World On Fire: Shadow Ops [OPEN] (OOC/Fantasy WW2)

[Agritum]

Holy shit, Agri. You've outdone yourself.

I shall read the OP when I get the chance, and then I shall make an app. I have some more free time since school ended, so I'll be able to hang around with more regularity than I have recently.

You'll surely enjoy Witches, which in this setting boil down to hippie magical girls.

[WolFina]

Holy shit, Agri. You've outdone yourself.

I shall read the OP when I get the chance, and then I shall make an app. I have some more free time since school ended, so I'll be able to hang around with more regularity than I have recently.

You'll surely enjoy Witches, which in this setting boil down to hippie magical girls.

I was tempted to make a trans witch, but wasn't sure.

[Imperial Ouroboros]

Good enough. Accepted. Mind, I expect you to do your best RP-wise. Don't disappoint.

I'll try my best not to disappoint.

[Agritum]

You'll surely enjoy Witches, which in this setting boil down to hippie magical girls.

I was tempted to make a trans witch, but wasn't sure.

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

[Rupudska]

I was tempted to make a trans witch, but wasn't sure.

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

I don't think sexual reassignment surgery even existed in the 1940s.

[WolFina]

I was tempted to make a trans witch, but wasn't sure.

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

I'm aware of that. But in this timeline, we have prepubescent girls in the military, and a coven doesn't necessarily practice Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

[Mnar Secundus]

Agri, first off, you have my admiration for this.
But if you don't mind me asking ... I'm thinking of making an app for a rune magecraft expert, but I've kind of run into a wall with the definitions. Hermetic magic is supposed to rely exclusively on Latin, but runes can have different meanings in combination and such (well, I hope they can, at any rate). So how does one construct a runic spell in Latin? Am I just over-thinking this?
Also, is "runic magic" only Norse runes, or does it include Ogham and other sacred/mystical scripts of the same type?

[Agritum]

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

I'm aware of that. But in this timeline, we have prepubescent girls in the military, and a coven doesn't necessarily practice Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

There were prepubescent soldiers in OTL WW2 militaries too. Just take a look at the USSR, China, Germany in its latest stages and most partisan groups in Europe and Asia. So it's not really that different, except that the (occult) prepubescent girls are probably deployed for reasons other than desperation here in WoF.

That said, while the average coven is indeed probably much less hostile against open homosexuality than your average mundie, this doesn't change the fact that the very Goddess-worshipping witches are an HEAVILY all-girls club, and they'll look with absurd distrust at men who try to introduce themselves in their matters. This would also include MtF trans people. Think of TERFs.

And this is without mentioning that, just like WW2 horrifically showed us, people are pretty prone to hating racial, political and sexual minorities for no fucking good reason.

So while I'd definitely think that a trans Witch would be cool and all, it really doesn't fit with most coven attitudes in the setting.

Agri, first off, you have my admiration for this.
But if you don't mind me asking ... I'm thinking of making an app for a rune magecraft expert, but I've kind of run into a wall with the definitions. Hermetic magic is supposed to rely exclusively on Latin, but runes can have different meanings in combination and such (well, I hope they can, at any rate). So how does one construct a runic spell in Latin? Am I just over-thinking this?
Also, is "runic magic" only Norse runes, or does it include Ogham and other sacred/mystical scripts of the same type?

You're definitely overthinking this.

That said, Hermetics are quite the eclectic bunch, so your brand of rune magic could very well include non-Norse runes and anything else your mage would believably know.

[Videssos]

Would a young Onmyouji who happens to be possessed by a Bakeneko, work?



Player Character App (Shadow Ops Operative)

Name: Hajime Kusakabe
Gender: Male
Age: 17
D.O.B.: June 30th, 1924.
Physical Description and/or Picture:

Species (if Human, specify if Mundane, Mage, Witch, Minuteman or Esper): Human- Mage (possessed by Bakeneko)
Nationality: Japanese
Ethnicity: Japanese
Religion (if any): Shinto
Powers/Magical Specializations (Only if Mage, Witch or Esper): Onmyodo, Bakeneko Physiology, Shapeshifting, Necromancy
Bio:

Born in Nagano, Hajime belonged to an old and somewhat obscure Onmyouji clan, that of the Kusakabe. Though in past centuries they had at times been more famous, even having originated as a clan descended from Emperor Tenmu, when it came to Onmyodo, they were always in the shadow of the descendants of the Abe and Kamo Clans, with the former including the Tsuchimikado clan. Always quite intelligent and curious, Hajime took to reading books as much as he did going off on his own and exploring nearby, often spending more time with nearby spirits and local Yokai, than with other children his own age. His literary interests also came to necessitate coming to know several languages, and he was taught Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, English and French, though he also learnt German himself.

