Post by Milo Ventimiglia on Feb 4, 2011 5:36:38 GMT -5
xx. Slaves and Non-Human statuses.
This info does NOT have to be memorised!
This information is important if you are playing a non-human, whether they are a slave or free, or if you are playing a slave owner or military. This is a decent amount of information regarding social statuses and what the collars look like/how they work/their features.
This info is mainly available to you, the writer, because it may enrich your storylines and give you a better sense of the world. You don’t have to memorise it; rather, it’s a good reference guide during role-play, something to refer to. Not all of this will be relevant to your story.
xx. Collars.
Collars are generally the same size/thickness as most dog collars. They are made of a powerful, shiny silver metal and clip around the neck via a computerised mechanism. Collars are very strong and have been developed over the past few decades by scientists to block powers. Owners and the government have the ability to block certain abilities to a certain extent; this is a new feature in the past five years.
All collars are irremovable except by the government. Owners are not allowed to remove it and face hefty fines and imprisonment if they do. All collars have a shock feature, which comes in various levels and generally with a remote control; this is a sharp, painful reminder to the slave or wearer to obey. Each collar comes with a unique remote control (a person with a remote cannot control someone else’s slave’s collar or an Independent’s collar). The collars also have a registration and I.D. tag (a tiny tag with the name, species and owner’s name if applicable). More complex detail is entered into the computer chip in the collar, which also carries a powerful tracking device. Note that registration tags are updated each year, as is personal information if there are any changes. Some owners chip their slaves the same way people chip their pets; a small chip under the skin on the back of the neck. Generally, however, information is kept in collars.
Lately, different coloured collars have become available to those who want to give their slave’s collar a unique, personal look. Some Independents also choose to have their collar colour updated. It is not cheap. Others put accessories onto the collars.
The government are hypocrites - collars are protected BY magic AGAINST magic so that magic cannot remove them.
xx. Abilities blocked by the collar
Not all abilities can be blocked (see the paragraph below). The collars can block almost all types of magic and external use of any kind of power (for example a person can still sense magic but cannot use it). It also blocks shape-shifting. It can dull strength and speed but not all of it. It can stop one using telepathy or teleportation, telekinesis, seduction, or absorbing another’s energy, and can even prevent someone from healing another person (this ability is very rarely blocked). Some species suffer dramatically if their powers are blocked and can sicken and fade.
xx. Abilities the collar CANNOT block
There are some abilities that the collars cannot block or fully block. Heightened sense of smell, taste, hearing, eyesight, fast healing, endurance, reflexes, immunity against certain diseases, immortality etc – these cannot be blocked. Nor can being able to sense things to do with the weather, or talk to animals. Similarly, faster speed, and strength cannot always be blocked in some creatures. Strength can be dulled. This depends on your storyline. If your character has wings, the collar obviously cannot stop them flying. Other means would be used if necessary.
xx. Types of non-human social statuses
Not all non-humans are slaves. They are one of several categories:
Hidden
Non-humans or ‘abnormals’ in this category often live among humans posting as humans. Some cannot do this, but others are able to use glamour magic (to ‘appear’ human) or have a human form, or hide magical abilities. Technically, many witches, elementals and mentals are human, but with abilities. The government does not see it this way. If hidden ‘abnormals’ are found by the Sniffers (police employed to hunt them down), they are often subjected to slavery or prison. Some are lucky; they are collared and registered, but are not sold into slavery or put in prison.
Independently Living
People in this category generally have an easier life than most slaves and those who hide what they are. They are often allowed to work and live independently of an owner, though they must report to the government every three months or upon demand. They are forced to wear collars and cannot remove them; only the government may do this. Independents or ‘free’ (note the ‘scare’ quotes) non-humans are allowed to drive cars, have credit cards and take out loans, but are not allowed to vote. Credit cards and loans are very limited. Many often fall into poverty. Some try to hide their collars and pretend to be normal people; this is not illegal. Some even enter relationships with humans who do not judge them for who they are. It is not uncommon for a Hidden to give themselves up merely to stop running from the government.
