"Verdanus and Tertius: War of the World"

Verdanus, a planet so named long ago for its verdant forests and beautiful natural landscapes, the spawning pool of humanity, has succumbed to the various technological revolutions. Within the memorable past there were still sprawling plains and untamed wilderness. Now there are cities, factories, space ports. The entire planet has quickly grown into an interconnected metropolis, all thanks to the abundant resources of Verdanus's sister planet, Tertius. The giant red neighbor is a gravitationally bound planet that, while scarce of life, has plenty of ores and minerals readily available. It's surface has been divided into colonies, each belonging to one arm or another of the Consulate, the ruling body over both planets, based of course on the Verdan homeworld. The colonies span as nations, growing various algae to supply food to both worlds, mining the metals that grow the Verdan cityscapes and build the Verdan ships, and succumbing to the iron trade schedules that keep the Tertian workers at bay.

All is not well: every one of the regularly scheduled Verdan ships has been grounded on Tertius. The various colonies have proclaimed themselves nations. Verdanus is starving and defenseless, while Tertius is in chaos. And these events have occurred only this past week. While the Consulate scrambles to reclaim their quarry, the newly formed nations of Tertius struggle to choose a side in the crisis. A conference of ambassadors meets now in Koagrad, as some nations claim sovereignty for themselves and their planet, while others vacillate between neutrality and the choice to succumb to their mother-world: without Verdanus they lack all of the modernizations and advancements made in the last century. The Brotherhood, a secret society known only by its Tree construct of hierarchy, is at least responsible for the grounding of the transport ships. Similarly, an ambassador of a neutral country has been assassinated and impersonated - although that plot is not yet privy to anyone actually meeting for the Koagrad Peace Talks.

What role will you play in this epic conflict? Do your loyalties lie with the Verdan Consulate, the Brotherhood, a Tertian nation, or do you freelance, pirate, or profit now that the times are changing? Help unravel the plot and create the aftermath!

v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v - OOC - v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v

Very few details have been set into place. Very few character have been named. You, the players, are responsible for filling in the gaps. To ensure that your contributions will be beneficial to this roleplay, I ask that you include, within the description of your character submissions, some addition to this roleplay, be it a bit of as-yet-undisclosed history to the conflict, or the latest developments for one side or the other. This will be evidence enough that you both have the writing ability and the creative confidence to make this roleplay an epic one, and I will welcome you with open arms.

Remember that while very little is off limits, this sci-fi setting is more akin to our modern Earth as it will be in a century, if only our moon was larger than Earth itself, and habitable. There is no magic, there are no aliens, and the fiction lies in the plot, not in the technology.

Good luck!

Make sure to keep current with the Introduction section by clicking the link at the top of this post - the latest taken and free characters are summarized for your convenience!

Setting and Locations
The known worlds, Verdanus and Tertius, are confined to a small sector of space. What lies far out is a problem left to be dealt with a century from now. Verdanus is a once-landscape-but-now-cityscape planet that has all of the latest innovations and amenities, but has recently lost its grip on the supply of resources from the Tertian colonies. On Verdanus, the Consulate is the headquarters of (and by the same name as) the capitalist ruling body of Verdanus. Led by the Con Gregor and his advisors, the Consulate seeks to preserve Verdan supremacy by reclaiming the Tertian nations as once-again colonies. Tertius is the large red planet that is gravitationally bound to Verdanus. It has only recently accepted humanity and allowed its resources to be plundered. Now it is at the brink of a civil war between its nations that has spawned from the interplanetary struggle with Verdanus. On Tertius, Koagrad is a tiny but best outfitted and most defensible nation, which has chosen the most neutral of all stances - to further diplomacy without choosing sides. It is home to the Koagrad Peace talks, currently between representatives of all Tertian Nations.

Bolded characters are up for grabs:

In the Consulate on Verdanus
Con Gregor, the current ruler of Verdanus
General Pretana, the military leader serving under Con Gregor
Counsellor Vassi, Con Gregor's most trusted, though not necessarily most trustworthy, advisor
... and various others

Elsewhere on Verdanus
Jerabel, a Leaf of the Brotherhood Tree, transport schedule analyst, killed by his Brotherhood Contact upon delivering the information
Jerabel's Brotherhood Contact, a man who requested the time when all transport ships would be grounded on Tertius, also Jerabel's killer
... and various others

In Koagrad on Tertius
Assassin Reiko, a assassin who has just killed and successfully impersonated ambassador Jorm prior to the Koagrad Peace Talks
Ambassador Jorm, the deceased ambassador of one of the Tertian nations
... and various others

On a grounded transport ship on Tertius
Elan, a sous-chef promoted to captor of Verdans and (presumably) head chef
... and various others

In a Verdan Control outpost on Tertius
Coot, a captured and maimed Verdan overseer of a Tertian mining operation, killed by Vanco while imprisoned
Vanco, a captured Verdan overseer of a Tertian mining operation, killed Coot for peace and quiet while imprisoned
... and various others

Are characters submitted via the character tab, or in the OoC topic?

