[disc/recruit] Scavenger Plains, The world of Incuria awaits...

This is an RP game that popped into my head a couple of days ago. I've spent those few days adjusting it, refining it, and now I present it to you: Scavenger Plains!

I'm posting it up to see how popular the idea is. If it's popular enough, and enough people join for it to be semi-decent, then I'll post up a [story] thread. Enjoy!

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Scavenger Plains

The world of Incuria. A world where an endless sea of sand stretches in every direction. Where the sun constantly punishes the land with a blistering heat. A world that is trapped by a barrier of destructive sandstorms that devours anything foolish enough to step over the border.

There are only a few ways to survive.

Lead the life of a worker.

Or lead the life of a Scavenger. A mercenary of the desert.

Background

"Incuria" is the world where Scavenger Plains is set. It is a desert world, covered in sand, with the sun beating down all day. It is extremely hot during the day, and deadly warm at night. It is a rough square shape, surrounded by a barrier of vicious sandstorms that has been dubbed "The Void". Everyone who has attempted to negotiate The Void and see what lies outside Incuria has never returned. It takes five days to walk from one end to the other, three days by Sand Streamer (a motorbike designed for desert transportation) and one day via railway. Hardly anyone attempts to cross the desert on foot because of the dangerous conditions and the hostile creatures that usually inhabit unpopulated areas.

Strewn around Incuria are deposits of Ore, which hold tremendous power. Once refined, the Ore produces a clean supply of electrical power. Nearly all machinery runs on Ore, which comes in different varieties, some more powerful than others. The most common type is Red Ore. Weapons can also be forged from Ore.

Technology is not commonly used in Incuria. Hardly anything is electrical, and nothing uses modern electronics such as circuit boards. There is a working train system, and a few Sand Streamer production lines. A metal like material is easily forged from ore and sand. Guns are quite expensive to build, and the ammunition- large shells that are quite bulky, and about the length of an adult's forefinger- are equally expensive. The most advanced model can hold two shells at a time. Most guns can only hold one, and need to be constantly reloaded. Swords and sabres are much more common weapons, forged from ore.

The Oasis Towns

There are six oasis's located within Incuria. Civilisation has naturally sprung up around them, creating the six Oasis Towns. Each town is governed by their own elected council. Political relations between the six towns are quite strong, as they all rely on each other in some way.

Shadow Oasis
Located within an underground cavern on the southern border, the Shadow Oasis is one of the few absolute shelters from the harsh sun of Incuria. This shade also provides a welcoming haven for crops to thrive, so the Shadow Oasis is an agricultural town, providing food for the rest of Incuria. People born in the Shadow Oasis hardly ever leave it, as they have extremely pale skin that is not used to the sun. They usually raised as farmers to carry on their family's business. As one of the major food sources of Incuria, they wield a great deal of political power, but as they have little interest in the outside world, they choose not to use it. They are slightly wary of outsiders.

Metal Oasis
Located in the east, the Metal Oasis was found to be surrounded by rich deposits of Ore. Mining operations were quickly established, and this Oasis Town quickly grew into the most industrially advanced place in all of Incuria. It is the only Oasis Town were electricity is commonly used. It mostly deals the production of Sand Streamers: ore-powered motorbikes that are a much faster and safer way of travelling across the desert than walking. Currently, the council of Metal Oasis is working on completing a Power Grid that will supply electricity to all the inhabitants of the town. You have to be quite wealthy to live in the Metal Oasis. Some residents surreptitiously look down upon visitors from the other Oasis Towns, thinking that they are savage and inferior.

Rail Oasis
Located at the centre of Incuria, the Rail Oasis owns and operates the extensive ore-powered railway system that runs across Incuria, providing its main source of transportation. Each Town has their own track that runs from it to the Rail Oasis hub, as well as a station for a grand line train that runs around the outer rim of Incuria, stopping at every station. Nearly all of the inhabitants are workers for the Rail Oasis council, building and maintaining the trains and railway lines. The wages paid to the workers is generally fair, as Rail Oasis receives a monthly levy from the other Oasis Towns for use of their rail network.

Storm Oasis
Located in the north, the Storm Oasis is located near some of the most valuable deposits of rare Ore in all of Incuria. Unfortunately, these deposits are covered in fierce sandstorms that are nearly as bad as those in the Void. To the experienced scavenger, this is the ultimate challenge, with the most profitable rewards. These storms occasionally drift into the town itself, and so the whole town is built like a fortress to withstand the damage. The town's population is mostly made up of scavengers, and is known to get quite wild and uncontrollable at times.

