[centre][hr][img]https://img5.goodfon.com/wallpaper/nbig/0/ab/alexey-cheremnykh-by-alexey-cheremnykh-neo-tokyo-city-tokyo.jpg[/img] ~~~ [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/201123/dcf2bdd6a41733c83286f4a9ab959c0a.png[/img] [hr] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msFbOHoouPs[/youtube][hr] [color=Silver] [i]Welcome to [b][color=0E70BC]N[/color][color=0A8EBC]E[/color][color=0EA4BC]O[/color][color=10BCA9]T[/color][color=10BC98]O[/color][color=0EBC75]K[/color][color=06BC57]Y[/color][color=1BBC0E]O[/color][/b]. The year is [b]2031[/b]; the city is on the edge tipping the scale of power. A brooding conflict has startled the short-lived peace and the archaic dream of ultranationalist ideals have been birthed by fire and sweat. Japan is - and will forever be - a changed place when the dust finally settles. Until then, the covert conflict will continue to fester, and poison the cleanliness of a neon, yet darkened, city. And how did all of this come about? A rewind would take you to the annum of fire: [b]2012[/b]. The height of the modern world's political uproar climaxed with an event so catastrophic that it forever shaped the nation of Japan. North Korean leader, Tae Jeong-Mun, unleashed a singular piece of its nuclear arsenal at the wish of the dying man's breath. Its target was the inner fringes of the Greater Tokyo Area, and beyond all expectations the warhead connected to its target. A ten-kiloton payload flattened a portion of the city south of its port, specifically within Yokohama streets. Though its destructive power was paled by comparison to other superpower's tests, the weapon rippled through the world's political machine and threw it into chaos. A quarter of Tokyo was demolished with over a half becoming uninhabitable in the span of an hour. A new age of trauma plagued Asia, and the rest of the world could smell the foul stench it had created. The next decade was one of strange prosperity. Behind the scenes of the global stage, technology boomed at an accelerated manner. Fire and flame was replaced by wire and sparks. The early age of the cybernetic future was out of concept, and the viewing glass spotted a distant goal where Japan, and possibly the rest of the world, could recover from its wounds. An era of neon lights, tall skyscrapers and a shadowed underbelly came into fruition. And there was no greater centre point than NeoTokyo, the metropolis birthed from the ashes of its predecessor. But with them, and the disturbed memory of the bomb, mankind's fusion with technology pressures Japan's political, social and economic standing into uncertainty. [i]End of Days[/i] neocults begin to take a rise in popularity - for the end is always on the doorstep, it seems. Many claim that Japanese society lost its once treasured cohesion, and has found itself fractured and displaced. The raising of the new skyscrapers, highstreets and landscape could, however, not fix one critical sickness. A massive wave of right-wing nationalism takes the country by storm. Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, the "no war" clause, is struck from the nation's identity - letting the military off its leash almost completely. From its ascension, the military undergoes reconstruction with the [url=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/half-life/images/6/6f/Jinrai.png/revision/latest?cb=20120621180826&path-prefix=en][color=f7941d][b]JINRAI[/b][/color][/url]'s formation. An elite wing within the strengthened military, it takes the form of a nationalistic special operations unit comprised of men and women whose loyalty to the country is beyond question. It quickly grew in power and became the leading policy shaper for Japan's Self Defence Forces. With such power came its visions for Japan. It yearned to correct its displacement with an ideal of order, discipline and prowess, where it could connect itself to the power-struggles of the world and face it with a defensive touch. At least that was the most common popular image for the Jinrai, with many splintering alterations to how such a nation should develop and revolutionise leading to inside disagreements. And so, after a bitter election fought between the right, left and centre, a popular moderate Prime Minister - [url=https://media.economist.com/sites/default/files/cf_images/20080809/3208LD2.jpg][b]Konno Mashai[/b][/url] - took the office successfully. At first, the Jinrai ignored them, considering him inconsequential towards their ideals, yet that changed when they struck first. An unsuccessful military coup challenged the already fragile foundation of Japan. Ranking members of the Jinrai were unable to depose Mashai's leadership and unleashed a steadfast, staunch opponent into their plan. Prime Minister Mashai's response was the formation of the National Security Force, better known by the abbreviated [b][url=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/half-life/images/7/74/NsfSymbol.svg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/128?cb=20100417142621&path-prefix=en][color=0E70BC]NSF[/color][/url][/b], created to investigate and eliminate all known threats to the new Japan, both internally and externally, all whilst answering directly to Mashai. With this, the Jinrai become a primary target, and out sparks a war within the shadows between the empowered splinter factions and the newly equipped NSF, both keen to bring an end to their ideals swiftly. Now, the city is being fed a rising tension between factions unseen to the public eye. Neocults, criminal organisations, independent threats and their opposing forces are blended together in the mess that is NeoTokyo. A question of what its future will be like is unclear, but would you like to find out?