What does “post-post-apocalyptic” mean in the context of RPGs?

In the world of role-playing games, the term “post-post-apocalyptic” is often used to describe a setting where the apocalypse has already happened and the world has been rebuilt in its aftermath. This setting offers a unique blend of survival, exploration, and social interaction, where players must navigate a world that has been forever changed by the events of the past. But what does “post-post-apocalyptic” really mean in the context of RPGs, and how can players make the most of this exciting and dynamic setting? Join us as we explore the world of post-post-apocalyptic RPGs and discover the many challenges and opportunities that await you.

Defining “post-post-apocalyptic”

Characteristics of a post-apocalyptic world

• Desolate landscapes
  • Barren wastelands devoid of vegetation
  • Scorched earth and radiation poisoning
  • Destroyed ecosystems and extinct species
• Ruined cities
  • Crumbling skyscrapers and collapsed infrastructure
  • Abandoned buildings and empty streets
  • Looted and ransacked stores and homes
• Scarce resources
  • Limited food and water supplies
  • Depleted fuel and ammunition reserves
  • Contaminated air and water sources
• Struggling survivors
  • Clans and factions fighting for survival
  • Nomadic bands scavenging for supplies
  • Survivalist mentality and distrust of others

The evolution of post-apocalyptic settings

Post-apocalyptic settings have undergone a significant evolution over the years, with each era leaving its unique mark on the genre. This evolution can be traced back to the early days of post-apocalyptic fiction, through to modern post-apocalyptic media, and finally, the impact of technology on post-apocalyptic worlds.

Early post-apocalyptic fiction

The origins of post-apocalyptic fiction can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the publication of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” in 1898. This groundbreaking work depicted a world ravaged by an alien invasion, which left the protagonist and other survivors struggling to survive in a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape.

Other notable early post-apocalyptic works include Jack London’s “The Scarlet Plague” (1912), which envisioned a world devastated by a mysterious disease, and Walter Miller’s “A Canticle for Leibowitz” (1960), which depicted a world rebuilding after a nuclear war.

Modern post-apocalyptic media

The modern post-apocalyptic genre emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, with films such as “The Road Warrior” (1981) and “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” (1985) depicting a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland. These films introduced themes such as resource scarcity, lawlessness, and the struggle for survival that would become hallmarks of the genre.

In the 1990s and 2000s, post-apocalyptic media diversified, with television shows such as “The Walking Dead” (2010) and films like “The Book of Eli” (2010) exploring different aspects of the genre. This period also saw the rise of video games set in post-apocalyptic worlds, such as “Fallout” (1997) and “Metro 2033” (2010).

The impact of technology on post-apocalyptic worlds

The introduction of technology has had a profound impact on post-apocalyptic settings. In many modern post-apocalyptic stories, technology plays a significant role in the destruction of the world, whether it’s through nuclear war, climate change, or a virus. As a result, the post-apocalyptic landscape is often littered with the remnants of technology, from rusted cars and abandoned buildings to advanced weapons and machinery.

In addition, technology has enabled the creation of new, more immersive post-apocalyptic experiences, such as virtual reality simulations and interactive video games. These experiences allow players to explore post-apocalyptic worlds in a way that was previously impossible, and provide new perspectives on the challenges faced by survivors in these settings.

The emergence of “post-post-apocalyptic”

Defining the term

• The need for a new label

The concept of “post-post-apocalyptic” emerged as a response to the growing complexity of the worlds portrayed in RPGs. While “post-apocalyptic” settings were once characterized by desolate landscapes and the struggle for survival, the increasing sophistication of game design has led to a need for a new label to encompass the evolving narratives and themes.

• The distinction between “post-post-apocalyptic” and “post-apocalyptic”

In contrast to “post-apocalyptic” settings, which often focus on the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event, “post-post-apocalyptic” settings occur much further down the timeline. These worlds are shaped by the long-term consequences of the initial disaster, including the rebuilding of societies, the rise of new technologies, and the evolution of the environment. The term “post-post-apocalyptic” seeks to capture this distinct period of recovery and reconstruction.

Examples of “post-post-apocalyptic” settings

In the world of RPGs, the term “post-post-apocalyptic” refers to a subgenre of games that are set in a world that has been devastated by an apocalypse, but where society has begun to rebuild and adapt to the new reality. These games often explore themes of survival, community, and the struggle to rebuild in the face of adversity.

Examples of “post-post-apocalyptic” settings in RPGs include:

• Games like “Fallout” and “The Last of Us”: These games are set in worlds that have been ravaged by nuclear war or a pandemic, respectively. In both cases, society has collapsed, and the players must navigate a dangerous and hostile environment in order to survive. However, both games also show the potential for human resilience and the ability to rebuild and create new communities in the face of disaster.
• Movies like “Mad Max” and “The Road”: These movies depict a world that has been ravaged by environmental disaster or nuclear war, respectively. In both cases, society has collapsed, and the characters must navigate a harsh and unforgiving environment in order to survive. However, both movies also show the potential for human connection and the importance of community in the face of adversity.
• Literature like “The Road” and “Station Eleven”: These books depict a world that has been devastated by a catastrophic event, such as a nuclear war or a pandemic. In both cases, society has collapsed, and the characters must navigate a dangerous and hostile environment in order to survive. However, both books also show the potential for human resilience and the ability to create new communities and forms of art and culture in the face of disaster.

Overall, “post-post-apocalyptic” RPGs offer a unique perspective on the human experience of disaster and the potential for resilience and rebirth in the face of adversity.

