FortunesFaded

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come

Prologue

London, England - Trafalgar Square
July, 2019; Two months before CN Mandate 113

A tame, temperate sun caressed the swelling crowd within Trafalgar Square that Sunday afternoon, as every man, woman and child looked on toward the raised platform erected before them. The Square itself, along with the rest of London, had gone through years of reconstruction lately to repair the extensive damages. The ceremony was to mark not only the end of such repairs within the city, but also the unveiling of a new statue to he featured prominently in the park. It was a momentous day - a historic one, marking five years since the end of the worst period in human history, which made way for a new, worldwide Golden Age.

A woman in her mid-thirties wearing a simple yet elegant red and black dress stepped up to the platform, and the noise of the crowd immediately began to dissipate. She had shoulder-length silky black hair and Japanese features, and she retained a level of utter beauty and grace despite the visible effects of stress and a permanent scar running across her cheek. She stood a mere 1.6 meters, yet her eyes, black as her hair and appearing to at once monitor each and every person in the audience, gave her a commanding presence.

"Who is that?" Nine year old Freddy Cooper asked his older brother, pulling on his shirt and anxiously trying to find a better place to see through the crowd as the woman prepared to speak. Raising a brow, Duncan gave an incredulous look to his brother ('who is that?!'), before remembering that, unlike himself, Freddy wasn't old enough to remember those days. Duncan scooped him up and placed his younger brother on his shoulders, as he remembered the first time he had heard her name, five years ago today.
"That's Aika Tanaka, Freddy. She.. She ended the War."

The War. Nobody even had to specify anymore - never before had that word been given so much meaning. Perhaps because this War wasn't over the petty squabbles so particular to the human race. No, it was for the utter survival of humanity itself: a worldwide defense of planet Earth from a superior and exotic alien force. And the death toll itself was colossal - four hundred million worldwide. But while the armies of the world were forced to mostly play a defensive role — as their citizens needed to be evacuated and safely escorted — it was one unit that brought the fight to the enemy. XCOM - the International Extraterrestrial Combat Unit. Tanaka, along with around fifty other soldiers, were part of the elite force. She was one of the six selected to board the Mothership, kill the alien leaders, and end the war. In fact, she was designated Squad Leader for the mission. But most importantly, she was one of the first Human Psychics.

One of the most startling revelations that came out of the war with the aliens was the discovery of a special kind of "gift" hidden away in some life forms. The enemy was able to tap into it, and when the soldiers defeated them and took back artifacts, scientists working in the XCOM Project were able to find ways to discover the powers they witnessed in human soldiers. They became Psychics - able to use their minds as a weapon.

It started with five - a select few soldiers in the Project who had the 'Gift'. Then, after the war was over, the psychic testing equipment was standardized and released to the public. Though the tests were initially quite expensive, by 2018 it became required prior to entry into high school. It was estimated that a little over a million individuals were capable of Psychical powers greater than that of an average human. Initially, due to the popularity of the world-renowned soldiers of XCOM such as Aika and others, the Psychics were hailed as savants and 'wonders'. However, as the years went on and more and more individuals were tested to have the Gift, public opinion went from that of awe to one of utter fear and resentment. Those who tested positive were often ostracized by their peers and mentors alike. Duncan was one such outcast.

"Hello everyone," Tanaka began, her voice cutting through the silence of the afternoon. "I'm honored to be standing here today, to represent the soldiers of the XCOM Project in this unveiling." As she spoke, the drapery over the object was removed to reveal a large bronze depiction of the six soldiers who had stopped the enemy. The legendary soldier turned to look at the memorial, before turning back to the crowd and — Duncan could have sworn — stared directly into his eyes. No, deeper: into his mind. She knew, and he knew, and they shared an intense moment of infinite mutual satisfaction in their knowledge, before she promptly went back to her speech. She opened her mouth, but the words she spoke were no longer the words that Duncan could hear. No, they were tuned out by a much more personal monologue — one spoken in his own head.

"If any of you out there can hear this, then we share a particular kind of bond. A Gift. And I'm reaching out to you to tell you that there are those who would want to see you harmed because of that Gift. Taken away from your homes, and your families.. This is a certainty. It will happen, I'm afraid. This is my warning: be ready."

The mental communication closed suddenly, and Duncan was left to ponder the validity, and the potential ramifications of her words. Meanwhile, Freddy stared on, perched safely atop his brother's shoulders, oblivious.
"The war, though tragic, succeeded in bringing us all - people of every nation, of every generation, of all colors and creeds - together. And I sincerely hope that unity may remain among us," she concluded.
"Thank you, London."

