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!
You kicked me down and tried to break me, but I will rise up and burn you.
[attr="class","raymondsscrolling"]Stowed away on Raymond's shoulder was the precious cargo he discovered through the lingering sense of pain. Concerns riffled through the Assembly soldier's head as the stranger struggled and shouted for assistance that fell upon deaf ears. The pain of fists hitting his back was ignored, Raymond persevering through whatever the young man threw at him. Opportunity existed with the brown-haired man, a chance for something the tiefling always craved, another person. Presence possessed a powerful of comfort on an individual who knew nothing, but immense loneliness.
The questions and digging nails received no answer from Raymond. There would be a chance to provide an explanation after they entered a safer location. The dark-haired man was under the impression that his soulmate would hastily accept him. The pair's fates were intertwined through magic itself. An opportunity to finally discover the one individual meant to stand alongside him at every twisted turn. Quickly, Raymond rushed through the streets, maintaining his full sprint as his eyes flitted about, praying for a location to dip into.
Around them were empty streets, however, the further Raymond ventured with his soulmate over his shoulder, the more dangerous the circumstance became. A single wandering gaze from a heroic individual meant Raymond being required to defend himself while maintaining his grasp on the stranger. An alleyway entered Raymond's gaze, the black-haired man hastily running into the alleyway. His hands fumbled around his pockets, fingers narrowly managing to grasp a small piece of white chalk between his fingertips.
"Calm, I'll explain soon," he grumbled out.
With the stranger still balanced on his shoulder, Raymond crouched. Immediately, the tip of the white chalk was drawn over the asphalt surface. Inside Raymond's head was the hex's design, the black-haired man planning on making a teleportation hex for the purpose of an abrupt return home. Throughout the drawing, Raymond's senses remained open, ears listening for footsteps and eyes occasionally sweeping around. Concerns cycled through about somebody stumbling upon them and ceasing the kidnapping of his soulmate.
His ears noticed the quickened breaths, his actions evidently causing his soulmate distress. Fortunately, as the final lines were completed, Raymond's hopes elevated. The black-haired tiefling stood to his full height before taking a step into the hex circle. The lines of chalk glowed, activating and transporting them away from the world around him. Within moments, the familiar halls of Raymond's home surrounded them. An abode limited in decorations, but nonetheless well-maintained. Carefully, Raymond approached the couch, adjusting his grip on the stranger and setting him down on top of it.
Immediately, Raymond's silver eyes gazed at the frighted man, a hand reaching for his wrist. Softly, his open one reached to brush aside his hair, hoping to gain a look at the potential bump on the stranger's forehead.
All I know is they want us to raid this warehouse and take some of the supplies. I think they said it was metal and we needed to clear the way for the manipulators to come take it.
You kicked me down and tried to break me, but I will rise up and burn you.
[attr="class","raymondsscrolling"]In the soft warmth of late spring, Assembly work appeared to pick up. Terrors and Assembly members became busy with their quest to bring forth the well-required segregation of species. Together their bickering would proceed endlessly and the prejudices would increase over time. Over the years, Raymond learned the annual practices of the Assembly of Phantoms. Their expectations were limitless and during the spring months, they expected members to drum of success. Therefore, Raymond was accomplishing some predetermined planning for the upcoming plans.
Nothing of drastic proportions would be arriving, however, a minor attack on the outskirts was considered required. An old warehouse in the area possessed items hidden by the Assembly of Phantoms. Multiple weapons alongside items of interest were tucked away in hidden compartments, however, the TRS knew of their presence in the area. Thus, violence was required in order to procure the needed items. His eyes swept the area, noticing the occasional faces of those daring enough to enter the questionable scene of the outskirts.
The regularly silver eyes were disguised under the colouring of an amber hue. As a renowned soldier of the Assembly, Raymond required a masquerade when on the streets of Lorsette. It led the man's regularly dark-coloured hair to gain a blond shine alongside his skin to possess a porcelain complexion. Nobody would recognize him in the altered colour scheme, the parallels in comparison to his dark locks and silvery eyes assured it. His steps were laced with a casual slowness, the soldier wishing to avoid appearing hurried.
