Roleplay Guide

The Lake Erie Institute of Technology was founded in 1987, becoming immensely recognized by 2028 for its breakthrough in artificial intelligence. The prestigious reputation of the college eventually led to it becoming the mainstream overseer of various military projects and weaponry throughout the years. By the time the third great war was erupting, the U.S. Government and College officials saw fit to create a bunker in the event war should come to the mainland.

Later known as the Alumni, they carry on the previous generations' sense of pride and superiority over those of lesser education and ability. Even before the Flash, the community valued tradition and memory of the past. Despite being a place of technological growth for the betterment of the future, some Alumni argue that the past is just as important to embrace to find an inspiration for growth and avoid repeating the history of the Old World.

One of the most preserved traditions among the Alumni would be the protection of their Letterman jackets. Passed down from generation to generation, with some newer ones being made, Alumnites hold the jackets dearly to remind themselves of who they were and continue to strive to be. As the older generation of the college prided itself in AI development, so too did the younger generation in their mission towards the betterment of the New World.

Taking their first steps above ground, the Alumni met with horrific sights of how the New World lived, alongside mortified at the condition of their home. Various factions learned nothing from the third Great War, misusing the technology for their own satisfaction. Immediately, the Alumni sparked their mission towards the preservation of technology. With the technology in their hands, they could pave the path towards stability and peace, not utilize it for violence as others have.

The belief in stability and peace of the New World from the misuse of technology is one of the Alumni's ongoing goals. Archives within the Alumni's so-called Compendium, the recovery of technological caches, and the higher education of their classes help not only with achieving their goal, but in technological advancements too. Above all, self-sufficiency of the Alumni could be achieved.

With the Alumni beginning to thrive on the Sunrise Islands in Lake Erie, Ohio, the core beliefs and values of the group continue to spread throughout the wider public. The South Isle is one of the greatly influenced areas of the Alumni, with occasional groups of their Aspirants being found here. However, there are times when Alumni can be seen venturing the island in small incursions throughout the Sunrise Islands; such as Sunrise City and the Coalition owned Bargetown. 

Throughout the years, public outreach has been on the backend of Alumni goals after the deterioration of Sanctum. Nonetheless, the marketplace of Sanctum and trades with wastelanders have been the prominent means of thriving for the faction. With resources dwindling and scavenging runs returning empty-handed, the Alumni now push public outreach as one of their main goals with the rise of President Lucious. A stronger bond with those outside the walls of Sanctum have proven to be fruitful, but allows the Alumni to further spread their beliefs, and even open the Sanctum gates to those who prove themselves open-minded and/or like-minded to the faction's core beliefs.

A rising concern among the public is the segregation of mutants within the Sanctum and the sheer elitism many alumnites display. With the reveal of President Arlington's experimentation with Southpoint State individuals, large riots and public backlash swept over Sanctum. Fearing capitulation and public hatred, the Alumni changed their core beliefs to allow mutants upon the campus, free of segregation. While many continue to hold their elitist beliefs, just as many stray from the so-called "Arlington's path" and wish for more inclusive Alumni.  Bit by bit, day by day, the Alumni continue to rebuild the trust of those among them and the public; wishing for a brighter future with President Lucious.

Different from the USRF’s ND, known formerly as the Northern Dollar, the Alumni pride themselves in a virtual currency known simply as Scrip. While ND may be utilized within the esteemed Sanctum, the Alumni much rather prefer the usage of their own currency. Scrip is managed through Compendium servers and applications on PDAs for an easy transaction and a more secure way to hold currency. The value of Scrip has been determined to be 100 Scrip is equal to 1 ND. 

The debate about the purpose of Scrip ranges from an incentive to join the Alumni’s cause to that of an enactment of self-governance for Sanctum. Despite what one may believe, the Alumni are persistent in their endorsement of the virtual currency and ensure the easy setup of an account so anyone can take part in trade within the Alumni’s marketplace.

For the various years, the Alumni resided within the bunker, the overseers of the College saw fit to structurize order through means of the Alumni Branches; Valedictorians and Salutatorians. While the prominent divide between the branches being researchers and security forces respectively, the Alumni oftentimes discourage a “separation” of the two when it is unneeded.

Despite this, Vals and Sals more often than not stick to their associates in social settings; such as the mess hall, dorms, and other hangout sections in Sanctum. However, during times of tension, it isn’t uncommon to hear groups throwing minor insults back and forth at each other. Despite this, any arguing or tensions will be quickly shut down by a superior or someone of sense since unity and respect is an important factor in functioning efficiently.

