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.
Numerous concepts had changed since Xian's romantic partnership with Andrew. Faded with age were workdays spent avoiding the basic requirements, summoning the subsequent health benefits of regular meals. Unfortunately, old habits were difficult to route from one's daily routines and distractions within the TRS headquarters were plentiful. The organization was a constant churning of gears as officials were sent to accomplish their missions and return with news. Alas, for those in a position of power, the stopping point for breaks at times appeared unachievable.
As a scout deputy, Xian's husband experienced the hardships of escaping work. The lack of self-maintenance disappointed the ginger-haired man. Through the years of their relationship, the elemental assisted with the eating efforts, and to witness even a day of meal absence summoned a soft, saddened pang. A gentle sigh breathed through his lips as he listened to his lover's words. Ease settled across his muscles with the agreement to fetch something to eat before they settled down and accomplished anything else.
"I know," his words left soft.
Carefully, his hand brushed over Andrew's forehead, soft and lingering. Shortly his arms released his shark-shifter boyfriend, freeing him from the trap of his arms. The rise of his boyfriend caused his eyes to lock upon him. The misfortune of Andrew's shoulders dropping summoned a frown to Xian's face, alas, it was a necessary sacrifice. The shifter required something to eat, and his wishes for snuggles and cuddles would be put aside until something was shovelled in. Though, better emotions arrived with the offering of a hand to hold.
A gentle smile touched his face for a moment. His hand reached for Andrew's, clasping around it and feeling his warmth; it was a calming force.
"Then let's go," he responded.
The elemental turned towards the door, leading the way out of the office. As they shifted to the office's exit, Xian's hand shifted, intertwining their fingers for the additional comfort and closeness. Together, they would wander the halls to the cafeteria and get Andrew something to eat.
The reverie of alone time alongside his husband. A closed door blocking noise from beyond the threshold of Andrew's office and the pleasant merriment of time spent together motivated the short-haired. Between them, slithering from the clutches of a well-deserved break was oddly common. Neither preserving the intentions of rest from a daily struggle, rather, their hardworking attitudes pushed them to strive. They feasted foolishly upon work, pushing themselves through hunger for the sole purpose of completing the task.
In fortune's favour, one remembering the required times allowed them to rescue the other from the devastation of ignoring these opportunities. Memories of a well-required break flooded into Xian's head as he conducted his actions, persuading Andrew along. His beloved shark-shifter boyfriend needed all-essential easement from work. A moment to breath, a moment to speak, and a moment to release the endlessly accumulating stress from his crucial job. People relied on high ranks and with Andrew possessing one, Xian often worried for his husband's mental state; he needed breathing room.
Gradually, he coaxed the brunette closer, his hands gently holding his husband. They inched back, reaching the comfortable computer chair handed out for those holding offices. As he persuaded Andrew towards the chair, Xian discovered his body easing as his husband appeared to step towards the option of relaxing. The quietness of his husband's tone suggested hesitance, however, Xian knew there was a little more pushing left. He kept his arms around Andrew, Xian's stunning blue hues locking with his.
"You need it, dear," he murmured softly.
A bashful gaze met his, Xian representing his worries across his face. His face conveyed his wishes for Andrew to rest and enjoy their time together. Allow everything to ease and fade away in the abyss of calm and away from the restrictions of stress. He sat down, softly tugging Andrew to follow him. Together they sat, Xian's thighs bearing the weight of Andrew comfortably. The grip around Andrew tightened, Xian happily keeping his husband in his arms. The shark shifter's head rested against his shoulder, the elemental allowing the scout deputy to reach tranquillity.
The hunter's eyes gazed over Andrew's face, discovering a sight he favoured. The slowed breathing spoke volumes about the scout's state of mind; he was easing. As his name returned to the forefront of vocalizing, Xian relaxed against the chair's backrest. From the thanks, he shortly received the soft brushing of Andrew's plush lips against his cheek. Surprise flickered across the hunter's face, his blue eyes gazing over Andrew. Moments later, the elemental's countenance shifted into a gentle smiling.
