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paradisaooc2010-07-20 02:03 am
berserkism.livejournal.com) wrote in paradisaooc2010-07-20 02:03 am
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horror plot planning: part 4 - Q&A
So! In order to compile useful information, I'm going to make this post a little Q&A guide addressing some of the most common questions you've had and try to tl;dr about the most important parts - namely, about the functions of demons and magic, as well as how technology fits in to the setting. There will also be some info about the world in general to help explain what it will be like come Thursday, and then when the big event goes down on Saturday. SOME LINKS ARE NSFW for boobage.
How do demons work? How will my demon character be affected? - Demons in Berserk are called Apostles, and are servants of Godhand. Godhand is the equivalent to "angels," and Apostles are granted free will and allowed to do whatever they want, basically! They are innately evil creatures, and are granted two forms - their typical, human forms (which are usually still pretty creepy) and their demon forms which are usually huge and grotesque. While in both, they have superior strength, speed, and endurance, and while transformed, if they resemble a certain animal/insect/creature, they tend to have abilities that correspond - but most simply have extraordinary physical strength and size. Demons DO eat humans - but this DOES NOT MEAN your demon-y character has to have urges to do so! The urges they will be feeling this week will be more towards being violent/evil than nomming humans or sexual urges; this is optional. How much or how little these urges effect your character is ENTIRELY up to you, but they will not, at any point, become overwhelming or change their personality.
How does magic work? - This question is complicated to answer! Magic in Berserk is focused on the different realms of existence in combination with the natural energy found in all people, objects, and places (the equivalent of ki/chi/qi) which is called Od. Powerful magic users spend years upon years perfecting the art of enlisting the elements to their aid and it isn't easy, requiring intense concentration and sense of self.
To quote from Skullknight.net:
For more information/examples on the usage of magic, consult the previous plot post which had some videos of Schierke in action that you might find useful.
My character isn't a full demon/shares a body with a demon. What do I do? - There are no real instances of this in Berserk. People are either Apostles, or humans. However, for the world-change event, if your character is - for example - half-demon, they could become an honorary Apostle and maintain their abilities/transformations. Or, if you would prefer, you could depower them and make them regular humans. If in doubt, just ask!
There is also the option of including them in the "possessed", "Demi-Apostle" category - in which case, they will maintain most of their abilities/powers (as long as they coincide with the setting). Their "demons" will be more powerful than normal and their resistance to that demon side of them will be lesser and weakened. Please keep this in mind if you go down that route!
I'm still not sure whether or not my character would keep their powers! - Then please contact me! If you are still confused, I'd be happy to hash it out with you in IMs where things might be easier to figure out person-to-person. My goal is not to be a canon nazi and go YOUR SHIT WOULDN'T WORK IN THIS SETTING, GET OUT FOREVER RAAAWR - but simply setting guidelines to help the comm as a whole get a most out of the event. If it would be more fun for you to keep your powers, we can find a rationalization to make it work, I'm sure. If you'd prefer to depower your character, that works, too! Do what will be the most fun FOR YOU. This plot is for having fun, not sticking 100% true to canon!
How does technology work? - Berserk is set in the middle ages. No advanced technology. No electricity. No cars, advanced weaponry such as plasma guns and the like, etc. Tech/magic hybrids can be worked into purely magical items if you absolutely must keep them!
Please consult Yuff's graciously compiled guide of what will/will not work based on comments to the previous posts HERE. She is awesome!
Previous plot posts: 3, 2, 1
If you have any other questions you'd like to see go up here, please let me know! I'll be adding to it in the coming days before the plot, so keep checking back. 8) As usual, if there's anything you would like to ask me personally - feel free to hit me up either by PM, email at failpriest@yahoo.com, or AIM at haybutler. Thanks!
How do demons work? How will my demon character be affected? - Demons in Berserk are called Apostles, and are servants of Godhand. Godhand is the equivalent to "angels," and Apostles are granted free will and allowed to do whatever they want, basically! They are innately evil creatures, and are granted two forms - their typical, human forms (which are usually still pretty creepy) and their demon forms which are usually huge and grotesque. While in both, they have superior strength, speed, and endurance, and while transformed, if they resemble a certain animal/insect/creature, they tend to have abilities that correspond - but most simply have extraordinary physical strength and size. Demons DO eat humans - but this DOES NOT MEAN your demon-y character has to have urges to do so! The urges they will be feeling this week will be more towards being violent/evil than nomming humans or sexual urges; this is optional. How much or how little these urges effect your character is ENTIRELY up to you, but they will not, at any point, become overwhelming or change their personality.
How does magic work? - This question is complicated to answer! Magic in Berserk is focused on the different realms of existence in combination with the natural energy found in all people, objects, and places (the equivalent of ki/chi/qi) which is called Od. Powerful magic users spend years upon years perfecting the art of enlisting the elements to their aid and it isn't easy, requiring intense concentration and sense of self.
To quote from Skullknight.net:
There are four elements in Berserk, each composed and governed by small, distinct entities. For Wind: Sylph, for Water: Undine, for Fire: Salamander. The creature for Earth is not yet known. High-level elemental spirits can manipulate these entities at will, while weapons with magic properties such as Serpico's Sylph sword and Isidro's Salamander dagger can only harness their powers by appealing to their respective elementals.
For more information/examples on the usage of magic, consult the previous plot post which had some videos of Schierke in action that you might find useful.
My character isn't a full demon/shares a body with a demon. What do I do? - There are no real instances of this in Berserk. People are either Apostles, or humans. However, for the world-change event, if your character is - for example - half-demon, they could become an honorary Apostle and maintain their abilities/transformations. Or, if you would prefer, you could depower them and make them regular humans. If in doubt, just ask!
There is also the option of including them in the "possessed", "Demi-Apostle" category - in which case, they will maintain most of their abilities/powers (as long as they coincide with the setting). Their "demons" will be more powerful than normal and their resistance to that demon side of them will be lesser and weakened. Please keep this in mind if you go down that route!
I'm still not sure whether or not my character would keep their powers! - Then please contact me! If you are still confused, I'd be happy to hash it out with you in IMs where things might be easier to figure out person-to-person. My goal is not to be a canon nazi and go YOUR SHIT WOULDN'T WORK IN THIS SETTING, GET OUT FOREVER RAAAWR - but simply setting guidelines to help the comm as a whole get a most out of the event. If it would be more fun for you to keep your powers, we can find a rationalization to make it work, I'm sure. If you'd prefer to depower your character, that works, too! Do what will be the most fun FOR YOU. This plot is for having fun, not sticking 100% true to canon!
How does technology work? - Berserk is set in the middle ages. No advanced technology. No electricity. No cars, advanced weaponry such as plasma guns and the like, etc. Tech/magic hybrids can be worked into purely magical items if you absolutely must keep them!
Please consult Yuff's graciously compiled guide of what will/will not work based on comments to the previous posts HERE. She is awesome!
Previous plot posts: 3, 2, 1
If you have any other questions you'd like to see go up here, please let me know! I'll be adding to it in the coming days before the plot, so keep checking back. 8) As usual, if there's anything you would like to ask me personally - feel free to hit me up either by PM, email at failpriest@yahoo.com, or AIM at haybutler. Thanks!