In the Shadows of the Syndicate [Sandbox, Steampunk, Recruiting!]

[FlowerMagnolia]

In the Shadows of the Syndicate

London. Year 3344.
Acid rain collides with the rooftops, echoing through the empty streets. The only sight that meets the eye are souls under different coloured umbrellas running to find shelter in bars, pubs or other facilities. Thunder roars. Lightning strikes. In the brief silence between thunders, the heavy rain hitting plastic roofs filled the air was the only noise that echoes through the streets of London. A lonely rat ran along the empty shops of Borough Market – at least of that what is left. Yet another part of the London Bridge loosened itself with a swoosh of wind, dropping into the Thames to join the last few parts that did not withstand the harsh climate.

The last war had laid waste to most of what was once known as the capitol of the United Kingdom. Ever since, the city has never been the same again for over a hundred. Some have returned, only to see their former home destroyed and the city almost ghosted. With almost three quarters of the city destroyed, only a few skyscrapers remain in the skyline. Somewhere in an archive, so it says, The Shard was once the tallest and shiniest building in the modern London city, and still it stands. During the Last War, about a century ago, the last owners of the Shard left it behind to save themselves, fortunately or not, they never returned. When peace finally returned to earth, powerful families that have profited from the devastating wars sought to establish themselves in big cities that provided them the opportunity.

Forty years ago, the Lloyd family found their way back to London and established themselves in the Shard. Conquering it without much ado, the building served as a second haven for those part of the Lloyd Syndicate. Throughout the Last War, they have created weapons – specifically designed to take apart a human’s genetic code – and managed to sell them across the world. Viciously, the weapons are almost invisible to the eye and once hit, the genetic code begins to fall apart within minutes. People have cursed their creation, yet they also admire it for its technological advantages. With the Lloyd family back in London, wealth returned to the city, along with jobs, hopes, dreams and a deadly syndicate…

The Shard represents the centre of Lloyd Enterprises, overlooking the city and being surrounded by heavily guarded gates. It stands in the dead centre of District 1, that also envelopes a hospital, a fire department and housing for influential business partners. The military harbour is also part of District 1.
District 2 offers place for restaurants, shops, expensive housing and another hospital. The Lloyd Police Department (LPD) is also located there. This part of the city offers places to pass time, such as brothels, theatre(s) and a sport centre (usually occupied to train officers).
District 3 represents workers that are not commonly working together with the Lloyd family. Housing is a lot cheaper in that part of town already, where families live in a flat, rather than a house. Criminality is common among the streets of District 3, where the Lloyd Police Department does not have too much of an influence anymore.

District 4, the outer circle of the city, is mostly the home for the poorest in London. People that could not find work within the heart of London, and are working outside the city gates, live there. District 4 is swamped with criminals, rats and lawlessness. The LPD does not have an influence there. It is the farthest away from the Shard and usually breeds the ones that want to see the Lloyd family gone…



Historical Overview
2023 - 2223
No major technological breakthroughs. Population exceeds 11 billion. Starvation. Wars multiply. Poverty rises steadily. Droughts, floodings, storms happen everywhere.

2223 - 2455
New bioweapons are developed everywhere to end wars more easily, yet it only causes more conflict. Complete countries are laid waste in the process as a radical way to end radicalism. Millions die as a result from diseases spreading. The first big cities serve as a refuge for lost people, Melbourne, Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York, London, Cape Town. Urbanisation reaches its peak, technology causes a philosophical discourse about life, war and the future.

2455 - 2712
The new bioweapons that were created turn out to be an even bigger problem than let on. Once used, the biomass only starts to dissolve slowly and turns complete areas into a waste land. A new law is passed: bioweapons should henceforth be forbidden. At the same time, researchers continue to work on humans and animals alike, looking into their genetic code… What are the limits of medicine?

2712 - 3005
A form of peace sweeps over the world. Cities stop growing, some life returns back to areas. The problems, however, remain the same. Less land can be used since the first wars for almost the same amount of people. Diseases spread again. Under the surface, there’s a political conflict brewing that demands to explode: the governments in Tokyo and Hong Kong secretly build bio and atomic weapons ‘just in case’.

3006
The conflict explodes. Both metropoles, Tokyo and Hong Kong, are eliminated. Billions of people die immediately, more from the consequences. At the end of 3006, only 5 billion people remain on the planet.

3007 - 3053
As a result from the dispute in Asia, refugees from all around the world cause more problems in the rest of the world. In order to take care of all people, money becomes scarce and clean water as well. Filtering ocean water no longer is an option – the waste cannot be extracted from it completely. People start to die of thirst.

3054 - 3111
Powerful companies gain more influence on politicians and the government. Corruption reigns. Civil wars break out everywhere. People try to leave the cities to find shelter – away from corruption.

3111 - 3245
Stale Mate. Conflicts continue. Food becomes even rarer. Population decreases to the point of three billion.

