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The Lottery: Underground


Darren
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[SIZE="1"]I had this idea that originally was inspired by Shirley Jackson's 1948 short story, "The Lottery." Of course, what the RP turned into was something completely different, so here it goes:

In an alternate USA, (that's called the Greater North Continent or GNC) something occurred back in 1921 that caused military officials to demand all citizens move west immediately. Those who refused were killed. A giant wall was built that divided the GNC in two (somewhere down the middle of Montana, just to give you an idea) The remaining states of the GNC were dissolved and 100 villages were set up. (Only 100 were approved by the military so everyone was required to live in one of these locations)

Each year, all of the 100 villages hold a lottery with seven "winners." These people are taken across the border to the "other side" and are never seen again. What goes on behind this border? Well, you'll have to find out, assuming this RP gets off the ground...

Just a couple of facts:
This realm is now very primitive. They were very high tech a long time ago, but after the occurrence in 1921, the villages were reduced to the equivalence of colonial farming towns.
The villages are not awarded guns of any type. Only the military carry them. (And yes, they look ancient)
The history of what life was like before 1921 is lost for the most part. It became a taboo to speak about it after protestors began disappearing and since so many years have passed since then, most of the elders are dead or refuse to speak.

This game will definitely be for mature audiences. There will be tons of violence, gore, death, language, and sex... My opinion on these matters have always been to trust all the players writing abilities. I think most of you know that when we have players who aren't as comfortable with this type, to edit your post a bit. But I don't want the unofficial rating to bar anyone from being interested. If I have to, I'll mark down some of the violence and gore. It will also be short, as I want this RP to finish! And I know that a lot of people get very busy around school stuff, so I know a shorter RP would come in handy.

Okay, so what do you think? Interested? I would like to know that I've got some support before I type up an intro and sign up... I'm also looking for someone to collaborate with, as this would be my first official RP. (Yeah, I know. Moderator and hasn't even had a run at an RP yet) Oh wait... There was that sad one that got a few posts... :( So just let me know if you're interested in helping me. Lastly, I'm thinking I'll use a landmark system as opposed to a chapter system. (But I also like the idea of giving objectives)[/SIZE]
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[size=1]*raises hand*

I think the idea is pretty solid and original. It reminds me of Doomsday somewhat - and violence or sex wouldn't scare me off, I'm more drawn to those type of games anyway =p. I definitely like the idea though, and at the moment I really can't be bothered with long RPGs (or anymore of my own) so a short one is perfect.

One question: would the characters have military folks by their side whilst they're on the otherside? Or are they just going it alone?[/size]
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[SIZE="1"]I'm with Vicky on this one. The mature theme is definitely a draw in for me, as is the planned length with college and whatnot. And I'd be lying if I said that I didn't already really want to know the secret behind the giant wall.

However, I have a question as well. I see that reference to the olden days before this backwards time is informally forbidden, so from that I get the impression that the government is highly tyranical and uses the military for oppressing it's people. Is that close? Or is it simply that the government is known to intervene in certain matters?

But anyways, in short, you have my support.

I believe in Darren.[/SIZE]
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[COLOR="Indigo"] *jumps up and down* I'll join! Although I'm kinda young. I love mystery and gore and violence, but not as much as i love comedy........anyway, i like it, and i'm curious to know what's happening to the people behind the wall! i hope you'll let me audition although this is mature content, i see more than that at school!:animedepr i support you! Power to the people![/COLOR]
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[quote name='Vicky'][size=1]One question: would the characters have military folks by their side whilst they're on the otherside? Or are they just going it alone?[/size][/QUOTE]
[SIZE="1"]Well, sorta... Let's just say that once you're on the other side, the military presence is felt far more than in the villages. Now, how extreme that presence is to your specific character depends on how you sign up. It will make more sense once this thing starts, but I'll just say the fate for everyone isn't the same...[/SIZE]

[quote name='Omega'][SIZE="1"]However, I have a question as well. I see that reference to the olden days before this backwards time is informally forbidden, so from that I get the impression that the government is highly tyranical and uses the military for oppressing it's people. Is that close? Or is it simply that the government is known to intervene in certain matters?[/SIZE][/QUOTE]
[SIZE="1"]Again, this question is a bit hard to answer. From the villagers perspective, they only know that the military intervenes in certain matters. Their only three military laws are as follows:
Compulsory participation in the Lottery every year, after 17
No guns whatsoever
You must live in one of the 100 designated villages
(And an official law that everyone recognizes) Forget the past

Other than that, the military grants each village the right to form their own system of government. And the military bases are far out in the country. So really, the only time the villagers see military personnel is during lottery weekend and if they travel to another village (such as to trade crops or cattle, or if they decide to move) they'll see them at a road block.

But I understand your question, and behind the wall, the lottery "winners" will discover just how much power science and the military has attained throughout 82 years of oppression. Other than that, you'll just have to wait and find out.

