Arctica: Vostok [Mystery/Horror] [Story Emphasis]

[Question Mark]

IC
OOC
Brief
Dossiers

ARCTICA: VOSTOK

THE BRIEF

WARNING: EYES ONLY, TOP SECRET
VIOLATION RESULTANT IN CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-9912, IMMEDIATE TERMINATION

At 1834 hours UTC two days prior, 20130413, Vostok Station (VOK) went dark.  This is anomalous.  VOK has been reliably transmitting information every few minutes for the past five decades, and this is the first disruption in that pattern.  As temporary civilian adjuncts, it is your job to investigate VOK and discover the reason for the radio silence.  You are being transported by [REDACTED], and will be escorted by soldiers provided by [REDACTED]. 

After your safe return, you will be debriefed and compensated for your efforts, then transported back to your residence.  Commander King will be your commanding officer.  Any questions may be presented to her.

PLEASE REFER TO:
"Scientists Find Life in the Cold and Dark Under Antarctic Ice" -- New York Times, Civilian Journalism
Vostok Station Geographical Review -- Russian Government
"A Precambrian microcontinent in the Indian Ocean" -- Scientific Publication (ISSN: 1752-0894) (doi: 10.1038/ngeo1736)
Data Packet VOK-20130413-094 -- Attached Text: "ARCTICA"
Klyuchevskaya Sopka Dig, Artifact Sketch 027 -- Attached Text: "19m statue embedded in face of basalt cliff.  Remarkably intact.  Estimated age [REDACTED]"  Credit: Dr. Charles Gustav, 20130402
Klyuchevskaya Sopka Dig, Artifact Sketch 017 -- Attached Text: "Direct, free-standing sculpture in a large clearing on the fringe of [REDACTED].  Dated to approximately [REDACTED].  23.3 meters."  Credit: Dr. Gale Hanson, 20130328
ARCTICA -- Oil on canvas.  Credit: Sir Theodore Stoneman, South London Psychiatric Ward, 1938
Data Packet MSG3-CHERBAKUL01/02/03/04/05/06/07/08 -- Compilation of eight (8) separate data packets.  Dated February 15, 2013, 0320-0335 UTC
Data Packet EUMAT-CHERBAKUL01 -- Dated February 15, 2013, 0320 UTC
"Abrupt climate change at the end of the last glacial period inferred from trapped air in polar ice" -- Scientific Publication (ISSN: 0036-8075) (doi: 10.1126/science.286.5441.930).  Attached Text: "Bølling Transition, 14.5 ky B.P.  Suggest measurements may be off due to ARCTICA and [REDACTED], adjust +5.5 ky B.P."
Deep Diver -- 3DS/Photoshop/Digital Painting.  Credit: Colonel Mikhael Randis (ret.), Moscow, Russia, 2008.  Currently in South London Psychiatric Ward.
In the Russian Snows -- Oil on Canvas.  Credit: Colonel Mikhael Randis (ret.), Moscow, Russia, 2007.  Currently in South London Psychiatric Ward.
American Meteor Society Events -- Attached Text: "600% increase in events between 2005 and 2012.  Rate of meteor falls over continental America drastically increasing, assumed representative of global rates, indicative of geometric increase in global meteor landfalls per year."
NEW FILE-->  Micrograph ARCTICA-0024 -- Attached Text: "A. arctica bears similarity to genus Trichodina, only significant differences being the anomalous organs on the underside, size of individual, and preferred host."  Credit: Dr. Hellen Tanen, University of Oulu.  Scanning electron microscope micrograph.
NEW FILE-->  Micrograph ARCTICA-0031 -- Attached Text: "Aboral view of A. arctica.  Note retraction of anomalous organs.  Virtually identical to Trichodina."  Credit: Dr. Hellen Tanen, University of Oulu.  Differential interference contrast micrograph.
NEW FILE-->  Meteorite RU-CHERBAKUL-01 -- Attached Text: "23 kg.  Predominantly nickel, with unusually high amounts of carbon micro-deposits."
NEW FILE-->  TUNGUSKA-01 -- Attached Text: "Photograph from Tunguska Event in Russia.  Circa 1908.  Recommend encouragement of 'Tesla Death Ray' conspiracy theory.  Too crazy to be taken seriously, reinforce public opinion of meteorite event."





CIVILIAN DOSSIER

WARNING: CONFIDENTIAL
VIOLATION RESULTANT IN CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Please review the following dossier and confirm all facts within are true.  If there are discrepancies, or if the dossier concerns someone not yourself, please correct the errors and inform Commander King.

Code Select Expand

[b]FULL NAME[/b]:
[b]TITLES, DEGREES, and FORMER RANK[/b]: [If applicable]
[b]SEX[/b]:
[b]CITIZENRY[/b]:
[b]CURRENT ADDRESS[/b]:
[b]DATE of BIRTH[/b]:
[b]PLACE of BIRTH[/b]: [If country of birth differs from CITIZENRY, elaborate]
[b]NEXT of KIN[/b]:

[b]APPEARANCE[/b]: [Please attach photo or likeness (.jpg or .png, no larger than 2gb).  Photo or likeness must accurately represent the individual and be no older than six months.]
[b]ETHNICITY[/b]:
[b]HEIGHT[/b]:
[b]WEIGHT[/b]:
[b]SKIN COLOR[/b]:
[b]EYE COLOR[/b]:
[b]HAIR COLOR[/b]:
[b]TATTOOS[/b]:
[b]BIRTHMARKS or SCARS[/b]:
[b]OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS[/b]:

[b]BIOGRAPHY[/b]: [Informal summary.  Although thoroughness is encouraged, ensure that at least the most recent two years are detailed.  Earlier life history is optional]
[b]OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS[/b]: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
[b]OCCUPATION[/b]:

[b]PERSONALITY[/b]: [Informal summary]
[b]PHOBIAS[/b]:
[b]HOBBIES[/b]:
[b]CRIMES[/b]: [Note: Only list those that resulted in Convictions]
[b]ADDICTIONS[/b]: [Include any and all substance or mental addictions suffered, past or present]
[b]OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM[/b]: [Note: No input required.  Please Attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-5 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the Form here]
[b]ADDITIONAL NOTES[/b]: [If needed]

[b]CURRENT MEDICATIONS[/b]:
[b]CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES[/b]:
[b]CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES[/b]:
[b]PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT[/b]: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-2 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]
[b]VACCINATIONS[/b]: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]


[b]SURVEY [/b]-- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before:
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite:
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles:
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane:





MILITARY DOSSIER

WARNING: CONFIDENTIAL
VIOLATION RESULTANT IN CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Please review the following dossier and confirm all facts within are true.  If there are discrepancies, or if the dossier concerns someone not yourself, please correct the errors and inform Commander King.

