The Clockwork Circus [OOC | Closed]

[Nordheimrr]

I somehow ended up on the old OC and was exceptionally confused.

[High Earth]

You said that stress can only be reduced by perusing your vice, but how can you expend stress to improve outcomes then?
Edit: is it that we get more stress every time you use stress to get better results?

[Lazarian]

And got something up, just to start things off.

Excellent! The actions here are all well and good - if you're looking for a format to model, here's a good one.

Record your Scriven Name: Hari Yahnric
Record your Spoken Alias: "Doctor Veins"

This is all in order - I thought that I'd have changes, but as long as Ghaeldan is, say, an outlying provincial settlement from Hsin-Yao...that'll work just fine! Now, most of the characters are refugees to justify the governmental stipend of 5 G per week, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that he would have a connection or associate who could have pulled the right strings to get him into the city as a refugee. Once again, ACCEPTED.

Of course! I’ll make sure to follow the rules to the best of my ability; they might require some explaining, however. I’m used to just dialogue-based RP, not turns, for the most part. Would it work how I think it would?

So, rules-based RP is a little different - you write out the dialogue of your conversations, what you're trying to do, a story from your character's week. Then, you lay out your actions. After that, in the update, I throw some scenarios and prompts at you - how did your actions go? What's happening in the world? Then you react, and so on and so forth. It's a bit more free form than dialogue-based RP, if that makes sense.

Also, Charles Lee is ACCEPTED, under the pretense that the amnesia is bad. He's fine to have those upper society connections - so long as they can remember him and he can't remember them.

Also, another question, might be a stupid one, but how would I store another VIS to buy a weapon like the cane?

So, VIS isn't stored - it's spent every turn on your actions. MAX VIS can be raised through a few different circumstances. Weapons are purchased through the expenditure of Gilder (money) at markets or storefronts, which costs 1 VIS to visit. For example, in the actions, you'd put

John Smith visits the Tangletown Market - in particular, searching for a hidden or disguised weapon. [-1 VIS]

Then, in the update, you might get a blurb along the lines of:

John's trip to the market was dubiously successful - though he couldn't find something as fine as a hidden sword in the ramshackle masses of tents and shacks in good old Tangletown, he stumbled across a few potential substitutes - a rusty dagger (3 G), a machete (3 G).

Then, in your next post, indicate which of these items, if any, he purchased - and you'll have it for your actions on that turn.

My IC post is now up, but I also have questions:
For the cat, when it says "Eats your food" does it mean eats one unit of your food or that you share a unit of food?
What does "At any time, you can expend 1 Stress to improve the outcome of an action" mean and how do I do it?
Who decides what we get out of the Mudflats?
Who decides what something costs at the market?
If I wanted to buy a mask from the market on my next turn(Don't ask) would I just be able to buy a random mask?
Who decides how much I get from selling something?
Who decides what new locations are added?
When does the "Note a close friend" come into play(If this hasn't been decided due to the DM change that's fine)?
Am I correct in assuming Yi Yue is the month, and if so what number month is it?

1. You share a unit of food. Don't worry - the cat will not penalize you that harshly. There's plenty of rats out there for it to eat.
2. Sorry, this was worded badly. At any time, you can give yourself [+1 Stress] to add an additional chance of success on any action you spend VIS on.
3. Fate, fortune, chance, and the dice on my desk.
4. I do - as explained slightly above, specify what you're looking for (and this can be multiple items) and you'll get a menu in your portion of the update. This is also subject to fate, fortune, and chance.
5. Maybe! There is plenty to buy and sell at Tangletown Market. They might have a mask - they might not.
6. If you want to sell, just indicate this in the Visiting Market action. You'll get a variety of offers - depending on chance and circumstance. For example:

John Smith visits the Tangletown Market. He searches for a concealed weapon, and looks for a vendor willing to purchase the 1 Scrap he pilfered from the Mudflats.

