It is the year 2202, and Mega-Corporations have ruthlessly consolidated power: they make everyone, from the lowliest wage slave to the most powerful government leader, dance to their tune. Many people sell their lives to these megacorps, believing they have no choice. With these megacorps come the exponential advancement of human society, powerful AI and sophisticated machines, biotechnology and cybernetic enhancement have become the norm, and provide numerous physical advantages- for those who can afford it. These megacorporations eclipse even governmental powers, with the entirety of many major nations being completely owned by the shareholders of various megacorps.
Neo-Japan, one of the technological capitals of the world, is one such nation under the dominion of these megacorporations. Carved into various chunks of territories by some of the largest megacorporations in the world, the majority of continental Japan has been converted into a sprawling jumble of metropolitan communities, industrial wastelands, and concrete highways bracketed by the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
In this era of corporations, espionage, sabotage and cutthroat business are the norm. The shadows cast by these towering metroplexes are long, and in these shadows, the world's underworlds thrive. Entire societies live and die in these shadows, relying on these black-market underworlds. They are exploited and abused, yet powerful in their own way. The Mafia, Yakuza, and other crime syndicates have grown explosively as their networks provide anything that people want to buy. The megacorps like to believe that they let these underworlds survive, for their own purposes. When the various megacorporations want something done, but don't want to dirty their hands, they often turn to elite criminal operatives within the underworld.
These criminal elites go by different names depending on where in the world one is. Here in Japan, these specialized criminals for hire are known as 'Ronin'. More than just petty pickpockets or thugs, these Ronin are the professionals of this Black-Market society. Often former Spec-Ops and soldiers from private megacorp-militaries and espionage teams, these Ronin are cut from a different fabric than your typical gun-toting thug or Yakuza enforcer. Ronin are by nature skilled warriors, saboteurs, spies, and assassins. Contracted to fulfill any and every type of underhanded task imaginable, these Ronin often work by themselves or in small teams, and are typically loyal only to themselves or to the payroll of their employer. Despite this, Ronin will typically not attack one another, unless absolutely necessary, often upholding themselves to a code of personal honor, and generally avoid wanton mass murder- though these definitions are not universal.
The Tokyo District of Neo-Japan, holds some 1 billion people within its district limits, its dense population shoved into coffin sized apartment buildings, and massive housing complexes. Some 60% of its population are affiliated with one of the big megacorps, the rest struggle to get by through temporary positions, McJobs, criminal activity, and "Gray Area" operations. Ronin fall into this last category. Tokyo's dense nature, as well as its identity as one of the most technologically advanced regions of the world, make it an ideal location of Ronin operations. Gangs fight over turf. Criminal organizations battle for control of extralegal materials. Politicians and Corporations jockey for administrative power. The Tokyo District is what Ronin like to call a "Target-Rich Environment".
Life in Neo-Japan is rough, but rough is the norm for Ronin and the rest of the Japanese Underworld. Ronin can go from working high profile jobs that earn somewhere in the tens of thousands of credits, eating at the finest establishments and sleeping in the biggest apartments, to the next day struggling to survive on scraps, hopped up on too many chems and sims to be cognizant. The life of a Underworlder isn't easy, or particularly long for that matter. But many would argue it as a better existence than to be a wageslave of a megacorporation.
This RP will revolve around a small group of Ronin, as they try to eke a living for themselves in this turmoil filled city called Tokyo. When we find ourselves involved in a job that may be just over our heads, we will be forced to do whatever we can in order to survive. Just another set of pawns in a world of corporate espionage, thrust into a world of Neo-Japan, where neighbors don't trust one another, and brothers stab each other in the back. Superhumans challenged by ideas of morality and forced to balance ethics and profit, as we fight for survival in this tumultuous underworld. How will we fare? Only time will tell.
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Hi everyone! Welcome to the Interest Check for Ronin: Neo-Japan. This is a concept I've been toying around with in my head for some time now- as you can clearly see, it is heavily influenced by Shadowrun, as well as Ghost in the Shell, along with some of the older cannon from my other series Falling Skies. That being said, to those of you who are familiar with my Falling Skies lore, know that this is an entirely different universe. This RP will focus heavily on a small set (3-4 characters) of 'Ronin', private mercenaries if you will, analogous to Shadowrun's Shadowrunners, and like Shadowrun will hopefully feature large amounts of morally gray decisions for us to make.
Technology and Terminology
Dozens upon dozens of various corporations and companies make their home in the Tokyo District of Neo-Japan, but almost all of them are partly or entirely owned by one of the major mega-corporations. These are a few of the most notable ones in the Tokyo-District. These all-encompassing mega-corporations often own multiple subsidiaries and divisions around the world. They are the superpowers of the world, with the largest corporations having far more political, economic, and military power than even the most powerful nation-states. Due to the sheer number of corporations in the world- I'll allow characters to "create" various corporations for whatever needs or products they want to introduce.
