[h2][color=008000]The World[/color][/h2][hr][hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/6ViNWsf.gif[/img][/center] [hider=America’s 14 Megaregions] [img]https://i.imgur.com/2fgDvrp.png[/img] [color=008000][b]America’s Fourteen Recognized Megaregions:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]1. New York Seaboard[/b][/color] Standing as the most populous and largest megaregion in America, the New York Seaboard is an amalgamation of the sprawls of all major northern east coast cities. The megaregion itself is thusly a melting pot of Americans from all around the country as well as immigrants from around the globe. The New York Seaboard is known for its heavy politicization. It acts as a sort of experimental zone for policy makers, though this comes with heavy backlash. The Seaboard has a large population of Enforcers to subjugate the population. Despite its issues, the New York Seaboard is also known for its massive population of high level executives from corporations around the globe. If there is any place for the games of the one percent, its New York. [color=008000][b]2. Greater DC[/b][/color] Greater DC is the host of all major federal and political undertakings. Considered the capital of America, the megaregion is extremely dense with people. Greater DC is divided into two subsectors and the difference between the regions is extremely evident. While the political sector of Greater DC is lavish with vegetation and regal megastructures, the general sector is cramped, unstable, and broken. The constant riots in the general sector that push against the political sector are quelled only by the massive installment of Enforcers that protects DC. It is estimated that the Enforcer branch in DC is the number one most funded and largest in all of America. [color=008000][b]3. The Derelict City[/b][/color] Throughout the 21st century, midwestern industry was broken down, abandoned, and rebuilt dozens of times. Megacorporations occasionally took to manufacturing in the skeletal buildings that curtain major industrial locations like Cleveland and Pittsburgh. When those industries fell others would take their places. This cycle repeated time and time again until the effects of climate change ripped through the midwest, leaving it a deserted and polluted shell of the agricultural land it once was. With the constantly attacking dust storms, most citizens of the eastern midwest chose to evacuate, finding solace in the megacities across America. Over time, the once bustling midwestern sprawl became a mostly abandoned ghost town. The shells of once mighty factories run by the titans of industry are now desolate and empty, not fit for even the squatters that fled the midwest. Any remaining residents find themselves taking up not even a fraction of the available space. This area has since been dubbed The Derelict City. There are still a few large industries running a handful of factories in the Derelict City which employ most of the remaining natives. Crime rates are surprisingly low in the area considering just how empty the Derelict City is. Unless they stand as one of the operators of the last few industrial plants, the residents of the Derelict City sprawl are likely part of the small council of midwestern politicians constantly fighting on the Derelict City’s council to preserve and rebuild the area. Of course, not much headway is gained as an equal part of the council seats are taken by corporate representatives acting as the mouthpiece of the Derelict City’s last few remaining industries. These company representatives are often pushing for entire deregulation of corporate affairs while the natives of the midwest fight to bring the land back to prosperity. The Derelict City currently has no region specific police force. Enforcement of the law comes exclusively from sparse federal Enforcers and local corporate hires. [color=008000][b]4. The Detroit Stacks[/b][/color] As the uncontrollable sprawl of the Derelict City enveloped the land around Ohio, the Detroit megaregion grew more and more dense as there was nowhere to expand to without undertaking the expensive costs of wrecking the derelict sprawl. Without anywhere to go, Detroit corporations opted to expand upwards, with region officials having little choice but to accept the proposal. In no time at all, the Detroit Stacks were born and the megaregion became a system of layers easily marked according to the financial hierarchy of Detroit’s citizens. [color=008000][b]5. Metrochicago[/b][/color] Despite Metrochicago’s once booming megalopolis state, the megaregion has since fallen from grace. Disagreements in policy between smaller regions within the city have left its governing parties not only going against the federal government but also going against its own people. As such, Metrochicago has devolved into something of a warzone as the governing body is unwilling to relinquish power to anyone who isn’t willing to take it by force. Corporations still run productions in Metrochicago but not without massive paramilitary presences. Most of the citizens seek safety in the massive network of old era tunnels snaking beneath the megaregions known as “the Catacombs”. [color=008000][b]6. The Bastion[/b][/color] When the rising water levels started to pervade further into south Florida from the Everglades, the smart few began to migrate north in fear of what was to come. It wasn’t until massive hurricanes and cyclones began to flood the entire southern half of the state that mass migration took place. People ran for their lives in hopes to escape the rising tides. In a ditch effort to save their land, a chain of northern counties began construction of a massive tidal wall. When the whole of Florida began to submerge and the experiment in flood prevention technology was the last thing protecting the whole state from going under, any survivors of the Florida floods rushed to the newfounded megaregion. Named for its position as Florida’s last bastion of defense, the Bastion is a massive city of refugees struggling to find a place amongst the already packed fortress city. [color=008000][b]7. The Miami Platforms[/b][/color] The Bastion wasn’t Florida’s only hope to maintain itself as active state. Through desperation, the governing parties of the Bastion approved massive corporate projects to create oceanic platforms where Miami once stood. This was almost wholly regulated by the corporate conglomerate funding the project known only by the title Miami Corp. It is believed that Miami Corp is made up of a number of other international corporations who are using the Miami Platforms as a massive center for production, research, and development away from the eyes of the nation. Getting in and out of the Miami Platforms is very difficult, and there isn’t much media coverage going on within. [color=008000][b]8. Neo Orleans[/b][/color] The Bayou’s become a lot more than a swamp at the bottom of Neo Orleans. Despite the issues with rising water levels, Louisiana decided to deal with the problem quite differently than Florida. While the Bastion built its walls, Neo Orleans built its city higher. Flood waters rose to overtake the old city, but Neo Orleans was built on top of it. On the