His mother, Reiko Nakayama, was from a heavily pro-Imperial Onmyouji noble family, heavily involved in politics and the army, and having major ties with the Genyōsha (Black Ocean Society) and the Kokuryūkai (Black Dragon Society), with the head of the family also having the title of kōshaku (count). Accordingly, she was always somewhat strict, and she kept attempting to essentially indoctrinate him with tales of Japan's greatness, and of its destiny to rule over Asia. Nonetheless, his intelligence made him somewhat sceptical of that ideal, especially when it came to realistically looking at Japan's chances of success, even if it had won wars against China and Russia, in the past. Hajime soon learned to hide his true feelings on the matter, after being punished for voicing them at first, and on a few separate occasions when he was caught reading a rare copy of book written by a critic of the system in place, and of Imperial propaganda.

His father, Hisanori, on the other hand, was something of a scholar, whose interest in knowledge mirrored his own, and also leant towards spending more time than he probably should have, going through ancient occult texts, and travelling to obscure temples and locations of supernatural interest, be it in Japan, or elsewhere. Whenever Hisanori returned, Hajime was generally quite eager to learn of his experiences, and what he may have taken back with him. On occasion, Hisanori would also take Hajime with him, to these places.

There were some concerns that Hajime might end up neglecting his studies of onmyodo, however, even if he was the second son of the family. He came to be tutored by his older cousin, from a branch family, whilst also attending the Imperial Onmyo Academy at Kyoto. This cousin, Kiyoko, was evidently somewhat ambitious, delving into dangerous and experimental forms of Onmyodo, though she only came to reveal this truth, bit by bit, as she manipulated others. Tension and suspicion rose, even as Hajime himself seem to learn remarkably quickly, coming to be considered something of a prodigy in numerous facets of Onmyōdō. Hajime's innate talent and abilities ended up proving useful for Kiyoko's arcane experimentation. In 1937, at the age of 14, he used some of his magical abilities to help assist the Japanese forces as they invaded China, helping them both directly and indirectly. It would be his first taste of war. He would see the Massacre of Nanjing later that year.

Three years ago, on December 28th, 1939, his cousin was branded a "heretic Onmyouji" hunted by other Onmyouji, and seen as a potential traitor to the Teikoku, after some of Kiyoko's previously hidden actions came to light, and elements of the Onmyo Bureau discovered them. In an attempt to ensure Hajime's loyalty, she had a Youkai sworn to serve her, possess Hajime after he was taken into a magically-induced state of unconsciousness. Said Youkai happened to be a cat-turned Bakeneko, which had become thus after having been killed by its owner, though however long ago that was, is unknown.

For a time, it had been responsible for a number of deaths and disappearances in parts of Japan, raising the corpses of those it did not consume, as undead servants. Until, at some point, it was defeated and bound to Kiyoko. He assisted Kiyoko's escape from Japan, before she vanished after bringing him to south-east Asia. A side effect of being possessed, ensured he didn't seem to age much. Though he already looked young enough, anyway. Within his own mind, the Bakeneko has the most control, though since the possession happened, Hajime has also recovered a bit of control, to the extent that they essentially share the body, more or less. Though the monster-cat can more easily take charge if desired.

At first in Burma, Hajime caused a number of deaths, though most of them were attributed to attacks by wild tigers. This drew more attention to him, however, and he moved further west, entering Bengal, and eastern British India. British authorities in the area were alerted to some of his actions, when the locals proved more cooperative than usual, after some of their own had been found dead, often as barely identifiable mauled corpses. Being Japanese, it made it even easier to track him down, though cooperation with local mystics, and two governors who were members of the Golden Dawn back in England, was necessary.