Applause followed, but Duncan - once believing the crowd to be so attentive, so favorable toward Aika (she was a hero, after all) - was now disillusioned; he knew the truth in what he saw. Sure, they clapped: she was a war hero; but he could see the hesitation in most - the resentment, hatred even in some. The rosy glasses had been removed, the true world revealed. Duncan helped Freddy down to the ground, before herding him away from the crowd. He had to get home, think things through, figure out what the hell had just happened. The government would take him.. Away from his parents? From Freddy? No.. He would fight - Duncan swore that to himself. The world was afraid of him.. Now he would give them a reason to be.

---

New York, New York - United States
September, 2019; Present Day

Aika Tanaka awoke to the sun rising through her window, and the bustle of the city below. Her Manhattan apartment was right in the middle of the action, and she had always been a light sleeper.. Regardless, she would only stick around one more day before returning to her primary residence in Osaka. She was here to see a friend - well, a colleague, really, she hadn't spoken to him in around five years. Not before last month, actually, when he called her out of the blue asking to meet.

So there she was. Taking a quick shower and toasting a bagel, she sat down to her tablet for the news. It was only about eight - Arthur wouldn't want to meet for another hour or two she was sure. Flipping open the news app with a flick of her finger, the first national headline nearly stopped her heart.
International War Hero Found Dead in NYC Home
Arthur Powell's face was below, followed by a lengthy article discussing how police found the body early this morning after neighbors reported a kitchen fire. The authorities cited carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death, and did not suspect any foul play in this "tragic loss of a worldwide icon". Aika knew better - Arthur had called because he feared an event like this would happen. The Psychics involved with XCOM posed a threat: one that the government wasn't just going to disregard. No, they would pick them off, one by one, until the problem was resolved. But it wouldn't end with them. Aika knew the rumors, that the Council of Nations was passing legislation that very day to isolate Psychics worldwide from the general public. The danger was real: and it would start with the elimination of every figurehead for the Psychic cause: herself included.

Retrieving her cell phone, Aika dialed a Dutch number and called. Fred Haugen's number rang, then rang again, but to no avail. She had to assume that they had gotten Fred, too. Roman had died of natural causes two years back, and since Jonah Azulai dropped off the map soon after the war was won, she was all alone. The full force of the Council of Nations would be after her. But she couldn't hide; no, she needed to act. The lives of Psychics everywhere would be ruined if she didn't. What the people needed was a leader, and that was what she was going to be.

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come

Daglobster said
Prologue? I'm afraid I don't know where that is. I looked in the initial OOC post, but I couldn't find it. If that was in the interest check, then I skipped over it, since I didn't bother looking for one. I think Basso's going to stick with The Eye, though. It makes more sense for his backstory that'd he'd have more rage against the system than others. The other players might be able to convince him that violence isn't the way, though.

Ha, that reminds me — I forgot to move the prologue over from the interest check to the OOC. Thanks mate ;) It's quite fine, I was going to be writing in-part as the leader of The Eye anyway so your character will definitely have ample opportunity to develop.

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come

Daglobster said
Oh, I didn't know we'd get the chance to join a pro-psychic organization anyways, I thought The Eye was our only option. Also, consider that tiny edit done.

Yeah, sorry I should have made that clearer. I alluded to it in the prologue with Tanaka recruiting the kid in Trafalgar Square, but I'll add something in the World of XCOM directory.

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come

Rocketrobie: You're accepted. I was hesitant at first because Zeke seemed a bit overpowered, but after reading your weaknesses I think they compensate (especially with the fact that he is noticably different than a normal human and can't blend in well, nice touch). The only thing in there I'd like corrected — and this may have just been my mistake when I was clarifying it to you — was the part about Zeke's psychic abilities. He wouldn't have received them as an effect of his enhancements; rather, he must have been tested as Gifted before/after the enhancements were done, and the chemical modification stunted the development of his psychic abilities (this isn't XCOM canon, but it's really the only way I can prevent an overpowered supersoldier character with mind control abilities from popping up). That's it really, just change the wording on that part and you're in!

Daglobster: Your character is also terrific, and definitely accepted. Just a couple things though: I like how you went with Basso joining The Eye, but I do want to warn you that The Eye isn't the focus of the RP. That is to say, most characters won't be joining them, but rather a separate organization with less.. Hateful, destructive methods. The Eye, although not the antagonists, will often be at odds with the player characters. You're certainly welcome to have Basso remain in their ranks, I just wanted to make you aware of that. Second, and this is literally.. The smallest thing ever, I'm just picky (sorry): Would you mind changing Augmented to Enhanced in your traits? I'm trying to make the distinction between genetic modifications and mechanical ones with that wording change. Augmented would imply that Basso was a MEC.

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (Casual Revolution RP)

The OOC is up!

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (STC)

RP Overview:
This Roleplay takes place in the XCOM: Enemy Unknown Alternate Universe, following an alien invasion and subsequent two-year war in which Humanity is victorious. If you are unfamiliar with XCOM, don't worry! This all takes place years after, and little to no knowledge of the game itself is required.

