systemwide | STATE OF THE GAME: JUNE 2015

▶ MODPLOT WRAP UP: THE SACKING OF OLYMPUS

▼ THE DUST SETTLES

In mid-June, the Oracle provided a cryptic warning of Machine-initiated violence, including some peculiarly specific clues. Approximately one week later, a merchant envoy from Zion discovered that one of the newer human settlements was under massive attack by a heretofore unknown Machine faction, the REAPERS. They were immediately beset by unusual sensor and comms problems, revealing the REAPERS’ unique jamming technology. However, they discovered the Matrix pirate signal remained clear, and sent a distress call to the Zion Defense Grid by way of a single messenger, Kitty Jones. However, the call for help revealed yet more of the REAPERS’ technology: the girl fell into a coma shortly before her extraction.

The Zion Defense Grid arrived in Olympus two days later and engaged the enemy in combat, as well as performing rescue and relief operations for the human civilization. One day after that, the REAPERS’ anticipated central attack arrived: a truly massive robot designed to resemble a centipede, marked Harbinger. The combined efforts of the Zion Defense Grid and unexpected allies from other human settlements-- perhaps even undeclared Irkallan ships-- were able to stop Harbinger. The final battle took place on two fronts: first, the physical assault on the centipede body itself; second, the hacking of the complex reactive Matrix-simulation software bridge that functioned as Harbinger’s comms and controls.

The details of the battle’s conclusion remain fogged in chaos, thanks to ~~the fact we’re still RPing it~~ widespread jamming problems with shipboard electronics. What we do know, is that many lives were lost. The REAPERS not only destroyed much property and killed numerous humans, but also engaged in abductions. The ZDG craft, the Nidhoggr, was shot down among others. The battle ended on roughly June 25th, when the drones became extremely disorganized and the Harbinger itself experienced some type of catastrophic malfunction.

Debrief has been slow, and complicated by the number of injuries suffered by human personnel. All of those who attempted the hack of the Harbinger have been sliding in and out of episodes of massive exhaustion. Some have been able to wake up periodically to eat and use facilities, whereas others may have been hooked up to IVs to prevent dehydration and malnourishment. Fortunately, however, none are exhibiting the long-term neurological problems experienced by Kitty Jones. The exhaustion may last up until July 7th.

▼ FOUR-LEGGED BRAIN

The July continuation of the plot will involve a relatively straightforward task: the control apparatus, effectively the “brain” of the Harbinger, was apparently motorized and ejected toward the end of combat, scuttling off into the tunnels of the sewer. Though there is no guarantee the REAPERS have not already retrieved it, chances seem slim, given the number of human vessels in the area. The Zion Defense Grid is tasked to search and retrieve it.

This plot will consist of:
A network post/s, representing comms chatter during the search. This may provide a space for discussing and exploring the events of the recent plot
A log for the ship in the Real that locates the runaway control apparatus
We'll let you know more details on who will be doing what nearer to the time.

▶ HOUSEKEEPING

▼ APPLICATIONS

Applications will next open July 26. Going forward from there, we will keep applications open indefinitely rather than rotate through application periods. Due to our relatively low-traffic membership and lack of application period closure events to usher in new players, we feel this new format will work best for Systemwide.

The application page will detail out the specifics as to how this will work, but in short, we will attempt to get back to applications as they come within 5 days from their submission point. Revisions will also have a more relaxed deadline.

By extension, we will also be changing how reserves work. Reserves will also be open indefinitely, and will entitle a person to three weeks of time during which they can apply without competition. Once those three weeks expire and if they have not applied, their reserved character will be up for grabs once more.

Check back later during the month for the relevant pages being revised with these new practices.

▼ ACTIVITY CHECK AND NEW CHARACTERS

Effective immediately, we will be allowing new characters a free AC round.

What this means in relation to our new application system is that the new character is exempt from the first full week of AC they have coming up. If they apped during an AC period, they will be exempt from that one, and the next, in the interests of being fair.

▼ JUNE PLOT AND ACTIVITY CHECK

As the Sacking of Olympus plot continues to be backtagged, we want to encourage people to continue doing this and finishing their plans without feeling pressure. Therefore, we will be allowing people to submit threads that featured in mod plot posts for July's activity check. These threads cannot have been your AC for June's activity check.

The posts containing threads that can be used for July's AC are:
Sacking of Olympus: Merchants' Voyage
Sacking of Olympus: Harbinger Descends
Sacking of Olympus: 3x3

▶ KEY DATES

Activity Check: July 24-31
Test Drive: Currently Open
Reserves: Currently Open
Applications: Opens July 26 (11:59 PM, EST). As mentioned above, applications will remain open indefinitely.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Although heavy damages were taken by ships across the Zion Defense Grid, two vessels suffered especially severely. The Phoenix engaged in high proximity operations that led to its complete destruction. The Nidhoggr is grounded for 4-8 weeks for damage assessment and repairs.

Fortunately, the crews of both ships have survived and their fates are generally known through dispatches about the operation's losses. However, their respective Captains have left the city for reasons disclosed to the high command of the Grid and by their personal discretion.

In the meantime, members of both crews are still considered Zion Defense Grid personnel unless they specifically request to leave the force. The Phoenix crew is to be absorbed to staff other ships or to undertake other departments of duty (such as APU operation) as they prefer. Leadership of the Nidhoggr will be determined but has temporarily fallen to Cage, who served as First Officer for several years prior.

Please contact the mods with questions or concerns. You can reply to this comment!

STATE OF THE GAME: JUNE 2015

ADDENDUM: Phoenix and Nidhoggr