New Olympus

I'm doing something a bit deeper this time - working strictly within the rules of a game. While Tyranix and Aquas were based in the MTG Multiverse, they didn't adhere to those rules very strictly. However, this past weekend I created a setting for the Technoir RPG, a fantastic new cyberpunk/noir RPG. The pdf is already available on DriveThruRPG, and the print version will be out sometime around September.


For those unaware (most of you), Transmissions (as settings are called in Technoir) have a fairly strict formula - they have to contain Connections (people that the players can call on for favors or information), Events (Things that happen before or during the story), Factions (large groups that have most of the power in the setting), Locations (places that are important to the setting), Objects (items that can play an important role in the story) and Threats (smaller groups that are likely to go up against the players directly). There have to be six of each of these because of the unique GM system, which essentially randomizes the story every time you play. You also have to give the Connections, Objects and Threats stats. I won't be showing the Events, Objects or the stats for the Connections and Threats here because this is what I would give the players, and that information would either be spoilers or unnecessary to them.

New Olympus

50 years ago, the first permanent Martian colony was founded. Today it has grown into a full metropolis, but it still relies on trade to survive.

Technology

Founded with the bleeding edge of transportation and environmental technology, New Olympus’s origins as a scientific base and center of trade has greatly influenced its growth. Today it is home to the largest spaceport in the solar system and the mass driver, the most efficient method of shipping cargo in existence.

Environment

Terraforming has done wonders on Mars - the air is breathable, though it is difficult, being roughly as thin as the tops of mountains on Earth. Individual buildings compensate by being individually pressurized, with airlocks at each door. The original dome that the first colonists lived in still stands, and provides the largest area of Earth-like atmosphere, though only the wealthy are able to live there.

Society

Almost everyone in New Olympus is employed by either Fortuna Shipping or M-Car Racing, leading to oppressive monopolies. The UN recognizes that it is slowly losing power, and responds by enacting stricter laws on the already bitter population. There is a prejudice against obvious cybernetics, primarily as a backlash against the Xenos subculture.

Connections

Alan “Hydra” Richter (Accountant in M-Car Racing, runs an illegal gambling ring)
Favors: Date, Shark
Objects: Specs, Stinger

Calc, Real name: Samantha Harris (Mysterious electronics dealer, only meets clients on the Net)
Favors: Fix (Cybernetics, External Computing, Drones)
Objects: Unknown

Dutch (ex-hitman)
Favors: Fence, Fix (Guns, Weapons, Armor, Gear)
Objects: Tengu Rifle, Kevlar Vest, Duster, Katana, Specs

Elsa Moon (Speed junkie, mechanic on an indie racing team)
Favors: Chop, Date
Objects: Switchblade, Cybereye, Cyberarm, Headjack, Jumpsuit, Kevlar Vest

Radek Song (ex-soldier arms dealer, works for Fortuna Shipping)
Favors: Date, Ride, Chop
Objects: Barker, Duster, Hauler, Kevlar Vest

Slaine Vasquez (weary doctor running a clinic)
Favors: Splice, Deal
Objects: Cyberlungs, Cyberhand (coated with synthesis), Medkit

Factions

Fortuna Shipping
Named after one of Hermes’ daughters, they control most of the spaceport.

UN
The government in charge of Mars, they are struggling to keep control

Red Faction
Rebels that wish to free Mars from UN control

M-Car Racing
The company that controls the racing - roughly equivalent to NASCAR

Bratva
Primarily Russian mafia

The Union
Desperately clinging to existence, they attempt to give the workers basic human rights but are thwarted by M-Car Racing and Fortuna Shipping at every turn, while the UN ignores all their requests

Locations

Atalanta Speedway

Spaceport

The Summit
Located at the peak of Olympus Mons, this exclusive resort caters to the rich and famous.

Chariots of the Gods Racing
The garage that Elsa works at, primarily servicing independent racing teams

A Rouge Awakening
A popular sports bar on the lower slopes of Olympus Mons

The Mass Driver
Located on the opposite side of Olympus Mons, the primary way of moving cargo to orbit

Threats

The Daredevils
Racing enthusiasts seeking all new thrills

The Gods of War
A street gang that is trying to become a major player

Jones’ team
A group of contract killers

Bratva Ruka
Elite enforcers that punish those who cross the Bratva

Osorya
A mysterious being that claims to be the protector of the poor and downtrodden

Xenos
Alien-obsessed, these people modify their bodies in drastic ways using cybernetics