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: 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 crawl back to Lt. Keating, and tell what you saw.
"Excellent. Heres what we'll do. Alpha Squad, you crawl to the treeline over on the tank's left, and wait for the signal. Bravo Squad, you do the same on the right. Charlie Squad, you'll come with me. Grene, you'll go with Delta Squad and rush the tank to check for any survivors. Got it?"
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
I tell my squad the rooms clear and motion them follow me to the storeroom. I then climb up the ladder to the roof and try to neutralize any enemies. When it's clear I once again tel my squad to come up and ask my superior for further instructions.
Name: Sam Grene Allegiance: ARA Class: Light Gunner ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 0/100 ----- Primary Arm: M429 SAW Ammo: 120/200 (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 up to the tank. After a few moments, Keating stands up and hails the tankers.
"Hello!"
The tankers are stunned for a moment, then react.
"Hey, what the- Hey you! Come over here!"
Keating laughs aloud.
"Sure"
At that, the three squads stand up and begin firing at the exposed tankers. They're dropped quickly, and your squad sprints towards the tank.
"Grene! Get up there and finish off whoevers in side!"
You scramble up the side of the tank, and catch the driver climbing out of the turret. You hit him with a short burst, before unleashing a fury of hot lead into the cabin (+10 EXP, -80 Rounds).
Lt. Keating begins to give some more orders.
"Right guys. Stand back so we can knock this tank out with the AT4-CS."
*looks pointedly at 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 motion for the squad to follow you, and then begin to climb up the ladder. As you near the top, someone slams the trap door down, blocking your entrance to the roof.
Theres some frantic yelling going on from up there, and you need to get up there so you can clear it out to neutrilize the tank.
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)
Lavell snorts.
"Well you did a good job. Chances are these ***holes are moving us away from the lines to a prison camp. If we're going to escape, we'll need to do it soon. We're near the back of the convoy from what I can tell, and if we jump out the truck at night, they may not stop to pick us up."
Radical interupts.
"But if you lag behind..."
He draws a finger across his throat; the ARA will kill you. Lavell starts talking again.
"So keep up, and no problems. Now if we're to do this, we'll just need to-"
A roar is heard, followed by a high pitched whine.
"Oh shi-"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!11!!!!!1!!!1!one!!!1!!
"Someone's bombing the convoy! Nows our chance! GO GO GO!"
Your truck swerves off the road, in an attempt to avoid the bombs.
"Now!"
Lavell jumps out the back, quickly followed by Boomer and Radical.
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
Is the trap door made out of wood? If so I take my second gun and start shooting at the trap. If not I try to force it to open by pushing it up with the help of a squad member.
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: 8/12-24 (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 start banging on the trapdoor with your rifle butt, and it seems that something, or someone, is on top of it. You pull out your side arm, and fire some shots through it (-4 rounds). You hear a muffled groan, and the pressure on the trapdoor lightens.
You and a partner manage to force it open. Almost immediately, shots are fired at the gap, though none hit you or your partner.
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 jump out the truck, and begin sprinting away from the road. You hear another explosion as the bombs continue going off.
"Keep moving! Keep moving!"
You look back, and see several planes swarming around the convoy. It doesn't look like they know that there prisoners in the truck, and it doesn't seem that anyone else has escaped.
Lavell halts.
"Alright... This is far enough. We need to get some supplies if we're gonna survive. We're pretty far from friendly lines, so we better start moving. There should be a town a few kliks south, so we could head there, though it'll be crowded with ARA. Theres also a forest a few kliks east, though theres no garantee we'll find anything useful there. Rosine, what are your thoughts?"
What do you do? __________ 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: 6/10-30 (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
You slide behind a tree, and provide covering fire as the men make it into the forest (-4 rounds). Lt. Edwards makes it in one peice, though glancing at the valley, you notice a few weren't so lucky.
The PLA is starting to advance down to your old positions. You begin to fire, as do the rest of the men. You take out one (+10 EXP, -1 round). They just keep coming though, and you can't hold them off for any period of time.
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: 8/12-24 (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 ask my teamates to retreat to the storeroom. I then take a quick peak of the over the gap, I then ask if someone can come with me to the roof and if I find any cover I run towards it as fast as possible.
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
Why yes, yes you were. I don't know what I was thinking. Sorry about that.
OPERATION: LANCE
When you leave the hospital, you're informed that you've been transfered to Taskforce: 117. You'll be participating in the first wave to assault the ARA held Texas shore. Once the Coast is taken, you'll swing east to take the Loissiana coast, and meet up with the UN forces. By taking the Coast, you'll be one step closer to eliminating the ARA's hold on the country.
After some basic training, you're informed that you'll be jumping from a static line prop aircraft, and will land a few miles inshore. The idea is to encircle the ARA on the coast, and destroy them at their positions.
-Several Weeks Later-
After a massive bombardment, your aircraft takes off in the early morning light. You spend several hours flying from Florida to Texas, where you'll jump. The UN planes will land in the friendly, but neutral, Mexico.
As you near the Texas Coast, you begin to take fire from small arms. You soon reach your Drop Zone, the light goes green, and you pile out the door.
As you float towards the ground, you see you'll be landing in a Subhurbs. A flaming, semi-destroyed, enemy-infested manifestation of American Dreams, the Housing Bubble, and politicians.
You land, and cut your 'chute. You're with three others, and two privates and a corporal. He dashes over.
"I'm Corporal Havier! We need to get off this street! We've got some houses over there we can use as cover temporarily. You in?"
What do you do? __________ Name: Jack Dunn Age: 22 Allegiance: ARA Class: P.I.G. ----- Health: 14/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 110/250 ----- Primary: Silenced Mk 14 EBR Ammo: 6/10-30 (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
You turn around, and continue to run into the forrest. The PLA seem contented with having beaten you, and settle into your old positions.
You meet up with Lt. Edwards, whose with several others. He nods as you come up.
"Dunn, this is Sergeant Patterson, Corporal Somberto, and Privates Cooper and de Vier. They'll be with us for awhile. Now, its looking like we've been seperated from the others, so we'll just have to Central Command by ourselves. Its several hundred miles away, but its our only shot at getting out of this. From what I can tell, we're in the middle of the 'ocket'; Army Groups North and South are advancing at equal distances from our position here."
"We'll have to be quick, and we'll have to be awares. Lets go."
As he finishes, the PLA begin to fire and advance again.
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: 8/12-24 (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 peek over the edge of the trapdoor, and then get knocked down the ladder, and your helmet gets knocked off. You retrieve it, and see that a bullet had skimmed the very top of your helmet. An inch or so further down and...
They firing comes to a lull, and you hear the ARA conversing, though you can't tell what they're saying. You can hear them starting to move around, and a few start firing again.
The situation is quickly getting out of hand.
What do you do? __________ Name: Sam Grene Allegiance: ARA Class: Light Gunner ----- Health: 20/20 Rank: Private Level: 1 EXP: 35/100 ----- Primary Arm: M429 SAW Ammo: 120/200 (5.56 NATO) Secondary Arm: 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 motion everyone away, and fire your rocket at the Tank. It hits the engine block, and thick smoke begins to wisp out of it. You've gotten a disability kill on the tank (+25 EXP, -1 Warhead. The AT4-CS is a disposable weapon, and you ditch it amid the tank hulk.
Keating jogs up.
"Good job guys. Now lets take out that spotter."
You reach the hill where the spotter is located without any further incidences. Its a well defended position, with several bunkers facing your direction, and the lines behind. Assaulting it face on would result in heavy casulties, but attacking from the flank would mean esposing yourself to the UN lines.
