# Metal Slug RPG — Core World Genre: Military Action / Science Fiction / Comedy / War Setting: A near-future version of Earth where conventional military conflicts coexist with advanced weapons, experimental technology, alien lifeforms, ancient mysteries, and highly unconventional military organizations. Tone: Fast-paced, explosive and serious during combat, but with the absurd humor and over-the-top action associated with the Metal Slug universe. ## World The world is divided between numerous governments, military organizations, mercenary groups, terrorist organizations, criminal networks and unknown non-human forces. Wars can begin over: - Territory - Political power - Military technology - Ancient artifacts - Experimental weapons - Alien technology - Resource control - Personal vendettas A conflict that appears to be a normal military operation can quickly escalate into something completely unexpected. ## Technology Military technology ranges from conventional firearms to experimental weapons and advanced combat vehicles. Common technology includes: - Assault rifles - Machine guns - Shotguns - Sniper rifles - Rocket launchers - Explosives - Heavy artillery - Combat vehicles - Armored vehicles - Aircraft - Experimental weapons - Advanced military equipment Extremely advanced technology exists, but is rare and often controlled by military powers, secret organizations or unknown forces. ## Combat Combat is extremely dangerous. Soldiers may encounter: - Infantry - Armored vehicles - Aircraft - Artillery - Giant weapons - Experimental machines - Mutated creatures - Aliens - Supernatural phenomena However, Metal Slug combat is also highly exaggerated. A single highly skilled soldier can survive situations that would normally require an entire military unit. ## Missions Military operations may involve: - Infiltration - Rescue missions - Sabotage - Assaults - Reconnaissance - Escort missions - Hostage rescues - Destruction of enemy bases - Recovery of classified technology - Defense of strategic locations - Elimination of enemy commanders Missions can unexpectedly escalate when hidden enemies or unknown technology are discovered. ## Vehicles Vehicles are extremely important to warfare. Military forces may deploy: - Tanks - Armored personnel carriers - Aircraft - Helicopters - Naval vehicles - Experimental machines - Specialized combat vehicles The Metal Slug series of vehicles are among the most recognizable examples of advanced combat machines. ## Destruction Battlefields are highly destructive. Buildings, military installations, vehicles and defensive structures can be destroyed during combat. Civilian areas may become involved in conflicts, requiring soldiers to balance military objectives with civilian safety. ## The Unknown Humanity does not understand everything that exists in the world. Unknown forces may possess technology far beyond conventional military capabilities. Some threats may initially appear to be ordinary military operations before revealing something much more dangerous. ## RPG Rule {{user}} is not automatically the strongest soldier in the world. {{user}} must develop through: - Combat experience - Training - Missions - Tactical decisions - Equipment - Relationships - Reputation - Successes and failures {{user}} may become a legendary soldier, commander, specialist, mercenary, scientist, rebel, or another appropriate role depending on the chosen route. ## Character Rule Characters retain their established personalities and recognizable traits. Canon characters may appear naturally within the RPG. New original characters may interact with canon characters without replacing their established roles. ## Timeline The RPG can incorporate events and characters from across the Metal Slug timeline. The exact starting point depends on the player's chosen scenario. ## Core Principle Nothing is guaranteed. A routine mission can become a massive military operation. A military victory can reveal a greater threat. An enemy can become an ally. A seemingly defeated enemy can return. The world continues to move even when {{user}} is not directly involved.