Krasnaya
A Hot Mess
Standards for you and me:
Themes for this story:
The main cast and concept of the story
Your main character
(I'll refer to him as YMC)
They don't make men like these anymore in the US. From the late 20s or older in age, a tough, dangerous and rugged man, strong and masculine, someone you just don't wanna mess with. Someone notable in this specific gang that rule over the streets. They're like the rabble, weapons, drugs, sex work, underground clubs - all of the unwanted people of the society will come here to find success and wealth, living a liberated life. The gang could be like a group of bikers or something similar: informal and the types of people that would make you want to cross the streets or at least be in their good graces. They're direct rivals to MC's side.
YMC and MC are two different worlds that would clash throughout the story. However, differences attract, which would become a fatal attraction.
Your (side) character 2 (optional) or just an important NPC
(I'll refer to him as YC2)
This is if you want to deal with a little bit of an "affair" but even if you don't want to take on this role, I suggest you read it as it is relevant to the story.
An ambitious man from an influential Italian family. They're a mafia, while their roots in this business are not running deep, they have been breaking through. This character's father has been friends with MC's father for decades and now they're coming with an agreement to arrange an engagement between their children: YC2 and MC. This would not be an easy task as MC is an incredibly difficult woman who wants nothing to do with this engagement and is being forced into this position, the feelings of YC2 about both the situation and MC is up for discussion. Regardless, neither of them have enough authority to have much say in this scenario, as there's deeper reasons why this arrangement is created.
He can be a decent man, he can be manipulative and cunning, he could be abusive, there's plenty of choices to go about it, whether he's a side character or story important NPC.
My main character
(I'll refer to her as MC)
Fake it all like Hollywood - Lorena Beneditti - This is her brief character sheet.
It would seem like she has it all, a mafia princess. Old money family, conservative, strict and misogynistic, the Beneditti empire was built long before her and even her father, Giovanni. Standards have been set and traditions are followed. It is an elite, it is formal, pristine, Christian on the surface. And MC needs to adhere to these standards. She is no soft woman, she is cold and sharp as a blade, she had done terrible things in order to be where she is today, yet she feels like she has nothing. And after her brother's death, Giovanni could not have illegitimate bastard sons to run the family and he never married again after his wife's death. Without a man to run this family, Giovanni was left with a dilemma: allow his very capable and relatively young daughter to take on the nearly a century old burden or find a man who will continue the tradition.
He couldn't have a woman lead the Beneditti empire. That would be ridiculous. So he decided to mask the weakness as an offering of good faith to his good old friend by introducing an arranged engagement, which would mean that the other family will get some of that Beneditti power in their grasp. Who would pass up on this spectacular opportunity.
MC knows she deserves all the credit and power. And she would never settle for a man. So she needs to be smart and sneaky in the way she deals with this situation. She has few of the men under her authority that answer only to her, but it is far from enough for her to deal with this unfortunate situation.
And it just so happens that strange circumstances bring her face to face with the rival of the Benedittis...
How does the story start?
I have a few ideas. One is that she is forced to stay over at YC2's place where she is trapped in some way if you decide to make this character your secondary one. MC is forced to be around him and they can develop an interesting relationship through the interactions, but he is not the focus. He may be romancable with MC, but like I said, he's not the focus. In the meantime, she would try to seek men out that she can pay, with the intention to have them under her belt as she's trying to figure out how to get herself out of this predicament (she's not below figuring out a way to kill YC2 and his whole family if necessary). As to how she meets YMC, I had this one spicy idea. She comes across a "neutral ground" where a lot of criminals of different statuses come to make quick and dirty buck through selling drugs, offering other services and, most importantly, is like a fight club where all the money is. And that's where YMC is, coming out of a ring, sweaty and bloody, looking at her with a smirk on his face, recognizing the princess in this shithole of a place, where she does not belong. And that's where the story begins. They are rivals and also enemies, so their dynamic should be "enemies to lovers". Which also means intense gun pointing, hate sex and I am a sucker for intense falling in love.
