|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 7:59 pm
Sorry if this should be moved to the sticky. It's a little bit more in-depth than what was normally being discussed there, so I figured it might as well have it's own thread. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Anyway, I've got some backstory written up for a Mass Effect style Roleplay. It's going to need a lot of work before it's actually usable, but I think this should prove to be an effective starting off point. Don't feel shy about suggesting changes, Roleplays are, after all collaborative efforts.
This is more a story about humanity, so I'd rather not add any more alien races than we need too, as opposed to Mass Effect. If you have any questions feel free to post in the thread, and I'll get back to you.The early origins of humanity are mostly shrouded in myth, and legend. As such, different clans have radically different accounts of our arrival in the Nair Bennu galaxy. Some insist that our people were once criminals, and other undesirables, exiled from our native galaxy. Several of the more more popular theories state that our precursors were rebels, fleeing from a series of tyrants or some sort of galactic wide conflict. There is no scientific consensus, the sole point that various experts, such as myself, can agree on is that humanity is not native to this Galaxy. None of the archivists can find a single mention our original homeworld, however records saved from Ol-Dia, our first colony, indicate that our ancestors terraformed it over the course of several hundred years. These events occurred approximately 10,000 standard years ago. Surviving historical accounts from Ol-Dia are scarce. One such record indicates that the planet was chosen because of it's similar gravity and distance from the sun as our homeworld. When the colony ship landed, it was presumably dismantled and used to construct the original settlement. An early document detailing the launches of some of the first sunlight redirection satellites indicates that we did not regain the ability to break past Ol-Dia's gravity until well over a century. Almost half a millennium had past before we were able to stumble across the Star Lanes orbiting the primary sun. Once they were located, however, they became the subject of our ancestor's obsession. In those early days, before the development of the Tegotai Drive, travel inside a star systems could take many months, and it was not until approximately a decade later that a probe was created that could cross through the wormhole. The discovery of the Star Lanes was a proud and momentous event for our people, but it also raised two very important questions. Who built them, and how do they work? These are questions that, even today, we cannot definitively answer. Star Lanes are a series of wormholes that are powered by a group of satellites, orbiting a star. When properly activated, they are able to instantly transport a vessel to a corresponding Star Lane in a distant solar system. The satellites appear to be similar to the Anchors, they are both a grafting of bio-matter, and technology, though debate rages on whether they can considered 'alive'. The reason why it took the colonists of Ol-Dia so long to discover was the satellite network's close proximity to the sun, it was only a complete chance that a passing probe detected one of them, seconds before it was about to slingshot around the sun and head towards the system's outer planets. The discovery was a huge cultural shock, though even by then we were aware of alien life, we had never before found any indication of other intelligent life. Even to this day, our scientists are no closer to uncovering the mystery behind their creation. It seems, like Tien Keldsich itself, their true purpose will forever elude us. The discovery was a turning point in our history, and propelled scientific interest into deep space exploration. The first series of probes returned with footage of dozens of new star systems, and hundreds of new worlds. Though it was an infinitesimally low fraction of the space we now have charted out, it created a new-found sense of awe, and wonder towards the Nair Bennu galaxy. Manned scout ships were quickly built, as new telemetry began to pour in, larger frigates were built to construct new and permanent outposts in alien systems. Soon after, the first colony ships began to leave the dry docks, and our people were no longer constrained to one world. Over the next several thousands of years, our people began to carve out a small empire, of roughly one hundred worlds. It is around this time that the first true artificial intelligence, the race of metallic men we would later know as the Ghulam were created. Technology and highly adaptable machines began to rapidly integrate themselves into human society. At first, the need for labour was eliminated, and our ancient economy was no longer necessary. The Ghulam began to teach themselves, until they became more intelligent thinkers than even the best minds humanity could offer. The burden of scientific learning was lifted from our shoulders, and our researchers were replaced with their own creations. It was their brilliance that gave us the Tegotai Drive. Soon, the Ghulam began to understand wisdom, and it seemed only natural for them to replace us as the rulers of humanity. Under it's guidance, our empire prospered, our planets were fully terraformed into paradise worlds, and our people did not know pain, angst or desperation. For three thousand years, our society stagnated. There was no need for exploration, our planets were so well governed that the concept of over-population was a long forgotten theory. We had no need of colonies, and as our worlds slowly became self sufficient, space travel in general. We had gained paradise, but at the same time, we had lost our humanity. Hedonism was the driving force behind everything our ancestor's did, over the years, they produced trillions upon trillions of pieces of art, yet they created nothing of value. The task of recording history was once again passed onto the Ghulam, and our records of this shameful period are very sketchy. What is apparent is that there was some sort of schism within the first hundred worlds. Once again, each clan has their own widely different account of the conflict. Bok-Durthea claims that a messiah like figure appeared, and incited a rebellion against the Ghulam. The Oneen on other other hand maintain that it was a civil war between two human factions, though they are uncertain of the cause. They state that the Ghulam at first remained neutral, then tried to act as peace-keepers, before they eventually turned on us. Whatever the case, we estimate that the war lasted half a century and killed approximately a fifth of the humans in the Nair Bennu galaxy. Humanity could not compete against the Ghulam in numbers, nor could we match their tactical expertise. They think on a level high above our own. At the time, the