Humanity is losing the war.
Countless planets have been reduced to glass, billions are dead, and the Covenant continues its indiscriminate march into the heart of the UNSC. A war machine that cannot be stopped; a harbinger of our extinction. But hope prevails, defiant, and no matter the odds, no matter the cost humanity will fight to the bitter end for its right to exist. And so, congratulations. You have been selected by the Office of Naval Intelligence, having demonstrated great skill, cunning, a willingness to sacrifice for the good of humanity, and, most of all, luck. You stand now as the finest the UNSC has to offer. Men and women, soldiers, the very best of the elite. The chosen few. A decision that was not made lightly. Regardless of creed or background you will stand as pillars against the coming storm, protectors of Earth and all her colonies.
Handpicked by ONI Section III Special Tactics and Operations, you have summarily been reassigned to the UNSC Salt the Earth as the newest member of Quasar, an unorthodox battalion under the direct command of the Office of Naval Intelligence. It is expected of you to take upon yourself the duties deemed vital to the continued existence of mankind. Officially you do not exist. Standard procedure no longer has meaning. Your only goal is the success of the mission no matter the cost, and remember, failure was never an option.
Welcome to the BLACK Initiative.
Countless planets have been reduced to glass, billions are dead, and the Covenant continues its indiscriminate march into the heart of the UNSC. A war machine that cannot be stopped; a harbinger of our extinction. But hope prevails, defiant, and no matter the odds, no matter the cost humanity will fight to the bitter end for its right to exist. And so, congratulations. You have been selected by the Office of Naval Intelligence, having demonstrated great skill, cunning, a willingness to sacrifice for the good of humanity, and, most of all, luck. You stand now as the finest the UNSC has to offer. Men and women, soldiers, the very best of the elite. The chosen few. A decision that was not made lightly. Regardless of creed or background you will stand as pillars against the coming storm, protectors of Earth and all her colonies.
Handpicked by ONI Section III Special Tactics and Operations, you have summarily been reassigned to the UNSC Salt the Earth as the newest member of Quasar, an unorthodox battalion under the direct command of the Office of Naval Intelligence. It is expected of you to take upon yourself the duties deemed vital to the continued existence of mankind. Officially you do not exist. Standard procedure no longer has meaning. Your only goal is the success of the mission no matter the cost, and remember, failure was never an option.
Welcome to the BLACK Initiative.
This will be a short-term RP. You are a member of an ONI special operations task force aboard the UNSC
Salt the Earth, a Hades-class Stealth Frigate, and you will be undertaking suicidal missions deemed vital to the human war effort. Furthermore, Quasar is known for its unorthodox roster of men and women that are otherwise ill-suited for the norms of active military duty, including those discharged for severe infractions or various other reasons. Characters can be from any UNSC branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.), however, only active combat roles will be allowed unless otherwise stated. The Covenant will be the primary antagonist. The plot will be divided into several chapters with downtime in between each for character interactions. Each mission will have various objectives (and optional objectives) that need to be completed, but there will be no set or else predefined method to fulfill these goals in most instances. Teamwork will keep you alive, but do not expect to survive the trials presented to you. This is a story, not a game, so prioritize good writing as opposed to winning.
This RP takes place in an alternate universe shared with Halo: Trepidation.
• OP/Co-OP has final say. No exception.
• OP/Co-OP may deny any app for any reason.
• No God-modding or Meta-gaming unless given permission to do so. When in doubt, ask.
• No one-liners. Use correct grammar to the best of your abilities. Use paragraphs. No oddly coloured or obnoxious text. All posts must be legible and make sense.
• No arguing in the OOC.
• Must understand basic Halo lore. When in doubt, ask.
• Be active should you apply. Alternatively, do not post with such frequency that others cannot become involved. A three day grace period will be given before any inactive characters are forcibly moved along with the plot. Alert the OP or the OOC should you be gone for any extended period of time. Failure to do so will lead to character death.