The few passing faces intrigued the tiefling as he proceeded forward. As the compound arrived closer in distance, he amused himself with the haste of curious scanning and wandering gazes. Though, a single one attracted his coloured-in eyes. Across the way, he noticed him, a shorter man with light brown hair and fair skin. No explanation could be provided when Raymond stop, his eyes moving along with him. The occurrence was brief until Raymond shook his head and marched forward. Distractions were unnecessary for a single goal weighted in his mind.
He wished to please the Assembly given the many things they provided. They were his home, carrying the burden of a moral message not viewed similarly by all. Equality could not exist when everyone mingled about carelessly for prejudice always existed in the forefront of people's minds. He clung to a single purpose, a single goal that hung highly inside his mind. Nothing to deter him from the notion of his paradise... Phantasmic pain echoed across his body, abrupt and unexpected by the dark-haired Assembly soldier; something he never experienced.
Instantly, the soldier turned around, noticing the brown-haired man from before. Recently, the young man had crashed into something, exhibiting his clumsiness to the world, but his importance to one. In a dramatic twist, the goals were forgotten as Raymond stared with widened eyes. The symptom of phantom pain, a sign of a connection beyond that capable of regular people. A bond forged by magic strengthened by fate's strings... Soulmates experienced phantom pains between one another. The pieces aligned naturally inside Raymond's head.
The man walking the adjacent sidewalk held more value than his personal mission. Before he was the key to avoiding lonely nights and seemingly endless abandonment. Beneath Raymond moved his feet, automatic as they hurried across the carless streets. Never was he graceful with words, and perhaps it exhibited itself in his initial actions. Quickened feet hastily caught up to the brown-haired man, Raymond grasping his shoulder and pulling him around. In mechanical movements, he grabbed the shorter male from his waist, hefting him onto his shoulder.
Without a second thought, he began moving down the street. His eyes searched for law enforcement or any lingering souls well refusing to register any complaints from the abducted party. Explanations could be given once safety was discovered after all.
Standing at a height of 5’9”, Raymond’s vertical is considered nothing particularly intimidating. Rarely, does he tower over another with an average height, however, it hardly matters in his opinion. Despite his average leaning height, Raymond holds the fortunes of a muscular frame. Across his body are leanly built muscles with a rack of abs covering his stomach. While shoulders lack broadness, his build possesses the ability to hit hard. Persistent exercise is used to maintain his lean build. A fair complexion coats his flesh, neither leaning too heavily towards tanned or pale. Across his flesh are a variety of pale scars. Around his knuckles are tiny condensed ones meanwhile his body has varying longer ones. From years of working as a soldier, Raymond’s hands are covered in callous, making them rough to the touch.
A well-constructed face sits atop Raymond’s neck. Higher cheekbones rise below his eyes, creating a fairly chiselled face. His well-carved cheeks lead down into a strong jawline, making for a strong, slightly pointed chin. The shape of his nose has a subtle point with a light upturn. His hairstyle is specialized, having the top locks longer and capable of seeping into his eyes meanwhile the back and lower sections are short-shaven. Near-hidden between the points of his spreaded bangs are a pair of piercing silver eyes. Some say, they can capably stare into someone’s soul because of their striking colour. At times, Raymond’s eyes glitter when light shines upon them.
Well-fitted clothes are the evident preference of Raymond Kirche. The types of clothes worn by Raymond vary, though, oftentimes casual to semi-formal wear. He finds formal wear too restricting, therefore, is rarely worn. There is little rhyme or reason to his chosen wears, however, he notably prefers crisp clothing that is practical. This being said, Raymond does accessorize with gloves at all times.
