soul bound lore

[Dvyniai]

interest check | character index | in-character
​

SOUL BOUND

Once upon a time, humans were not alone.

It's said that the Sun, the Moon and the Earth worked together to create humankind. These humans did not look as they do now. The celestials made humans in their likeness: round. They had two heads, faces in opposite directions, and two sets of genitals. Sun created man, possessing two male genitalia, Earth created woman, possessing two female genitalia, and Moon created the androgyne, possessing one of each. They had four arms, and four legs, and they rolled from place to place. They were fast, they were powerful. They were complete.

They grew too arrogant, however. They believed themselves powerful enough to take on the gods, and that was exactly what they tried. As the humans attempted to roll themselves up Mount Olympus, the gods watched, trying to decide what to do. Some accounts say they feared the humans, others that they were simply angered by their insolence. Whatever the case, Zeus decided not to kill them. Instead, he would humble them.

He split them down the middle, leaving each half to roam free on their own. For the first time, humans were alone. And with that came unintended consequences the almighty Zeus hadn't accounted for.

In agony over their missing halves, the humans ran around frantically in search for them. They wouldn't eat, they wouldn't sleep, they threw themselves off cliffs and drowned themselves in the ocean out of despair. Zeus had never intended for the human race to die out; who, after all, would give the gods sacrifices? This was the reason he had not obliterated them in the first place. And yet, here they were, doing it to themselves.

In a desperate attempt to get them to stop, Zeus gave them gifts (of what, the legend does not say), in order to better find their mates. It worked, for a time. But those that still could not find their other half, who had lost their other half, were destroyed, and those that could were distraught that they could not be so connected, so together as they once were. Hera argued that this was the perfect opportunity to let humankind die out, so they could start anew with something fresher, better. Zeus, who did not want to go through the pains of starting over, disagreed.

They needed to forget. The problem was, Zeus deduced, that they knew they had another half out there. They knew they were not whole. So he needed to make them forget. So he traveled to the Underworld, to ask for Hades' aide. However, Hades didn't want to save the humans - each soul that passed through his gates he welcomed with open arms. Yet as king of the gods, Hades could not turn him down. He agreed to help Zeus, but he warned that it would come with a great cost.

Hades gave Zeus water from the river Lethe, of which one sip could make a mortal forget their entire existence. Zeus sprinkled it from the skies and the humans forgot what they lacked, they forgot they were once whole, even if their souls could not forget. They went about their lives.

Meanwhile, Hera decided to go behind Zeus's back. With the help of Prometheus, they created a new humankind out of clay. They were simple, powerless, easy to control, although Prometheus soon ruined this (but that's another story). Most importantly though, they did not have soulmates.

Sad perhaps. Or perhaps they were better off. They did not need another person to complete them. They were whole on their own.


At least, that is what some believe. That's how mythology explains the rare phenomenon of soulmates. Is it the truth? Well, that's hard to say. Most people don't believe in them. Some do. But the rare few, like you, know they're real. Because you've felt the familiar tug on your soul.

"Loving you is easy, or like words on a page."​

Dr. Rene Pfeiffer. An up and coming brain surgeon, who disappeared just after receiving his license to practice. No one knows quite where he went, or why, although it caused quite the uproar in the medical community. All anyone could talk about was how much potential he had. And the rumors about some of the crazy theories he was vying to prove. Reincarnation, twin flames, soulmates. 'Sad,' they say. They had been so excited to see the things he'd do, what he'd accomplish when he set up his own practice.

Little did they know that he has. Set up his own practice, that is. It's just a little... unconventional.

He's researching soulmates; that wasn't just a rumor. Soulmates are a real thing. He doesn't believe in mythology, however; he doesn't even really believe in souls. But he can't refute the facts, the incredible bond, the connection that these 'soulmates' have. So he's going to get to the bottom of it, through science. It's been almost a year, but he's figured out how to those with soulmates from those without.

That's how he found you.

