Red Wizard

The Court of the Gods

Hello. I am interested in joining this game. May I?

Hostile Aquisitions - The Corporate Cold War of the 22nd Century

"sports cybernetics"

@Steel Legion

I like the quote marks. Feels like there could be a more malevolent application to the cyberware too, like military augments and stuff like that ;)

Hostile Aquisitions - The Corporate Cold War of the 22nd Century

Hostile Aquisitions - The Corporate Cold War of the 22nd Century

The Future

The year is 2150. The world as we know it is long gone. Nations, although still in existence, are antiquated relics of the past. Corporations, international and interplanetary, are the new tribes of mankind. Technological advancement surges forward as each contestant tries to get ahead of the competition in an endless slow burning struggle for money and power. There are no rules or conventions beyond the right of might and the cost of failure is fatal. Cities now cover the width and breadth of continents. Space is littered with orbital stations and satellites. The Moon has been colonized, as has Mars, and new ventures into the solar system are constantly underway. Humanity is a changed species, as implants both cybernetic and biological are becoming commonplace. The matrix, the universally shared virtual space of mankind, has opened up possibilities unimaginable to previous generations. It is a brave new world, but a dark and cold one. Humanity has never before reached such hights, but everything could be lost in an instant. A lucky few individuals live near immortal lives of unfathomable luxury, but for most people life is cheap and short.

---

The Game

In this game we take on the roles of corporations and their agents in the dystopian future of the 22nd century. Together we will tell the tale of their struggle and strife, the shady deals struck and the dark deeds done. The game is heavily inspired by works like Neuromancer, Shadowrun, Cyberpunk 2077 and others like them.

You will have a lot of freedom when creating your corporation, but I do have a few guidelines. This is a narrative game. I'm not big on stats and numbers and don't care for them in games like this. I want you to describe your corp; what it does, how it operates, where it comes from, etc. I also want you to leave some room for imagination. Let us discover more about it in the game, together.

When playing, you will not control your corp directly, but through the actions of agents. These agents may be big or small players, the important thing is the story.

Post comments and questions below.

Looking forward to playing with you!

Lost in the Woods (Always Open)

@Dusty Bruni could probably be interested!

Lost in the Woods (Always Open)

Character App

Name/s
Bruni, "Longshanks"

Race
Dwarf

Appearance
Bruni is tall for a dwarf and has a wiry and muscular body, covered in tattoos. Her hairline has begun receding with old age, but her beard is still big and bushy, albeit grey. Her face, once smooth, has become haggard and wrinkled. She dresses in durable leather clothes and carries a pig mining pick for protection.

Pic

Characteristics
Honor and personal integrity is everything to Bruni. She must always look after her honor, and vigorously defend it if it is slighted. In her eyes, failing to respond to false accusations and slander is the same as admitting guilt. She is also struck with the gold sickness of the dwarves, having a hard time looking the other way when precious metal and stones are in sight. Bruni has had a long life and lots of experience as a prospector, and is as such very competent. She knows much about geology, metallurgy and smithing, as well as being fairly handy in a fight.

Background
Bruni was raised in the far away mountain hall of Fjallsaal, where she lived a mostly normal life. In her two hundredth year, however, adventure came calling and swept her away. The dragon Vondur, and old foe of the Fjallsaal dwarves and thief of the legendary hammer Hnefa, had finally been marked for death by the elders. The eldest of every family was rounded up to go into the world and complete this task, and so Bruni was sent along a pack of other greybeards. Their journey took them over hills and across lakes and had them fighting all sorts of creatures, but ultimately led to the cursed forest. Inside, the brave band of dwarves came upon a challenge even they could not master. As the first day of magic imprisonment ended, and night crept upon the party, the dwarves sought refuge in a nearby cave. Little did they know that the cave was already inhabited by a most vile and deadly creature; a basilisk. One by one her friends were turned to stone by the vicious gaze of the snake-beast and, to her shame, Bruni fled. She found her way to Yggdrasil in the days that followed, vowing revenge for the basilisk and release for her brethren.