7. Yet again - fate, fortune, and chance! (Also, me.) Now, you can look at the map, and say "I'd like to explore the East district", or "I'd like to explore the West district", or you can say "John Smith looks for bars, smoke-shops, and other places to rest and relax at" to attempt to specify a direction. The map is mostly generated, but half the fun is exploring the nooks and crannies of the city, eh?
8. Yes, Yi Yue is the month - the month of January, for all intents and purposes.

Also, no worries at all - I'm happy to answer questions, and these are good questions.

Edit: is it that we get more stress every time you use stress to get better results?

Yep, you got it! Add on +1 Stress...or more...and your outcome will be better. Be careful, though - there's plenty of stress to be had without deliberately inflicting it on yourself.

[Talchyon]

So, my app has been approved and "Doctor Veins" is playable.

OP - Still figuring the mechanics out, but I would like to suggest that "Turn 1" lasts for several posts, so we can also interact with each other. And with that in mind, would anyone like to interact with my character to start off with?

[Lazarian]

Alright, time for IC post review - let me provide a few clarifications.

Turn 1 - Joseph Kalibjan

In general, I'd like some separation between the IC Post (characterization) and the IC Actions (mechanics), just to make my life easier. So, for Joseph, it'd be along the lines of:

Joseph searches for a job interview. (Specifying for a particular job in particular may provide better or more specific results.) [3 VIS, +1 Stress, Focused]
Joseph visits Tangletown Market and purchases food for his family. [1 VIS, -4 Gilder, +2 Food]
Joseph takes time to sleep in the worn out Tenements. [2 VIS]
Joseph visits to visit the Door of Hope, hoping for any handout or aid that may provide for his family. [2 VIS]

Gilder: 5G (Starting)
-4G for Food
1G Remaining
Heat: 0
Stress: 0

Inventory: 2 Food (1 Consumed)

Penelope and Ian are both fine, no changes there.

Charles is mostly good, but I would highly recommend using all 8 of your VIS - there's no advantage gained by not using it - and I'd subdivide out actions as much as possible, for clarity. Also, guys, no need to give yourself Stress in your own actions - trust me. You'll have it in spades soon enough!

So, slight tweaks:

Lee wakes up with a tremendous headache in a familiar but new place. He attempts to find his bearings - where is this? (Recall Memories, Search for Locations) [-3 VIS]
Lee purchases foodstuffs and washes his face. [-1 VIS, -2 G]
Lee searches for a stick to use as a temporary cane. [-1 VIS]
Lee limps to the apartment-building and sleeps the night away. [-3 VIS]

[G-Tech Corporation]

Imagine working with a wretched Thenian rascal, blegh.

[Estebere]

snip

Thanks, makes sense. I'll edit my IC post for this info, and plan the rest accordingly.

[Lazarian]

Alright, folks - things are going quite well! Very happy with what I see so far.

I think we're only waiting on Osty, Talch, and Remnants. If I get 2/3 in today, I'll start spooling up the update this evening, with a target of Friday evening.

[G-Tech Corporation]

I'm very interested to see how the petty larceny and whatnot get along - and what passes for street justice in the Clockwork Circus!

[Nordheimrr]

Alright, time for IC post review - let me provide a few clarifications.

Turn 1 - Joseph Kalibjan

In general, I'd like some separation between the IC Post (characterization) and the IC Actions (mechanics), just to make my life easier. So, for Joseph, it'd be along the lines of:

Joseph searches for a job interview. (Specifying for a particular job in particular may provide better or more specific results.) [3 VIS, +1 Stress, Focused]
Joseph visits Tangletown Market and purchases food for his family. [1 VIS, -4 Gilder, +2 Food]
Joseph takes time to sleep in the worn out Tenements. [2 VIS]
Joseph visits to visit the Door of Hope, hoping for any handout or aid that may provide for his family. [2 VIS]

Gilder: 5G (Starting)
-4G for Food
1G Remaining
Heat: 0
Stress: 0

Inventory: 2 Food (1 Consumed)

Penelope and Ian are both fine, no changes there.