NOTE: If you are reading this, it means your country has authorized your presence here.  Information you may normally deem sensitive should not be considered secret while correcting this dossier.  Hold nothing back.

Code Select Expand

[b]FULL NAME[/b]:
[b]CURRENT RANK[/b]: [If applicable]
[b]SEX[/b]:
[b]CITIZENRY[/b]:
[b]CURRENT STATION[/b]:
[b]DATE of BIRTH[/b]:
[b]PLACE of BIRTH[/b]: [If country of birth differs from CITIZENRY, elaborate]
[b]NEXT of KIN[/b]:

[b]APPEARANCE[/b]: [Please attach photo or likeness (.jpg or .png, no larger than 2gb).  Photo or likeness must accurately represent the individual and be no older than six months.]
[b]ETHNICITY[/b]:
[b]HEIGHT[/b]:
[b]WEIGHT[/b]:
[b]SKIN COLOR[/b]:
[b]EYE COLOR[/b]:
[b]HAIR COLOR[/b]:
[b]TATTOOS[/b]:
[b]BIRTHMARKS or SCARS[/b]:
[b]OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS[/b]:

[b]BIOGRAPHY[/b]: [Informal summary.  Although thoroughness is encouraged, ensure that at least the most recent two years are detailed.  Earlier life history is optional]
[b]OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS[/b]: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
[b]MOST RECENT or CURRENT DEPLOYMENT[/b]:
[b]MEDALS and HONORS[/b]: [Include those that have been withdrawn or voided, but include the reason for their cancellation]

[b]PERSONALITY[/b]: [Informal summary]
[b]PHOBIAS[/b]:
[b]HOBBIES[/b]:
[b]CRIMES[/b]: [Note: Only list those that resulted in Convictions]
[b]ADDICTIONS[/b]: [Include any and all substance or mental addictions suffered, past or present]
[b]PTSD[/b]: [Y/N]
[b]OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM[/b]: [Note: No input required.  Please Attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-5 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the Form here]
[b]ADDITIONAL NOTES[/b]: [If needed]

[b]CURRENT MEDICATIONS[/b]:
[b]CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES[/b]:
[b]CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES[/b]:
[b]PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT[/b]: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-2 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]
[b]VACCINATIONS[/b]: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]


[b]SURVEY [/b]-- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before:
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite:
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles:
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane:





OOC

Imagine this.  You're a scientist.  Maybe biology, geology, or even sociology.  You're rather esteemed in your chosen field, having authored dozens of papers on your specialty, or perhaps you're a rising star, a brilliant intellectual bringing a fresh perspective to the community.  One night, some black-suited men offer you two million US dollars to drop whatever you're doing and accompany them to... somewhere.  They're not very specific, and you have the feeling that if you turned down the offer, they'd forget the money and take you anyway.  They hand you a dossier.  Stamped in black ink across the manila folder is your name.

Or maybe you're a soldier.  America, Russian, Australian, European, or possibly a mercenary.  You're a veritable death machine, a master of your craft, with a stunning record and a chest full of medals.  Your accomplishments are so significant that you're either a war hero... or your government has made you vanish all together in order to protect you.  Your higher ups approach and give you a new, top secret assignment: Vostok.

Vostok Station is a Russian research camp in the heart of Antarctica, thousands of kilometers from the nearest human settlement.  It is one of the most remote and coldest places on earth, with a record low temperature of -128 degrees Fahrenheit.  Four kilometers below the small station lies Lake Vostok, the largest underice lake in the world.  You may have read in newspapers or seen mention online of Vostok Station's success in boring through the ice to the lake below, a pristine habitat preserved under an ice shelf for millions of years.  Officially, it was a simple ice coring mission, meant to explore one of the last unknown places on Earth.  Off the books, something went terribly wrong.

You're quickly loaded up onto a plane, and spend the better half a day locked in a small, freezing room.  Hard-faced men in black suits watch you for every moment of the trip.  Eventually, you're told that you're part of a special, international team assembled in haste to investigate Vostok Station.  In the middle of a freak blizzard, on the eve of their expected success in delivering a probe into Lake Vostok, the station had gone silent.  The world's most powerful governments want to know why.  If you're a scientist, they expect you to answer that question, and if you're military, you're assignment is to make sure the eggheads do just that.





Okay, the gist of this game is this: your character is coerced or ordered to travel to Vostok Station.  They aren't told much, just that the station went dark on the eve of launching an underwater probe into Lake Vostok, and you need to find out why.  Expect this game to contain elements of mystery, suspense, survival-horror.  Also expect a melding of OOC and IC.  As you can see, the "character sheets" are actual IC dossiers, and I encourage you to fill them out as your IC character would.  That's only the beginning, however.  While OOC will always stay in the OOC thread, don't be surprised if IC elements bleed through into the OOC thread from time to time.  A picture here, an encrypted transmission there.  There will be another whole layer to this game, kind of like an ARG.

At least, that's how I think of it.

Good luck!

[Starlequin]

Yes. Yes, I think I am. Hm, soldier or scientist, brains or brawn...will think on it.

[Question Mark]

No one says you can't have both ;)

[Malrunar]

I think I'm game on this. I've never really participated in a group game before, but I'm certainly interested. I haven't settled on which role to play yet, however, so I'll have to ponder it over for a while.

Are you going to act as GM or do you have another character in mind? And do you have an idea where you would like this story to go, or is the plan to just play it by ear and see how the characters interact?

[Question Mark]

I think I'm game on this. I've never really participated in a group game before, but I'm certainly interested. I haven't settled on which role to play yet, however, so I'll have to ponder it over for a while.

Are you going to act as GM or do you have another character in mind? And do you have an idea where you would like this story to go, or is the plan to just play it by ear and see how the characters interact?

Thanks for the interest!

Yes, I'll be GMing and playing as all the NPCs, and yes, I have a pretty solid idea of what's going on in Vostok Station, and where this plot is likely to go in the long run.  That said, characters will definitely be able to significantly impact where the plot goes and how certain... developments... occur.  >:)

[Malrunar]

Well... I'm stuck between the two; for one I love to play snarky, strong women who enjoy fighting as much as they enjoy watching Jackie Chan fight, but on the other hand, playing a frustrated scientist could be fun as well. How much real research/bullshitting the facts is allowed?

[Question Mark]

I'm not really sure what you mean by bullshitting the facts.  Generally though, as long as it doesn't obviously smell like bullshit, I'm good with it :P

[Malrunar]

I guess I should have rephrased that a bit. Do those interested in playing the brains have a need to do research on their part, or is creative license (within reason, of course) allowed. But it looks as if you already answered that, so it's moot at this point.  ;)

I'm still interested; leaning towards scientist. Maybe an Archaeologist.

