[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SptoaYG.png?1[/img][/center] [center][h3][color=darkgray]- A Swashbuckling Sci-Fi Mystery -[/color][/h3][/center] [hr] [center][url=https://discord.gg/GK7FgJz][img]https://i.imgur.com/lRPmJFD.png?1[/img][/url][/center] [center]--- [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/169770-the-treasure-of-emily-gray-a-swashbuckling-sci-fi-mystery/ooc]Interest Check[/url] ---[/center] [hr] Space is a fickle thing, prone to mystery, deceit, and secrets unknown. [color=silver]One-hundred-fifty years from now, humanity has spread throughout the vastness of [color=white][b]space[/b][/color]. With [color=white][b]Earth at the centre[/b][/color] of it all, a small [color=white][b]Empire[/b][/color] has spread from Sol, reaching many nearby stars and emboldening conquerors to reach further. The reign of Earth did not last, however. Amidst increasing [color=white][b]climate issues[/b][/color], Earth became clogged with choking smog and r̸is̷in̶g t̷id̵e̶s. The [color=white][b]poor[/b][/color] spilled out into the streets while those in power worked as hard as they could to keep themselves from being smothered under the pile of the rigors of mother nature and her chosen downtrodden. Then, the [color=white][b]Harbinger Migrant Crisis[/b][/color] began. Extraterrestrial [color=white][b]aliens[/b][/color] began pouring into Human systems by the hundreds, seeking refuge after having escaped the clutches of the [color=white][b]Harbinger[/b][/color]: a cruel, interstellar empire, built on the backs of [color=white][b]slaves[/b][/color]. In a massive [color=white][b]revolt[/b][/color], swathes of alien slaves escaped to the [color=white][b]Orion Spur[/b][/color], and discovered the [color=white][b]Human Empire[/b][/color] within. Initially hesitant, humanity allowed the alien races of the [color=white][b]Havikka[/b][/color], the [color=white][b]Erkani[/b][/color], and the [color=white][b]Golon[/b][/color], to become part of their empire, in return for their [color=white][b]alien technology[/b][/color]. The aliens agreed, happy to be anywhere but the Harbinger. Humanity began to adopt [color=white][b]Migrant[/b][/color] technology, applying it wherever they could - steadily strengthening and expanding their own empire. For Earth, however, it was too late. Runaway climate change, even up against the Migrant [color=white][b]terraforming[/b][/color] technologies and techniques, slowly rendered the Earth [color=white][b]inhospitable[/b][/color]. Instead, humanity turned its gaze to [color=white][b]Mars[/b][/color]. The terraforming of Mars began, under the oversight of the [color=white][b]Addison Corporation[/b][/color], who had acquired a great portion of alien technology after the Migrant Crisis. Within years, Mars became greener and wetter, building up atmosphere. Soon after, Mars was [color=white][b]livable[/b][/color], and those on Earth began [color=white][b]migrating to Mars[/b][/color], where the new centre of the Human Empire was born under the [color=white][b]Grays[/b][/color]: A wealthy family from Earth who had headed an all-encompassing [color=white][b]private security service[/b][/color]. Over the years, the [color=white][b]Empire of Humanity[/b][/color] has been [color=white][b]softening[/b][/color] its rule, becoming less militarized and encouraging expansion and terraforming over strictly enforced law and far-flung bases. The Grays, who have been ruling for over a hundred years, have seen to it that the Human Empire becomes a [color=white][b]paradise[/b][/color] for all as the dynastic heads become needed less and less... [center][b]-----------------------------[/b][/center][/color] [b]The Sol System, 2207.[/b] [color=silver]The last Royal Queen of Mars, [color=white][b]Emily Gray the First[/b][/color], has died. In the wake of her death, her [color=white][b]last will and testament[/b][/color] was [color=white][b]leaked[/b][/color] to the public - none of her family were to inherit her fortunes, but instead, the document told of a series of [color=white][b]clues[/b][/color] that would lead those who could follow them to [color=white][b]treasures beyond imagination[/b][/color]. Of course, Lady Gray’s heirs were not pleased by this. After much infighting, and the accidental leak of the will, which contained the [color=white][b]first clue[/b][/color], they sought to act as soon as possible lest someone steal their treasure. There are two familial sides to this madness - the [color=white][b]Grays[/b][/color], of course, who seek the fortune in order to divide amongst themselves as the true heirs of Lady Gray -- and the [color=white][b]Addisons[/b][/color], who are solely motivated by growing their corporate empire. However, there is yet another shadowy party - a single man named [color=white][b]Alvirstein[/b][/color] who represents an unnamed organization, bent on finding the treasure in order to solidify the creation a new dynasty in nearby [color=white][b]Alpha Centauri[/b][/color]. They have hired you, dear players, said to be the best of the best. A raggedy bunch, for sure, but undeniably resourceful. For a cut of the spoils, you will follow Lady Grey’s cryptic clues in order to return it to its rightful heirs - whoever that may be. Only time will tell who makes it to the end first - and who gets to choose what to do with the treasure.