a mature dc comics au rp coming to jcink, set in an alternate, neofuturistic/neo noir/y2k version of the year 2000. dedicated to cinephiles; inspired by films like minority report, the matrix trilogy, fight club, the cell, ghost in the shell, dark city, a.i., etc. follow.
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The staff would like to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone for your excitement, your kindness and for showing us just a glimpse of your creativity during this buzz period. You guys were no small part in helping us get to this moment, and the hype you've helped generate has brought on a better response than anticipated. We cannot wait to see where things go from here!
Before you begin, be sure to read about our FIRST CHAPTER taking place from December 31, 1999 to January 31, 2000. From there, read through our GUIDEBOOK and familiarize yourself with our unique world. Lastly, if you haven’t already, join our DISCORD for certain site elements and updates.
Overall, we strive to build a strong community and we cannot wait to create magic together.
Now, the countdown has finally reached zero. Welcome everyone officially to ZEROTONIN.
Now a year since the Mutant Registration Act (MRA) is passed by the 101st United States Congress and signed by President George H. W. Bush, demanding the mandatory identification and registration of all Mutants, we're dragged—without warning—into a complex conflict and introduced to varied kinds of people, striving to survive this new world order. It’s here where new paths are travelled—and new stories are told—but with a longing for a familiar past, away from the harrowing truth of change and evolution. Walk with us.
SUNDRY RETURNS SOON.
Old friends accept this invitation and join us on Discord for more information regarding our semi-private relaunch in the next few days.
Through day and night, the monsters seek to feast; restless and famished. Their metropolitan’s flesh rots, and like hyenas, they mass around its carcass, tearing its meat from bone. Those without teeth, too, stay close; as flies, they crawl over its bricked skin, drawn by the stench. In Gotham, melancholia gives feed, replenishment, strength, and turns the monsters into gods.
Akin to the mythic pantheon, they rule the kingdom built by powerful predecessors, whose goal was once to purge the city of its flourishing sin. Now, said forefathers’ corruption roots deep through the concrete, leaving the fractures permanent, and allowing for the river Styx to carry all the city’s wandering souls to the potent underworld. Awaiting them first: the gods of crime.
➔ WANTED:
Carmine Falcone (early 50s to early 60s) - The king of Gotham City’s crime—specifically its organized crime—due to his family’s endless supply of accumulated money, and their long history within Gotham and its underbelly. The most powerful mafia in America (reference: the infamous Five Families of New York/New Jersey), with activities ranging through racketeering, murder, labor union infiltration, extortion, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, loansharking, bookmaking, truck hijacking, fraud, prostitution, pornography, bribery, and assault. As the government seeks to keep the borders of Gotham closed and the rest of their New America protected from the city’s unfathomable dangers, it’s primarily through Carmine Falcone that they pour drugs into the streets, increasing addiction and poverty, and making it impossible to escape the underworld to potentially “pollute” the city’s neighbors. Perhaps some historical ties can be made, connecting the Falcone’s money to the corrupt Arkham Asylum, helping to fund its inhumane practices.
FACE IDEAS: Bobby Cannavale, Christian Bale, Sam Rockwell, Mark Ruffalo
Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot/Penguin (late 30s to early 40s) - Second to Carmine Falcone and his family, Oswald Cobblepot helps to keep Gotham’s crime robust as one of its primary gangsters. Though his history isn’t nearly as long, he seeks to challenge for the Gotham throne and usher in a new era of crime. His main source of income is through drug trafficking, a practice which he keeps hidden in plain sight with his popular electronica nightclub: “Iceberg Lounge”, where methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy are routinely sold. Anything else can be built from there, but generally seeking a younger, hungry crime boss, waiting for the opportunity to reign. Though he’s traditionally depicted as short and fat like a penguin, you do not have to depict him so literally, if you do not choose to (visually, I imagine character actors who have a bird-like appearance, but would be cool enough to own a rave club).
