I've been planning this for awile, and I've decided to take a break from my usual zombie RPGs. With the US Economy down, and our debt expected to reach 100% of the US GDP by early August, the economy is forefront on all American minds.
So I decided to play out a few scenarios of what would happen. This RPG is based on one of the more extreme ones I could come up with. Its based slightly on the downfall of the Roman Empire, and the USSR.
This has been a big project for me as I wrote out the rather long story portion of the OP. I set it for slightly in the future, around 2014 or so. I hope you enjoy it. -Mav _________________________ The Story
March 11th, 2012 New York Stock Exchange, New York City, United States
(Commissioner takes the floor and halts trading)
"In light of recent events, and in order to preserve the world market, I must close the NYSE at 11:17 this morning. The Economic Crisis currently faced by the United States has grown to such a point that the continued buying and selling of shares in this market would only serve to decrease the economic stability of our great nation."
"I now declare that this days' trading is closed.
*solemnly rings closing bell*
March 15th, 2012 British Broadcasting Corporation, London, England
(Female TV Anchor)
"This is a Breaking News Update"
"In a surprising move today, OPEC has announced that it will halt the sale of Oil to the US. Masoud Mirkazemi, the Iranian Chair of OPEC, released in a statement today that the main reason for such a stance is the US' inability to pay adequately for oil.
"Already, foreign holders of the US' debt are calling for payments on their loans. The fear that the US will be unable to operate and pay off existing loans has driven the international community into a near frenzy.
"The ramifications of this are only just appearing, though many experts aggree that nothing good can come from it.
March 17th, 2012 Formal White House Press Conference in the Rose Garden, Washington D.C., United States
(President Obama walks up to the podium)
"Good evening. Before I take your questions, I'd like to make a few remarks about the current struggles our nation is facing."
"OPEC has recently announced that it will cease the sale of petroleum products to the US. This will give the US one of the greatest hurdles we have ever faced.
"With the funds given to Green Energy, and the reserves our Nation has established for times of Emergency, I hope to ease the burden that the American family will have to bear in these harsh times.
"Last night, I signed into law legislation that will prioritize oil and petroleum consumption to our military and national services. A rationing program will be put into affect in the near future, and will limit the weekly consumption of oil by consumers.
"I hope that together, American know-how and that American spirit can come together and help us get through this. I will now take your questions...
*Not his usual long-winded opening statement, but I figured no one wanted to read too much. :P
---------- 2 Years Later ----------
This is where our story takes place. The United States of America, in a Soviet-style collapse, found itself over extended and under-funded, declared bankruptcy several months after the OPEC situation formed. President Obama declared bankruptcy, and fled to Sweden, where he remains the de-facto President.
China and Russia, in the name of preserving the humanitarian rights of the American peoples, declared a resolution to take control of the former United States. Such an action was denounced by the rest of the Security Council, accusing both nations of imperialistic motives. The International Community then watched in horror as Russia forcibly annexed Alaska in a surprise assault. The oil-deprived forces stationed there were quickly overwhelmed, and Russia took back what it sold in the 19 century.
China took a bolder step: an all-out assault on the West Coast. Again, the military units avaliable were unable to operate efficiently, as there was simply no oil to fuel their war fighting machines. China quickly took the West Coast, before making it past the Rockies and setting up permament lines where the Rockies and the great plains met. In order to counter China's militiristic actions, the UN launched a peace-keeping Expeditionary force led by the UK. It too was met by American-Resistance (crazy yanks :P) and set up oposite postions to the Chinese where the Appalacians and the Plains met.
What remained of the US Armed Forces, after abandoning their heavy equipment and their positions, settled inbetween the two giants. Joined by those more patriotic Americans, the American Resistance Army, or ARA (*coughIRAcough*) was formed. Hostile to both the Chinese and the UN, they just want their country back. _________________________ Registration
Name: (This is fairly obvious. If you need help on this...) Age: (Again, you shouldn't need help with this.) Allegiance: (PLA[People's Liberation Army], ARA[American Resistance Army, UN[United Nations] Class: (see below) ----- Health: 20/20 Level: 1 EXP: 0/100 ----- Primary Arm: (see below) Ammo: (see below) Secondary Arm: (see below) Ammo: (see below) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
IF YOU PICKED CEF AS YOUR ALLEGIANCE:
Assault Class Primary Arm: QBZ-95 Rifle Ammo: 30/120 (5.8mm) Secondary Arm: Type 54 Pistol Ammo: 8/32 (7.62mm)
Close Quarters Primary Arm: QCW-05 SMG Ammo: 50/150 (5.8mm) Secondary Arm: Type 54 Pistol Ammo: 8/32 (7.62mm)
Name: Shaun Jackson Age: 20 Allegiance: UN Class: Close Combat ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 10/100 ----- Primary Arm: M1014 Ammo: 3/7-28 (12 Gauge) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/24 (9mm) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
I have my squad get behind what little cover there is to guard the hall while I breach the doors individually. Starting with the one closest to the stairs.
