Magical girls saving the timeline, title to be decided, interest check thread

Alright, quick disclaimer, this isn't a signup thread; this is a thread to check for any additional interest and to get some of the stuff I haven't worked out and/or settled on finished up in the event that this RP actually becomes a real thing. To save me time on writing and you time on reading, I'm gonna try to keep things short and simple rather than fancy it up with prose and fluff yet; this is just the important stuff.

So, what's the idea? 20 Minutes into the Future, scientists are doing a deep sea exploration dive and accidentally stumble upon some Sealed Evil in a Can and accidentally release it, casting shadowy monsters invulnerable to any kind of conventional damage across not only the whole planet, but across history too, corrupting some and eating everyone else. Fortunately, it's not hopeless yet, as there's an ancient goddess come to help, sworn enemy of the evil thing, and the one who sealed it away in the first place. Unfortunately, she no longer has the means to combat it herself, so she has to give her blessing to mortals which gives them magic powers that can break through the shadowy monsters' invulnerability. Because of Reasons^(TM) the mortals must be in the form of young girls around the age of 13-19, so, Magical Girl. Which is where you come in. Your job will be to go on missions to different events in history to defeat the shadow monsters and/or cleanse the corrupted persons while trying to weaken the evil overall and narrow down where and when the big evil itself is actually hiding.

I want to be clear as far as expectations and tone here, that I intend this to be played straight. No, "the goddess is actually evil" twist, or, "the magic powers come with some horrible, irreperable cost to you" catch. A somewhat bitter sweet, "you're the only ones who remember" ending ala Ripple-Effect-Proof Memory since the ultimate goal is to return the timeline to the way it's supposed to be, perhaps, but other than that your cause and means are legit.

How will it actually play? I intend the posting in the main thread to be just free form; you post what your character intends to do that round, I post how well that works out. Alternatively, if you guys would rather I use some virtual dice rolling rather than just decide by myself, I could do that. I definitely won't be doing hard stats or anything like that, though. Character creation will be a bit more structured, in particular with what sort of magic spells your character would have access to, what their specialization is, and what transformation class they are.

Transformation class? Oh yes, when I was thinking about what sort of form of Magical Girl to use, I thought, "why not make options with upsides and downsides and let each player pick?" The transformation class, along with choosing a specialization, like short range/long range/support/summoning/whatever-you-choose-to-write-in, and your list of spells, will be the main deciding factors on how your character will fight in the RP. Spells come in the flavors of basic spells, which can pretty much be cast on the fly nearly instantly, and complex spells, which require some form or another of casting time, and maybe some concentrated chanting or other requirements; basic spells are of course easier to use, but complex spells are more powerful and can have a wider range of effects.

In the list of transformation classes, I use the terms, "magic power" or just, "power" along with, "mana reserves" or just, "mana". The former is the idea of how much punch your spells have; the latter is the idea of how many spells you can cast/how long you can stay in your magical girl form before it runs empty and you must revert to normal girl. Something in common for all of you is that even in your normal form, your passive magic is enough to automatically translate everything you hear and say, and let you try to sense out where Evil Stuff^(TM) is. While in normal form you otherwise aren't really different from other normal girls; in magical girl form you automatically have magic protection from most any conventional damage, (think "take a surface-to-air missile and come out with only some bruising and scratches" kind of tough) though the shadow creatures and corrupted persons can still harm you, just not as easily as they would to normal people. You also automatically gain flight, topping out at around 50KPH without buffing it with spells or anything. For all classes, transformation from normal to magical only takes a second, but you do have to be standing in place; no transformation while running.

The list of transformation classes (at least that I've made so far) are as follows. Note that all magical girls will automatically have one basic spell, "magic missile"; think a magic arrow that doesn't arc with gravity but also loses power the farther it travels until it dissipates. (I'm thinking around 100 meters or so.)

• Pure willpower: The standard option, vanilla, what the other options compare against. You don't use anything to transform yourself, you just concentrate, and so long as you have the mana, you transform. Standard power, standard mana. You get the basic magic missile spell, plus 3 basic spells and 2 complex spells.
  • +Unless you're unconscious, out of mana, or otherwise being nullified, nothing can keep you from transforming.
  • -You don't automatically bring anything else with you to fight with other than your spells. You could bring normal weapons, but the shadow creatures need to have their magic invulnerability pierced first before those would do anything.