Bio-Engineering, and Cybernetic surgery are common practice in this day and age. Popular amongst the rich and powerful, biotechnology typically means the implantation and development of genetic or biological enhancements. This includes cloning specific organs and enhancing them, implanting the enhanced organs into the body. It also involves the modification of natural bodily functions for cosmetic and beneficial effect. Cybernetic technology that deals with the development of artificial devices or machines that can be surgically implanted into a humanoid form to improve or otherwise augment their physical or mental abilities, and has replaced prosthetic as the primary method of replacing injured or destroyed limbs. Bio and Cyber-tech come in various grades, and cost different amounts depending on their grade.
The mainstay of weapons technology in this day and age are high-velocity ballistic weapons. Loud, heavy and hard hitting, mass driving technology has made smaller caliber ammunition more and more effective against body armor and flesh. Effective in most situations, ballistic weapons remain one of the more effective and reliable methods of killing other human beings. However, lightweight but powerful laser weapons are also available, and high powered plasma weapons are also available to the particularly wealthy. Energy-Bladed weapons are common in this era, especially due to Neo-Japan's firearm restrictions.
Ronin Creator
Since this RP revolves around Ronin, you need to know how to build one. As a general rule, every bit of equipment will have some sort of cost attributed to it. Each player will start out with 50,000 Credits with which to create their character. NOTE: Exceptions to the rules will be allowed, HOWEVER, I must be contacted through either PM or thread to discuss the exception you are making.
Due to the typically violent nature of their very existence, Ronin are often heavily armored and well protected against firearms and close combat weapons alike. The measure of protection is always up to the individual of course.
Civilian Grade 250Cr - Little more than a vest or shirt made of ballistic weave, this non-descript, easy to find, easy to buy body armor his readily available to anyone seeking a bit of protection from the dangers of the underworld. It can protect one from low caliber handgun rounds, but will struggle to stop higher caliber or armor piercing ammunition. On the bright side, it can be worn under almost anything, and comes in as many designs and colors as there are shirts and colors.
Security Grade 2,000Cr - Common security grade armor comes in the form of a vest with armor plates on it, backed by layers of ballistic weave. These plated vests are commonly seen on Security Guards and Police forces and can stop limited amounts of high caliber weapons fire. Somewhat harder to conceal than Civ-Grade Armor, you may get funny looks, but no one will question you for wearing this.
Combat Grade 5,000Cr - Mil-spec, full-body Combat-Grade Armor is the most common type of armor worn by Ronin expecting to get into combat and regular firefights. Worn by higher level Corp-Security and Military units, this body armor offers high degrees of protection and usually comes with an integrated HUD system, though most would still advise against taking direct fire for prolonged periods of time. Its considerably harder to cover up, and most security won't like it when you walk around with it on and thus attracts more attention. Then again, most security are reluctant to risk their lives stopping someone so clearly better equipped than them.
Elite Grade 20,000Cr - The highest quality armor, mechanically assisted, and typically only worn by elite operators in Corp-Sec or Private Military, this hard to obtain armor, while definitely not invincible, rewards its wearer with almost unparalleled protection from small arms fire. Slim fitting, but extremely potent, this armor would be easier to hide if its features weren't so prominent. Typical civilians and even Corp-sec spotting you in this armor will typically avoid you- its obvious something bad is probably going down soon.
Armored Coat 2,000Cr - This tough jacket is designed to look like a typical jacket or longcoat, but is often lined with thick layers of ballistic weave, and occasionally armor plates. This plain-looking jacket can even fit over most body armor with little difficulty.
Armor Supplement 1,000Cr - Additional thick plates attached to one's body armor. These make an individual considerably more noticeable, but provides considerably more protection to exposed areas.
Stealth Coat 5,000Cr - This plain, nondescript coat or jacket is made of a smart nano-fabric that can, at will, bend the patterns of light around an individual to make the coat appear invisible. The camouflage only applies to the parts of the body covered by the jacket- feet or hands sticking out of the jacket's cover will still be visible. The camouflaging technology can be disrupted by small arms fire, but can still function even with holes in the fabric.
Either by choice, or by necessity, some Ronin have invested in cybernetic replacements, or bio enhancements. These enhancements can be anything from limb replacements, to cybereyes, extra hearts, or dermal armor plates. Their reasons and function often vary, but the cost typically varies by grade.
Null-Grade 250Cr - Overall inferior quality tech, these parts perform poorly when compared to their natural counterpart, and are typically only used by the dirt poor. Note that no sophisticated 'body enhancements' can be of Null-Grade (IE Skin-Armor plates, or anything involving the head). This tech is often extremely intrusive and conspicuous.
