Cyberfunk Game
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2021 6:55 pm
Premise: Slice-of-life School Mecha Cyberpunk
I like "realistic" mechs, none of that skyscraper sized gundam stuff.
Small Mechas: 20 ft. tall
Medium Mechas: 40 ft. tall
Big Mechas: 80 ft. tall
Large Mechas: 120 ft. tall
Give or take. Most people opt for Small and Medium sized mechas due to being easier to navigate through cities. Bigger mechas are intended as mobile artillery platforms or the equivalent of tanks.
Earth is starting to get overcrowded and polluted, leading many governments to look towards the stars to create new colonies by terraforming planets and even creating their own. Mars and Pluto (desert hellhole and frozen hellhole) have been chosen as mining planets thanks to the amount of "Starbright" mineral, which has allowed numerous advances in the field of science. Cybernetics, mechas, and easy genemodification are all thanks to new technology created with this mineral thanks to its higher energy yield-- meaning, smaller chips that offer much greater power.
Other planets include: Makemake, a popular tourist attraction thanks to extensive terraforming and weather controlling to make it beautiful and warm all year round. A lot of beaches orange sand and jungles makes it "the Beach Planet".
Eris, one of the latest terraformed planets. Although, it appears to be the most volatile thanks to its distance from Earth and class war. Corporations keep the lower class as poor as possible, making terrorist groups to oppose them more common by the day. The United Nations has yet to comment on the issue, but frequently tries to stop plots by both sides.
Neptune has been transformed into a sea planet, to keep various endangered sea creatures alive-- even things like whales and giant squids and whatever else stalks the depths of Earth's oceans. There are even corporations attempting to create new sea creatures, which as generated many sightings of sea monsters all over the large planet. Most colonies in Neptune are partially submerged underwater if not fully instead of being on manmade islands, with many of the people there having fishing-based or exploration jobs. Corporations also need workers for their experiments and to keep the wild life there safe. A lot of people from Neptune can be described as "chill" and "slow", thanks to never having to worry about eating and most people enjoying just fishing and drinking booze all day long.
To further indulge on Mars and Pluto, while they do have large colonies there, they are primarily mining zones. The United Nations is willing to turn a blind eye to whatever they do. This includes massive dumping and pollution problems, meaning most people here are either desperate for a job or enhanced in some way... or even replicants. The harsh climate has also affected how cities function, Pluto having "heating periods" where large heaters turn on around the cities to ensure no one freezes to death.
Dr. Giovanni during WW3 is credited with the discovery of Starbright and named it as such for its highly reflective glassy surface. Thanks to his research, many war machines were fabricated with the most popular being "Mechanized Battle Units" due to their ability to travel in locations that vehicles couldn't, the superior speed and turning ability, and the weapons that could be held by these units. Although, most people simply refer to them as "Mecha" now.
Crime has also had to evolved. Random gangs were easier to deal with thanks to advances in weaponry and armor, not to mention a wide use of large drones that could identify and detain people when needed. They could also be armed with lethal weaponry. Thanks to this, organized criminal organizations have received a large influx of numbers thanks to their more subtle approach to things. The Mafia dominates Europe, Los Zeta is the only cartel left in Latina and South America, the Syndicate is made up of many different mafias and powerful gangs that reside in North America, the Triad is all over China and its neighbors, a single Yakuza clan is all over Japan and many of the countries in the Oceania, blah, blah, blah.
To go along with this, Corporations have gained more power in the 27th century, thanks to governments focusing on expansion off of Earth and not being able to manage everything. Many major corporations have what amounts to a private military. Speaking of corporations, the most popular mecha-producing ones are: Armatak Industries Inc, who focus on high firepower and bulky mechas; DARPA, who make numerous experimental mecha along with standard-issued military ones, and the ATLA, the conglomeration of Japan's defense industry, who prefer agile mecha that use melee weapons to tear apart its foes.
Replicants have also been introduced in the 26th century. They are androids that look like humans, aside from a few differences such as visible joint lines like a doll, pale skin, and whatever else their creator had in mind. While replicant and android is technically interchangable, most people refer to the sentient ones as "Replicants" while the ones designed with neuter are frequently called "Androids". Depending on the country, Replicants have different rights. In more liberal places, they are treated as full blown citizens and allowed to do as they please like humans. In some more conservative places, they are treated as nothing more than highly-expensive robots. This means it's not considered murder to destroy one, but can still have a hefty fine for vandalism, destruct, etc. They will always be barred from some jobs and frequently looked-over in applications since they "don't need the money".
