[This thread is ONLY for recruiting.]
If there are a lot of submissions here already, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. This season is not a first come, first serve styled application system.
Edit: Please only create an application for 1 character. Multiples will be ignored.
It's time for another role play season of XCOM. Before you get all excited and write up a crazy bio for a potential soldier, PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE RULES THAT HAVE BEEN METICULOUSLY CRAFTED so that you have the best chance of getting into this season.
The Time Line
1947 - An alien probe arrives in the Solar System. It arrives on Earth by July, scanning the surface from space for a few days before sending out a go-signal and crash landing on July 7th in Roswell, New Mexico in the United States. Its remnants are recovered by the US government and the event is covered up. Civilians are unaware of this occurrence.
2014 - An alien scout arrives on Earth and sets up an alien base in a remote location. It goes unnoticed and the scout calls for the rest of the fleet once the base is set up.
2015 - The fleet arrives in the Solar System, its advanced cloaking technology hiding it from being detected. On March 1st the first of the alien strikes is ordered in a civilian centre. The local military team sent in to investigate went silent. The XCOM Project is launched as one of the protocols set for these situations. Commanding this Project is Commander Odd and the project is financed by the Global Council. While an underground base is prepared, a squad of four XCOM soldiers is sent to investigate the site.
The Rules
1. Maximum of 1 journal entry per episode per character. This is quite a big change from previous seasons where you could write as many journals as you like. The reason for this change it to make things easier for people to follow (myself included) and to encourage creativity. Your post can be as long as the character limit allows. I'm hoping this inspires you to make each journal entry count!
2. The role play takes place in the X-COM Universe as laid out by the game. For sake of simplicity, this is the one and only Universe.
3. X-COM chooses the best and brightest people from around the world. You're not sure why, and you're not sure for what, but you've been chosen for something. And it's big.
4. You are a human being, aged 18-55, without special abilities or powers.
5. The only alien attacks that occur are the ones displayed in the game. They're small and fast, XCOM is the only first-response team that has experience by the time multiple strikes start to happen.
6. Previous seasons of X-COM have not occurred from a role play perspective.
7. Unless you apply to be Annette or one of the other three abductees rescued along the way, your character has not had contact with any aliens prior to joining X-COM.
8. If your signature is more than 200 pixels tall, your application will be ignored. Sounds like an odd request (see what I did there?) but it really helps to improve the readability of the journals.
9. All applications have to be submitted before 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013. I would encourage you to submit early and I may reach out if something is incorrect in your application.
10. You can apply for characters like Bradford, Shen, Vahlen, Zhang, Durand and the three abductees rescued in Furies. Keep in mind the restrictions that come with these characters and the backgrounds they might have. These type of characters cannot be played until they are introduced in the game itself, but the applications have to be in with all the others.
11. We also have Pilot Positions available. 1 Skyranger, and 5 Interceptor Pilots (One pilot for each continent).
Tips for your character
- Remember that Journal entries are personal. They cannot be read by other characters without your permission
- Be creative with your back story.
- Think about a profession you may have. X-COM chooses the best and brightest. You'll likely have some military training.
- Soldiers do not have access to lab specimens and equipment, if even the floor. There are windows and you can talk to scientists, but it is unlikely anyone will let you in.
- You are not a hacker and even if you were, breaking into the XCOM systems is practically impossible. An alien computer would likely be able to do it, but no human-alien computer interface exists.
- Do your research, if you are not sure about something ask someone or try to look it up. If you wonder if field medics (which supports really aren't, since they just know how to apply a med-spray) can perform medical procedures in the facility, you'll soon find the answer is no. They did not study medicine, they are trained as soldiers.
- Regarding other characters' journal entries: Perhaps your characters keeps to him/herself; the base is large and not everyone is social. Or perhaps you simply do not have the time to read it all.
Some VERY IMPORTANT Additional Notes
Your character has no choice when it comes to undergoing gene modding or MEC surgery. When you made your pledge, you signed your freedom away. You are subject to your Commander's whim, but keep in mind that this loyalty will also be rewarded.
MEC soldiers do not walk around the base in the big suits, just their default robotic limbs. These limbs are configured to act like normal limbs and cannot exert more force than a regular soldier. Being lifted into the suit means having these default limbs removed and being hooked up to the suit at these joints. Because of the Meld, controlling the robotic limbs and suit comes fairly naturally and shouldn't feel much unlike controlling normal limbs.
Gene modded soldiers aren't quite as visibly distinct from regular soldier as MECs. The only visible distinctions are the points where the tubes were attached. The orange pulses and glows, though appearing in the game as a visual distinction for gene modded soldier, are not something that should be considered reality. This also goes for the 'super jump' and 'combat rush'; they do not have a visual trigger, it just happens. The only gene mod that can visually represent itself is mimetic skin, which obviously can render a soldier nearly invisible when up against a large surface, which is something that can be used around the base in role play.
