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Post by doc on May 21, 2008 22:53:43 GMT -5
OK...I've spoken about this with several other people, but my big idea is to do a big Sci-fi epic which meshes some of the best of modern Space Opera (Battlestar Galactica and Farscape) with 70s comic cosmic Opera (Kirby's Fourth World Saga and Jim Starlin's Warlock and Captain Marvel). The high concept is below
Radio Free Seeron
Good Morning People of Seeron. For those of you noticing a slight difference in the transmission, it’s because this is the very first planet wide live broadcast brought to you by the Rylor-1 Satellite. That’s right folks, Free Seeron has become the official radio network of the newly re-instated Seeronian Planetary Assembly. In fact, Chairman Kralyt Omak will be on later to tell a joke or two!
And now, as we always have, Radio Free Seeron brings you the news, uncensored, and uninhibited.
Today marks the end of Pard Meso’s first month as the elected leader of Eastern nation of Calbra. The controversial former criminal turned freedom fighter also known as the Burning Scythe has taken on the ancient Talusian title of Kesmin, which means “Divine Warrior King”. While many other assembly leaders claim that the Kesmin is a despot and a criminal, they also concede that his military and economic power is near unrivaled on the planet.
Plans are nearing completion for the new “Victory Gardens” District in Rylor, where our loyal superbeings and off-world guests will be given subsidized residence suitable to their diverse needs. Extra-normal rights extremists protest the creation of the district, claiming that it will be a ghetto for biofreaks and those deemed too dangerous for baseline Seeronian society.
Today marks the first day of executions for the 347 Seeronians who served as members of the occupied government and military found guilty of high treason. They were sentenced at the mass trials last week. The new death penalty calls for death by spacing.
Today also marked the official selection of Captain Jhon Roben as the commander of the starship Victory, Seeron’s first attempt at creating a ship that will exceed lightspeed and travel to distant stars in order to find new allies and technology to repel future alien incursions and to help free our Talveran allies!.
I'll probably put a few more notes in here as time goes on. I've got a lot of specific ideas about Seeronian society and how it might work, and on some slight modifications necessary for realistic space drama, as well as modified OCCs (or suggestions, at least). I won't be starting this until at least September/October, but I thought I should put the idea out there now. The basic plan will be to have the players be members of the starship crew going out into space to find allies/technology with which to fight the Tarlok...and well, hijinks ensue.
More thoughts coming as I have the time and inclination to write them.
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Post by doc on May 21, 2008 23:06:57 GMT -5
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Post by Renekin Skywalker on May 22, 2008 10:50:55 GMT -5
[Voice of paid actor]I have a mutant ferret that teaches gymnastics for the special olympics. Would such a ferret be suitable for this campaign?[/Voice of paid actor]  |
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Post by doc on May 22, 2008 10:54:46 GMT -5
I'm thinking not. Unless said Ferret is prepared to deal with psychotic Tarlok warbulls, alien gods, and strange new planets.
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kurff
Gamer
BorderFleet Chronicles GM
Posts: 3,049 
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Post by kurff on May 22, 2008 15:12:40 GMT -5
I can enjoy a "John Crieghton" type. I'll make'm once I see what OCC's are available. But am leaning to a Robotech type Field scientist with a flare for Genetics and likes shotguns and handguns.
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Post by dakota on May 23, 2008 9:32:37 GMT -5
I'm thinking not. Unless said Ferret is prepared to deal with psychotic Tarlok warbulls, alien gods, and strange new planets. I guess my bio freak ' tank' will fit right in then |
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Post by Renekin Skywalker on May 23, 2008 15:34:59 GMT -5
Did you want Pic and the Megas-style bot? Or are you thinking of keeping it closer to human scale?
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Post by doc on May 23, 2008 16:06:20 GMT -5
I'll address a lot of this stuff in due time.
