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Blackout on Roanoke
Established in 2195 as part of the Fifth Expansion of Humanity's climb into the stars, the Roanoke Colony has fought the ebb and flow of its existence for the last twenty years. While first established as a research outpost, Roanoke has grown to become a strong colonial outpost on the edge of United Nations Confederation Space.
Roanoke has undergone several waves of expansion, with two full waves of colonists having arrived within the last twenty years and saw the establishment of a Colonial Marine Defense Barracks. With the added protection and with a local pool of workers both Apex Corporation and XenFall Industries established several foundries for the mining and refinement of Setti-70, the material used to help power and fuel ships making their way across the galaxy.
With the expansion of the colony, a colonial administration was firmly established under the Articles of Colonization with a Governor appointed and a small governing council put in place. All seemed to be going well, the colony flourishing, materials flowing, when soon signals with the colony became sporadic, until they all stopped transmitting one day. Several days later an automated digress call was received but no information on the situation was forthcoming.
It has been three months since that transmission was received, as it has taken time for a force to be gathered and assembled due to Roanoke being so far in Human space. A combination of Colonial Marine units, specialized Search and Rescue units, Corporate Security Units, Sector Rangers, and other support units have now arrived in orbit, the colony below silent to any attempts to communicate.
As the assembled forces prepare to drop down to the surface, questions remain: What happened to the colony? Why has no communication been had? Are the thousands of people who lived there still alive? Whatever happened, is it still there and a threat? None of these have been answered as the bays on the UNCS Bringer of Dawn launch its first shuttles to the surface…
Welcome to Blackout on Roanoke, a game set in a setting where Humanity has expanded into the stars with one of their colonies mysteriously having gone dark and no communication received. Players will take command of various units dispatched to investigate what has occurred on the planet and discover the mystery behind the communications blackout. This will be a mix of investigating, exploration, and perhaps fighting throughout the game.
Warning: Do note that there is a very real possibility that your character or unit could be killed if you are not careful, do watch what you do and how you go about things!
Brief Lore & Timeline:
- 2032 - The Third War World comes to an end, nations shattered and the world suffering from fallout and devastation. The United Nations Confederation is formed out of the ashes and began the great task of rebuilding.
- 2051 - The world is slowly recovering, as Humanity looks to new heights and reestablishes its sights above.
- 2063 - Humanity returns to Luna, with several small colonies established as new satellites and stations are constructed.
- 2075 - Humanity arrives on Mars and within a year the first colonies are formed.
- 2100 - Humanity has expanded into the Sol System, new resources are found with Earth reaching a new era of rebirth and expansion.
- 2109 - The first fully functional Artificial Intelligence (Human Artificial Modular Assistant - HANA) is designed and brought online.
- 2115 - The first efforts to expand past Sol are made, known as the First Expansion, with ships arriving on Alpha Centauri and on Proxima Centauri.
- 2121 - A new material known as Setti-70 is discovered on Alpha Centauri, proving to be a breakthrough in the power and fueling of machinery and vastly expanding Humanity's ability to expand into the stars.
- 2128 - The Nelson-Whitehead Fusion-Antimatter Engine is made, using Setti-70 as its core components. Humanity is able to reach further and further into the stars.
- 2142 - The Second Expansion takes place, Humanity reaching out to Barnard's Star and Wolf 359 as new colonies are established.
- 2145 - Humanity encounters the Vorrid, a race of Insectoids that are on a mission of exploration. Both are suspicious of each other.
- 2155 - After ten years of encounters, disappearances, and friction along with the launching of the Third Expansion war breaks out between the Vorrid and Humanity. The United Nations Confederation Colonial Marine Corps, Navy and Army are established to fight the war.
- 2167 - After 12 years of war, the fighting between the Vorrid and Humanity ends. No real peace treaty is signed but the Vorrid withdraw from all occupied human colonies and attacks stop on occupied Ross 154 and Epsilon Eridani.
- 2183 - The Fourth Expansion is launched, Humanity having recovered from the Vorrid War (and more prepared for unknown encounters).
- 2185 - The Echi, a race of small but very intelligent Lemur like creatures are encountered who quickly establish good relations with Humanity, informing them that they had visited Earth in the past and that Humanity had been to the stars before.
- 2191 - The Ronun, a cat-like race, are encountered and while tension exists, no fighting takes place. They warn of a second cat-like race that is highly volatile and militaristic that exists with the goal of conquest and subjugation. They are known as the Euglin. Humanity thanks for the warning but continues to go about their business.
- 2195 - The Fifth Expansion of Humanity is launched, and several new colonies are established including Roanoke in Groombridge 34 with other colonies established in Epsilon Indi A and Tau Ceti.
- 2214 - Communication with Roanoak is lost.
- 2215 - Game Start.
United Nations Confederation Colonial Marine Corps:
The UNC Colonial Marine Corps was formally established in 2155 from the merging of various national units to fight the Vorrid. Since then it has been at the forefront of engaging in "Colonial" Warfare and helping to keep the frontier safe for emerging colonists.
