On the arctic Perrigo Ice Shelf near Point Clairvaux, Judea, an isolated and secretive research station is conducted very dangerous work on an "Andromeda" viral strain - one that has no known cure or treatment. With a multinational team of scientists working in the midst of a frigid winter, the strain of working with such hostile agents about create undue stress. When a shipment of supplies fails to reach the station, however, the scientists begin to fret over whether or not something has happened. With a harsh, lengthy storm making communications (and escape) nigh impossible, the researchers become snowbound at the facility, becoming more paranoid about whether or not something has happened in the outside world. Soon, as supplies dwindle to critical levels, paranoia and suspicion spark full blown psychoses, as the individuals trapped in the "Arctic Hell" must do whatever it takes to survive the elements, the loss of supplies, and their desperate colleagues. But in a place where the very air you breathe could be deadly, the choice may soon because whether it's better to die on the outside... or on the inside.
Background
This is a continuation / reboot of the failed Andromeda Strain roleplay from the spring of 2010. As such, some elements will be kept in place, while others are retconned or "retrofitted" to suit the needs of the story.
Inspiration
Despite the references to The Andromeda Strain in the original roleplay, this one will have much more in common with suspense/horror films like John Carpenter's The Thing from 1983: suspicion and paranoia overtaking reason and calm when confronted by a hostile threat with no where to run or hide. Smaller hints from the mid-1990s viral flick Outbreak and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining will also be on display.
Themes
Isolation, loneliness, separation anxiety, and the fragile nature of the human condition will be explored in depth. Extra-political elements such as the value of human life versus the defense of the state will be touched upon sparingly, though this bird is by far a character-driven roleplay. As the story evolves and the characters become more desperate, the introspective nature of the themes will be replaced by the adaptability of man to survive by "whatever means necessary", and exploring whether or not a human life is worth the barbaric means these characters will be forced to take to stay alive.
Purpose
As with most stories/roleplays in these forums, the ultimate purpose is to have fun. We do this sort of thing because it's interesting to us, no? But in creating a backstory and really devoting time to this, I'm hoping to recruit some of the very best writers from the NationStates Roleplaying community to create one of the most developed, creative, and well-respected roleplays ever. When this roleplay concludes, I want people to look at the body of work that we've created and say "if that's not the best story ever created here on the forums, it's damn close!" I want people invested in this who are willing to set the gold standard for what a NationStates roleplay can accomplish.
Invitees
This roleplay is almost completely character driven, and in order to further the story and keep it going in the right direct, it's going to require some very, very talented writers. I don't mean to disparage anyone or any group that roleplays, but this storyline is going to be too fleshed out and too eloquent of a story to leave it open. At the same time, I wouldn't dare be precocious or snobbish enough to just plaster this story together by myself. So I want to open up this roleplay to a select group of roleplayers who share in my vision of creating the most incredible storyline possible. All writers are free to post their interest here or ask questions, but only a select group will be chosen. Those who are invited to participate will be notified by telegram on how to proceed. I'll start with as little as five, and probably accept as much as ten to participate. But there are a few guidelines to be followed:
1. The general framework of the story is linear and unchangeable!
While character development and interaction with other participants is highly encouraged, the basic themes of the roleplay are going to remain fairly constant. To elaborate, this is going to be a character driven RP, with limited use of national politics or themes in that particular vein. While the Azuran Government (the hosts of the station/the "OP") may make sporadic appearances discussing how to reach the station with relief aid, the majority of the RP is focused on life at the station itself. The research facility is a secret, collaborative project by a coalition of governments. There's no room for an entire nation to mobilize to come to their rescue, because they wouldn't be aware of it's existence, let alone its location.
2. OOC Comments in the forthcoming IC Forum will NOT be tolerated.
Too often, the flow of a good story is snapped by OOC comments, which generally draw more OOC comments, even when there's an OOC thread for just such a purpose! OOC comments that are made in the IC forum will be sought for deletion by a moderator. If the problem continues, the OP will reserve the right to ask you to stop participating!
Outside of those general parameters, pretty much anything else goes. We're limiting one, maybe two characters per nation that participates in this roleplay. With the framework in place and the general idea of how the story will progress, there's a lot of room for creativity and imagination on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. We'll also be working on how we want this story to reach its zenith. An IRC chat will likely be established to brainstorm ideas, and to help foster cooperation between the participants. Again, I thank everyone ahead of time for their interest and their hard work in creating one HELL of an RP!
- New Azura
Participants
01. New Azura
02. -- Vacant --
03. -- Vacant --
04. -- Vacant --
05. -- Vacant --
06. -- Vacant --
07. -- Vacant --
08. -- Vacant --
09. -- Vacant --
10. -- Vacant --
01. New Azura
02. -- Vacant --
03. -- Vacant --
04. -- Vacant --
05. -- Vacant --
06. -- Vacant --
07. -- Vacant --
08. -- Vacant --
09. -- Vacant --
10. -- Vacant --
Application for an Invitation:
Nation's Name:
Roleplay Example #1: [Insert Link Here]
Roleplay Example #2: [Insert Link Here]
Roleplay Example #3: [Insert Link Here]
Note:
If I know your writing level, or have worked with you in the past, you may be able to get by with only one or two examples, if that. Otherwise, all three examples should be filled out if possible. Invitations are NOT given out on a first come-first serve basis, but on the quality of the applicants. The OP reserves the right to choose whom he will!