Pillar Oasis
Located in the northwest, this town sits at the top of a dormant volcano. It is an extremely religious town, worshipping the Sun God Tenpii. It is believed to be a sacred town as it is located much closer to the sun than any other Oasis Town. For this reason, they dislike the subterranean inhabitants of the Shadow Oasis. The skin of their inhabitants tends to be much darker due to their prolonged exposure to the sun. Pillar Oasis is also known for its relaxing hot springs, which are a favourite of visitors.

Outpost Oasis
Located in the southwest, this is a small town that used to be known as "Discovery Oasis" during the golden age of exploration and dreams of crossing The Void. It has shrunk a lot since then, but is still bustling with activity. It is a residential town, with something to cater for everyone's needs: whether it's a scavenger looking for adventure or a couple just looking for a peaceful life. It has a train station, an inn, a Sand Streamer hire shop and a pub amongst other things.

Game Outline

You are a Scavenger who has ended up in Outpost Oasis. To survive, you will need to earn enough Credits to afford a place to sleep every night. Sleeping outside in the blazing heat is out of the question.

To earn these Credits, you will need to find Ore and rare items, and then sell them.

The main trader in Outpost Oasis is a man named Oz, who runs a shop called "Seventh Oasis". He will buy any rare items and Ore that you might have for a fair price. He will also give you information regarding the most profitable items, events and Ore discoveries, and if you have some spare Ore left over he will forge a new weapon for you.

For a Scavenger, their weapon is a symbol of ability, power, and respect amongst other Scavengers, so they constantly strive for the ultimate weapon. The power of a weapon is measured in its Rank. Common weapons such as a "Red Sword" have no rank indicator, but a more valuable weapon such as a "Blue Sword L1" has a Level 1 rank. The higher the Rank, the more valuable the weapon.

You can hold up to two weapons at a time.

Scavenger Classes

Every Scavenger falls into one of these three classes.

Striker
Experts with close quarters combat. They prefer to use bladed weapons such as swords or daggers, and cannot use long range weapons. They start the story with a Red Sword.

Shot
Experts with long range combat. They prefer to use guns or rifles, which makes them less vulnerable to a physical attack. Their weapons are more powerful than that of the Striker, but they must have ammunition or they are helpless. They cannot use close range weapons. Shots start with a Red Pistol and a supply of ten Shells.

Sider
This class can use both long range and close range weapons, but is weaker in both areas than a Striker or Shot. They can start with either a Red Sword or a Red Pistol (with ten Shells).

Character Sheet

Name:
Age: (Any age will do, but keep things realistic.)
Sex: (Male or Female)
Birthplace: (Choose one the Oasis Towns to call your home. Any exceptions must be confirmed with me.)
Scavenger Class: (Striker, Shot or Sider)
Weapon: (See guidelines in "Scavenger Class". You can choose your own custom weapon, as long as it conforms to your Scavenger Class and it starts at Rank Level 0. I must approve the weapon. You may give your weapon a name.)
Talents: (List any special skills that your character has. Do not include more than two.)

Physical Description: (Be creative, but not overly creative. Remember that as this is a desert world, your character will need clothing that can protect him/her from the sun- more so if he/she's from Shadow Oasis; less if he/she's from Pillar Oasis)
History: (Again, a sensible amount of creativity is appreciated.)

Example Character

Name: Oz Dune
Age: 19
Sex: Male
Birthplace: Outpost Oasis
Scavenger Class: Sider
Weapon: Solis & Umbra (Golden Towerblade L20 & Golden Twinblaze L20)
Talents: Weapon Creation

Physical Description: He's small for his age, just reaching 5'9. He has bright blonde hair that seems to stick out everywhere, and tanned skin. His eyes are blue, and always filled with excitement. He wears dark blue, square-shaped goggles on his head. Since he doesn't go outside much, he doesn't need that much protective clothing, opting to wear a brown armless tunic and matching brown gauntlets and shoes.

History: Born and raised in Outpost Oasis, Oz learned the art of forging weapons from ore from his father, and set up his own business when he was 17. He sells more than just custom made weapons- thanks to the numerous contacts and friendships he has acquired over his childhood, he is a valuable source of information for scavengers looking for the first scoop on a big discovery. Though he has enough money and resources to leave Outpost Oasis and travel Incaria like any other Scavenger, he prefers the life of an information trader and stays at home.

Oz's pride and joy are his twin weapons- Solis & Umbra- which he created himself from rare Golden Ore given to him by his father on his 19th birthday. The Towerblade is a huge broadsword, and the Twinblaze is a double-barrelled pistol.

