And in Arcadia I... RP sign up
 

OK, let me try this out, first things first, I will be on every day at 1600 pacific standard time if anyone wants to sign up, I will be on more than that, but 1600 is a guarantee. (thats 4:00 pm for you non military types) I won't be playing a PC, I will devote all my time to NPC's, and I would like this to be played in a somewhat serious manner, no over the top rediculousness or god modding please. I would advise all newer members to read the rules prior to signing up. Thanks, now heres the story...

The setting is a reality very similar to our planet, perhaps a glimpse at our future. Technology is ever present, and affords humanity luxury despite horrendous overpopulation. Beautiful architectural wonders soar into the stratosphere, and space colonization is a fact of life, not a fools dream. The general populace exists in a state of relative ignorance as to what transgresses behind closed bureaucratic doors. In reality, government is handled by Mammoth super-corporations, conglomerates of busines that decided to stop being the puppetmasters and take the reigns of power for themsleves a few generations ago. Life is all about placement within these companies, and would be seen by most of us as feudalistic. An overall chairperson, or CEO, or King if you will, has jurisdiction over his nation, while vassals serve beneath him in a caste sytem reminiscent of medievil Europe. Politics and business are seemlessly intertwined in this world, with no need for distinction between where one puts his capital and where one puts his undying faith. To go against corporate policy is to blaspheme against holy dogma.

Within this world, there are exceptional people. As is to be expected, they are sought out for their abilities. However, given the nature of some of these abilities, explanation is in order. In the midst of a veritable rennaissance of technology, a parallel movement is occuring. One outside the influence of man, yet wholly concerning him. The species is taking its next steps along the evolutionary road. There are those who are born different, some barely perceptible, others like a brilliant candle on a moonless night. They represent human future, and there is nothing more profitable than that. As such, they are considered property of the company, and are either placed into special education programs if their parents are cooperative, or hunted down if the situation is otherwise.

You are a member of this society, but not just another face in the crowd. You represent the future of human existence, and so are very important to the events which shape this world. Here are some character creation guidelines.

There are numerous nation-companies throughout the world, there are 5 major continents, and a sixth much like Antartica at the north pole. The continents are: indigreal, safaresh, norther, kirinjo, and amaspo with the sixth being forzereal. Each continent is split between competing companies, in general there are one or two major companies per continent, I will start with Norther.

Norther nation-companies: United Products of Norther, The Claimancy, and BioChem corp. UPN owns the northern part of the continent, and a few Islands and such. The Claimancy is more centralized, as well as substancial holdings in the West. BioChem is located mostly in the South, with a few outposts along the East coast. Each nation-company specializes in a certain form of technology and industry.

UPN: An elected board of directors runs this company, its government is closest to American, although by no ,means identical.

Its technological focus is on computer assisted thinking, specifically tapping the incredible powers of the "Next Gen persons" it seems that while they possess vast stores of energy of an indeterminate kind, their abilities to control it are found lacking. UPN seeks to harness this power by integrating synthetic intelligence with human intellect. Allowing the delicate and complicated calculation necssary to use Next Gen powers to be handled by a machine, while decisions are made by a man.

The Claimancy: A very monastic business, its board rooms resemble nothing less than gothic churches. Its ecclesiastical trapsings are not just skin deep, most members of this company are extremely pious individuals, and place the company before life itself.

The Claimancy concerns itself with technology only so much as it has too, which is to say that technology is the life blood of the Claimancy. They delve mysteries once thought to be esoteric or foolhardy with the almighty gauntlet of science. They divine the future, read pasts and even attempt to define Karma. They are techno Magi of the sternest sort, and those who reach the upper echelons of The Claimancy are considered holy men by most. Even those outside the Claimancy.

BioChem Corporation: A very tumultuous past follows BioChem like a careless fingerprint left at the scene of a crime. At present most commoners have forgotten the trespasses of this company, but those in power still feel the scars of the last generations' folly. The current director of operations at BioChem is a 20 year old nextgen, a gifted physisist and biolgical engineer by the name of Kysleth Waters, son of the infamous Vargath Waters, the man who nearly sent humanity back to "The Dark Ages"

Bio Chem's prime technological interests are "Human reconfiguration and improvement" in other words, they have few qualms about "playing God" with the human genome. They have the capacity to artfully design an embryo into the most beatiful and intelligent humans, or to create horrific monsters of terrifying presence and power. There public facade is one of helpful government and fair judiciating, yet in the highest spires lurk things which have the power to topple nations, and can only be called human if one feel generous, or insane.

these are the three main companies I would like everyone to make there characters from, I will reveal mopre history as the story progresses, and as I think it up, if you have any questions on back story, feel free to ask.