Fire Manipulation -- Mastered The ability to manipulate and create flames. Fire is a significant weapon in Raymond’s arsenal and is something used frequently. As a creature with fire immunity, Raymond is known for coating himself in flames and similarly his sword. The entirety of his body would be licked by flames, but immune to burning. In short, Raymond’s fire manipulation works both as an offense and a defense, with Raymond coating his sword with flames. While these are Raymond’s most common uses to his fire manipulation, he accomplishes other actions. He can create full blown fire shields and throw his flames at others. Additionally, he can create tentacles from these flames he can swing at others, making for a powerful offense. However, due to the nature of flames, Raymond’s flames dim beneath exposure to water. Similarly, if Raymond is entirely coated with water, his manipulation becomes less effective and more small-scaled. This can boil down to him only being capable to make small shields and striker attacks.
Hexes -- Advanced The ability to draw chalk or blood circles that allows the user to access: summoning, healing, disguise, sight and teleportation. Considered an advanced solely from learning what he decided to learn, Raymond’s most used hexes are healing, disguise and teleportation hexes. The remainders are unused as they inhibit his style of fighting. Healing hexes are frequently used for self-healing in sticky situations and require the use of blood. At times, Raymond will bring others into the circle if they are nearby when it is drawn. Due to repeatedly healing himself, Raymond’s healing of others is considered low-tier with him being able to bring a max of 3 people, including himself, into the circle for healing. The more people in the circle, the longer it takes for all wounds to recover. Disguise hexes are similarly self-used abilities when undercover missions arise. With assistance from his expansive knowledge of books, Raymond is capably able to alter his appearance and occasionally others. Though, he excessively uses this on himself mostly, leaving for the similar weakness of him caping at 3 people including himself. Disguise hexes do not alter his voice. Finally, we have teleportation which has become a quick retreat and among Raymond’s only abilities used alongside other people. By making a circle, he can teleport from the location they stand. He can accomplish this with a maximum of approximately 6 people including himself. This being said, the further they go, the more energy it drains from him.
Enhanced Speed -- Mastered The ability to enhance one's speed, allowing the user to move with haste. An ability frequently used for Raymond’s fighting style. He can run at great speeds, allowing him to dodge and weave around people with ease. This oftentimes allows him to outrun people or overwhelm them when necessary. The mastery of Raymond’s speed allows him to pinpoint the ability into specific limbs. As a result, he can move his arm with haste, allowing Raymond to accomplish quick, brutal swings of his sword. However, the swiftness of his enhanced speed results in situations where Raymond’s moment can lead them into soft crashes. Similarly, extensive, unregulated use can damage his muscles and leave him bedridden or stiff and sore.
Curses -- Advanced The ability to lay a curse on someone. A simple touch and an individual would face the harsh punishment of misfortunes befalling them. While Raymond’s curses are temporary, they tend to wreak havoc on those effects. The individual will oftentimes experience unlucky consequences, often limited to minor damages; such as stubbing one’s toe or tripping. Regularly, the ability is used when somebody flees from a battle, a quick touch being all that is required to place them in unlucky circumstances. The ability is used as a gamble to slow the individual and to allow Raymond the opportunity to follow and finish his job.
Natural: Immortality, Enhanced Endurance, Fire Immunity
backstory
Did they ever really want you? Dropped you off teary-eyed they said... but to your ears, it was a meagre lie.
The earliest memories retained by Raymond were a blur of words of unwantedness. A pair of lovers, foolish and reckless, received a pregnancy after failing to accomplish the proper measures. A child never wished for, rejected from the moment he breathed his first breath of freedom, yet, fortunate to avoid termination. The memories were fuzzied at best, words watered down as though listening through the vents of a house. Muffled and barely heard as the hushed infant laid in his basket. In front of an orphanage, they abandoned him, perhaps proper, but nonetheless a rejection. A rap upon the old wooden door, the fleeing of footsteps through the rain and inevitably the opening of the gateway. From the doorstep he was plucked and cared for... but always told his parents wanted him... Lies from their mouths as they attempted to create a world where the child felt wanted, but Raymond never did. They provided the surname Lampert, they told him lies and they decided the story... It began his hatred of liars.