Topics shifted, entering the territory is discussing days as they regularly had before. Though, a fact ceased Xian from starting as Andrew proclaimed never having eaten lunch. The earth elemental's eyes locked directly on his husband, not mad, however, concerned. His day was relatively easy with the exception of a single rough mission, but Xian knew it could be recollected while Andrew ate something.
"How about we get you something to eat? I can tell you while you're eating," he suggested to his husband softly.
He refused to allow Andrew to skip meals in the name of fulfilling his role in the TRS. The scout deputy required proper nutrition, therefore, Xian decided it would be the better location to start. Get the shifter something to eat and he could retell the happenings of his day.
Fresh off a struggling mission, Xian had discovered himself tired from the strenuous work. Terrors were always difficult to handle, even with a pleasant group of powerful hunters. He wandered the corridors, his TRS uniform hugging his shoulders. The red accents against the black and navy backgrounds striking all who viewed the well-known uniform. Hastily, his mind thought of Andrew, the man he wished to unwind with. After the perils of a difficult mission, Xian always craved the warmth-filled embrace of his husband.
Time spent alongside Andrew was always valued by Xian. Prior to the intervention of the wonderful shark shifter, the ginger-blond man was raised in a harsh, military-style. The regiments of daily life stripped him of emotions he earned back because of the love he discovered. Without Andrew, Xian believed his emotions would have stayed completely muted; seemingly nonexistent. Fortune arrived in the form of a shark and stayed beside him through the trials of love and romance. Thus, each break was spent slipping from the serious work environment in favour of spending quality time with the man he adored most.
Even as he had approached Andrew's office, his fingers were fiddling with his wedding ring. A memory of unexchanged vows, but a symbol of love and devotion nonetheless. He loved the sensation across the pads of his fingers. The smooth metal against his fingers, soft and golden in colour. Through the door he arrived, confident and hands parting. The ring was left embracing his finger upon his entry. His striking blue eyes peered through the threshold, entering slowly and exchanging greetings to the man he adored.
As he crossed the threshold, a smile carried on the elementals face. There was a nature to his movements as Xian prepared to assure his personal time with Andrew. Behind him, the door clicked close, his sly fingers adjusting the lock. The gentle, softer click of the door locking reached his ears. A response to inform him nobody could enter the room and interrupt his break time with the shifter he adored; at least not without knocking. The expected mundane exchange of words, ever loved and appreciated by coupled started their interaction.
However, resisting the plush lips of the man who gifted him the world was impossible. One kiss started it all, followed by more, passion tracing their lips. Inside his chest, his heart gleefully fluttered, content at their close proximity and endlessly enjoyed couples time. Wordlessly, their love was exhibited, through a gentle embrace and dancing of their soft lips. Entranced by the moments, intoxicated by the desires of the heart, for a moment the earth elemental forgot the atmosphere. How they were inside Andrew's office, the paper's crinkling beneath their passion-filled exchange.
The office noises failed to remind him, rather, the pulling away of his lover snapped him from the romantic trance. As the whine of his name entered his ears, Xian's eyes locked on Andrew's. Mere moments later, a soft grin touched his lips at the realization of their actions. Displaying their love inside the office, it was something frowned upon as taboo. The actions were allowed so long as nothing went beyond the occasional exchange of kisses. However, many preferred to avoid laying witness to those romantic exchanges.
Already, his eyes begin analyzing Andrew, admiring while cautiously detecting the signs of pent up stress. The soft tap of his husband's finger returns his eyes to the scout deputy's countenance. Concerns confessed through his words exhibiting worries of being caught up in their passionate distraction from work. Silence conquered Xian, warranting his beloved husband to speak about work and stress in brief sentences. For a moment, Xian's eyes dart over to the clicking clock. Only a few minutes of their break had passed.
Playfully absorbed his expression as his blue eyes returned to Andrew, arms tightening around him. These blessed moments of quiet were required to maintain sanity and morale. Given the stress weighing on his higher-ranked husband, Xian planned on assuring he indulged in these little moments to relieve tension.