Whether or not you knew you were one of the lucky few to be soul-bonded, he found you. How he took you, well, that's up to you and how much you fought back. Some he was able to convince to come with him willingly, while others get a bag over their head and sedatives running through their veins, only to wake up in a strange place. It's a large room, clinically white, and filled with rows of cots sectioned off by curtains. Some, the paired soulmates, get cots double the size of the singles, to sleep together. No windows. The door locks from the outside. There are twenty-some others with you, each given a 'subject number'. None of you have anything in common - that is, apart from the fact you all have one, or more soulmates, whether you know it or not.

And you're about to be tortured for it.

(He did say there would be a price to pay.)

Dr. Pfeiffer didn't disappear from the eyes of the medical world and greater society just because he was researching something considered to be unconventional. But because he's also decided to use any means necessary to obtain the knowledge he seeks. Any means necessary. He feels medical professionals nowadays are too weak, unwilling to do what needs to be done to achieve greatness. That, and he's also a sadist and a psychopath.

Your old life is over - there's no getting around it. Who you were is gone. These are the sorts of experiences that change people. Destroy them. You will not be able to go back after this. You can mourn the past if you like, but make sure you focus on the most important thing - getting out alive.

The King of the Underworld welcomes all his children with open arms. Make sure you aren't one of them.​

QUICK STATS

Rating - Mature
Involves explicit violence, gore, body horror, abuse (all types), psychological horror, language, character death, and sex scenes.
Post Expectations - Intermediate/Advanced
Posting Speed - at least once every two weeks
Genres - Horror, Thriller, Angst, Romance, Slice of Life
Setting - Scifi(ish), Soulmate AU
Face Claims - Real peeps only
Player Limit - No real limit

OOC NOTES

-- So! Basically, your character is someone's soulmate, whether they know it or not. They'll either a) be successfully kidnapped by Pfeiffer, b) Pfeiffer fails to kidnap them/they are rescued from kidnapping by the Soulmate Coalition (more on that later), or c) they are involved with the Soulmate Coalition and Pfeiffer hasn't found them out yet. We'll be following two stories: those that are being tortured, and those that are not (yet).

-- Your character will get maimed in some way, and it is entirely possible they might be killed off! Even if you choose not to have them kidnapped initially by Pfeiffer. You can choose to keep some characters safe from this, but please don't go into this thinking you'll keep all your characters safe and sound. This isn't that type of roleplay.

-- As I mentioned, there is going to be a lot of horrible shit going on! I don't have everything planned, but if something might trigger you, please let me know ahead of time and I will see what I can do. For some things I do have planned that could be potentially triggering: gruesome character death, rape, removal of body parts, autopsies while alive & awake, various forms of mutilation/torture, nonconsensual drug use, various forms of mind control, and various forms of psychological & emotional torture.

-- All genders and sexualities are welcome!

-- You can make up to six characters, as long as you can handle them all.

-- I also will not be capping how many players this roleplay could have! Sign-ups will only be open for about three weeks, but most likely, every few months or so sign-ups will open again, and there will be opportunity for current players to make new characters, and new players to join!

-- I will not be accepting everyone however. Since this is a plot where very sensitive subjects will be handled, there is a certain caliber of writing I will be looking for. Obviously, that's not to say those that are very good writers can't horribly mishandle sensitive subjects, but I will be asking for writing samples before I accept players (multiple samples would be fantastic, but not required). They can be sent over pm onsite or dm on discord (Gemini #9495). Please do not take it personally if I turn you down. If you want, here are some samples of my own writing: x x x x x.

-- Depending on how large we get, I may look for a co-gm to help me out!

-- We'll be pairing up soulmates in different ways! You can set up your own partnerships, I will be setting up a sort of 'adoption' and I can also pair you up if you so wish. Keep in mind, they are actually soulmates, so they complete each other in some way, shape, or form, even if they hate each other at first. This should go into character creation! Some soulmates might not have found their partner(s) yet, who might be safe.