Unfortunately, they are often subject to severe prejudice, government scrutiny and segregation from humans. Hate crimes against them are not uncommon. They constantly see media and adverts against their cause. It is a form of severe racism occurring between species. They do not cause a fuss or they could be punished severely.
To remain an Independent, a non-human must:
Independents and slaves are given American citizenship with special conditions and fewer rights than other American citizens.
xx. Slaves
People who have just arrived on this world are generally sold as slaves (for the most part). Children of slaves usually become slaves. Slaves can be freed after a period of time, and free-living Independents can become slaves if they commit a crime. If a Hidden is found out, they will generally become a slave; if they show good behaviour, they will be released as Independents after a period of time. This is uncommon but it does happen.
Slaves are those who are owned by the government, a company/society/organisation/service, military or independently owned by humans. Non-humans cannot own other non-humans legally. Slaves have no rights of their own unless their master grants them rights. They are often expensive to purchase from the government, so many richer people own several slaves. Some slaves are used for their abilities. Others are banned from using their powers altogether (via collars) and are used as general servants. Slaves can have almost any job ranging from a Wal-Mart employee, house cleaner or even actor or detective to those used in fighting rings. Slaves used as fighters are often treated as little more than animals, caged and chained and allowed their powers only in the arena.
Slaves are always registered by the government with their current owner’s details. Registration costs a few hundred dollars depending on the state. They must be re-registered yearly and the government often keeps a close eye on them. The US government reserves the right to ban an owner from allowing a slave to use any powers at all. They also reserve the right to remove potentially dangerous slaves. Owners can be fined for slaves’ infringements. If an owner is found to have removed a slave’s collar, they are faced with hefty fines and very long jail sentences.
There are few laws protecting slaves, if any. Slaves may be chained, beaten, abused. Others may be paid a wage and given their own accommodation or sent to school for an education. Some buy slaves purely to rescue them from a worse fate. Not everybody is a cruel person; some slaves enjoy their lives. Many non-humans sell themselves into slavery in hope of a life away from poverty.
You can be imaginative with your slave’s role. Many owners by them accessories, such as a symbol of their ownership tagged to the collar, nice clothes, collar adornments, clothes to fit tails and wings or spikes (if the slave has them), bows and pretty things, for example, some owners may allow their slave to dye their hair, fur, wings or skin, or may simply force it on the slave. A slave can help one’s status and appearance. To own many slaves is to be of higher social status. Many people also buy lots of slaves to give them rights and to take care of them out of empathy and sympathy. Some of these people are hidden ‘abnormals’ or ‘pro-non-human’ movement members.
xx. Military/government used (restricted slave)
Any non-human that is considered dangerously powerful or of use to the government is generally kept in the military compounds as well and experimented on or brainwashed.
The military experiments on its human soldiers covertly and gives them abilities to make them non-human. However, these soldiers are brainwashed to obey the government and do not wear collars. If they decide they want to leave, they are collared and parts of their memories may be erased. Some are secretly killed. Not all government activities are 'legal'.
xx. Prisoner
Some non-humans are deemed unfit to be slaves. This is usually because they are far too dangerous to be in the public, or they have committed certain or numerous offences. They are sentenced to life in a military prison. Their lives are not very enriched, and many are experimented on. Often they live in small cells, but are exercised. If the government deems them less dangerous, they sometimes become government convicts, doing slave work, but the most dangerous ones are put in solitary confinement. If you play a character in solitary, remember to find someone else who can somehow interact with your character.
xx. Executed
There will always be slaves and non-humans who are too dangerous to live in society, according to the media and the government. They are executed. Many military failed experiments are killed. They are killed depending on their species as some species can only die a certain way.
This info does NOT have to be memorised!
This information is important if you are playing a non-human, whether they are a slave or free, or if you are playing a slave owner or military. This is a decent amount of information regarding social statuses and what the collars look like/how they work/their features.
This info is mainly available to you, the writer, because it may enrich your storylines and give you a better sense of the world. You don’t have to memorise it; rather, it’s a good reference guide during role-play, something to refer to. Not all of this will be relevant to your story.
xx. Collars.
