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Empatheias Mods ([personal profile] simpathis) wrote2014-05-22 12:35 am
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[ ARCHIVED ] [ application ]

— OLD APPLICATION POST —

CURRENT APPLICATION ENTRY CAN BE FOUND HERE.


IMPORTANT!Applications are on a monthly cycle. They run from the 1st thru the 4th of each month. The cycle opens at 12:00AM CST and close at 11:59PM CST. Notices will be sent out all at once at the end of the cycle, and no later than 24 hours after the end of the cycle.

Before applying, please be sure to read the following:

  • Read the Rules and the Game Information.
  • Double check the Reserves and Taken Characters lists to make sure the character you're applying for is not on the list. Also check the comments in case the entry has yet to be updated, as well as any pending applications.
  • Feel free to use the most recent test drive both for practice as well as to use for samples. IMPORTANT! If you submit threads as samples, you must submit the application with that character journal. This is the only way we can ensure that the samples are from you and not someone else.
  • Linked samples must have been made within the past year.
  • You may apply for up to two characters per cycle.
  • Application challenges are allowed. Reserves will have priority, but it's not definitive. We will choose the better application regardless.
  • Do not plagiarize. If we find that the information provided was directly taken by either another player or source material such a wiki, the application will be rejected immediately. If we find this after processing the application, we will revoke the application and have you removed from the game with potential ban.
  • Reusing your own applications from other games is allowed. We only ask any original written samples to conform to our game. That is, we don't want to read samples that are set specifically for another game's premise. Note: this does not apply to threads linked from other games used as samples.
  • If you are rejected, you cannot reapply for the same character until the next cycle. However, you can apply for a different character in the same cycle.
  • Those accepted must fill out all of the required entries within a week to be considered part of the game. Otherwise, we will consider it a revocation of the application.
  • Fill out the form and comment to this entry! You can either paste the application directly to the entry or link it from your own journal/musebox.


⌈ PLAYER SECTION ⌉

Player:
Contact: Journal/Plurk/AIM — anything to help identify since someone might share your name handle.
Age: You must be at least 13 years old to apply.
Current Characters: If a new player, just put "N/A"


⌈ CHARACTER SECTION ⌉

Character:
Age:
Canon:
Canon Point:

Background: We do not need a play by play of their life. You can of course provide one, but it's not necessary. A summary of their role in the canon and important events involving their character will suffice. Wiki links are allowed.

Personality: Tell us everything you can about how the character works. What are their quirks, reasons for thinking, habits, and flaws—basically we want to know not only how they act, but also why they act that way. You are free to use canon as examples, but be sure to explain why you are referencing the event.

Abilities: If there are any particular abilities the character has supernatural or otherwise, list them here. Referencing to a wiki list is acceptable. However, if there are any particular abilities that need to be weakened or removed, note them here.

Alignment: Please refer to the Alignment entry to choose which alignment your character would most likely fall under. Include a brief (a couple of sentences max) just to help explain why you think your choice is the best fit.

Other: Anything else you'd like to mention.


⌈ SAMPLE SECTION ⌉

Sample: We have two requirements for the sample:

  • Character Portrayal. We should see examples of the character's dialogue as well as some introspection or additional narrative to further show how you intend to write the character. This is the most important part of the sample and where most of the weight will be.
  • Use of Emotions. This is our "game setting" requirement. Essentially we want to ensure that you have a basic grasp of the game's premise, especially with the use of emotions. It can be a small scene, even incidental to the main sample. For apathetic characters or those who do not exhibit emotions easily, an alternative is to describe what the character is doing instead and essentially show how they behave in such a manner. For example, if a character is set in a scenario that would normally provoke an emotional response, what do they do instead? What is their mindset and their reaction instead? This portion doesn't have to be lengthy and can even be a couple of sentences to a paragraph. Also keep in mind that subtle and passive effects count, so you do not have to try and create something exuberant or extreme. A calm wind will work just as well as a raging storm, so feel free to be as simple or creative as you want.

The sample can be "written" in three different ways and you can choose which one will work best for you:

  1. Test Drive. You can utilize our test drive to cover both requirements of the sample. So long as there is enough character portrayal and a scene with an emotional reaction, be it within the prompt or done during the thread, then it will satisfy both requirements.
  2. Link out + Written. You can link to threads/entries from other games, memes, or museboxes to show character portrayal, and then write an additional short scene for the emotion portion of the sample.
  3. Original Sample. You can write a complete sample that shows both character portrayal and a scene involving emotion use. This can be one sample or two separate samples. If you opt to write an original sample, you are welcome to use any prompts from any of our Test Drives, Intro Logs, Task Board, and even past events. You are also free to change things up and are not restricted to any of these prompts. They are just here to help offer ideas.

