Unchained Fate, Anything Goes Roleplay

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• Roleplay

There was once a world before this one, whose god was forced to maintain a cruel cycle. His subjects refused to believe him, thought he was being evil for evil's sake. Thus they put together all their energy into killing him, ridding themselves of his "tyranny". However, in striking down their own god, they realized: Without him reality will break, scattering them throughout the omniverse and leaving behind a void lacking reason. They tried to fix their folly, but in the end... They failed, their universe rendered asunder. However, this isn't that story, rather the one that succeeded it.

Though the world before was nothing more than fragments, new gods came together. They looked upon the shattered void, commanding the eldest- the one known as The Storywriter- to make them worlds from those pieces. Thus did The Storywriter do so, giving each of his brothers and sisters their own Storybook. The lives of their Characters rarely meant more than as tools, inflicting horrific evils as they felt interesting. However, they were not truly cruel. Much like how one views a thing, their Characters weren't even viewed as beings at all.

However, in the world of sword and sorcery, the Storybook of Albion a hero arose. This hero could no longer put up with the actions of their god, amassing power and breaking the barriers between Storybooks so the gods could be cast down. Though history seems to repeat itself, as in the process the Wights- things that are- were drawn to this world born in nothing. They never realized just how much existence was on that world beforehand. Themselves craving to be truly real, they set off.

The hero, however, couldn't let their mistake be unresolved. Thus they constructed multiple structures in each of the former Storybooks, to ward away the Wights from civilization. The Deamoris Tree, The Crystal of Life, The Tower of Machinations... Many of these were created by the hero, at least most believe it so. When the hero disappeared, who they were became forgotten and even details of the Authors have become uncertain.

Though many years has passed since then, a form of unity was forged between the lands. This unity, combined with what they could recall of the Grand Liberation, led to a term: Weavers, those that stand above the masses, those that actively shape the future with their actions. It doesn't matter what a Weaver is: Be they hero, villain, monster, saint or even just someone going about their day in the end they stand out because of their drive to accomplish their tasks.

Thus, newborn soul, know this: The place you shall be born into is one of wonder, of infinity, where any dream can ultimately be made real. But also know this... Infinity includes all, thus there will be wickedness, living nightmares, things that just never should of happened... Cherish the good in your life, and stray away from what you deem evil. After all, what kind story would it be if all was perfect?

Taking place in the wrecked husk of a dead universe, some order have been brought to this void. Though no one knows exactly how, some believe the Authors created this new universe. However, they are also a subject few like to discuss... Nonetheless, it is undisputable that they were the ones to shape the ten 'Storybooks'. Following the disappearance of Albion's Author and the other nine being forced to hold off the Wights, a central point for all civilization was made: The Citadel of Fate, the nexus of the Storybooks. Here, the best and the brightest gather, where the newest things first take hold, and the place all ultimate decisions are made. In the end, however, it is merely a sample and blend of the ten Storybooks.

Yet, though no longer under the tyranny of the Authors or constant threat from the Wights, the lands are not free of wrong doing. From the petty of hatred to the madness of devil gods, there is always something threatening the Storybooks & the Void Beyond. Maybe true peace will never be known, but a story needs conflict yes? Thus, the ones who receive true recognition and respect are the ones known as Weavers. Being the ones who'll shape the future, really anything goes when one gets involved. Though to change things one needs to know things correct?

The Storybooks

Albion: Once presided over by the Author Spatial, writer of space, Albion is a land ruled by magic and blade. Though it may not excel in magic like Mysteria or in technology like Mechanus, the residents are decent with technology & the art of spellcraft. In fact, it is rather common to use magic and machine be used together here. Though, Albion is more renown for their Kings- The strongest in the land, he or she is tasked with protecting their fair land. To become king, one must simply challenge the current one or if there is none win the Contest of Kings. However, in becoming Albion's king, one cannot leave outside matters of business. To do so would forfeit your command on the throne.

Clockwork Kingdom: The Grand Watch, Author Future's personal hell, is practically worshipped by the timekeeping people of the Clockwork Kingdom. Having an overall steam and clock aesthic to things, the Clockwork Kingdom is not one meant for battle. Instead, the Clockwork Kingdom puts in their effort to supporting others. Primarily, they do so by maintaining the integrity of time. Though they cannot push against Author Future's power in the past, they have seen the past beyond him... And yet cannot identify the ancient Hero, they having been an elusive one even then. Still, it is because of the Clockwork Kingdom the past goes unforgotten, at least as they say.

