Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

BLACK VELVET SKY
If we can see the horizon, we want to know what's beyond.
- Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin
Introduction
In geosynchronous orbit above Seattle, Washington looms Boeing's massive Capital Ship Assembly Array (CSAA) where the NSS Eidolon, the first spacecraft with an axis exceeding one kilometer in length, nears completion. The massive ship marks a milestone for humanity's conquest of the stars, inspiring both triumph and fear. 54.6 million kilometers away, tense meetings are held on the partially terraformed Mars. Ever since a successful war for independence, the planet's inhabitants, colonists united as the Martian Free Republic, have nervously anticipated and prepared for retaliation by the de facto government of Earth, NATO. Even though the two organizations have formed a tenuous peace, military escalation on both sides continues.

And now, a new discovery threatens to plunge the Sol system into turmoil once again. NATO SIGINT organizations have intercepted covert interplanetary communications between the MFR and the independent Russian Federation. Partial decryption of these messages reveals heavy interest in a region of space previously thought to be of little importance. It is possible that whatever lies in this system offers a strategic advantage - one compelling enough to spur discussion of the possibility of an alliance. Investigation of these coordinates is now a top priority. That's where you come in.

As a top performer in your field, you are one of the best at what you do. Perhaps you work for a megacorporation, a nation state, or maybe you're a lone wolf freelancer. Regardless, you're needed for what could be one of the most delicate deep space exploration missions ever undertaken. NATO recruiters have contacted you directly to inquire about your interest in a classified operation involving revolutionary new technology just now becoming reality: the FTL drive. You are one of the few offered the chance to travel outside this solar system and explore the stars and planets in the galaxy beyond. Do you accept? Just sign on the dotted line, and we'll give you all the details...
Technology




The NSS Intrepid XDS-5


The NSS Intrepid lands at Edwards AFB.

Type: Experimental Deep-Space Research Frigate

History: Developed by a consortium of megacorps including industry titan Boeing, Lockheed Grumman, and Intel, the NSS Intrepid is the current pinnacle of spacecraft technology. As a member of its mission, you've been granted access to this classified specification.

Hull: Boeing XDS-5 Carbon Nanotube Composite Hull (140 meter axis)

Power Plant: Sandia Corporation deuterium/tritium fusion reactor

Propulsion Systems:
  • Sandia Corporation high-efficiency Alcubierre-class FTL drive
  • Lockheed Grumman magnetoplasmadynamic thruster suite
  • NASA JPL launch/backup fixed chemical thrusters

Weapons:
  • 1x fixed General Dynamics CG-4 240mm coilgun
  • 4x gimballed General Dynamics GAU-39/S "Liberator" 50mm electronic-fire rotary cannon
  • Intel EWAR suite
  • Lockheed Grumman point defense system

Support Systems:
  • 3 ZFLOP Intel flight computer with autonomous agent interface
  • Siemens AG integrated life support and medical bay
  • Integrated sensor array
Roles
I will be playing the ship's AA (autonomous agent), the ship's medical doctor, and NPCs. The following roles are available for players, the listed players have expressed interest:
* Minimum crew required for the ship to fly.

General interest: @Plank Sinatra, @Kangaroo, @Dragoknighte

If there is a role you would like that you do not see here, please feel free to suggest it. I'm aiming for 4-5 players. I will have my character sheet for the doctor up soon so you have an idea of what to expect on that front. As far as the game goes, hopefully you've gotten an idea of the tone from what's here. There will be mystery, exploration, politics, and living trapped in very tight quarters with other people for long periods of time. Please let me know if you're interested, and feel free to ask any questions. More setting information may be up here soon, and definitely will be up in the IC/OOC.
Rules
These are here so you can make sure this game will be a good fit for you before investing your valuable time.

Interaction:
  • We will treat each other like we are all in the same room sitting at a table trying to have fun. Anonyminity is not an excuse for assholery.
  • We are all partners in creating a collaborative fiction with equally valid contributions. Everyone (including the GM) will make their best effort to respect the choices a character makes. In return, everyone (including the GM) will make their best effort to have their characters behave in a way consistent with their personality and environment. Please no god-modding or metagaming, unless your character is actually a god. Then go for it.
  • Please try to keep as much interaction as possible in public. If scheming must be done in private, by all means, start a PM. But it works better if we can call stay up to speed on what's going on.

Posting:
  • A post order will be enforced.
  • On your turn, you will have one week (seven 24-hour days) to make a post.
  • If there is something your character must absolutely respond to out of order, immediately make a post indicating you're going to interject, then edit it ASAP with actual content. Please have this content done within 12 hours to avoid slowing things down.

