The Zodiacs: Stand Still

[Lady With Class]

≈ ♦ "The true monster? The true monster is you, you and your terrible, horrible deeds. You're destined for hell, and I promise it'll be soon. Oh, it'll be soon. You can't run from your mistakes forever, Jameson. And your death will be slow. Just as slow and just as horrible as all of the slow and horrible deaths you've caused. You've ruined the world. But you know what? May God have mercy on you.
May God have mercy on your soul.

May God have mercy on all our souls." ♦ ≈

The Start

The world was dying. When the first plagues hit, one million died. When the second wave hit, half of the remaining population crumbled. Civilization had begun to disintegrate and the law began to mean nothing; robberies were frequent, murders even more common. It wasn't safe to take a stroll through town any longer. Famine and thirst went on a rampage, food and liquids usually what was fought over. Wars were fought over nothing; struggles were fought for everything. The human race was on the brink of extinction. People were dying left and right, with no cure in sight, no stability, no hope.

Religious folk flocked to church to pray for a miracle, rebellious folk fled to gangs to beg for a second chance. And the rest? They bolted their doors and cowered inside to wait for the end, the end of the nightmare that was life, the end that would put them out of their misery.

But it didn't end. It paused.

For two whole minutes, time ceased to exist. Clocks froze mid-tick, bullets stopped in their path, the world came to a stand still. A soft electrical crackled had filled the air, and those who had been standing outside would have sworn that a bright light had zoomed across the sky in a blinding flash.

And then, it was over.

That Was Nineteen Years Ago...

The plagues have finally faded. The governments have lost control to the gangs, who control their own territories with iron fists. Chaos no longer reigns in the streets, and crime no longer rules the law, but food is still short and water still spread thin.

The government wants it's country back. During the early days, they had tried their best to keep order, but with their people dropping like flies, their control had fallen apart. Now they want it back. However, with gangs being the dominant authority, and nothing but their now-worthless titles, the once great US government is stuck. That is, until a mysterious entity calling itself the 'Savior', gives them the resources they need to pick themselves up again, more powerful than ever. Along, with a bit of information that might be of use...

The Problem

Just as the world is on the right track, and when it seems like civilization just might be on the road to recovery, another plague breaks out, this one even bigger and badder than the first two. They call it, the Dread.

What makes treating it so difficult is the fact that, it manifests differently in almost every other patient, with symptoms that are truly devasting and deadly. The only thing they have in common, is what the disease is named after. The disease attacks the emotion center of the brain, instilling uncharacteristic episodes of intense terror and dread.

On the brink of yet another devastating epidemic, scientists of this new modern world are scrambling to understand such a volatile disease. But what makes it so difficult, is that it's constantly mutating. And that there isn't just one type of the Dread. There's twelve. One type, makes the victim feel as if they can't breathe, until slowly they die of asphyxiation. Another paralyzes from the feet up, creeping towards the upper body till it finally reaches the chest rendering the lungs incapable.

At first, it was impossible to tell which type would manifest in who. Perhaps you caught the Dread from someone who's skin is slowly peeling off? Yet you, burn up with an unstoppable fever. It's the case all over the board. The scientists searched for a similarity anywhere, between the types of Dread, and they came up with one. They were astounded.

The date of birth.

How your symptoms manifest depends on the month you were born, on you zodiac sign.

Turns out, science just proved astrology.

The Plot

Astrology wasn't the only discovery made. They found those who are immune.

The day of the Stand Still, a whole generation of children were affected... somehow. Many people don't realize that there isn't just one star sign in your astrology reading, but actually ten. You can have up to ten zodiac signs that make up who you are - depending on what you believe. But the chances of you being born on exactly the right day, and exactly the right time, to have all of your signs line up, is 1 out of a million. Yet in this generation of children, almost all were born at the perfect moment.

Again, depending on what you believe, some might say that in that retrospect, these children are the personification of those zodiac signs.

And they're not just immune either. They have powers.

Now scientists everywhere are racing to get their hands on as many of these immune as they can, some with good intentions, some, not so much. But two institutes are at the lead; Eythix Industries and Nox Laboratories. Can you guess which one has the government pulling the strings? Nox Labs have already proven their inhumane methods with these kids, sending them scattered and scared. Eythix offers a safe haven, a place where safe testing can be done - with consent.