OK, first, here's some things from the Skraypers book that I'm going to throw right out:
-Crimes against Science: The fact that there are over a dozen semi-humanoid sentient species, on multiple planets all capable of supporting that kind of life, despite the various differences in distance from the sun, planetary mass, rotation etc etc boggles the mind. Now that said, I understand what Zeleznik was going for here (and yes, I choose to believe that Zeleznik was the primary writer); he was trying to recreate the "Pulp Planetary Opera" of the 20s and 30s- Flash Gordon and Buck Rodgers and their ilk. So, I'm going to keep the species, but I'm going to ignore the actual astrophysics data in the book, and just hope that none of you try to think too hard about it.
-Population Data: Not as serious a crime against science as the other stuff; it is possible I suppose, to squeeze 20 BILLION+ people onto a planet roughly the size of Mars, and keep them alive. Somehow. Probably with some really neat oxygen production technology that massively ups photosynthesis. However, to do that and still maintain a standard of living even comparable to 20th Century North Americans is pushing it. So Again, I'm going to ignore this.
More will come later
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Post by Renekin Skywalker on May 23, 2008 16:11:28 GMT -5
-Population Data: Not as serious a crime against science as the other stuff; it is possible I suppose, to squeeze 20 BILLION+ people onto a planet roughly the size of Mars, and keep them alive. Maybe they were all really small. |
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Post by doc on May 23, 2008 19:45:35 GMT -5
Don't make me hurt you
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kurff
Gamer
BorderFleet Chronicles GM
Posts: 3,049
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Post by kurff on May 23, 2008 22:17:28 GMT -5
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Post by doc on May 25, 2008 15:20:43 GMT -5
OK, now I think I'll start with some details of Seeronian history to give context and add some much-needed "color" to the setting.
THE SEERMAN: History and Culture
The Southernmost continent and nation of the planet Seeron, known as Seerta, is the original home of the Seerman race, While there are several major large forests in the temperate zone, the coastal regions where the ancient Seerman civilization developed were harsh and rocky terrain. Many to this day would only be accessible by horse if not for hovertechnology. Ancient Seerman cities were coastal fortresses meant to hold invading armies and withstand sieges. Later in their development, they began to develop the forrested areas, but even now these regions are mostly pristine wilderness, virtually untouched by civilization.
Ancient Seerman civilization was equally harsh; the men were often horse-riding barbarians who looted and pillaged from each other. Of course, given the Seerman's natural abilities of Clairvoyance and Sense Evil made these long, bloody wars where each faction would try to pre-emptively dispose of each other. Roughly 4000 years ago, realizing that this path would lead to their own genocide, the Seerman race began to more openly accept one another and devolop along a more peaceful society.
Seerman, each individual capable of looking (imperfectly) into the future and sensing dark intentions in one another, is a society of stark contrasts. Being able to sense evil in the members of society, they are stoic, perhaps on occassion jaundiced, for their history and experiences show them how prevalent evil is. Many are often suffer from a streak of fatalism and borderline depression due to their ability to see the future (this was especially present during the Tarlok invasion and occupation). That doesn't mean that they are all forever downbeat; Many are flamboyant, and defiant of what fate may come; these are often young Seerman (and women), filled with passion and romance and the desire to create their own fates.
A few interesting Seerman customs of note:
-The Violet Hood - In their barbarian days, Seerman would kidnap women they intended to be their brides and cover them with a violet hoods. The Seerman would then spend several days trying to win over their affections with gifts, pleads, or arguements. If the woman was still defiant, she would be released back to her family, otherwise a more formal marriage ceremony would then be arranged. This practice was outlawed 2500 years ago, and anyone caught attempting this version of the ceremony was severly punished (originally the penalty was death by stoning. Now it is merely life in prison without possibility of parole). However, in an odd honoring of their "traditions", a version of the Violet hood exists. When a male Seerman proposes to his beloved, he will give her a large purple scarf. The woman will wear this scarf for four days to show that she is considering the proposal. On the morning of the fifth day, if she returns it to the male, it marks that she has declined. If she burns it, it means that the proposal has been accepted.
-The Seerman Justice System: Again, because psychic powers are so common within the population, they are used both as a preventative means and in administering justice. Clairvoyant cops will often speak to a potential criminal to dissuade him or her from an action and inform them of the likely consequences. Similarly, Psychometry is used to glean facts of evidence, and both telepathic and empathic evidence is admissable in courts. Thus, the Seerman Justice system has historically been oddly Draconian and ultra-efficient. It is often said that a court case is about as quick as ordering dinner, and about as empassioned.