[Question Mark]

Oh, I don't expect you to have a PhD or anything to play a scientist.  Passing knowledge, maybe some research if she mentions something complex.  Make sure you're not talking complete gibberish and all that.  But ya, moot point.

Archeology eh?  Interesting.  Actually, ya, that would flow really well with what I have planned.

Well, so far, we've only got two people interested.  And honestly, I'd be okay with a game this small.  What about you two?

[Malrunar]

I'd be perfectly okay with that.

[Karasu]

ooh I  am totally interested.. Scientist for the win! ^^

[Koekje]

So am I. I'd love to participate as well :)

I'll play any role that's needed :p

[1SAZ]

I'll go ahead and throw my hat into the ring as well. I wouldn't mind playing a PMC hired to keep the scientists alive. I rather like the idea of him being an "expert" on arctic warfare and survival. And by expert, I mean he's worked in those conditions enough to know what works and what doesn't.

[Starlequin]

Oh goody, this picked up! I've decided to go the 'hard mode' route and run two characters for this one, after all (if that's still cool). One scientist (female, either a biologist or a botanist), one soldier (male, probably more used to  desert or jungle missions so he's way out of his usual element). Any timeframe on when we're looking to start?

[Question Mark]

Kara, SAZ, Koek!  It's awesome to see you guys interested!  And Star, you're welcome to make two character if you feel that you can handle it.  ;)

Now, I've been pretty busy today, and I'm gonna be busy tomorrow, but hopefully I'll have an official thread Recruitment thread up tomorrow.

[Karasu]

woots, lemem knwo when you get a CS up Q Mark, I can work on a character then.

[RubySlippers]

Would a woman Chinese Intelligence elite agent fit? Heaven knows what the Americans and all are hiding down there and there may be something China can use for its defense or offense in the future.

[Question Mark]

Updated the first post with the brief and dossiers!  I've added a bunch if stuff, so make sure you give it a thorough read.

@Ruby: Vostok Station is officially a Russian station.  If anything, the Chinese would be more likely to know what's going on there than the Americans.  That certainly doesn't mean you can't have a Chinese agent, but she wouldn't be incognito.  The civilians/military may not know her true identity, but she wouldn't be a spy, and the Powers That Be would know who she really is.

[Malrunar]

So, I'll be off school and back from the gym in about 6 hours. Dibs on Irish lass.

[Malrunar]

FULL NAME: Aibhlinn “ave-leen” Isold Bannon
TITLES, DEGREES, and FORMER RANK: Professor
SEX: Female
CITIZENRY: Ireland
CURRENT ADDRESS: Fairbanks, Alaska
DATE of BIRTH: November 11th, 1985
PLACE of BIRTH: Cork, Ireland
NEXT of KIN: N/A

APPEARANCE:

ETHNICITY: Irish
HEIGHT: 5’4
WEIGHT: 125 lbs
SKIN COLOR:Fair
EYE COLOR: Dark Green
HAIR COLOR: Red
TATTOOS: N/A
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: Laceration scars down left, lateral arm and across bilateral shoulders. 
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS: Lopsided smirk.

BIOGRAPHY: Graduating from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England, Aibhlinn’s career in Archaeology took off with gusto-while working along with Zahi Hawass until his fall -to which she responds with ‘He was the Mubarak of antiquities’. Bannon went solo shortly after, obtaining scholarships through anonymous and questionable sources, allowing travel around the globe that has led her to several lost civilization Respected in the community for her work, despite her unorthodox approach, Aibhlinn takes a special interest toward the supernatural and past beliefs, while lacking the catholic faith of her own blood.

An expedition led to a successful discovery in China, where Bannon discovered a hidden temple in the range of the ‘Five Great Mountains’, unearthing sacred stone tablets and serpentine statues confiscated by the local government. She was later charged; and then released for breaking and entering, trespassing and assault, and currently is suspended from the privilege of traveling back to China ever again.

Her last known location was Fairbanks, Alaska, rumored to be investigating a city of onyx lost among the glaciers and protected by the natives of the tundra.

OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE.
OCCUPATION: Archaeologist
PERSONALITY: Bannon is known for her sharp tongue; she has the habit of making friends, but often-times her broken 'filter' gets her into trouble and push those people away. She isn't afraid of anything (except the thought of bloating in space,) and likes to take risks. She's something of an adventurer, often described as such before her profession is considered, and takes this as a compliment. Indiana Jones did a fair enough job at it and is often a role model.

With a respect to all religions, she considers herself spiritual but not devoted, and meditates to clear her mind, not worship something she can't see. Peaceful moments make her uncomfortable, and violence is where she feels she thrives.

PHOBIAS: Astrophobia.
HOBBIES: Studying ancient language, religion and folklore. Ghost Hunting.
CRIMES: One count assault. Trespassing. Breaking and Entering.
ADDICTIONS: Adrenaline.
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: [Note: No input required.  Please Attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-5 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the Form here]
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Speaks Irish Gaelic, English, and Arabic fluently, and learned with dead languages such as Hieroglyphics, Greenlandic Norse, and Latin.

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: N/A
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: Insomnia
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-2 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]
VACCINATIONS: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before:  No.
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite:  Yes
If Yes, Elaborate: Cervical Cancer, 2001. Recovered.

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: Yes
If Yes, Elaborate: Visiting third-world countries make this a requirement for a lady to feel safe. Also; I just enjoy the smell of cordite.

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: It’s spelled ‘airplane’.

[Eleah]

Love the concept! Reminds me a lot of the book Ice Station, but perhaps a little less over-the-top (and obviously a lot more adult!). I was thinking of creating a skilled Diver for our team. Something along the lines of a highly skilled Navy salvage diver who had a traumatic mission or something and was shifted off of active duty to the Experimental Diving Unit but is called back up due to prior experience working in Antarctic conditions or something like that.

[Eleah]

FULL NAME: Harper McAdams
CURRENT RANK: US Navy Diver (First Class)
SEX: Female
CITIZENRY: USA
CURRENT STATION: United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit
DATE of BIRTH: December 1st, 1990
PLACE of BIRTH: Seattle, Washington
NEXT of KIN: None

APPEARANCE:  (Photo on file. Taken 20130209; USNEDU Changerooms; Panama City; Florida)

ETHNICITY: English/American
HEIGHT: 5’5”
WEIGHT: 129lbs
SKIN COLOR: Pale
EYE COLOR: Blue-green
HAIR COLOR: Brunette
TATTOOS: Anchor, lower left waist
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: 3 inch scar, faded, on side of upper right thigh. Several smaller scars surrounding.
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS: Penchant for having something her hands at all times, usually something small, like a pen.   

BIOGRAPHY: Although graduating high school with a 3.5 GPA, Harper McAdams didn’t take an academic route and instead sought a life of adventure and excitement in the US Navy. A lover of the ocean and a consistent member of the swim team found her volunteering as a Navy Diver during basic training at “A” School. Here her quiet determination and total comfort in the water helped her progress quickly and she earned her Second Class Diver rating with the highest scores in a class where she was the only girl.