-- Soulmates don't have to be romantic! They can be platonic, and they can also hate each other - actually I absolutely encourage you to explore what being someone's soulmate means for your character.

-- Soulmates also don't necessarily have to be a pair of two.

-- This will be taking place in/around New York City! Characters can be residents of NYC/NY State, or visiting for whatever reason, so your character can literally be from anywhere, as long as they have reason to be in New York City long enough to be kidnapped!

-- Also, disclaimer, only half the legend above is the real 'mythology' - which actually if you're interested and a geek like me, it was merely a concept thought up by ancient Greek philosopher Aristophanes, rather than a traditional myth. The other half of it though I made up to suit my needs lol.

-- More information on the roleplay will be coming soon.

 

[Dvyniai]

NEW YORK, NEW YORK​

The city where dreams are made of. And in this case, nightmares too.

Our story takes place January 2020, in New York, New York. It's the city where Dr. Pfeiffer was born and raised, and also the city he has decided to make his hunting grounds. It's the city that never sleeps. There is so much commotion on the daily, so much foot traffic, so much crime. It's easy for a few missing people to slip through the cracks among thousands.​

NATURAL FREQUENCY​

Time for a little physics lesson. Have you heard of something called natural frequency? It's the specific rate that an object tends to vibrate at. An object's vibrations will be amplified when subject to a frequency very similar, or the same, as it's natural frequency; this frequency is called its resonant frequency, and this phenomenon is called resonance. Every single object has a natural frequency, and by extension, at least one resonant frequency. Even humans have a natural frequency; generally, they fall somewhere between 3 and 7 hertz. Those that are soul-bound however, have a natural frequency wildly outside of the norm.

Through the research that Pfeiffer has already conducted, he has found that the natural frequency of those with soulmates, are resonant frequencies of each other. This results in their natural frequencies being all over the charts, rather than within that 3-7 range. While it's not impossible for someone who's soul-bound to have a frequency that falls within that range, it is fairly certain that someone outside of it is soul-bound. After constructing a portable frequency tester, Pfeiffer has been sending out his employees to scan public places (cafes, parks, libraries, airports, etc). They attempt to convince NYC residents to come willingly, wait for a quiet moment to kidnap tourists and will do the same for those they can't find any information on.​

PIPER LABS​

Pfeiffer isn't stupid enough to be doing his human experimentation in the middle of the city. There's too much opportunity for unwanted scrutiny. The research facility itself, Piper Labs, is located outside the city, an hour or so out, on a plot of land he bought with the help of his sponsors. It's discreet, out of sight from prying eyes, although to those that do come looking, it takes on the appearance of any other generic science building. It's pretty small, for right now, although there are plans for expansion if Pfeiffer's work checks out. Barbed wire fencing surrounds it, a small stretch of woodland beyond that. Towers are stationed at the gates, armed guards patrolling the perimeter. Security cameras are everywhere, monitored 'round the clock. It's hard to get in without explicit permission. It's even harder to get out. (So good luck, if you're brave enough to try.)​

SUNRISE SOUL RETREATS​

Sunrise Soul Retreats is a yoga and meditation retreat in Lower Manhattan, New York. Established in a refurbished apartment building in 2015 by Sunny Oh and his husband, Sunrise Soul Retreats has a relatively short yet extensive history of involvement in the community. The staff are well-known at local food, and clothing drives, host frequent classes that serve as fundraisers and encourage all of their guests to volunteer as well. They feature programs such as month-long to week-long stays (meals, and daily yoga and meditation classes included), along with weekly classes open to the community. Often they host outdoor classes in Battery Park right across the street. It's Sunrise Soul's mission to cultivate not just enlightenment, but a friendlier, happier, more peaceful society. A society more in touch with their soul.