I was also wondering: Since there isn't an actual character skeleton to fill out, is it alright if we instead post a paragraph or two describing the character? Or at the very least, not have us fill out a bio. I've never been a huge fan of letting everyone in on my character's past, whether he be a dark, ominous person or a clumsy farm-boy. It's always interesting to let the readers in on your character's past as the story progresses. Allows for more flexibility, too.

Well, I'd actually rather that you don't submit a full character profile (so we are completely aligned in this respect!) - rather a brief description of perhaps your character's alliances/background just to give them a starting point. You are also welcome to mention/include/use/play any of the already made characters - whether with or without your intended "main" character. I want this to sound more like a book than a regular roleplay ^_^

I looked over some of your past writing, so you're good to go. Use the char submission form, I'll approve it ASAP, and you can go at it. Just try to keep each of your posts under 1024 characters - that's the par I've been using, anyway, so that each post is about one paperback page long.

Thanks! I've submitted my character-- I hope he's satisfactory.

My posts rarely exceed the amount of words you've limited it to, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hello. I'm filling out the form in the Character submission tab for your roleplay. The one with "Name, synopsis, description, personality, equiptment, and history". I read the posts between you and Aliath, but I just wanted to make sure this was okay.

Is it?

I'm currently making the character for Assassin Reiko, who I'd like to play as.

Shazeio7 wrote:Hello. I'm filling out the form in the Character submission tab for your roleplay. The one with "Name, synopsis, description, personality, equiptment, and history". I read the posts between you and Aliath, but I just wanted to make sure this was okay.

Is it?

I'm currently making the character for Assassin Reiko, who I'd like to play as.

Hey, I read your character sheet for Assassin Reiko. I know I'm not the Game Master or anything like that, but Alias said you only had to submit a brief description of your character's alliances/background/etc. You should check out the three characters already in the RP for reference.

Well, I'd actually rather that you don't submit a full character profile (so we are completely aligned in this respect!) - rather a brief description of perhaps your character's alliances/background just to give them a starting point. You are also welcome to mention/include/use/play any of the already made characters - whether with or without your intended "main" character. I want this to sound more like a book than a regular roleplay ^_^

I'm pretty sure the description he already gave of Assassin Reiko will suffice.

An assassin who has just killed and successfully impersonated ambassador Jorm prior to the Koagrad Peace Talks.

But that's just what I think. You should send a PM to Alias or somethin'.

I support Aliath's concerns (as they are also my own) - your character info is more for you until you have somehow worked them into the actual roleplaying.

I have a question regarding technology: Do androids exist?

When I say android, I don't mean your typical C-3P0. I'm talking about a machine -possibly humanoid- whose brain is built like that of a human, so it's self-aware, and can actually learn. In essence, its a person.

I have not defined the technology of the times, so androids may very well exist. However, I would suggest that such technology is likely being developed in secret, if at all, and knowledge, rumors, or even imagination of such things is not pervasive. Much of Tertius is mechanized, however, including mines and production lines. If we go by the Asimov universe, I would suggest that technology like the positronic brain has not yet been developed, and any electronic brain would be rudimentary and preventative of human-equivalent intelligence. But those are my suggestions - you're welcome to propose an alternative that you would prefer.

Other tech:

Space travel is obviously possible, but superluminal technology has not been invented. A speed of .1c, or 1/10th the speed of light, is both the current technological limit and biological limit - going any faster would cause for any particles encountered in space to be perceived as radiation that would penetrate any ship and irradiate its inhabitants. And even that has only been attempted in open space - the atmospheres of Verdanus and Tertius provide enough air resistance that speeds are kept haltingly slow. Ship engines are likely similar to fighter jet engines in use in our own world today, though perhaps more efficient and powerful.

Weapons are effectively radiation guns - converting energy from energy cells into pinpointed gamma rays. Archaic projectile weapons likely exist, but are more of a novelty item than a weapon to be feared or used. Hand held blades are somewhat more common, though often kept short and for self defense.

Or at least that's the impression I have myself when coming up with some of the stories ^_^

Alias wrote:I have not defined the technology of the times, so androids may very well exist. However, I would suggest that such technology is likely being developed in secret, if at all, and knowledge, rumors, or even imagination of such things is not pervasive. Much of Tertius is mechanized, however, including mines and production lines. If we go by the Asimov universe, I would suggest that technology like the positronic brain has not yet been developed, and any electronic brain would be rudimentary and preventative of human-equivalent intelligence. But those are my suggestions - you're welcome to propose an alternative that you would prefer.