Format wise, you can use either [ brackets ] OR narrative prose. We do require that the writing at least be coherent, have proper sentence structure, and is mostly grammatically correct (we realize that writing styles can be loose/creative in [ bracket ] form so we're giving a bit more leeway). One last suggestion we have is try to have the character interacting with the environment and try thinking of the sample less of a narrative piece but more like a post or thread prompt you might make in the game. That will help the sample show not only how you will write the character, but also how you will play them in practice.


Questions: If you have any questions, ask them here.



Clean copy and paste form here:

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crescentblade: pixiv: (Default)

[personal profile] crescentblade 2015-06-01 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Personality:
I'm only one of the five great swords of Japan, but I'm also said to be the most elegant.
Our view of what makes something elegant, on a superficial level, may shift with the tides of time, but, at its core, the concept remains the same: elegance is a beauty permeated by connotations of unusual effectiveness and admirable simplicity. Elegance is delicate, dignified and tasteful—yet, there is something gracefully understated and effortless about it.

Mikazuki embodies these qualities decorously. From the second he materializes—not looking too bad, I might add—on the player's screen in a flurry of cherry blossoms (should he ever; he is the strongest and rarest sword in the game, which, of course, only makes him all the more coveted) to the very moment he breaks in battle, Mikazuki stays consistently poised, amiable, and polite. Even when he tells you they see him as the most elegant of the Tenka Goken, it's with a cadence of humility, without pretense. He never once raises his voice or speaks out of turn, nor does he complain about any of the field work he's assigned, regardless of how terrible he supposedly is at it. If anything, he appears to welcome the challenges presented to him when assisting you, and takes the opportunity to indulge in affable humor while at it.

But saying it like that doesn't quite do the subject justice. Mikazuki is very much a product of his time, and to convey the full scope of that "elegance," in the context of a tachi forged in Heian Japan, it's natural to turn back and study the cultural views of that era.

The Heian period (794–1185) is considered the golden age of art, literature, and culture in Japan. During these years, the country developed a strong sense of native aesthetics that later generations have always admired. Japan saw the flowering of a peaceful time centered on exquisitely refined cultural practices, prioritizing sophistication and sensitivity in all of their activities; they employed a so-called "rule of taste," where all that was beautiful constituted as good. One source even claims: "Heian aristocrats made a cult out of beauty."

In short, Mikazuki closely resembles the ideal of a dazzlingly handsome, well-mannered and popular young nobleman of the imperial court. The archaic tone he speaks in makes him sound like a stuffy old man, yes, but his breezy and easy laughter chimes of youth. He has a kind, helpful disposition, and many times humbles himself in your service while you put him up to various tasks. In all his graceful elegance and composure, he perfectly exemplifies the aesthetic standards of Heian Japan.


I was born near the end of the 11th century. I guess you can say I'm an old man. Hahaha!
Following my claim to his grace with an example of his proclivity for self-deprecating jokes might come across as counterproductive, but it is in fact appropriate, given that his whimsical side is the second characteristic people notice about him. He has many lines like this in the game (ex. "I do not particularly mind losing.") that give us insight into an easygoing personality underneath his veneer of refinement.

Mikazuki has a tendency to motivate a light atmosphere, displaying very clear signs that he simply wishes to be friendly with you, and he does it through silvery laughter, in a way that doesn't particularly retract from the elegant qualities mentioned earlier. No, it's simply that he, despite the fame and prestige to his name, has no reservations towards calling himself an old man—or otherwise poking fun at himself, for that matter. His habit of brushing things off with subtle playfulness ("Ahahahaha, come closer... I've always wanted to try saying those words." / "The admiral is in the base... Hahaha, as expected, that is not quite right, is it?") even borders on pure silliness and eccentricity at times.

But it's also important to note that Mikazuki's jokes are never antagonizing towards others, at someone else's expense, or in any way rude. He's simply the first to point out his own shortcomings when he sees them, which may not exactly be what you would expect of a nobleman. His carefree, accepting nature carries through every line of dialogue; when he tells you it's okay to touch him, that he appreciates you treating his injuries, and that you may even dress him if you'd like. All in all, this good sense of humor and combined lack of ego only serves to make him more charming.

