Welcome to The Duality of Man, an original animanga role-play that features numerous supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, these various species have distanced themselves because of the war that occurred thousands of years ago, plaguing some with eyes that only see their dualism. While others meddle themself with their differences, two groups fight, each attempting to eliminate the other in for their definition of worldly peace. These two groups of the Terror Response Syndicate (TRS) and the Assembly of Phantoms (AP). With individuals fighting merely over their differences, it brings uncertainty to the outcome of this war.
We happily accept all role-players as long as they obey the rules and are capable of meeting our word count of 50. This does include those who are unfamiliar with this style of role-playing. The staff of The Duality of Man are willing to happily help those who are new to the role-playing world so they feel comfortable on site. Feel free to message the staff if you need help, they can be found here or in the site Discord and will gladly answer questions alongside calm concerns. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them; guests may use the support board as a suggestion area as well. Should you decide to join, may I say welcome to the site and we all hope you enjoy your time here.
Yours Truely,
The Staff
season
Summer 2022
Heat has broken through into a glorious summer. The snow has entirely dried through the spring, leaving to the brilliance of the warmer months. Terror activity has risen as people are brought out of their homes, leaving the TRS in a position of consistent work. Each are attempting to maintain victory in the endless struggle for power.
With April, an activity check has arrived for members to do! Please post on the AC and tag all your accounts, including WIPs and OOC accounts. Failure to post on this AC will result in your accounts being marked inactive or deleted. Please note, due to a late start, the due date for this check has been adjusted for one time and one time only.
He doesn't know where he is, or where he's going. It was in the middle of the night, and he was ... lost. His snowy white fur blocked out the worst of the chill, though the stark white of it was surely like a beacon in the dark night. Despite being lost he was calm for now, huddled underneath the wide arching roots of an old tree. The roots were hiding him somewhat from view, so he felt safe. He sleepily closed his eyes, allowing the events of the past few days to dance in his memory. The rest was going more fitful than anything, wracked with the stressful memories. He missed his family and clan, he missed his best friend. Eventually the night found him truly sleeping, his tails curled around his flank, head resting on his paws. His breathing was rhythmic but silent, as he finally got some much needed rest.
Why was he sleeping in the woods? Why was he in his kitsune form? It felt more natural out here, and he was much quicker on four paws than on two feet. Why would he not want to run in his more natural form from time to time? Why would he not want to roam as much as he was able? Why did some consider that a dumb idea? Maharo had never been a warrior, he had always been more of a trickster than a killer, more a lover than a fighter. Most of his family were fighters, but he had never really wanted to be one. An ear twitched at the sounds of distant rustling, signalling someone else was moving about. Crystal blue eyes slowly open, though he remains still and quiet.
He wasn't sure if it was another person or a wild animal, but there was certainly something else fairly close. He didn't smell anything out of place just yet, just the scents of different plants and disturbed earth. It was a fairly warm night to, at least warmer than it had been yesterday. It could be a wolf maybe, or some sort of other shift capable creature, maybe even another kitsune. The possibilities were endless, whether they were hostile or not. For now he remained still and alert, watchful for any signs of what it may be. Even if his coat was as bright as a beacon, it was partially covered in places by the roots he was nesting beneath. If the other ended up being hostile, he would use his trickery to his advantage. If he moved around too much, that would likely draw any attention straight to him, which was not what he wanted right now. He wanted to see if he could identify what they were first, and if they were a threat.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 514 words Well, he was right, wolf familiar. XD
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]Spring was always among Cyrielle's favoured seasons, followed closely after autumn. During the spring thaw, creatures of the forest crawled from their winter homes and occupied the woodlands. Hence, in the early hours of a cloudy morning, Cyrielle departed from Nozel's side to accomplish some hunting. Somebody needed to keep the young angel fed and as his familiar, she considered it her sacred duty. A task heftily weighed upon her shoulders and encouraged by her motherly attitude towards the young boy.
