It's a Dog Eat Dog World: Four Act RP

[Phi Chisym]

At the End of it All / It's a Dog Eat Dog World
(Co-GM's : Kronas17 & Phi Chisym)

ACT TWO Has Started!! Taking a new person to run the charrie Matt!

IC: http://www.iwakuroleplay.com/showthread.php?t=14325&p=385662#post385662

[SPOILI]
2015 – The US has falling into corruption. Food is scare and the few who have survived the Governmental Crash of 2012 are now fighting for freedom from suffrage. Cops, who were meant to serve and protect, were now killing anyone for food themselves. No place, and no one, is safe anymore.

The Army and National Guard are still working to maintain some sort of order. Since the Presidential pyramid has been broken, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the top Generals of the four major Armed Services are working together to build a new government format (New Nation) and strengthen the people's trust for it. But, it's a terrible challenge.

After fifteen years, life has flipped back to something like The Great Depression of the 1930's. Everyone is protective of their own – what little they had for themselves. They've become scavengers, hunters, hoarders of whatever they could find or gain. The ole mighty dollar has lost its value in the US – but a few hold on to their money, faithful that things will return to normal. Bartering is now the new currency. If you have something the other wants, trade it for something they have that you favor.

But, even if trades are done in good faith, there are many who feel that it's easier to just bully their ways, force their gain, and take what they want. They are called The Dogs… the Alphas of this new era. They are people who are use to getting their way, strong and forceful, attacking the little guy to self-appoint themselves as the new rulers of the lands.

There are several Pit Territories established now, with a leader, advisors, an army, citizens and slaves. They protest their territory, keeping their laws and abiding their rules. They allow new members to join their family, but under their conditions. If you deny this, then you're forced into slavery - and that means being sold in the Trades.

It's always best to avoid those areas… But, if you by chance step across their lines, expect to fight for your freedom.
[/SPOILI]
*****

This RP is arranged in Four Acts:

[SPOILI]The First Act Private is now Closed.
[/SPOILI][SPOILI]The Second Act Has Started - Group RP - The Territory Wars: This is when the two main charries will accidentally cause a larger riff between the two biggest territories, and end up split in two.

There's still room!!

The Third Act will be a full out Group RP - where things are revealed about the corruption of the government and their hidden plans to regain control of the US.

The Fourth Act will be the finale to the saga, when the territory leaders ban together to protect the freedoms of all.


If you are interested in being a part of this story, you can make a template now.

I will have a summary posting in the OCC for the First Act, so you can read about what happened at that time. (Trust me, there will be clues that will help for the rest of the Acts). And I will contact you before the Second Act to see if you're still able to participate.

Be advised that your charrie may die during the making of this story. So, if this happens and you still want to participate, just make another charrie in another area.[/SPOILI]


Territories (What was mentioned in RP thus far.)[SPOILI]
Free Territories:
Freemont (Largest City Territory - These territories still are capable of running almost as if life has never changed. They still have the highest amount of workable technology, but not a lot of advanced technology. They also have a commerce - money is still used, but bartering credits are considered the new commerce even here.)

Yellows (Second Largest City Territory, Home of the ISH - Information Super Highway, the spy network for relaying information about the Pits and other Territories actions within the Trade. A secret group aiming to abolish the Trades and the Dog Territories without the Military's aid. )

Taylor
Sunlock
Waterdowns
Emporium

Outposts: I so need to build a map....
-two between Freemont and Haven
-two between Freemont and Yellows

Military Sactioned Camps: Camp 1 - 12
Washington (1), Jefferson (2), Eisenhower (3), Kennedy (4), Roosevelt (5), Lincoln (6), Bush (7), Reagan (8), (9). (10), (11), (12)

Military Protected Free Territory:
Haven (Hidden Pit Territory)

Dog Pit Territories: If you are a leader of a Pit, give it a name.
Sand Dogs
Razor
The Trades (Where people are bought and sold to Pit Territories (and the Haven) as slaves.
[/SPOILI]


Character Choices (Reserve your place with a quick post or a template. Can hold several different characters because they are stretched between Acts.)

[SPOILI]
For Act Two
Pit Leader (two – and you can name your own territory)
Pit Advisors (two, one for each Pit Leader)
Pit Member (Once for each Pit - You choose which Pit Territory you want to be in)
Pit Slaves (One for each Pit - You choose which Pit Territory you want to be in)

Haven Leader (one male and one female)
Spies from the Yellows (four is a nice round number)


For Act Three and Four
Military Leaders (Marines and Army)
Homeland Security [/SPOILI]


Template
Name
Age/Gender
Appearance
Social Level (Leader, Advisor, Member, Slave, Haven, Yellows, US Military, HLS)
Personality
Strengths
Weaknesses
History
Possessions you treasure (things that will be effective for your charrie in the story)


Summary of Act One is found on Post # 4.

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Name: Matthew Smith
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Appearance:

Strengths: Combat skills, Theft, Weapons( Bat, Wrench, .32 pistol)
Social level: Survivor
Weakness: Being that he has a short temper, it blinds him from things that are going on. Another problem is his kindness, sometimes leads things in the other direction.
History: Growing up in the rual parts of the city was tough. his father was in jail and his mother barley paid attention to him, buy out with other men he had to learn to fend for himself at a young age. Growing up his mother used to abouse him for no reason and stayed on drugs and by the time he was 15 she died because of it.
Possessions you treasure: Picture of younger brother
Weapons: Pocket knife, metal bat, wrench

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Name: Jocelyn Modine (Josie, or Jo)
Age/Gender: 23/Female
Appearance: View attachment 14240​

Social Level: Survivor
Personality: A bit rough around the edges, but a lighter side can be found - if you're able to break through the surface.