Deamoria: Protected by the holy Deamoris Tree, made from sealing away the Author Gaia, Deamoria is a sacred natural place. In lieu of any major technologies, you will instead find nature bending to the will of her people. Cities amongst the treetops, guardian beasts made from plants, great respect for existence... Deamoria is not a place that welcomes the destruction or disrespect of any life. However, while they may seem peaceful, they also hold no love for those disrespecting Life. Thus, it is the last place a criminal would come to hide. Still, given the potent abilities of the plant life here, Deamoria is also victim to their natural resources being illegally used.

Earthland: Supposedly inspired by the cultures of the Humans Before, Earthland is considerably 'plain' in comparison to the others. However, the Author Psych was more interested in the interpersonal actions and their human's reactions to the recreation of ancient cultures. Thus, even having been sealed within the statue Eternal Mother, Psych's influence on them never truly collapsed as the Ancient Hero liberated Earthland. Yet, trying to say Earthland is most wholesome would be... Inaccurate. Given Psych's excitement to studying humans, evil and good are about on equal footing here. Thus, you could walk past a church and then find a Nun indulgent in vice not far away. It should be noted, though, Earthland isn't really prepared for the magical and scientific extremes the other Storybooks hold. Thus, chaos is very easy to generate in Earthland.

Forever Beast: Vigilantly watched by the Grand Electric Wolf, supposedly Author Voltaic's petrified self, this was a land meant for beastkin. Filled with intelligent, humanoid beasts of various type, it is said Voltaic hated humans. Though particularly close to Deamoria, the various beasts do not necessarily hold the same standards. In fact, "Forever Beast" is simply a general title since all of its inhabitants can't agree on a name. Thus, it isn't uncommon to find clans or even certifiable cities composed of a single 'breed' embracing their own culture.

Grimyard: Once the domain of Author Shade, the Grim Gate echoes with his distant screams. However, as a place of terror and fright, the Grimyard is under eternal night. The various native creatures however are thankful for it, and thus the Grimyard tend to have vampires amongst others flock there. Thus, when looking for the strange, the dark creepiness of the Grimyard is your desired place. However, because it is such a hotbed for supernatural activity, there are also hunter guilds scattered about. Thus, the 'monstrous' inhabitants better behave if they don't want hunters after them. Perhaps what stands out most however is how the Grim Gate seems to connect to the afterlife. Thus, brave fools may try to enter to retrieve lost ones.

Mechanus: The blooming industry spreading out from the Tower of Machinations, prison of Author Metallica, it is a place of science. Here reality is understood and subverted to the purpose of machines, chemistry, and so much more. Unfortunately, that means magic has no place here, since it is defiance of the natural and thus useless to the study of Science. Nonetheless, they end up harvesting all their materials from the Tower, a place subverting a god's power. Pointing this out will not do you any favors however. Still, as a highly technological place, many wonders are placed here and it is highly common to see mechanical lifeforms going about their day.

Midnight Palace: Once the playground of Author Illusion, the Storybook became known as the Midnight Palace as it encroached over the old land. Thus, to all, it is a place in active defiance of normalcy. Doors leading into other realities, hallways whispering the thoughts of others far away, and even a bizarre flow of time are mere examples. Trying to destroy the Midnight Palace is also impossible, as it'll just regenerate any damage done to it. Yet, as the prison of a mad god, it is surprisingly non-malicious as inhabitants can leave and go untortured by Illusion. Still, sometimes, a strange oriental door extending for seemingly forever can be found. No one knows for certain what lies beyond it, but many believe it is behind those doors that one can find the imprisoned god Illusion.

Mysteria: Land of great magic, centered around the Crystal of Life made from Author Chi, it is extremely common for people here to handle some magic. Be they either natural spellcasters, users of Soul Augmenters, or the fantastical life made by Chi magic is performed in some way every day. In fact, in place of science and technology they instead use magic to run their civilization. Beautiful crystals powering magical constructs, Homunculi handling the little things, and even birthing new life... If magic can do it no doubt Magic will be used. However, Mysteria is also known for another thing: The royal family sitting atop the "Angel Graveyard", the monstrous servants of The Dead God. Hideous, variant beings, it is said that long ago these 'Angels' killed everything their God commanded. Thus, have the wicked tried to recreate these abominations or even harness their impossible power.