Just as well, he has no trouble entrusting his own life into the hands of the saniwa sage when he's first obtained ("Mikazuki Munechika. They call me Mikazuki on account of the many patterns on my blade. Please take care of me."), even going as far as politely letting you take care of him, proving himself co-operative and not so prideful as to deny your assistance.

Hmm, field labor? Well, how do I use this tool?
The fact that Mikazuki readily tells you he hasn't a clue how to use a simple tool or how to carry out tasks around the Citadel ("Fields are rather difficult to maintain.") further reiterates my previous point. Clearly, too much pride is not an issue here. One shouldn't mistake the behavior as habitual skepticism or self-pity, though. It's not that he desperately needs you to pat him on the back and tell him differently; Mikazuki always keeps his tone light, without a trace of negativity, and appears to look forward to carrying out these tasks. So it's not so much due to a lack of self-esteem, in this case, but rather a humble sort of confidence that allows him to make a joke or two at his own expense.

Besides, it isn't as if he's exaggerating. Mikazuki's fieldwork stats are among the lowest, which, again, can be attributed to his historical background. While Heian courtiers were sensitive to the beauty of nature and the pleasures of music, poetry and calligraphy, they knew little of the world outside the capital and did not get to travel much. Having spent his life in the hands and palaces of noble families and powerful samurai clans—who never used him in battle, at that—lends Mikazuki an aristocratic lineage and a somewhat similar disposition.

Consequently, there are times Mikazuki needs someone to explain even the simplest things ("Nn, I don't know much about shops.") to him. It's telling how he, despite having existed for over a thousand years, says he barely knows how to clothe himself ("Fashion is not one of my strong points. I am always dressed by others") and sounds genuinely thankful for your help in dressing him. As endearing as this might be, his obliviousness to the practical matters in life are an obvious flaw, and something he definitely could work to improve. The good news is that he certainly doesn't hesitate to try. Because of his lenient disposition, not to mention the lack of hesitance when it comes to lending and seeking help, he still has every chance to get involved and learn more about the world.

Then again, they do say that people vanish when they reach perfection. That is to say: no one is perfect.

Hahahahaha... no, this is no laughing matter, is it.
As I've already noted, Mikazuki retains a near critical lack of seriousness in many situations. This behavior even extends itself to more perilous times, such as in battle, where he's often shown laughing heartily (no, really: "Fu ha ha ha ha." / "Ha ha ha, I have picked it up.") and still coming across as unperturbed as ever. Now, again, let's keep in mind that Mikazuki has the highest combined MAX stats out of any sword in the game. Furthermore, you won't see him make jokes about his lack of skills in this area the way he does with the fieldwork. While it's easy to interpret his untroubled attitude towards combat as a lack of self-preservation, it's actually far more likely that he knows what he's doing, has faith in his own abilities, and genuinely doesn't see a reason to worry.

Indeed, Mikazuki's stats make him capable as both a leader and a fighter. This shines through his combat statements, where he sounds confident and clearheaded, firmly delegating the troops as a captain. That said, though? Despite being a powerhouse and a trustworthy commander, the aggression that comes with fighting is absolutely lost on him. This can certainly be said for his behavior in general, but Mikazuki's calmness during battle is remarkable. He cares little for one-on-one fights ("A one-on-one duel is a bit old-fashioned." / "I do not particularly mind losing.") and so far only participates in violence for a noble cause—to salvage history from the forces of evil, for example—while inflicting the least amount of unpleasantness upon others as possible.

By way of contrast, there comes a time when even this tachi has his limits. There is a combat mechanism wherein a critically injured sword has the chance of entering a so-called awakened state. Raising their Crit rate significantly for the duration of the battle, it can be interpreted as making a last stance of sorts; the kind where you fight for your life and go out in blazing glory. This is the only time during any of his interactions that Mikazuki's voice loses some of its breezy lightness. There is an undercurrent of weary grimness to it instead, as he, having sustained heavy injuries, comments that there is little to laugh about now. In his awakening sequence, he even says "I'm burning up. It seems the time has come for me to take this seriously," implying he did not feel there was a need for him to worry until that very moment. His tone is still milder than the gravity of the situation calls for, of course, but it shows he's capable of taking things seriously when he has to.

Well, all things are doomed to perish one day. That day happened to be today - that is all there is to it.
Every sword in Touken Ranbu runs the risk of breaking in battle from fatigue. When that happens, their last words are usually a statement that makes us privy to their innermost thoughts regarding life and death.

