Post by opiate on Jun 1, 2009 2:31:26 GMT -5
Overview of the World
We have advanced beyond the age of politics and economics. In the world today, there are no nations or governments. This is truly a new world, one based on reason, science, and self interest. Never before have individuals known such freedom. However, the past is not so distant. Humanity could easily be seduced by laziness, mediocrity, altruism, and collectivism in general. So, like the myth of the metals, we have our own myths. We have our own religion. It keeps the order. It preserves this nearly perfect world.
-The Moderator
Opiate is an original rpg set in a fictional world in the future of ours. The world is governed by a religious organization called the Manalists. The Manalist religion is based on selfishness, personal responsibility, private property, science, social Darwinism and accomplishment. All other religions have been destroyed, and to follow another religion is a crime punishable by death.
The leader of the Manalist religion is a mysterious figure named Master Scrag.
Members of the religion follow a god named Father Manala. Father Manala became God by killing all of the other gods and their followers.
There are various things which are sacred to the Manalists, but the two most important things are Manala crystals and Red Leaf.
Manala crystals are a wonder fuel, which can be used to power weapons, heat homes, generate electricity, power cars, and so on. The Crest Mining Company has a monopoly on mining these crystals.
Red Leaf is a hallucinogenic drug which is heavily regulated. It can only be used by High Priests. The drug is thought to increase strength and give visions of the future. The leaf grows on a special genetically engineered birch tree. Unauthorized use of Red Leaf is a crime punishable by death. The same goes for the use or possession of all other drugs. For this reason, drugs are hard to obtain.
Even medicinal drugs have been outlawed.
The world is dark and chaotic. Nations no longer exist. Instead, most land is owned by either the Manalists or private companies. Companies often times own entire (former) countries. The Manalists and these companies create regional laws which are enforced by private police/armies.
Everyone is expected to work. Unemployment is a crime. As proof of employment, people in the world must carry work IDs. This is essentially a passport. Failure to possess one will result in being arrested and sent to do forced labor. A person can not travel, buy food, attend school, or obtain housing without a labor card.
Although everyone must work, there is no such thing as government or taxes.
The closest thing to a government is a World Economic Council. The World Economic Council consists of representatives from the various companies which own most of the world, as well as the Manalists. The World Economic Council is overseen by a man called the Moderator. The Moderator is the supreme economic adviser to the global economy. He is a highly respected man who has the power to determine global economic policies. The Moderator moderates conflicts between companies, the Manalists, and other groups.
A weak governing council also exists. It consists of former politicians from the Old World. The Governing Council has no power, but can attend Economic Council meetings and give advice to the Moderator.
There are other groups which also exist, but these are the most important ones.
This is just a brief overview of the world.
Highlights:
• Join as a capitalist, socialist, anarchist, religious rebel, Manalist, or any number of political and religious alignments
• Play as a human, elf, genetic creation, dragon, demon, android, angel, and many other fantasy and science fiction races.
• Join as an original character or a pre made one.
• The rpg strives to explore themes of religion, class, gender, politics, race, and social change.
• The site features friendly staff and members, many of which have been role playing together for several years.
• We welcome role players of all levels.