Collars are generally the same size/thickness as most dog collars. They are made of a powerful, shiny silver metal and clip around the neck via a computerised mechanism. Collars are very strong and have been developed over the past few decades by scientists to block powers. Owners and the government have the ability to block certain abilities to a certain extent; this is a new feature in the past five years.
All collars are irremovable except by the government. Owners are not allowed to remove it and face hefty fines and imprisonment if they do. All collars have a shock feature, which comes in various levels and generally with a remote control; this is a sharp, painful reminder to the slave or wearer to obey. Each collar comes with a unique remote control (a person with a remote cannot control someone else’s slave’s collar or an Independent’s collar). The collars also have a registration and I.D. tag (a tiny tag with the name, species and owner’s name if applicable). More complex detail is entered into the computer chip in the collar, which also carries a powerful tracking device. Note that registration tags are updated each year, as is personal information if there are any changes. Some owners chip their slaves the same way people chip their pets; a small chip under the skin on the back of the neck. Generally, however, information is kept in collars.
Lately, different coloured collars have become available to those who want to give their slave’s collar a unique, personal look. Some Independents also choose to have their collar colour updated. It is not cheap. Others put accessories onto the collars.
The government are hypocrites - collars are protected BY magic AGAINST magic so that magic cannot remove them.
xx. Abilities blocked by the collar
Not all abilities can be blocked (see the paragraph below). The collars can block almost all types of magic and external use of any kind of power (for example a person can still sense magic but cannot use it). It also blocks shape-shifting. It can dull strength and speed but not all of it. It can stop one using telepathy or teleportation, telekinesis, seduction, or absorbing another’s energy, and can even prevent someone from healing another person (this ability is very rarely blocked). Some species suffer dramatically if their powers are blocked and can sicken and fade.
xx. Abilities the collar CANNOT block
There are some abilities that the collars cannot block or fully block. Heightened sense of smell, taste, hearing, eyesight, fast healing, endurance, reflexes, immunity against certain diseases, immortality etc – these cannot be blocked. Nor can being able to sense things to do with the weather, or talk to animals. Similarly, faster speed, and strength cannot always be blocked in some creatures. Strength can be dulled. This depends on your storyline. If your character has wings, the collar obviously cannot stop them flying. Other means would be used if necessary.
xx. Types of non-human social statuses
Not all non-humans are slaves. They are one of several categories:
xx. Hidden (other humans believe them to be human).
xx. Independently living (monitored by government, forced to wear a collar but free-living).
xx. Slave.
xx. Military/Government used (restricted slave).
xx. Prisoner.
xx. Executed.
Hidden
Non-humans or ‘abnormals’ in this category often live among humans posting as humans. Some cannot do this, but others are able to use glamour magic (to ‘appear’ human) or have a human form, or hide magical abilities. Technically, many witches, elementals and mentals are human, but with abilities. The government does not see it this way. If hidden ‘abnormals’ are found by the Sniffers (police employed to hunt them down), they are often subjected to slavery or prison. Some are lucky; they are collared and registered, but are not sold into slavery or put in prison.
Independently Living
People in this category generally have an easier life than most slaves and those who hide what they are. They are often allowed to work and live independently of an owner, though they must report to the government every three months or upon demand. They are forced to wear collars and cannot remove them; only the government may do this. Independents or ‘free’ (note the ‘scare’ quotes) non-humans are allowed to drive cars, have credit cards and take out loans, but are not allowed to vote. Credit cards and loans are very limited. Many often fall into poverty. Some try to hide their collars and pretend to be normal people; this is not illegal. Some even enter relationships with humans who do not judge them for who they are. It is not uncommon for a Hidden to give themselves up merely to stop running from the government.
Unfortunately, they are often subject to severe prejudice, government scrutiny and segregation from humans. Hate crimes against them are not uncommon. They constantly see media and adverts against their cause. It is a form of severe racism occurring between species. They do not cause a fuss or they could be punished severely.
To remain an Independent, a non-human must:
.: Have no criminal record.
