Man has and always will find ways to improve currently existing technology. From manpower to electricity. From horseback to motor transport. From the papyrus paper to the IPhone series. Technology is a great thing… but what if it didn't work out that way. What if technology evolved faster then what was the norm of what it would be. What if are greatest asset was also greatest detriment to society. This is the world of Cyberpunk, a world of ruin from advancement.
Helpful Reading: This is what you need for basic info.
This is some important info on Night City, CA.
The Setting: In 2020 AD, the world in a simultaneous state of superior technological prowess and extreme social depravity. With the weakened state of the world governments after many wars and the collapse of the global economy, many major corporations have grown into things resembling national superpowers. These mega-corporations hire the likes of rent-a-thugs for expendable protection and private eyes for corporate espionage. The funny thing is that the companies in question sometimes don't even deny it; the use it to their advantage to focus on more important things… like who might be spying on them. In the United States, there are no small towns anymore; only metropolises like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, etc. have survived the economic crisis of the past. The appearance of the big cities is semi-reminiscent of "Blade Runner"; lots of neon signs in many different languages, skyscrapers that you're certain touch the void of space, and pollution so thick that it’s hard to tell the difference between night and day. Everywhere else outside of the city limits is more-or-less a wasteland filled with abandoned superhighways, ghost towns the size of small cities (not always the case), and untamed wilderness. And in all of this societal degeneracy stands you, ready to make your mark on future history.
The Rules:
1. No GodModding… obviously.
2. Make decent sized posts. Single sentences are frowned upon. Not necessarily a ban-worthy offense, but repeated offenses will be dealt with.
3. On that note, have good grammar.
4. While player killing is possible and may be necessary, but let the GM prior to actually doing the deed. You need approval for such a thing.
5. Profanity - I give no fucks on severity, but keep it in moderation.
6. Sex & vice – See the above.
7. Keep it realistic (or as realistic as the situation permits). Unless you have cybernetic armor or something of the sort, you’re still a flesh and blood human being (mostly).
8. Most important, have fun. I took the time to make the enjoyable; only you can actually make it so.
The Corporations: The government has no say in political matters anymore. Now, it’s the conglomerates that rule. Their hold on the stock market in addition to the services and products that they provide makes their power unmatched. However, it is the very nature of industry that corporations compete with one another. The only problem with that is when two immense powers collide, debris tends to rain on the populace.
Here is a list of the major Corps:
• Eurobusiness Machines Corporation (EBM): Multi-role computer and electronics manufacturer; based in Hamburg, Germany.
• Zetatech: “Wetware” (and personnel associated), computer hardware and software design; headquartered in the “Silicon Valley” (Cupertino), California.
• Network 54 News: A nationwide news broadcasting service; based in New York City with a regional office in every major city in the US.
• Orbital Air: High speed cargo and passenger transport through/to Earth’s orbit (in the case of the latter, to the L-5 Orbital Space colony [really just a high-end hotel in space for the ultra-rich]); headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Microtech: A manufacturer of super-sophisticated mainframes and workstations; based in Dallas, Texas.
• BioTechnica: A firm specialized in genetic engineering and microbiological and biochemical research; based in Rome, Italy.
• Infocomp: Major corporate think-tank with a focus on information brokerage; HQ is in Los Angeles, California.
• Merrill, Asukaga & Finch: Exclusive investment and financial counselling firm based in New York City, New York.
• World News Service (WNS): The bigger brother of Network 54; headquartered in London, UK with regional offices abroad.
• Petrochem: An agribusiness specializing in various petroleum products; based in Dallas, Texas.
• Trauma Team Int.: A worldwide ambulance and paramedical service; based in Los Angeles, California.
• WorldSat Communications Network: A satellite transmission and communication company centered in Paris, France.
• Arasaka: A PMC based in Tokyo, Japan whose services include (but not limited to) corporate security, policing services, and various corporate sub-operations.
• Militech: The major frontrunner of arms manufacturing and distribution with a small mercenary presence on the side; based in Washington D.C.
Note: Dependent on your role in the world, most (if not, all) of the Mega-Corps can/will hire you for your services you may provide.
The Roles: Your character can have many occupations in this world of tomorrow, but with the ways of the times, your character would fall under these particular roles.
Rockerboys/girls – Rebel rockers who use music and revolt to fight authority.
Solos – Hitmen, bodyguards, killers, soldiers; whatever they call themselves, they're all the same.
Netrunners – Cybernetic computer hackers that become one with cyberspace itself.
Techies – Renegade mechanics and doctors who are adept fixing all manner of things, organic or otherwise.
Medias – Newsmen, reporters, and private eyes who go the wall for the truth.
Cops – Hard and gritty lawmen on the mean 21st century streets.
Corporates – Slick businessmen and multi-millionaires who’s most powerful weapon is the pen, not the sword.
Fixers – The deal makers, smugglers, and information brokers, these are the men and women who can get it made.
Nomads – Road warriors and gypsies that wander the lonely and abandoned superhighways.
Character Sheet:
1. Username: (“What is your name?”)
2. Name: (“What’s your REAL name?”)
3. Age: (“How old are you?”)
4. Gender: (“So, what… are you?”)
5. Sexual Orientation: (“What are you into?”)
6. Occupation: (“What do you do for a living/for you free time?”)
6.1 Role: ("What do you mean to your job?")
7. Appearance: (“What do you look like?”)
7.1. Height: (“Are you a giant or a dwarf?”)
7.2. Weight: (“You thin or wide?”)
7.2.1. B.M.I. %: (“Do you go to the gym often?”)
7.3. Nationality/Ethnicity: (“So, where you from?”)
7.4. Clothing Style: (“Are you in the now or do you dress like 2001?”)
7.2. Weight: (“You thin or wide?”)
7.2.1. B.M.I. %: (“Do you go to the gym often?”)
7.3. Nationality/Ethnicity: (“So, where you from?”)
7.4. Clothing Style: (“Are you in the now or do you dress like 2001?”)
8. Psyche Profile (Personality): (“Are you fucked in the head at all?”)
8.1. Motivations: (So, what makes you get out of bed in the morning?”)
8.2. Morality: (“Are you a patron saint or the Antichrist?”)
8.2. Morality: (“Are you a patron saint or the Antichrist?”)
9. Relationships (Friends & Family): (Do you have anyone waiting for you?”)
10. Skills: (“A jack-of-all-trades or a master-of-one?”)
11. Weapons & Equipment: (“Whatcha packin’?”)
12. Cybernetics: (“Any steel or synthetic under your skin?”)
13. Biography: (“So, What’s your story?”)
Are you ready to embrace the Future? If not, FUCK YOU!
