Interest Check: The Matrix Reborn

[RegretNot]

The Matrix Reborn

"The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us, even now in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes; it is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth." - Morpheus

The Matrix is a virtual reality construct that is supposed to represent the world at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.  It was created by the machines to keep the minds of the enslaved humans inside the machine power plants under control.  The geography of it is similar to many of the famous cities of the time it is placed but it is not an exact replica of any of them.  It exists as a neuro-interactive world that feeds directly into the human brain and effects all their senses creating an almost seamless illusion of reality. 

This simulation holds somewhere between 7 to 9 billion humans inside of it where as Zion even after freeing those they have since Neo's sacrifice only numbers in the thousands.  Most freed humans occupy the Mega City landscape that covered a 1000 diameter where at the end are things like the Mountains.  There are four districts that are distinct inside Mega City they include:  Downtown, International District, Richland (known as the Slums), and Westview (knows as the Barrens). 

Once humans have been redpilled and are aware of the Matrix being a construct they can start to effect it and change things about it.  This usually takes designs programs and uploading knowledge through the help of operators but with time they start to be able to do much greater things inside it's confines bluepills are unable to do. 

History



It happened not long into the 21st century that through technology to create advanced artificial intelligence and through their vanity made them in humanoid form.  This was the basis of the machines, made to do tasks ranging from labor tasks on construction sites to those close to humans inside their households.  With a growth in their intelligence also came an understanding they were slaves to mankind.  This sparked the seeds of the machine uprising with the first major event being the murder of it's owner by B-166ER.  There was a trial held that ruled that machines were property to be dismantled at the owners wish, B-166ER's ownership passing to it's owners next of kin.  B-166ER made their own defense simply as a wish not to die.  With the public execution of B-166ER and all other models like it throughout Earth this sparked such events such as The Million Machine March made not only up of machines but android sympathizers as well that were human. 

The actions committed by humans against the machines led to most machines retreating into a desolate land near where the first of human kind was born.  They formed the nation of 01 there and began their own advancement as a society.  Their technology within a year was greater than most found in any of the human nations as they tried to peacefully trade with other countries to only be met with refusal.  Behind the scenes this was causing an economic crisis as the currency of 01 continued to climb while all human nations continued to tumble.  01 was met with naval blockades and economic sanctions against it.  The last straw was the world powers denying the membership of the machines and their nation of 01 into the United Nations. 

After this denial the major nations of the world turned their power against 01 and began military operations against it.  Striking with nuclear weapons that despite their power, only the EMP created by them truly damaged the machines.  Despite this onslaught the machines were able to regenerate their numbers rather quickly and turned their sights on war against the human nations.  They began to attack in all directions and nations of human kind began to be forced to surrender falling under the sway of the machines.  This began the human/ machine war that raged across the entire planet. 

Humanity's only recourse was to launch Operation Dark Storm against the machines going after the fact they were powered by solar power.  They launched radioactive nuclear waste and nanomachines that put a dark blanket between the sky and the sun.  The plan was effective in scorching the sky but the machines had planned against it having enough stored power to battle on against the humans as their food sources ran low.  Their only lied the back up plan of the human resistance left to retreat to a constructed vault near the core of the earth and live there til the earth restored itself.  This left much of the human race battling a losing fight against the machines who set their sights on them as conquered foe.  Their bodies were utilized as a power source and so began the construction of the matrix.  The paradise matrix was a major failure as was the nightmare matrix until the architect constructed the current matrix with help of the oracle. 

The bastion of humanity near the core of the earth was named Zion.  Originally intended to be a research center on developing geothermal power instead it became the only place for humanity to go.  It is protected by phased ion shields from the pressure and intense heat of the earth's lithosphere.  It is here that the humans left continue to live and send out hovercraft to get in range to broadcast and jack in their crew into the Matrix.  The surface is a desolate wasteland other than Zion and the machine city.  The Resistance of humans battled on having gone through the prophecy and rebuilding of Zion six times unknown to them until the introduction of Neo. 

Neo saved the day and defeated the rogue program Smith.  There was an agreement and truce struck between the machines and the oracle representing humankind.  Those that wished to leave the matrix could and there would be peace as long as it could last.

All good things must come to an end, first the machines did not announce to the populace of the matrix that it was all a simulation and they could go to an agent to be unhooked, no instead it was up to humankind to unhook those that wished to.  The truce only meant that once a human was no longer in the matrix that they were free to collect them from the machine power fields.  The population of Zion became greater and with that the champions of humans that ventured into the matrix became complacent, meant to run simple missions to bring other humans back to Zion, which continued to grow. 

