Hey everybody, So, I was working on a small scenario building thing and felt like sharing! So here’s the Idea: People's passion and willpower are manifested into magical objects and animals that they present to others. If you are familiar, thick of it as Stances from Jo Jo’s Bizarre Adventure. Below is a set up of how this weird world works.
History Long ago, there was once an ancient creature of vast power who sought to have a family like the humans it watched. It wanted a mate of unmatched power so it scoured the world looking for a suitable partner. It defeated every human combatant it came across until it came across a warrior with a magic sword. Unaware of the creature’s intention, the warrior engaged the beast. The combat was intense, neither gaining a clear upper hand. The warrior unleashed a powerful new form of their weapon and prepared for a final clash. Impressed with the courage and power of the warrior, the creature revealed its intention of finding a strong mate. The warrior hearing it's desire, agreed to partnering with the creature on one condition. All humans were to be given a portion of the creature's power, that they may be on equal footing should more battles occur. The creature agreed and bestowed on humanity the ability to bring their passion into physical form, Expressions. Below the world, as the creature and the warrior promised themselves to one another, another creature writhed into existence. It was mortal once and resented the union. It was consumed by its hatred and became, Misery. It seeks out other heartbroken individuals who it can consume as well, an act of defiance to the first Date and Love.
Expressions Expressions are physical projections of a person’s passion and inner drive. Expressions take on a unique form for each person. Despite their sometimes independent behavior, Expressions do not have a will of their own. Expressions exist on a different plane of existence, so most expressions have little to no effect on the physical world unless summoned via a deep connection and control of one's Expression or via an initiated Clash. Expressions will evolve, growing in strength as the individual's passion and self control increase. Full Expression, the perfect combination of Expression and person, the epitome of form, is legendary and said to only be attainable when a person actualizes their passion.
Biology
All humans are born with tattoos on their wrists. These tattoos are unnatural: unable to be removed, altered, and with the ability to move should the body be damaged or removed. These tattoos are the conduits that allow people to summon their Expressions. The tattoo is located on the individual's dominant hand.
The form of an Expression is based on biological gender. Male Expressions are exclusively inanimate objects such as , gloves, swords, umbrellas, or robotics. This is believed to be in relation to the fabled hero doing battle with a magic weapon. Female Expressions are exclusives creatures such as tigers, dragons, fish, etc. This association is believed to trace back to the ancient creatures transformative abilities.
Clashing
A Clash is when two individuals set their Expressions against one another. When a Clash is initiated, the individuals are moved slightly out of phase with the physical world. While in this state: Expressions are able to demonstrate their full potential and participants are protected from any lasting physical harm. The phase state created via a Clash requires the participants to have strong emotional ties to one another. This tie can be created by a heated argument, dear friends, romantic partners, or bitter enemies.
Those outside a Clash are unable to view the Clash going on, though individuals with strong ties to either Clash participant may be able observer. In recent years, special instruments and cameras have been created to film Clashes which has been incorporated into many TV programs.
Heartbreaking
Heartbreak is a condition in which a person suffers emotional trauma that results in the corruption of one’s Expression and a “shattering” of their tattoo. As the tattoo becomes more fragmented, the afflicted person’s Expression becomes weaker and appears sickly.
During the final stages of Heartbreak, the tattoo will excrete a black fluid that slowly covers the body. From this point there are two likely outcomes. The first, and more likely, is that the person will become mad and aggressive, lashing out at others before becoming completely enveloped by a thick black sludge. These inky creatures, referred to as Wraiths, will attempt to begin the fracturing process in their victims. While Wraiths can be fought by any person with an Expression, doing so is dangerous. Law enforcement and special defensive organizations are trained to handle these creatures.
The second, far less likely but more dangerous, is for a person to become a Miser. Unlike Wraiths, Misers have full control over their corrupted Expressions. Miser are believed to take direct orders from Misery itself. The most dangerous aspect of these individuals to cause physical, lasting damage to those who Clash with them.
Culture
Schools, from primary to secondary, have Expression classes as the children grow in maturity. Beginning from basic Expression manifestation and understanding of expression up to maintaining a physical Expression outside of Clashes and interpersonal communications.
It has become the norm among young adults to engage in Clashes as a way of “seeing how serious” the partner is about the relationship. The generally accepted ideology is that Dates have two sides: the Forward asks the Recipient to Date. The Forward is expected to match the intensity of the Recipient. Exceeding or falling short of the Recipient is usually interpreted as negative.
Arranged dates are somewhat commonplace, especially for young adults who are not adept at controlling their Expressions or lack a passionate disposition. Agencies, though few, have come up that cater specifically to these situations.
Heartbreaking is considerably rare due to society’s focus on emotional care and well-being. Inversely, this focus on emotional stability has created a slight stigma of fear around individuals without strong emotional ties or passion or individuals who do not partake in Clashes as these both could be signs of Heartbreak.
Premises
So, based on this set-up, here are some story ideas.
Agents of Love (Lighthearted and serialized with a new person every episode or two)
When an infectious wave of the doldrums hits Lupin High school. A group of students make it their duty to ignite a wave of passion throughout campus. Passion Club Ignite! After a few successes, the group targets in on a student who they are shocked to find is in late stages of Heartbreak.
Misery (Drama with moments of fun, but follows the story of a single person)
A loner and Miser must fight the control and influence of Misery while they foster the first friendship they’ve had in years.
Like the idea? Let me know! I'd love to hear what your Expression would be. Until next time, bye everbody!