Rhona W

Chasing Away Shadows - near future military sci-fi RP (Metal Gear inspired)

2019-ish. Near future. Though, much like MGS and various other things, history's a little bit wobbly anyway, as there's things like cybernetics, gene therapy, AI etc. around. But the major events are still the same.

Working on my character too, but I keep getting interrupted >.<;;

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Shona's approved, no problems. As is anyone else I didn't mention yet, too.

Chasing Away Shadows - near future military sci-fi RP (Metal Gear inspired)

I'd say they'd count as a special ability

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Esailia said
I've been a squad leader of a NPC squad in RPs before, and it does help VERY much for my post sizes. I'm not the best RPer out there, and I find msyelf without a paragraph in my posts without bad filler content. But with two+ characters to play with, I'd be a happy camper playing 'second fiddle' to the mechs in a platoon. I also have ideas sprouting in my head as to different load-outs and different vehicles the small squad would use already.I also imagine the mechs to be less of an 'average' thing on the battlefield. Sure there are plenty, but I imagine they are a larger expense than normal grunts. I could RP the perspective of those without mechs.

Yeah, the GEARs are part of a combined force in all the militaries on the planet. Infantry are still the mainstay of a military, and then the mecha fill the gap between the infantry and heavier vehicles like tanks.
It's all in the background docs, give them a read and you'll see where and how everything fits together, or at least have a much better idea of it.
I've got some ideas of on what vehicles etc. would be in use, so as I said - if we collaborate on it a bit, then it'll be fine.

Rultaos said
Do you mind if I reserve a spot, only IF you plan on upping the player cap. If not, it's totally fine :). The RP that I've recently started appears to to have turned into a sinking ship, and I can't save it even if I tried :(. Hence, my schedule may start opening up in the future. It's just that I need time to read through all of the files to see if anything has changed from the original. I also need time to re-write Clayton's sheet, because I just realized I don't have a back up and will need to start from scratch -_-.Again, it's completely your call if you want to allow me in or not.

I'm more than happy for you to join in - I'll tag the last two open spots with your name and Esailia's, and we'll call it closed at that point. I won't be starting until everyone's who expressed an interest has posted a character or at least told me whether they're going to be or not, so there's no rush there, and I'd rather not start and then have to rejigger everything on the fly to squeeze people in.

EDIT: I've added Rultaos and Esailia to the list of current players/characters in the OP, and updated the message to say that we are now closed to new applicants. Anyone else who's interested and not already here will have to go on a waiting list.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Esailia said
*Eyes pop out of sockets* Good lord that's alot to read. I was excited when I saw the name because there very, VERY, few honest anthromorph RPs out there that take themselves seriously. the Mech side I wasn't intimidated by....at first. But when I saw the unofficial wiki pages on this RP that are mandatory reads, I was blown away. I'm still excited about this RP.

Hi, there. I'm glad you like what I've done here, and I know what you mean. I found it extremely hard to find an anthro RP I was really interested in that had the level of detail that would interest me, as well as the depth and some kind of seriousness and plot to it that would excite me too. And I've been roleplaying for quite some time.
GEARs was an idea I'd been throwing around for a while, and when I posted it, I was surprised by how much of a good reaction it got - multiple times, since it's been through several incarnations on the old forum too.

I do have a current player cap of ten, but I might bump it up to 12, so you can join in, and we have one more open spot. I am waiting for Ridlins and Minder to post their characters too, so if one of them drops out, then it's fine too. Since you spoke so highly of the game too, I'm inclined to give you a spot.

I have a question as to how open the different types of characters are.I apologize in advance for not reading the lore pages, I was just curious if it's possible...NOT to have a mech? Maybe just be a specialized ground soldier or an engineer?

I would prefer to have people playing GEAR pilots, as it simple makes things easier for everyone to be involved in the same action in the same place at the same time. However, as Rafale said, we did have Cartwright playing a helo pilot in the last game, and there's certainly other possibilities (just so long as they don't take the place of GEARs as the focus, though that's obviously not likely to be the case).

(Soldier explanation)

One of the things I mention in the explanation of a GEAR is that they're not the battlefield behemoths that mecha are in most other works with them in. In this setting, they're a bit more like regular combat vehicles; they take damage, need extensive maintenance, and aren't invulnerable super-weapons.
Most GEARs are only two-to-three times bigger than a person, and can be easily damaged, if not outright destroyed by shoulder-fired rockets, and even heavy machine-gun fire or anti-materiel rifles.
We do spend a reasonable amount of time outside of the cockpit, and working with other forces - such as infantry - is one of the main things I want to emphasise in GEARs to make it more well, I hate to use the word 'realistic', but you know what I mean.
How would you feel about playing the leader of a Fireteam of infantry? You could have 3 other NPC's to control, and their transport (a jeep or hummvee-esque vehicle with a heavy weapon), that work alongside the squadron? It'd be handy for capturing objectives, rescuing people, laying ambushes etc etc. You'd have a full loadout of weapons and equipment we could collaborate on too.
I'd picture them to be more Special Forces-types than just line grunts too, so you could end up doing things like observation roles and meeting up with contacts in a crowd and such as well, before passing on the info for the rest of us to act on. It'd add another layer to the overall setting and plot.

