As I read over my own blog, toot my own horn, and all that jazz, I've realized that, although I talk about roleplay a WHOLE LOT, I've never really explained or demonstrated what roleplay IS.
Role play (RP) is simply pretending to be someone or something to simulate an experience, usually interacting with others doing the same. People RolePlay to have an experience - and experience that real life limitations will usually prevent. Gunfights, hoverships, magical powers - nothing is beyond your reach in roleplay. There's an enormous number of roleplay-themed Second Life communities based around every conceivable theme and narrative -- I'm still astounded there's a small but active one based on courtier life in Louis the XIV's Versailles -- and just as many rule sets by which they're self-governed.
Roleplay 101 -
There are a few rules when it comes to roleplay. One, you can't be afraid to lose or take a hit. It shows respect and the sign of a good roleplayer that isn't afraid to lose. Props make an outfit and sometimes a character - which also ties into my next rule: get into character. If that means spending a few linden on getting an outfit decker out prims, so be it. But that also means if you're in a Harry Potter roleplay - get into character by reading the book or watching the movie and visualizing what kind of person you would portray in that universe. Rule four: Play outside the box. If that means playing a woman as a man, or switching your race to that of an alien or a vampire, not only does it open a lot of doors, but it also pushes your limits as a writer and roleplayer. Step Five - cause a scene. You have your character and your clothes, but getting started when you don't know anyone is hard. Ask for help in character, or for a cigarette, or for direction - knowing a few good real life icebreakers really helps.
"There are vast differences between IMs, OOC, and IC. Learning the difference in these 3 types of communication and how each one is perceived by others is key to good roleplaying.
You’re minding your own business at some rp sim when you get an IM from someone admiring your outfit. You are fighting someone and after being defeated, you receive an IM telling you it was a good fight. You are about to start a scene with someone, and you get an IMtelling you what they will or will not do with you. You are roleplaying with some people when suddenly someone posts ((be right back)), another answers ((kk)) and when that person posts ((back)) everyone around posts ((wb)). All these conversations have one thing in common; they are all OOC. At any point, when you are contacted in IMs you should consider these conversations OOC. In that regard, if you IM someone, when in an RP sim, be it another character, a GM assisting you with a problem, or a vendor that sold you a item, you should make sure this is conducted OOC. Vendors and GMs especially do not have the need to deal with you IC since they are providing their services OOC.
There is a reason why this avenue is kept OOC. This is the only safe place to conduct an OOC conversation that would keep it out of the ears of others around you. Most RP sims do not like it when players are having long extended conversations of OOC matters in public chat. OOC in public chat is highlighted by surrounding the OOC text in brackets such as ((I’m still rezzing)) or [[gimme a second]]. Because everyone is IC, it become very disruptive when you pass by or are nearby OOC conversations. Be conscious of how you affect others and move your OOC conversations over to IM’s or group chat. It allows others to think clearly about what they will say and avoid issues and/or misunderstandings.
Another major thing to keep in mind is going off on or threatening another character in OOC speak or IMs. Most if not all sims will swiftly penalize you anything from a few days or weeks ban up to and including permanent expulsion from the sim. Do not unleash your anger at another player in OOC comments or IMs. If you have an issue with another player, work it out in a civil fashion or call a GM to assist. If you don’t know the rules, read them carefully before beginning to RP. Failure to be knowledgeable about the rules does not mean you will not be punished if you violate a rule." - Diary of a Roleplayer
Roleplayers are not required to check your profile for RP limits. Some will do so but most will not. It is your responsibility to inform others of your limits.
If you have informed the other players of your RP limits and they are violated, you may call a GM to assist.
If you have roleplay limits you may find yourself with little or no interaction from other players.
Some roleplayers have chosen to adapt the RP limits of those they interact with, thus if a player states no mutilation, they cannot perform it on the other player.
In some sims, a long list of RP limits will be seen by other players as a sign of a Camper.
If you have RP limits, consider joining an RP sim that better accommodates your tastes. Dark RP sims like Lost Angels and Crack Den have activities ranging from odd to extremely bizarre. Think of this as a movie; if you don’t like slasher flicks don’t watch these types of movies. You may not be actively participating in these limits but you will encounter players doing RP about it with other players.
AFK – Away From Keyboard
Avatar – also known as avi or AV for short. A computer representation of you or your alter ego within Second Life.
Camper – a player that camps out a roleplay sim with the intent to rack up points for their combat meters to level up, but refuse to RP or will go AFK or Away while accumulating points.
Corpse Camping – after defeating a player, you defeat them again as soon as they recoup some of their energy. This differs from battle where someone you defeated is revived and continues to fight. In this case a second defeat would not be classified as corpse camping.
Fade to Black – also known as FTB. Used if you don’t agree with how an RP is going. You simply announce Fade to Black and the scene ends there.
GM – Game Moderator also known as Admin to be called when violations of the rules occur, issues with the game itself, or questions and or assistance related to the RP.