However, not only is it a place to find relaxation and inner peace, but Sunrise Soul Retreats is also a safe haven for those that are soul-bound.​

THE SOULMATE COALITION​

Sunny's husband isn't just his romantic partner, but his soulmate. Together they host weekly meetings for those that are soul-bound - whether or not they have met their soulmate doesn't matter. They call themselves the Soulmate Coalition. Previously it was simply a project for camaraderie, to make friendships with those that understand what you're going through. Finding out you are one half, or one of many parts, of a whole can be scary. With the recent kidnappings, however, their group meetings have taken on new importance: keeping their own safe, and potentially getting their people, and loved ones, back. They're new to the whole rebellion thing, but they're trying their best, growing their reach day by day with every new soulmate they get in touch with.

At the very least, if they can get people aware of the danger, to keep them safe, then they've won by the end of the day.​

 

[Dvyniai]

THE SOUL-BOUND​

So, we've established that soulmates are real, but there's still a lot more to understand about them. First and foremost, soulmates, actual soulmates, are classified as two, or more, people who have a seemingly supernatural connection. One that transcends a normal connection between two (or more) individuals, so deeply rooted in their very being it can only be inferred that it involves their very souls. When not referring to a specific pair, they are referred to as one of the soul-bound, considered as being soul-bound or soul-bonded. It's estimated that they make up a whopping 0.3% of the population, but the real number could be much greater or lesser as there has never been any official research done on this. ​

A soul-bond can manifest at any point in an individual's life, in many different ways. It can be something they've experienced since a young age, or can appear when they are old and wrinkled. It can appear suddenly, and without warning, or steadily grow over time. It can occur while the soulmates are on other sides of the world, or the moment they touch. Each pair, or group, of soulmates' bond manifests differently. They also, more often than not, experience their bond differently from other soulmates, although they generally fall within seven different categories. These categories can overlap somewhat, and often do.​

THE EMPATHS​

The most common type of bond is that of empaths - those that can sense, feel, each other's emotions. Often they will be able to tell that these emotions are not their own, and it will not influence their own emotions, however, this is not the case for all empaths. Especially when the bond first manifests. The specifics of how this occurs varies from soul-bond to soul-bond. Some are constantly in tune with their soulmate's emotions, even from long distances, while others need to be in physical contact, or looking at each other. It all depends on the bond. Often goes hand in hand with telepaths. ​

THE TELEPATHS​

You know those people, that know each other so well they seem to communicate without having to speak out loud? Well in the case of those that are telepathically soul-bound, it doesn't just seem that way, it's actually the case. Telepaths are capable of communicating with their soulmate(s) with their mind, although the specifics of how exactly this occurs, similar to empaths, vary from bond to bond. They are the second most common type of bond, and often go hand in hand with empaths.​

THE DREAMWALKERS​

These types of soulmates share dreams. Sometimes they are only able to see the dreams of their soulmate(s), sometimes they are capable of interacting with or even changing the dream (although whoever functions as the dreamer might not realize that they are dreaming), and still, others are capable of communicating with each other through their dreams. More often than not, this begins way before the two soul-bonded meet. Although there are, of course, exceptions.​

THE SOUL-TIED​

Have you ever heard of the red string of fate? It's supposedly a red string, as the name implies, that connects us to our soulmate. The soul-tied are perhaps the manifestation closest to the embodiment of this myth. Their souls are literally tied together, or at least, that's what it feels like. It feels like an invisible string, rope, or chain, some might even call it, connects them to their soulmate(s). Often this only manifests after they first touch, and initially, it can be quite painful to separate. For some, this lessens over time, for others it doesn't. Some soul-tied are capable of sensing where their soulmate is, by following the 'string' that binds them. ​

THE MARKED​

Of all the soul-bond types, the marked are the only ones to have a bond that manifests physically. An unmistakable mark blooms across their skin, matching that of their soulmate(s). Some have this mark since birth (always, in this case, it resembles a birthmark, if an unusual one), while others crop up during their lifetime, or only when they first touch their soulmate. More often than not, these types of bonds also coincide with another type.​

