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[10ebbor10]

Considering the (recent) demise of our last lordshiplike game, and the fact that I was planning on restarting an old game, I decided to try this one out. Hopefully similair to this game Link, but with a distinct setting. Trying to keep away from needless complexity, and instead exercising a bit on description and the like.

Anyway, before we can start, I need some answers on a few questions. But first, a few guidelines. First of course, the nessecairy yet often overlooked politeness clausule. We don't want a flamewar in the thread, nor do we want the game shut down, do we.

1. The setting is postapocalyptic, realistic Earth. I might be lenient on this for fun, but no fantasy elements. Radiation and genediseases will have predictable effects. Hightech and pseudotechnological developments are fine, though if you want to break physics, do it in a realistic way. (No do every psyonics. Probably no psyonics at all). That's not to exclude that strange things couldn't have happened. Who knows people had cloning and advanced gene manipulation, and revived the dinosaurs. Maybe the dragons are just a holographic projection, wrapped around stealth transport made for an exentric millionaire.

2. Location choice is free, but please in a reasonably populated area, and a reasonably habitable one too. (Also, Earth) ((If possible, not in America too. There are more interesting places in the world))

3. Time after the apocalypse can vary, but at least some generations have come and gone, and the apocalypse is still clearly visible.

4. This is no empty world. There will be quite a bit of interaction with your surroundings.

So well, on to the questions.

Who are we and why do we rule ? Do we have any particular strengths and weaknesses?

Where is our town located? What makes it special, what are it's (dis)advantages? Why do we live here? Who lives here anyway? Does it have name?

Any special things about the surroundings of our town? Maybe a hint at the local warlord, or a particulary benevolent volcano? Grassy fields or endless desert?

What technological development existed in this world before it's untimely demise (Note: It's unlikely that you'll reach technology levels hire than before the apocalypse. So if you want something special, it'd better have been invented).

What destroyed this world anyway? Was it the end of a golden age, or a slow decline into darkness, followed by the mercy of mutual annihilation.

[Ross Vernal]

We are known simply as The Man. We rule because we are good at using the Royal We, and also because we have a knack for figuring out how to make things work. Not just objects, but people. We are good at logistics.

Our town is located atop a small hill, and has a working natural spring. It has a wall made of rocks and abandoned vehicles. Its disadvantage is that the city is rigged up out of whatever spare materials were on hand, be it wood, shipping containers, etc. Also, we have a working natural spring, and water ain't exactly easy to find.

It is pleasant outside and good for growing plants.

We have no idea how advanced technology was, but we know that it was indeed advanced. Nobody really cares, because survival > speculation. We have the vague image of a utopian, computer-managed society, and have a fear of devices that can operate independently.

This world was destroyed by an event generally known as the Singularity, and it was a rapid spiral of self-destruction followed by a long slide into GRIMDARK Neo-Luddite postapocalypse.

[10ebbor10]

((Just as a general note, None of the information needs to be in character. In fact, OOC is probably clearer))

[Truean]

Backstory
It was the age of wonder and arrogance. Past tense. We marveled in our own magnificence as we gave birth to A.I., supercomputers, fabrication technology, and more while over half the planet starved. The difference between the Haves and the Have-nots was overwhelming.

The nuclear holocaust came after economic realities and failed relations with North Korea embroiled the United States of America and the People's Republic of China in hostile conflict. No one knows who launched the first nuclear armed ICBM, but several were launched. Mutually assured destruction, the aptly abbreviated "M.A.D.," occurred. Societal collapse occurred.

Us
Now, we are called the Ortex. In reality, the U.S.S. Ortex was a highly advanced research ship studying alternative food, fuel, and habitation sources. 683 years ago, it had advanced onboard supercomputers with artificial intelligence and navigational systems, towed underwater experimental habitats and submerged algae/kelp farm compartments. Its mission in the South Pacific was to test if humanity could colonize the ocean in light of critical overpopulation. The ship's log printout is preserved as a relic and speaks of losing all radio contact before attempting to return to home port, only to abandon this plan in light of radiation concerns.

Realizing it was, for all intents and purposes operating alone, the Ship's Crew settled a relatively unaffected area of coastline near the equator in what was once Columbia or Panama where the effects of nuclear winter were minimized. The Ortex is beached and the underwater habitation, and farming compartments are still operational on the sea floor, but have extremely limited capacity and more cannot be made. The Ortex itself is used as a shrine and knowledge repository; most of its supercomputers and A.I either don't work or are severely malfunctioning or non functional.

