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 2024
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.
Since the wonderful members of TDOM enjoy the site enough to play around on it, this thread is to assist with the site's tidying! Functionality is important and we want to make the site functional even if its activity will be minimal at best!
In the autumn weather of a pleasant November day, a plan hatched into the mind of Devon Lotto. Recent days summoned emotions never known by the pink-haired man as possible. Smiles tickled the young human's lips as thoughts swirled inside his mind. Today, his blue mustang, a semi-fancy, but sensible vehicle, was low on fuel. The revelation brought about excitement in Devon's veins as he spent the morning picking a suitable outfit and gleefully dance-walking around his room. From the closet, he spun and opened the doors, gazing through before returning to his drawers.
Plucking a robin egg blue dress shirt from the closet hooks and a pair of black jeans. He changed quickly, tugging the crisp shirt over his shoulders before pulling the dark jeans over his legs. The bespectacled man approached his dresser, grabbing his wallet, phone and car keys. The items were stuffed into his pockets as Devon hurried out his bedroom door. Down the stairs of the Lotto manor, he rushed, a smile dancing over his lips. As he passed through his ears heard the clangs of kitchen staff and the distinct trot of his mother in high heeled shoes.
Before he could push through the large doors, his mother's eyes locked on him. Her light blue hues flickering with surprise as she noticed the rush stride of her son.
"Devon? Where are you going?" She inquired, approaching the young man.
The young man paused, an awkward grin stretching over his lips. There was no particular purpose for Devon's leave, rather, his excitement and glee derived from one thing. The discovered existent of the supermarket cashier, Marvelle Russell. After ending up at a supermarket that was across from a gas station in the coastal region, Devon became infatuated with the man. Though, what the cotton-candy haired man thought would be something brief grew into becoming a full-blown enamouring. The dark-haired man possessed an adorable appearance, then his personality...
There was something about his peaceful nature that attracted Devon to him. Upon noticing it, he wanted to invite him to a tea party where they could both exemplify those traits. The sweetness of his grin and the manner he handled himself in customer service. It became an attraction that Devon wished to explore, especially with Marvelle being the first. Though, he required a reason for his sudden leave on the mid-morning of the Sunday.
"Uh, just for a drive, did you guys need anything?" He quietly asked, praying his slip of the tongue 'uh' would be ignored.
Surprise faded from his mother's face, shifting to a cheerful grin. Clearly, she believed him, though, his comment could not be considered dishonesty.
"I see, just stay safe," she answered as she walked back.
"I will! Love you, bye," Devon responded before hurrying out the door.
Down the front stairs, he hurried, heading to the large, detached garage. He hurried inside, approaching his familiar blue mustang where he entered the vehicle. With a simple push of the garage fob, the door opened. In the meantime, Devon buckled his seatbelt and started his vehicle. From there, Devon headed out, the garage closing behind him once his vehicle drove through the opening. Through the streets, Devon navigated, radio playing cheerful music in his ears while his fingers merrily tapped the steering wheel.
First, the pink-haired man stopped at the card lock gas station, paying for it at the pump and filling his mustang with premium fuel. Quietly, he watched the numbers tick up, occasionally glancing over his shoulder at the nearby grocery store. The CEO assistant bounced on his feet, hoping a majority of people would be distracted with church or various tasks of the household. Furthermore, he hoped Marvelle would be working his shift this morning and have time for a brief conversation, or perhaps, the chance to drink coffee together.
When finished, he pulled into the supermarket parking lot, taking a deep breath. In the review mirror, Devon double-checked his hair and shortly exited his vehicle. With an attempt at confidence, Devon entered the supermarket. Once through the glass double doors, he conveniently walked past the checkout isles were through his peripherals. In them, he noticed the blurry shape of Marvelle Russell. A giddy smile traced the pink-haired man's lips as he hurried towards the chip rack and plucked two bags. He retreated from the isles, purposefully entering the checkout Marvelle was stationed at.
As he entered, Devon flashed the dark-haired man a smile. The chips were set onto the belt, the same kind he always grabbed for the purpose of gaining a chance to converse with the man.
"H-hey! Look, it's you... again, that's convenient," Devon bashfully began. "Anyways! How are you doing, Marvelle?"