FACE IDEAS: Brian Tyree Henry, Adam Driver, Tom Hardy, Jake Gyllenhaal
Roman Sionis/Black Mask (mid to late 30s) - No one is as sadistic, ruthless and cold as Roman Sionis, making him one of the most feared men in Gotham. Born among Gotham’s wealthiest families, neglect helped nurture his cruel nature and psychological issues, and thus he grew to create a family of his own to help dole out brutal punishment. There is a connection to the Wayne family that could be explored here, as well as a potential adversarial relationship with Selina Kyle that can delve into more mature subject matter involving Selina’s history with sex work, and some intense, fresh stories with established, claimed heavy hitters like Harvey Dent. He is quite violent, with a lust for extreme torture, especially inflicting it upon the face of helpless victims, demonstrating their weakness versus his resilience. If you’re a fan of horror or true crime, these macabre, grisly aspects may attract you. Additionally, like Oz, he seeks to take the throne as the ruler of the crime world, by any means necessary, what with his control and power trip. For more, check out this ad.
FACE IDEAS: Christopher Abbott, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Daniel Kaluuya, Penn Badgley
Then, came the monsters. As Arkham Asylum’s secrets are drawn to light, many are trawled through the blackest hole, altering their being.
➔ WANTED:
Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow (early to mid 30s) - With Jonathan Crane, there’s a massive opportunity here to play on the panic, hysteria and pandemonium surrounding the new awareness of aliens, the pending invasion, the rise of supernatural beings and the out of control nature of Gotham’s crime, rooted in the inhumane practices within Arkham Asylum. Fear is at an all time high, so Scarecrow entering to exploit it offers a wealth of writing opportunities. I won’t go into his history here since I feel like it’s open for anyone to reinterpret, but he is definitely a must have.
FACE IDEAS: Bill Skarsgard, Lakeith Stanfield, Karl Glusman, Austin Butler
Edward Nygma/Riddler (early to late 30s) - I feel as though Edward Nygma is someone who is discreetly the man in possession of all the cards in Gotham; highly intelligent, aware of several well kept secrets, stirring the proverbial pot. Us at ZEROTONIN also imagine some sort of relationship with Carmine Falcone that keeps Edward protected, meanwhile Edward puppeteers all the other criminals in Gotham.
FACE IDEAS: Nicholas Hoult, Riz Ahmed, Andrew Garfield, Caleb Landry Jones
Victor Fries/Mister Freeze (early to mid 40s) - A little under-represented outside of the comics, Victor’s story is so tragic and human, which makes him one of the best villains. There’s a connection we can make here from what happened to his wife to what’s been going on in Arkham, that would make for a really compelling story and diversify our villains in terms of their psychosis and motivations.
FACE IDEAS: Jeremy Strong, Mahershala Ali, James McAvoy, Rami Malek
Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy (late 20s to early 30s) - A botanist, Dr. Pamela Isley endured notable torture and abuse at the hands of powerful men who seek to use her research to help fuel their cruel intentions, which shaped her into vicious, volatile woman. Kindred with plants, which mankind continues to pervert and destroy as technology takes precedence, she seeks to reclaim power and return Earth to its primordial state, without man’s pollution. With two out of the three Gotham City Sirens roles filled, this is who I’m hoping for the most so we can get the whole girl gang on the Gotham streets and really explore a strong unit of misunderstood, powerful women.
FACE IDEAS: Sonoya Mizuno, Dakota Johnson, Zazie Beetz, Riley Keough
Generally, these characters are pretty open beyond the in-game backgrounds; feel free to build a deeper history in conjunction with the history of Gotham or our version of America. You also don’t have to be a DC Comics aficionado to respond to any of these; we welcome creativity and unique interpretations here. So please, expand the city of Gotham and our world of ZEROTONIN, and have fun with it. In closing, I suck at wanted ads, so I apologize if this is chaotic gjgfjfgg, I’ll offer much more clarity in real time conversation. If you wanna talk about any of these characters, please don’t be scared to hit me up on Discord, I don’t bite! Mariah.#5249
I am looking for Roman Sionis, Black Mask, Gotham Royalty and total villainous gangster, to be Jason Todd’s worst nightmare and regular employer on Zerotonin! In this Canon Divergent world, Jason Todd was never taken in by Bruce or the Batman, and has spent his time in Crime Alley, trying to get by.