Chasing Away Shadows - near future military sci-fi RP (Metal Gear inspired)

Asura said
How advanced are cybernetics in this? Like, augments for the body or fully functional replacement limbs?

Rafale said
I'd guess it'd be the same level of things you'd see in MGS. I think the maximum level of tech would be something like MGS4-period Raiden.

Pretty much, but I'm toning things down a bit. You won't be holding back larger-than-aircraft-carrier-sized submarines with your cybernetic body, and you might block some bullets with a blade, etc, but not a whole unit of people machine-gunning you at close range. I want there to be some challenge and danger, and things not to get to the more over-the-top limits that they did in some of the games. Also, it's good to have a level to aspire to and work towards, rather than starting off as TEH AWSUMEST.

Not that I'm implying that you were going for that though, just merely trying to make it clear.
My character will probably go up tomorrow, depending on the site being working. I was thinking of making them KSK (German Special Forces) or a Navy SEAL. Or cross-trained as both.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Kyelin said
Hope this picks up soon, am keen to start ^^

Just waiting for a couple more people to post their characters! I'm sure they'll pick up soon.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

They're just links to files on dropbox. Shouldn't be any trouble in opening them up, no-one else has had any trouble. However, they're background files on the subjects mentioned, as the background is a big part of the game.

Essentially, to try and distill it down a little - The player characters are all part of a race of anthropomorphic animals on a planet named Arvara. They live in a pre-constructed society, which is hi-tech and civilized. The 'pre-constructed' part is apparent, as they gained awareness around 250-some years ago that they had been living a 'routine' life, without questioning.
This awareness shook their society, and lead to the forming of nations and groups, and has lead to a state of near-war between the various groups, as they have different ideas on how to run their society, and who their Creators might be.

Some of their high-technology is in the shape of formidable robot vehicles, practical because of their level of technology, and the unique geography of their world, that involves strong magnetic fields that prevent aircraft from being a dominating battlefield presence (you can see examples of the mecha on peoples' sheets).

The current situation is that there are two large power blocs, the oppressive, fascistic Northern Empire, whose self-declared Royal Family use disinformation and propaganda to whip their population up into dedicated xenophobic frenzy, and the mysteriously isolationist and aloof Southern Alliance, who close their borders to outsiders, but still seem to be spying on everyone and pulling strings.
In between are the far more moderate and varied Independent States. Landren is the biggest one, and (probably) one of the most liberal and moderate. The PC's are a newly-formed experimental combat GEAR squadron of the Landren Defence Forces - LDF - and will end up getting involved in something that starts out as a routine op, but ends up being vital to the survival and outcome of the whole Arvaran species, and answers a lot of questions.

In short, you get to play a fuzzy animal person who pilots a kick-ass robot. Your character will need to be well-rounded, as it's not just about playing a furry. It's not especially cute, it has a plot with some serious questions and implications, and there will be quiet drama moments as well as things exploding a lot.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

Character Sheet

Character Name: Silverwind Blade
Age: 44
Species: Red Fox
Appearance:
Around 5' 9", and solidly built. Muscular, but not a powerhouse; more of a stamina vs. power build. Obviously keeps physically fit and active. Fur has dulled to a rusty colour with age, and his white has become a little less brilliant with age. Grey around the muzzle, and his brown hair has white and grey streaks in it.
Only one eye; warm, brown and occasionally twinkles with mischief, humour and especially determination. Still looks young, in the rest of his face. His left eye is gone, and is instead at the middle of a pattern of rough and crude scars. Normally, it's covered by a black leather patch. Small nicks and notches on his muzzle on the same side, and a little cut out of his left ear too.
Left arm is also gone, replaced by a cybernetic prosthesis that exactly mimics the originals' range of movement and sense of touch, but is obviously not real, made of synthetic plastic materials and artificial muscle and nerve fibers. It is coloured black-and-white, and has no hidden gizmos or gadgets: it's a replacement, not an enhancement.
Wears practical, functional clothing, but has an eye on what he likes. Often wears BDU-cut trousers even when not on duty; just not in camouflage colours. Boots of some kind instead of sneakers etc. Likes T-Shirts and work shirts.
On duty, normally wears BDU pants in an appropriate camo pattern for the area, with either a BDU shirt with the sleeves removed, or a T-shirt with no sleeves, fingerless tactical gloves, and an equipment harness. His PADD is strapped to his right forearm in a ballistic nylon case for easy access. He sometimes wears a Shemagh-type black-and-white scarf around his neck as well.