Genemodification is also highly popular. It's quite easy for a mother to go to a Genemod Bank and see how their child will turn out, what they will look like as an adult, and any issues they would posses. They can even have their unborn child modified to look like a specific person, just be naturally beautiful/handsome, and to remove any disabilities they may be born with (with 90% efficiency). It is also not unheard of for exotic genemodification. Eastern countries still have a biased for males, so a hermaphrodite female isn't too uncommon if they family wanted a boy. Fantasy elements is also common exotic genemodding, giving their children cat ears and tails, strange hair colors like blue or green, or elongated ears like an elf's. Depending on how extensive this exotic genemodding is, it can either be a simple appearance change or actually give the child some benefits.
Naturally, some parents say this sort of genemodding is abusive or overbearing, but it doesn't stop families from doing it anyway.
During the early introduction of mechas, their pilots used man-to-machine interface devices (MMIs for short) which made them rather easy to train newcomers since it was like moving apart of your body, but it had severe psychological effects. Many pilots still suffered PTSD and some were even convinced the dead pilots of the mecha were talking to them while they piloted it. That is why, after the war, dedicated training programs were initiated so the use of MMIs could be kept to a minimum.
In the year 2610, a program was started by the governments of the world. They would create a small planet, which would house a school and a decent-sized city, all based on Japanese designs to have a nice balance of being space-conscious and being an enjoyable place to live. The man-made planet has been given the name "Takamagahara", but most people simply refer to it as Taka. The city is simply referred to as Takamagahara City. The pilot-training academy, however is called "New World Academy".
New World Academy accepts students as young as 10 and as old as 18. It is fashioned like a traditional (21st century) Japanese school and is rather relaxed for what one would assume is a military academy. It's quite literally like an old school Japanese high school. Students all wear uniforms, sit in a classroom and are taught by a revolving door of teachers who can be quite eccentric at times, are expected to join a club ranging from Gaming to Chess to Kendo, and even engage in PE. The only difference is the added MBU training and exercises. There are also competitions that pit classrooms against other classrooms or even clubs against clubs. There is also combat classes taught to those who request it, although every student is taught basic self-defense in PE.
Classrooms are frequently divided into squads where students are encouraged to pick a leader and a second-in-command, but it's not required. Still, most squads have a designated leader. After a squad has completed a MBU combat test, they are freed to take on actual assignments. These assignments range from simple peacekeeping to assaulting heavily-fortified positions, thanks to WW3's effects still being felt to this day.
For one reason or another, you have been selected, had your parents sign you up, or decided to join on your own to this school. It is considered an honor to join the New World Academy and most people stay in Taka after graduating from it or being retired.
Classes are pretty standard. World History, English, Art, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education, Home Economics, whatever. Lunch comes in the middle of the day while Homeroom is at the end. Then, clubs start after homeroom. The two classes that are different are: MBU Tactics, to each students how to use their MBUs, the best way to utilize them, and how basic ways to fix them. There's even some hand-to-hand combat training and mech repair just in case. Then there's MBU Exercise. The "taking the mecha out and using it" type of exercise. It's usually only once a month and takes up the entire day.
After school, they either go back to their house or their dorms. Plenty of students live in the dorms by themselves because their family couldn't come with them or the student can't afford a house on their own.
Like Japanese schools, the students sit in a single classroom and teachers switch every hour.
The uniform looks like:
Students are allowed to designate their squad (classroom number and section, so the second section from classroom 1-2 would have "Squad 1-2-2" or any nickname they have) or club on their armband. The school's symbol is on the right shoulder.
The school has plenty of security. Security guard have light kevlar vests, bulbous helmets with screen displays, and pistols as long as the security level is Low.
There are also rumors of alien monsters that use asteroids to stealthily enter our solar system...
I like "realistic" mechs, none of that skyscraper sized gundam stuff.
Small Mechas: 20 ft. tall
Medium Mechas: 40 ft. tall
Big Mechas: 80 ft. tall
Large Mechas: 120 ft. tall
Give or take. Most people opt for Small and Medium sized mechas due to being easier to navigate through cities. Bigger mechas are intended as mobile artillery platforms or the equivalent of tanks.
