Catching Fireflies
You Won't Feel A Thing
I promise baby you won't ever,
You won't ever feel a thing,
'Cause I will take it on the chin,
Yeah,
For you,
So lay your cuts and bruises,
Over my skin.
- The Script,
You Won't Feel A Thing
Part II of the Catching Fireflies saga
No more Anima, Runners, Fireflies or Fire Elementals are to be created. Any other races listed below are fine though.
---
Welcome to Catching Fireflies.
Catching Fireflies is set in a world that is not our own. In many ways it is different, in many ways it is the same. The world of the Fireflies is known more commonly as Alveus. The world of Alveus is inhabited by a small selection of people, each with their own talents, their own abilities. The world of Alveus is wrought by war.
Alveus is not split into sides. It is a free-for-all, and the victor will ultimately decide the fate of the world. Alveus is, however split into 'races' though races are not decided by ones looks but rather their skills or talents. These talents are not the mundane ones we possess though, the ones of our world. These talents are supernatural. Firstly, and most commonly of the people who exist in Alveus are the Inanis.
The Adduco reign has been momentarily vaquished due to those who protected the Gifted city, but now that the seas have calmed and are safe to travel on...they're spreading.
---
Races;
The Inanis are those who have experienced such terror, such anguish in their lives that they have developed an almost eerie lack of emotions. They feel no sadness or happiness or anger. They merely seem to exist. That is not the case however. The Inanis have merely developed such masks that no-one can see through them. They seem emotionless. The Inanis' talents are those to do with the mind. Some can see into your very soul, some can wreak your mind with terror such like you have never known.
More rare, though, are the Gifted. They are the ones who ignore it. They live in a world of peaceful contentment, free from the horror around them. Their powers are that of illusion, of creating monstrous creatures that could destroy everything, but then that disappear at the blink of an eye. They can trick and hypnotise like the Inanis, but they cannot twist others minds.
The Devia are more common but harder to find. They live alone, in the ruined houses left behind by the war. These humans can summon unspeakable demons from the depths of hell, hide in shadows and just disappear. They are the darkness that curls through your mind, slinking in the shadows. They can be innately powerful.
The Fireflies are the most curious and simultaneously famous group, though not the rarest. The Fireflies are those who just stick through it, who keep pushing through with a smile no matter the cost. They never give up. They wield the arcane; they can create glorious swords of pure magic, can teleport vast distances like the Runners and hover as though flying. They are nigh a myth.
The Anima are those who fight with nature, who wish to breathe new life into the world. They fight with animals, with plants long forgotten. They are almost as rare as the Fireflies, and a select few have the power to shapeshift into the most majestic beasts.
The rarest group are the Runners. They are never seen. They are those that try to flee the horror of the war, try to escape the cruelty and pain. They are faster than possible, they can teleport, walk through shadows. They are the perfect assassins, stealthier then one would believe possible. They are considered the free ones, the ones that can exist in their own worlds away from the madness. And they can, for a little while.
The Adduco are those that wish for war. They can craft the most awesome technology out of the tiniest piece of metal, capable of inventing and creating the most horrific war machines, possible of destroying nearly everything, and a select few can control the power of fire. They are the ones whose powers can vary the most.
There are those who have not yet discovered their powers - mere Mortals. Maybe they have not developed precise feelings yet, maybe they just don't particulrly have opinions or maybe they're just late bloomers, but such Mortals are far and few. There are also those who don't fit in to any particular group - the Others - once again rare. They may fit in perfectly to the normal guidelines for a certain species but possess completely different powers or have completely different opinions from anyone else and possess completely different powers or have the same powers as one species and a completely different personality, but, like Mortals, Other are almost impossibly rare.
After the calming of the seas around Alveus, however, new 'races' have been discovered.
There are the Xeno,, also known as Creationists - an incredibly rare race with the ability to create things out of thin air. While they may not be able to keep such things in solid form for very long they can also create sensations or feeling in people for the same amount of time. Despite the fact that such a power seems nice and kind and such the only users ate those who have completely lost their minds. Ah. No-one may actually create a Xeno -, this is merely here for reference. In case anyone is wondering Cinna is actually half Xeno and half Gifted. But he's probably better considered an Other.