If this idea seems interesting to you, reply to this post, I will write more in depth rules for character creation in a little while, barest interest is all I'm looking for right now.

hmm thats alot to read so i wont bother but im always up to game...

Good lord, that is amazing....count me in!

I am completely in awe. I will definately join. One thing though what do you want in our char sheets?

I'm up for it. But how exactly are we different?

I will post in depth character creation rules by the end of today, as well as more history for the setting. This is actually derived from a graphic novel I have been developing for about a year. I may introduce some of my main characters at times, but only so much as they fit in the story. I will not use them as super baddies or saviors ex machina, just as plot devices for the most part. I would advise everyone to start conceptualizing personalities for their characters, the mechanics will take a backseat to good dialogue and planning in this role play, so put some effort into making your character as "real" as possible. (I mean believable or interesting, not that they actually are real, none of that craziness please :) ) use the background I've provided so far as a base, more will come soon.

This seems pretty interesting. I'll join up with you guys.

A few more interested parties and we should have enough. Just to get everyone thinking, here are a few archetypical character "classes" to ponder.

Nextgen Infiltrator: Like James Bond, with ESP.

Tacsuit pilot: who doesn't like cool robot suits? anyone? put your hand down asshole!

Company Emmissary: Think investment banker/Old west federal marshal and you'll have an idea. Fighting outlaws and collecting taxes, that sort of thing.

Techno Mystic: its like having a crystal ball that actually works! Except that its not a crystal ball, more like a computer read out, but still...

there are more, but I have to go now.

Ok, sorry for my tardiness, I'm on duty today and have been preoccupied. Here is som more backstory.

The world has been in a state of uneasy peace for a nearly 2 generations now, after the end of the great war which signified an incredible upheaval in societal sructure. Gone now are the days of popular rule and equal status for all. Most live as serfs to the great companies, but this is by no means a harsh or unfulfilling life. Indeed, most are quite satisfied with their lives. Technology has provided a warm blanket for all to slumber beneath. Robotic constructs handle manual labor tasks with programmed efficiency, and space mining has opened up vast new stores of resources. Colonization of the satellite which orbits the planet, as well as the two nearest planets, is well underway. Education is available to all up to a certain age, and higher learning is within the grasp of those who excel at scholastic pursuits. The many different nation-companies which comprise the worlds governmental geography all have their own unique philosophies and practices, but this is the general way of things.

Given this universal comfort, it should not be considered odd that the most paranoid of people are those in charge. They know of things most do not, and of the possible catastrophic repercussions of their failures. They vie for power behind the scenes, and all too often these shadow wars spill onto the streets of the common people. What are a few ignoble lives in the face of progress though?

Modern warfare has rendered nuclear explosives all but obsolete. Energy shielding and pinpoint missile defense sytems protect assets from ballistic missile strikes, and even a hand carried bomb would be difficult to conceal, considering the detection capabilities of sensors, every deposit of every resource on the planet has been mapped while it lies beneath the crust. All known deposits of weapons grade radioactive chemicals are known, and even the smallest amounts can be tracked globally. These facts, coupled with the desire of the companies to not adverise their battles, have led warfare into more discreet directions. Stealth, subterfuge, and quick strike capabilities are what determine the outcomes of battles.

Most nation-companies keep a standing army, for the public to see and be comforted by, or stand in fear of. These units are a relic from the great war, but they still maintain high levels of training and readiness. They are a farm from which the companies pick the best. An excellent soldier may one day find himself a veritable superman of geneticly enhanced coordination and strength, whether he wants to or not.

Here is some specific infomation on the 3 main nation-companies I have previously mentioned

UPN: The board of directors are elected for life by the Peers, the most influential shareholders of UPN. There are 9 in all, at present they are:

Halcyform Gentile: a youthful director, only 37, many see his appointment as homage to his fathers great legacy. His dad was one of the greatest contributors to post war reconstruction in all of Norther, even the world. He is a competent man, but overshadowed by his glorious name.