There was an awkwardness captured in Devon's expression and voice. Everything was purposefully arranged as Devon strategized for a proper conversation with Marvelle. Merely witnessing the dark-haired man again resulted in Devon bouncing on his feet, hands fidgeting. Every second was enjoyed by Devon, even the silent moments, as he prayed he would gain the confidence to ask Marvelle if he wanted to fetch a coffee.
From the moment the alarm on his phone went off, the moment his eyes opened marked another day started for the elemental. It was a dull routine that dragged at his mental state, but even so today was not necessarily a bad day. Running a brush through the mussed black locks of his hair, the minty tang of toothpaste on his tongue as he brushed his teeth. Pulling the correct shirt over his head, and brushing traces of cat hair off of his pants. It looked good enough ... right? It’d have to do, since it was all the effort he could muster today.
Yawning widely as he makes sure his house keys are securely on his lanyard, he sets out food for Sassy and leaves his apartment. The feline’s meow chased his steps outside, the door closing as her gentle eyes watched him out. Mercurial eyes keep a watch for traffic, as he slowly makes his way to work from his apartment. It wasn’t very long of a walk thankfully, as he lived relatively close by. His partially brushed locks lay gently against his face, tamed enough to not get any quizzical glances. He hadn’t had time to fetch something to eat this morning, meaning he would have to make sure he ate something during lunch break. Using an employee key to get in the back door, the light flickered slightly upon his entry. Slipping the light company logo’d jacket over his shirt, replacing his hoodie with it. Dusting it off a bit, making sure there was no film or dust on the surface. Tucking the lanyard inbetween his shirt and overjacket, he was ready. By technicality, but maybe not mentally.
The change was easy, if not something he had partially schooled himself into. A small smile, and a chirrupy voice. The face of dealing with customers, a service mode many deemed necessary for survival. Sometimes such a mode was hard to switch off, it creeps back unexpectedly when caught in situations where someone was making demands. It further reached back to the days before he started living on his own, expected obedience from his mother and brother. Usually such a slow day as today was becoming would prove boring ... though today Marvelle enjoyed it. He had barely had the energy or will to leave his bed, let alone deal with anyone super demanding. It eventually lead to the relaxation of his forced happy face, making him seem less stiff than when he first arrived for his shift. He usually tends to overcompensate when he was more tired than the usual, looking eerie and almost plastic faced.
Thankfully, those days were not as common as they once had been. Usually the customers and coworkers saw the genuine Marvelle, the peace-loving blackette who remained calm even with the snippiest old ladies. In fact, it was often his inoffensive attitude that served to calm down many problematic customers. While he was far from too overly notable, he did have a fair share of regulars who were happy to get him in a shift.
He didn’t get in trouble with his boss, or argue with his coworkers. It did wonders for merely having a satisfied work life, one that was relatively drama free. Humming lowly under his breath, his thoughts wandered slightly. Sassy had probably finished her food by now, and was happily curled up in a pool of warm sunshine. When he’d be able to return home, it was inevitable she’d be at the window in wait. It was then that a voice pulled him from his thoughts, snagging his attention. A familiar face decorated with a smile, and a few items in hand. The soft expression on Marvelle’s face was easy, natural as breathing. He easily rang up the chosen items, having the ease of having done this many times before. ”Happy to see me?” A small, easy tease before a more casual response. ”Maybe a little tired, but otherwise, it’s a good day.” Marvelle’s voice is friendly, though maybe holds traces of that tiredness.
Perhaps he shows this in other ways, such as faint touches of shadows around his eyes. ”Getting your usual brand, huh? You must really like this kind. For lunch or a snack?” His voice is softly curious, head tilting ever so slightly. It was clear the question was inquisitive in nature, not to be merely nosy. Once the prices had beeped onto the screen, the total was calculated. Same price as always, no surprises there. He easily put the chips into a smaller bag, before leaving it ready to be retrieved. The chips crinkled as he did so, a faint rustle from the bag as they settled where he placed them. Today’s slow nature became evident, as nobody as of yet came into his lane. Marvelle was free to relax and talk, as long as the other stuck around of course.
He knew his superiors wouldn’t complain, especially not unless customers started piling up. Only a few seemed to enter here and there, and usually chose the lanes closer to the door. Marvelle’s was not exactly the closest, so on such a slow day he was often passed up. All the same, it was a much needed restful day. The sooner time passed, the sooner he would be free of the work cycle. Perhaps once he managed to make it home, he’d find it easier to sleep tonight.
