People think the writer's imagination is always at work, that she's constantly inventing an endless supply of incidents and episodes; that she simply dreams up her stories out of thin air. In point of fact, the opposite is true. Once the public knows you're a writer, they bring the characters and events to you. And as long as you maintain your ability to look, and to carefully listen, these stories will continue to...
Wait, that's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'.
No matter. It will do for now.
For you see, there exists two types of people; those who make history, and those who write it down.
Hello, I'm Alice.
Name: Alice Robert Carol.
Appearance:
Personality: My mentor always said that I should show, rather than tell, as the reader becomes more invested in your narration that way. And in a world full of story, what is someone who observes what goes around her but a narrator? So though I can tell you that I'm thoughtful and observant, maybe it would be better to point out that these qualities are essential for a narrator. You may not have any other qualities, but you simply must be able to note down enough detail for you, dear reader, to be more immersed in the telling.
Speaking of which, you can hear me, right? Your mind is projecting a voice, my voice, inside your head?
Good.
That means it's working.
Likes: Oh, the usual. Cute boys, rainbows, and a good story.
Dislikes: Loud noises, misplaced postmodernism and arbitrary point systems.
Dream Anime: Alice R. Carol, Ace Reporter! Glamourous Adventuress! That'd be nice. I'm thinking Tintin. Although, I don't recall him doing any reporting, so maybe that's a bad example. Um, maybe Lois Lane? And by Lois Lane I don't mean the wierd possessive silver age Lois. I'm talking Golden Age Fleischer-era Lois. The one that machine guns down Nazis. That one.
I'm not aware of many examples from anime of jet-setting reporters travelling around the world in 72 days to get the scoop (if you have the time, look up Nellie Bly, she's amazing), so maybe I can be one of the first!
I first met Ikashi Toryauna on a train to Nagoya. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him, though at first he was a bit confused.
"What's happening?" he asked, more to the air than to me, "I thought the plot of the anime finished years ago?"
I giggled lightly, covering it with the back of my hand. Even experienced protagonists, it seemed, got confused when flashbacks and flashforwards were involved. The disparity between the timeline of the show and the timeline of the universe took some getting used to.
"Relax," I said, "This is merely a framing device." I motioned to the scene around us. "This train to Nagoya? The fact that I'm interviewing you about said events that happened years ago? Window dressing for the main plot, the story that you will tell me now."
He looked at me with narrowed eyes, before comprehension dawned on his face. "Oh, like Persona 5 with Joker retelling the story to Sae?"
I clapped my hands. "Exactly! Or like the Daily Days reporters trying to figure out the plot to Baccano!"
"Okay, okay I think I understand," he said before his eyes narrowed again, "Aren't you just Carol from Baccano, though? I thought you can't be a simple ripoff."
I shook my head. "Carol is my last name," I said, "It's completely different."
He remained unconvinced.
"But nevermind that," I went on, "Let's start with beginning of that school year, Fall, wasn't it? And the leaves were falling..."
I took a slice out of cake put in front of me and put it in my mouth, audibly reacting to the sweet taste. "Did you know," I said, "That the 1st level of Super Mario Brothers was the last one actually made? The 1st level could only be made after all the concepts and moves that the game had was fully implemented and understood before the level that was meant to teach the player could be made.
Beginnings are important, you see. First impressions are important. We, with all our flaws, do judge a book by its cover, or at least its first couple of lines. My mentor once told me, "Don't start writing something if you don't know how you'll end."'
I tilted my head in thought.
"He also said that you could break the rules, if and only if you mastered them. So there's that.
But we're not playing on the usual board, are we? Despite the fact we're in the future, we don't know how this story ends, because it hasn't been written yet. And the one writing, he or she doesn't know how this story ends either, because this is not a story in the usual sense. The author is not following a path of his own making, but is being directed by another. Fate may lead the story to places no one even considers or expects."
I stare at my half eaten cake. My companion doesn't speak.
"And as such, it is more likely than not that we, mere parts in this play, are lead to no ending at all."
Can you tell me more about what kind of anime this is? Kid's adventure story? Shoujo story about celebrity life? Iyashiki relaxed investigation show like Acca:13? Just give me an idea of the dream show's demographics and/or genre. It'll help me figure out her stats and traits.