ARA: Jack Dunn [Kingjac11]: PLA-ARA Front- Central Sam Grene [Samdawghomie]: ARA-UN Front- North
UN: Talow Rosine [Sonicheros95]: ARA-UN Front- South Charles Maryson [Deathopper]: ARA-UN Front- Central Shaun Jackson [Kylelolcat]: UN Occupation- NYC
For now, you'll remain in your original fronts. Eventually, you'll come into contact with other players. This will probally be one you level up a few times, and the game gets to a faster pace. __________ Name: Talow Rosine Age: 17 Allegiance: UN Class: Scout Sniper ----- Health: 12/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 30/100 ----- Primary: None Ammo: None Secondary: None Ammo: None Pack: Empty ----- Head: Bare Chest: T-Shirt Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots (No laces)
You run a short distance away, before crouching and turning to face the enemy. The infantry are very close behind you, and are firing as they make their way up the bluff. You aim, and fire several shots, taking out one (+10 EXP, -3 rounds).
One of the Bradleys swings its main gun around, and begins to fire in your direction. Most of the rounds go high, but one hits near you, leaving you momentarily dazed and covered with dirt (-3 HP). As you sit their stunned, one of the ARA Members reaches you.
He swings back his rifle, and hits you with the butt (of the rifle...) in the head, knocking you unconcious (-5 HP).
You regain conciousness in a small cell. Theres a bunk, a lightbulb hanging from the ceiling, and no windows. Your equipment is gone.
What do you do? __________ Name: Jack Dunn Age: 22 Allegiance: ARA Class: P.I.G. ----- Health: 18/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 45/100 ----- Primary: Mk 14 EBR Ammo: 6/10-30 (7.62 NATO) Secondary: None Ammo: None Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You aim down your rifle, and begin to shoot at the PLA. They're unaware you're there, so you drop two of them with ease (+20 EXP, -2 rounds).
Those who are left begin to fire at you, and then at the ARA, and then at you again. They think you're a larger force than you really are, and are rather confused. You aren't supposed be there, hehe.
You hear a few shots coming from the woods; it looks like those from the Convoy still followed you. You're indangered of being encircled...
What do you do? __________ Name: Charles Maryson Age: 34.5 Allegiance: UN Class: Assault ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 25/100 ----- Primary Arm: SA80 Ammo: 00/30-90 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/12-24 (9mm) Pack: 1 MRE ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
Sorry this one is short; you're in a situation where you need to be more explicit about what you're doing. So I can't fill in the gaps because it could alter the game based on my descions, rather than yours.
Davies sees what you're doing.
"Just switch to your other weapon! Its faster than reloading" __________ Name: Sam Grene Allegiance: ARA Class: Light Gunner ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 0/100 ----- Primary Arm: M429 SAW Ammo: 200/200 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: AT4-CS Ammo: 1/0 (84mm Warhead) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
Very nice! And now the dreaded question: Catch anything?
You go to join up with B Company, commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Keating.
Keating motions you over.
"Ok guys, heres the plan. The Spotter for those mortar rounds is on top of this bluff here *points at map* we are here *points at spot nearby* about 3 klicks away. Hes near the enemy lines, so we'll be transversing through No-Man's Land. Grene, you'll be up front to provide immediate fire support incase we run into anything. When we reach the Spotter, we take out that S.O.B., and destroy any facilities he's using with the AT4-CSesess... Got it?"
What do you do?
A) Got it! B) I iz confuzzled. C) Make your own option! __________ Name: Shaun Jackson Age: 20 Allegiance: UN Class: Close Combat ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 10/100 ----- Primary Arm: M1014 Ammo: 3/7-28 (12 Gauge) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/24 (9mm) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You motion for the team to cover you, and you walk up to the nearest door. As you put the breaching charge onto the handle, the door unlatches; its unlocked.
You slowly open the door, and start to cut the pie. The room is clear, though it leads into the adjacent room. You step inside...
Tick...
BOOM!
You fall to the ground. Someone had set a Claymore up by the door, and it kersploded when you entered the room (-12 HP). You crawl back into the hall as your team rushes to your aid.
"Jacksons down! Jacksons down!"
At this, the ARA bust out of the doors. Theres not too many of them, and the doors act as choke points so only a few can get out into the hall. Two team members cover you as the third drags you into the hall way.