He was her responsibility. He suffered inside the twisted excuse of a household. He required the rescuing. And her? Her father summoned the necessity of a promise to defend that boy until her dying breath. Her father, a gracious man with a golden heart, sacrificed his life to rescue Nozel from Satan herself, the damned stepmother. A red cloak was wrapped around Cyrielle's shoulders. Beneath her favoured cloak was her regular, albeit, dirty grey shirt and black, loose-fitting pants.
The cuffs of her trousers overflowed over the strong boots. There was nothing stylish about her attire, however, before their escape, she lacked the opportunity to pack clothes. The familiar brought her hands down to the ground, light consuming her body as her form changed from the young, seventeen-year-old girl into a larger-than-average grey wolf. Ruby red eyes shone from her face, the most unique of her features available for anyone to witness. The wolf trotted forward, eyes wandering as she admired the spring scenery despite the dreary weather.
Various smells were around her, some stale and others fresh. Earthern scents entered her nostrils as she sniffed along the ground, ears pricked for noise. The softest rustle of a bird's wings captured her attention, eyes looking skyward as branches swayed in the subtle wind. For a few moments, she watched before padding in the brush and carefully slipping around bushes. She slipped past her surroundings, moving cautiously to avoid stirring potential prey. The female wolf paused when a different scent entered her nose.
Something akin to a fox, yet, slightly different... She paused, movements cautious, ears pricked and nose sniffing the air. Animal shifters were something Cyrielle was aware of being one herself, however, Ivory Forest was oftentimes void of people... unless they were Assembly. The thought kept the familiar's body rigid as she moved, concerns steadily filling her mind. She lacked affiliation but had managed to avoid the malicious terror-makers throughout her quest to care for her master. Would this morning herald a change in the tides of luck?
She padded forward, shoulders hunched as she wearily moved through the forest. Should something go awry, the familiar was prepared to sprint with the use of her enhanced speed. Softly, her feet treaded across the grass, muffled by surrounding creatures retreating from her location... She needed to get down wind of these animals else they would reveal her location. She walked through twisted roots, scent growing stronger, it was worrisome. When the scent suggested somebody close by, Cyrielle lowered her wolven body and crawled beneath the cover of a low to the ground bush.
The scent of someone else nearby set his senses to high alert, his snowy white fur bristling in a natural response to what could very well be a threat. His crystal blue eyes scanned his immediate surroundings again, though he didn't notice anything out of place. He shook leaf litter and other clinging debris from his snowy white fur, before carefully taking time to stretch out his limbs. Just in case he needed to move quickly, he may as well be ready for it.
He finally lifted himself to his paws, his ears swivelling at every sound nearby as he caught the scent stronger than before. It was very much wolfen more than other animals, something that was at least physically stronger than he was in animal form. This could be dangerous if they were aggressive, no matter if it was a shifter of some sort or a wild beast. Either one was capable of causing some damage, and he just was not interested in any of that.
Staying still for a moment and listening, he notices that the rustling has gone quiet. They could be anywhere at this point, moved on or impossibly close to his current position. He would have to make a decision here, to go for it or to remain hidden. Choosing a route in between those to options, he slowly creeps from his spot beneath the large tangled roots of the old tree, walking on quiet and careful paws.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 350 words N/a
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]Never was she foreign to the existence of other inhabitants inside the Ivory Woods. Interactions with wildlife were natural for a determined young hunter, alas, suspicious scents cast wariness with haste. From her position beneath the bushes, Cyrielle’s vision of her surroundings was limited. The movement could result in the unintentional rustling of nearby bushes and direct the attention of an unfamiliar entity. She believed something hid beneath the underbrush of the woods, lurking between the trees and perhaps searching... What this creature was and their affiliation was unknown.
The individual could potentially be a soldier for the Assembly or a twisted fox-like mutant... Neither thought brought tranquillity to Cyrielle’s mind as she hid beneath the bush. Quietly, her ruby eyes peered through cracks between the branches. Peripherals were blocked by enclosing leaves, however, through the small hole, she could gaze. A stretch of elegant birch trees stood, pale eggshell bark contrasting against the grey patches. Their thin trunks stretched to the sky while their branches swayed in the fresh spring breeze.
