Post by Mouser on Jun 5, 2020 12:20:46 GMT -8
You feel the shake of the carriage as it travels down a well worn road, forgotten and left only to be tended by time and rot. A sea of trees lay just outside the window, gnarled and grey. Thick blankets of mist keep you from seeing just beyond the treeline. The carriage rattles as it hits a stone, the driver letting out a chuckle. A tattered gold cloak, lined with silver and amethyst trim whips in the wind, offering you a small glance at the driver though he wears a mask. It is cracked, exposing only his toothy, decayed grin.
Suddenly the carriage breaks from the trees and you find yourself asking how you came to be there. It escapes you, the memory just as fog-ridden as the world you find yourself in. Abruptly the carriage lurches to a stop, the driver rapping on your door.
"We've arrived safely. Payment has already been given so no need to trouble yourself. Be on your way." His voice is a jarring contrast to his appearance, for it is silver-tongued and sweet. Mad cackles escape him as he whips his horses forward, leaving you standing in what appears to be a run down hamlet. People move about sullenly, shooting you curious glances or venomous stares. A woman appears from the large building you find yourself in front of, a clipboard and quill in hand. She is dressed plainly though there is an air of authority about her.
"Name and occupation." She says with a voice of honey, tinges of sympathy in her voice as though she had done this a hundred times and never found her empathy lacking. You open your mouth and realize the answer to her question is all you remember. A name. An occupation you no longer remember practicing. You just...know. A burning sensation flares up on your skin. Your body aches as you pull your shirt down to reveal a glowing brand upon your collarbone, embedded deep and emitting a pulsing aura.
"The pain will subside, hunter. Welcome to Briar Glen. Welcome to the city of Bezimen."
Suddenly the carriage breaks from the trees and you find yourself asking how you came to be there. It escapes you, the memory just as fog-ridden as the world you find yourself in. Abruptly the carriage lurches to a stop, the driver rapping on your door.
"We've arrived safely. Payment has already been given so no need to trouble yourself. Be on your way." His voice is a jarring contrast to his appearance, for it is silver-tongued and sweet. Mad cackles escape him as he whips his horses forward, leaving you standing in what appears to be a run down hamlet. People move about sullenly, shooting you curious glances or venomous stares. A woman appears from the large building you find yourself in front of, a clipboard and quill in hand. She is dressed plainly though there is an air of authority about her.
"Name and occupation." She says with a voice of honey, tinges of sympathy in her voice as though she had done this a hundred times and never found her empathy lacking. You open your mouth and realize the answer to her question is all you remember. A name. An occupation you no longer remember practicing. You just...know. A burning sensation flares up on your skin. Your body aches as you pull your shirt down to reveal a glowing brand upon your collarbone, embedded deep and emitting a pulsing aura.
"The pain will subside, hunter. Welcome to Briar Glen. Welcome to the city of Bezimen."
* Premise: As Above, So Below is a play-by-post RPG influenced by gothic horror and fantasy, namely taking notes from games such as Bloodborne and Darkest Dungeon.
* Setting: Though the city may be themed after a 19th century London, the game allows characters that range from the 16th to 19th century. It would not be out of place to find various cultures and people from around the world attempting to survive in Bezimen as almost all of them simply appear in the city. It is even possible to have humans mull about from a world unlike our own though they wouldn't know it. Culture shock and the appearance of terrifying monsters is enough to keep things tense for everyone.
* No Escape: There is no escape. A wall of mist blocks your way when you try to leave the city outskirts. It disorients you and leaves mad whispers to plague your mind. Many have tried to leave only to face death and insanity.
* The Branded: As a new arrival that is Branded, you will be tasked the job of Hunter. You possess abilities and a strength that suits battling the monstrous beasts that plague Bezimen. It is both a blessing and a curse, the Brand will burn its Hunter when particularly strong foes are nearby. Judging by your strength and will, this can serve to keep you from unexplored areas, sense the presence of a ferocious monstrosity, or has the power to cripple you should come face to face with a being that escapes imagination. To stand and fight or flee and live is a choice you will have to make.
* Briar Glen: Exploration and survival are the main driving factors for most hunters. The hamlet of Briar Glen is set up to help newcomers and to take advantage of the mysterious hunters that are marked with the Brand that gives them abilities to battle the nightmares the city has. Spreading Briar Glen's influence will allow for new opportunities such as better gear, access to advanced tradesmen, as well as better means to take on the evil that hides in every shadow.
* Goal: Your goal is to unravel the mysteries of the city, restore your memory, and perhaps...maybe one day, even escape the hell you find yourself in. Death is guaranteed for those that venture off alone. Form alliances with fellow hunters and look out for one another as you face death and madness.
