unplug | MISSION CONTROL

MISSION CONTROL

MISSION CONTROL ◀

BASICS

- Premise

- Rules

- FAQ

- Taken List

- Applications

- Reserves

OOC

- Calendar

- Mission Control

- CR Meme

- Test Drive Meme

- Hiatus/Drops

- Player Contact

- Mod Contact 

WORLD

- History

- The Matrix

- Reality

- Zion Defence Grid

- ZDG Fleet

- Uploads

- Recruitment

- NPCs

COMMS

- Info

- Network

- Logs

- Memes

- OOC

▶ OVERVIEW

This page is a resource for RP hooks of different types and characters (crews, civilians, unplugged and Native, etc.). Some are designed to require minimal GM/mod contribution, whereas others will capitalize on or even result in the IC acquisition of new information about the metaplot or setting. In general, what is offered here are not essential throughline scenes for the metaplot, but they can create extremely significant changes for the game. It is our hope that all of them constitute exciting opportunities for roleplay.

APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED
SIMULATION STATIONS | LOW-CLEARANCE MISSIONS
MOD-APPROVAL
PLAYER-RUN PLOT PROPOSALS | MOD-RUN PLOT OPTIONS

▶ PLAYER-RUN OPTIONS

▼ THE SIM STATIONS

There are two sim stations in Zion, competing businesses. The Sleeping Sphynx is a rough-looking, 10-chair unit lit by erratic neon, operated by a former Irkallan who immigrated at age 15 but nonetheless carries the stigma, a sharp businesswoman. Mirage is better-furnished, better-lit, and surfaced in stone, operated by a former Zion Defense Grid defense corp specialist. However, both serve the same essential purpose: to run simulations for the unplugged as well as operators, using limited world maps.

Unlike jacking in to simulations on ships such as The Shangrila, these worlds have more failsafes (less lethality).

There are a wide variety of potential objectives and offerings. Some 'maps' consist of no more than a long white strip of sandy Bahamian beach with a single umbrella, having sea tides changing over the course of a recursive month. Others may draw directly from a character’s canon, highly detailed down to storefronts and television programming, but these are almost always limited to a single city and a single repeating day. Some of these canon scenarios are fraught with Agents to evade, for training purposes; others are geared to teaching the basic use of magic. Should a character become overpowered by one of these sim-Agents, or other catastrophes occur within the sequence, the exercise shuts down and the character is auto-extracted.

All sims are designed based on matrixes that have previously been visited, such as for extraction.

The mods strongly recommend playing only in simulated matrixes from canons on the Taken List. Both businesses charge by the hour, and offer running tabs; the Mirage offers a discount to ZDG crew, whereas the Sleeping Sphynx is more likely to accept whimsical offerings such as stories, songs, or performances-- clearly a public relations effort. Both facilities will also give time generously if you offer to help develop their simulations via software artefacts and programs harvested from canons you have visited (for example, a spell book downloaded from a Matrix and uploaded onto their servers, or a piece of unique technology).

Apart from these exceptions, a single three-hour simulation will cost half a unit of bread, spices, or dried vegetables, a morning’s manual labor (e.g., helping to clean and repair equipment). A piece of clothing or well-articulated jewelry or rare items may buy off as much as a dozen hour-long simulations.

More information about the business-owners will be available on the NPC page. For now, please PM the mod account to establish off-screen interaction with them.

▼ LOW-CLEARANCE MISSIONS

These are player-run missions that do not require mod approval. To participate in these missions, operatives travel in groups of two or larger, with the expectation that they look out for each other, as well as providing sparring partners and test subjects for relevant experiments. They are given flimsy but passable false identities. Generally, at least one character in the team should have previously visited the specific Matrix before (i.e., have familiarity) or should be from that Matrix.

The Zion Defense Grid prohibits violence and injuries to others whenever possible. Not only do these incidents increase the likelihood the Agents will come, but there is a high probability that it is other humans, not yet extracted, who will die. Dead programs are less their concern.

Note for new characters: Newer characters who have not yet signed onto a permanent hovercrew position can still participate. They can access the Matrix from the Shangrila, with an NPC set of operators and Captain to steer them. The Shangrila often engages in these types of missions, which are seen as an important part of training. The individual must seem generally fit for duty.