[/color] [center][b]-----------------------------[/b][/center] Players will be divided into three groups, based on both player choice [i]and[/i] necessity of balance. These groups may create [i]one[/i] [color=white][b]ship[/b][/color] apiece to use as a home base, using a [color=white][b]sheet[/b][/color] that will be provided. The three groups will be assigned a family that they will represent, though player preferences will be taken into account. Once the game starts, available spots will [color=white][b]close[/b][/color] until deemed necessary by the GM. You will all be provided with the necessary clues to begin your trailblazing. Answers to clues will be provided either by PM or in IC, depending on the circumstance. Good luck, travellers. Whether you choose to work together or go it alone is up to you. Happy seeking. [hr] [color=silver][center][h1]* * * * *[/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/2jOXezL.png][/img][/center] [center][color=silver][h2]Character Sheet[/h2][/color][/center] [center][code] [b]Name:[/b](Get as creative as you like) [b]Race:[/b] (Human, Havikka, Erkani, Golon) [b]Age:[/b] (You can spitball the alien ages if you like. Run 'em by me.) [b]Sex:[/b] (Up to you.) [b]Appearance:[/b] (Also up to you.) [b]History:[/b] (Keep it brief.) [b]Personality:[/b] (What makes your character interesting?) [b]Allegiance:[/b] (If making a CS in the interest check, put down your Preferred faction.) [b]Occupation:[/b] (What does your character do for work?) [b]Personal Effects:[/b] (What belongings do you keep on your person?) [b]Other:[/b] (Anything else you want to note.) [/code][/center] [center][color=silver][h2]Ship Sheet[/h2][/color][/center] [center][code] [b]Ship Manufacturer:[/b][/color] (Who made the ship?) [b]Ship Designation:[/b][/color] (What is the ship's name?) [b]Ship Class:[/b][/color] (What kind of ship is it?) [b]Ship Size:[/b][/color] (How big is the ship in meters?) [b]Ship Crew/Personnel:[/b][/color] (How many people, aliens, etc. crew the ship?) [b]Ship Armament:[/b][/color] (What kind of weapons does the ship have? Plasma cannons, lasers, missiles...) [b]Ship Technologies:[/b][/color] (What kind of extra gadgets is your ship packing?) [b]Ship Appearance:[/b][/color] (What's it look like?) [b]Other:[/b] (Anything else of note.) [/code][/center] [hr] [color=silver][center][h1]* * * * *[/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/u2YfDc8.png[/img][/center] [hider=Sol System] [center][h1][color=silver]Sol System[/color][/h1][/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/u0TxSb7.jpg?1[/img] One of Mercury’s prominent museums.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Mercury[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The closest planet to Sol itself, Mercury undergoes large temperature changes. It is dotted with mines, owned by various corporations, including the Addisons. There are also several prominent tourist locations, such as museums and art galleries. The largest settlement is Hermes Center, and Mercury’s population is nearly 1.2 million.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/fC1UEji.jpg?1[/img] Inside the Aphrodite dome.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Venus[/color][/h2][/center] [center]A volcanic world with a crushing atmosphere, humanity has found refuge in Venus’ cloud-tops. Massive floating cities coast around venus on clouds of sulfur, protected by large, transparent domes. The largest of these is the city of Aphrodite. Venus’ population is close to 800 million.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wTpzgMA.jpg?1[/img] A view of the Cape.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Earth[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The former home of Humanity, now shrouded by smog and drowned beneath the oceans. Only a few centres of population remain, one being the Cape - a spaceport shantytown in the run-down harbour of what was once the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base. Only one billion people call Earth home in 2207.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Luna[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Earth’s sole, large moon. It remains under the control of the Grays, with the seat of their power around Earth being Apollo Base - a military base and spaceport. There are approximately 30 million living on Luna.