Races and Types
To help answer some questions about what kind of characters could be played within the Neon Age continuity, here's a list of possible character types. These don't have to be the ONLY kinds of characters available to you but if you have something in mind not on here, hit me up and we'll see if it's kosher.
Human
The most common 'race' in existence. Human characters can be 'natural', meaning they have no cybernetics or otherwise, or they can be enhanced with cybernetics, gene therapy etc. Humans live the most comfortable lives and are more likely to live in the more luxurious parts of the city - if they can afford it.
Hybrid/Mutt
Genetic engineering is very much a real thing in Neon Age. Human-animal hybrids were created for various reasons be it proof of concept, medical testing, organ farming, or more nefarious reasons. Depending on their purpose - and success rate, as deformity is common - hybrids can be anywhere from damn near human to full on anthro. Though by present day some hybrids have been awarded basic rights and freedoms their lives are far from easy and many are still created and kept in labs.
The more human a hybrid appears to be, the easier it is for them to blend into the human populace and achieve some semblance of a comfortable life. The more bestial they are the more likely they are to be barred from businesses, refused medical and social services, and in bad neighbourhoods killed.
Synthetic
Androids and robots are a thing and typically assume a shape best suited to their intended purpose. Many are humanlike. Androids specifically are most often used to fill roles where people are needed such as assistants, companionship, sales, etcetera while robots are usually used for technical tasks.
Trans-dimensionals
In the recent past experimentation with portals, teleportation, and other dimensions using aether was commonplace. More often than not these projects resulted in... things slipping through. As trans-dimensionals were not invited nor wanted in the first place, they are often treated as a pest to be dealt with and are treated similarly to hybrids/mutts if not worse.
This is where your imagination can really come into play, especially if you like monsters, aliens, and weird things. It's also possible to fit in a character here if they don't fit the other categories.
Shadowrun
Shadowrun characters should be able to be brought over to Neon Age pretty easily with some tweaks to assimilate into the continuity. For example, orks and trolls could be humans with genetic experimentation, extreme body mods, or they could be from another dimension.
Restricted Characters
Demons/Angels
Heaven and Hell as they exist in Bible does not exist in Neon Age. There very well could be dimensions that resemble these places and it's conceivable that demonlike and angelic trans-dimensionals exist but they would not be biblical.
Shapeshifters
Aether can be used for a glamour-like illusion to change one's appearance, but true shapeshifters are something else. We'd like to steer away from magical/mythological type shapeshifters and go towards more science-based ideas.
Disallowed Characters
Canon
Characters belonging to movies/TV/books/video games etc are not permitted. This includes canon species (Ood, Klingons, Vulcans, Na'vi etc) and face-claims - so no, you can't take a picture of Sephiroth and say the character looks like him but isn't him.
Supernaturals
We prefer a more science-based spin on things. Yes, we have aether which is basically magic but it doesn't work the same way and doesn't have the power to create werewolves, shapeshifters, vampires, etc. If that's the kind of thing you're into, New Versailles is the place for you.
To help answer some questions about what kind of characters could be played within the Neon Age continuity, here's a list of possible character types. These don't have to be the ONLY kinds of characters available to you but if you have something in mind not on here, hit me up and we'll see if it's kosher.
Human
The most common 'race' in existence. Human characters can be 'natural', meaning they have no cybernetics or otherwise, or they can be enhanced with cybernetics, gene therapy etc. Humans live the most comfortable lives and are more likely to live in the more luxurious parts of the city - if they can afford it.
Hybrid/Mutt
Genetic engineering is very much a real thing in Neon Age. Human-animal hybrids were created for various reasons be it proof of concept, medical testing, organ farming, or more nefarious reasons. Depending on their purpose - and success rate, as deformity is common - hybrids can be anywhere from damn near human to full on anthro. Though by present day some hybrids have been awarded basic rights and freedoms their lives are far from easy and many are still created and kept in labs.
The more human a hybrid appears to be, the easier it is for them to blend into the human populace and achieve some semblance of a comfortable life. The more bestial they are the more likely they are to be barred from businesses, refused medical and social services, and in bad neighbourhoods killed.
Synthetic
Androids and robots are a thing and typically assume a shape best suited to their intended purpose. Many are humanlike. Androids specifically are most often used to fill roles where people are needed such as assistants, companionship, sales, etcetera while robots are usually used for technical tasks.
Trans-dimensionals
In the recent past experimentation with portals, teleportation, and other dimensions using aether was commonplace. More often than not these projects resulted in... things slipping through. As trans-dimensionals were not invited nor wanted in the first place, they are often treated as a pest to be dealt with and are treated similarly to hybrids/mutts if not worse.
This is where your imagination can really come into play, especially if you like monsters, aliens, and weird things. It's also possible to fit in a character here if they don't fit the other categories.
Voidbeasts
Voidbeasts come from a dimension that is featureless and empty to the human eye but is positively brimming energy. In the early days of trans-dimensional experimentation there were hopes to tap into this seemingly endless resource as a solution to the world's rampant energy consumption.
The thing about opening portals to other dimensions is that they work both ways. Soon voidbeasts began to escape onto Earth, wreaking havoc. Attempts to capture, contain, and return them had mixed results and it took little under a decade for the North American government to declare the problem had been solved. Still, given their crafty nature it's entirely possible there are still voidbeasts out there.
Species Specs
Voidbeasts can be anywhere from dog-sized to well over 6 feet standing upright. They can come in many different shapes though are often bestial in nature. Their appearance is always a silhouette with no discernible features aside from general shape until bright lights are shone upon them. Lights around 1000 lux or brighter will strip this silhouette layer from them and expose their frightful appearance underneath. They have immensely sensitive eyes so such a light is likely to incapacitate them however briefly.
