We will be using real world army issue weapons, but I'll allow made up pre-war guns too if it makes sense. I've just been looking up British army weapons and am going to be using about anything from 2013 or earlier. Star is right though in that Allistair's gun is handmade. Allistair does have a army issue gas mask and canteen though. Also, I won't be taking the shelf life of gas masks into account, as that would make a functional mask nearly impossible to find twenty-four years after things went to shit. The S10 masks only had a ten year life if I'm remembering right. But yeah, if you want to make up pre-war guns we can talk out your ideas. Most handmade ideas should be fine, just don't be going overboard right at the start.
As for London being in contact with others, no jammers have been built. Radios work fine to contact people outside the city. I believe Moscow only had jammers because they thought the war was still going, which to be fair, they did have neo-Nazis running through their tunnels.
That's three for linear to start, so that's what I'll be going with. As Star said, the opportunity exists later to expand into sandbox if we want. I'll be thinking up a nice starter plot for you guys while I'm at work today. I'll also be checking in periodically to see if there are any questions or suggestions.
So that's one vote for linear. Also, I've posted my character, Allistair, to the character tab as an example to those who want to start on their own characters. It is not necessary to match the length of the personality or backstory I've made for him, and you're free to sort your equipment section how you wish, pictures not required.
I'm debating adding a Specialization section to the CS. Let me know if you guys would like that. EDIT: Yes, Allistair is Max Rockatansky. UPDATE: I've added the geographic map to the OP. It wouldn't show in full res, so I added a link for it as well.
A canvas and leather bag with adjustable straps and brass buckles, 42×12×34cm in dimensions. Its multiple pockets make it easy to sort the objects held within, while the adjustable straps allow the bag to be cinched, reducing noise from the contents.
A small shotgun created by Allistair, made by welding steel sheets together to house hand forged internals. Currently this weapon has no magazine, and as such only holds one shell before needing to be reloaded. Being made with upgrades in mind, Allistair's Blindshot has the capability to be a very versatile shotgun.
Contained within a 7.62mm NATO ammo box, this rechargeable battery unit is what Allistair uses for all his electrical needs on the go. Its output is variable, maxing out at 100w, and from a full charge it can operate at max output up to an hour. Four switches makes it a rudimentary system: The left upper switch is a Lamb Subminiature SPDT ON-OFF-ON Switch, it determines whether the battery is connected to the charger (down), isolated (center), or to the load (up). Both switches on the right are disabled until this switch toggles up. Left bottom switch links to the analog meter, which operates both as a battery meter and the adjustable output reader. Right upper switch engages the variable power supply, right lower switch is battery direct output, connecting to the board mount fuse holder. Left connectors are the charging input, right connectors are output. Multiple wires and adapters are held in the container as well, allowing for a versatility in connection options.
Utilizing the handle from a staple gun to turn a ratcheting crank, this charger spins up a small motor to produce an electrical charge. It can be attached to nearly any electrical device, provided connection points are accessible. Allistair most commonly uses it to refill his power unit in the field.
A compact torch created by Allistair, which he wears attached to his right shoulder. Created by disassembling a xenon torch and placing the bulb and lens components in a sturdy, slim box, this torch offers Allistair a maximum of 8500 lumens at 85w. A power cord is connected to the housing in place of an integral battery, allowing the torch to be hooked to Allistair's power unit. Different lenses can be swapped to alter the torch's throw.
Made from the brass of bullet casings, Allistair's lighter has sentimental value to him. He has carried it with him for nearly twenty years, and considers it a good luck charm at this point.
This bottle is just a simple .50 cal casing, with the primer removed and having been replaced with welded in brass. The casing holds enough fluid for five refills of Allistair's lighter, and uses a simple rubber stopper to hold the fluid.
A knife passed down in Allistair's family, which he wields proudly. The knife was left in Allistair's home during the evacuation, forcing Allistair to retrieve it when he was finally able to make a trip to the surface years later.
An 850ml canteen with NATO drinking hose, capable of being fitted to compatible gas masks for hydration while wearing the mask. (85%)
Allistair's most recent gas mask, standard issue to the British military since 2010. Comes standard with NATO compatible drinking hose attachment, and has been retrofitted with NATO compatible threading for the left side filter. This allows Allistair to make use of any filters he might find, making survival just that much easier.