Nexi are exactly the opposite. They are able to tear things from existence - permanently if they put enough effort in, but there's often vast consequences for them when that happens. They are those who would destroy the world if only they could end the war. They are so desperate to end it that they would sooner destroy everything first than continue with the fighting. While they are generally rather kind people the Nexi are particularly emotional.
The Presul can manipulate time. They are those who dwell on the past or dream of the future, though they can normally only go back in tome or forward - not both. Some can even pause speed up or slow down time. They are incredibly powerful but often experience great sadness at seemingly random moments, and are often dreamy or lost in thought.
The Plague are a unique group in that their abilities slowly kill everything around them. Wherever they walk things die, plants curl in on themselves and they create horrible, horrible creatures from whatever decaying remains are left. There isn't really a set personality for Plague victims - it seems more of a disease than a power, and as such anyone can be cursed with such a power. They are a mostly unknown species and little, if any information about them has been collected.
The Agon are those who have an unnatural skill in combat. The power can manifest in most everyone, and is fairly common. There aren't really any strict guidelines as to what Agon can and can't do.
Rei are those who can manipulate their bodies - they can transform their entire being into liquid, make themselves so light they can float, sharpen their nails so they resemble knives...they have complete control over every aspect of themselves. It often manifests in those who have high self-esteem.
Then there are the elementals. Fire, earth, wind and water. Each elemental can only control one element, but they can use it brilliantly. It is more often seen in those who dislike company. And stuff.
Finally there are the Prodigys. Those who have a natural talent in the arts or sciences or any such field of work, more so then any natural prodigy could ever hope to be. They are those who study hard and work nonstop. They have great ambition.
And I believe that is all from me.
---
Role-playing Mechanics;
You normally won't have time to wash, to think, to do anything unless you have power enough to frighten potential attackers away from yourself. Alveus is modern, apocalyptic, yes, but modern. Most buildings are torn apart, destroyed by the war. Most, if not all of the shops have been looted. You won't find anything unless you loot someone's dead body.
Powers happen at random - normally triggered by traumatic or particularly emotional events. It is entirely possible to have none, but considering how long the war has been going on now it is incredibly unlikely. Cars exist but most have been ruined. People normally get around by free-running across roofs, through streets or by using your powers.
Probably the only proper 'city' is run by a group of Adduco, fortified by an inane amount of steel and surrounded by technology capable of bringing down even the toughest of fighters. If you are a like-minded person it is fairly easy to make a living there, whether through merchanting or offering yourself out to fight or any number of different occupations. Of course if you slip up just once - break just one rule - you're dead. The city is the only place with shops, and even then they're more like stalls, but most of the buildings have been restored by the Adduco. You don't have to be an Adduco to live there; it's just a ton easier. Anyone else and you'd actually have to prove that you're on their side.
There are other, smaller 'towns' - no where near as technologically advanced but fairly large. They don't have much order but most have a small body of the more intelligent of the survivors who run most things. They normally only accept people of their own 'species', but they're pretty open to new ideas, most of the time.
The Fireflies or Runners, however, either live alone in the ruins of houses or shops or anything, really, or intermingle with a different species’ town. There aren't enough of them to from a town together, and it's unlikely they'll ever meet anyone of the same species.
Powers are purely emotional - it is entirely possible to have a Firefly born to two Adduco. That being said it is likely that the child would've been influenced by their parents, so it's more likely they'll have the same powers.
It is possible but very rare that someone's powers can change. This is only through something that affects their outlook/ emotions so much that their old feelings have been completely torn from them. They will gain new powers, and their old ones will be significantly weaker - if they used to be able to control the shadows the shadows will merely be drawn to them slightly after the change.