The second idea is that YC2 is actually coming to the Beneditti estate on and off as the arrangements are being made, which would work even better if YC2 is just going to be a story important NPC. Meanwhile, there was an incident that involved drugs and the Benedittis men - which is unacceptable, as Giovanni prohibits any dealing or using of substances among his made men. Fingers are pointed immediately at YMC's gang, as they're the kings of the drug deal market. Giovanni is willing to start a war, but MC has noticed that something is quite off and she chooses to investigate, which leads to YMC and her meeting up. Turns out that there's a third party trying to sabotage the two biggest gangs in the city so they could do whatever they want to do and claim the streets. And this is where MC sees the opportunity to get an upper hand on everyone to free herself from the shackles of the family and be the queen of the empire she believes she deserves to be, but naturally that's easier said than done as there's many odds against her and YMC in the picture could either make that harder or easier for her.
Or we can do a mix of both, which I'd love! Or you have your own ideas and suggestions, which I would love to hear!
- 3rd person narrative
- At least 200 to 500 words on average, 1k+ for setting the mood and introductions of the scenes/characters/other (I wrote posts that were long several google doc pages when I'm particularly inspired)
- 3/3/3, no fluff, no fade to black, words worse than f-bombs being thrown around
- Use of more characters
- Use of realistic art or real life people references (no anime characters or simplistic drawings, I'm a very visual person)
- Use of imagery and music for roleplay (optional for you)
"Brave men of steel… Favored by God for their strength and discipline… How blessed are they to die for such a righteous cause… And in death, they will reunite with Him…"
Blood slowly began to soak into the soil.
Outside of the kingdom's walls, a deathly silence covered the scenery like a heavy blanket.
In the distance, bells from the cathedral slowly began to ring, the song eerily echoing underneath the dark gray skies, ravens chiming in as they flew towards the new gravesite.
Bones, flesh, metal, fur and weak wails were all that was left behind. A weak, trembling hand, soaked in blood, reached towards the sky.
"G…God… Forgi… Me…"
And so the last breath was lost in the cold wind…
"I almost envy them. For I bear the burden of both their ancestors and their children, and their children's children… Nay… I am God's chariot in this cold, rich land…"
The bells were strong and powerful within the walls of the castle, with the maidens of the court huddling and whimpering softly as they clutched on to their terrified children. Any attempt to peacefully console the innocent little beings once the bells fell silent were in vain. They felt the fear of their mothers and gentle maidens that offered comfort and protection, and slowly the silent tension that was building in between those walls started to grow as the faint sounds of battle became louder by the minute. The church bells managed to snuff out the horrifying sounds of war, even inspiring the presence of God, yet when the chiming stopped, the brutal reality had set in once more. Perhaps God was not with them… For if he was… Would things truly be like this?
They broke through all defenses, it seems. Which only means that the battle against those demons is slowly coming to an end, but at the cost of their own lives.
The throne room was a colossal area, dark and cold, graced by the pillars that welcomed the visitors in row towards the lone throne that sat up on the podium. As much as it inspired power and intimidation to all who stepped inside, it also would remind one of loneliness. Once, this place was more lively. They had candles and torches illuminating the cold architecture of the northern ruler. And back in those days, what had felt like a century ago, the halls were graced by the brightest of smiles and softest of voices that made this place feel like a little warmer place. A presence that melted even a king's heart at times.
He had cursed the day he had met her. Because if he didn't know of the life that he had, the life that he had lost, he wouldn't have known any better and living life would be easier. Because now, in the absence of the warmth that he had known, everything is cold, empty, lonely and meaningless.
And that is why, on top of those stairs of the podium, there was a place for one to sit and reign.
Beside the stairs of the podium stood a smaller figure, in an armor that was a little big on his form. He had the stance, he had the confidence, but his blue eyes were set on the lone and elevated figure that sat upon the throne. Benedict's eyes were slightly widened as he stared at his father, pupils slightly trembling as he listened to the king's words. Though his expression remained unreadable, the blond-haired boy's eyes spoke volumes.
And he wasn't alone. Guards that stood still like statues in the room had heavy expressions on their faces as they would eye at each other or just simply stare at their king. Nobody said a word, but the orders were given and they had nowhere to run. There was a sense of finality even before anything had happened within those walls.