Even then, it was quite a chase, utilising resources both mundane and arcane, his own skill with magic, as well as his elusiveness, speed and agility making things very difficult for his pursuers. Eventually, however, Hajime found himself cornered, encircled, beset by traps, and with his overly sensitive perception used against him, whilst a naga aiding his foes, used a rare poison in part of an alchemical concoction (utilising Rasayana/ Rasaśāstra/Indian Alchemy) to incapacitate and weaken him, despite Bakeneko generally being immune to poisons. Amongst those who had become interested in him, were some of those involved with Shadow Ops. After some "persuasion" involving various things, he joined them, though his Japanese origin, and his potential danger, makes him regarded with some degree of suspicion. Being thus, of questionable loyalty, ensures that those in charge are more than keen to keep an eye on him, and ensure that whilst they're monitoring him, his abilities and knowledge are put to best use.

Psychological Profile:: Somewhat curious, intelligent and bloodthirsty. Shy and in some ways naïve at times, the Bakeneko within him can be distrustful of others, especially humans. Too fond of catnip. Not too fond of lightning. Likes cats. Hajime, anyway, is still quite sympathetic to Japan, though he recognises the doomed path it has come to take, especially over the previous year. The Bakeneko has no problems killing people, lacking a sense of what most would call morality, when it comes to ending the lives of other creatures. On the other hand, Hajime knows that necessity can dictate such actions, though being fairly kind and empathic, he'd rather avoid it. Over time, Hajime's consciousness is gradually being subsumed into the cat's, though he's only vaguely aware of it.

The Bakeneko can be quite cheerful, mischievous and playful, which can extend, on a somewhat more sinister note, to how it deals with its prey, be they living or dead. Both Hajime and the Bakeneko share a fair degree of curiosity, which can make them easily distracted. Can be a bit stubborn and patient at times, though also elusive and unpredictable at others. Despite being somewhat shy in regards to social interactions, he can become a tad obsessed with those he warms up to. Can vary somewhat. Other stuff.
Why do you fight?: Because it's fun. Something like that. Alternatively, to try and minimise the destruction wrought upon the world in the current conflict. Specifically, to stop Japan from getting itself destroyed, if possible.
Defining Quote: "Nya?"
RP Sample:

[WolFina]

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

I don't think sexual reassignment surgery even existed in the 1940s.

She could still take hormones, and possibly use magic to morph her appearance (still reading through the OP, so not entirely sure if that's possible).

Content with the two characters I already have, just saying I don't see why it's impossible.

That said, while the average coven is indeed probably much less hostile against open homosexuality than your average mundie, this doesn't change the fact that the very Goddess-worshipping witches are an HEAVILY all-girls club, and they'll look with absurd distrust at men who try to introduce themselves in their matters. This would also include MtF trans people. Think of TERFs.

So while I'd definitely think that a trans Witch would be cool and all, it really doesn't fit with most coven attitudes in the setting.

Ah, I take your point. No biggie.

[Nature-Spirits]

Holy shit, Agri. You've outdone yourself.

I shall read the OP when I get the chance, and then I shall make an app. I have some more free time since school ended, so I'll be able to hang around with more regularity than I have recently.

You'll surely enjoy Witches, which in this setting boil down to hippie magical girls.

That sounds amazing.

It's the 1940s, Wolf.

I don't think sexual reassignment surgery even existed in the 1940s.

It did (though it was highly rudimentary and at that point had only been conducted a few times), though I feel I should note that SRS is not necessary to being transgender.

I'm aware of that. But in this timeline, we have prepubescent girls in the military, and a coven doesn't necessarily practice Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

There were prepubescent soldiers in OTL WW2 militaries too. Just take a look at the USSR, China, Germany in its latest stages and most partisan groups in Europe and Asia. So it's not really that different, except that the (occult) prepubescent girls are probably deployed for reasons other than desperation here in WoF.

That said, while the average coven is indeed probably much less hostile against open homosexuality than your average mundie, this doesn't change the fact that the very Goddess-worshipping witches are an HEAVILY all-girls club, and they'll look with absurd distrust at men who try to introduce themselves in their matters. This would also include MtF trans people. Think of TERFs.

And this is without mentioning that, just like WW2 horrifically showed us, people are pretty prone to hating racial, political and sexual minorities for no fucking good reason.

Makes sense.

[Agritum]

Would a young Onmyouji who happens to be possessed by a Bakeneko, work?