Race App

Name/s
Okkur, Dwarf (okkuri, dwarves)

Appearance
The dwarves are a subterranean humanoid species originating from the mountains around the world. They share many characteristics with humans (two eyes and ears, a nose, a mouth, two arms and two legs) but there are many features that tell them apart. Dwarves are normally no taller than 100cm (roughly 3 feet). They are hairier than humans, and all dwarves grow big beards. It is very hard, if not impossible, for humans to tell dwarven males from females. The dwarves themselves say it’s a matter of scent.

Characteristics
These subterranean creatures have a long lifespan of around 300 years, but are considered old at 100. They can see perfectly even in complete darkness, because their eyes can register heat down to fractions of a degree. Dwarves are very sensitive to sunlight and prefer to stay indoors if possible. If not, they usually garb themselves with heavy clothes, covering as much as possible of their skin.

Dwarves are renowned for their supreme stonemasonry and blacksmithing. It is said that dwarven strongholds are carved from the rock of the mountains itself, and that dwarf-made steel never bends, breaks or dulls.

The dwarves are a traditional and superstitious lot. They are all about preservation. They do not like to do things on a whim and will think the matter through thoroughly and then discuss it with their brethren before coming to a conclusion. Honor and honesty is also very important to dwarves. Losing face and bringing shame onto ones family is the greatest fear of any dwarf.

Dwarves are superstitious but not very religious. They do not worship any gods but take a keen interest in interpreting signs and omens from their environment. Many of these signs are attributed to their ancestors. The dwarves revere their ancestors and do their best to preserve their memory. It is expected of a dwarf to know the names of the ones that came before it, and dwarven homes are covered from top to bottom with stone tablets containing runes that tell of the lives of dead family members.

Another tradition of the dwarves is their musicality. Songs and tunes are a great way of remembering old friends and deeds, and so almost every dwarf is taught to sing and play an instrument. Common instruments among the dwarves are bagpipes, horns, fiddles, flutes and drums.

Greed is the greatest enemy of the dwarven people. Whenever confronted by the rumor or visage of wealth, a dwarf simply cannot help itself. The greed isn’t about spending the treasure on resources or using it to gain influence, it is simply about having it. Dwarves like to look at gold, they like to feel its weight in their hands and shudder when it slides through their fingers. They all have it, in various degrees, but they all fight it. It is their greatest shame, but also their greatest driving force.

The dwarves don’t know much about what’s outside of their mountain halls. They are generally reclusive and only ever hear of the rest of the world on the rare occasions when travelers are let in and choose to share their stories with the dwarves. As such what little information they have is either strongly influenced by the person sharing it or completely untrue.

Background
It is not known when the dwarves first took to living in the mountains. In dwarven tradition they were born from stone and carved their way out to the outside world. This first breach is referred to as Bilunin, the point where the dwarves realized they were not alone. They have remained a isolated people throughout their history, only ever engaging in the outside world is absolutely necessary.

Lost in the Woods (Always Open)

Character App

Name/s
Bruni, "Longshanks"

Race
Dwarf

Appearance
Bruni is tall for a dwarf and has a wiry and muscular body, covered in tattoos. Her hairline has begun receding with old age, but her beard is still big and bushy, albeit grey. Her face, once smooth, has become haggard and wrinkled. She dresses in durable leather clothes and carries a pig mining pick for protection.

Pic

Characteristics
Honor and personal integrity is everything to Bruni. She must always look after her honor, and vigorously defend it if it is slighted. In her eyes, failing to respond to false accusations and slander is the same as admitting guilt. She is also struck with the gold sickness of the dwarves, having a hard time looking the other way when precious metal and stones are in sight. Bruni has had a long life and lots of experience as a prospector, and is as such very competent. She knows much about geology, metallurgy and smithing, as well as being fairly handy in a fight.