.: Be considered sane (undergoing a psych test every 6 months).
.: Be honest to the government about all powers/abilities.
.: Wear a collar which only the government may remove.
.: Report pregnancies to the government, allow any children to be examined, report changes in living arrangements, marriages, job changes to the government.
.: Allow the government to restrict whatever powers/abilities they choose.
.: Not have powers/abilities considered too dangerous.
.: Have a useful role in society.
.: Accept that job choices and other rights given to humans may be restricted.
.: Accept segregation in the work force and occasionally on public transport. Not all transport.
.: Be given explicit permission to travel to a different state or different country. Travel may be severely restricted but also may be approved. It can be a lengthy process.
Independents and slaves are given American citizenship with special conditions and fewer rights than other American citizens.
xx. Slaves
People who have just arrived on this world are generally sold as slaves (for the most part). Children of slaves usually become slaves. Slaves can be freed after a period of time, and free-living Independents can become slaves if they commit a crime. If a Hidden is found out, they will generally become a slave; if they show good behaviour, they will be released as Independents after a period of time. This is uncommon but it does happen.
Slaves are those who are owned by the government, a company/society/organisation/service, military or independently owned by humans. Non-humans cannot own other non-humans legally. Slaves have no rights of their own unless their master grants them rights. They are often expensive to purchase from the government, so many richer people own several slaves. Some slaves are used for their abilities. Others are banned from using their powers altogether (via collars) and are used as general servants. Slaves can have almost any job ranging from a Wal-Mart employee, house cleaner or even actor or detective to those used in fighting rings. Slaves used as fighters are often treated as little more than animals, caged and chained and allowed their powers only in the arena.
Slaves are always registered by the government with their current owner’s details. Registration costs a few hundred dollars depending on the state. They must be re-registered yearly and the government often keeps a close eye on them. The US government reserves the right to ban an owner from allowing a slave to use any powers at all. They also reserve the right to remove potentially dangerous slaves. Owners can be fined for slaves’ infringements. If an owner is found to have removed a slave’s collar, they are faced with hefty fines and very long jail sentences.
There are few laws protecting slaves, if any. Slaves may be chained, beaten, abused. Others may be paid a wage and given their own accommodation or sent to school for an education. Some buy slaves purely to rescue them from a worse fate. Not everybody is a cruel person; some slaves enjoy their lives. Many non-humans sell themselves into slavery in hope of a life away from poverty.
You can be imaginative with your slave’s role. Many owners by them accessories, such as a symbol of their ownership tagged to the collar, nice clothes, collar adornments, clothes to fit tails and wings or spikes (if the slave has them), bows and pretty things, for example, some owners may allow their slave to dye their hair, fur, wings or skin, or may simply force it on the slave. A slave can help one’s status and appearance. To own many slaves is to be of higher social status. Many people also buy lots of slaves to give them rights and to take care of them out of empathy and sympathy. Some of these people are hidden ‘abnormals’ or ‘pro-non-human’ movement members.
xx. Military/government used (restricted slave)
Any non-human that is considered dangerously powerful or of use to the government is generally kept in the military compounds as well and experimented on or brainwashed.
The military experiments on its human soldiers covertly and gives them abilities to make them non-human. However, these soldiers are brainwashed to obey the government and do not wear collars. If they decide they want to leave, they are collared and parts of their memories may be erased. Some are secretly killed. Not all government activities are 'legal'.
xx. Prisoner
Some non-humans are deemed unfit to be slaves. This is usually because they are far too dangerous to be in the public, or they have committed certain or numerous offences. They are sentenced to life in a military prison. Their lives are not very enriched, and many are experimented on. Often they live in small cells, but are exercised. If the government deems them less dangerous, they sometimes become government convicts, doing slave work, but the most dangerous ones are put in solitary confinement. If you play a character in solitary, remember to find someone else who can somehow interact with your character.
xx. Executed
There will always be slaves and non-humans who are too dangerous to live in society, according to the media and the government. They are executed. Many military failed experiments are killed. They are killed depending on their species as some species can only die a certain way.