(WIP, though I should probably have asked before I started working on the app)

Player Character App (Shadow Ops Operative)

Name: Hajime Kusakabe
Gender: Male
Age: 17
D.O.B.:
Physical Description and/or Picture:

(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)

(Image)(Image)

Species (if Human, specify if Mundane, Mage, Witch, Minuteman or Esper): Human- Mage (possessed by Bakeneko)
Nationality: Japanese
Ethnicity: Japanese
Religion (if any): Shinto
Powers/Magical Specializations (Only if Mage, Witch or Esper): Onmyodo, Bakeneko Physiology, Shapeshifting, Necromancy
Bio:

Born in Nagano, Hajime belonged to an old and somewhat obscure Onmyouji clan, that of the Kusakabe. Though in past centuries they had at times been more famous, even having originated as a clan descended from Emperor Tenmu, when it came to Onmyodo, they were always in the shadow of the descendants of the Abe and Kamo Clans, with the former including the Tsuchimikado clan. Always quite intelligent and curious, Hajime took to reading books as much as he did going off on his own and exploring nearby. His literary interests also came to necessitate coming to know several languages, and he was taught Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French.

There were some concerns that he might end up neglecting his studies of onmyodo, however, even if he was the second son of the family. He came to be tutored by his older cousin, from a branch family. This cousin, Kiyoko, was evidently somewhat ambitious, delving into dangerous and experimental forms of Onmyodo, though she only came to reveal this truth, bit by bit, as she manipulated others. Tension and suspicion rose, even as Hajime himself seem to learn remarkably quickly.

Three years ago, his cousin was branded a "heretic Onmyouji" hunted by other Onmyouji, and a potential traitor to the Teikoku. In an attempt to ensure Hajime's loyalty, she had a Youkai sworn to serve her, possess Hajime after he was taken into a magically-induced state of unconsciousness. Said Youkai happened to be a cat-turned Bakeneko, which had become thus after having been killed by its owner.

For a time, it had been responsible for a number of deaths and disappearances in parts of Japan, raising the corpses of those it did not consume, as undead servants. Until, at some point, it was defeated and bound to Kiyoko. He assisted Kiyoko's escape from Japan, before she vanished after bringing him to south-east Asia. A side effect of being possessed, ensured he didn't seem to age much. Though he already looked young enough, anyway. Within his own mind, the Bakeneko has the most control, though since the possession happened, Hajime has also recovered a bit of control, to the extent that they essentially share the body, more or less. Though the monster-cat can more easily take charge if desired.

Some point along the way, he ended up in British India, and ended up being involved in the Shadow Ops thing, despite being of Japanese origin, and thus regarded with a bit of suspicion.

Psychological Profile:: Somewhat curious, intelligent and bloodthirsty. Shy and in some ways naïve at times, the Bakeneko within him can be distrustful of others, especially humans. Too fond of catnip. Not too fond of lightning. Other stuff. (WIP)
Why do you fight?: Because it's fun. Something like that.
Defining Quote:
RP Sample:

Yes, it would work. Finish the App and I'll take another look.

Also that miles long trap gallery was unsettling.

[Rupudska]

Would a young Onmyouji who happens to be possessed by a Bakeneko, work?

(WIP, though I should probably have asked before I started working on the app)

Player Character App (Shadow Ops Operative)

Name: Hajime Kusakabe
Gender: Male
Age: 17
D.O.B.:
Physical Description and/or Picture:

(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)

(Image)(Image)

Species (if Human, specify if Mundane, Mage, Witch, Minuteman or Esper): Human- Mage (possessed by Bakeneko)
Nationality: Japanese
Ethnicity: Japanese
Religion (if any): Shinto
Powers/Magical Specializations (Only if Mage, Witch or Esper): Onmyodo, Bakeneko Physiology, Shapeshifting, Necromancy
Bio:

Born in Nagano, Hajime belonged to an old and somewhat obscure Onmyouji clan, that of the Kusakabe. Though in past centuries they had at times been more famous, even having originated as a clan descended from Emperor Tenmu, when it came to Onmyodo, they were always in the shadow of the descendants of the Abe and Kamo Clans, with the former including the Tsuchimikado clan. Always quite intelligent and curious, Hajime took to reading books as much as he did going off on his own and exploring nearby. His literary interests also came to necessitate coming to know several languages, and he was taught Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French.

There were some concerns that he might end up neglecting his studies of onmyodo, however, even if he was the second son of the family. He came to be tutored by his older cousin, from a branch family. This cousin, Kiyoko, was evidently somewhat ambitious, delving into dangerous and experimental forms of Onmyodo, though she only came to reveal this truth, bit by bit, as she manipulated others. Tension and suspicion rose, even as Hajime himself seem to learn remarkably quickly.