Objective one was completed with a clumsy man's grace. Tactfully, Devon had gathered the same stomachable chips and zeroed in on Marvelle's lane; a perfect plan pulled off without a hitch. Carrying the broadest smile he could, Devon's face was entirely lit by his over-zealous expression. The young man's blue eyes shined similar to crystals as he grinned at Marvelle. The waves of dopamine were infecting his filled his body as his heartrate rised and the excited and nervous jitters crawled through his body.
Around Marvelle, Devon's emotions oftentimes went wild. The anxiety of being painted as awkward and foolish by his crush, but the excitement of being close to Marvelle. For a moment, he admired the man, listening to his words as his blue eyes darted over the dark-haired man. As his crush proclaimed tiredness, Devon's keen blue hues noticed the signs. The sleepiness of his voice alongside the minimal tells of his face. It caused the young, pink-haired man to nod at the dark-haired man, a soft frown causing his grin to waver temporarily.
"Awwww, do you need some coffee? I can grab you some," Devon offered as his smile refreshed. "Or if you have a break, maybe we can go grab some together real quick? I can drive us and there is a cafe nearby."
As the dings of the rung through chips hit his ears, Devon moved naturally. His hand slithered into his pocket, grabbing the wallet that contained his cards. The comments made towards purchasing the regular chips were greeted with a nod and a gentle chuckle. He should have expected Marvelle would notice a routine purchase from a customer that always focused on gaining a conversation with him. The cotton-candy haired man even managed to gain the dark-haired man's phone number to continue their discussions.
He enjoyed speaking with Marvelle. The young man's presence inspired those positive emotions and resulted in Devon's determination to create those well-needed connections.
"Y-yeah, I really like them," he responded quietly, hand scratching the back of his head.
Part of the young man wished to confess everything right there. To throw those emotions on the table and pray everything would proceed the way he wished. However, he held back, allowing his hand to retreat from his pockets. The wealthy, young man wished to avoid overwhelming Marvelle or enforcing quick movements instead of allowing it to pan out naturally. With his hand returned to his pockets, he grasped the metallic container with rows of his cards. The bank card was slipped from a slim, metallic container that held all his bank and credit cards alongside his driver's license and ID.
Smoothly, the pink-haired man slapped the card onto the upper portion of the debit machine to tap in the amount. A soft, confirming deep rung in his ears, signaling the purchase of the items. His fingers began working to return the card, his eyes only wavering when he heard the rustle of plastic bags. Once everything was returned to his pockets, he shuffled forward, plucking his grocery bag from the lot. Alas, Devon did not proceed in order to leave the store, rather he waited with plans of gaining a conversation with Marvelle.
Even if his coffee offer was rejected, the pink-haired man knew to gain the affections of his crush, he needed to try for a connection. For without the threads connecting them together, his attempts for love would be futile.
Marvelle had never been much to look at, someone considered rather ordinary and just another face in the crowd. His casual friendliness and warm charm didn’t match up to much, for it could be argued his kind were dime a dozen. He didn’t have a particularly handsome face, and his short black hair was certainly a hue that wasn’t striking or rare. For all intents and purposes, the elemental wasn’t something that most would look twice at.
The fact he stood out at all, or would cause anyone’s heart to flutter would be a foreign concept. Out of everyone that could possibly exist in any area of the world, and for someone to look his way and think he was anything special. Perhaps it was just his lack of self esteem, or he just did not hold much value internally due to past mistakes. Maybe the view could shift eventually, but for now the elemental just works on keeping his head above water. Some part of him was happy though, at which familiar face he had been graced with. Hopefully he didn’t look too terrible, not in front of someone he enjoyed the presence of.
”Coffee sounds so good right now...it’s been a bit difficult to stay motivated when it’s so slow. I can probably go though...between needing a break and the fact today’s the slowest we’ve been for some time. Wait here for me?” As the other paid and moved to grab his bag, Marvelle hoped his intentions were clear in his agreement. Stepping back and away in order to clock out, as well as retrieve his hoodie from where he had stored it. His mood was softening now, picking up a little from where it had been. Conversations that were held scattered through otherwise routine days, little splashes of sunshine. They were often small moments in the grand scheme of things, but also served to be undisputed highlights. This was what made Marvelle feel happiness, a growing contentment. Something about the other settled like a comfort blanket, making him feel less alone.