"Andrew, we still have time," he began softly. "C'mon, at least stay with me until the end of our break... We can snuggle in the chair together."
The hush of his voice was designed to inspire tranquility over the man he loved. In a soft moment of innocent love, Xian lightly pecked Andrew's forehead with a quick, gentle kiss.
"We both need to relax, so tell me about your day," he requested. A soft clicking was made. "Besides, I think we should always take these minutes for ourselves to destress from work. Remember how many times we almost missed lunch from stress? I argue it's illegal to skip it."
As the words were stated, Xian stepped backwards while keeping his arms around Andrew. Carefully, he coaxed his husband to follow him towards the comfy office chair. Should he managed, he planned on sitting and leading Andrew onto his lap for a well-needed snuggle session. They both needed these special moments and Xian was fully acknowledging the concept of a soothing break.
At an intimidating height of 6’1”, Xian is a man few wish to meddle with based on the weight of his physical appearance. Through a strict training regiment implemented by his parents, he maintains a powerful body. Lean muscles cover Xian’s body from his strict training regiment and constant exercise. Catching a glance at the body beneath the shirt, people would receive a glance at an ab covered stomach. The shoulders on this man are slightly broader than usual because of his intense exercising regiment. Glancing at his arms, Xian’s lean, muscular build still causes difficulties in consistently hiding it beneath his clothes. The fair coloured skin covering his body is not without its blemishes. From his years of TRS service and constant training, there are a few pale scars across his fair skin. Although, most are difficult to notice with the most prominent being one across his chest, another smaller one on the lower, right side of his back and another on his left shoulder. If asked about where he received these, Xian would state the simple answer of service since he forgets the exact incidents.
Piercing blue-green eyes strike out from Xian’s sharpened face. In sunlight, they shine similar to sunlight glistening across an aquamarine. Many discover the attraction of Xian’s eyes from a single glance and they regularly are the first thing noticed. A semi-sharp, upturned nose poke out from his nose. It is placed between a pair of highly placed cheekbones upon his face. They lead down to a strong jawline and pointed chin with a soft rounding. Ginger locks messily stay atop his head, the bangs being cut to avoid anything drifting into his eyes. The back of his hair is shaved short, making the hair on the top and front of Xian’s head longer than the rest. Another notable trait on Xian’s right ear is piercing on the upper lobe where he wears a small, black stud.
Practical clothing was a taught preference inside of Xian’s family. His parents insisted on the requirement for these types of clothing. When Xian is dressed, he picks clothing that is not too loose nor tight to avoid getting caught on things. The type of clothing is regularly plain without any graphics. During work hours, Xian wears his uniform fully, from pants, to shirt and jacket in a manner that screams professionalism. In moments of downtime and cold weather, Xian occasionally enjoys wearing a turtleneck sweater. Due to the opinions of his parents, Xian had a pair of dog tags made with his name, division, unit and rank on them. Around the ring finger on Xian’s left hand is a golden wedding band. For footwear he prefers work boots 90% of the time.
Earth Manipulation -- Mastered The ability to manipulate earth, such as rocks and ground. Trained by his parents to become a capable hunter, Xian is capable with his earth manipulation. Regularly, this is most effective on rocks, allowing Xian to lift them without physical touch and send them hurling towards another individual. He can even break rocks without much of a second thought. The ground can be shook in a 10 meter radius should Xian decide to manipulate the earth below him. He can make large walls of earth to protect people and himself. Occasionally, he will break the ground to attack others or unsteady them. Accomplishing these actions constantly consumes energy, therefore consistent use can leave Xian exhausted for days.
Enhanced Strength -- Mastered The ability to access strength beyond that of an average individual. In tandem with his natural strength comes an enhancement that allows Xian to deliver a devastating punch. Harsh blows can be accomplished to both people and items, allowing Xian to break bones and walls. Although, with some of these actions arrive consequences. If Xian goes around and punches walls, his knuckles will receive bruises and scratches, meaning he is not entirely spared; his enhanced durability will limit this however. As expected with heightened strength, Xian is capable of lifting heavy objects and throwing them. With his enhanced strength arrives a high appetite, meaning Xian tends to eat plenty to maintain his strength. Failure to do so will leave no energy for the ability to feed off of. In addition, consistent use strains Xain’s muscles and tends to cause soreness should the ability be overused.