3246
The Last War begins. Caused by a dispute about water depots, debts and influences, parties from around the world clash. There’s no trust, only survival instincts for the common people. It’s about power and money for those above.

3246 - 3287
Showdown New York: after years of fighting, suffering, violence and death, the conflicting parties sit down to discuss peace. The population has decreased to one billion. It is about the survival of the human race. At the New York Roundtable, the Lloyd family also has a major influence on what follows next. Without any political instances – it is up to those wealthy families to restore order and peace that would last longer than a lifetime. Thus, each family settles on one city to take over. With Lloyd Enterprises as a big player in the Last War, having invented a brilliant way to murder millions without destroying nature, the family chooses London – The City of the Lost. The infrastructure there, so they have heard, is the best basis for any new genetical experiments to cure humankind.

3288
The Lloyd family arrives in London. Emily and Jackson – a powercouple and their little child with them.

3289 - 3300
London is cleaned up, organised into four Districts.

3312
Jackson Lloyd dies. Electricity has fully returned to the city. Water is saved under the Shard, being taken through several stages of cleansing.

3315
Emily dies. Construction of a dome around the city begins to protect it from the dangerous change in weather. But the construction would take decades.

3344
The game begins.







Q&A
Q: Is this a system group game?
A: No. This is a sandbox game, where you are encouraged to do some world building with me and where there will be no dice to decide a fate. This means that communication in the OOC thread is essential! (Or in private with the other players)

Q: What exactly is this about? What’s the intention?
A: This game will mostly be set in the Shard, with the Lloyd family and its direct surroundings. I imagine the Shard being the heart of London in this game, with districts surrounding it. This is a game of power, intrigues, and love where each character follows their own agenda. There is space for experiments, cruelty, drama, death and world building. With the Lloyd family as the driving force, I do with for a counter-threat that fights against their rule in the city. E.g. another syndicate, pacifists, simply speaking: enemies.

Q: Can everyone participate?
A: YES! This is LGBTQ+ friendly! Everyone is invited – which is why I also demand respect. Drama should only take place within the story, not outside of it.

Q: Are there any limitations for character creation?
A: Theoretically, no. The sky is the limit. Although your character should not be overpowering or flawless – but that’s what I am here for! You may also create more than one character.

Q: How far advanced is technology in this setting?
A: Slightly more advanced than ours at the moment. There will be a common fear when it comes to more technological advances, due to the wars that preceded.

Q: Will there be smut, and how much?
A: Yes, there will be smut but I cannot say how much. Sometimes that depends on how sexual you make your characters! The O/Os section on the character sheet is just a guidance for the rest of the group.[font]

Q: Anything else?
A: No more questions!


Example Character

Evangeline Lloyd

EVANGELINE LLOYD

Age: 22
Profession/Position: Daughter of the Lloyd’s, heir to their fortune
Titles/Nicknames: “Princess”, Evie, Little Line
Loyalty: Loyal to the Lloyd Syndicate
Faceclaim:Freya Ridings
Looks/Appearance: Evangeline shines with her red hair in every way that falls in locks down over her shoulder blades and ends just about her hip bone. Striking blue eyes almost seem to glow in the dark, and her curves almost seem enhanced, given her height (178 cm or 5’8). Even though the eye may be tricked at first, but due to a personal workout trainer, Evangeline is physically fitter than the average.





Backstory
Evie was born and bred in the Shard and had never known poverty in her life. Born in 3320, in the local hospital in district one, she had enjoyed the life of the wealthy Lloyds in every aspect. With schools still absent, she had been living a mostly lonely life. Evangeline had been taught by a private tutor all her life and had thus learned the essential subjects – Maths, English, Technology and History. Her family had been cautious about espionage ever since arriving in London, and had thus far been careful inviting anyone over for Evie to play with.

Sheltered and looked after, Evangeline barely knows anything existing outside the Shard, or district one. She knows that she would one day have to take over Lloyd’s Industries, yet the whole world seems somewhat of a mystery to her. When she turned eighteen, her family has given her an entire floor at the top of the Shard to do with as she pleased. But every entrance, exit or window, would always be somewhat under control by her family. After finishing a ‘degree’, she had slowly started to learn the ropes of Lloyd’s Industries and has been given minor tasks, yet nothing substantial yet. Therefore, the only people she might know outside her family, are any security officers or affiliates with her family.

She has yet to be presented to the rest of the people living in the city. Evangline had been kept inside, for her own safety, but as the Lloyds settled in, they also secured their own safety along the way. Only when the time was right, would Evangline Lloyd be officially presented to the company and the city they ruled. It could only be a matter of weeks…

Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills
Evie is loyal, trustworthy and strong-minded. She loves her family unconditionally – unbeknownst that they might have done crimes along the way to achieve the wealth. She believes in the good will of people, perhaps a little naïve for having been grown up in a fantasy world where everything appeared to be perfect. Evangaline loves her life, no matter how secluded and lonely it has been thus far. Deep down, she knows that her family only wants to protect her… right?