Psionic soldiers have no visual distinctions, they look just like normal soldiers. Their powers are entirely mentally based. The only instances in which psionics affect the physical is when an Ethereal uses Psi Lance or when Psionic Rift is used and even then, the power itself is not visible, only its effect is seen (as in, the physical damage being done). Of course, Gollop Devices are otherwise the only means of converting psionic power into physical effects.
Furthermore, it is advised your character needs his or her time to adjust to these new powers. For the powers themselves, psionic soldiers don't have the ability to read minds or communicate telepathically. The Uber Ethereal was able to communicate with the Volunteer for just that; he is über: the most experienced and powerful psionic being in the game. It would be impossible for someone new to psionics to be able to get a coherent message across.
You can always apply the powers your soldier has in the game to your fellow soldier, but be aware the consequences. Mind controlling someone on the base is basically signing yourself off; it doesn't last very long and the person being mind controlled is fully aware of this afterwards. This doesn't mean you can't do it, but it's strongly recommended you don't, should you want to keep your character in X-COM. There is no way of having soldiers go rogue in the game, so it will likely mean termination.
Finally, some of the things that will be taken into consideration when judging your application is spelling and grammar, creativity and your overall ability to make me say: "Wow, I want this soldier in my squad!".
Getting Started
Step 1.
Read all of the rules above.
Step 2.
Reply once to this thread with the following format:
First Name:
Last Name:
Gender: (Male or Female)
Biographical Synopsis: [This is where you start your backstory. You do not have to reveal everything if you intend to make it part of your journals, but "very little is known" is not enough. Make it count, soldier! This is where the approval process will come into play.]
Pledge: I have, on this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as an elite military soldier, in the X-COM special forces. I am giving myself, unconditionally, to the cause. I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as set forth by my supreme commander ChristopherOdd. I trust him with my life. And by taking this oath, I realize, I may ultimately lose something while defending the planetary systems. My life.
Step 3.
All entries will be reviewed by me and will be judged by personal preference before being approved and must be submitted before 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013. My favourite ones will get to come in first. This may seem subjective, and it kind of has to be. Unfortunately, not everyone will be approved, and hopefully that's okay. The previous seasons were first come, first serve, which also had it's issues. This will not be the last season of XCOM, so if you don't get in, please don't be discouraged.
Step 4.
Once approved you can participate in the roleplay, keeping mind there is a one entry per episode per person limit.
Step 5.
Have fun!
Final Remarks
Keep the deadline in mind! 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013
If there are a lot of submissions here already, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. This season is not a first come, first serve styled application system.
Edit: Please only create an application for 1 character. Multiples will be ignored.
It's time for another role play season of XCOM. Before you get all excited and write up a crazy bio for a potential soldier, PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE RULES THAT HAVE BEEN METICULOUSLY CRAFTED so that you have the best chance of getting into this season.
The Time Line
1947 - An alien probe arrives in the Solar System. It arrives on Earth by July, scanning the surface from space for a few days before sending out a go-signal and crash landing on July 7th in Roswell, New Mexico in the United States. Its remnants are recovered by the US government and the event is covered up. Civilians are unaware of this occurrence.
2014 - An alien scout arrives on Earth and sets up an alien base in a remote location. It goes unnoticed and the scout calls for the rest of the fleet once the base is set up.
2015 - The fleet arrives in the Solar System, its advanced cloaking technology hiding it from being detected. On March 1st the first of the alien strikes is ordered in a civilian centre. The local military team sent in to investigate went silent. The XCOM Project is launched as one of the protocols set for these situations. Commanding this Project is Commander Odd and the project is financed by the Global Council. While an underground base is prepared, a squad of four XCOM soldiers is sent to investigate the site.
The Rules
1. Maximum of 1 journal entry per episode per character. This is quite a big change from previous seasons where you could write as many journals as you like. The reason for this change it to make things easier for people to follow (myself included) and to encourage creativity. Your post can be as long as the character limit allows. I'm hoping this inspires you to make each journal entry count!
2. The role play takes place in the X-COM Universe as laid out by the game. For sake of simplicity, this is the one and only Universe.
3. X-COM chooses the best and brightest people from around the world. You're not sure why, and you're not sure for what, but you've been chosen for something. And it's big.
4. You are a human being, aged 18-55, without special abilities or powers.
5. The only alien attacks that occur are the ones displayed in the game. They're small and fast, XCOM is the only first-response team that has experience by the time multiple strikes start to happen.
6. Previous seasons of X-COM have not occurred from a role play perspective.
7. Unless you apply to be Annette or one of the other three abductees rescued along the way, your character has not had contact with any aliens prior to joining X-COM.
8. If your signature is more than 200 pixels tall, your application will be ignored. Sounds like an odd request (see what I did there?) but it really helps to improve the readability of the journals.
9. All applications have to be submitted before 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013. I would encourage you to submit early and I may reach out if something is incorrect in your application.