city’s lowest levels in the southern zones of the megaregion, you can still see the remnants of the city that once was and the vegetation that sprouts up from below. [color=008000][b]9. The Texas Sprawl[/b][/color] When Texas became the first free state of America, its population grew immensely, allowing the state to expand rapidly and create one of the largest megaregions in terms of total area. Some speculate the Texas Sprawl was built so wide to alleviate the intense dust storms that scar the deserts around the megaregion. This has caused central sprawl real estate prices to skyrocket, creating a clear wealth division in the Lone Star State. The Texas Sprawl has become a city of districts internally placed within each other with governmental officials and extremely wealthy individuals residing at the center. [color=008000][b]10. The Vegas Triangle[/b][/color] The crown jewel of the Free State of Nevada, the Vegas Triangle has one of the greatest incomes of any megaregion globally. Free of most federal regulation, businesses throughout the region are booming with revenue. One would think this Laissez-Faire stance on economics would lead to innumerable cases of malpractice and corruption in business, and while that is true, the Vegas Triangle maintains its appearance as an oasis in the desert. As comfortable as it can be, though, the region isn’t without its problems. With the craziness and uncontrollable daily goings on of The Strip, the region is a hotspot for outlaw action, drug crimes, and dangerous streets. [color=008000][b]11. South City “The City of Angels”[/b][/color] At the start of the story, we will be focused around one specific region in the self-proclaimed paradise of the west, South City. This is one of the most populous megaregions in America encompassing what was once Los Angeles as well as the surrounding area where the city expanded into throughout the 21st century. As the 2064 elections grow closer and closer, chaos is ever present in the streets. Political turmoil in the city’s urban sprawl is at an all time high with riots, veiled and corrupt political dealings in the shadows, and a populous with views split between all five of the major political parties. Small districts in the city are more contested than ever both in terms of elected offices and street rivalries that tear violently through South City’s slum districts. South City is one of the two major megaregions that make up the ‘Twin City Sprawl’, a sprawl of urban cityscape that covers America’s western coast along California. Its sister region is The Bay Region to the north. [color=008000][b]12. The Bay[/b][/color] The Bay is certainly the most flourishing megaregion in the west. Due to the astronomical investment that was the western tidal wall, The Bay’s sprawl has managed to redirect the rising tides into a small channel in between itself and its sister region. A massive hydroelectric power plant was constructed between The Bay and South City and it provides most of California’s power. The Bay is also known for being the political capital of the west, having all five major parties actively participating and relevant in politics. The same could be said for gangs of course, as there are few areas more lucrative for underground business than The Bay. [color=008000][b]13. Portland[/b][/color] The engineering powerhouse of the Northern coast, Portland is a scourge of industrialization. Factories plague every block with hazy smog. While the factories of Portland’s sprawl barely manage to protect themselves from the nearly lawless streets, paramilitary organizations are hired on by every well-respected company, making the business of muscle very lucrative in the Portland megaregion. This is done mostly because of the constant gang violence in the streets. While a number of small time groups rule the streets with an iron fist, one criminal mob stands above all the others and is respected even more than the megaregion’s law: The Lords of War. The Lords are the biggest weapon-running mafia in America and have an unparalleled record of crushing their enemies. [color=008000][b]14. Seattle[/b][/color] Increases in population density have sent Seattle’s economy skyrocketing. Production hit an all time high and the city couldn’t expand fast enough. As such, the expansion of the megaregion shot along the southern border to prevent the expansion of Portland into Washington territory. The cooperation between the cities has all but turned into a full blown war as both vy for control of the northern coast. Seattle bites back against its enemy in the streets by way of the ruling gang, the Civilis Cipher. Civilis Ciphers are known for their incredibly advanced mental augmentations that give them impeccable cognition. The group was once branded as a terrorist organization, manipulating technology and media to bring about its goals, but as they have slowly gained control over Seattle’s day to day business, that reputation has since been met with swift elimination. [quote=@The Bork Lazer] [u]Archive Footage of Formation of Miami Platforms[/u] [img]https://i.imgur.com/hCGdBWm.gif[/img] [/quote] [/hider] [color=008000][h3]Welcome to the Reclaim Zone![/h3][/color] There are a number of small districts in the Twin City Sprawl, but for one reason or another, you find yourself in the Reclaim Zone. The Reclaim Zone is a large district that splinters off from around a central main street. The district gets its name from the origin of its architecture and infrastructure. Most of the buildings in the Reclaim Zone are defunct factories of corporations that have either gone under or moved to better locations. These shells have made ideal spaces for cheap hotels, small scale manufacturers, as well as innumerable clubs and bars. Believe it or not, the Reclaim Zone used to hold the greatest employment rates in South City Sprawl, but times have changed. As more and more people migrated to the district, the Reclaim Zone became a home to slumming populations and street vagabonds. As population increased, so did the tension in the streets as did the demands for better conditions. In 2035, riots tore through the streets of the Reclaim Zone and Enforcers were barely able to hold back crowds from violent strikes and protests that escalated to a state of total anarchic war. The violence continued for a span of three weeks and most large producers in the Reclaim Zone were forced to shut down their operations either temporarily or permanently depending on damages. When the riots ended, the turmoil the brought remained. The Reclaim Zone became known for its dangerous streets and its scarce presence of Enforcers. Crime began to flourish and the monolithic factories that once housed reputable corporations were bought out by gangs and criminal organizations. Clandestine business became the trademark of the Reclaim Zone, whether its corps, gangs, or mercs in power. Once Joshua Gatch was reelected as mayor of the Reclaim and the scandal regarding rigged elections came to light, the Reclaim Zone actually saw a small-scale economic boom as a number of megacorporations moved production into the Reclaim Zone, though the advanced levels of automation didn’t do much to raise the demand for labor and the