The Year is 1908. President Theodore Roosevelt was in the last year of his term, and the American industrial future is uncertain. Strikes had occurred across the country, anarchism is growing rapidly, and fears of the dead talking have frightened Americans across the country. Women are trying to get their voice heard in the vote. Great skyscrapers have begun to get built, and automobiles have taken everyone by surprise. Scientific achievement is going faster than anyone expected, as atomic structure and biology is making new discoveries every year. The pinnacle of that scientific achievement has been the World’s Fair, attracting all to see the “Land of the Free” finally coming toe-to-toe with the powers of Europe.
This the end of the Gilded Age, the peak of American exceptionalism. It is also a time of great injustice. The streets are untrustworthy in the greatest of American cities as crime becomes more problematic. Corruption booms as the wealthy see their businesses attacked by American law, and politicians overlook their constitutional obligations.
You are the men and women who answer this exceptional call to deal justice, being extraordinary yourselves!
What this RP is about
This is a fictional version of Industrial America. The title is misleading… You guys are actually in the beginnings of the Progressive Era, but the Gilded Age was definitely at an end. You guys are playing superheroes in an imaginary 1908 version of New York. There will be historical figures involved, too!
What to Expect
Expect some of the NPCs to be occasionally cruel or derogatory. I will not throw actual historical insults or slurs, because we don’t need that. There will be historical politics, however, so don’t be alarmed when subjects like socialism, communism, suffrage, anarchism, etc. I will try to handle this with as much respect as I can. But you don’t need to worry too much, I’m the one staunch for historical accuracy.
General Rules
- No auto-hitting or god-modding.
- Please don’t be a lone wolf. This is a group RP. You’ll be left behind.
- Respect and obey GM decisions. I usually refrain from railroading. I actually like players demolishing my plot, because it allows me to play differently too.
- Respect TTV message board rules. Yes, there will be politics, but they will be shown in a historical light. Do not start political arguments of today, or I’ll kick you out of the RP.
- Metagaming is a big no.
- Respect others, please. This includes refraining from slurs. I get it’s a historic RP, but by Roosevelt’s mustache, be proper!
- Control your OWN characters. Dunno why this even needs to be a rule, but it apparently does!
- No PVP, please. That makes RPs awkward.
- Please only use one character at a time. If your character dies, you are free to make a new one.
- Alignment. Please try to stick to heroes and anti-heroes.
Character Building
This may come off as frightening to you, since this is a historic RP. Don’t be too scared. Don’t be afraid to play stereotypes of the day, like manly men, delicate Victorian women, magicians, spiritualists, etc. Just think of working class and American background. Maybe even ask grandparents or relatives about your ancestors of this day, and incorporate them here. And if you’re not from America? Excellent. The Progressive Era saw plenty of immigrants, so it’s completely reasonable to play someone from another country.
Think of an origin story, as well, for your powers. Don’t be afraid to use old fashioned superhero tropes, like radiation, magic, or even steam-punk elements. You could even play someone like a super detective, a cowboy, or a magician. You can make up atomic elements, science, and businesses! Fictionalize it.
I will ask all of you to stick to one superpower for the sake of simplicity for this RP. I don’t want anyone being more powerful than another.
If you are having trouble creating a character, don’t be afraid to ask me for help, or even historical input. My job as the GM is to assist your adventure, so come and ask me!
We all good? Cool. Here’s a character sheet:
-Name:
-Alias: (If you have one)
-Age:
-Sex:
-Home:
-Physical Features:
-Appearance:
-Accessories:
-Personality:
-Equipment and Gadgets:
-Power and/or abilities:
-Origin Story:
PLAYERS:
