Jump to content

Trinity Universe: OOC: Three Colours Black


Mr Ben

Recommended Posts

Okay, well I've been silent long enough so I thought that i would make my presence known big time.

I'm looking to run an Aberrant game on the boards with a little bit of a twist. The game will be set in a fictional world where Historic events went slightly differently. Players will be part of the British "Department 17" set up to monitor and control the use of Metahumans in the ongoing Cold War.

Three Colours Black

The year is 1998 but the world is not our own. Europe stands divided as global super powers fight a covert war for dominance on it's stage. But while citizens fear the coming of the bomb, the nations of Earth fight with a new weapon, Homo Sapien Ulterius.

Born out of the dream of a mad man, the first of the Hochvolk, the early Ulterius, appeared from Nazi labs in 1942 and was immediately assigned to the western front to aid in organizing the invasion of England. While the invasion did manage to land troops on the English coast and make initial inroads resulting in the siege of London, supply problems caused by the the English channel and constant attacks on shipping by allied forced resulted in a orderly withdraw to the mainland.

Times were dire for the British nation as the shadow of another invasion loomed over them. This shadow was never to be made real as on July 20, 1944 Adolf Hitler and many of the German high command were killed in a terrorist attack on the Wolf's Lair facility in Rastenburg. Following the Death of the Feurer, Germany descended into chaos as forces under Oberst von Stauffenberg marched into Berlin to begin a bloody purge that resulted in a new government being formed under Ludwig Beck, a retired general who had opposed Hitlers plans for continued aggressive expansion.

With a new government installed in Berlin, Germany immediately turned to the allies to arrange a truce. With Wehrmacht troops still stationed along the French coast, Beck instructed that a nonaggression pack be signed with Britain so that those troops could be used to shore up the Eastern front, a treaty Britain was all to eager to sign. America, being far from the conflict and wanting to commit it's troops to the war in the pacific readily confirmed their approval for the treaty, only Soviet forces continued in their war upon Germany.

It was in this renewed offensive along the soviet border that the first of the Soviet metahumans came to light. Utilizing information seized from German compounds by special forces, Soviet Russia fielded their first legions of Cobepwehhble. Although these Ulterius are weaker individually than their German counterparts they outnumber them substantially, forcing heavy losses on the Werhmacht units opposing them. It is only when the side effects of the Soviet technique became apparent that the war settled into a more balanced affair as Soviet super soldiers display mental defects which result in Soviet commanders rapidly losing control of their forces.

With this startling revelation the Soviet command met with representative of a war weary German government on April 23, 1947 and conclude the Treaty of Caucasus that agreed a defined border across the east, bringing WW2 to a close.

In the years that follow the four world superpowers continue their development of their metahuman assets. Russia develops the Kzavo procedure that solved many of the problems encountered with their initial experiments while Germany continued to advance the Hochvolk in preparation of a future war.

During this time British scientist working with a renegade Hochvolk unlocked the mysteries of the Crick-Watson Node and began to develop Britain's first batch of Metahumans. They named their creation Homo Sapien Ulterius, noting that these new humans were beyond anything that has come before.

And so the Nations of earth settled into what would become known as ehe Cold War.

The planet today

Earth stands divided as it has all through it's past except where before separate nations vied for control of resources now huge blocks aligned themselves against each other. Four Superpowers dot the surface of the planet and have now reached for the stars.

Federal Germany

The fall of Hitler marked a change in the fortunes of the German people. Where before the shadow of defeat loomed over them the new government has done much to change Germany from a totalitarian state to a a progressive Federal one. While only members of the ruling party may hold governmental jobs in any of the German provinces, party membership has opened up to include the masses.

The German economy is based around the production of high technological equipment and the benefits of this can be felt in it's high standard of living even amongst it's territories. This technological basis allowed Germany to win the space race against it's competitors and place the first manned space station into orbit as well as land the first man on the moon.

The Federal Germany Army is a professional force consisting of volunteers who undergo intense training. This combined with their superb leadership as well as excellent intelligence has ensures the safety of the German border for the last 30 years despite an attempted invasion by Soviet forces in 1967.

Germany continues to have problems with terrorist forces in it's capture provinces such as the French Independence Army (Armée Française De l'Indépendance/ AFI) and other regional groups and so maintains a strong military force in these provinces.

United States of America

America's political system remains much as it did in the 50's and 60's with paranoia running rampant. There is clear discrimination against communists by the government and carefully hidden persecution that strips suspected communists of many of their basic rights. Despite the separation of Church and state in America, religious authorities wield great power by their influence on the right wing government.