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/mEfX8Wn.jpg?1[/img] Highways out of Mariner City[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Mars[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The centre of the Human Empire, and now of Humanity itself. Newly terraformed after the downfall of Earth, a greener, wetter Mars has become home to over ten billion inhabitants, with its capital being Mariner City - a port city on the edge of the Mariner Valley. Just across the bay is the Gray Palace, where the royal heads of state, including the Emperor or Empress, reside.[/center] [hr] [center][h2][color=silver]The Belt[/color][/h2][/center] [center]An asteroid belt where billions live in small colonies. Filled with space stations and asteroid habitats, the Great Asteroid Belt is an economic powerhouse under the rule of the Gray Dynasty. Many mining and agricultural depots, as well as permanent settlements, can be found nearly everywhere in the Belt.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Ceres[/color][/h3][/center] [center]The largest body within the Belt. Ceres has large deposits of water beneath its surface, which has allowed it to become both an agricultural center as well as the main hub of mining operations in the Belt. Despite its importance, only a couple hundred thousand permanent residents are located on Ceres.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/mf6Zw2N.jpg?1[/img] An agricultural plant on Callisto.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Jupiter[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The largest of the gas giants in the system, Jupiter is absolutely massive, and is littered with floating gas mines. However, due to its high radiation levels owing to massive magnetospheres, Jupiter is not settled, and its moons are sparsely populated.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Io[/color][/h3][/center] [center]A highly radioactive and volcanic moon, Io is not suitable for anything other than robotic missions and fully automated science laboratories.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Europa[/color][/h3][/center] [center]The jewel of the Galilean moons, Europa is mainly closed off due to high radiation levels at its surface, but also because it is a nature preserve, having basic subsurface live below its icy crust.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Ganymede[/color][/h3][/center] [center]The largest of all the moons in the Sol system, Ganymede possesses a few ore and water extraction sites on its surface, as radiation levels are low enough to be tolerable.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Callisto[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Callisto, being furthest out of the Galilean moons, is well outside Jupiter’s radioactive sphere of influence. Callisto is well populated, boasting five million residents, working mainly in agricultural centers to supply the outer settlements.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5poU0FK.jpg?1[/img] Saturn City by nightfall. The huge dome simulates a 24-hour day/night cycle. [/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Saturn[/color][/h2][/center] [center]Saturn is the planet of the Addisons. They were the ones to construct the lavish floating cities that dot Saturn, as well as running a mining operation to extract ice from Saturn’s rings. The population of Saturn is well over three billion, and its capital is Saturn City - one of the aforementioned floating cities, protected by a non-transparent dome. It is easily the largest floating city in the Sol system.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Mimas[/color][/h3][/center] [center]One of Saturn’s small moons. Mimas serves as a manufacturing and refining depot for many of the system’s goods. It is also home to the training centers for Addison Corporate Agents.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Enceladus[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Enceladus is entirely privately owned by Pure Waters Inc. in a joint deal with Addison Corporation. A great deal of the system’s water is distributed by Pure Waters, extracted from Enceladus.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Titan[/color][/h3][/center] [center]The only moon in the entirety of the system to have an atmosphere, Titan is a wonderous world, home to lakes of hydrocarbons and mountains of ice. Owing to its curious nature as a moon, Titan is a major tourist location. Tours of the planet are given in luxury blimps, and free-flying is a popular sport among professional BASE jumpers.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0GLplUT.jpg?1[/img] Seventh Heaven, Lower District.