DarkiusHeavenstein
Creator of my own little Universe
The Warriors of the Zodiac
People think they are just folktales, simple stories told from one to another. That these adventurers are nothing more than myths or legends. But these warriors, these heroes, are very, very real. They are twelve young adults each with a very special power. Under the guidance of Master Liao, they keep the world save from dangers. They help with local troubles, such as earthquakes and floods, but they are also sent away on missions. Sometimes alone, when one specific power, skillset or mindset is required, sometmes in small groups, or even all of them together.
Now there is a new threat: The Scroll of Raju. It is an ancient spellbook that comes with the instruction on how to set free Raju. Raju is a diety of unknown powers that could destroy all of humankind, all the planet in a blink of an eye, if he so wishes. Lesser known is the subscript of the Scroll that gives way to the Amulet of Raju. The Amulet giving the one who wears it the power of Raju. Of course a weaker version, but in the wrong hands it could still be disastrous. The Warriors of the Zodiac are called together and through a series of challenges and missions they must find the Scroll of Raju and the Amulet, before it falls in the wrong hands... But of course such a powerful Scroll is no easy task to find…
- Shangshu is what we would call Asia. The society and technology can be compared to the late Heian and early Kamakura period of Japan. This means there is no electricity yet. The main transport is horses and the samurai make up the army forces. Furthermore this means there is a strong caste system depending on your birth, which is hard to fight. If your parents were traders, you will be a trader and probably marry a trader and your children will be traders. Women are seen as different from men, but not inferior. Female Samurai are accepted, though women do tend to be seen more as the caregivers, the healers, perhaps the markmans with a bow. Women are meant to be the beauty and elegance of mankind. Men are ment to be the power and strength of mankind. There is a general awareness of not everyone being straight, but the main rule is (for all sexualities) intimacy is kept behind close doors!
This is just to give you an idea. We are not gonna be too strict on historical accuracy, since this is a fantasy roleplay. If you have any ideas you are unsure about that they will fit in the setting, just ask us in the comments, pm or on discord.
Our twelve warriors will be young adults, which mean they will be at least 25 years old. Some of them however may have been with Master Liao for much, much longer. Some of them may have just recently been brought in. Some of the warriors still live with their family and only come to Master Liao when they are called for, while ohers stay at the Warrior House that Master Liao owns for several reasons. Some warriors feel safe there, some warriors use it to train, some have no other place to go. No matter what background they have come from Master Liao has found them all and tries to give them a place to stay. Each warrior is dear to him and each of them just as important as the others. The Warriors among themselves are not always best friends, but at the very least they have to be civil and courtious to each other. They have to be able to set aside their differences in order to work together and succeed as a whole. There may even be romantic feelings, open or hidden, answered or unrequited. All can happen with a group of young adutls. As long as nothing gets in the way of their task to keep the world save.
At the Warrior House, Master Liao will help them find their power and guide them on how to control and use it. They are all also trained in martial arts and weapons, so they do not have to fully rely on their powers. Each of them of course having their own preferences when it comes to certain fighting styles and weapon choices. From the age of 21, Master Liao will send them out on bigger missions, if so necessary. There have been a very few exceptions when younger Warriors have been send out, but mostly Master Liao tries to wait until they are old enough to decide and oversee the consequences. Master Liao always takes objections or concerns of his warriors seriously. He will not force anyone against their will to do something.
- All RPN rules apply to this and the following threads, including the discord.
- Be respectful towards each other. If you are not, I or Veil will be merciless in booting you from the roleplay.
- Please use decent English, thus grammar. I'd like 2+ paragraphs replies, once a week.
- This is not a first come first serve roleplay, for the first set up round. You can apply for as many roles as you want. Depending on how popular the roleplay is at most two of your characters will be chosen.
- We are not strict on keeping the genders even! And we are very open to non-binary, genderfluid or transgender characters. However do keep the setting in mind.
- OOC will be through discord. If you do not have a discord and are not willing to make a discord or use discord, don't bother applying.
- Romance is allowed, but please do not force it! Also keep it PG-13 if something hot and steamy happens!
- This roleplay will be drop friendly, but please let me know if you wanna drop and write your character out. This also means it will be an always open roleplay (if we have spots left). However I aim for having a solid group and want at least involved players. At all times, we have the right to deny you and your character if we do not see you or them fit for the roleplay.
- This will be a roleplay with realistic faceclaim. And your faceclaim has to be Asian due to plot consistency. All characters are born and raised in Shangshu (Asia).
- The Rat - Blood bending
The Rat is the one who scurries when it's in dangers, but no true warrior should underestimate the size of this warrior. The spirit's true power is that of blood-bending: the ability to control other people's bodies. This power asks that the user conserves it as if used unwisely, it will have its blood come from the nose and eyes before fainting into a deep sleep.
