- Posting Speed
- Multiple posts per week
- One post per week
- Slow As Molasses
- Writing Levels
- Adept
- Advanced
- Adaptable
- Preferred Character Gender
- Primarily Prefer Male
- Genres
- Slice-of-Life, Gothic, Horror, Fantasy
Celosia Isle
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━━ THE ISLAND ━━
"Welcome to Celosia, the most magical place on Earth!"
Judging by radiometric dating, the island is said to be around 50 million years old. Splitting off from Asia, it has slowly migrated toward Northern America but maintained its overall continental climate. The winters are mostly mild, but the island is no stranger to vicious snow storms that keep its inhabitants shut inside for a day or two. During the summer months, it's rare that the temperature will rise above the 90s, settling more often in the 70s and 80s. It is during these months that the island sees most of its rainfall.
What makes the island particularly unique is that seemingly everything can grow there so long as the season is right. Not only can you produce any crop, but every crop also grows well here. Celosia has some of the richest and most fertile soil of any landmass. If you can't get something to grow elsewhere, it is almost guaranteed to grow on the island. The water, too, is some of the best. The rivers are clean enough to drink from, and the surrounding ocean is clear enough to see your own feet. While examining your toes wriggling against the white sand, you may take notice of the variety of fish that swim around you. Fish and other aquatic goods are some of the island's biggest exports, in conjunction with its crops and ores found in the island's mines. Those assets, combined with its being a popular tourist destination for its hot springs and annual festivals, make Celosia one of the wealthiest islands in a multitude of ways.
... At least, that's how it used to be up until a generation or so ago. For centuries, the land was watched over by the Harvest Goddess, who resided in the tallest, oldest tree at the top of the island's northern mountains. The inhabitants revered her, giving her offerings and tending the land respectfully in her honor. Over time, however, people began to neglect their worshipping and take advantage of the gifts they'd been given. As their apathy and selfishness intensified, the Harvest Goddess's powers weakened further and further. The sudden, mysterious stopping of the clock in the town square signified her sudden unconsciousness. Without her magic, the island died swiftly. The rivers and soil dried up, the fish began to die out, and the sea became increasingly tumultuous. An avalanche blocked off the northern part of the town from the main square, and the mines collapsed not long after.
Unable to sustain themselves on the now barren island, many families fled to other lands, leaving Celosia Isle barren. Now, fifty-three years later, the well-trodden roads are overrun with foliage, the remaining houses are in disrepair, and trade has diminished significantly given the lack of exports. Fortunately, though, an ambitious farmer has arrived with the hope of returning the island to the paradise that her grandfather told her so many stories about in her youth. With the help of the remaining islanders, can they restore Celosia to its former glory?
━━ MYTHS & TRADITIONS ━━
Harvest Goddess Worship
It is encouraged, and was originally expected, to give offerings to the Harvest Goddess at least once a year. People are to set their gifts down at the base of the huge willow tree near the Harvest Goddess pond, where they can also pray to her.
Harvest Goddess and Her Lover
It is said that long ago, when the island was first born, the Harvest Goddess fell in love with a young man with bluebird feathers in his hair. The man became the first Harvest Goddess priest and they had a well-known affair. One night, after stargazing by her pond and enjoying the champagne the Harvest Goddess had made from her pond, some of the other inhabitants, jealous of the man's intimate connection with the deity, murdered him in his sleep. It is said that when the Harvest Goddess wept for him, her tears turned the man into a bluebird and he spent his second life as her companion, although this depends on who you ask. Either way, there are many depictions of the Harvest Goddess with bluebirds.
Blue Feather
It is a long-standing tradition on Celosia Isle to propose to someone using a blue feather from one of the mountain bluebirds that can be found in the mountainous areas of the island, although these birds have since disappeared since the island's downfall.
Fox Figurines
Small fox figurines are a common sold item in Celosia. It is said that the fox is a favored animal companion of the Harvest Goddess. It symbolizes wealth, fertility, agriculture, and fortune. And so as per tradition, the fox figurines are bought and the name of the person who is looking to find fortune or a great agriculture season is written on the underbelly. The fox figurine is set on the window sill of the named persons house so that the Harvest Goddess may see it and bless them. Once they receive the fortune the fox figurines are donated to the church as a thank you to the Harvest Goddess.
Note: It is also common that people may write others name instead of their own and it works the same.
━━ CELOSIAN CALENDAR ━━
Celosia Island Calendar - Celosia - 2022.pdf
January Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. February. Thursday. Friday. Saturday 1) New Year's Day!. Sunday. Monday. 2). Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Saturday. Sunday. 1). 2). 3). 4). 5). 6). 3). 4). 5). 6). 7) Snowboarding 8) Competition. 9). 7). 8). 9). 10). 11). 12) Edith's Birthday. 13)...docdro.idJanuary Events
New Years Day - January 1st
Continuation of the New Years Eve festival, the town square activities end at 6 A.M.