10. You can apply for characters like Bradford, Shen, Vahlen, Zhang, Durand and the three abductees rescued in Furies. Keep in mind the restrictions that come with these characters and the backgrounds they might have. These type of characters cannot be played until they are introduced in the game itself, but the applications have to be in with all the others.
11. We also have Pilot Positions available. 1 Skyranger, and 5 Interceptor Pilots (One pilot for each continent).
Tips for your character
- Remember that Journal entries are personal. They cannot be read by other characters without your permission
- Be creative with your back story.
- Think about a profession you may have. X-COM chooses the best and brightest. You'll likely have some military training.
- Soldiers do not have access to lab specimens and equipment, if even the floor. There are windows and you can talk to scientists, but it is unlikely anyone will let you in.
- You are not a hacker and even if you were, breaking into the XCOM systems is practically impossible. An alien computer would likely be able to do it, but no human-alien computer interface exists.
- Do your research, if you are not sure about something ask someone or try to look it up. If you wonder if field medics (which supports really aren't, since they just know how to apply a med-spray) can perform medical procedures in the facility, you'll soon find the answer is no. They did not study medicine, they are trained as soldiers.
- Regarding other characters' journal entries: Perhaps your characters keeps to him/herself; the base is large and not everyone is social. Or perhaps you simply do not have the time to read it all.
Some VERY IMPORTANT Additional Notes
Your character has no choice when it comes to undergoing gene modding or MEC surgery. When you made your pledge, you signed your freedom away. You are subject to your Commander's whim, but keep in mind that this loyalty will also be rewarded.
MEC soldiers do not walk around the base in the big suits, just their default robotic limbs. These limbs are configured to act like normal limbs and cannot exert more force than a regular soldier. Being lifted into the suit means having these default limbs removed and being hooked up to the suit at these joints. Because of the Meld, controlling the robotic limbs and suit comes fairly naturally and shouldn't feel much unlike controlling normal limbs.
Gene modded soldiers aren't quite as visibly distinct from regular soldier as MECs. The only visible distinctions are the points where the tubes were attached. The orange pulses and glows, though appearing in the game as a visual distinction for gene modded soldier, are not something that should be considered reality. This also goes for the 'super jump' and 'combat rush'; they do not have a visual trigger, it just happens. The only gene mod that can visually represent itself is mimetic skin, which obviously can render a soldier nearly invisible when up against a large surface, which is something that can be used around the base in role play.
Psionic soldiers have no visual distinctions, they look just like normal soldiers. Their powers are entirely mentally based. The only instances in which psionics affect the physical is when an Ethereal uses Psi Lance or when Psionic Rift is used and even then, the power itself is not visible, only its effect is seen (as in, the physical damage being done). Of course, Gollop Devices are otherwise the only means of converting psionic power into physical effects.
Furthermore, it is advised your character needs his or her time to adjust to these new powers. For the powers themselves, psionic soldiers don't have the ability to read minds or communicate telepathically. The Uber Ethereal was able to communicate with the Volunteer for just that; he is über: the most experienced and powerful psionic being in the game. It would be impossible for someone new to psionics to be able to get a coherent message across.
You can always apply the powers your soldier has in the game to your fellow soldier, but be aware the consequences. Mind controlling someone on the base is basically signing yourself off; it doesn't last very long and the person being mind controlled is fully aware of this afterwards. This doesn't mean you can't do it, but it's strongly recommended you don't, should you want to keep your character in X-COM. There is no way of having soldiers go rogue in the game, so it will likely mean termination.
Finally, some of the things that will be taken into consideration when judging your application is spelling and grammar, creativity and your overall ability to make me say: "Wow, I want this soldier in my squad!".
Getting Started
Step 1.
Read all of the rules above.
Step 2.
Reply once to this thread with the following format:
First Name:
Last Name:
Gender: (Male or Female)
Biographical Synopsis: [This is where you start your backstory. You do not have to reveal everything if you intend to make it part of your journals, but "very little is known" is not enough. Make it count, soldier! This is where the approval process will come into play.]
Pledge: I have, on this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as an elite military soldier, in the X-COM special forces. I am giving myself, unconditionally, to the cause. I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as set forth by my supreme commander ChristopherOdd. I trust him with my life. And by taking this oath, I realize, I may ultimately lose something while defending the planetary systems. My life.
Step 3.
All entries will be reviewed by me and will be judged by personal preference before being approved and must be submitted before 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013. My favourite ones will get to come in first. This may seem subjective, and it kind of has to be. Unfortunately, not everyone will be approved, and hopefully that's okay. The previous seasons were first come, first serve, which also had it's issues. This will not be the last season of XCOM, so if you don't get in, please don't be discouraged.
Step 4.
Once approved you can participate in the roleplay, keeping mind there is a one entry per episode per person limit.
Step 5.
Have fun!
Final Remarks
Keep the deadline in mind! 8PM EST on Saturday the 14th of December 2013
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