• Magic artifact: When you're normal it's just a hair comb, a pocket mirror, a handbag or other accessory; but, when you transform, it also transforms, into a magic sword, bow and arrows, shield, gauntlets, rifle, or other piece of equipment. Higher power, lower mana, due to the amplification effect of the artifact. You get the basic magic missile spell, plus 4 basic spells and 1 complex spell.
  • +Since your artifact is magic, using it against the shadow creatures can pierce their invulnerability, just like spells, giving you a decent default combat option.
  • -Your artifact must be incorporated into your spells, making it harder than normal to cast complex spells.
  • -If your artifact is separated from you, you automatically revert to normal and cannot transform.

• Sentient artifact: Aesthetically similar to the above choice, but the difference is your artifact uses some of your power to give itself a sort of artificial, magical intelligence. It can telepathically communicate with you as well as speak out loud to others, even while you're in normal form. Lower power, higher mana, since it acts like a battery instead of an amplifier. You get the basic magic missile spell, plus 2 basic spells and 3 complex spells.
  • +Though not as strong as the above option, it still counts as magic for direct use against the shadow creatures.
  • +The intelligence also helps you with complex spells, making them easier and faster for you to cast than other the classes.
  • +The intelligence also lets you automatically have long range telepathic communication with other magical girls, and when in applicable time eras, it can tap into any long range communications happening around you. These also even function while you're in normal form.
  • -Also like the above, if you're separated from the artifact, you automatically revert and cannot transform.
  • -You can't mute the intelligence.

• Magic familiar: When you're normal it's just a house cat, a small bird, a magitek floating roomba thing, or other sort of small critter that accompanies you; but, when you transform, it also transforms, becoming a menacing tiger, a giant bird of prey, a magitek rock'em sock'em robot, etcetera. Lower power, lower mana, as you have to fuel the transformation of your familiar as well as yourself. You get the basic magic missile spell, plus 3 basic spells and 2 complex spells.
  • +Your familiar counts as magical when transformed, allowing it to do direct combat with the shadow creatures. It is stronger than any of the temporary summons brought in by spells, too.
  • +You can take spells that further buff your familiar on top of its transformation, or give it a next level to transform higher into. These will drain your mana over time while active, however.
  • +You and your familiar can be physically separated and still function, allowing for some tactical flexibility.
  • -Though you and your familiar can be separated and still function, you are still magically linked. So if either of you gets knocked unconscious, you will both be reverted to normal and unable to transform until you're both back in action.

• Magic linking: Otherwise known as The Power of Friendship^(TM), you're aesthetically similar to the pure willpower, but the difference is you transform by linking your power to other transformed magical girls; naturally well suited for a support role, though not forced to take one. Lowest power by default, highest mana, as your magic doesn't have to take as much effort for your own transformation, but that also makes it more difficult to fully unleash your magic. You get the basic magic missile spell, the "Share Spells" and "Borrow Spells" complex spells, plus 3 basic spells and 2 complex spells.
  • +With each additional transformed magical girl you link to, your power goes up slightly. Though there is an upper limit, (number currently undecided) you would eventually have the highest power at that limit. (Also you don't actually have to be friends; it just happens automatically.)
  • +"Share Spells" and "Borrow Spells" each take about thirty seconds to cast, and put a drain on your mana for as long as you have them in use. Share Spells lets other magical girls you're linked to cast spells from your pool, except for Share Spells and Borrow Spells; though it uses their own power and mana. Borrow Spells lets you cast the spells of other magical girls you're linked to; though it uses your own power and mana.
  • -Like willpower, you don't automatically bring anything with you to fight with, aside from your spells.
  • -It has to be magical girls who are currently in their magical forms for you to link to; magical girls who are in their normal form cannot be linked to. If there aren't any available, you are automatically reverted to normal and cannot transform. (There may also be an upper limit on the physical distance between you and the other magical girls; I haven't decided.)
  • -You cannot form links with other magical girls who also use the magic linking class. (They mutually cancel each other out, or something; I dunno man, it's a game balance thing.) This also means you can't use each other's spells, even if you're both linked to another magical girl and both using Share Spells/Borrow Spells.

Anyway, that went on a bit longer than I was intending before... So, if anyone would be interested in seeing this RP actually become a thing, please post below; if you have any suggestions, requests, or other input, feel free. I have questions for players about what they'd prefer on things I'm not decided on.