THE PAIN-SHARERS​

As the name suggests, these soulmates share pain - and not necessarily just physical pain. Any wound that one soulmate receives, the other(s) feel. Some will even have the wound manifest on their own skin, and in some cases, should one soulmate die, so do their others. Most commonly combined with the soul-tied type.​

THE REINCARNATED LOVERS​

This type of soulmate remembers their past lives. There are theories that all soulmates have been reborn again and again, destined each lifetime to find each other, but the reincarnated lovers are the only ones that actually remember it. Some receive their memories in dreams (not all are sure they are real), while some remember out-right and some don't remember at all. This can be mixed even within the soulmate pair or group, however, there is always at least one who remembers in some way (there are theories though, that there are sets of reincarnated lovers out there, where none of the bonded remember). This type of bond has not been known to ever converge with another and it is the rarest of the seven.​

 

[Dvyniai]

RULES

all iwaku rules apply, as always!


MATURITY​

first and foremost i want to stress again that this will be a very dark roleplay. i don't know everything that will happen, but again, some of the potentially triggering things that could occur: gruesome character death, rape, removal of body parts, autopsies while alive & awake, various forms of mutilation/torture, nonconsensual drug use, various forms of mind control, and various forms of psychological & emotional torture. there will be a lot of non-con everything. so please join with this in mind; this is supposed to be fun, and i want y'all to be safe. on the flip side, i don't want to accept any snowflakes that end up freaking out at me a week in when something gruesome happens to your character. lots of gruesome things are going to happen to your character. there will be an opportunity to have some characters to experience fluff, but again, please don't join thinking everything's going to be fine and dandy for your character.​

TRIGGERS​

if something might trigger you, please let me know ahead of time and i will see what i can do. It could be something where, when certain situations happen in the roleplay, everyone places it in spoilers - a lot of the sexual non-con, and very graphic body horror will be placed in spoilers anyways (which will be discussed in more detail once we get closer to the ic). some specific things your characters can be spared from. there are some things that you might not be able to avoid however, which is why i stress that you talk to me.​

POSTING EXPECTATIONS​

for this roleplay i expect 2 to 3 paragraphs at a minimum, per character. these should be well written with good grammar, although if you make some mistakes here or there i won't be too nitpicky; we're all human. if i frequently have trouble understanding what you are trying to say however, that is when we may have a problem. let me know though, if english is not your first language! i am happy to help, as i'm sure several of the other players would too. ​

POSTING SPEED​

i expect at least one post every two weeks. obviously if you've got stuff going on, i understand. just make sure to let me know! if it gets to the point, however, where you are consistently putting something off, whether it be character creation, or posting in the ic, i may ask you to leave (usually this is after the third time i have prompted). ​

THREE STRIKES RULE​

there will be no harassment of any kind! as a gm i usually deal with things on a case by case basis. usually i employ the 'three strikes rule' but if what you did was really shitty then i also reserve the right to immediately kick you out. i've never had to do this however, and i would not like to start now. so please, don't be an asshole. don't hesitate to let me know if you are having issues with another player. this also applies, in if i have to prompt you to complete/post/do something three times, and you still haven't, i may ask you to leave. especially if i get little to no communication in return.​

DIVERSITY​

i strongly, strongly encourage diversity in characters. i'm not the type of person to ban certain characters, but if i start getting bland, cardboard cutouts of basically the same character i will turn them down. there are only so many straight, white, vsco girls i can handle. that being said, there will be a lot of lgbt+ rep in this roleplay, i know i plan on pretty much creating all queer characters. if you have a problem with that, you know where the door is.​

CHARACTERS​

i will be allowing each player to have up to six characters! if i see you are struggling to handle them all, however, i will ask you to cut back. they do not necessarily have to be in play all at once. face claims must be realistic. ​

LORE​

please actually read and follow the lore. if you have suggestions i am more than happy to hear them, and if you have questions i am more than happy to answer them! there will be a discord chat for that, and my pms are always open.​