---
Rules;
i) Most adults are already dead; an unknown disease has wracked Alveus - you'd be incredibly lucky to survive until 21. If you want to be older you must request so specifically.
ii) No Godmodding/ Bunnying/ Mary-Sues/ Rule-Breaking.
iii) I retain the right to deny any/all applications that I feel are not up to standard.
iv) No 'species' other than those already listed.
v) The rarer powers are only given upon request.
vi) Mild swearing is allowed, violence is encouraged. If fights need to be overseen please request. Death happens.
vii) Maximum of four characters.
viii) More rules may be added if needed.
---
Sign-up Form;
Name [first&last];
Age [preferably between 14-21];
Species/Side [e.g. Devia/Runner etc.];
Power/s [if i feel you've gone overboard your application will be denied];
Personality [remember to keep with the basic personality of your 'species'];
Appearance;
History [not much is needed for this - if the rest of your application is good enough you will not need to fill it in];
Skills [e.g. climbing];
Sexuality;
Theme Song [it helps us get to know your character];
Profession [e.g. merchant, none, fighter];
Feelings about the War;
Weapons [if any];
Flaws [e.g. clumsy, unobservant];
Other;
PLEASE NOTE; this is just the rough outline of a possible application. You could have less or more in it, if you feel you can make it descriptive enough.
Any questions please ask.
---
Things to note;
No Anima, Runners or Fireflies are to be created this time round, unless you had one in the previous rp.
Cinna and Atrox will only be minor characters, so I shan't bother posting their SUs.
There's probably more but meh.
---
Example sign-up;
Name; Tai [tuh-aye] [female]
Age; 18
Species/Side; Inani [partial Other]
Power/s; Hypnosis, mind reading. For some bizarre reson can make any piece of machinery work, but she doesn't normally know anything about the technology behind it.
Personality; Keepa a cool facade - not unfriendly but not welcoming. A partial other - warmer than most Inani, shows more emotions, but not different to the extent she can be considered a full-blown Other yet. She is unnervingly calm in the worst of situations, but tends to be slightly reckless. She is unafraid of death, which is probably one of her most important assets. While she might not be loving and kind towards you if you're friends she will protect you 'till the end - too bad her loyalty is often misplaced. On occasion she's just happy-go-lucky to the point it's not even funny though. It depends, really. After CF Part I she's mellowed out a bit, and is a bit more welcoming.
Appearance; Black hair, sunken eyes, bags. Like most people in Alveus she's a mess. Her hair is short, choppy. Shoulder-length, usually matted with dirt. She appears to never blink, her grey eyes always wide, unmoving. She wears a casual get-up; jeans, a t-shirt and trainers, but her belt is where it's at. Her belt is full of weapons. Grenades, knives, daggers, pistols - it's insane what she can cram in there. Not a good idea to try to fight her unarmed. She also wears a pair of goggles round her neck, for when she has to traverse the more sandy areas and doesn't want said sand in her eyes.
History; She was fine, when the war began. Sure her parents were dead but she was just fine, looking after her younger sister. Until a group of raiders showed up, and in a brutal fight massacared the three year old girl and left her, a 17 year old girl with no powers, to fend for herself, having escaped as they destroyed everything, having already done away with her sister. Her thirst for revenge is horrific.
Skills; Pistol mastery, speed, reconnaisance.
Sexuality; Straight
Theme Song; Numb - Linkin Park, I s'pose.
Profession; Recon/Scout/Spy for the rebels. Part-time merchant, if she finds any loot on her missions.
Feelings about the War; She hates it, so much. It killed her baby sister, after all. She wants to destroy the Devia most of all, though.
Weapons [if any]; Twin daggers, Pistol [advanced model - devised by an Adduco -- even she doesn't know all of it's special features] and whatever's on her belt at the time.
Flaws; Reckless, trusts too easily, she can become warped by what she sees in other people's minds - their views change hers quite drastically sometimes[a side-affect of her power], and each time she uses her Hypnosis she finds it harder and harder not to be lured away to the Adduco's side, to become controlled by the dark power she possesses. Has an obsession with getting revenge on the Devia for her sister's death.
Other; Nothing.
