Rhona W

Thunderbolt Black (Fighter Pilot Mercenaries)

Scott Valentine

Name:Scott Valentine Callsign: Heartbreak Age: 35 Sex: Male Height: 5' 10" Weight: 105kg Nationality: American Aircraft: ASF-14 Super Tomcat (Pilot) Appearance: Fit, medium-muscular build with a rugged, angular face and short dirty-blond hair. Fairly lanky arms and legs. Seems to have an almost-constant quiet smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eyes when he's happy and mischevious. Very expressive face, and uses a lot of gestures and body-language in communication. Tends to wear rugged clothing off-duty, such as work-shirts over a T-shirt with pop culture or band names, and cargo trousers or jeans and high-top sneakers or boots. Black tribal design tattoo on right shoulder and neck, stretching to just above the elbow. US Navy tattoo on left forearm. Permanent 5'o'clock shadow. Flight helmet has a red-white checkerboard pattern. Eye colour: Grey Hair colour: Dirty Blond Likes:

• Rock music (especially classic rock)
• Muscle cars
• Hamburgers
• Reading
• Classic movies (especially action or sci-fi)

Dislikes:

• Pretentiousness
• Bad weather
• Meat-free foods
• Bad movies
• Most modern music

Personality: Scott is almost terminally relaxed at most times. He has a slow-burning temper, which is exacerbated by certain triggers: namely cruel, abuse and aggression against others who can't defend themselves. He is a man of strong morals and ideals, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Always trying to do the 'right thing', he often clashes with others and their principles, but always seeks to mediate conflicts, and to provide an optimistic and hopeful outlook. Despite this, he is not one to back down when force is called for, and has no compunction about executing orders when required, especially against those who have abused positions of power and influence, or have preyed upon the weak and helpless. He loves to fly, and is especially fond of his Tomcat, despite its' roots being in a 1960's-era design. This probably comes from his general love for 'classic' things, such as older cars, movies, and music. He is equally excited by new developments, but believes strongly in learning from the past. He is somewhat unsure about his posting as commander of the Black Knights, but is dedicated to doing his best. He approaches his command with a laid-back and informal style, but expects everyone to do their part for the group. His RIO, St. Helen, supports him strongly in his role, and often offers her services to talk over problems. Personal History: Scott was born in the late 70's, the younger of two brothers by five years. His father had served in the Vietnam war, and while he did not talk extensively about his experiences, he did occasionally tell stories as Scott and his brother Michael grew up, as did many of his friends who visited often. Both brothers were set on the idea of military service. The Third World War came along, and upset many of their plans. Their father, now promoted to a desk-job for the Navy, was constantly away from home. Michael enlisted in the US Marines, and was assigned to a tank company, rather than tactical air. When Scott's turn came around, his dedication had wavered somewhat. Seeing the chaos of the war, and at home, he was uncertain on joining, until his brother was returned home after injury. Spending time with him in hospital convinced him to enlist. However, his brother was surprised when Scott enlisted in the US Navy, with aims of becoming a Naval Aviator. Through hard work, and despite many setbacks and wavers here and there, he eventually made it to the Naval Academy, and into the fighter wing. Fast jets had caught his eye, and after some persuasion by a older aviator, he found himself flying the F-14 Tomcat, and soon fell in love with the big fighter. Scotts' skills as a pilot were strong, and while he was more than capable in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat was his true area of expertise. He performed many missions during the war in support of US and Allied operations, including covering amphibious landings in South-East Asia and on the Eastern shores of Siberian Russia. He flew missions overland as well, including SAM Suppression missions, and numerous interdiction and search-and-destroy missions, even taking out SRBM's in concert with Special Forces ground teams. Following the war, he received commendations, but took the choice to muster out early during the draw-down of forces, finding himself tired and emotionally worn-out after the many years of fighting and gruelling routine. He moved around in careers and location for a while, travelling across the rebuilding USA and Canada, and worked odd-jobs helping on construction projects, and in other areas, as well as working as an artist for a while. He soon found that he missed flying, and when news began to filter through of the situation in Eastern Europe and the other Dead Zones and Badlands, and the PMC operations there, he looked into enlistment. Finding Thunderbolt Black to be offering the best package, as well as a set of principles he agreed with, he offered to join up. Seeing his service history, the group were glad to accept him, and he soon found himself flying a Super Tomcat again, along with a former US Navy navigator who quickly became a good friend. Promoted to squadron leader after two sucessful contracts with the 105th Squadron to fill a vacant position, he is eager to prove himself. Personal Weapons and misc. Gear:

• Sig-Sauer P226 9mmhandgun with surefire light
• FN-F2000 Bullpup 5.56MM Assault Rifle with ACOG Scope
• Gerber ASEK Survival knife
• Zippo lighter with engraved US Navy logo
• Cigarettes
• Normal Aircraft survival gear and equipment

