many problems. However, the City can't stop the odd straggler from coming in from time to time, so the City has advanced somewhat. It's been stuck culturally and atheistically in the 40's since... well, the 40's. Sunset City does have books, but they're all written by people actually from Sunset City. However, the Magical Department knows all about the outside world; they've got plenty of books and even movies locked up in their underground complexes.

Magic: There isn't really much of an intricate, defined magic system here. It just is. If you can think of a spell, you can use it. Within limits, of course. You can't do anything gamebreaking, like traveling through time, warping reality, spells with the size and power of a Supernova, etc. Keep it reasonable, please. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't be decently strong. You just can't be gamebreaking.

Magitek: Certain great minds discovered relatively recently a way to fuse magic and technology together, which basically results in tech far beyond today's standards. However, the city lacks the funds and resources to produce this tech on a massive scale, so, aside from a few Mad Scientist's, it's mostly used by the MSSCPD. Video-Cam's, lazer-guns, see-through goggles, etc. There'll no doubt be more Magitek coming into play as the RP goes on, and if you can think of some Magitek yourself, feel free to use it. Remember though; nothing Gamebreaking, okay?

• Rules for the Top 6 Races:

• Rules for Humans: Humans are the Jack of All Stats, basically. They don't have any real strength, but they have none of the special weakness that some other races have either. They also have a great capacity for magic then any other race; something about the 'human spirit', one could say. By contrast, vampires can use magic too, but they're not as good at it, and the other 4 well-known races can't use it all, beyond their own natural abilities. (AKA, a demon could use fire magic, ice magic, etc., but only if they're born with the ability to do so.)

• Rules for Vampires: If you're a vampire, you won't die when exposed to sunlight, but you will be somewhat weaker. You're also weak to fire, and if you get exposed to too much of it, you can die. So, like Scarecrow from Wizard Of Oz, you'd best stay away from a lighted match. You also have low-level superhuman strength and durability, the ability to suck blood, low-level hypnotism abilities, and you can shapeshift into either a wolf, a vulture, or the standard bat. When in one of these three forms, you can 'talk' to animals. But remember; for all that power, you're still weak to fire and sunlight, as well as garlic, holy water, crosses, and a steak to the heart. And yes, they can turn other people into vampires by sucking their blood.

• Rules for Werewolves: For the purposes of this RP, Werewolfs don't just become werewolf during a fullmoon; they're werewolfs all the time. (10 'ft tall, muscular, and bi-pedal.) The difference between your average movie werewolf though is that these werewolfs have a degree of sentience. You can still talk, think, and act like a human to a point, but you also have some wolf-instincts and characteristics, such as being somewhat temperamental, and not being very pleasant. Now, as a werewolf, you have moderate-level superhuman strength and durability, and enhanced speed, agility, and reflexes; you also have enhanced senses, and can understand animals. However, you are weak to anything made of silver that penetrates your skin, which doesn't just include bullets, but swords, daggers; even needles would do the trick. You won't die, but you will be experiencing agonizing pain that will keep you incapacitated for a good minute or two. And yes, they can turn other people into werewolfs with a bite, so long as it penetrates into the bloodstream. And finally, in a reverse of the norm, werewolfs turn back into a full-on regular human during the newmoon. Better be careful if that ever happens in the RP...

• Zombies: Zombies are, as you'd expect, undead shambling messes that have arisen from the grave for one reason or another. They have high-level strength and durability, but they're somewhat slow, and not very agile. They're also not too bright; they have enough intelligence to get by, but they're not going to be asked on to formulate any plans or strategies. They're weak to fire, but otherwise, they can't be killed; only incapacitated, if you can chop their head off. The head will still be alive. The only way to truly destroy a zombie is to destroy it completely, but there shouldn't be a need for that. Cut off the head, and the body will be rendered completely immobile. You'll still hear an awful lot of moaning and groaning though... And yes, they can turn other people into zombies with a bite, so long as it penetrates into the bloodstream.