One of the unarmed guards stood behind the pillar and in front of one of the many barrels that were assigned to each guard. His trembling eyes were closed, whispering to himself softly as he prayed. And as a man of God as he was, he was holding back tears, knowing what he was about to do if the king gave the final and definite order.
"And I will be damned before I let those heathens and spawns of hell take our God's land. I will take them down with me if I have to."
Hemmet's voice was low and without force, but there was powerful intent behind every word he had said. He glared at the doors of the entrance, eyes filled with determination and anger. Everyone in the throne room was afraid. Both of the enemy and, even worse, of their own king.
The noise from the outside was louder, but it was not the sound of swords clashing or any screams that would end abruptly. As a matter of fact, a very familiar and beloved voice was heard just outside the entrance.
"Go! Move, men! Drag the wounded inside!"
A voice that urged men to hurry and gather around. It had offered a moment of hope to everyone upon hearing prince Nicholas' voice as the double doors were being pushed open. And the moment it gave way, the first figure to enter was of a young man with dark hair and kind eyes. He was adorned in magnificent armor that represented Winthrope and with the sigil of his homeland etched on the breastplate and the battered shield that rested on his back. The man was dirty and exhausted, perhaps even slightly wounded as he pushed his rushing men into the castle, helping out those who struggled to run, but he left no one behind. The sight of him before the guards and maidens was enough to brighten their day and give a shred of hope even in this dreadful time. Even when he was covered in grime, blood and sweat, he was the welcome sight to sore eyes.
On this day, Nicholas was the leader. He was the future of Winthrope, one to take Hemmet's place. And he was beloved and respected by the people, perhaps more than they had loved and respected Hemmet even in his best days. Plenty said that, out of all five children, it was Nicholas who was graced with virtues from both of their parents.
And the moment dozens of soldiers had entered the throne room, both wounded and ready to fight, the doors were barricaded behind them. Not everyone had made it into the castle, but they had the priority to protect the king, no matter the cost.
Nicholas turned around and looked at his father who sat there, with that well-familiar look on his face. The expression that Nicholas abhorred. He immediately frowned as he confidently walked towards the podium, armor clanking with each step. But as he stood next to his younger brother Benedict, Nicholas bowed down before his father, despite the dissatisfaction and the exhaustion. Nicholas was a man of honor. He was the pride of Winthrope. He was the knight that everyone strived to be. Yet his burden was great.
Blood slowly began to soak into the soil.
Outside of the kingdom's walls, a deathly silence covered the scenery like a heavy blanket.
In the distance, bells from the cathedral slowly began to ring, the song eerily echoing underneath the dark gray skies, ravens chiming in as they flew towards the new gravesite.
Bones, flesh, metal, fur and weak wails were all that was left behind. A weak, trembling hand, soaked in blood, reached towards the sky.
"G…God… Forgi… Me…"
And so the last breath was lost in the cold wind…
"I almost envy them. For I bear the burden of both their ancestors and their children, and their children's children… Nay… I am God's chariot in this cold, rich land…"
The bells were strong and powerful within the walls of the castle, with the maidens of the court huddling and whimpering softly as they clutched on to their terrified children. Any attempt to peacefully console the innocent little beings once the bells fell silent were in vain. They felt the fear of their mothers and gentle maidens that offered comfort and protection, and slowly the silent tension that was building in between those walls started to grow as the faint sounds of battle became louder by the minute. The church bells managed to snuff out the horrifying sounds of war, even inspiring the presence of God, yet when the chiming stopped, the brutal reality had set in once more. Perhaps God was not with them… For if he was… Would things truly be like this?
They broke through all defenses, it seems. Which only means that the battle against those demons is slowly coming to an end, but at the cost of their own lives.
The throne room was a colossal area, dark and cold, graced by the pillars that welcomed the visitors in row towards the lone throne that sat up on the podium. As much as it inspired power and intimidation to all who stepped inside, it also would remind one of loneliness. Once, this place was more lively. They had candles and torches illuminating the cold architecture of the northern ruler. And back in those days, what had felt like a century ago, the halls were graced by the brightest of smiles and softest of voices that made this place feel like a little warmer place. A presence that melted even a king's heart at times.
He had cursed the day he had met her. Because if he didn't know of the life that he had, the life that he had lost, he wouldn't have known any better and living life would be easier. Because now, in the absence of the warmth that he had known, everything is cold, empty, lonely and meaningless.