Evangeline loves history and reading history books that tell tales from the days before humanity almost destroyed itself. She herself is a skilled writer, and has been trying to get out of the Shard in an attempt to get a glimpse of the real London to gather information for poems, short stories and novels. Her family has also arranged for shooting lessons – just in case. Over the last two years, Evie has also been learning self-defence in combat training. She’s good at it, yet she prefers doing normal things, like reading and writing.

More Inspiration


Player and their O/Os
FlowerMagnolia and my O/Os

Character Sheet

Code Select Expand


[center][font=courier][size=30pt][b]CHARACTER NAME HERE IN CAPS[/b][/size][/font][/center]
[float=right][img height=250 padding=5]Photo url here [/img][/float]

[font=courier][size=12pt][b]Age:[/b] Insert age here[/size]
[size=12pt][b]Profession/Position:[/b] What’s your character’s profession? And which position in that profession do they inhabit?[/size]
[size=12pt][b]Titles/Nicknames:[/b] Any other name that your character might go by[/size]
[size=12pt][b]Loyalty:[/b] Is your character loyal to the Lloyd Syndicate (officially Lloyd Enterprises), or any other Syndicate/group? Feel free to invent something! [/size]
[size=12pt][b]Faceclaim:[/b]Insert name of the person here[/size]
[size=12pt][b]Looks/Appearance:[/b] Please describe your character’s looks here. Hair colour/eye colour/tattoos? Height? Physique?
[/font]

[hr]
[hr]

[font=courier][size=12pt][b]Backstory[/b][/size][/font]
[size=12pt][font=courier]Write your character’s backstory here. Feel free to write as much as you want. How did they get to London/the Shard? Why are they in the position they find themselves in when the game starts?[/font][/size]


[font=courier][size=12pt][b]Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills[/b][/size][/font]
[size=12pt][font=courier]Give us an insight into your character’s hobbies and their personality. Please do not make them ‘invincible’ or superpowered in any way. There should be flaws to any human being.[/font][/size]

[font=courier][size=12pt][b]More Inspiration[/b][/size][/font]
[img height=200 padding=5] If you have more photographic inspiration, put them here! [/img]

[font=courier][size=12pt][b]Player and their O/Os[/b][/size][/font]
[font=courier][size=12pt]Your username please and your Ons and Offs![/size][/font]


[FlowerMagnolia]

Open Roles
Head of the Lloyd Family - Husband and wife
Other Members of the Lloyd Family - Siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins etc.
Workers of the Lloyd Family - Scientists, warriors, loyalists, servants
Enemies of the Lloyd Family - Scientists, warriors, simple people living in the districts surrounding the Shard
Owners of other business thriving or suffering under Lloyd’s rule


Reserved Roles and Faceclaims
Evangeline Lloyd played by FlowerMangolia (FC - Freya Ridings)
Blade Sylas by mainsnoires (FC Harrison Ford)


Helpful Links
Approved Characters
OOC

[ShimmerRP]

I am very interested in participating!

[mainsnoires]

Planting a flag of interest !

[FlowerMagnolia]

I am very interested in participating!

Planting a flag of interest !

Hello you two! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me

[Metraxa]

I would need to think over some character ideas, but I am interested in the setting. It seems like this is a sort of 'high tech steampunk' that you don't see very often, I assume more rooted in the Victorian aesthetic rather than actual technological levels. But it sounds fun regardless.

[FlowerMagnolia]

I would need to think over some character ideas, but I am interested in the setting. It seems like this is a sort of 'high tech steampunk' that you don't see very often, I assume more rooted in the Victorian aesthetic rather than actual technological levels. But it sounds fun regardless.

It's a mixture of both - I do love the Victorian aesthetic more, but there'll be a few technological advances that are possible today as well. Glad to have your interest!

[mainsnoires]

Hello there,
I'm not often looking after futuristic setting, except the Star wars universe or the Blade Runner one. And here, the painting you did in your first post, reminded me so furiously of Blade Runner that I could not resist.
I could be wrong in my first impression, and that's why I'd like to see where this goes, still... if you aim for a freeform game (or with minimal rules), and allow for a warrior/bodyguard/assassin at the service of the Lloyd family, my interest will grow even more.

Hello you two! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me

[TheLaughingOne]

Ill stick a flag down as my brain has come up with a couple potential ideas...

[Lovely Complex]

I could be very interested in this. c: Perhaps the wife and a worker for the Llyods.

So many possibilities here, honestly.

[FlowerMagnolia]

Hello there,
I'm not often looking after futuristic setting, except the Star wars universe or the Blade Runner one. And here, the painting you did in your first post, reminded me so furiously of Blade Runner that I could not resist.
I could be wrong in my first impression, and that's why I'd like to see where this goes, still... if you aim for a freeform game (or with minimal rules), and allow for a warrior/bodyguard/assassin at the service of the Lloyd family, my interest will grow even more.