A location in preach of the Heavenly basics left him doomed to the barren lands of rejections. Surmans echoing through the halls in the mornings, anybody noticed the blatant disregard to the teachings of other species. Liars through their teeth and practitioners of a twisted ideal to Heaven religion, astonishment was limited. While never outright abusive or neglectful, they carried a mantra of leaving sleeping “dogs” where they lie. Rather stated, leave the demonic ones where they stayed. The children of the orphanage picked up quick on the teachings, playful toddlers creating cliques at a young age. Those associated with the underground realm of Hell a rejection to their games. Thus, since his entrance, Raymond, a young tiefling, discovered himself left to his own devices. Single player imagination without hopes of another soul, Raymond learned quickly his destiny of lonesomeness.
A second-hand citizen pawned off to the cheapest payers, Raymond considered himself imprisoned in the orphanage walls. The alienation through persistent preaching left him limited escapes from the building that screamed ‘reject’. School became his only leave, however, circumstances left him unprepared. While never an unruly child to handle, Raymond was frightfully quiet and unexpressive. As prying eyes searched for potential playmates, he became undesired. Those rigid lips barely twitched as he sat at his desk. The other children grinned broadly, laughed and learned the beginnings of interaction. Meanwhile, Raymond from a socializing standpoint was stunted in all regards of the word. Uncertain, unexpressive and unable to interact to their desired outcomes, Raymond was a lonesome child in school and homelife. He found a corner, he took up a book, and he never strayed from his tiny bubble; nobody wanted him anyways.
School became somewhat of a vacation from the screaming walls and witnessing of proceeded adoptions. Always, the caretaker assumed the age of their children would leave them clueless, but a profound bias existed. Species associated with Heaven, Earth and the ever-rare child undead were showcased before those derived from Volos’ realm. They cared naught for the dogs they left resting, but for the ones viewed as delightful puppies. The lack of opportunities made school the only location Raymond received any remote attention. The soft words of praise for a marvellously accomplished job became chased words. Among the only crucial concepts received, Raymond mulled over his studies. In the lonely realm of his world, activities to engage in were required, therefore, he fixated on excelling in classes. There was nothing else he had going, and anything beyond school? It appeared perturbing bleak.
An impressive school record accomplished in a lonesome symphony. The breeding grounds of cynicism flourished beneath the misfortunes of his life. Left where he laid, emotionally crippled from his circumstance and lonesome through childhood. The young man was unemotive, the situation of his nurturing leaving Raymond closed off emotionally. Emotions appeared nonexistent, the child caring naught for others. There was nobody to shed care for, thus he strode his path alone. Education was everything he possessed, stunning grades leaving teachers hopeful, but a phlegmatic attitude tainting them with grim. Though with age, Raymond experienced further side-effects of Heavenly preaching. The other children of the orphanage insisted on his leave should he pass. Insisted on him being nothing good to mingle with on account of species alone, it was pathetic.
At twelve years, things altered substantially for young Raymond. Two individuals arrived, their observant eyes crawling over the playroom where children made their impressions. Candied smiles stretching across their lips, sparkling eyes pleading to discover a new meaning to family. They craved the interaction, the escape into a life presumed filled with wonder as happy parents welcomed them with opened arms. Long abandoned by Raymond was the notion of being adopted and spared from the ignorant views of a Heaven-oriented orphanage. Away in the corner, he remained, steadily reading a book without an interest towards the newest adopting parents. An outsider and somebody effectively invisible compared to the loud, flamboyant children speaking to the newest couple. Though as footsteps grew louder and shadows loomed over, the pre-teen’s eyes flicked from the book to them. They wanted to talk. An oddity.