The UNCCMC has been known to be a bit heavy-handed throughout the colony zones, making sure they are secure and safe from all threats, external and internal. Yet when called on, the Colonial Marines can usually deploy enough firepower to secure a colony or planet within a few days.
UNC Search and Rescue:
With so many in space, crashes and accidents take place daily throughout UNC space and territories. A dedicated Search and Rescue organization was organized and funded back in 2109 with the destruction of the colony ship Universal Horizons on its way to Mars and the loss of all onboard. Highly trained in both ship-to-ship rescues and tricky situations in vacuum and atmosphere, these experts find themselves called upon almost daily in many situations.
Sector Rangers:
Having greater authority than local Law Enforcement, Sector Rangers are tasked with policing UNC space and tracking down criminals through interplanetary means. Sector Rangers can operate as individuals or as organized groups and come equipped with various tools, equipment, and firepower to bring down their targets and reinforce the law within UNC Space.
Apex Corporation:
Known for helping develop the first Mars Colonizer, Apex Corporation has been at the forefront of developing and expanding technology throughout the UNC for over two hundred years. Part of the team that developed the Nelson-Whitehead Fusion-Antimatter Engine, Apex is now known as the go-to for shipbuilding as well as communication technology.
While Apex has a mostly positive image associated with them, there have been dark rumors of misconduct, especially in the newly established colonial regions. Some say that secret facilities have been established to do testing on new technologies, some of them unethical. This is only a rumor of course.
XenFall Industries:
XenFall Industries made their mark within UNC space with their successful rolling out of their Artificial Intelligence known as HANA, or Human Artificial Modular Assistant in 2109. Since then they have continued to develop HANA with the newest model (Mark V) having just been released two years ago.
XenFall also works with assisting on computer systems in both civilian and military fields, XenFall technicians are regularly seen across UNC Space on many installations, stations, and ships. XenFall denies that HANA and other AI projects can turn against Humanity, saying they have put in safeguards and that there hasn't been a single incident of any wrongdoing. Or so they say.
The Aurora Cartel:
Rumors tell the Aurora Cartel was born from Old Earth history, the banding of old ties into anew at the end of World War Three. Over the last two hundred years the Aurora Cartel has been involved in numerous actions against the law, UNC authorities classifying them as one of the premier criminal organizations within the UNC.
While wanted for many unsavory acts, the Cartel is also known to be in control of a thriving black market throughout UNC Space. The black market traffics anything and everything, from the popular Solar 29 drug to small creatures and even human trafficking. Several Aurora Cartel members are known to frequent the newly developing colonies, hoping to get their hooks in early.
Character & Unit Creation:
You will be making both a Character and a Unit under their preview that you will use to explore Roanoke Colony and find out what has taken place. You can go about this in two ways. You can flush out your character and give them many advantages or you can choose to flush out your Unit and be able take on any number of issues or crises that might come up throughout the investigation. You have 100 Points to choice between Character Advantages and Unit Lists.
Character Advantages:
- Experienced [10 Points]: You have survived numerous incidents, conflicts, or situations and have learned how to take care of yourself. Your chances of surviving something are increased.
- Criminal Connections [10 Points]: You are connected to the underworld, you can sometimes get what you need from other sources, be it equipment or information.
- Corporate Connections [10 Points]: You have connections rooted in a Corporation and are able to gain assets or information from them if needed.
- Lucky [10 Points]: Sometimes things just go your way and sometimes things land in your lap. Perhaps someone is watching out for you?
- Medical Training [10 Points]: You have the training and knowledge within the medical field to treat and survive medical situations that might pop up.
- Researcher [10 Points]: You have education and knowledge when it comes to doing research and getting down to the details of investigating backgrounds or the unknown.
- Tracker [10 Points:] You know how to find something or someone, you have the skills and means to track what you are looking for down.
- Well Armed & Armored [10 Points]: You have either bought or come across enough equipment to have a military-grade Pulse Assault Rifle, a hi-powered Pulse Handgun, and extremely good armor for personal protection.
- Mark V HANA [20 Points]: You have been graced with receiving an upgraded Mk V HANA AI, customized to your specifications.
- Off-World Connections [20 Points]: You have gained a contact off-world that can provide you with critical information in areas that might be difficult to find otherwise.
- Personal Power Armor [20 Points]: You have gained a suit of Power Armor, certainly increases your survival chances!
- Wealthy [20 Points]: You come from money or have deep pockets, but you can pay your way and more when it comes to getting what you want and not worry about how much it will cost.
- Personal Shuttle [30 Points]: You have your own ship! It's able to hold 20 People, is decently armed, and has a decent engine to make it able to maneuver pretty well in both atmosphere and space.
- Colonial Marines:
- UNC Colonial Marines Light Infantry Squad (9 Strong) [Costs: 15 Points - UNCCMC Only] - A unit made up of highly trained and motivated Marines armed with Pulse Assault Rifles and Light Machine Guns.
- UNC Colonial Marines Heavy Weapons Squad (6 Strong) [Costs: 20 Points - UNCCMC Only] - A unit of highly trained and motivated Marines armed with Rockets and Heavy Machine Guns.
