It's been a year since the dreaded Change began. A series of dramatic changes in nature that perplexes both science and religion. Science says that the changes are the results of microscopic black holes opening across the Earth and introducing alien elements through them. The religions of the world claim that these are the end times, mankind's punishment for becoming increasingly decadent and sinful. At this point in time, both explanations seem equally plausible.
The 20th century saw numerous scientific advances. Prehistoric creatures were brought back. Robotics thrived and progressed astoundingly fast. Energy-based weaponry came to be. Men could become animal-men.
Come 2013, it would have been our world, had it not been for the massive steps taken in scientific advancement. Obama was still president. China still rose up on the world's stage. North Korea was still a thorn in the side of international diplomacy. But no one could have expected how society as we know it would end.
On January 10th, 2013, what was originally thought to have been a meteor exploded over a remote stretch of Antarctica. The world went on as usual, but then the climates and ecosystems around the entire earth started to become rapidly altered. The Amazon rainforest grew unnaturally rapidly and took back what it lost. Cold and hot climates became more intense and inhospitable. And it doesn't even end there. In certain pockets of different areas, alien anomalies in the very laws of known physics and science came to be. They varied heavily. Some took the form of glowing green pools of toxic goop. Others took the form of gravitational traps that took anything nearby from where it stood and crushed it into a singularity, only to spew out the mulched remains moments later. And countless other forms. And with them came the otherworldly creatures and the mutations that twisted this planet's own people and creatures into feral abominations.
This winter, it's been a year since then.
In Afghanistan, the United States and other members of the multinational coalition there were in the process of withdrawing their troops from the country. Things seemed calmer, but not completely better, than when the Western forces invaded the Central Asian nation in 2001 in the aftermath of 9/11. When the Change began, the southern deserts expanded, and the mountainous northeast became a cold wasteland. Whether a foreign soldier hoping to return home to family and friends, or a local Afghan making what they could of their life, things became harder than when the country was under the tyranny of Taliban rule. Instead of Sharia law, it was the altered weather and creatures. Crops failed, trade and supply was broken, massive riots flared up, and the economy collapsed. Anarchy and chaos became the new law and order.
Ishkashim was a pair of twin towns nestled in a mountain valley straddled along the Panj river, dividing the Badakhshan region along the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. It was the gateway to the Wakhan corridor to the east. The foliage here does not provide any decent fuel for fire, so many of the buildings here have been ransacked for firewood during the cold winters. Most of the locals here have already devolved into animalistic troglodytes from mutation and starvation, who now are counted among the other mutant horrors that make this region home. For one to come here would be an act of insanity, bravery, or sheer desperation. Or perhaps all 3.
A grey colossus of a cloud looms over the horizon. Another snowstorm is coming. If someone or something else doesn't kill you here, the cold will.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByTErwk5UWXYcE9JemxwbzVVRUkUse this map for reference of the area. Turn it to satellite view. Click on one of the markers, and it will tell you a number. We'll be using these numbers for reference of where our characters are.
The Cast:
Wayne (GM):
Musharraf Azar KhanCartwright:
Bernard KaneJinxlynx: Still have to accept sheet
piercetyler1994:
Tyler Skye PierceReikage: Still have to write sheet
Shoryu:
Darius O'Roich
"Quote from character"
Name: Your name.
Age: Your age.
Race: Whether you're human or anthro or mutant, and which ethnic backgrounds you belong to if applicable.
Origin: Are you a local or a foreigner? Where in Afghanistan or elsewhere are you from?
Occupation: What you do for a living.
Religion: Religious affiliation or lack thereof, plus your attitude and opinions towards different religions and non-religious affiliations. (If you consider this too inflammatory, leave this out.)
Skills: What you're skilled at.
Appearance: Your appearance, including clothing worn. Go from head to feet if it's written.
Relationships: Family, friends, and intimate ones, plus your relations with other characters you come across. Update this as you interact with other players.
Personality: What your personality is like. Include both positive and negative aspects.
History: Your character's personal background.
Equipment: Things other than your clothing that you're lugging around with you.
Goals: Why are you here in Ishkashim?
Da Ruelz
1. No need for any animosity here. Leave it for IC interactions. We're all here to roleplay, chatter, and have fun.
2. Godmodding is prohibited. If you're going to do something that involves shooting, hitting, or doing anything else of the sort to another character, ask them if they'd be okay with that happening to their character.
3. I'm not gonna hold it against you for making a Sue character, but I'll leave it all to any players that end up coming across your special little snowflake to do the dirty work for me. If you don't want that to happen, give them clear flaws. Flaws are more than just a past tragedy like parents dying, keep in mind.
4. Romance is fine. Smut is not. We're gonna dive into some pretty dark territory here, but if it involves things of a sexual nature, try to give that as minimal detail as possible. I don't want to be responsible for another Guildfall.
5. As GM, I have the right to moderate and control the RP as I see fit. But even with knowing my absolute authority in mind, I want you all to help me out as players too. Let this be a good symbiotic process here between GM and the players.
6. You aren't Superman, Godzilla, or any other super-being. Regardless of who or what you are, you are a mere mortal. You will feel pain. You will feel hopelessness and despair. You are not invincible, so turn those cheat codes off and live with it.
7. Death may very well occur here, but not without the player's consent or my final word.
8. Think, strategize, survive, and have fun.