RPG
Introduction
Benny Rossmore was going to die. Running low on ammunition, a few bullets already in him, and the boys chasing him weren't stopping any time soon. “Persistent bastards,” He muttered, rounding the corner and turning to deposit a grenade their way. He didn't take time to see the explosion or gauge his kills, he just kept on limping up the street, a tight grip on his left shoulder where the blood soaked through his shirt and stained his hand. This entire city had been overrun by PMCs; warring mercenaries that had been hired by corporations to do their bidding. When they fought, it wasn't about right or wrong, only about getting paid. Benny liked that, because he could understand that. But he liked it a hell of a lot more when his side was winning.
The tall dark buildings of the concrete jungle loomed around him, sounds of gunfire echoing off every window pane. It was almost enough to muffle the sound of a roaring engine, as a long black car came speeding over the hill straight at him. Whipping up his pistol and leveling it with the vehicle, he emptied out the entire clip before dodging into an alleyway. Running through the narrow passage, the sound of the car crash booming through the night, Benny began laughing as he broke into a full on sprint. Deeper into the alley, a flicker of light caught his eye, and out of the dark emerged four men in dress clothes- in each of their hands, a katana. Grinding to a halt, Benny's eyes registered the enemies, scanned over each of them and their blades... Taking just one step back, he leveled his pistol as they approached. The black steel of his M1911, and the light shimmer of their swords... “Kawasaki Industrial... give their regards,” One of the men muttered with a twist of his neck. Thrusting it forward, Benny's gun clicked dry as he pulled the trigger. His eyes opened wide as their blades fell on him- leaving one more corpse in the night.
~~~~
Dieselpunk Devolution takes place in alternate history 1937 AD. 26 years prior, an early development in time travel left the world in possession of technology far greater then any before it. The result was a technological and social revolution that spanned the globe, making capitalism a world-wide phenomenon and privatizing major governments. World War 1 became a tightly-knitted affair with few casualties, and since there were no international treaties written, World War 2 was completely evaded.
By '37 however, a new war was brewing, not political or ethical in nature, but commercial. Between major corporations that came to power during the revolution, proxy battles were fought over the rights to time travel. The tools of this new war were Private Military Companies, or PMCs, soldiers for hire that fight in place of traditional armies and hold no permanent ties to their contractors. Outside of this inner conflict, however, the world moves in a harmony, oblivious to the darkest truth of commerce.
In a world blessed with fantastic science, thriving under the false curtain of peace, how will you devolve? How easily can money sever your ties to humanity?
~~~~
I made the introduction to be short and sweet. If you're ready for an eye-sore, head on over to the OOC section for more in depth information on the following:
History
Corporations
PMCs
Technology
Death & Rebirth
Benefits
Character Sheet
Name:
Gender:
Age:
Appearance: (Physical)
Apparel: (Clothes)
Equipment:
Personality:
Nationality:
Employment:
History:
(*Is your character an android? See “Technology” in the OOC)
Vehicle Sheet (if any)
Model: (Should include manufacturer)
Appearance:
Equipment:
History/Notes:
Robot Sheet (If any)
Name:
Model:
Appearance:
Equipment:
History/Notes:
Rules
The rules are basic, but important.
1. No godmoding, autohitting, etc...
2. Violence? Cool. Romance? Sure. Cybering? No.
3. Minimize NPC slaughter. It doesn't make you look cool and it's not that fun to read. Save your ammunition for real people.
4. Try to read up and find information in the OOC threads before asking. If you can't find your answers there, then feel free to ask me.
5. Utilize features well. This is a big world and you're not always going to be near someone. Communication and transportation are key to activity.
6. Be cool and let people know if you're not going to be active. If a lot of people are involved at a time and you have to go, don't freeze other people up. Get your character out of there!
7. Don't instigate major events without consulting me. A colossal attack on a city like Munich won't get by me okay.
8. Practice good grammar and etiquette. One paragraph MINIMUM for the sake of details. Be thorough enough and this won't be a problem. Write an essay for every post and it might be.
9. No pictures for character appearance. Unless drawn for the character specifically, they only limit creativity and deplete originality.
10. I chose the decade for the sake of theme and setting. Regardless of some of the more advanced technologies, try to honor it with accurate apparel and characterization.
11. This roleplay doesn't involve mythology. The theme should be sci-fi, not fantasy.
1. No godmoding, autohitting, etc...
2. Violence? Cool. Romance? Sure. Cybering? No.
3. Minimize NPC slaughter. It doesn't make you look cool and it's not that fun to read. Save your ammunition for real people.