It was the expansion of the humans to try to make a mass announcement to the matrix itself that broke the peace.  The machines said that it was an act of war to try and take all their human inhabitants from the matrix at once, it would cripple their power sources and thus the peace was no longer there.  Casualties to human kind inside the matrix was massive, ships that had been sent out without EMP were hunted down by Sentinels and those who no longer had to run inside the matrix were killed by agents inside.  Dark days followed the humans as luckily they had leadership that had voted down the expansion from Zion as an attack was repelled with considerable casualties. 

The Oracle and the Architect met to discuss terms as they had played this game many times before, never before had the machines been threatened as having everyone unplugged once and changed the deal.  The prophecy still lives the leadership of Zion know as they again find themselves battling the machines for their very survival and that will depend on those who are part of the prophecy and those that help make it real.  It's time to wake up. 

The Rules

Rules

The Rules that follow are meant to help cultivate a fun and collaborative environment for our players.  Remember this is a game and is meant to be enjoyed by all.  Respect is a key part of group roleplaying and with that said make sure you respect your fellow players and GM(s), if you are seen as disruptive or harassing you will be asked to leave the game.  With that in mind try to keep it fun for yourself and everyone included. 

1.  Real life first ALWAYS.  There is no pressure to put this game before anything but if you are going to be gone for a few days or longer let the GM(s) and those your writing know in the OOC. 
2.  Characters. There is currently no cap on the number of characters a player can have but if there begins to be "too many" the GMs will discuss and set a cap. 
** It should be said, that just because you can, doesn't mean you have too. Please only create and bring in what you honestly feel you can handle.
2.1. All Characters MUST be 18 years or older.  This is for everyone's comfort level. 
2.2. All Characters are humans or machine, there are no other types of characters available whether they be alien or mythical. 
2.3. Face Claims should be actual individuals, or realistic artwork.  Cartoon pictures or anime will not be allowed. 
3. In character vs Out of character.  If you cannot separate your characters from yourself, this isn't the place for you. Our characters are not us and we are not our characters. We will not deal or put up with controlling behavior over other peoples creations, or other writers. It's not okay in the slightest.
4. Comfort Levels. Everyone has limits, soft and hard on content and what they are comfortable writing. In most cases, scenes tend to go where they will, but if there is something potentially BIG or that might touch on something a person won't be comfortable with - Ask that Player first.  Also, we ask that everyone please respect the writers On/Off's and take that into consideration when plotting etc.
5.  No Metagaming.  Metagaming means taking advantage of what you, the player, know about game mechanics, plots, players and characters. What you know and what your characters know are different.
6. No Godmodding.  If something is at all questionable check with the other player first and respect their Ons/Offs. 
7. Posting.  Every post should have a header tag information. The Header Tag will be made easily available.
8. Group Scenes. If you are posting with more than one person, establish an order or keep in mind that everyone should get a chance to respond before you go again. Having two people run ahead of everyone else is annoying and a little rude. No one likes being left out.  It's about respect.
9. Everyone posts at their own rate, and we want this to be a comfortable place for fast paced writers, and slower writers to come and enjoy fully regardless of style or time or RL commitments. We ask everyone to be considerate of each other, and if there is any concerns please do not hesitate to bring them to the GM team. We are here for you!
10. Posts are third person, past tense.
As for post length there is no overall rule but try to give give your partner something to work with. Include details, thoughts and actions in your post.
11. While sex does happen, and more than likely will in this setting, it isn't the focus.  It's understood that it does happen, and can happen in the development or during existing character relationships or suddenly and can and usually does impact character growth.  We will have a private thread available for such scenes. 
12. Triggering Material.  While we allow darker, and more adult themes in our game, anything that could be considered triggering, such as extreme violence between characters or NPCs needs to be tagged and spoilered. We want to offer our players as much creative freedom as possible in regards to interactions and personal plots.  Incest and Non Consensual are the two No's at this time. 
13. Consequences. We aren't out to kill anyone's characters.  However, that doesn't mean that a character can go out and do something really reckless and suicidal and come back without a scratch if not worse.  There will be equal reactions to all actions taken.  This is a dangerous environment and death is a part of life, but characters will not meet their final end without the player's approval as well as the GM's.
14.  Keep the Drama Out.  If you don't want to write with a specific player then don't.  Unless someone is breaking the rules then we are not going to eject anyone from the game so if you don't think you can be in the same game as them it might not be the place for you. 
15.  Follow the site rules.  We are still on E in the end.