One big question I'm still on the fence about is one from that straw poll I put up in the looking for players thread. Should the characters only be those who were, already, 13-19 year old girls, or should I allow the characters to be formerly anyone and they're physically transformed/kinda soul-swapped into the body of a 13-19 year old girl? I want to hear what other people think.

Also to repeat another question: Should I just stick with pure free form for the combat, or go to dice rolling?

I'm considering letting everyone have a unique trait along with their class and specialization and spells. It could be pretty much anything, like, you can fly faster by default, have more power or mana, an extra starting spell, whatever. I like the idea as a way to let each character be even more personalized and unique from the others, but I'm not sure about it, so I want to know what other people think.

Also, I do intend for there to be a form of progression/leveling up, though so that this doesn't leave late arrivals in the dust I'm thinking that the only progression you'll get is additional spells to use; no increasing power or mana or anything like that. Again, I'd like to know what other people think.

Edited by FirockFinion on Jan 7th 2019 at 4:45:11 AM

I'm definitely interested in this, and I really like the time travel angle. As for the soul swapping thing, I’m not personally going to do it, but it might make for an interesting dynamic?

I probably would, and maybe go with the talking trinket I guess lol.

I'm definitely interested.

I'd just stick with freeform for the combat and the threat in general. I can't speak for anyone else, but that'd make it easier for me to follow, anyway.

I'd also probably not bother with the soul swapping thing myself in favor of playing someone who was a girl to begin with, but if enough people think it's a good idea I won't object to its presence (assuming I don't have to go that route).

As previously mentioned, I'm interested in this. (Of the available classes, I like the Raising Heart Expy sapient artifact, or else magic linking; I'll likely pick whichever one is less popular among other players.)

I kinda like the bodyshift angle; I was planning to play an actual girl rather than a grizzled veteran, but this way it could be a "transgender awakening" sort of actual girl (like in the light novel I wrote, plug plug plug). Or maybe a trans girl who was already awakened and Jumped at the Call specifically because of the transformation. I'm indecisive.

I have an idea for playing a "Magical Boy". No, he doesn't turn into a girl; he's a Magical Girl's sidekick! He begins with the Will-Based Transformation (meaning he cannot fight the Dark beings on his own, hence the sidekick status) but later gains a The Power Of Friendship one. Hey, there's plenty of things for a sidekick to do! Like looking after innocent bystanders. Or knowing his World History, which any time traveller is going to need.

Would this be acceptable?

I actually considered that as an idea, lol

Im interested in this, and the soul swapping idea sounds like a fun thing to throw in.

I (kinda) want in.

Well, glad to see this is getting more interest than the original postings and straw poll did. I think at this point I could say that I will go ahead and work towards having this RP actually become real after all, though I can't give a good ETA on when.

@Yomegami: Ah, sorry to clarify I meant that it wouldn't really mean any change in how you guys post; just a change in the way I handle them.

To give a hypothetical example, let's say you have a post that boils down to, "my character shoots this spell at the shadow monster."

In the purely freeform, I would just think and decide, "okay I think [X] should happen", and then I go ahead and post [X] happening.

In the dice form, I would make a dice roll to decide how it goes, rather than just deciding for myself. Something like, I dunno a wanna say a D10 where 1=failure, 2-5=narrow success, 5-9=decent success, 10=great success. That's by no means concrete, I'm just throwing out an example here.

@Sijo: Well, I'm not sure about that. To me, logically speaking, if the characters could just still be boys, then I feel like the goddess wouldn't bother changing anyone's genders, just their age; because, why bother? Some of the other players seem interested in going for the gender bend angle so I'm not sure how I would reconcile allowing both when that just doesn't make much logical sense.

Also the will-based class can still fight, just, only using their spells. I didn't consider the idea of letting people switch classes during the game, but, I suppose that could be a progression option, why not. I don't think trying to let people multi-class and have more than one at the same time would work, though.

What, nobody has any more input on the topics?

Well anyway, I've been busy between work and my main RP for the last couple of days. It occurred to me though, there's something I didn't really make clear yet that I meant to: My intention is that not only will the threat be from across history, but the player characters can be as well; any point from like, the prehistoric stone ages up until the 20 Minutes into the Future when it all goes down. (I'm thinking maybe, 2057?) Actual notable historic figures will not be allowed, but other than that, feel free to go nuts and get creative.