Background:
The year is 2667.Earth is starting to get overcrowded and polluted, leading many governments to look towards the stars to create new colonies by terraforming planets and even creating their own. Mars and Pluto (desert hellhole and frozen hellhole) have been chosen as mining planets thanks to the amount of "Starbright" mineral, which has allowed numerous advances in the field of science. Cybernetics, mechas, and easy genemodification are all thanks to new technology created with this mineral thanks to its higher energy yield-- meaning, smaller chips that offer much greater power.
Other planets include: Makemake, a popular tourist attraction thanks to extensive terraforming and weather controlling to make it beautiful and warm all year round. A lot of beaches orange sand and jungles makes it "the Beach Planet".
Eris, one of the latest terraformed planets. Although, it appears to be the most volatile thanks to its distance from Earth and class war. Corporations keep the lower class as poor as possible, making terrorist groups to oppose them more common by the day. The United Nations has yet to comment on the issue, but frequently tries to stop plots by both sides.
Neptune has been transformed into a sea planet, to keep various endangered sea creatures alive-- even things like whales and giant squids and whatever else stalks the depths of Earth's oceans. There are even corporations attempting to create new sea creatures, which as generated many sightings of sea monsters all over the large planet. Most colonies in Neptune are partially submerged underwater if not fully instead of being on manmade islands, with many of the people there having fishing-based or exploration jobs. Corporations also need workers for their experiments and to keep the wild life there safe. A lot of people from Neptune can be described as "chill" and "slow", thanks to never having to worry about eating and most people enjoying just fishing and drinking booze all day long.
To further indulge on Mars and Pluto, while they do have large colonies there, they are primarily mining zones. The United Nations is willing to turn a blind eye to whatever they do. This includes massive dumping and pollution problems, meaning most people here are either desperate for a job or enhanced in some way... or even replicants. The harsh climate has also affected how cities function, Pluto having "heating periods" where large heaters turn on around the cities to ensure no one freezes to death.
Dr. Giovanni during WW3 is credited with the discovery of Starbright and named it as such for its highly reflective glassy surface. Thanks to his research, many war machines were fabricated with the most popular being "Mechanized Battle Units" due to their ability to travel in locations that vehicles couldn't, the superior speed and turning ability, and the weapons that could be held by these units. Although, most people simply refer to them as "Mecha" now.
Crime has also had to evolved. Random gangs were easier to deal with thanks to advances in weaponry and armor, not to mention a wide use of large drones that could identify and detain people when needed. They could also be armed with lethal weaponry. Thanks to this, organized criminal organizations have received a large influx of numbers thanks to their more subtle approach to things. The Mafia dominates Europe, Los Zeta is the only cartel left in Latina and South America, the Syndicate is made up of many different mafias and powerful gangs that reside in North America, the Triad is all over China and its neighbors, a single Yakuza clan is all over Japan and many of the countries in the Oceania, blah, blah, blah.
To go along with this, Corporations have gained more power in the 27th century, thanks to governments focusing on expansion off of Earth and not being able to manage everything. Many major corporations have what amounts to a private military. Speaking of corporations, the most popular mecha-producing ones are: Armatak Industries Inc, who focus on high firepower and bulky mechas; DARPA, who make numerous experimental mecha along with standard-issued military ones, and the ATLA, the conglomeration of Japan's defense industry, who prefer agile mecha that use melee weapons to tear apart its foes.
Replicants have also been introduced in the 26th century. They are androids that look like humans, aside from a few differences such as visible joint lines like a doll, pale skin, and whatever else their creator had in mind. While replicant and android is technically interchangable, most people refer to the sentient ones as "Replicants" while the ones designed with neuter are frequently called "Androids". Depending on the country, Replicants have different rights. In more liberal places, they are treated as full blown citizens and allowed to do as they please like humans. In some more conservative places, they are treated as nothing more than highly-expensive robots. This means it's not considered murder to destroy one, but can still have a hefty fine for vandalism, destruct, etc. They will always be barred from some jobs and frequently looked-over in applications since they "don't need the money".