GODMODDING – Playing God – for example being immune to all types of influence, injury, issues, or being almighty above everything and everyone.
HUD – Heads Up Display
IC – In Character- for example speaking as your character
LARP - Live Action Role Play
METAGAMING - Using OOC commentary or reading tags and using the information in your RP without having discovered it IC.
NOCOM – This is what you are told you are if you meter is off. When your meter is off you cannot take damage and you are in non-cobatitive mode. Generally when your meter is off, you are not allowed to RP simply because if a fight breaks out, you will not take any damage.
NPC - Also known as Non-Player Character. Commonly used to serve as assault teams or temporary characters in sim-wide role play. NPCs usually will arrive to attack everyone in the sim giving players a chance to unite with each other to defeat the threat.
OOC - Out of Character – for example making comments or asking questions that are not part of the scene or not being said as your character.
((brb)) – OOC be right back
((k)) or ((kk)) – OOC ok
((wb)) – OOC welcome back
READING TAGS – Reading an avatar’s name or description to use in the RP without having discovered it IC. Also see METAGAMING.
RPC – Role Play Coordinator. Assists with creating and moderating role play in a sim.
RP - Roleplay.
RP Limits – A list of things you will not do or participate in at a RP sim.
Safe Zone – An area in an RP sim that is free of RP or IC activity.
Skills - The powers your character has such as healing yourself or other, inflicting damage on opponents, or giving armor to others.
Titler – An object that allows a title to show above your head. Usually used for RP sims.
XP - Experience Points – Earned by time in the sim or awarded for good roleplay. As you accumulate XP you go up in levels and gain additional skills.
Ive given the basics, now its up to anyone who reads this to use this knowledge in world. Roleplaying is one of my favorite pastimes and I love doing it.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
SL Photography
I think everyone’s passion in Second Life is taking pictures of your favorite moments. We can find tons of models, but we can’t find tons of PROFESSIONAL photograpers.
- Have a good sense of perspective, use and knowledge of the editing tools that professionals image editors given to us, and of course, the ability to be creative in using poses.
Studios or Spheres – Try to find those with gives you lots of varieties and resources. Use them with responsibility, to not make your picture with hundreds of useless particles, colors, fogs and backgrounds. Ah! about the backgrounds, taking a picture above a photo of the Eiffel Tower is nothing glamorous.
BE CAREFUL WITH ACESSORIES! Bracelets not attached well to your arms, or even worse – giant bracelets, blinging piercings, bad attached gadgets, flying necklaces, and other incredible funny stuff are a big danger when you are modeling! Taking a few minutes on a stand pose to attach all of them well before a photography session will make a HUGE difference.
Clothes – Attention! A quality book requires quality clothes! So, for a great professional portfolio with 2 or 3 sets, stop being a poor guy or girl and invest yourself in good simple combinations but glamorous.
Lights enviroment – The most important step for a big difference! Put your computer graphics to the highest you can, and abuse of the all illumination you got. If the environment you are in is badly lit, try use the lighting tools that the studio can give or those face lights that you can find almost everywhere.
Photo Edition – Perfect photos just turn perfect when you edit them. Using Photoshop or any other photo editor guarantees you a great final effect. The biggest difference is, you can see when someone is professional or not just seeing how they can use those image editors well.
MY FAVORITE SHOTS:
- Have a good sense of perspective, use and knowledge of the editing tools that professionals image editors given to us, and of course, the ability to be creative in using poses.
Studios or Spheres – Try to find those with gives you lots of varieties and resources. Use them with responsibility, to not make your picture with hundreds of useless particles, colors, fogs and backgrounds. Ah! about the backgrounds, taking a picture above a photo of the Eiffel Tower is nothing glamorous.
BE CAREFUL WITH ACESSORIES! Bracelets not attached well to your arms, or even worse – giant bracelets, blinging piercings, bad attached gadgets, flying necklaces, and other incredible funny stuff are a big danger when you are modeling! Taking a few minutes on a stand pose to attach all of them well before a photography session will make a HUGE difference.
Clothes – Attention! A quality book requires quality clothes! So, for a great professional portfolio with 2 or 3 sets, stop being a poor guy or girl and invest yourself in good simple combinations but glamorous.
Lights enviroment – The most important step for a big difference! Put your computer graphics to the highest you can, and abuse of the all illumination you got. If the environment you are in is badly lit, try use the lighting tools that the studio can give or those face lights that you can find almost everywhere.
Photo Edition – Perfect photos just turn perfect when you edit them. Using Photoshop or any other photo editor guarantees you a great final effect. The biggest difference is, you can see when someone is professional or not just seeing how they can use those image editors well.
MY FAVORITE SHOTS:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Heart Reef
Today, I visited the Heart Reef Resort, a realistic replica of the coast of Greece. It is a beautiful build with wonderful graphics that I can really only describe in pictures. Forgive me for the lack of words, but I took plenty of snapshots to compensate.