The sensations of a flutter in his chest, the natural smile tugging at his lips were unfamiliar. It had grown to a point where he found himself wondering if the other would visit the store on days where it wasn’t so busy, or he would occasionally spent quiet moments at home glancing at his phone. Through years and years of a stressful home life and then addiction and therapy, Marvelle had little time to develop feelings for another person. He still was hesitant despite the feelings, not knowing if he was ready for or even deserved such attentions. As he naturally moved to clock out, the manager’s kind voice reached out and said he could have the rest of the day off if he wanted. A graceful thank you left Marvelle’s lips as he slipped his hoodie back over his form.
After a cursory look to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything, he headed back to tell the good news. “Hey...! The manager said I can have the rest off..” His voice was soft and grateful, relieved to see that the other had indeed waited. While the black haired elemental was quietly delighted in the luck, a small stir of anxiety accompanied it. ”This way, there’ll be no need to keep track of the time. Unless there’s somewhere else you’ll need to be...” There was a meekness to his voice, a quiet consideration held that he might indeed have other plans today.
Thoughts churned out prayers faster than Devon could think. The connection he wished to form with Marvelle was something beyond the bonds of friendship, thus, the anxiety came naturally. Nervousness twitched down to his fingers the longer he spent in the presence of awe. Despite the dark-haired man's relatively "plain" features, Devon discovered a new marvel with every curious gaze. The darkened hues of the man's eyes stunned him, the semi-short locks of black hair fascinated his searching eyes and the man's general build and style attracted his attention.
Only increasing Devon's romantic trepidation was the stirring thought of coffee potentially being their first outing together. Their outing would not receive the classification of a "date", however, a friendly time together was something Devon craved since crushing hard on Marvelle. The beginnings of romantic relationships started in the roots of forming platonic bonds and testing those bonds. The response given by the black-haired man inspired hope inside Devon's heart. Flutters entered the man's heart as a smile twitched onto his face.
"Aw-awesome, and yep! I will wait right here, won't move an inch! Yesserie!" A sheepish chuckle escaped the pink-haired man's lips. "I mean, at least now I can kinda thank you for ringing me through all the time."
As Marvelle walked away to clock out, the human's laugh faded. The nervous smile stuck onto Devon's countenance as he hoped he did not make Marvelle feel uncomfortable. A deep breath was sucked into the depths of the pink-haired man as he plucked his grocery bag from the counter. Patiently, his fingers hooked onto the handles of the plastic bag as he nervously hopped on his feet. Excitement and anxiety mingled together as he concerned himself with thoughts of being despised by Marvelle or potentially accomplishing something weird.
He prayed to any available god to grant him the ability to impress Marvelle. A lack of permanency was acceptable inside Devon's mind, rather, he merely craved the opportunity to try. Inside his mind, there was something special about Marvelle that attracted his attention and manifested a sense of jubilee. Constantly, Devon's blue eyes flitted around, waiting for the return of his crush. The tapping of his feet was automatic as the exhilarated man felt the nervousness rocketing through his veins. Shortly, his eyes locked onto the returning man.
The excellent news provided by Marvelle summoned a broader smile to Devon's face. Mentally, the pink-haired man thanked the kindly manager for granting his crush early freedom.
"That's great!" He cheers. "Maybe after coffee we can do something else if you're up for it, you know? Anyways, c'mon, let's head out!"
He turned on a heel, steps carrying him to the glass double doors with a slight hop. A single arm dangled, carrying the hastily purchased chips as his open hand fished for the keys to his vehicle. As they exited the store, Devon's eyes quickly locked onto the blue mustang. Occasionally, the pink-haired man glanced over his shoulder, flashing Marvelle a small smile.
"So, do you have a favourite type of coffee or?" He inquired quietly.
Casual conversation was another necessity to assure connections would form, however, the nervousness riding Devon's blood cells made calmness difficult. He wanted to spend time with the black-haired man, yet, he could not cease the endless trepidation inside of him. A simple click allowed Devon to unlock the vehicle, his mustang clicking and beeping in coordination. Slowly, he walked to his side of the vehicle, opening the driver's side and getting inside. In a single fluid movement, Devon placed the chips on the backseat.
Quickly, the pink-haired man buckled himself in and closed the door, getting prepared to ferry them away to a cafe.
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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.