Other tech:

Space travel is obviously possible, but superluminal technology has not been invented. A speed of .1c, or 1/10th the speed of light, is both the current technological limit and biological limit - going any faster would cause for any particles encountered in space to be perceived as radiation that would penetrate any ship and irradiate its inhabitants. And even that has only been attempted in open space - the atmospheres of Verdanus and Tertius provide enough air resistance that speeds are kept haltingly slow. Ship engines are likely similar to fighter jet engines in use in our own world today, though perhaps more efficient and powerful.

Weapons are effectively radiation guns - converting energy from energy cells into pinpointed gamma rays. Archaic projectile weapons likely exist, but are more of a novelty item than a weapon to be feared or used. Hand held blades are somewhat more common, though often kept short and for self defense.

Or at least that's the impression I have myself when coming up with some of the stories ^_^

How much damage do radiation guns cause? Are there any particular types (handgun, assault weapon, long-ranged 'rifles')?

And what type of armor is in use?

I suppose you could kill with just one shot, though that's likely not been the culture for quite a while through the recent peaceful expansion. Most often the guns are used to cause topical burns, though you might propose an alternate technology that allows for stunning or knocking someone out via beam weapon.

Armor varies, though there hasn't been much development specifically to counteract the beam weapons. Tertian mine workers and such likely have radiation suits that could serve as rudimentary protection from beam weapons, and probably impact armor for construction which could serve to dissipate the energy. Space suits are much less clumsy and thick than what we are used to, and they are probably well insulated against cosmic rays, but they are still not particularly comfortable.

Your ideas are as good as mine on this tho, so propose alternatives!

Alias wrote:I suppose you could kill with just one shot, though that's likely not been the culture for quite a while through the recent peaceful expansion. Most often the guns are used to cause topical burns, though you might propose an alternate technology that allows for stunning or knocking someone out via beam weapon.

Armor varies, though there hasn't been much development specifically to counteract the beam weapons. Tertian mine workers and such likely have radiation suits that could serve as rudimentary protection from beam weapons, and probably impact armor for construction which could serve to dissipate the energy. Space suits are much less clumsy and thick than what we are used to, and they are probably well insulated against cosmic rays, but they are still not particularly comfortable.

Your ideas are as good as mine on this tho, so propose alternatives!

How about some sort of lightweight armor that can 'sense' incoming projectiles/beams, and solidify upon impact? Of course, this wouldn't protect against the bigger guns and point-blank range or contact shots.

But wouldn't projectile weapons would still exist, and be used, depending on the combat situation?

Suggestion: beam weapons could be a replacement for anti-tank guns and heavy machine guns.

I think the Reclaimers might have that kind armor, but likely only them - I'm assuming they are as much an experimental soldier pool as they are a special forces team. But you are welcome to roleplay in any details you want - we will simply avoid contradicting them once they are posted.

You're under an incorrect assumption however. Historically, military technology have only evolved when national units have opposition. Since Verdan assent to a unified planet, and due to a lack of an opposition to the fact, popular vote has only elected those leaders who would focus on public works.

When Tertius was discovered to be completely uninhabited, technology was developed to allow habitation on the planet. Plant life has been established to allow for a breathable atmosphere, but there is still much dust and conditions are not favorable. Up until this sudden revolt, military measures have been minimal in non-existent. Any tanks or missile systems would by now be outdated and likely nonfunctional, while any innovations would be few and irreplaceable due to a lack of centralized production. And trying to mass produce something without the flow of resources from Tertius would be an appreciably costly process.

Or so I'm thinking.

Alias wrote:I think the Reclaimers might have that kind armor, but likely only them - I'm assuming they are as much an experimental soldier pool as they are a special forces team. But you are welcome to roleplay in any details you want - we will simply avoid contradicting them once they are posted.

You're under an incorrect assumption however. Historically, military technology have only evolved when national units have opposition. Since Verdan assent to a unified planet, and due to a lack of an opposition to the fact, popular vote has only elected those leaders who would focus on public works.

When Tertius was discovered to be completely uninhabited, technology was developed to allow habitation on the planet. Plant life has been established to allow for a breathable atmosphere, but there is still much dust and conditions are not favorable. Up until this sudden revolt, military measures have been minimal in non-existent. Any tanks or missile systems would by now be outdated and likely nonfunctional, while any innovations would be few and irreplaceable due to a lack of centralized production. And trying to mass produce something without the flow of resources from Tertius would be an appreciably costly process.

Or so I'm thinking.

But why would beam weapons exist, then?

You've caught my interest with this story. I've got a few characters in mind, but I'd like to ask a question before I make a move.