In recent years the American relationship with the British Empire has declined considerably with Britain taking a poor view on America's obvious imperial ambitions. This cooling of relations has caused great concern amongst the American publish and has causes America's military eyes to turn with suspicion to their neighbors to the north.

The British Commonwealth

The introduction of limited metahumans to the British arsenal it was quickly able to consolidate it's colonial holdings and stall the breakup of the Empire. Seeing a clear case of for self rule British negotiators presented a plan for a Federal Monarchy which granted it's nations power over local law while still maintaining central governance. This plan was eventually accepted by the those states touched by colonial rule and together with the Dominions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa formed the Modern British Commonwealth.

While before the center of British government had always been London, The war had forced these facilities to be abandoned and new governmental headquarters to be set up in Birmingham. After the war it was deemed a waste of resources to attempt to rebuild the government infrastructure in the old capitol and so the existing facilities in Birmingham were expanded and improved.

Britain is still ruled at least technically by the monarch although the majority of the power has passed to the government. The current monarch, King Charles III, resides in the reconstructed Buckingham palace with his queen, Diana and two heirs William and Harry although the monarchy's standing with the British people has slipped in recent years due to speculation of infidelity on behalf of both the King and Queen.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The USSR as a nation has suffered constant disappointment in the last forty years that has led to three coup d'etats to remove the party chairman. Losses in the Space Race as well as the disastrous War of 1967 has caused the Soviet people to lose face on the international stage and it is only the firm fist of the military that prevents the union from falling apart entirely.

Metahumans in the Three Colours: Black world

There are no metahumans in the world, or so the governments would have us believe and the knowledge of their existence is a carefully guarded secret. While they were certainly present during the war it was only on the Eastern front and given the devastation visited there easy to hide.

There are three distinct variety of metahumans in known to man, each utilizing the same basic building blocks but bringing them to fruition in a different way.

These are the Kzavo, Hochvolk and the Ulterius or as they are more commonly known amongst the scientific community who know of their existence, Alpha, Beta and Omega.

Metahuman powers arise from a specific genetic coding that triggers what has been come known as the Crick-Watson Node. This node, found at the front of the brain, allows humans to experience control over the quantum world around them, forcing changes on it as befits the Individual's personality.

The first of these metahumans to emerge, the Hochvolk came about more due to an accident than design. The process of creating a Beta is laborious and requires a great deal of screening to weed out those who are incapable of the withstanding the rigors. The subject is fed a constant diet of highly radio active ingredients and exposed to constant radiation. The eventual result is either the subconscious forced activation of the C-W Node or the death of the subject due to radiation poisoning. Individuals triggered this way find that their powers come to them quickly at first, although latter progression is slow and difficult.

The First Kzavo to emerge came from the soviet experiments on captured Hochvolk. Although they themselves were unable to replicate the process of creating Beta subjects at the time they found that individuals could be enhanced by grafting brain tissue from a Hochvolk to a normal human.

This process was dangerous and would often result in the death of the subject but did allow the individual to mimic the powers of the Hochvolk the material was taken from. In this way were several ”templates” created, although the Kzavo did not demonstrate an ability to expand their powers beyond it's basic level.

The final Metahuman while potentially the most powerful are by far the most rare. British scientists working on the study of genetics discovered that it was possible to naturally trigger the node that controlled quantum energy. To this end the British government started introducing trace chemicals that provoke this change into the British water supply. Although the effects are spectacular when an Omega Triggers, initially they have little understanding of their powers and are not able to utilise them fully.

Department 17

When they realized what effect Metahumans could have on the world stage British Authorities formed a special department to investigate the matter further. Initially a combination of scientists and military planners, Department 17 quickly grew in size after liberating several Renegade Hochvolk from German hands.

The modern Department is a curious beast in that it has many different branches. Several work with MI5 and MI6 to co-ordinate Metahuman operations around the Commonwealth and beyond while others recruit and in the cases of Omega's, capture Metahumans in addition to training and housing. The most sinister aspect of the Department is it's policy on containment, it's agents working to suppress all knowledge of Metahumans reaching the publics ears.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't start drafting a character yet. there are going to be a few changes to the char gen rules based on the three different types of Metahumans.

I'll post these asap, but it's a case of getting it all down on paper. (and proofreading considering how many grammar and spelling mistakes I've seen in the history)

Mr Ben

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Character Generation.

Carry out baseline character Gen as per Aberrant Rulebook.