Here are some common low-risk mission types:

Mapping: Although operators normally guide/navigate for operatives through their missions using live feed from the Matrix, the Zion Defense Grid welcomes information about the physical layouts and equipment from each world. The layouts are part of an ongoing research program to determine why the successful Matrixes are so—is it similarities to true Earth as it was, or differences? For characters engaging in mapping, the objective is to explore the worlds without affecting the central storyline or ‘canon.’ Throughout their time plugged in, an operator is recording their progress. This leaves a wide range of possible avenues, such as practicing Earthbending on the cabbages of Bah Sing Se, taking tea with Narnian foxes, or picking through Lake-town in the aftermath of the Battle of Five Armies.
Equipment Research: Intelligence on canon technology and equipment is important for a more obvious reason: uploads. Schematics, usage techniques, locally-compliant physics, sensory idiosyncrasies, and numerous other details are required to instantiate the armory, so that they can be provided to operatives for tactical missions. Additionally, this intelligence forms the basis of the skills that can be uploaded directly into operatives’ minds. For this type of research, the characters must gain access to equipment and specs as discreetly as possible. This may mean burgling a pump-action shotgun out of a dive bar near a demonic crossroads, chopping down a mountain ash tree in werewolf county of California, attending the Stark Expo, or giving one’s patronage to Ollivander’s Wand Shop.
Machine Espionage: Over the decades, the Zion Defense Grid has built an algorithm with increasing accuracy for profiling Agents and identifying programs despite the diversity of Matrix worlds. The algorithm is still far away from being able to predict whether a specific sentient individual is a human or an AI without some interaction, but patterns are surfacing—and that is the objective. Characters are asked to observe or spy on low-level machines and likely humans. A Mangalore who forgets regularly to eat and occasionally mutters about buggy settings may well be a program, but a Terminator T-800 could as easily be a woman asleep and dreaming in a pod. Operatives may need to use bugging equipment, camp out in ventilation shafts, or loiter in cars for hours of good old-fashioned stakeout.

Other guidelines to keep in mind are the following. Note that not only should this be the characters’ IC best effort, but also what the players will bear in mind.

Low-risk objectives: the characters should not engage in abductions, killings, or reveal themselves as extracted to programs
Minimal impact on the Matrix: the canon world and storyline will not change. Perhaps the mission takes place in a geographic location far away from the main characters, or it wreaks only subtle changes. You are welcome to note your character had a brief corridor conversation with 13-year-old Harry Potter about the Christmas pudding, but you certainly did not mention Voldemort is coming. To elaborate:
- Extractions are not allowed. They require mod approval.
- Little or no combat should be involved, though operatives may spar with or test equipment on each other. Taking pot shots at NPC humans or Machines with rare skills or equipment is likely to create wider-spread problems.
Little or no Agent involvement: if Agents happen to be alerted, characters will be extracted speedily if narrowly and without close-quarter encounter. The danger should be real, but given the extremely high likelihood of character death during such engagements, operatives must run—and generally cannot visit the Matrix again for some months.

If you would like to pursue a mission that deviates from these guidelines in a big way, that is fantastic and we would love to help you out. This includes accidental or reckless errors made in one of the above low-risk missions (e.g., detected as extracted by programs), as well as flouting the rules, such as trying to kill a “dreamer” (i.e., not extracted) in revenge. Just head down to Player Proposals.

▼ HIGH-CLEARANCE (MOD-APPROVED) PROPOSALS

We invite you to propose plot that require mod-approval. Such plots include missions into the Matrix where Agents will feature. We may suggest alterations or additions to integrate your proposal more fully with the metaplot.

We encourage plots that focus on the Real as well as on Matrixes. For example, Irkallan pirate raids, fires, political protests, or major structural accidents may all fall in this category. For more Matrix-focused missions, extractions and intelligence-gathering may qualify.

Please see the comment thread below for the submission form.

▶ MOD-RUN OPTIONS

Please see our catalogue of plot options that require mod attention for some aspect of resolution. This may mean GMing on a more rigorous schedule, but will also include story options that will be resolved in infodumps (via PM). Not all of these are essential to the metaplot, but may strongly influence Zion and your character’s position in it.

Please use the attached form under each comment in order to sign up. In the interest of egalitarianism, characters and players who have not previously received this opportunity will have priority.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Please comment under this thread with questions about this page. Thanks for helping us develop the game!

We invite you to use this thread and the following form to propose plot that require mod-approval.

These include missions into the Matrix where Agents will feature. We may suggest alterations or additions to integrate your proposal more fully with the metaplot.

We encourage plots that focus on the Real as well as on Matrixes. For example, Irkallan pirate raids, fires, political protests, or major structural accidents may all fall in this category. For more Matrix-focused missions, extractions and intelligence-gathering may qualify.

