[OOC] Lightspeed: A Space Opera

[Dredigan]

"Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong.
No matter how fast light travels it finds the dark has
gotten there first, and is waiting for it."
- Terry Pratchett

In the distant future planets are dying; subject to the wrath of some unknown cataclysm. Seven worlds on the outer galactic rim have fallen victim to this destruction which renders the planet entirely uninhabitable. Though the planets of the inner rims refuse to acknowledge the threat it has become very real to the governments and civilizations that must seek answers in the wake of its rampage. The assailant is unknown, be it some plague or monstrosity it has ravaged worlds and is not likely to subside. The events have lead to millions of displaced citizens seeking refuge in the inner worlds. Thousands of systems under hundreds of governments debate endlessly on how to handle the refugee issue, while thousands more mobilize and prepare to fight for their land against the pirate and mercenary lords that have stemmed from the destruction of their homes. Now, through some twist of fate or act of divine intervention, you have come into contact with Muru; an infant and one of last of her kind. Your destiny is interwoven with hers, and from this day forth your actions will shape the fate of the galaxy.

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Info

Factions

Civilized Central Systems (CCS) - A coalition of thousands of civilized planets encompassing over one trillion citizens the CCS is arguably the most powerful faction in galactic history. The territories of the CCS expand in a large ring lightyears in diameter around the galactic core. The heavy gravity and intense living conditions made naturally by the location of the CCS homeworlds leads to strong soldiers and physically adept species. The CCS has undoubtedly the largest ground military in the galaxy.

Outer Rim Alliance (ORA) - The ORA is a collection of loosely allied independant systems on the outer fringes of the galaxy. It spans nearly a quarter the length of the entire outer rim in its territories, though no single government or authority figure governs the entirety of the alliance. Every planet that has gone dark has been within the territories held by the ORA however only one has been an Alliance world.

The Teret hierarchy - The Teret Hierarchy is a grouping of star systems which submits to a hierarchical order of worlds based on which offers the most industrial power. All worlds are allowed a vote on any matter concerning the hierarchy on a large scale, however the most productive worlds are given priority vote. This leads to massive competition in the industrial sector and thus the Teret Hierarchy possesses the largest, most advanced fleet in the galaxy to date.

Independent worlds - Within the territories of any alliance or government spanning many systems there are always independent worlds. Worlds which govern themselves or their own star systems. In addition to this there are thousands and thousands of unexplored worlds and planets yet to be discovered.

Pirates - Space Pirates have been a threat as long as FTL travel has existed and even before. However now with the destruction of several worlds leaving millions without homes the piracy issue has only gotten larger. Many aliens take to the stars to pursue income and adventure.

Mercenaries - Mercenary groups are prohibited in some sectors of the galaxy, however the ORA permits them to exist freely and thus many make their home there. These companies often hire out large armadas, armies, small groups, or single men to do the bidding of the highest paying customer.

Technological State

We are at a very advanced point in time. The galaxy has been made fully explorable by FTL (Faster than light) travel. Ballistic weapons remain the primary source of weaponry in the galaxy, using an ammunition similar to that of Mass Effect. A block of metal is inside the weapon and small arms within the gun shave off small pieces of this metal which superheat and fire toward enemies at incredible speeds; making them deadly and efficient.

Spacecraft can be private owned and can even be fitted with their own FTL drives, weapons, and living areas.

More will be added as necessary

Races

[These are just a few races I have in mind. Hundreds of thousands of alien species exist however, and if you have an idea for a new one feel free to run it by me]

Vherten - An inner rim race hailing from the planet Vheros, this species, though strong, will only grow to be about as tall as a man if not a bit shorter. They possess dark skin and their eyes are exposed only through small slits in their skin. They grow no hair and can deploy a head fringe. Their entire anatomy is developed to protect them from the hot double suns and high gravity of Vheros. This is a young race, however quite influential in the CCS government.

Kelgoss - Tall, pink or red colored amphibians from the outer rim world of the same name. These people are the most recent to have their world annihilated by the phantom cataclysm, and the species to which Muru belongs. The Kelgoss have large, dark eyes, human sized mouths, and lanky limbs. As infants and children they do not have teeth, however as they enter adulthood they obtain thin, sharp teeth with never stop growing until the Kelgoss dies. They generally do not exceed three inches in length.