Strengths: Basic survival skills, hunting, basic martial arts and self defense, quick minded in major situations, and an okay shot with a .22 rifle. She can't cook worth a flip, but can Houdini herself out of a set of handcuffs or the trunk of a car.

Weaknesses: Truly afraid of dying alone and of facing a fear she's unable to figure a way out of.

History: Father wished for a son, but had a daughter. So, he treated his daughter like a son. They camped, fished, hunted, and did other things a father and son would. So, Josie is a major tomboy. Still, she is all women.

Weapons: a large jungle machete, a fishing knife, and a long chain with a hook at the end (Martial arts chain).

Possessions you treasure: Father's wind up pocket watch that still works.





Name: Ace
Age/Gender: 29 yo/ Male
Appearance: View attachment 14665

Tall, lanky with bushy dark red hair and big, child-like eyes that has an intelligence behind them that can be overlooked if you're paying attention to his fly-by-night personality and quirkiness that makes him more appealing as a sweet big brother or loyal confidant or a fun instructor that let's you get away with anything.

He's not the typical looking person that seems to demand respect due to their serious demeanor. But, trust me, Ace is someone to respect, because he knows more about how this world works than anyone else known.

Still, he's fun to laugh at sometimes...

Occupation: Executive Manager for the ISH
Social Level: Informant

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

IC is up: http://www.iwakuroleplay.com/showthread.php?t=14325&p=385662#post385662

These summaries are designed to contain what happened in Act One, as well as the little details of the story we didn't place in the RP at the time, but wanted to.

So, to get a fuller, more accurate layout of the story, read the summaries. If you want more of an understanding of the characters' personalities and their thoughts, read the RP.

Chapter One

[SPOILI]Matthew Smith was traveling alone on foot on the empty streets of a free territory called Taylor. He was scavenging for items as he went, not paying attention as deeply as he should, armed with only a wrench. He entered a bad part of the block that was claimed by a small scavenger gang. Out of nowhere, someone hits him across the back of the head with a chunk of concrete, attempting to rob him. Although Matt was injured badly, he was able to knock the man out in order to escape. Feeling light-headed from the huge gash in his head, he continued on the best he could. But eventually, his injury took the best of him and he passed out - a picture of death.

Jocelyn Modine was preparing to leave the Free Territory of Sunlock after word rang out that a military convoy was heading their way - targeting Sunlock as their new controlled camp. Two months ago, she had befriended a small scavenger group who recently escaped from Camp 12, a military controlled territory camp - one of many the new, so called, nation was building in order to keep Survivor citizens safe from The Dogs. But, she's learned from them that those military camps were just as bad as a Pit Territory. Josie didn't want to have anything to do with that. She's had enough with the Dogs - any Dogs.

Terrance, Grant, Sarah, Melissa, and Justin were considered fugitives for escaping from Camp 12. They were running to avoid being shipped back into another one, and Josie went with them. Their destination was Freemont - a well established Free City Territory with no Dogs or military control. They ran with pure Democracy, and all those who disagreed with that were give the freedom to leave. That's how this territory ran itself - and fifteen years after the Governmental Fall, such Free City Territories, like Yellows, were the templates for a new generation of liberty.

Josie secured her bags to her 1998 Moped with a large grocery cart attached to it, and followed her group out of town. They reached Taylor territory several hours later and decided to stop for a break. The group split into two - Melissa & Justin headed one way to scavenge, Terrance soon followed; and Josie stayed with Grant & Sarah. Looking around the buildings nearby, she found a man on the ground and called her friends over to help. Silently, she claimed his boots were hers if he was dead.[/SPOILI]

Chapter Two

[SPOILI] The man was alive, so as Grant and Sarah checked on his injuries, Josie was told to move Grant's Harley Davidson bike over so they could put the injured man in the side car attached to it. Just when she was about to drive over, Terrance returned announcing that Melissa and Justin were dead and bandits were moving in. He jumped into the side car and they drove to where the others were, but found only the injured man. Grant and Sarah were gone.

Quickly, Terrance and Josie secured Matt in the side car and repacked essential supplies from all the motorcycles into two. As they were about to leave Terrance was struck in the chest with an arrow. Josie found herself standing off alone against three bandits. She grabbed the gun from Terrance's holster and squeezed off several bullets, killing the bowsmith and injuring another, but she ran out of bullets.

The injured bandit attacked, and she dropped the gun to pull out her machete, dodging and slicing open his gut. But the man was able to back slap her so hard, she fell back into a pile of rocks, wooden crates and trash. A shard of glass entered into her back on the right side. It was deep enough to hold, but not bad enough to do any major damage. Her machete flew from her hand when she fell, so she pulled out her fighting chain that was hooked in her belt and defended herself with it. The last bandit grabbed a hold of her from behind and pushed the glass shard deeper into her back, but she managed to get away. Finally, she was able to surprise the bandit by wrapping her chain around his neck to choke him to death.

After assessing her wounds, leaving a bit of the glass in her back by accident, and cursing her choice to save the guy now snoring in her side car, she drove off - heading towards Freemont.[/SPOILI]

Chapter Three

[SPOILI]After a few hours of travel, Josie was exhausted and suffering from her injuries. She decided to stop on the outskirts of the Haven, a Free Territory managed by an old existing Catholic church. She found an unoccupied house in one of the dead neighborhoods and set up to squat there for the night. She was able to roll her motorcycle inside through a hole in the side of the building. She covered the hole up with large pieces of wood, and a some tarps she had in order to conceal them and keep wild animals out.

She set a fire and warmed up some food, then attempted to clean up the cut in her back with no success. Giving up on that, she woke up Matt violently, still upset about her choice in saving him at the expense of the lives of her five friend. Out of spite, she was intending on ignoring the man and planning to wake up early in the morning to ditch him with a bag of supplies. But, even though her cold-heart wanted this man to suffer for the results of her actions, she still could not do what she wanted. She was taught to be better than that.