Why, yes, that was the aesthetic I was going for! It will be a freeform game, where some sort of warrior/bodyguard/assassin will have a place :)

Ill stick a flag down as my brain has come up with a couple potential ideas...

waves Hello! Glad to have caught your interest!

I could be very interested in this. c: Perhaps the wife and a worker for the Llyods.

So many possibilities here, honestly.

Hi Lovely! That will definitely work!


Looks like there's definitely interest here, so I will be working on creating a character sheet as soon as possible! Once that is up, you can reserve a position/role and a faceclaim!

[Heartsink]

Interested!

[FlowerMagnolia]

Interested!

Lovely! More information will come today everyone xxx

[FlowerMagnolia]

We're officially recruiting! I added more info on the setting and the character sheet for all of you  ;D Soooo excited! Please post your CS in here for approval

[TheGlyphstone]

Very curious as to the setting.

What kind of world exists outside of the immediate area of London? Is it a world of independent city-states like London surrounded by apocalyptic wastelands from the Last War? Is it a neo-feudal structure where London and the Lloyds have smaller settlements as vassals and/or are vassals of a more powerful dynasty?

What kind of social structures have survived or evolved? Is it a harsh caste-based society or a meritocratic one? Is slavery/indentured servitude legal?

[FlowerMagnolia]

Very curious as to the setting.

What kind of world exists outside of the immediate area of London? Is it a world of independent city-states like London surrounded by apocalyptic wastelands from the Last War? Is it a neo-feudal structure where London and the Lloyds have smaller settlements as vassals and/or are vassals of a more powerful dynasty?

What kind of social structures have survived or evolved? Is it a harsh caste-based society or a meritocratic one? Is slavery/indentured servitude legal?

Great questions, Glyph!

I imagine the world outside of London, at least for the UK, almost (!) completely dead - which is why people migrate to London in hopes for a better future. The Lloyds are independent and might think about extending their area of influence outside of London, but for now, they only have control of the city.

As for the society, it's not a caste-society per se, although the closer you work with the Lloyds, the better your life will be. And no, slavery is not legal. The Lloyds will have seen that a business is more productive when all people work for a fair payment. That being said, however, slavery outside the two closest districts can certainly exist where the LPD does not check regularily.

[TheGlyphstone]

Cool, so we're looking at something like 2000 A.D., with the independent city-state model surrounded by wastelands. Possibly inhabited by mutants, descendants of people whose genetic code was only partially destroyed by the bioweapons of the war?

There might be other such places like Paris or New York, but they're distant and unreachable by the common population. Does long-range communication or travel technology still exist for the elite of society?

[FlowerMagnolia]

Cool, so we're looking at something like 2000 A.D., with the independent city-state model surrounded by wastelands. Possibly inhabited by mutants, descendants of people whose genetic code was only partially destroyed by the bioweapons of the war?

There might be other such places like Paris or New York, but they're distant and unreachable by the common population. Does long-range communication or travel technology still exist for the elite of society?

Possibly, yes. I'd like to keep that just in the back of our minds for now. Let's just say that it's dangerous, but no one knows why.

Yes, the Lloyds will have contacts all over the world with other Syndicates from different cities.

[TheGlyphstone]

Excellent.

So my mind is drifting in the direction of competing powers to pit against the Lloyd syndicate for influence, because that helps sow the seeds for intrigue and conflict. Obviously they have a near-monopoly on material power, having both wealth and control of the government as it functions. The obvious and traditional counter-balance would be spiritual. What about some sort of cult or church thats arisen in the post-apocalyptic era, that's predominantly strong in the outer districts and amongst the common laborers and lower-class citizens?

[TheLaughingOne]

Question:

Whats the state of augmentics if any? Like cybernetics, custom vat grown replacements, bioware, gengineering, and other things like that for people to get...?

[FlowerMagnolia]

Excellent.

So my mind is drifting in the direction of competing powers to pit against the Lloyd syndicate for influence, because that helps sow the seeds for intrigue and conflict. Obviously they have a near-monopoly on material power, having both wealth and control of the government as it functions. The obvious and traditional counter-balance would be spiritual. What about some sort of cult or church thats arisen in the post-apocalyptic era, that's predominantly strong in the outer districts and amongst the common laborers and lower-class citizens?

Sounds intriguing! Feel free to create anything you want to as well btw! I do love a good philosophical conflict (as you well know hahaha)

Question:

Whats the state of augmentics if any? Like cybernetics, custom vat grown replacements, bioware, gengineering, and other things like that for people to get...?

Would be a tad more advanced than today. The Lloyd Enterprises would work with genetics (as are their weapons) which is why there will be genetical augmentations. Otherwise, there won't be anything 'too' futuristic. I can also imagine certain body parts being printed with a similar 3-printer as we know it today.