Exploring the themes of “post-post-apocalyptic” RPGs

Survival and adaptation

In the context of RPGs, the term “post-post-apocalyptic” refers to a setting where the world has already undergone two apocalyptic events. This means that the characters in these games are not just trying to survive a single catastrophic event, but rather are dealing with the aftermath of multiple events that have fundamentally reshaped the world. As a result, the themes of survival and adaptation are central to these games.

Strategies for survival

One of the primary themes of “post-post-apocalyptic” RPGs is survival. In these games, players must use a variety of strategies to stay alive in a hostile world. This might involve scavenging for food and resources, bartering with other survivors, or using weapons and other tools to defend oneself against threats. The challenges of survival are often the driving force behind the plot of these games, as players must constantly struggle to stay alive in a world that is hostile and dangerous.

The importance of community

Another important theme in “post-post-apocalyptic” RPGs is the importance of community. In the aftermath of multiple apocalyptic events, the world is often a dangerous and unpredictable place. As a result, it is important for survivors to band together and form communities in order to increase their chances of survival. These communities might take the form of small groups of survivors, or they might be larger settlements with established hierarchies and social structures. Regardless of their size, these communities are often the key to survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

Adapting to new environments

Finally, “post-post-apocalyptic” RPGs often explore the theme of adaptation. In the aftermath of multiple apocalyptic events, the world is likely to be very different from the one that existed before. As a result, survivors must adapt to new environments and find new ways of living in order to survive. This might involve learning new skills, such as farming or hunting, or it might involve finding new sources of food and resources. The theme of adaptation is closely tied to the theme of survival, as players must constantly adapt to new challenges and changing circumstances in order to stay alive.

Morality and ethics

• The gray areas of survival
  • In a post-post-apocalyptic world, the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. Characters must navigate the complex moral landscape of a world where basic necessities like food, water, and shelter are scarce. Survival instincts take precedence over ethical considerations, leading to difficult decisions that challenge players’ beliefs about morality.
• The struggle between good and evil
  • As players navigate the post-post-apocalyptic world, they may encounter factions or groups with opposing ideologies. These conflicts force players to choose sides and grapple with the implications of their choices. The struggle between good and evil becomes a central theme, as players must decide whether to align with those who seek to rebuild society or those who believe that the end justifies the means.
• The impact of scarcity on human behavior
  • Scarcity breeds competition and desperation, leading to ethical dilemmas that test the limits of human morality. Players may be forced to scavenge for resources, leading to confrontations with other survivors. They may also encounter situations where they must decide whether to share resources with others or hoard them for themselves. The impact of scarcity on human behavior serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for goodness to prevail.

The role of technology in a “post-post-apocalyptic” world

• The evolution of technology
  • In a “post-post-apocalyptic” world, technology has evolved to its most advanced state. The remnants of the old world have been repurposed and integrated into new systems, leading to a unique blend of high-tech and low-tech solutions.
  • For example, in the game “Fallout,” the player can encounter various forms of advanced technology, such as robotic assistants and power armor, alongside more primitive solutions like generators and traps.
• The role of technology in survival
  • In this type of setting, technology plays a crucial role in the survival of the human race.
  • It can provide a means of protecting oneself from the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, such as through the use of advanced weapons or protective gear.
  • It can also help to sustain life, through the use of advanced agricultural or recycling technologies.
• The ethical implications of advanced technology in a post-apocalyptic world
  • As technology has advanced, it has also given rise to new ethical dilemmas.
  • For example, in the game “Mass Effect,” the player must make decisions about the use of advanced biotic technology, which can be used for both good and evil purposes.
  • Additionally, the use of advanced technology can lead to the creation of new forms of life, such as synthetic humans, raising questions about the morality of such creations.
  • The use of advanced technology can also lead to the creation of new forms of life, such as synthetic humans, raising questions about the morality of such creations.
  • In these games, the player must navigate the complex ethical landscape of a post-apocalyptic world, where the line between good and evil is often blurred.

FAQs

1. What is post-post-apocalyptic in the context of RPGs?

Post-post-apocalyptic refers to a setting in RPGs that takes place after an apocalypse has already occurred and the world has begun to rebuild. This can include a world that has been devastated by war, natural disasters, or some other catastrophic event, and the survivors are trying to rebuild and start anew. In this setting, players often take on the role of survivors or leaders trying to create a new society.

2. How is post-post-apocalyptic different from just post-apocalyptic?

The key difference between post-post-apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic is that in post-post-apocalyptic settings, the world has already gone through the initial chaos and destruction of an apocalypse and is now in the process of rebuilding. This means that there is a sense of stability and order that was not present in a purely post-apocalyptic setting. Additionally, in post-post-apocalyptic settings, there may be more focus on the political and social aspects of rebuilding society, rather than just surviving in a hostile environment.

3. What kind of challenges do players face in post-post-apocalyptic RPGs?

In post-post-apocalyptic RPGs, players may face a variety of challenges as they work to rebuild society. These can include finding resources and building infrastructure, dealing with other survivor groups or factions, navigating the political landscape, and trying to prevent new disasters from occurring. Additionally, players may have to confront the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when trying to create a new society from the ashes of the old one.

4. Are there any specific genres or games that are associated with post-post-apocalyptic settings?

Post-post-apocalyptic settings are commonly found in science fiction and fantasy RPGs, as well as in some post-apocalyptic games. Examples of games that feature post-post-apocalyptic settings include Fallout, The Last of Us, and Metro 2033. These games often focus on the challenges of rebuilding society and the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in this process.