Matt woke up, taken the blanket and bedding she offered him with a thank you. He realized that the ones who took care of his wounds were dead, and that the girl that saved him from dying was upset. He gave her her space, but noticed that she was injured as well. His offer to help her was rejected, and then allowed. So, Matt helped her remove the rest of the embedded glass in her back and dress the area. This opened Josie's protective shield well enough to thank the man, which was a shock even to her, and break the ice for names. Soon, they fell asleep.

The next morning, Josie awoke with a rattlesnake in her face. She reached for her machete, but the snake tightened its coils preparing to strike. She could think of no way out of this. Just then, Matt woke up from a rough nightmare. He was stiff and his head ached, but he managed to get up without a problem. When Josie whispered out to him, that's when he noticed the snake. He slipped behind the snake and sunk a knife through its head. Josie rolled away at the last possible second, wishing the man choose a more guaranteed approach to the situation. But, instead of arguing about his tricky rescue, she thanked him for its success - awkwardly, and prepped the snake for its meat and hide for a later dinner.

Matt packed his things and asked her about plans. Josie had tossed the idea of ditching him, knowing its best to travel in numbers. And besides,, he was actually capable of things. She told him she was heading to Freemont, a huge city territory in the east which required several more hours of travel with only two outpost in between. She gave Matt Terrance's old supply bag and began to pack to leave. [/SPOILI]

Chapter Four

[SPOILI]To her disbelief, they were almost out of gas. They would have to enter the Haven in order to get some, which was easier said than done. Josie explained to Matt that the Haven has a unfair bartering system for travelers. You can trade things for supplies, like gas, but if you don't have what they want (which is usually the case), then you have to trade labor.

Sounds fair, but often times they are not interested in manual labor and will shun this in order to obtain pleasure services as a bartering offer. No matter what the case becomes, a traveler would end up staying in the Haven for days, even weeks, to pay off their debt for the supplies they've acquired. And many times, the Haven will keep them there - killing a traveler, or anyone, who dares to leave without consent.

The two entered the Haven and were lead to the Church, one that was being used as a barn mostly. It was nasty and not fit for anything else, but the leaders of the Haven resides there and the Church is considered the center of management. The three Haven leaders, Xavier, Diana, and Martin, entered and took their request. Xavier and Martin showed an interest to Josie, clearly attempting to take advantage of the fact that she had no labor skills worth utilizing in their territory. Matt offered his electrician skills, and Josie pushed her strong work ethics. Diana saw a need for both of them in the soup kitchen, and Xavier found an avenue to get what he wanted.

They left, feeling relieved about the work, but still fearful and pissed, and in Josie's case, disgusted for being looked upon like some animal. Matt expressed his anger about the men's behavior towards Josie, which shocked her to hear this stranger show that much concern for her well being. She understood his chivalry and actually appreciated it; slowly seeing him as a possible new friend to trust - a rarity in this era.[/SPOILI]

Chapter Five

[SPOILI]Matt and Josie headed to the soup kitchen, hiding their bike and entering to find Dibbs, the manager. Dibbs introduced Josie to Carol, an older lady around her 50's who was a dishwasher. Then Dibbs showed Matt the electrical issues with one of the conveyor belt dishwashers that's been out of commission for a month. As they worked, Carol and Josie began to talk as if they were old friends. Carol was so easy to chat with and held such a warmth is her demeanor that reminded Josie of happier times and old ways. Soon, Carol invited them to stay at her place for their duration in the Haven. Since most of her children are gone, except for the younger grands, and her husband is working in the fields; her home is very empty. They accept.

After work and a small dinner at the soup kitchen, they follow Carol to her home, an old farm house sitting on the outskirts of the Haven. Carol's grandchildren were there with a baby sitter, so Carol showed them to the barn where they would stay. She showed them where the shower was and where to wash their clothes. As Josie took care of the bike and prepared their area, Matt headed inside to shower. When he returned, Josie was taken back by how well Matt cleaned up, but tried to hide her surprise. The same thing happened when Josie had finished her shower as well. Both learned quickly that months of hard living camouflage years, as well as beauty, on a person. But they both didn't mention their thoughts.

They spent a portion of the night talking about themselves and asking the other questions. Matt spoke of the hatred he had for his mother, and his young brother, Danny, who he was searching for. He showed Josie a picture of him and she spoke of the possibility that he might have been kidnapped to be sold in the Trades. She told Matt that she would help him. She knew someone, Ace, in the city territory of Yellows who knew all about the Trades.

Matt asked how she knew so much about the territories and such. Josie spoke about her father's death, how he died trying to save her from being kidnapped. She was sent to the Trades and sold to one Pit territory as a pleasure slave. While there, she learned all she could about everything in order to stay alive, as well as to stay undamaged. When you are liked, you are treated far better. Once she learned ways to escape, she began to fight.
The Pit leaders there considered her too hostile and so they sent her back. The second time in the Trades, Ace, a Records Keeper at the time, noticed her and placed her in the list of names his group was rescuing. Turns out, he was a spy from the Yellows attempting to rescue children from the Trades.

Josie asked Matt a few more questions about his brother, hoping he could remember anything about the day he was kidnapped; that maybe there was a clue in there that could pinpoint a particular Pit Territory. Matt thanked her for helping him find his brother with a hug - a jester Josie's forgotten all about. Then, they headed for bed.[/SPOILI]

Chapter Six

[SPOILI]((Time passed, about two weeks between Chapter Five and Six. Matt and Josie have been working off their debt and were planning on cashing in so they could leave. But, things had changed unknowingly for them. The Haven was not going to allow them to leave.))