competitive job market allowed new producers to drive Reclaim Zone wages even lower. Gatch’s platform of corporate freedom has also caused problems for the Reclaim Zone, turning its outskirts into a warzone between corporate mercenary operations. This has caused a distinct schism in the Reclaim Zone, leaving the inner-city overpopulated while a large ring around the Reclaim Zone acts as a sort of no man’s land where corporations battle with advanced technology to protect their assets or destroy their enemies. Few dare to venture beyond a certain point. [hider=Places of the Reclaim Zone] [indent][color=008000][b]►Swathe Street[/b][/color] Called such for its location, Swathe Street almost perfectly bisects the Reclaim Zone and is one of the only roads wide enough for cars to drive on. Of course, driving would likely be slower than walking with the numerous pedestrians to navigate as they go from yakitori stalls, to bars and clubs, to clandestine storefronts. Swathe Street is also home to the Central Square of the Reclaim Zone, where the municipal office is. Only a handful of Reclaim Zone citizens would dare venture far from Swathe Street, as what goes on in the alleys beyond is often more trouble than it’s worth. [color=008000][b]►𓇽Duat𓇽, The Land of the Dead [/b][/color] This bar and club’s neon sign brightly shines above Swathe Street, at the heart of the Reclaim Zone. On either side of the logo, the two telltale hieroglyphs look down on the zone’s goings on like a pair of omniscient eyes. Duat, with as little clientele as it receives, doesn’t pull in much revenue. The bar separates itself from the competition by being one of the only remaining joints unaffiliated with some gang or corporation. As such, they receive a wide variety of unique individuals as regular patrons. Despite the safe facade of Duat, it has just as many underhanded dealings going on within as any other Reclaim Zone spot. A great place for a drink; a great place for business. [color=008000][b]►Koena Dome[/b][/color] Run by a brigade of foreigners, the Koena Dome is a massive underground fighting club with very few rules and very high casualty rates. The attached club as well of the fights are known to draw a massive crowd of expatriates who call Reclaim Zone home. The patrons of the Koena Dome and the industry around it are almost organized to the point of being a gang-like faction on their own, but none of the participants would look at it that way. Betting revenue in the Koena Dome is one of the zone’s most powerful non-industrial sources of revenue. [color=008000][b]►Hostel 13-33[/b][/color] Hostel 13 is the largest provider of housing in South City. It’s 33rd branch in the Reclaim Zone owns a wide range of real-estate options for citizens of the zone to live in, from hostel dormitories, to pod hotels, to run-down apartments, and even larger warehouse spaces. Hostel 13-33 occupies a large chunk of Swathe Street with its massive complex of ranged housing options. There tends to be very little competitive alternatives to housing in the Reclaim Zone save for independent land owners. [color=008000][b]►Baolei Refuge Center [/b][/color] While proxy wars bring mercenaries and soldiers to the cramped streets of the Reclaim Zone, many of the zone’s denizens can scarcely evade the crossfire and subsequent degradation of living conditions. Baolei Refuge Center has become a bulwark of hope to the downtrodden. This free clinic and dojo was set up recently by a HyperHuman monastery offshooting from Chen Dao’s own Temple of the Bay. The center provides what little shelter, medical treatment, and supplies it can to the denizens of the Reclaim, but the resources of the HyperHuman monks are scarce to begin with, and aid to provide to the Reclaim Zone is even harder to come by. The refuge center may struggle to stay running, but its impact is noted by the people of the Reclaim, whether they see an ulterior motive behind the migration of HyperHuman monks to the Reclaim or not.[/indent][/hider] [h2][color=008000]Technology[/color][/h2][hr][hr] [center][img]https://media.giphy.com/media/5e25aUTZPcI94uMZgv/giphy.gif[/img][/center] [h3][color=008000]Cyberware[/color][/h3] [hider=Cyberware]With the rapid advancement of technology in modern times, the ability to meld metal with flesh has become commonplace. Having started out as an early 21st solution to atrophy and the loss of limbs, cybernetic augmentations were looked to as a way to offer the human body back to those who may have lost theirs. It wasn’t until an American conglomerate corporation titled Symbiont started to push this research to its limits, offering promises that their augmentation could surmount human ability. This was done by grafting artificial extensions of the nervous system into the human body, connecting the complex system up to a specific neural interface embedded in the grey matter called an Electronic Brain. As Symbiont rolled this technology out at public tech conferences, the company became known as the first pioneer into the Cybernetic Age. Human ability can be augmented to allow for incredible speed, bionic strength, and amazingly fast mental calculation. While the quality of these products can vary between manufacturers, cybernetic prosthesis is available to the masses. This isn’t without its drawbacks however. With the extreme edge given to augmented people in all professions, the masses became desperate for their own cyberware. This has led to lower quality and homemade enhancements, which is hypothesized to be the root cause of the Cyber Plague, Split-Periphery Electronic Cognition Syndrome is the slow degradation of perfect sync between the brain and the Electronic Brain. When the speed of firing synapses starts to lose its synchronization, the cognitive processes regulated by the person begin to split into two slightly off consciousnesses in their mind. While the effects of SPECS can be minor at first, the further along a person’s synchronization degrades, the more confusion, dementia, and psychosis will start to grip them as they become no longer able to recognize who they are or which or their cognitive processes is their own. While SPECS almost always results in the eventual death of the victim, it is all too common that some degree of psychotic violence comes first as paranoia gets too strong in the victim’s mind. The speed that SPECS takes hold of one’s mind varies greatly on many factors. Biological aptitude of the brain’s ability to lose synchronization is a major factor, but more often the cause of advanced stages of SPECS is the over-augmentation of the body or the use of low quality prostheses that don’t do well to match the biological brain’s speed. While the Cyber Plague is inevitably lying in the fate of every augmented individual to some degree, there exists one way to stave it off when it becomes a problem. Created by Genetek, a chemical compound was synthesized that helps the brain fire in a way that matches the Electronic Brain. This compound was refined into a drug then called Neurosynthase, or more commonly Neurosynth. Due to the resonant realignment of brain waves caused by Neurosynth, the drug has become highly addictive to augmented individuals, producing a unique sense