Background
Bruni was raised in the far away mountain hall of Fjallsaal, where she lived a mostly normal life. In her two hundredth year, however, adventure came calling and swept her away. The dragon Vondur, and old foe of the Fjallsaal dwarves and thief of the legendary hammer Hnefa, had finally been marked for death by the elders. The eldest of every family was rounded up to go into the world and complete this task, and so Bruni was sent along a pack of other greybeards. Their journey took them over hills and across lakes and had them fighting all sorts of creatures, but ultimately led to the cursed forest. Inside, the brave band of dwarves came upon a challenge even they could not master. As the first day of magic imprisonment ended, and night crept upon the party, the dwarves sought refuge in a nearby cave. Little did they know that the cave was already inhabited by a most vile and deadly creature; a basilisk. One by one her friends were turned to stone by the vicious gaze of the snake-beast and, to her shame, Bruni fled. She found her way to Yggdrasil in the days that followed, vowing revenge for the basilisk and release for her brethren.

Race App

Name/s
Okkur, Dwarf (okkuri, dwarves)

Appearance
The dwarves are a subterranean humanoid species originating from the mountains around the world. They share many characteristics with humans (two eyes and ears, a nose, a mouth, two arms and two legs) but there are many features that tell them apart. Dwarves are normally no taller than 100cm (roughly 3 feet). They are hairier than humans, and all dwarves grow big beards. It is very hard, if not impossible, for humans to tell dwarven males from females. The dwarves themselves say it’s a matter of scent.

Characteristics
These subterranean creatures have a long lifespan of around 300 years, but are considered old at 100. They can see perfectly even in complete darkness, because their eyes can register heat down to fractions of a degree. Dwarves are very sensitive to sunlight and prefer to stay indoors if possible. If not, they usually garb themselves with heavy clothes, covering as much as possible of their skin.

Dwarves are renowned for their supreme stonemasonry and blacksmithing. It is said that dwarven strongholds are carved from the rock of the mountains itself, and that dwarf-made steel never bends, breaks or dulls.

The dwarves are a traditional and superstitious lot. They are all about preservation. They do not like to do things on a whim and will think the matter through thoroughly and then discuss it with their brethren before coming to a conclusion. Honor and honesty is also very important to dwarves. Losing face and bringing shame onto ones family is the greatest fear of any dwarf.

Dwarves are superstitious but not very religious. They do not worship any gods but take a keen interest in interpreting signs and omens from their environment. Many of these signs are attributed to their ancestors. The dwarves revere their ancestors and do their best to preserve their memory. It is expected of a dwarf to know the names of the ones that came before it, and dwarven homes are covered from top to bottom with stone tablets containing runes that tell of the lives of dead family members.

Another tradition of the dwarves is their musicality. Songs and tunes are a great way of remembering old friends and deeds, and so almost every dwarf is taught to sing and play an instrument. Common instruments among the dwarves are bagpipes, horns, fiddles, flutes and drums.

Greed is the greatest enemy of the dwarven people. Whenever confronted by the rumor or visage of wealth, a dwarf simply cannot help itself. The greed isn’t about spending the treasure on resources or using it to gain influence, it is simply about having it. Dwarves like to look at gold, they like to feel its weight in their hands and shudder when it slides through their fingers. They all have it, in various degrees, but they all fight it. It is their greatest shame, but also their greatest driving force.

The dwarves don’t know much about what’s outside of their mountain halls. They are generally reclusive and only ever hear of the rest of the world on the rare occasions when travelers are let in and choose to share their stories with the dwarves. As such what little information they have is either strongly influenced by the person sharing it or completely untrue.

Background
It is not known when the dwarves first took to living in the mountains. In dwarven tradition they were born from stone and carved their way out to the outside world. This first breach is referred to as Bilunin, the point where the dwarves realized they were not alone. They have remained a isolated people throughout their history, only ever engaging in the outside world is absolutely necessary.

@Duck Done with some of the apps. Will post the location app later.

Lost in the Woods (Always Open)

Sweet! Will begin working on my apps presently!

Lost in the Woods

I'm pretty interested!

This Dark Age of Ours

Has this game been abandoned or are you guys simply really busy at the moment?

