Welcome to the New CrystalBall

CrystalBall

Important Information

The information found on this page covers the specifics of this game, that is necessary for understanding how things are in play. It is canon as far as this setting alone, but is not canon by White Wolf.

It should be noted, that America and Korea are no longer Monarchies they are now ruled by a senatorial body headed by a committee of 11. The current head of the committee and thus, the senate is Asheen Smythe. All members of the senatorial body itself are retired Military. Or will be eventually as those currently appointed are replaced by those who are. The committee has several members who are active Military, or may not be Military at all. These people serve as advisors as well as being part of the governing body. Each state has a governor and local level government, who will also one day be comprised of retired military personnel.

While the senate makes the laws and leads the dual countries of America nd Korea, it should be noted that the people also have a say. First in who represents them, and second in being the final voice in several of the laws and the like that the senate wishes to enact. However, getting to vote comes with a price, the price of service. Before a person may vote, no matter their age, they must first complete a single term of Federal service. Be that in a Civilian position or Military position.

A term of service is 4 years for Civilian positions, or 2 years for Military positions, or until such time as your service is no longer needed. That means that the government, or more importantly the branch of service you serve in, can increase a term of service if they find need to do so. Such need typically means there is a war of some kind some where. After that initial term of service, you may re up and go for a longer term or even to make a career out of your service.

In an attempt to bring acceptance of the Supernatural to the world, or at least America and Korea, such people are referred to as Gifted. Once upon a time, the Technocratic Union might have served as the policing force that kept the Gifted from running rampant and roughshod over the mortals from which they owe their existence, however such has now fallen to the Crystal Order.

The Crystal Order was formed by Daniel Smythe, over a thousand years ago in an attempt to create a group of mages who were dedicated to finding and maintaining the Balance. Now to find and maintain the Balance, with the Technocratic Union being so weakened they must step up and take a more encompassing stance, the world instead of just Asheville and other chosen locations.

New Backgrounds:

Federal Service: Active: This background is for those who wish to have their characters active in the military or civilian services. It is ideal for people who suspect they won't have as much time to play as they would like, as it would neatly explain why the character isn't around often. If you wish to play a character who has completed or retired from Federal Service, this is not the background for you.
l	Greenie: You've only just recently finished boot camp and have been assigned to a nearby post. That is not to say you can't or won't be sent elsewhere if that is where you are needed. If Civilian you've finished training and have been sent to your first job.
ll	Some Experience: You've been around, maybe seen some trouble. Your superiors look to you to set a good example for others.
lll	Experienced: You've seen some trouble, either in helping to police places in America where they're resisting the new laws or in helping Korea, or even facing off against the Union. You likely have some rank and your superiors have laid some responsibility on your shoulders.
llll	Veteran: You've been in the thick of things almost from the beginning, you have earned several ranks and hold important positions within your company or team. Your superiors count on you to do your job without them having to hold your hands.
lllll	Big Dog: You lead something and have the rank to go with it. Perhaps you advise, or teach, or head a company. In either event, when things go wrong, people are going to look to you to fix it.

Federal Service: Inactive: You did your time, and you've properly mustered out. Perhaps an injury and the need for a replacement limb or retraining of senses is the cause, or maybe your term was up. Whatever the reason you have completed your service and have earned the right to vote and serve in public office. It should be noted that you can be called back to service if there is need, only death prevents this.
l	Short Timer: You made it through the minimal time, or were mustered out early because of injury, your retired rank is rather low, but you made it through. 2 years Military, 4 years Civilian.
ll	Medium Timer: You stayed beyond the minimal time, most likely at the behest of the government and then either mustered out on your own or because of injury, you may have some rank but you earned it. 4 years Military, 6 years Civilian.
lll	Long Timer: You stuck in there for triple the usual time before mustering out properly or being too injured to continue. You managed to achieve a nice rank as a result of your deeds. 6 years Military, 8 years Civilian.
llll	Extra Long Timer: You have served for four times the usual time before your mustering out. Chances are you had some kind of authority somewhere in the chain of things before you left. 8 years Military, 10 years Civilian.
lllll	Since the start: You joined shortly after Asheen took control, and stuck it out through all the bumps and bruises, and only now are mustering out. 13+ years both Military and Civilian.

Religions: There are many religions, and normally specifics wouldn't be mentioned here, but there must be something said. In this case about the Catholic Church, or churches. There is the Catholic Church that is lead from the Vatican in Rome, and there is another Catholic Church, often called the New Catholic Church, that is lead from Asheville. The difference, the New Catholic Church, has accepted the Gnostic Texts, added them to their bible as a separate book called the Gnostic Bible, they venerate Christ, but not as the divine given life as a human. They venerate him like a prophet or saint. Of course they still call him the son of God, but then again, they claim we're all God's children. The New Catholic Church is not immediately against the Gifted, they are accepting and tolerant of the Gifted, so long as they use their gifts for good. As such they have come under fire from the Vatican as being heretical and there is a great amount of tension between the two faces of the Catholic Church.