Carol was being held hostage in her home. Three dark cloaked men from the Church came to kidnap Josie. Carol was ordered to keep them in one spot, or else they would kill her husband who was not working in the fields, but was locked up in the dungeons underneath the Church's old catacombs. She did what she was told out of fear, and hid herself away as the men stormed the barn.

Matt had awaken from another one of his nightmares. Getting up to get a drink of water, he heard the commotion coming from the house. He looked out the window to see the three men heading towards the barn and a black car sitting in waiting. He realized then that everything was a set up. He woke Josie up just when two men rushed into the barn. The third man strolled in casually, like a leader with confidence.

Josie woke up and threw herself into the fight without taking a moment to assess the situation. Armed with steel-laced gloves and steel-toe boots, her attacker had her down before she could do any damage to him. Her attacker then teamed up with the second man against Matt to keep him busy, while their leader picked Josie up and carried her outside where the luxury sedan waited. Once the other men had Matt down, they all left out of there.

Matt limped his way back to the house to find Carol in a fit of apologies, offering a robe, weapons, access and other support to aid him in saving Josie. She told him about the Church's catacombs, and the old tombs where the Haven leaders have their private rooms. She knew Josie was taken there. But in so offering this information, she also added that her husband, Harrison, was also there - as a prisoner. Matt told her he will find her husband before he left on the bike. While he was gone, Carol began to pack up her family, preparing to leave when they returned.
[/SPOILI]

Chapter 7

[SPOILI]Josie is taken to the underground tombs beneath the church grounds. There, she's stripped of her clothing, except for her underwear, brutally washed and her wounds harshly treated; like being prepared for sacrifice. Then, she was given an epidural, which numbs the entire lower half of her body, making it impossible for her to walk or run. She's then dragged her limp body into a private room of some kind and left her on the floor for their leader, Xavier.

The Haven's figurehead leader intended to have her as his pleasure slave, keeping her drugged and locked up in his private room for his uses. His advance against her were spat at, which only amused him more. Knowing this former slave was a fighter, he began to beat her into submission.

Meanwhile, Matt made his way into the catacombs, finding Harrison, Carol's husband, in the dungeons. He released him and in gratitude, Harrison helped him find where Josie was located. They broke the door down, and Matt attacked Xavier before he was able to fully have his way with Josie. A threat upon his life was given, and the leader cackled at it, stating that he was more powerful than they knew and killing him would only mark them throughout the territories. Unmoved by this, Matt killed him in cold-blooded. He then collected Josie and spirited her way.

Josie was forced to see reality within herself. She thought she was tough enough to handle anything that came her way. But now, she's realizing that some things are just impossible to handle on her own. She fears having to always rely on others. But, if Matt wasn't here, she would have been lost forever. She's beginning to believe that the only person she can trust, who truly was concern for her, was Matt. She passed out in the motorcycle's side car as they rushed back to Harrison's home, finding Carol already packing up essentials for her, her husband, and the young couple.

Carol care for Josie's injuries while the two men continued packing. Harrison gave Matt his rifle, ammo, explosives, and a few other survival essentials he had extra on hand. Eventually, when things were secure and prepared for travel, Harrison and Carol took turns watching the house while the others rested. [/SPOILI]

Chapter 8

[SPOILI]Okay, Lost my notes on this chapter. Will add them in later, but basically Josie's all broken now; her confidence is lost. Carol helps her wash up and dress, giving her items from her daughter who passed - all of this as an offering for forgiveness for what she had done to Josie. Once she told Josie what she was up against, she forgave her - but felt she could never really trust her again.

They ended up going their separate ways. Josie and Matt heading to the Yellows where she believe she can find her old friend Ace who can help them find Danny. Harrison and Carol targeted Freemont.[/SPOILI]

Chapter 9

[SPOILI] Four days travel. They Matt and Josie stopped at two outpost for fuel, food and rest before reaching the outer circle community of the Yellows; the second largest free city territory. The first being Freemont.

[/SPOILI][SPOILI]
Circle A: The Slums of the Yellows - residential areas for stragglers, travelers who come to the Yellows for aid and support. People receive assistance, supplies, medical care, food and shelter, clothes... They continue on their way if they like, or stay and work their status up so they can gain approval from the Yellows to work towards becoming a citizen.

Circle B: The Workforce of the Yellows. These people have proven their worth to the Yellows and are members of their community, but not official citizens yet. They live in the fairly decent middle circle residences, and work either in one of the three circles as an aid, miners, factory workers, clerks, manufacturers... They work together to help keep the YEllows functioning and assist those in need.

Circle C: The most beautiful part of the territory. Once a well known city, it still looks and runs as if the Government Fall never happened. The high totem looks rich, but there are still plenty of ruins still visible to remind them all that they are still struggling. They all work together to keep the Yellows looking nice and functioning well, hoping to expand this luxury throughout each circle, and soon to stretch to the next territory. Collaborative Co-Existence is what they press - everyone working positively for a greater outcome for all. They all work for the overall welfare of the entire populace - there is no such thing as selfishness and greed here.

The tallest building still standing is the ISH Building - the Information Super Highway. The Informants are secret fighters who are willing to go the extra mile to protect everyone in all the territories. They do this by fighting with knowledge, information, learning about their enemies and using the information against them to topple down their sinful act against the weak. To the world, they are just an internet group, scientist, business management teams...but, underneath they are a highly skilled espionage operation ran by an unknown financier. Ace is the Operating manager of this facility, unknowingly to Josie, who only knows him as a former Records Keeper from the Trades who helped her and a few other children escape.[/SPOILI]

Chapter 10

[SPOILI] Ace remembered Josie right off the bat, calling her by her pet name, Jo. They gave her a wheelchair to use and Ace had someone escort them up to his penthouse suite on the 42nd floor. He set them up in his penthouse for their stay, since he had an extra wing with two suites and all the trimmings. His private wing and office sat on the other side of the penthouse and centered in between the two areas was the large living room, dining room, kitchen, den, library, and entertainment room; and a large balcony overlooking the entire city. Matt and Josie were impressed. Ace introduced them to his two assistance, Annie and Martin, who works with him 24/7 as his home managers and executive secretaries. They help him maintain the run on the company. [/SPOILI][SPOILI]

They all settled down to talk about the mission they wished for Ace to assist with. He collected everything Matt could tell him about his brother so he could send it to his research team downstairs. When Josie mentioned their escape from the Haven, he was shocked that they survived, stating that no one leaves the Haven alive; they were the first to do so and tell about it.