C-Grade 2,500 - The most common grade of Cyber/Bio-tech are generally equivalent to or slightly superior to natural/human counterparts. These mass market items are easy to find and are installed relatively easily.
B-Grade 5,000 - Better constructed and of higher quality than C-Grade, this tech is generally superior to its natural counterpart. B-Grade products are high-end mass market items, and their cost reflects this.
A-Grade 10,000 - These masterfully crafted pieces of technology are custom fitted and adjusted to the user’s physiology. Unavailable on the mass market, the user must undergo tests to analyze their body’s condition and submit to chemical tests and DNA screening. The result is an extremely high quality piece of equipment that is many times superior to its natural counterpart. These are difficult to come across on the street.
S-Grade 25,000 - Artfully made, and one of a kind, S-Grade technology is always custom built for each user as part of the surgical process, and is constructed of the highest grade metals, plastics and ceramics. Electronics are wired as the implant is put into the body to ensure perfect compatibility. Surgeons implanting S-Grade tech must be trained in both microelectronics and medicine. Very few, if any street surgeons have access to this kind of technology.
Firearms, melee weapons, and other instruments of death. These are typically the most common tools in the Ronin's line of work. It is also noted that owning any automatic firearm or two-handed rifle without a permit is illegal- not that that ever stopped anyone.
Ballistic/Laser Weapons: These weapons are relatively similar in terms of costs and legality and as a result go in the same category.
C-Grade 250Cr - Low grade firearms and laser weapons, these are commonplace in the underworld- almost everyone in the underworld owns at least 1 C-Grade handgun. These low quality- typically low caliber weapons are cheap and plentiful but are often loud and obvious. Luckily they are generally sturdy and easy to replace.
B-Grade 1,000Cr - Midline firearms and laser weapons typically used by Corp-sec and military personnel, these high grade weapons are sufficient for military applications, and are typically more sophisticated and advanced than C-Grade weapons. These weapons often offer more power and accuracy, but can be slightly more difficult to maintain.
A-Grade 5,000Cr - Top of the line mil-spec equipment, this high-end gear is among the most advanced in Neo-Japan, with sophisticated recoil adjustment systems and smart-aim links. These weapons offer advanced power and accuracy, but are difficult to obtain and maintain.
Built-In 2,500Cr - Requires Cyberlimb A firearm built into a cyberlimb- typically an arm. Built in weapons are typically lower caliber firearms with generally small magazine sizes and are typically used as backup/hidden weapons as opposed to primary armaments.
E-Nade 250Cr - Explosive Neutralizing Anti-Personnel DEvice. A small cylinder packed with explosives, capable of causing injury or incapacitation to individuals within a 10 yard radius.
Plasma Weapons 10,000 - High powered kinetic plasma weapons, these highly illegal firearms cause an immense amount of damage with a reasonable amount of accuracy as well. It is difficult to maintain, and ammunition is expensive, but the result is a highly lethal weapons platform.
Melee Weapons Sometimes Ronin prefer a more... personal touch when it comes to dealing death.
Standard 250Cr - solid slabs of metal or alloy. These weapons do what they're intended to do: stab, bludgeon, and generally cause discomfort upon one's target. They're cheap, effective, and easy to come across.
Hybrid 1,500Cr - Weapons often enhanced with an energy blade to provide increased cutting power. Not as cheap, and more specific in purpose when compared to plain melee weapons, but work well.
Energy 5,000 - Expensive weapons with blades of pure plasmatic energy. These hard to come by weapons are slightly unstable, but are very lightweight and easy to handle, and are typically easy to conceal.
Built-In 2,500Cr - Requires Cyberlimb A standard or hybrid weapon built into a cyberlimb. These hidden weapons provide an advantage in that they can be hidden on a person's body.
Stun-Knuckles 250Cr - Requires Cyberarm By placing armored shock pads on a cyberlimb's knuckles, a user can apply debilitating taser shocks to his or her melee strikes.
Trade Tools 1,000Cr - Lockpicking kits, Hacking sets, any conceivable tools of trade style items can be covered by this.
Stealth-Cloak 2,500Cr - Less sophisticated than the Stealth-Jacket, the Stealth-Cloak is essentially a large tarp of nano-fabric that is capable of providing optical camouflage. The Optical camouflage is not as sophisticated as the jacket, and is more difficult to fool at closer ranges.
Forged Firearm License 2,000 - A forged document allowing one to 'legally' bear two handed and automatic firearms.
Forged IDENT Card 250 - A cheap, disposable forged identity. Relatively easy to obtain, and useful for maintaining anonymity. It won't stand up to higher grade scanners however.
High Quality Forged IDENT Card 2,500Cr - A more expensive forged identity, provides a more solid cover, and can fool even high grade scanners.
Transportation 5,000 - Low-End vehicle, standard speed, size, etc. Faster than walking.