Monday, October 5, 2009
If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.....
The newest RP sim I've decided to explore is Midian City. A dark, mysterious, and ominous place that is kind of like Hathian, with its urban grunge element; kind of like Shipyard with its futuristic feel; and kind of like a magical sim with its open mind for creatures and roleplay options.
Midian City - The Story
---------------------------
21st century
Another world war come and gone.
And miraculously once again the big red button was not pushed. So the world and the life that clings ever more precariously to its surface lived to see another dawn.
Those that fought and survived the carnage of this latest high tech machine war returned home to find little had changed. And those that had no real homes dispersed like shadows into the darkness of the great sprawls of urban chaos which the world’s cities had now become cities like Midian.
Another tangled mass of past and present architectural anomalies, pushing ever upwards towards the sky, leaving its down trodden dwellers far below in the ever darkening canyons of concrete and steel. It stands alone on an offshore Island once connected by a bridge that reached across the treacherous waters of the Quinntukhat river like a great artery pumping fresh life and trade from the mainland into the cold heart of Midan.
But suddenly, 20 years back, that source of life blood had been severed.
So the Island is now once again cut off from the mainland as it had been a few centuries earlier when it was home to a leper colony. And now, as then, the world just across the water seems to have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to this city of lost souls.
You see the Government preferred not to dwell too long on the subject of Midian. It was here in 2013, in the darkest days of the war, that the “final solution tests” supposed to end the conflict, went drastically wrong, and created a radiation wasteland uninhabitable for some years after, and turned the surrounding waters into a chemical soup of decaying seafood. And this was why the bridge was closed and the city evacuated, a crude attempt to put the tragic events out of sight and hopefully out of mind.
However, after a while life did return to this blighted place. Slowly and illegally at first, a few of the less desirable elements of the surrounding states, dared the dangerous river crossing and found refuge here. Then the influx of fresh blood picked up a pace when it was realized by the criminal elements on the mainland that law and order was passing this place by.
So now far from the gaze of polite society and elected law, a new colony of sorts has arisen, except this time the lepers are of the social kind and the disease is corruption.
At first no one cared about these new city dwellers, believing that they would all be dead from radiation poisoning within a year or so, but for some reason this did not appear to be happening and as time passed and the population of the mad bad and dangerous to know began to swell, it was clear that something had to be done to at least contain the problem, if not to stop it.
So the government decided to contract out the management of the city to one of the large corporate Security companies that had begun to spring up over the past few year to compensate for the inadequacies of the understaffed and underpaid state police departments. These companies still called themselves police forces, and took upon themselves all the trappings of the state police. But they are in most cases little more than criminal cartels.
None more so than the present governing body of the island, the self styled MPD. In order to quell the flow of unsavory citizens onto the Island or at least to appear to be earning the extremely high sums of money they charged for their services , the MPD placed a heavy guard on the bridge.
But it is said that this is more a way of forcing extortionate admission fees from those wishing to escape the law of the mainland than any real attempt at blocking entry.
So Midian stands as an example of what can happen when crime, violence, perversion and corruption are mixed together and left to boil unattended in a melting pot of urban decay. The accumulated sins and excesses of men and beasts have shrouded the entire city in an unyielding night of shifting shadows and flickering lights. In this deranged little corner of the world, none hope for better, maybe just the strength to make it through the night. Here the meek inherit nothing, the poor die cold and hungry and the old and weak are prey for the strong, here the choice is simple, fight or run, hunt or be hunted.
Walk down the wrong back alley in Midian and you can find just about anything, and you probably will.
-----------------------------
The Factions of Midian City
Rev. May 2008
-----------------------------
(*Please Note: Listed below are the ONLY officially recognized factions of Midian City. And while we are open to creative new ideas, we will only be taking them from those who have first taken the time to fully immerse themselves in the city. In other words ... Don't just come into the sim and ask to create your own gang. Don't ask to create your own faction. Don't ask to run your own organization. Get to know the roleplay first. Doing otherwise will only make you look like an inept goof who has not bothered to read this notecard*)
**FACTIONS**
It is said that the Island is divided amongst the factions that rule it. More than gangs, less than brotherhoods, these factions form a delicate balance of hostile peace that keeps the city moving. Although, the direction to which it moves is anyone's guess.
((The Hounds - Faction dissolved by End of May
These boys and girls just want to have a good time, at your expense. They are the archetypal alpha male gang, who like there animal namesakes, live only for the chase. In fact, without the thrill of the pursuit, they'd have no interest in their quarry at all. If you become the object of a Hound's affection, it will step up to you and utter a single word: "Run." Every fiber of your being will be inclined to escape, but this is a mistake, because anyone who's encountered the Hounds will tell you this: they will chase, they will catch, they will play, and they will feast.))