Okay, so Yuuichi has a more MacGuyver-style intelligence, whereas Miyazaki is more like a Sherlock-type figure, but what type of intelligence does Ochanomizu exemplify? All I see so far is ego and ambition, but nothing yet to back it up. Not even social intelligence, since, y'know, zero tact.
[X] Go meet someone to hang out
-[] Jad
-[] Yuuchi
-[X] Miyara
-[] Ochanomizu
[] Start your own club
-[] Sailing [Available due to Sailor Trait]
-[] Write-in
With Jad and her intel-gathering, we lend ourselves handily to a more investigative focus. Plus, mysteries are always cool. Also, is this going to be like Gosick? Because it looks like it, what with the whole "mysterious gothic loli detective" thing.
(Optional) Free Action
[X] Ask Jad to spy on a named character (Can't be chosen if you choose to spend time with Jad)
-[X] Miyara
[] No Free Action
Alright, so for self-awareness, it seems people are making characters with narrative self-awareness AKA 4th wall breaking genre savviness AKA Deadpool syndrome. But everyone at Anime academy has that to some degree, for obvious reasons, so what about a more literal interpretation?
Name: Riboru Kinoko
Brief Personality Descritpion: Extremely unflappable and levelheaded, she knows her wants, her needs, and her limits. Rarely shows emotion unless prompted, and maintains civility and politeness when interacting with others. Won't allow herself to grow emotionally close to others, and tries her best to maintain awareness of her surroundings at all times in case of an emergency. Is somewhat of a sociopath.
Likes:
-Guns and gun maintenance
-Self-reliance and self-improvement
-Observing others and their interactions with one another
Dislikes
-Authority figures, obligations, and lack of autonomy
-Growing too involved with or too attached to, anyone or anything
-Hedonists
Dream Anime: Noir thriller set in an extremely rainy and overcrowded city. Similar to Kowloon Walled City in population density, criminal landscape, and appearance, but more dystopian, more labyrinthine, and with much more rain. Early 1970s tech and culture.
Extra notes: Is a member of the Maintenance Club, and enjoys learning how various devices function and operate, especially mechanics and hydraulics, such as timepieces and pistons. Helps teach the other club members about gun safety and upkeep. Doesn't interact with people unless prompted, but remains polite at all times. There's a rumor going around that she's related to or involved with the yakuza, but no one is certain about the details, so the truth is still a mystery.
Okay, so Yuuichi has a more MacGuyver-style intelligence, whereas Miyazaki is more like a Sherlock-type figure, but what type of intelligence does Ochanomizu exemplify? All I see so far is ego and ambition, but nothing yet to back it up. Not even social intelligence, since, y'know, zero tact.
Well you've sort of got it, but in terms of types of intelligence Ochanomizu represents 'Evil Genius'. You can find out more about that what that means to her, by interacting with her.
Also, as for 'nothing to back it up' she did have you at her mercy with her Dr Octopus style metal arms. Although, you don't know whether she built those herself or not, so maybe you're right.
Gonna give this 12 hours, so people feel free to keep voting.
Well you've sort of got it, but in terms of types of intelligence Ochanomizu represents 'Evil Genius'. You can find out more about that what that means to her, by interacting with her.
Also, as for 'nothing to back it up' she did have you at her mercy with her Dr Octopus style metal arms. Although, you don't know whether she built those herself or not, so maybe you're right.
Gonna give this 12 hours, so people feel free to keep voting.
But see, that whole "building Dr. Octopus arms" kind of overshadows Yuuichi's shtick, to the point where I kind of feel bad for him now. Doesn't it? Although, it's possible he's got some hidden depths that differentiate him from Ms. Mastermind, such as tact. Yet, he didn't seem all that tactful either, and kept tripping over his words, to an almost implausible degree. Which means...
Ochanomizu: Engineering prodigy, very ambitious, driven in her goals, enjoys being the center of attention
Miyazaki: Investigative prodigy, dislikes shounen protags, likes mysteries, nosy and inquisitive, prefers being mysterious
Yuuichi: Social prodigy, enjoys taking things apart to see what makes them tick (hint hint), good at faking emotions and personalities, duplicitous, hides his talents, probably a serial killer
On the other hand, if she didn't make the arms herself, then Yuuichi is the the engineering prodigy and Ochanamizu is the social prdigy, and she browbeated/talked him into making them for her through sheer force of personality.