Eythix has put twelve of these special kids - one from each sign - into a an experimental program to find out more about them, and to find a cure the world so desperately needs. But this team, this team of scientists, of doctors, of special kids, aren't going to have it easy. Riots have started. The technology that filters the air and keeps those who aren't immune safe, aren't invincible. Mysteries arise; what exactly is the Dread? How was it created? Was is released? Who is the Savior? Which side is it on? What does it really want? The Savior is gaining a reputation, and a following as it goes public. And the Dread is continuing to evolve to mutate, making it slippery to hold onto.

So, who will you be in a world that's dying? What's your zodiac sign?

Info

History

Then

When the plague first hit, the human race was scared. People hid, people prayed, and people turned to violence. So of course, all the delinquents out there went on their joy rides. Stores were raided, riots were started, everything was vandalized. Not to mention the gang wars, with the increase in new members. The government all but lost control. The military had been too stretched thin; officers were dying left and right, every other soldier was deserting. They were too stretched thin, and so they retreated. Retracted into their little hidey-hole. For a year, most streets were deserted, most sane people cowering in their homes in hopes of escaping the riots and robberies and murders that were on a rampage across the country. There was no order, and no law. Until the gangs finally took charge, each taking control of a fraction of the country.

Now

After nearly nineteen years, not much has been rebuilt or fixed, but it's been relatively peaceful, with only the occasional gang war. Some parts of the cities, of civilization are still deserted. The plague wiped out too much of the population, for people to take up as much space as they used to. As said, gangs have set up territories that they control, with people falling under their protection - for a fee of course. The economy pretty much collapsed with the government, so paper money means nothing now. It's only trade and bartering that gets you the things you need. Food is rationed and traded for. Electricity is scarce. Some places may have bits, and pieces, some may have none at all. The area from which our roleplay resides, has enough electricity for phones - but the wall connected ones only. There are three gangs who also reside in this area; the Scorpions, the White Dragons, and the Daughters of Bastet. The Scorpion gang are made up primarily of men - rare for a woman to join their mix. They're very big on fitness, and muscles, and a test must be passed to get in. Any age above sixteen is eligible for the test. The White Dragons are very focused on drugs, and they're known for fantastical (and highly addictive) hallucinogenic drugs. The only reason they're still in power of their territory is their monopoly on the drug trade. The possession and usage of drugs is legal in White Dragon territory, and is quite a social thing. Lastly, the Daughters of Bastet are a very tight-nit group. No males are allowed to become a member, and they're very strict on their rules when it comes to their citizens. Curfews are dead-set, and if you are caught in the possession of non-medical-use-drugs the punishment is death. While they might be strict, they are able to keep impeccable order.

The First Plague

The first plague, seemed to be a mutation of the Bubonic plague, or otherwise known as the Black Death. Research had suggested that the plague had been lying dormant, but no one though that it would mutate - or come back with such force. The symptoms included swollen lymph nodes, high fever, chills, headache, and weakness - which were all original symptoms of the plague. But the mutation included more severe weakness, as well as an increased contagiousness. It was passed through the air - simply standing in the same room as an infected person, ran the risk of becoming infected yourself. The most prominent thing it was known for, however, was the tears of black. The disease triggered a reaction in the tear ducts, causing the victims to emit black liquid from their eyes - in the form of tears. Once contracted, the infected usually did not last more than a couple of days.

The 'Savior'

No one knows much about him, other than he calls himself the 'Savior' and that he appears to be male. He also seems to be siding himself with the government and has a plan for the world, a 'new society'.

The Labs

Eythix Industries

Coming Soon

Eythix Layout

Coming Soon

Nox Laboratories

Coming Soon

Nox Layout

Coming Soon

The Dread

Description

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Capricorn

Those who have caught the Dread, and are born in the Capricorn sun sign, their bones fail. Slowly their bones crumble until eventually nothing is supporting their organs and everything the body shuts down. The first stage can start with joint pain and excessive bruising, as well as easily broken bones. It can then progress to hyper-breakable bones, to the point where simply stubbing a toe can fracture their shin, or banging a hip on the corner of a table can shatter the bone. The bones continue to get weaker till just standing runs the risk of shattering every leg bone. Then just body weight causes the collapse of bones.

Aquarius

Aquarian's start to bleed excessively. It usually begins with occasional nose bleeds, and excessive bruising - just a simple bump can cause a huge, dark purple bruise. Soon, the blood has trouble clotting. A papercut might continue to bleed for up to an hour, and larger wounds might take even longer. Nose bleeds can continue for longer than normal, and occur more and more frequently. Then they start bleeding from the ears, and when they cry, it's red with blood. And even though it's gross - they might begin to urinate blood, no matter the gender. Eventually, internal bleeding might occur, if they haven't bled out already. Because of the constant loss of blood, fatigue, is common, as well as light-headedness and fainting when the victim is physically active. They typically grow pale.