---
It'd be nice to get some new blood
You Won't Feel A Thing
I promise baby you won't ever,
You won't ever feel a thing,
'Cause I will take it on the chin,
Yeah,
For you,
So lay your cuts and bruises,
Over my skin.
- The Script,
You Won't Feel A Thing
Part II of the Catching Fireflies saga
No more Anima, Runners, Fireflies or Fire Elementals are to be created. Any other races listed below are fine though.
---
Welcome to Catching Fireflies.
Catching Fireflies is set in a world that is not our own. In many ways it is different, in many ways it is the same. The world of the Fireflies is known more commonly as Alveus. The world of Alveus is inhabited by a small selection of people, each with their own talents, their own abilities. The world of Alveus is wrought by war.
Alveus is not split into sides. It is a free-for-all, and the victor will ultimately decide the fate of the world. Alveus is, however split into 'races' though races are not decided by ones looks but rather their skills or talents. These talents are not the mundane ones we possess though, the ones of our world. These talents are supernatural. Firstly, and most commonly of the people who exist in Alveus are the Inanis.
The Adduco reign has been momentarily vaquished due to those who protected the Gifted city, but now that the seas have calmed and are safe to travel on...they're spreading.
---
Races;
The Inanis are those who have experienced such terror, such anguish in their lives that they have developed an almost eerie lack of emotions. They feel no sadness or happiness or anger. They merely seem to exist. That is not the case however. The Inanis have merely developed such masks that no-one can see through them. They seem emotionless. The Inanis' talents are those to do with the mind. Some can see into your very soul, some can wreak your mind with terror such like you have never known.
More rare, though, are the Gifted. They are the ones who ignore it. They live in a world of peaceful contentment, free from the horror around them. Their powers are that of illusion, of creating monstrous creatures that could destroy everything, but then that disappear at the blink of an eye. They can trick and hypnotise like the Inanis, but they cannot twist others minds.
The Devia are more common but harder to find. They live alone, in the ruined houses left behind by the war. These humans can summon unspeakable demons from the depths of hell, hide in shadows and just disappear. They are the darkness that curls through your mind, slinking in the shadows. They can be innately powerful.
The Fireflies are the most curious and simultaneously famous group, though not the rarest. The Fireflies are those who just stick through it, who keep pushing through with a smile no matter the cost. They never give up. They wield the arcane; they can create glorious swords of pure magic, can teleport vast distances like the Runners and hover as though flying. They are nigh a myth.
The Anima are those who fight with nature, who wish to breathe new life into the world. They fight with animals, with plants long forgotten. They are almost as rare as the Fireflies, and a select few have the power to shapeshift into the most majestic beasts.
The rarest group are the Runners. They are never seen. They are those that try to flee the horror of the war, try to escape the cruelty and pain. They are faster than possible, they can teleport, walk through shadows. They are the perfect assassins, stealthier then one would believe possible. They are considered the free ones, the ones that can exist in their own worlds away from the madness. And they can, for a little while.
The Adduco are those that wish for war. They can craft the most awesome technology out of the tiniest piece of metal, capable of inventing and creating the most horrific war machines, possible of destroying nearly everything, and a select few can control the power of fire. They are the ones whose powers can vary the most.
There are those who have not yet discovered their powers - mere Mortals. Maybe they have not developed precise feelings yet, maybe they just don't particulrly have opinions or maybe they're just late bloomers, but such Mortals are far and few. There are also those who don't fit in to any particular group - the Others - once again rare. They may fit in perfectly to the normal guidelines for a certain species but possess completely different powers or have completely different opinions from anyone else and possess completely different powers or have the same powers as one species and a completely different personality, but, like Mortals, Other are almost impossibly rare.
After the calming of the seas around Alveus, however, new 'races' have been discovered.
There are the Xeno,, also known as Creationists - an incredibly rare race with the ability to create things out of thin air. While they may not be able to keep such things in solid form for very long they can also create sensations or feeling in people for the same amount of time. Despite the fact that such a power seems nice and kind and such the only users ate those who have completely lost their minds. Ah. No-one may actually create a Xeno -, this is merely here for reference. In case anyone is wondering Cinna is actually half Xeno and half Gifted. But he's probably better considered an Other.