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Uranus[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The first of the two Ice Giants, Uranus primarily serves as a gas mine, but is also home to two billion residents among floating cities, such as Seventh Heaven - a slow and moody place, Seventh Heaven is a place for outcasts and those looking for refuge or escape.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Miranda[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Miranda, desolate and rocky, serves as a mining center.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Titania[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Similarly rocky, Titania is the largest manufacturing center in the outer system. Plenty of raw material flows through Titania’s factories, and assorted goods flow out.[/center] [hr] [center][h2][color=silver]Neptune[/color][/h2][/center] [center]The outermost planet, Neptune is a dark and windy world, and is generally a miserable place to live. The perfect place for someone to disappear. Gas mines and floating cities can be found here, though the population of Neptune barely reaches one billion. Its capital is Poseidon.[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Triton[/color][/h3][/center] [center]Triton is a simple, rocky, mining moon.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/xpkkelm.jpg?2[/img] One of the Private Military centers on Charon.[/center] [center][h2][color=silver]Pluto[/color][/h2][/center] [center]Pluto is part of a double dwarf-planet system with Charon. The two serve as major military centres. Pluto is the home to the Royal Armed Forces Outer System Base...[/center] [center][h3][color=silver]Charon[/color][/h3][/center] [center]...while Charon is dominated by the facilities of dozens of private military contractors.[/center] [hr] [/hider] [hr] [color=silver][center][h1]* * * * *[/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/UtpXMwS.png[/img][/center] [hider=Aliens] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Q8RXEFZ.png?1[/img][/center] [color=gold][b]Havikka[/b][/color] - Small, plucky aliens, determined to succeed in whatever they do. The Havikka range around four feet in height, and are notable for their golden-yellow skin. Their arms and legs are proportional to their body size, with three fingers and toes per each hand or foot. They are barrel-chested, and slim, but possess a fair amount of muscle in their arms and legs. Their two eyes are usually black in colour, sitting above an elongated muzzle. Feathery sensory organs decorate their head and shoulders. [color=steelblue][b]Golon[/b][/color] - Large, lumbering aliens renowned for their immense strength. Standing at about seven feet tall, the Golon are rather tall and sleek, though heavily muscled. Their four fingers end in claws, though their feet are hooved. Their heads are round with a chiseled, pointed jaw, tusks extending out from the upper jaw. They have two yellow eyes and a flat nose. Their complexion is generally blue, with no hair. [color=black][b]Erkani[/b][/color] - Shapeshifters that can (and often do) take various forms. In there natural form, the Erkani are jet black, with backwards knees and long arms. Their slender forms are around five to six feet in height, with a sleek, featureless head except for similarly black eyes. [/hider] [hr] [color=silver][center][h1]* * * * *[/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sITuNg1.png[/img][/center] [center]Here, the story's Arcs and Chapters will be summarized.[/center] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/M7DP6Ck.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/KyckeQ6.png[/img][/center] [center][hider=Chapter 1 - The Will] [color=silver][h3]Chapter 1 - The Will[/h3][/color] No summary yet, complete this chapter first. [/hider][/center] [hr] [color=silver][center][h1]* * * * *[/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/I25oSOu.png[/img][/center] [list] [*]1. No Godmodding, metagaming, powergaming, et cetera. Exercise basic common sense and be courteous to your fellow players, please. [*]2. Please RP only in the locations that are available and readily apparent; only as the races listed; and only in the factions available. [*]3. If you have trouble understanding something or otherwise need direction, please indicate so and I will offer assistance and/or direction. [*]4. Player feedback, art, and expansions to the lore are always welcome. Just be sure to check in with me first. [*]5. Adherence to a measure of realism is recommended. [*]6. Please denote where exactly your character is at the beginning of each post. A simple Planet-Location breakdown is generally the best way to go. [*]7. One player group finding out what a clue means or discovering the next step in a puzzle is not license for your player group to instantly know this information too. This counts as metagaming. Try to RP naturally into your own discovery. [*]8. Try to have some fun. [/list] [hr] [color=silver][center][h3]"The game is afoot."[/h3][/center][/color] [hr]