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.
Today was the marking point of another year since the first time his best friend had cursed him. This day was always rather rough, and he didn’t ever really expect it to get any better. He exhales slowly as he leans his back against the bench, steam from the lid of a mocha coffee distorting the air slightly. The pressure against his back is comforting on a day like this, something to ground him in and remind him that he was still okay. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he can allow himself some kind of brief reprieve.
It’s been a long time since that happened. A lot has changed, a lot of days and years blending together until it became hard to pick out any one thing. It’s been a long time since his laughs had turned from desperate and hollow, to genuine again. Nova had made mistakes while learning to come to grips with his new reality, maybe more mistakes than anyone else he has ever know. Yet, he had done it. Even if his dreams had gotten shifted slightly, he has made something of himself. You don’t always get to accomplish your first choice dream, anyways.
His luck had already seemed to have quite a bit of fun this week - two bulbs shattered, though at least only one was at work. Tuesday his car had refused to start, and Thursday an apprentice tripped and sent all their paperwork flying. Thankfully the apprentice hadn’t been hurt and the papers hadn’t been damaged, though they had needed to be sorted back into the correct order. Someone made another joke about how he must have broken a mirror. Fairly standard stuff.
Green eyes open again as he lifts the warm drink to his lips, the steam a hissing warmth against his face as he took a drink. He wouldn’t normally indulge in something as sweet as this one was, but he always needed all the help he could get on this day. He had a few different meetings throughout the week - medical reports to file, and a few medicines in need of replenishing. Glancing up at the sound of footsteps, he lifted his free hand in a friendly wave, the corners of his mouth curled up in a slightly more subdued version of his usual smile.
Without the completion of his apprenticeship, Gray’s options in the TRS were limited. Study. Watch. Wait. Repeat. It had become a tiresome yet welcome monotony to a life once washed with chaos. Gray adjusted his bag over his shoulder, the weight of the books inside seemingly increasing by the hour. He just had one more stop before he was done for the day.
With all the free time in the world to just think about things.
Gray walked faster with the thought, as though he could just avoid the whole situation with speed alone. He was so engrossed in the concept of too much time and formulating a study strategy that would keep him busy until midnight that he failed to see the person waving at him. In fact, he failed to see the person at all. “Wha- whoa!” Gray’s shoe scuffed on an imperfection of the floor, causing him to swivel slightly. It was just enough that he bumped into the light-haired man he’d failed to see.
Through some miracle he managed to catch himself before he fell and turned back to face the person he’d practically run over in his clumsiness. Gray’s face lost some color as he looked the other person over. It was the bad luck guy, the one who was in the medic division. He stiffed, struggling to find the right words as he beheld the man before him.
“I, uh, sorry I guess I wasn’t looking where I was going,” somehow his string of nervously spewed words only seemed to be gaining momentum as he added them on. Gray didn’t need anymore bad luck. But that was just a myth, right? This guy couldn’t really be that unlucky? It would be wrong to judge someone by another’s words. Forcing himself to relax, he started with the most important question, “are you okay?”
Well, that was to be expected. His drink had slipped from his grasp and crashed to the ground - though thankfully it wasn’t really that big of a loss. Looking over at the other, Nova shrugs, showing that it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Worse could have happened, and at the very least nobody had ended up hurt by the entire thing. It could have been another light-bulb, or they could have both been knocked over.
”It’s okay, not that big of a deal. Everyone has stuff to think about these days.” Nova’s voice is calm despite what day it was, perhaps lending just a little hint of chill to the situation. It was probably about time he stopped wallowing because of the significance of the date - and actually went about doing some of what his job actually entailed. Not that he was particularly enthused about it, let alone motivated.
Picking his own bag up from the space besides him, he motioned his head towards the building. ”Really, I’m fine. If this was all it took to get at me what kind of two-bit medic would I be? I was about to get up anyways.” The invitation to escort him was there, but also no pressure to should it not be wanted. Slipping his bag over one shoulder he stands up, making it clear his intent at going inside.
He wouldn’t be offended or hurt if the subtle invitation was declined. There were any number of reasons for a declining answer, all of them that he could think of were quite understandable. Anything from already having plans, to someone not wanting to be around the curse that plagues his presence. It was possible that the curse had bene what causes the loss of balance anyways, if the other knew about his curse at all.