threat of human extinction was very real, in order to preserve our species, our leaders decided to start again. Warships were hastily converted into colony ships. In order to ensure that at least some of our people would survive, each fleet of colony ships headed through the Star Lanes, and off into completely different directions. Humanity scatter into the stars, until such a time that new permanent colonies could be established. Thus began our exodus. The Ghulam followed us. They burnt any planets we tried to settle, and destroyed our fleets whenever they could. It was apparent that they had no other objective than our complete genocide. We fought back with whatever forces we could muster, but their numbers were overwhelming. Our isolated people began to retreat more and more towards the galactic core, in search of a new home. This was our darkest hour, and our suffering lasted over thousands of years. Bok-Durthea was the first to find it. Their fleet entered through an uncharted Star Lane, and arrived at Tien Keldsich, the Dyson Sphere in the centre of the galaxy. In those days, the sphere was very different from the home we now know. It's atmosphere was made of a poisonous gas that would have killed an unprotected human, the landmasses were much more mountainous, and it is said that not a drop of water existed anywhere. The commanders were in awe of the Archons. The twin serpents who have since been our protectors. A rash decision on the part of one fleet commander resulted in the entire fleet firing barrage after barrage at the creatures, though they were unable to seriously harm them. The Archons were content to simply fly around the sphere as usual, and sing their mysterious song. About an hour into 'the battle' the commanders realized their mistake, and ceased hostilities. It was quickly apparent that whoever had made the Dyson Sphere, was also the original creators of the Star Lanes. The fleet stayed there for many months, launching probe after probe, trying to find some trace of it's original inhabitants. As they remained in the sphere, the atmosphere began to change itself, turning into an air that out people could breath. The land of the sphere also underwent radical techtonic chances, mountains flattened into prairies, grass began to grow and oceans began to spring up. The Dyson Sphere was terraforming itself! The decision was made to built a permanent colony on the surface, and the colonists did with some reservation. The commanders were still highly suspicious of the Archons and kept them under close observation. A year later, a Ghulam battle-fleet arrived with over one hundred thousand ships. A force that even the mighty Bok-Durthea clan could not stand up against. As the fleet moved to defend their new settlement, the song of the Archons became a fierce battle cry. The gigantic serpents flew towards the Ghulam ships, and consumed them. By the time the machines could sound the retreat, they numbered barely a thousand. For the first time since the exodus, mankind had triumphed over their creations. The Ghulam lasers had left deep gashes in the metallic flesh of the Archons, but as the days past, their injuries quickly healed. The Dyson Sphere was officially named Tien Keldsich, a word from one of our lost languages meaning 'sanctuary'. Over the centuries, other human fleets slowly arrived at Tien Keldsich. Though each of them was still human, many had developed radically different cultures in their time apart. The Bok-Durthea's people had a strong emphasis on personal honour, and battle, while the Yageel prized free thinkers, and used chemicals to augment their natural brains. Counting Bok-Durthea, seven fleets arrived at the Sphere. They divided themselves into seven clans. These are: Bok-Durthea
Yageel
Crsosk
Tatong
Ricmok
Oneen
Katenetu (extinct) The question of leadership was soon raised. Bok-Durthea was by far the largest clan, though they eventually settled on a compromise. Humanity would be once again unified, this time under a council government. Each clan would be allowed one representative. Each clan would be able to govern a portion of Tien Keldsich as they saw fit, provided that they contribute a certain yearly quota of resources and sent ships to build the council fleet. Finally, each clan was free to pursue and develop their own form of culture, the only single overriding law was that no A.I. could ever be created. The Ghulam did not fully grasp the overwhelming power of the Archons. The prospect of being able to wipe out humanity in one fell blow was too tempting for them. Over the course of these reconstruction years, they tried to invade Tien Keldsich numerous times, each new loss more devastating than the last. In a few short years, they lost the unstoppable fleet that they had spent a millennium building. The council was quick to take advantage of this, and began launching hit and run raids into space they controlled. The war of attrition was a great victory, and their influence was ended. It was decided that while Tien Keldsich's defences were formidable, they were not invincible. Humanity needed to gain ground and colony ships were once again set out and a new empire was forged.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 11:48 pm
eek Wow. You caught my attention with "Mass Effect style", but I feel this is far more impressive. Seriously, I am impressed. There are so many aspects that I would love to dive into and explore. First, you mention there's a lot that there needs to be a lot of work. What were you thinking of specifically? One, I feel, is to develop the different human clans. You seem to have some vague idea (I think throughout the telling you gave hints towards three of them), is there more here or was that all you had for them? Did you want the RP to take place in a specific period? Because there were multiple different time periods I could find fun to RP - back at the very beginning when it went from paradise to war, when human leaders make the decision to stop fighting and start running, when the first clan discovers the Dyson Sphere, when the last clan arrives and all the humans have to find a way to work together, and then at the very end of what's written when humans have started to rise again as a new empire. Hmm... that's kinda like saying any point in the story at all. I bolded my top two to be a little clearer - I feel both of those would be very high stress and provide for a lot of great interaction moments. If you couldn't tell, I would love to RP in this world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 12:28 am
Kybia First, you mention there's a lot that there needs to be a lot of work. What were you thinking of specifically? One, I feel, is to develop the different human clans. You seem to have some vague idea (I think throughout the telling you gave hints towards three of them), is there more here or was that all you had for them? Agreed. So far I have sort of a general idea for two of the clans.
