KaeCozy

#3 As a huge mecha fan myself, as well as someone who is presently playing in a Lancer game elsewhere, I will say that it is...a lot. Not 3.5e/PF1e levels of a lot, but there are lot of, let's say, moving parts (queue audience laugh). Fortunately there are a number of resources to help, like Comp/Con, that can guide you in how it works, as well as Owlbear Rodeo to plot the map, but even at LL0, there is a lot that can go on in the span of just one round, and it takes a measure of dedication to keep up. However, the trade off is that the system is incredibly in depth, and the aspect of customizing mechs is very elaborate. The basics are that as you gain Licenses, you gain the ability to swap out different weapons, systems, and other parameters from different mech lines. You can essentially make an entirely unique beast with enough licenses, and simulating basically any known mobile suit is just a matter of finding the right combination. Unfortunately as I said, I'm already in a Lancer game and that gives me my fill of mecha content, so I will pass on playing, but I hope this information helps you with your decision. It is a really good system, its just really crunchy.

[floatright][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202989734_a01606116b.jpg[/img][/floatright] Kvalt One of the nine continental landmasses of the Glass World, Kvalt sits in the central latitude of the northern hemisphere and neighbors the continent of Oscea in the east. A rich cornucopia of mountainous regions, verdant valleys, and rigid plateaus, it is home to a number of hardy nations who value peace and prosperity over the horrors and rigors of conflict. The majority of Kvaltish nations are meritocratic, and thus place a high value on skills and accolades. As a result, education is considered an important foundation, and thus there are numerous colleges and universities in the land. Above all others, six of these schools, known as the Grand Academia, are each considered neutral territory and given sovereign governance of the lands around in hopes that they would use this freedom to cultivate new generations of individuals who are allowed to grow and learn around students from other nations, strengthening the future of progressive minds as well as the bonds between countries.

If it helps, I might suggest putting aside the term 'slice-of-life' try to think of it more like a 'peaceful fantasy life simulator'. I'll endeavor to provide some hypothetical examples off the top of my head. And yes, the mechanics will of course factor in. This isn't a freeform game, just a rules-lite one. Success and failures on challenging tasks will still be very real and most of the time a mix of dice results and your own creativity and ingenuity. Classes will be GM-led and school life will be the main focus of the game. I'll play the part of the instructor/professor, as well as other NPCs (faculty, class peers, and upperclass students, townsfolk, etc.), but they won't all simply be faceless background characters. Rather, many will be unique characters with their own personalities, goals, and motivations, so interacting and dealing with other people will be a regular happening. Typical (and not so typical) anime high school drama will likely ensue. Classes themselves will vary and range from basic courses to fantastical ones. Some will be required, others will be electives. Some will be more active, while some will be more passive. You'll be able to react to lectures, participate in regular challenges (questions, solving problems, etc.), activities (labs, demonstrations, etc.), and sometimes you might even have homework. There will be quizzes and tests, and you'll be graded based on performance, participation and so on. And if you perform particularly well, there might even be accolades with actual, tangible rewards attached to them. Maybe you have the opportunity to get a better dorm. Maybe there's a cash prize. Maybe you get to pick a special class that not everyone has the chance to study. Clubs will function similarly. You'll be able to join however many you want and have time for and each club will have its own events and activities you can participate in. The DIY club would let you get your craft on, the exploration club might have geocaching or stamp-collecting 'quests', and the student council will plan and execute school events like the culture festival and such. In addition, there might be club standing, as well as the ability to play more active roles in the clubs and personal rewards for accomplishing tasks. Meanwhile, the town and countryside will be fairly big and immersive, with all kinds of places to explore and visit, as well as their own events and potential 'quests'. Maybe there's a clothing boutique, a farmer's market, a museum, a shrine. Maybe there's a festival coming that you can enter your prized familiar into a beauty contest. Maybe there's a goblin trader who is too scared to visit town and needs your help to overcome his fear and help him get a shop set up. Last but not least, in addition to being a student, you're also a person with your own life, goals, and motivations, and in fact, character progression is going to be largely based on achieving goals rather than overcoming encounters or specific challenges. Maybe you want to start an item shop business, or maybe you want to be a private eye and you spend your off-time looking for mysteries to solve. Maybe you heard about this old ruin somewhere in the nearby mountains and you want to go explore it. Maybe you just really love camping, so every weekend you go off in search of fun new places to camp or new campfire dishes to cook. Or maybe you want to learn an instrument and start your own band. I dunno! Surprise me~ In conclusion, this is the kind of game where should probably be more worried about there being too much to do and not enough time in your day to do it all.