Content:
  • The following subjects should be avoided: anything prohibited by forum rules, obviously. Fair warning: I like to offer my players difficult ethical choices in the course of the game. At risk of being trite, if watching the evening news bothers you, this may not be the game for you. However, explicit violence, language, etc. should be the exception, not the rule. The majority of this game should be right around PG-13. If something bothers you, send me a PM - we can work it out one way or another.
  • Reading text in long, semi-comprehensible, unpunctuated blocks makes me do irrational things like quitting roleplays and committing myself to a life of isolation and self-denial as a monk in a Benedictine abbey. Please have mercy, as I will read everything you post. Use punctuation, separate your text into paragraphs, and use spellcheck if you need it.
  • I encourage romance. Fade anything unredeemably saccharine to black.

I think that pretty much covers it. Please ask if you need clarification about anything.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a physicist/astronomer/very smart person. I just write code. I'm aiming for hard SF here but there's bound to be some stuff that just doesn't make sense. Please don't hate me too much.
4x Like Like
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Rekaigan
Raw
Avatar of Rekaigan

Rekaigan Rolling Sushi

Member Seen 3 yrs ago

I'm interested! I'll most likely make a Scientist character ^^
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Plank Sinatra
Raw
Avatar of Plank Sinatra

Plank Sinatra the reaper won't come when you're ready for him

Member Seen 24 days ago

This looks interesting for sure. I'll weigh over whether I have time for it, so mark me down as tentative.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Leodiensian
Raw
Avatar of Leodiensian

Leodiensian

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

I have an idea for a First Contact specialist - would that come under scientist?
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Meth Quokka
Raw
Avatar of Meth Quokka

Meth Quokka This Was Nutter's Idea

Member Seen 2 yrs ago

I'll throw an interest down, not too sure on what role yet though.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Lexicon
Raw
Avatar of Lexicon

Lexicon Once a Week Poster

Member Seen 2 yrs ago

Interested in a security specialist role. I have an idea for a talented, yet relatively young, specialist. She's amazing at what she does, but she doesn't have a great deal of field experience. Could make for some interesting interactions with older, more tried and true characters.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Dragoknighte
Raw
Avatar of Dragoknighte

Dragoknighte

Member Seen 2 mos ago

I'm really interested in this. Thinking about having an old veteran type, but I'm flexible
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

I have an idea for a First Contact specialist - would that come under scientist?

Sure, perhaps an astrobiologist?

I'm working on a CS template as well as an overview of mechanics (rules if you must). Those should be up soon. Thank you to all who've taken the time to read so far, as well as those who've expressed interest.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by ClocktowerEchos
Raw
Avatar of ClocktowerEchos

ClocktowerEchos Come Fly With Me!

Member Seen 17 hrs ago

@whistVery intrigued. Think about a main pilot (think Sulu from Star Trek) or something like that. I'd also be up for captain if no one else ends up taking it. Senior Engineer might also be an option so long as I get a cool accent.

What does Chief Officer do though?
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

@whistVery intrigued. Think about a main pilot (think Sulu from Star Trek) or something like that. I'd also be up for captain if no one else ends up taking it. Senior Engineer might also be an option so long as I get a cool accent.

What does Chief Officer do though?

The reason I did not list a dedicated pilot role is because (as I imagine things), under normal conditions, most physical navigation of the ship is performed by a flight computer. In abnormal situations the captain or engineer could take over with an actual stick and throttle, Apollo 13 style. Also, cool accents are basically a prerequisite of being an engineer, right? Just to add though: your character can be from anywhere on Earth or a Martian traito-*cough* colonist, as long as they do not have easily discoverable ties to organizations/individuals that NATO considers overtly hostile.

The CO (or XO) fills several important roles. First and foremost if the captain is say, kidnapped by angry little green men, the CO takes over command of the spacecraft. The CO is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the ship. They make sure the captain's abstract strategies and orders become a practical reality. Or, alternatively, inform the captain as to why their strategies are stupid, impossible, or both.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by ClocktowerEchos
Raw
Avatar of ClocktowerEchos

ClocktowerEchos Come Fly With Me!

Member Seen 17 hrs ago

<Snipped quote by ClocktowerEchos>
The reason I did not list a dedicated pilot role is because (as I imagine things), under normal conditions, most physical navigation of the ship is performed by a flight computer. In abnormal situations the captain or engineer could take over with an actual stick and throttle, Apollo 13 style. Also, cool accents are basically a prerequisite of being an engineer, right? Just to add though: your character can be from anywhere on Earth or a Martian traito-*cough* colonist, as long as they do not have easily discoverable ties to organizations/individuals that NATO considers overtly hostile.

The CO (or XO) fills several important roles. First and foremost if the captain is say, kidnapped by angry little green men, the CO takes over command of the spacecraft. The CO is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the ship. They make sure the captain's abstract strategies and orders become a practical reality. Or, alternatively, inform the captain as to why their strategies are stupid, impossible, or both.


The temptation to make a notSpock is strong but I will try to avoid it.