Rules & Guidelines

This is a semi-GMed game. You can pretty much do your own thing- create your own storylines or follow the main one, but any grand plans should be cleared with me first. If you ever think that you're going to overstep your mark, ask me first. It doesn't hurt.

Please don't god-mod. You won't be successful all the time. And all-powerful characters tend to be the most boring.

Keep the laws of time and space realistic. No instantaneous travel (eg: "He got on the train and arrived at the next station two hours later."). I ask this so that the time frame can remain somewhat equal amongst the players and everyone can be involved. Also, please keep in mind things such as the fact that some modes of transport are slower than others- a Sand Streamer can't beat a train in speed.

Entries should be done in third person, past tense.

I'm leaving most of the battles up to you, as it would make things too slow if I had to moderate every single battle. Please don't make them "He swung his sword and defeated the monster" easy. Take a bit of pride in your entries. I will moderate the battles that are essential to the story.

You are not in charge of what Ore and rare items that your character finds. I am. If your character finds an item, let me know and I'll tell you what it is. Please don't have the character find a new item after every battle and at the end of every single post- that will just annoy me.

Please read all the posts. There might be valuable information in them that affects your character. I'm talking about every post, not just your own.

Due to the flexible nature of the game, new players can join pretty much anytime

Before I join this, I would like to know what exactly you can start out level system wise, how these weapons are known, what different types of Ore there are, and a little approximation of how fast Sand Streamers and the trains go. Just for a little more fleshing out.

Could you also outline the religion of the Sun God, and possibly any other deities? And what creatures are there that make it so dangerous? Where do people get water? Is there any scavenger organization or union?

Don't say I'm not helpful...

Level System
The "level system" is basically you upgrading your weapon. Like I said in my original post, Scavengers see weapons as a symbol of power and respect: a Scavenger with a powerful, valuable and rare weapon is more respected than a person with an ordinary Red Sword.

Different Types Of Ore
Currently, there are seven known types of Ore. In order of power and rarity, they are: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Sliver, Gold, Crystal.

Red Ore is the most common type found. It's not so common that if you look anywhere you'll see some, but if you find an ore deposit than it's most likely to be Red Ore.

On the other hand, Crystal Ore is so rare that only a few pieces of it have ever been reported. However, every "reported" piece has mysteriously vanished, so many still consider it a myth.

A standard piece of Ore is just large enough to hold in your hand. However, the size is not constant, and you can find bigger or smaller pieces.

Each type of Ore emits a different amount of power, in the same way different types of batteries emit different levels of power. Trains are powered by Sliver Ore, Sand Streamers by Yellow or Green Ore. Due to this, certain types of Ore may fade in and out of demand.

This Ore can be processed in two ways: to produce a constant flow of power (unprocessed Ore is very inefficent) or to produce a weapon. By reshaping the Ore in a furnace, the energy of the Ore can be re-cast into a weapon. Weapons made from Ore usually have the prefix of the Ore that was used to create it. (A Red Sword is made from Red Ore.)

Religion
The main religion in Incuria is that of the Sun God. As it is a desert world, the sun is very dominant in the lives of the people. Eventually, people began to believe that it must be part of a divine deity, and began worshipping it.

According to the religion, the sun is actually a divine being called Tenpaii who passes over Incuria every day to protect its inhabitants from disaster. It used to have a physical form, but it sacrificed this body to aid the people of Incuria. Its body shattered into millions of pieces of Ore that rained down upon Incuria, and Tenpaii changed into a ball of pure light that became known as the "sun".

The religion states that as you ascend closer to Tenpaii, you become more like the god. This is why the most concentrated group of followers live in Pillar Oasis. The opposite also applies: that is why the inhabitants of Pillar Oasis do not like the inhabitants of Shadow Oasis, which is located away from Tenpaii.

Some followers are spread across Incuria, but most members of this religion end up going to Pillar Oasis. Most people outside Pillar Oasis do not follow a religion.

Sand Streamers & Trains
The trains are similar in design to steam trains, only they run on Ore which makes them much more efficent. They are armoured to protect against flailing sand. The nose is aerodynamic, and the most heavily armoured part of the train. A train running on Sliver Ore can reach an average speed of about 160-170mph due to the high power output of Sliver Ore and because the tracks are built to be as straight and flat as possible.

Sand Streamers are quite large and heavy motorbikes. They are equipped with heavy armour plates to protect the engine from sand, and a large visor/window goes all the way around the front and sides to protect the rider from both sides. A Sand Skimmer is designed for one person, but two people could ride it. The engine is extremely powerful, designed to climb up steep sand dunes. The tyres are slightly spiked so that they "dig" through the sand to offer maximum traction.