Birthed to a pair of harsh military parents, Xian’s life lacked the cruelty of abuse, but the strictness of a military life. His parents, retired from the Canadian forces and working mundane jobs, enforced the strict beliefs of the army on their child. Atop his shoulders, a weighty set of responsibilities carelessly placed by over expecting parents. They demanded the best from a mere child. Somebody who lacked the dexterity that arrives with age and the logical thinking from experience. In a way, their treatment of their son was borderline abusive as they instigated strict punishment and desired the best from a boy too young. His room was to remain clean, his regiments accomplished before daycare and his energy spent in positive means to assure a strong body.
As a child, Xian failed to recognize the radical differences between his parents’ expectations and those associated with the normal. Then as things transformed into a strict, military-esk regiment, everything was normalized. Parents screaming when he toppled over, yelling for him to get to his feet and repeat the course, pushing him towards growing stronger. Those were normal activities in families. At least, his mother and father insisted on those being natural concepts and expectations. Only worsening Xian’s beliefs, the young man was home schooled, his tutor fixating on teaching him war tactics at a meagre 5 years. They wanted a child they could prim and prime for TRS service rather than raise and manifest long-lasting memories with. There was no value in holding those parent and child relationships forged from understanding and love. Rather, Xian was considered a puppet tied to wire strings.
Through his childhood, the emotions were shoved inside, never to surface again. He was a child designed to become a man seemingly void of emotions. Alas, he rather took the misfortune of being inexpressive by nature. Soldiers were supposed to be serious and hide away those dastardly weaknesses. As a teenager, Xian was effectively locked away in his home with the exception of training. Years were dialing up and his parents expected him to join the TRS at the age of 18. They desired a child to grant them pride and appraisal in the world of capable fighting and gruesome scenes. They informed him about the terrors, drilled him about it, expecting high marks and strength in Xian’s capabilities. Their intense strictness pressured Xian, serving him heavy helpings of stress through his childhood. As his youthful years proceeded, he began developing negative habits to cope with his stress.
In short, Xian focused on his work, his training and studies in hopes of avoiding a fall into his emotions. Despite the signs existing in the forms of skipped dinners and a distracted mind, his parents only pushed him further. They wanted the best, they wanted to make the best. He developed into a perfectionist, critical to those lacking such expectations to himself. It was everything his parents wanted. A child wanting him to stick to perfection and never settle for anything less. Every day he pushed himself harder, getting perfect grades through high school because of the harshness. Failure meant disappointment which meant his parents would only drill him harder. In the end, through his teenage years, Xian’s relationship with his parents was best described as distant because of the manner his parents treated him.
At 18, Xian signed up for the TRS under the direct expectations of his parents. They trained him for this moment, therefore, he listened like a lamb guided by a shepherd. Once signed up, Xian entered a different type of school... something genuinely public. To Xian’s fortunes, entering the training program offered by TRS, the young man learned his parents were extremely different from others. Freedoms were granted, nobody speaking about a strict training regiment from the moment they could walk. It resulted in plenty of self-reflection on Xian’s part as he began a different type of research. With his tutoring, learning the material provided by the TRS was hardly a concern for the young ginger-haired considering his parents pushed him for excellence. Finally, at 18, Xian realized his parents were not what people considered good parents or positive influences. Rather, they proved the types to fixate on their desires rather than their child’s... and for once... Xian found himself disappointed.
Apprenticeship was met with hard work and endless opportunities. The young hunter-in-training knew escape from his strict parents was the light at the end of the tunnel. Thus, he worked hard and began getting his life completely in order. Upon his graduation, Xian began looking into apartments and when his income stabilized, moved out. As he packed his items, his parents told him they were proud... told him he did good... and despite the praise, Xian felt nothing. He felt his mother and father cared naught for personality, but rather the achievements stapled to his name. He knew the coming trials with his leaving, which included limiting contact with his parents. As much as he wished for the parent-child relationship, Xian longed accepted it as unlikely. Upon moving into his apartment, Xian limited the amount of time he spent conversing with his parents, instead focusing on work.