of heightened focus and euphoria. Once Genetek realized the demand for their product, price was marked up astronomically and Genetek clinics began to dominate the streets. With prices so high and street prices even higher, Neurosynth is only further coveted. It is because of this that SPECS is so cataclysmic. Due to these potentially dangerous effects of Cyberware. All major surgeries and enhancements require a person to register as an Augmented Person with the government. Of course, not all augmented individuals are registered if they choose more unconventional means of implanting. [/hider] [h3][color=008000]Virtual Reality[/color][/h3] [hider=Virtual Reality]As internet technology exponentially developed, the interface technology that humans used to interact with their virtual fountain of knowledge did as well. It started with simple sensory inputs, but humanity has since sought to access their endless stream of information with as little latency as possible. Thus, the Direct Cranial Interface was created. This was the first form of what would come to be called a cyberdeck, allowing for a person to interface with media through their brain, disregarding the sensory information of the body entirely. Virtual reality allowed for explosive growths in every genre of consumable media, but it wasn’t without its drawbacks. The allure of virtual reality has become extremely powerful, leaving some people preferring to live jacked in above all else. There have been multiple documented cases of people losing themselves in virtual reality, choosing to live in cyberspace as their body withers away to thirst and hunger outside the cyberdeck. Others have become crazed, confusing the two instances of reality and falling into debilitating psychosis. Virtual reality has also offered a medium for a whole new range of ‘E-Drugs’ that can be addicting a crippling psychological way. Despite all of the very real fears that virtual reality brought, it has paved a path for humanity to access information infinitely faster and became the main medium for interacting with Cyber Matrix and Labyrinth. It exists in various stages, allowing for people without cyberdeck augments limited access to the medium.[/hider] [h3][color=008000]The Cyber Matrix & Labyrinth[/color][/h3] [hider=The Cyber Matrix & Labyrinth]Leaps in internet technology have left the people with information that is more accessible than ever. Of course, the interface medium of man and keyboard was always limited in its speed compared to the marvels of the brain. One company, Cryptotechnics, sought to fix that. Thus, the first iteration of Cyber Matrix software was created. In an attempt to neurally interface with the massive database that is the internet, Cryptotechnics utilized boundary-pushing virtual reality Total Immersion technology to create a new way to experience information. Cyber Matrix software, requiring the user to literally connect their brains with an interface via brain implants, offers the user a three dimensional virtual reality world that they can access information through. The new interface medium was known for being difficult to master, but once a user became accustomed to traversing the new world, the speed at which one could access information increased exponentially. As Cyber Matrix software rose in popularity, America as a whole sought to adapt the technology. The increase in Cyber Matrix users only increased the size of the Cyber Matrix, allowing users to traverse the cyberspace with new freedom. Before long, a majority of internet use was on Cyber Matrix software, interconnecting the digital space in a new and explorable world. This wasn’t without its drawbacks, however. With an entirely new medium of digital code, cybersecurity changed entirely as hackers and other malicious entities had millions of new channels to use as avenues for their work. Things came to a head for the first generation of the Cyber Matrix when a nationwide attack struck America in a single night. During that time frame, billions of dollars were stolen from a number of international corporate conglomerates. The attack took place in a number of states across the nation where battles with thousands of security systems rocked the nation. States had their entire power grids fluctuate, grids of the Cyber Matrix were permanently corrupted when fighting against the attacking presence. In the end, the attack was successful, paving its way as the largest heist in history. Those responsible are still at large, but the trail seems to have gone entirely cold. This global scare paved the way for the second generation of CM software. Massive backlash had Cryptotechnics crashing into the dust, forcing the government to step in and work with the company to keep nationwide information available. After nearly a month of global downtime, the economy could finally resurrect on a mysterious new software: Labyrinth, the Cyber Matrix’s successor. Labyrinth offered encryptions that were thousands of times more elaborate than the Cyber Matrix and also introduced locked private instances that were cut off from the rest of the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth itself is not static like its predecessor. The world is constantly changing and rewriting its structure. Since its introduction, information security has increased immensely. Hacking still exists as an issue, but the knowledge and ability of malicious entities is nowhere near what it once was. It’s said that no one outside of high level government officials and the mysteriously unknown corporation that developed Labryrinth knows how to access the source, but the same was said about CM technology until the Matrix Incident.[/hider] [h3][color=008000]Artificial Intelligence[/color][/h3] [hider=Artificial Intelligence]Explosive advances in the field of robotics have left humanity relying on machines more than ever, and machine learning is only growing more powerful and more complex as a byproduct. It was less than two decades into the 21st century when humanity created its first trivial forms of artificial intelligence. It wasn’t until Cyber Matrix software was developed that the advancement of AI truly skyrocketed in capability. Matrix AI was a marvel to society and technological advancement began to increase at an even more exponential rate as more AI were created. The formation of a truly perfect AI didn’t occur until years later. Behind closed doors in R&D compounds of an unknown company, the Singularity was rumored to be created. Historians pinpoint the exact time it happened by referencing information that charts the explosive surge in technological advancement. Within a week, there were Singular AI popping up across the globe in the hands of any megacorp that could afford to create one. Two weeks after the genesis of singular artificial intelligence, everything had changed. The original problems that caused the emergency regulation was unknown, but the effects of America to outlaw and exterminate any singular AI were seen soon after. Chaos wracked the streets as robotic minds with any control over the physical world doused the life from human lungs. Entire banking systems were compromised, massive blocks of the Cyber Matrix were sealed