And that is why, on top of those stairs of the podium, there was a place for one to sit and reign.
Beside the stairs of the podium stood a smaller figure, in an armor that was a little big on his form. He had the stance, he had the confidence, but his blue eyes were set on the lone and elevated figure that sat upon the throne. Benedict's eyes were slightly widened as he stared at his father, pupils slightly trembling as he listened to the king's words. Though his expression remained unreadable, the blond-haired boy's eyes spoke volumes.
And he wasn't alone. Guards that stood still like statues in the room had heavy expressions on their faces as they would eye at each other or just simply stare at their king. Nobody said a word, but the orders were given and they had nowhere to run. There was a sense of finality even before anything had happened within those walls.
One of the unarmed guards stood behind the pillar and in front of one of the many barrels that were assigned to each guard. His trembling eyes were closed, whispering to himself softly as he prayed. And as a man of God as he was, he was holding back tears, knowing what he was about to do if the king gave the final and definite order.
"And I will be damned before I let those heathens and spawns of hell take our God's land. I will take them down with me if I have to."
Hemmet's voice was low and without force, but there was powerful intent behind every word he had said. He glared at the doors of the entrance, eyes filled with determination and anger. Everyone in the throne room was afraid. Both of the enemy and, even worse, of their own king.
The noise from the outside was louder, but it was not the sound of swords clashing or any screams that would end abruptly. As a matter of fact, a very familiar and beloved voice was heard just outside the entrance.
"Go! Move, men! Drag the wounded inside!"
A voice that urged men to hurry and gather around. It had offered a moment of hope to everyone upon hearing prince Nicholas' voice as the double doors were being pushed open. And the moment it gave way, the first figure to enter was of a young man with dark hair and kind eyes. He was adorned in magnificent armor that represented Winthrope and with the sigil of his homeland etched on the breastplate and the battered shield that rested on his back. The man was dirty and exhausted, perhaps even slightly wounded as he pushed his rushing men into the castle, helping out those who struggled to run, but he left no one behind. The sight of him before the guards and maidens was enough to brighten their day and give a shred of hope even in this dreadful time. Even when he was covered in grime, blood and sweat, he was the welcome sight to sore eyes.
On this day, Nicholas was the leader. He was the future of Winthrope, one to take Hemmet's place. And he was beloved and respected by the people, perhaps more than they had loved and respected Hemmet even in his best days. Plenty said that, out of all five children, it was Nicholas who was graced with virtues from both of their parents.
And the moment dozens of soldiers had entered the throne room, both wounded and ready to fight, the doors were barricaded behind them. Not everyone had made it into the castle, but they had the priority to protect the king, no matter the cost.
Nicholas turned around and looked at his father who sat there, with that well-familiar look on his face. The expression that Nicholas abhorred. He immediately frowned as he confidently walked towards the podium, armor clanking with each step. But as he stood next to his younger brother Benedict, Nicholas bowed down before his father, despite the dissatisfaction and the exhaustion. Nicholas was a man of honor. He was the pride of Winthrope. He was the knight that everyone strived to be. Yet his burden was great.
Themes for this story:
- Complex characters that should be more fleshed out as we go, these will be bad people
- Organized crime and action, some intrigue
- Multiple characters involved
- Forbidden romance, affair, character differences/polar opposites, age gap, enemies to lovers
- Modern day, big town in the USA (Chicago, New York, fictional American city)
The main cast and concept of the story
Your main character
(I'll refer to him as YMC)
They don't make men like these anymore in the US. From the late 20s or older in age, a tough, dangerous and rugged man, strong and masculine, someone you just don't wanna mess with. Someone notable in this specific gang that rule over the streets. They're like the rabble, weapons, drugs, sex work, underground clubs - all of the unwanted people of the society will come here to find success and wealth, living a liberated life. The gang could be like a group of bikers or something similar: informal and the types of people that would make you want to cross the streets or at least be in their good graces. They're direct rivals to MC's side.
YMC and MC are two different worlds that would clash throughout the story. However, differences attract, which would become a fatal attraction.