Oh, you misunderstand, its not that I dislike those things, I just feel really burned out on that type of game and have for a while. Perhaps the day may come when I become more interested again... Till then, good vibes all around!

  Yeah, I get that a lot. The whole 'I get bored of epic games and fighting all the time' tends to single me out of a lot of groups, but I know there is an audience out there for what I like, its just a matter of finding them. I appreciate the welcome nonetheless.

Greetings and Good Morning I'm somewhat new on this site and haven't really found anything as of that has caught my interest, so I thought I might dabble with running a game instead. I'm not new to RPGs or PbP and if you wanna get to know me a bit, my introduction thread is over here. Anyway, recently I purchased a few bundles of game books online and one of them is a game called OVA: The Anime Roleplaying Game which, as the title suggest, is a d6 RPG with an anime-specific thematic. The general bit is that you roll 2d6, take the highest, then add modifiers from Abilities and Weaknesses you choose for your character, and comparing it against a Difficulty Number (DN). There's some other tiddly-bits in the details, but that is generally how most things work, so its on the rules-lite end of the gaming spectrum, but still robust enough to require some careful thought when it comes to creating characters, progression, and acting things out. I have a few different game ideas in mind for this, but the most prominent one is presently 'anime high school/university life' meets 'Rune Factory / Stardew Valley'. Kind of a cottagecore Harry Potter vibe, but this is, like, the Japanese Hogwarts or something and the whole world is fantasy rather than split between regular people and wizards. Most of the game will focus on your time at school attending classes (both mundane and fantastical), getting involved in clubs (ditto), dealing with all the drama of being a student (find a rival, fall in love, be the best there over was, all that jazz), and then spending your free time (after school, weekends and days off) exploring the campus, nearby town(s) and the surrounding countryside. And of course, with regular mini-plots and story arcs to keep you on your toes. This is not going to be a high-octane action adventure, but rather more along the lines of a slice-of-life drama-com. There might be some combat, but mostly you'll be encouraged to deal with situations in other ways. Less My Hero Academia, more Little Witch Academia. For the sake of clarity, since I own the PDF version of this book, I would be providing an undownloadable, unprintable copy for player use via my Drive, so buying the book won't be necessary. So, any interest in something like this?

Arigato gozaimasu! I actually wasn't familiar with Dungeon Meshi until recently when I saw the teaser trailer for the anime but the manga has been on my wishlist ever since. Honestly, anime depictions of food make me hungrier than seeing the real thing! Also big fan of the similar manga/anime like Tondemo Sukiru de Isekai Hōrō Meshi and Isekai Izakaya.

Greetings and Good Morning (because its after 2 AM for me) I go by Kae. I've been a member of this site for a little while now, but haven't really dipped my chips in anywhere yet. I'm more of a 'find people I like and just associate with them' more than a 'participate in a big community setting' kind of person. I'm a TTRPGer and have been for many years, going on about two and a half decades now. My original appetizer to the genre was with Dungeons & Dragons 3E, however I have long since evolved and now play numerous different cuisines. My favorite dishes include Ryuutama, Traveller, Pokemon Tabletop United, and now and then I might play some heavily modded versions of D&D5e (Witch+Craft and Dragon Stew, for instance, are my favorite mods). I am not particularly new to play-by-post, but when I do play ttrpgs, it is my preferred medium. Live games just aren't my thing, probably because I'm more of a writer than a social butterfly. As far as what kinds of games I like to play, it varies. I got pretty burned out on the traditional high-octane epic adventures or the intensive dungeon crawl genres. Nowadays my menu consists of more casual concepts, stuff that revolves around low-stakes, slice-of-fantasy-life or the newly dubbed 'cozy fantasy' aesthetics. I like games where we take our time, get to know each other, and really stew in the characters and the plots. Alternatively, just any kind of adventure game where the solution is something other than stabbing something with a sword or exploding them with a fireball. Anyway, nice to meet you. -- Kae   PS.: If it wasn't clear by the title of this thread and the numerous food-related puns strewn about the post, I am a huge foodie, so the best way to my heart is through my stomach.