He’s done petty crime, he’s done worse, and he’s trying to get a handle on becoming RedHood. I’d love for Roman to come along and really screw with all of that. How, you may ask, is Roman going to do that? I have a few ideas. One, is that Jason is gainfully employed by Roman for a variety of services, and that RedHood potentially starts as a part of the False Face Society.
The other is that Red Hood is a pain in Roman’s ass, while Roman is a pain in Jason’s. Honestly, there’s a few routes we could go, but I’d love to see these two have it out.
Some face ideas were Finn Wittrock to keep with the age range of the Divergence, but its always up for debate. If this sounds like something you might want to chat through, feel free to add me on discord. TheSpinachKing#7777
I’d love to change the world / Blood In the Cut / Sunflower / Beggin’ / Criminals / Twisted / Nightcall / Kill For You / Woke The F*ck Up / Obsessions / Way Down We Go / Ain’t Scared Of Nothin’
By the grace of Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hestia, and Aphrodite, the reincarnated souls of women slain by men are rescued from the miserable void they inhabited for millennia; unable to cross for even Hell did not know what to do with them. They are called forth by the goddesses, into the loving embrace of fellow women, and imbued with new life. Thus became the Amazons, granted immortality, great physical strength, and highly acute senses.
But, of course, no man can bear the thought of such women. Not even gods. Ares and Heracles themselves, looked upon so fondly by history, but so pathetic in actuality, were so threatened that they sank to the lows of mortal men, ravaging the Amazons and enslaving their race. So furious were the Amazons, to be subjected to the brutality of men once more, that they lied to Athena, promising grace and kindness if only their chains could be broken, but instead turning upon their captors at the first instant they were freed, letting blessed blood rain on the land they would come to rebuild upon.
The Amazons have lived hundreds of thousands of tortured lives; but on Themyscira, their new Paradise Island, they may heal. Guarded by Aphrodite’s Law, in which no man may ever set foot on their island, they rest easy, nurturing new life from the blood soaked land of their utopia.
But not all are content with paradise. Not even its princess, and certainly not the sorceress, Circe, who bends discontentment to her will. With the princess gone, she razes her own hell on Themyscira—because when it comes to fury, no one does it quite like a woman.
Only a few make it out; the others are slaughtered or once again enslaved. Nubia leads the group to Man’s World, in part to find their long-lost sisters, the Amazons of Bana-Mighdall, and the other to find Themyscira’s successor—uncertain as they all are, as to who now remains on the island.
face suggestions: florence pugh, lily collins, saoirse ronan, jodie comer, samara weaving, phoebe dynevor, freya mavor, elizabeth gillies, lily james, elizabeth debicki or your own! i am not fussed about the face at all—use who you’re feeling.
(obligatory note: she will get a better, more articulate wanted ad when the site opens if she hasn’t been picked up—but might as well…)
My Own Worst Enemy- Lit ⌇ Semi Charmed Life- Third Eye Blind ⌇ Peaches- Presidents Of The United States Of America ⌇ Alright- Supergrass ⌇ Steal My Sunshine- Len ⌇ Drinking in L.A.- Bran Van 3000 ⌇ Every Morning- Sugar Ray ⌇ Here In Your Bedroom- Goldfinger ⌇ Song 2- Blur ⌇ Dammit- Blink 182 ⌇ Party Up- DMX ⌇ Brass Monkey- Beastie Boys
favorite dc characters: bruce wayne, barbara gordon, jimbo gordon, both clowns, victor fries, all of the gross rogue gallery folks tbh
favorite faces: mads mikkelsen, viggo mortensen, javier bardem, lupita nyong’o, tom hardy, noomi rapace, lena headey, mahershala ali, vincent cassel, benjamin clementine, aubrey plaza, so many
favorite writing tropes: deadly cat and mouse games, friends turned enemies, power struggles
favorite 90s movie: la haine
favorite song from year 1999/2000: hey boy hey girl
what are you most looking forward to on ZEROTONIN: i want angst, i want drama, i want hacking into the mainframe, i want hostile holograms, i want it all gimmey
a gif or image from the 90s that best represents you:
