World of Tomorrow: A Singular Universe Meets 2099 Superhero Concept

[Johnny Blaze]

I've been working on an outline for a revamp of a Marvel Comics 2099 RPG I pitched back in the day on another board. It was running good for a bit, but then slowly faded away do to the board not having enough active players as a whole. These forums are much more appropriate a place to pitch this revamp of my 2099 idea, but with a twist. I'm trying to make it in the same vein of HenryJonesJr's Singular Universe game (a homage if you will) in the sense that it will include all Indie characters, not just Marvel and DC.

Without anymore BS, here's the game's rundown. Let a cracka know if you'd be interested in partaking in the game if an OOC thread went up, and, if you wish, what character you're interested in (I'm particular to a certain hammer-wielding Norse god, for instance).

Welcome to the Future!

The year is 2099, and the world is a different place than what it once was. With the heroes and villains of lore dying in wake of the Great Cataclysm (a cosmic event that severely warped space and time, causing untold universal devastation), along with over one third of the world's population, the planet was dealt a devastating blow.

But, from the ashes of destruction, order began to take hold once again as society began to rebuild. With the demise of the super heroes and their villainous counterparts, the 'Golden Age of Heroes' has come to a resounding end.

As society regrew itself over the course of the decades after the Cataclysm, science began to advance at a rapid pace, thrusting the planet into a new era: a Technological Age of Wonders.

But this Wondrous Age also brings with it a great danger and uncertainty. The powers that now rule the world are, at a whole, more totalitarianistic than ever before. Each constantly scrambling to gain more power and influence and keep what it already has from slipping from it's grasp.
And, as always in the struggle for supremacy, it is the common civilian that suffers.

In most societies around the globe, the common folk are treated as second class citizens, expendable fodder for their government, or worse, giving up freedoms for the 'security' their masters provide.

Now, more than ever, the world needs heroes to battle this nigh global corruption of power...


North America

Continental US

Spoiler

The Great Cataclysm arguably hit the United States the hardest out of the entire planet, destroying the country's economy and nearly all of it's infrastructure. But from the ashes of the old country, a new one was formed: one ruled by a congress of corporations, fore they were the ones who rebuild American society after it's fall. Four MegaCorps rule the land, though they all control smaller 'fiefdoms' of subsidiary corporations that are given sections of their territory to control, while taking a larger percentage from all business dealings they make.

Though civilization has returned in an astounding way, the mid-west (from Omaha all the way to Carson City, and from Phoenix North to Boise) remains a wasteland that even the MegaCorps stay out of. Many mutants, taking refuge from the persecution dealt towards them by the Corps, call the Badlands home.

The city of Las Vegas, now a husk of what it once was, is a massive community of mutants looking for an escape from the hostile world around them. Run by a man named Xi'an Chi Xan, Vegas is home to over a thousand mutants and growing by the day. A fact that may soon bring the unwanted attention of the corporations to his doorstep, and a fact that Xi'an is preparing for.

L-Corp is the largest of the MegaCorps, and it's territory runs down the Eastern seaboard of the country, from Maine all the way down into what was once Virginia. It's headquarters in super-city, Metropolis, it's CEO, Tyler Stone, runs L-Corp with the cold-blooded efficiency that would make it's founder, Lex Luthor, proud.

One smaller corporation controlled by L-Corp is Wayne-Powers. Controlling the city of Gotham, arguably the third largest in L-Corp's domain behind Metropolis and Nueva York, Wayne-Powers is run by the corrupt businessman, Derek Powers.
Having taken control of the company from the Wayne family years ago, Powers has turned Gotham back into the hive of corruption it once was.


Stark-Fujikawa is the second largest MegaCorp that comprises the country, controlling the entire West coast as well as what was once Southern Arizona. Out of the four MegaCorps, Stark-Fujikawa treats it's citizens the best, governing through trust and honor over the tactics of fear and propaganda that the others used.
Young Rumiko Stark, named after her grandmother, runs the corporation, and is a constant thorn in L-Corp's side.


COBRA rules what was once the American South, including Texas as well as Cuba and most of the Caribbean. Run by the latest man to bear the mantle of Commander, COBRA used the Great Cataclysm to their advantage and struck out with their forces, taking control of the territory in which they now run like a police state.