Sarcina
Many are easily swept away by the all too feminine charms of this Pack of Females. But make no mistake - they are just as deadly as their male equivalent "The Hounds". This group is dedicated to delivering justice to the darkened souls that feast upon the innocents of the city, found operating out of the "Twilight Zone". So be aware, should you happen to stir the lust or ire of this Pack of Female Hunters you just might find yourself labeled as their prey, hunted down, captured … and subjected to their sadistic whims, at their discretion, of course.
The Shadow Stalkers
Much darker in desire and intent are this loose knit group of psychologically insane individuals who choose a very different approach to the hunt. The Stalkers do not play games with their prey like the Hounds. They wait in the shadows, and are behind every corner, under every fire escape. They are patient, they are determined, and when they spot a favored prey, they pounce, grab, and drag it into the darkness with them. What happens after that is often unspeakable, even within the city itself.
KAOS Pirates
"He left a Corsair's name to other times, linked with one virtue, and a thousand crimes." Lord Byron
KAOS Pirates are a gang that causes chaos in Midian/Apoc, sending a fisted scowl to those who seek to control them from Leviathan. Their goal is complete emancipation, anarchy till blood pours into the streets. The Pirates earned the tag KAOS due to their repeated illegal pirating of Midian City's radio airwaves. There is a dark underbelly to their purpose that even many of their own are not privy. Should this ever be discovered, most of Midian would immediately move to eradicate the Pirates. Just keep in mind, freedom is never obtained without bloodshed...and chaos, being a tool of nature, is not always particular about whose blood is spilt. You name it, if it will get a pirate what they want, never put it past them. We welcome all types of characters, be they mech, hybrid, vamp, human, what have you. If you are the sort that is offended easily by gore, violence, rape, hardcore role-play...KAOS is not the faction for you...so just a little pre-emptive warning.
The Catwalkers
A blip in the human genetic code has given birth to these half cat half human anomalies. Seldom seen on the streets, these "CATWALKERS" can be found perched high above the city on the many catwalks, upon which they are forever roaming, watching, and waiting for a chance to pounce. They love to toy with their prey. Fun loving kittens, easily amused, they just as readily squash those things that come to bore them. They are jokers and night creatures and just love to play, just like the cats they resemble.
The Nightbreed
There is also something far older that stalks the city streets. The existance of a family, who came to the island many centuries ago, is mentioned - they chose to shut themselves off from mainland society, practicing the old rites and rituals of their homelands. This gave rise to many rumors whispered behind hands, rumors about them being vampires, and warnings to better stay off the island of Midian. As time passed they were chased and hunted, though the Family never completely vanished. These are the stories of old times, and still myths and rumors twine around this Family, most of them forgotten after their mansion had been destroyed and burned down. - These days the Family has well adapted, certainly the polluted sky of Midian has contributed to shield them from sunlight, allowing them to hide their Kind within the daily routines of the city. 'The Society' is creating more and more webs to hide their true nature and grant their survival.
The Lykans, aka Skinwalkers
Some even say there are werewolves in Midian. Or at least in the surrounding desert. But these kind of rumors are easy to dismiss, arising as they do from those who are themselves little more than urban animals.
Still, every now and again the MPD will pick up some street dweller reduced to silent terror, who, when pressed for answers, describes things best left in medieval legend.
Easy to dismiss, yes, but had these strange testaments been true, then what better place could there be for creatures such as these to dwell. Here in this dark city of shadows, where the corpses of the dead have been said to out number the living. Who here would look twice at the remains of some unholy midnight feast. Keep to the light then, and leave the shadows to those things born in darkness.
Midian City Mercenaries
As in all places given over to violence as a means of settling disputes, there are those willing to sell their weapons skills to the highest bidder. The ranks of these professional soldiers of fortune had been swelled with the end of the last war as the city began to fill with those trained to kill, but whose services the government no longer wished to pay for. Such are the members of this loose knit guild of mercenaries, hit men and cold blooded killers. The guild was set up to help distribute trade and stop internal fighting between the members over contracts. It seems to have worked, the Mercs are thriving, the body count is rising.
Now including Oceanic Imports, the number one Midian City Import/Export business. ((For Information please read the notecard))
Ashagi Corporation
Widely known, Ashagi Biomedical is a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical corporation that is best known for making inexpensive and often lifesaving drugs. Truly a cutting edge technological marvel that will brighten the streets of Midian City and help its residents in the years to come. Or... won't they?
Biomechs
In times of war great advances in technology are made, such was the case during the last conflict. A soldier no longer used technology but became one with it in the form of implants and even the substitution of body parts in favor of computerized mechanical limbs. And there are those in the city that have put this tech to good use to protect and arm themselves. These biomechanoids as they are called or BIO’S for short, use all the latest scientific advances in humanoid enhancements to turn their bodies into bio mechanical half human machines. They are also dealers in the illegal trade of this ex military human hardware. It is also rumored that this group is home to many of the escaped humanoid replicants produced by the military during the war. These truly lost soulless creatures now with out the purpose for which they were created wander the streets looking for a meaning to their existence
Midian City Dolls
Acting as the eye candy of Midan’s dirty streets, the dolls are the cities beloved street trash and the excessive core of its twisted sexual entertainment. Constantly tempting and teasing, hinting at untold perverted pleasures. But beware, often the fulfillment of much darker more excessive desires follow those of simple sexual pleasure and you may find yourself in a far less desirable position.