Canned Dog Food ×1 (75%)
Shotgun Shells ×11
NATO Filters ×3
MGR ×12
Personality: Having lived in the Tube since the age of thirteen, Allistair has grown accustomed to life underground and doesn't let it get him down. He remains optimistic despite challenging obstacles, and enjoys making the most of each day. Part of this is allowing himself to indulge in a variety of intoxicants, which had led to a few addictions over his life. Now alcohol is his closest friend, though he enjoys making new ones in this rough life.
Backstory: In the beginning, Allistair had a very regular life. As a child he wanted for nothing, always having his family to provide for him. He attended public schools, getting an education just as any other child would. After school Allistair often walked about London, enjoying the atmosphere of his home as he wandered the streets. By nightfall he was always safe in his house, warm beneath the roof his parents provided. This changed at the age of thirteen, when the city of London declared an emergency evacuation to the tunnels of the Tube.
Allistair's family managed to make it safely into the underground, though this was only the start of a very rough life to come. Originally, Westminster maintained order throughout the Tube, ensuring the safety of the people. This changed quickly however, as the Lords and the Commons seceded from Westminster in 2015, only two years after the people moved into the tunnels. Unfortunately for Alistair and his family, the station in which they lived now was outside the established borders of any of the big three factions, meaning there was very little protection against unsavory sorts. It wasn't long before tragedy struck, and at the age of sixteen, Allistair's home station was taken over by bandits.
While his family ensured his escape, they were unable to safely leave the station themselves. Allistair worried what would become of them, though knew that it was not safe to stay and wait. He ran through the tunnels away from his home station of Covent Garden, toward the nearest station, the Leicester Square interchange. He informed the local authorities lf what happened, who then sent a scouting party out to investigate. By the time the party arrived however, Covent Garden was a mere graveyard. The bandits had come and gone, taking some hostage and killing those who put up a fight. Among the corpses were Allistair's family, amd with this knowledge Allistair continued his life, now orphaned.
From this point on Allistair needed to provide for himself, and began taking on odd jobs for anyone who would pay. He made a decent living this way, and his wandering lifestyle allowed him to explore a large amount of the Tube. Eventually Allistair decided to make a trip to the surface, figuring enough time had passed to be able to at least spend small amounts of time there. He visited his old home first, out of nostalgia, where he found the old knife which had been passed through his family. This was only the first of multiple explorations of the much changed surface, all such expeditions yeilding their own rewards.
As he aged, Allistair learned much about the tunnels, encountering things most people would be extremely reluctant to even consider a possibility. What many knew only as ghost stories, Allistair had experienced as reality. Along with the supernatural, Allistair had his fair share of run ins with packs of mutants and bandits, through which he learned the rules of survival around hostiles. His life continued on, and despite trying to avoid it, trouble always managed to find him. Because of this, Allistair is slightly jaded to unfortunate situations, though he still continues his journeys through the Tube despite this, helping those he can as he travels.
A question for you all, since I don't think I've actually asked it yet. Do you guys want this to start as a linear story, or as a sandbox type adventure? I can work with either.
Nah, thats just a reimagining of the Tube map. When I say the Circle line, I'm talking about the line on the map named Circle. EDIT: Tonight I'll be posting the version of the map which I posted in the IC. Chances are I'll be using MS Paint to draw faction borders and possibly add other details as well. I could do the same with the geographically correct map of the tunnels too. EDIT: I've posted the regular style map in the OP. Since the other is in a pdf I'll need to wait until I'm home, so I can screenshot it.
There will be independent stations as well as stations controlled by bandits, or overrun by mutants. Most stations surrounded by the Circle line for example will be neutral, as Westminster is unable to assert any control there.
As for whether or not The Lords have made contact with the queen, I haven't decided yet. It's been twenty-four years, so it's possible they've been able to send messengers across the surface to the blast shelter. At the very least they know that's where the royal family is supposed to be.
I also need to make up names for these new mutants, and local names for the old ones for that matter.