The two branches each use different skill sets; Brains and Brawns. Even though the branches use these different sets, it isn't uncommon to see those from each side complimenting the other's skills. As a whole, both the Salutatorians and Valedictorians work towards the betterment of the Alumni. There is no doubt in the minds and hearts of the Alumni that Valedictorians and Salutatorians can pull together and conquer whatever they set their minds to when they want to, and very much so when they need to. 

Some from the outside may describe the relationship between the two branches as love/hate, however those with wisdom and inside the campus walls can agree it is a strong family dynamic.

Despite the gap between Alumni ranks and their responsibilities, members of all ranks regularly socialize and live cohesively. The hierarchy within the Alumni is deeply respected and taken seriously by all members. Both sides grow a stronger bond based around the useful skills and knowledgeable expertise between one another on the field which leads to a sense of brotherhood regardless of their title or stature.

However, behind closed doors, a frequent sight is seen with acts of hazing or mischief that can be commonplace between ranks. Though it is practice that an order should be carried efficiently and effectively as soon as it has been made, even in times where fun moments quickly turn serious. The decision not to take the words of a superior seriously is a punishable offense within the Alumni that has never gone overlooked.

Sentience is what draws the line between a droid being specialized equipment or a conscious being. Droids with sentience are awarded most rights a human does excluding a few things, such as the ability to rank up or being required to work longer work hours due to a lack of fatigue. While droids without sentience are only seen as equipment, they are to be operated for as long as they need to and are expected to do their job. When sentience is being questioned a semi thorough investigation, testing, and debate is held to award a droid such rights.

Droid sentience is seen as a technological marvel throughout the Alumni’s society, leading a majority of members to see the complex thought process of such droids as a gift in disguise. Although it is unknown where or how sentience appeared from deep within their coding, their never-ending strive to become more human and fit within the post-flash social spectrum is highly respected, even being influenced by those around them for the greater good.   

Military droids are a separate matter however, for one they are far more equipped and thus a dangerous technology that can't be allowed to roam free-minded. Military droid repair is generally handled by higher ranks, then proceeded by the Directors and Domini who go through great strides to ensure the inability to develop sentience, with constant "Software" upgrades being performed to refresh a droid's "Mind". 

         The alumni are no fools to the dangers of droid sentience, many droids have pre-programmed firewalls and anti-malware programs to keep them from going rogue. Occasionally sentient droids that have proved themselves as dangerous have had their memories wiped and sentience stripped if deemed completely necessary, turning them into mindless drones akin to their soulless brethren that roam the campus.

There has been wider acceptance of outsiders into the Alumni but it is not an easy accomplishment to achieve. Timing is a major factor in the application process for the Alumni since applications for outsiders are only open at certain times.

When the time for the acceptance process has come, there are a variety of mentally and physically strenuous tests that must be passed. If the tests are completed the accepted person will undergo a 4-year apprenticeship with yearly testing that must be passed to continue the apprenticeship. 

After the 4 years are up, the apprentice will be reviewed in their overall testing, behavior, and quality to determine if they are worthy of becoming an official Alumni. If the apprentice fails they will have to reapply for the apprenticeship as they had done 4 years ago but this time someone of Mentor rank or higher has to sponsor them.

Long before Sanctum began to accept the outside populace in a less critical light under Lucious’ guidance, the Alumni had been a heavily isolationist society. Upon emerging from the safety of the dark, damp bunker the early emergers saw only brutality and violence in the wasteland that needed to be corrected.

Hence, an ideology of elitism coalesced, the idea that the wastelanders who scour the Earth are inferior in comparison to the Alumni. This prejudice can be based on intellectual differences or any other taboo reasoning. Typically more common amongst the Valedictorians, elitism is a qualm that has long since plagued the Alumni and shrouds over its settlements.

The opening of Sanctum and the passing of more outsider-friendly policies has helped to negate the issue, but outsider residents still exist under scrutiny as the ideology has not yet been passed on. Many outsiders aren’t permitted to advance far into the faction. As an outsider, you may face discrimination from elitist faction members, or you may potentially represent and support the outsiders as an Alumni-born member. Ultimately your character’s perspective is for you to decide.

Before the advancements in settlements and trade the foundational mistrust the Alumni held against the outside populace led to the rapid advancement of isolationist policies. Especially encouraged by earlier conflicts with the USRF and other surrounding factions with the Sunrise Islands region, the early Alumni closed off their gates to prevent further interaction so the Alumni could operate solely individualistically without exterior influence. This would lead the Alumni to solely interact with outsiders if they can provide gains.

