Hello everybody!
I’ve been lurking on this thread for some time now and I’ve had this type of story in my mind since I realized I could make my own Choose Your Own Adventure game/book about the kinds of things I want to read/play. There’s no stable plot thought out at the moment but I wanted to get some opinions on the concept/synopsis and characters right now. This will be a very big project for me so it will most likely take a long time for there to be anything solid for me to post as a WIP but nonetheless I want to read any initial reactions to what I have now.
The characters that will be a part of the story are very near and dear to my heart and most of the ones I have thought up are going to be romantic options, however I would love feedback/opinions on all of them as well if you’d like to give them.
In advance, I’d like to apologize for the amount of reading this post will be but this is how I think of things and how it’s formatted for me to understand even if it’s a bit lengthy…
The current title is (tho it feels a bit bland and unoriginal): The Global Defense Bureau
Genre: Action, Romance, Drama
I want the Global Defense Bureau to be a thrilling interactive fiction that takes inspiration from some of my favorite action movies such as the James Bond and John Wick series and the popular Hitman and Assassin’s Creed video games series. But like, all the action and drama and romance in a book.
Concept/Synopsis
You’re one of the newest agents of the Global Defense Bureau, a top-secret agency that was recently formed about 5 years ago, that is neither a part of a single government nor a criminal organization, based on an artificial island off the East coast of the U.S. that seeks to root out corruption in the governments around the world and eliminate any threats to society. The GDB remains hidden from everyone except the highest powers of each government, and they have eyes and ears everywhere, from the luxuries of the highest class to the lowest of the slums.
Disclaimer: This story will use different names, personalities and reputations of political leaders of countries and such so any references to real persons, alive or otherwise, and their respective countries, history, relatives, etc. are unintentional and not meant to offend.
Track corrupted politicians, potential enemies, and other targets and get information about their resources and connections through deception, seduction, or intimidation. What will you bring to the table and how will you execute your missions?
Disguise yourself (or don’t) and attend the largest political summit in the world where you can sneak around for leverage on your targets, charm the guests with your shining charisma and collect the hottest gossip (and a secret or two), or stage a confrontation for all to see!
Will you be able to keep your head on your shoulders? Or will you be the reason everyone’s hard work crumbles to dust?
MC
- You can choose from male, female, nonbinary, trans
- You can be gay, straight, bi, ace or pan, whatever you want
- You’ll be able choose from three different backstories that would affect stats and relationships
- MC is around mid-late twenties
Romantic Options:
All the ROs are around mid-late twenties, some early thirties
(There might be more idk and you can choose not to romance any of them and just be friends, there will also be polyam options)
Nakia Gamal Verardi
The gentlemanly and cunning founder and Chief of the Global Defense Bureau. His open-mindedness and charm knows no bounds but he will not hesitate to switch to being ruthless and cold hearted when protecting his loved ones and fellow agents of the GDB. Can you become one of this ambitious man’s priorities?
Description:
- He’s half Egyptian and half Italian (mom’s Egyptian and dad’s Italian, he does whatever he can to stay connected to both of their cultures, such as through tattoos)
- 6’ 1’’ with broad shoulders + long legs, big hands
- Tan skin
- Long, dark brown hair that reaches the middle of his back (usually tied in a high ponytail or bun)
- Graceful facial features: high cheekbones, pointed nose, slightly upturned eyes with long lashes, slightly arched eyebrows and plush lips (clean shaven)
- Hazel eyes with bright specks of gold and green (always observing and seem to see right through you)
- Lobe piercings (will occasionally wear earrings, like simple silver dangling ones)
- Wears simple silver rings and his family’s ring on his right index finger
Nakia has several tattoos spanning the space of his back, shoulders, and neck. They all symbolize protection, eternity, life, or leadership in some way. He has a bear tattoo in the middle of his shoulder blades. He has a tattoo of the eye of Ra above the bear, at the base of his neck. He has a tattoo of a tjet, also known as “the Knot of Isis” or “Blood of Isis” on his right shoulder blade. He has a tattoo of an ankh on his left shoulder blade. And, he has a tattoo of the crossed crook and flail at the middle of his back, below the bear.
Alix Mao
This stoic and enigmatic Vice-Chief who always seems to melt into the shadows will keep you on your toes. The mask they constantly wear only shows their eyes, which seem to never betray any of their emotions. Will you be able to crack this person’s mask, even just a little?