Nexi are exactly the opposite. They are able to tear things from existence - permanently if they put enough effort in, but there's often vast consequences for them when that happens. They are those who would destroy the world if only they could end the war. They are so desperate to end it that they would sooner destroy everything first than continue with the fighting. While they are generally rather kind people the Nexi are particularly emotional.
The Presul can manipulate time. They are those who dwell on the past or dream of the future, though they can normally only go back in tome or forward - not both. Some can even pause speed up or slow down time. They are incredibly powerful but often experience great sadness at seemingly random moments, and are often dreamy or lost in thought.
The Plague are a unique group in that their abilities slowly kill everything around them. Wherever they walk things die, plants curl in on themselves and they create horrible, horrible creatures from whatever decaying remains are left. There isn't really a set personality for Plague victims - it seems more of a disease than a power, and as such anyone can be cursed with such a power. They are a mostly unknown species and little, if any information about them has been collected.
The Agon are those who have an unnatural skill in combat. The power can manifest in most everyone, and is fairly common. There aren't really any strict guidelines as to what Agon can and can't do.
Rei are those who can manipulate their bodies - they can transform their entire being into liquid, make themselves so light they can float, sharpen their nails so they resemble knives...they have complete control over every aspect of themselves. It often manifests in those who have high self-esteem.
Then there are the elementals. Fire, earth, wind and water. Each elemental can only control one element, but they can use it brilliantly. It is more often seen in those who dislike company. And stuff.
Finally there are the Prodigys. Those who have a natural talent in the arts or sciences or any such field of work, more so then any natural prodigy could ever hope to be. They are those who study hard and work nonstop. They have great ambition.
And I believe that is all from me.
---
Role-playing Mechanics;
You normally won't have time to wash, to think, to do anything unless you have power enough to frighten potential attackers away from yourself. Alveus is modern, apocalyptic, yes, but modern. Most buildings are torn apart, destroyed by the war. Most, if not all of the shops have been looted. You won't find anything unless you loot someone's dead body.
Powers happen at random - normally triggered by traumatic or particularly emotional events. It is entirely possible to have none, but considering how long the war has been going on now it is incredibly unlikely. Cars exist but most have been ruined. People normally get around by free-running across roofs, through streets or by using your powers.
Probably the only proper 'city' is run by a group of Adduco, fortified by an inane amount of steel and surrounded by technology capable of bringing down even the toughest of fighters. If you are a like-minded person it is fairly easy to make a living there, whether through merchanting or offering yourself out to fight or any number of different occupations. Of course if you slip up just once - break just one rule - you're dead. The city is the only place with shops, and even then they're more like stalls, but most of the buildings have been restored by the Adduco. You don't have to be an Adduco to live there; it's just a ton easier. Anyone else and you'd actually have to prove that you're on their side.
There are other, smaller 'towns' - no where near as technologically advanced but fairly large. They don't have much order but most have a small body of the more intelligent of the survivors who run most things. They normally only accept people of their own 'species', but they're pretty open to new ideas, most of the time.
The Fireflies or Runners, however, either live alone in the ruins of houses or shops or anything, really, or intermingle with a different species’ town. There aren't enough of them to from a town together, and it's unlikely they'll ever meet anyone of the same species.
Powers are purely emotional - it is entirely possible to have a Firefly born to two Adduco. That being said it is likely that the child would've been influenced by their parents, so it's more likely they'll have the same powers.
It is possible but very rare that someone's powers can change. This is only through something that affects their outlook/ emotions so much that their old feelings have been completely torn from them. They will gain new powers, and their old ones will be significantly weaker - if they used to be able to control the shadows the shadows will merely be drawn to them slightly after the change.