Volcano Girls- Veruca Salt ✦ Cannonball- The Breeders ✦ Deceptacon- Le Tigre ✦ Feed The Tree- Belly ✦ Supervixen- Garbage ✦ Petals- Hole ✦ I Wanna Be Adored- The Stone Roses ✦ When The Sun Hits- Slowdive ✦ This Mess We’re In- PJ Harvey, Thom Yorke ✦ You Could Make A Killing- Aimee Mann ✦ Glory Box- Portishead ✦ Teardrop- Massive Attack ✦ Sugar Water- Cibo Matto ✦ Hunter- Bjork ✦ Firestarter- The Prodigy ✦ Alberto Balsam- Aphex Twin
SECURITY/CRIME
Artificial intelligence, making great leaps and bounds in only a matter of years, was first embraced by the security sector. With crime deterrence becoming part of a growing political agenda, artificial intelligence was positioned to fight crime before it even occurred. That meant the proliferation of security drones with heightened senses, able to quickly identify and track any individual nearly anywhere in the world. Drones have also seen uses in espionage, outfitted beyond just mere surveillance with weaponry. Now, security drones have become a commonplace device for the wealthy, used to protect their assets––sometimes at any cost. (reference: Minority Report, 2002; A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, 2001; I, Robot, 2004)
In the world of cyber security, artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning have allowed for systems to more sophisticatedly detect threats and reduce breaches. That allows for more data than ever to be stored online; and much more advanced types of data as well, as technology has proven to be capable of feats greater than magic. Yet, this also means that cyber threats have become much more refined, and even larger corporations have invested in developing ways to breach competitors’ systems and even their clients’.
And not to be outpaced by its internet counterparts, physical warfare has called for some amazing advancements. Particularly, the top secret introduction of thermoptic camouflage into the military (and, thus, into black markets) has allowed even average humans to move through their environments nearly undetected––an advantage for nearly any species. The camouflage actively and rapidly adapts to its environment, leaving only the faintest trace of its wearer. On the black market or in private labs, many are hoping to extend the reaches of thermoptic camouflage to not only wearers but whole objects. (reference: Ghost in the Shell, 1995)
ZEROTONIN is an upcoming 21+ DC Comics AU/Elseworld RP coming to JCINK, centered in a heightened alternate dystopian reality of the year 2000, with a neo-futuristic/neo noir/Y2K setting.
HEALTH/FITNESS
Aided by advanced neurotech, exoskeletons––strength-enhancing augments that improve human strength by tenfold––are now hardware that are hardwired to its wearer’s brain. Meant to improve the efficiency of the human workforce, what were originally clunky suits operated much like machinery, now are technically efficient pieces of tech that improve human strength, movement, and speed with the same smoothness with which someone may pick up a pencil. While exoskeleton implants are largely found in employees of industry, the black market has gained an interest in outfitting their own neurological exoskeletons. Some under-the-table implants have been made, but not without consequence; whether it’s the implant itself or the exoskeleton rejecting its controller, the risks may be high but many see the potential worth the risk.
A major part of the exoskeleton advancements were due to neurological cartography, or brain mapping. As scientists became much better at mapping out the brain’s hundred billion neurons, they got closer to curing diseases like Alzheimer’s or answering mystifying questions as to human instinct, even down to the individual. And not only may human features such as love or fear or subconsciousness be more precisely defined and explained, but they can be accessed and manipulated as scientists follow their neurological paths to their source. Additionally, the recording of brain activity, especially thoughts or one’s subconscious, have become possible. Some even now choose to backup their memories, safeguarding those recordings that hold up far better than any recollection or even history book. (reference: Strange Days, 1995; The Cell, 2000)
ZEROTONIN is an upcoming 21+ DC Comics AU/Elseworld RP coming to JCINK, centered in a heightened alternate dystopian reality of the year 2000, with a neo-futuristic/neo noir/Y2K setting.
HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT/MEDIA
As 3D/4D technology was perfected and evolved, such features were applied to all forms of mass media and entertainment, proving increasingly lucrative to various industries. The growing demand for escapism amidst rising tensions between what is now New America and the Federalist States of America, in addition to global conflict, meant the necessary supply. Further steps were taken with the advent of virtual/augmented reality, allowing for vivid, lifelike simulations in everything from gaming to more private recreational activity. Augmented reality also took over the hospitality industry, allowing for unique dining experiences and the like. (reference: The Matrix, 1999)
In the years since the explosion of 3D/4D technology and augmented reality, home media has made a full transition into disc format, with VHS, vinyls and cassettes being considered treasured vintage artifacts.
Artificial intelligence similarly spilled into hospitality and entertainment, with AI slowly being integrated into the workforce alongside the working class, and taking jobs in film/television as actors, when humans are incapable of performing what is required.
ZEROTONIN is an upcoming 21+ DC Comics AU/Elseworld RP coming to JCINK, centered in a heightened alternate dystopian reality of the year 2000, with a neo-futuristic/neo noir/Y2K setting.
COMMUNICATION
Although technology has advanced at an astounding rate, means of communication have remained relatively simple.
From 1995 to 1999, the internet has seen a massive growth in popularity and accessibility beyond the workplace, but there is still a cloud of uncertainty and fear which surrounds it because of its infinite corners that cannot be completely controlled or monitored. In the wake of the Y2K panic, many have steered clear of using the internet beyond absolute necessity. However, for youth with internet access, it is still a popular place used to connect with one another via email, message boards, instant messaging and chat rooms. As of December 1999, invasive government regulation of the internet sparks outcries of constitutional violation from activist groups.
3D and 4D holographic projection is used frequently for advertising and billboards in technologically developed cities such as Metropolis and Central City, and are often interactive. (reference: Minority Report, 2002; A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, 2001; I, Robot, 2004)
Cell phones and pagers (with wireless headsets) are popular items for communication for those who are middle class and above, however they do not have internet access due to the aforementioned fear. Many feature video chat, in addition to 3D and 4D holographic projection, although cellular devices with these abilities are naturally more expensive. As of December 1999, the brands Nokia and Sony Ericsson are the dominant manufacturers of these gadgets. Landline phones and answering machines also feature the same video and holographic capabilities for those who can afford it at home or in the workplace. (reference: Minority Report, 2002)
ZEROTONIN is an upcoming 21+ DC Comics AU/Elseworld RP coming to JCINK, centered in a heightened alternate dystopian reality of the year 2000, with a neo-futuristic/neo noir/Y2K setting.
TRAVEL
In true American fashion, the United States was obstinate in its progress in developing bullet trains as for years they lagged behind the advancements of Japan. But suddenly, in the early 90s, breakthroughs were made in physics and the U.S. unveiled––to the international community’s surprise––the fastest rail system in the world. Its grand terminal based out of Central City, expanding across the country, with some lines even extending into neighboring countries, bullet trains connect the once vast country from coast to coast in as little as a couple of hours. The mechanics behind the system are kept secret, though some rogue scientists suggest the government has tapped into something dubbed the “Speed Force.” The government has yet to respond to such notions.
However, while the United States was quietly picking its wounds over the years it failed to develop high speed trains, they did make great strides in hover cars and other modes of transport. Hover cars hit the market in 1969, and while at first they were toys of the wealthy, by only the turn of the new decade they became the primary cars on nearly every American road (all except for municipalities such as Gotham). Hover cars proved to be much safer and more efficient, outfitted with features such as automated driving, and even a lovely automated robot to keep one company on long car rides, and more. As well, hoverboards and hoverbikes rose in popularity. Especially among the middle class, hoverboards became the quick and easy way to travel. Yet, even despite its advanced safety features, teenagers and some other thrill-seekers have been known to test the limits on their hovercrafts.
ZEROTONIN is an upcoming 21+ DC Comics AU/Elseworld RP coming to JCINK, centered in a heightened alternate dystopian reality of the year 2000, with a neo-futuristic/neo noir/Y2K setting.