Her natural talent being obvious she was quickly posted to challenging assignments in the deep Pacific Ocean and off the coast of Japan, salvaging naval equipment damaged in storms and assisting in repairs of offshore installations.

By the time she was 21 she was already qualified as a First Class ND and had served in most of the major oceans on Earth as well as earning an Antarctic Service Medal for serving three months at the famous McMurdo Station assisting in the use and repair of loaned Navy equipment. It seemed the tenacious young woman could do no wrong with a near 100% success record that silenced all her male critics and a fiery manner that quickly made them her friends.

That was until a fateful deep sea mission off the coast of Alaska.

With her experience diving in cold temperatures, Harper was sent with a team of fellow NDs to safely disable some unexploded ordinance found in a previously lost American submarine sunk during the Cold War. Perched on an undersea ridge, the submarine was a potential ecological disaster and was to be taken care of covertly.

During the risky mission, something went wrong and the submarine dislodged from its resting place, sliding down the ridge. Inside the torpedo room, a loose munition exploded, killing 3 of the 4 divers and leaving Harper trapped in a submerged corridor with a metal rod impaling her thigh.
Rapidly losing consciousness and unable to swim with her injured leg, were it not for the quick actions of the surface team and the sheer luck that the descending submarine lodged in a groove not far from where it was, Harper would have died with her fellow divers, underwater on a secret mission. As it was, she survived and, after a year of rehabilitation, she was brought back into service shipped off to a tame testing job at the NEDU with a Distinguished Service Medal and a Purple Heart to try and reconcile her traumatic experience.
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
MOST RECENT or CURRENT DEPLOYMENT: United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Florida.
MEDALS and HONORS: Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Antarctic Service Medal.

PERSONALITY: Though originally a fiery and passionate woman, Harper has become more subdued since her mission off the coast of Alaska. Though her adventurous spirit is by no means quelled, she has become a little more reserved and quiet compared to her old, heart-on-her-sleeve self and even more determined and driven to get back into the field where she feels she belongs. She may not be as loud and boisterous as she once was (a vestige of being surrounded by male counterparts), but Harper still has a calm, joking manner that, with her soft smile, many find easy to get along with. Despite her reassignment to a research and test position, the young woman still has the fearlessness of a Navy Diver and is rarely intimidated, despite her experiences.
PHOBIAS: Mild claustrophobia.
HOBBIES: Swimming laps and guitar.
CRIMES: N/A
ADDICTIONS: None.
PTSD: Y
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: Mild PTSD symptoms. Includes raised heart-rate in cramped underwater situations and a reluctance to discuss the aforementioned Alaskan mission. Despite this, subject seems eager to continue service as an active Salvage and Demolitions Diver and as this can often be the only way to cure such symptoms, this psychological examination suggests a reassignment to field duty after a sufficient amount of time and pending the recovery from her physical injuries.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: N/A

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Mild painkillers.
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: None.
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: See attached Psychological Exam summary.
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: Almost fully recovered from severe, penetrative laceration to upper, right thigh, fractured femur and fracture ribs. Use of leg is at 99%. Consider returning to active duty within the next month.
VACCINATIONS: Hepatitis A, B, tetanus, cervical cancer.


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: Yes.
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before: No.
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit: N/A

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite:
If Yes, Elaborate: No.

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles:
If Yes, Elaborate: Yes, trained in basic operation of pistol and sub-machine guns.

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: No, can’t say I am.

[Karasu]

I must ask Q mark.. for picture sake, are Anime pictures allowed if they are not too over the top?

[Karasu]

FULL NAME: Kyari Lynn Takanami
TITLES, DEGREES, and FORMER RANK: Doctorate in geological studies
SEX: Female
CITIZENRY: England and America (Duel citizenry for her work)
CURRENT ADDRESS: 37 Rowan way, England.
DATE of BIRTH:September 13th, 1980
PLACE of BIRTH: Kyoto, Japan (moved to England at young age, moved to USA as an adult)
NEXT of KIN: None listed, Estranged from older sister in London
APPEARANCE:

ETHNICITY: White/Asian
HEIGHT: 5 ft, 4 in
WEIGHT: 120 lbs.
SKIN COLOR: Pale cream
EYE COLOR: Chocolate Hazel
HAIR COLOR: Darker Blonde with golden highlights
TATTOOS: none
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: one straight scar on her right hip, seems old. One birthmark the shape sort of resembling a crescent moon on the left front side of her body, just beneath the left breast.
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS:

BIOGRAPHY: For the past two years Dr. Takanami has been working ocean-side studying Hydro-geology and Geological Oceanography. Both of which study the water and the ocean floor. Dr. Takanmi studies quite a bit and is no nonsense when it comes to her work and the results sought after. She loves to theorize and if one were to visit her home they would find theories and questions plastering the walls of her house.
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
OCCUPATION: Geologist, Freelance.

PERSONALITY: She is withdrawn and would rather like to read or work to pass the time than do any sort of mingling.
PHOBIAS: Horses (Mild), Spiders (Moderate), Snakes (Moderate).
HOBBIES: Working, Reading
CRIMES: N/A
ADDICTIONS: Work
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: "Dr. Takanami has admitted to talking to herself when in the throes of theorizing, she has trouble gettign herself to open up, she is awkward socially and prefers often times to work alone or read books."
ADDITIONAL NOTES: N/A

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: N/A
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: Healthy with no diseases, Doctor did recommend eating more however.
VACCINATIONS: All recommended to that point.


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: no
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before: no
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit: N/A

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: no
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: No.
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: no




[Complete.. I beleive]

[Question Mark]

@Ygg: Awesome character!  I love the Indiana Jones vibe she has, and she's actually a perfect fit for the game.  Aibhlinn Isold Bannon's dossier has been attached to the project and the proper authorities dispatched to collect her.  I'll be contacting you via PM soon with additional details.

@Eleah: Another great character, and again, she's a perfect match for the game.  I loved her backstory; imagining being impaled in a sinking submarine off the coast of Antarctica is, pardon my French, fucking terrifying.  It's no surprise she has PTSD.  Harper McAdams' dossier has been attached to the project and her direct superiors informed of her immediate reassignment.  I'll soon be contacting you via PM with additional details.

@Kara: She's shaping up to be an interesting character.  And geology is completely relevant to Vostok Station, although it may not be immediately obvious why.  >:)  As for the picture: sorry, but I'd really prefer if you didn't use anime.   :/  I can't wait to see your finished dossier though!

[Karasu]

Not a problem at all I can find one quite similar to the look but have it not be anime ^^

[Starlequin]

Should have my soldier CS ready tonight.

