@Polybius I like the idea of the humans being evil but what do you mean by the other races being more natural? Like tree creatures and rock golems?
Yea because we talked about non-humanoid races early on. Tree-people. Rock golems. Fire elementals? Lizard-people. Frogmen. Some sort of avian race. Panda people? I dunno I could go on but you get the idea.
I was thinking about this thread and all the things talked about. What if humans were the generic 'bad guys' in this world? All of the peaceable or non-evil races could be more natural...or primeval like our mushroom-folk? The world could be more like this and this and a little bit of this. As opposed to the same generic fantasy dingy little village with a castle type setting.
@Raizin I think you mean 'schools' or D&D calls them 'domains'-different types of magic that can be mastered. Which I think is a great idea so were not all throwing conflicting ideas out there. Couple things you have to ask first:
How prevalent is magic in the setting? Do average people have access to it or does it take years even centuries to learn spells? What is the source of magic? A few common sources are divine, elemental or magic simply being another natural force in the universe. What are the drawbacks to using magic? What toll does it take on the mage?
All I can think of at the moment-but it should get people thinking about magic in the setting.
Mechanized Armor Muscle Tracers (MTs) Light-weight armor that increases the occupants strength and dexterity. Widely used in industrial capacity for heavy lifting and for field commanders in some conflict zones. Mobile Suits Heavier and larger than MTs and designed for military application. Armored Cores (ACs)
In the future, Super-Capitalist societies called Megacorporations are the foundation of political and social institutions. The word 'citizen' no longer exists as you are either a 'policy' in the employ of one of the megacorps or a vagrant weighing on the backs of hard working employees.
The Megacorps control large areas of urban land and smaller pockets of resource laden country in 3rd world regions. Battles between competing companies break out frequently, often with a disproportionate number of vagrant casualties, essentially non-combatants.
Introduction
Hello! Welcome to Incorporated, a game about power, morality and greed. This roleplay is a combination of narrative roleplay and corporate simulation wherein you tell me what you want to do, and I tell you what happens. In between updates you can roleplay freely with your fellow CEO's and NPC corporations and sovereign states.
Elite Enterprise Cost: 3,000,000 -Artificial Intelligence Research & Development -Bio-Engineering -Space Tech
{}Power -Economic -Military -Virtual
{}Contracts
{}Playing The Game -Turns & Orders -Actions -Combat -Investing -Losing
{}The World -Conflict Zones -First Rate Powers
Corporations
The power of traditional governments has been replaced by vast mega-corporations that dominate almost every aspect of society. Vast sums of money are exchanged, the fate of nations bought and sold. Corporations raise armies, control sovereign territory and act as de facto governments. They also innovate and create and use new technologies, whether ethical or not. It is up to you how you wish to lead your company and create goals for your corporation.
Chief Executive Officer Your CEO is the face of your company-the spokesman (or woman!) that lends personality to your corporation. The CEO will be the character you use the most in your roleplaying. Choose a background/Degree for your CEO: Science, Military, Political. CEO Background Bonuses Science: Military: Units Heal +1 per season Political:
Enterprises Your corporations Enterprises are the branches of engineering, science, manufacturing etc. that your company specializes in. You should take contracts that are in those enterprises you have chosen to invest in. I have tried to include a wide variety of enterprises for optimal corporate customization but suggestions for new enterprises are encouraged! Your corporation starts with your choice of 2 starting enterprises. Describe them how you see fit for roleplay purposes.
Alignment Actions in the game world, taking contracts, intervening in events etc. affect your corporations Alignment. Simply put, Alignment is how your corporation is perceived by foreign entities (including NPC nations and corporations), the public and society. This may effect your ability to hire labor and which contracts are available to your corporation.
Power is divided into 3 sub-categories. Economic, military and virtual. Your economic power is just that-the resources and currency at your disposal. Military power is use of physical force; i.e. what offensive and defensive units you have to protect or attack with. Virtual power is your presence on the NET.
Enterprises
Enterprises are areas of expertise that your company specializes in and contracts that require knowledge in those enterprises will become more lucrative. As your company grows in an enterprise, new technologies will become available in those particular fields. Enterprises (along with Contracts) are the meat & bones of Incorporated and should be reviewed thoroughly before choosing your starting Enterprises.
Enterprises are broken down into three tiers: Basic, Advanced, and Elite. Basic Enterprises include things that can be relatively easy to start-up while Advanced Enterprises may require years and years of dedicated research and funding. The elite tier is reserved for only a handful of succesful companies in fields at the cutting edge of technology and human progress.
Choose two starting enterprises from the Basic Enterprise list to begin. Suggestions for new Enterprises (in any tier) are encouraged!
Basic Enterprises Cost: 1,000,000cr Agriculture The 'local organic' food trend is at an end. Did you know they used to grow food in dirt? Disgusting. Food is always in demand and scientists are finding new ways to shove corn and soy derivatives into products. A steady source of income.