4. Try to read up and find information in the OOC threads before asking. If you can't find your answers there, then feel free to ask me.
5. Utilize features well. This is a big world and you're not always going to be near someone. Communication and transportation are key to activity.
6. Be cool and let people know if you're not going to be active. If a lot of people are involved at a time and you have to go, don't freeze other people up. Get your character out of there!
7. Don't instigate major events without consulting me. A colossal attack on a city like Munich won't get by me okay.
8. Practice good grammar and etiquette. One paragraph MINIMUM for the sake of details. Be thorough enough and this won't be a problem. Write an essay for every post and it might be.
9. No pictures for character appearance. Unless drawn for the character specifically, they only limit creativity and deplete originality.
10. I chose the decade for the sake of theme and setting. Regardless of some of the more advanced technologies, try to honor it with accurate apparel and characterization.
11. This roleplay doesn't involve mythology. The theme should be sci-fi, not fantasy.
Reviews
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View All »Characters
Benjamin "Benny" Rossmore played by Anno Domini
The example character for Dieselpunk Devolution. *Not a player character.
Kane "Jack" Bartlet played by Anno Domini
A detective of Advent Corps, dealing in robotic affairs in the East.
Visit »The Orphanage
These poor, unfortunate souls were once a part of this great world, but have been abandoned. Why don't you consider viewing their profiles and making a decision on whether or not you can roleplay them accurately?
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Dieselpunk Devolution: Out Of Character (OOC)
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Benefits
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:01 am
- 0 Replies
- 95 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:01 am
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Benefits
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Death & Rebirth
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:59 am
- 0 Replies
- 75 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:59 am
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Death & Rebirth
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Technology
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:58 am
- 0 Replies
- 80 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:58 am
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Technology
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PMCs
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:55 am
- 0 Replies
- 85 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:55 am
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PMCs
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Corporations
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:51 am
- 1 Replies
- 93 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Sat Jul 24, 2010 8:40 pm
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Corporations
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History
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:46 am
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- Last post by Anno Domini
on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:46 am
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History
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Dieselpunk Devolution
by Anno Domini on Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:33 am
- 19 Replies
- 255 Views
- Last post by Anno Domini
on Sat Aug 07, 2010 2:45 am
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Dieselpunk Devolution
Most recent OOC posts in Dieselpunk Devolution
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
You're welcome to, but there seems to have been a complete halt in interest towards this roleplay. All but two of the people who said they'd create a character for this haven't... If you want to go ahead and create one though, I might revive this as a fresh new one and see if more people might actually join this time. If that does happen, I'll definitely make sure to PM you.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
I just stumbled upon this and found it really interesting. I can probably get a character to you by, Sunday maybe?
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Just an interest check- is anyone still currently designing a character for this?
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
That's fine by me. The weapons I chose for my character were ones I was already fond of and, by luck, were era-appropriate. If you need any help in finding a specific one to fit your character's needs just tell me.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Alright, thanks for the info.
I also took the liberty of checking the wiki Page of Armenia, and found a bit of the information digging helpful. Give me till tomorrow to finish the character, while I add bit by bit to his sheet.
You'll have to forgive the delay but right now I'm looking at weapons of the Great War. - If can't tell by now, I'm not quite familiar with the antiques of WW1 just yet.
I also took the liberty of checking the wiki Page of Armenia, and found a bit of the information digging helpful. Give me till tomorrow to finish the character, while I add bit by bit to his sheet.
You'll have to forgive the delay but right now I'm looking at weapons of the Great War. - If can't tell by now, I'm not quite familiar with the antiques of WW1 just yet.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
You'd be perfectly fine by me in making an Aushaven Militia member. I'll provide a bit of detail on the spot, but any further actual material on Armenia will be just as valuable.
Aushaven is a fictional Armenian city that boomed into a metropolis after WWI. In our history, Armenia received American support during the war when there was an increasing amount of prejudice and intolerance in the region. In Dieselpunk Devolution's history, Aushaven was the site of this American aid and easily capable of recouping after the alleviated version of the war that occurred. The city itself became the site of PMC conflict because it was a major junction of transport between Western Europe, Russian, and East Asia, all of which possessed a major corporation that would each benefit from dominating the city and its railways. The culture in the area is a social hybrid of American and Armenian people, resulting from the prolonged American occupation during the last war. The city is filled will tall and expansive buildings, railways, tight passages and streets, and an underground network that traverses the downtown area. There are cathedrals and industrial parks, but a great number of structures are dilapidated or have otherwise been defaced since PMC presence in the area. The militia themselves are the common people of the city and surrounding area who decided to take up arms over simply being a checkpoint for the corporations. They're unorganized and usually outgunned, but strength lies in fighting for justice and not just money.