So yeah, I can do any of the first three on the list (Cap, XO, SenEng) although it seems like I'm most likely going to be the captain as of right now unless someone else wants it as a first pick.

now I must resist the urge to make a notKirk. oh the struggles are real
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Mao Mao
Raw
Avatar of Mao Mao

Mao Mao Sheriff of Pure Hearts (They/Them)

Member Seen 0-24 hrs ago

I would like to be either Captain or a CO.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by Polymorpheus
Raw

Polymorpheus

Member Seen 4 yrs ago

.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Lovely. Can't wait to see where this goes. Mind if I take a stab at Captain?

I'm also curious to know if these techs are common:

Biotech: Cloning, designer babies, retroviruses, uplifts, etc.
Cybertech: Enhancements, replacements, cybertelepathy, mental uploading, etc.
Infotech: Augmented and virtual realities, quartz data storage, quantum computers, etc.
Microtech: Micromachines, nanomachines, matter (dis)assemblers, etc.

Biotech: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) reproductive cloning technology has progressed to the point where creating human clones is possible within a cutting-edge laboratory. Several problems remain. No safe way of accelerating the aging process has been found, and clones still develop their own distinct personalities separate from their source. There is no way to "transfer" a mind, much to the dismay of politicians and CEOs seeking immortality. Furthermore, the human cloning ethics debate still rages on, which lead NATO to place an indefinite moratorium on the issue. However, it is common and socially acceptable (if very expensive) to grow and store replacement organs - just in case.

Developing on 21st century CRISPR technology, designer babies are common among those who can afford genetic engineering services and believe they know what's best for their baby's genome. Changes are limited to basic physical traits.

Cybertech: It is possible and common to replace limbs. For internal organs, biotech solutions are preferred, however, mechanical replacements are a (relatively) cheaper alternative. Augmentations above normal human ability are possible but illegal under NATO law. The idea of people who can punch through steel plating, perfectly conceal deadly weapons, and react with superhuman speed and agility tends to worry some folks. Rumor has it that hasn't stopped black markets from cropping up here and there, as long as you're comfortable with your surgeon having "graduated from a real medical school, I swear!"

Telepathy/mental uploading or transfer is still in its infancy due to real problems developing a brain-computer interface with enough bandwidth to accommodate high intensity applications.

Infotech: Augmented reality is common and usually takes the form of glasses or contacts using digital light field technology. Most of the functions one performs in today's (2016) society with a smartphone are now performed within AR. VR is used in some specialized applications, gaming, and the military, but the average person needs to maintain awareness of the environment around them. Studies also show negative dissociative psychological effects correlated with extended VR usage.

Data storage and I/O has been greatly increased with the introduction of holographic data storage. In combination with the advent of planetary scale mesh networking, huge volumes of data can be moved and processed rapidly in a decentralized manner. However, laws passed during early 21st century privacy debates greatly limit the ability of governments and corporations to access this public data. Therefore, these entities have constructed much more limited private networks that must be used to access their services. This has limited the development of information technology to those with the know-how to work outside of established infrastructure.

Quantum computers exist and dominate some specialized applications. However, for reasons such as expense and compatibility with legacy systems, digital computers remain the most widespread.

Microtech: Nanoscale engineering is an extremely promising and lucrative field. Huge budgets fund the nanotech departments at companies like General Dynamics. Most of the public is unaware these departments even exist, let alone what they are working on.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by ClocktowerEchos
Raw
Avatar of ClocktowerEchos

ClocktowerEchos Come Fly With Me!

Member Seen 17 hrs ago

@whist If you don't mind me asking, when do you think the ETA of the OOC will be? Seems like we got enough people atm or do you want some more?
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

@whist If you don't mind me asking, when do you think the ETA of the OOC will be? Seems like we got enough people atm or do you want some more?

I will work on it tonight and have it up by tomorrow. I will also post a sample character sheet along with the OOC. If everyone who expressed interest participates, we will have nine people, plus myself. That's a bit greater than planned for but definitely still workable.
1x Like Like
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

The OOC and sample CS is up here: roleplayerguild.com/topics/139995-blac..

Let's finalize what roles people want in that thread, then we'll be good to go to start posting sheets. The current lineup is as follows if everyone is placed in a role they mentioned as desired:

Captain: @catchamber
Chief Officer: @The Spectre
Senior Engineer: @ClocktowerEchos
Security Personnel: @Lexicon
Scientists: @Leodiensian @Rekaigan

Please confirm your acceptance or raise any objections in the thread posted above.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Lexicon
Raw
Avatar of Lexicon

Lexicon Once a Week Poster

Member Seen 2 yrs ago

Sorry, folks, another RP caught my eye. I won't be participating in this one, sadly. Best of luck to you, though.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by TyrannosaursRex
Raw

TyrannosaursRex

Banned Seen 4 yrs ago

Deleted
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by whist
Raw
OP

whist

Member Seen 8 yrs ago

Still accepting players?

If you could give me some time (probably around a day) to determine who from the interest check will be participating, I can give you a definite answer. Right now probably yes, and we've had someone leave.
↑ Top
© 2007-2024
BBCode Cheatsheet