The Ox - Earth manipulation
Ferocious and Tall, the Ox, is the power that drives fear and awe into onlooker's hearts. This can be said about the warrior; whose power is of the mighty earth beneath its feet. From causing earthquakes to lifting the ground to the skies, it is the example of the true power of Nature. The warrior is also known for their brute strength, carrying boulders as if it's just a tiny pebble
The Tiger - Fire Manipulation {Taken by Veil}
If you were lucky to see the Tiger and come back alive to tell the tale, you would remember the fire in its eyes. The warrior has the same eyes and power as the ferocious beasts, burning its way to the body and hearts of its unfortunate victims. It's a power that can only be given to ones who are careful and understand the consequences of misused power.
The Rabbit - Airbending
Known to be quick, it doesn't give anyone a chance to gets its hands on it. It represents the mighty wind up in the skies. Not only can this warrior manipulate the winds of the earth and blow its enemies away, but it can also run as fast as a rabbit. It gives nobody a chance to catch it, nor an opportunity to dodge.
The Dragon - Vitality Manipulation
The Mighty God that watches over everyone, it is given respect and in return gives the people what they want. This warrior represents the dragon; its powers are of repairing anything and everything out of thin air. It truly deserves the respect it gets from the people, for as much as the Dragon can heal you; reversing the healing is just as easily done.
The Snake - Water Manipulation {Taken by Darkius}
Slick and smooth, it is like moving water in the land, with its only trail being of one single line, like water. This warrior can manipulate the water at their will; drowning some into its cool mighty touch, while bringing in relief to ones who crave for its cooling, nurturing touch. While it can heal, it can also destroy.
The Horse - Emotion Manipulation
While big and tall, it is the nurturer for humankind; as well as it's most reliable transportation. But it's not just transportation; it can heal the souls of their companions and everyone around them. The warrior that holds the spirit of a horse can use Reiki to heal the souls from negative energy and get the individuals back on their feet. Of course, some people can reject it, but most of them will come to the horse for its spiritual healing
The Goat - Astral Projection
The Goat, being the greatest resource for humanity, is known to not only be the protector but also can sense danger a mile away before it truly begins. The Warrior of the Goat can use Astral Projection to find any intel of danger, and retrocognition to find any clear sign of danger that is possibly within reach of itself and their allies.
The Monkey - Gravity Manipulation
The Monkey is known by most for its tree-climbing abilities, and for their likeness and intelligence to fit that of humans. But unlike humans, they maintained their sixth senses. This intelligence gives the brain the ability to move things at its own will, to adjust the center point of gravity and even the force of it. This is what makes the Monkey truly the best climber of all.
The Rooster - Dream/Illussion Manipulation {Taken by Thor's puddingcup}
The Rooster is known to wake up and help everyone start their day. But the Rooster does just more than wake someone up. The Warrior of the Rooster can enter someone's dreams and manipulate it however way they want, or their nightmares and get them through the night. They can use this to get to know one persons true desires or their inner fears. The Rooster can create the prettiest Fata Morganas or bloodcurling horror images with just their imagination and make it all seem way too real.
The Dog - Animal Manipulation {Taken by Darkius}
A companion, a sibling, a co-worker, and a great supporter. The dog is humanity's true partner. The Warrior of the Dog can talk to and communicate with other animals, as if the animals themselves speak the warrior's language. Even though small, this ability can do a lot of damage to its enemies without no warning.
The Pig - Electricity Manipulation {Taken by Veil}
Pigs are known to be very protective of their young and their homes. This is not different for the Warrior of the Pig, with electric force fields they will try to protect and aid their fellow Warriors as much as they can. However they can just as well at the front line and lead the attack to whatever thread there is with their chain lightning. The Pig is certainly not a coward.
- Are they the only Warriors of the Zodiac?
No, they are not. These Twelve are the Warriors of Shangshu (which can be compared to Asia and the Chinese zodiac). There are also Warriors in Etraybia (Europe, based on western zodiac), Putriona (Oceania, based on Dreamtime zodiac), Philav Chal (North America, based on native american zodiac), Nasha Chal (South America, based on the Entomozodiac), Ushmein (Middle East, basted on Arabic zodiac) and in Snuodan (Africa, based on the African zodiac)
Is historical accuracy mandatory?
No, not at all. This is a fantasy world. It is only based on the same society and technology of late Heian and early Kamakura period of Japan. There are also influences from other (asian) countries around this time period.
Do the Warriors have to born at a specific date?
No, it is unclear how the Warriors are selected by the Zodiac. They do not need to be born in the year (or month) of said Zodiac.
What about their powers?
Their powers are only manipulation powers of what is already there. They cannot create any material out of thin air. They have had their powers from the moment they are born, but this doesn't mean they have used or been aware of their powers from that moment on. Some may have only recently found out about them, thanks to master Liao, others have been toddlers when they first used them and trained it their whole lives. That is all up to you.
I want to play the Rat, but I want to have ice powers. Is this possible?
Sadly no. Ice powers would fall under water manipulation. So the signs and their powers are pretty much locked. I am however open for small changes, but please discuss this with us in PM. And please be aware that we might say no however cool your idea is.
Interest Check: That is where you are now!
OOC: PM me or Veil
Sign Up: Right here! Deadline 18 July
In Character: Hopefully that will come!
OOC: PM me or Veil
Sign Up: Right here! Deadline 18 July
In Character: Hopefully that will come!
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