Character concepts can be anything although Alpha's and Betas will have to be people who are usefull to the government so Scientists, diplomats, Investigator are all prime examples.

Just a few notes on Department 17

All members of the British Metahuman citizenship are members of this organization. Those who need training or who prove to be unable to control and hide their powers are taken to a facility in the north sea where they are kept away from the public. Department 17 is not just a group of spies and scientists but also encourages Metahumans under it's care to engage in arts and culture and indeed will be willing to fund (to a limited extend) their endeavors in this field.

Example: John was a a normal university student when he received his meningitis jabs and was surprised when he received a call from the hospital asking him to come in for further tests. When he went into the hospital he was told that he had a very rare disease that became apparent when the doctors took his blood sample. As a result of this John was given a course of medication and told to report to the hospital each week for a physical.

Two years latter, having graduated With his degree in Modern Arts John fell ill and was immediately taken to a special facility. When he arrived he was placed in an isolation booth and while the doctors moves around in shielded suits. As he slept that night he suffered a severe headache. He had just been triggered.

In the morning he was led out of his booth and into a sealed room where the doctors told him what had happened. Already he found that his vision was sharper and that ideas flowed to him like they never had before. He joined Department 17 and moved to their North Sea facility for training. He now lives in that facility and spends his days engaged with his latest piece of artwork although occasionally he is asked to look over something by the staff there. He has an exceptional eye for spotting forgeries and fakes, something Department 17 makes good use of.

The following differences apply to Phase 2

Choose type of Metahuman

Kzavo, Alpha. Aka Booster, SupSol.

Novapoints: 30

Alpha's develop their powers from accepting genetic material from an activated Beta or Omega. As such their powers are defined by the power suite of the Metahuman their material was taken from. This will always be the same no matter which human accepts this material. As a result of this Alphas get 30 Novapoints to spend on their power suite at creation but may not spend experience on Quantum powers or megastatistics after this point. In addition to this each Alpha must purchase 3 points of powers tainted as part of their power suite.

While the easiest Metahumans to produce there are side effects to the process as not all human minds are capable of wielding this sort of power. Alpha's gain a point of temporary taint when ever they botch a roll for a quantum power.

N.B. Player of Alpha's will need to come up with a name for the template they are drawn from. This usually is the codename of the originator of the genetic material.

Hochvolk (High Person), Beta. Aka Blondie, Blip

Novapoints: 20

Beta's were the first Metahuman to be developed and as such they have the most knowledge about their condition. The process of forcefully triggering the CW Node in Betas gives them access to their abilities much quicker than is naturally possible but invariably damages the node and makes future development more difficult. As a result of this Betas get 20 Nova points to spend on their power suite at creation but further increase in powers or quantum cost double the normal amount of experience points to purchase. These may be bought tainted to reduce this cost by half as normal.

Ulterius Aka CW, Darwins

Novapoints: 10

Omega's are naturally appearing Metahumans and because of this they lack many of the limitations of their manufactured counterparts. Even so, the natural process of evolution is a slow one, even with an individual. As a result of this Omegas get 10 Nova points to spend on their power suite at creation. As their Node has been allowed to occur naturally these Metahumans begin with a starting Quantum rating of 2 although they may never have a quantum power or mega-statistic above their rating in Quantum.

Altered Backgrounds

* All character begin with Cipher 2.

* Characters may only purchase Influence up to their Backing Rating.

* Eufiber does not exist in the TCB world.

* Followers represent individuals assigned to you, be they PA's, research assistants or drivers, ect. They are paid by Dept 17 and ultimately are loyal to that organization.

Other notes

I will not be using the Strengths/Weaknesses from the player guide as I feel that these are far too open to abuse and do not encourage roleplay as much as rollplay.

In addition I will not be using the merit and flaw system. To my mind any flaws imposes on your character is a roleplay choice which results in the benefit of a more interesting game.

If you want your powers to work a bit differently then feel free to pm me about it.

Otherwise it will be limited to powers in the Main rulebook, player guide and Teragen books (the only ones I own at present).

Mr Ben

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK, I'm in if you'll have me. This all looks pretty cool. ::cool

I'll think of more annoying questions later, but for now, what stage is technology at in this version of 1998? The same as it was in ours, except for the nova factories?

I'm thinking more along the lines of modern day. Ipods and all. WW2 developed a great deal of our technologies that we use today and the cold war continued to encourage technological growth.

If you have any questions then pm me with them and I'll be happy to answer them. Alternatively post them here.

