HOUSE OF TREES

house of trees is a character development and plot focused roleplay with fantasy components, meant to explore morality, ethics, and the change in the universe. Mobile Navi

[housesoftrees]

Four Occasions and A Funeral

As above, so below… In layman’s terms, the impact of the celestial on the physical realm. It is an age old adage, upheld by our chosen souls. Yet the Unprecedented Romance proves that even a pervasive law, can be undermined by sheer will. Slowly, and then all at once, the cyclical nature of our souls are thrown off course. And what is left, but to pick up the pieces?

Our story begins with four occasions, and one funeral.

Occasion 1: A Loaded Invitation

The Rossi Family cordially invites you to pay homage to Ervig Rossi’s memory. Sunday, November 7th. 10AM at the Basillica di San Lorenzo. A service to follow immediately after at Palazzo Rossi. 

On Monday, November 1st, seemingly innocuous invitations are hand-delivered by Janus’ souls to every involved party. With the Rossi family’s insignia and emblem, even the most daring souls cannot turn it away. Of course, it helps that each of Janus’ souls do so with the trademark gun holstered to their belt. The implication is in the messengers themselves - come, or be subject to suspicion. The messenger-and-recipient groups are as follows:

Lorenzo Rossi (Elder) - Ayesha Sharma, Valeria Greco, Edgar Ra

Zahra Njoki (Enterpriser) - Lee Ji-Hoon, Noelle Persaud, Wilhelmina D’Angelo

Andrea Rossi (Performer) -  Yoo Ma-Ri, Akira Tanaka, Sevil Erdoğan

Javier Perez (Fighter) - Andy Alvarez, Courtney Goldmann, Julian Perez

Serena Madera (Fighter) - Miran Yıldız, Hayle Oliveira, Mercutio "Mercy" Kline

Sunghee Iseul (Healer) - Sloan Forbes, Safiya Amin, Valentine Garcia

Leo Blackwell (Healer) - Quinn Morelli, Sanem Çetin, Maximillian "Max" Madrigal

Cassandra Williams (Contender) - Bianca Howard, Bakhita Ahmadi, Santiago Herrera 

Throughout the day, souls of Janus will visit their intended recipients with an invitation - and an implied ultimatum.

Occasion 2: Put it on the platinum card

There is no rest for the wicked - and business does not come to an end, simply because of loss and grief. As is tradition, the House of Mercury hosts a Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 3rd. Bank rolled by Mercury’s deep pockets, top-shelf liquor and exquisite cocktails are free to all patrons at the Grand Hotel Cavour’s exclusive bar. But there is no such thing as a free drink, as the souls of Mercury needle and prod any visitor. Where did their allegiances fall? What is the public sentiment around Ervig and Lorelai’s untimely deaths? It’s a question the Mercurian souls ask, as they sign away the bar tab with platinum cards. 

Occasion 3: It’s their party - and they will cry if they want to

It has been a week and a half since Ervig Rossi and Lorelai Ann’s deaths. And though the House of Jupiter empathizes, the public’s need for catharsis cannot be ignored. Despite both Minerva and Janus’ impassioned disagreement, the show goes on in the form of The Amore’s doors opening. On the late hour of Friday, November 5th - The Amore reopens after a respectful period close. But the tantalizing reprieve only lasts for an hour, before an unexpected brawl between Minerva’s (Andy and Miran) and Janus’ (Serena and Javier) Fighters erupts on the dancefloor. The spectacle closes the doors on the event hours before last call - and one has to wonder if the fight is simply that, or a means to an end over the unpopular reopening. 

The Funeral

It seems only appropriate that the House of Janus’ properties commemorate the loss of its fallen Elder. The week ends on Sunday November 7th, where Ervig Rossi’s tenure began - with a funeral service held at the Basillica di San Lorenzo. In the historic church, a sea of black attire occupies every pew. Is it sympathy or fear that draws a number of souls to the cathedral? The question is answered at Palazzo Rossi shortly thereafter, where many come to pay their respects, and kiss the ring of the new King - Lorenzo Rossi. 

It is there that agendas come to light, with each House’s souls dedicated to a particular task:

Souls of Mercury in attendance are tasked with gaining favor with Janus’ souls. After all, everyone can profit in the aftermath of grief. Especially a house with a new fervor to rebuild.

Souls of Jupiter, emboldened by their Elder (Valeria), hold the insult of the fight at The Amore close to their chests. Their charismatic souls are tasked with assessing both grieving houses (Janus and Minerva) for weak spots - there is always a wayward soul, looking for a fresh start.

Souls of Minerva are tasked by their Elder (Edgar) to keep a steady resolve and fly under the radar. Quiet, observant, and respectful - even as the blood of their own, fallen member (Lorelain Ann) is still stained on their own hands. 