Computers Electronic and computing sciences have made leaps and bounds since the early 20th century. Concerns the design, construction and mass production of computers and computer parts.
Manufacturing You have the means of production to produce basic goods, outfit factories and hire the workers necessary. While not the most lucrative business venture, Manufacturing maintains a steady flow of income even if the demand for goods drops.
Mining A controversial enterprise, even in this era of megacorporations. Earths resources are rapidly dwindling with mining being one of the leading industries in resource depletion. Cheap labor makes this enterprise profitable-as long as the resources remain.
Security Private security firms are popping up in the dozens. From aerial drone surveillance, satellites, to armed mercenaries on the ground, security forces are needed all over the globe and are in high demand in conflict zones.
Advanced Enterprises Cost:2,000,000
Aeronautics The development of faster, safer and more versatile aircraft and aircraft engines is an expensive but rewarding enterprise.
Banking Turns out handling other peoples money is a great way to make your own. Strict national laws have restricted aggressive banking since the economic collapse of the 20th century but many corporations are capable of finding loopholes in international banking laws. Prerequisites: N/A
Entertainment Consumers are devouring entertainment at a higher rate than any time in history. Cutting edge technology has altered and blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. Prerequisites: N/A
Information Technologies The most commonly accepted currency is the global Credit (Cr), but Information is a close second. This enterprise is storing, transmitting, manipulating and analyzing data. Corporations hire armies of hackers to work IT.
Pharmaceuticals Antibiotic resistant plagues and disease have reduced the world population to 3.5 billion, all the while Big Pharma companies are claiming record breaking profits. The market for drugs is continuously expanding, not only for the sick, but also the addicted.
Robotics A division of mechanical engineering, robotics will no doubt play a large part in the future of the human race thanks in part to the transhumanist movement of the 21st century. The design, construction and manufacturing of robotics.
Elite Enterprises Cost: 3,000,000 Artificial Intelligence Research & Development The development of Artificial Intelligence will either be crucial or devestating to the future of the human race. A true legacy industry will unforeseable consequences. Prerequisites: Computers, Robotics
Bio-Engineering Biodiversity is a key aspect to the success of the human race. Why not give it a little nudge with the help of science? Damn the moralists! From gene therapy to crafting that perfect organism, Bio-Engineering is a growing field of science. Prerequisites: Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals
Space Technologies This is a wide category that encompasses everything from rocket propulsion to planetary exploration, mining, and colonization. Expensive, risky; but legacy worthy. Prerequisites: 1 Basic Enterprise, Aeronautics
Weapons & Weapons Systems The bread and butter of any self respecting corporation. As conflict rages across the globe, the demand for better weapons and armaments increases. A volatile market played by many. Prerequisites: Security, Robotics
Contracts
Contracts are offers for particular services, arrangements, businesses, offers etc. Contracts cover a wide variety of business ventures from developing chemical weapons, shipping goods to orbital platforms, reinforcing conventional military units, weapons sales-the list is endless. Along with Enterprises, Contracts are one of the most important aspects of the game. Contracts will be available to bid on each season from a variety of NPC Nations and Corporations.
To take a contract, you must invest at least 20% of the standard contract payout. When you can no longer afford to take a contract, your corporation begins to lose money and becomes vulnerable to buy-outs. A standard contract payment is 100,000 credits so it costs 20,000 credits to take any contract. If multiple corporations vie for the same contract in the same round a bidding war begins. The contract payout will double and is made public for any other corporation to bid on.
New Contract Available! Contract ID: CHR-001 Client: Chrome Corp. Objective: Construction of an Orbital Weapons Platform Compensation:400,000cr Starting Bid:80,000cr Intel: An orbital weapons platform is necessary to protect Chrome Corps. Investments in the conflict zone of Zarabora. Other: Sub-contracting this offer is acceptable except for the following corporations: Murakumo Unlimited.
Contracts are not the only way to make money in the game. You can invest money into your own enterprises each season or over the course of a few seasons. Investing in your enterprises is kind of like making up your own contracts to fulfill. How you wish to invest, what technologies you hope for etc. is up to you and should be included in your orders. Here is an investment form:
Corporation: Your Corporation Name Amount Investing: (Must be at least 20,000cr) Enterprise: Which branch do you wish to invest in? Objective: Describe with as much detail the goal you hope to achieve
Note: you need not use this form every time you invest but it helps keep things clear and simple. Basically just describe what you wish to do and how much money you want to throw at it. Feel free to invent NPC employees or give your project a code name. The more info and flavor you give your investment the better the outcome
Playing The Game
Turns & Orders
Actions
Combat
Investing
Losing
Combat
Warfare is a combination of conventional maneuvers, military units and cyber warfare.
To attack you must form a Brigade out of the available units you have hired. Forming a Brigade costs nothing, but a newly formed Brigade may not attack on the same turn it is formed, although it may Defend. You pay for units up front each season and require no upkeep cost. All units heal and rearm completely each season unless otherwise stated.