Three years ago, his cousin was branded a "heretic Onmyouji" hunted by other Onmyouji, and a potential traitor to the Teikoku. In an attempt to ensure Hajime's loyalty, she had a Youkai sworn to serve her, possess Hajime after he was taken into a magically-induced state of unconsciousness. Said Youkai happened to be a cat-turned Bakeneko, which had become thus after having been killed by its owner.

For a time, it had been responsible for a number of deaths and disappearances in parts of Japan, raising the corpses of those it did not consume, as undead servants. Until, at some point, it was defeated and bound to Kiyoko. He assisted Kiyoko's escape from Japan, before she vanished after bringing him to south-east Asia. A side effect of being possessed, ensured he didn't seem to age much. Though he already looked young enough, anyway. Within his own mind, the Bakeneko has the most control, though since the possession happened, Hajime has also recovered a bit of control, to the extent that they essentially share the body, more or less. Though the monster-cat can more easily take charge if desired.

Some point along the way, he ended up in British India, and ended up being involved in the Shadow Ops thing, despite being of Japanese origin, and thus regarded with a bit of suspicion.

Psychological Profile:: Somewhat curious, intelligent and bloodthirsty. Shy and in some ways naïve at times, the Bakeneko within him can be distrustful of others, especially humans. Too fond of catnip. Not too fond of lightning. Other stuff. (WIP)
Why do you fight?: Because it's fun. Something like that.
Defining Quote:
RP Sample:

Vidya, we've been over this. You only need one picture, not seventeen. Though in your case, you need two.

[Malshan]

Here's your yearly dose of crazy wolfman, Agri.

I love how he's old as crap while still being reasonably so even by human standards.

Accepted.

Awesome. Old-as-dirt maneater WWI vet! ^_^

[Rupudska]

I'm tempted to invite some IIers to this.

I wonder if Ralk would be interested, or someone from Gholgoth...

[Videssos]

Yes, it would work. Finish the App and I'll take another look.

Also that miles long trap gallery was unsettling.

I will.
Well, I do have a habit of using tons of char pics whenever possible, in apps.

Vidya, we've been over this. You only need one picture, not seventeen. Though in your case, you need two.

True. I still end up overdoing it anyway.

[Mnar Secundus]

Agri, first off, you have my admiration for this.
But if you don't mind me asking ... I'm thinking of making an app for a rune magecraft expert, but I've kind of run into a wall with the definitions. Hermetic magic is supposed to rely exclusively on Latin, but runes can have different meanings in combination and such (well, I hope they can, at any rate). So how does one construct a runic spell in Latin? Am I just over-thinking this?
Also, is "runic magic" only Norse runes, or does it include Ogham and other sacred/mystical scripts of the same type?

You're definitely overthinking this.

That said, Hermetics are quite the eclectic bunch, so your brand of rune magic could very well include non-Norse runes and anything else your mage would believably know.

OK, thank you. I'm in exam period right now, but I'll have something up tomorrow

[Agritum]

I'm tempted to invite some IIers to this.

I wonder if Ralk would be interested, or someone from Gholgoth...

I have reservations about many IIers. Don't, please.

[Rupudska]

I'm tempted to invite some IIers to this.

I wonder if Ralk would be interested, or someone from Gholgoth...

I have reservations about many IIers. Don't, please.

But vastly superior post quality...

And it's not like I'm going to invite Hippo.

[Agritum]

I have reservations about many IIers. Don't, please.

But vastly superior post quality...

And it's not like I'm going to invite Hippo.

IIers can't into characters.

[WolFina]

But vastly superior post quality...

And it's not like I'm going to invite Hippo.

IIers can't into characters.

I was a pretty character-oriented IIer.

Don't generalize us, please.

[Agritum]

IIers can't into characters.

I was a pretty character-oriented IIer.

Don't generalize us, please.

Then we cleansed you from the infection.

[Latznavia]

Mind if I join?

[Agritum]

Mind if I join?

Since I don't really know you, I'd expect some very good RP samples.

[Latznavia]

Well, I was in Gods Among Us for a while, but then life sped up for a few days and its calming down now. Work and all, but I've lost interest in superheros and thought this was cool sounding.