[Interest Check] Summerland

[Kurotsune]

Setting:

Welcome to the newest virtual reality game, Summerland! In this game, all characters play the role of wizards and witches. Choose from several different schools of magic and mold your character to your tastes with our unique magic system! Weave unique spells by manipulating the Arcane forces of the world to create catastrophic storms or strengthen your allies with the power of ten thousand men! Enjoy our unique radiant event system where random events can and will occur through your character's journey, from the very beginning, and alter your experience as you go along!

Band together with your friends! Create a Magic Association and invite all your companions to partake in large-scale battles for control over the magic crystals of the Summerland, known to grant unlimited power to those that possess them!

Create your own unique character thanks to our persona-digitalization system, which instantly provides instant analysis on your DNA, giving you an unique character appearance no one has! Not content with how you look? No problem! Summerland lets you alter your character's appearance however you choose, allowing you be unique and still look the way you want to!

Join us now, in Summerland Online, the world were magic never ends!

Premise:

With the boom of virtual-reality consoles, the video game industry reached it's peak. At it's height, Summerland Online was born. Considered by many to be the ultimate virtual-reality game, Summerland was conceived by the joint unison of several different video-game companies, now banded together to form the new, massive corporation known as Eternia Industries.

Eternia industries completely dominates the video-game market, giving most smaller companies the chance to either be assimilated to the publisher, or fall. Several different rumors about Eternia's leadership employing shady methods, including blackmail and murder, to convince their opposition begin to arise, but nothing is ever proven.

It's been ten years since Summerland was created, and yet even now the game remains famous. Since Eternia has focused in other projects, but the game was still largely popular, it offered the players a choice:

Summerland would continue to operate for free, and be maintained by Eternia, with sporadic updates to fix glitches and add content whenever an employee wished to dedicate time to it. However, so servers costs wouldn't increase, no new players would be allowed to join, and if any player was inactive for over a month, their account would be deleted.

It's been five years since this decision has been made - Summerland hasn't seen a new player in half a decade, and former veterans from the game describe a dwindling community, dying off from the lack of fresh blood.

However, a change in Eternia's management caused the company to turn it's eyes to Summerland Online once again, and announce the coming of it's sequel - Summerland Online Reborn.

To promote the new game, Eternia has released a massive ad campaign. VR Gears with access to Summerland Online were sent to several random contestants around the world, and it was said that those who reached a distinctive objective within the game would be given unique access to Summerland Online Reborn as an alpha tester, as well as be given the new game for free.

To be fair with the veterans, they were allowed to participate, and a clause was instated: The number of allowed spots for Summerland Online Reborn's alpha testing team was the exact number of veterans currently playing the game, plus one hundred. The number of sent VR Gears was also the exact number of veterans playing the game.

You are one of the new players of Summerland Online, having participated and won in the contest for the right of entry. Enter the Summerland, with your friends at your side, and discover the hidden world of magic.

Embark on a journey to fulfill your objective and be granted access to Summerland Online Reborn!

Schools of magic:

Note: The descriptions are short because how a particular magic type is wield is left to the player. This gives you an idea of how each school of magic works, while still leaving space for a player's own interpretation of how to best utilize it.

Praetego - The Mage's Shield

Also known as the school of Abjuration, mages specialized in Praetego are known as Exorcists. They specialize in exorcising magic - Repelling spells and objects, as well as protecting allies and as creating barriers and erecting veritable walls of magic.

Conepllo - The Mage's Call

Also known as the school of Conjuration, mages specialized in Conepllo are known as Callers. They specialize in a magic that's known as the Call, an unique spell that can summon creatures and objects to the user.

Hariolatio - The Mage's Sight

Also known as the school of Divination, mages specialized in Hariolatio are known as Seers. They specialize in probability, and excel at predicting and manipulating it.

Incanto - The Mage's Word

Also known as the school of Enchantment, mages specialized in Incanto are known as Tinkerers. They specialize in enchanting objects, granting them magical properties.

Conmuto - The Mage's Will

Also known as the school of Thaumaturgy, mages specialized in Conmuto are known as Elementalists. They specialize in manipulating nature and it's forces to alter their enviroment, as well as themselves.

Inludo - The Mage's Trick

Also known as the school of Illusion, mages specialized in Inludo are known as Manipulators. They specialize in altering someone's perception of reality.