Snow Wastes: Blanketed with eternal winter by the Frozen Mountain, the literal embodiment of Author Hail, it is an unforgiving place to the unprepared. Still, sometimes you'll find stories saying Hail created the Yuki-Onna to protect lost travelers, and yet others saying she made the Yetis to murder travelers. Whatever the case, you can find a story somewhere crediting the Author Hail as the snowy races' creator. Though, while it may seem like there's no reason to enter the Snow Wastes, there are in fact numerous ruins scattered about the area. Holding all kinds of relics from the World Before, the Wastes are gone to in order to retrieve both old item and knowledge. Thus, the local community make great pay acting as guides and selling vital services.

Void Beyond: Though not a proper Storybook per se, the Void Beyond is recognized as such given how alien life sometimes comes down from surviving remnants of The World Before. Coming in many different types, they all have one thing in common- The interest shown in their existence. Though you can sometimes find strife and conflict with the more 'familiar' types, once public these Beyonders tend to have little problem. However, if their arrival is secret... Then morally bankrupt individuals will exploit and study the Beyonders who appear.

Since Unchained Fate is meant to be a freeform roleplay, I thus only placed the very basics for the various Storybooks' "themes". However, I can also mention various other details if asked, such as how the Citadel of Fate is built inside the hollowed 'heart' of The Dead God. Yet, if you try asking me about "How do elves/vampires/kyuubi/etc work here" I'll just mention some possibilities and then state there is no definitive member. Thus, whilst there is some concrete stuff, outside the very foundation anything can and will be possible.

I should also mention that, whilst the 'Storybooks' are clear locations, they aren't the only locations. Since this is taking place inside the carcass of a dead god, you can pretty much go nuts with establishing other locations. Plus there is the whole "Mysteriously existent planets!" thing with the Void Beyond, so... Besides that, I would also say the exact certainty of the ancient past is unknown, and even for the more recent past come up with anything if you feel like it. I want to allow your creativity, so run wild with your ideas. Anyways...

Application Format

Name:

Race:

Appearance:

Personality:

Abilities & Skills:

Inventory:

Backstory: (Do mention where you came from and where you are now here)

edited 26th Feb '16 2:23:26 PM by Kkutwar

I'm interested. Though I'll probably have to choose between the Storybooks I like most.

Also, what are the Wights?

I'm interested as well.

So, really, anything goes, huh?

Yep interested, nbow for the big question: Which storybook to choose?

edited 14th Jan '16 7:38:33 AM by Sergey_Smirnov

Wights are... Things, a term used to either refer to impossible creatures like the unexistent freaks who attacked the Storybooks, or simply anything one doesn't understand. So if one was to encounter an Angel of The Dead God, you'll likely to call it a Wight because of it using magic without using magic.

Regarding anything goes: Outside of the obvious limitations, pretty much anything goes. Though because of that, there would be no absolute certainty if you try establishing something as ancient. Plus, I can say a major thing is how the past is remembered in a warped fashion (not even the time force of the Clockwork Kingdom is absolutely sure given there was Illusion and Psych), so...

Anyways, if anyone needs help choosing a Storybook, I can clear things up if needed. For example Earthland is basically this dumping ground of all of earthen culture, getting blended and mixmatched as you see fit.

I'm currently choosing between Clockwork Empire and Forever Beast, both seem promising... if its allowed I would like to make partners, one from each

Sure, though no more than five full-fledged characters per Player. I don't want you guys completely taking everything over with twenty+ characters under your command.

2 are fully enough, and I'm playing them as partners so they won't really be separated much

edited 14th Jan '16 11:06:14 AM by Sergey_Smirnov

Could characters have started off in one Storybook before going to another before this all starts? There seems to be free travel between each of the Storybooks, at least through the Citadel...

Yeah, people can freely move through the Storybooks. Entering the Void Beyond and exploring 'Blank Pages' (areas of The Dead God which are unsettled) however requires some more effort though. I also don't intend for you guys to be struck anywhere, just want to know where everyone starts off.