Churreg - A four legged, two armed mammal from the central rim world of Korrok the Churreg are a proud and ancient race. Conquering many planets on their journey to the inner rim over a thousand years ago members of their race made up forty of the fifty two founding members of the CCS. This species grows to stand at nearly 7 feet tall and resembling chimpanzees with four legs rather than two and standing upright. They remain very mobile even in armor and have unique vehicles and ships with cockpits that are impossible for other species to pilot as they require the unique physique of a Churreg to use. The Kurreg are also known to be less accepting of outsiders and more warlike than many other spacefaring races.

Worlds

Korrok - A once jungle planet that has been stripped bare of resources and left destitute by the nature of the species that lived there.

Vheros - A world rich in metals with no saltwater to be found on the entire planet. The close proximity to the two suns in the solar system means the planet has incredible gravity and for many outsiders it is too much. Luckily, gravitational controls exist and terraforming has allowed the planet to become more hospitable to outside races.

Kelgoss - Once a triumphant trade world on the outer rim, Kelgoss is now brown and barren. The cracked husks that were cities scattered lifelessly across the surface with the soil light brown and devoid of plant life. The planet is one of seven to have experienced such destruction.

Trovalia - A city world on the inner rim which is just far enough from its star to maintain a happy temperature and gravity ratio. The city world is the hub of the galactic stock trade and home to much criminal activity.

Tethis - The capital planet of the CCS, a city world and home to the largest military base in the galaxy that we know of.

Jor-Kassan - A garden world with many colonies located in the central rims, the race that once populated this planet was discovered in their equivalent to the human medieval period. When the races who discovered them tried to bring them into galactic society it was too much for the young underdeveloped people to comprehend and eventually it lead to their destruction. That didn't stop extinction profiteers from colonizing their home world though.

Cryptea - The capital of the Human race in the inner rim and center of the human race's military power this garden planet with tall mountains and deep oceans makes a perfect refuge for the human race.

CHARACTER SHEET

Name:
Race:
Age:
Gender:
Occupation:
Homeworld:
Homeworld Description: (Only applicable if you choose a planet not listed above. Don't go crazy with this, be reasonable but have fun.)

Appearance: (Include regular clothing, not armor)

Armor/weapons: (Melee weapons like stun batons and vibro-swords and shields do exist if you'd like to play a knight type rather than use a gun. And as for armor, be creative and have fun. It's super advanced, you can come up with your own armor, think Star Wars level here.)

Backstory: (Be as detailed as you want. You have a galaxy sized sandbox to make this. Only think about what you've done up until about two months before the roleplay begins.)
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[Raxacoricofallapatorius]

I have an idea for a race, if you're willing to hear it.

[Dredigan]

Sure thing, post it on here I'm sure everyone would like to see the idea.

[DJAtomika]

I do too. Importing one of my old characters that I built a while ago but never had the chance to adequately play.

[Lmpkio]

I will like to join this. Here's my character:

Gal' Elturbak

Gal' Elturbak

Race: Vesegrak

Age: 68 Years

Gender: Male

Occupation: Mercenary

Homeworld: Vakuria

Vakuria Description: A volcanic wasteland in the outer rim, Vakuria is dominated by giant volcanoes and vast lava flows. The cities are located underground, in which the cool and hospitable caves provide vast underground lakes, providing as massive, natural reservoirs. In addition, the planet is prized for its stunning volcanic gemstones and crystals, which are valued across the galaxy.

Appearance: As seen above, metal components make up as his clothing, for he is a cyborg.

Weapons:

HP-654 Alpha Assault Rifle


Dual DP-099 Gemini Pistols


X-230 Energy Katana


FN-Stun Grenades


Zalagarian-Class Starship


Backstory: Gal' Elturbak was a Vesegrak born on the home planet of Vakuria. As a boy, he had always wanted to be a pilot, seeing that his father happened to be one for the CCS. After all, he was a good student in the local militia academy and was also highly-gifted in both piloting and a naturally-capable soldier. Additional training was also provided by his father, who occasionally returned home for several weeks to visit him and his mother, who owned a small business in jewelry. She wasn't too happy for her son's decision to join the CSS, as she was worried that he'll get injured or even killed. Nevertheless, she also understood his decision for wanting to see the whole galaxy as well.