Pisces

Pisces' grow delusional, the Dread blurs the line between reality and dreamscape. It usually starts with little things, maybe a rainbow sparkle in the corner of their vision, or a butterfly that no one else sees. They might mix things up, be a bit forgetful. It might escalate to seeing full-bodied people - like in those movies, where the character sees someone they lost in a crowd, and they're there one minute and gone the next. Their dreams become extremely vivid, real. It escalates to full-on conversations with people that aren't there, and then on to full-on hallucinations. They might see themselves in another place, like a waking dream. They usually continuously confuse their dreams for reality and have trouble telling when they are dreaming and when they are awake. The worst part though, is that these hallucinations are not scary, they're pleasant, happy. The only time they may be scary is if a Pisces happens to have an episode of terror during a hallucination. Then the hallucination turns violent and frightening. If the victim has lived for long enough - without having jumped off a roof believing they could fly or otherwise accidentally killing themselves, which has not yet been recorded of happening - they eventually fall asleep, and never wake up.

Aries

When those that are born in the Aries sun sign contract the Dread, it attacks their mind on a different level than a Pisces. It acts almost like dementia. At first it starts with night terrors and sleep paralysis. The fear of sleeping due to these night terrors can lead to insomnia. Again, like Pisces, it can start with forgetting little things - like losing keys and forgetting names. It can lead to completely forgetting whole conversations, and otherwise short-term memory loss. Whole days can go missing, while the night terrors persist. They might being to forget people, and long term memories. Confusion is common, mixing up time. hey can mix up people - especially if they look alike. (Any other symptoms of dementia of alzheimers or related disease that have to do with confusion/memory loss/mixing up can be included as long as it gets progressively worse as the disease continues. In reality, these types of symptoms would manifest in people differently.) Eventually, Aries will forget how to do basic things, like walk, talk, etc. Until they choke on their own food, or forget how to beat their heart. It degrades their whole mind.

Taurus

A Taurus has a similar manifestation of the disease, to a Aries, but with a different outcome. It reduces them to the thoughts of a child. The Dread first attacks the emotions, leaving the Taurus with progressively child-like emotions and outbursts. Unlike other types, A Taurus doesn't have much other symptoms beyond that. Slowly they forget their years in consecutive order - believing they are whatever age they've forgotten prior too. Eventually, a 60 year old man will think himself a 5 year old. They take up the mannerisms of the age they believe themselves at, with the same attachments and thought process. eventually they forget all the way up to infanthood, back when they relied on their mother to breathe. So, like an Aries, they forget how to do basic necessities and eventually die.

Gemini

A person born in the Gemini sun sign, when they've contracted the Dread, they're lungs slowly deteriorate. It can start with breathlessness when physically exerted, and then on to breathlessness at all hours. It feels almost like cement is filling their lungs. Breathing soon becomes tiring and hard - to be more comfortable, an oxygen tank may be required, and may also prolong the disease. Eventually, a Gemini can no longer breathe at all, and they asphyxiate. This type is generally quicker-acting than the other eleven and those with this type typically don't last long. It may be hard to speak during the later stages.

Cancer

Cancerians fade away. Not in the literal sense. This type can technically manifest in two different ways; some feel hungry, and some do not. But, never the less, they can no longer digest food. It begins with feeling horrible stomach cramps after eating, then progressing to feeling so sick that upchucking is common. And then finally, they can no longer even put food in their mouth or be near it without being sick. They drastically loose weight of course, and no longer obtain the nutrients they need from food. A Cancerian's life may be prolonged by the injection of nutrients, but even then, the body will eventually begin rejecting these as well. Eventually they just fade away, they starve to death.

Leo

Leo's burn up with an unstoppable fever. Normal medication may put the fever on hold for a bit, but it does not stop it. The temperature in their body continues to increase until eventually it kills their cells and they die. Such a high fever can cause them to have hallucinations or to become confused. Fatigue is also common if they are not resting.

Virgo

Those who have caught the Dread, and are of the Virgo sun sign, slowly fall apart. They're skin peels, and their muscles fall off. It's quite a disgusting sight. It starts with mild rashes, in random places of the body. They grow in irritability and in size, and in number. They may bleed and puss when scratched at. The muscles may feel weak at times and suddenly fail. Soon the skin gets so deteriorated by the rashes, it begins to peel off. It's bloody, and gross. Once the skin starts to fall off, the muscles follow. It does not have to happen all at once, but can happen in different spots of the body at different times. It's a horribly painful process, and painkillers are a big help. They eventually just fall apart in a bloody mess if they do not die before then.

