Concept:
Those who are recruited by Obsidian, for Project Onyx, are those who have nothing left to lose. Some have been scraped off the streets, others taken off death row - whatever the means by which they were discovered, they all possess vital traits that make them suitable candidates to become living weapons: they are young, they are desperate, and they are malleable in both body and spirit. Other variables are also considered - such as outstanding physical ability and mental acuity. Specialized Recruiters identify candidates and, after observing them for extended periods of time, decide whether to extend the offer. Candidates who refuse are terminated.
Who is Obsidian? Obsidian, outwardly, is a well-known and reputable American defense contractor specializing in cutting edge weapons manufacturing. However, they harbor dark secrets and a cutthroat ambition. They have developed a series of treatments, both chemical and psychological, that can turn an ordinary human into a high-powered mercenary. The treatments have different affects on different subjects, often exaggerating existing skills and traits. For others, strange new abilities arise. They are calling this Project Onyx.
However, the treatments are far from perfected, and 9/10 subjects do not survive. Those who do survive are far from lucky. They must learn to manage their newly manifested powers and the side affects of the treatments. They also have to come to terms with what Obsidian has planned for them. Essentially mercenaries, these Onyx Operatives will be hired by any individual or organization for jobs requiring a high level of intelligence, skill and ruthlessness. Jobs that would be considered impossible, if not for the Operative's unique skills and abilities. Given that the operatives are so powerful, what's to prevent them from turning on those who created them? The answer is a built in kill switch connected to the nervous system. Any operative who deviates from orders is incapacitated without hesitation and, depending on their offense, put down.
This is the story of the subjects who are thrown into the mysterious and deadly world of Obsidian. Surviving the treatments is the easiest part. They must come to terms with what they've become and what they will be forced to do. Some of the questions they could face are Obsidian's true motivation. Will they be content with being simply contractors, or will they seek to use their assets to gain power and influence? Other issues could be the question of free will - can the operatives be content as living weapons, or will they seek to turn on those who created them?
Possible Playable Characters:
Alpha Operatives: These operatives are from the very first trials - the Alpha Tests. They are older and have more experience, and often are extremely unstable to the point where they are being "put out of commission" early. Because their version of treatments were largely imperfect, they are basically clunkier and more unpredictable than newer subjects. Some have gone mad, others choose to end their lives on their own terms, and still others are put down by Obsidian for being liabilities. There are very few of them left and they serve as extremely jaded mentors for the later subjects, as well as a dark look into what could possibly be in their future.
Beta Operatives: These operatives are from the latest trials - the Beta Tests. Their treatments are considered successful, and they display fewer side affects and much better control over their powers. While the Alpha Operatives were like swords, the Beta Operatives are like scalpels. Once these operatives finish their treatment and training, they will be eligible for active duty. Depending on their abilities and skills, they can work alone or in teams on any contract that Obsidian accepts.
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If you are interested in this idea, please let me know! I have a lot of ideas for characters, beyond those already proposed, that I think could really flesh out the world - such as Recruiters, the directors of Obsidian, the doctors/psychologists working on Project Onyx...etc. I really want this to be gritty and noir-esque (in the moral ambiguity/cynical/fatalist sense).
I'm also very open to suggestions for plot development and world-building. I really like it when RPGs are collaborative, so feel free to ask questions and submit suggestions.
Those who are recruited by Obsidian, for Project Onyx, are those who have nothing left to lose. Some have been scraped off the streets, others taken off death row - whatever the means by which they were discovered, they all possess vital traits that make them suitable candidates to become living weapons: they are young, they are desperate, and they are malleable in both body and spirit. Other variables are also considered - such as outstanding physical ability and mental acuity. Specialized Recruiters identify candidates and, after observing them for extended periods of time, decide whether to extend the offer. Candidates who refuse are terminated.
Who is Obsidian? Obsidian, outwardly, is a well-known and reputable American defense contractor specializing in cutting edge weapons manufacturing. However, they harbor dark secrets and a cutthroat ambition. They have developed a series of treatments, both chemical and psychological, that can turn an ordinary human into a high-powered mercenary. The treatments have different affects on different subjects, often exaggerating existing skills and traits. For others, strange new abilities arise. They are calling this Project Onyx.
However, the treatments are far from perfected, and 9/10 subjects do not survive. Those who do survive are far from lucky. They must learn to manage their newly manifested powers and the side affects of the treatments. They also have to come to terms with what Obsidian has planned for them. Essentially mercenaries, these Onyx Operatives will be hired by any individual or organization for jobs requiring a high level of intelligence, skill and ruthlessness. Jobs that would be considered impossible, if not for the Operative's unique skills and abilities. Given that the operatives are so powerful, what's to prevent them from turning on those who created them? The answer is a built in kill switch connected to the nervous system. Any operative who deviates from orders is incapacitated without hesitation and, depending on their offense, put down.
This is the story of the subjects who are thrown into the mysterious and deadly world of Obsidian. Surviving the treatments is the easiest part. They must come to terms with what they've become and what they will be forced to do. Some of the questions they could face are Obsidian's true motivation. Will they be content with being simply contractors, or will they seek to use their assets to gain power and influence? Other issues could be the question of free will - can the operatives be content as living weapons, or will they seek to turn on those who created them?
Possible Playable Characters:
Alpha Operatives: These operatives are from the very first trials - the Alpha Tests. They are older and have more experience, and often are extremely unstable to the point where they are being "put out of commission" early. Because their version of treatments were largely imperfect, they are basically clunkier and more unpredictable than newer subjects. Some have gone mad, others choose to end their lives on their own terms, and still others are put down by Obsidian for being liabilities. There are very few of them left and they serve as extremely jaded mentors for the later subjects, as well as a dark look into what could possibly be in their future.
Beta Operatives: These operatives are from the latest trials - the Beta Tests. Their treatments are considered successful, and they display fewer side affects and much better control over their powers. While the Alpha Operatives were like swords, the Beta Operatives are like scalpels. Once these operatives finish their treatment and training, they will be eligible for active duty. Depending on their abilities and skills, they can work alone or in teams on any contract that Obsidian accepts.
---
If you are interested in this idea, please let me know! I have a lot of ideas for characters, beyond those already proposed, that I think could really flesh out the world - such as Recruiters, the directors of Obsidian, the doctors/psychologists working on Project Onyx...etc. I really want this to be gritty and noir-esque (in the moral ambiguity/cynical/fatalist sense).
I'm also very open to suggestions for plot development and world-building. I really like it when RPGs are collaborative, so feel free to ask questions and submit suggestions.