With pricked ears she observed the environment around her, waiting for the moment she spotted the assumed threat. Then, she saw it, a white-pelt escaping the varying colours of the tree. A creature with multiple tails with a unique coloured tip, a kitsune... The familiar was not searching for a fight, therefore, she planned on slinking out from beneath the bush... but her problems only just began. A buzzing filled Cyrielle's ears as a small wasp landed on her nose. Panic settled on her brow as she wiggled her nose, attempting to persuade it to leave.
Unfortunately, Cyrielle would not receive a lucky escape... Perhaps the wasp was a skiddish creature, but nonetheless, her stinger buried into her nose. A loud yelp escaped her muzzle as she reared back, branches rustling while her paws reached for her nose. Unintentionally, she rose, standing as she backpedalled from the bush. Horrified, she stared in the direction of the assumed kitsune, concerned she would be attacked. Meanwhile, the little wasp buzzed away, acting innocent as it retreated from the young wolf.
Maharo’s steps are stealthy, quiet, as he tried to attract as little attention as he could. His eyes were alert and tracking his environments, from making sure he has a clear escape route, to fixing on potential hiding places. Ears swiveled, keeping every sound registered and checked for threat, as he slowly tread down a path leading back to civilization.
A sudden rustling and a yelp made him picot and his head snapped around to see what had made such a noise. His white fur bristles as he took a defensive stance towards the large wolf, making it clear he was not a threat, but also not easy prey. After a few heart-beats his breathing started to calm as dis his pounding heart, and he turned and on swift paws darted under another set of roots. This one was a tighter squeeze, though it would be harder to get at him while he sheltered in the small partial burrow.
Peeking his head out slightly to gaze in the direction of the wolf, Maharo realized something. Wriggling about and trying to tug himself forward slightly with his forepaws, he was definitely stuck. Letting out a low whine and wanting to sink through the ground in utter shame, he squirmed around more, his paws digging into the unfeeling earth. Of course this would happen. Hopefully the wolf didn’t want to eat him.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 229 words N/a
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]The abrupt noise manifested because of the wasp's malicious sting left Cyrielle with a spotlight seemingly fixated on her. Originally, the human scents prompted caution, but a single wasp sting through any possible notions of leaving unnoticed millions of yards out the window. Somebody would have to be blind and deaf to not had heard the rustling of leaves and loud yelp of pain. The beacon was upon her, yet, the assumed kitsune, based on the tails, was not keen on fighting with her and instead ran.
Confusion drawn on the familiar's eyes as the fox retreated, squeezing beneath the roots and getting stuck. The young girl was surprised by the actions taken by the white kitsune. Although, the individual now entered a desperate situation of being stuck and fearful. Slowly, Cyrielle lumbered through the bushes and into the clearing, her ruby eyes locked directly onto the white-furred kitsune. A soft sigh escaped the young woman's lips. A light consumed her as the grey wolf transformed into her human form, revealing a young, long-haired girl.
"Do you need help?" She asked quietly.
Slowly, Cyrielle approached, her steps cautious as she closed the distance between her and the kitsune. These creatures were known for having manipulation-based powers, therefore, the familiar kept caution. She was required to care for Nozel, thus he prepared herself to defend against an attack.
He knew that if he continued making efforts to free himself, that the only thing he would accomplish was exhausting every ounce of energy he had. If someone wanted to hurt him and he was too exhausted to fight back - well anyone could guess at the ending of such a story. However, Maharo was teetering on the brink of panic, therefore he really wasn’t thinking too logically. This was the first time he had really gotten himself trapped like this.
Squirming and twisting around, he noticed the wolf coming closer. Trying to push himself back now - more into being unable to be reached and snatched up - the white kitsune shuddered. His paws were becoming dirtied from all the dirt he had been clawing at, and bits of root were catching at his tails. Even if he managed to get out of such a situation alive - he would probably be filthy.
However, something happened that he didn’t quite expect. The wolf became a girl, and this caused him to pause in his struggling. If she were to transform in front of him - then maybe, she wasn’t really intending to hurt him. He quieted, stilling his fruitless struggle and calming somewhat. At her question, a low whimper escaped his throat. His crystal blue eyes were gazing at her, and he was hoping to show that he wouldn’t lash out. He wouldn’t attack her.