Occasion 4: What is the way forward?

Not to be undone, the House of Minerva curtails the spectacle with one of their own. But unlike their rivals, who prove their agenda through intimidation, greed, and hedonism respectively, they lay in wait. Once the souls exit the Palazzo Rossi, Minerva’s souls in attendance are sent a simple text by Minerva’s Performer (Ji-Hoon) himself. Meeting at the Oblate Library at Midnight. 

Under the midnight darkness, the souls of Minerva gather to their secret spot behind the Oblate Library’s archives. It is there that their Elder (Edgar) emerges from The Middle. In his expression, there is nothing but grief and darkness. His fists are tight, as he laments the God of Minerva’s message from The Middle. 

“The souls of Lorelai and Ervig have vanished, but their impact remains. A perversion of this sort has consequences, and it is up to Minerva to serve it. The harbinger’s of justice must prevail, even if their means reflect the deadliest of sins.”

The repetition of Minerva’s words leave dumbfounded and fearful expressions on those in attendance. Until their Enterpriser, Yoo Ma-Ri speaks first. An assessment of Minerva’s words, that ripple in effect - “ruin, or be ruined.”

And just like that, the House of Minerva’s direction is set - destroy their rival houses, whatever means necessary. 

--

Thank you to those who are ready to embark on the journey with us. If you have any questions, send us a message.

Next Event: A Holiday Season to Remember

[housesoftrees]

hi! this rp looks great! i wanted to ask about the gameplay, if there's going to be specific plot drops moving a certain narrative or if it's "just" going to be a free interactive let's-see-where-the-players-take-this type of rp? also! how does The Middle affect the story? can souls just go there at a whim? do they have to go regularly? thank you!

Hi love!

Happy Holidays, and thank you! We hold specific plot drops that move the narrative, but we build those around what happens on the dash and input from the players! The Middle will come into play in further plot drops, but generally souls can go there on a whim if they choose. However, more often that not, souls tend to wait until it's required by their Elder.

- crow

[housesoftrees]

Akira Tanaka

[housesoftrees]

Are we able to reserve characters? I want to apply but am currently in work and have a character I’m really passionate about writing. If not that’s okay. I’ll apply when I get home

Hi dear! Right now we do not do reservations - but our next acceptance isn't until Sunday so you have plenty of time! We're so looking forward to it :)

- crow

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Hey there! So I’m interested in applying and was just curious if it was okay to change the fc of a character so long as it still fits their age and doesn’t change their ethnicity?

Hiya! Generally yes - if you could DM us the FC you are thinking of, we can confirm it for you!

- crow

[housesoftrees]

Michiel Huisman or Dan Sharman are mercy??

Michiel would be on the older side for Mercy so I don’t imagine it could work, but Daniel Sharman would be a great fit!

- crow

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hi! would milos bikovic, jack o'connell, or gaspard ulliel work for mercy?

Hi anon! Milos would be a good fit!

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Zahra Njoki

[housesoftrees]

What an amazing opening week! Thank you to all of our lovely and enthusiastic writers, for making all of this possible. We couldn’t do this without you.

With the end of our first week, we have determined that Wednesday’s and Sunday’s at 9PM (EST) will be when we hold our acceptances! Check us out - we have tons of lovely, open skeletons just waiting to be loved down and brought to life!

- blade and crow

[housesoftrees]

The change in the universe starts with Zahra Njoki. Played by Ash.

“In a blink of an eye the scenery changes and repeats itself. The free fall, the lesson, the hopeful heart. And soon it fades to black, nothing is around her, but a mirror of her own reflection. However, there’s one problem…There’s no one on the other side”

There is something so wonderfully haunting about the absence of something, behind Zahra’s reflection. Almost as if she is not there at all. Such an accurate portrayal of the way she’s made herself empty, to fill her own ambitions. What a wonderful portrayal of our beloved Zahra! I particularly responded to the way she’s learned to navigate life on her own, only to find a family in the Rossi’s - what can I say? I’m a sucker for a found family trope AND a badass like Zahra!

Welcome to the Houses of Trees!

ooc info

Alias: ash

Pronouns: she/her

Age: 27

Timezone: est

General Activity Level: i work full-time with days off on the weekends, normally i’m on every day for a few hours depending on how lol drained i am. Weekends would be the most active overall.