A.I.
We rule where we are, because of superior technology including water purification, communications, mapping, superior agricultural planning, computational power and logistical planning. Three A.I.s still operate in within the USS Ortex: Poseidon, Hera, and Athena. Poseidon manages ocean, navigational, and fishing matters. Hera manages habitation. Athena manages knowledge, archival, and book keeping concerns. While capable of holographic manifestation, the A.I.s chose to only communicate by audio to conserve power (Dedicated Fuel Cells currently have 129 years of A.I. operational power if Audio only is used). More A.I.s once existed aboard the Ortex, but they were taken out of service due to severe malfunctions. Hades, the former H.R. and conflicts resolution A.I. attempted to start a rebellion and was destroyed.

Currently, the three remaining A.I. tend to the human population and are attempting to find a more sustainable power source before their 129 year power lifespan is exhausted). 683 years of searching have not found a suitable one.

Population
The current population is 6,291 individuals. Most of which are descended from citizens of the former  nation of Panama. A small percentage of the line of the original Ship's Crew, though intermarriage has made these distinctions mostly irrelevant. After trade through the Panama canal virtually ceased, and the general societal collapse of humanity, most nations, including Panama ceased to exist and several conflicts occurred. Ortex was invaded 5 times in it's 683 year history. All of these invasion attempts were unsuccessful due to superior tactical placement aided by Athena and the other Ship's A.I.

The City of Ortex
Ortex is a relatively thriving habitation among the ruins of the world. It's main features include the beached U.S.S. Ortex, it's still operational undersea habitation and farming areas, and the sizable beach side community, as well as it's large banana and bean fields. The city proper is narrow and hugs the coastline with the exception of the area immediately around the beached U.S.S. Ortex. This wider area includes a public plaza,  marketplace and several buildings.  The rest of the surrounding areas are largely forested jungle now that the nuclear winter has largely receded and little remains of the once robust nation of panama. It is surrounded by a mound wall made of stone and excavation materials from the Panama Canal. The ship itself is very technologically advanced but the rest of the city is primitive by comparison--made largely of stone and wood. Several dozen miles separate the Ortex from the nearest neighboring states but not from it's nearest neighbors.....

The city revers the A.I.s who advise the Mayor. A counsel of elders also advise the mayor. A sheriff and 33 deputies carry out the will of the government adjudicated by 2 judges and 5 magistrates. There are departments of agriculture, fishing, military, civil works and infrastructure, and professions.

Other factions
New Panama City:
Since the aftermath of the societal collapse and nuclear war, the central government of Panama has kept tight control on the former U.S. Military technology and canal zone resources given to it both in light of the return of the canal zone and supplemented by later technology.  New Panama City is aggressively pursuing a united Panama once again under it's strict control. While it certainly has the military hardware to accomplish this goal, distance, harsh terrain, and poor logistical management have kept it from doing so. New Panama City's Military realizes that it has a finite but substantial amount of ammunition and that a total forcible conquest of the region all at once would deplete it's munitions stockpiles faster than it could replenish them.

New Panama City has control of formerly American Warships as well as other military technology. While it arguably could manage to expand, it realizes the tenuous political situation of the region does not bode well for anyone.

Aztec Empire:
Hailing from the ruins of Southwestern America and Mexico, the legendary people have once again migrated south. Their population is large but lacks technology. Having exhausted their munitions stockpiles centuries ago, the Aztec favor hand to hand combat with melee weapons. Their warrior culture is modeled after the ancient Aztecs. They are fearsome and are rumored to practice human sacrificial rituals as their Aztec ancestors did.

New Conquistadors:
Composed of certain segments of the former countries of Columbia and Venezuela, the new conquistadors are often seen as an economic powerhouse with large farming resources. Though unconfirmed, rumors of drug activity abound. Little is known of these relatively far off individuals except that they often appear seeking trade and interaction with various settlements

The Rastafarians:
Often stoned on cannabis, aka "ganja" and growing their own source. Rastafarians form small settlements and focus on their unique set of beliefs, while usually leaving everyone else alone especially if they are sufficiently stoned. They are not a nation or any association per se, but rather are scattered throughout the jungles. They will relocate but only move when they are forced to do so. 

Contras
An ultra military movement based off old paramilitary organizations. They operate in isolated locations and sell their mercenary services to the highest bidder.