Mikazuki's "Well, all things are doomed to perish one day. That day happened to be today - that is all there is to it." is telling in itself. He holds the belief that everything shall come to an end and accepts his fate as something inevitable, but natural. His capacity for acceptance even in a situation like this is, one again, quite astounding, but not without its reasons.

We have enough context to know Mikazuki once witnessed the defeat of Yohiteru Ashikaga at the hands of soldiers, meaning he's had at least one close brush with death, but otherwise lead a tranquil existence. Unlike many of the other swords, Mikazuki's past isn't riddled with a constant stream of misgivings and bloodshed. His life spans across a thousand years, and he was, in truth, cherished for most of them. So not only is his relationship towards death rather realistic and healthy thanks to a long, well-lived life - it's highly cultivated, just like him.

Ah... I see. So something terrible had happened. Well, don't worry about it.
Given his overall disposition, I think it only makes sense to end a write-up of Mikazuki's personality on a positive note. His recollection skit with Honebami best demonstrates the quintessential aspects of his character:
M: Ah... I see. So something terrible had happened. Well, don't worry about it.
H: Did you know the previous me?
M: Yes. For quite a long time... But, it doesn't matter. From here on, let's once again get along with each other.

Anyone would be upset to find an old friend lost all memories of the time you've spent together. But instead of inquiring about it any further, instead of pressing the issue by lamenting his personal grief over the good times gone by, Mikazuki focuses on soothing Honebami, who really can't do much about the situation, by assuring him that everything is fine and that he wishes to focus on their future instead. He is careful about putting Honebami's well-being over his own nostalgia and momentary sense of loss. The past is past, after all, and why squander an opportunity to start over together?

Mikazuki is genuinely one of the kindest, warmest and most accepting beings you could meet; his beauty far from skin-deep. Remaining just as well-spoken and cordial regardless of the situation—whether he is delegating troops, fighting the enemy, or speaking to an old friend—shows us he places little importance in rank between himself and others, and that his graciousness and good manners are intrinsic parts of his character. Needless to say, players find him a joy to interact with.


Abilities: As I have detailed in the application, Mikazuki is a spirit of sorts, an animate representation of a sword in the shape of a human, and an expert swordsman. He has a tachi style sword attached to a sash on his hip at all times. The tachi is essentially an extension of himself. So if the sword were to be damaged, Mikazuki's physical health would also deteriorate, and if the sword were to break, Mikazuki would die. You get the picture.

Alignment: Sosyne, for his immense calm. He is extremely accepting, easy-going and generally has a soothing effect on others, as well.

Other:

⌈ SAMPLE SECTION ⌉

Sample: Character Portrayal + Use of Emotions:
A brand new place with fantastical sights to be witnessed, and yet, when falling into reverie during the quiet, peaceful moments, he's far more soothed by thoughts of the world in which he used to live.

Mikazuki still has sheet music pitted in his heart for the sound of courtyard gravel. He remembers exciting small landslides of it with every stride, even as he stepped lightly, on his way to the imperial residence wings from the entrance. A servant would greet him by bowing ever so politely at the golden-age gates, built to impress and impose upon those who visit, and accompany him until their eyes could discern details in the slanted outlines of the palace roof. The contour was especially dark and sharp with the sky as backdrop. It always reminded him of a mountain top silhouette.

Sunlight slips over the tremulous leaves in his mind, casting dancing shadows across the carefully raked courtyard as light spring wind stirs, carrying the rich aroma of azalea shrubs and plum trees—the more delicate perfume of pink-flowering cherry blossoms—begging him to pause and inhale from his very core.

A hefty thud forces his eyes open. Mikazuki looks down to locate the source of the noise - a toppled-over pot of what used to be one yellow sunflower had turned into a wild mess of untamed dozens.


Questions: Nope.
simpathis: (Default)

Declined

[personal profile] simpathis 2015-06-04 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately, after much deliberation, we've determined that Touken Ranbu is not a canon that can be applied from. Your application is very well thought out and if we allowed canon OCs it might be doable, but with our current standards it is not allowed.
crescentblade: pixiv: (Default)

Re: Declined

[personal profile] crescentblade 2015-06-04 07:30 am (UTC)(link)
it's all right! i must've missed that part about canon ocs not being allowed in the rules, but i understand completely. thanks for looking over my app!
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