GURPS IST is easily one of my most favorite superhero universe. The idea of a U.N. with teeth that can actually make the world a better place really appeals to me.
However, the original material was written in 1991, so this blog entry is meant to update the universe so it can be extrapolated for my own gameable purposes.
A Synopsis
In the year 2023, the world grapples with the consequences of rapid technological advancement and the emergence of metahumans—individuals with extraordinary powers. Superhero teams, operating under the United Nations, navigate a complex landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the ethical dilemmas of a society in flux. As global challenges unfold, from metahuman terrorism to the governance of space exploration, the U.N. superhero teams become a vital force, addressing threats, regulating cutting-edge technologies, and mitigating the impact of climate change. In a world where science, ethics, and superhuman abilities intersect, the U.N. superhero teams stand as humanity's guardians, seeking to maintain balance and safeguard a rapidly evolving future.
Overall Vision
My goal is they are about half way to Star Trek, but there's a lot that could pull them back down.
Alternative Historical Changes
1. The 1st gulf war didn't happen.
1. oil isn't as strategic resource as in our own world.
2. a team of supers is the equivalent of the entire allied forces.
at most it was a comics worth of action.
This means no war on terror
and no wars in Iraq and Afghan
2. The fall of the Soviet Union.
The soviets were notorious for psychic experimentation. Such devices like the Russians sleep box and gestalts of telepaths remote viewing made the cold war a very contentious thing.
When the soviet Union fell, This unleashed a plague of warlords across the globe each carving out their own personal kingdoms that more often then not have diplomatic immunity.
Putin managed to wrangle a lot of them during the 2010s under his own rule, but it's a pale imitation of the original red guard as shown by his invasion of Ukraine.
3. Overall Tech Level
The original setting was a TL 8 in the mid 80s. Battery technology was comparable to today thanks to the study of a world war II metahuman autopsy.
It also had fusion reactors that were the Monopoly of the United Nations. This means environmental degradation is considerably lower overall even though there are probably places where many human fights have left an ecological disaster.
The ray gun paper also allows for energy weapons to be common. When combined with the batteries listed above I'd imagine bullets are relatively uncommon compared to our world
However one thing our world has that GURPS IST didn't is the internet. I think it's safe to assume with machine and pass available that it probably was accelerated in this universe.
So going with a tech level of 9 overall with perhaps some touches of tech level 10. I'm going to assume that we have become to some degree a star fairing species, but are more or less limited to our solar system without extraterrestrial help. That will most likely change the next 5 to 10 years.
I guess my first question is did the Monopoly fusion power lead to any side text being also monopolized by the UN. And it cause stagnation overall or innovation?
4. Krisper Metas:
There is a way to chemical induce superpowers (Jugo created by the drug lords of central and south america) so krisper made it easier to get powers. How about base raiders style where you could be a gig metahuman where you got your powers and now working to pay them back.
This could so be a thing, especially in 3rd world countries taking "volunteers" as enhanced soldiers in return for better lives for their families.
the drug lords have refined Jugo and now can use them as cool mules and enforcers to subvert entire regions. U.N. intervention of metateams is one of the few ways these armies can be beaten back and part of the plucky IST's actions is to figure out ways to be invited in.
Thus you could be powerful enough to stop them, but part of the game is getting legal access and dealing in the international stage.
Note that this isn't just in 3rd world country issues. Many a meta threat has been created in North America and Europe and went colonial, requiring U.N. intervention to stop.
5. Space
In IST there are three alien species that have made contact with Earth:
- Kyz: Essentially live action anime characters with psychic powers. They are connected to something called the confederation. No other species was listed, but it did say to refer to gurps aliens for more.
- Meeranon: telepathic Cat people: slightly higher tech and have ftl spaceships
- Rykarians: scaley blue -green humanoids, located on the other side of the galaxy with a feudal ridged clan based that was compared to medieval japan. (I'm thinking time to go meji restoration on this one).