As you're dragged into the stairwell, you notice that the claymore has caused some serious damage to your legs. Everything is still attached... mostly.
You lose conciousness as you're loaded into the Stryker.
Sorry. Poor choices m8. When clearing buildings, its better to start at the bottom and work your way up. If you start on the roof, than you do the opposite. This way, you don't get ambushed as you clear one floor.
Let this be a notice to all of you; you make poor choices, and bad things happen. I'll give you a few breaks for now, but learn from your and other's mistakes. Because one mistake, just might be your last.
You spend five months in the hospital and in therapy, before being redeployed. New scenario will be posted in 5 Hours, or apprx. 5:20 PM, AG time. __________
Name: Charles Maryson Age: 34.5 Allegiance: UN Class: Assault ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 25/100 ----- Primary Arm: SA80 Ammo: 00/30-90 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/12-24 (9mm) Pack: 1 MRE ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You're doing fine. I've got a sheet on excel that calculates the probability of events happening, and its alot of luck, though your choices influence it. Failing = Dieing. You are alive. Failing =/= Living.
You drop your Assault Rifle and pull out your sidearm. You aim down the sights, and pull the trigger as fast as you can. You unleash 6 shots, and 4 of them hit the ARA Member in the chest. He falls backwards, and doesn't move (+10 EXP, -6 Rounds). You Reload your primary weapon.
One of your team mates is dragging the wounded man back to your positions, so its just you, Sergeant Davies, and three others. The five of you stack up on the door, and enter into the building.
You're in what used to be a store. You're behind what would have been the front counter, and the rest of the floor is deserted. You see some stairs over to your left, and hear movement upstairs.
What do you do? __________ Name: Talow Rosine Age: 17 Allegiance: UN Class: Scout Sniper ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 30/100 ----- Primary: None Ammo: None Secondary: None Ammo: None Pack: Empty ----- Head: Bare Chest: T-Shirt Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots (No laces)
You look around the room. Its 6x6, with enough room to stand comfortably. Theres a small bunk on one wall, and a sink and toliet oposite it. A door occupies the third wall, and the fourth wall is bare.
On the door, in peeling paint, is some writing. It reads:
CONSTANTINE COUNTY PRISON SYSTEMS: CELL 1B
So you're not to far from where you were captured; Constantine County borders the river opposite where you were stationed.
Two ARA Members walk in. One grabs you, and slams you into a wall. They grab your arms, and begin dragging you through the halls. You're stunned, and can't quite tell where you're going.
After taking you to the Prison Doctor to be patched up (HP Restored), you're loaded onto a truck with some other UN Soldiers. The truck begins to drive away.
Name: Sam Grene Allegiance: ARA Class: Light Gunner ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 0/100 ----- Primary Arm: M429 SAW Ammo: 200/200 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: AT4-CS Ammo: 1/0 (84mm Warhead) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You get near the front of the Company File, and begin the hike to where the Spotter is at. You're going over rough terrain, in order to 'surprise' him.
You start to walk out of the tree line, before the order is given to go prone. Lieutenant Keating crawls over.
"Theres two vehicals over there on the other side of this field. I need you to go over there and check it out. Hooah?"
What do you do?
A) Hooah! Go check out the vehicals. B) Heck no. Thats dangerous, and I could get hurt. C) Make your own option! __________ Name: Jack Dunn Age: 22 Allegiance: ARA Class: P.I.G. ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 100/250 ----- Primary: Mk 14 EBR Ammo: 00/10-30 (7.62 NATO) Secondary: None Ammo: None Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You and Edwards aim for a weaker point in the PLA Line, and begin running towards it. You can't make very accurate shots, though you manage to take out another PLA Infantryman (+10 EXP, -5 Rounds).
You fire pointblank into another Squint, and collapses into his foxhole (+10 EXP, -1 Round). As you and Edwards began your sprint to the ARA Lines, the PLA begin firing at you. You take a few grazes (-4 HP), but manage to avoid getting hit.
You and Edwards collapse into a Machinegun Pit, safe in ARA Territory.
Mission Completed: +25 EXP Mission Failed (HVT was not eliminated): +0 EXP
Majority of Team Survived: +5 EXP You Survived: +5 EXP
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
You are now a Private: First Class! You have earned 3 points to use in the Upgrade Shop. Posting your Character (Char) Sheet with how you spend your points will generate a new mission.