The thing about opening portals to other dimensions is that they work both ways. Soon voidbeasts began to escape onto Earth, wreaking havoc. Attempts to capture, contain, and return them had mixed results and it took little under a decade for the North American government to declare the problem had been solved. Still, given their crafty nature it's entirely possible there are still voidbeasts out there.
Species Specs
Voidbeasts can be anywhere from dog-sized to well over 6 feet standing upright. They can come in many different shapes though are often bestial in nature. Their appearance is always a silhouette with no discernible features aside from general shape until bright lights are shone upon them. Lights around 1000 lux or brighter will strip this silhouette layer from them and expose their frightful appearance underneath. They have immensely sensitive eyes so such a light is likely to incapacitate them however briefly.
Shadowrun
Shadowrun characters should be able to be brought over to Neon Age pretty easily with some tweaks to assimilate into the continuity. For example, orks and trolls could be humans with genetic experimentation, extreme body mods, or they could be from another dimension.
____________
Restricted Characters
Demons/Angels
Heaven and Hell as they exist in Bible does not exist in Neon Age. There very well could be dimensions that resemble these places and it's conceivable that demonlike and angelic trans-dimensionals exist but they would not be biblical.
Shapeshifters
Aether can be used for a glamour-like illusion to change one's appearance, but true shapeshifters are something else. We'd like to steer away from magical/mythological type shapeshifters and go towards more science-based ideas.
____________
Disallowed Characters
Canon
Characters belonging to movies/TV/books/video games etc are not permitted. This includes canon species (Ood, Klingons, Vulcans, Na'vi etc) and face-claims - so no, you can't take a picture of Sephiroth and say the character looks like him but isn't him.
Supernaturals
We prefer a more science-based spin on things. Yes, we have aether which is basically magic but it doesn't work the same way and doesn't have the power to create werewolves, shapeshifters, vampires, etc. If that's the kind of thing you're into, New Versailles is the place for you.
Professions and Roles
This list is NOT restrictive. That means you have more options than what's here! This is just to give you ideas of what your character could be or do in Neon Age so please DO be creative! If you think it's something that would exist in Neon Age's continuity, go for it.
Black market dealers
Neon Age has a thriving black market, particularly for electronics and tech, but also pharmaceuticals. Dealers, middle men, couriers, whatever.
Politicians
The government in Neon Age is not unlike today's - that is major multi-national corporations pretty much have lawmakers wrapped around their fingers.
Scientists
Of all types. Mad scientists physicists, aetherologists, geneticists, and everything in between. Science dominates Neon Age.
Activists
Not a whole lot has changed from present day to Neon Age. There is still plenty of social conflict stemming from class gaps, human-hybrid racism, and more. Robots and androids have next to no rights despite many having advanced, unique AI as they are synthetic beings. Trans-dimensionals, however few are actually known to the public, also have no rights.
Businesspersons
Aside from more 'normal' businesses and services familiar to us, there would no doubt be new niche markets and services existing in Neon Age that you could pioneer. Maybe a biosecurity firm, virtual reality, or hybrid/synthetic control. It's all up to you.
Dusters/Fairy Catchers/Law Enforcement
Hitmen, bounty-hunters, and police. Trans-dimensionals are not considered people, and in the eyes of the government and therefore the law, do not have the right to be here. It's also illegal to open portals to other dimensions now, so the only solution is to euthanize trans-dimensionals.
Mages or 'fairies' also have their fair share of legal problems. Laws are fairly strict on the personal use of aether and there is an entire devision of law enforcement dedicated to tracking down and incarcerating violators of the law. These officers are nick-named fairy catchers, but are officially officers of the Department of Aether Control.
This list is NOT restrictive. That means you have more options than what's here! This is just to give you ideas of what your character could be or do in Neon Age so please DO be creative! If you think it's something that would exist in Neon Age's continuity, go for it.
Black market dealers
Neon Age has a thriving black market, particularly for electronics and tech, but also pharmaceuticals. Dealers, middle men, couriers, whatever.
Politicians
The government in Neon Age is not unlike today's - that is major multi-national corporations pretty much have lawmakers wrapped around their fingers.
Scientists
Of all types. Mad scientists physicists, aetherologists, geneticists, and everything in between. Science dominates Neon Age.
Activists
Not a whole lot has changed from present day to Neon Age. There is still plenty of social conflict stemming from class gaps, human-hybrid racism, and more. Robots and androids have next to no rights despite many having advanced, unique AI as they are synthetic beings. Trans-dimensionals, however few are actually known to the public, also have no rights.
Businesspersons
Aside from more 'normal' businesses and services familiar to us, there would no doubt be new niche markets and services existing in Neon Age that you could pioneer. Maybe a biosecurity firm, virtual reality, or hybrid/synthetic control. It's all up to you.
Dusters/Fairy Catchers/Law Enforcement
Hitmen, bounty-hunters, and police. Trans-dimensionals are not considered people, and in the eyes of the government and therefore the law, do not have the right to be here. It's also illegal to open portals to other dimensions now, so the only solution is to euthanize trans-dimensionals.
Mages or 'fairies' also have their fair share of legal problems. Laws are fairly strict on the personal use of aether and there is an entire devision of law enforcement dedicated to tracking down and incarcerating violators of the law. These officers are nick-named fairy catchers, but are officially officers of the Department of Aether Control.