Magic Style:

The Summerland's unique feature is the "style" system. The game's highly advanced AI tracks down your individual preferences when using your magic and groups them together in something called a "style". The more your style of play reveals itself, the more detailed your character's own magic style becomes. Sticking to your style gives you extra experience points in this style, and learning new abilities related to your style is much easier than other skills.

A player can change styles if they dedicate themselves towards it. At such a time, experience is carried over to the new style. This is called a Mastery swap and is something incredibly difficult to achieve (it's only going to happen through character development)

Although magic styles can be swapped, magic schools can't.

Races:

Aelurus

The most widely-spread race of the Summerland, Aelurus are charismatic individuals that prize technology and live in industrialized cities. The Aelurus were the ones to discover Tinkering, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them to, over generations, gain their feline attributes. The Aelurus are known to be highly social individuals, and their unique racial trait is charisma, which makes NPCs more keen to share information with them. These characters are, however, incapable of keeping a low profile.

The Aelurus do not get along with the Lupus.

Lupus

The highly religious Lupus spread word of their god, Judex, wherever they go. They live in the deserts of the Summerland. The Lupus were the ones to discover Exorcism, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them, over generations, to gain their lupine attributes. Their unique racial trait is Pack Mentality, which makes Lupus NPCs much more willing to assist them. The characters are, however, unable to refuse a quest from a Lupine NPC.

The Lupus do not get along with the Aelurus.

Vulpes

The highly intelligent Vulpes are natural scholars. They are nomadic, and have no real habitat of their own. They were the ones to discover Manipulation, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them, over generations, to gain their vulpine attributes. Their unique racial trait is Wit, which allows them to see through traps, puzzles and lies with more ease. However, their nomadic nature makes the Vulpes easily bored, and they will get progressively larger negative bonuses if they do not amuse themselves.

The Vulpes do not get along with the Lepus.

Lepus

The barbaric Lepus are ruthless savages. They live in the forests of the Summerland, and dislike any who trespass upon their territory. They were the ones to discover Elementalism, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them, over generations, to gain their lepine attributes. Their unique racial trait is Speed. The Lepus are naturally nimble and acrobatic, and can navigate even the most dangerous terrain with ease. However, the Lepus are highly territorial, and will not accept anyone who invades what they see as their territory - Be it their home, or their personal space.

The Lepus do not get along with the Vulpes.

Aquila

The elusive Aquila are antisocial hermits. They live in their secluded cities build in the peak of mountains that cannot be reached by any means other than flying. They're highly misanthropic individuals and tend to dislike even the company of their own. They were the ones to discover Soothsaying, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them, over generations, to gain their aquiline attributes. Their unique racial trait is Flight. The Aquila have functional wings at their backs, and can use it to fly. However, their behavior makes unable to stay in a city or any other highly populated area for too long. Doing so will get them in a progressively worse mood.

The Aquila do not get along with anyone.

Nereides

The aloof Nereides are cheerful deviants. They live in islands and underwater grottos. While they're highly social and enjoy the company of other species, they're aloof and indifferent to the issues of the Summerland, only really caring about their own lives and goals. They were the ones to discover Calling, and it is said their exposure to this magic is what caused them, over generations, to gain their aquiline attributes. Their unique racial trait is Dive. When they enter water they can swim in, they can turn their legs into a tail to maneuver more quickly and aptly underwater. They can also breathe underwater. They cannot, however, stay out of water for too long, or their skin begins to crack and blister. This is worse in deserts.

The Nereides get along with everyone.

Concept example:

So the idea behind the magic system is to allow player freedom. A character doesn't have to be a mage that attacks from afar and dies the second anything touches it. The magic schools are left vague on purpose, so different interpretations can be made.

For example, let's take the school of Praetego. Let's examine what the school is about:

Also known as the school of Abjuration, mages specialized in Praetego are known as Exorcists. They specialize in exorcising magic - Repelling spells and objects, as well as protecting allies and as creating barriers and erecting veritable walls of magic.

So it's a school focused on "repelling spells and objects, as well as protecting allies and creating walls."

I can think of three character concepts based off of this, all based on only one of the school's concepts.