Lucious’ presidency is attempting to move away from these outdated policies, but there remains both firm supporters and those who detest the ideology.

Sentiments often exist both against and in support of droid sentience within the Alumni. There exist vast arguments on whether or not a droid can remain sentient within the Alumni, and whether or not it should be erased the moment it receives a chance to develop, or supported and allowed to thrive. As of current, most droids within the Alumni, if sentience is developed, are allowed to maintain membership as a sentient member of the faction under some discrimination.

There exists the ideology that those outside of the Alumni should not, under any circumstances, be permitted to possess dangerous, militaristic technologies about the mass societal destruction that was the Flash. However, this ideology frequently allowed for consistent zealotry within the Alumni’s ranks, with the infamous early inquisitions acting as a prime example of the tyranny enacted upon the wasteland population. More passive renditions of this ideology have been adopted in more recent times, however, a minority still declare it problematic and incredibly tyrannical to practice. 

The campus consists of three major buildings, the Compendium, the Dormitory, and the Welcome Center where you first enter the campus. While the Alumni hold themself on a high pedestal and take pride in their home, the structural integrity of the campus buildings is beginning to come into question. The walls and foundations of buildings within the Alumni walls are in visible disrepair as the group struggles to gather the appropriate resources to keep up with the buildings’ maintenance. The Alumni are sure to not let it falter their sense of pride and keep the public impressed with the various discoveries and advancements that have taken place within the Compendium. 

Within the Alumni walls are also open spaces for housing or market stalls, and what is known as the Marketplace, where trade and socialization are conducted. In the marketplace, various stores can be found, such as a tech vendor, arms and ammunition, clothing, knick-knacks, and a unique pet store held in a van on the side of the marketplace. Food vendors can also be found within the market, especially at the commonly occupied restaurant, bars,

 and hangout spots with entertainment such as live music and pool.

Alumni buildings may be in a barely functioning disrepair and filled with scrap structures such as housing, stalls, and the marketplace, however, the group does its best to provide an aweing experience with vast luxuries, seasonal decoration, and entertainment.

Alumnites pride themselves on Greek Life. Hence, it is commonplace that people wear some sort of college-related article of clothing. Some commonly resort to the letterman. Some, in specialized fields, wear articles of clothing like lab coats, sports jerseys, or even something like a janitor’s uniform. 

The weather can be a large contributor to what individuals wear as well. Some wear scarves, some stack jackets, etc. In the summer, some resort to tying their letterman on their waist. However, one must follow the rules and regulations of a person’s uniform. You must be identifiable as an Alumni at all times. 

Letterman culture has been a standard since the emergence of the group. Made out of whatever strong materials one has, it represents a person’s pride and place within the college. Examples of materials include fleece, wool, and leather. Some of the younger generation have received one from their parents; passed down. 

•  To damage a letterman is a form of heresy. A person who doesn’t have access to theirs or damages it horrendously condemns the owner to be viewed with malignancy from the Sanctum.

As an individual raised within the volumes of Sanctum’s library; the most common theme one has is best described as “academia”. Though due to supply restraints; Magisters are seen with makeshift/ refurbished headphones. Proctors, stuffing their research within leather messenger bags. 

A similar design of their clothing patterns can be paralleled to a pre-war clothing brand entitled Versace. However, referring to their more simplified patterns. There is a derived passion for Greek culture.

Unlike rumors have stated, Valedictorians residing within prefer to carry minimalistic technology. Going only with their ARDs or HUDs, it is unwise to bring all valued possessions out in the wasteland’s field. 

• Academia clothing can include collared button-ups, formal ties, and checkered patterns.

Being the main fighting force for the alumni, salutatorians are held up to a formal military standard, however, their attire can be compared to a militia’s due to supply restraints. Based on their role, they can commonly be seen sporting homemade equipment such as leather rigs and metal vests. while others are given old football gear or deprecated/refurbished pre-flash EIT security equipment that's been circulated through the post-flash markets or was found deep within the storage.

  Like many of the alumni, their letterman is a key item on them as they venture into battle. While both branches can be seen sporting patches gained from important achievements sewn onto their jackets, the salutatorians see it as a sense of pride and comradery through strife and tribulation. Most members choose not to utilize a heavy amount of technological devices such as HUDs, ARDs, etc. They mostly forego them for the bare-bones basic alternatives as the wasteland proves time and time again to be unpredictable.