Essentially, this RP boils down to a conflict between individuals who are able to access key parts of their brains (and thus perform otherwise impossible feats) — Psychics — and the rest of the world. Out of fear, the very world governments that harnessed their gift to win the war plan to segregate, isolate, and — potentially — exterminate the Psychics, due to the threat they pose to the balance of power. Players will take the role of a Psychic, caught up in the struggle; or, perhaps, as a human (augmented or otherwise) compelled to pick a side and join the global revolution.

Character Sheet:
Name:
Gender:
Age:
Occupation:
Appearance: (Written descriptions are fine, or a picture — no anime)
Nationality:
Trait: (Put either Psychic, Augmented, or Enhanced, followed by the type or ability — see below. If the character is not Gifted or has not taken advantage of the alien technologies in some other way, put None)
Strengths: (Must have the same number of strengths as weaknesses, unless you have no Trait — then you may have an additional strength)
Weaknesses:
Personality:
History: (As much or as little as you'd like. What was their upbringing like? What did they do during the War — did they fight? Hide? How did they pick up the pieces after humanity won? You have creative license on this one.)

Rules

1. The GM has the final say, along with any appointed Co-GMs.
2. Overpowered or god-like characters will be killed — keep it realistic to the universe.
3. Do not manipulate other player-characters (kill, harm, etc.) without the permission of said player (or the GM, should that player become inactive.
4. Be nice in the OOC (nobody likes an OOC flame war).
5. Be aware that, like XCOM, the dynamics of this RP are always changing, and one should expect the unexpected.
6. A maximum of two characters will be allowed to start with. This may change, or it may not: it all depends on how the first month or so goes. Additionally, there may only be a maximum of two "original" MEC characters to prevent overpowering.
7. Have Fun, and remember: We Will Be Watching.

The World of XCOM

Note: Some of this, such as the concept of MECs, is 100% canon to the game despite this taking place seven years after the game's events. Others are from the game — genetic modifications, the Council of Nations — but expanded upon following the end of the War. Finally, there are some concepts in here (like The Eye) that are completely non-Canon, and specific to The Shape of Things to Come. This reference section will be regularly updated as the RP progresses.

Factions:
Council of Nations: Essentially replaced the United Nations after the start of the war. Comprised of two dozen or so of the most powerful nations in the world, the Council is headquartered in Paris. During the war, the Council established XCOM and oversaw the resistance effort. Now, they manage most of the world's scientific progress (especially those dealing with technology recovered from the enemy), oversee the global reconstruction effort, and - in certain situations - pass international laws regarding social or economic issues in "times of crisis".
XCOM: The Extraterrestrial Combat Unit, established by the Council of Nations at the start of the invasion, was an international unit of elite soldiers tasked with repelling the invaders and striking back against the enemy. Additionally, XCOM was responsible for the majority of the scientific advancements achieved during the war — including the discovery of Psychic abilities within humans. After the destruction of the alien Mothership and the end of the war, XCOM was disbanded, its assets seized by the Council of Nations, and most scientific accomplishments released to the public.
The Eye: A global terrorist organization of violent, radical Psychics. The group has made multiple successful attacks on various nations, including the assassination of an anti-Psychic American politician, and the bombing of a Spanish plaza during a pro-segregation rally. The Eye is generally responsible for the bad name given to all Psychics, even though they represent a small minority numbering in the hundreds. They have made it quite clear that they are willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent non-Gifted humans in order to achieve their goals — which in and of themselves are more bloodthirsty and vengeful that those of most Psychics.

Technology:
Weaponry: Plasma weapon tech has been given to most world powers, and is in the beginning stages of mass production. As a result, all leading members of the Council of Nations have plasma weapons supplied to, on average, 10% of their armed forces. They are usually reserved for special forces units, and generally havent reached each nation's Army. The issue with Plasma weaponry in 2019 is the cost. While many nations have knowledge of plasma rifles, the vast majority cannot outfit any more than their most elite fighting units. Therefore, many nations of the world opt for Laser weaponry. Thanks to alien tech, compact, deadly lasers have allowed for the expansion of the largely industrial tool into the weapons industry. As lasers don't need ammunition (only gas, and a cooling agent), this tech is surprisingly affordable. Most world powers, such as the United States, has already switched their entire armed forces over to Laser weaponry. Other, poorer nations lack the research facilities and high-tech factories needed to produce such weapons, and are thus left using traditional ballistics weapons.
Medicine: Unlike weaponry, post-modern medicine has reached the general public and developing countries. Doctors can now diagnose must faster, and many hospitals have begun using salvaged alien tech to better treat lacerations and internal bleeding. Certain diseases which were cureless before, such as forms of Cancer and the HIV virus, are now being reevaluated using the new discoveries. Cures have not been found yet, but scientists are close.
Transportation: Thanks to the recovery of post-modern engine and logistics technology, the aircraft and automobile industries have seen a massive resurgence. Cars and planes can now go faster, are safer, and more environmentally friendly. However, many new technologies in the field have not yet been implemented, as they call for drastic changes and improvements in the world's infrastructure networks.