St. Helen Carter

Name: Saint Helen Carter Callsign: Razorblade Age: 30 Sex: Female Height: 5' 6" Weight: 64kg Nationality: USA Aircraft: ASF-14 Tomcat II (RIO, Radar Intercept Officer) Appearance: Compact, voluptuous figure with large hips/shoulders/bust. Physically fit and subtle muscle definition in limbs, despite curvy shape. Soft, gentle features rather than elegant and defined. Freckled face and permanent tan, 'farm girl' appearance. Dual piercings in both ears, tatto 'sleeve' on left arm, ending at wrist, intricate Japanese-design and motif tattoo. Wears simple yet stylish clothing when not on duty, though often not 'fashionable' or especially girly. Evident tomboy. Eye colour: Green Hair colour: Chestnut red Likes:

• Dancing
• Singing
• Fast food
• Cartoons
• Animals

Dislikes:

• Exercise
• Hip-Hop music
• Cold weather
• Arrogance
• Reality TV

Personality: St. Helen is bold, brash and un-reserved. Growing up in a house with several brothers, she had to develop an especially strong personality to make herself heard 'above the noise'. As such, she still retains something of a 'loud' personality, and a strong attitude towards having a good time and living live to the fullest degree. She has a love for alcohol and bad food, along with loud music, but this exists side-by-side with her love for refined, elegant music and dance, and her love to sing - which she can do well. Her approach to her work mirrors her social personality - she loves what she does, and is daring and bold when acting as a RIO, and especially as a pilot. However, she knows well what is and is not possible, and is exacting in her knowledge and instruction, true to the nickname she has earned. Much like Scott, she is strongly moral and has a good sense of justice and ideals, but is less accepting and optimistic about people and their motives as a whole. She is extremely loyal and defensive to her friends and colleagues, and is always eager to help them, but expects the same consideration in return. If betrayed, it is hard to earn her forgiveness, and the loss of her trust. Personal History: St Helen was born in Louisiana, as part of a large family. With four brothers, she was rarely alone and became something of a tomboy with so many men around her. She shared a strong relationship with her mother, as well as her cousin Charlotte who lived nearby when she was growing up. These connections while allowed her to express her feminine side by learning to sing and dance very well, though she spent almost as much time in the woods and fields with her brothers and their friends, coming back covered in mud and with scraped knees after climbing - and falling out of - trees, streams and other places she shouldn't have been. As she moved into her teenage years, the cold war grew hotter. Most of her brothers decided to enlist, going off to serve in the Army or other forces. She suddenly found home very lonely, especially as her brothers had been like her best friends. Her cousin Charlotte and her family also moved away, as her Aunt and Uncle worked for a large defence contractor, and were required to move. Lost and left much to her own devices, she committed herself to studied, while watching the news of war and violence roll in. When her graduation came around, the US Navy were looking for bright, intelligent people to enlist. Aimless at the time, and wanting to contribute something to fighting in the war, she enlisted and trained in Naval Aviation. St. Helen was soon in her element, having a strong grasp and understanding of the dynamics of flight, especially relating to attack missions. She was put into the role of a Radar Intercept Office in a Tomcat squadron, flying Super Tomcats. She soon developed a reputation for being extremely precise in her instructions and positioning of targets, earning her the nickname 'Razorblade'. She participated in many missions during the war, qualifying as a full pilot in the process as well, but maintaining her primary role as RIO in F-14's. Following the war, she elected to accept an early muster out of the Navy as the draw-down of forces began, instead deciding to focus on different opportunities. She briefly had a part-share in a company organizing refurbishing aircraft and sending them around the continental US and North America to areas where they were particularly needed for reconstruction, though this soon grew boring to her. She travelled for a while, and participated in relief work, earning a qualification in nursing and basic medicine. Soon after this, she got wind of the situation around the world regarding PMCs and the Dead Zones and Badlands, and decided to enlist with Thunderbolt Black and take on her flight role once again. Eager to accept her into the service, they paired her with Scott, where the pair completed several successful missions on contracts, before becoming part of the Black Knights squadron. Personal Weapons and misc. Gear:

• Sig-Sauer P226 9mmhandgun with surefire light
• FN-F2000 Bullpup 5.56MM Assault Rifle with ACOG Scope
• Gerber ASEK Survival knife
• Personal MP3 player and customised headphones, loaded with numerous musical tracks
• Helmet painted with a large blue butterfly on the top
• Normal pilots' survival gear

Aircraft Sheet

Name: ASF-14 Super Tomcat Profile Link: F-14 Tomcat Additional ASF-14 and Super Tomcat variants information Appearance: General Super Tomcat appearance Specific Paint Scheme: Paint Job: As above, grey 'Ferris' Scheme, with dark, scarlet red rudders. Black anti-glare panel in front of cockpit. No 'false canopy' on underside. Oil staining and general 'wear and tear' from use is in evidence across the whole aircraft, as are some areas where retouching paint has left a mis-match in panels. Owned or loaned: Loaned

Thunderbolt Black (Fighter Pilot Mercenaries)

Thunderbolt Black:

Aerial Combat, Intrigue and Adventure in a post- World War 3 alternate world.