Gray’s eyes widened as he saw the coffee cup rolling on the ground, its contents staining the stone beneath like a murder scene. While the man didn’t seem particularly put off by the premature death of his beverage, Gray was mortified.
The loss of caffeine – of coffee no less, was a horrible thing. He shifted his backpack over his shoulder while trying hard not to bite his lip. Yesterday had gotten him so nervous that it’d been beaten up enough. A medic? This was definitely the guy all the new recruits had been chatting about.
Bad luck didn’t bother Gray though. The way he saw it he was due some bad luck. He certainly wouldn’t hold it against the man for a reputation that may or may not be true. Rubbing his elbow, Gray turned back to the medic who seemed to be offering him a conversation.
Come to think of it he had looked lost in thought. Either way Gray wasn’t about to turn down a chance to learn about the organization he was going to commit himself to.
“No! I definitely need to buy you a replacement,” he nodded, ready to accompany this man on his walk to the tall building, “I don’t know how I could function without my morning coffee.”
Gray dipped, down, plucked the plastic up, and threw it in a nearby dumpster where it clattered to the bottom. The stain had already been absorbed by the pavement and the next rain would likely wash it away. Despite every part of him itching to ask too many questions, Gray settled on something conversation worthy.
“So, you’re a medic? Like a field medic or…?” he reconsidered, realizing it might be rude not to introduce himself first, “I’m Gray by the way. I’m new here.”
Well, that was to be expected. While he was sure the medical division wouldn’t collapse without his help if he missed just one day, he didn’t want to take the chance either. If he really needed to he could just get another drink, and take another break. He hadn’t really checked in just yet - meaning there was probably someone looking for him. Nova’s eyes softened as the other spoke, wondering slightly about the other’s personal story. ”Thank you for that. I’ll probably be needing it.”
Beginning the trek to the building, his bag was a comfortable weight at his side. Today he needed every ounce of familiarity, to keep him as grounded as possible. Humming lowly under his breath as he considered the question. ”Been one for a long time. I’m the head medic around here.” He paused, his smile curling around his lips more. ”Well, welcome to the TRS, Gray. I’m Nova Morgenstern.”
The self introduction came easy, as he was far used to it by now. Countless meetings to gain more medicines, as well as having seen new faces come and go. This wasn’t the first time he had to have this conversation, and it wouldn’t be the last. More new faces would come and go, with time passing ceaselessly by. Time waited for nobody, waited for nothing. No matter how much anyone desired it ... it wouldn’t happen. ”How new is new anyways? Have you heard the rumors yet?”
Nova Morgenstern. Head medic also known as the bad luck guy. Gray was trying to process how to handle this when Nova dove right into the matter at hand. The rumors. How could he not? Answering such a loaded question was a delicate process though. One that would take a great deal of thought. But Gray had been there before, answering the same uncomfortable question many times.
“Of course, gossip really gets around here,” he shifted his backpack slightly on his shoulder before circling around to answer Nova’s other questions, “new as in haven’t yet finished training. I’m working with my mentor… uh, Brasti? Not sure if you know the guy.”
Gray left the ‘he’s intimidating’ portion of Brasti’s description out naturally. The TRS was large but it crossed over in so many ways that plenty of people knew each other. He briefly entertained himself with the idea of what Nova’s job entailed before he realized he should probably clarify.
“Were you talking about rumors about you or…? Because I’m sure in a few years I’ll get some wild rumors too,” he offered a genuine smile, “people just talk about things, they can’t help it. And, let’s face it, rumors are just rumors. Most of them are baseless so don’t worry about it.”
He certainly felt lighter after saying those words. There probably was no basis for the rumors regarding Nova. People in high positions were bound to be the targets of malicious drama anyways, it came with the territory. While the TRS seemed more respectable than most, it was still an organization of people at the end of the day.
To combat a tiny, sudden breeze Gray tucked an errant strand behind his ear. Hopefully Nova had been referring to the rumors about himself or this was going to be a very uncomfortable conversation.