[/i][/color][/centre] [centre][hider=2031.11.D01] [color=0EA4BC][sub][sub][b][u][h2] >The 2031 Situation - November[/h2][/u][/b][/sub][/sub][/color] >[i]The Jinrai and NSF conflict has been mostly quiet for the past two years since its inception. The public eye lost focus on its build-up a month after the Jinrai's coup, and things seemed to go by as they had been before: miserably. Those bright, neon lights couldn't shed its radiance on the mood of the populace or the sting of the violence. However, its still very much a real threat. Combined estimations of around 3,250+ Jinrai and governmental personnel have been killed in direct confrontation in those two years. Over a hundred operations have been conducted by the NSF to varying scales and thousands of investigations, raids and unprompted engagements have arisen. Unrecorded civilian casualties are projected at 5,000 by direct line of fire, and those outside of operations are widely debated.[/i] [color=0EA4BC][sub][sub][b][u][h3] >The Iwata Honomi Investigation [/h3][/u][/b][/sub][/sub][/color] >[i]Ex-NSF Operative, Iwata Honomi, was placed under investigation by former staff shortly after her departure from the organisation. She was awarded her discharge due to mental stress, supposedly, but close surveillance was ensured to monitor her activities and to prevent any information leakage. Two field-operatives were designated to watch her but in early August they reported sightings of her interacting with prolific Jinrai individuals. On August 29th, two Operatives - Shunsen and Bykov - went to investigate her homeplace under the assistance of the field operatives' advice, only to be ambushed by Jinrai personnel. Eight minutes later, a bomb was detonated within the residence. Iwata has been confirmed as disposed of and was said to have been the cause of detonation. One operative was incapacitated and the [b]Crackdown[/b] began.[/i] [color=0EA4BC][sub][sub][b][u][h3] >NSF Internal Crackdown [/h3][/u][/b][/sub][/sub][/color] >[i]On August 29th, shortly after the Honomi Investigation, a member of NSF's tech team handed out individual firewall protection programmes that bypassed that of the current Stronghold System - as it occurred within the same timespan as the ongoing crisis, suspicions were immediately cracked down upon. Under executive orders from Prime Minister Mashai himself, a large list was formed to accurately investigate specific members involved in the firewall scandal and to catch dissenters before they could do more damage. Both field operatives working on the Honomi Monitoring have since been reported: AWOL. The List of Suspects comprises of all foreign operatives within the NSF, as well as around 47 handpicked, native personnel.[/i] [color=0EA4BC][sub][sub][b][u][h3] >The Kanagawa Ward Raid [/h3][/u][/b][/sub][/sub][/color] >[i]Though delayed, the Kanagawa Ward Raid, previously planned for August 30th, was launched on September 10th. Twenty-six operatives took part in the field and assaulted two Jinrai personnel within the Old-Tokyo exclusion zone ruins. Fighting was described as [b]stressful[/b] and [b]brutal[/b] by reporting participants. Thirty-eight Jinrai personnel were present, as well as two unidentified contacts they were meeting with; one was Caucasian, and the other was later identified as a [b]Mrs Macedo[/b] by one interrogation. No further information has been extracted since. Raid was considered a success. Several weapon caches were recovered and/or destroyed and the locale's Jinrai operations. Around nine Jinrai personnel were found dead, one was intercepted and arrested and the rest dispersed either unscathed or with injuries. Two NSF operatives were killed and a further seven were wounded. Mashai hopes that NSF's recent victory will turn things around for the previous setbacks and will help calm things down. The last thing the public needs is for a visible war in their streets.[/i] [/hider] [/centre] [hr] Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to NeoTokyo! This is a near-future roleplay scenario based on the Half Life 2 mod of the same name, hoping to take the light lore of its world and turn it into something story-orientated! This is the second edition of this roleplay starting several weeks after a previous rendition of it (2031.11.D01 summarises this). Don't worry if you aren't familiar with NeoTokyo whatsoever, its entire lore was basically spread out in this OOC, as it was originally a multiplayer mod. But what does this world entail? Well, it's cyberpunk-esc but a bit more familiar and grounded. Tall towers, neon lights and shady business practices are far and wide! And whilst the technology of the era hasn't [i]quite[/i] hit the levels expected in other worlds of similar style (like Ghost in the Shell or Cyberpunk 2077), there's still a level of wonder behind implants, enhancements and augmentations. Replacement limbs are extremely expensive, yet easily obtainable through spatting factions and syndicates. Truth be told, I may have to negotiate some ideas behind those augmentations if you wish to implement them, so its always good to suggest your idea beforehand to help it fit the universe a bit better! That being said, I don't think it'll be restrictive of creativity. The world is mouldable by our actions, as most RPs are I'd imagine, and our allegiances can or will be changed; tested or strengthened based on the events that go forth, I should hope. We'll be beginning the RP aligned to the NSF's Operations, within their ranks. I don't plan for this roleplay to only focus on Jinrai vs NSF encounters, investigations and/or dirty works, and it will open to expand the smaller parts of the world that hold hands with the conflict. Neocults, criminal gangs, businesses that fund opposing sights, informants, external terrorism, internal conflict and the basic life of a cybernetic near future! Bars, brawls, brothels and back alleys: all the dark corners of NeoTokyo's neon luminosity will be featured and open to development - also adding the spice of the everyday life, romances, criminal activities, sexual scandals and whatnot. There is an overarching plot, set with key events such as operations, throughout the story to help guide the players if needed! So, for the character sheet and characters in