#cyerp

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PREMISE

The city is the last bastion of humanity. Surrounded by desert wastes and strange monsters, people hide behind their walls, protected by a totalitarian regime that offers security in return for freedom. Safety in exchange for obedience has kept humanity strong for generations.

 Until now.

 The promise of sanctuary in the city grows weaker every day, with warped creatures from the desert void attacking the barriers, and semi-humanoid monsters snatching those the government deem forgettable from the collapsing regions of the city. As dark secrets are told, it seems even the shadows have eyes. No one can be trusted.

 Something is coming, shaking the very core of a way of life that has been all anyone has ever known. Humanity is starting to awaken ancient magics that can shake the very foundation of the dome. They represent a faction that must be demolished, as they bring with them whispers of something that cannot be allowed to come to pass - change.

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QUESTS

QUEST OVERVIEW

Quests are defined as threads started by characters on behalf of a prompt by Fate or Fortune. Quests aim to develop specific aspects of the site, and usually in ways that are less transparent than they sound. Each quest is a prompt for a multitude of reasons due to the implications their outcomes can lead to. Quest prompts are posted as they are unlocked, and more quests are unlocked as plot lines are revealed. Some prompts can be completed multiple times before they are closed, while others may only have one attempt at them, so be warned!

Initial quest descriptions may be vague, but once enough eligible characters are signed up, the scenario will expand based on the influences of the given characters; their statistics, history, previous actions and occupation. Quests begins with Fate or Fortune indicating where a new thread should be created, and any other specific information characters have discovered.

As stated previously, members should not wait for intervention to drive the quest forward - outcomes will be posted only when deemed necessary. If no outcome is posted, members are expected to assume their general outcome and continue the thread. If staff need to intervene, they will. Simple as that. Rule of thumb: outcomes aren't needed for things a character is assumed to be able to do. Staff will not post to say nothing happens. In theory, an entire quest can be completed without a single post from a staff account. This isn't a bad thing; remember that a quest is a prompt, so some outcomes won't be necessary if criteria or triggers are not met. Some prompts are just made to be explored and not be a death trap.

REGISTRATION

In the specific prompt page, a character can sign up for the quest. Both IC and OOC descriptions should be read, and although vague, can tell a lot about a quest. To claim a spot in the quest, all the criteria posted as a prerequisite must be met. These prerequisites are quest specific - activity requirements are common, but some may be less predictable. They range from member groups, to completed threads, or sometimes a specific ability or attribute. Regardless of what is required, quests are always first come, first served.

The quest will officially begin once the number of spots are either filled or almost filled. In cases where a quest requires another character, staff may provide a registration cut off, where the quest will start in a certain number of days, with or without another character. This is to accomodate for people who have not yet signed up for a quest but desire to.

REGULATIONS

Every quest will outline any specific rules that apply to the thread. Some may restrict how much time may pass in a given post, while other may limit or extend available actions. However, all quests do have some kind of activity requirement, some more intensive than others.

This is done so ambitious, complex and/or rapid quests can be completed in a timely manner. A character who does not post within the posted activity limit will be skipped. When a character is skipped, they are assumed to have taken no important action, and have followed the group's plan/actions. If a character is skipped three times, the character will be written out. This can be done by leaving them behind, completely retconning them out, knocking them out, or killing them off. Staff will always use the most appropriate action based on the situation. Posting in the absence thread will prevent bad things from happening to the character, so let us know when you will be gone! We post activity requirements so members know what to expect, so don't sign up for threads you don't think you can keep up with.

QUEST TYPES

There are a multitude of quest types, often outlined in the initial quest write up (but not always). A type outlines what the quest is actually looking for to be considered a success, regardless of how it develops during the thread. As more quest types are discovered, they will be added to the list below.

ASSASSINATION requires the termination of a target.

ESCORT/DELIVERY requires transporting or protecting a target. 

HUNTING requires locating, neutralising or killing a specific target. 

RECOVERY requires obtaining or delivering a target. 

RESCUE requires finding, protecting or repairing/healing a target. 