[Lockepick]

Thought I'd throw my hat in the ring for a Combat Medic!

I also know very little about the military, I tried to do some research, but PLEASE feel free to correct me if things I'm saying are just flat out wrong.

FULL NAME: James Endast
CURRENT RANK: Navy, Hospital Corpsman Third Class
SEX: Male
CITIZENRY: United States
CURRENT STATION: USMC Hospital Corpsmen
DATE of BIRTH: 2/20/1990
PLACE of BIRTH: Boston, MA
NEXT of KIN: Robert Endast, Elder Brother

APPEARANCE:
ETHNICITY: Caucasian
HEIGHT: 5'6"
WEIGHT: 140 lbs
SKIN COLOR: Fair
EYE COLOR: Blue
HAIR COLOR: Dirty Blonde
TATTOOS: None
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: Bullet wound scar in right shoulder
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS: None

BIOGRAPHY:
   James Endast was the second born of a doctor and a nurse. His older brother did not have the intellectual fortitude or desire to follow in the family's foot steps, leaving all the pressure onto James to do so. His family was well off, but still he was pushed and prodded into following his father's footsteps. He was supposed to be a medical doctor, but in a sudden burst of rebellion, he left medical school to enlist. There was still a part of him that enjoyed medicine. There are many ways to help your fellow man, but there are few that are so intricate and directly related as medicine. He already had the beginnings of the training required, so slipping into the role of a combat medic was easy enough.

   He was shipped out to Iraq and served in the cities. His squad lucked out in that their tour was mostly uneventful. James would blame how uneventful it was on why their guards were dropped when they were ambushed by extremists. The initial rocket strike killed half of the group immediately, the remaining few men struggled to get out. One of the men had severe damage to their legs and there was limits to what James could do while under fire. In an effort to get the men out, and get the injured to a hospital, one of the soldiers took a bullet that would have hit James -- under the pretense that James could save more lives than him. James took a bullet in the shoulder while carrying the wounded soldier out of the combat zone.

   The Brass forced a period of leave on James after what happened. He's spent that time sitting in on college classes at Boston University between pysch evaluations. When the opportunity to head to Vostok arrived, James took the opportunity. This was a place that could really use him, that maybe he could make up for what, and who, he didn't save before.
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
MOST RECENT or CURRENT DEPLOYMENT: US Marine Corps; Samarra, Iraq
MEDALS and HONORS: Combat Medical Badge, Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross

PERSONALITY:
- James has been out of the field for a while now. He's nervous about a repeat event, he's nervous about being out of practice. He works best under pressure though.
PHOBIAS: None
HOBBIES: Reading, Reality Television, Running.
CRIMES: None
ADDICTIONS: None
PTSD: N
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: Minor survivor's guild, risk of martyr complex.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: None
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: None
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-2 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]
VACCINATIONS: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: No
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: No
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: Yes
If Yes, Elaborate: Pistols and Assault Rifles

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: No

[Eleah]

Feel a lil silly asking, but did you want us to reply to those PM's Question Mark?

Also, added a picture of Harper!

[Question Mark]

Ah damn, I forgot to put the little OOC thing at the end of the PM.  Basically, it's meant to be a little backstory connecting your character to the IC-verse.  Also, given the orders in the message, a reply would be kind of out of place.  And don't feel silly, t'was my mistake.  :P

EDIT: And I like the picture, especially the timestamp and detail.  The girl's cute too!

Sidenote though, for Yggdrasil.  You can respond to your PM if you wish, or not.  That's up to you.

Guys, sorry for the confusion!  I'm pretty much flying by the seat of my pants at the moment.  I have the plot figured out, but all this extra stuff is mostly improv.  I'm experimenting a bit, so I hope you'll bear with me.  :)  If you don't like it, let me know and I can go more straight-lace GM.


@locke: I like him!  A medic will probably be fairly useful on this expedition as well.  No specific reason, just a gut feeling.   ::)  Also, may I suggest removing the "code" code from around the profile.  James Endast's dossier has been attached to the project and the proper authorities dispatched to collect him.  Expect a PM from me soon with additional details.

[Question Mark]

ALERT!

A New File has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Starlequin]

FULL NAME: Thomas Jackson Kinkaide
CURRENT RANK: Staff Sergeant, US Army Rangers
SEX: Male
CITIZENRY: American
CURRENT STATION: Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, United States
DATE of BIRTH: April 3, 1987
PLACE of BIRTH: Phoenix, Arizona
NEXT of KIN: Robert Gerald "Buzz" Kinkaide - Father

APPEARANCE:
ETHNICITY: Caucasian
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 210 lbs
SKIN COLOR: White
EYE COLOR: Blue
HAIR COLOR: Blonde
TATTOOS: Burning dagger through winged skull above 75th Ranger Regiment (left bicep), pinup girl riding snarling tiger (right shoulder)
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: 1" crescent scar (stitch pattern visible) beneath right eye, GSW scar beneath left fourth rib, GSW scar on right outer thigh
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS: Tendency to crack thumb, middle and third finger knuckles when bored

BIOGRAPHY: Thomas Kinkaide enlisted in the US Army immediately after graduating high school. Progressed quickly through boot camp and Infantry assignments before requesting transfer to Army Rangers. Completed Ranger training with exceptional marks and demonstrated above average intelligence, tactical and leadership abilities. Achieved rank of Sergeant in 2008 while completing classified missions in Afghanistan. Promoted to Staff Sergeant after demonstrating grace under fire and heroism above and beyond the call of duty during extraction of hostage UN Aid Workers in Iraq in 2010. Took part in and sole survivor of joint operation with British SOCOM forces in Nicaragua, June 2011. Arrested on charges of Assault and Battery, Assaulting a Superior Officer, Attempted Murder, Dereliction of Duty and Insubordination, September 2011. Court martialed and convicted of Assault and Battery, Attempted Murder and Insubordination, October 2011. Sentenced to incarceration for a period of forty years without possibility of parole. Currently being held in maximum security US Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, United States.
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
MOST RECENT or CURRENT DEPLOYMENT: Gato Negra Research Station, Nicaragua, June 2011
MEDALS and HONORS: Purple Heart, awarded 2006; Purple Heart, awarded 2008; Silver Star, awarded 2008; Purple Heart, awarded 2010; Distinguished Service Cross, awarded 2010.