Unless anyone has any serious objections, I sort of pictured the Bok-Durthea has having a very militarized culture (they're the biggest clan, because they were the best at fighting the Ghulam, so a lot more of them actually survived.)
I had a much different idea for the Yageel. Instead of warrior's they're basically hippies. The backstory I thought up for them is that whenever they entered a new system, they would visit any life supporting planets and harvest any medicinal plants they came across. Originally medication was just used to treat depression aboard spaceships, but as their knowledge of chemistry became more and more refined, they were able to create new and exciting drugs for any number of tasks. So, for instance their soldiers might have full blood transfusions that allow them to fight harder, and their scientists might be on pills that help them stay focused on tasks.
In my notes I have clan Crsosk listed as sort of a feudal clan.During their exodus, they decided that the best way to conserve limited resources was by practising a strict eugenics policy, officers were bred for intelligence, and cunning while labourers were bred for strength. Now, thousands of years later there's a huge divide between the have, and the have nots. That's just a general idea though, I don't have them fleshed out very well yet, so they're open to development.
The Katenetu clan is believed to have gone extinct, but they're still active, somewhere. They withdrew membership from the council, and left Tien Keldsich altogether. I don't really have any sort of culture planned for them though. The basic premise of them is that they have spies and clone infiltrators in all the other clans, and have some vague agenda of their own.
The second part is planet-building. This isn't as important as the clans, and all we'd really need is a paragraph or two of some of the most important worlds. Tien Keldsich is pretty well defined, for the moment, but I haven't given much thought to any of the other planets. Oh, and me being the avid cartography enthusiast that I am, I'm probably going to create a map for the Nair Bennu Galaxy, and a planet image for the worlds we deem important. Heh, I've actually found a really easy way to make animated planets, today, as a matter of fact. Check it out:  It's Melchior, for that Nexus project of mine. I... I just can't stop looking at it. Kybia Did you want the RP to take place in a specific period? Because there were multiple different time periods I could find fun to RP - back at the very beginning when it went from paradise to war, when human leaders make the decision to stop fighting and start running, when the first clan discovers the Dyson Sphere, when the last clan arrives and all the humans have to find a way to work together, and then at the very end of what's written when humans have started to rise again as a new empire. Hmm... that's kinda like saying any point in the story at all. I bolded my top two to be a little clearer - I feel both of those would be very high stress and provide for a lot of great interaction moments. Hmm, well, all of those could technically work, though the original idea I had was for a story to take place in the 'present day' so to speak. I haven't really put too much thought into it, but I sort of figured that Humanity and the Ghulam could openly be at war, while a secret war (mostly between Katenetu and a mysterious fourth faction) rages on. I don't have the story very fleshed out right now though, so if you think a different direction would work better, it's pretty easy for me to change things around at this stage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 1:10 am
Okay, so most of that was at least hinted at in your wonderful history. At this point in time, my tired mind sparked while reading about the Crsosk. It sounds like that very easily would fall into a caste system with some basis (through gene selection - I don't support the caste system. Just saying). The thing that's grabbing my interest most is how everyone's going to interact and the stress between the varying cultures. Tomorrow, or more likely Sunday, I will probably have a lot of ideas I'd want to run past you and see if you'd like to incorporate any of them. Right now I'm a bit stuck in awe and tiredness. stare Maltese_Falcon91 The second part is planet-building. Oh, and me being the avid cartography enthusiast that I am, I'm probably going to create a map for the Nair Bennu Galaxy, and a planet image for the worlds we deem important. Heh, I've actually found a really easy way to make animated planets, today, as a matter of fact. Check it out: It's Melchior, for that Nexus project of mine. I... I just can't stop looking at it. That's easily understandable. That is highly hypnotic. And cool. And it also reminds me I wanted to check out the Nexus, though I might hold out for this RP instead. Also, considering the fact you wrote the history all the way out to the end point of "now" I guessed that was the target RP period. I just really liked the sense of futility and struggle presented in the earlier time periods. I'll admit, a weakness of mine. Arg, my eyes are glazing over from all the Gaian whiteness. I want to say more but nothing is coming out. But seeing as I likely won't be on for a couple days I wanted to get something out there. Mostly because this is awesome. If I haven't already said that. I promise my next post will have something of worth in it. Really. I made the mistake of previewing this message and all I can stare at is your planet. sweatdrop EDIT: I am totally going to create a TL;DR for you too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 1:19 pm
Wow.