Upgrade Shop: Class Upgrades: None Currently Avaliable
Primary Weapons Upgrades: Bipod: Increases accuracy when prone- 1 Point Silencer: Makes your shots harder to hear- 2 Points
Secondary Weapons Upgrades: M9: Gives you a pistol as a secondary weapon- 1 Point AT4-CS: Gives you a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) as a secondary weapon.- 2 Points
Equipment Slot Upgrades: Flashbang: Gives you four Flashbangs, and an updated Char Sheet- 1 Point SatCom: Gives you a ***chargeable*** Satelite Communications Phone, allowing you to call in support, like Air Strikes, Artillery Barrages, and Infantry Support.- 2 Points Ghillie Suit: Permantely gives you the Ghillie Suit, which will be stored in your pack.- 3 Points.
Name: Charles Maryson Age: 34.5 Allegiance: UN Class: Assault ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 25/100 ----- Primary Arm: SA80 Ammo: 00/30-90 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/12-24 (9mm) Pack: 1 MRE ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
I walk up the stairs and stop at around 3/4 of it (enough to get a clear view of the room, but not enough to get fully exposed (I hope that made sense, I really don't know how to explain it)). I aim down the sight of my gun and wait for the enemy.
Name: Jack Dunn Age: 22 Allegiance: ARA Class: P.I.G. ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 100/250 ----- Primary: Silenced Mk 14 EBR Ammo: 10/10-30 (7.62 NATO) Secondary: M9 Ammo: 15/15-30 (9mm) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt Sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
Its several days after you arrived back at ARA lines. Since then, the PLA have moved back several hundred yards from their positions in the bottom of the valley to the tree line higher up on the mountain. Its been oddly quiet, and reports show the same thing is happening all across the front.
Lieutenant Edwards gets on the radio.
"Central Command, this is Viper's Nest. How do you read? Over."
"No time for formalities Viper's Nest. The Chinese have launched a massive offensive the Northern part of the Central Front. Its a massive pincer movement with the intent to encircle as many of our troops as possible. We reccomend you pull back to more defensible positions to the East. Over."
"Copy that. Any air support?"
"Negative. What little support we have is currently occupied attempting to hold off the Army Groups as they advance. Good luck. Out."
"Right" Edwards says, as he looks at those around him. "Lets get a move on it."
The ordered is issued up and down the line to retreat, and many of the ARA members begin to break and run towards the tree line. The PLA are starting to open up fire, and theres not too much cover between you're current position and the tree line.
What do you do? __________ Name: Talow Rosine Age: 17 Allegiance: UN Class: Scout Sniper ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 30/100 ----- Primary: None Ammo: None Secondary: None Ammo: None Pack: Empty ----- Head: Bare Chest: T-Shirt Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots (No laces)
Of the three in the truck, the one who appears to be in charge begins to talk.
"I'm Captain Lavell. He's Lieutenant 'Boomer' Hutchkins" He points at a large guy, who nods in your direction. "And he's Lieutenant 'Radical' Smith.", pointing at at smallish man who appears to be asleep.
"We jumped into St. Louis a few weeks ago. Stealth and Sabotage, y'know. Landed near the city, and infiltrated quite easily. There was six of us, back then. Got into a safe house, but somebody must of ratted us out 'cause when we walked in, it was packed with ARA. They've executed three of us over the last few days, though whats gonna happen to us, I dunno."
"Right. Now who the hell are you?"
What do you do? __________ Name: Charles Maryson Age: 34.5 Allegiance: UN Class: Assault ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 35/100 ----- Primary Arm: SA80 Ammo: 25/30-60 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: P226 Ammo: 12/12-24 (9mm) Pack: 1 MRE ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You slowly go up the stairs, and poke your head up. Its a small storeroom, and you can see a ladder going up to what would be the roof. Theres a sole ARA Member firing out of a window, but you quickly dispatch him (+10 EXP, -5 rounds).
The fighting is intensifying outside, as you can here the increased sounds of gunfire, and the Tank firing again. Speed is becoming of increasing importance.
What do you do? __________ Name: Sam Grene Allegiance: ARA Class: Light Gunner ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 0/100 ----- Primary Arm: M429 SAW Ammo: 200/200 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: AT4-CS Ammo: 1/0 (84mm Warhead) Pack: 3 MRE, Canteen of Water ----- Head: Kevlar Helmet Chest: Flak Jacket Left Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Right Arm: T-Shirt sleeves Left Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Right Leg: Tactical-Cargo Pants Hands: Bare Feet: Boots
You begin to crawl through the field, towards the unidentified vehicals. As you get closer, you can see that its a British Centurion Tank. Its crew are areguing though, and one of its tracks is missing. You can hear them:
"We are screwed man. We are effing screwed."
"Shutup! It was your idea to take the longer way. 'Oh! If we cut through these woods here, we won't be in the line of fire.' And now look whats happened! On of our tracks has broken off, and we're too far away for any reinforcements..."
Clearly, arguing and trying to fix a tank at the same time isn't working out to well.