Libra

Librian's loose control of their senses. Taste is the first to go. It usually just spazzes; things might taste like other things, or things they might have love to eat, now taste like saw dust. They're tastebuds just go wild, until the finally dull and die. Smell goes next. Like taste, the smell sensors go haywire before going out. And then sight goes. They usually begin to have trouble seeing things far away, and it gets worse and worse, and then a darkness begins to creep around the edges until it's finally lights out for their eyes. And then hearing. It slowly fades - they might hear random things that others don't. Touch is the last to go, quickly disappearing until they're completely dead to their surroundings. If they haven't already killed themselves, like Pisces, they just fade away in their sleep, like their senses.

Scorpio

Scorpio's begin to have insane mood swings. It starts small and then progressively gets worse, until they can't control their emotions at all. The slightest thing can send them into a rage or into a horrible depression. Eventually, their body can't handle it any more. Just an episode of terror the Dread causes, sends their body into overload and causes them to have a stroke - should they not have one already. Anger is the common outburst for them.

Sagittarius

Sagittarian's slowly become paralyzed, as it creeps up from their toes. Usually, it starts with them just stumbling frequently. Of course, the toes, then the feet go numb. It starts with one side, first. A cane is needed to walk. Usually by the time the paralysis reaches the knee of one leg, it starts on the other. It slows a bit on the one side, for the other to catch up almost. By this time, the person is reduced to a wheelchair. It creeps all the way up till it reaches the lungs. Without medical aide, they asphyxiate, though if they have access to a machine that can breathe for them, they might be able to survive until it reaches their heart. Again, they may be able to use machinery to pump their heart for them, and live a bit longer. But once it reaches the brain, it's lights out. It's not painful at all, just a weird feeling as your body goes numb.

The Zodiacs

Description

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Capricorn

Coming Soon

Aquarius

Coming Soon

Pisces

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Aries

Coming Soon

Taurus

Coming Soon

Gemini

Coming Soon

Cancer

Coming Soon

Leo

Coming Soon

Virgo

Coming Soon

Libra

Coming Soon

Scorpio

Coming Soon

Sagittarius

Coming Soon

≈ ♦ "Cause we'll sure as hell need it." ♦ ≈








Aaaand, ta-da! Like? Leave questions or comments below. Whoo, writing that was exhausting. Imma go pass out.​​

 

[Stuffies12]

This looks intriguing. You have captured my attention!

 

[Lady With Class]

This looks intriguing. You have captured my attention!

Aw, yay!! I know there are a couple of things I've got to work on though, minor detail-y edits and more explanation on things, but you like it?

 

[HecateProxy]

This sounds amazing.

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

This sounds absolutely amazing and intereisting and I would love to find out more about this!

 

[Stuffies12]

Aw, yay!! I know there are a couple of things I've got to work on though, minor detail-y edits and more explanation on things, but you like it?

Yes! I'm a sucker for anything post apocalyptic so I'm hoping this takes off.

 

[PositivelyPrimeval]

This sounds awesome ;_; I'd love to be a part of this if it takes off.

 

[Ythania]

You know, I'd really love to join this with my character Scout. It's a wonderful concept; I do believe some worldbuilding is needed, though. The main missing resource on this post is labelling the 12 types of Dread; I'd also love a CS template and some information about locations/factions, just to help flesh out the backstory of our characters.

Other than that, I eagerly look forward to this taking off, and I'll keep a close eye on it!

 

[Lady With Class]

This sounds absolutely amazing and intereisting and I would love to find out more about this!

Yay! ;) Once I get thread up I'll definitely add more information!

Yes! I'm a sucker for anything post apocalyptic so I'm hoping this takes off.

I love post apocolytic as well, though I haven't joined any of those type of roleplays yet ;-; I'm very glad there's interest in it though ;)

This sounds awesome ;_; I'd love to be a part of this if it takes off.

Awesome! I'd love to see you join ;)

You know, I'd really love to join this with my character Scout. It's a wonderful concept; I do believe some worldbuilding is needed, though. The main missing resource on this post is labelling the 12 types of Dread; I'd also love a CS template and some information about locations/factions, just to help flesh out the backstory of our characters.

Other than that, I eagerly look forward to this taking off, and I'll keep a close eye on it!

Yeah, I definitely need to do some editing and adding which I'll be doing some time today ;) The only reason I didn't have to 12 types up yet was because I was totally stuck on what to do with the rest! xD Almost finished deciding what goes where though. I'll also have a crap ton of stuff on zodiac signs, as well as Eythix Industries and Nox Labs, and the whole world in general! ~ And if anyone has ideas from the setting which their characters come from, I'd totally be open to them!