The Yakuza
Crime runs rampant in the streets. Many are loose knit gangs, looking out for "number one". The Yakuza, though, are a close family organization. On the outside, one sees upper-class snobbery, something clearly out of place in the dark city of Midian. But look closer and gaze into their eyes, and you can see something more sinister behind the facade of silk and jewels. They are the Yakuza. The Masters of Torture, Drugs, and Crime.
Acerenza/Witchlight Inc.
There are always people watching, listening, they are among you and around you could be anyone you know, your friend, your associate, your employee, your boss... What is their pupose? It is unknown to many and will remain that way, only the true believers and followers are deemed to find out. Where do they come from? One can never tell nor would one want to for fear of disclosing their association would mean death, but some strange activitie going on near the bookshop and gunrange, are the employees of Witchlight Inc. up to something? ...perhaps an interested soul may want to investigate, but be wary of who and how you speak to people it just may change your life... But what really goes on, only time and change will tell, change is their tool as well their saviour... You don't have to seek them, they are already watching you...
Midian City's Forgotten
A varied lot of homeless teens who have forgotten their past, or their past has forgotten them, and have learned their safety in numbers. They've learned the hard way never to trust or fall for soft smiles and offerings of candy from the smiling perverts of the alleys. This streetwise gang knows better than most the quickest paths through the tangled city streets and the twisted sewers beneath. And so, they are often used as go betweens and carriers. Quick to extend a hand for an extra dollar or offer you information but be prepared to pay and hold tight to your possessions. A bump in passing, a slight of hand and suddenly your purse is a little lighter.
The Pack
The Pack is a tight-knit clan of nekos, wolves and other mutant/hybrid outcasts and renegades. Unlike the Catwalkers, they stick to the rocky and rugged terrain of the wastelands, allowing them to keep in touch with their feral natures, apart from human society, far from where most intruders would dare venture. Following their Alpha and Beta in a matriarchal structure, the Pack holds a rigid hierarchy to keep the beliefs and traditions of the family strong. They are zealots of the Old Ways, like a modern day clan of samurai following the Codes of Bushido. Be warned, the Pack tends to hunt, travel and stalk their prey in small units. So where one is, another or a group is not too far away. Messing with one could very well mean dealing with the others of the pack.
The Chimera
"Chimera Cloning Corp: Because death need not be the end ... For a price." This is the official cover for their activities, but with ranks made from escaped experiments and political activists alike their true business dealings are very different. Fighting against forced experimentation on humans, this band of runaways and outcasts work together to offer protection, shelter and medical care for mutants of all kinds, as well as fighting against lab companies to ensure there are no more victims of their twisted work.
Midian Criminals
The Midian Criminal group is what you can call a collective of scumbags. These people don’t care about you or anyone else than their own self. If you read in the paper about a 7 men robbery in a crowded shop, wearing overalls and ski masks, then don’t ask yourself who it was. Their line of work involves smuggling, stealing and sometimes backstabbing. If you’re good at that, they might ask for your help on their next hit. They are said to be hidden somewhere around the old gas station - but then: Do you really want to find out?
Midian City Police Department
In the midst of the chaos and disorder stands the Midian Police Department. A privately supported paramilitary organization, the MPD struggles to maintain a modicum of order in an otherwise out-of-control city. Unlike the low-level corruption of the former days of the MPD, there are rumors of more covert, white-collar corruption; deals with faction leaders, quiet agreements that may or may not suit the needs of the greater good. Despite the fact that the citizens of Midian City have no rights or constitution, many of the leaders of the MPD truly have the best interest of the lives of the city's inhabitants at heart...most of the time.
The Legion/UAC
The UAC Marines, commonly referred to as "The Legion" are the only military presence located within Midian City. They are tasked with protecting UAC interests and conduct intelligence gathering. The Legion is part of the UAC under the World Union, which is a privatized organization specializing in security and intelligence. The World Union took over and expanded the United Nations after the 3rd Great War. The Legion is extremely organized and strict, since it is a professional military unit. Their motives in Midian are heavily debated, and emotions run high when discussing their presence in the city. The marines show a great resentment against most civilians, especially those of who are not fully human.
Midian City Parish
For the lost and lonely of Midian City, St. Michael's Church is a beacon of hope. While many seek solace in the violence of the shadows, the clergy and congregation of Midian Parish are the city's last bastion of faith. Keeping the faith in this city is a difficult task, but those of strength and conviction aid in the fight to keep the darkness at bay. Whether it's protection you seek, absolution, or simply a kindly ear, the doors of Midian Parish are open to all.