Personality:
Despite his gruff voice and weathered look, Silverwind is a pretty nice guy. He's had some tough times - quite obviously - and met some terrible people, but he's also seen the best of what Arvaran's - of any nationality - can do to help one another, which he finds inspiring.
He is dedicated to the idea of doing better, and trying to help those who can't help themselves, and while a man of strong morals and good nature, he is not naive or a pushover, and will not easily forgive and forget those who make others suffer. Especially those he cares about. He is more than cognizant of the fact that 'good people sometimes have to do bad things', to make the world better for everyone, and while a good man, 'good doesn't always mean nice'.
He is loyal and rewarding to those who are good-natured and friendly toward him and one another, and has little time for those who are unpleasant or cruel to others, and will deal with them as much as is necessary, and no further.
He values intelligence and honesty, as well as bravery, and would not ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself.
His personality has gotten him into trouble with LDF high command, and with various politicians he's come into contact with, but this doesn't bother him a great deal, as others who are like-minded have taken his side on more than one occasion too.
While he has a great deal of respect and faith in the discipline and organization of the LDF, and for it's regulations and protocols, he also still harbours a very ingrained independent and creative streak, and believes firmly in encouraging others to think outside of the box and develop their particular and unique talents and skills. While he frequently bends the rules or interprets them creatively, he is firmly dedicated to his oath as a soldier and the constitution of the LDF and Landren as a whole, and more so to his own moral code and beliefs in protection of the weak and innocent against those who wish to harm them.

Personal History:
Silverwind was born in a small town near the North-West border of Landren. Between the shores of the Drennian sea and the forested foothills of the Andalean Mountains, it is a land renowned for its' natural beauty, as well as it's extensive farming area.
His mother was an artist and musician, while his father was a GEAR Pilot in the LDF. He has a younger sister (two years younger) named Sabine, who is a medical technician in the General Hospital of Anteriad, one of Landren's larger cities.
Silverwind was a bit of a troublemaker at school, but mainly for getting into fights sticking up for people. He received some talks from his Dad and his Dad's friends that straightened him out a bit, but retained that edge long into his teenage years and adulthood.
His father was killed when he was around 13-14 years old, and while he was devastated - along with the rest of his family - the stories from his Dad's combat buddies of what he did inspired him to join up with the LDF, and strive to do the same.
After joining the LDF, he scored excellently in all tests and grades, but had a minor problem with authority and the specifics of his orders, but displayed courage and initiative.
He was trained as a GEAR pilot, and deployed on several tours of duty, receiving mention in messages to HQ for his actions several times in encouters with raiders and other menaces, and eventually was selected for Special Operations.
There, he excelled, and was quickly seconded to the Roughriders, one of the premier units of Special Ops in the LDF. There he met people who became his best friends, including Reeza's later commanding officer, the 'Kommanda'. The pair became firm friends, and he also grew very close to Izzy, one of his colleagues in the unit.
They performed many successful operations, acting as an Arvaran equivalent of the Navy SEALs; operating with a great degree of freedom and latitude, balanced with a strong sense of pride in their unit, intense training and self-discipline, and a wide array of skill sets and expertise.
They were becoming almost too famous at one point, especially so for their distinctive GEARs, which were home to a wide array of operational test equipment and systems. However, after a mission turned bad due to a betrayal from within, the unit was disbanded. Most of the members were MIA or KIA, and the remainder all suffering from grevious wounds, either physical or psychological - or both. The remaining members kept in touch with one another as they drifted into different areas of life.
Silverwind fell into a deep depression at this time, bought both by the loss of his comrades and Izzy - who had become his lover - and due to the extent of his injuries. It was only a year ago that he recovered enough, after being headhunted by an old acquaintance to spearhead a new project for the LDF, in the form of a QRF based around mixing types of GEAR in the same unit, and using unconventional tactics, as pioneered by the original 101st. She wanted Silverwind to lead the new group, and he agreed, after some soul-searching, and a great deal of intensive planning and strategizing with her, and other influential and trusted colleagues and comrades-in-arms.