---
Rules;
i) Most adults are already dead; an unknown disease has wracked Alveus - you'd be incredibly lucky to survive until 21. If you want to be older you must request so specifically.
ii) No Godmodding/ Bunnying/ Mary-Sues/ Rule-Breaking.
iii) I retain the right to deny any/all applications that I feel are not up to standard.
iv) No 'species' other than those already listed.
v) The rarer powers are only given upon request.
vi) Mild swearing is allowed, violence is encouraged. If fights need to be overseen please request. Death happens.
vii) Maximum of four characters.
viii) More rules may be added if needed.
---
Sign-up Form;
Name [first&last];
Age [preferably between 14-21];
Species/Side [e.g. Devia/Runner etc.];
Power/s [if i feel you've gone overboard your application will be denied];
Personality [remember to keep with the basic personality of your 'species'];
Appearance;
History [not much is needed for this - if the rest of your application is good enough you will not need to fill it in];
Skills [e.g. climbing];
Sexuality;
Theme Song [it helps us get to know your character];
Profession [e.g. merchant, none, fighter];
Feelings about the War;
Weapons [if any];
Flaws [e.g. clumsy, unobservant];
Other;
PLEASE NOTE; this is just the rough outline of a possible application. You could have less or more in it, if you feel you can make it descriptive enough.
Any questions please ask.
---
Things to note;
No Anima, Runners or Fireflies are to be created this time round, unless you had one in the previous rp.
Cinna and Atrox will only be minor characters, so I shan't bother posting their SUs.
There's probably more but meh.
---
Example sign-up;
Name; Tai [tuh-aye] [female]
Age; 18
Species/Side; Inani [partial Other]
Power/s; Hypnosis, mind reading. For some bizarre reson can make any piece of machinery work, but she doesn't normally know anything about the technology behind it.
Personality; Keepa a cool facade - not unfriendly but not welcoming. A partial other - warmer than most Inani, shows more emotions, but not different to the extent she can be considered a full-blown Other yet. She is unnervingly calm in the worst of situations, but tends to be slightly reckless. She is unafraid of death, which is probably one of her most important assets. While she might not be loving and kind towards you if you're friends she will protect you 'till the end - too bad her loyalty is often misplaced. On occasion she's just happy-go-lucky to the point it's not even funny though. It depends, really. After CF Part I she's mellowed out a bit, and is a bit more welcoming.
Appearance; Black hair, sunken eyes, bags. Like most people in Alveus she's a mess. Her hair is short, choppy. Shoulder-length, usually matted with dirt. She appears to never blink, her grey eyes always wide, unmoving. She wears a casual get-up; jeans, a t-shirt and trainers, but her belt is where it's at. Her belt is full of weapons. Grenades, knives, daggers, pistols - it's insane what she can cram in there. Not a good idea to try to fight her unarmed. She also wears a pair of goggles round her neck, for when she has to traverse the more sandy areas and doesn't want said sand in her eyes.
History; She was fine, when the war began. Sure her parents were dead but she was just fine, looking after her younger sister. Until a group of raiders showed up, and in a brutal fight massacared the three year old girl and left her, a 17 year old girl with no powers, to fend for herself, having escaped as they destroyed everything, having already done away with her sister. Her thirst for revenge is horrific.
Skills; Pistol mastery, speed, reconnaisance.
Sexuality; Straight
Theme Song; Numb - Linkin Park, I s'pose.
Profession; Recon/Scout/Spy for the rebels. Part-time merchant, if she finds any loot on her missions.
Feelings about the War; She hates it, so much. It killed her baby sister, after all. She wants to destroy the Devia most of all, though.
Weapons [if any]; Twin daggers, Pistol [advanced model - devised by an Adduco -- even she doesn't know all of it's special features] and whatever's on her belt at the time.
Flaws; Reckless, trusts too easily, she can become warped by what she sees in other people's minds - their views change hers quite drastically sometimes[a side-affect of her power], and each time she uses her Hypnosis she finds it harder and harder not to be lured away to the Adduco's side, to become controlled by the dark power she possesses. Has an obsession with getting revenge on the Devia for her sister's death.
Other; Nothing.
---
It'd be nice to get some new blood
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