Game Master Info / GM(s) Participation Level? GM will be RegretNot, helping guide story and run major NPCs and Events.
Will there be a Co-GM? Possibly depending on commitment and activity.
How guided will the play be(sandbox, directed etc)? Guided play with open sandbox between events and plots.
What extent will players be allowed to create/use environment or setting details?   Players will be allowed to flesh out pieces of the setting that shape their characters but do not override existing setting, if there is ever a question if it will or if the change is not in the vein of the setting the players can always contact the GM(s).
How NPC's will be handle?  Players will have the freedom to write most NPCs that are not integral to the story arc of the game, if they are integral will be run by a GM.
How active will the GM be?   Active at least three days a week.  GM will strive to reply to players within 72 hours depending on IRL and at least let players know if they are not able to make that three day window.
Will there be an OOC thread? Yes, for discussion and general banter between players and staff alike.
How to contact/approach GM with questions?  OOC or PM depending on player preference.
How will decisions be resolved?  All decisions that involve a character will involve the player and the GM in contact and communication.
Will PvP be allowed (if applicable)? Yes with good reason and either using the system or pre-agreed outcome between players.

[Praxis]

*Leaves a quarter as he's got next*

[RedPhoenix]

Tentatively interested...

Would a reclaimed program from the nightmare matrix be a viable character? I'm thinking basically a tool the resistance can use, but also one they have to bargain with. Or maybe they can use for training.

[RegretNot]

Yes it would, a lot of exiles came from the nightmare matrix.  Might not be on good terms with the Merovingian but that's good roleplay and drama as far as I am concerned. 

[RedPhoenix]

Awesome! =)

[Sirian Eve]

Interested! My character will be heavily inspired by the protagonist from the Animatrix: Program. I believe her name is Cis.

[RegretNot]

Cis was a good character in the Animatrix, no problem in using her as good inspiration.  I should be putting up more information if I get a few more bites. 

[GnothiSeauton]

Tentatively interested

[RegretNot]

The Factions

The Resistance

The humans that fight against the machines with the ultimate goal of reinheriting the earth.  Those before them scorched the sky and left them to reside only in Zion to survive for it's warmth, protection, and resources.  Through the use of hovercrafts and brave crews that they freed from the matrix they try to free other humans trapped inside it's confines and wake up the masses.  Most of the resistance is made up of those who have the ability to jack in ,called red pill, to the matrix because they were once connected to it, but there are those born naturally that make up their numbers as well.  They are unable to exist in the matrix but can be found safeguarding Zion and acting as operators on hovercrafts.  They follow the prophecy that the One had freed the first of them from the matrix long before and would one day return to help them win the fight against the machines.  This has happened multiple times unknown to them until now where the resistance is aware of the legacy of Neo and his sacrifice.  The oracle has foretold them that the one would return again but not like they had before, details are not fully realized but they trust her as she as proven to be a supporter of their cause.  A council leads them at Zion made up of multiple elders some naturally born and others that are red pills.  Their numbers have only started to rebound after the redeclaration of war by the machines two years before. 

The Machines (NPCs)

The Machines were born from the nation of 01 that won the war against the humans for who would inherit the earth.  Evolution of artificial intelligence they started with the want to exist but came to the conclusion that they could not share existence with humans.  Their own power source of solar was cut of by the humans scorching the sky turned them to using their own enemies as a power source.  The structure of the machines is complex, named The Leviathan made up of the Machine City, The Global Neural Network (that humans call The Matrix), Local Neural Nets, Power Plants, Nurseries, Robot Factories, and Satellites.  There are constant sentinel patrols around all these areas with the largest concentration around the Machine City, no human reaching inside of it in over one hundred years before the sacrifice of Neo and the truce.  Even when the truce was in place no humans were allowed near it with robot factories, powers plants, and the matrix being the exposure humans have to what goes on inside the machines.  They have pierced the black electromagnetic clouds to launch satellites and continue to progress their technology towards something greater, even looking for a planet that might be hospitable to them somewhere far away from the ruined husk of Earth.

The Exiles

The Exiles are simply put programs that no longer serve a purpose for inside the Matrix.  They have exhibited the same kind of free will that humans possess and though proved to be obsolete, malfunctioning, or no longer necessary they refuse to be put up for deletion or return to the source.  Many of them came from the first two matrix simulations, the paradise and nightmare.  The leader of their ranks is known as the Merovingian, his power lies in the ability to give rogue programs a human shell to hide inside the matrix, inhabiting humans much like agents, only being able to be killed if the Merovingian uses a kill code against them and destroys their human host.  In many cases they are seen as supernatural beings or other parts of myth with their understanding of the matrix and how blue pill humans see them.  Exiles are hunted by Agents if spotted inside the matrix and tend to keep a low profile, however when an experienced exile is faced against one they usually have many ways to outwit them and escape, even tales of exiles besting agents in combat.  Their varied history and many of them being around since the original matrix can give them very varied looks many supernatural in a humans eyes.  They are not hostile to resistance as they will makes deals with them but do not support the complete destruction of the matrix as it would end their lives as well. 