At the age of 19, Elturbak graduated the Academy and served the local militia for 10 years, before enlisting to the CSS. He was finally fighting along side his father, a childhood-dream finally coming true. For another 25 straight years they've fought both on the ground and in orbit against the many threats that opposed the CSS. However, it was over the battle of Unoha IV when tragedy struck. As he and his father fought against the elite pirate forces, the latter was ultimately hit by an incoming missile. Elturbak watched helplessly as his father gets his ship obliterated in a ball of fire. It would be a victory for the CSS, but not without a heavy price. That day would scar the Vesegrak for the rest of his life, haunting him in his sleep...

Regardless Elturbak continued to serve the CSS, hoping to avenge his father's death. He became more cocky in his nature and sometimes over-confident and reckless in his decisions. He even became more ruthless towards the pirates when killing them and continued to have nightmares and playbacks of his father's death. It seems as if he was slowly and mentally deteriorating from the guilt he carries with him. However, his newfound attitude would eventually bite his ass and make him pay for his insolent behavior, 4 years later. On the ground battle of Quarum's second moon, as he lead a squad straight into battle, an artillery blast from a pirate cannon would hit right below his feet. The explosion ultimately ripped both of his legs and left him on the ground in agonizing pain and suffering. A feeling that was even worse then the mental pain he experienced for the last 4 years.

Only through a shear miracle was Elturbak taken back to a medical frigate and treated for his wounds. Normally, injuries like that would kill the person through mere minutes as he would die by severe blood loss. Somehow he kept himself alive and ultimately underwent major surgery to get new mechanical legs, along with other cybernetic enhancements. Yet this would be the end of his career in the CSS. To their eyes, Elturbak was now handicapped and was no longer capable of fighting in the field of battle. He just couldn't believe it! First his father dies and now he gets injured to the point that he can no longer continue his legacy?! He tries to convince them to let him fight, but alas he couldn't and was forced to retire from service.

Yet he wouldn't let this discourage him from the field of battle. He eventually became a mercenary and moved back to the outer rim worlds, where he hopes to find more jobs to partake in. He was lucky that he was able to still have his Zalagarian Starship and weapons with him, not just to travel the galaxy, but also as a memorial to his life and dedication as a proud CSS soldier and pilot.

[RoflsMazoy]

Could I join in on this? I have an idea for a faction and several worlds I want to make

[Dredigan]

Rolf you're free to toss in whatever you'd like, I'm always taking suggestions. Lmpkio you're accepted, I like the character being a cyborg for sure and the race is cool. If you have any more details on the race you'd like to send me shoot me a PM so I know what to write down for the race description. If you could go ahead and post it in the character section under a hider that would be great.

Also, the ship is cool and you're perfectly fine having it but I planned on us traveling mostly in the same ship just to allow character interaction and so on, however FTL travel makes it easy on us so you could just have your ship docked on some private dock in the outer rim and when we need it we can lightspeed back and get it. So you'll have the ship but you might not be traveling in it all the time.

[Lmpkio]

@Dredigan Alright. You can say he's like an alien Raiden from Metal Gear lol. I'll move him in the CS and type the race when I get home.

And if that big ship has like a docking bay, I can just simply dock it there. It's more of a big fighter ship like a X-Wing, but not like a cargo ship like the Millenium Falcon. If not, I'll make a private dock for his ship.

[Raxacoricofallapatorius]

@Dredigan

Alright, here's my idea (if you like it other people can feel free to choose it as a race for their character :D )

Timtem

Race: Timtem

Characteristics: Timtems are furry mammals standing anywhere between 3-5 feet tall. They have large eyes, large ears, and a muzzle-like face. Bi-pedal with delicate legs and elongated fingers with a thin membrane stretched between them (very much like a bat) and long prehensile tails. In spite of their appearance of having wings, Timtems cannot fly, only glide on the air or flap short distances without ever getting very far off the ground. They are expert climbers with highly attuned senses of hearing and smell. They have a fascination with trinkets, baubles, or anything pretty, often adorning themselves in jewelry and silks as a status symbol.

Example:

Planet: Tem, their home planet, is actually a heavily forested moon orbiting an uninhabited gas giant. Almost the entire surface of Tem is covered in trees, some of which can grow up to half a mile high. The Timetems make their homes in the canopy of these trees, and can live out their entire lives without ever touching the ground far below (which is little more than a watery marsh).