The majority consensus so far seems to still be for the, "everyone is a girl but was not necessarily originally one" angle, so I'll be planning for that. The only people to comment on the combat seemed in favor of purely free form, so I'll plan for that until further notice as well. Nobody commented at all on the traits idea, so I guess that one's up to me for now; I'll probably go for it though, so long as that's fine with everyone. There wasn't any direct commentary on the progression system but it seems like that one should be fine too.

For those of you who want to do some more planning ahead of your characters, I will try to get a mock-up of what the signup sheets will (probably) look like posted here relatively soon, so you can fill it out preemptively if you so choose.

Edited by FirockFinion on Jan 10th 2019 at 8:48:33 AM

Okay, thought I would get done with this sooner, but some stuff with my friends came up. Anyway as I said, here's what the signup sheet will (probably) look like if you want to go ahead and start drafting one up.

• Name: Self explanatory.
  • Magical girl name: (Optional) The sort of nickname/codename that your character came up with and/or the goddess calls you, likely based on your spell specialization or other quirk.

• Origin: Where and when your character was grabbed by the goddess from.

• Age: Current apparent age, 13-19. If your character was previously older than that, note it here. (Younger characters won't be allowed.) Also, if your character was previously not a girl, note it here as well.

• Appearance: Both default normal form and magical form; descriptions and/or pictures will be fine. (Remember forum guidelines that any linked pictures should not be to sites that contain NSFW content.)
  • Magic color: (Optional) The color that your character's magic spells manifest as. If left blank I'll assume it's just colorless/white light.

• Personality: Bear in mind the goddess would be looking for good, pure of heart kind of people. This doesn't necessarily mean goody two shoes, or only people who have never done wrong; it mainly means people who do the right thing when the chips are down and things get really serious, like now.

• Back story: Tell us a bit about your character's life up until when the goddess grabbed them; this isn't the most important though so keep it general / to the most significant things.

• Trait: Something your character has an edge in compared to others, probably based on whatever they were good at in life before this all happened. Pretty much anything you can think of except for extra starting spells or changing how your class works is fair game; faster flight, extra durability, higher power, higher mana, etcetera...

• Transformation class: How your character goes from normal form to magical form.

• Spell specialization: Another "write in what you want" kind of deal, this is the kind of spells your character has access to, aside from the default ones. Bear in mind this is a limitation, so if you say your character's specialization is something like, "long range" and then instead give them a bunch of melee spells, that would be a no-go. However, progression in the game will have opportunities to add additional specializations on top of your starting one, so you can broaden your spell types out later. (Also familiar class girls can take familiar buffing spells regardless of specialization.)
  • Magic Missile (basic spell): A magic arrow fired from the hand that will fly straight in spite of gravity and weather conditions; though it loses energy the farther it flies, until it completely dissipates at about 100 meters.
  • Fill out the rest of your spells in a manner like above, with the name, whether it's basic or complex, and a description of what it does; also if it's complex, what its casting requirements are. (Also, magic missile is supposed to be kind of weak, so don't feel obligated to keep perfectly balanced with it.) If you would like some help and/or are having trouble thinking of spells, make the rest of your sheet, and then I can help you figure out some spell ideas for your character.

Edited by FirockFinion on Jan 12th 2019 at 8:52:20 AM

Hello, it's me again and I very much appreciate the work you have put in. I am very much interested.

Would you set up a discord or discussion thread for player talk?

Edited by LovelyMagicianSavvy on Jan 13th 2019 at 11:24:33 AM

@Lovely Magician Savvy: Glad to hear you're interested. I'll set up the standard discussion thread once I actually have the real signup thread launched. I could see about having a discord set up for the game as well, though I'm not going to worry about that right away. For the time being I have no problem with people using this thread for some player talk.

Speaking of the signup thread, it's still not ready to go yet, and again I can't really give a good ETA. Given my schedule this coming week I'd say... Maybe Tuesday night or sometime Wednesday? If not that, then probably not until next weekend.

Edited by FirockFinion on Jan 14th 2019 at 2:12:39 AM

And bam! the signup is live!

A Magical Girl Voyagers! game? Well then, color me interested.

Sorry Animeboy Ianpower, you're about three months late, as this RP has unfortunately died out. Currently I'd expect a reboot to end up the same way.