The Barricades (Tragedy. Recruiting M&F)

[Montagne]

  So comrades, come rally,
  And the last fight let us face.
  The Internationale,
  Unites the human race.
  The Internationale,
  Unites the human race.
                                                                               -- The Internationale, English lyrics.

The year is 2026. After a collection of shocks to the Eurozone markets towards the end of the previous decade the currency finally collapsed in on itself. Countries across the continent defaulted on their obligations, governments collapsed, unable to pay for the services they had promised their people. Out from this second great depression rose again the spectre of harsh reactionary governments. The EU fell apart, businesses were nationalised, and rights were restricted in an attempt to rebuild "national unity." Black clothed police officers enforce nation wide curfews after dark, and people can be arrested and disappeared without a trace. However, unemployment grows with every quarter; food, fuel and other essentials continue to skyrocket in price. As the discontent among the people reaches uncontrollable levels, people take to the streets.



This story follows a group of university radicals in a dystopian future. When they hear a city wide illegal protest is ready to take place, the young idealists really believe this is the end for the tyranny they are living under. They occupy their campus buildings, a large quad in the oldest part of the city, barricading the entrances in protest. News quickly comes to them that the police have opened fire upon the protesters across the rest of the city killing dozens, and that they are the only ones left fighting.

The story is a tragedy, drawing heavy influences from Les Miserables and the June Revolution in which the book is set. A young group of idealist students led by charismatic young men and women prepare to defend their rights when there is no one left to stand with them. The mood and theme is one of people far too young to understand what lies ahead of them as they prepare to do battle. There will be chances for romances formed fighting on the barricades, the passion of youth burning there. The story will be one of limited scope, with a planned end for the story rather than one which is open ended. My hope is to end with the scene in which the barricades are finally over-run, the students falling in the night to soldiers who came to fight them, so this should be kept in mind when people apply to play in the game. The players will not only be reacting to each other, but also NPCs in the setting, which will be controlled by myself (and possibly a Co-GM when necessary.)

The morning started off jubilantly. People sang songs and hundreds of students first came to the rally but, once the firing began nearly all scattered and ran. Now only a few of them remain. The students form mostly 3 groups. The Communists, The Anarchists, and The Pacifists. Other students stand on the barricades unaffiliated, but they are rare. The  Communists and Anarchists might come from very different ends of the spectrum, but they both know they need to fight the foes in front of them. The Communists represent the larger portion of the students, their leader commanding the defense as best they can. The Anarchists stand shoulder to shoulder with them fewer in number, but more prepared for such a conflict; one of their members rigging the universities 3D printer to produce the arms they need to protect themselves. Together they were the ones who built the barricades, preparing to meet resistance. The pacifists on the other hand came to peacefully occupy the square, largest in number, although most scattered when the fighting began. Some of them remain, unyielding in the face of terror, but when the shooting begins, will they pick up weapons and join their fellow students, or will they let their principles last till the end.

  Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number-
Shake your chains to earth like
dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you
Ye are many-they are few.”
                                                                                           --  Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Masque of Anarchy.

The Roles.

There are some Roles I want specifically filled. Multiple people can apply for the same role, and I will select the most fitting entry. The character traits needed are found in the brackets. There are several "free slots" for players to create whatever character they wish. Other members of the student body will be represented by NPCs. If you have a particularly interesting idea you feel doesn't really fit into any of the broad categories post below, and perhaps an additional slot can be added. There is a section on the character sheet that is listed "Death: Heroic/Realistic." This allows you to decide whether you wish your character to be open to the whims of the plots realism, IE that he could die at any moment (Realistic). Or if you wish it to happen in a pre-planned OOC scene that is then enacted (Heroic).

The Communists

The Idealist Atlas (A Charismatic leader ready to lead his people. He is full of idealistic zeal, but is inwardly scared for the coming conflict.)

The Friend   Cerevan (He the only one of them who knows theres no way they are getting out of this alive, but everyone whos ever cares about him is on these barricades, and he'll stay with them, no matter the consequences.)