Can I be some kind of [1] native to the area between the multiversi who has taken interest in the resettled void? Perhaps a Nyarlathotep-esque figure. Besides, this is "anything goes", and I can be very creative when finding ways to limit a character's power.

edited 14th Jan '16 4:19:07 PM by ThisGuy481

Does this have any continuity connections with Vitality Underground, or is it its own thing?

Nothing direct, though if you traced things back enough regarding The Old World, it was made as an experiment. Nonetheless, Unchained Fate is divorced enough that Alternates of Vitality Underground characters can manifest. So Seth Stiles, badass brother figure to a fighting robot?

Name: Kaguya Koizumi
Race: Human...?

Appearance: At first glance, Kaguya looks more or less like a normal 17-year old Japanese teenager, albeit a decidedly attractive one. She’s somewhat on a short side and not particularly weighty either, but otherwise her build is decidedly average.

Upon closer inspection, however, she clearly looks a bit…”off” compared to other humans. Her beauty is a decidedly unnatural sort that can come off as unnerving. As well, she has shoulder-length, straight golden hair and blood-red eyes that are both abnormal for humans.

Possibly her most unusual feature is the third eye on her chest, right above her heart. It’s fist-sized and the same color as her normal eyes, but is usually closed. It’s not the first thing most would notice about her as it’s usually hidden under her clothes; Kaguya is not big on revealing outfits.

Personality: Kaguya is a very quiet and very reclusive individual. She’s not very talkative around strangers; one could be forgiven for thinking she’s mute at the first meeting. When she does talk, she’s soft spoken and trails off a lot.

She’s come to rely on her ability to read minds as her primary way of learning about people. If she detects negative thoughts about her, she’s extremely likely to just turn away before the other person even gets the chance to say a word. She’s extremely self-conscious and worries a lot about how she appears to others.

If one does manage to get through her shell, however, what remains is a polite and surprisingly open-minded young lady who’s generally easy to get along with.

Abilities & Skills: By opening her third eye, Kaguya is able to read minds. She’s not very good at concealing this, however; while the average muggle probably wouldn’t know anything was happening, anyone else with the slightest bit of supernatural sensitivity would be able to tell when she’s reading their mind and react accordingly. It is very easy to shut her out if one knows how.

As far as general skills go she’s a very artistic person. While not that great at drawing, she’s fairly skilled in other areas; she’s particularly good at origami and calligraphy.

Inventory: Kaguya has a small notebook with a white cover that she uses as a diary. As well, she has a number of other art supplies to use when needed. If she happens to be travelling, she’ll keep all this in a black shoulder bag.

She also has a strange artifact that her adoptive parents found alongside her. It appears to be a strange necklace with the normally metal parts constructed out of obsidian and with what appears to be a blood-red, spherical gemstone set in it. She normally wears it around her neck, although tucked into her clothing most of the time.

Backstory: Kaguya was raised in Earthland, though she was an adopted child. The circumstances under which she was adopted were rather unusual; her adoptive parents found her as a baby in their bamboo garden. Given they were compassionate folk on top of wanting to have a child but with little success on their own, they took her in and raised her.

Her family life was a very happy one; her adoptive family was close and did their best to take care of her, although financially they never were the richest people around.

The same, sadly, couldn’t be said of her interactions with people outside her family. Even as a child, most of the other humans in her hometown could tell she was not exactly normal. Sometimes they shunned her, and sometimes they mocked her. A few people took her for a monster instead of a human. As a result, she was frequently very lonely and never was able to make any real friends.

The development of her third eye around her early teens was something of an unnerving time for both her and her family. However, once she adapted to her new abilities, she ultimately became even more reclusive as she started relying on it more and more as her primary method of learning about others.

As of now she still lives with her parents in Earthland, trying to live the best life she can given the circumstances. While happy to help her adoptive family, she does ultimately long for true acceptance of some sort and is a little curious about why she’s so different from other humans.

Name: This character doesn’t have a set one and never got attached to any one name over the course of his life. He’ll answer to whatever one wishes to call him.
Race: Cat...?

Appearance: He resembles a white Persian cat with some calico markings, complete with the squashed face and long coat the breed’s known for.