For a few years he worked for the TRS, knowing of the man's destiny would eventually lead him towards. Andrew Blecher, a man of the scouting division and somebody infected with seriousness in his bones. Initially, Xian never thought a dime about him, merely gaining his information and carrying on with his duties as a TRS hunter. Little did he know how much he needed the shark shifter. He remembered that dance TRS hosted a special event when he was about 20. When their hands, for a moment brushed against one another, Xian noticed the pleasant softness of Andrew’s. His aquamarine eyes locked on the scout, hearing the mumbled apology and the blush on his face. The fervor of his beating heart uncontrollable as thoughts muddled together. His lips formed the words so naturally and in a moment of bashfulness, he asked Andrew to join him in a dance led with slow music. Perhaps their hearts connected there as someone took a picture, as they stood, bodies close... but something connected, something imported.
From there, the two began dating, enthralled in the concepts of romance and love. The happiness of his spirit arrived on the wings of positive change. With one another, the pair softened up, the grasp of a past drenched in suffocating expectations gradually lifting from Xian’s shoulders. Around Andrew, his expressions returned and he felt... human again. As the pair reached the climax of their dating, they moved in together. Although, through the splendours of a life spent in love and romance, family matters surfaced. When he turned 22, matters involving Andrew’s sister rose. His boyfriend retrieved her from the dangers of their homelife and later wished to gain custody of her. Yet, people desired a stable home life and proof of those claims before a child could be taken from the custody of their parents. Wishing to secure the chances of gaining custody of Erika, the idea of becoming legally married rose... and days later the court documents signed.
In the affairs to avoid excessive paperwork, Xian took Andrew’s name, officially becoming a Blecher. He has since adopted Erika as a sister and began assisting his husband in raising the young girl. Despite their haste in entering marriage, Xian believed it among his best choices, cemented by them still maintaining a healthy relationship. Although, while their marriage was written on paper, any thoughts of a wedding were postponed. Through the years, he dreams of the opportunity to have a wedding with Andrew, although life would not cease at that moment. Thus, the pair continued life, married by paper, but lacking the flash they wanted. Fortunately, because of their stable relationship, they gained custody over Erika and currently the pair care for her. Thoughts and memories of Xian’s past being washed away as he received a family where he finally felt at home.
misc
- Likes: Brownies, TRS, turtleneck sweaters, exercise, dogs, home-cooked food, winter, hot beverages, sitting by the fire, snuggling, reading, grapes, camouflage, work boots, horror movies, straws, sports, nature walks - Dislikes: Orange juice, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, leather, green tea, pseudoscience, non-serious workers, cats, snakes, soap operas, his parents, fast food, mess, greasy foods, inappropriate humour - Fears: Failure, losing Andrew and/or Erika - He is practically addicted to two-bite brownies. He has gone through a whole tub before in a day. He is a little ashamed of this and does not mention it. - In paperwork, he is married to Andrew. However, they are waiting until they have their actual wedding. - Currently, Xian has a rocky relationship with his parents. He disliked the manner they raised him and furthermore, he worries they would be disappointed in him for marrying Andrew. - He considers Erika his little sister despite having no blood relation to her. - He can easily get distracted by work and stress, resulting in him forgetting to have lunch. - Frequently, Xian accomplishes the drills implemented by his parents to keep his body strong. - Nowadays he considers Andrew and Erika his family rather than his parents. - Fast food tends to make Xian feel sick, therefore, he attempts to avoid it. - He hates mess and tends to keep the house clean as a result. This is from his military-esk upbringing. - Regularly, Xian can come off as cold and unexpressive because of the life he was cultivated from. However, around Andrew he softens up and finds himself a tad more sociable and friendly. Similarly, this can happen during off time so long as inappropriate humour is not implemented.
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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.