Ace explained that the Haven is a military protective Free Territory, but they act like a Pit. People trying to leave the Haven are usually found dead the next day. He's not sure what they're trying to hide, but the ISH has been trying to get more information from the inside without creating a fatal mistake. It's not easy. Somehow, the Haven is always one step ahead of the ISH. They weren't too happy to hear about the Haven's no escape policy, and began to worry about Harrison and Carol. They were both too old to defend themselves - did they survive?

Ace wanted to learn more about the Haven, but first he wanted to start working on Danny's case that night, and give the two time to rest after their difficult journey.

Martin showed them to the two suites in the penthouse for their use. He rolled Josie into one and left her there to show Matt the other room. Josie panicked, fearing the worst when she was alone. She called out to Matt who had already returned He wasn't planning on leaving her alone.[/SPOILI]

Chapter 11

[SPOILI]In the master bedroom, Matt helped Josie take off her top and unwrap her ribs so she could take a bath. It was an awkward moment, for both of them have a new impression of the other now, compared to when they first met. He left her to attend to herself, but also to maintain his control. Josie was rough around the edges, but is a beautiful woman all the same. Josie was going the same as she prepared for her bath, reminding her that they needed to stay focus on their goal. She bathed and then dressed, finding a cute blue dress in the bag Carol packed for her, along with other nice things that Josie hadn't had for herself in a long time. There was a pretty heart necklace and other items of jewelry that were nice to have for a nice place like the Yellows. She modeled them for a while, but decided to dress in a tee shirt and shorts. She called for Matt when she was done so he could help her re-wrap her ribs.

Matt was in the living room thinking about lots of things, but mainly Josie. When she called, he returned to the bedroom with a bunch of mixed up emotions. Josie knew he was struggling with something, but was too afraid to ask. She thanked him for saving her, and he turned it back around, thanking her for the same. He then promised they'll go shopping to get some new hiking boots for her, and then the unexpected happened... Well, it was probably expected, but neither one wanted to acknowledge it. But, Matt leaned over and placed a much wanted kiss on her lips - soft and innocent, only to apologize and head to the shower.

Josie was speechless... but wasn't sorry for his actions. With her lips still tingling from that one soft touch, she sat on the bed in a daze, realizing what her feelings were trying to tell her. She's been alone for so long, fighting against bad company only to return to loneliness once more. Matt was her purpose, and a shield for her to fight behind. Because of this, she didn't feel alone anymore. When Matt returned from his shower asking her a question she didn't hear, she answered with a single kiss - one that awakened more than just her tears. Matt leaned in more until he lowered her to the bed. They both wanted to move things slow, considering their situation, but they also were so content in their decision together than they allowed for their hearts to be quenched from their deeper anguishes.

That day they made love, one that was deep and meaningful at so many levels. They've devoted themselves to each other, and soon drifted off to sleep.[/SPOILI]

Chapter 12

[SPOILI]Matt woke up, took a shower and nudged Jessica before heading to the living room. Josie, sore beyond her expectations, decided to soak in a nice hot bath before putting on that blue dress Carol gave her. She sat with Matt in the living room until he decided to make them breakfast; which surprised Josie. When they were scavenging, she did all the cooking - beans, snakes, lizards, salmon, squirrel, dear... She had no clue Matt could cook, and he proved himself to be a chef with the omelettes he created.

Ace walked in with his good morning and information he'd found about Danny after another all-nighter. He handed the files to them, and hinted on a proposition for them before he left to take a shower. Josie started to go through the papers, eager to know something. Matt wasn't as eager and avoided the subject of his brother, which had Josie worried. She'd realized that Matt would act depressed every time Danny was mentioned, which gave the impression that he really didn't care about his little brother. But, she knew better, but was concern - did Matt feel guilty about this, blaming himself for Danny's kidnapping? Was he the cause of it? Matt kept bringing up the plans to go shopping after breakfast, but Josie talked him into waiting until Ace talked to them about Danny. He reluctantly agreed.

They playfully teased each other on the couch, waiting for Ace who walked in on them, happy to see Josie so content with someone. Well, Ace did learn that Danny was probably a few miles north of Freemont, in a small Pit Territory of an unknown name. There's a few spies in that area collecting information around there. In photos sent to him of various groups of children, Matt was able to spot Danny among them. The disheartening photos hurt them both - Josie was reminded of bad days, and Matt saw the poor condition his brother was being cared for. But he was alive.

Matt was upset and ready to rush after him, but Ace opened up the proposition he held for them - to have them train as ISH Operatives so they will be prepared to handle the Pits. Then, they can head out with everything they 'll need and the protection of the ISH. About three to five days of quick training, and they should be good to go. They agreed, but Josie was a little doubtful about what she can do. After that Haven incident, her confidence was shot all to hell. The idea of willingly returning to the Trades and Pits frightened her, but the training would help them a lot. So, she agreed, for Danny's sake. They decided to spend this one day together in town, and then begin their training the following day.