Triggers: Removed for privacy

ic application

Desired Character: zahra njoki  

Age: 36

Pronouns: she/her

Faceclaim: anna diop if possible? I saw an ask for alt fcs and she was listed

Biography

TW: death, drugs, murder

Zahra didn’t grow up with tiaras and dolls, dresses and makeup, nor the white picket fence family that she sought out in everyone around her. This was all thanks to the woman who birthed her. Instead, she grew up with a devout father, who showed her how to appreciate the littlest things, to be grateful for the ground they walk upon, for the beauty of the earth that surrounds them. Home was where the heart is and Zahra’s father was her heart. Not once did he express any resentment or regrets, nor did he ever put the blame on her as to why her mother left. In the end, it was them against the world and Zahra wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

Born and raised in France, Zahra’s father was working double jobs to keep themselves a float. A caretaker in an elementary school by day and a bouncer at a club by night, it taught her the importance of independence and sacrifice. Her father told her it would pay off in the long run, all she had to do was focus on school and dream big because anything was possible. The laughter and simplicity of it all—these were a few senseful memories that made up the many adventures she and her father had in the past. Little wide-eyed girl, blinded by the reality around her, Zahra did not realize her father’s struggles as he kept a brave face trying to raise her and support the both of them at the same time.

Naivety bested her as she was faced with the consequences of her father’s actions and decisions. The club he worked at was run by a notorious syndicate known for their own violence and heavy crime. Her father was not only the bodyguard, but a drug runner as it paid extra cash. Every risk came with a price and the Njoki patriarch took the fall of a drug trade gone wrong and was executed on site. It was a set up, wrong place, wrong time and while Zahra refused to believe that her father held wrong morals, it wasn’t going to change the fact that he was not coming back. Thrown into the foster system, she was faced with neglect and abandonment. What did she do to deserve this fate? The light that once shined bright despite her struggles became dim and Zahra realized that life wasn’t about living, it was about surviving.

Her aspirations shifted as soon as she became an adult. Free to do as she pleased, she lived a double life as she became a spitting image of her father. Money was the root of all evil, but it was also what kept the world going round. Therefore her goal in life was to rise to the top and be at the helm of where she can gain more and not have to live less. Sure, Zahra went to school to be educated, but it was her street smarts that shaped her to the woman she is today. She associated herself with what society deem as ‘bad people’, but ultimately they taught her the hustle and grind. With Paris being a tourist trap, it was easy to pickpocket and charm the newcomers around her. They were all from different walks of life, which meant all sorts of income to accumulate. At first this was a venture she could get comfortable with, but that was the problem, she was too comfortable which led to complete boredom and a stagnant lifestyle…

Zahra wanted a challenge.

Moving to Rome was a strategic move, especially with the underground opportunities that were presented before her. However, she was the type who didn’t take things at face value. She looked at the bigger picture and worked her ass off to make a name for herself on the streets. With no important bonds to break her, she had no weakness. Truthfully, she accepted death with open arms as each day passed by. Ruthless, cunning and unapologetic, Zahra was a risk taker and soon everyone knew her name. Allies wanted to team up with her, enemies wanted her dead, deceptive in her own right, she played everyone out to her own advantage…

—That was until she became associated with the Rossi family.

In the beginning she thought it was simply a business transaction, nothing more, nothing less. She had a rule after all, to cut off ties once she received her end of the deal. However, she was met with the opportunity to join them. Reluctant at first due to her past, Zahra eventually gave in as they valued her worth and further, the loyalty that ran in the House of Janus was not only appealing, but it gave her a whole new perspective on life. She no longer had to survive alone, not when she had everything at her fingertips. She was more than an asset, the Rossi family needed her and more importantly, she bonded with the one and only Lorenzo Rossi. Thick as thieves, these two had been through it all, but with the death of Ervig Rossi, all hell broke loose that things shifted in the house of Janus. A marriage, a promotion in status, it was all coming down fast on Zahra, but not once did she bat a lash. In fact, she accepted it without question and as usual, she meant business both literally and figuratively. Her goal? To remain at the top and further, to kill two birds with one stone by beating the house of Minerva at their own game and getting to the bottom of who murdered Ervig. Her story isn’t finished yet, in fact it was just getting started…

connections

Lorenzo Rossi

An unconventional relationship is how Zahra would sum up Lorenzo’s bond. While marriage is oftentimes seen as romantic and based around love, their marriage held a different meaning that they would only know. The closest thing to love that Zahra had ever had was her relationship with her father. However, that familial tie was long forgotten the moment he had passed. Therefore, she classifies this as a partnership as it was more so of a deep rooted friendship, where they understood each other inside and out. Maybe the lack of such emotion (love) hinders her concept of a monogamous relationship, but truthfully Zahra sees this as a transaction as well. A gain. Should there be a loss, it would be on Lorenzo’s cost and sure, she wouldn’t go down without a fight. However, that shouldn’t be a worry, especially when Zahra was so set on his success. She refuses to go back to the bottom and further, Lorenzo deserved the recognition of his own success and for once to be in the limelight.