Snowboarding Competition - January 7th
Taking place at 3 P.M., there is a snowboarding race from the top to the bottom of the mountains near the Harvest Goddess pond.
Cooking Competition - January 17th
Taking place at 5 P.M., participants submit dishes based on the decided theme (appetizer, meal, dessert, etc). The judge for that event will try each and then decide a winner. There is also a small banquet held at town hall afterward.
February Events
Valentine's Day - February 14th
A day where people give sweets to the people they like, traditionally viewed as a romantic holiday.
March Events
Spring Music Festival - March 10th
Taking place at 3 PM, this is a day where you can listen to musicians in the town square and dance. Usually, there is a famous individual or group performing, but that hasn't happened since the island's decline.
White Day - March 14th
A day where those who were given Valentine's Day gifts return the gesture.
April Events
Harvest Goddess Festival - April 8th
An all-day event where everyone gathers at the Harvest Goddess pond in honor of the goddess that blesses their island. The day is filled with singing, dancing, conversing, and eating. It is traditional to present offerings at the base of the willow tree beside the Harvest Goddess pond, and it is common to pray. Eighteen-year-olds are blessed by the priestess as a coming of age ceremony. It is common to wear blue in celebration of the Harvest Goddess's deceased lover.
Cooking Competition - April 17th
Taking place at 5 P.M., participants submit dishes based on the decided theme (appetizer, meal, dessert, etc). The judge for that event will try each and then decide a winner. There is also a small banquet held at town hall afterward.
Egg Hunt Day - April 30th
Starting at 11 A.M., this event starts in the town square. Local farmers donate their eggs which are then dyed by the children. Once the eggs are dyed, the kids are taken inside town hall while the adults hide the eggs around the area. Afterward, the kids are brought out and compete to see who can find the most eggs.
May Events
Flower Festival - May 12th
Starting at 3 P.M., there is a market held in the town square where people sell flowers, perfumes, and similar items. Many people give others flowers/flower-based items during this time.
Spring Produce Festival - May 22th
Starting at 4 P.M., there is a market held in the town square of people selling their spring produce. There is also a competition amongst farmers for the best crop of the season, with the type of crop changed each year (turnips, cabbage, etc). The judge will determine which crop is the highest quality based on characteristics like size, color, and taste.
Fishing Contest - May 25th
Starting at 3 P.M., everyone gathers in town square to grab a bucket before separating to fish at whatever location they'd like. At 5 P.M., everyone gathers in the town square again and everyone's fish are counted to see who caught the most fish.
June Events
Dragon Boat Festival - June 3rd
Starting at 5 P.M. on the beach, people participate in activities like dragon boat racing, poetry reading, and egg standing. Various foods are served, including zongzi, and Realgar wine is served for adults. It is common for adults to braid 5 silk threads around their children's wrist for these events, and some people hang pomegranate flowers or garlic above their doors, all to ward away evil spirits and misfortune.
Beach Day - June 18th
An all-day event where everyone enjoys a calm day at the beach. Ice cream and other cool treats are served.
Firefly Festival - June 24th
Starting at 8 P.M., people meet at the Harvest Goddess pond where the firefly population is densest and spend the night admiring them.
July Events
Tanabata - July 7th
Starting at 5 P.M., people gather in the town square where vendors sell food, carnival games and small-scale competitions are held, and there's dancing and usually local music. The town square is decorated with streamers, fox figurines, and other ornamentations. A small bamboo tree is placed in the town square where people can put wishes on small pieces of paper emblazoned with a fox. The paper and bamboo are set afloat on the sea at midnight.
Cooking Competition - July 17th
Taking place at 5 P.M., participants submit dishes based on the decided theme (appetizer, meal, dessert, etc). The judge for that event will try each and then decide a winner. There is also a small banquet held at town hall afterward.
Handfishing Contest - July 25th
Starting at 3 P.M., everyone gathers in town square to grab a bucket before separating to fish with their hands at whatever location they'd like. At 5 P.M., everyone gathers in the town square again and everyone's fish are counted to see who caught the most fish.
Fireworks Festival - July 29th
Similar to Beach Day, but there is a big fireworks show put on at 9 P.M.
August Events
Animal Festival - August 9th
Starting at 4 P.M., there is a market held in the town square of people selling their animal produce. There is also a competition amongst farmers for the best animal, with the type of animal changed each time (cow, chicken, sheep, etc). The judge will determine which animal is the highest quality based on characteristics like health, attitude, etc.
Scavenger Hunt Day - August 13th
Starting at 11 A.M., this event starts in the town square. The year's Scavenger Hunt Committee hides various objects around the island and then participants pair up to find them. Whoever finds all of the objects first wins.