and barred entirely from entry by mysterious entities, and entire grids of electrical systems surged in and out of life as inhuman creatures fought for their lives. During the events that transpired after the emergency legislation, people across the globe were warned from accessing the Cyber Matrix as a few who dared delve in were found with pistols pressed against their temples or minds melted from the inside out by their cyber deck. ‘The AI Catastrophe’, as it was dubbed marked a loss of thousands of lives globally. It took only days for hundreds of developed countries around the world to follow in the footsteps of America. The United Nations has also taken to open hostility against any nation that utilizes singular AI openly. Of course, AI in and of itself remains at an all time high for its active use throughout the world, but measures are always taken to prevent another catastrophe. The whole forceful cleanup was a mess after all, and speculative scientists and Labyrinth Runners alike hypothesize that there may have been a handful of hyper-intelligent entities that evaded sweeps of closed systems, and the abandoned Cyber Matrix is another thing entirely.[/hider] [h3][color=008000]High Orbital Society[/color][/h3] [hider=High Orbital Society]As advances in rocket science have lead to an increased popularity of launching satellites and orbital stations has spread across the world. Free of regulation outside of Orbital stations themselves, it has become an increasing trend for high level corporate officials and politicians to create their own orbital stations. There now exists a whole society above the atmosphere, though very few know about what goes on off of the Earth. [h3][color=008000]Currency[/color][/h3] Cash is essentially obsolete now, reserved for black market practices and dark underdealings. Digital currency now paves the way into the future. In some places, cash is already illegal or tracked consistently. There are large quantities of ‘underworld cash’—bills with fake serial numbers that cannot be used in most metropolitan areas—that nonetheless circulate in America’s undergrounds. Some groups have taken pride in trying to bolster the market of the underworld dollar. [/hider] [h2][color=008000]Political Map & Faction Details[/color][/h2][hr][hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/PqT9Sm9.gif[/img][/center] [hider=Government Factions] [color=008000]The Enforcers[/color] [indent]Crime is as widespread around America as the biting smog that covers the skies. Such an unforgiving underworld can only coexist with a force of unforgiving Enforcers. The government sponsored Enforcers are the regulators of the law. This massive organization acts as its own branch, regulating the lowest beat Enforcers out striking fear into citizens on the streets as well as the highest level judiciaries that officiate the law. As much as the iron-fisted Enforcers help to deter any punishable offense, a large portion of the judicial sect of America is wrought with corruption. Bribes are taken, crimes are overlooked, and the citizens are powerless to stop the dealings of the Enforcers. Of course, not all Enforcers are corrupt. In fact, there are specific sects and task forces designed to combat internal corruption in the Enforcers. All know to quiet down in the presence of the eerily armored Enforcers as they make their way down the streets. Very few would dare stand against them due to the Enforcers being armed with the best equipment their often cut budget allows. Because of the increasing deregulation of states by the federal government, many have lost faith in the Enforcers. Thusly, the organization doesn’t get much credit or support for its work (though whether or not it deserves any is another question entirely). In modern days, Enforcers are often second to state-determined task forces.[/indent][/hider] [hider=Major Political Factions] [color=008000]The HyperHuman Party[/color] [indent]Standing as the most esoteric and spiritual platform in American politics, the HyperHuman Party heavily supports the advancement of the human form through cooperation with machines. This, however, is not possible in HyperHuman philosophy without the cooperation of humans. Thus, the HyperHuman Party supports widespread augmentation and biotic health support for all of humanity. This cultural ideology is assumed to have been generated from a conglomeration of eastern philosophies that focused around the collective rather than the individual. Additionally, a large portion of the HyperHuman following is very spiritual, regarding interaction with machines with a mind-bending respect. Many have dismissed the party because of this. As it stands, the HyperHuman Party doesn’t have a large following for it is often vilified for its collectivist mentality and esoteric basis.[/indent] [color=008000]Neo-Transhumanist Party[/color] [indent]With philosophy based around rapid technological advancement and the enhancement of human ability through augmentation, the NTP has garnered widespread support of techies and idealists alike. When this ideological-based movement pushed towards active political participation, things started to change. The NTP became known to favor fervent legislation regarding the deregulation of human enhancement and borderline technology in general. In pursuit of its goals, the NTP has also found billions of dollars in support from large corporate backers who clandestinely lobby their business-oriented goals into the party’s agenda.[/indent] [color=008000]Neo-Luddite Party[/color] [indent]One of the most radically recognized political parties, the Neo-Luddite Party, backs a philosophy almost exclusive to its supporters in America. Taking ideas from an old society in early America, the group brands itself as a collective of purists free of technology’s corruption on the human body. Some go as far to say that further reliance on machines is giving up on our humanity. The Neo-Luddite Party isn’t without its own respected technological marvels, though. A small sect of the NLP look towards the controversial ideas of gene therapy and biological manipulation of the human body in the future despite the taboos that surround the subject. While the party’s general beliefs are wide and often very different, creating many small ideologies that all brand themselves as Neo-Luddites, all of the NLP seems to rally around a sort of hatred for augmented people for various reasons.