Andreal Sugobras: "An old bastard" were the word used to describe Sugobras, by his wife on the celebration of their 40 years of marriage. He is a definite thorn in the side of those seeking change, a fundamentalist to the core. He resents the present aristocracy, and considers them spoiled children grown fat from the fruits of his generations labor.

Lady Evriel: A mysterious woman who's election to the board was for reasons most who voted for her do not understand, rumors abound and gums flap whenever her name is mentioned, very few know the truth behind her enigma.

Dantius Garris: A roguish man of distinguished stature, His appointment was due to his genius, nothing less. His ability to manipulate a bureaucracy is nothing short of wonderous. He was born to play this game, and has been living up to his birthright for nearly 30 years now. He holds many things over many important peoples heads, and if he hasn't heard about it, neither have you.

Gauren Severus III: A mediocre man from a high standing family, he is old money and he knows it. He lacks initiative and ability, and is considered by most ot be dead weight on the committe. Nobody id about to change tradition to kick him out though.

Sylphiel Resdon: An inspiring orationist, she hold the hearts of the nation in her hand. When her silvery voice fill the airwaves, the nation listens attentively. She is the foremost spokesperson for the lower classes, and a great humanitarian in this age.

Robert Allius: A moral man with a sterling career. he embodies "straight arrow" thinking, and leads the way for many initiatives that improve the general welfare of the Company. He is always wary of espionage, and heads the countries counterintelligence efforts.

Valentinus DeLongly: A strange duck if there ever were one. He is said to practice "dark arts" and to commune with spirits. Whatever the veracity of these comments is, he knows when to gamble and always turns a profit. For thsi reason he is on the Board, the ability to know when to lay it all on the line comes in handy in many situations. Valentinus is indeed, "handy" to have around.

Demona Cathar: A revolutionist, someone who wants to see the world change for the better. She is considered to be an idealist by most of the Peers, and yet her appointment to the Board was unanimously decided on. There is a good reason for this, logic sates that any sytem which grows too stagnant will eventually decay into inoperability, Ms. Cathar is the spark of chaos necessary for the company to continue growing.

These nine people shape the future of UPN, and are accorded the respect that would entail. If you wish to make your character from UPN, some good concepts are:

Nextgen Military Analyst: with synthetically augmented computing power, and nextgen capabilities, these strategists are able to devise plans in the blink of an eye. They are able to view the intricate skeins of fate and make decisions based on probable futures. They are respected by their troops and cherished by their commanders. Most commoners find them to be somewhat unsettling, as the unnerving tendency to know what one is going to say next might make you feel.

Nextgen Assault Officer: These soldiers are the product of human evolution and ingenuity. They are capable of performing incredible combat maneuvers and possess destructive capabilities on par with strategic air strikes. In addition to their formidable combat abilities, they are gifted leaders, with an inate understanding of the rules of combat. Kill or be killed can be so complicated sometimes, especially when you don't want to die.

Counter Intelligence Specialist: Life gets scary for those who play for the other side, always pretending to be someone else. These operatives are "spooks" of the scariest sort. They manipulate minds the way a musician plays a guitar. They are saboteurs extraordinaire, and carry with them secrets devastating enough to break nations in half. When you're never quite certain who wants you dead, life is always interesting.

Corporate Advisor: these people are the glue which keeps the clockwork monstrosity of business working. They provide insight into financial trends, and decipher the codes of trade. They are analytical geniuses, like supercomputers with imagination. When mathematical equations are your reason to live, most find you to be quite formulaic.

Rogue Nxtgen: these people started running for some reason, and through luck or ability have kept at it. They are beacons of hope for revolutionaries, or brooding loners trying to stay under the radar. There is almost always some tragic past which forces one of the gifted to turn from the company, and any of the previously mentioned types could easily become a rogue.

I like the claimancy stuff. This looks to be a diverse RP. I'm in.

Very very, in depth. You say this is based in the world of a Novel you're writing. Sounds like a best seller, like Tom Clancy in a futuristic setting. Make sure you let us know when you get it published.