The Mascot Visna (Their youngest member, he's only just turned 18. Cheery, Strong Willed and loveable. Of all the people, he shouldn't be here.)

Free Character #1

Free Character #2

The Anarchists

The Revolutionary Julles ((s)he has spent their time building up a network of people ready to fight when the time is right, and now is that time. Committed, strong willed and uncompromising.)

The Hacker (A computer hacker, who's created a community for documenting and preparing to resist the tyranny of the state. He truly believes he can win, compiling from wherever possible the blue prints for firearms and tools to help aid his brothers and sisters.)

The Nihilist (He accepts what most do not, that this is a lost cause. But he stands on the barricades anyway. Better to live a day as a lion, than a lifetime as a sheep.)

The Pacifists

The Community Organizer ( He's a brave man, who has been thrown in a jail cell and beaten on numerous occasions peacefully occupying buildings, bringing attention to the plight of those in need. He truly believes non-violence can win over those who are against him.)

The Lover(A young wo(man) who has seen the tyranny of the state first hand, who is in love with one of the Communists, who is unaware of his/her affections. They wont leave the barricades without them.)

The Doctor (A young med student. (s)hes never fired a gun before... In fact, this whole thing is terrifying to him/her. But when the first of the wounded from the protests appear, (s)he knows that they cannot leave.

Free Character #1 The Hanged Man

The Barricades: Character sheet

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[insert Image Here]
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Played by:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Eyes:[/b]
[b]Hair:[/b]
[b]Height:[/b]
[b]Sexuality:[/b]

[b]Role/Archetype:[/b]
[b]Death [/b]: Heroic/Realistic
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Background/History:[/b]
[b]Additional Character Info:[/b]

[Frelance]

I am interested in playing one of the Anarchists if this game gets off the ground. Not sure which one yet though.

[Visna]

This is amazing! Les Miserables is one of my favorite books, and the barricade is one of my favorite scenes.

There are a few roles I really wouldn't mind playing: The Friend, The Mascot, The Nihilist, Custom Communist, or The Lover. I'll think about it (and see what others choose) and then decide.

[Montagne]

It's one of my favourites aswell! Been looking forward to running this for some time!

[Julles]

I am very interested in this! It sounds very exciting. So many roles, not sure which I would want to play. I like them all, if this gets going I guess I can pick one then, but kind of leaning towards the revolutionary.  Exciting.

[AdrianZef]

This looks great! Definitely interested. From a first glance, The Nihilist, The Friend, or one of The Pacifists (or a Free Character, of course) look like characters I could play well. I'll come up with a character sheet and PM it? Or should I post it here?

[Julles]

Yes, I think I would like to put in a character sheet for The Revolutionary.

[Montagne]

This looks great! Definitely interested. From a first glance, The Nihilist, The Friend, or one of The Pacifists (or a Free Character, of course) look like characters I could play well. I'll come up with a character sheet and PM it? Or should I post it here?

Do post all character sheets here. As it lets players see the characters playing, especially as some are connected

[TheHangedOne]

Name: Erik "Garyo" Snyder
Played by: TheHangedMan
Age: 20
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Short, brown
Height: 5'8
Sexuality: Straight

Role/Archetype: Free Pacifist
Death : Heroic
Personality: Calm, even-tempered, kind, caring, courteous. Protective.
Background/History: Erik was born in Germany, but spent portions of his youth abroad with his parents, who were both archeologists. Despite the love of archeology they instilled in the young man, he wound up finding other subjects to fascinate him.

When he was 16, he started studying Buddhism as a solitary practitioner. While his interpretations of the text are unorthodox, he believes he is following "the right path for me".  He chose a Buddhist name at age 18, Garyo, which means "laying dragon".

His time at the university has primarily been spent learning more about philosophy, history, and sociology. 
Additional Character Info: While technically a pacifist, you could look at him as closer to being a Yamabushi than a true monk. He knows how to fight, and will likely take up arms, but only as an absolute last resort; he will, however, refrain from taking lives.