[/indent] [color=008000]The Central Party[/color] [indent]Despite America’s multi-party system, one political front holds its name above the rest: The Central Party. The Central Party is most well known for being the party in majority control of the government for a number of terms now. The Central Party is known as the conglomerate of the two major political parties that ran America before the multi-party system. The group support the propagation of of large federal government and high regulation. The Central Party has been known to work heavily with megacorporations, especially those based in America. A certain sense of nationalism runs through the Central Party, bringing an almost imperialist outlook to the country’s largest party. While the ideals of the Central Party offer visions of ‘A Greater America’, many common men are left in the dust of this vision. Corruption and disregard of society’s lower class are commonplace in the Central Party, though thoroughly denied. [/indent] [color=008000]The Pirate Party[/color] [indent]Stemming from the advent of the digital age, the Pirate Party of America rallies around a free sharing of knowledge and privacy in the cyberscape. With the majority of the party’s base being the technologically-minded working class. Hackers, digital archivists, and programmers in general brought forth the start of the Pirate Party. As it stands now, the Pirate Party is the smallest of the major recognized political parties in America. Because of this, the Pirate Party has become quite the radical platform, demanding freedom of speech, privacy, anti-corruption, and direct democracy in the country. Due to the stigma that being involved in the Pirate Party makes you a sort of revolutionary, public support is speculated to be lower than it really is.[/indent][/hider] [hider=Corporate Factions] [color=008000]FuryTech[/color] [indent]One of the most well off corporations in the American Region, and by far the most technologically ahead, FuryTech is an extremely versatile corporations, pumping out technologically advanced devices years before other industries in the business. When you want top of the line tech and you’re willing to spare no expense, FuryTech’s got the gadget, implant, weapon, or vehicle you’re looking for. The company is often displayed in the media as the forefront of technology. Whether or not that is true, many believe you can do no better than FuryTech. FuryTech is an extremely large corporation, and thus, there are a number of branch corporations of the larger conglomerate. [indent][color=008000] ►Fury Vehemetech[/color] By far the largest and most broad branch in terms of production, Fury Vehemetech acts to produce all products that don’t fit into either of the other two branches. The public focus of the branch, however, is producing powerful products that combine speed, stopping power, protection, and utility. This branch is where you will find the various weapons, armors, cyberware, and gadgets produced by FuryTech. [color=008000] ►Fury Biotech[/color] Fury Biotech is the smallest and most secretive branch in FuryTech. It is also the most recently created public branch of FuryTech. Publically, the pursuit of Fury Biotech is to look into manipulating organic matter and biomedical technology to seek advancements in the medical field. [color=008000] ►Fury Heavytech[/color] Just when the world thought Fury Vehemetech was the pinnacle of technology, various megacorporations around the world began to bring to light a flaw in FuryTech’s philosophy. All of their equipment was mostly suited for the light assault. As more and more competitors started to capitalize on the market for heavy assault equipment, FuryTech soon jumped on board. Heavytech began pumping out new designs for more armored and powerful models of armor and weapons. Heavytech has since further extended their hands into the field of vehicles both civilian and military.[/indent][/indent] [color=008000]Engitech[/color] [indent]In America, there is only one technological giant that stands as an equal rival of FuryTech. While their competitor has the highest end of advancement on lockdown, Engitech is recognized as the largest producing conglomerate of all things technology. Rather than focusing solely on the top of the line equipment, Engitech produces all manners of devices. Engitech is the name you will see branded across all industrial workers’ exosuits, mass production technology, and everyday industrial machines. Because of their wider focus, Engitech Conglomerate has managed to have a hand in the production process of almost every major mechanical product. Many of the more affordable implants for the common man come from Engitech.[/indent] [color=008000]APEX Industries[/color] [indent][i]You’re Ape or you’re APEX![/i] You’ve seen the ads. We all have. APEX Industries knows its worth and so does the populous. When it comes to cybernetic technology, very few can match the harmonious and resonant implants that connect man and machine made by APEX Industries. Not only will APEX Clinics offer you the most functional and capable prostheses and implants, but also the most stylish. The APEX megacorporation was formed after a number of buyouts of top designer cybernetic companies, and the work of their top scientists shows. Despite all of the flashy advertisements and good press, APEX has had just as much negative attention. Dismissed as conspiracy, a number of malpractice cases, underhanded business deals, and inhumane tests have been brought against APEX. Who knows the truth, though?[/indent] [color=008000]Amalgamation[/color] [indent]When it comes to politically active corporations, it’s hard to find any more involved than Amalgamation. Implant and augmentation technology wouldn’t even be close to where it is without Amalgamation. Defining itself as the boundary pushing front of the Neo-Transhumanist movement, Amalgamation is as much crowdfunded as it is supported by its massive sales. With more than just one goal with its ever expanding product lines, this megacorporation deals in robotics as much as it does ripping flesh from humanity. Eschewing the sleek and natural look of some of its competitors, Amalgamation’s augs are known for hardy, industrial, and powerful looks. As much as some love the company, others silently live in fear of what Amalgamation has created. A lot of the company’s legislative lobbying front has to do with deregulation of what can be done with cybernetics. You’d be hard pressed to stare down someone with Amalgamation tech grafted onto them and dare cross them.[/indent] [color=008000]Gaea Naturae[/color] [indent]Very little is actually known about Gaea Naturae save that they are one of the great and most heavily influencing megacorporations in America. Under the guise of a medical corporation, Gaea Naturae has been documented hiring the world’s top biologists and natural scientists before whisking them away from ivy league schools to almost disappear from then on. While all megacorporations are known for keeping their secrets closely guarded, but Gaea Naturae takes things to a whole new level with their own paramilitary sector seen protecting every Gaea Naturae facility armed to the teeth. In the midst of the shadowy rumors surrounding the company, Gaea Naturae has been known for opening healing clinics in very impoverished sectors of the world, particularly in urban areas.[/indent] [color=008000]Extropy, Inc.[/color] [indent]The biggest rising star in American corporations is a title that could only be granted to Extropy. The company is funded almost entirely by one particularly rich benefactor known for his crazy ideas. Some of Extropy’s recent exploits involve bringing expensive military-grade cybernetics to the masses, mecha robotics, and space exploration. With as much help as Extropy is bringing to the people of America, a great deal of negative attention is often brought to the corporation. This often stems from other competitive megacorporations feeling undercut by Extropy’s dealings.