SPECIAL requires an atypical team to perform a specific objective. 

TRACKING requires locating or staking out a specific target.

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EVENTS

EVENT OVERVIEW

Events, unlike quests, are defined as threads that are started by Fate or Fortune. Events always aim to develop the site in some way based on the direction of quests, and the developmental expansion of the hidden plots at play. Events are triggered when certain conditions are met, both in and out of character. Character decisions and actions matter!

Regardless of the what the event is, the scenario and fallout effects our world and characters on a larger scale. Every event is different, and kept secret until it is triggered. Members are given a heads-up when event criteria have been met, and the timeframe of their release. Events require lots of activity and a strong grasp of your character's identity. Events are made to push the boundaries and limitations of a character, and as a result have a higher chance of all the good stuff; awakening, attracting bad attention, advancement, death, and a 100% chance of being a certified badass (or dying in the process). Think of events as very extreme quests. The outcomes of these threads effect everyone on the site, and the direction of how the characters and world develop. There are countless plots with countless developmental directions lying in wait for the right conditions to be met - so get out there and trigger these events.

REGISTRATION

Every event uses a different system of registration. As new methods of registration are introduced, the list below will expand to explain their methods. Every method requires certain prerequisites to be met in order to claim an available spot unless otherwise noted.

EARLY BIRD registration is on a first come, first served basis. Once spots are filled, the event begins. 

CURTAIN CALL registration requires all interested members to react to a given scenario (assumably linked to the event) before a specific date. Available spots will be filled randomly using a random number generator, and the event begins. 

SHIT LUCK registration requires characters who triggered the event to participate. Based on the triggered character(s), others that make sense given the situation may have an invitation to sign up. 

TOTAL MAYHEM registration is fucking chaos and lovely. All active characters will be put into a pool and randomly selected. Yep. All your characters might be forced to die thread together. Brace yourself.

REGULATIONS

Although every event is unique in its construction and specific requirements, each will clearly outline specific rules that apply to the thread(s). They require a posted form of activity to ensure the thread progresses as scheduled. Aside from that, events are too unique to truly define a hard set of rules. Some may limit the number of actions a character can perform due to time sensitivities, while other events may encourage longer lapses of time to be played out.

EVENT TYPES

Since every event has different parts leading up to its start, the type of event and how it plays out is no different in its uniqueness. How the event is actually structured is different every time; some may be site wide in their performance, while others may be multiple threads occurring all at once. Sometimes Fate will play with a group, and Fortune will play with another, while sometimes Fate and Fortune will work in tandem within a forum created for the event. The event may be one on one threads, or one large group. Long story short, every event runs differently. So enjoy them and their ever-changing structures. You never know what to expect, so buckle up.

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Quick preview of the skin! Not entirely finished yet, but you can see our general aesthetic.

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STATISTICS OVERVIEW

We use a light statistic system that is made to incorporate the whims of Fate and Fortune, and generally introduce aspects of chance, character proficiencies and a little bit of flair to the roleplay. Certain actions aren't always easily determined from a roleplay perspective. In some threads, scenarios may be posted or predetermined - the door might be locked for example - but other actions are less concrete in their determination. It isn't up to staff or members to determine if an action saves the day or blows up in your face.

Where staff intervention is present, staff use the statistics of a character to determine probabilities of abilities and scenarios. Fate or Fortune will always outline what stats are being used, and the probabilities of certain outcomes. The exact derivatives of the probabilities are hidden from members, but staff members use a system that utilizes the statistics of the character, the difficulty of the obstacle(s), and any conditional factors. Staff will post the generated probability, and the implications of this magic number. Staff will always judge the situation fairly to provide a fun and immersive experience - statistics are made to enhance the site, not hinder or consume the actual roleplaying. General nomenclature can be found below:

HACKING ATTEMPT (INT) PROBABILITIES - 25% failure, 25% tie, 50% success GENERATED - SUCCESS

The actual mechanics behind the above scenario are seen by the entire staff team to maintain consistency, and following the above outcome, Fate or Fortune will continue to play out the 'success'. Although the mechanics are hidden, a lot can be derived from the posted outcomes - if an easy task yields surprisingly difficult probabilities, something else may be afoot. Unless the situation determines otherwise, or extends beyond the character's expected performance, neither Fate nor Fortune will test the ability of a character to do things they are assumed able to do. Note that staff perform unseen passive checks when determining scenarios and the general outcomes that characters may not be aware of (based on how the thread is playing out). Long story short, Fate and Fortune are busy even when not posting outcomes in a thread, they are formulating every scenario and NPC reaction.