Personal Weapons and Equipment:
Standard LDF-issue heavy calibre revolver w/optional LAM/flashlight unit. Carried in holster on left thigh, with speedloaders on right thigh.
Carbine version of standard LDF Adaptable Battle Rifle (ABR) with standard electronic sight and under-barrel flashlight. Optional suppressor, grenade launcher and shotgun attachments issued as needed. When carried, is clamped to a mount-point on the right of his GEAR-harness backpack, to be drawn over one shoulder. Spare magazines carried on pouches down right side of GEAR pilots' harness.
He also carries a Kukri-style machete, clamped to a harness point on the left side of his back. This is carried most of the time when expecting trouble.
A standard-issues combat/survival knife is carried on the right side of his chest in a plastic sheath, handle down, to be drawn quickly for use. As above, this is carried whenever trouble is expected, or when it might be useful to have a cutting tool.

GEAR pilots' suit for when in action, plus ballistic armour/equipment harness, and pilots' helmet with red-white checkered pattern on visor guard.
Military-spec PADD strapped to right forearm
Cigarettes & paraffin lighter (zippo-esque)

Personal Theme:


Mecha Sheet
Gear Name & Serial Number: H4R-CV Harlock (Commander Variant)
Appearance:
Role: Command Variant of general-purpose battlefield GEAR
Normal Loadout:

• Hand-carried 20mm autocannon rifle w/under-barrel single-shot anti-armour rocket


• Right shoulder mounted 3-tube guided multi-purpose missile launcher


• Left shoulder mounted auto-loading 60mm light mortar, fed from carousel of rounds for total 18 rounds. Usually split with a third high-explosive, third armour-piercing and the remaining 6 into paired special types (EMP, smoke, etc).


• Utility/Combat GEAR-scale Kukri machete stowed on rear waist


• Twin 6.7mm head-mounted miniguns

Other Systems & Equipment:
As a command-variant GEAR, Silverwinds' Harlock mounts a C3i - command, control, communication and intelligence - electronics suite that assists in giving a full picture of the battlefield and deployment of forces through the 'net and data fusion from multiple sources.
The Harlock in general also mounts smoke, chaff and flare launchers, as well as a modest amount of internal cargo space for personal survival and combat equipment, as well as a heavy-duty powered winch and cable, and powerful spotlights with infra-red filters.
Numerous equipment hardpoints for add-on equipment packs are provided on the frame, to allow rapid refit for different roles through the use of additional weapon, sensor and environmental modules.
Other notes:
The Harlock family of General Purpose battlefield GEARs have been the mainstay of the LDF for the last twenty-five years. The base of many variants and upgrades, as well as remaining the standard combat GEAR for most LDF units, the Harlock is beginning to show it's age, but has still got plenty of use left.
The Commander Version features enhanced artificial muscle systems, as well as improved power-trunking and data-network capabilities, as well as reinforced joints, aside from its' C3i upgrades. The additional head-antennae on the Harlock CV distinguish it from the regular version on the battlefield.
Now long in the tooth, the Harlocks are being examined for replacement, as they are now the oldest GEARs in LDF service, with a multitude of other types around them. Tenders have been accepted from a small array of companies (the Sul-27, for example, is one being considered) and have been deployed as a trial in field by some units to test their performance in comparison to existing models of GEAR used by the LDF.
Nonetheless, a Harlock is still a capable machine, and in the hands of a good pilot, remains competitive with newer models of GEAR.

GEARS - Mecha Sci-fi with Anthro characters. RP in a detailed, story-driven world.

The Roman07 said
The biggest problem is the whole anthro thing. I just can't seem to get my head around a character that's not human so I'll admit its much harder to play. I wanted in Aristo's game but it looked like it was about to die so I'm kinda dying to play a good mecha game. I've noticed your starting up a metal gear esque rp as well and honestly wo dering if id be better suited for that game. I really like your writing style as well as the stories you come up with and that's what keeps bringing me back. I never had any intention of ruining the game for others so if you like I'll gladly step down for the int check ppl that way it does not get too overcrowded like previous games. If its ok with you id rather apply for the metal gear game since it would fit me etter despite the lack of pilotable giant robots lol

Fair enough, it's a shame you find that a stumbling block, espeically if you like my storyline and writing style, as it's kind of an integral part of the setting. But nvm, feel free to join in the other one.

HopelessIncubus said
hey guy's i just got the replacement screen for my good laptop with all my old chars on it, so im going to redo mike from that,instead of making a new one entirely. it should be up tommarow.

Woo! Glad you got it sorted, and that your laptop is back in business. I bet you must be happy about it too. I'll look forward to seeing Mike's return.

Ridlins said
I know I said I would have a CS up today, but it's taking longer than I thought it would. I'll have one up this weekend for sure.

No worries - I was expecting to have got mine up by now, but the site's been up and down, and I got hooked in vidya games last night, as well as doing some chores. No rush, take your time.

Milkman, Oliver looks fine, but Rafale's right - you have a broken image link. But approved anyway. Same with you, Rafale old chap.
I'll start adding approved characters to the OP shortly (probably after I get mine up >.>;;)