In Thunderbolt Black, the PC's assume the role of tactical combat aircraft pilots in a large mercenary company of the same name. They are part of a world, alternative to ours, that was ravaged by a decade-long Third World War beginning in the late 1990's and ending in 2008.
The world has since begun to rebuild itself by the year 2015, but things have changed greatly, resulting in the rise of large mega-corporations, and private military contractors of great power and resources alongside conventional militaries and governments.

The pilots of Thunderbolt Black are engaged in a shadowy secret war against the largest of the corporations, MultiCorp, which has designs and ideas on how the post-war world should be run.
As part of the 101st Tactical Air Squadron, the 'Black Knights', the player characters engage in numerous operations as part of their mercenary contracts, in an attempt to halt and hinder MultiCorps' operations, and to gather more intelligence and information about their long-term goal, and how it will affect the world at large.

This RP is a reboot of one originally run off-site on a Yahoo mailing list. That game lasted almost ten years, but sadly never reached its' fruition. I am hoping to run a new version on the Guild, and that it will be almost as successful. The key things in keeping the previous version of the game running were a close-knit group of characters with good interpersonal relationships, and backgrounds that were woven into the ongoing events of the game. I hope to re-create this here, and keep the interest of players alive for the long term.

Background Info

The background of the game was also key, and I have reproduced this in a handful of google docs, linked here:

The World of Thunderbolt Black - an overview of the world the game takes place in. Required reading if you wish to play.

Thunderbolt Black- Information about the Mercenary company itself.

The Third World War - a timeline of the war that shaped the world we are playing in. Optional, but good for increasing your characters' knowledge of the world.

Technology - an overview of the technologies encountered in the game world. Again, optional, but avoids any surprises, assumptions or faux-pas.

If all of this is interesting enough to you, then perhaps you'd like to create a character. Rules for the game are below, along with the skeletons for character and aircraft sheets.

Game Rules

Character & Aircraft Sheet- Post these in the Characters tab when you're ready, and notify the OOC thread for approval or editing.

Regarding Aircraft

Fictional aircraft are not available for use. This would include things such as the Ace Combat 'super planes', like the Morgan or XFA-44 and others, along with planes such as the Yukikaze, or the Firefox. Fictional aircraft of any other kind, such as those on DeviantArt or otherwise, are also not available.

Real-world aircraft are perfectly allowed, and preferred. Models of aircraft that did not make it into full production, such as the YF-23 Black Widow, F-20 Tigershark or the SU-47 would be allowed to be used, and can be assumed to have had at least limited production in the world of Thunderbolt Black.
If you can find some statistics and info on the aircraft, then it will be considered for use in the game, unless it's incredibly obscure, or completely unbalancing or impractical for long-term playing alongside others (for example, the armed versions of the SR-71 Blackbird). Ask if you're not sure.

World War 2 aircraft are also far too obsolete to be of any use. Most immediate post-war aircraft (i.e. 1940's and early '50's) are also unlikely to see a great deal of use. Anything else is fair game, however.
And to reiterate what is stated on the character sheet: some variety in aircraft would be most welcome, but you are free to choose whatever you like. It is also absolutely more than acceptable to have more than one of any aircraft in the group. Your characters' nationality does not also have to be linked to your aircraft type.
Also remember it's not a competition about who has the 'best' aircraft. We all work together. Choose what you're interested in, not what 'fits' with the rest of the group.

Good resources for aircraft info are the following:

Combat Aircraft.com

Wikipedia.org has many pages related to military aircraft, a simple search will give you many results.

FAS has pages on US military aircraft and the Rest of the World's military aircraft, though they are a little out of date.

Fighter Aircraft.com is a well-organized directory of aircraft types.

If you would like some more information about 'pilot lingo', then the following link is a good reference:

Tactical Brevity Codes
Don't feel like you need to refer to all of them though - they're just there for flavour.

The game is currently open for another player. Eight is the maximum I will allow, and three the minimum. I will be adapting a lot of elements and ideas from the previous plot I ran off-site, but there will be significant changes - so even if you're industrious enough to find the old group and wiki, you won't know exactly what to expect...

Current Players

• Silverwind Blade - Scott Valentine/St. Helen Carter - Grumman ASF-14 Super Tomcat
• Urukhai - Marciano Codemi - Panavia Tornado ADV
• ShiningSector - Rodrigues Hefferman - General Dynamics F-16V Fighting Falcon
• The Mage - Austin Albert "Circle" Zimmerman - McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
• Foster - Kie Feng - CAC Super-7 (Upgraded variant of Chengdu J-7)

'retired' Players

The following people are currently 'stood down' from actively playing in the RP, but not officially 'dropped out' for the moment, due to RL circumstances

• MachineSoul - Dmitry Novikoff - Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E
• Esailia - Kathryn "Kat" Montgomery - Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II