Named after the palace where their meetings once took place, as well as the station within which they now dwell, Westminster is the remains of London's parliament. At one time they held much power in the Tube, though this strength has declined over time. Westminster's authority now only covers the Circle line. Due to a lack of overall military strength required to secure their borders, Westminster often allows people to slip through the cracks so to speak, resulting in other factions residing in stations which the Circle line surrounds. This is an issue for Westminster, as it allows other factions to travel quickly from one side of the Circle to the other without the chance of running into Westminster military. The problem would be easily solved were there more bodies, though Westminster has a hard enough time keepimg the Circle secure as it is.
Members of the House of Commons, who separated from Westminster due to different political ideals. The Commons had pushed for a type of socialist economic system in the Tube, in which all citizens would share what products could be farmed or produced. Some members of the House of Commons disagreed with this, opting to stay with Westminster rather than seceding with The Commons. The Commons have centered their control around West Ham station, allowing them multiple routes of travel from their center. With a large population under their rule and a powerful military force, The Commons have no issues in keeping their borders secure, though the strict socialist regime leaves citizens unhappy and feeling shortchanged.
While not as concerned with economic systems as The Commons, The Lords had their own differing opinions. Many of noble descent felt as though life in the Tube was a fresh start for London, and decided that they wished their nobility to mean something again. The Lords opted for a monarchist political regime, occupying Wembley Park station as their center of command. With this The Lords had a clear route north to Canons Park, the closest station to the Stanburn Blast Shelter where the royal family was moved during the evacuation. The Lords have set up an entire caste system mimicking that of medieval days, with each station under their command considered a fiefdom.
This species of small deer have mutated quickly due to their high reproduction rate, growing slightly larger and stronger due to an increase in musculature. Their diet has tilted toward the carnivorous side with a rise in aggression, and in addition to this their fangs and antlers have grown, becoming more suitable for taking down prey. Their fur has become more sparse, mainly growing from the back and on the front of the legs, with the stomachs appearing relatively bald.
The largest of England's carnivores before the war, red foxes have become a real threat in the ruins of London as the wild reclaims the city. While not having grown much larger in overall mass, the teeth and claws have grown larger. Their families have increased in size, turning families into large roaming packs. As with many of the mutated animals of England, the foxes have increased aggression from their pre-war counterparts, and use their numbers to overwhelm prey multiple times their own size.
While not carnivorous, the bison have grown much more territorial, attacking any creatures which approach. The hide has thickened tremendously, protecting it from most of the other wildlife it might face. Fortunately for the other fauna, the bison's vision has diminished further, and as such it has a difficult time locating enemies by sight. It's hearing and smell have both increased to compensate, though smells alone are not enough to provoke attack. While smells will alert bison to the presence of other creatures, noises are their primary means to locate the enemy.
Apologies again for the wait. Unfortunately my health doesn't feel like agreeing with me for extended periods of time, and so I was unable to do much of anything until today. Thank you all for bearing with me, and feel free to take a look at what I've put down so far. As I said before all criticism and suggestions are welcome. I feel personally that the mutants are a bit plain, so I'm particularly looking forward to seeing feedback on them.
Sorry for the lack of updates, work has been busy as well as the home life. Been working on faction lore in my head while I work though, so I'm going to be putting that down into written (or rather, typed) form soon, hopefully tonight if I'm able. By tomorrow I should be able to post a bit of what I've got so far, and I'll be welcoming any and all suggestions and/or criticism. Thank you all for your patience with me so far, I'm aiming to make something worth the wait for you all. Depending how things go, this could potentially be a very long running RP.
Out of work now. I'm going to add a bit on factions and mutants.
EDIT: Plenty of small mammals in England. Looks like Lurkers and Demons are also possible threats. Who would have known that the four major mutants in Moscow could be so widespread across the world? That said there are no wild wolves or bears, but as was said before foxes are an option, as well as a few species of deer and European Bison. Should pan out interestingly.
EDIT: Fun fact, deer can be omnivores. Prepare to see herds of mutated Muntjacs roaming the surface looking for tasty snacks.
UPDATE: Three new mutants completed, more to come. England has some good stuff to work with. Humaninals are unlikely to appear due to high levels of radiation, most likely something more drastic such as the librarians or blind ones will show up in certain places.