And I'm really glad that I've already gotten three replies... As soon as I get the details of the plot worked out, I'll be ready to go! So keep your eyes open, I'm hoping to have the sign up ready in a couple of days. Also, if anyone wants to help as far as collaboration, then just send me a PM. Thanks![/SIZE]
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[SIZE="1"]Idea sounds incredible. I'm writing my sign-up just now and post it as soon as it's done. I'll be agreeing with everyone when I saw that a short RP is perfect for me at the moment with college work.

I want to know [b]everything[/b] there is to know about this world now.[/SIZE]
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Sorry about that everyone. I know I promised a post by tonight at the latest, but some unexpected business came up and I lost track of time...

FAIL

So, I will definitely post the first part tomorrow (or tonight since it's 1:30). Expect it, and if it's not there by 7:00pm, feel free to bonk me on the head. (Unless you're in a different time zone [Vicky] because that would be unfair)
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[quote name='Darren']
So, I will definitely post the first part tomorrow (or tonight since it's 1:30). Expect it, and if it's not there by 7:00pm, feel free to bonk me on the head.[/quote]

[size=1]DARREN! SILLY BOY! *Thwacks repeatedly* YOU--[/size]

[quote name='Darren'](Unless you're in a different time zone [Vicky] because that would be unfair)[/QUOTE]

[size=1]...Lolwhoops ^_^

(I'm also a day early but you know us Brits)[/size]
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[SIZE="1"]And it's much deserved anyway, Vicky, since I am way past my posting deadline. :animesigh

Anyway, part 1 is up now. I'll be posting the objectives in the underground thread throughout the RP, so as to avoid any OOC discussions in the main thread. It's pretty straightforward:[/SIZE]

[B][U]Objectives:[/U]
Introduce your character
Explore your village's festival (or whatever it's lottery tradition may be)
Attend the lottery (and make sure your name is drawn, obviously)
And make your way toward the wall[/B]

[SIZE="1"]All the characters will meet outside the wall before passing through its gates, but don't jump ahead too much. There will be plenty of time for meet and greet between characters in Part 2.

All that being said, since this is supposed to be a quick RP, I think everyone could finish their objectives in 2-3 posts. Especially considering that most of us aren't in the same village and don't need to consult with each other as far as conversation goes. Good luck and have fun!

[B]EDIT:[/B] Also, I know this may seem like a drag, but for those of you who couldn't sign up with an image, (for whatever reason) would you mind doing so? I just want to make a graphic for the RP, but I would like to get images from everyone. If this isn't possible or you just don't think you could find an appropriate one, I could help search (based on your descriptions)[/SIZE]
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Not a big deal, as long as we get this thing rolling.

I just wanted to say that I'm leaving for home in about 20 minutes and I won't be taking my laptop with me, so that means I won't log back in until tomorrow night. But this doesn't mean that you can't go ahead and post. In fact, you don't even have to wait for Vicky's post. Just dive on into the festival. (Vicky and I will just have to play catch-up)

I would like to start the new section by Wednesday at the earliest, just to give you guys a timeline. When I post on either Saturday or Sunday, Henry will already have been to the festival and the Lottery. (So, you get the idea of how fast-paced this is supposed to be)

Anyway, have fun. And I want to see some posts when I get back tomorrow night!!! :smirk:

[B]EDIT:[/B]
Well, obviously, this isn't moving as fast I would have liked. I'm still waiting for the mention of about 6 characters to be drawn in the lottery and start moving toward the wall... Some hasn't even posted after their introduction.

A lot of you told me you wanted to join because it was going to be short. But it can't be short if you don't post. So I need Vicky, The Endless, Omega, and Calypso to post soon or we'll simply move on without you. And I need either Raiha or P.J. McKrafty to at least mention the lottery soon. I'm thinking I'll make the new post by tomorrow. (That's your deadline) But obviously, under certain circumstances (just post here or send me a PM) I would consider pushing the post deadline until Sunday at the latest)

In any case, this will weed out some of the less dedicated members and allow for the RP to finish short and on-time.
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  • 2 weeks later...
[COLOR="Sienna"]Darren.............I'm so sorry I've been slacking. This is my first time doing two rpgs and it's hard enough managing and posting in my own. Sorry. I'll do my best to post, but I won't be posting everyday, that okay?:confused:[/COLOR]
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[quote name='Calypso'][COLOR="Sienna"]Darren.............I'm so sorry I've been slacking. This is my first time doing two rpgs and it's hard enough managing and posting in my own. Sorry. I'll do my best to post, but I won't be posting everyday, that okay?:confused:[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
That's fine. But please, just try to cover the remaining objectives in your next post. (And please try to have it up as soon as possible. Preferably tomorrow)

Part 2 is up. This chapter will be extremely short. Objectives:

[B]1) disperse of any family members (if they traveled with your character)
2) Meet and greet with the other players' characters (this one is optional)
3) Cross the great wooden barrier to the other side. Feel free to describe it however you want. The first person to describe it however shouldn't be too crazy. And the following players shouldn't go against what the first person said. I'm giving you free reign to do whatever on this third objective because the characters won't be there for long.[/B]

This shouldn't take but one or two posts. So have at it.
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