PERSONALITY: Thomas Kinkaide appears very calm and tranquil with very intense emotions deep beneath the surface. Multiple character witness testimonies describe him as friendly and easy-going with a sharply sarcastic sense of humor when off duty, extremely professional and attentive to detail. Seems to harbor a deep-seated dislike for individuals in authority whom he personally judges as unfit for office.
PHOBIAS: N/A
HOBBIES: Piano, fishing, reading
CRIMES: Assault and Battery, Attempted Murder and Insubordination
ADDICTIONS: N/A
PTSD: N
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: Subject displays above average aggression and focus when charged with critical tasks as well as unshakable loyalty to comrades and subordinates, but responds poorly to attempts by superior officers regarded as incompetent to instill direction or discipline. Maintains an atypical disregard for concepts such as honor and ROE compared to contemporary comrades. Lack of patience with bureaucratic procedures and willingness to forego SOP in favor of achieving required results via any means necessary are heavily indicated. Lack of remorse demonstrated in regard to felony charges.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This assessment cannot determine if subject is genuinely sociopathic or simply adherent to some inscrutable personal code of ethics. Personal note: This guy is a fucking hammer. If you intend to utilize him for this mission, this office strongly suggests you do not stand between him and whatever target you send him against.

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: N/A
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: Subject remains in near-peak physical condition despite max sec incarceration; prison surveillance reports indicate subject has maintained an intense personal fitness regimen during daily yard time.
VACCINATIONS: Hep ABC, tetanus, pox, influenza, malaria, bilharziosis


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: No
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before: N/A
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit: N/A

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: Yes.
If Yes, Elaborate: Contracted schistosomiasis July 2011. Treated with praziquantel and vaccinated same month.

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: Yes.
If Yes, Elaborate: Qualified in all military small-arms and long rifle weaponry including but not limited to 9mm, .45, M14, 1903 Springfield, Barret 50-Cal and Lahti L-39 20mm.

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: No.

[Karasu]

Updated some of the character, will continue to update as I think of stuff.

[Question Mark]

@Star: Another great character!  Man, this game is attracting the attention of quite a few talented individuals (which is awesome).  However, two things need to be addressed before he can be officially attached to the project.  Army Colonels generally require at least two decades of active service before earning their rank, and are usually graduates from OCS or civilian colleges.  Considering that Kinkaide was an enlistee in the US Army, it is very unlikely that he would attain an officer's rank within five years, let alone Colonel.  At the most extreme, he would be a Master Sergeant SNCO (Senior Non-Commissioned Officer) before being incarcerated, but Kinkaide is much more likely to have been a Staff Sergeant or possibly a Sergeant First Class (NCO and SNCO respectively).  SSgt would put him in charge of an eight man squad composed of two fireteams, while SFC would put him in charge of a platoon.  Given his history, I recommend changing his rank to Staff Sergeant.  The second thing is the event that led to his criminal charges.  Could you PM me the details of the event in Nicaragua?

After that's settled, he'll be attached to the project.

[Question Mark]

ALERT!

A New File has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Karasu]

FULL NAME: Kyari Lynn Takanami
TITLES, DEGREES, and FORMER RANK: Doctorate in geological studies
SEX: Female
CITIZENRY: England and America (Duel citizenry for her work)
CURRENT ADDRESS: 37 Rowan way, England.
DATE of BIRTH:September 13th, 1980
PLACE of BIRTH: Kyoto, Japan (moved to England at young age, moved to USA as an adult)
NEXT of KIN: None listed, Estranged from older sister in London
APPEARANCE:

ETHNICITY: White/Asian
HEIGHT: 5 ft, 4 in
WEIGHT: 120 lbs.
SKIN COLOR: Pale cream
EYE COLOR: Chocolate Hazel
HAIR COLOR: Darker Blonde with golden highlights
TATTOOS: none
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: one straight scar on her right hip, seems old. One birthmark the shape sort of resembling a crescent moon on the left front side of her body, just beneath the left breast.
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS:

BIOGRAPHY: For the past two years Dr. Takanami has been working ocean-side studying Hydro-geology and Geological Oceanography. Both of which study the water and the ocean floor. Dr. Takanmi studies quite a bit and is no nonsense when it comes to her work and the results sought after. She loves to theorize and if one were to visit her home they would find theories and questions plastering the walls of her house.
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
OCCUPATION: Geologist, Freelance.

PERSONALITY: She is withdrawn and would rather like to read or work to pass the time than do any sort of mingling.
PHOBIAS: Horses (Mild), Spiders (Moderate), Snakes (Moderate).
HOBBIES: Working, Reading
CRIMES: N/A
ADDICTIONS: Work
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: "Dr. Takanami has admitted to talking to herself when in the throes of theorizing, she has trouble gettign herself to open up, she is awkward socially and prefers often times to work alone or read books."
ADDITIONAL NOTES: N/A

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: N/A
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: N/A
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: Healthy with no diseases, Doctor did recommend eating more however.
VACCINATIONS: All recommended to that point.


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: no
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before: no
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit: N/A

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: no
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: No.
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: no

[Complete.. I beleive]

[Question Mark]

@Kara: Looks awesome!  So, oceanic geology huh?  Hmm...  Well, that's convenient!  Kyari Lynn Takanami's dossier has been attached to the project and the proper authorities dispatched to collect her.  Expect a PM soon with additional details.






ALERT!  A new file has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Karasu]

so do I like.. reply tot he PM?

Also while I can research like no tomorrow, I only knwo so much, so pardon if I don't use fancy science terms XD But I;m in love with the ocean XD

[Question Mark]

You can if you want.  Do note the date the email was sent though.  The day after she received it, she's "collected" by those suited men with very big guns.  If you do reply, keep it mind it would have to be before then.

Also, the cores were taken from the ocean bottom between Hawai'i and California as part of a geological survey Kyari is participating in.  I'm not sure if I specifically said that in the PM, so FYI.

[Karasu]

Makes sense I rather liked that though, but true to her nature if she did respond it woudl be short and brief, or not at all. Or an automated response XD

[Malrunar]

So how would you prefer posting to work, Q? In order? As we please? I work 8 am until 5 pm, and I have school from 6 pm until 10, then finally get home from the gym at around midnight (PST). I would personally prefer to have some sort of order, so I don't have to worry about reading thirty posts before I could get a response in for my character. At least when it concerns group interaction.

Luckily, I graduate May 31st. >__> Soon I can have a normal life again!

[Question Mark]

Usually I do freeform posting; post when you can and when it's appropriate, basically.  I'm still figuring out the actual structure of the game, though, so I'll definitely consider using some sort of posting order.

As for everyone else, do you prefer a preset posting order or a more freeform "post as you please" system?


P.S. I graduate in early May, so I definitely hear you about having a normal life.  I can't wait!  Unfortunately, I'm going to grad school in the fall, so I guess so much for that :P

[Starlequin]

Heh, I knew I'd screw up something on that one. I tried to research as best I could, but my connection is slower than cold molasses, haha. Corrections made, PM re Nicaragua coming soon, Mark.

Also, I'm good with a posting order as well. So long as its not something crazier than 4-5 times a week, that is.

[Karasu]

either way works for me

[Lockepick]

I would say keep things generally freeform, with the idea that people that are interacting with each other are working in an order. Once things branch off and time becomes more important to keep track of, then we can consider a more strict order.