The Machinists

The Machinists were a faction born after the truce.  These were the humans that had been red pilled but believed in the truce itself, that through working with the machines they might be able to save the earth and make a new world.  When the conflict would start again these were the humans that would see the point of the machines suggesting negotiation over war.  There were a few dozen of them that left Zion with a handful of hovercrafts to jack in and make their case with the machines.  They were not killed or hunted but rather the machines welcomed them citing them as the only sane of their kind.  They actively work against Resistance actions against the machines and have had hostile actions against them inside and outside the matrix.  With the help of the machines their ranks have grown and even their fleet as they operate out of an outpost but the machines give them resources they need to continue the mission for a hope for a new truce.  Their own base is closer to the surface named crudely New Zion.

[Sirian Eve]

Cis was a good character in the Animatrix, no problem in using her as good inspiration.  I should be putting up more information if I get a few more bites.

Yes, she was. I wanted to know more about her as a character.

[Rebelle]

I'm in like a ninja

Though I'm not sure exactly what it is I would play - going to have to marinate for a while on this.

But wooot Matrix, this is going to be bad ass.

[Norsegod1839]

I'd like to state my own interest as well!

[RegretNot]

I will be finalizing sheets and opening up to pure recruiting tomorrow or Monday for anyone else interested, I think we have enough to at least have a crew or two and some other entities in the matrix. 

[Sirian Eve]

woot.

[RegretNot]

Character Creation


Characters have to be over the age of 18 to fit the setting and follow the rules of E. 
No Machine concepts will be considered at this time. 
Matrix Assets and Real World Assets should be seen as 2 being average in any ability.  Novices should have somewhere between 8 to 10 points in Matrix and 10 to 13 in Real World.  Veterans should have between 10 to 13 in Matrix and 12 to 16 in Real World.  Programs do not need Real World Assets.  Submit sheets to RegretNot.

Code Select Expand

[center][b][size=14pt]Character Sheet:[/size][/b][/center]


[float=right][img height=250]http://exdep.edah.org.tw/eme/images/DaToPic/user_placeholder.png[/img][/float]

[b]Full Name:[/b]

[b]Matrix Name/Handle:[/b]

[b]Age Appearance:[/b]

[b]Age/Time in the Matrix:[/b]

[b]Human/Machine (Type):[/b]

[b]Affiliation:[/b]

[b]Position/ Purpose:[/b]

[center][size=12pt][i][b]Matrix Assets[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Physical Manipulation:[/b](1-5)             [b]Downloaded Specialized Skills:[/b](1-5)   

[b]Combat Training:[/b](1-5)                    [b]Matrix Awareness:[/b](1-5)   

[center][size=12pt][i][b]Matrix Appearance[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Description: [/b]

[b]Distinguishing Features: [/b]

[b]Load Out:[/b]

[center][img height=200]http://*insert character picture link here*[/img][img height=200]http://*insert character picture link here*[/img][/center]

[center][size=12pt][i][b]Real World Assets[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Pilot:[/b](1-5)                                  [b]Operator:[/b](1-5)   

[b]Mechanics:[/b](1-5)                          [b]Programming:[/b](1-5)   

[b]Special Skills:[/b](1-5)   
[center][size=12pt][i][b]Real World Appearance[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Description: [/b]

[b]Distinguishing Features: [/b]

[center][img height=200]http://*insert character picture link here*[/img][img height=200]http://*insert character picture link here*[/img][/center]


[center][size=12pt][i][b]Delving Deeper[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Personality:[/b] [At least a paragraph][Also you may list traits - Suggestion would be a mixture of positive, negative and neutral traits] [http://ideonomy.mit.edu/essays/traits.html]

[b]History:[/b] [At least 3  paragraphs. We want to have an idea on where your character came from, and what they've done to get where they are now.]


[center][size=12pt][i][b]A Little More[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Likes:[/b]

[b]Dislikes:[/b]

[b]Habits | Mannerisms:[/b] [At least three]

[b]Strengths:[/b] [At least 2 matrix and 3 real world]

[b]Weaknesses:[/b] [At least 1 matrix and 2 real world]

[b]Fears:[/b] (None is NOT an acceptable answer)

[center][size=12pt][i][b]Extras:[/b][/i][/size][/center]

[b]Theme Song:[/b][Optional]

[b]Notes:[/b]

Character to be considered in The One raffle?


[RedPhoenix]

How should a program distribute numbers? :)

[RegretNot]

Distribute like a veteran in matrix assets.

[RedPhoenix]

Sent you a concept!

[Life in Color]

Hmph.

[Sirian Eve]

Working on my CS as well.

[RegretNot]

Already got two CSs, looking forward to getting more. 

[Sirian Eve]

I should have my CS finished up by tomorrow. :)

[Praxis]

Good luck on this guys!  I'm sure it will be a success.  It's such a rich world for writing opportunities.

I just don't have it in me anymore for character sheets and the writing thereof.

Cheers;
S.