▶ PLOT PROPOSAL
Player Name:
Character Name:
Character Username:

Summary: Summarize the premise and arc your plot, including BOTH REAL AND ANY MATRIX ELEMENTS. You can also include a more detailed proposed chronology after the introduction.
Agent Involvement: Let us know if Agents will be GMed and by whom, as well as a brief sketch of what type of canon entity they will appear as.
Roster/Opt Out: Please list the players or crews who are arranged to participate or let us know how many volunteers you will be taking. Include an opt-out mechanic.
Character Deaths, Other Consequences: If any. Please let us know if characters are to be kidnapped, maimed (or requiring extended Real hospitalization/care), canon-updated, etc. We understand that some high-risk missions may carry the possibility of death that is completely dependent on spontaneous character actions, in which case you can simply note that injuries and deaths will be based on player consent and the limits of ICC.

Start Date/Range: Let us know the soonest and latest dates that this plot can be run, using OOC calendar months and days.
Other Notes: If any.

▶ PLOT PROPOSAL
Player Name: Samm
Character Name: William Cage
Character Username: onyourfeet

Summary: William Cage hails from a world besieged by aliens that have harnessed the ability to control time. In reality, these aliens are Machine programmes, with the ability to reboot Matrixes upon death. The mission would be to enter this universe during times of battle, harvest the code that allows for time reboots (via the blood of a class of aliens known as Alphas, which possesses a transferable quality), and maybe also assess the purpose of these reboots via Reality recon of the location of these human fields.
Agent Involvement: Direct Agent involvement. An Alpha will need to be fought, captured, or killed, and these rarely go alone. On the Real side of it, there is a chance of Sentinel action, but this will probably be done stealthily and avoid confrontation.
Roster/Opt Out: Involves the Nidhoggr crew, and due to being short staffed, probably anyone who would like to go, has required skills, and is clear to do so via leadership. Opt out would be to either not go along on this assignment, or take on background type jobs during Matrix missions, like monitoring comms or cleaning out the gun turrets or something.
Character Deaths, Other Consequences: High risk battle scenarios, with in Matrix injuries translating to Real injuries. An IC chance of death, but nothing without prior player consent.

Start Date/Range: Whenever the Nidhoggr is not otherwise engaged in more important things. ICly, this should only take a few days.

Other Notes: There are more particulars I need to work out, like when, where, how, but will do so pending approval. I intend to do the GMing on a player level, and through Cage's involvement.

▶ APPROVED

Your plot idea is approved! Thank you for submitting this proposal. We are sure this will enrich the game and provide exciting opportunities for your fellow players.

Please inform us at least one week in advance when you are ready to make your initial post (log or plotting). If you like, you can share a draft of the initial log with us. At the end of the plot as you've outlined it above, we will be available to discuss with you future repercussions, developments, and other possibilities, if any.

Thanks!

Please apply for each plot by replying with the attached form.

Should you be accepted, we will respond to your comment.

For recurring missions or ongoing storylines, you can apply even if you see others have already done so. In such cases, we will give some priority to those who have not previously received individual plot opportunities, and balance this with first-come first-serve.

Edited (hax) 2015-04-04 23:35 (UTC)

▶ CHILDREN OF EARTH

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Ongoing storyline
ZDG/Civilian: Either
Participants: 2+ (hovercrews NOT required)
Risk-level: Low/moderate (no Agents or Matrix activity)
Location: Zion and the Real
Premise:

For generations, the children of Zion have been talking for decades about the possibility that some form of wildlife survived despite the death of the sun. Something bigger and smarter than a roach, maybe even something fuzzy. It’s a dream that most grow out of eventually, but surely by now you know that stranger things have happened.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: Some NPCing, primarily infodumps

Application Form:

Edited 2015-04-05 03:33 (UTC)

▶ MOD-RUN PLOT SIGNUP

Name of Plot: Children of Earth
Character: Anders
Journal Username:

dissent
Other Participants: Anyone else who signs up! I'm willing to wait until more people take an interest, and maybe get some new CR, so don't feel you have to start the plot while it's just lil ol' me.

Hello! On the IC date equivalent to September 6, 2015, one day prior to the item drop, Anders will receive an unexpected visitor! While he is on break from (or ignoring that he should be on break from) his medical duties, at approximately lunch time, an adult cat will wander into his workspace. The cat will be a male, adult, temperament and color to be determined by you, but unmistakably interested in Anders.

If you wish, the mods can NPC this discovery for you! Please let us know (by replying here or PMing this account) if you have further questions.