EDIT: Yes, this all is just theorizing. We won't know any of this for sure until we meet them, but it's my first impressions of them.
Well, I don't know how to go about making a new character exactly, but perhaps some sort of Gintama expy? That show pretty much exemplifies the Self-Awareness trait in all of its characters.
[x] Go meet someone to hang out
-[x] Miyara
(Optional) Free Action
[x] Ask Jad to spy on a named character (Can't be chosen if you choose to spend time with Jad)
-[x] Ochanomizu
But see, that whole "building Dr. Octopus arms" kind of overshadows Yuuichi's shtick, to the point where I kind of feel bad for him now. Doesn't it? Although, it's possible he's got some hidden depths that differentiate him from Ms. Mastermind, such as tact. Yet, he didn't seem all that tactful either, and kept tripping over his words, to an almost implausible degree. Which means...
Ochanomizu: Engineering prodigy, very ambitious, driven in her goals, enjoys being the center of attention
Miyazaki: Investigative prodigy, dislikes shounen protags, likes mysteries, nosy and inquisitive, prefers being mysterious
Yuuichi: Social prodigy, enjoys taking things apart to see what makes them tick (hint hint), good at faking emotions and personalities, duplicitous, hides his talents, probably a serial killer
On the other hand, if she didn't make the arms herself, then Yuuichi is the the engineering prodigy and Ochanamizu is the social prdigy, and she browbeated/talked him into making them for her through sheer force of personality.
You met all of these people 'once'. You can theorize as much as you like, but accept that there are aspects of their personalities and skills you are unaware of at this point.
Brief Personality Descritpion: Perceptive but don't show, Veritas is a nice and gentle soul who would only get in a fight for someone else. Which means it happens every thursday.
Likes:
-Music
-Moonlight
-Nice People
Dislikes
-Awkward Silences
-Waking up early
-Rude People
Dream Anime: Anything not shallow, both in characters and scenario, since observing how it is and changing how it will be is his thing.
(optional) Extra notes:
Knowing yourself is not always something you know you know. Strange and difficult to understand, uhh? But that is just the thing. Sometimes you know something, but don't know that you know. Veritas is like that, he knows himself really well, but never in those exact words: he sees the world how it is, and how it's supposed to be, and how other people see it, he sees it from all sides, and knowing "everything" around, the choices he makes can put better definition to who he is, a kind soul that wants to mend things broken, even knowing that not all can be fixed, he focus on the people he cares about... Although is awfully easy to get in this list, unless you're rude to someone already in it.
(Optional) Free Action
[X] Ask Jad to spy on a named character (Can't be chosen if you choose to spend time with Jad)
-[X] Ochanomizu
There's no harm in seeing what kind of 'mysteries' this mystery investigation club investigates. And there's no need to commit to joining it, if it gets too weird.
"Of course the problem is that psychotic super villain might have it out for me." You mutter aloud. "How do I deal with her?
"Your orders are clear brother Ikashi." A familiar voice calls out from above. You look up to see the ninja girl Jad crawling on the ceiling. "I will end her before nightfall."
"Whoa there!" You exclaim, waving your hands quickly. "I don't want to kill her! I'm pretty sure that'll get us kicked out of school for one."
"Hmm, your point is valid." Jad notes. "Then I will simply spy on her, to learn her weaknesses. Expect my report soon!" She pulls out a black sphere from her pocket. "Smoke bomb no-jutsu!
"Wait I didn't ask you to do that either-" But it's too late, as she's tossed her sphere on the floor, causing an explosion of smoke. When the smoke bomb clears, there is no sign of Jad. "Ugh. That's barely a jutsu."
Still, you make your way to the library.
---
The library is quite busy-it seems a lot of students do use their free time to study. You can see volumes of different mangas and light novels under 'research', along with different analtyical thesis on different topics, many penned by the Anime Pope himself. There is even an even wing dedicated to determining who is best girl or best boy, but most of the books seem to be refuting the arguments against the other books, along with fairly childish name calling.