Combat Orders Combat orders for each brigade must be issued before each action, or random orders will be assigned (including auto-retreat).
Full Attack All units continue to attack even if the outcome appears negative.
Waves Attack the enemy in waves of brigades. This will help you single out units when facing a larger opponent.
Cautious Your units will call of the action if they begin to lose.
Token Action/Retreat One round of combat before withdrawing.
Units
Soldier Armed with an assault rifle, body armor and field-training this is the basic unit of your armed forces. ATK: 1/1 Cost: 1,000cr (must buy 10 at a time)
APC Heavily shielded armored personel carrier. Limited firepower, provides defense for soldiers in the field ATK: 1/10 (up to ten soldiers can add their attack power to the APCs ATK) Cost: 2,500cr
Muscle Tracer Your standard utility walker may be outfitted for a combat role. ATK: 3/1 Cost: 3,000cr
Mobile Suit Literally a walking tank. ATK: 5/2 Cost: 5,500cr
Armored Core Multi-personel behometh. Armored Cores may stand as tall as ten story buildings and come armed with the arsenal of a small nation. ATK:10/5 Cost: 12,000cr
Installations & Active Technology Active technology are things your company has developed and has currently deployed for strategic purpose. ATs may significantly alter the outcome on the battlefield, be it a traditional skirmish or on the NETs.
The capacity to make money is limited by the size of the world economy. As corporations grow, the market will increase. Linking smaller economies is essential for growth.
ROOT GLOSSARY Brigade A group of units assigned to attack or defend. If no orders are issued that round, the brigade is disbanded. A brigade may defend in the same turn it was formed but may not attack a target. You must have at least 2 units to form a brigade.
Unit Basic military or special units may be bought and formed into brigades.
With a huff and gust of wind the Garuda vanished from Ashkar's enormous hands as he turned his attention to the world being created by Malathrack. "Ahhh...hrrmmmm...," mused the god of wind. For a passing moment, jealousy filled the gods mind, only to be replaced with admiration a moment later. "I fear your trees will dance in my winds, Malathrack. I hope you do not mind-and storms may scrape your mountains from time to time. I hope I do not frighten your people. I will build a place where my winds and storms will be tempted to linger the longest."
A dark cloud formed in front of Ashrak, accompanied by whispers and sighs from the great god. As the grey smoke parted, an enormous stretch of grassland and plains crossed by winding rivers and streams. The land was teeming with life; horses, antelope, deer, rabbits, bears and foxes. In the skies dark birds of prey dipped and flitted, while colorful songbirds took shelter in the few scattered trees across the land. Ashkar was smiling as he built an idyllic land for his Garuda to inhabit, grow and prosper in.
There are a few possibilities: It is some naturally occuring magical mineral; it is the site of an apotheosis; it was raised by an institution (a state, magical society, guild, race, or religion) that still occupies it; it was raised by a long dead institution, and now inhabited by someone else.
One of these is much more interesting to me because it leaves open more story/idea threads to follow up on. Sure the idea of gods in love is intriguing and lends fable to the atmosphere (whether the inhabitants of the world know it to be true or not) but it doesn't really go anywhere. What other questions are there to ask after establishing a divine relationship? Adversely, I want to know why a magical society deemed it necessary to lift an entire continent into the sky. Or what the implications of a mineral that can generate levitation is on society. Is it mined for some use like vehicles or weapons? Is it native to the planet? etc. Just my opinion, discuss!
I think that, throughout history, races should be a mix of humanoid and not, so it's not too intimidating to the reader/player/writer/whomever will be using the world after us.
I think thats a good idea, not necessarily for other potential players but for depth in the writing. Speaking of writing, why don't we get started? Anyone have anything specifically they want to work on or are particularly good at? Let's get rolling already. What I surmise from 14+ posts of brainstorming:
In Character:
"Our world has three landmasses and is inhabited (or has been) inhabited by both humanoid and non-humanoid creatures. The gods are distant, but powerful. Magic exists and may have had a hand in the destruction of a progenitor race."
I think we need to answer some basic worldbuilding questions before we go on.
1) What era of the world is this? I.e. are there things that came before that shape the way the world is right now? This is good for verisimilitude in the setting and roleplay and helps avoid the cliche of having every element of the setting feel like it suddenly 'POOFED' into existence.
2) Speaking of gods, we should decide if the gods are very present or very distant in the setting at some point.
3) As for geography we should figure out if we want to have a map drawn up or leave it until later. Either way has its pros/cons. If we make a map now we are constrained to the shape of the landmasses. But we can always add or change things later. If we wait until everything is done, it will take a very long time to figure out what goes where and why. Maybe just make it as we go along? Or section off parts of the world for each player to take and shape as they please?
Let me know if I'm thinking too much into this thing. I realize this is in the casual section after all. But I just want to avoid any problems we might run into as I've tried this sort of thing before in one form or another.
Bugman,
Ladypug,
Milkman,
Vampiretwilight