That was all so much to take in.
I have to say I myself have never played Mass Effect, but I've watched others play it.
I was wondering if people who have never played this game can hop into this RP, or if that wouldn't really work out?
Another thing would be, if you think people who haven't played the game can RP this, are you going to put down a basic background for the whole Mass Effect story line?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 2:11 pm
Lost Lady Ryssa Wow.
That was all so much to take in.
I have to say I myself have never played Mass Effect, but I've watched others play it.
I was wondering if people who have never played this game can hop into this RP, or if that wouldn't really work out?
Another thing would be, if you think people who haven't played the game can RP this, are you going to put down a basic background for the whole Mass Effect story line? Oh, this isn't set in the Mass Effect Universe. It was inspired by it, but aside from a few common elements it's a very different setting. So, it might help if you're familiar with science fiction in general, but no knowledge of Mass Effect is required. Anyone can easily RP this. I'm planning on making sort of a mini-codex before the RP starts (like what I did for Nexus), so it should be fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 2:31 pm
Maltese_Falcon91 Oh, this isn't set in the Mass Effect Universe. It was inspired by it, but aside from a few common elements it's a very different setting. So, it might help if you're familiar with science fiction in general, but no knowledge of Mass Effect is required. Anyone can easily RP this. I'm planning on making sort of a mini-codex before the RP starts (like what I did for Nexus), so it should be fine.
Well then I'm quite interested.
I can't wait to hear more about this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 2:19 pm
Bleh. Real Life interference. stare
Looks like you finished up over the weekend - awesome. Sorry I wasn't on to bother you with ideas. I'm creating a character to write, but I will admit to being slightly hesitant. I haven't RPed in 5 years. sweatdrop
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 5:49 pm
Kybia Bleh. Real Life interference. stare Looks like you finished up over the weekend - awesome. Sorry I wasn't on to bother you with ideas. I'm creating a character to write, but I will admit to being slightly hesitant. I haven't RPed in 5 years. sweatdrop Don't worry about it. My first roleplay was only actually Nexus, so it should be fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 3:45 pm
Hey guys. I just wanted you all to know I'll be gone and away from internet this weekend. I'll probably be back Monday-ish. I know the RP just started and my character is currently in interaction, so despite only being gone a couple nights I wanted to let you guys know.
If needed, assume Etana excused herself and stepped out of conversation. I will figure out an explanation upon my return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 3:46 pm
Kybia Hey guys. I just wanted you all to know I'll be gone and away from internet this weekend. I'll probably be back Monday-ish. I know the RP just started and my character is currently in interaction, so despite only being gone a couple nights I wanted to let you guys know. If needed, assume Etana excused herself and stepped out of conversation. I will figure out an explanation upon my return. Okay, thanks for letting us know.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:10 pm
So, I've been writing under the assumption that we've all been awake for the entire journey but antisocial to the extreme until the departure date. It seems others have been making the assumption of being in cryosleep (or whatever term you'd like to use). Am I the only one who assumed we've always been awake? That everyone vaguely new each other but didn't talk to each other for whatever reason? I'd just like to know so I can shift how I'm responding if I'm the outlier. Did I miss it somewhere in the intro?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:23 pm
Kybia Did I miss it somewhere in the intro? Cryo? Nah, that wasn't in the intro. But for all intents and purposes, Cryosleep was completely elective. If your character wanted to be in it, they were, if not, they weren't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:40 pm
Maltese_Falcon91 Kybia Did I miss it somewhere in the intro? Cryo? Nah, that wasn't in the intro. But for all intents and purposes, Cryosleep was completely elective. If your character wanted to be in it, they were, if not, they weren't. Thanks for the clarification, so some people chose to sleep away the journey and some didn't. If you guys care, Etana seems to have been awake. xp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 9:46 pm
Wait what? And this whole time I thought we were just starting our journey... Well I fail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
