This is neither a DC nor a Marvel setting, though most characters from either could conceivably fit in.
- Panau -
Corruption, Corporatization, Conspiracies.
Poverty surrounded by Opulence
Government forces, gangs, guerillas and gestapo
In such a setting what good do superpowers do?
Idea in Brief:
I would want to take an approach similar to that taken in 1968. Create your character, determine their involvements, and then write a little story involving them and in time, potentially at least, intersecting with others. Be respectful to one another and to the RP in general by running big changes by other posters and the GM if you intend to make some big changes which cast a broad shadow.
Essentially it would start out as several Fan Fictions set in the same universe and timespan, hopefully evolving into several collaborations and perhaps eventually a more traditional group RP if enough find themselves of a similar mind.
If you're in Advanced you likely know the basic rule bullet points so I will just get straight to the basic idea of the world.
How do super powered people function in a country on the brink of civil war?
Do they support the people, and if so how?
Do they support the government to try to bring peace and hope this time things will work out better?
Do they operate in their own best interests?
Are you an enforcer for the Prime Minister of Panau?
Are you a freedom fighter trying to overthrow the Prime Minister because of something horrible he did, or that was done in his name?
Are you a freedom fighter trying to overthrow the Prime Minister because you believe your leader (or you) would do the right thing for Panau?
Are you a member of a gang focused on making money and expanding your territory?
Are you a lone vigilante just trying to keep the streets you live in safe?
I don't have the setting fully fleshed out, I'd be open to feedback and critique.
I think it's a good opportunity to explore some of the stuff affecting the world right now without getting into too much actual world political stuff. The idea is that there are good and bad gangs. There are corrupt and legitimate government agents. There are benign and malignant corporations. Things are not easy. There are no quick fixes. No Superman is coming to save us all.
During World War 2 every involved country was searching for a way to one up the other. To overcome their enemies, to achieve a final victory, and to assert their position in the world as the inevitable rebuilding began. Exceptional individuals were sought out. All manner of tests were performed, some considerably more
intensive than others. Some did well and were recruited into the military or into military intelligence. Some did well and were disappeared to serve other purposes. It is likely that every nation capable of pursuing such ends did, though few were willing to share their approaches or results with any other nation regardless of alliances.
These separate expeditions would irrevocably change the world in the coming decades. The governments of the world did what they could to contain the existence of their own agents and of opposing agents but even the most tyrannical found complete containment impossible. World War 2 still ended through largely traditional military means, Nagasaki and Hiroshima still happened, and the United States still absorbed much of the Axis' countries scientists despite the wicked nature of their works. History went along largely the same as we know it now with the exception of alien and sasquatch rumors being replaced largely with rumors of different monsters.
Panau is a country which has battled for it's independence from many foreign influences over it's history. Depending on any individuals personal opinions that independence may live still or may have died at one of several points over the last several decades. American influence, Russian influence, Chinese influence, Corporate influence, one of several resistance or restoration movements. Which of it's rulers were legitimate, which were despots, which were puppets. Where are the bodies buried and who is responsible.
To this day there are some demanding the United States accept their responsibility and grant Panauans citizenship while others are certain that the movement to achieve this is some sort of soft coup. It would not be the first coup attempt, nor would it likely be the last.
The country has been going through one or another power struggle for most of it's history and today is no different. Multiple countries pursue their interests somewhere in Panau. Many companies wish to expand their influence. Several gangs wish to establish control of territories and move into politics. Things are, as they have nearly always been, volatile.
The Elite of Panau shuttle themselves in helicopters from one rooftop to another, eating decadent meals, enjoying magnificent sunsets, generally perfectly safe. Generally perfectly safe, because the ransom on their heads is often enough to move someone and their entire family far from the crime ridden favelas for the rest of their lives.
In the favelas there is little to no help from the government, little to no hope for upward mobility, and danger around every corner. There is also family and friends. Shootings and soccer games. Many working hard and living peacefully hoping to scrounge up enough money to allow their children to live easier lives, maybe move up above the squalor.
Each paints the other as unpatriotic.
Otakuforreal,
Prince Potter,
Tlaloc,
Festive,
Joshua Tamashii,
sharkbites,
Ojiro Mashirao,
iFain,
RolePlayerGuilt,
fledermaus