Charles is mostly good, but I would highly recommend using all 8 of your VIS - there's no advantage gained by not using it - and I'd subdivide out actions as much as possible, for clarity. Also, guys, no need to give yourself Stress in your own actions - trust me. You'll have it in spades soon enough!

So, slight tweaks:

Lee wakes up with a tremendous headache in a familiar but new place. He attempts to find his bearings - where is this? (Recall Memories, Search for Locations) [-3 VIS]
Lee purchases foodstuffs and washes his face. [-1 VIS, -2 G]
Lee searches for a stick to use as a temporary cane. [-1 VIS]
Lee limps to the apartment-building and sleeps the night away. [-3 VIS]

Thank you for both parts; I’ll edit it now.

I would also like to make minor revisions to my app to add a picture and some more explanation of his past, if that’s alright.

[High Earth]

I'm very interested to see how the petty larceny and whatnot get along - and what passes for street justice in the Clockwork Circus!

We’re about to find out, what could possibly go wrong. I did try to invest in that to minimize the chance of failure though, stress, focused, and my character is a fingersmith.

[The GAmeTopians]

Meister Laz, I have come for my spot foretold in the prophecy (TM). Let me take some time with the OP, give ‘er a look, and I’ll pop up an app if your offer from the other day is still good.

[Nordheimrr]

I'm very interested to see how the petty larceny and whatnot get along - and what passes for street justice in the Clockwork Circus!

We’re about to find out, what could possibly go wrong. I did try to invest in that to minimize the chance of failure though, stress, focused, and my character is a fingersmith.

If you can get Lee any cards you can turn a profit quite easily.

[High Earth]

We’re about to find out, what could possibly go wrong. I did try to invest in that to minimize the chance of failure though, stress, focused, and my character is a fingersmith.

If you can get Lee any cards you can turn a profit quite easily.

What exactly are Lee cards? Did i miss this in the OP?

[Lunas Legion]

If you can get Lee any cards you can turn a profit quite easily.

What exactly are Lee cards? Did i miss this in the OP?

I'm assuming Nord is referring to their character Lee, who's a card shark.

[High Earth]

What exactly are Lee cards? Did i miss this in the OP?

I'm assuming Nord is referring to their character Lee, who's a card shark.

Ohh, ok.

[Ovstylap]

My app from before. Working on a post as we speak.

Liliya Ishenko

Record your Scriven Name: In the presence of a dozen relatives and of fifty witnesses, I was named Liliya Ishenko.

Record your Spoken Alias: I have taken the easily pronounceable name of the same meaning, Lily, in my parlance here in Hsin-Yao.

Record your Looks: Aha, it's funny you should ask how the courts have recorded me- I actually saw my description on a wanted poster. 'Liliah Ishenka'- yes, they adapted my name into their dialect; 'is a woman of average height, with healthy, feminine, but strong features and build. Her hair is blonde and wavy, and her eyes of a blue-green. Her upper arms and allegedly, back and sides are adorned with the pagan tattoos certain of her kind wear.' Nice to know that the state which no longer welcomes my kind thinks that I'm essentially not ugly- unlike the caricatures their pamphlets like to depict!

I'd say that I simply have the pleasant look that any remotely healthy, young woman of good rural stock has- I've had a fair share of attention from would-be suitors, lovers, and stab-wound victims, but the main pride I take in my appearance is in my health. If my body is strong, and my skin radiant, then I am in tune with how I was made to be.

Record your Story: Well, first of all, I am no brother, but with that out of the way, my story is not overly complex. That of my people is one steeped in history, legend, and myth; inevitably coloured by religious and historical distortion, but as an individual I can tell you the truth. I have to know I can trust you though. Can you keep a secret? Good.