Standard Sand Streamers can run on either Green or Yellow Ore. Green Ore can produce a maximum speed of about 70mph; Yellow Ore produces a maximum speed of about 90mph. Custom models can go much faster, though.

Creatures
They are usually found in inhabitanted areas of the desert, or near Ore Deposits. They are the kinds of creature you would expect to find in a desert: scorpians, sand worms, birds of prey, beetles, etc. However, they are usually bigger, stronger and more aggressive than normal, especially near Ore Deposits.

Water
People get water from the oasis's. That's why the Towns are created around them. You'll probably want to take some if you're travelling through the desert.

Scavenger Organisation
Currently, there is no scavenger regulating body or scavenger union in Incuria. The closest thing to an organised scavenger group is a Scavenger gang.

The term "Scavenger" was mainly coined to give a name to the growing trend of people who followed the lifestyle described above, in the same way certain people can be classified as "Goths" or "Ravers".

I didn't really understand that part... but I think I covered the rest pretty well.

This post has been edited by Andrew I on Jun 12 2004, 05:21 PM

When I wrote how these weapons are known I meant, "In Incura are weapons given a level, such as a Level One Red Sword, would it be sold as or referred to as a 'Level One' Red Sword?"

One correction before I join: deserts are never warm at night, always cold.

I would also like to know if certain creatures are edible and some aren't, tis the desert and all survival of the fittest and of those who are willing to eat creatures.

PMing my char sheet to ye.

Ok, I should have cleared this up...

Whenever your character is talking about the rarity or value of the weapon, (for example to another Scavenger, or to a trader) they would include the Rank/Level in its description. In this case, a "Red Sword L1" is usually referred to as a "Level One Red Sword".

However, when used in a casual context, the ranking is left out. This includes in casual conversation and in prose. (eg: "He swung his Red Sword", not "He swung his Red Sword L1") Good Scavengers will still be able to tell whether or not a weapon is valuable or not- they just don't need to know the exact value ranking.

To draw a comparison: a motorbike dealer would include the power/size of the engine in his description of it, and if you were talking to a fellow motorbike owner about it you would include that information as well. (eg: "It's a 250cc motorbike.") Also, an experienced motorbike expert could probably look at it and tell straight away that it had a 250cc engine.

However, if you were just referring to it casually, you wouldn't include that information unless you really wanted to show it off. (eg: "I just took my 250cc motorbike for a wash.")

Does that clear things up?

Ok, I slipped up on that point. I knew that the temperature dropped during the night because there is hardly anything available to retain heat, but I thought that the climate could still remain quite hot.

So here's my correction: at night, the temperature drops to a cool level (about 15C), but it's still inadvisable to sleep outside because the temperature will soar when morning comes around, and wild creatures tend to be more active during the night-time.

I'm mostly leaving the creature encounters to you. Use your common sense as regards to which are edible and which are not.

Most of the food comes from agriculture, but some common creatures such as vultures and snakes are regularly captured and used for meat.

Post your character sheet in this thread. But first, please tidy it up a little. Make it a little more grammatically correct, and remove the slang from the last part.

Mmmm. This sounds good... Be helpful if we get a few more players though.

A few questions before I post a char sheet though...

-- How exactly is Ore obtained? Does it require special handling? Are there special ways to find it?
-- I'm assuming Pistols can use different Shells, like a Green Pistol firing a Red, Green, or Blue shell. Assuming again, I would say that Pistols can't use Shells of an Ore higher-level than the Pistol, or if they can, it's restricted to one level higher, like a Blue Pistol able to fire a Green shell. Correct me if I'm wrong.
-- Prices of items, like water, food, and lodging. Prices of weapons, like a Red Rifle or a Blue Katana. Ore valuations.

This kinda reminds me of "The Lost Years of Merlin" by T. A. Barron...

I'm going to join, I will just need to come up with a character, which I will post ASAP.

I'm in also (no GoD, I'm NOT stalking you). I'm working out a character, if I end up deciding he'she doesn't work I'll just redo another version of Stukov from AMP. Probably a better version.

My My aren't we picky....

