outofsticks | A NEW YEAR, A FORGOTTEN YOU

Once upon a time, in the continent of Ostorn, there was a town called Haven. After a deadly plague had ravaged the lands, a man decided to strike out and pave a new trade route to cities barred by a lack of roads and an abundance of natural blockades...

Welcome to the first past life plotting post of 2025! Sticks and Bones is a setting where player characters are the reincarnations of previous residents of the town that Aldric founded within the woods as a midway stop between cities on his new trade route. The continent of Ostorn and the world of Sticks and Bones is a magical land inspired by the Tales of series, among other games. Below in the comments are some explanations, locations and pre-existing NPCs who can be referenced!

Players with dropped characters are encouraged to include their dropped characters if only for potential backstory purposes for others, but it is not a requirement.

While we don't want to restrict things a lot, we must ask you keep the following in mind!

Although this is a magical setting where plant-animals and beasts like the Guardians exist, characters must be human in their past life, with few exceptions. Please speak to the mods if you feel something else is better for your character.
The level of technology was a bit skewed, but largely it was very basic electricity that just... happened to be magic. Light bulbs, the magic of indoor plumbing.
Speaking of magic, while there are forms of magic such as enchantment and standard RPG mechanics, the Celestial magic that's been included in the game plot is not open to characters in their past lives.
You are more than welcome to include new locations or expand on current ones, though if it is noted to reach out to a specific player about it, please do that. Ostorn is a large continent, and there is an even bigger world out there.
The Goddesses are known, but very distantly as ancient history. Religion depends on the region, but Guardians, being demigod animals, are frequent objects of worship.
Your past life should not be a 1:1 parallel to your current life! Things change, situations change, and the new reincarnations got off very badly actually.

When you're ready, please use this form and then tag out!

Name: it u
Place of Birth: where u from
Reasons for Joining the Grove: why u here
History: whahappun (also how did u die)
Role: what u doin
Looking for: what are you most interested in having for your past life cr?
Wants and Wishes: anything else!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Name: Ryan Akagi!
Place of Birth: Polaris Landing
Reasons for Joining the Grove: He and his boyfriend Min-Gi were traveling musicians before settling in the Grove. It seemed like a nice place, and they were getting to a point in their career where it would help to have a stable place to live when they aren't performing. They also probably do some performances in the Grove from time to time, in a local events sort of way.
History:

Ryan and Min-Gi were both born in Polaris Landing (new location!), though in this life they do not share a birthday. They still grew up together and were still roughly the same age, and practically attached at the hip. There's never been a moment where Ryan pictured a life without Min-Gi in it.

The small community nature of the town means that Ryan's big family has a lot more support! His father left after his youngest sibling was born, but even with only one parent available there was more love and attention to go around. His eldest sisters elected to stay in town, so Ryan is the first Akagi sibling to leave, but they all keep in close contact and talk to each other about everything. He often sends them letters from the road, and sometimes even gifts.

Ryan confessed to Min-Gi when they were in their early teens. Both had stressed about this crush a little to their families, and after getting confirmation that Ryan should just rip the bandage off and go for it, he did exactly that. They've been together ever since. They even have cute pet names - "my star" and "my sun".

They both had immediate support from their families to live their dreams and become musicians. After all, being a travelling bard isn't exactly unheard of in this world, and they would both have homes to come back to if things didn't work out. His mother is originally from the Crescent Islands (and his dad somewhere in his history too but who cares about that guy) and in this life Ryan has more of a connection to his heritage - which is why his instrument of choice is a shamisen that he can absolutely shred on.

They did okay! Ryan and Min-Gi had lots of adventures on the road, playing their way from town to town, with enough success that they were comfortable but not like, fantasy Tailor Swift or anything. Eventually, they settle down in the Grove, ready to have a stable place to make their music and a home to come back to when they aren't traveling. Ryan is entirely comfortable with this - there's no sense of urgency when everything he needs in this life is right by his side.

Shortly before everything goes to hell, when they're in their late 20s, the two of them both have plans to finally propose. The time feels right, they've waited so long and they're both sure, they even have the rings! But unfortunately, they never got the chance. The tragedies of the Grove took them before they could ever ask the question.

Role: Musician!
Looking for: Same as Min! Friends, venue owners, etc--
Wants and Wishes: ✨🎶☀️🎵❤️