Armored Transportation 7,500 - Mid-Grade Armored vehicle, lower speed but resistant to small arms fire. Considerably more conspicuous than other vehicles.
Fast Transportation 10,000 - High-End high-speed vehicle, typically a fast motorcycle, or small transportation vehicle. Flashy but not necessarily conspicuous.
Jetmatic Personal Transport Unit 10,000Cr - High mobility personal transport unit designed specifically for the vertical urban landscape. High tension grapple cables and short-range jump pack allows for fast vertical and horizontal transport. Shock absorbers added to the feet/legs lessens impact from long drops.
PharmaCon Medical Gel 250Cr - PharmaCon multipurpose medical gel. Useful for most injuries, and comes with a painkilling salve. Applied directly to injury or applied into Body Armor-medical ports to be automatically distributed.
PharmaCon Emergency Trauma Solution 1,000Cr - High grade medical solution. Ingested or absorbed through the skin. Provides generous painkiller and multi-purpose healing solutions, as well as fast acting adrenaline and anti-shock treatment drugs allowing for rapid resuscitation of incapacitated individuals- Not a replacement for professional medical treatment.
Street Chems 500Cr A variety of common street drugs of questionable quality. These drugs have different effects and can be quite addictive.
Designer Chems 1,000Cr These high quality drugs were specially designed. They typically give a heightened sense of euphoria.
Rules:
1. This Roleplay will have above average standards. I will be expecting at least a few well written paragraphs, and absolutely NO ONE LINERS. 2. Please do not write in first person. 3. No Mary/Gary Sues, its alright for your character to be a hero, but they're not perfect. 4. No God-modding. Its no fun for anyone. Also keep in mind that your character is not invincible. 5. This RP will have mature content. Violence, foul language, and mature themes are freely allowed. However for the sake of decency any sexual acts will fade to black (or will be taken to PM) before it goes too far. 6. Player Knowledge is not necessarily character knowledge. Just because you know something (be it through OOC or someone else's post) does not necessarily mean your character knows. 7. As GM, my word is law, I will expect you to respect any executive decision I make. 8. If players find a ruling of mine unfair, they are allowed, and encouraged to speak up and offer sound reasoning to dispute my decisions. Provided the discussion is productive, polite, and reasonable, decisions I make may change.
Character Sheets:
The following are the Character Skeletons for the Ronins. Keep in mind that this team has been together for a few years. A new guy is okay, but 4 new guys is not okay. Since this is a small scale RP, it is not first come first served. Unique and eccentric is good, but you should also be able to show a degree of professionalism, otherwise it'd be pretty difficult to make it on your own- this is assuming you were working either on your own or in small groups before joining the current group. Also, there is no reason for anything to be "????" or "Classified" general knowledge is not necessarily character knowledge, and if other character's shouldn't know about something make sure you stress that. If there really is something that must be kept that top secret, PM it to me.
Appearance Name: Given name Age: Lets keep it above 18 please. Gender: Your character's gender Nationality: Neo-Japan? Somewhere Else? Alias/Handle: Nickname/Street Name your character goes by- It is assumed that Given names are generally fairly valuable and secretive.
Psychological Analysis: Fancy talk for 'Personality'. Give me a good paragraph or so describing your character's personality. Rule of thumb: the more detail, the better.
Employment Record: Your Character's background, up to his/her beginnings as a Ronin or joining up with the crew. Again, give me a few good paragraphs describing your character's history. Again, the more detail, the better.
Enhancement: Cyber/Biotech Your character has installed, list grade and price(so its easier to calculate your 50k).
Equipment: Any equipment your character carries on his or her person or owns. List grade and price(again, so its easier to calculate your 50k)
IC is up, I'm giving everyone an opportunity to make their character intro how they want- perhaps them doing a side job like Eric was, or just lounging around at a bar, or doing some bartering or information gathering. Posts should culminate with characters either receiving the message from Mr. T, or making their way towards the safehouse.
Well... I'm going to give everyone the weekend off because its Christmas, and those of you who celebrate the holidays will likely be busy this weekend. I'll probably get something up myself tonight or tomorrow, but I won't be expecting posts from anyone until this after this weekend
@Reaper Good thing Evie is a Ronin, otherwise she'd never be able to afford actual, real chocolate. A big bag of M&M's are luxury items for the working class lol.
@Reaper Good thing Evie is a Ronin, otherwise she'd never be able to afford actual, real chocolate. A big bag of M&M's are luxury items for the working class lol.
Any sort of luxury item costs exorbitant amounts. Evie's sweet habit is probably more expensive than some drug habits. - any real chocolate costs a ton.
Most convenience stores will sell sweets, candy, and synthetic chocolate, but real chocolate (not that I'd call M&M's the realest chocolate) costs a whole lot.
Any real luxury item, chocolate, coffee, tobacco, etc costs a lot, and likely had a synthetic substitute for poorer folk.