[Montagne]

I love the character idea. Could you find a picture for him?

[TheHangedOne]

I think I have a good one in store, yes. Just got to find it.

[Question Mark]

Awesome concept!  I always loved a dramatic, tense, and tragic story where the hopeful  few, so full of vitality, stand up against impossible odds.  Even if they fall before the faceless masks of authoritarianism, their sacrifice will inspire a new generation of idealists to take up the torch.

I'm 100% planning on making a Pacifist.  I'm currently leaning towards the Doctor.  Instead of a med school student -- if it's alright with you, of course -- I was thinking a US Navy corpsman who's on leave, visiting a friend at the university when things get crazy.  He decides to stick around to help with the inevitable casualties.  I'll whip up a basic sheet real quick, but I'll be sure to finish it in the next day or two if you're okay with the corpsman angle.





Name: Peter Floyd-Killian
Played by: ?
Age: 21
Eyes: TBD
Hair: TBD
Height: TBD
Sexuality: Straight, Celibate

Role/Archetype: Pacifist, the Doctor
Death: Realistic
Personality: Quiet, introspective, with a kind heart and a disposition for decisive action.  He doesn't talk much; not out of social anxiety, but because he prefers to listen and process what others have to say.  Although empathetic and sensitive to the pain of others, he does not come across as compassionate because he intentionally distances himself from people emotionally.  Has a very strict moral and ethical compass, and holds himself to rigid personal rules and guidelines.  He is self-disciplined, driven, and results-oriented.
Background/History: American, raised by his father, a veteran of the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts in the 2010s.  After high school, he enlisted as a hospital corpsman in the Navy.
Additional Character Info: TBD

[Montagne]

Hey, Welcome aboard Question Mark. I'd love you to take the Doctor role but I'm going to have to veto the US Navy Corpsman, as the whole point of the theme is as you said the few young souls, who don't know what war or fighting is, which is defeated if the roles are then filled by non-students, especially war veterans.

[Question Mark]

Hey, Welcome aboard Question Mark. I'd love you to take the Doctor role but I'm going to have to veto the US Navy Corpsman, as the whole point of the theme is as you said the few young souls, which is sort of defeated if the roles are then filled by non-students, especially war veterans.

I understand, but to clarify, he's not a war veteran, and is of student age.

[TheHangedOne]

Erik now has a picture. Added it to my previous post.

[Montagne]

I understand, but to clarify, he's not a war veteran, and is of student age.

Ahh Apologies, I miss-read the history as him being in the Iraq war, rather than his father. However, would you mind making him a student or give me much more details about him, rather than someone whos had military training?


Also, my character will be coming up soon ;D

The photos awesome Hanged.

[Montagne]

Important stuff to come tomorrow!

Name: Warwick Howe
Played by: Atlas
Age: 23
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Height:6’1
Sexuality:Bisexual

Role/Archetype:Communist Leader
Death : Heroic
Personality:
Background/History:
Additional Character Info:

[Julles]

Name:
Emma Rose Vemano (EV = "Evie")

Played by:
Julles
Age:
21
Eyes:
Blue
Hair:
Blonde
Height:
5'3
Sexuality:
Straight