The Goddesses A widespread religion, particularly among the races who claim to be their descendants, 'the Goddesses' refers to a trinity of divine beings that are thought to have created the Glass World. These are: Astra, goddess of the sky. Her domain includes the air, wind, rain, and the stars. Terra, goddess of the earth. Her domain includes the land, the oceans, and the stratums. Mana, goddess of magic. Her domain includes the leylines and ephemeral realms, including the feywilds. Within this religion, there are also several other lesser deities, as well as supposedly a fourth 'fallen' goddess, though her name has long since been expunged from all religious texts. She is simply known as 'the Other One', and is thought to rule over the Depths. To the Darkfolk, she is named Omni, goddess of fate. Her domain is the Depths, as well as the Core of the World. Returning to the Planet Within the religion surrounding the Goddesses, when a person dies, their spirit returns to planet and eventually reborn or reincarnated, usually as a reflection of the kind of life they lived. A life full of good deeds and appreciation is believed to grant one a peaceful new existence, while a life full of malice or bullying is likely to grant one eternal punishment.

Descendants of Mana People who claim to be descendants of the Goddess Mana include humans, dwarves, and halflings. Half-bloods born of these races and other are also considered part of this group. The Fey Those whom originate from the first travelers from the Feywilds, the Fey, or 'Feyfolk', includes the various races of elves and gnomes, as well as dryads, sirens, and nymphs. Also includes: changelings, hags, merfolk, pixies, satyrs, trolls The Charmed Peoples who originate from the Lost Forest, the Charmed or 'charmed folk' appear as people with animal traits. This most notably includes the Tigere (tiger-folk), the Mauslings (mousefolk), and the Bonn (rabbit-folk), though there are numerous others. Often confused in foreign lands with henge, or vice versa. Also includes: centaur, minotaur, tengu The Darkfolk People who originate from the Depths, the darkfolk race includes demons, dryders, oni, and vampires. Also includes: gargoyles, gremlins, harpies The Fangedfolk People who originate from the Lower Stratums, the fangfolk include orcs, goblins and ogres. Also includes: gnolls, hobgoblins, lamia, lizardmen, troglodytes The Ancientborn People who are believed to originate from mythical creatures include giants and kobolds. Also includes: djinn Those of the Ley People who are believed to have been given a semblance of intelligence and reason directly from the leylines, such as familiars and golems. Creatures that have extensive magical affinity or have a special connection to the leylines are also sometimes lumped into this category, such as dragons, elementals, and the henge, however this is not actually accurate. Also includes: slimefolk

[indent][font=Papyrus][size=7]Magical Leylines[/size][/font][/indent] Magical Leylines Also called 'arcs' or 'ars', leylines are the foundation of arcane magical existence that take the form of invisible currents. Though magic is everywhere, it is always stronger and more potent near a leyline. They are drawn to 'foci', which places or artifacts of vestigial magical power. In some cases, foci might be as small as a magical dias in which a legendary sword is thrust, or they might be as large as an ancient, untamed river. It is widely believed, too, that magical leylines have a consciousness, though to what extent is not truly understood. Those who draw upon the power of magical leylines, however, often get a strange sensation that is akin to human emotion, particularly within powerful foci. Ergo, it is common for magic practitioners to develop a sort of relationship or bond with leylines and foci as they might a living being. This might come in the form of a sacrifice or offering, an unspoken agreement or accord, communing directly with the source or some other similar act. In some cultures, the leylines and foci str revered as celestial or divine beings as a result.