A large wall surrounds COBRA's continental territory, making an effective barrier against the rest of the nation. The wall, dubbed the Serpent for the way it winds across the country, is well armed and constantly patrolled by COBRA soldiers, keeping out all unwanted intruders and preventing any citizen from 'defecting'.


The MegaCorp called Veidt Enterprises controls the Northern portion of the one time United States, from Montana to the Great Lakes and into parts of Southern Canada. Out of the four MegaCorps, Veidt Enterprises is the most unknown, as they have kept an isolationist attitude since they came to power.
The MegaCorp's CEO, Nathaniel Richards, is rarely seen in person, even attending the annual meeting of the heads of the four corporations via hologram.

Canada

Spoiler

Largely covered in forests and the ruins of infrastructure, what was once Canada is a sparsely populated place. When the Great Cataclysm struck, thousands of Canadian citizens were forced to fend for themselves in the wilds during the harsh freeze of winter. Many fell to cannibalism, and became cursed, transforming into wendigos. Now thousands of these creatures roam the Canadian wilderness, preying on anything they can find.

Department K controls all of what was once British Columbia and Alberta. A highly secretive government run by a shadow council, the citizens under Department K are largely left to their own devices, but occasionally are used as unwilling, and sometimes unknowing, test subjects for Department experiments.
Order is kept in the province via the Department's military force as well as their elite task force, Weapon X, the latter of which is known of and feared throughout the continent.

The portion that was once Quebec, Newfoundland, and the islands of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are now a single territory, called the Second Nation, watched over by Alpha Flight: a band of genetically enhanced soldiers fighting to maintain their province's freedom, and to keep the encroaching wendigo threat at bay.

Central and South America

Spoiler

The type of organization and structure found in the North largely does not exist here. Both Central and South America are run akin to a futuristic version of the Wild West, a nigh lawless society. Home to various criminal organizations as well as infamous figures on the run, the two continents are places of extreme danger and intrigue.

Rio, the largest city in the Southern hemisphere, is akin to a massive city-state and is run by a private army calling themselves the Tarantulas. Who commands the Tarantulas remains a mystery, though they tend to let civilians be provided they keep out of the Tarantula's way and do what they're told.

In Mexico, rumors of a masked man garbed in black and wielding a blade made of pure energy has began to spread among the people. A defender of the people against those that would abuse them, this vigilante reminds historians of a local legend centuries old, due to the 'Z's he leaves carved into walls on his passing.

Europe

Spoiler

Most of Europe is under the control of the dictator, Golgoth, a ruthless tyrant who used the Cataclysm to seize power in Latveria and take control over all of Western, and a large portion of Eastern, Europe. Like his Latverian predecessor, Victor Von Doom, Golgoth is a mad genius, and commands a considerable army. Golgoth is also served by a squad of special commandos he has 'blessed' with powers due to a substance he calls the Eucharist, which is ingested in ceremonial fashion.

Great Britain

Spoiler

What was once a land of freedom and prosperity before the Cataclysm has since fallen into a fascist police state. The ruling political regime, called Norsefire, has exterminated all opposition to their power via concentration camps, along with all those of 'questionable' ethnic decent and religious beliefs. 'Strength through purity, purity through Faith' is a common motto of the Party,

Adam Susan, the leader of the Norsefire Party, rules the UK with a fear inspired order, brought largely about by the always and ever watching eye of the most sophisticated surveillance system on the planet, Fate.

Scandinavia

Spoiler

The Empire of Asgard controls the entire peninsula, and is as perfect a melding of science and magic one will ever see. Almost a futuristic version of medieval Europe, the 'peasants' toil in their jobs for the good of the state, while the privileged sit back and reap the rewards.

Run by a powerful wizard calling himself Lars Liesmith, a man claiming to be the son of Loki, Asgard keeps order in it's province via the Fenris Wolfpack: an order of knights using highly advanced weaponry and armor fused with magic.

Lars' rule is not absolute, as their is a small, yet strong, opposition to his forces: the Church of Thor. Believers of the courage and honor of their hero and of the true Asgard, the Church members fight to free their lands from Liesmith's tyranny. All the while, they firmly believe that Thor will return one day to lead them to victory and transform the Empire of Asgard into the Golden Lands of it's divine namesake.