Beyond that much, you can essentially have whatever basis for the militia and its people you want. I designed each of the corporations and PMCs to fill a specific role, yet still be vague enough for players to gear them however they see fit. I hope that gives you some insight before posting your character.
Aushaven is a fictional Armenian city that boomed into a metropolis after WWI. In our history, Armenia received American support during the war when there was an increasing amount of prejudice and intolerance in the region. In Dieselpunk Devolution's history, Aushaven was the site of this American aid and easily capable of recouping after the alleviated version of the war that occurred. The city itself became the site of PMC conflict because it was a major junction of transport between Western Europe, Russian, and East Asia, all of which possessed a major corporation that would each benefit from dominating the city and its railways. The culture in the area is a social hybrid of American and Armenian people, resulting from the prolonged American occupation during the last war. The city is filled will tall and expansive buildings, railways, tight passages and streets, and an underground network that traverses the downtown area. There are cathedrals and industrial parks, but a great number of structures are dilapidated or have otherwise been defaced since PMC presence in the area. The militia themselves are the common people of the city and surrounding area who decided to take up arms over simply being a checkpoint for the corporations. They're unorganized and usually outgunned, but strength lies in fighting for justice and not just money.
Beyond that much, you can essentially have whatever basis for the militia and its people you want. I designed each of the corporations and PMCs to fill a specific role, yet still be vague enough for players to gear them however they see fit. I hope that gives you some insight before posting your character.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
You've caught my attention Mr. Domini.
I hope you don't mind me taking the role of a concerned citizen in the Aushaven Militia.
But before I whip up a profile, would you mind going into detail about the homeland of my soon to be countrymen? For the sake of setting and accuracy, I didn't want to toss in another random gunslinger into the fray.
I hope you don't mind me taking the role of a concerned citizen in the Aushaven Militia.
But before I whip up a profile, would you mind going into detail about the homeland of my soon to be countrymen? For the sake of setting and accuracy, I didn't want to toss in another random gunslinger into the fray.
Re: [OOC] Corporations
LDSJediMaster has created and designed an additional corporation, Krupp Industries, to fill the roles of a firearms, locomotives, and naval ship manufacturer. See the three additions to the history under dates 1917, 1922, and 1930 for further information on the corporation's development and role.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
I have indeed put thought into it. Equality and civil rights are one of the touchy items about creating a great, historically loyal roleplay, and it would be tragic to not allow a certain gender or race to participate to the fullest extent in a story. Here's my excuse to make it easy ^_^
When capitalism hit off and left businesses booming, it became less practical for racial and sexual bigotry in the work place. Most corporations would hire anyone they could, with their main interest in expansion. PMCs, free from the regulations and standards of a traditional military, also found strength in numbers by employing not only men who were willing to fight, but women as well. When governments privatized, the majority of developments in racial equality that happened over the next 30 years in our time-line happened instantaneously. The intellectual revolution inspired a social reform that put women in seats of power they'd never previously held, and tore down the walls that separated races of people for generations.
I hope that helps ^_^
When capitalism hit off and left businesses booming, it became less practical for racial and sexual bigotry in the work place. Most corporations would hire anyone they could, with their main interest in expansion. PMCs, free from the regulations and standards of a traditional military, also found strength in numbers by employing not only men who were willing to fight, but women as well. When governments privatized, the majority of developments in racial equality that happened over the next 30 years in our time-line happened instantaneously. The intellectual revolution inspired a social reform that put women in seats of power they'd never previously held, and tore down the walls that separated races of people for generations.
I hope that helps ^_^
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
I am extremely interested and very likely to join up! However, I'm wondering how women's apparel might or might not differ from the original 1930's. Have you given any thought to this? And has there been any kind of equality gained for women just yet? Because I would very much like to make a female character who is active in all of the goings on.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Sounds good. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's character submissions soon.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
The example character, "Benny" actually has a model of motorcycle created right there on the biography. You don't need to submit models or designs before hand, but when you submit your character, your vehicle or robot will be approved with the rest of the character. It basically just means that if you make a character that's really fair and balanced on everything else, but then the vehicle is a giant quadrupedal nuclear tank that shoots chainsaws and is invincible, the character's going to be rejected altogether until the vehicle is changed. But if you create a character that is approved, and there is a vehicle model you've created on the biography, I'll add the model to the list and link it to your description so people can see the description.