[floatleft][img]https://philgamer.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ryuutama-logo.jpg?w=723[/img][/floatleft] [floatright][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53051949493_dcc9c7e2dd_o.png[/img][/floatright   [floatleft][img]https://philgamer.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ryuutama-logo.jpg?w=723[/img][/floatleft]   Character Sheet Version 1.0   [floatright][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53051949493_dcc9c7e2dd_o.png[/img][/floatright] Character ------------ Player ------------ Level ---- XP ---- Age ---- Pronouns ---- Class -------- / -------- Type -------- / -------- d? d? d? d?   - / - - / - ? STR DEX INT SPI   HPMax HP = STR x 2 MPMax MP = SPI x 2 Condition Class Skill Stat Effect ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ ---------- [---] + [---] ------------------------------ Weapons   Accuracy Damage Durability Effects ---------- [---] + [---] [---] -- ---------- ---------- [---] + [---] [---] -- ---------- Armor / Shield   Defense Penalty Durability Effects ---------- -- -- -- ---------- ---------- -- -- -- ---------- Equipped Outfit Slot   Effects Shoes ---------- ------------------------------ Cape ---------- ------------------------------ Staff ---------- ------------------------------ Hat ---------- ------------------------------ Accessory ---------- ------------------------------ Personal Inventory (Capacity: -- / --)                         Backpack (Capacity: -- / --)                         Other Container (Capacity: -- / --) (Copy & Paste As Needed)                         Incantations   MP Duration Target Range Effect ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ Seasonal Magic   MP Duration Target Range Effect ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------ ---------- -- -- ---------- -- ------------------------------

[center][font=Papyrus][size=7]Town Creation Sheet[/size][/font][/center] Town Creation Sheet   Town Name -------- Population -------- Landscape --------   Topic Description Political Structure   Social Structure   Economic Structure   Sights, Sounds & Scents   Points of Interest   Legends & Folklore   Recent History   Ancient History   Other Information    

