"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."
-Thomas Paine
-Thomas Paine
America. Land of the brave, home of the free. Or so it used to be. America used to pride itself on being the vanguard of democracy and liberty. The shinning beacon of freedom. Whether fighting for independence, landing on the beaches of Normandy or watching the fall of the Soviet Union, America's battle cry was always free will and self determination. That was until a disaster hit home how fragile freedom could be.
On September 11, 2001, a number of extremist committed an attacked on United States soil. During those trying times, the American people looked towards the pillars of society. Super powered heroes who helped enforced safety and order throughout the country. This men and women were looked to as examples. However they were just as confused and panicked by the events. To make matters worst, the irreputables of the nation crawled out of the woodwork to achieve their own agendas amidst the turmoil. Looting, rioting, thefts and murders were reported.
President Adam Andrews, the 43rd elected leader of the nation, saw no other recourse but to act upon emergency powers. National marshal law was enacted. Laws that forbid the American military from policing its own people were repealed. The super human miscreants were quickly hunted down and organizations who could have only been suspected of challenging law and order were brought down. Peace and stability was brought back to the nation but not without a cost.
The beacon of democracy died and it was replaced by the scortching flames of despotism. Judicial powers were given to the executive office and new laws were passed that would allow the president to appoint senators and governers when needed. At first, the threat of another breakdown of society had made people blind to what was happening. They accepted the 'comprimises' in hopes of returning back to safer lives. Only too late did they realise what they allowed to happen.
It has been 20 years since the disaster of 9/11. America has turned into a Isolationist Dictatorship pretending to be a republic. People live their lives as normally as one could in this authoritarian regime. The heroes of the past were forced to retire or join the program. The Rapid Responce Unit was established for this super humans willing to serve the nation. They could be called upon to act anywhere and anytime to stamp out crime or crush resistance.
But amidst this shadow of oppression, a new hope may be rising. An unlikely alliance of former heroes and villains have banded. Their means may differ and their ideals clash but they have the same goal. To bring back the torch of freedom and democracy to the United States. To give the scared masses a new light of faith. That the system can be brough down. Putting their very lives on the line, they pursue their dream. They have no faces, no costumes, no names. They are simple known as 'the Underground'.
Introduction
Welcome to the Underground, a superhero roleplay set in a near-future dystopia. America has turned to authoritarianism following a devasting attack on the country followed mass unrest. Now its up to a shadowy organization to fight for freedom when noones else will. Unlike the days of old, this heroes wear no capes or have symbols on their chest. They instead act behind the viel, always avoiding the gaze of big brother.
The rules are pretty simple. Follow the ToS, let's keep it civil when there's an argument and always consult with another person if you're going to include them in your post. If you have a problem with the way I handle the story, just hit me a private message and we can talk about it there. You know, the basics.
Character Sheet
After you've finished making a sheet, post it on the OCC page first and mention me. I'll review your sheet and then approve it.
If you have any questions, go ahead and ask. I'll try to answer them as best I can. Have a great day.