I haven't made such a list yet, but this is just an easy way to manage and add player submitted ideas. If the inflow of crazy awesome creations becomes so complicated and huge that it requires a more in depth system of categorization with bios and such... Then I'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
I haven't made such a list yet, but this is just an easy way to manage and add player submitted ideas. If the inflow of crazy awesome creations becomes so complicated and huge that it requires a more in depth system of categorization with bios and such... Then I'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Oh I see.
So basically I would submit a design to you beforehand and await your approval, right? What all should that include (pictures, dates, production info, creator, etc.)? If it's not too much to ask, do you think I could perhaps get a skeleton or example of the info needed?
So basically I would submit a design to you beforehand and await your approval, right? What all should that include (pictures, dates, production info, creator, etc.)? If it's not too much to ask, do you think I could perhaps get a skeleton or example of the info needed?
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
@Gabe, because of the loss in supreme government rule, Prohibition laws wouldn't have been as strong as they were, namely because I doubt PMC forces would want to enforce additional laws to control substance distribution on top of everything. BUT, and this is just a suggestion, a number of laws were enacted to control the use of robots, so your character could be a gangster in that respect, perhaps trading synthetic body parts and the like. It's an idea, but I'm basically saying that their would indeed be a rise in organized crime in this setting, just likely for different reasons. Also, your character doesn't have to be in a PMC at all if you don't want him to, they're just a backdrop for the conflict and main struggle. Feel free to do your hitman.
@Queen, you come up with your own models and products. I'm a big fan of original designs and players getting to create their own tech. When you create a model that is approved, it will be added to the list for other players to refer to or use in case they like your design. The only category in which this isn't so much allowed is firearms, but even then mods are creatable, so the freedom's in your hands really.
@Buddy, I don't know enough about Russian history to give an in depth explanation as to how they got were they are in the roleplay, but we can assume that they did revolutionize and that's what created the socialized state they're in now. Expect Soviet Russia.
@Queen, you come up with your own models and products. I'm a big fan of original designs and players getting to create their own tech. When you create a model that is approved, it will be added to the list for other players to refer to or use in case they like your design. The only category in which this isn't so much allowed is firearms, but even then mods are creatable, so the freedom's in your hands really.
@Buddy, I don't know enough about Russian history to give an in depth explanation as to how they got were they are in the roleplay, but we can assume that they did revolutionize and that's what created the socialized state they're in now. Expect Soviet Russia.
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Well, this looks interesting.
I've only one question though; for the purposes of this RP, is Russia still ruled by the Tsars or was the diminished World War enough to incite the revolution anyway?
I've only one question though; for the purposes of this RP, is Russia still ruled by the Tsars or was the diminished World War enough to incite the revolution anyway?
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Whew that was quite a bit of readin, haha. Very nice job, I love how well thought out this is.
I had a question about the technology and stuff though: are there specific models that we should be referring to or a list of names of products the companies produce, or are we to come up with our own model names, types, numbers, etc.?
I had a question about the technology and stuff though: are there specific models that we should be referring to or a list of names of products the companies produce, or are we to come up with our own model names, types, numbers, etc.?
Re: [OOC] Dieselpunk Devolution
Alright, cool. Read all the OOC topics, working on a character sheet now. Basing him somewhat (at least stealing the name of) a real gangster from the prohibition era. Quick question, would prohibition still have happened in this alternate history, and caused the rise of organized crime? Because I'm thinking I'm going to have my character be more based in the criminal underworld, than the PMC's. He might work as a PMC agent at the time of the RP, but he'd have his roots in organized crime, and be better known as a hitman than the PMC freelance agent he currently works as.
[OOC] Benefits
“Benefits” is a form of character development in Dieselpunk Devolution that offers six categories from which players can choose to enhance their characters as a GM sees fit. A player may earn benefits through any number of in-character achievements, from defeating another player to outwitting the odds, or even by instigating a major relationship. When a GM informs you that you've earned a benefit, you may then choose the category of your liking, and the GM will design a reward accordingly. Benefits are also given communally to all players as the story progresses. Though players cannot choose the end result of a benefit, picking the right category does increase your chance of getting a reward that fits your needs. The categories are as follows:
Psyche – A reward from the Psyche category involves a development in your character's psychology. This could range anywhere from gaining a manipulative charm over others, to growing a strong tolerance to pain and horror. If a GM chooses, it could even overcome an android's mental instability.