• No Spartans. You are trained professionals, but you can and will die should the odds not be in your favor.
• Delete everything in parenthesis.
• Any and all UNSC branches are welcomed.
• Picture not required, however, any picture should be less than 400 pixels wide.
- Code: Select all
[blocktext][size=90][color=grey]FILED CLASSIFIED: LEVEL TS [RECIPIENT EYES ONLY]
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OR TRANSMISSION WILL RESULT IN FELONY PROSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 18 U.N.S.C.C.
[GATHERING, TRANSMITTING, OR LOSING RESTRICTED DEFENSE INFORMATION OR INVENTORY]
DOSSIER ID CODE: O3-404113-321390
[MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION IN ANY FORM WILL LEAD TO PERSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 14 U.N.S.C.C. 512][/color][/size][/blocktext]
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[floatright][list][img](INSERT IMAGE HERE)[/img][/list][/floatright]
[b]NAME:[/b] (Surname, Given Name)
[b]BIRTHPLACE:[/b]
[b]SEX:[/b]
[b]AGE/DoB:[/b]
[b]FAMILY:[/b]
[b]APPEARANCE:[/b] (Include Height and Weight)
[b]RANK:[/b] (Major or Lower)
[b]PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT:[/b]
[b]SPECIALTY:[/b]
[b]BDU DESIGN:[/b] (Include any personal customizations if applicable.)
[b]SKILLS:[/b] (Pros+ & Cons- / Strengths and Weaknesses)
[b]PSYCH EVALUATION:[/b]
[b]BIOGRAPHY:[/b] (Two Paragraph Minimum)
[b]RP EXAMPLE:[/b]
[size=50][color=firebrick]DO NOT REMOVE: Gillian-013[/color][/size]
FILED CLASSIFIED: LEVEL TS [RECIPIENT EYES ONLY]
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OR TRANSMISSION WILL RESULT IN FELONY PROSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 18 U.N.S.C.C.
[GATHERING, TRANSMITTING, OR LOSING RESTRICTED DEFENSE INFORMATION OR INVENTORY]
DOSSIER ID CODE: O3-404113-321390
[MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION IN ANY FORM WILL LEAD TO PERSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 14 U.N.S.C.C. 512]
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OR TRANSMISSION WILL RESULT IN FELONY PROSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 18 U.N.S.C.C.
[GATHERING, TRANSMITTING, OR LOSING RESTRICTED DEFENSE INFORMATION OR INVENTORY]
DOSSIER ID CODE: O3-404113-321390
[MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION IN ANY FORM WILL LEAD TO PERSECUTION UNDER PENAL CODE 14 U.N.S.C.C. 512]
NAME: Kotze, Ezekiel
BIRTHPLACE: New Llanelli, Brunel system
SEX: Male
AGE/DoB: 37 (11/21/2512)
FAMILY:
- • Kotze, Asher (Father, deceased)
• Kotze, Dinah (Mother, deceased)
• Kotze, Abraham (Brother, deceased)
• Kotze, Michael (Brother, deceased)
• Kotze, Isaac (Son, deceased)
• Llewellyn, Mariana (Wife, deceased)
APPEARANCE:
- Standing at 6'3'' (190.5cm) and weighing 207 pounds (93.9kg), Major Ezekiel Kotze is a formidable man with his presence alone. Face is long with a sharp jawline, dark eyes, and black hair shaved or else cut exceptionally short. Skin is dark and pockmarked after many years spent at war. Powerfully built.
RANK: Major
PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT:
- 13th Airborne Regiment, UNSC Army, New Llanelli
SPECIALTY: Gunner
BDU DESIGN: Standard
SKILLS:
- + Fearless
+ Tactical Leadership
+ Raw Physical Strength
- Accuracy
- Stubborn
PSYCH EVALUATION:
- Kotze displays a brilliant mind that is often distracted by the objective at hand. Not one to give into anger, however, he shows little compassion towards those who have failed to earn his respect and is often called ruthless. Expects results from subordinates and constantly pushes himself to set the example. Few close friends, but generally is considered outgoing or, at the very least, can hold a conversation with little trouble. Has developed a sincere hatred for the Covenant following the death of his family on New Llanelli, and on several occasions has gone above and beyond what was required in order to defeat the enemy.