Unusually, he has a very expressive face that’s capable of making expressions far beyond normal cats...or humans, for that matter.

Personality: At first glance, there’s seemingly little that separates him from a normal cat, and he generally doesn’t give people a reason to think he’s anything other than a normal cat.

However, he is very much a conversationalist who greatly enjoys learning about other people and cultures. As such, when he feels there’s no reason to hide he’ll casually start talking to whoever happens to be nearby whether they were expecting a talking cat or not.

He seems to take pleasure out of messing with people. He’ll laugh it off if someone gets freaked out by a talking cat, and he often cracks freakish facial expressions or otherwise unnatural poses for no real reason at all. He isn’t big on actual malicious acts, however; his tricks are more good-natured trolling, and oftentimes have a hidden lesson behind them.

He seems to have a decidedly odd sense of morality. He does seem to acknowledge human moral standards and generally avoids crossing them, but in judging others things that might anger the average person won’t even get him to bat an eye.

Abilities & Skills: He has unnatural flexibility. He’s capable of making facial expressions that no cat, or even human for that matter, should be able to make, and he’s also capable of rotating his head practically 360 degrees either horizontally, vertically, or anywhere in between. The same applies to all his other limbs and body.

He seems to be a shapeshifter of some kind, although the most he goes to is shapeshifting his head to mimic somebody else. It’s debatable whether or not the cat form he’s usually seen in is his actual form.

He also possesses competent illusionary abilities, ranging from making multiple copies of himself appear to making something “disappear” to mimicking smells.

While he’s not particularly keen on fighting, if pushed enough he’ll prove himself to be very good at it between his illusionary abilities, high speed, and small size making him difficult to hit.

Inventory: He doesn’t value physical possessions very much and doesn’t keep any on him. He generally just lives off the land, which by virtue of being an apparent cat usually means hunting down the local vermin.

Backstory: He’s not the sort to openly start chatting about where he came from. All that’s apparent is that he’s been hanging around Kaguya’s hometown, keeping an eye on her as she grew up. He has a connection to her, but it’s anyone’s guess as to just what that connection is.

edited 15th Jan '16 10:20:29 PM by Yomegami

Some kind of Seth Stiles, yeah. I just have to figure out how to reconfigure him for this time around.

edited 23rd Jan '16 5:25:50 PM by Sergey_Smirnov

Name: Xal'Gorak

Race: Eldritch Abomination

Appearance: A black void about the size of a human. Occasionally takes the form of a male, tall, slender, pale human in a lab coat that seems to be in his 20s.

Personality: Sinister, Calm, EXTREMELY Intelligent, Detached. Has a weird obsession with soft drinks.

Abilities & Skills:

Telepathy: He can only communicate with those within 10 feet of the person he is currently talking to (a single exception for when he first arrives, to give him someone to "carry his voice"), or within 30 feet of his avatar's physical presence. It is mostly useless aside from communication. He is capable of Mind Control, but only on someone he has Mind Raped for 18 hours, uninterrupted, no easy task except on the alone or weak-minded. Basically like an airborne disease

Mind Rape

Hyper Intelligence

Immortality: Not as powerful as it sounds, since he is just a hologram unable to cause any real harm. Will be banished from this dimension for a millenia if slain in physical form and soul-trapped in any way.

Inventory: Nothing

Backstory: The gods between worlds. The-Not-To-Trusted. The Outer Gods. The Eternity Gods. They exist forever, everywhere and nowhere. They live in the void, far from here. The center of the void. The abyss, they call it. These things have been here for quite literally multiple eternities. Each one of the countless abominations has an "affinity" that they associate with. Xal's is Progress and Knowledge. They don't have actual control over their affinity, but it defines them. Anyways, Xal is one of the few that takes actual interest in the events outside the Abyss. Of course, this "defilement" of "perfect void" has achieved his attention, and it is far from just a mere interest. This would be his new research. And these cobbled-together beings would be his test subjects. Sadly, something about that world... rejected him. He is only able to slightly influence it, and can only manifest in a weak physical shell, or in the minds of others.

edited 16th Jan '16 7:29:53 PM by ThisGuy481

Yeah no, Xal's application is just really suspicious to me. It honestly feels like you'll just god-mod given he's a clearly implied powerful telepath. Plus, you didn't even specify how hard it actually is to deal with him. So either greatly expand on the app's details so I can trust you, or use a much lower-scale character.