(pictures to come later)
Midian City - The Story
---------------------------
21st century
Another world war come and gone.
And miraculously once again the big red button was not pushed. So the world and the life that clings ever more precariously to its surface lived to see another dawn.
Those that fought and survived the carnage of this latest high tech machine war returned home to find little had changed. And those that had no real homes dispersed like shadows into the darkness of the great sprawls of urban chaos which the world’s cities had now become cities like Midian.
Another tangled mass of past and present architectural anomalies, pushing ever upwards towards the sky, leaving its down trodden dwellers far below in the ever darkening canyons of concrete and steel. It stands alone on an offshore Island once connected by a bridge that reached across the treacherous waters of the Quinntukhat river like a great artery pumping fresh life and trade from the mainland into the cold heart of Midan.
But suddenly, 20 years back, that source of life blood had been severed.
So the Island is now once again cut off from the mainland as it had been a few centuries earlier when it was home to a leper colony. And now, as then, the world just across the water seems to have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to this city of lost souls.
You see the Government preferred not to dwell too long on the subject of Midian. It was here in 2013, in the darkest days of the war, that the “final solution tests” supposed to end the conflict, went drastically wrong, and created a radiation wasteland uninhabitable for some years after, and turned the surrounding waters into a chemical soup of decaying seafood. And this was why the bridge was closed and the city evacuated, a crude attempt to put the tragic events out of sight and hopefully out of mind.
However, after a while life did return to this blighted place. Slowly and illegally at first, a few of the less desirable elements of the surrounding states, dared the dangerous river crossing and found refuge here. Then the influx of fresh blood picked up a pace when it was realized by the criminal elements on the mainland that law and order was passing this place by.
So now far from the gaze of polite society and elected law, a new colony of sorts has arisen, except this time the lepers are of the social kind and the disease is corruption.
At first no one cared about these new city dwellers, believing that they would all be dead from radiation poisoning within a year or so, but for some reason this did not appear to be happening and as time passed and the population of the mad bad and dangerous to know began to swell, it was clear that something had to be done to at least contain the problem, if not to stop it.
So the government decided to contract out the management of the city to one of the large corporate Security companies that had begun to spring up over the past few year to compensate for the inadequacies of the understaffed and underpaid state police departments. These companies still called themselves police forces, and took upon themselves all the trappings of the state police. But they are in most cases little more than criminal cartels.
None more so than the present governing body of the island, the self styled MPD. In order to quell the flow of unsavory citizens onto the Island or at least to appear to be earning the extremely high sums of money they charged for their services , the MPD placed a heavy guard on the bridge.
But it is said that this is more a way of forcing extortionate admission fees from those wishing to escape the law of the mainland than any real attempt at blocking entry.
So Midian stands as an example of what can happen when crime, violence, perversion and corruption are mixed together and left to boil unattended in a melting pot of urban decay. The accumulated sins and excesses of men and beasts have shrouded the entire city in an unyielding night of shifting shadows and flickering lights. In this deranged little corner of the world, none hope for better, maybe just the strength to make it through the night. Here the meek inherit nothing, the poor die cold and hungry and the old and weak are prey for the strong, here the choice is simple, fight or run, hunt or be hunted.
Walk down the wrong back alley in Midian and you can find just about anything, and you probably will.
-----------------------------
The Factions of Midian City
Rev. May 2008
-----------------------------
(*Please Note: Listed below are the ONLY officially recognized factions of Midian City. And while we are open to creative new ideas, we will only be taking them from those who have first taken the time to fully immerse themselves in the city. In other words ... Don't just come into the sim and ask to create your own gang. Don't ask to create your own faction. Don't ask to run your own organization. Get to know the roleplay first. Doing otherwise will only make you look like an inept goof who has not bothered to read this notecard*)
**FACTIONS**
It is said that the Island is divided amongst the factions that rule it. More than gangs, less than brotherhoods, these factions form a delicate balance of hostile peace that keeps the city moving. Although, the direction to which it moves is anyone's guess.
((The Hounds - Faction dissolved by End of May
These boys and girls just want to have a good time, at your expense. They are the archetypal alpha male gang, who like there animal namesakes, live only for the chase. In fact, without the thrill of the pursuit, they'd have no interest in their quarry at all. If you become the object of a Hound's affection, it will step up to you and utter a single word: "Run." Every fiber of your being will be inclined to escape, but this is a mistake, because anyone who's encountered the Hounds will tell you this: they will chase, they will catch, they will play, and they will feast.))
Sarcina
Many are easily swept away by the all too feminine charms of this Pack of Females. But make no mistake - they are just as deadly as their male equivalent "The Hounds". This group is dedicated to delivering justice to the darkened souls that feast upon the innocents of the city, found operating out of the "Twilight Zone". So be aware, should you happen to stir the lust or ire of this Pack of Female Hunters you just might find yourself labeled as their prey, hunted down, captured … and subjected to their sadistic whims, at their discretion, of course.