As a result, Space is more developed. Mars, Venus orbit and the asteroid belt are real locations that humanity has expanded to and has made it commonplace.
Earth is working how to unlock FTL flight, but currently it's being curtailed and locks the current era to our own solar system.
Key IST Locations
In the IST world, the United Nations (U.N.) has strategically established prominent locations for the deployment of superteams, responding to various global threats and crises. These locations are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and serve as hubs for coordinating international metahuman efforts. Here are some of the most prominent IST locations on behalf of the United Nations:
Geneva Central Command (GCC): Situated in Geneva, Switzerland, the GCC serves as the primary command center for the IST's global operations. It houses advanced communication systems, intelligence analysis centers, and serves as the central hub for coordinating superteams worldwide. The proximity to key U.N. agencies and diplomatic missions enhances collaboration on metahuman-related matters.
New York Headquarters (NYHQ): Located in the heart of New York City, the NYHQ serves as the U.N.'s main office for metahuman affairs. With its iconic skyline backdrop, this facility is a focal point for diplomatic discussions, metahuman summits, and coordination with local superteams. The IST maintains a strong presence in New York, given its historical association with superhero activities.
Singapore Strategic Center (SSC): Positioned in Singapore, the SSC is strategically located in the Asia-Pacific region. This facility specializes in coordinating metahuman responses to emerging threats in the region, addressing everything from natural disasters to supervillain activities. The SSC's proximity to key Asian nations facilitates rapid deployment and collaboration with local authorities.
Cape Town Crisis Response Center (CTCRC): Serving as the IST's gateway to the African continent, the CTCRC in Cape Town, South Africa, focuses on metahuman interventions in response to regional crises. The center collaborates with African nations, addressing challenges ranging from civil unrest to emerging metahuman threats.
Rio de Janeiro Metahuman Research Facility (RJ-MRF): The RJ-MRF in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands out as a research and development hub for metahuman-related technologies. It collaborates with the global scientific community to study metahuman phenomena, develop countermeasures, and enhance the capabilities of superteams.
Sydney Sentinel Outpost (SSO): Located in Sydney, Australia, the SSO serves as a key outpost for monitoring metahuman activities in the Asia-Pacific region. It acts as a forward base for superteams responding to threats in the Pacific, working closely with regional governments and organizations.
Berlin Metahuman Integration Center (BMIC): Positioned in Berlin, Germany, the BMIC focuses on metahuman integration and cooperation within the European Union. It facilitates diplomatic discussions, joint training exercises, and collaborative efforts to address metahuman challenges in the European context.
These IST locations strategically cover major geopolitical regions, allowing for swift and coordinated responses to metahuman threats on a global scale. Each facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, intelligence capabilities, and serves as a testament to international cooperation in the face of metahuman challenges.
Supervillain Havens
In the IST world, certain locations around the globe have acquired the status of supervillain havens with a degree of diplomatic immunity, making them challenging for international law enforcement. These locations often operate as semi-autonomous zones where metahuman villains and their organizations can conduct their activities with relative impunity. Here are a few examples:
Sanctum Arcanum: Nestled within the Carpathian Mountains, Sanctum Arcanum is a hidden fortress accessible only through magical means. It serves as a refuge for powerful mystic villains and dark wizards who have formed alliances to pursue their arcane goals. The international community struggles to penetrate its magical defenses, granting it a de facto diplomatic immunity against conventional intervention.
Rogue Archipelago: Situated in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, the Rogue Archipelago consists of several islands collectively governed by a council of supervillains. These islands serve as a hub for illicit activities, from illegal weapon trade to metahuman trafficking. The council has established its own legal system, making it challenging for international law enforcement to operate within its borders.
Freeport City: Once an ordinary metropolis, Freeport City has transformed into a hub for criminal masterminds and metahuman villains. Over time, it has declared itself a sovereign state, complete with embassies and diplomatic recognition from certain rogue nations. Freeport City maintains a delicate balance of power, allowing villains from various backgrounds to coexist while pursuing their nefarious agendas.