Nova Factory.... Not sure if i like the phrase but it is particaly accurate. I think that it gives the wrong impression though. It implies Mass production which just inst the case. The number of Metahumans world wide is less than that of Novas in the Trinityverse.

For example, The British Comonwealth, as a world superpower has somewhere in the following figures.

Alpha 300

Beta 70

Omega 17

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kzavo, Alpha. Aka Booster, SupSol.

Novapoints: 30

Alpha's develop their powers from accepting genetic material from an activated Beta or Omega. As such their powers are defined by the power suite of the Metahuman their material was taken from. This will always be the same no matter which human accepts this material. As a result of this Alphas get 30 Novapoints to spend on their power suite at creation but may not spend experience to advance these powers further.

When you say “these powers” do you mean they “can’t ever spend experience on nova powers / mega-stats”, or do you mean they ”Can’t expand these powers but they can expand others?”
Ulterius Aka CW, Darwins

Novapoints: 10

...Even so, the natural process of evolution is a slow one, even with an individual. As a result of this Betas get 20 Nova points to spend on their power suite at creation. As their Node has been allowed to occur naturally these Metahumans begin with a starting Quantum rating of 2 although they may never have a quantum power or mega-statistic above their rating in Quantum.

Questions:

1) I assume you meant “Omegas” and “10”?

2) And experience is normal?

3) Will everyone be working for the British? 17? If every PC is with a different agency and/or country then it's tough to see how we'd interact (well, sort of direct hostilities.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When you say “these powers” do you mean they “can’t ever spend experience on nova powers / mega-stats”, or do you mean they ”Can’t expand these powers but they can expand others?”

I should have made it more clear. The powers and Mega Stats purchased at Char gen can be expanded on but i'm keeping the method of doing this hush hush atm, but in many regards the powers and mega stats you but at char gen is all your getting.

Questions:

1) I assume you meant “Omegas” and “10”?

2) And experience is normal?

3) Will everyone be working for the British?  17?  If every PC is with a different agency and/or country then it's tough to see how we'd interact (well, sort of direct hostilities.)

My bad. Yes.. It is suppost to be Omegas and 10

As I said in the Innitial post, all character will be members of department 17. The thesis for the different origins is purely a numbers game. The Metahuman war has been going on for more than 50 years and during that time each of the four powers have managed to get hold of the technology and information to allow them to produce the other types of Metahumans.

What the diffferent specialities of the countries do though is show where the emphasis is. For Example. Germany has a much higher proportion of Betas than does the US, Britain or USSR while the Red Threat has barely any Beta's or Omegas.

The idea behind introducing these types of Metahumans was to give players a choice. Either a very strong starting character who has little room for advancing his powers, a medium powered character who advances more slowly or a weak starting character who has the potential to expand his powers freely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You mentioned no Strengths/Weaknesses...

What about merits and flaws?

No to Merits and Flaws. I'm trying to keep things as easy as possible given the altered Char Gen rules that I have introduced and I think Merits and flaws have the potential to upset that without further playtesting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Without expecting you to reveal too much of your hand, what kind of characters are you looking for? Your sample character is an artsy type, but this looks like a war story. How much combat savvy are these characters going to need? What's going to be bringing them together, other than the fact that they've all been meddled with genetically? ::smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As Prof seems to be offline right now (and I have one of the slots in Directive D20), I'd like to bring in a character design I made for Nippontai High, a mega-mental telepath (with a few changes to his background). Would that be all right?

Also, how much of our characters would be available to the other players? Are we assigned together for a single mission or are we a government-sponsored team? Is it more covert ops-style action, or Metahuman on Metahuman combat in third world "police actions"?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry about that guys..

The idea behind the game is that it is set in a cold war setting. There are no set starts and ends and depending upon what characters are created will determine how the story pans out.

The basic concept is that the presence of Metahumans is hidden from the world. Because of this anybody who develops Metahuman capabilities are rounded up by the government and given an option. Become part of the system or risk becoming a pawn in the ongoing cold war.

The inspiration for a lot of the stories will be characters interactions with the rest of the world but at the end of the day think of characters you are likely to see in spy stories. These need not been military or even intelligence based but could be something as simple as A school teacher, a political aide or anything.

Especially with Omega Metahumans characters can potentially be anything at all, these people do not have a choice about taking on their powers.

At the end of the day the game is about intrigue and conflict both between countries and personalities. try and make your characters accordingly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Now that Prof's back, I'll be using my Nippontai High character over there instead of here. I'm still interested in being involved here, though; I'll send you a character concept and background later this week.

Sorry I'm taking so long on this. ::scared ::wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...