The Shadow Stalkers
Much darker in desire and intent are this loose knit group of psychologically insane individuals who choose a very different approach to the hunt. The Stalkers do not play games with their prey like the Hounds. They wait in the shadows, and are behind every corner, under every fire escape. They are patient, they are determined, and when they spot a favored prey, they pounce, grab, and drag it into the darkness with them. What happens after that is often unspeakable, even within the city itself.
KAOS Pirates
"He left a Corsair's name to other times, linked with one virtue, and a thousand crimes." Lord Byron
KAOS Pirates are a gang that causes chaos in Midian/Apoc, sending a fisted scowl to those who seek to control them from Leviathan. Their goal is complete emancipation, anarchy till blood pours into the streets. The Pirates earned the tag KAOS due to their repeated illegal pirating of Midian City's radio airwaves. There is a dark underbelly to their purpose that even many of their own are not privy. Should this ever be discovered, most of Midian would immediately move to eradicate the Pirates. Just keep in mind, freedom is never obtained without bloodshed...and chaos, being a tool of nature, is not always particular about whose blood is spilt. You name it, if it will get a pirate what they want, never put it past them. We welcome all types of characters, be they mech, hybrid, vamp, human, what have you. If you are the sort that is offended easily by gore, violence, rape, hardcore role-play...KAOS is not the faction for you...so just a little pre-emptive warning.
The Catwalkers
A blip in the human genetic code has given birth to these half cat half human anomalies. Seldom seen on the streets, these "CATWALKERS" can be found perched high above the city on the many catwalks, upon which they are forever roaming, watching, and waiting for a chance to pounce. They love to toy with their prey. Fun loving kittens, easily amused, they just as readily squash those things that come to bore them. They are jokers and night creatures and just love to play, just like the cats they resemble.
The Nightbreed
There is also something far older that stalks the city streets. The existance of a family, who came to the island many centuries ago, is mentioned - they chose to shut themselves off from mainland society, practicing the old rites and rituals of their homelands. This gave rise to many rumors whispered behind hands, rumors about them being vampires, and warnings to better stay off the island of Midian. As time passed they were chased and hunted, though the Family never completely vanished. These are the stories of old times, and still myths and rumors twine around this Family, most of them forgotten after their mansion had been destroyed and burned down. - These days the Family has well adapted, certainly the polluted sky of Midian has contributed to shield them from sunlight, allowing them to hide their Kind within the daily routines of the city. 'The Society' is creating more and more webs to hide their true nature and grant their survival.
The Lykans, aka Skinwalkers
Some even say there are werewolves in Midian. Or at least in the surrounding desert. But these kind of rumors are easy to dismiss, arising as they do from those who are themselves little more than urban animals.
Still, every now and again the MPD will pick up some street dweller reduced to silent terror, who, when pressed for answers, describes things best left in medieval legend.
Easy to dismiss, yes, but had these strange testaments been true, then what better place could there be for creatures such as these to dwell. Here in this dark city of shadows, where the corpses of the dead have been said to out number the living. Who here would look twice at the remains of some unholy midnight feast. Keep to the light then, and leave the shadows to those things born in darkness.
Midian City Mercenaries
As in all places given over to violence as a means of settling disputes, there are those willing to sell their weapons skills to the highest bidder. The ranks of these professional soldiers of fortune had been swelled with the end of the last war as the city began to fill with those trained to kill, but whose services the government no longer wished to pay for. Such are the members of this loose knit guild of mercenaries, hit men and cold blooded killers. The guild was set up to help distribute trade and stop internal fighting between the members over contracts. It seems to have worked, the Mercs are thriving, the body count is rising.
Now including Oceanic Imports, the number one Midian City Import/Export business. ((For Information please read the notecard))
Ashagi Corporation
Widely known, Ashagi Biomedical is a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical corporation that is best known for making inexpensive and often lifesaving drugs. Truly a cutting edge technological marvel that will brighten the streets of Midian City and help its residents in the years to come. Or... won't they?
Biomechs
In times of war great advances in technology are made, such was the case during the last conflict. A soldier no longer used technology but became one with it in the form of implants and even the substitution of body parts in favor of computerized mechanical limbs. And there are those in the city that have put this tech to good use to protect and arm themselves. These biomechanoids as they are called or BIO’S for short, use all the latest scientific advances in humanoid enhancements to turn their bodies into bio mechanical half human machines. They are also dealers in the illegal trade of this ex military human hardware. It is also rumored that this group is home to many of the escaped humanoid replicants produced by the military during the war. These truly lost soulless creatures now with out the purpose for which they were created wander the streets looking for a meaning to their existence
Midian City Dolls
Acting as the eye candy of Midan’s dirty streets, the dolls are the cities beloved street trash and the excessive core of its twisted sexual entertainment. Constantly tempting and teasing, hinting at untold perverted pleasures. But beware, often the fulfillment of much darker more excessive desires follow those of simple sexual pleasure and you may find yourself in a far less desirable position.