Let's call the first character Acht. Acht specializes in the "repelling" aspect of abjuration. Acht "repels" objects to hurl them at his foes, as well as "repelling" himself to make him move faster. As Acht grows in experience - Specifically, his "style" grows in experience. This will be expanded upon in the gameplay systems - He will be able to repell more and larger objects, as well as achieve flight by "repelling" himself, or even gravity.

Let's call the second characer Alyssa. Alyssa specializes in the "repelling" aspect of abjuration. Alyssa wields a sword and a shield, as well as heavy armor, and "repels" enemy attacks and spells, bostering her own defenses. As her style grows in experience, Alyssa will be able to withstand heavier attacks, maybe one day achieving enough defensive capabilities that her armor and shield become useless by comparison.

Let's call the third character Alenak. Alenak specializes in the "repelling" aspect of abjuration. Alenak "repels" wounds from himself as well as from his allies. As he grows in strength, he may even become as strong as momentarily "repel" death from a friend, effectively making them immortal for a period of time. Because of his lack of offensive spells, Alenak trained to use a bow and arrow to attack from afar, and combines that with his ability to "repel" his wounds to make himself an apt combatant.

That's basically it. Take each school's definition as a metaphor. Go full-on "fairy tale" magic with your character, and twist the meanings of the schools to create your own casting "style".

...Just don't make your character capable of using multiple schools of magic. That one won't fly.

Character Creation:

SUPER IMPORTANT READ-ME:

DO NOT post profiles in this thread. Send them to me via PM.

In-game

As you slide the visor into your head you feel a chill down your spine as the cortex-interface connection is estabilished. Soon, your sense of reality drifts to black, and you awaken to find yourself in a pitch-black room, with only you, and a being fully covered in a cloak.

"Welcome to the Summerland!", the person exclaims. "Before we begin, how do you wish to be called?"

Name:

The being applauds. "What a beautiful name! Tell me, what species do you belong to?"

As soon as the words leave their lips, a drop-off menu appears in front of you seemingly out of nowhere. In it, the options "Aerulus, Lupus, Vulpes, Lepus, Aquila and Nereid" are listed.

Race:

"Ah, I see, I see! Indeed, you're clearly a member of such a noble tribe." They pause, seemingly peering you up and down for a moment, then continue. "Are you a boy, or a girl?"

Gender:

As soon as you're done explaining to the seemingly-oblivious creature, they remove their cloak. They look just like you - Only with the physical attributes (ears and tail, or scales) of the race you've chosen. "Hi, me!" the character exclaims. "Please, adjust how you'd like us to look like!" Several different slide bars appear next to the character, allowing you to manipulate it's appearance as you please.

Appearance:

The character claps. "Incredible! What a visage! So, tell me... Are the rumors true? You're a magic user? If I may, what school is your mastery?"

School:

"I see. Well, then, without further ado, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Summerland!"

As you fade out of consciousness again, you wake up to find yourself in a small room, only this time you're inside the body of the character that was talking to you previously. What an odd way to start a game.

Out-of-game

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Ethnicity:

Country:

Physical Description: > Remember your characters' out-of-game appearance should at least resemble their in-game character slightly.

Personality:

OOC:

Magic Style:

[Sutoratosu]

Reminds of SAO. A lot. You have my attention with this.

[Felicity]

Ok, this sounds much lighter than most RPs you find around here. At first glance. When and how does this turn, cuz I think it will.

EDIT: Strat is right, SAO Ho! But with magicksssss

[Tacos]

I'm down.

[Kurotsune]

Reminds of SAO. A lot. You have my attention with this.

Ok, this sounds much lighter than most RPs you find around here. At first glance. When and how does this turn, cuz I think it will.

EDIT: Strat is right, SAO Ho! But with magicksssss

The main inspiration is not one, but several MMO-themed books/games/manga/anime I've seen or read. SAO, .hack// and 1/2 Prince to name a few, along with some real-world developments and companies... With a bit of my own stuff mixed in.

I'll also say that all of the things mentioned above also look rather light at a first glance...

...Right up until they're not.

[Pyon Pyon Kyuu!~]

Interested! Want to know more about the magic possibilities and such though.

[Kurotsune]

Magic schools have just been added in.

[Aurorix]

I'll join, seems very interesting.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Question... is "calling" a thing in something? Cause if it is... totally an accident on Zix lol. I just thought it sounded mad cool.

