Deep Water

Some of our KTDARPG storyies & plots come down to a single premise, usually supplied by our illustrious Game Master. At times that premise can get pretty deep. For example ...

Recently the in-game Fort River News published parts of the U.S. "Declaration of Independence." Now you have to admit, in this world where we play -- adults dead of a lethal virus; kids left alone to deal -- the concept of "all men are created equal" can be a bit of a puzzle. Our game-world has some pretty clear lines between haves & have-nots, slaves & masters, tribes & outcasts, independents & refugees. We've just survived 2 major "big bads" in the form of the all-controlling Brotherhood & then the death-dealing Anti-kids. It's only been about 2 years since the virus swept through & took out the old world. Just a few game-weeks ago, a 2nd virus was unleashed that could've wiped out the rest of the population. Now we bring in the concept of freedom?

This has set up 2 opposing camps & 2 distinct views of what freedom means. (And I really hope I capture these descriptions correctly. Someone from KTDARPG, let me know if I get it wrong, please!)

Camp # 1 -- The Cause of Freedom is what we might define as "responsible freedom" in the real world. Kinda like democracy -- freedom comes with responsibilities. The characters who subscribe to this belief (including West & Bishop) didn't want the old U.S. declaration to be published. They don't believe the game-world kids are prepared to understand & live with the responsibilities that come with being equal & free.

Camp # 2 -- This camp has the greatest number of adherents (including Pyro, Tom-F, Brena, Ishmael & Jade). Their Cause is total equality & total freedom. And "total" means total, including the freedom to live however you choose no matter how it affects others.

It's an interesting set-up. Some characters have interpretations that don't fit neatly into either of the 2 established camps duking it out for power. Just 1 example...rioters are on a rampage through the city questing for their own version of freedom & equality.

It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out. If nothing else, it's challenging as hell. Stay tuned for more as it develops. -Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"