Still you look around for a set of stairs that lead upstairs to the 'top floor' of the library. The library has 4 floors, but there's no sign of Miyara anywhere. Suddenly the piece of paper she gives you starts to wobble and grow warm, before flying out of your hand and pressing against the ceiling. A glowing magic circle appears, and several books fly off their shelves and form into a staircase leading to the circle.
You step up the staircase of books, and enter the circle of magic, going through it like a portal to the top floor.
As you go through the portal, you find yourself in a much smaller library-however there are glowing plants growing out of the woodwork. Flowers and bushels and tiny trees sparkly in the light from the open windows, as their vines crisscross over the books. It looks like no one has been in here in years-
"You're late." You turn to see the silver haired girl from before, sitting at a mahogany desk. Her voice is emotionless as is her expression, as she drinks a cup of tea.
Before you can respond the other person at the desk answers for you.
"Hey give him a break! This place is really hard to find!" You see it's the dark haired boy from the first day, the one who wore a hello kitty eye-patch and a dark trenchcoat. He's also got bandages all over his right hand. You also notice that the eye with an eye patch on is a different eye from before. He's sitting at the table as well, chewing on some chocolate biscuits.
"Allow me to introduce myself!" He stands proudly, the biscuit crumbs flying as he speaks, as he covers his eyepatch with his right hand. "I'm Mrinthon Darkblade, son of an angel samurai and a demonic ballroom dancer, cursed to hold in my body the power of the Dark Phoenix-Fox King. If I ever were to release even 5% of my power, it could destroy the entire world-" He's interrupted by Miyara.
"Your name is Will Stubbs, you're from New Jersey, your parents are normal humans, and you don't have a trace of magical power in you." Miyara says quickly, in between sips.
"Uh...." Mrinthon-or Will you guess, is shocked by her words. "I mean...well, that's just your opinion!" He shouts, before grabbing severa biscuits and moving to where you stand.
"So, what brings you to the Mystery Investigation club? Are you also keen to discover the secrets of the universe, and the dark wonders normal man were not meant to know?" He asks, offering you a chocolate biscuit. They are surprisingly tasty.
"He intrigued me by his demeanour not matching his lack of noticeble traits of qualtiy." Miyara notes. "I invited him here to learn if he possessed some special power or ability he doesn't fully understand."
"Wow!" Mrinthon's eyes widen in wonder at you. "So you've got some kind of cool special power? What is it?"
Choose 1:
[ ]"I've always felt the natural sense of energy surrounding me since I was born, burning within me, but I don't really understand it, or how to control it." (Gain +1 Opness, gain social link with Mrinthon, "potential for Magic Ability" Trait)
[ ]"I've always had this tattoo for as long as I remember." You take off your shirt and reveals a majestic tattoo on your body…along with some shots of your body. Fanservice! [+1 Attractiveness, gain flirt options with both Miyara and Mrinthon, gain "Mysterious Tattoo" Trait]
[ ] "I've read a lot about magic, psionics, and esotheric sciences over the years. It's possible some of those might have rubbed off on me?" [+1 Studiousness, gain social link with Miyara, gain "Bookworm" Trait]
[ ] "Does anyone else feel like they've been stuck in a limbo for like 7 months? Like, the universe got really busy or really lazy for a while and is only now restarting, hoping no one notices?" [+1 Self-Awareness, confused looks from Miyara and Mrinthon, ???? and a sincere apology from the Game Master]
[X] "Does anyone else feel like they've been stuck in a limbo for like 7 months? Like, the universe got really busy or really lazy for a while and is only now restarting, hoping no one notices?" [+1 Self-Awareness, confused looks from Miyara and Mrinthon, ???? and a sincere apology from the Game Master]
Ok, I'm sorry. But this is to funny not to choose.
[X] "Does anyone else feel like they've been stuck in a limbo for like 7 months? Like, the universe got really busy or really lazy for a while and is only now restarting, hoping no one notices?" [+1 Self-Awareness, confused looks from Miyara and Mrinthon, ???? and a sincere apology from the Game Master]
[x] "I've read a lot about magic, psionics, and esotheric sciences over the years. It's possible some of those might have rubbed off on me?" [+1 Studiousness, gain social link with Miyara, gain "Bookworm" Trait]