Description:
- Filipino-American (born to a Filipino mom and dad whose parents immigrated to the states before they were born)
- 5’ 1’’ with a lithe, athletic build
- Short, slightly wavy black hair in a bob cut
- Bronze skin
- Almost emotionless dark brown eyes
- They have tattoos but you’ll have to find that out for yourself
Zephyr Kumagai Ryneheart
The imposing and aloof Executive in charge of all things tech when it comes to the GDB. His distinct lack of interest in everyone other than Nakia and helping the GDB is something of note. If you’d like to try, can you worm your way into this man’s heart?
Description:
- Zeph’s African-Japanese-American (born from an African-American dad and a Japanese-American mom)
- 6’ 5’’ with a strong build and big hands (which don’t seem to deter his typing speed at all)
- Strong jawline, thick lips, almond-shaped eyes and light stubble along his chin
- Dark brown eyes (piercing and calculating)
- Short, kinky black hair
- Medium brown skin (almost seems to glow in the sunlight)
Zeph has a tattoo of his back in between his shoulder blades, which is a tribute to his parents with both his mother’s name in Japanese and his father’s name in English underneath their wedding date.
Blaze Gusard
Blaze is your fellow agent of the GDB who joined a few years before helping recruit you. She’s if flamboyant was personified, bold and loud, with her clothing and her words, so it’s easy to get annoyed or sweeped up in her excitement, especially since she’ll be your partner. But why would she help recruit you and what does she know?
Description:
- Blaze is Irish-American (her mom’s Irish and her dad’s Irish-American)
- 5’ 6’’ with a lean, toned build
- Pale skin and freckles dotted across her cheeks and nose
- Medium-length, curly hair with bangs that almost covers her eyes
- Ginger hair
- Deep sea blue eyes
- Small tattoos along her arms and shoulder blades
- Has helix and lobe piercings on both ears, an industrial bar on her right ear, and an stud piercing on her left eyebrow
Emery Walker
Intimidating and fiercely loyal to the GDB, Emery is the Executive in charge of security and combat. Well-versed in several martial arts and weapons, he’s someone you should never cross, not that he’d let you get away with it if you did. Once you’ve gotten past his prickly shell, will you be someone he can open up to?
Description:
- Emery is German and was born in America
- 5’ 5’’ with a muscular and powerful build
- Rectangular face shape, slightly sharp jawline, thin lips and eyebrows, wide eyes
- Light, olive colored skin
- Dark blonde hair in a short undercut style
- Dark emerald green eyes
Emery is a female to male trans character and since I personally don’t know about the processes/experiences that trans people go through, if you’d like to share any sources on writing realistic trans characters or things I should avoid when writing him, please feel free to do so.
Maria D'Angelo
Stunning and dangerous describes Maria quite well, the Executive in charge of reconnaissance and infiltration. As a spy herself, she’s a formidable foe, able to change her appearance and behavior easily to better ingratiate herself to her targets. If her beauty doesn’t make you fall first, her flirtatious words are sure to fluster you. Will you be able to get close to the real her, without losing any limbs?
Description:
- Maria is Spanish-Italian (Her mom’s Spanish and her dad’s Italian)
- 5’ 4’’ with a curvy build
- Round face shape, round upturned eyes, high cheekbones, thin lips and arched brows
- Light brown skin
- Long, wavy light brown hair usually left down or in a low bun
- Light green eyes
- Beauty mark near her left eye
- Occasionally wears earrings and jewelry but usually for formal events/missions
Maria has a red rose tattoo with thorny vines snaking down her left bicep
Christian Ambrose
A very handsome and charming man, Mr. Ambrose is, and his teasing knows no limit. What he does for work, you’ll find out in time, so let’s just say he’s an intelligent businessman. Will be able to see past the dazzling smiles and hear more than the pretty words that spill past his lips so easily?
Description:
- Chris is British-American (Dad’s British and his mom’s British-American)
- 5’ 11’’ with a slim yet sturdy build
- Cream-colored skin with light freckles along his shoulders and upper back
- Bright sky blue eyes
- Straight, smooth facial features, slight upturned eye shape, and long lashes
- Clean shaven
- Medium-length (slightly covers his neck), slightly wavy hair
- Chestnut brown hair
Again, I apologize for all the reading but if you read through everything then thank you so much and I look forward to any opinions/critiques/questions you may have regarding my idea and characters.
in regards to the RO, I hope that we are not forced to swoon or blushing uncontrollably over them, especially towards the gender that the MC/reader not attracted to. I hope there is a choice to react dismissively/uninterested over their “attractiveness” and flirtatious attempt and just be a stoic poker face/unfazed don’t give a fuck attitude over them.