intro
main theme
the last of us
overview.
"This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper.βγβγT.S. Eliot
In early 2013, a mutated strand of the Cordyceps fungus appeared in a harvest of crops in South America and infected the first human with Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI). Scientists confirmed the fungus grows while the host is still alive, with hosts undergoing two (confirmed) stages of infection. Stage one begins within two days of infection, wherein the host loses their higher brain function, rendering them hyper-aggressive and incapable of rational thought. Within two weeks, the host enters stage two of the infection, wherein the fungus begins altering their sight as a result of progressing fungal growth over the head and corruption of their visual cortex. The infection thrives in enclosed areas, especially sewers or tunnels. The infection seems unable to spread in open air areas, but should airborne spores be detected gas masks are required to prevent infection. Hosts can only be infected while alive, as the fungus is unable to infect dead bodies due to its parasitic nature, but can also be spread through bites from living hosts.
As a parasitic fungal infection, CBI spread rapidly, contaminating most of South and Central America before spreading to the U.S. In response to the outbreak and lack of action from politicians, the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA) took control of the United States Armed Forces and declared martial law, removing the bureaucrats from power. In order to contain the fungus, FEDRA had the military move all uninfected civilians into large quarantine zones within major cities. The U.S. under FEDRA became a police state, exercising absolute power over the zones which prompted the creation of the Fireflies, a militia group dedicated to defeating FEDRA, restoring the pre-outbreak government and finding a cure for the disease. By the end of 2013, over 60% of the world population had either been killed or infected and as the years passed this percentage only increased. FEDRA fought to maintain power over cities, but some fell to Infected while others were overthrown with the help of the Fireflies and other rebel groups.
For seven years after the outbreak, San Francisco remained an active Quarantine Zone. Only authorized soldiers were permitted to leave and survivors living outside of the zone were rarely granted entry. Citizens within the zone lived a harsh, strict life, but they were provided for and kept safe. As the years progressed, FEDRA's hold over the city was consistently threatened by the Firefly presence across the bay in Oakland. The two factions made numerous attempts to eradicate one another, but with limited resources neither could finish the job. It wasn't until a smaller group of Fireflies came down from Sacramento to join with Oakland that they finally had the firepower and numbers necessary. FEDRA soldiers never saw it coming. In the blink of an eye, the Quarantine Zone fell to the Fireflies. Civilians were rounded up and resources in the city were scavenged to be taken back to the Firefly base. Any remaining FEDRA soldiers were killed on sight.
Or so they thought.
roles
roles.
the alpha
taken
As an active duty Marine when the outbreak reached the States, THE ALPHA has been under FEDRAβs command since the beginning. The last seven years of their life has been dedicated to keeping SF safe, no matter the cost. Since becoming the leader of a squadron of soldiers three years ago, THE ALPHA has found a second family. THE SNIPER is their right-hand and they trust them with their life. They know nothing of THE CIVILIAN and that troubles them. They found THE ORPHAN during a run two years ago and took them under their wing. THE MEDIC has always been the one to save him from death's doorstep.
the sniper
taken
Out of sight and out of mind, THE SNIPER has been SFβs greatest line of defense since they were recruited by FEDRA. With a sharp eye and steady hand, a bullet to the head is THE SNIPERβs version of a warm welcome to any Infected or hostile survivors who appear at their doorstep. They share their demons with THE ALPHA, but find themselves at odds with THE MEDIC who doesnβt always agree with their brutality. They've taken it upon themselves to teach THE CIVILIAN how to survive. They feel for THE ORPHAN, but part of them expects them to disappear and leave the group behind someday.
the civilian
taken
THE CIVILIAN often wondered if humanity had already lost the war. When the Fireflies came to destroy the QZ, they didnβt care. That is until one of them mistook them for a soldier and pointed a gun to THE CIVILIANβs head. In that moment, they were reminded of what true fear felt like. THE ORPHAN saved their life that day. They were brought to THE ALPHA who only protected them out of a sense of duty. THE SNIPER and THE MEDIC both have their own ways of teaching them how to survive in this world, but which is right?
the orphan
taken
Nobody knows how long THE ORPHAN was left to survive on his own. THEY learned to do anything and everything it took to stay alive. THE ORPHAN was just on a supply run in SF when they were found by THE ALPHA and nearly killed on the spot before being brought in as a potential recruit. Two years later, they still aren't sure if running in a pack suits them. THE SNIPER seems to have picked up on this, but has kept the observation to themselves. They didnβt like how THE MEDIC tried to analyze them at first, but theyβre on better terms now. They saved THE CIVILIANβs life before Fireflies could kill them.
the medic
closed
Chaos befell the world while THE MEDIC was still attending medical school. Since then they've had to adjust to a βkill or be killedβ mentality to survive, but they still have the heart of someone who wants to help people. Forced to join FEDRA due to their skillset, THE MEDIC has wanted to leave but remained for the soldiers who needed them. They've helped THE ALPHA cheat death than they would like. They wish THE SNIPER would give sparing a life a chance. They could see pain in THE ORPHANβs eyes when they arrived and couldn't resist trying to help them. They hope to teach THE CIVILIAN that there is still room for kindness in this world, even outside the QZ.