-Seerman Songtelling: In contrast to the rather emotionally reserved Seerman society, they allow themselves great emotional displays in Songtelling. Part Operatic performance, part oral presentation, a Songteller is a single individual (Historically male, although in modern times, 15% of Songtellers are female) who takes to a stage, and accompanied by a simple drumbeat (the tempo is composed by the songteller and performed by drummer, but modern songtellers use a computer program to provide the beat) will tell a story. It can be a relatively straightforward tale, though most of the greatest songtellers tell large, sweeping tales equivalent to War and Peace or the Illiad (Most of these "epics" stretch for 4-6 hours! Intermissions are common, thankfully). Songtellers are highly regarded in Seerman culture for being able to truly express the feelings of the Seerman people, and the best are on the level of national icons. Required: a high PE (14 or higher), and the sing, compose music, and computer operation skills.
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Post by doc on May 26, 2008 21:27:20 GMT -5
OK, a little more ancient history, then soem recent history, then the current set-up
THE TALUS: History and Culture
The Talus developed in the two primary nations of what is now referred to as the Eastern Sector (Calbra) - Etor and Malaven. Etor is actually a series of over 2000 islands, each home to a large rainforest of giant towering trees even taller than the Sequoias of Earth! So massive were these forrests that some of the higher levels contained mini-ecologies of their own! THere is even some evidence that some ancient Talusian clans actually lived in these treetop enclosures! In comparision, Malaven is a large sub-tropical expanse of plains, buttes, and the occasional forest and desert.
The Etor Talus generally had two occupations: Fishermen or Hunter/Gatherers, and some dabbled in both. The Malaven civilization, on the other hand, quickly developed a continent-spanning empire, including a navy which they used to attack and raid their Etorian cousins for decades before finally conquering the Islands some 2800 years ago.
The Etor people were hardly complacent, nor were they fools; they always knew that they could never defeat the Malavens in direct confrontation, nor in open rebellion. So instead they crafted a martial art and a secret society to use against their oppressors. The names of both the art and the society are known across Seeron: The martial art was Talitsu, and the society of warriors whom fought the oppressors were known as the Epoch Riders. And after a hundred years, Etor was free again. Three Hundred years after that, the Etor Talus become the more dominant nation, and eventually the two nations became modern Calbra.
Notes on Talus society:
-Family bonds are very strong and close ties are usually maintained. This makes the rejection of bio-freak Talus that much more destructive to Talus society at large.
-Due to their history, Swords and bladed weapons have been rare melee weapons, and as such, a blade is considered a truly great and prestigous weapon. More common and versatile weapons were staffs, polearms, spears, and chain and whip weapons that were used to take advantage of the forested environment.
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Post by doc on May 26, 2008 22:41:53 GMT -5
And done with the ancient history. On to something a little more recent, before digging into the modern Seeronian Tapestry. Feel free to comment and feedback.
THE JAVELIN
10 years before the initial Tarlok invasion, the Seeronian government assembled and debated strategies. Most knew how badly the odds were stacked against them, and they knew that the Tarlok would be a formidable force. They also knew that Seeronian technology was generally superior to Tarlok, but that they didn't have the time to fully prepare for a space war. It was then that one scientist turned diplomat devised a solution: To send away some of Seeron's best and brightest in total secrecy to someplace safe. The idea was mocked; after all, where could they go that the Tarlok wouldn't be able to find them? The scientist responded:
"Everywhere"
And thus began the javelin project. At a staggering cost, and in total secrecy, the massive ship was built, tested, and the crew assembled from the finest military and civilian minds. They would report to no one but the secret government, and they knew that they might never see their home again. Their mission was simple: the massive ship, powered by the most powerful engine ever devised, would travel at relativistic velocity throughout the solar system, and it's crew would prepare to be the ultimate failsafe, the secret weapon that would, one day, spell the end of the Tarlok. And so it was that shortly before the begining of the Tarlok invasion, the Javelin was sent away.