BIOGRAPHY:
- Ezekiel was born the youngest of three brothers on November 21, 2512, on New Llanelli to Asher Kotze and his wife Dinah, immigrants from Estuary. An agrarian world, the family lived a simple existence as ranchers in the largest of the planet's three settlements, not wealthy but very much above the poverty line, the children having as normal a childhood as any other. Not much would change on New Llanelli following the start of the Human-Covenant War in 2525, the war being considered too distant an event to be of much relevance to the Inner Colonies. Regardless, in 2526 the ailing CMA division stationed on the planet would be disbanded and reconfigured into the UNSC. Looking to be something more than a farmhand, Ezekiel would enlist at the age of twenty and would spend the next decade working his way through the ranks of the UNSC Army, eventually receiving recommendation for officer training. A few months short of his thirtieth birthday he would be sent off-world to Tribute. It was during these few months that Ezekiel would see combat for the first time after the UNSC Leopard was boarded by Insurrectionist after intercepting a false S.O.S. broadcast. Caught unaware, the attackers would very nearly take the ship, however, Ezekiel would rally those around him and would successfully hold the bridge despite being outnumbered and outgunned, ultimately securing both the UNSC Leopard and the Insurrectionist freighter. Ezekiel was offered a position on Reach but would decline in favor of returning to his home planet. Not long after his return he would marry Mariana Llewellyn and would have a son, Isaac.
In 2546 the Covenant would stumble across New Llanelli. Despite having never engaged the Covenant firsthand, Ezekiel and the 13th Airborne Regiment would successfully defeat the invaders in several key skirmishes, including the destruction of a Covenant landing site that would prevent a full-scale invasion of the planet until reinforcements could arrive. Unfortunately that help would never come. UNSC ships could not win against the technologically superior Covenant and the planet would be glassed despite their best efforts. The 13th Airborne Regiment was among those evacuated but 1.4 million civilians, including Ezekiel's family, would be vaporized. There was no time to mourn his loss as the New Llanelli Army Division was quickly returned to combat only weeks later during the Battle of Imber. The 13th Airborne Regiment would again be responsible for several important victories, fighting street-to-street, room-to-room, and decimating the enemy with such ferocity that the Covenant would abandon the campaign entirely. A much needed success for the UNSC. For his part in the battle, Ezekiel was scouted by the Office of Naval Intelligence Section III and was later inducted into the BLACK Initiative as commander of Division Quasar. Many from the 13th Airborne Regiment would join him.
Ezekiel never forgave himself for the loss of his family, but has since turned his burning anger into a potent destructive force against the Covenant time and time again. Under his leadership, Quasar would survive encounters on Skopje and elsewhere, and would show considerable promise within ONISTO.
RP EXAMPLE:
DO NOT REMOVE: Gillian-013
Various roles exist within a squadron and specialties, although little more than a preference, serve to fill these roles.
• ASSAULT
Lethal at CQC. Utilizes shotguns, hand-to-hand, and melee to great effect. Disadvantaged at range.
• DEMOLITIONS
An explosives expert with a specialization as an anti-armor unit. Can level entire city blocks - or Covenant battalions - but suffers from poor mobility given their heavy equipment. Well trained in all manners of explosive ordnance including rocket launchers, C-7 Foaming Explosive, C-12 Damage Packs, and flamethrowers.
• CORPSMAN
A valued asset to any squadron. Can treat most wounds, abrasions, and burns until better medical care becomes available.
• GUNNER
An anti-infantry unit. Prefers automatic weapons with sustained bursts of fire such as the MA5B or M739 LMG.
• MARKSMAN
The designated marksman. Suited for mid-ranged combat and favoring the BR55 or M392 DMR.