Your (side) character 2 (optional) or just an important NPC
(I'll refer to him as YC2)
This is if you want to deal with a little bit of an "affair" but even if you don't want to take on this role, I suggest you read it as it is relevant to the story.
An ambitious man from an influential Italian family. They're a mafia, while their roots in this business are not running deep, they have been breaking through. This character's father has been friends with MC's father for decades and now they're coming with an agreement to arrange an engagement between their children: YC2 and MC. This would not be an easy task as MC is an incredibly difficult woman who wants nothing to do with this engagement and is being forced into this position, the feelings of YC2 about both the situation and MC is up for discussion. Regardless, neither of them have enough authority to have much say in this scenario, as there's deeper reasons why this arrangement is created.
He can be a decent man, he can be manipulative and cunning, he could be abusive, there's plenty of choices to go about it, whether he's a side character or story important NPC.
My main character
(I'll refer to her as MC)
Fake it all like Hollywood - Lorena Beneditti - This is her brief character sheet.
It would seem like she has it all, a mafia princess. Old money family, conservative, strict and misogynistic, the Beneditti empire was built long before her and even her father, Giovanni. Standards have been set and traditions are followed. It is an elite, it is formal, pristine, Christian on the surface. And MC needs to adhere to these standards. She is no soft woman, she is cold and sharp as a blade, she had done terrible things in order to be where she is today, yet she feels like she has nothing. And after her brother's death, Giovanni could not have illegitimate bastard sons to run the family and he never married again after his wife's death. Without a man to run this family, Giovanni was left with a dilemma: allow his very capable and relatively young daughter to take on the nearly a century old burden or find a man who will continue the tradition.
He couldn't have a woman lead the Beneditti empire. That would be ridiculous. So he decided to mask the weakness as an offering of good faith to his good old friend by introducing an arranged engagement, which would mean that the other family will get some of that Beneditti power in their grasp. Who would pass up on this spectacular opportunity.
MC knows she deserves all the credit and power. And she would never settle for a man. So she needs to be smart and sneaky in the way she deals with this situation. She has few of the men under her authority that answer only to her, but it is far from enough for her to deal with this unfortunate situation.
And it just so happens that strange circumstances bring her face to face with the rival of the Benedittis...
How does the story start?
I have a few ideas. One is that she is forced to stay over at YC2's place where she is trapped in some way if you decide to make this character your secondary one. MC is forced to be around him and they can develop an interesting relationship through the interactions, but he is not the focus. He may be romancable with MC, but like I said, he's not the focus. In the meantime, she would try to seek men out that she can pay, with the intention to have them under her belt as she's trying to figure out how to get herself out of this predicament (she's not below figuring out a way to kill YC2 and his whole family if necessary). As to how she meets YMC, I had this one spicy idea. She comes across a "neutral ground" where a lot of criminals of different statuses come to make quick and dirty buck through selling drugs, offering other services and, most importantly, is like a fight club where all the money is. And that's where YMC is, coming out of a ring, sweaty and bloody, looking at her with a smirk on his face, recognizing the princess in this shithole of a place, where she does not belong. And that's where the story begins. They are rivals and also enemies, so their dynamic should be "enemies to lovers". Which also means intense gun pointing, hate sex and I am a sucker for intense falling in love.
The second idea is that YC2 is actually coming to the Beneditti estate on and off as the arrangements are being made, which would work even better if YC2 is just going to be a story important NPC. Meanwhile, there was an incident that involved drugs and the Benedittis men - which is unacceptable, as Giovanni prohibits any dealing or using of substances among his made men. Fingers are pointed immediately at YMC's gang, as they're the kings of the drug deal market. Giovanni is willing to start a war, but MC has noticed that something is quite off and she chooses to investigate, which leads to YMC and her meeting up. Turns out that there's a third party trying to sabotage the two biggest gangs in the city so they could do whatever they want to do and claim the streets. And this is where MC sees the opportunity to get an upper hand on everyone to free herself from the shackles of the family and be the queen of the empire she believes she deserves to be, but naturally that's easier said than done as there's many odds against her and YMC in the picture could either make that harder or easier for her.
Or we can do a mix of both, which I'd love! Or you have your own ideas and suggestions, which I would love to hear!
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