City State of New Rav
The City State of new Rav was built around numerous copper and gold mines. They trade with several factions and have a carefully guarded advantage in the copper and gold markets. The A.I.s have long been interested in obtaining a steady shipment of copper from New Rav in the hope of one day building new electrical and computerized infrastructure, but this has been as yet illusive.

Economy of Ortex:

The City of Ortex is surrounded by Banana and Bean Fields. Small amounts of coffee and sugar are grown as well, but only enough for the local population. Additionally the Poseidon A.I. maintains a small amount of edible kelp and algae production from underwater farm compartments still operational from the original mission of the U.S.S. Ortex (this is enough to reliably feed perhaps 100 people consistently if it had to). Moreover, The area is surrounded bu jungle and hunting is practiced. Wood harvesting is kept to a minimum, but could be developed if needed. Fishing stocks from the Ocean are carefully harvested.

The Ortex's water filtration,purification and desalinization systems provide all the freshwater anyone could ask for, which is good because it's the only nearby reliable source of safe freshwater around.

NOTE: Before I do anymore on this, is there any interest in this or...?

Also I hope adding in other factions wasn't too overboard.

[10ebbor10]

It's fine, really. Though well, it's suprising that a warship, or any ship would survive 680 years.

So anyway, what do we still need. In both cases we still need some information on the leader figure, like skills and such and general character.

[10ebbor10]

Poke

[GreatWyrmGold]

It's fine, really. Though well, it's suprising that a warship, or any ship would survive 680 years.

With a maintenance crew in the thousands, it's hardly impossible. Need I remind you of how old, say, the Great Pyramids are? Or the Parthenon? Stonehenge? None of those were built to stand the worst a modern military could throw at them, and they haven't been maintained all the centuries or millenia they've been around, yet they're still standing.

[Cheesecake]

This seems cool.

[Ross Vernal]

+1 to Tru's background. Still sticking with the leader I thought of, though.

[mastahcheese]

((Just as a general note, None of the information needs to be in character. In fact, OOC is probably clearer))

I like that you say this, after reading post after post of RP-based threads, I felt like I was the only one who prefered just straight up facts.

Mostly this reply is a post-to-watch.

[Truean]

Poke

Don't you poke me.

It's fine, really. Though well, it's suprising that a warship, or any ship would survive 680 years.

So anyway, what do we still need. In both cases we still need some information on the leader figure, like skills and such and general character.

Leadership Figures:

Harrold Morisson is a former war hero and the current Sheriff of the City of Ortex. His insistence on defending San Jorez Pass has kept Ortex patrols there for years.

General Harrold Morisson is a decorated war hero of the City of Ortex, who rose to prominence during the early years of the city's latest counteroffensive against the Aztec Empire's invasion of the Panama Region. As a general in the Ortex army he was widely praised and gained popular support for his hardline attitude toward the various jungle factions when compared against the approach of his predecessors, but has drawn criticism as sheriff for an autocratic style and single minded focus on watching outlying jungle regions and most certainly any visitors to the city proper, to the detriment of Ortex morale and resources. He has campaigned vigorously for further contributions militarily and financially to expand the current City of Ortex settlement campaign - so much so that the Ortex's stake in Jungle has been viewed as his "war."

Morisson's personality is accurately summarized by the term "war hawk". Supported by the military as a whole as well as the deputies Morisson firmly believes in expanding the Ortex and bringing new territories into the fold by any means necessary, be it the San Jorez Pass the whole region. This stance, as well as disregard for losses, is one of the greatest issues his opponents have with him.

Captain Nonlan is a grizzled old ranger living in the Panama Region. He is the commanding officer of the Ortex patrols into the San Jorez Pass, stationed at Camp Gorge, "Holding this pass. It'll be the death of us. And, it really will be if we don't make a whole lot more ammunition for the Remington 700s in Charlie Position."
 
Nonlan can often be found sitting on the third floor balcony of the Observation Post at Camp Gorge. He is possibly one of the oldest rangers in the Panama Region and was instrumental in the defeat of The Aztec Empire at the First Battle of San Jorez Pass. Extremely influential among the Rangers with over four decades of experience, Captain Nonlan has been honored many times for his contributions to the City of Ortex. Although he no longer engages in combat operations due to his age, he nevertheless continues to assist the Rangers in their operations. Such is his influence that he even has the ear of the presiding elder counsel and the A.I.s, asking for more Rangers to be sent from Ortex.