Well, that was to be expected. The rumors were all true, something that Gray would learn eventually. He would notice it sooner or later, the random shattering of a bulb or crack appearing in a window pane. Nova wasn’t really worried about the rumors anyways, he’s heard it all before. It has long since affecting him, after a while learning to just ignore them. Like water off a duck’s back, as the saying goes. The curses themselves he has also long grown used to, the fact they were long integrated into daily life. He doesn’t mind a drink spilling here, or a computer blue-screening there. Nova hums a little, giving his head a nod. ”Well, of course. It’s practically new face initiation to be warned away from me. As for Brasti ... not as well as others.”
Though, Brasti was also someone with quite the reputation, from what the angel has heard. Nova never really found himself buying into those kinds of things - preferring to make his own judgements as to his views on someone. It came from valuing one’s own thought, instead of just being swayed by the masses. ”Yup. You don’t even want to know the amount of bad luck puns I hear in a day.” Humming softly under his breath for a minute, he finds himself considering Gray’s words. ”You think so? Plan on doing something crazy then?”
Most rumors were indeed baseless, but not these ones. Nova was often compared to broken mirrors or a black cat. Sure, it got old but he handled it just fine. After a while, it’s just a repeat. You can’t constantly come up with something new, after all. You ran out of material to work with, and had to return to tired old things everybody heard a million times.
While Gray was a little disappointed not to hear more about Brasti, he was glad to hear that news of his terrible teaching cession hadn’t gotten too far out. Maybe Brasti mostly kept to himself then. It was a relief for sure. Nova’s inquiry into him doing wild things caught him off guard.
“What? No! I mean I hope not,” he laughed, the words slightly charged with a nervous energy. Nothing about his sordid past had come up either. Gray felt like he didn’t deserve for that part to ever be forgotten.
He was quiet for a second as the pair walked, thumbs still hitched under the straps of his backpack. He wondered how Nova could be so nonchalant about his luck. Where did it even originate from? Was it baseless? Gray had pretty much met with misfortune around him. So many questions he could never ask brewing on his lips.
So, he settled for something else entirely.
“So, what kind of coffee are you into?” it almost sounded like a bad dating question but Gray hoped it was socially acceptable given their current situation, “hot, cold, lattes, fraps, or...?”
Gray had to stop himself before he listed off Anna’s entire menu to the poor guy. Coffee was one of the few things he still showed enthusiasm about so reigning himself in so as not to bore others was a daily occurrence. He forced his mouth to close, waiting to see what kind of person Nova was by his choice in caffeinated beverages.
Well, that was to be expected. The TRS ranks were large and formidable, and while you tend to hear a lot about each other, it didn’t necessarily mean you knew much about each individual person. Brasti was rarely injured and as such, rarely needed Nova’s care. Now that he was mentioned though, Nova can’t say his curiosity wasn’t peaked. He was quietly amused at the other’s reaction, as he had only been kidding. ”Well, that’s the spirit. Usually new apprentices charge straight into danger, or do something reckless. I know I sure bit off more than I could chew when I first started.” The words were easy, almost a gentle poke at himself. A hint at a mistake he could never change, a stain he could never erase.
He barely needed to pay attention to where he walked, having long since memorized where everything lay. He had been here for so long, that imagining himself without it seemed nigh impossible. Would he even be himself without the TRS? Who would he be, if not? No matter the answer, he didn’t really want to dwell on it. No matter how much better or worse that version of him might be, it simply wasn’t fact. A slight hum left his lips at the next question, though the answer was pretty easy.
”An easier question might be, what coffee I don’t like. When you work as many late shifts as I do, you take what you can get.” Sure, he might end up twice as wired, but it was worth the inevitable crash. ”Have a lot of responsibilities on my plate. Pulled more all-nighters than I can count.” The words are a casual affirmation, no jest or ill will held within them.
Do not use drama to get attention in the chat. Nobody appreciates it.
2
No advertising, we have a perfectly fine board for that.
3
Please try and keep swearing to a minimum in the chat.
4
All chat usernames should be PG-13 and not break the ProBoards ToS or site rules.
5
A Chatango account is not required, but it is encouraged.
6
Please avoid spamming the chat; accidents are understandable.
7
You may use the in-character chat prior to acceptance.
8
Be respectful to anybody who enters the chat, including guest, fellow members and staff.
9
Guests may speak in chat at anytime to ask questions or get a taste of our community~!
resource sites
affiliates
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.