Name: Phil
Age: 20
Sex: Male
Birthplace: Storm Oasis
Scavenger Class: Striker
Weapon: He has a Red Ore Long Knife about 2 feet long, its name is Gunthar.
Talents: Speed (due to his troubled childhood he is very fast). Mechanics (he is able to work on trains, bikes, generators, etc.)
Physical Description:
-Dirt Blone Hair
-Green Eyes
-Tanned as tan can be (under the sun alot)
-He has a scar running down his left cheek
-About 6'3" muscular but not overly buff.
Appearance:
-He is usually found covered head to toe in clothes to keep the sand and sun alike out.
-He has a big brown leather hat sitting on top of his head to keep the sun out of his eyes and away from his skin.
-When he's out in about you can often see him with a sand cloth covering his whole face except his eyes which are sometimes (depending on the wether) covered with goggles.
-He has about knee high brown boots that are covered up by his blue jeans (which are now brown due to the heavy sand storms in the area), he has a white shirt and a thin tan jacket that goes all the way down to his calves to help keep out the sand.

History:
Phil had a lively and sometimes dangerous childhood born in the Storm Oasis he often went out into the storms during the early stages before they hit the town with there full force so that he could enjoy the flow of sand and wind wash over him and his clothes, he loved the storms often watching from inside his house as the sand went flying back and forth in a ferocious dance of death with the wind.

At the age of 9 Phil and his buddies formed a small gang that started out with small-time crime the usual stuff stealing candy, swiping food, picking on other kids, as time passed they kept on doing worser things. Phil often had a run-in with the "cops" of the oasis often getting away because of his size and speed, then again Phil was often caught before he could get away.

At the age of 11 his mother died one day when she went out on the usual ore gathering with a bunch of other adults (they usually went gathering about every 7 to 10 days because of the rarity of the ore) she had died from being poisoned by a scorpion, she had left him alone and orphaned, he couldn't claim the house because he was not yet old enough so they took it from him and left him homeless. Now the town knowing this boy many refused to take him in, and many when they had the chance spat angry words at the boy often chasing him away with a club or some other handy instrument of pain, one day an old geezer took him in, he was one of the town mechanics that owned a shop in the south area (the farthest place from the storms I believe if not just correct me) ever since then he had left the gang once he had had a few 'chats' with the old man who was a bit more tougher then his mom, Phil started working at the age of 14 helping the old geezer out at his shop after a few months of this he started asking the old geezer questions like "How do you get this to work?" or "Whats this do?" often pointing at an old piece of junk, a few weeks of these pestering questions and the old geezer couldn't take it anymore so he began to teach Phil everything he knew about the trade of being a mechanic. Now he is here outside the old geezer's house his long knife at his waist, his sand mask covering his face, some money in his pocket from working at the shop, and his gear in his backpack hanging over his shoulder. He's an adult now having been kicked out by the old geezer and told to live his own life.

(BTW I can see what you meant by grammar, sorry about it I stayed up all night working on a paper )

Here's my character, it's not recycled AMP material! I CAN be creative! Yay!

Name: Samu
Age: 26
Sex: M
Birthplace: Unknown (although skin texture and color points to Shadow Oasis)
Scavenger Class: Striker
Weapon(s): Red Sword
Talents & Abilities: Camoflauge and tactics.
Physical Description: Copper-red hair and pale skin with nail-blue eyes. Perpetually needs a shave. 6'7" at 190 lbs, intimidating stature. A lifetime of weilding his sword and remaining hidden in less than comfortable positions has given him a finely tuned physique, neither excesively weak nor ridiculously strong. Samu's sand-colored clothing is tattered and worn, but aids him in staying hidden in the sand. Headware includes the hood of his pancho, a breathmask/filter and protective goggles. Aside from that his outfit consists of a wrapped bodysuit with a hide boots and elbow-length gloves.
History: Oldest memories are of living in an unused cellar in Metal Oasis sometime during his teen years. Carrying a strange phobia toward technology, Samu left Metal Oasis to roam between the Oasis towns. Has been doing that ever since. Knows the lay of the land and doesn't think twice about mugging anyone stupid enough to wander the desert weaponless and alone.

Wounded in a skirmish between himself and a Streamer gang that crossed his path, Samu limped into Outpost Oasis several days ago. Has been sleeping in a small motel while tending to his gunshot wound. Tends not to take of his goggles and breathmask unless required.

There are natural Ore deposits strewn all over Incuria. Unfortunatly, it is nearly impossible to locate them as they are hidden underground. You will not be able to access them without special digging tools.

However, when a sandstorm passes over a deposit, it can dislodge some pieces of Ore, bringing them to the surface. You are able to pick up these pieces of Ore with no problem.

Just so you know what you're looking for, unrefined Ore resembles a black volcanic rock that is roughly spherical in shape and glows slightly when exposed to the sun. (The colour of the glow shows what type it is.) Refined ore is a perfect sphere shape, and the colour of whatever type of Ore it is.