Ace gave them clearance to use his Bartering Credits to purchase what they wanted. They headed downstairs to the front desk to pick them up and get information about how to use them.
[SPOILI]
Bartering Credits:[/SPOILI]

Matt and Josie went shoe shopping, so Josie could snag a new pair of hikers, and they both found several pairs that could come in handy for comfort and durability. Both were overcome by how the Yellows seem to be like a world all on its own, with no notion of what the nation has become except for small recognition by the way their society had altered to continue to function. Still, it was like there had never been a Government Crash. Life here looked as normal as it use to be. Josie was beginning to feel spoiled by all of it, but she knew better. Matt noticed families walking along the street with children. It made him think about a family with Josie and Danny, and the idea of what he would do if Josie became pregnant. One time was usually all it took. Perhaps, they would be lucky. He was worried about traveling in the territories with her expecting - that would be dangerous.[/SPOILI]

Chapter 13 - TBA

Chapter 14 - TBA

Chapter 15- TBA

Chapter 16 - TBA

Chapter 17 - TBA

Chapter 18 - TBA

Chapter 19 - TBA

Chapter 20 - TBA

End of Act I Summary

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Hey Kronas...got some ideas here?

My thought was perhaps this church allows people to use or get supplies from them, but they have to put in an offering. Since money is not really a commodity anymore, they look towards supplies that are rare, services that are rare (like a plummer, an electrician - both are scares because there's not a lot of good water plumbing systems anymore, and electricity is hard to come by but possible to get.)

But if someone doesn't have supplies or services that they want, then the leaders of this church look towards manual labor - almost slavery, if you want to put it bluntly. People are forced to stay for weeks to work on rebuilding houses, plowing the land to grow gardens, digging wells and such like that.

But, if their urges are high and greedy, they'll force someone into physical slavery - for a night of a day - to pay for what they need. This is usually a last minute twist the church throws on travelers, knowing that once the deed is done, they will be greatly paid off to keep their mouths shut, and sent off their merry way.

Josie's heard stories about Haven, cause people will talk to help others avoid the place. They're not considered a Pit Territory because the people who want to live there are pretty much free to do what they want. It's the travelers going through this territory that the Church leaders tend to exploit.

If you have another idea, we can try that one or this one. I'd figured the more conflicts our charries go through, the more they'll realize they can trust each other.




I also have an idea, somewhere in their travels they get stuck in a storm with no good shelter, and another time they get attacked by wild tigers... or lions...or dogs...whatever... Other problems they have to go through. If you have some, get them listed. We can use everything we can.

Oh, also thought about them running into a new military sanctioned territory, one that was once a Pit Territory, but the military ended the Dog's reign and reestablished the territory under the new nation. IDK, just thinking...

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Great :) as the story progresses and the characters get closer thier should be some hard trials in their way. Lions aand tigers are too deady so to speak but wild dogs is a must. Also our characters seem to have a past or loss, someting that drives them forward on survival as my character his younger brother and your chari dad? not sure. The churh thing, i was thinking that in order to get the gas do the night by giving themself physically or i can help with the electrition and then we et the gass.

As for the strom that sounds great and eventually they could wake their way to a good place to shower, eat and sleep.

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Yea, the wild dogs make more sense. The nation is not in that bad of shape.


The church thing - Josie gets to see that Matt is worth keeping around after all. After realizing that there's just nothing they have that the church leaders will take in trade, one claims Josie for a night, which she refused...which lead to them having no other option but slavery. Matt then brings up the electrician skills he has, surprising Josie and clearing them out of any problems.

Oh, I say there's three leaders of the church - two male and one female. If you want to play one of them, be my guest!

He helps the local restaurant (which is a soup kitchen) with their electric problems, and a few other odd jobs. Josie helps out by washing dishes. The restaurant managers were so happy, they feed them and give them a good recommendation to the church.

So, they get their gas and some food to eat. Josie befriends one of the ladies who works at the soup kitchen, and that woman was kind enough to offer them a place for the night, to wash up and rest.

(A twist can happen here as well, or a chance for them to talk a bit - hinting on their histories and past. Josie was closer to her dad, and she hates her mom for leaving her like she did.)

The next day, they fill up and head out...or they deal with a twist that causes them to quickly fill up and rush out... depends on what happens.

The next outpost can be where another problem occurs. Ohhhh!!!!! They run into someone that Matt had a bad disagreeing with a while back. Maybe the person who is leader of the small bandit group that attacked him and Josie's group at the beginning! IDK, that can bring about some bad things for them... just a thought!

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Your ideas are amazing. Okay ill play one of the church leaders, and okay my character will help with the electricity and the other odd maual things. Basically our characters will be there for about a day or two before heading off. As in the twist what do you mean? Or to be exact, what do you want to happen?. Mabey one of our character overhear one of the leaders saying they want to kill us and eat us ( idk) or that they dont want us to leave. But mabey once of the leader dosent agree but keeps quiet and puts gas in the car, we sneak out early morning. And probubally scavange some things from the church.

As for meeting the guy, good idea. We can drive and stop to check our sourrounding when we spot them grabbing some items off a dead guy. And he'll be with the guy that tried to robb me we can either kill them or beat them and take their things dosent matter.

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Ohh, your twist is a good one too - minus the cannibalism... LOL! Maybe a few of the church members see them as a worthwhile investment. Matt's got skills, Josie's got skills, and they're both good to the eyes and strangers in this territory. The idea to use them as personal slaves to the church could come up, and they set out - perhaps to use capture them.

Ahhh, that would work because then my little twist idea would just slide right in!

The twist I had come up with was, after they had worked at the restaurant (for a few days) the lady Josie befriended (or she befriended Josie) allows them to stay at her place for their time there. (Giving our charries a chance to talk). The lady is working for the church, getting them in one place for their people to capture them.) And they are captured....

But, that night, one of the church members, maybe the woman, decides to release them and help them out by making sure they have plenty of gas, food, and other things like weapons and such. They sneak out that night and head to the next outpost.

