Into the Depths
Into the Depths, or ITD for short, is an original story that I've been working on for the past few years!
The basic plot is that in a small town, a company is attempting to extract resources from the earth. A sealed cave breaks open and monsters and mutated humans spill out. The company then asks a group of explorers to go into the cave system and find out what's causing these mutations.
As the main characters venture into the cave systems, they realize that there has been an underground society of people who were forgotten after the cave system was shut down for mysterious reasons a few hundred years ago. These people are called Crystallines, and they are all slightly mutated and have crystals growing out of them.
The further they go, the more that the characters realize that they are in serious danger. Not just from the monsters, but from the deadly magic radiation coming from the deepest parts of the cave system. What's down there? And why is it down there at all?
The Magic System
In the world of ITD, there are several Sources scattered across the globe. Each of them are physical manifestations of where the magic leylines cross over and intersect. Each Source governs a different elemental magic. For example, you could have a Source of Fire.
The (incomplete) list of Sources is:Fire
Lightning
Ice
Earth
Light
Water
Wind
Sources are sentient and sapient. If you appear in front of a Source and ask for powers, they will ask you questions about why you want this power and how you will handle them. If you are unsuitable for a given element emotionally, you will not be given any powers. A key part of magic usage in this world is emotional regulation, as one's powers can fluctuate wildly depending on your emotional state.
- Note: Poor emotional regulation and being out of tune with your emotional state can result in serious injury to self or others.
In order to obtain powers, one must take a Pilgrimage. You walk to the Source you want the powers from and you do some introspection on the way. You clear your mind, meditate, and travel to your destination. These journeys are often taken as one enters adulthood, but can be taken earlier or later in life.
Magic isn't something everyone is born with, it's a choice you make. Therefore, people try hard to cherish their new abilities. It's a general goal to cultivate a healthy relationship with how you experience emotions- and how you use your powers!
Main Characters
There are 5 main characters in ITD!
Lu Songshi
Lu Songshi is the main character of Into The Depths. Most information is listed here on his reference.
Additional information
- Lu Songshi has never visited a Source, but still displays traits of elemental abilities.
- They are autistic and have depression.
- 绿松石 means Turquoise, and 文 means Culture/Language.
Kishimoto Hayase
Hayase is a supporting character of Into The Depths. Most information is listed here on her reference.
Additional information
- Hayase is the glue holding this group together.
- Hayase is the twin sister to Hinata! She's older by a few minutes.
- 逸 means to flee, escape, or break loose, and 瀬 means swift current, rapids. 岸 means beach, shore, or bank. 本 means base, root, or origin.
Kishimoto Hinata
Hinata does not have a full reference yet! Come back later for a full reference!
Additional information
- Hayase is considered cool and aloof by everyone who knows him. It's true. He is cool.
- Hinata is the twin brother to Hayase! He is younger by a few minutes.
- 陽向 means towards the sun.
Carnelian
Carnelian does not have a full reference yet! Come back later for a full reference!
Additional information
- I'll be honest I just designed Carnelian to be modelled after my idea for Cole Lego Ninjago. Which is why he's the hottest character in the whole cast.
- Carnelian is the adoptive brother of Yosuke!
- Carnelians in real life are semi-precious stones that are reddish-brown.
Yosuke
Yosuke does not have a full reference yet! Come back later for a full reference!
Additional information
- Yosuke is the only character on the main cast to use just one set of pronouns (they/them)!
- Yosuke is also the youngest person on the main cast, being the only character who is below 20 years old.
- 陽, meaning light, and 介, meaning assist or help.