Anime / Manga Recommendations Below are a few of my top picks for cozy fantasy+ anime and manga, in case you need a little positive energy in your life outside of this site.   Ascendance of a Bookworm (Kae's Cozy Score 7 / 10Positive Points: A story about hope, friendship, and following your dreams. Contains many instances where characters start out as adversaries, but eventually become friends. Several notable role model characters. A fair amount of wholesome content. Warnings: Contains depictions of medieval class struggles, inequality among genders, and neglect towards minors. Does include some light to moderate action and conflict, particularly in the second season.) (Crunchyroll) Avid bookworm and college student Motosu Urano ends up dying in an unforeseen accident. This came right after the news that she would finally be able to work as a librarian like she had always dreamed of. When she regained consciousness, she was reborn as Main, the daughter of a poor soldier. She was in the town of Ehrenfest, which had a harsh class system. But as long as she had books, she didn't really need anything else. However, books were scarce and belonged only to the nobles. But that doesn't stop her, so she makes a decision... "If there aren't any books, I'll just create some."   Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill (Kae's Cozy Score 8 / 10Positive Points: Several funny characters that are easy to get attached to. In particular, the main cast is sweet and wholesome. Lots of depictions of yummy food, with some very generic cooking methodology. Clever use of modern isekai powers. The story centers around traveling, adventure, making friends, growing and enjoying the tasty treats along the way. Warnings: This is a moderate action anime with several battle scenes and depictions of violence, blood, and dead creatures, but nothing really gore-y.) (Crunchyroll) When a magical realm looks to summon heroes, they’re sorely disappointed to end up with a mediocre salaryman. Mukoda Tsuyoshi may not be a hero, but this conjuring error has given him a delicious power—Online Grocery. And something about this modern food brings with it unbelievable effects. This easy access paired with his cooking skills will have patrons from across the land coming back for more!   Konohana Kitan (Kae's Cozy Score 9 / 10Positive Points: Features a wonderful cast of tropey, comical, and endearing characters, including a bubbly protagonist. Explores Japanese folklore in the form of visitors to a hotel. The story centers around youth, growing pains, making friends, and learning about the trials and travails of others. Lots of homey feeling, beautiful background scenery and landscapes, as well as several callbacks to traditional Japanese writing aesthetics. Warnings: Many of the episodic stories in Konohana Kitan are based on those of Japanese folklore and fairy tales. The subject material ranges into spooky territory, but the show mostly keeps things in a positive light.) (Crunchyroll) Konohana Kitan is the heartwarming story of a new apprentice named Yuzu, and the other fox girls who work at a hot spring hotel called Konohatei. The staff at Konohatei live by one belief: no matter who one may truly be, no matter what, anyone who is a guest is a god. Of course, that includes you. Let the hospitality of Yuzu and the Konohatei heal your tired soul.   Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food From Another World (Kae's Cozy Score 9 / 10Positive Points: The story centers around normal people in a fantasy world who come to a shop to enjoy a meal and leave their troubles outside. A large cast of relatable and recognizable characters who all have very realistic problems and lives, with the added effect of 'anime nonsense'. The food is great, and there are tons of wholesome moments between characters. Themes include friendship, exploring new horizons, comfort, and creating a community atmosphere. Warnings: Depictions of alcohol, and some minor conflict between characters. There will be at least one or two characters you hate.) (Crunchyroll) (aka Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu) Izakaya “Nobu” is a modest establishment, staffed by only two people: master, Nobuyuki Yazawa, and server, Shinobu Senke. Despite its humble appearance, its entrance is mysteriously connected to an ancient city from another world: “Aitheria.” Nobu’s patrons consist of lazy palace guards, incognito clergymen, and the Waterworks Guildmaster - not your average clientele! But once they enter Nobu’s doors, they are greeted with the finest alcohol and dishes the likes of which they’ve never seen. The patrons leave their troubles at the door as they call, “Give me a cold ale, master!”   Princess Connect!: Re-Dive (Kae's Cozy Score 7 / 10Positive Points: A trope-y, over-the-top anime with a huge assortment of characters and lots of adorable moments. Focuses on a guild of adventurers who love food. Themes include making new friends, exploring, traveling, growing, and overcoming differences, as well as mystery, intrigue, and the pains of learning to trust. Focuses on food-centric quests, specifically. Warning: This is a moderate-to-high action anime with several battle scenes and depictions of monsters being slain, but very little blood and zero gore. The story becomes progressively more action-packed in the second season.) (Crunchyroll) In the beautiful land of Astraea where a gentle breeze blows, a young man named Yuuki awakens with no memory of his past. There he encounters a guide who has sworn to care for him—Kokkoro, a lovely swordswoman who's always feeling peckish—Pecorine, and a cat-eared sorceress with a prickly attitude—Karyl. Led by fate, these four come together to form the "Gourmet Guild."   Super Cub (Kae's Cozy Score 9 / 10Positive Points: A gentle, serene show that centers around finding new joys and interests, as well as making friends who have those same interests. The characters are mundane, but are at the same time believable and relatable, and make you want to root for them. The plot is slow, but in a good way, and the world quite literally gets more vibrant when the characters are enjoying themselves! The plot is originally centralized around the protagonist who begins to branch out as a result of growing confidence. Warnings: The main character appears to have some form of anxiety and/or depression as made evident by the fluctuating vibrancy of the world around her according to her current emotions, which may bother some people. There is one depiction of a weather-related traffic incident in which one of the characters is hurt, but fortunately recovers later.) (Crunchyroll) Koguma finds her freedom on a motorcycle. But with no parents, friends, or plans for the future, she doesn’t have much else. That is, until she meets a fellow biker, Reiko. Together, they’ll discover friendship, fun, and the adventure of the open road.   Yuru Camp (Kae's Cozy Score 10 / 10Positive Points: Focuses on the relationship between a group of high school girls who love camping. Themes include exploration, traveling, finding comfort, hobbies, doing what you love, and enjoying the company of friends. This show is basically built with positive vibes in mind, as its all about enjoying camping, making camping food, and being a responsible environmentalist. Locations are based on real-life places in Japan and you can actually visit them yourself! Warnings: Some very very light interpersonal conflict between some characters in the second season.) (Kae's Favorite!) (Crunchyroll) (aka Laid-Back Camp) Nadeshiko, a high school student who had moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous, 1000 yen-bill-featured Mount Fuji. Even though she manages to bike all the way to Motosu, she's forced to turn back because of worsening weather. Unable to set her eyes on her goal, she faints partway to her destination. When she wakes up, it's night, in a place she's never been before, with no way of knowing how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she encounters Rin, a girl who is out camping by herself. This outdoorsy girls story begins with this first encounter between Nadeshiko and Rin.