• Rules for Ghosts: You're dead. Plain and simple. ...Aside from that, you can fly, and phase through anything. However, being a ghost, you're normally set on 'phase.' If you concentrate hard enough, you can still interact with other people or objects, but they can interact with you. Better be careful when you use this ability, or else, you might know what it feels like for a Ghost to die...

• Rules for Demons: Demons can be of any shape or size you can think of, so long as they're still demonic in some way. Their powers are varied as well, and are for you to decide, just so long as they're A)dark or 'evil' in some way, (such as fire, powers of darkness, various ways of inflicting pain; even ice works, so long as it's used in a painful way,) and B) not Gamebreaking. They also have no conscience, though they can still develop bonds with others, depending on the circumstances, and even develop a twisted sense of honor. Noble Demon is a somewhat common ocurrence with them. They can also give birth to half-demons, who have some bodily demon characteristics, but they also have some human traits too. They have some degree of a conscience, but they can still be uninhibited at times. Halfdemons aren't quite as strong as fullblooded demons, but they lack a demon's weakness, which is to Holy magic. And, one last thing; demons, having no conscience, and thus no sense of modesty, normally don't wear clothing. They just don't feel the need for it. If they happen to work for the MSSCPD, they'll be pressured to wear some, but they'll only wear the bare-minimum. Half-demons are a bit better at this, but expect them to only wear tanktops and hotpants (males don't even get the tanktops, they go shirtless,) at best. However, they can get more in tap with their demonic side. They'll become more powerful, but lose more and more of their morality, and if they go far enough along that route, they'll become a true demon through and through, with the same rules, lack of morality, and lack of modesty that goes with that. Their appearance will likewise become more inhuman then ever.

Those should cover the five most common non-human races. Anything else that pops up will be handled in the RP itself.

General RP Rules: Nothing too strict, but I would remind you to keep Civil Conduct here. No harassing or verbally abusing/attacking the players outside of the RP, please.

Character Creation Sheet

• Name:
• Age:
• Gender:
• Personality:
• Physical Appearance:
• Backstory:
• Normal Abilities and Talents:
• Supernatural/Magical Abilities and Talents:
• Miscellaneous:

And, that should be it for now. If have anything more to add, I'll be sure to put it up here, and let everyone know. And of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Hope to see you all here!

Accepted Players:

• Nick The Swing
• Scorpio Rat
• Mr Minum
• Theodore Hastings
• Goodis Good
• Sanojutsu
• Taco
• Nman
• lightdarkhero
• Gladonost

AAAAAAAAAA Aaaaaaannd the RP's up. Right here. And just an FYI: Sign-up's are ALWAYS OPEN. If they ever close, it'll probably be a long time from now, so if you still want to join, feel free.

edited 7th Nov '13 3:33:39 PM by kkhohoho

So, Nightvale the game?

...Never heard of Nightvale.

EDIT: Just looked it up on TV Tropes. The basic presime is loosely similar to this RP, but I don't think that the two are going to have the same tone. Mind you, I don't expect Sunset to be overly grim or dark, or anything like that, but I didn't imagine it as a strictly humor piece either.

edited 28th Oct '13 9:01:42 AM by kkhohoho

Still sounds like Nightvale. Either way, I'm interested.

Well, it is what it is. Good to see you're interested though.

Tentative interest, pending an actual character idea.

Very interested. Nonhuman characters allowed? I'm thinking ones that might be able to pass as human like vamps, werewhatevers certain kinds of Fae etc. As for comparisons, my own mind is running to The Dresden Files, World Of Darkness and, most of all, Sunnydale.

Interest!

Interest from me.

Having watched all seasons of both Buffy and Angel, you can bet I might pull at least some influence from them. Oh, and non-human characters are allowed, but you'd better be able to come up with a decent explanation as to why a vampire, a werewolf, etc., would be allowed in the Police Department when their very natures could be considered a liability. Trained self-control, perhaps? Of course, if you can come up with some other method, I'm all for it.

edited 28th Oct '13 12:09:22 PM by kkhohoho

Added some more information about the world in the first post. The cliffnotes version is that, due to the MSSCPD, Sunset City hasn't advanced as much as the rest of the country, only getting up to the 40's in terms of culture and lifestyle. The Department's tech is still advanced though.