[/indent] [color=008000]PsySystems[/color] [indent]PsySystems is a Japanese corporation that is renowned throughout America and its allies for being fanatical exporters of high-grade military technology. With their labs releasing mostly experimental weapons and augmentations, PsySystems isn’t so much in the business of mass producing their tech. Instead, they often create secretive prototypes which are then sold for ridiculous sums to the highest bidder in small quantities. Generally, their products are sold to singular factions to provide the upper hand in certain high-risk situations.[/indent][/hider] [hider=Underground Factions] [color=008000]Ripper Docs[/color] [indent]For any person living in a more impoverished sector of America, they’ve heard the legends. As almost mythic figures, Ripper Docs are just as feared in the streets as they are respected. “Ripper Cyberdoctor” is a title given to a cyberneticist that is unlicensed and operating without being registered. In that respect, all Ripper Docs are considered outlaws in the eyes of the government, and stories of their malpractice run rampant in politics. In the underground culture of America, though, that opinion starts to change. Often, some Ripper Docs are heralded as heroes, supplying cybernetics and medical practice to impoverished peoples. Other rumors are whispered in the streets of Ripper Docs and mentally obsessed surgeons with little that they won’t do to their patients and victims alike. While they do work alone and solely for themselves, Ripper Docs are much more than just individual practitioners, though. There has become a culture to the identity, causing the Docs to find some sort of unspoken code amongst themselves. You can recognize the Ripper Docs due to their unique symbol, a strangely shaped mask said to be drawing on influences of ancient mystical apothecaries fighting the plague. Ripper Docs almost always practice under a pseudonym. It’s a telltale signifier of an unlicensed practitioner. Maybe you’ll be alright if you can’t afford a normal clinic. Find a Ripper Doc. [i]Don’t forget about your copay…[/i][/indent] [color=008000]The Tech-Witches[/color] [indent]There are thousands of organizations branded as terrorists throughout America, but few bring as much fear with the very mention of their name as the Tech-Witches. Assumed to have started out as a street gang, this all-female society strikes fear into the hearts of whoever dares slight them. With their ultimate motives unknown, the Tech-Witches are only inferred to be a secret society of worshippers of some strange idol. They make few public actions instead choosing to remain silently plotting until a massive attack is planned. The Tech-Witches are mostly seen raiding large technological research and development buildings of some of the corporate giants of the world. Their missions, while seeming suicidal, are almost always successful. The mission always seems to be to steal speculative technology still in its prototype state, as though they are amassing the most powerful arsenal in the world. The Tech-Witches are not above striking out against smaller targets however. There are documented instances of federal investigators that delve into the affairs of the Tech-Witches suddenly finding themselves under siege. Even entire buildings have been razed in mysterious explosions to prevent further investigation into the mysterious society. One rarely sees the Tech-Witches coming, but when they do, the women strike fast, recognized only by their coveted advanced technology and the strangely primitive masks worn depicting the faces of ancient demons from around the world.[/indent] [color=008000]The Primal Scourge[/color] [indent]Anti-advancement beliefs have always been present in society, but with issues of reckless progress seen so commonly in this age of rapid expansion, some people have taken on a stricter ideology. It was after the Matrix Incident that underground cells of hyper-luddite purists began to form, but the Primal Scourge didn’t really emerge until the AI Catastrophe. Starting as a wholly American group, the Primal Scourge have been speculated to now have cells operating in a number of countries. The group prides itself on life free of the corrupting influence of machines, preferring naturalist styles of living. As such, it isn’t common to see Primal Scourge in the megapoli around the country unless they are carrying out attacks. Branded as a terrorist organization by the government, any known Primal Scourge members are outlaws, for the actions of the organization is almost entirely criminal, revolving around raids, firebombings, and other small scale assaults on industrial companies, technological research facilities, and other large corporate buildings.[/indent] [color=008000]Hyperhuman Monks[/color] [indent]Roaming through the streets of America’s western megaregions, there exists a more esoteric collective of people: The Hyperhuman Monks. These growing monastic communities populate urban areas practicing and spreading their beliefs. The Hyperhuman Monks are easily picked out of a crowd in their saffron robes as well as shaved hairstyles. Their goal is relatively unknown to outsiders, but they work to propagate a better community around them through their harmony with machines. As such, most all of the Hyperhuman Monks will be augmented heavily. Being extremely adept at unarmed combat via a specifically created martial art for augmented individuals playing upon the strengths of industrial quality cyberware called ‘The Way of the Machine’. Monks often train weak populations of low income individuals small portions of their art to prevent the higher class from preying upon them. They have also been known to set up makeshift clinics around the west to help people struggling from SPECS or cyberware malfunctions. While most people know not to slight the peaceful monks out of respect for what they do, others may just leave them be for fear of what they do to their enemies… For they have no enemies.[/indent][/hider] [hider=Paramilitary Factions] [color=008000]Scrapteam[/color] [indent]When a company desires external support of force, Scrapteam can be a risky choice. This ragtag group of mismatched gearheads market themselves on devastation of any enemy. Using whatever powerful weapons they can get their hands on and hacking their bodies to be living weapons, the Scrapteam are a different breed of violent. The organization is on thin ice, however. Branches of Scrapteam have narrowly avoided massive lawsuits for underhanded and criminal assaults on various corporations. The media has likened them more to privateers than to bodyguards. The Scrapteam operates in cells (or companies) around America as well as having cells that work around the world. Each one of these branch companies can be hired as a general mercenary population. Some of them are permanently employed while other companies move from job to job with little security.