Africa

Spoiler

Africa is a land mass divided, with everything North of Wakanda being a part of the now truly massive Sahara Desert, and with Wakanda and everything South being a lush, jungle paradise.

The Sahara is a place of barbarism and brutality, with the only real bastions of civilization being the few cities along the Nile. The city of Giza is home to the Apocalypse Cult, where they subjugate the city's masses under the laws of their lord, En Sabah Nur. It is said that Nur will return one day to lay siege to the planet, culling the weak from the Earth and giving rise to a new dawn for the planet.
The Four Horsemen rule the Cult as well as the city, wiping out any who oppose them.

The strongest opponents to the Cult of Apocalypse is the Kingdom of Wakanda, which now controls the rest of the continent, excluding Madagascar. Ruled by the latest Black Panther, the Kingdom of Wakanda is a bastion for the arts and sciences, as well as being a land steeping in mystic traditions. Like the Empire of Asgard, Wakanda blends technology with sorcery, but just not to Asgard's degree.
Though Wakanda does possess some of the most well-protected borders on the planet thanks in large part to their nigh exclusive access of vibranium, one of the most potent substances on the planet.

During the events of the Great Cataclysm, Genosha was sunk into the sea, but the surviving mutants relocated to Madagascar, and over the decades since the disaster, have transformed the large island into a utopia dubbed New Avalon.

Mutants flock to New Avalon's shores daily, seeking asylum. Most are permitted entrance, but not all are deemed worthy to enter paradise by the Brotherhood of Mutants, the mutant sect who rules the island. Extremely xenophobic towards non-mutants ('Flatscans' is the derogatory term they prefer), the Brotherhood preaches that the world is theirs by right of birth, and that, one day, the impure species will be wiped clean from the genetic landscape, paving the way for the ascension of the mutant species.

Feared by the neighboring Kingdom of Wakanda, the Black Panther and his allies wonder when, not if, they will be forced to launch an offensive against New Avalon before they begin to truly practice what they preach.

Asia

Spoiler

The once mighty continent of Asia remains sparsely populated, with vast stretches of wasteland and wilderness, dotted with densely populated mega-cities. A single power runs most of the dealings that take place on the mainland of the continent, while Japan is it's own unique entity.

Red Star, the largest mega-city on the continent takes up a what was once Moscow and a large portion of the surrounding countryside. Controlled by a man known as the Red Guardian, Red Star is a futuristic homage to the old ways of Soviet Russia.

The Mandarin Dynasty rules everything South of what was once Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. Emperor Temugin, current wielder of the ten rings, rules the land with a fair mind, but punishes law breakers brutally, and, on occasion, publicly. Still, the Empire takes care of it's citizens, and is a haven for cutting edge science and engineering, often exporting their items across the planet and beyond.

Japan

Spoiler

Since the Great Cataclysm, Japan has become a confederation of a dozen city-states, each run as it's own, small entity. The leaders of these provinces meet twice a year to discuss matters concerning the entire country, and their own interests.
Two of the main provinces are Kagoshima and Neo-Tokyo.

Neo-Tokyo is a totalitarian state of stunning technology and wonder, and one at a constant war with a rebellion of a portion of it's citizens. Street gangs are prevalent in the city, often carving out large territories for themselves that they defend violently.
Under the leadership of Colonel Shikishima, Neo-Tokyo, the largest of the dozen city-states, boasts the most advanced and well-trained military force of all Japan.

Kagoshima is a place of shadow and secrecy. Generally isolationist in nature, Kagoshima has some of the best defenses against spying on entire planet. The province is diminutive when compared Neo-Tokyo, but it arguably garners more respect than it's more massive contemporary, largely due to fear.

And that is because Kagoshima is ruled by the Foot Clan, an ancient order of ninja assassins and the most powerful of the ninja clans of Japan. Ruled by the latest man to claim the title of the Shredder, the Foot are a very dangerous player in not only the politics of Japan, but all of the world as well.