Interest. Do you want us to sign up now, or later?

I'd say now. Now, I don't mean that I want you to put up a Sign-up this very instant. Take your time, think of what you want to do, work on it, and when it's done, put it up. But I'd prefer that you get your Sign-up completed as soon as you possibly can. No date set just yet though, so if you need time, you've got it.

• Name: Eli Walsh
• Age: 28?
• Gender: Male
• Personality: Eli by all appearances is one of the more suave detectives on the team, being almost perpetually confident and outgoing, with a cool, intellectual edge to his personality. While he likes to keep his secrets, he makes it clear that where it counts, most of the time, he's with the "good guys". Eli comes from old money, but lives mostly by himself in a large, almost mansion scale house. He prefers it that way. Eli is a bit of a playboy, flirting with anything that fits his definition of "pretty", to the extent that he's most often remembered for his...activities. He does, though, seem to know when its time to be serious. More than anything, he really doesn't want the status quo shaken up.
• Physical Appearance: A very handsome, young looking man, he has black hair trimmed nicely and combed back, gray eyes, and a somewhat pale appearance. He mostly takes to wearing a black button up shirt, the top four buttons left unbuttoned, black dress pants, and boots. He has a thin, muscular appearance, and generally seems to have a confident, almost arrogant stride. Indeed, this man seems to ooze confidence and allure.
• Backstory: Eli's true story remains his own little secret, but it is evident that he is not too friendly with the rest of his family. His sister detests him, his younger brother is scared of him, and his father tried to kill him.
• Normal Abilities and Talents: Eli is a very good shot with his special, customized pistol, which he himself claims to have assembled. He is also a manipulative individual, being very skilled at getting his way.
• Supernatural/Magical Abilities and Talents: As you might've guessed by now, Eli Walsh is a vampire, and a powerful one at that. He is not saying how long he's been alive, but he sometimes slips up and curses in Latin. He is capable of feats of strength above those of humans (higher at night), strong regenerative abilities as long as he's not in the sun, and "Vampiric Mesmerism." He's also studied magic, being very good at electric and ice magic.
• Miscellaneous: His abilities are not as strong in sunlight, being "mortal where it counts" in sunlight, and he frequently gets dizzy or weak if its too intense.

Accepted. Just an FYI; you bringing up Vampire's weakness made me realize that I should probally hammer out just how the common monsters — vampires, werewolfs, zombies and the like — work in this RP. Once I do that, you may have to change your Sign-up accordingly. Is that alright with you?

• Name: Mackenzie (Mack) Stewart

• Age: 27

• Gender: Female

• Personality: Mackenzie is blunt when speaking to others, but isn't necessarily defiant towards people she perceives as higher on the chain of command. She is highly serious about the tasks she sets for herself and will pursue her perceived job no matter what tries to impede her. She is calm and generally collected unless angered, which tends to happen rather easily because of her "condition". She gets more irritable, aggressive, and gruffer than usual around night time, especially if the moon is waxing. Mack hates it when people point out the fact that she's a werewolf in conversation, regardless of how incredibly obvious it is at times, and acts as if there is absolutley nothing strange about a wolf-person drinking coffee and sitting at a desk.

• Physical Appearance: A wolf-human hybrid with dark brown fur and icy blue eyes that seem to see through people. They have a slight slit to them that can get more pronounced. She still has a working pair of hands and can speak clearly, despite her appearance. She wears a tan trench coat over her dark blue police uniform that she keeps mostly buttoned up, and is about 9'0” and somewhat stocky in build. She tend to not smile very much, or people get freaked out by her canine teeth. Her original form was a dark brown haired, 5'5" young woman.