The conversation request was greeted with a flickering confusion. No means to refuse, Raymond hesitantly agreed. They shipped him alongside the young couple into a small room with a single table, an adornment of toys and books. The meeting room, a place seemingly beyond Raymond’s reach since his entrance into the orphanage. Awkward, the child merely took a seat at the round, wooden table, his book in hand. Inquiries left their lips, primarily in regards to his interest, grades alongside other normal topics. Smiles strung on their lips, cheerful like Christmas lights; bright and gleaming. The young tiefling believed himself inevitably abandoned, cynicism piling and creating the belief of every smile being artificial. Abrupt was the answer he received. Happiness, a hand shake and later words with the orphanage’s head, his bleeding ears getting close. His name and words of endearment connected to adopting him... and by the evening, Raymond Lampert transformed into Raymond Kirche and took the name of his adopted parents. The couple whisked him away days afterwards. The limited items young Raymond owned were packed and his custody handed over to the couple and taken to Aria Village.
The adolescent lived there for a mere few days before the expectations came. His new parents stationed him at the table, insisting on being family and caring for him... Then informing him about his future position in the Assembly of Phantoms. How the training would begin and the duty was cherished among the Kirches. Distant memories of news reports playing against his ear lit memories. Each in regards to the war between the Terror Response Syndicate and the Assembly of Phantoms. The damages accomplished by the Assembly, the lives taken and the cruelness of their hearts. His eyes locked upon the parents, their wishes of his accomplishes while memories of his lonesomeness haunted him. Unlike everybody else in the world, his parents and the Assembly wanted him. Moral implications were damned and the young adolescent agreed.
The training began shortly afterwards, his father taking him aside and starting the drilling. Exercise became another close friend of Raymond Kirche. The movement of his muscles and expending of his energy brought a special calibre of happiness to Raymond. Becoming stronger was an overarching goal in Raymond’s life, for it summoned admiration from his adopted parents and additionally resulted in the Assembly of Phantoms subsequently desiring his service as a soldier. The sensation of being wanted, even if required to enact on their goals and wishes, became a powerful enough craving for Raymond to push forward. His heart, still infected with loneliness, felt the pain of unwantedness subdued with the revelations made. Opinions were never entirely with Zeredah’s words, alas, his time in the Assembly would create a resonating inside his soul. Segregation meant the words of Heavenly Retribution would never result in another child like him. Alone, nowhere to turn and generally unwanted by society. Perhaps platonic relationships could be forged and they would have someone rather than being left where they laid.
Around the age of 16, Raymond’s body became more well-built. The pride glimmering in his parents’ eyes meant everything for the young teen. Plans were being arranged for the second part of his lessons. Abilities were illusive, something his parents were learning to tackle given their difference in species. However, as the time arrived, his parents noticed the research their child placed into learning his abilities. Everything came to him quickly, his mind and body learning the effective methods of usage. The pressure was on, and Raymond never crumbled once. In syncing his body and mind with his abilities was the ultimate goal for young Raymond Kirche. Inevitably, the tiefling became a fierce force on the battlefield. Somebody who could not be underestimated as his skill only increased and his entrance into the Assembly of Phantoms confirmed.
At 18, Raymond Kirche joined the Assembly of Phantoms as a soldier. Through the years, he proved his worth, the feeling of wantedness driving him. His style of fire manipulation soon earned him the alias “The Burning Man”.
- After a life filled with loneliness, Raymond considers himself indebted to AP despite their relationship of him being a future soldier. Due to circumstance, he is under the impression nobody wants him. - When left alone in a room by someone, Raymond’s thought process can grow cynical if they leave the range of his senses. He is under the impression they may abandon him like his parents. - Partially from occupation, Raymond has a fondness of swords. Though, he prefers using thin, razor-like swords in combat. The type designed to move as fluid as fire and quick as a viper. - Raymond is surprisingly flexible. This is believed to derive from his quick-paced, parkour-based and flexible fighting style. - Raymond is not against Heaven species necessarily, moreso their preachings and teachings. - Rain is extremely calming to Raymond and frequently puts him at ease.
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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.