▶ A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Ongoing storyline
ZDG/Civilian: Either (civilian preferred)
Participants: 2+ (hovercrews NOT required)
Risk-level: Low/moderate (no Agents or Matrix activity)
Location: Zion and the Real
Premise:

Somebody’s got sticky fingers, and the bazaar marketeers of Zion are beginning to get angry about it. Thus far, the Zion Defense Grid has been unable to find the culprit, and are disinclined to expend resources for these minimal losses and inconveniences. Perhaps there is something you can do.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: Some NPCing

Application Form:

▶ MOD-RUN PLOT SIGNUP

Name of Plot: A Thief In The Night
Character: Wedge Antilles
Journal Username:

sfoils
Other Participants: Luke Skywalker (

last_ofthe_jedi)

▶ APPROVED

Thanks for signing up! We look forward to making this story happen.

Plotting is underway via Plurk. Your primary mod for the timebeing will be Chinatown.

This thread will be frozen for the timebeing, as the plot is at capacity as of April 6, 2015!

▶ MOD-RUN PLOT SIGNUP

Name of Plot: A Thief In The Night
Character: Garrett Hawke
Journal Username:

forcemageure
Other Participants: Fenris (

halatinous)

▶ DOCBOT HARVEST

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Recurring assignment (max 1 per month)
ZDG/Civilian: Either (ZDG likely)
Participants: 6+ (1+ hovercrews required)
Risk-level: Moderate-High (no Agents, injury and NPC death possible)
Location: The Human Fields
Premise:

Every few months, the medical stores of Zion must be replenished with resources that the labs are not able to synthesize. For this purpose, the city sends out hovercrews to attack and harvest from docbots, the Machines that maintain the human pods throughout Machine-Controlled Territory. These are dangerous missions, but crucial to healthcare in Zion.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: Some NPCing, primarily infodumps

Application Form:

Edited 2015-04-05 03:34 (UTC)

▶ THE FUEL MINES

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Recurring assignment (max 1 per 2 months)
ZDG/Civilian: Either (ZDG likely)
Participants: 6+ (1+ hovercrews required)
Risk-level: High (no Agents, injury and NPC death possible)
Location: The Real
Premise:

Though all of the present human civilizations run primarily on geothermal energy and battery technology is seeing new developments, hovercraft still rely on fuel. Your mission, should you accept it, is to bring a civilian mining crew out into the far reaches of the continent, and bring back a cargo of fuel in 2 weeks. On the upside, you’re going in the opposite direction of Machine-Controlled Territory. On the downside, when fuel goes wrong, it tends to do so explosively.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: Some NPCing, primarily infodumps

Application Form:

Edited (shhh) 2015-04-05 03:35 (UTC)

▶ THE MIRROR DOORS

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Recurring assignments (max 1 per month)
ZDG/Civilian: ZDG (and civilians interested in training)
Participants: 6+ (1+ hovercrew) (an assorted group of characters independent of established crews can run this mission out of NPC ships like the Shangrila)
Risk-level: Varied (chance Agent activity)
Location: The Matrix
Premise:

Traditionally contemporary worlds in the Matrix use modern technology as entry points, such as landline phones. Other worlds do not possess these installations, and require teams to go into the unknown and place them. This mission will eventually be moved to low-clearance missions.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: Information packs about environment and mission, and Agent NPCing

Application Form:

▶ GLITCHED

One-Shot/Ongoing/Recurring: Ongoing
ZDG/Civilian: ZDG (and civilians interested in training)
Participants: 6+ (1+ hovercrew) (an assorted group of characters independent of established crews can run this mission out of NPC ships like the Shangrila)
Risk-level: High (Agent activity)
Location: The Matrix
Premise:

A significant glitch manifesting as reality distortion has been detected in a Matrix. Programmes are working to fix it, but it has been witnessed by multiple humans, simultaneously putting their lives at risk as well as potentially giving them an opportunity to question reality and wake up. A crew will be sent out to perform surveillance and mark potential prospects for future extraction, and optionally save their lives if Agent comes after them.

The outcome of this plot may take a different direction than what is presented here.

Degree of Mod-Involvement: GMing and NPCing

Application Form:

▶ MOD-RUN PLOT SIGNUP

Name of Plot: Glitched
Character: Kate Bishop
Journal Username: alsohawkeye
Other Participants: I am signing up on behalf of the crew of the Atalanta. All six of us are in, and depending how things go between now and then maybe we'll pick up other crew members or temps or something as needed.

▶ APPROVED

Thanks for signing up! We look forward to making this story happen.

Samm will be the mod for this one, and will be in contact soon with further information and negotiating timing!

With this plot at capacity, this comment thread will be frozen.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

MISSION CONTROL

QUESTIONS

PLOT PROPOSALS

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APPROVED

MOD-RUN OPTIONS

CHILDREN OF EARTH

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(frozen comment) A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

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(frozen comment) APPROVED

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DOCBOT HARVEST

THE FUEL MINES

THE MIRROR DOORS

(frozen comment) GLITCHED

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