[Question Mark]

@Star: Fantastic!  His dossier is now eligible for consideration.  After careful review, Staff Sergeant Thomas J. Kinkaide has been attached to the project and the proper authorities dispatched to collect him.  Expect a PM soon with additional details.

@Everyone: An FYI.  I encourage you to discuss the various files in the Brief and the contents of the PMs amongst yourselves in this thread.  They may be spontaneous, but they are not random, and they do fit together in the context of the game.  New files will be added often.  Be on the lookout, do some sleuthing, and keep your mind open.  Anything's possible.





ALERT!  Two (2) new files have been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Malrunar]

Ancient alien crash comes to mind. >:}

[Question Mark]

Ancient alien crash?  What inspired that theory, if I may be so bold?





ALERT!  A new file has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Karasu]

lol

[Question Mark]

lol

rofl

[Karasu]

excited for this to start already XD

[Question Mark]

excited for this to start already XD

Soon.  There are a few people who expressed interest who have yet to post a character profile (Koek, 1SAZ, and Ruby).  Once they post their profiles/back out of the game, or if I don't hear from them in a few days, I'll start the game.  At the very latest, Friday/Saturday of this week.

And of course, we're still accepting dossiers from other interested parties.  If you want in, it's not too late :D

[LtFox]

I was browsing through some games, and this caught my interest.

I'll be submitting a dossier within 12 hours.  It'll likely be a leading telecommunications R&D scientist.  Makes sense to have someone specialized in comms systems if a station has gone silent, no?

_LF_

[Karasu]

wooo

[Question Mark]

Nice, I can't wait to see what you come up with Fox.  And yes, that would be a reasonably assertion.  I suppose we'll find out if that's really the case soon enough.  >:)





ALERT!  Two (2) new files have been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[LtFox]

FULL NAME: Carl Emil Edelfelt
TITLES, DEGREES, and FORMER RANK: Master of Science, Information technology. In Active military reserve, rank Sergeant First Class, Platoon 2nd-in-command in signal corps.
SEX: Male
CITIZENRY: Finnish
CURRENT ADDRESS: St. Petersburg
DATE of BIRTH: 20.07.1980
PLACE of BIRTH: Helsinki, Finland
NEXT of KIN: One younger sister.

APPEARANCE:
ETHNICITY: White, northern european.
HEIGHT: 182cm
WEIGHT: 82kg
SKIN COLOR: Lightly tanned white.
EYE COLOR: Grey.
HAIR COLOR: Dark brown.
TATTOOS: None.
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: A long, neat scar running the length of left forearm.
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS: none.

BIOGRAPHY: After getting accepted to University of Technology at age 19, Carl completed his bachelor's degree in three years, opting to serve his mandatory military service after that.  Because of his prior expertise in telecommunications and information technology, he was placed into signal corps.  He was quickly earmarked for NCO training, and finished his 1 year conscription as a communications control and EMWAR specialist Sergeant.

Then, to finance his remaining education, he took the offer to switch into active reserve and serve a tour as a UN peacekeeper.  After six months in Lebanon, he'd had his first and very nearly last combat encounter with guerillas.  However, since the money was good and the prospects back home in the IT field weren't so great, he decided to go for another six months.  Thankfully that tour was more sedate, and his unit had no combat at all.  After finishing his year as a peacekeeper, he was promoted to reserve Staff Sergeant for his work and dedication as a peacekeeper.

It took him three more years after that to finish his Masters after, but he was fairly well off financially thanks to his year as a peacekeeper and investments since.  Eventually his ingenius way of thinking caught him a position in R&D department at Nokia, in the new telecommunications branch, Nokia Siemens Networks.  There he went on to build a successful career as he rose in ranks thanks to his new and innovative solutions to problems in telecommunications equipment.

During his years working at NSN, Carl had kept up his military training, joining refresher courses and voluntary training whenever available.  This resulted in his promotion to Sergeant First Class at age 31. Fairly soon after that, he got an offer from NSN to become the head of the new R&D branch opening in St. Petersburg thanks his fluency in Russian and his development successes in telecommunications technology.  He accepted, and moved to St. Petersburg, returning home mostly on holidays and for military exercises.  Under his guidance, the Russian branch prospered and he also occasionally gave guest lectures in St. Petersburg University of Technology on the topic of telecommunications.  He is currently regarded as one of the foremost experts in telecommunications technology in St. Petersburg.

OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
OCCUPATION: Nokia Siemens Networks St. Petersburg R&D branch manager.

PERSONALITY: Carl is quite outgoing, regarded by most as friendly.  However, his demeanor can be off-putting at first.  His face often wears a scowl and he rarely smiles.  This makes him occasionally hard to approach, but once he gets talking, he quickly puts most people at ease.  His outlook towards life is slightly conservative, though he respects other people's opinions.

His tours as a peacekeeper tempered his personality with caution, making him more soft-spoken and alert.  He likes be aware of all possible risks and take appropriate countermeasures.  His intelligence and innovative spirit only really shine through when he's working with communications equipment.  He doesn't hold much interest in technology beyond his chosen field.

PHOBIAS: Mines and Roadside bombs.  Wary of explosives in general.
HOBBIES: Tai-chi, trekking and shooting.
CRIMES: None.
ADDICTIONS: Hopeless Coffee addiction.
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: [Note: No input required.  Please Attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-5 to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the Form here]
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Fluent in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: None.
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: Lactose Intolerant.
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: None.
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: Good physical condition, regular muscle and cardiovascular training with Tai-Chi and trekking.  Hand-eye coordination above average according to shooting scores.
VACCINATIONS: [Note: no input required.  Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier.  If desired, you may summarize the form here]


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: No
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: No
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: Yes
If Yes, Elaborate: Mandatory service in Finnish Military.  Trained in the use of assault and sniper rifles.  Specialty in RK-series and other variants of the AK-47.

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: No

*******
OOC questions:
Carl's character offers two different options for bringing him on board.  As he is on active reserve, though technically a civilian, he can be recalled to duty when necessary.  It's GM's pick whether they picked him up as a civilian expert, or whether he got a military recall for the mission.  If he's on board as military, he's probably outfitted with the whole signal soldier kit.  If as a civilian, considerably less likely to be provided with initial military hardware.  Will probably still have computer and communications gear from either personal stock (he's got a house full of the stuff) or provided for the mission.

_LF_

[Cthonig]

Hi, just found this and am interested. I've been sick for a bit and still not over it so mentally collating all this will take a little time but I'm considering a scientist of some sort. IDK how much you want said in the thread here so I'm also sending you an email with some questions.