Ore requires no special handling. It emits very little energy in it's unrefined state, and in its refined state it only releases energy once it is inserted into a machine designed to draw energy.

Weapons created from Ore emit no energy. It's said that this energy can be released after rigorous training, but few have actually reached this level.

It is possible to create Ore Shells, but they are so expensive that hardly anyone uses them. Because of this lack of demand, no shops will carry Ore Shells. It might be something to ask Oz about. As for what kinds of guns can fire which shells: that's something you'll have to find out the hard way.

Standard Shells are created from metalgrain, a hard metal-like substance created from Ore and sand. It uses Ore in its creation but dispels its power in order to increase the amount produced.

Thanks for that question. I was going to get around to that when more people joined...

Water is free from any Oasis. Standard water flasks cost about 100 Credits, but every Scavenger *should* have one already.

Lodging at most inns costs 250 Credits. This includes both food and shelter for the night.

A trainway ticket costs 200 Credits per station. (If you pass through three stations, it would cost 600 Credits. The circuit running around Incuria runs in this order: Outpost Oasis, Shadow Oasis, Metal Oasis, Storm Oasis, Pillar Oasis, and back to Outpost Oasis.

Sand Streamers cost from 10,000 to 20,000 Credits, but "Streamer Rentals" in Outpost Oasis will rent a Green Ore Sand Streamer to you for 500 Credits, and a Yellow Ore Sand Streamer for 750 Credits.

Everyone should start with 1000 Credits or less. That means you could hang around in Outpost Oasis for four days, but I think there are better ways to put that money.

Rare Ore generally sells for more than common Ore. However, types of Ore fall in and out of demand, so prices fluctuate. Same goes for weapons, so check in with Oz constantly to see if you can pick up a bargain.

By the way, following that question about the speed of trains/Sand Streamers, I'm changing my evaluation of how long it takes to cross Incuria.

It takes seven days on foot.
It takes eight hours on Sand Streamer.
It takes four hours on train.

Rail Oasis is roughly in the middle, and it takes about two hours to travel to each of the other five Oasis Towns from there. It should take you about four hours to travel by Sand Streamer, give or take half an hour depending on what kind of Streamer you are riding. And if you decide to walk, you're either very brave or very stupid.

This post has been edited by Andrew I on Jun 13 2004, 02:48 PM

Okay, let's play rack the GM's brain! Rules are simple...

1: Come up with the most insignificant question you can and figure out how you can make it a big issue.

2: Make it a big issue.

3: Make it pissy while your at it just to irritate the GM.

4: Rinse and repeat.

My question: How long can one "sphere" of ore power a Sand Streamer?

Ach. I was hoping for something general. Like, 'average' prices. It'll be kinda irritating to have to PM you every single time I need to check the price on something, or need to compare price trends, or the like.

Alright, I'm in. I need to PM an ability to you to check if it's okay, but other than that I'm good to go.

This looks...kinda interesting. I can't join right away (Horrible Mid Term Exams) But I'm free from this friday, so...

A couple more nitpicky questions - You say a character can carry two weapons at once? Does that mean two "on-hand" type weapons? (ie - could a character have a few more weapons stashed in a sand-streamer, or, in a backpack (if small enough to fit...for instance, a dagger, or a pistol (one-shot only, I guess)). Is that also the limit on weapons we can start with?

Another point, what about martial arts? One of the two character ideas I have (Based on characters in a similarly desert-world set story I'm writing up) relies heavily on martial arts. I'm assuming that doesn't count as a 3rd "weapon"...

Oh, and regarding the Ore-weapon powers (are there non-ore weapons out there?) - are these the only supernatural element of the gameworld?

...either way, it looks interesting. Knowing me, I'll be making a character some time tomorrow/this evening(for those of you in Americatime), when I should be studying...

I believe I can answer that for andrew, Martial Arts is an abilitie like mechanics that is something you learned over time.

Hey Andrew. Guess I'm gonna join afterall. I'm putting it in ink...sorta

Name: Maylu Joselyn
Age: 18
Sex: Female
Birthplace: Pillar Oasis (raised in Shadow Oasis)
Scavenger Type: Shot
Weapon: Red Pistol (Excess) and five Shells. (+0 bonus.)
Skills/Talents: Lockpicking

Description: She looks younger than she is, and her size doesn’t help, being only 5'0. Most of her long white hair is tied back behind her head, making it look shorter than it actually is. She has pale green eyes and very pale skin, making it very dangerous for her to be out in the harsh sun. Because of this, she constantly covers up her entire body in a long brown cloak that covers her head and body, along with a long purple scarf and darkened goggles over her eyes. Underneath, she wears a sleeveless red shirt and tan trousers, along with black boots and gloves. However, only people that have known her for a long time that she trusts, know what she looks like underneath her cloak.