Genemodification is also highly popular. It's quite easy for a mother to go to a Genemod Bank and see how their child will turn out, what they will look like as an adult, and any issues they would posses. They can even have their unborn child modified to look like a specific person, just be naturally beautiful/handsome, and to remove any disabilities they may be born with (with 90% efficiency). It is also not unheard of for exotic genemodification. Eastern countries still have a biased for males, so a hermaphrodite female isn't too uncommon if they family wanted a boy. Fantasy elements is also common exotic genemodding, giving their children cat ears and tails, strange hair colors like blue or green, or elongated ears like an elf's. Depending on how extensive this exotic genemodding is, it can either be a simple appearance change or actually give the child some benefits.
Naturally, some parents say this sort of genemodding is abusive or overbearing, but it doesn't stop families from doing it anyway.
Where Do I Come In?:
During the early introduction of mechas, their pilots used man-to-machine interface devices (MMIs for short) which made them rather easy to train newcomers since it was like moving apart of your body, but it had severe psychological effects. Many pilots still suffered PTSD and some were even convinced the dead pilots of the mecha were talking to them while they piloted it. That is why, after the war, dedicated training programs were initiated so the use of MMIs could be kept to a minimum.
In the year 2610, a program was started by the governments of the world. They would create a small planet, which would house a school and a decent-sized city, all based on Japanese designs to have a nice balance of being space-conscious and being an enjoyable place to live. The man-made planet has been given the name "Takamagahara", but most people simply refer to it as Taka. The city is simply referred to as Takamagahara City. The pilot-training academy, however is called "New World Academy".
New World Academy accepts students as young as 10 and as old as 18. It is fashioned like a traditional (21st century) Japanese school and is rather relaxed for what one would assume is a military academy. It's quite literally like an old school Japanese high school. Students all wear uniforms, sit in a classroom and are taught by a revolving door of teachers who can be quite eccentric at times, are expected to join a club ranging from Gaming to Chess to Kendo, and even engage in PE. The only difference is the added MBU training and exercises. There are also competitions that pit classrooms against other classrooms or even clubs against clubs. There is also combat classes taught to those who request it, although every student is taught basic self-defense in PE.
Classrooms are frequently divided into squads where students are encouraged to pick a leader and a second-in-command, but it's not required. Still, most squads have a designated leader. After a squad has completed a MBU combat test, they are freed to take on actual assignments. These assignments range from simple peacekeeping to assaulting heavily-fortified positions, thanks to WW3's effects still being felt to this day.
For one reason or another, you have been selected, had your parents sign you up, or decided to join on your own to this school. It is considered an honor to join the New World Academy and most people stay in Taka after graduating from it or being retired.
What's a Normal Day at New World Academy?
School starts at 8 AM. Most people get to school by train or bus, seeing as the entire planet is based around the Academy. It's fast and cheaper than having a car. The crime rate is naturally really low, so most people don't worry about their kids walking to school by themselves. Classes are pretty standard. World History, English, Art, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education, Home Economics, whatever. Lunch comes in the middle of the day while Homeroom is at the end. Then, clubs start after homeroom. The two classes that are different are: MBU Tactics, to each students how to use their MBUs, the best way to utilize them, and how basic ways to fix them. There's even some hand-to-hand combat training and mech repair just in case. Then there's MBU Exercise. The "taking the mecha out and using it" type of exercise. It's usually only once a month and takes up the entire day.
After school, they either go back to their house or their dorms. Plenty of students live in the dorms by themselves because their family couldn't come with them or the student can't afford a house on their own.
Like Japanese schools, the students sit in a single classroom and teachers switch every hour.
The uniform looks like:
Students are allowed to designate their squad (classroom number and section, so the second section from classroom 1-2 would have "Squad 1-2-2" or any nickname they have) or club on their armband. The school's symbol is on the right shoulder.
The school has plenty of security. Security guard have light kevlar vests, bulbous helmets with screen displays, and pistols as long as the security level is Low.
What Should I Expect to Fight?
There are numerous things one could expect to fight like monsters created by Corporations or Govs that have broken free, pirates and gangsters who also utilize mechas especially in the Free Zones of Africa and the Middle East, plus some parts of Europe and the US, terrorists wishing to disrupt the flow of life on any of the occupied planets, Corporations overstepping their boundaries in black operations, mercs just "doing their job".There are also rumors of alien monsters that use asteroids to stealthily enter our solar system...