[TheGlyphstone]

Sounds intriguing! Feel free to create anything you want to as well btw! I do love a good philosophical conflict (as you well know hahaha)

I certainly do.  ;D

That's where my brain is going then - a transhumanist cult of sorts, with my character being a high-ranking member. Not the head of the church though, they shall remain mysterious and anonymous for Drama, their identity hidden even from their disciples.

Would be a tad more advanced than today. The Lloyd Enterprises would work with genetics (as are their weapons) which is why there will be genetical augmentations. Otherwise, there won't be anything 'too' futuristic. I can also imagine certain body parts being printed with a similar 3-printer as we know it today.

Were doomsday weapons other than the Lloyds's genetech used during the last war by other factions? Radiological, bacterial/viral, nano-tech, etc? I'd imagine some of that had to be in play simply because genetic weaponry would only harm humans.

[FlowerMagnolia]

The weapons the Lloyds created merely hurt humans, yes. The weapons that destroyed earth were bio weapons that laid waste to nature as well.

[TheGlyphstone]

Right, so other factions were responsible for the the nuclear/biological/chemical attacks that wrecked the infrastructure and biosphere. Probably not nano-technology though, I think that's a bit too advanced for the tech-level you want. Unless you imagine that Earth before the Last War was more advanced than it is now, with tons of lost knowledge and technologies that were wiped away or destroyed?

[FlowerMagnolia]

Right, so other factions were responsible for the the nuclear/biological/chemical attacks that wrecked the infrastructure and biosphere. Probably not nano-technology though, I think that's a bit too advanced for the tech-level you want. Unless you imagine that Earth before the Last War was more advanced than it is now, with tons of lost knowledge and technologies that were wiped away or destroyed?

Another good question... It was possibly more advanced, but yes, the knowledge is mostly lost.

Seems like there are a good few questions about the history. I'll come up with a historical overview that might hopefully answer some more remaining questions!

[TheGlyphstone]

That'd be awesome. 1300 years is a heck of a long time for stuff to advance, even before WW3 causes a total backslide. Heck, maybe human civilization thrives in space and Earth was written off as a waste of resources when the War broke everything...My inner worldbuilder is getting away from me. Sorry.

[FlowerMagnolia]

That'd be awesome. 1300 years is a heck of a long time for stuff to advance, even before WW3 causes a total backslide. Heck, maybe human civilization thrives in space and Earth was written off as a waste of resources when the War broke everything...My inner worldbuilder is getting away from me. Sorry.

No, not at all! :D Feel free to create anything you want :)

[mainsnoires]

Hello all,
Here is an attempt of a

character sheet

BLADE SYLAS

Age: 32
Profession/Position: Bodyguard hired by the Lloyd Family
Titles/Nicknames: Vex
Loyalty: Blade is loyal to the Lloyd Syndicate.
Faceclaim: Harrison Ford
Looks/Appearance: Blade stands at around six feet tall, with short, dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He has a chiseled jawline and a scar above his left eyebrow. His face is rugged and weathered, with a few lines around his eyes that suggest a lifetime of hard living. His body is lean and muscular, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He typically dresses in dark or brown, which allows him to blend into the shadows when necessary.





Backstory
Blade was born in the aftermath of the Last War, in a world that was barely holding itself together. His parents were killed in a skirmish when he was just a baby, thus, his childhood was nothing short of a nightmare. He learned to fend for himself on the harsh streets of London, relying on nothing but his instincts and his quick reflexes to survive.

As he grew older, Blade became more and more desperate to escape the violent and unpredictable world in which he found himself. But every time he tried to leave, he was pulled back in, forced to fight and steal to stay alive. When he was fourteen, he made a desperate attempt to steal from the Lloyd Syndicate. But instead of punishing him, they saw something in him that no one else had ever seen before – potential.

Over the years, Blade worked hard to prove himself to the Syndicate. He became Vex, a trusted member of their inner circle, and eventually rose to the position of bodyguard for the Lloyd family. It wasn't an easy path – he had to fight tooth and nail for every inch of respect he earned – but it was the only one he knew. And deep down, he knew that he owed everything he had to the Syndicate. They had taken him in when no one else would, and he would do anything to repay that debt.

Still, Blade found himself struggling to come to terms with the violent and ruthless world in which he lived. He drowned his sorrows in alcohol and women, desperate to escape the memories that haunted him every waking moment. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never outrun his past. And deep down, he knew that he would always be a part of the Syndicate – for better or for worse.


Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills
Blade is a man of few words, preferring to let his actions speak for him. He moves with a quiet grace that belies the strength that lies within him. He is fiercely protective of those he cares about, and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. He has a deep sense of loyalty and honor, and will never betray the trust of those who have placed it in him. Despite his tough exterior, Blade has a softer side that he rarely shows. He enjoys reading any novels his hands can grasp, and has a soft spot for animals. He is also a skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant, having trained extensively in both areas. However, his past still haunts him, and he struggles with alcoholism and dark memories of his childhood. It whispers to him in the quiet moments, urging him to forget his past and embrace the darkness.