This Dark Age of Ours

Lorea

Eastern plains

Evening. The sun was setting, the sky turned a reddish orange where once it had been clear and blue. The air was thick with smells of grass and horses, as well as the fires burning around the camp. The party of warriors had settled down for the night, a small spot of light in a sea of darkness. Sounds of quiet conversation mingled with the soft breathing and neighing of the horses, and a lone singer carried a tune throughout the gathered crowd, but apart from that all was silent.

Sparrow sat looked at the fire, poking at it with a stick. She could feel Alvors gaze upon her from across the flames, but didn't meet his gaze. She knew what was coming, and it frustrated her. Lord or not, he could be quite bothersome at times. Besides, she didn't feel like speaking. Then again, she reckoned she'd have to before the night was over. Finally he broke the building tension.

"You do not agree with my decision today." he said. For once it was not a question. She still did not meet his gaze.

"I do not." she replied.

"What did you not agree with?" There you go. He just couldn't help himself. Sparrow closed her eyes and took a deep breath before answering.

"I do not think we should have let them go without paying." She thrust hard at the burning logs, sending up a crackling little cloud of sparks.

"I do not understand. As I recall, they did pay us." he droned. She grimaced at that.

"In silver, yes."

"Then I do not understand what it is that upsets you." But she knew that he knew all too well. He would have her spell it out non the less.

She put the stick in the fire, put her hands on her knees and looked him right in the eyes. His face was calm, searching. She was aware that others were listening now, but did not care. Let them hear her question him. Let them hear her speak the truth they all knew too well. She was his second, and as such the only one who could do it. Damn it, it was her duty.

"It was not sufficient, Alvor. They got away too cheap."

"But they did not have more to spare. You were there, Sparrow. You heard their master." As if she hadn't.

"They should have paid in blood, then."

He frowned. "Even after giving us what silver they could spare?"

She was losing her temper now. "Yes! As I said, it was not enough! First they disrespect our land and people by not paying homage and toll, as is customary. Then, when caught red handed, they moan about not having enough, further solidifying their position. We were righteous in our claim, and would have been righteous still to demand more of them! They will not respect us in the future if they can get away with slights such as this!"

More people were watching and listening now. She knew that many of the warriors agreed with her. She had heard the disappointed murmurs when they'd left the caravan behind without even half the bounty they'd set out to get. Alvor was silent a long time before he replied, a frown still on his face.

"Righteous, yes. But would we have been gracious?"

"Gracious?" she spat, "Why would we want to be graci-" He held up his hand, and she quit speaking in an instant.

"Let me finish." he said, now speaking not only to her but to all the nearby listeners, "Lady Aurelia teaches justice and harshness against those that are wicked, yes. But does she not also teach mercy and forgiveness against those who fail us?"

"I do not see how that is of any concern to us now." Sparrow retorted with a snort.

"Then let me put it like this. The master of the caravan was new to his trade. He has not come this way before and has not met us before. He might have known of the toll and our customs, but may also not have known how to, or where to, find us. If we had taken our due in blood today, what would he have learned? What news would he have given his countrymen back east? Perhaps that we are ruthless barbarians who steal and kill. What might he instead have learned from our mercy today? Hopefully that we Loreans are hard but fair in our dealings with others, and that paying the toll is worth the price. Do you understand my meaning?"

She tried to hold his gaze, but couldn't. She was still frustrated, but not because she didn't agree with him. He was right; he was always right, damnit, and now he'd made her make a fool of herself in front of all the others. Then again, many of the gathered seemed to shared her thoughts as they too looked away in shame or quiet contemplation.

"Yes" she admitted, "I understand your meaning."

He nodded and smiled. "This pleases me. Now, as they've payed the toll and homage, we are obliged to guide and protect them for as long as they tread our soil. Sparrow, I want you to take a dozen riders and intercept the caravan once more. Offer your services to them and speak for them when they encounter the other tribes. Return to Neme once you've seen them on their way."

Not letting me off easy, are you? "Yes, my lord. Your will be done."