- UNC Colonial Reconnaissance and Assault Squad (CRAS) (3 Strong) [Costs: 30 Points - UNCCMC Only] - Composed of three Marines in fully encased Power Armor that allows for taking heavy punishment.
- UNC Colonial Marines Medical and Support Team (MST) (6 Strong) [Costs: 15 Points - UNCCMC Only] - Composed of two medics and four support personnel the MST units of the Colonial Marines take care of both the wounded and make sure supplies arrive to keep combat units in battle.
- UNCMC Fast Attack and Reconnaissance Section (FAR) (4 Vehicles) [Cost: 25 Points - UNCCMC Only] - Made up of lightly armored and armed but highly mobile vehicles, this section is used to scout out enemy positions and act as mobile reserves.
- UNCMC Infantry Transport and Assault Section (ITAS) (4 Vehicles) [Cost: 35 Points - UNCCMC Only] - Heavily armed vehicles designed to transport a squad of Marines directly into combat and give them ample support.
- UNCMC Drop Transport Section (4 DropShips) [Costs: 50 Points - UNCCMC Only] - The main transportation of Marine units onto and off worlds, these transports are decently armed and can operate in both space and atmosphere and can transport two full squads each.
- Corporate Unts:
- Corporate Security Squad (16 Strong) [Costs: 10 Points - Apex or ZexFall Only] - Armed with Light Pulse Rifles and Pistols as well as light body armor, these units are funded and trained by their respective Corporations and while large, aren't exactly highly trained.
- Corporate Enforcement and Intervention Team (CEIT) (6 Strong) [Costs: 20 Points - Apex or XenFall Only] - A heavily armed and highly paid group of individuals employed by Corporations that is used to enforce their policies and secure the Corporation's interests.
- Corporate Research Team (6 Strong) [Costs: 15 Points - Apex or XenFall Only] - A well-funded, and rather well-educated team of experts employed by a Corporation to investigate elements of the unknown for their employers.
- Corporate Swift Action Team (SAT) (4 Vehicles Strong) [Costs: 20 Points] - Composed of four armored vehicles armed with a Heavy Machine Gun, these units allow Corporations to secure areas quickly and effectively.
- Other Entities:
- Sector Ranger Team (6 Strong) [Costs: 20 Points] - Individuals that operate as a team within the Sector Rangers, a Law Enforcement organization of the United Nations Confederation. Varying specialties, but are very good at locating people and investigating.
- UNC Search and Rescue Team (9 Strong) [Costs: 20 Points] - Lightly armed but highly trained in locating and treating survivors involved in various disasters both planetary and orbital.
- General Units:
- Global Dynamics Automatic Worker Drone (10 Units) [Costs: 5 Points]: Designed to be able to work on any planet no matter the conditions as well as working in a vacuum, these units are key for those that need large amounts of cargo and equipment moved and unloaded, also make great use within mines.
- Mercenary Infantry Squad (12 Strong) [Costs: 10 Points]: - A group of like-minded individuals with differing methods of training and equipment hired for a job.
- Mercenary Assault Squad (9 Strong) [Costs: 15 Points]: - While smaller than a regular squad, this unit is more heavily armed and better trained (and paid more) with a variety of skills.
- Doctors without Borders Medical Team (6 Strong) [Costs: 10 Points]: A unit of volunteer Doctors and Nurses that had come together to help those in need, no matter where to who are in need.
- Motor Transport Vehicle Section (4 Vehicles) [Costs: 10 Points] - Ground transports, very basic armor, no weapons, used for transporting passengers and cargo.
- Cargo Shuttle Transport Section (4 Shuttles) [Costs: 10 Points] - Composed of universally used Transports, can carry 100 passengers, 4 small vehicles, and cargo.
- Name:
- Age:
- Affiliation: Colonial Marine, Apex Corporation, XenFall Industries, Sector Rangers, UNC Search and Rescue, or Independant.
- Personal Characteristics: [Use Points and choose from the Character Advantages]
- Unit Compositions [Use Points and choose from Unit List]
- Personal Background:
Orders will be presented through a DM on this site with the title [BOR - Character Name] and each player shall have 300 words to be used on what they and the units under their command are doing during their time on Roanoke. You can do what you wish, but note the more you do and the more spread out you are the less effective you shall be. Remember, the possibility of death is real on Roanoke, so watch your step!
Discord:
We shall be using discord for this game. Updates will be published on SV and ICs are extremely welcomed, but some elements of the game will be done on the server so I fully recommend joining.
Join the Blackout on Roanoke Discord Server!
Check out the Blackout on Roanoke community on Discord - hang out with 11 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
discord.gg
Rules of the Game:
- First and foremost have fun! Remember it is a game at all times and just enjoy yourselves.
- As GM I reserve the right to kick and remove a player, especially if they are Disruptive to the game and or for metagaming. Please do not make me do this.
- Discord: Please join the Server!
- If you have any questions, please please ask me about it, I am always open to questions and will do my best to give an answer. I would rather you ask 50 questions and know the answer than not asking and thus something gets missed and we have an issue.
- Lastly, remember it is a game and enjoy please!
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