More Inspiration


Player and their O/Os
Mainsnoires

, PM with any modifications I should do.

[FlowerMagnolia]

Hello all,
Here is an attempt of a

character sheet

BLADE SYLAS

Age: 32
Profession/Position: Bodyguard hired by the Lloyd Family
Titles/Nicknames: Vex
Loyalty: Blade is loyal to the Lloyd Syndicate.
Faceclaim: Harrison Ford
Looks/Appearance: Blade stands at around six feet tall, with short, dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He has a chiseled jawline and a scar above his left eyebrow. His face is rugged and weathered, with a few lines around his eyes that suggest a lifetime of hard living. His body is lean and muscular, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He typically dresses in dark or brown, which allows him to blend into the shadows when necessary.





Backstory
Blade was born in the aftermath of the Last War, in a world that was barely holding itself together. His parents were killed in a skirmish when he was just a baby, thus, his childhood was nothing short of a nightmare. He learned to fend for himself on the harsh streets of London, relying on nothing but his instincts and his quick reflexes to survive.

As he grew older, Blade became more and more desperate to escape the violent and unpredictable world in which he found himself. But every time he tried to leave, he was pulled back in, forced to fight and steal to stay alive. When he was fourteen, he made a desperate attempt to steal from the Lloyd Syndicate. But instead of punishing him, they saw something in him that no one else had ever seen before – potential.

Over the years, Blade worked hard to prove himself to the Syndicate. He became Vex, a trusted member of their inner circle, and eventually rose to the position of bodyguard for the Lloyd family. It wasn't an easy path – he had to fight tooth and nail for every inch of respect he earned – but it was the only one he knew. And deep down, he knew that he owed everything he had to the Syndicate. They had taken him in when no one else would, and he would do anything to repay that debt.

Still, Blade found himself struggling to come to terms with the violent and ruthless world in which he lived. He drowned his sorrows in alcohol and women, desperate to escape the memories that haunted him every waking moment. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never outrun his past. And deep down, he knew that he would always be a part of the Syndicate – for better or for worse.


Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills
Blade is a man of few words, preferring to let his actions speak for him. He moves with a quiet grace that belies the strength that lies within him. He is fiercely protective of those he cares about, and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. He has a deep sense of loyalty and honor, and will never betray the trust of those who have placed it in him. Despite his tough exterior, Blade has a softer side that he rarely shows. He enjoys reading any novels his hands can grasp, and has a soft spot for animals. He is also a skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant, having trained extensively in both areas. However, his past still haunts him, and he struggles with alcoholism and dark memories of his childhood. It whispers to him in the quiet moments, urging him to forget his past and embrace the darkness.



More Inspiration


Player and their O/Os
Mainsnoires

, PM with any modifications I should do.

squeals I absolutely adore Harrison Ford as the fc! Consider him approved - I will post a character sheet tomorrow or on Thursday where we can drop all these goodies in.

[Lovely Complex]

Will get a character or two up on Friday :D

[FlowerMagnolia]

Ok, everyone! Three things:

1. OOC thread is up for any players with approved characters!

2. Approved Characters thread is up! You can post your approved characters there.

3. Aaaand I added a timeline! Perhaps that will give a bit more clarity.

[TheGlyphstone]

 Can we still improvise in places the timeline doesn't cover? Specifically, I was thinking about the possibility of colony expeditions to other planets/moons in the solar system, that Earth lost all contact with when the war broke out and are now only myth and legend.

[FlowerMagnolia]

Can we still improvise in places the timeline doesn't cover? Specifically, I was thinking about the possibility of colony expeditions to other planets/moons in the solar system, that Earth lost all contact with when the war broke out and are now only myth and legend.

Oh please do! It's impossible to cover everything and I am aware that it might be a bit patchy still... It's a playground for all of you as well

[TheGlyphstone]

Thus I present to you a church. My character shall follow soon.

The Church of Humanity Ascendant

A populist, quasi-deist faith organization, the Church of Humanity Ascendant traces its earliest roots back almost 300 years, to the Exodus Movement of the 28th century. The pioneers who altered their own genes and boarded the Exodus ships to find new homes on other worlds were mocked as fools initially, but as years passed and messages from the fledgling colonies on Luna, Mars, and Europa grew more positive, their reputation became those of visionaries who had escaped the poisoned and war-torn world of Earth. Countless people kept earth-bound by their lack of wealth dreamed of the day that Exodite ships would return to carry them to a new home in the stars.

When the Last War erupted, Luna City was wiped clean by the deadly gene-plagues unleashed - Olympus City and Europa promptly severed all contact and communication with Earth, destroying the few ships in transit to avoid infection. But their legend remained, and in the ashes of the war an odd church began to grow.