History: When Maylu was born, doctors didn’t think she’d survive, as her skin seemed to have a low tolerance for the sun’s rays. To try and counter this, her parents moved to Shadow Oasis, despite the grudge they had for the town. However, Maylu surprised them all by finding her own ways of getting out in the world, and sees her ‘weakness’ as nothing more than an obstacle in her way. However, she’s like this with many things, her stubborness being her greatest weakness.
Maylu, physically, is probably one of the worst scavengers to date. She’s physically very weak, and tires easily. However, she has always been very smart, and shown a great talent with a pistol. Still, her family was very protective, despite her wishes to become a Scavenger and see the world. It was only after her 18th, that they finally relented, and allowed her to make her way out into Incuria.
Her parents are from Pillar Oasis, and are naturally very religious to Tenpii. They have not been very happy in Shadow Oasis because of this, and now that Maylu has set off on her own, they have moved back to the volcano. Maylu on the other hand, is not as religious, having grown up in Shadow Oasis, and has decided to keep her beliefs to herself until she visits Pillar Oasis for herself.


This post has been edited by Luki_Dimension on Jun 14 2004, 09:02 AM

This really sounds nice... I'll post a profile later today or tomorrow if thats okay =)

But still... there are some quiestions left...

1.How much is the ore we are going to find worth? I mean, if I for example find a sphere of red ore, how much money I'm basically holding in my hands?

2. Same question as above, but with refined ore... is refined ore worth more or less than unrefined ore? What about the prize of Ore Weapons?

3. How do you refine ore?

4. Is there only Ore to find in the desert, or are there also other interesting things to find? Artifacts?

5. Whats the actual difference of i.e. a Red Pistol L1 or a Red Pistol L2? Same for other weapons?

6. Are there any animals that could be tamed/are used to be tamed/are used to be hold as pets? Are there Animals on which you could ride?

72 hours. This applies to both kinds of Streamer- Yellow and Green ore powered.

Don't worry, prices don't fluctuate that wildly thorughout the day. Weapon prices tend to stay the same, and Oz will keep you updated on any developments in the Ore market.

Your character can carry a maximum of two weapons on their person at one time, regardless of size. This applies even if you have a backpack or if the weapons are small (eg: two pistols.) Remember that heavy/large weapons should have a negative effect on a character's mobility and stamina.

You can carry as many Shells as you want so long as you have something to store them in. Same goes for Ore.

Sand Skimmers have two compartments in the left and right sides of the bike in order to store things. You could store weapons in there. But you can only carry

You start with one weapon.

As Calim pointed out, martial arts would be listed under "Skills/Talents"

You can get non-Ore made weapons, made from metalgrain, but Ore weapons are much more reliable and last longer, so they are much more popular.

And in regards to the second question: I'm not saying.

This post has been edited by Andrew I on Jun 14 2004, 12:23 PM

And the questions continue...

(sigh) How many times do I have to say this? The selling prices for Ore aren't constant. Check with Oz for the most recent prices.

Refined Ore is worth more for obvious reasons. Ore Weapons: check with Oz.

It's a secret.

You can't refine Ore anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility of finding artifacts and other items. But mostly you will be looking for Ore.

The design of the pistol will be the main difference. A Red Pistol L2 will take more Red Ore to make than a Red Pistol L1, and this will be reflected in the design. Same with other weapons.

Sand Streamers are the main source of transportation, and machines from Metal Oasis can be bought to ease heavy labour, so animals aren't used to fill the void.

Most animals in Incuria are wild and cannot be tamed. However, a few animals can. These animals are usually born and raised within the Oasis Towns, so they are domesticated. You cannot tame animals that have been born into the wild. The only exception to this rule are newborns up to three months old.

I may regret this, but I'm leaving it up to you to decide what these animals are. If you want to keep a pet, then I have no problem with that. As long as you keep it within somewhat realistic boundaries, I'll have no problem with it.

Andrew, as I respect your writing abilities, it would be an insult not to join your RP that you have given much thought and consideration to.

Name: Sean Gila
Age: 20
Sex: Male
Birthplace: Shadow Oasis
Scavenger Class: Striker
Weapon: Red Halberd L1
Talents: Unique Vision that illuminates the dark for himself. Side effects include avertion to bright lights. Solution: Dark lensed goggles, which he almost never takes off. Bibliophile.

