Alternate Earth 2040 (GURPS 4th ed.)

Although many elements within it are, this campaign is not an original work of fiction.  We borrow liberally from fictional works we admire and enjoy. Take a look at our Folders to see from what sources we draw inspiration (or directly lift) from. 

"A rain-soaked nightmare where hardboiled detectives battle cults worshipping things older than time—using bullets, charms, and sheer stubbornness."

The world of Alternate Earth 2040 is a grim, fractured vision of the near future—a post-postmodern landscape where high technology and ancient magic coexist amidst the scars of past cataclysms and the complexities of a non-unified global landscape. While significant portions of the world bear the marks of events like the Global Conflict of 2021, the Crossed Plague, the Corporate Wars, and the 2030 Incident, much of the globe remains functional, albeit shaped by these turbulent times. Here, the arcane is not myth but undeniable reality, subtly influencing events and occasionally erupting into the visible.

General Atmosphere: This is a world of stark contrasts. Gleaming corporate towers cast shadows over districts struggling with the uneven distribution of technological progress. While supernatural forces are a tangible reality, their open manifestation varies greatly by location. The rise of the internet in the early 21st century brought a surge of shared experiences, eroding some of humanity's collective skepticism towards the uncanny. Magic, long practiced in the shadows by individuals and societies like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, is increasingly acknowledged, though often with fear or disbelief.

Themes of moral ambiguity, the complexities of power (both corporate and otherwise), and human resilience in a changing world define this era. From the hazardous wastelands to the unique dynamics of Boston, each region presents its own blend of challenges and opportunities.

Technology & Society: Advanced technology is pervasive, but its benefits are not universal. Megacorporations like Arasaka and Aetherium Corporation wield significant influence in many sectors, often exceeding that of local governments, but this is not a uniform reality across the globe. Urban landscapes exhibit varying degrees of decay, with cities like Boston showing significant wear due to specific local events and their central role in ongoing narratives.

Supernatural Forces: Magic, while real and practiced for millennia (as evidenced by texts like the Key of Solomon), is not inherently malign. Its nature, like any force, depends on the wielder and the intent. While some corporations, such as Omen Corporation, actively seek to understand and potentially exploit supernatural secrets, widespread fusion of magic and technology is not a common occurrence. The supernatural world, encompassing entities from ghosts to vampires, exists alongside the mundane, often unseen or deliberately ignored by the majority.

Geography of Ruin: Numerous Wastelands serve as stark reminders of past catastrophes and ongoing dangers. The sprawling Mojave Exclusion Zone stretches across the American Southwest. To the east lies the equally dangerous Colorado Exclusion Zone. The radioactive Ashlands remain a perilous landscape populated by the desperate. Perhaps most terrifying are the Hives, such as those that have overrun former metropolitan areas like Chicago, Manitoba, and Anchorage, now alien ecosystems controlled by the enigmatic Hive Minds. These diverse wastelands, each with their unique threats, highlight the fragmented and dangerous nature of Alternate Earth 2040.

Technologies & Horrors: Dangerous technologies and unchecked biological agents pose significant threats. Bioroids, with the first generations appearing around 2006, have become integrated into society, raising complex ethical questions. The terrifying Rapine Wind, a femto-swarm that reshapes matter into biomechanical horrors within Exclusion Zones, remains an active and unpredictable danger. Adding to the world's strangeness is the Silent Array, eerie black monoliths of unknown origin that defy understanding and ominously expand their silent presence.

Conclusion: Alternate Earth 2040 is a world of stark contrasts and complex realities. High technology and ancient magic coexist in a landscape shaped by both progress and devastating events. While dangers abound, from corporate machinations to supernatural threats and the hazards of the wastelands, the world persists. The stories of this era are found in the struggles for survival, the pursuit of knowledge (both scientific and arcane), and the enduring resilience of individuals navigating a world where the familiar rules no longer entirely apply.