Ascendants, as they are commonly called, believe that the sins of man are rooted in their very genes, and the people who died in the Armageddon of the Last War were the most sinful. Those who once cast aside their flawed human genes had ascended to a life in paradise beyond the sky, and dutiful effort to transcend one's own sin-laden genetics would someday bring about a second Rapture. They seek out genetic augmentations to improve themselves, both from approved Lloyd Industries clinics and much more dangerous unlicensed geneticists.

A large portion of London's labor classes claim at least casual adherence to the tenets of the Church, though its membership is thinner in the middle class and quite rare amongst the wealthy. They exist in a strange sort of symbiotic antagonism with the Lloyds, who are simultaneously the chosen agents of God for delivering his wrath upon the unredeemable with genetic weapons and the oppressors seeking to stifle humanity's redemption and ascendancy by limiting access to augmetic treatments. It is led by a mysterious figure named Methuselah, who communicates remotely and has never been seen in person by any member of the Church.

[FlowerMagnolia]

Thus I present to you a church. My character shall follow soon.

The Church of Humanity Ascendant

A populist, quasi-deist faith organization, the Church of Humanity Ascendant traces its earliest roots back almost 300 years, to the Exodus Movement of the 28th century. The pioneers who altered their own genes and boarded the Exodus ships to find new homes on other worlds were mocked as fools initially, but as years passed and messages from the fledgling colonies on Luna, Mars, and Europa grew more positive, their reputation became those of visionaries who had escaped the poisoned and war-torn world of Earth. Countless people kept earth-bound by their lack of wealth dreamed of the day that Exodite ships would return to carry them to a new home in the stars.

When the Last War erupted, Luna City was wiped clean by the deadly gene-plagues unleashed - Olympus City and Europa promptly severed all contact and communication with Earth, destroying the few ships in transit to avoid infection. But their legend remained, and in the ashes of the war an odd church began to grow.

Ascendants, as they are commonly called, believe that the sins of man are rooted in their very genes, and the people who died in the Armageddon of the Last War were the most sinful. Those who once cast aside their flawed human genes had ascended to a life in paradise beyond the sky, and dutiful effort to transcend one's own sin-laden genetics would someday bring about a second Rapture. They seek out genetic augmentations to improve themselves, both from approved Lloyd Industries clinics and much more dangerous unlicensed geneticists.

A large portion of London's labor classes claim at least casual adherence to the tenets of the Church, though its membership is thinner in the middle class and quite rare amongst the wealthy. They exist in a strange sort of symbiotic antagonism with the Lloyds, who are simultaneously the chosen agents of God for delivering his wrath upon the unredeemable with genetic weapons and the oppressors seeking to stifle humanity's redemption and ascendancy by limiting access to augmetic treatments. It is led by a mysterious figure named Methuselah, who communicates remotely and has never been seen in person by any member of the Church.

Y - E - S. Love it, Glyph. I'll also do create a worldbuilding thread where all of this info belongs!

[TheGlyphstone]

Vunderbar.

I need to choose a faceclaim for my charismatic cult viceroy still...got a few to consider:

Jude Law

Jared Leto

Lawrence Fishburne

Joseph Kucan

[FlowerMagnolia]

While I have a huge thing for Jude Law - I believe that the face of Jared Leto would be more able to lead some sort of cult

[TheGlyphstone]

Leto and Kucan are my front runners...Jared Leto's got the Manson Family cult vibe down, Joe Kucan because Kane is awesome and brings a more militant feel.

[FlowerMagnolia]

True true! That depends which vibe you're going for, I suppose

[TheGlyphstone]

I think I'm leaning towards Kucan, for the vibe like you said. He's personally charismatic, but in the service of a group/ideal that's bigger than him, and part of what makes the Church a threat is that the Lloyds can't be too open or heavy-handed in undermining it without potentially enraging a large portion of their essential workers and sparking massive violence.

[FlowerMagnolia]

I think I'm leaning towards Kucan, for the vibe like you said. He's personally charismatic, but in the service of a group/ideal that's bigger than him, and part of what makes the Church a threat is that the Lloyds can't be too open or heavy-handed in undermining it without potentially enraging a large portion of their essential workers and sparking massive violence.

Love it!


Also, apologies everyone for the slight delay in everything. I had a 12 hour shift yesterday and a long one before that. Finally have some time at my hands!

[TheGlyphstone]

Been super busy with work but hopefully I can free up some time soon.

[TheGlyphstone]

Elijah Armengard

Age: 29
Profession/Position: 3rd Circle Disciple, operational right-hand of the Church's London branch
Titles/Nicknames:Eli
Loyalty:Church of Humanity Ascendant
Faceclaim:Joseph Kucan
Looks/Appearance: Tall - 6'2" - with lean muscles and bulky shoulders. Shaved head, short boxed beard, brown eyes. Has a large tattoo of the Church's emblem across his chest.