The Mirage Oasis: Located in the heart of the Sahara Desert, the Mirage Oasis is a hidden metahuman sanctuary where villains with illusion-based powers have established their base of operations. The ever-shifting illusions and mirages make it nearly impossible for conventional forces to locate and breach the oasis, providing a safe haven for those with a penchant for deception.
Subterranea: Beneath the surface of the Earth, a vast network of caverns and tunnels known as Subterranea has become a refuge for metahuman villains with earth-based powers. Diplomatic negotiations with the underground ruling council make it difficult for surface governments to launch incursions, allowing Subterranea to operate as a semi-independent state.
Neo-Atlantis: Situated in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Neo-Atlantis is an underwater city governed by a cabal of aquatic supervillains. Its advanced technology and proximity to undersea natural resources provide a strategic advantage, and the city's leaders have managed to establish diplomatic relations with certain nations sympathetic to their cause.
These supervillain locations leverage their unique geographical features, technological advancements, or mystical defenses to deter external interference. While the international community acknowledges their existence, the complexities of dealing with metahuman threats and the potential for catastrophic conflicts have led to an uneasy acceptance of these de facto diplomatic sanctuaries.
Synopsis: The World of 2023 - Changes and Challenges
Technological Advancements:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI has become deeply integrated into daily life, from smart homes to advanced medical diagnostics.
Quantum Computing: Breakthroughs in quantum computing have revolutionized data processing and cryptography, posing both benefits and risks.
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: Advances in biotech have led to personalized medicine, gene therapies, and controversial enhancements.
Renewable Energy Dominance: Sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind, now dominate the global energy landscape, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also is enhanced by meta weather humans , but we are in talk for fear of drastic climate change.
Space Exploration: Private space companies, in collaboration with international space agencies, have achieved significant progress in space exploration and colonization.
Key Points Requiring U.N. Intervention:
Metahuman Terrorism: A rise in metahuman terrorists wielding advanced technology poses a threat to global security, demanding U.N. intervention to coordinate responses.
AI Ethics and Control: The integration of AI into critical systems raises concerns about ethics, control, and potential malicious use, prompting U.N. oversight and regulation.
Genetic Engineering Ethics: The ethical implications of widespread genetic engineering and enhancements spark international debates, necessitating U.N. guidelines.
Climate Change Impact: Despite progress in renewable energy, the impacts of climate change intensify, leading to extreme weather events and resource conflicts requiring coordinated U.N. efforts.
Space Governance: As space exploration advances, questions of governance, resource utilization, and potential conflicts arise, prompting the need for U.N. frameworks.
Role of Superhero Team U.N.:
Counterterrorism and Crisis Response: U.N. metahuman teams address global metahuman threats, working in coordination with member states' security agencies.
AI Regulation and Oversight: The U.N. establishes protocols for the ethical use and regulation of AI, including guidelines for preventing AI-driven conflicts.
Genetic Engineering Guidelines: U.N. agencies develop ethical guidelines for genetic engineering, balancing scientific progress with societal values.
Climate Crisis Mitigation: U.N. superhero teams play a crucial role in responding to climate-related disasters, supporting humanitarian efforts and implementing innovative solutions.
Space Exploration Oversight: U.N. space-focused metahuman teams contribute to the governance of space activities, ensuring responsible exploration and resource utilization.
In this transformed world, superhero teams under the U.N. banner act as a safeguard against emerging threats, facilitating global collaboration to address the complex challenges of advanced technology, ethics, and the changing environment.
Game Mechanics
I probably will not be using GURPS for the game engine as it's showing it's age and honestly GURPs never did superheroes well, so opened to any and all suggestions on this one.
Links of Note
alternative 1990's GURPS timeline.
http://accessdenied-rms.net/ist1990s.shtml
Kenneth Hite's own musings on the subject
https://warehouse23.com/products/gurps-infinite-worlds-i-dot-s-t
#GURPS #Supers #UnitedNations
And the official U.N. page for cribbing for ideas
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