the tactician
taken
With years of experience under their belt thanks to the outbreak, THE TACTICIAN has learned to never run head first into any situation. They have a plan for every mission, whether it be a simple supply run or a strike against FEDRA. THE TACTICIAN is always prepared and prefers to take their targets by surprise. They believe THE PACIFISTβs change of heart makes him a liability, but at least THE SCIENTIST has enough sense to take their advice. With THE MACGYVER now on their team, they intends on using them to their advantage. They believe THE ANARCHISTβs lack of respect for authority could prove to be an issue.
the pacifist
taken
Believing in the Firefliesβ goal of restoring society and one day discovering a cure, THE PACIFIST was an eager recruit. In the name of the greater good, they did what had to be done but in recent years the blood on their hands had become too much. THE PACIFIST had a change of heart, the price of taking a life was no longer worth it. This caused them to butt heads with THE TACTICIAN, but THE SCIENTIST sympathizes with them. They are in awe of THE MACGYVERβs inventions and brilliance. They find THE ANARCHISTβs talent, if it can be called that, extremely alarming.
the scientist
taken
While studying for their Ph.D, the world fell to ruin and THE SCIENTIST was left without a purpose until the Fireflies picked them up. From then on, they assisted with researching CBI while undergoing combat training to safely conduct field research. With rumors of a new stage of CBI being spotted, THE SCIENTIST has been tasked with collecting data. THE TACTICIAN is helping to sharpen their survival skills in preparation. THE PACIFISTβs inner turmoil is just another reason why they want to fix the world. They wonder if THE MACGYVER could play a role in their research and hopes for a cure. They often clash with THE ANARCHIST, but still sees a good heart beneath their tough exterior.
the macgyver
taken
Had society not gone to hell, THE MACGYVER would have become one of the worldβs greatest minds. The Sacramento Fireflies would have never survived as long as they did were it not for their genius and knack for improvisation. Unfortunately, they often lack motivation and drive. They initially couldn't stand THE ANARCHIST, but now they are two peas in a pod. They aren't all that willing or interested in whatever THE TACTICIAN has in store for them. THE SCIENTIST's research offers hope they're hesitant to indulge in. They enjoy THE PACIFISTβs company and their seemingly never ending questions.
the anarchist
open
The stubborn nature of THE ANARCHIST has kept them alive since the outbreak. Theyβll be damned if FEDRA assholes or some Infected bring them down. Over the years, they've come up with some creative ways to stay alive. Nobody can kill you if you blow them up first, right? Itβs that logic that pathed THE ANARCHISTβs path to making bombs and turns out, they like when they go boom. THE MACGYVER hates it, but the two have bonded during their time in Sacramento despite that. They have yet to see THE TACTICIAN as their new leader and they think THE SCIENTIST is way too stiff. They don't mind THE PACIFIST, but they also don't expect them to live for much longer.
rules
rules.
rule one.
Discord is required, some events will need feedback and plotting so participation is very important! If mods donβt see activity, we will send you one warning before removing you from the roleplay. Please keep the server fun and comfortable to be in, if you have any questions or concerns please dm me. Playing the games or watching the show is not required to join. The Infected, the Fireflies, and FEDRA all come from the story, but no canon characters will really be involved.
rule two.
I don't care much about word count, but I do ask that posts move the story along rather than focusing too much on reacting. Plotting and communication will be key. I will give FIVE to SEVEN days to post once it's your turn depending on posting group sizes.
rule three.
All characters and roleplayers must be 18+ and should have realistic ages for their roles. The outbreak started 7 years ago. Queer, BIPOC friendly. Please use the role descriptions as a base for your character. It is highly encouraged for you to expand beyond what is written, within reason. Just remember that this is a group roleplay and so they must be capable of interacting with the rest of the cast without any big issues.
rule four.
There will be some dice elements to the roleplay, but it is not the main component. Scenes will be a mix of drama, conversation, and combat. Character stats, special skills, and inventory will be determined in the Discord. I will do my best to keep things as simple as possible. Please be aware that character injury is a real possibility, but I will not kill anyone off unless requested to do so.
rule five.
Roles are not first come, first serve. I will not close a role until a completed app or CS has been posted and reviewed/approved. If you choose to start with an app, please complete your CS in a timely manner. I will post a hard deadline once the roleplay is filled. We will be using illustrated art with a preference for semi to realistic art styles. No heavily anime styles will be accepted (pointy chins, comically large eyes, etc.) I also ask that we refrain using any popular anime/game characters to avoid personal bias from anyone in the roleplay.
intro
roles
rules
when lost in darkness,
look for the
light
genre
drama, thriller, post-apocalypse
status
accepting
spots open
1/10
question
answer
β‘coded by uxieβ‘
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