Persona
Overview
The depths of the mind are strange and wonderful, holding within it a million gods and demons. Each of us goes through life, adopting different attitudes and actions based on what challenges we face and people we interact with. This is a 'persona', a mask we wear to conceal the real self from the hardships of the world. Few of us possess the courage and self-confidence necessary to do otherwise.
But in the world of Persona, it becomes even more important, as these masks we wear also give us power. Supernatural forces lurk on the edge of perception, the people of the world unaware of the horrors that can prey upon them without notice or the catastrophes that wait to befall them.
Those who have realized the power of Persona are capable of summoning up these masks in more than just theoretical form, the figures of myth and legend manifesting with them, just for a moment, to lend their power to the wielder in the form of supernatural effects. Conjuring fire and ice, healing wounds instantly, or bringing to bear incomparable force are all well within the abilities of these people, and it is up to each of them to decide how they will use that power.
Will they use that power to protect others? To build and guide? Or will they use it for self-gain, or perhaps even to try to destroy everything?
That is a choice only they, and you, will be able to make...
Nature
A Persona is an archetypal construct formed in the mind. As each person has a unique mind, a Persona that comes from them is often similarly unique to them. A Persona is almost invariably based on some entity of mythological or legendary importance, as befitting their nature as cultural archetypes themselves. There is no restriction on culture, gender, age, or race on what form it might take, though as classic mythology has more 'weight' in the unconscious minds of humanity, it is far more likely that someone would manifest Hercules instead of, perhaps, Superman. The first Persona someone manifests is inevitably one that matches the essence of their personality.
Gaining a Persona
Every sentient being can possibly carry a Persona within them, but few have the strength of will required to overcome their fears and darkness to the point that they can summon one forth. However, some people are closer than others. Those who have this Potential eventually express themselves in one of many ways. Some follow occult rituals. Others seemingly play a game which is rumored to call a Persona forth. Some seek within themselves, confronting their darkness and gaining that power through enlightenment and acceptance. Some even turn to artificial means, through invasive neurosurgery or the use of specialized tools to call them forth. All methods have their own dangers, for the power of the mind and heart is not lightly unleashed. Those who cannot control their Personas can often cause untold harm on themselves and their surroundings... Possibly even resulting in death.