Santiago Herrera

Zahra is known for her certainty, but that all changed when she met Santiago upon her visit to Amore. A memory she shoved in the back of her mind, as she felt she displayed a sign of weakness. She’s all business, no play, but there was something about Santiago that reeled her in. Flirting was one thing, but the attention he gave her was another. A feeling that settled in the pits of her heart caused her to be a different woman. The attraction was there, but more importantly she felt…’alive’ to a degree. Perhaps it was the fact that he was bold enough to get through to her? To see her for herself. However, it was short lived and maybe it was for the best…At least, that’s what she tells herself.

Serena Madera

A partner in crime is how Zahra sees Serena. While she does mean business, there are a few people who have her complete utter respect and attention. Maybe it was because she sees bits and pieces of herself in Serena, but ultimately she needed someone like her as she was the type to get the job done. No questions asked. She brought results and did not leave a crumb of disappointment whenever Zahra assigned her a task. Therefore, she saw no difference this time by giving Serena the opportunity to prove her worth and rank with the task of finding Ervig Rossi’s killer. Zahra believes and puts her trust in Serena to the point that her husband doesn’t know. She is not worried about the outcome as she knows that the Fighter is capable of delivering.

into the middle

Cold and empty. The Middle is simply a self-reflection of her soul.

The scent that comes with each inhale is of burnt wood, an homage to bridges being burnt and such urgency to put the fire out.

However, there is no fire, but a light at the end of a tunnel.

When you reach that light, the walls are painted in gold, the flooring is marble, the scenery above is both the sun and moon, aligned in a clockwork motion, shining bright upon her. For each passing day that goes by is another chance at the survival of life.

Presented before you are three doors. The past, the present and the future. Zahra is not the type to be fooled, she refuses to open any of the doors as she is aware it comes with a price, despite her greed for the truth and what it may bless her. At such a realization, time begins to move slowly and the light soon dims, the gold fades away and the marble flooring? Well, you face the constant freefall until it comes to an abrupt stop.

Landing on your two feet, you are met with a memory of the Njoki patriarch, reading a bedtime story to a younger Zahra back in their tiny home in France. Her father ends the story with a life lesson, however the spoken words are muffled. The sole fixation though is on younger Zahra’s expression, hopeful and understanding, taking his words to heart.

In a blink of an eye the scenery changes and repeats itself. The free fall, the lesson, the hopeful heart. And soon it fades to black, nothing is around her, but a mirror of her own reflection. However, there’s one problem…

There’s no one on the other side.

anything else?

Thank you for taking the time to read my app! Whether I do get the role or not, this was quite a good challenge and a rewarding experience as it really made me tap into my creative side.

In terms of inspo, I would say the type of persona Zahra exudes in the media are the following characters:

Elektra Natchios (Daredevil)

Evelyn Salt (Salt)

Nikita Mears (Nikita)

Lastly this is her pinterest, it’s a WIP: https://pin.it/3vwHwnH

[housesoftrees]

top 3 most wanted? <3

Definitely Andy, Max, or Quinn!!

[housesoftrees]

would Gemma Chan work as Wilhemina? if not - do u have any other alt fcs?? thank you!!

Hi Anon! Yes, Gemma Chan could work provided the background is adjusted when writing the bio, as the D’Angelo’s are of Italian descent.

- crow

[housesoftrees]

sarah shahi as valeria?

Yes, this would work as an alternative for Valeria!

- crow

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+1 Zahra Njoki

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hey, just wanted to let you know that patti harrison is a trans woman who uses she/her pronouns - i don't know if it was intentional, but sloan appears to be referred to exclusively with they/them pronouns. if the character is meant to be nonbinary, maybe nayuka gorrie or jayr tinaco would be a better fit? if sloan is supposed to be a trans woman though, it's kind of inappropriate to use they/them as it degenders both the character and the actress chosen to portray her.

Hi Anon, we really appreciate your time in letting us know and we apologize for the inappropriate impact this has had. This was a mistake on our part, as we altered Sloan's pronouns to reflect she/her in our Google Docs when we assigned Patti Harrison as the FC for this skeleton (we were moving around skeletons and FC's at the time.) However, we missed copying the changes to our Tumblr drafted templates, and hadn't noticed until now. We have updated the skeleton accordingly and will be triple-checking our existing skeletons to ensure this doesn't occur again.

Thank you again for letting us know, and our apologies once again.

- crow

[housesoftrees]

thanks so much! And in regards to this line from sanem’s skeleton, I was hoping to get a bit of clarification: “This time, she does it on her terms - and on the dime of a far long relative, from her jaded past.” - Is the relative and her overall past open to interpretation? Or was there someone specific that you’re looking and what she’s gone through? Appreciate it!!!! Really excited to write my app!

Hi dear! Apologies for the delay on this! The relative is very much open for interpretation - so spin it however you'd like! It can be as tame or wild as your imagination wishes to take it.

And we are very excited to read it! <3

- crow

[housesoftrees]

Akira “Aki” Tanaka