Culture and Behavior: Timtems seem very tribal in the nature of their culture, and their technology is still rather primitive. However, they are highly intelligent and quick to adapt, which makes them fast learners as well as ingenious creators. They are very passive creatures and don't like to stir up trouble, but this contrasts with their insatiable curiosity about the world around them. Not ones to build their own spacecraft, Timtems are expert hitchhikers who, once venturing out into the galaxy, became extremely successful inventors, programmers, and mechanics whose skills were in high demand.

[Dredigan]

I like the Timtem they're confirmed, I'll do the editing later tonight. As for the Ship issue, I would create a personal docking bay anyway. Don't worry about posting it just have one in mind for now. I didn't imagine us flying on a cruiser with docking bays, more just a freighter of some sort like the Millenium Falcon which would have bedrooms and a living space to accommodate 10 or so people.

[Lmpkio]

@Dredigan In that case, alright. Can't wait for this RP to start :) May have some more ideas myself...

[MissCapnCrunch]

Are we allowed to have human or humanoid like characters?

[Lmpkio]

@MissCapnCrunch Uh yeah lol

[MissCapnCrunch]

@Lmpkio

Just making sure before I make a fool of myself LOL

[Lmpkio]

@MissCapnCrunch Alright lol. Besides there's a planet that serves as the human Capitol lol

[MissCapnCrunch]

@Lmpkio

Yeah, I saw that! :)
Just wasn't sure if that was just a knowledgeable mention or playable information.
Thanks though for the heads up- I'll be getting my CS put together and up here soon.

[Lmpkio]

@MissCapnCrunch

Can't wait. :)

[MissCapnCrunch]

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Zaray Lor

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Name:

Zaray Lor

Race:

Human

Age:

28

Gender:

Female

Occupation:

Pirate

Homeworld:

Cryptea

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Appearance:

Standing at only 5ft 2 Zaray might not seem too intimidating but with her big attitude and one piercing grey eye, she has been known to let even the toughest of men take a double take. Hates the connotation that blonde humans aren't as smart as humans of other hair colors. When not in full gear, she prefers to dress as comfortable as possible: being seen in tights/leggings and large cloth sweaters or shirts. She lost her eye in a fight with an estranged lover of the past. He was a great cook, and even a better shot with a chef's knife.

Armor & Weapons:

Being a pirate has had it's benefits of weaponry, giving Zaray a variety of things she has had at least tried. She prefers quick and small guns, keeping a small tactical machine pistol of the corrosive type at her side. Not afraid to slap or punch someone in the mouth if she feels it's necessary. Quick on her feet, and crafty sometimes the best weapon she has is her mouth.

Her armor is a hodge-podge of pieces put together that she has stolen borrowed over the years. Close fitting for easy and quick movement. She likes to look well put together though, taking the initiative to strip, sand, repaint, and polish the old armor to look brand new and a part of a set. She loves the color orange. Give her something orange and she'll love you forever.

Backstory:

Ahh home sweet home Cryptea the breeding ground of the exquisite human race. Look in wonder and awe as you see our planet BLESSED with beautiful and life producing greenery, breath taking mountains, mysterious oceans and mounds of smelly trash.

That's where Zaray comes in.

Working as a garbage collector had it's connotations but it put food in her belly and change in her pocket. The girl's father had been a garbage collector, and his father before him, so you could say the Lor family didn't have much going for them. Eventually she got in cahoots with a group of fellow collectors who took to stealing the garbage and making a profit from it, scrapping metals and re-purposing items. They really meant it when they said one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Eventually this wasn't enough for motley crew, and they pooled all their money to buy a shitty ship, to take to the other worlds and systems to steal other people's "trash". How exciting! Life became a bit more chaotic for Zaray as she constantly was on the run, not having anytime to settle down or create real relationships with anyone besides the enemies she created here and there.

As different strings pulled the original crew apart, they took a huge leap deciding to scrap their ship they had worked so hard to buy, and just split the money and go their own ways. Zaray found herself a bit lost in the world of possibilities. It wasn't until her first encounter with Muru that she felt she had purpose again.

[Nomad]

Hey! I have to go to work, so I'll finish the CS when I'm back.