Anyway, dem D and D magic schoold jsut with fancy fancy names... me likey, me likey a loooooooooot. ((well other than Necromancy, but I didn't like that school of magic much so pssssssssh.))

[Kurotsune]

Question... is "calling" a thing in something? Cause if it is... totally an accident on Zix lol. I just thought it sounded mad cool.

Anyway, dem D and D magic schoold jsut with fancy fancy names... me likey, me likey a loooooooooot. ((well other than Necromancy, but I didn't like that school of magic much so pssssssssh.))

...I didn't understand what you meant by the first question, but I agree wholeheartedly. It does sound cool.

...Well, they're the D&D schools, but the trick here is interpretation. I'll post an example sometime soon.

[Flux]

I thought about making a VR RP at some point, though I've thought about a lot of RPs. Not sure if I'll end up joining or not (Mostly due to the fact that I prefer a sword wielding character like 10000000000000 times more than a mage, but also due to my lack of time to put into RPing lately), but the RP itself looks great. It's caught my attention, to say the least. (<3 to VR themed stories)

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

I mean as in I think I just made up the term, and was just wondering if you just so happened to use it.. ((not claiming it or anything lol.)) or if some work of note has called Conjuration magic that before and I just so happened to name something that by complete chance.

[Kurotsune]

I thought about making a VR RP at some point, though I've thought about a lot of RPs. Not sure if I'll end up joining or not (Mostly due to the fact that I prefer a sword wielding character like 10000000000000 times more than a mage, but also due to my lack of time to put into RPing lately), but the RP itself looks great. It's caught my attention, to say the least. (<3 to VR themed stories)

I am going to expand upon this, but a character can in fact use a weapon.

I mean as in I think I just made up the term, and was just wondering if you just so happened to use it.. ((not claiming it or anything lol.)) or if some work of note has called Conjuration magic that before and I just so happened to name something that by complete chance.

...I actually had completely forgotten you referred to it that way. I'll go with "Great minds think alike", as I'm unaware of anywhere where conjuration is referred to as Calling.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Great minds tend to, and we have similarish Styles lol. ((basically... they should fear us eveeeeeeeeeeeer teaming up on an RP... XD.))

[Kurotsune]

Great minds tend to, and we have similarish Styles lol. ((basically... they should fear us eveeeeeeeeeeeer teaming up on an RP... XD.))

Who knows? Could happen someday.

Main post updated with concept examples.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

THINK OF THE DESTRUCTION!!! It would be beautiful. Well...not for the players... they would be the target of it. It is how I show I care though... ruthlessly killing PCs.

[rustytengo]

its funny the first example character you showed Acht is acually similer to one that i thought up with out even knowing the magic schools.though mine had a giant hammer. so yeah this sounds interesting.

Edited January 29, 2015 by rustytengo

[Kurotsune]

THINK OF THE DESTRUCTION!!! It would be beautiful. Well...not for the players... they would be the target of it. It is how I show I care though... ruthlessly killing PCs.

...So... Remember that Dark Souls RP we discussed in showdown?

smirks

Anyway, races have been added!

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

...So... Remember that Dark Souls RP we discussed in showdown?

smirks

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe. *winks*

[RubyHeart]

Le go

Fire Lepus vulpix looking girl go~

I will burn all the things~

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Going to burninate the countryside Miss Clara? Sounds like a wonderful time~

[Aurorix]

If we only had trogdor

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

If I end up playing, totes Lupus who uses Lightning somehow lol. CRACK THE SKIES!!! SMITE THE NON-BELIEVERS!!!

[Kurotsune]

Explanation on magic styles and character creation have been added.

There won't be a sign up thread for this RP. PM me the profile you wish to submit and I'll decide on which ones I'll accept.

This RP will have a limited number of slots, and I will choose the best profiles to fill them up,

[Commander]

I just looked over it and I think it's a really neat idea, but I'm probably not going to join. I'm more of a sword guy than a magic wielder. I'll probably read a bit of this as it's going on once in a while.

Just a pet peeve, I don't like having two very similar looking names as I often mix them up. I'm not sure if Lepus and Lupus are supposed to sound/look nearly identical, but if they aren't I'd probably change one of them. I can see headaches occurring already.