Summer Produce Festival - August 22nd
Starting at 4 P.M., there is a market held in the town square of people selling their summer produce. There is also a competition amongst farmers for the best crop of the season, with the type of crop changed each year (corn, onion, etc). The judge will determine which crop is the highest quality based on characteristics like size, color, and taste.
September Events
Labor Day - September 5th
A day of rest for workers and students.
Mid-Autumn Festival - September 10th
Starting at 7 P.M., people gather in the town square to enjoy mooncakes, cassia wine, rice figurines, and other food items. Activities like fortune telling, ascent to heaven, and encircling the toad are common here. It is customary to offer food items, especially fruit, at the Harvest Goddess pond. For those with romantic wishes, bluebird figurines are sold. It is said that if you write your beloved's name on the bottom of the figure and offer it at the Harvest Goddess pond, they will return your affections. Courtship is also a focus of the festival, with a dance occuring later in the evening between single individuals. Lanterns are carried and displayed all around the island on this day.
Harvest Festival - September 19th
A huge island-wide potluck in the town square that starts at 6 P.M. Everybody is expected to bring a dish unless they absolutely cannot, as it is a time meant to show appreciation and spend time with your fellow islanders. If you do not bring anything, then it is taken as a sign of disrespect.
October Events
Animal Festival - October 9th
Starting at 4 P.M., there is a market held in the town square of people selling their animal produce. There is also a competition amongst farmers for the best animal, with the type of animal changed each time (cow, chicken, sheep, etc). The judge will determine which animal is the highest quality based on characteristics like health, attitude, etc.
Cooking Competition - October 17th
Taking place at 5 P.M., participants submit dishes based on the decided theme (appetizer, meal, dessert, etc). The judge for that event will try each and then decide a winner. There is also a small banquet held at town hall afterward.
Halloween Festival - October 31st
Celebrations typically start at 5 P.M., with a focus on dressing up and going door to door for candy. It is a day for mischief, making pranks especially common on this day.
November Events
Autumn Music Festival - November 10th
Taking place at 3 PM, this is a day where you can listen to musicians in the town square and dance. Usually, there is a famous individual or group performing, but that hasn't happened since the island's decline.
Autumn Produce Festival - November 22nd
Starting at 4 P.M., there is a market held in the town square of people selling their autumnal produce. There is also a competition amongst farmers for the best crop of the season, with the type of crop changed each year (eggplant, sweet potato, etc). The judge will determine which crop is the highest quality based on characteristics like size, color, and taste.
December Events
Winter Solstice - December 21st
An all-day event meant to be shared with family. People enjoy food like tangyuan, dumplings, rice cakes, hot pot, and jiuniangon on this day.
Starry Night Festival - December 24th
A romantic event held at 8 P.M. near the Harvest Goddess pond. It is said that the night before her lover was murdered, the Harvest Goddes shared a romantic night with him at her pond, stargazing and drinking champagne together. As such, romantic partners and courting individuals spend the night stargazing and drinking champagne together. There is a rumor that the Harvest Goddess chooses a favorite amongst the present couples and blesses them with good fortune if their feelings are true.
Boxing Day - December 26th
An all-day event focused on charity and buying gifts for your loved ones.
New Year's Eve - December 31st
An all-day event meant to be spent with family and friends, although there is a town festival that takes place in the town square starting at 8 P.M. The entire island is decorated with lanterns, streamers, and more for the holiday. There is a huge banquet filled with all kinds of food, fireworks, music, and dancing. Gift exchanging and gifting money in red envelopes is common, although it is taboo to give others certain gifts like mirrors, sharp objects meant for cutting, items associated with funerals, items that tell the time, and footwear. This is because the New Year is meant to represent ushering in good fortune, and such gifts can have negative meanings like cutting ties, running out of time, etc. There are usually vendors selling food, alcohol, trinkets, and clothing. It is common to wear red to the festival. There is a countdown starting at ten seconds to midnight.
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━━ THE MECHANICS ━━
This is a Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons-based roleplay if it was unclear before! If you don't know too much about the series, each game involves the player being a new-to-town farmer tasked directly or indirectly with saving the land and/or the Harvest Goddess that rules it. The player completes certain milestones, usually by collecting particular objects and building up their farm, and slowly unlocking more characters and other features.
Of course, this is a bit hard to translate into a roleplay, so I've had to be more specific with the goals. For more organic storytelling, I will not disclose my list of milestones I'd like people to hit. I will say, however, that you can guess many based on my description of the island's downfall. As I am playing the new-to-town farmer, I will use them to try and push players toward certain milestones when I notice things stagnating too much.
When certain milestones have been reached, certain parts of the island will be restored (e.g., the water will return, the soil will become more fertile, etc.), and some will even unlock an extra character slot for all players as people move to the island.