• RECON
A lightweight pathfinder unit tasked with scouting, infiltration, and tasks requiring stealth.
• SNIPER
A precision marksman that often provides overwatch when not engaged with target assassination. Best utilized at
mid-to-long-range, and given the opportunity can easily disrupt enemy actions via the elimination of Covenant leaders or commanders. Disadvantaged in close-quarters.
• SOLDIER
Proficient in many areas but oftentimes failing to master any one skill. Are generally well rounded for most situations and can easily fulfill any vacant role as needed with some adequacy.
• SUPPORT
Carries the extra ammo, gear, and supplies while assisting in combat and non-combat related tasks. Otherwise is no different from the SOLDIER.
• TECHNICIAN
A catchall term for the squadron mechanic, software specialist, or engineer. MECHANICS are familiar with the upkeep and utilization of most wheeled or tracked vehicles and are typically excellent drivers. SOFTWARE SPECIALIST can work their way into most computer systems, human or Covenant, and generally trade intelligence for combat ability. ENGINEERS know how to build most anything with limited resources.
BLACK operatives utilize standard ODST armor and equipment with only slight cosmetic differences, the most notable being a darker camouflage pattern. Several variants exist for specialized roles and usage. Customization is allowed so long as armor integrity is not compromised.
• FLAK
Designed to aid soldiers in close-quarters, the left pauldron is replaced with a longer two-piece ballistic plate which offers increased protection to the arm and torso while in a firing stance. Plasma-based injury is also reduced somewhat. Originally designed for CQB, this variant has found increased popularity with demolition units. Left pauldron and chest plate are a deep red in colour by default.
• HAVERSACK
Additional rigging and compartments, as well as a substantially larger rucksack, give this armor variant an increased storage capacity in the field, however, this has necessitated the removal of several hardened plates which has left the armor more vulnerable in frontline operations. Used extensively by medics. Chest plate is a deep green with a medical cross displayed prominently on the left pauldron when used by corpsmen.
• RECON
Issued only to ONI operatives. A redesigned chest plate and helmet lower IR signatures at the cost of overall protectiveness. Shoulder pauldrons may be removed to allow for increased arm movement.
• SHARPSHOOTER
A lightweight design for use with designated marksmen. The right pauldron is shortened or removed entirely to allow for increased arm movement whereas an optional plate can replace the left for increased defense against counterattacks. Additional optics assist in target acquisition and elimination. Left pauldron and chest plate are blue.
• STANDARD
The basic ODST Battle Armor.
The UNSC Salt the Earth possesses a well stocked armory courtesy of the Office of Naval Intelligence.
RIFLES
SHOTGUNS
SNIPER RIFLES
SIDEARMS
HEAVY WEAPONS
EXPLOSIVES
MISC
Any important questions will be catalogued here for future reference.
Established in 2538, the BLACK Initiative is a clandestine venture headed by the Office of Naval Intelligence Section III Special Tactics and Operations (ONISTO). Focused primarily on unorthodox combat strategies, BLACK divisions are meant to function autonomously and in similar capacity to that of the Spartan-II soldiers, and are often deployed when SPECWARCOM assets are unavailable. BLACK divisions are given near limitless freedom to operate and are completely separate from the typical command hierarchy. They belong and answer only to ONI.
Operations include but are not limited to assassinations, counter-terrorism, espionage, and planetary defense.
• AURORA2538 - 2540
Lt. Remy Steyer
UNSC Boomerang
The first BLACK division. Would serve as the basis for all future endeavors undertaken by ONISTO. Sadly, the ship and all hands were lost while operating in the Outer Colonies in early 2540. Information concerning the fate and final whereabouts of Aurora remains classified.
• ECLIPSE2549 -
Cpt. Ethan Woods
UNSC Memento Mori
The newest BLACK division formed in the months following the Siege of Paris IV.