The Javelin, eight miles long, 5 miles devoted to the massive ramscoop drive needed to fuel the atomic reactor, travelled for 50 years, most of its crew aging a fraction of that (depending on when they boarded, the average is about about 20 years, although members whom have been on board all 50 have only aged about 15). The ship would occassionally "collect" valued members of the secret government or other assets to use in its work as they helped to create new technology and strategies, and to train more Freedom fighters to prepare for the day when the Javelin would strike.
And so it was, decades later, when that day arrived, when the united resistance of Seeron rose up, and the Javelin came down upon the Tarlok Space fleet. For you see, the thing about having an engine that is 5 miles long and is capable of propelling that much mass at relativistic velocities is that it makes for an effective gun in its own right; a mass driver capable of punching thru the most hardened Tarlok ships like buckshot thru wet tissue.
Which wasn't to say it was an easy fight. The Tarlok were nothing if not persistent. They had the edge in fightercraft and in space infantry, some of which boarded that ship. In the 3 days of heavy fighting, there was not a single deck of the massive spacecraft that did not see battle and blood and death, including the command deck, where Captain Horden Praka died. All might have been lost had not the mission operations officer, Jhon Roben, himself wounded in the attack, took command and rallied the remaining crew into a final push that cleared Seeronian Space of the Tarlok. With the loss of orbital and air support, the already beseiged Tarlok occupations forces planetside were eventually overwhelmed. Seeron was free.
After the battle, Roben was brought planetside for medical treatment where he spent several months recovering. The Javelin, having spent all its fuel in the battle, lies at the Lagrange point between Seeron and Etopia (the point in space where the gravitational pull between the planet and the moon equal out; effectively a safe orbital point) where it serves as the new command base of the Seeronian Space Defense Group.
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Post by doc on May 28, 2008 21:43:31 GMT -5
OK, done the history, and now for a look at post-occupation Seeron:
"...The Chairman of the Seeronian Planetary Assembly will rise!" the Sargent-at-Arms cried out over the audio system, but he was drowned out by the applause
So much noise. So much light. Kralyt Omak thought as he walked up to the main podium. For his entire adult life, he had lead his world from a shadow Parliament. In secret, in security and isolated. He only dreamed of a day like this. Now that it was here...
...it's exactly what I hoped for. He looked out at the 2000 persons of the assembly: the Lower House of the Assembly, or the Legislature; 1000 Seeronians chosen from the various districts of the planet, and then the Upper House of the Council, each one representative of the exact same portion of the voting population to reflect the Seeronian political spectrum. The Chairman allowed himself a brief smile, although it slowly faded as he saw the Calbran sections of each House, and the now familiar red metal Broach on their tunics; the symbol of Allegiance to the Kesmin, the former Burning Scythe Pard Meso.
I will have to do something about this. Someday. He motioned to end the applause.
"To my fellows, esteemed colleagues, and the citizenry of our world, it is with humility, and with the honor of the fallen heroes that I make this, my first address to you, and open the Seeronian Planetary Assembly once more!"
The cheers took several minutes to die down.
"In this hour, even as we celebrate our victory, it is the intention of this government and this administration that we return not only to an age of freedom, of democracy" He emphasized those last words and was pleased to see some of the Calbran members wince "and to the rule of a just and fair law for all. But there can be no law, no justice, until those who knowingly and willingly collaborated with the invaders, willingly lead to the deaths of millions of our loved ones, are dealt with. Thus it is with unanimous consent of the leadership of all parties, delegations, and judiciary, that the following is writ and law:
The punishment for willingly taking arms against Seeronians in the name of the invaders - Death by Spacing.
The punishment for willingly joining or supplying any agency assisting or organized against Seeronians in the name of the invaders - Death by Spacing.
The punishment for giving aid and comfort to these enemies- Death by Spacing.
The Punishment for serving in any official capacity of the occupying junta - Death by Spacing
The Punishment supplying materials for these agencies to be used against the people of Seeron - Death by Spacing.
All of these judgments are to be carried out in a court of law, with due process observed, and all the rights and privileges of those laws and rights respected."
The crowd cheered unanimously. The Chairman could feel the vibrations travel down the hall to his podium.
He smiled.
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