On the small island of Niigata resides the Foot's most ancient of adversaries and chief rivals, the Lin Kuei. Although they do not boast the number of the Foot Clan ninjas, the Lin Kuei can boast to having some of the most skilled killers on the planet. The current Grandmaster bears the title of his ancestors, Sub Zero, as well as their unique abilities.
Blending modern technology with man, the Lin Kuei ninjas are more cyborg now than human, radically increasing their efficiency.

The Black Dragon, one of the world's largest criminal organizations, bases itself in Japan. Dealing in everything from drugs, weapons, and human trafficking, the Black Dragons are some of the worst scum imaginable. The current boss is a man called Kabal, who is said to possess strange powers.

Australia

Spoiler

It's entire population nearly wiped from existence from the Cataclysm, Australia and New Zealand were left to their fate as the rest of the world worried about itself. Most of the survivors formed small settlements and tried their best to get by, but many perished in the years following the cosmic disaster.

But then a man wearing old robes and claiming to be the reincarnation of Nabu appeared on the shores. Wielding great magical powers, Nabu began to help restore the land back to health, and turning it into a sanctuary for the magical beings being persecuted and homeless from across the world.

A home to both human natives and magical immigrants, Australia and New Zealand are governed by Nabu, who dreams of creating the perfect utopian society. Despite efforts to squash disputes, a growing number of natives have become outraged at the growing number of immigrants arriving by the day.
To help keep the peace, Nabu appointed the demonic Hellboy as the head of his police force.

One location of note is Fabletown, which resides in the spot that was once occupied by Canberra. The original Fabletown was destroyed during the Cataclysm, so the survivors moved to Australia when they caught wind of Nabu's invitation.
With Bibgy Wolf as Mayor, Fabletown has been on the frontline of trying to promote the peace between the immigrants and the native populace that Nabu wishes to see.

RULES

Spoiler

• You may create original characters, original legacy characters (such as a Flash 2099 or Spider-Man 2099), or modern day characters that are revamped to fit the 2099 motive (such as Vandal Savage circa the year 2099 or taking Spider Jerusalem and fitting him into the 2099 setting). All character concepts must be approved by a GM before play can begin.
• You are allowed a maximum of two characters.
• You must post at least once every week, though it is preferred you post more, or your character will be up-for-grabs. Failure to post after a month will result in removal from the roster.
• PC's are not to be killed without permission. Nameless NPC's are fine, but PC's or important NPC's will require authorization. Don't do anything random, such as destroying the universe, either.
• Several storylines can be going on at once, in order to interact with other players. If a player's character does not want to be involved in another's storyline, they do not have to. Consultation and communication are the keys to a good PC-to-PC interaction.
• Sidekicks and legacy characters will be required to be permitted by the player orchestrating the mentor's role in the universe.
• You can travel anywhere on Earth or off-planet, provided it is within your character's means. Time-travel is forbidden, unless it is specifically required of your character choice.
• You are your character, so act like them. Create or portray their mannerisms, powers, and ideals to how they have been established in the game. BE the character.
• Respect the Gamemasters. If they make a request of you regarding the game, listen to them. Failure to adhere to GM or moderator requests will result in expulsion from the game.
• All regular forum rules apply.
• And finally, the most important rule of all: Have fun. Never take the game too seriously, or you will have lost the point. Heated arguments between players can result in probation or infractions - do not ruin it for other players. It is only a game.

Example Of Character Application

Spoiler

Character You Would Like to Play:

Character Alignment (Hero, Villain, or Walking the Line):

Appearance/Costume (Briefly describe or post a picture of what your character's costume looks like): .

Origin/History of Your Character and Their Personality:

Powers and Abilities:

Supporting Cast (If Any):

Sample Post (must be a minimum of 4 paragraphs with at least 2 lines of dialogue from your character):

[Byrd Man]

I'm in.

[HenryJonesJr]

I'm there.

[Master Bruce]

Interested for sure.

[Byrd Man]

C'mon, people, get interested!

[HenryJonesJr]

JB, did you put up an IC on the main IC area? It tends to gather more people than just the "Advanced" area one.

[Johnny Blaze]

I did not. I'll give it another day, and, depending on a response here, I'll put up a thread there.

[Johnny Blaze]

SHAZAM!