Mayor Foria is daughter of the previous mayor, and grew up as something of a tomboy. She was destined to one day replace her father as the city's leader. Formerly, she was bored stiff with the place, a little in awe of people who've seen something of the outside world, and a bit naïve. Growing up as a tomboy gave her a sharp mind and quick wit, a free spirit and took away fear of speaking her mind.

Her father disappeared in the conflict with Aztec Empire and Foria took control. She opened limited trade with the City State of New Rav, something her father was afraid to do and something the City of New Rav is still only reluctantly accepting. Ortex's plentiful banana trade brought new opportunities for the strictly approved new citizens and the City expanded while obtaining limited access to New Rav's Resources. She ordinarily serves to cool the heads of Morisson and company....

Elder Zorin is a member of the elder counsel, and, as a former close student of the A.I. Athena, is quite technologically minded. He is an expert gunsmith and is in charge of maintaining the arsenal of the City of Ortex. His primary focus at present is making an efficient process to manufacture bullets, which presently is done in a relatively slow fashion, due to lack of major industrial facilities anywhere in the panama region (relatively speaking). At present he can easily provide for the needs of the Ortex, but should a major conflict break out, that supply would be hard pressed (just as many other factions know their own stocks would be). 

Zorin is a bearded and bespectacled man, who has never married. Many speculate why this is but few have ever received an answer. Zorin is gregarious and open, speaking to anyone who comes near him and who will listen about matters of engineering and chemistry. He is very interested in the idea of finding a reliable source of ores and consistent, long term fuel source for Ortex to somehow begin mass production of several goods if possible.

Elder Mavalira is missing her left leg, Mavalira ordinarily alternates between a wheel chair and a crutch. She has always enjoyed swimming, as it has provided her with an environment that allows her to move about more freely and without much concern for her  ... condition. She is a medical doctor and skilled surgeon under the A.I. Hera's tutelage who is intimately familiar with the ship's medical bay.  She has always had a fascination with orchids and a weakness for chocolate.

Elder Gervalin is a butcher and leather-working tailor based out of Ortex. He is very concerned with conservation of the local wildlife population and also their pelts/his livelihood. He has established somewhat of an influence with several of the local hunters, seeing as they require permits to ply their trade and he can get them. Gervalin is completely unconcerned with the rest of the world and wants it to be at peace primirily so that it does not disturb his work. He is vehemently opposed to General Harrold Morisson for exactly this reason. Morisson, in turn, believes Gervalin to be "as short sighted as he is ugly and he is very ugly."

Judge Nelson Mavaltin The Honorable Judge Nelson Mavaltin has resided (not a mistake, I did not mean "presided") upon the bench for 57 years. He has no willful intention of leaving, whatsoever, ever. Having seen over 100 years of Otrex history and having presided over more cases than any other jurist in Ortex history, Judge Mavaltin has an impressive, if antiquated view of history. His pet project is the Museum of History, which details with impressive archival accuracy the history of the Ortex under the care of both His Honor and The A.I.s Athena and Hera. He has a weakness for birdwatching and dreams of finding and spotting the a Wild Blue Spotted Redelinovias. He saw a picture of one in a book 72 years ago and has been longing to see one in the flesh and feathers ever since.

Magistrate Jerra Conval has presided as a magistrate for 38 years and has not so jokingly said Judge Mavaltin should "just leave already." She occupies her time attempting to tempt the good Jurist with distractions and reasons to leave his post in the hope of filling it herself. She has even gone so far as to send his honor on a wild goose Wild Blue Spotted Redelinovias chase. She does not believe such a fowl truly exists and speculates/hopes that it is extinct. Her honor has a passion for mahogany carvings (owning, not creating). She is sly and scheming, but rarely if ever overtly violent. Her formerly raven hair has grown gray waiting for Judge Mavaltin to die....
_____________________________________________________________
I dunno how you wanna stat those. You got a system or something?

[10ebbor10]

Poke

Don't you poke me.

Wasn't poking you. Rather poking the rest of the forum to express an opinion.

((Now which of these figures is the actual player character? Desciscions, descisions.
Also, stats are no problem. I don't intend to have many))

[Truean]

Poke

Don't you poke me.

Wasn't poking you. Rather poking the rest of the forum to express an opinion.

I know, that was the joke.