Anywho, Yome and Sergey look good. Though Sergey, it is the Clockwork Kingdom, not Empire. Though yeah, a steampunk creation is more likely theirs anyways. Regarding Nitro... Well Mecha and advanced AI are a thing here. Sounds kind of adorable having Seth play big brother to a technically female Mini-Mecha. Or he could be a type of living vampire. So yeah, whatever you want.

Okay, I'll try to make this more detailed.

Also, your best bet, as of the edit, would probably be to Sealed in a Person-Shaped Can until he gets bored and leaves the world, or sneak up on him and soul trap and kill his physical form, banishing him.

edited 16th Jan '16 10:21:40 PM by ThisGuy481

Superhero Storybook?

A... Comicbook?

Yeah I'm not entirely sure what you mean Awesome, so please elaborate. I would say Citadel of Fate comes closest to a "Superhero Storybook", or a settlement could of been established that fits the theme.

Regarding Guy... I didn't mean just Telepathy needed details. Honestly the bareness of your application really makes me nervous since you're wanting to play a mind-raping eldritch horror. I just don't want someone utterly god-modding their way through, so... Either dramatically flesh out the application so I know that won't be a problem, or run a character under a lower-tier.

So is anyone else going to apply? Just kind of wondering why all the silence.

I'm highly interested in joining, but first I have a few questions about the three Storybooks I'm most interested in.

Albion: What is the technological level? Is it enough to allow for the creation of Magitek Empathic Weapons, which it's to say, weapons with moving parts and infused with a soul or spirit?

Deamoria: I think outright magic wouldn't exactly fly here, since it would unnatural, but can there be nature spirits, like dryads and undines, with power over the natural elements they represent?

Mysteria: What are these Soul Augmenters and Chi magic?

edited 22nd Jan '16 3:40:08 PM by JamesShields

Yeah, Magitek Empathic Weapons could be a thing. Regarding tech level- It is more European Fantasy than Modern Day (so Earthland would be more scientifically advanced), though I would say things are also kind of all over the place given the Magic element.

As for Deamoria- It is indeed primarily nature spirits, though what magic is there would also be nature-focused. Regarding Soul Augmenters, they're basically an Amplifier Artifact / Transformation Trinket combo that operates under Personality Powers rules. Though "Chi Magic" is actually a misunderstanding. I meant that the Author Chi basically gave Mysteria magic.

Name: Zarathustra Banks. Goes by "Z" for obvious reasons.

Race: Revenant (Grimyard)

Appearance: this◊ handsome◊ devil◊. He's gonna look hella outta place in Earthland, though his clothes look pretty normal.

Personality: Z is kind of a grouch. Now, granted, it's to be expected that being nonexistant might do that to a person, but he was generally grumpy even before the incident that left him materially challenged. He's not mean, per se, but he says what's on his mind and isn't as tactful as a lot of people. He's a very hard worker, though, which is nice. Still, his general misanthropy and pessimism has meant he was never particularly likable. That says, he hasn't spoken to another person in weeks, so he's probably gonna be a lot friendlier now.

Abilities & Skills:

• Z was supposed to die. But by a freak accident, he averted death. As a consequence, though, he exists somewhere between life and death, outside of reality. While in his home plane of the Grimyard, he simply can't interact with anything. He's completely incorporeal, and invisible to the naked eye, though x-rays can pick him up, and his reflection is visible in mirrors. He can also fly at a speed comparable to a brisk walk.

• While outside of the Grimyard, he exists again. However, he has a limited control over how much he exists. By holding his breath, and clenching a muscle he didn't have until he came to Earthland, and closing his eyes, he can remove himself from existence. In this state, he is the same as he is in Grimyard: Incorporeal, and mostly invisible. He can only keep it up for about two seconds. If he would appear in a solid object like a wall or person, he simply returns to reality in the nearest empty space. And if he flies too high while using this power, he has to worry about gravity when it wears off. Finally, as a side effect, he can not be sensed by most supernatural sensing abilities. And magic that affects time and space or directly warps reality won't work on him. So if a mage's power just makes a fireball, he'll get hurt by it. But if a mage's power is rending the timeline so that he never existed, it simply won't affect him.