Role/Archetype:
Anarchist -
The Revolutionary
Death :
Realistic

Personality: Evie is a very strong willed young woman. All her thoughts in her mind are the right way of thinking and anybody who thinks differently, or shows no sign of trying to understand her way of thinking, is the enemy. She has never backed down in a fight which has back fired on her a few times, but she doesn't care. Even though she is set in her ways, she isn't crazy either. Evie is actually a very smart and caring young woman with the talent to boot. She has made a lot friends over the years because of her caring and giving personality side.
Background/History: Evie was raised by her uncle, given to him when she was seven. So, he is basically her father, she treats him like one. He was a very strict person when she was growing up. A lot time limits and curfews among the onslaught of rules that were bestowed upon her as she grew up. As her mind started developing into its own, she started fighting back. Ever since then she has been breaking many rules. Her uncle has seemed to have lost respect for her as he is a polar opposite on most of her beliefs.
She was the only child from her real parents, but her two cousins that she grew up with and treated like her brothers are both older than her. They both went to war in 2012 and are still away on duty. They were very close, and she misses them a lot, sometimes even feeling a little lost without them. Besides those three men, there really was no other family in Evie's life. That was it, and that is why she probably felt the need to get a lot of friends. Beyond that, she had a very normal upbringing, not rich, not poor, just coasted along. She never asked about her birth parents, and never showed interest in finding them: a rare thing for orphans.
Additional Character Info: Evie's a very loyal person, and all of her friends are very loyal to her as well. This is the reason that she trusts them all so much, even to come and bear arms with her if need be.

[Montagne]

I love your character Julles!

[Julles]

Thanks! I can't wait to get this started.

[Cerevan]

Is the Friend or the Doctor still open, before I start furiously scribbling a character sheet? ;)

[Montagne]

friend certainly is, get scribbling away!

[Cerevan]

Whewt. Scribbling is a go!

[Cerevan]

Name: Kieran Matthews, "Kie"

Played by: Cerevan

Age: twenty-two

Eyes: dark brown

Hair: black, kept in buzz cut

Height: 5'11"

Sexuality: bisexual

Role/Archetype: Communists — The Friend

Death : Heroic

Personality: Smart and observant, Kie is often the snarky devil’s advocate in any given situation. He’s much more aware of the realities of the world than he lets on, and sees the weaknesses in others that they cannot. Despite this, he loves fiercely and his most defining trait is that of loyalty even unto death. He is giving of himself, taking in strays and rebels alike, and tries to keep everyone safe using his wits.

Background/History: Keiran grew up not with parents, but with a long string of nannies and maids. Though his family was well off and prestigious and though he was given the best of everything that money could buy, he was quite lonely. Once it became clear that he was quite intelligent, his parents began to parade him out to meet their friends and important people within the government. He always performed well, the adorably precocious youngster with big eyes and a winsome grin.

When he turned fourteen, he was sponsored to become part of a prestigious governmental program for secondary learning. It’s likely the sponsorship was primarily based on his family name, since the program was only a thin veil for churning out pro-government propaganda and creating the next generation of ‘leaders.’ Kie’s time in the program did just the opposite—he became aware of just how badly things were going behind the scenes of these governments and just how dangerous they truly were.

In college he tried to put those years behind him. He made friends with jailbait protestors and armchair revolutionaries, wrote manifestos that never went further than his door to his dorm, and played devil’s advocate every time those he cared about got too loud in their fight against “the man.”

Additional Character Info: [This is all vague and open to change in the near future.] Kie loves everyone in his group fiercely, and would die for any and all of them. He’s aware of what is coming when the barricades break but has been putting all of his formidable brain power to figuring out how to get as many as possible out alive. He’s especially protective of The Mascot. [Possibly he’s also in love with someone in either the Communists or another group, and has kept quiet about it…?]

[Montagne]

I love him so much! Slowly building up  cast, I think this game is going to be great, just need a few more players ;D

[Cerevan]

Indeed. This is looking quite exciting. Though I've a question, fearless leader. :D About how long do you imagine them actually managing to hold the barricades? Are we talking a couple of days, a couple of weeks, maybe even a month or two? (I mean, obviously they can't hold them forever, especially since this is a tragedy where they all die, but it's possible that the government might give them slightly longer to "repent" than they would the average citizen, since university students are meant to become tomorrow's upper crust and societal backbone.)

[Montagne]

Hmm, in terms of them holding out, IC I assume no more than a few nights. As the majority of the students scatter at the first sign of violence they will deploy overwhelming force on those who remain, they would quite like the radicals gone from the country, and this seems a great opportunity to do it.