He just wanted to get out of this weird, earthy prison.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 285 words You can cut off the end if you need to!
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]There was undoubtfully some danger in the actions she chose to commit, however, Cyrielle wished to assist others. Although, she maintained caution as she approached the kitsune, thoroughly aware fire or water could get thrown her way. Despite the creature's feeble escape attempts, there was still a chance for the white multi-tailed fox to provide a genuine threat. She kept Nozel in her mind, remembering her requirements to survive to protect the young boy. She swore it to him, the contract binding them being accomplished as proof to those promises.
Carefully, she ventured forward, maintaining distance as she awaited some type of answer from the kitsune. The low whimper, a plea for assistance, met her delicate ears. The grey-haired girl's wolf-like ears twitched at the noise which left the kitsune's lips. She prayed the stranger did not harbour negative intentions or the ability to feign a whimper for assistance. Slowly, she stepped forward, tail rigid from her concerns. The wolf familiar reached to her belt and used a sharp tug to free her hunting knife from the sheath.
"Okay... I won't hurt you if you don't hurt me, alright? But I need this-" she showed him the knife, "to get you out."
The words were spoken softly to maintain a calm over the situation as Cyrielle approached. As she got closer, the young girl crouched, grabbing one of the roots. She brought her knife down upon it, moving the blade up and down. The progress was gradual as Cyrielle tried to assure the kitsune would not be injured in her effort. When the first root neared breaking, she placed her knife to the side and gave it a sharp pull to try and break it.
White paws stained dark with soil, from the scrambling and desperate escape attempts. His breathing was a little labored, though his resting position was helping calm it. His eyes remained on her carefully, lowering his head to lay on his crossed paws. Like this, surely he could show he had no ill intentions. His ears swiveled in time with her coming closer, also keeping track of the sounds around them. His head lifted slightly at the appearance of the knife, though he made no other move.
As she spoke, he gave a slow nod, communicating that he understood. Then he lowered his head back onto his crossed paws and waited. He was still very nervous, being trapped in such a vulnerable position. His ears twitched as she crouched, head tilting to cast her a glance. The sounds of cutting wood filled his ears, and he couldn’t help but tense on instinct. He forced himself to stay still, so that he wouldn’t cause himself to get hurt accidentally. Cracking filled his ears as one of the roots lifted away, and he started to wriggle himself free once more.
He lifted himself onto his paws and pulled himself forward, toes and claws digging deep into the earth. Another one of the roots started to crackle a little at the force of his pulling, almost as if he might pull it free. It was a window to freedom, he was almost there. Huffing a little in frustration, he pressed himself back into the ground. Just a little more and he would get loose, be free again.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 275 Words N/a
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]Fortunately, the mysterious fox shifter proved himself nonthreatening in his expressions. Head lowered on his paws and a seeming acceptance of the assistance Cyrielle would be providing him. It made the young woman feel safe in her approach and work to free the stranger. After applying some effort, Cyrielle managed to break through the first root trapping the unfortunate kitsune. Her knife had bit through the wooden root, sawing it down until it became fragile. One of the winding "prison" bars were broken, granting some freedoms.
As the stranger began wiggling again, Cyrielle stood, taking a couple steps back. Her gloved hands kept a grip on the knife as she silently observed the creature's struggles. Sounds of shifting dirt accompanied crackling moans of complaint from tree. Every moment of struggle was watched as the kitsune attempted its escape, however, the roots refused to budge from the force exerted. A soft sigh breezed through the young huntress' lips as she stepped forward. Once in close proximity, she crouched down next to the other problematic root.
"I will cut this one too, alright?" She informed him. "Just stay still."
One of Cyrielle's slender hands grabbed the root while the other closed the distance between the knife's blade and the wooden surface. As her hunter's knife began cutting into the root, the sounds of wood being sawed away filled her sensitive ears. Gradually, it ate away at the second "prisoner's bar" until Cyrielle brought it to a weakening point. Her hand holding the root tightened before giving it a sharp pull. Another round of crackling wood filled her ears as the weakened root gave way to her force.