Meanwhile, the next day, the church kills that woman and the two leaders left sends out their fighters to look for them. (That would be something our charries don't know about, and can turn up later in their story when things look really bad for them. IDK...that may be going too deep into another concept. )

Well, we can do the first idea and not have the church leaders hunt them down...

I'm about to post their entrance and introduction to the church leaders.

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Sounds nice and okay. Mabey they can come after us later but then thier might be some more challenges ahead

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Hey Kronas,

I'll be leaving out today, making deliveries and a few meetings with new clients. I have no clue when I'll be back, but you'll know when I do.

Oh, I thought it would be nice if the old man packed some explosives in their car, to use when they need it.

Later

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Nevermind, I'm still here....

I'm waiting for a client who just called... So, I have to wait on deliveries and such right now.

I'll be here for a while longer than I'd thought.

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Okay, here's the idea I had.

Since they're in the Yellows, I thought they should have a bit of time enjoying the city. But, all the while Ace is working around the clock to find Danny.
Meanwhile, the Haven has alerted their spies about them and sent their descriptions to the large Dog territories that hold favors with them. A high award has been placed on their heads for the murder of a church leader.

Ace finds a trace that leads to one of the small Dog territories. He doesn't want them to enter there unprepared, so he offers them a chance to train with the ISH as spies. So, they get a chance to learn a few new tricks, and get more supplies and new gadgets that will help them out in the wilds of the territories.

Then, they leave out - so, that gives them about a week in the Yellows. That would be a total of a week and three or four days passed since they've met - a good amount of time for healing too.

Heading towards the Dog territory that Danny is possibly at leads them to the more forest-like areas, rather than the desolate city-scape they started in. They run into a crazy thunderstorm that sends bolts of lightening down randomly, creating forest fires and such. They are forces to take shelter in a high cave in the mountains where the fires are not reaching. There, they end up fighting wild dogs that also took shelter in the save cave. Matt is attacked and Josie saves him.

Then, once they're on the move again, they are confronted by another Dog territory group who recognizes Matt. (This is where his conflict returns to him.) They attack them, capture them, and carry them off their route to their small pit territory. There, they have new conflicts to deal with, mostly with Matt and his dealings with the group who tried to recruit him. They try to escape so they can head towards where Danny is located.

But, one of the members of this small pit recalls seeing a bounty for them, so they're escape plan fails and the Dogs decide to take them back to the Haven so they can collect the reward. But, the small pit party is attacked by a larger pit party and they are taken there.


Now, I don't know if that is just starting to sound redundant, but perhaps we can just throw out the smaller dog territory and just say it's the larger one. Then, they try to take them back to the Haven, but another large dog party attacks them. They all fight for the prizes that are in possession, but decide to share in the bounty, each taking one.

If we want, depending on how long it takes for Josie and Matt to travel all that way, and the conflicts, if a month or so has passed, then we can throw in that Josie realizes that she's pregnant. If so, it has to be mentioned before they are separated, because then that makes getting them back together even more important. Yes, they need to get back so they can find Danny, but now there's another big reason.

Ohh, and it would be neat if Danny was actually in, or sold to, one of the big pit territories that one of them goes to. I can see possibly Josie finding him in the territory she's forced to go with, and she keeps him safe from harm while trying to figure out how to get them two out of there before they are given back to the Haven.

IDK, but anywho, I'm trying to also drum up invites for the second half of the story, and pushing to finish the summary of Act One. If you know people here, give them a shout about the story.

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Okay will do, Everything sounds great and ill ask some people to join

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Summaries are being posted for Act One.

If anyone is interested in this RP, Act Two will begin - soon. You are able to reserve a spot right now!

 

[Phi Chisym]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Kronas, do we want to go through any of the training, or hint on it?

I'm trying to play around with a small time line here, for other things, but I think they can anticipate training for five days, but it ends up lasting a week in a half.

The training I see them going through is fighting, weapons, explosives, survival, stealth and observation, record keeping and interrogations... They will learn how to handle the tech equipment that ISH has for them and stuff like that. We don't have to go through all of this, but the parts of the training that will be vital to actually RP wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll just stretch their growth together further. (Fighting, weapons, and learning the tech equipment are important). If you can thing of something else they need, then let me know.

The final test is the simulation, which is done on the outskirts of the Yellows, out in the remote desert-like area of the territory; beyond Circle A. They have a small makeshift pit territory area that they made and use for these test. Either they will kidnap their trainee and knock them out, place them in this area, and watch what happens. The residence of Circle B are employed to play the villains for the simulations. After they pass this, then Ace will send them on their way with a map and information about where they are going.

The training for Josie won't be too bad. Weapons are not a problem for her, so she'll do fine with that. It's the intense simulations that they have to go through that will get her. She's been through enough of the real thing already, and the simulations of being captured and tortured will only open up those mental wounds she's finally been able to suture due to Matt's presence. Of course, in those simulations, she'll be alone and vulnerable. So, that's where her weaknesses will get the better of her, but she's going to pass the test.

When they head out, that's when we'll work the other ideas we had with Matt and his secrets... They'll get to learn more about each other, and we can - hopefully - get Act 2 going...

 

[Vbx.n]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Yeah sure thing. We can mention the ISH tranning but no actually state it and then My character will breeze through the tranning fine since he's good with weapons and combat. But yeah i still looking for people.

 

[Rokku Hizori]

I'd be interested in joining as a Haven leader, though I'd like some more background on it?

 

[Phi Chisym]

@Rokku Hizori

​

Thank you for your interest.

Mostly, the Haven is a come-what-may creation. I saw a need, and made it. So, I haven't really put a lot of thought into them, but I'm notorious for brainstorms... So, guess what you get to read? A Brainstorm about Territories!