[Question Mark]

@Fox: Sorry for the delay!  The profile looks good; it'll be nice to have someone along who knows how to work a com set.  Carl Emil Edelfelt's dossier has been attached to the project and the proper authorities dispatched to collect him.  Expect a PM soon with additional details.





ALERT!  A new file has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Question Mark]

Hey guys.  I'm not ending the submission of dossiers for consideration, but I am beginning to work on the first IC post.  Sorry for my spottiness these past couple of days; I'm a university student, and we just got back from break.  Life's busy!





ALERT!  Two (2) new files have been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Karasu]

Woot woot ^^

[LtFox]

Well then, it seems SFC Edelfelt's recall has come in, so I better start putting his equipment together.  Good thing the only common point I have with my character is the military specialization, which I obviously chose so I could project some realism into the game.  Like SFC Edelfelt, my military specialization was communications and EW, so I've been running a mental checklist of all the equipment needed for an extended crisis management op with unknown circumstances.  Given that for this kind of thing, the very latest top-of-the-line stuff would probably be available, I've been going over some interesting things.

On the other hand, does any other player character beyond mine speak Russian?  Given that they're dispatched to a Russian station, where likely most of everything written down would be in Russian?

Gleefully anticipating the game already!

_LF_

[Question Mark]

Ah, I won't be able to finish it tonight!  But... soon...

Also, note this: before your characters are loaded up on the plane, they're offered their pick of equipment.  Virtually anything they request will be provided, given that it's relevant to their specialty and (with the exception of Edelfelt) does not allow them to communicate over long distances or with satellites.  However, they are not allowed to bring anything they own with them besides their clothing and one non-weaponized item that cannot communicate wirelessly and is no bigger than their fist.





ALERT!  A new file has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Question Mark]

IC thread is nearly done.  I would have had it up over the weekend, but I found a couple of plot holes going over my notes, and I wanted to get them sorted out before I started the game.





Alert!  A new file has been added to the Brief.  Please review at your earliest convenience.

[Question Mark]

Yay, triple post!  Okay, all of the threads are up and 95% ready to go.

IC --> IC thread.  Pretty Self-explanatory.  There are no post orders yet.  However, there are EVENTS.  When I've decided to do an event, I'll announce it in the OOC thread and attach the heads-up to the end of my recent IC posts along with an IRL date.  The event will take place on that date.  They are basically cut-offs where the scene will change dramatically, and the plot moved forward accordingly.  For example, the plane landing and the characters disembarking would be an event.  Events are to prevent stagnation, but also to give people some idea of when something big is going to happen, as well as a deadline.  If people are busy, there aren't enough posts, or if you simply don't want me to move the game forward yet, I can always delay events.  :)

OOC --> OOC Thread.  Also self-explanatory.  Use for chatting, extraneous discussions that may or may not be pertinent to the game, flirting, debauchery, etc.  Apply directly to the forehead.  Apply directly to the forehead.

Brief --> This is something new I'm trying.  Basically, the brief is a compilation of logs, notes, findings, and files from the IC-verse.  Your characters will be able to access the brief in the game via their MOBA's (basically communication devices they each have, see first IC post for details).  In addition, they can post stuff to the brief (like research findings, status updates, pictures, etc.), react to stuff that appears in the brief, and so on.  NPCs can update to the brief as well, and they will do so often.  However, note that sensitive information in uploads to the brief may be censored.  If your character wants to upload something to the brief, either write it out in your IC post, or PM me the upload.  Uploads can be text, pictures, videos (actual videos or "written" videos), audio, etc.  Note that your character cannot access or interact with the brief if they do not have their MOBA.  I'll announce all uploads to the brief as I go, but make sure you keep an eye on it.  It will be crucial to the game.

Dossiers --> It's a character thread.  I'll post all of the dossiers there eventually.



So, there ya go.

[Malrunar]

Awesome.  ;D

[LordMing]

Here is my character concept.

FULL NAME: Miles Alois Krieger
CURRENT RANK: None
SEX: Male
CITIZENRY: German
CURRENT STATION: Executive Protection Detail
DATE of BIRTH: 1/25/1969
PLACE of BIRTH: Germany; Mannheim, Hesse
NEXT of KIN: None

APPEARANCE:

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

ETHNICITY: Caucasian
HEIGHT: 185.42cm
WEIGHT: 125Kg
SKIN COLOR: White
EYE COLOR: Blue
HAIR COLOR: dark Brown
TATTOOS: None
BIRTHMARKS or SCARS: Bullet scars on front, upper torso.  Knife scar on lower abdomen and left arm
OTHER NOTABLE MARKS or TRAITS:

BIOGRAPHY: Born in Mannheim Germany and joined the army at the age of eighteen.  Served in the Division Apezielle Operationen under the KSK, assigned to the 3rd Commando Company.  Discharged from army at the age of thirty-two.  Joined Bundespolizei upon discharge, recruited into GSG-9.  Resigned GSG-9 at the age of forty one, began work as freelance security consultant and Executive Protection Specialist. 
OFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS: RESERVED: DO NOT WRITE HERE
MOST RECENT or CURRENT DEPLOYMENT: Protection detail for Tokio Hotel
MEDALS and HONORS: [Classified]

PERSONALITY: Reserved, quiet, trusts people at different levels, maintaining a complex hierarchy of plateaus where he holds people responsible for their actions and moves them up or down the hierarchy according to their actions.  Takes his own responsibilities seriously. 
PHOBIAS: Arachnaphobia (mild)
HOBBIES: Pencil sketching, movie trivia
CRIMES: None
ADDICTIONS: Alcoholism (currently in remission)
PTSD: Yes
OFFICIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM: [Note: No input required. Please Attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-5 to dossier. If desired, you may summarize the Form here]
ADDITIONAL NOTES: [If needed]

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Citalopram 40mg
CURRENT PHYSICAL ILLNESSES: None
CURRENT MENTAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES: PTSD, Alcoholism (under control for 3 years)
PHYSICAL FITNESS REPORT: [Note: no input required. Please attach Fitness Evaluation Form A-2 to dossier. If desired, you may summarize the form here]
VACCINATIONS: [Note: no input required. Please attach Vaccination Form A to dossier. If desired, you may summarize the form here]


SURVEY -- PLEASE COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.
WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION MAY LEAD TO CONSIDERATION OF NATO PENAL CODE A-0111, INDEFINITE DETENTION

Have you ever been to Antarctica before: No
If Yes, Have you ever been to Vostok Station before:
If Yes, What was the date, length, and purpose of your visit:

Have you ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer, elephantitis, chronic lymphedema, or a tropical parasite: No
If Yes, Elaborate:

Are you trained in the operation of military assault rifles, pistols, or hunting rifles: Yes
If Yes, Elaborate: Trained in all weapons related to operations of standard military operations as well as GSG-9 specific weaponry.

Are you certified to pilot a C-130 Hercules aeroplane: No