• NEBULA2548 -
Lt. Nick Fuller
UNSC Laguna
An interdiction force operating in the Outer Colonies. Has participated in few large engagements, however, was present during the Battle of Verent during which the planet was glassed.
• NOVA2545 -
2nd Lt. Taina Kohler
UNSC Spyglass
Predominantly a scouting unit, this division is most active behind enemy lines in a vein similar to the UNSC Prowler Corps. Indirectly responsible for the UNSC victory during the Battle of Imber after alerting ONI to Covenant fleet movements. This warning allowed the UNSC a rare tactical advantage. New Llanelli was also implicated as a potential target, but Imber was deemed the more important of the two, thus leaving the colony substantially undefended.
• PULSAR2542 - 2547
Maj. Thomas Deckman
UNSC Caledonia
The most effective BLACK division with a 95% success rate. Was disbanded shortly after the Battle of Skopje due to substantial losses. Has remained inactive to date.
• QUASAR2547 -
Maj. Ezekiel Kotze
UNSC Salt the Earth
Formed shortly after the Battle of Imber. Commanded by Major Ezekiel Kotze, a veteran to both Imber and New Llanelli, and having shown an aggressive determination that has proven effective against the Covenant on multiple occasions.
• SEYFERT2540 - 2545
Capt. Arnold Greenborough
UNSC Kingdom Come
/ / INFORMATION REDACTED / /
Ships of importance will be added as they are encountered.
HUMAN
• UNSC Salt the EarthHades-class Stealth Frigate
One of only a handful of Hades-class frigates constructed by the UEG (all of which fall under ONISTO jurisdiction) the UNSC Salt the Earth serves as the flagship of Quasar. State-of-the-art and designed to operate independently for long durations with minimum crew. Stealth Ablative Coating, ECM, and high maneuverability allows the ship and others like it to engage light tonnage Covenant vessels with a high degree of success.
Armament:• Magnetic Accelerator Cannon (MAC) x1
• Archer Missile Pods x35
• M910 Point-defense Guns x14
• HORNET Mines x28
• Shiva-class Nuclear Missile x4
Complement:• D77-TC/S Pelican x4
• AV-14 Attack VTOL Hornet x6
- Lima-789
- Lima-790
- Sierra-243
- Sierra-244
• M12 FAV Warthog (and Variants)
• M274 UL-ATV Mongoose
• M808B MBT Scorpion x2
• M850 MBT Grizzly x1
• SOEIV x14
• Clarion Spy Drone x4
• Class-3EH Lifepod Bumblebee x32
Layout• Armory
• Bridge
• Commons
• Crew Quarters A
• Crew Quarters B
• Cryogenics Bay A
• Cryogenics Bay B
• Cryogenics Bay C
• Engineering
• Gym
• Hangar
• Holding Cells
• Maintenance
• Medical Bay
• Recreation
• SOEIV Launch Bay A
• SOEIV Launch Bay B
• Storage
• UNSC What Was MissingSahara-class Heavy Prowler
A personal transport utilized by ONISTO leadership. Rarely seen outside Epsilon Eridani.
COVENANT
/ / INFORMATION REDACTED / /
Hostile encounters will be tracked here. Enemies will be marked by species, rank, and the number killed.
Unggoy (Grunt)
Kig-Yar (Jackal)
T'vaoan (Skirmisher)
Sangheili (Elite)
Jiralhanae (Brute)
Mgalekgolo (Hunter) x2
Huragok (Engineer) x1
GROUND VEHICLES
AERIAL VEHICLES
• CHAPTER 01: Avalon
• CHAPTER 02: Everest
• CHAPTER 03: Shards of Glass
• CHAPTER 04: Cargo
• CHAPTER 05: Oxygen
• CHAPTER 06: Infinite Spire
• CHAPTER 07: Burner of Faith
• CHAPTER 02: Everest
• CHAPTER 03: Shards of Glass
• CHAPTER 04: Cargo
• CHAPTER 05: Oxygen
• CHAPTER 06: Infinite Spire
• CHAPTER 07: Burner of Faith