You may have heard of the Nihmenian Empire, well, of course you have, its one of the largest in the world, but unique in that its territories are wholly contiguous. For a thousand years have my people, the Dzerahski, lived along the rivers of the modern day empire, and for a thousand years have they served as mercenaries and warriors. For over six hundred years have we proved loyal vassals of the Great Korol, providing bodyguards whose loyalty has been unquestionable. In return for service, our rights and privileges to be ruled by our own laws and customs, and to retain our faith, have been upheld. But some 25 years ago came the first of the five crises that have wracked the empire with instability and social breakdown.

Foreign wars, disastrous battles, the exhaustion of the treasury, the Great Fire of Hravar, the death of Korol Peradimir II in suspicious circumstances. The Dzerahski have stayed loyal to the throne throughout, but the ascension of Rudamik I has proved disastrous. Influenced by jealous members of the Imperial Guard, greedy bureacrats in the treasury, and by the poisonous envy of the Church, he has turned on our people. The ancient contract has been broken. Pogroms, forced conversions and expulsions, the disarming and massacring of our units, and the Niheminisation of our children. Rudamik has sought to break the Dzerahski people as an identity.

Many have risen and fallen in rebellion, others have fled to the steppes, forests, marshes, and mountains. Many have converted or moved to the cities to assimilate. Great numbers have converted. But the outbreak of military revolts and mutinies following the famous refusal of General Ignus to march on the capital of Vorota, believing there to be a great trap, and his subsequent arrest, attempted escape, and shooting; and the outbreak of revolution in much of the Empire has led, apparently- for all of this I have heard on my travels in the last five months since I fled the Massacre of Mahensk, has led to a Compromise. The Dzerahski will now be assimilated rather than disintegrated, yet our special privileges our gone- we are now like any other people- but those who follow the old ways- apparently we are demon-worshipping witch-summoners, we are not welcome.

So it is then that I, a True Daughter of the Dzerahski, a proud follower of the Old Ways, am still not welcome in the country of thirty generations of my forefathers. One day I will return. But that day is not here yet.

Pick your Talent: Charmer. I must say, you're a fantastic listener. It's been a while since I have told that story. I am sorry for the tears I shed, I have not been able to mourn the tragedy of my people in full. One day perhaps we shall. Well, that's far too much about me, how about you tell me about yourself?

Pick your Trade: Tattoist. Well I fully agree that the bear constellation echoes the feelings of your own story, I think in terms of the markings the moon should cross here- that way the constellation will curl across your bicep- yes just contract your arm- perfect? Yes? Very well, just a scratch again...

Treat it each day with oil, and don't be tempted to rub off the natural peel that will come- not until the end of the week at least. May it bring you the fortune you seek. Would you believe that they see this as a mark of our 'devil-worshipping' ways back in Nihmene? They are more ignorant than they can even imagine.

Pick your Flaws: Vengeful, Haunted, Criminal History. Well of course any sane person would seek vengeance, for every aspect of my people and my own identity has been attacked. The terror of it all, the scenes at Mahensk, the temple sanctuary of Tneiper and the bodies of the priests upon the crosses, the collapse of the bridge over the icy waters of the Echelga as we were pressed against by Hussars of the Guard. Sometimes I can't sleep.

If taking the life of a policeman who'd see you hang; two conscripts who'd see you abused then shot; taking a horse from a lancer after leaving a blade in his gut; and dashing a watchman's head against a bulwark to make passage as a stowaway when the 'benevolent church' wants to see you nailed to a cross to suffocate under your own weight are crimes, then so be it. I am guilty. But my actions of self-defence are nothing against the myriad of crimes carried out on behalf of Rudamik who broke the sacred contract that binded my entire family to his royal blood.

Confess your Vice: Obligation. For now we are scattered, shattered, battered, brusied, broken, lost. Some have fallen from the path, others have taken the easy route. But one day the Dzerahski will take back the birthright they earned through generations of loyalty, for which we were repaid in treason. And I will do anything to see justice come for my people. I still keep my faith, of course, but these lands are strange, and our gods are quieter here.