[Cerevan]

Sounds good, though I'm assuming that they are going to be very loooong IC days. ::) All told. Honestly I'm glad that this is actually making sense given the circumstances surrounding it. Those times where there's a siege that lasts for years for no conceivable reason...yeesh.

[Visna]

I'm still going to join, just holding out for a few more days to see the cast.  :-)

[Julles]

Well, I've told a few people about this idea, so hopefully some more people spike an interest. I am getting excited for this play, I have been wanting to play Evie for a while, and this seems like a perfect fit.  ;D

[Cerevan]

Well, I've told a few people about this idea, so hopefully some more people spike an interest. I am getting excited for this play, I have been wanting to play Evie for a while, and this seems like a perfect fit.  ;D

Yes. Very much hoping some of my friends will pick up on the very pointed hints I've been dropping them about this RP as well. It's just so shiny and wonderful. And shiny. Also, Evie looks like a badass. An awesome scary badass. Mad props for that.

[Julles]

Yes. Very much hoping some of my friends will pick up on the very pointed hints I've been dropping them about this RP as well. It's just so shiny and wonderful. And shiny. Also, Evie looks like a badass. An awesome scary badass. Mad props for that.

Very shiny indeed. And thank you, I enjoy playing a more tough character, and I thought this would be a fun play to get this girl out and into the world.

[Cerevan]

I've always wanted to play a tough character, but somehow they always end up being insecure little fuckers on the inside. ::) Either that or they care too much about everyone. Poor dears. I think it's cool that you took it on a female bent as well. We have to have one lady leading the troops at least. ;)

[Julles]

Ha. Yeah, that's usually how my head-strong females end up. But, not this one, at least I hope not. And that was one of the reasons I wanted to make her a leader, can't have all guys running around out there. Where's the fun in that.  XD

[Cerevan]

Eh, well, if she does she has good reason, at least. With the insecurity, I mean.

And yes! Quite so! I do find it abjectly hilarious and a spit into the face of stereotypical gender roles that the Communist and Pacifist camps are to be led by men, while the Anarchists are to be led by a woman. Quite the reversal of the "usual thing." Huzzah for dropping gender stereotypes on their heads. Or something. Uhm.

[Julles]

Ha. I got ya. -raises a glass- To all those stereotypical players, shame on them!

[Cerevan]

Please excuse any awkward babbling I do, as I am currently in a somewhat spastic mood and my thoughts are misfiring in their eloquence.

[Julles]

No need for apologies as I am sure I am the same way right now. I should probably go to sleep. Farewell, I hope you enjoy your evening/day. -waves-

[Visna]

Name: Kurosawa Chou (Born Kurosawa Shin)
Played by: Visna
Age: 18
Eyes: Black
Hair: Reddish Brown (Dyed)
Height: 5'6"
Sexuality: Pansexual

Role/Archetype: The Mascot
Death : Realistic
Personality: Chou is bubbly and positive even in the face of adverse situations. The mistreatment that she fought through during her youth made her appreciate friendship more than most. She is supportive of others and loyal to a fault. She is very open-minded, and she enjoys hearing the views and thoughts of others. Although she is one of the top students in her freshman class, she doesn't brag and rarely shows off her intellect. Chou is very talkative and never bashful.
Background/History: Chou was born as a male, and her parents raised her as such. At a young age, she realized that she didn't fit in. Her parents both died in a tragic car accident, leaving Chou (then Shin) in the hands of her godparents. It was a blessing in disguise because her godparents were much more accepting of her image and desire to be herself. As she aged, she began to identify as a girl. She dated boys, dressed in dresses, and enjoyed typical feminine hobbies. It was a struggle, but she practiced and changed until she began to fit in. When she was sixteen, her godparents consented and allowed her to begin taking hormones. She legally changed her name to Chou (due to her obsession with butterflies), and her closest friends began to accept her as a girl. She was always picked on, but her upbeat attitude made her appear strong in public. The insults did hurt, and she saw college as the chance to start fresh. She never thought of herself as a political activist, but she saw the others and couldn't help but feel the need to support them as well. She wants society to change and accept everybody.
Additional Character Info:

• Chou is a pre-operation transgender. She has breast implants, and she went through hormone treatment.
• Although she identifies as female, she doesn't get mad at people who still call her a male.
• She loves eating almost any sort of food, but her favorite meal is sushi.
• She can speak Japanese, English, and Spanish.
• Even though she was far from popular, Chou managed to date both boys and girls during high school. She thinks that human interaction (and sexual interaction) is key to enjoying life.
• Her political views are still up in the air, although she identifies as a communist purely because of her desire for equality.
• Chou still has some tomboyish interests. She loves sports, and she has recently found an interest in guns and target shooting.

[Cerevan]

I guess this means you and I are going to be thrown together quite a bit, fair Visna. At least in the platonic sense since my character wants to protect yours.  :P

[Montagne]

approved! We're slowly building the cast :)

[Visna]

I guess this means you and I are going to be thrown together quite a bit, fair Visna. At least in the platonic sense since my character wants to protect yours.  :P

Want to connect them somehow? Send me a message with your thoughts and we can talk about it.  ;)

[Julles]

So, I hope this gets off the ground. I'm a little bummed out it hasn't already. :-(

[Cerevan]

It is pretty sad that it seems like it's dying.

[Julles]

It is sad indeed. Wish there was more i could do to get it going.

[Montagne]

indeed, unless we can get a few more players i dont think we have enough to start the IC, which is incredibly sad, as we all seem so up for this one.

[Cerevan]

This just makes me sad, man.  :-\ LIVE, RECRUITMENT THREAD. LIVE AND PROSPER. -Makes wiggly magic fingers at it.-

[TheHangedOne]

Well... personally, with how long it's been, and how fickle my muse is, I'm not feeling this game any more. I hope you guys can pull it off, though.

[Julles]

Aww. This is just sad to look at now.  :-(

[Montagne]

seems this one hasn't reached the numbers, so i wont keep you guys waiting when there are other fun games. What I will do however, is open it up at a later date :)

[Julles]

Aww. That's so sad.  :-( But, I will now be looking for it over the future dates of life. Might steel this character I created though. In any case, still going to be looking for it in the future.  :-)

[Cerevan]

Alright then.  :-\ Will look forward to seeing it whenever it pops back up again.

[TheRaven]

So, uh... I know this went into stasis, but I thought I'd leave this here for future reference. As the more astute among you might figure out without my help, Cam's very much taking after Grantaire.

Name: Ri "Cam" Cammish
Played by: TheRaven
Age: 20
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Height: 5'3"
Sexuality: Straight

Role/Archetype: Anarchist (The Nihilist)
Death : Realistic, though preferably with the opportunity to make a rude gesture at his killer before he dies.
Personality: Ri was an idealist, warped and changed by the world around him into a cynic. He drinks heavily and more than once has indulged in substances of a more potent nature. He has three real reasons for throwing his lot in with the revolutionaries, only two of which he discloses: he'll admit that he figures most of the students will be condemned as revolutionaries anyway, and says he's also quite bored without excitement, which revolution might provide.
Background/History: The grandson of a British national and one of his attaches while working in Hong Kong, Cam spent his early years in the United Kingdom until his father was dispatched, much like his grandfather, on a political assignment to France when Cam was eight. They've remained there since, though Cam's spent time in England at boarding school (where he accrued quite a reputation as a more wild child) before returning to the European mainland to attend university. How he got wrapped up in the cogs of a revolution he's not entirely sure, but it's a diversion and that's all he really wants out of life at this point.
Additional Character Info: There's a tiny glimmer of idealism somewhere underneath Cam's overwhelming cynicism, but it would take something extraordinary to actually to get him to carry out any real act of heroism and sacrifice for the revolution.

[Julles]

Interesting... Shame you won't be able to play him too soon :/