[The year is 2035. LtB is a futuristic, urban roleplay set in the Walden Imperium following an economic crash that was brought on by incessantly growing Internet technology and consumerism.]
Prior to the collapse, the Walden Imperium stood as a paragon of affluence during the years following the establishment of the Internet of Everything by the Federal Security System. Technology became easily accessible, became prolific, and almost every accessory became an Internet connected device. Through use of the innovative Internet-of-Everything products, evocative advertisement sparked the age of the consumer. During that time, increasing amounts of capital were spent on non-essential goods until everyday life became governed by the glitz of advertisement. Whether it was on the billboard-TVs lining the street, the consumer surveys required for supermarket purchases, or the logos on every drinking cup, advertisement changed the way society ultimately functioned until rampant spending and a lack of privacy became the norm.
Neither the public nor the government predicted the neurological consequences from the advertising. The incessant stream of stimulus affected the brains of each person differently, but the underlying malady was cognitive overload. Some individuals suffered comparatively minor symptoms -- memory loss, anxiety, sensations of paranoid -- and continued on with life relatively undisturbed. Others, however, began to hallucinate, disassociated with reality, developed severe phobias, or symptoms of severe psychological disorders. To escape the pain and disorientation, some that developed symptoms ended their lives. While the onset of the diseases was potentially fatal, those that endured the neurosis gradually discovered strange benefits to their illness. Many also developed a 6th sense, had premonitions, became exceptionally gifted in one area, or a number of other almost 'supernatural' traits. Regardless of how fantastic the idea of 'superpowers' seemed, those with these gifts are regarded as severely mentally ill and there are those who believe they should be sent to an asylum of some sort.
Just as suddenly as the consumerism began, the affluent lifestyles and overspending were brought to an end by the abrupt economic collapse. Electronic credit and paper money became worthless, resulting in widespread panic and anarchy. In the poorest and most dangerous parts of the Walden Imperium, billboard-TVs were ripped from their mountings (remnant debris still litters the streets), advertisements were defaced or destroyed, and opposition grew toward the government that allowed this to happen.
Now, the year is 2035 and the world has entered an era of post-consumerism. The Walden Imperium faces whispers of revolution and distrust for the government (FSS), meanwhile the diseased citizens has been met with prejudice and opposition and this hate has acted as a scapegoat from old government blame. Most of these powers are seen as psychological diseases because of the harm (inadvertent or otherwise) the often uncontrolled abilities have caused. The advent of superhuman abilities in conjunction with the socioeconomic situation has brought the atmosphere of the already tenuous Walden Imperium to a boil.
Distrust toward the Federal Security System continues and a new economy of barter has taken over the old credit or cash money system. Revolution is on the rise and the truth is buried in cloak-and-dagger tactics between government and enterprise. Life in the Walden Imperium has become one of the blind leading the blind.
SETTING
Leading the blind takes place in the so called Walden Imperium. The government is called the FSS (fundamental security service), which started out as a company pretending to strive for absolute security among the public.
The Walden Imperium is split into two main parts:
Downtown An area that is marked by shabby and abandoned streets, prostitutes decorate the curb and here and there might a crime take place. The middle-class and lower class tend to reside here. If your character does not belong to a wealthier family and only to the normality, they’ll most likely be found here.
Various places are scattered about,
such as restaurants,
bars,
and clubs, of which one owns
Kusy DeFleur, the so called Cathole.
If you wish to start an own business with your character here, just let us know with a PM.
and
UptownIt is the part of town known for its loyalty to the government, gated communities, and adherence to the credit-money economy. Wealthy individuals tend to come from this area. It is a save place for those who own more money and is usually spared from riots or similar events. A comparably peaceful place to live.
There are various places to hang out, such as the various renowned clubs full of snobs,
the cinema,
restaurants for the wealthier part of the population who do not fear expenses,
Kathy’s mall which is a simple shopping mall
and the Erhabenheit Garden, a beautiful park with a variety of vegetation.
If you wish to start an own business with your character here, just let us know with a PM.
All the information can also be found by hovering over the board images