Traits:
Psychics: [I'll write something here later: for now, see the Prologue/Intro if you truly don't know what a Psychic is]
MECs: Mechanized Exoskeleton Cybersuit [Description/history in progress]
GMHs Genetically Modified Human [Description/history in progress]

Other:
CN Mandate 113: Council of Nations ruling that calls for the forced relocation of Gifted humans "for the good of order, and to protect both the Human and Psychic populations". Discussion for the mandate was kept under wraps until it was passed, and requires all Psychics to report to relocation facilities in their respective countries before the start of the year 2020.

Abilities

Though only Combat-related abilities were researched during the war (they were soldiers, after all), as Psychic testing moved to the civilian population more research was done regarding telepathic communication, as well as telekinesis. Additionally, further improvements to the human mind and body had been made possible through the use of mechanical augmentations and genetic enhancements.

Psychic:
Telepathy: The ability to speak telepathically with another Psychic individual. All Psychics may receive messages, and most learn to communicate this way soon after testing positive. Stage 1.
Mind-Implantation: The ability to implant a thought, image or idea into the mind of a non-psychic individual, making them believe that their own mind conceived it. Most Psychics are resistant to such a trick, however it is not impossible to implant an idea in the mind of one. Stage 2.
Empathy: The ability to read the thoughts and emotions of other individuals; mind-reading. Stage 2.
Telekinesis: The ability to move objects with a non-physical force. Difficult to master, esp. with larger objects. Stage 3.
Tele-Psychosis: The ability to damage the mind of another by triggering paranoia or a migraine. Usually painful, though not permanent damage (unless done repeatedly, or performed by an experienced Psychic). Stage 3.
Mind-Control: The ability to seize the mind (and, by extension, the body) of one other individual telepathically. Victim may either be entirely conscious of the events happening, or comatose ("sleep-walking") depending on skill. Extremely difficult to learn - only known individuals with said skill are Colonel Aika Tanaka, Major Frederick Haugen and Major Arthur Powell, all formerly of XCOM. Stage 4.

Augments:
Base: Amputations of both arms and legs, replaced with mechanical substitutes. Subject is significantly stronger and more durable. Base Augments were only performed during the War on volunteer XCOM personnel, and have since been banned by the Council of Nations. As a result, only two people in the world have had such drastic alterations done: both seasoned XCOM vets.
Ad Hoc: Although Base augments have been made illegal per international law, mechanical alterations are still in practice for those who have needed medical amputations of a limb. Following the operation, the subject experiences a marked increase in the strength of the bionic appendage

Enhancements:
Physical Enhancements: This class of genetic alterations changes aspects of the subject's physical being at the molecular level. This could equate to any number of outcomes: greater stamina, resistance to the elements, more acute vision, etc.
Psychological Enhancements: This class of genetic alterations changes aspects of the subject's mental and emotional being at the molecular level. This could equate to any number of outcomes: increased capacity for intelligence, resistance to foreign (psychic) intrusion, increased perception and awareness, etc.

Character Dossiers

Under Maintenance

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (Casual Revolution RP)

Okay, this is definitely enough people to get started! I'm gonna be working on the OOC today, so expect to have it up by tonight (tomorrow at the latest)!

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (Casual Revolution RP)

Archangel89 said
This seems like a ton of fun...pencil me in for a CS when appropriate

Noted! I'm going to wait for at least two more people to express interest before creating a CS template and the OOC, so if you guys know anyone who would be interested in getting in on this shindig, let them know!

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (Casual Revolution RP)

Okay! I definitely agree on that part: Psychics would still be the persecuted ones, and it likely would not he humans vs. everyone else.

However, I'd also limit the number of MECs in the Roleplay (and in the in-game world) to a small handful. The process involves amputating all appendages and connecting you to a large armored suit, and as this takes place merely five years after the end of the war (and the discovery of that tech) I would say that the only "true MECs" are former XCOM-operatives, and the process of less extreme augments on the civilian population is still in a rather rudimentary stage.

XCOM: The Shape of Things to Come (Casual Revolution RP)

Awesome! I'm glad there's some interest.

A question for you guys: Are you at all familiar with the expansion (Enemy Within)? If so, do you think we should include the things from that in this RP? Specifically, I'm talking about the introduction of MECs and genetically modified soldiers, who would also be caught up in this struggle.