This roleplay will also utilize the affection point system, which can be accessed through the IC code by clicking on the heart icon by the character's picture.
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━━ THE RULES ━━
RULE 01.
All Iwaku rules apply, of course.
RULE 02.
I am looking for intermediate/advanced roleplayers who can make multiple-paragraph responses for each post. To make sure you are a good fit for this roleplay, send me a writing sample with a ♪ in the message title. Once approved there, you'll be invited to the OOC Discord server.
RULE 03.
I ask that you post for each character at least once every two weeks, but I'd like this to be more fast-paced so that progress can be made faster.
RULE 04.
I will be accepting up to nine additional players.
RULE 05.
Each player is allowed up to three characters for now. More information about character roles can be found in the next section.
RULE 06.
Use semi-realistic or realistic art face claims, please.
RULE 07.
Respect all your fellow players. Respect me as the GM and the rules I put in place. Disrespectful behavior OOC and IC targeting will get you removed.
RULE 08.
No god-modding, power play, and Mary/Gary Sues. Please ask permission before making a major move against another character or in the general story.
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━━ THE CHARACTERS ━━
The roles for this roleplay are not set in stone, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Farmers, animal shop owners, innkeepers, barkeepers, restaurant owners, mayor, general store owners, fishers, sewists, jewelers, miners, scientists.
For now, please keep to the more basic of jobs that could have still maintained somewhat of a life with the island as it currently stands. For the sake of the plot, I don't want any carpenters at the moment, although this will be a role that will need to be filled later on.
Yes, there can be multiple of the same role, but this should mostly be in the case of related characters and/or friends owning the same business. In certain cases, I may allow two of the same kind of shop.
The list of current characters:
New Farmer - Jenamos
Jeweler - Jenamos
Captain - Jenamos
Plant Shop Owner - o0peachie0o
Fisherman - o0peachie0o
Nurse - o0peachie0o
Barkeeper - Ghostie
Farmhand/Assistant Blacksmith - Ghostie
Teacher - Ghostie
General Store Owner - IceQueen
Sewist - IceQueen
Sailor - MaryGold
Restaurant Owner - MaryGold
Priestess - MaryGold
Doctor - Dusk
Mortician - Dusk
Beekeeper - Dusk
Inkeeper - BlueVanishingDrive
Assistant Innkeeper - BlueVanishingDrive
Witch - BlueVanishingDrive
Ranch Owner - Kuno
Sheriff - Kuno
Librarian/Mailman - Nemopedia
Mayoral Assistant - Nemopedia
Pet Shop Owner/Veterinarian - Nemopedia
Mayor - PavellumPendulum
Farmhand - PavellumPendulum
Therapist — PavellumPendulum
Lumberjack/Woodworker — adumham
Plant Shop Employee — adumham
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━━ THE SHEETS ━━
You may use any code you desire, or you can use no code at all. Regardless, your sheet should contain at least this information:
NAME
ROLE
GENDER + PRONOUNS
AGE
SEXUAL + ROMANTIC ORIENTATION
APPEARANCE BASICS
HEALTH CONDITIONS/NOTES
PERSONALITY
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
IMPORTANT CHARACTER RELATIONS
BACKGROUND
If you would like a code but don't have one, you can use this one:
Code:[div= margin: auto; width: 550px; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap;][div= height: 400px; width: 250px; background: url(https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/archive/iRmMvURM36HDRIUEUmko_AMYJUDD.jpg); background-size: cover; background-position: center;][div= top: 350px; height: 50px; width: 250px; opacity: 0.8; background: black; text-align: center; line-height: 50px; font-family: pompiere; font-size: 25px; color: white;]NAME HERE[/div][/div][div= height: 400px; width: 300px; background: #d4cbba;][div= margin: auto; margin-top: 10px; height: 380px; width: 280px; overflow: auto; font-family: cute font; font-size: 16px; color: black;][SIZE=20px]NICKNAME(S)[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]ROLE[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]GENDER[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]PRONOUNS[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]AGE[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]BIRTHDAY[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]BIRTHPLACE[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]ROMANTIC ORIENTATION[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]SEXUALITY[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]HAIR COLOR[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]EYE COLOR[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]HEIGHT[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]BUILD[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]SKIN DETAILS[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]HEALTH CONDITIONS/NOTES[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]PERSONALITY[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]LIKES[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]DISLIKES[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]STRENGTHS[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]WEAKNESSES[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]IMPORTANT CHARACTER RELATIONS[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]BACKGROUND[/SIZE] [SIZE=20px]EXTRA[/SIZE][/div][/div][/div][div=margin: auto; width: 370px; height: 10px; text-align: center; font-size: 8px;]code by wren.[/div]
Regardless, you will know your sheet is accepted through the "nice execution" reaction.
code by wren.
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