Sho Pahl's Heavenly Tea House An Open Roleplaying Area for Celestial Travelers In the world we know, doors have a finite purpose: they serve to connect two divided spaces. No more, no less; and no matter how many times you open a door, it will always take you to that same, single place, then back again. It is a mundane constant, something that no one really thinks about; they simply trust it as fact and go on about their lives, never minding that it could be anything but what they expect... ...but this rule is only true of doors in the realm of mortals. To the spirits of the celestial heavens, a door is not so simple. To the practiced traveler of realms beyond, a single door can lead to a thousand and one different destinations, each limited only by the power and creativity of those who choose to open them. [floatleft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9d/e4/ae/9de4aeb10dcb6b56408a7d41074154c5.jpg[/img] [center][size=2]The Heavenly Teahouse of Sho Pahl, dragon kami of stories and legends.[/size][/center][/floatleft] The Heavenly Teahouse of Sho Pahl, dragon kami of stories and legends. Thus do spirits and demons alike tread effortlessly through the Endless Expanses, seeking all number of truths, treasures, and travails. Yet no matter how many different places they see, few are as dearly remembered as a certain minor realm belonging to a particularly powerful ryuu-kami. When one enters the fabulous realm of Sho Pahl, the enigmatic 'Fate Spinner', they are greeted first by the aroma of a mellow, floral incense which pervades the whole of the space. Golden-brown wooden floors appear to gleam as is freshly lacquered, while slatted paper windows in the much darker walls cast a perpetual stream of light of an eternally rising (or perhaps forever setting) sun, masked by a thick blanket of fluffy clouds and ephemeral, far-away mountains. Shadows of leafy, flower-filled trees, too, dance against the yellowed paper dividers, alluding to a world beyond that one will never behold. Here, one must remove one's shoes and coats, as well as their grudges and woes, replacing them with simple wooden sandals that sit in a neat line atop two small steps, wash their hands in the ever-flowing basin, and then enter the building proper. A chime sounds as one passes through the circular archway, hearkening a strange warmth as the teahouse's patrons turn to greet newcomers, offering seats aplenty at small curved tables that encircle a great pool of water, in which one can spy several lotus blossoms floating atop it and numerous koi fish of exotic colors swimming within. On approach, the pool shimmers in the light, giving the waters themselves a tinge of amber hue. Sitting down, one gazes about at the artful décor: large, solid wooden pillars with intricate, classical designs in Far Eastern-stylings; small, fat pots from which sprout twisting bonsai of elaborate coils and lush leaves; and thin vases filled with neatly arranged flowers. All this and much more, arranged in such a way that every facet has its own space and place of prominence, and the wandering eye is transfixed with even the slightest movement. Spirits. Demons. Demi-creatures. Great and small, powerful and not, all gather together within these walls to share in the revelry of food, drink, and story, forbidden by the dragon kami from violence. [floatright][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156876957_6b4e9f61e5_o.png[/img][/floatright] It is strange company, to be sure, but none can compare to the proprietress herself, who after only a short wait appears next to the table, holding a wooden tray. Atop it sits a basket of simple wheat treats and an elaborate tea set which always seems to be in the most pleasing colors to the one who beholds it. Already the steeper is filled with piping hot water, and several cups stand ready to be filled alongside tiny bowls with various admixtures of tea leaves and spices ready to please the lips of those who partake of them. She--the enigmatic dragon, Sho Pahl herself--is distinctly tall and long of leg, though much of her form is all but consumed in a long, slender dress that is gold, brown and green, leaving her milky arms to protrude out of draping sleeves marked with a number of short haikus. Her face is of porcelain--barren of blemish and imperfection save for the red mark upon her forehead--and her golden eyes peer down upon her patrons from beneath pale wheat hair that fountains down her shoulders and back, crowned with a pair of twisting horns and a number of curious golden floral hair ornaments. She gives each newcomer the ever-so-slightest of smiles, but remains silent, and sinks down to her knees so as to gently place the tray