Physical Description: Usually garbed in gray clothing, of almost nothing can be seen underneath. Only his goggled eyes peer out of the mass of gray cloth. When it is removed, he is revealed to be a raven haired individual with pale skin, with a lean build. Stands about 5'11", weighing in at 170 pounds. His Red Halberd is almost always on a leather strap, slung across his back.

History: I'll get to it later when I have more time.

Okay kids, I'll cut to the chase. I have no idea how to RP. I spend most of my time on Art & Drawing and rarely post. Samu's account is unavailable to him at the moment. Until this changes he's using my account to post on the RP threads. This means his character will be controlled by the "IHateMyLittleBrother" alias, not necessarilly me. If anyone has a problem with this or wants confirmation from Samu himself, feel free to email him at sam_underwood@msn.com. On to the Alpha Mecha Project...

It sure seems like it....

Almost done with my character.

Andrew I, when is the last day to submit a character

My character. Be forewarned, it's rather long -

Name: Rin Myllii

Age: 19

Gender: Female

Birthplace: Pillar Oasis

Class: Striker

Weapons: Red sabre, [I know we're meant to only have one weapon, but may I also start with a short, weighted chain? This weapon would be made of metalgrain, and, due to being only about 20cm in length (less than a foot) easily concealed in a pocket. Really, more of a defensive item than a weapon - it wouldn't be much use against giant beetles, for instance...if they exist...]

Skills: Martial artist, Sun tolerance

Physical Description:

Rin, like most Pillerites, has very dark skin, suited to a life spending as much time as possible in the sun. She is quite athletic, but somewhat short and stocky, a fact she's sensitive about. She tends to wear a white, pocket-coated vest and loose white pants when in an oasis, however when in the open desert, she also wears a heavy, white-ish (though by now grey) cloak, goggles and a veil for protection from the sand and, more importantly (in the case of the cloak), warmth at night. In addition, she wears a pair of black cut-off gloves, and a small sunburst pendant, an heirloom of her family. (If allowable, could it be made of Ore? - see background)
She also wears a pair of thick-soled but relatively light boots, designed for freedom of movement.
Also, she is far more heat-tolerant than the average Incurian - even more than the average Pillerite. Unfortunately, this has the side effect of making her get cold easily - which is not good at all in a cold desert night...

Personality:

Rin is an open, generally nice girl. This is marred by the fact that she is fairly proud of her home Oasis, and what she does know of the other towns is somewhat critical. The Shadows are insane. The metals are snobs. The Railsiders think everything comes down to money, while the Stormers lack common sense. Outpost is uncultured. The fact that she herself is reckless, proud, mercantile (regarding Ore, in particular), and somewhat daggy is lost on her. She is also quite claustrophobic, a result of living in the open almost every day of her life.

History:

Being born and raised in Piller Oasis left Rin with a much more religious outlook than most Incurians - however, rather than stay in the Oasis, she decided, from a fairly early age, that her calling was to collect the body of Tenpaii, rather than stay in the godlike altitude of the Piller.

While this didn't make her popular with the majority of the Oasis, and especially with her family, who all joined the priesthood, she found that a small number of people had made this choice before her. These people had gone out into the world, searching for the finest Ore, for the use of the Piller. Most of what they found was common - red, blue, green...but some found the rarer Ores, Silver and Gold, which they carried back to the Piller, to be incorporated into the many icons, statues, and art of their families and the Oasis itself - not to mention weapons...

Several of the older, retired seekers were willing to teach her the job - how to survive in the desert at night, how to find your way through flat, scrubby wastes or dune seas by way of the sun, the stars and the storms.[OOC: I'm assuming a fair few small storms are effectively "perpetual" in this place, even as small as it is...]. And also, how to fight, with and without weapons. From them, she learned to mistrust firearms, with their bulky shells, and focus purely on weapons she could use without being tied down to an arms dealer.

When the day came for her to leave, she was gifted with a sword, survival kit (Canteen, lantern, compass, etc), and even an old, cheap sand streamer. {Note - this is assuming that the pendant can be made of Ore} [But, most precious of all, was an old family heirloom - a small pendant, made of silver Ore. A sunburst barely the size of her thumb on a fine chain, made by an ancestor who also took up the life of a seeker. However, her family, while acknowledging her wanderlust, decided to shun her until she returns to the community for good.

She set out over the desert for the Outpost oasis...but slightly over half-way there, ran into a gang of bandits... [This will result in her losing her bike, by the way.]

So...If it's okay to have a pendant of Silver ore and a little metalgrain chain, great...