Name: Al'Keck
Race: Telth
Age: 219
Gender:Male
Occupation: Mercenary
Homeworld: Tambarin
Homeworld Description: I highly Inhospitable planet that has a high humidity and is covered in a vast rainforest. With many predators as well the tribal society of the Telth had to adapt, working in hunting parties and focusing on cunning to fight the other larger creatures. This has caused them to form a society strong based on hunting, thus once they joined the galactic races it isn't uncommon for them to become Bounty hunters or mercenaries. Because of this the life span of the Telth is higher then that of most races. Because of the high amount of insects and poisons animal life forms the Telth have devolved a high tolerance to toxins as well.

Telth: The Telth are a mysterious race to many of the galaxy. Though they are advanced and members of the galactic community, they see little value in politics. Still living in a somewhat tribal societies where many tribes govern themselves they have a council to deal with outsides, but for the most part they stay out of galactic affairs. Because life is very hard on there planet they have grown to be fierce warriors and hunters, and have a high fertility rate, the average amount one couple will have is nearly thirty children. Though because of the dangers of their planet children are raised in clusters and never know who there parents are, only who there brothers and sisters are.

This has caused them to also be a quite race, developing a very advanced form of communication using body language and gestures. This causes many to not understand there meaning when they speak in galactic common as they speak much with there bodies and pheromones.

Hunting has even reached into there Religion, less of a deity they worship The Great Hunt and you are judged by the biggest prey that you bring with you after death. They honor all prey, and see each kill as a somewhat of a religious experience. To be called Worthy Prey, is one of the greatest compliments they can give to outsiders.

This however has caused tense relations with other races. But also viable opportunity, though they lack massive fleets of other races, but as mercenaries and bounty hunter they are a high commodity. Many races fearing them as they claim to be the greatest hunters in the galaxy, and weather or not that is true is up for debate. But the simple fact is they are very good at what they do.

Appearance:

Al'keck

Armor/weapons:
The GS-106 is a high Caliber long range rifle. Using a magnetic field powered the users power suit. With this high concentrated magnet field it is able to hurl slugs great distances and able to pierce through light vehicle armor. The Scope has several zoom levels and can even change vision modes, night, thermal, ECM and even a mode that is only shows vibrations.

GS-106 High Caliber Rifle

The Stealth Enhanced Environment suit was designed for infiltration and assignation in mind. It's self sustained environment is designed to keep a high humidity even in deserts. The outer layer is made of a micro thin membrane that is able to shift in pattern and color making him able to blend into environments, even the clock able to change as well. The helmet has a built in radio and vision modes the same as his rifle.

SEE-Suite

For more close range situations Al'Keck Relies on the dual Pistols. Though nothing is to fancy with them as they have laser sights.

Scrambler Laser Pistols

For Transportation Al'keck relies on his Fighter, the A'tek Tear. A Versatile craft is is able to be fitted for a multitude of situations. Even having two cryopods built in for when he is required to capture a target alive and transport them. Though it is slightly larger then your average fighter, seeing as it is fitted with an FTL. It also has a Basic AI. This AI allows to pilot itself, though it wouldn't do well in a dog fight, it can allow for hot drops or even extraction while under fire. This also gives it more versatility, as it can operate equipment with out a pilot. (E.G. Fit it for ECM, and it can fly around jamming radar or surveying landscapes.)

The A'tek Tear(Hunter's Wings)

Backstory: Like Many Telth, Al'keck was born on his home world. Many believing that being born and raised off planet breeds you to be weak and soft like other races. For the first hundred years of his life he lived and trained on his home world with his cluster. There was over a thousand of them as small children, but by his first century that number was only slightly more then two hundred.

It wasn't long after that he joined the space core. Learning how to pilot and fight as well as use many kind of weapons. It wasn't long after this that he decided venture off away from his home planet. Starting up as a mercenary and bounty hunter. Over the years he even started to make a name for himself. Rising in the ranks, he was eventfully able to by his own ship. Venturing off by himself he wandered the Galaxy selling his skills for profit traveling where ever the job took him. That was until he heard of the planets being destroyed. The call of the Great hunt was on him so he set out to investigate.

[Ozerath]

Still interested, a little busy with other RP's though unfortunately. I'll shout out if I get some free time.