• He can, to some extent, extend this state to small objects. Only things about the size of a basketball at most, and no living things. It's simple to use. He simply grasps the object in his hand and squeezes while holding his breath, and it disappears. From then on, he can call it back into reality at any point. It even works on parts of objects. For example, let's say he got hold of a gun. So long as he knew the bullets were there, he could use his power to take the bullets from it without actually touching them, and he'd still leave the gun. He could touch a tire's hubcap to remove the screws from it. But he couldn't do that with a car, because the car is bigger than a basketball.

• The ability that got Z into this whole mess was that he can go inside of reflections. It works on most reflective surfaces. Mirrors are the most obvious, but it also works on dark windows, bronze lamps, and particularly shiny cars. A rule of thumb is that if you could see a person sneaking up behind you through one, he can go through it. The ability gets good when he goes inside a reflection on an electronic device or magical object. This includes T Vs and computer monitors. If he does that, then he comes out in a similar object in a different world. Like if he went into a magical mirror in Albion, he might pop out in a television in Earthland, or a pond that can predict the future in Forever Beast. Doing so takes him through the Void Beyond. If he knew that the Void Beyond existed, he could go there at any point, but unfortunately he does not. But he did find something there...

• Finally, Z is a very strong willed person. He still feels pain, but he's good at acting in spite of it. And while he's not immune to mind affecting powers, he can resist them more effectively than most people.

Inventory:

• Clothes on his back.

Backstory: Z was born and raised in the Grimyard, in the bustling metropolis of Grimville. As far as life in the Grimyard went, it was relatively nice. A well-populated urban center, it was well-protected by the hunters, and housed many amenities such as running water, electricity, and internet. Antares went to Grimville High school, and played D&D with a werewolf and vampire. He lived with his single mom, his dad having run off shortly before he was born. Mom worked a pretty decent job, so they always had enough money, though Z may have raised himself a bit more than most children need to. He got in fights more than most boys his age, and sometimes got in trouble, and he really only had two friends, but things could have been way worse. All in all, though, life was going pretty okay.

Then he was walking by a construction site and a steel girder fell on him, killing him instantly. He had a funeral. Not many people attended, and within a decade, he was mostly forgotten.

Or at least, that's what was 'supposed' to happen. On that day, his school was doing Job Shadowing. In exchange for being excused from classes, students could attend work with their parents. It was pretty well known that a lot of students just got their parents to sign the form and then let them stay home for a day, and everyone assumed that's what Z would do. But he didn't. He actually had a pretty good relationship with mom, and on the way to her job, they passed a construction yard. Z looked up, as he heard the sound of straining metal.

As the cable snapped, his mom pushed him aside.

There was a funeral, and Z took the week off school. He spent the whole time holed up in the local apartment. He didn't expect anyone to come see him for anything other than to figure out stuff like inheritance and who would be his guardian, but nobody came to do that. On the day he went back to school, nobody could see him, or hear him. And he discovered that he could go through objects. At first, it was just sporadically. Sometimes when he went to pick up a glass of water, he wouldn't feel it. He'd just chalk it up to him missing the glass or something, but then he started accidentally pushing his arm through doors, and before too long, he couldn't touch anything.

Since he couldn't play video games or turn on his computer any more, he started to experiment with his powers. He found that if he went into a reflective surface, like a mirror, he could go into the reflection. He also spent a fair amount of time people watching. He needed something to occupy his time. He couldn't sleep any longer, so he had a ton of free time. And every once in a while, he'd see shadows in his peripheral vision that would disappear whenever he looked at them directly.

He was reasonably certain he had gone absolutely bonkers, and those fears were, from his perspective, confirmed when he was attacked by a squad of Shades while wandering around a local mall. He was supposed to have died. When he didn't, he simply was erased from existence, and the Shades were there to terminate the final scraps of his being. He escaped through the nearest reflective surface: A blank TV screen. But instead of being sent to the mirror of his own world, he found himself in an Earthland department store. He's now trying to get ahold of himself and figure out what that huge lightbulb is doing in the sky, though he's pretty pleased that he can touch things again.

edited 28th Jan '16 2:53:47 PM by HeroicSociopath