Members aren't expected to do any math or track statistics - just have fun roleplaying and everything else will fall into place around you. This system is in place so there is an element of random chaos chance and not just walking members through a predetermined story.

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MAGIC OVERVIEW

With the discovery and advancement of the biotic metabolic bi-product 'source,' the initial claims of witchcraft have been proven to be not too far off-base. Although source can be recorded in, and harvested from, living beings to generate energy for the city, or power primitive source-derived tools, some individuals have been documented to be able to harness and manipulate their own source to varying degrees. Now classified as Potentials, they are, in essence, magic users. Scientific study can record and observe how the individual interacts with source, but replication experiments have been fruitless. However, this taboo study of source, and by extension magic, has launched humanity forward to feats previously thought impossible.

There have been five consistent and measurable ways that potentials have been recorded utilising source, each with distinctive source signatures when observed with proper instrumentation. The nomenclature for these different types of 'magic' were classified based on how the user exerted source to manifest phenomena. The knowledge of these types of magic have been confined to the scientific body within the Void and Potential divisions, and more recently, several branches of the Department for Protection. Initial studies had difficulties differentiating these types, but now the community is in agreement: creation, destruction, alteration, dominion and exemption constitute the different types of manifested source, also known as 'magic'.

CREATION

Simply understood as the utilisation of source to create something from nothing. In truth, the magic is impossibly complex, so much so that there is no distinctive source pattern that can be traced to it. Creation requires the will to demand a given outcome, however it is unclear how reality manifests this desire.

eg. genesis, conjuration, teleportation

DESTRUCTION

Defined as a volatile source discharge, often changing the state or energy of matter. Scientists have noted that, although destructive, it doesn't create energy, but redirects the energy from one form to another - often seeming to manipulate its form. Observed to bend reality to the will of the user; most tests are inconclusive.

eg. evocation, kinesis, entropy

ALTERATION

Often misidentified as other magics, alteration is the acute control and shaping of source to influence will and reality. Alteration is often dynamic, answering the will of the user to mimic what they desire in the most direct way. Alteration was once a catch all term, but recent reports show a distinct prolonged source signature.

eg. transmutation, restoration, manipulation

DOMINION

Difficult to identify without irregular source readings, dominion uses source to exert willpower onto another. Full domination is possible, but the will of the user often fabricates lesser lies onto the host. Both subjects have been recorded to be connected somehow during the process, further study is suggested.

eg. compulsion, enchantment, illusion

EXEMPTION

An intricate magic, often using personal source to read, resist and generally react to external source. A delicate science to study, observation is difficult due to their ability to resist the influence of the world around them, even proven to project their will onto the 'path', 'way', or whatever synonym subjects use.

eg. abjuration, divination, negation

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ALLEGIANCE

Allegiance is used to represent a character's member group, and provide them with stat boosts based on their loyalties. Member groups are determined by the occupation of a character, nuanced by both the department and division they are tied to. As allegiance is based on in game developments, new member groups may arise, or a character may change allegiances from one department to another. Every department aims to maintain and improve on different aspects of Sanctuary, while divisions allow for more specification within their department. Each department contains several divisions, that ultimately determine what kinds of jobs a character can possess, and how their job contributes to the department goals. Departments are a much broader area of work, while divisions are meant to narrow down what exactly the character does for a living. 

DEPARTMENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Localised within the Alpha sector, the Department for Advancement is made up of those who have spend their lives in the pursuit and application of knowledge. Largely responsible for the progression and expansion of humanity, the Department of Advancement has discovered, created and implemented many ideas and aspects to the city. Although currently focused on the utilization of source, thanks to their dedication, the department has driven humanity forward against the odds. Over the last several years, the Advancement Official has placed increased demands on the department to produce results over anything else, and as such the department has been feeling the pressure. Due to years of education, observational analysis, and exposure to knowledge, these characters receive +1 MIND upon creation.

DEPARTMENT FOR ENRICHMENT

Spread throughout Sanctuary, the Department for Enrichment is made up of those who aim to increase the social and cultural wellbeing of the city. The department is ultimately responsible for maintaining and creating a better way of life for the residents under the dome, both in its construction, and in its past times. The eclectic range of divisions within the department make it difficult to praise a sole aspect, but all of them work towards the cultural wellness of Sanctuary, and the inhabitants within it. For such a present department that has allowed the city to flourish, the Enrichment Offical is rarely seen or heard from, only interacting with division heads when necessary. Due to years of social fortitude, selling proposals, and business politics, these characters receive +1 MIND upon creation. 

DEPARTMENT FOR PROTECTION

Based in Epsilon, the Department for Protection is made of individuals who strive to make Sanctuary a haven, by any means necessary. Responsible for the safety of the public, the department has a strong presence throughout the walled city and strives to keep the status quo to maintain order at any cost. The divisions in the department are highly respected, and with the newly appointed Protection Official revealing the presence of their covert operations, the Task Division, the city feels safer than ever. With such positive propaganda surrounding the duties of this department, lots of questionable news reports have gone unnoticed regarding the increase in incidents. Due to years of serving the city; both on the field and behind closed doors, upon creation, characters gain +1 BODY.

DEPARTMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Largely based in Beta, the Department for Sustainability maintains the city, and is also credited for the upkeep and survival of humanity. Seen as a noble department, their focus on creating a brighter future through hard work is often overshadowed by the negative connotation around the Sustainability Official, who once worked for the Justice Division and introduced the current source execution method of punishment. The divisions within the department were once all grouped together, but over time, large corporations focused only on a singular aspect required for sustainability, which created the quintessential divisions naturally. Branch heads are often higher ups within a specific company, and aren't above letting others know of their success. Due to the hardworking nature of the department, these characters receive a +1 BODY.

UNAFFILIATED

The Unaffiliated are unregistered civilians, and live in the breached region of Zeta. They have learned to get around the city largely undetected as an outsider, but their freedom comes with a heavy cost. Without a working implanted chip, these individuals have no way of using or earning currency, can only interface with the comm network under aliases, and can't be tracked by the state. It is arguable what the quality of life is for these individuals, as they are often those who are assumed dead, or in hiding, and must fight to survive in the lawless slums. There are few who are simply born and not implanted with a chip, as it isn't unheard of for people to fall through the cracks. The Unaffiliated live a life on the fringes of the city, and try to to their best to survive without the influence of the Officials. These individuals receive NO BONUS to their starting stats.

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OVERVIEW

Close Your Eyes aims to brings an episodic approach to the dystopian and magical genres to create a site with occult undertones, a focus on character development and aspects of both supernatural and horror sites. We are a darker and more mature roleplay, where characters are presented with personalised plots made to push their moral boundaries and test their capabilities. Intricate plot lines lie in wait for the right characters to discover them, since every character is the main character of this story. Join us as we delve into the alternate, crumbling world filled with growing magic, civil unrest and ancient sorcery. Fight the monsters of the Void, uncover political secrets, awaken powerful magic, and stumble upon the dark secrets CYE has to offer.

We hope to create an elaborate world that invites members to lose themselves and their characters within, all the while building plot lines around those brought to the table. Similar to a table-top roleplay, characters are free to push the boundaries of this 'game', and using the site mechanisms, as a community create overarching stories based on the decisions and interests of the heroes at play. We use a light stat system to represent fate’s influence in outcomes, and similar to life, chance can save characters from even the most dire circumstances.

Just remember, focus, breathe and close your eyes. It will all be over soon.