Is it alright if one of my characters played as a boss in a sort of organized street gang in Tertius? It seems natural, since due to the chaos happening within weeks that somebody would exploit it. Especially since Tertius isn't completely settled. I'm not going to mention the Brotherhood, because from the description you gave, they seem more shady than what I was going for. If not, it's completely fine.

Aliath, Beam weapons were likely developed because Verdanus, before it laid claim to Tertius, was not resource heavy (the cityspace that now covers it is largely a result of the colonization efforts). So bullets would probably have actually become more expensive than energy during the Verdan rise, based on my image of their technological advances. Beams were likely developed for various other uses first, and then adapated to weapons when it became necessary. Now, although bullets are less expensive, the technology for beam weapons is likely favored is only because it is "advanced". Feel free to counter me with a different development tho!

Shiva, that could be interesting. I'm assuming you are intending to play a crime boss who sees the chaos as an opportunity to take control - which would fit perfectly into the theme of multiphase war. The nation probably should not be Koagrad, but you could choose virtually any other nation (which are so far all unnamed) - such as the one that Coot and Vanco were captured in. A nation dealing with both a planetary, international, and civil war sounds like loads of fun! As I've mentioned before, this is meant to read more like a book than the standard roleplay, so focus more on the plot than on just your character, and feel free to jump around and use other named or unnamed characters (unless they are explicitly "played by" someone else). If you give me the name you want for the country on Tertius you'll start in, I'll make that place for you :)

You are exactly right. I'll submit a small profile later, and because I am assuming the role of a crime boss I will be jumping around and controlling various NPCs as you predicted. By the way, if I cannot seize Koagrad, I'll gladly take a small country to the east that I will name Floragyas.The character I will submit will have plans on eventually controlling all of Tertius (A very big goal, I know) through means of a shadow puppet government. He's going to be very intrusive on any sort of planned justice.

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Well, beam weapons could be favored for their destructive power, being mounted on gunships and other military vehicles, as well as serving as anti-aircraft/anti-armor weaponry.

But projectile weapons (since they're much more advanced than those on Earth) could be favored for their accuracy, simplicity (it would take a highly trained expert to simply use one), rate of fire (in certain cases), and handling (beam weapons could be much bulkier).

I'd assume beam weapons would be more complex than just pulling a trigger. And it'd probably be a security risk to use one on-board a ship, lest you want to blast holes through every wall. xD

There are a lot of pros and cons when it comes to beam weaponry. Wouldn't the active use of both be simpler?

And Shiva, your idea sounds excellent. I've an idea for both our characters, as a matter of fact. I'll PM you.

Aliath wrote:Well, beam weapons could be favored for their destructive power, being mounted on gunships and other military vehicles, as well as serving as anti-aircraft/anti-armor weaponry.

But projectile weapons (since they're much more advanced than those on Earth) could be favored for their accuracy, simplicity (it would take a highly trained expert to simply use one), rate of fire (in certain cases), and handling (beam weapons could be much bulkier).

I'd assume beam weapons would be more complex than just pulling a trigger. And it'd probably be a security risk to use one on-board a ship, lest you want to blast holes through every wall. xD

There are a lot of pros and cons when it comes to beam weaponry. Wouldn't the active use of both be simpler?

Mind if I assume the identity of Devil's Advocate?

Beam weapons often aren't much more destructive than bullets themselves. It all depends on the intensity of the beam. I know how to make a powerful solar death ray using only the projector screen from a TV. It was able to light that particular TV's remote on fire. Then there are the less powerful beams, the ones you know as laser sights. Those are used to guide a gunner's aim, and are not particularly destructive unless shot straight into a living being's eyes for a prolonged period of time. There are Russian satellites that can shoot laser beams powerful enough to snipe missiles out of the sky.

As for your stance on projectile weapons, you must take into consideration that projectile weapons aren't more accurate than laser weapons. You have to take in account for bullet drop, wind speeds, and leading a moving target. A laser, which travels at the speed of light, are much more quicker, therefore much more accurate. This immediately eliminates leading, wind speeds, and bullet drop all in one fell swoop. I agree, however, on how laser weapons will likely be much more intricate and complicated as apposed to bullet weapons. However, efficiency is much better than simplicity, don't you agree? The pros seem to outweigh the con's here.

While laser weapons are always bulkier, they offer a much more reliable (if slow) rate of destruction. Bullets may have more strength in the short run, but a laser can simply power through most stuff with enough intensity. Strangely enough, beam weapons are not much more than pulling a trigger. While the gun WILL be much bulkier (due to the necessary mechanics to focus and intensify the beam) the general use will probably be the same as a projectile gun.

Lasers also take time to blow a hole in every wall. It's not star wars, lol. I also don't think lasers will even have the unpredictability to discharge when not in use, due to the potential damage. The makers will make sure not to let it happen.

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