• Backstory: Mack was born and grew up in Sunset City, oblivious to whatever supernatural happenings there were. She was a child with a sharp mind and good observation skills, able to pick up little details. She saw the occasional odd things over the years, shadows in alleyways, strange looking people in crowds, but her parents convinced her that it was only her imagination at work. She always wanted to be a police officer, as her father and grandfather also were, and she eventually got a job in the SCPD at age 22 as a beat cop. She was enthusiastic about her work and was especially interested in crime scenes.

During one investigation, Mack was helping to chase down a suspect and followed them into the weird part of town. After cornering the suspect in a back alley, the full moon came out, and the possible criminal transformed into a werewolf before turning on her. By the time backup arrived, she was bleeding out on the pavement and the beast had disappeared.

That moment served as her introduction to and forceful invitation to join the more supernatural side of Sunset City, leaving her as a monstrous looking bipedal wolf. After a year of recovering at home and dealing with her new lycanthropy medical condition, Mack decided to try and join the police again, this time aiming for the MSSCPD. In order to not put any coworkers in accidental danger, Mack is allowed to leave work early on nights when the full moon is out in case she "snaps" (It's more to comfort the people around her than for any real issue). In the last four years, Mack has been promoted to detective within the unit.

• Normal Abilities and Talents: She’s got an eye for things that are out of place, and is good with brainteasers and retracing people’s steps. After four years of working with the out of the ordinary, she’s grown familiar with the usual magical or supernatural creatures, but the obscure ones can still stump her.

• Supernatural/Magical Abilities and Talents: Being a werewolf has some effects on Mack, like giving her sharper senses, mostly in the hearing and smell department. She has tracked and identified people by their smell before. She also heals a bit faster, and has slightly sharper teeth and nails. She understands animals better than usual, even though her presence makes regular ones like domestic pets nervous. Mack also has some more physical strength and agility.

• Miscellaneous: Her wolf behavior get more pronounced as the Full Moon approaches. Silver is poisonous to her, and is extremely painful if it breaks her skin in any way or gets ingested somehow. She plays it off as something similar to a peanut allergy though.

edited 28th Oct '13 6:39:01 PM by ScorpioRat

Just put up the rules for the top five non-human races, which, includes werewolves. Sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you look at the rules for werewolves before I accept your Sign-up. If you really don't want to change her though, then we might be able to work something out.

edited 28th Oct '13 6:04:44 PM by kkhohoho

I'm willing to alter my sign-up to match your descrpitions, but I was also wondering if werewolves could temporarily become human during the new moon, like a reverse of the usual. Just an idea I had, but it's fine if you don't like it.

...I like it. Seriously, it has some great opportunities in there. We're adding it in. Thanks.

EDIT: I also edited the sections for demons. Demons in this RP have so conscience, right? So, they must not feel the need for modesty. Which means that each and every demon, unless pressured by the MSSCPD, takes the Walking Shirtless Scene to it's logical conclusion. If you know what I mean...

edited 28th Oct '13 7:19:26 PM by kkhohoho

I finished editing.

Oh, and did you mean werewolves transform back in the full moon in the werewolf description, or the new moon? Because is says full.

Bleh. Fixed; should be 'new moon' now.

edited 28th Oct '13 6:36:00 PM by kkhohoho

Alright.

'm thinking my character as a forensic magician Should have a sheet up by tomorrow or next day at lateast.

edited 28th Oct '13 7:28:46 PM by tricksterson

Nice.

EDIT: Oh, and before I forget; @Scorpio Rat; accepted.

edited 28th Oct '13 7:35:19 PM by kkhohoho

Quick question KK: do these characters have to follow the traditional human lifespan? I'm not thinking of a character that's immortal, just one that's pushing 300.

Also, I understand that Sunset is supposed to be a bubbled society, but how much of the human world influences it? Did contact with the outside world stop in the 1940s, and that's why the fashion and tech is so dated? And what about other pockets of supernatural societies? Does someone have to be born in Sunset to live there, even if they were born centuries ago?

edited 28th Oct '13 10:25:24 PM by TheodoreHastings