The Yakuza
Crime runs rampant in the streets. Many are loose knit gangs, looking out for "number one". The Yakuza, though, are a close family organization. On the outside, one sees upper-class snobbery, something clearly out of place in the dark city of Midian. But look closer and gaze into their eyes, and you can see something more sinister behind the facade of silk and jewels. They are the Yakuza. The Masters of Torture, Drugs, and Crime.
Acerenza/Witchlight Inc.
There are always people watching, listening, they are among you and around you could be anyone you know, your friend, your associate, your employee, your boss... What is their pupose? It is unknown to many and will remain that way, only the true believers and followers are deemed to find out. Where do they come from? One can never tell nor would one want to for fear of disclosing their association would mean death, but some strange activitie going on near the bookshop and gunrange, are the employees of Witchlight Inc. up to something? ...perhaps an interested soul may want to investigate, but be wary of who and how you speak to people it just may change your life... But what really goes on, only time and change will tell, change is their tool as well their saviour... You don't have to seek them, they are already watching you...
Midian City's Forgotten
A varied lot of homeless teens who have forgotten their past, or their past has forgotten them, and have learned their safety in numbers. They've learned the hard way never to trust or fall for soft smiles and offerings of candy from the smiling perverts of the alleys. This streetwise gang knows better than most the quickest paths through the tangled city streets and the twisted sewers beneath. And so, they are often used as go betweens and carriers. Quick to extend a hand for an extra dollar or offer you information but be prepared to pay and hold tight to your possessions. A bump in passing, a slight of hand and suddenly your purse is a little lighter.
The Pack
The Pack is a tight-knit clan of nekos, wolves and other mutant/hybrid outcasts and renegades. Unlike the Catwalkers, they stick to the rocky and rugged terrain of the wastelands, allowing them to keep in touch with their feral natures, apart from human society, far from where most intruders would dare venture. Following their Alpha and Beta in a matriarchal structure, the Pack holds a rigid hierarchy to keep the beliefs and traditions of the family strong. They are zealots of the Old Ways, like a modern day clan of samurai following the Codes of Bushido. Be warned, the Pack tends to hunt, travel and stalk their prey in small units. So where one is, another or a group is not too far away. Messing with one could very well mean dealing with the others of the pack.
The Chimera
"Chimera Cloning Corp: Because death need not be the end ... For a price." This is the official cover for their activities, but with ranks made from escaped experiments and political activists alike their true business dealings are very different. Fighting against forced experimentation on humans, this band of runaways and outcasts work together to offer protection, shelter and medical care for mutants of all kinds, as well as fighting against lab companies to ensure there are no more victims of their twisted work.
Midian Criminals
The Midian Criminal group is what you can call a collective of scumbags. These people don’t care about you or anyone else than their own self. If you read in the paper about a 7 men robbery in a crowded shop, wearing overalls and ski masks, then don’t ask yourself who it was. Their line of work involves smuggling, stealing and sometimes backstabbing. If you’re good at that, they might ask for your help on their next hit. They are said to be hidden somewhere around the old gas station - but then: Do you really want to find out?
Midian City Police Department
In the midst of the chaos and disorder stands the Midian Police Department. A privately supported paramilitary organization, the MPD struggles to maintain a modicum of order in an otherwise out-of-control city. Unlike the low-level corruption of the former days of the MPD, there are rumors of more covert, white-collar corruption; deals with faction leaders, quiet agreements that may or may not suit the needs of the greater good. Despite the fact that the citizens of Midian City have no rights or constitution, many of the leaders of the MPD truly have the best interest of the lives of the city's inhabitants at heart...most of the time.
The Legion/UAC
The UAC Marines, commonly referred to as "The Legion" are the only military presence located within Midian City. They are tasked with protecting UAC interests and conduct intelligence gathering. The Legion is part of the UAC under the World Union, which is a privatized organization specializing in security and intelligence. The World Union took over and expanded the United Nations after the 3rd Great War. The Legion is extremely organized and strict, since it is a professional military unit. Their motives in Midian are heavily debated, and emotions run high when discussing their presence in the city. The marines show a great resentment against most civilians, especially those of who are not fully human.
Midian City Parish
For the lost and lonely of Midian City, St. Michael's Church is a beacon of hope. While many seek solace in the violence of the shadows, the clergy and congregation of Midian Parish are the city's last bastion of faith. Keeping the faith in this city is a difficult task, but those of strength and conviction aid in the fight to keep the darkness at bay. Whether it's protection you seek, absolution, or simply a kindly ear, the doors of Midian Parish are open to all.
(pictures to come later)
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