question, I'll just run down a few things here and there. Augmentations, implants and enhancements are not a necessary component to the characters, and can be held back from to add more dynamic to the group. Considering their expenses, its sometimes expected to have a "less is more" approach. That being said, I'm still open to see what you might come up with and suggest. It might be easier to ask first if you're unsure just in case it goes a bit too beyond the scope of possibility. Though it's not a [i]great[/i] measurement, the most advanced piece of technology is a very limited active camouflage for the highest tier-personnel on either side. Equally, their role within the NSF (on the RP's start) will also be an important factor. Are they exclusively a techy? Maybe they are a bit of a hybrid role, like an Investigative Combat Specialist? Or maybe they go straight into field medication, or just partake in raids and have downtime quite frequently? There are some available senior roles but they are up for request. For the physical character sheet, though, feel free to alter its design and style to your heart's contempt! As long as the necessary information is in the sheet, I'm not overly fussed on the design of it and encourage it instead. [centre][hider=Character Sheet][hr] [color=Silver][i]An image of the character could go here. If you use an image, still write down a physical description in the ideal section. If you do not use an image, please extensively describe the character.[/i][/color][hr] [color=Gold][b]Name[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Should be simple enough[/color] [color=Gold][b]Nationality[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Ditto[/color] [color=Gold][b]Age[/b][/color] [color=Silver]The age for characters onward will be 18-39 unless requested otherwise.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Sexuality[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Self-explanatory[/color] [color=Gold][b]Birth[/b][/color] [color=Silver]The date of birth and place.[/color] [hr] [color=Gold][b]Appearance[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Description of how they look, physically as well as in their clothing. Perhaps choose on and off duty clothing as well for extra pizzazz! This should include their NSF attire (providing you are still within the organisation at the time of reading this), as well as their non-combat uniforms and civilian wear. At later dates, if allegiances can be swapped or independent groups are setup, this is free to edit. Not only this, but also describe physical attributes towards their appearance, such as hair colour, body stature, eye colour and more to what the face claim does and doesn't show. If any visible parts to augmentations or enhancements, write them up here too![/color] [color=Gold][b]Height[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Easy enough.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Personality[/b][/color] [color=Silver]What kind of person are they usually, both on duty and off duty?[/color] [hr] [color=Gold][b]Role[/b][/color] [color=Silver]What is their role within the faction they are a part of? For most, this can range between Recon, Support and Assault for basic and easy-to-follow sets, but more specialised can include covert specialists, investigatory combat units, supporting technical specialists and more.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Equipment[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Weaponry, gadgets related to their job, armour attachments, etc. If a character has augmentations then you can also list specific equipment that may be embedded into said augmentations. Please make sure that most augmentations are ran by the GM to ensure that they aren't over the top.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Previous Careers[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Did they have any affiliation or careers before joining the NSF? These can be relevant or rather minor to justify small personality traits that will spike up as the story goes. Can also be used to hint towards skills, as long as they aren't flawless.[/color] [hr] [color=Gold][b]Biography[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Who was this person before they joined the NSF? Were they a simple civilian dedicating their life to a cause after the Nuking of 2012, or perhaps they have a much more militarised background? Childhoods, what brought them up and maybe key information that will help show what shapes them as an individual.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Affiliations[/b][/color] [color=Silver]Who are they related to? Do they have any major friends or life-impacting allies prior to the RP's beginning?[/color] [hr] [color=Gold][b]Relationships [Optional][/b][/color] [color=Silver]This is how they view other characters throughout the story. This could be updated as major changes in their connections and view of one another is expanded upon. Most changes can be listed from experiences out of combat, but some can occur from within their combat positioning out in the field. This can cover rivals, those they hate, romantic interests, friends, or simply acquaintances and work-colleagues if you want.[/color] [color=Gold][b]Character Theme [Optional][/b][/color] [color=Silver]Not necessary, but can be used if wished. Just a tad fun.[/color] [/hider] [/centre] I hope you guys are interested in the setting, and for those who are just make yourself heard in the OOC! The RP, for the most part, may end up being open to applications throughout its life as I don't have too many qualms in a large group. If there's any questions about the roleplay, I'll be ready to answer them whenever I am free! We'll likely end up using discord for an easier "ooc" conversation place, but RPG's thread is just as valid too. I may have missed out a few details, so again ask away if you're intrigued about anything relevant! Welcome to NeoTokyo, and I hope you enjoy your [i]stay[/i].