Basically, the typical Territories that have slowly been created are Free Territories. They are created by whoever just happens to be there who has the leadership to band a group together. They 'establish' themselves as a Territory. When others come their way, they let them know who they are and invite them to stay, if they so wish. Rules and laws are created, and eventually a Territory is born.

These Free Territories are open to all - a rough carcass of democracy is established in these areas. For the Military, who are working towards rebuilding the nation, this can become a problem. This is why the New Nation is attempting to break down these Free Territories and create Secured Camps for Survivors of the Government Fall. They can control the odd pimples of democracy and reestablish the type of layout they wish to instill. These Military Camps are shunned by Survivors, mainly because they run themselves like a Pit Territory; just another Big Dog taking advantage of, and running over the little pups.

The Military fear the large growth of Free Territories, because there is a pending revolt coming about against the New Nation establishment and their poor efforts in rebuilding.

Pit Territories are created easily enough. Someone bullies their way into leadership in a Free Territory. The larger Pit Territories were once smaller Pit Territories that were, eventually, found by the Haven and built up for the growth of more devious schemes.

The Haven is a Free Territory that is protected by the Military. The reason for that is because they are ran by a very old, and highly established Catholic Church. Their members, most who are still alive, have high tides with the old government - way before the Fall took place. They've reconnected with the New Nation and finagled their way into the center of their activity. So, the Haven is considered like a Military Camp, in a way, without being certified as such. They receive government funds to rebuild, rations and several other things, like internet and such, that most other Free Territories have to struggle to get.

But, what the Military doesn't know is that the Haven is not the sweet little Territory it assumes it is. They are playing their cards and gaining protection, only to play a higher stakes game with the Pit Territories in the Trades. Seeing more profit coming from human trafficking, slavery, and child labor, the Haven has set itself up as the secret manager of the Trades.

Free labor for anything, to rebuild cities, to scavenge for usable items, to farm and garden for foods, to run still existing factories and such, or to tantalize pleasures; people are kidnapped and sold to the Trade. The Trades are contracted by the larger Pit Territories to find the labors or heads that they need for various things, which they pay either with animals, supplies, surplus, or bartering credits. (I'll explain that later.)

The Haven is the secret ring leader of the Trades, and after (I believe) 10 to 15 or so years after The Fall, they have created five large Pit Territories that are ran by Dogs - the Slavemasters. They've become mighty powerful in their own right, but the Haven is considered their gods.

In the RP, the leader of the Haven, Xavier, has been murdered by an unknown traveler (Matt). The other two leaders (Martin and Diana) have send word to their Pit Territories about the fugitive and his lady friend (Josie). They have placed a mighty large reward on their heads for their capture - alive, of course. One of the leaders, , Martin (name can be changed), intends on finishing what Xavier did not. This is one of the problems that the two protagonist in the story has to face.

The other reason why the Haven wish to capture them is because of their little secret. No one leaves the Haven alive, because they don't want the Military to learn that they are the ones leading the Pits and the Trades. As of right now, no one knows that the Trades and the Pit Territories are connected to the Haven.



This is an open RP, so if you have any questions or ideas, post them here. As you can see from the previous postings, we've been just coming up with ideas as we've gone, but always keeping in focus what we want to develop and occur by the end of the first Act. All of it, in some sense, connects to the final Act and the deeper story plot. Well, we hope it does.

I'm trying to post all ideas and thoughts that are being used in this thing. So, if you get inspired for a twist, read up when you can and let's see if it will work.

 

[Jessica Stansell]

Re: It's a Dog Eat Dog World

Name: Yevett
Age:19
Gender: Female
Appearance: t-shirt, vest, and skirt reaching to her knees.
Social Level: Survivor, Former Spy
Personality: Kind but Serious
Strengths: Being a former spy, she is very skilled in tasks involving those areas of work on the inside, or the outside. She also carries with her the weapons that she had as a spy which consists of a barbed whip which she used to take her opposing enemies down and make them surrender and then another rope like whip that's retractable to tie them up with afterwards. She has great survival skills as well.
Weaknesses: Her greatest strength is also sometimes her greatest weakness.
History: She and her partner also a former spy and two years above her in age worked alongside one another for years sense she was 9 and her partner who was 11 for a secret spy organization set up within their school, a bording school which was also Yvett's and her partner's home up until the previous year just after the two of them graduated.
Possessions treasured: A letter of information she recieved a while back while in school but never could find out who sent it. Her only knowing from the letter that someone needed her and thinking they might still need her but has no leads where to start looking for the sender and a picture of her now deceased parents who were both in a horrible car accident and died on impact right after she became school age.

Montgomery
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Appearance: Has worn sunglasses everyday sense the middle of his 11th year of life. Has a button up shirt on most of the time and either black jeans, dark blue jeans, or khaki pants on.
Social Level: Survivor, Former spy, leader
Personality: Serious and strict most of the time. Kind some of the time.
Strengths: His combat skills, his brain, his aim, and his speed. He also carries the weapons he had when he was a spy which consist on a paint gun which admits a wild sting on every strike and stun guns that he has built into both his wrist cuffs.
Weaknesses: He has a minor short fuse when it comes to getting tasks that end up being personal for him or when others try to pry into objects of the matters that he considers his personal business.
History: Yevetts former spy partner and her best friend. Worked in the spy organization at their bording school with her.
Possessions treasured: A picture of his also deceased parents, a pic of his deceased uncle and the watch he got from him, a photo album and a video camera he got from his cousin (his uncle's son) before his cousin went off to fight in a war dispute over seas, and another picture of two kids who look like twins that he got when he was in 7th grade from the principal of his and Yevett's bording school that he still doesn't know a thing about but has the feeling the two twin children are waiting on him somewhere for some reason.