Weaponry – A reward from the Weaponry category means an enhancement or addition to your character's arsenal. Whether it's a new mount or scope on a rifle, an all new assortment of grenades, or even a neurological-enhancement on the grip of a sword that enables bullet time, this is a great choice for players who want to start or build on an assortment of weapons for their character.
Prosthetics – A reward from the Prosthetics category enhances your character's body through artificial replacements. Some prosthetics augment a players strength or agility, while others can improve awareness and senses. This is the category for characters who consider their body their most important instrument.
Vehicular – A reward from the Vehicular category will help improve your character's source of transportation. The variety here is just as vast as the variety of vehicles a character might own, from a bullet-proof hull on a ship, to a rocket-boost enhancement on a car. This is ideal for characters who rely heavily on or invest a lot into the vehicle they use.
Robotic – A reward from the Robotic category will develop your character's own robot to enhance performance and functionality. It may turn the robot into a hazardous fail-safe that, in the case your character's danger, bursts into action to save them. It could also be as subtle as an armored casing that protects it from danger, or lubricated cogs that increase its agility. This category is helpful to robot owners who want to develop a mechanical partner they can rely on in case of need.
Legion – A reward from the Legion category will affect your character's status in a PMC or major corporation. This is a broad category that, in the long run, could earn you anything from NPC followers to an ability to viably affect the outcome of the war. Benefits for soldiers include controlling any number of factors on the battlefield. Legion is the choice of characters who yearn for power and want to be written in Dieselpunk Devolution history.
Psyche – A reward from the Psyche category involves a development in your character's psychology. This could range anywhere from gaining a manipulative charm over others, to growing a strong tolerance to pain and horror. If a GM chooses, it could even overcome an android's mental instability.
Weaponry – A reward from the Weaponry category means an enhancement or addition to your character's arsenal. Whether it's a new mount or scope on a rifle, an all new assortment of grenades, or even a neurological-enhancement on the grip of a sword that enables bullet time, this is a great choice for players who want to start or build on an assortment of weapons for their character.
Prosthetics – A reward from the Prosthetics category enhances your character's body through artificial replacements. Some prosthetics augment a players strength or agility, while others can improve awareness and senses. This is the category for characters who consider their body their most important instrument.
Vehicular – A reward from the Vehicular category will help improve your character's source of transportation. The variety here is just as vast as the variety of vehicles a character might own, from a bullet-proof hull on a ship, to a rocket-boost enhancement on a car. This is ideal for characters who rely heavily on or invest a lot into the vehicle they use.
Robotic – A reward from the Robotic category will develop your character's own robot to enhance performance and functionality. It may turn the robot into a hazardous fail-safe that, in the case your character's danger, bursts into action to save them. It could also be as subtle as an armored casing that protects it from danger, or lubricated cogs that increase its agility. This category is helpful to robot owners who want to develop a mechanical partner they can rely on in case of need.
Legion – A reward from the Legion category will affect your character's status in a PMC or major corporation. This is a broad category that, in the long run, could earn you anything from NPC followers to an ability to viably affect the outcome of the war. Benefits for soldiers include controlling any number of factors on the battlefield. Legion is the choice of characters who yearn for power and want to be written in Dieselpunk Devolution history.
[OOC] Death & Rebirth
Death and Rebirth is a feature in Dieselpunk Devolution that encourages realistic combat and defeat, while still allowing loyalty to your creations. It's based on the fact that fighting other players can be annoying when neither person is willing to let their character die, but that it's also disappointing to have to lose a character as well. For those who are willing to have their character kick the bucket for the sake of story progression, there's the Rebirth function. A fallen foe may be reborn if their body is salvaged for biotechnology projects, and eventually (when recovered enough) be able to return to the action. Of course, Rebirth doesn't return characters in perfect and normal condition, but rather weaker and psychologically scarred. As well, for every time the Rebirth feature is used, the character begins to forget their identity. It's a dangerous path for your creations, however, Rebirth is a viable alternative to creating new characters after a former one is deceased. And remember, this doesn't go to say that a character must die every confrontation- by all means, try to preserve and fight for life whenever possible. But when you do lose, you can come to terms with it soundly and (with the passage of time) return to reclaim victory.