Backstory
Life outside London's gates is a miserable place, and the place where a young boy once lived. Only those who can find work in the city are permitted entry, and only until night falls. For the rest, it is a constant struggle to survive from the city's cast-off scraps and what little can be scavenged from the wastelands. Bullies and thugs take what they want, and whispered stories persist of people stolen in the night by inhuman monsters from deep in the wastes.

The boy's parents both worked in the city, until the day his father was killed in an industrial accident caused by neglected safety systems. The factory manager had blood ties to the Lloyd dynasty and escaped punishment for his negligence. When the mother fell ill soon after, no money existed to afford the needed medicines, and the boy was left orphaned. He might have died, but instead he was found and adopted by another family who had worked alongside his parents, and who were members of the quasi-legal cult of Humanity Ascendant. In his new home he found purpose and strength, a goal to aspire to and a mission to pursue, and a new name for his new life - Elijah. His dedication and fervor saw him ascend the ranks of the church rapidly, until he stood as a senior leader in London's hierarchy with only the High Disciple of London above him, other than the mysterious prophet Methuselah who led them all.

With the impending introduction of the Lloyd's secret heir to London's society, Elijah has seen a phenomenal opportunity to pursue. The sheltered young woman would have no biases against the Church, and if he could win her confidence and sway her to the Church's viewpoint, it would mean a tremendous upheaval for London's status quo.


Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills
In public sermons and ceremonies, Elijah is a bombastic firebrand, filled with zeal as he exhorts the destiny of those left behind by the Exodus and the dreams they all share of being lifted into paradise. In private he is no less zealous, but far more keen and self-controlled in his mannerisms except when his temper or energy gets away from him. He collects lore and history, and in his spare time works on assembling miniature replicas of vehicles and vessels from the ancient eras with bits of scrap. While his self-defense training is middling at best, Elijah is high enough in the Church's ranks to have earned some of the coveted but illicit unregulated genetic infusions - his blood partially absorbs fatigue toxins to enhance his natural stamina, and heightened myelination gives him a small but impactful improvement to his reflexes, a gift he is careful not to openly display in public.

Player and their O/Os
TheGlyphstone - Ons and Offs

[Lovely Complex]

I must withdraw from this game but good luck with it! ^^

[FlowerMagnolia]

Elijah Armengard

Age: 29
Profession/Position: 3rd Circle Disciple, operational right-hand of the Church's London branch
Titles/Nicknames:Eli
Loyalty:Church of Humanity Ascendant
Faceclaim:Joseph Kucan
Looks/Appearance: Tall - 6'2" - with lean muscles and bulky shoulders. Shaved head, short boxed beard, brown eyes. Has a large tattoo of the Church's emblem across his chest.





Backstory
Life outside London's gates is a miserable place, and the place where a young boy once lived. Only those who can find work in the city are permitted entry, and only until night falls. For the rest, it is a constant struggle to survive from the city's cast-off scraps and what little can be scavenged from the wastelands. Bullies and thugs take what they want, and whispered stories persist of people stolen in the night by inhuman monsters from deep in the wastes.

The boy's parents both worked in the city, until the day his father was killed in an industrial accident caused by neglected safety systems. The factory manager had blood ties to the Lloyd dynasty and escaped punishment for his negligence. When the mother fell ill soon after, no money existed to afford the needed medicines, and the boy was left orphaned. He might have died, but instead he was found and adopted by another family who had worked alongside his parents, and who were members of the quasi-legal cult of Humanity Ascendant. In his new home he found purpose and strength, a goal to aspire to and a mission to pursue, and a new name for his new life - Elijah. His dedication and fervor saw him ascend the ranks of the church rapidly, until he stood as a senior leader in London's hierarchy with only the High Disciple of London above him, other than the mysterious prophet Methuselah who led them all.

With the impending introduction of the Lloyd's secret heir to London's society, Elijah has seen a phenomenal opportunity to pursue. The sheltered young woman would have no biases against the Church, and if he could win her confidence and sway her to the Church's viewpoint, it would mean a tremendous upheaval for London's status quo.


Personality, Hobbies, Talents and other Skills
In public sermons and ceremonies, Elijah is a bombastic firebrand, filled with zeal as he exhorts the destiny of those left behind by the Exodus and the dreams they all share of being lifted into paradise. In private he is no less zealous, but far more keen and self-controlled in his mannerisms except when his temper or energy gets away from him. He collects lore and history, and in his spare time works on assembling miniature replicas of vehicles and vessels from the ancient eras with bits of scrap. While his self-defense training is middling at best, Elijah is high enough in the Church's ranks to have earned some of the coveted but illicit unregulated genetic infusions - his blood partially absorbs fatigue toxins to enhance his natural stamina, and heightened myelination gives him a small but impactful improvement to his reflexes, a gift he is careful not to openly display in public.

Player and their O/Os
TheGlyphstone - Ons and Offs

He looks amazing, Glyph. Feel free to post him in the approved characters thread!

I must withdraw from this game but good luck with it! ^^

Awww so sorry to see you go!

[Luryd]

Eyeing this warmly 💚