on the table. There, she prepares the tea exactly as each patron requests, though in addition to what they choose to add to their drink, each also gets a tiny spoonful of a glistening yellow sap that immediately disperses into the liquid--Ambrosia, the so-called 'nectar of the gods', though in reality it is little more than a rare honey that grows only in Takaamahara's highest peaks. Lastly, she leaves a single brown coin beside each cup. Looking down into the pool, one can see numerous coins just like it resting at the bottom--each a blessing...but for what? And as if to answer the question as it springs to mind, Sho Pahl takes some of the tea in the pot into her hand, pouring a small stream into the great pool before. The water begins to shimmer, emitting a soft light which then grows to encompass the whole and revealing a scene...and then, an image...a face...a...mortal face. Ah...so this is it then...one of the greatest treasures of the dragon kami beside her magical paintbrush. The Well of Tales. A scrying glass that gazes down upon mortals during the most important moments of their lives, that the celestials might watch over them and grant blessings to those worthy. Thus the purpose of the coin, too, revealed. The act of throwing the coin into the pool itself was the blessing, imbued with the thoughts and wishes--and perhaps a little bit of power--of they who tosses it. "Enjoy..." she finally speaks in a voice that is haunting and unearthly, like several tones mixed into one, but blended in a way that was harmonious and singularly unique. She offers only this single word before she stands, moving in such a way that it seems like she is gliding across the floor to a long, wooden string instrument in the corner. Here she kneels once more, her nails lengthen slightly, and she reaches down, plucking one of the strings. This releases a hollow reverberation into the room, and then another...and another. The melody of song soon becomes evident, one that befits such an ancient and regal realm as this. A stranger, more magical place few will ever know, yet for a weary and lonely traveler of the realms, it is a little known secret paradise, tucked away in the folds of countless realms, where one can simply come and enjoy good tea and cakes, good company among friends, and fascinating tales of the mortal realm. A place of austere peace amid a torrid beyond. Such is the Celestial Teahouse of Sho Pahl, the dragon kami of stories. So come...and but for a moment, let go of your troubles to bear witness of the next grand tale, through the mirror of fate. Open Roleplay Rules Welcome to the Open Roleplay area for Glass World. Sho Pahl's Heavenly Teahouse is an inviolate space in which observers and readers may interact in the form of celestial spirits who have come to the Teahouse during their travels at such a time as to witness the story that is currently being played out. So long as you are not a player in one of the Glass World games, you may participate in this role-play, which has no plot nor purpose other than to be an in-character discussion of the events transpiring in the mortal realm. You may appear within the teahouse in any form you desire, and as often--or not--as you wish to. In addition, you may develop your identity as much as you like, from history, to relationships with others. Perhaps you are a deity, a kami spirit, a yokai, or something quite unknown. Nevertheless, while you are here, the formless has form, and the imperceptible is visible, and regardless of what relationship you may have to the others around you, this is a place of peace, and you will find swords unable to leave their sheathes, and magic intended to harm or hinder will fail to manifest. In addition, you are each provided with a single brass coin, which symbolizes a blessing. You may throw this coin into the pool at any time you wish, naming a recipient (a player-character in the game) who garners your favor. This character immediately receives a free re-roll (taking the better of the two rolls), to be used on a roll that they have just made or a roll that they are about to make. You only get one coin per game, but you may continue to be involved in the roleplay even after you use it. However, you may not otherwise interact with the mortal realm and with the story being told in the scrying pool. Beyond this, please feel free to interact with the teahouse and the other denizens as you see fit, but if you choose to leave the teahouse, your part in this narrative will end till such a time as you may choose to return there again. I will occasionally play Sho Pahl, though of course my focus will always be on running the game. I hope you enjoy the experience! Let's have fun!