[/indent] [color=008000]Tinmen[/color] [indent]Amongst the rampant flux of paramilitary groups propping up around the world to defend corporations at a price, one name stands paramount above the rest synonymous to a wall of impenetrable steel. The Tinmen brand themselves as a band of unstoppable mercenaries covered head-to-toe in heavy steel exo-armor with the most bulky weaponry commercially available. Due to their extreme prowess and training, the Tinmen boast a high price for their notable services. One would often see Tinmen protecting the largest clients of paramilitary groups around America. Due to the massive flow of cash into the organization, it is very hard for the Tinmen to be caught up in scandals involving criminal tactics. Most of the goings-on of the Tinmen is kept closely guarded, with only initiated members learning their secrets.[/indent][/hider] [hider=Inhuman Factions] [color=008000]Nekrolytes[/color] [indent][[[REDACTED]]][/indent][/hider] [b][color=008000]A Note on Factions & Backstories:[/color][/b] I encourage you to interact with the factions above in your backstory as you wish, but keep in mind how likely certain scenarios are. Obviously if a massive corporation hates you, you aren't going to last long. If you'd like, you are allowed to have been a part of one of these factions (excluding Tech Witches and Nekrolytes for plot reasons). If you would prefer, you can also write something of your own if you'd like to be a part of a local gang or something similar. [h2][color=008000]Character Information[/color][/h2] In this RP, you will take on the role of someone on or around the campaign trail for one of the major Twin City Sprawl Council candidates. Some of you may work together, while others may have completely different ultimate goals. Perhaps the rise of your candidate will provide you personal gain. Perhaps your character is merely lost in the world and seeks purpose in their line of business. Perhaps you want to infiltrate America’s political sphere and exert your own partisan influence on the country. The choice is yours. Of course, your characters are supporting or following the race in the Reclaim Zone, which is not known for its supersoldiers, corporate CEOs, and extremely powerful influencers. Futility is a roleplay about progression from the ground level up into world-influencing forces. I encourage you all to start small and plan big. Below I’ve included a list of basic character roles that would fit in on the campaign trail. You are not limited to these options, so feel free to discuss any other possibilities with me. [hider=Campaign Trail Role Ideas] Campaign Manager Cyber Security // Technology Manager Legal Advisor // Lawyer Campaign Treasurer Fundraising Manager Medical Staff Reporter Bodyguard // Mercenary Lobbyist Driver Friend of Candidate Private Investigator Benefactor (If you want to use this, develop some sort of business, how it works, and what you’ll need to do to run it. This role doesn’t just give you free reign to infinite cash.) Business Worker (profiting from increased business around the campaign trail) [/hider] While I want each of you to take an active role in the campaign, I also want each of your characters to have personal goals. Players are encouraged to introduce their own relevant subplots. I can guide the way and facilitate the world around you, and you’ll still have the main goals of the group driving you as well, but you should also be developing your own character throughout the RP. I encourage you all to cooperate and make connections between characters. Since the majority of us will have been residents of the Reclaim before, it wouldn’t be uncommon to know one another. While you don’t have to be best friends with every other character (in fact, I encourage you to form rivalries and other dynamic connections), try to come up with some relations with other characters. These can be cursory meetings or deep emotional bonds. The choice is yours. This is formalized in the Relationship Table, where each player should write a brief description of their character’s thoughts and relations with other player characters and story-relevant NPCs. Each player should have at least a few connections at the start of the roleplay. [hider=Basic Character Sheet] [center][Picture] [color=008000][b][N A M E] [AGE] | [GENDER] | [HEIGHT] | [BLOOD TYPE][/b][/color][/center] [color=008000][h3][i]General Information[/i][/h3][/color] [center][i]“Character Quote”[/i][/center] [color=008000][b]NAME:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]ALIASES // TITLES:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]SEX:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]AGE:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]APPEARANCE:[/b][/color] [color=008000][b]OCCUPATION:[/b][/color] (What did you do before the Twin City Sprawl elections? What is your current role on the campaign trail?) [color=008000][h3][i]Psychological Profile[/i][/h3][/color] [center][i]“Character Quote”[/i][/center] [center][b]Trait | Trait | Trait | Trait | Trait | Trait (some positive and some negative)[/b][/center] [color=008000][b]PERSONAL GOAL:[/b][/color] (Why are you still around? What are you trying to achieve?) [color=008000][b]CAMPAIGN GOAL:[/b][/color] (Why are you on the campaign trail? What are you trying to do for your relevant platform?) [color=008000][b]PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY:[/b][/color] (Who are you really? What morally defines you? What drives you?) [color=008000][b]POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY:[/b][/color] (What are your views on the world? While a partisan identity would be nice to include, feel free to define yourself outside of the five parties.) [color=008000][b]SECRETS:[/b][/color] (What are you hiding? What would it cost you if someone found out what’s behind the veil?) [color=008000][b]FEARS:[/b][/color] (What keeps you up at night? What makes you freeze up in the moment? What do you avoid at all costs?) [color=008000][b]REPUTATION:[/b][/color] (How does the world view you? What are you known for? How do your people act around you?) [color=008000][b]LIKES:[/b][/color] (Feel free to list a few.) [color=008000][b]DISLIKES:[/b][/color] (Same as above) [color=008000][b]QUIRKS:[/b][/color] (What makes you unique for better or worse?) [color=008000][h3][i]Background Information[/i][/h3][/color] [center][i]“Character Quote”[/i][/center] (Write a background story for your character. It doesn’t have to be immensely long, but try to fill in important details that will come up as your character develops.) [color=008000][h3][i]Operative Information[/i][/h3][/color] [center][i]“Character Quote”[/i][/center] [color=008000][b]AUGMENTATIONS:[/b][/color] (What sort of Cyberware are you equipped with? If in doubt, ask me.) [color=008000][b]EQUIPMENT:[/b][/color] (What are you carrying on the job?) [color=008000][b]SKILLS:[/b][/color] (Feel free to list a few and elaborate a bit.) [color=008000][b]FLAWS:[/b][/color] (Aim for three or so. Equal or greater to your number of skills.) [color=008000][b]NOTES:[/b][/color] [/hider] [hider=Relationship Table Template] [table=bordered][row][cell][color=008000][b]Character name[/b][/color][/cell] [cell][i][color=008000][b]Relationship[/b][/color][/i][/cell][/row] [row][cell][Name of other character][/cell][cell][i][Write out your character's opinion and relationship with the character in question.][/i][/cell][/row] [/table][/hider]