His restlessness was rising, as he wished to be able to retreat in peace. Then he could return home to where his friend waited, and he could refrain from ever speaking about this incident. He likely wouldn’t come here again for a while, in order to let his initial shame die down. His senses were wild and alert, though he was able to keep them in line. It was just barely ... a strong urge to run remained. His head shifted as she crouched down, perked ears catching her words. A soft huff of air exited his lips, a sign he understood. It was all he had to offer, at the current moment. Staying still, he could manage that.
His crystal blue eyes kept watch as she worked, making certain nobody else would come across them. His ears twitched with each slice and cut into the wood, whilst still remaining trained on their surroundings. He perked up as there was a pause, and a cracking noise. Using as much force as he could muster once more, he finally pulled himself free. Tumbling tails over nose from the force, he eventually came to a stop on his side.
Slowly picking himself back up onto his paws, he shook as much of the debris from his fur as he could. Turning his head to regard the girl with his crystal blue eyes, he was grateful. He could merely shift and tell her how grateful he was, but he would prefer to keep what he looked like as a secret. Offering her a wave of his many tails, he dipped his head to her as an acknowledgement. Turning towards what was surely the way back to the city, he bounded off. He was ready to go home, and find a way to ease the shame and tension.
I'll protect you from all the pain I'll fight for you until I draw my last
[attr="class","vcred"]@maharo - 288 words N/a
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[attr="class","vpostbg"]Steadily, Cyrielle worked away at the roots confining the unfortunate kitsune. The hunting knife's sharp edge worked through the strong oak roots. Through her work, she noticed the actions of the white-furred kitsune. The creature kindly surveyed the area for dangers, an action appreciated by the young wolf familiar. Ivory Woods was filled with terror and AP members at times, hence, one required caution when entering the area. Dangers lurked around every corner as they stalked the area. Nothing appeared nearby, but staying in a single location kept Cyrielle tense through her efforts.
As she carried out the tedious work of releasing her trapped acquaintance, Cyrielle's ears remained pricked. She understood the trapped kitsune was listening and observing their surroundings, however, she could somewhat assist with the efforts. Every noise was detected by the delicate ears of the young wolf familiar. The rustling of leaves above from a gentle breeze and subtle buzz of long muted life. Gradually, her efforts paid off until the sawing ceased and shortly arrived the crackling of Cyrielle successfully breaking the roots.
Quickly, she retreated as the kitsune began working towards freedom. He seemingly popped from the roots, tumbling out from his tree prison. A muted smile breached the familiar's face, quaint and momentary.
"There you go, that must be a lot better," she commented softly.
The wave of the kitsune's gorgeous white tails along with the dip of his head was enough thanks for Cyrielle. From her distance, she watched him bound off into the bushes. Once away from her vision, Cyrielle breathed a sigh and shifted back into the wolf form she originally used. In moments, she returned to scowering the woods, searching for prey to bring home to her master.
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credits
The skin is created by Wolf of Adoxography and Gangnam Style. The thread and conversation remodels are by Kagney. The Strange Reality board list, Heal My Soul info center, I Remember Now mini profile and Electric Requiem profile remodel is made by Pharoah Leap. The Who's That Member member list remodel was made by Tictactoe. The Cbox.ws Shoutbox remodel was made by Trinity Blair. All templates used for claims, information sheets, applications, etc are credited to their owners; credits for these can be found in the threads the templates are use on. Images that are used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners, however, they have been edited by Zac with a few being edited by Chibi Magician. The plot, rules and various other information pieces for The Duality of Man are written by Chibi Magician with the assistence of her co-admins, Finnegan and Dremulf, alongside other unlisted people who were kind enough to give their input. The TRS, AP and face claim were all created by Fleur for specifically the use of TDOM. All plugins used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners. The templates my members use are credited to their maker, if you find a template that belongs to you, but is uncredited, please speak to Chibi Magician or the member themself. Characters created on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners and should not be used elsewhere without the creator's permission.
Special thanks for the members of TDOM who make suggestions to help make this site better. Even though we can not accept all suggestions, we immensely appreciate it. Thus, we give credit to any additions that you thought of and were later implimented by the staff, because we are glad you give us these excellent ideas.