Note a Close Friend: I could tell you the names of ten people I knew like siblings who have been killed, and a hundred more of people I knew personally. Here, in Hsin-Yao? None.

And a Rival: Say, I have no doubt that Rudamik has an embassy here, in the International Settlement you were telling me about. No doubt that agents of the Opvachi, the Secret Police, are here too, to scatter or infiltrate any of the various exiles who may be organising resistance and revolution against the Nihmenian Empire.

[Talchyon]

Alright, folks - things are going quite well! Very happy with what I see so far.

I think we're only waiting on Osty, Talch, and Remnants. If I get 2/3 in today, I'll start spooling up the update this evening, with a target of Friday evening.

I asked if someone wanted to interact with my doctor character. So far, no one responded.

I can start making an intro post. I think we're going to need to find ways for these characters to interact.

[Remnants]

How do actions really work..

Lets say if am looking to solve something right? Do i roll anything for it, is it just done right away or do you roll something for it?

[Nordheimrr]

If you can get Lee any cards you can turn a profit quite easily.

What exactly are Lee cards? Did i miss this in the OP?

Just mentioned my characters trait upon you mentioning yours. My apologies!

[Lunas Legion]

How do actions really work..

Lets say if am looking to solve something right? Do i roll anything for it, is it just done right away or do you roll something for it?

We post what we're doing, Laz will post the results/consequences thereof.

[Ovstylap]

Alright, folks - things are going quite well! Very happy with what I see so far.

I think we're only waiting on Osty, Talch, and Remnants. If I get 2/3 in today, I'll start spooling up the update this evening, with a target of Friday evening.

I asked if someone wanted to interact with my doctor character. So far, no one responded.

I can start making an intro post. I think we're going to need to find ways for these characters to interact.

My character is trying to get to know the neighbours in the tenement block so if you want to have a knock at the door, we could have a co-write between our characters- perhaps it may be best to just provide some sort of hook or general overview of how your character would respond to another refugee showing up and wanting to talk to them, and then we can retro in the co-write for now so as not to delay the Update?

[Talchyon]

I asked if someone wanted to interact with my doctor character. So far, no one responded.

I can start making an intro post. I think we're going to need to find ways for these characters to interact.

My character is trying to get to know the neighbours in the tenement block so if you want to have a knock at the door, we could have a co-write between our characters- perhaps it may be best to just provide some sort of hook or general overview of how your character would respond to another refugee showing up and wanting to talk to them, and then we can retro in the co-write for now so as not to delay the Update?

I wasn't aware we had a Discord for this... I was fine just taking a post at a time. And sure, a knock on the door would be... well, I don't think your character would find it fun, because my guy is unnerving to say the least. But, it would get the ball rolling. Let's do it! (Let me make my initial post first).

[High Earth]

My character is trying to get to know the neighbours in the tenement block so if you want to have a knock at the door, we could have a co-write between our characters- perhaps it may be best to just provide some sort of hook or general overview of how your character would respond to another refugee showing up and wanting to talk to them, and then we can retro in the co-write for now so as not to delay the Update?

I wasn't aware we had a Discord for this... I was fine just taking a post at a time. And sure, a knock on the door would be... well, I don't think your character would find it fun, because my guy is unnerving to say the least. But, it would get the ball rolling. Let's do it! (Let me make my initial post first).

Maybe one of you guys could end up being who I pickpocket in the tenants? Just an idea.

[Talchyon]

I wasn't aware we had a Discord for this... I was fine just taking a post at a time. And sure, a knock on the door would be... well, I don't think your character would find it fun, because my guy is unnerving to say the least. But, it would get the ball rolling. Let's do it! (Let me make my initial post first).

Maybe one of you guys could end up being who I pickpocket in the tenants? Just an idea.

That might be pretty painful for your guy to pickpocket mine. He carries a sharp scalpel in his pocket.