As to which of these is the PC? Are any of them, the PC? I dunno, what kinda game are you running here and what would work best?

I think that depends upon what you would like the PC to do. Clearly several of them are set up as support and structural NPCs

There's a medical concerns person (injuries and antidotes etc), a technological gunsmith (weapons), a historian/legal offical (quest giver, bounty establisher), a military general who is aggressive (quest giver/potential foil), and an old ranger.

I don't know exactly what you're looking for.

[10ebbor10]

Something similair to Maldevious lordship game, inspired by this game.

So basically, the PC is the cities leader.

[10ebbor10]

Ortex City

Ortex City, home to the Aegi, the machine gods. Their origin is shrouded in the mists of time, and despite their own best efforts, they are now worshipped as protectors of our City. They reside deep within the Ortex, whose towering mass of metal rises far above the common men's houses below. The Ortex has witnessed the passing of ages, it has survived the cleansing light of the nuclear apocalypse and has stood as an untiring guard over city for many years. Yet within, decay lurks around every corner. Many of the instruments onboard the ship have broken down, and of the original pantheon, only 3 Aegi remain. A large crack runs hidden beneath the waterline, a wound of ancient storms, festering, becoming worse with each passing year.

You find yourself in the ancient bridge, standing amidst instruments not used since the Ortex beached here so many years ago, overlooking the city. It sprawls out beneath you, with it's wooden houses and stone mansions, it's dirt roads and small markets, hugging the coast where the scarce fishermen beach their catch. Your gaze follows the road out of the city, past the workplaces of the smiths, following the fields stretching out into the jungle. The city has grown much under guidance of the Aegi, and such a growth is not without consequences. You can see the military training on the fields, preparing to defend Ortex from all those who would wish to steal her secrets.

Your view dwells over the jungle, far off, hidden by the distance, lies the San Jorez pass. Here our soldiers guard the peace, fighting against the Aztec people, who have come south again. They are a brutal and dangerous people, worshipping dark gods, and fight with primitive yet deadly weapons. Lately, the border has been quiet, but it can't be long before the Aztec attack again. If the pass falls, they would flood into the Panama region, which could have terrifying results. The Aztecs are not the only threat however, as this world has become a dangerous one. The city of New Panama seeks to extends it's influence, and the capture of the Ortex could be a keystone in this project.

The gravest danger might not come from outside, but from within. Opinions within the leading council of Ortex vary wildly, and as time passes the technology of the Ortex has become increasingly unreliable. You fear the day when it finally breaks down, or when it's fuel cells will be completely depleted. While the loss of the Aegi would be upsetting for the colony, loosing it's only source of fresh water would be it's death.

A shout from below snaps you of your ramblings, and you turn back to your daily bussiness. The militia is running towards the back deck, and you follow them, determined to find out what's going on. It quickly becomes clear when you reach the quarter-deck, where your militiia is already manning the railgun cannons. A fairly large steampowered ship is steaming into the laguna, belching black smoke into the air. 

After a small stand off, it is estabished that they're traders. Their ship anchors a decent distance away in the laguna, (Ortex city does not have a dock, as trading ships are rare and the fish is scarcely edible) small sloop is launched towards the shore. The semaphore also tells you that they carry a diplomat from New Panama city. Who and why you do not know, but you realize this is a serious matter. Considering the reputation of New Panama City, most likely it won't be good news.

Spoiler: Us (click to show/hide)

I'd really like to know this

Spoiler: Ortex City (click to show/hide)

6291 Inhabitants

Important Official "Buildings":
-Ortex
  -AI chamber with dedicated powersysem
  -Micronuclear reactor operating at 17% capacity. 
  -Water filtration/desalination system operating at 56% capacity
  -Kelp food production plant
  -Bridge
-Military barracks (Habitation and training space for 300 soldiers, Armory)

Civilian buildings:
-Wooden and stone housing
-Several smaller industries
-Small metalworking industry
-Small scale Fishing
-Expansive Farming area (Bananas, beans, ...)

Defenses:
-Mound wall surrounding the city. 3 unfortified gates
-Ortex Fortifications: 2 Railguns installed on the Quarterdeck, 2 Railguns on the front deck

Spoiler: Our stores (click to show/hide)

Later

Spoiler: Outposts (click to show/hide)

San Joren pass:
     -Small scale fortifications
     -Barracks (50 people, armory)

Spoiler: Important people (click to show/hide)