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Yay! ;) Once I get thread up I'll definitely add more information!

TAG me whenever this is up or when you need help or someone to brainstorm with or anything XD

 

[Lady With Class]

TAG me whenever this is up or when you need help or someone to brainstorm with or anything XD

Yeah! I actually might take you up on that because I see you've actually done a zodiac roleplay? My sister, @xX Ella Wolfe Xx participated in it with you and when I mentioned that I created a roleplay with zodiacs the other day she flipped a lid and went on a rant about how awesome it was, and that she wished it hadn't died and yadda, yadda, yadda xD So I might be asking your opinions on zodiac-y things later xD

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Yeah! I actually might take you up on that because I see you've actually done a zodiac roleplay? My sister, @xX Ella Wolfe Xx participated in it with you and when I mentioned that I created a roleplay with zodiacs the other day she flipped a lid and went on a rant about how awesome it was, and that she wished it hadn't died and yadda, yadda, yadda xD So I might be asking your opinions on zodiac-y things later xD

Totally welcome to help you out with the zodiacs! AND YES IT WAS SO AWFUL THAT ONE DIED! I might actually some day reboot it... It was such a shame... such a shame... but yeah, it was just hard to keep up with all the people that dropped out and I had a bit too much on my plate at that time

 

[Lady With Class]

Totally welcome to help you out with the zodiacs! AND YES IT WAS SO AWFUL THAT ONE DIED! I might actually some day reboot it... It was such a shame... such a shame... but yeah, it was just hard to keep up with all the people that dropped out and I had a bit too much on my plate at that time

Well, if you reboot it, definitely let me know!! #.# It looked so cool! And I totally get that.

 

[DarkiusHeavenstein]

Well, if you reboot it, definitely let me know!! #.# It looked so cool! And I totally get that.

I shall! It might happen in the near future, since I have a couple more peeople that want me to reboot it. I might adjust the plot a bit. I don't know yet. I have to fully submerge myself into it again :P

 

[PositivelyPrimeval]

I'm glad to see this is looking like its developing! Can't wait to see all the extra details. I read tarot cards, which is somewhat connected to the zodiac, if you wanted that sort of thing to be included I wouldn't mind offering my opinion. The cards connect to the signs and stuff. As a Pisces, I'm already a little bit psychic I guess x)

 

[Lady With Class]

I'm glad to see this is looking like its developing! Can't wait to see all the extra details. I read tarot cards, which is somewhat connected to the zodiac, if you wanted that sort of thing to be included I wouldn't mind offering my opinion. The cards connect to the signs and stuff. As a Pisces, I'm already a little bit psychic I guess x)

That's cool! I'll definitely let you know ;)

And, I am so sorry xD I lost track of time ~ and spent way to much of it on an IC post xD I'll get started on the editing right away, but the posting of the thread may have to be postponed to tomorrow ;)

 

[WeebxDweeb]

I want to join! It looks interesting.

 

[Cwispy]

This looks amazing. Please count me in.

 

[NaYe]

Let me just drop an interest before the last spot is inevitably taken ^^;;
*due to the mind-blowing plot work going on here

Apart from the amazing RP idea it seems like the people interested/the GM are nice too which definitely caught my attention.
*Yea yea I'm basing this off one post that probably only has the words 'This sounds cool. I'm interested.' on it but I'm complimenting you. (please) Just accept it.

 

[Lady With Class]

*Spazzes* HOLY CRAP Typing this is taking way, way longer than expected >.< I literally have only been able to finish explaining all the types of the Dread! I hope it isn't too much... Oh, and set up the BB Coding. Anyways, I'm going to edit the above thread to give you guys a sneak peek of what's to come! I'd recommend thinking about characters, but there is also going to be a restriction on them - so we don't have like, twenty million scientists ~ plus there will only be twelve Zodiacs involved. But... hehe, each Zodiac will have their own personal physician to monitor them, take care of their medical needs, blah blah blah. ;) And there will also be a team of about 5 or 6 scientists who work on experiments with all of them!! Just to give you an idea on the characters ;) NO CLAIMING THOUGH! I've already decided what spots I want but I don't want to break my own rule. So, shhh. You can think on characters ~ maybe discuss them a bit, but characters will not be set in stone right here. I'm still working away at the info-add-ons, and now I'm rambling xD I'll get the sneak peek up in a second.

ALSO! I have changed the Dread a bit. It will be in what has been added.