The Divine Sanctioned Trigalactic Imperium of Holy Light[note]As I'm putting together a rough idea of the setting for the GURPS game I'll be running here, I'll post what I have in this thread. Input is welcome. Players can use this thread to familiarize themselves with the setting and make it easier to make characters that fit in. (Players are also welcome to create new worlds and new civilizations for their character and these will simply be inserted into the setting.)[/note]
As the name implies, the domain of the Imperium encompasses three separate galaxies. Relatively speaking, these galaxies are close together. This simply means that there are no other galaxies separating them, only the true, open void of space. As is also implied by the name, the power of the Imperium is derived from religion. There is an 'official' religion, which is in actuality mostly only practiced for appearances, that puts the royal family, particularly the Emperor, at the head as divinities.
The symbol of the Imperium is three black holes (representing the centers of each of the three galaxies) divided by a pair of crossed energy swords (which the the official and symbolic weapon of the Imperium). The center black hole is surrounded by a dark red color and represents the galaxy called Roh. The black hole on the left is surrounded by a dark green color and represents the galaxy called Ver. The black hole on the right is surrounded by a dark blue color and represents the galaxy call Azu.
Records of the Imperium, as it is now, during it's early stages in Roh date back approximately 1,000,000 years. After a campaign lasting just over 200,000 years, Ver was considered enough under the control of the Imperium to be officially added to it 700,000 years ago. It was during this campaign the that Imperium encountered a small number of exploration vessels from Azu. The conquest of Azu was officially completed 500,000 years ago, though strong resistance still exists there.
[note]As for the manipulating of religions, think along the lines of the Missionaria Protectiva from Dune.[/note]The Imperium's preferred method of taking control of a world is through religion. If possible, agents of the Imperium like to secretly arrive on the world and slowly work at things from within. They will often recruit natives to the planet and have them present new religious ideas the fit with the arrival of an empire claiming to be divine. When possible, they avoid radical changes to the world's religion(s) and prefer to just ease their way in. Failing that, superior military force, advanced technology, and a few fanatical military leaders have yet to fail as an alternative.
Government
In simple terms, it would be impossible for the Imperium to actively govern all of its worlds. The general rule is that each world governs itself in whatever way it chooses and as long as they stay loyal and, possibly more importantly, continue to pay the proper taxes to the Imperium they are left alone. Even the worlds that once resisted Imperial control and still to some degree resent it usually abide by these terms just to maintain peaceful relations, be allowed to freely trade with other Imperial worlds, and, of course, avoid any negative attention of the Imperial military. The fact that the military handles all tax collections may be the very reason this system continues to operate so smoothly.
Within each galaxy under Imperial control, there is a galactic senate. In theory, this senate sets laws that apply to the entire galaxy. In reality, because these laws can only come into being if a majority of senators (who are usually the individual leaders from each world) agree to them and then they must be approved by the royal family (or a designated representative of the royal family) there are very rarely any changes made. These meetings of the galactic senate are also supposed to occur annually. Most years, fewer than half of all the senators actually show up. The most important role a galactic senate serves is electing a single representative to meet once every ten years with the royal family (or, sometimes, just a designated representative of the royal family).
In the end, the world of the Emperor, and really of the entire royal family, is both law and gospel.
Titles
Social standing is considered very important in much of the more civilized areas of the Imperium. Titles are often long and people will gladly carry more than one. A long list of titles, or even a few more important ones, automatically make people more popular and appealing in these places. As such, titles are drawn from anything possible, whenever possible.
[ic=Royal]36 points
Though they are no longer very common, there are other people of the same race as the royal family. According to historical record, they originated on a world that is now lost to the Imperium. They are not all considered to be related to the divine bloodline of the actual royal family, though few can tell the difference between them and treat them as though they are. In appearance, they are much like very beautiful humans with dark hair and fair skin.
Advantages : Appearance (Very Beautiful) [16]; Social Regard (Feared) 4 [20]
Note : Anyone that wants to play a royal for a lower point cost can do so by making them less attractive because they are scarred or something similar. The character will, however, remain recognizable as a royal.
The Royal Family
The royal family of the Imperium are the direct genetic descendants from the original royal family. At least, that is the official story and it's likely to be true. In reality, no one can say for certain as the further one goes back in historical records, the less clear they become. In any case, the genetic line of the current royal family has been around for a very long time. The core royal family, or just individual members of it, have been assassinated a small number of times during the history of the Imperium, though there has usually been a close relation to take their place. In the few cases that there has not been, enough biological material has been recovered to grow perfect clones.[/ic]
[ic=Sabres]
[note]Here are your Jedi equivalents. They're less mystical and more business but it's a similar idea to how Jedi were treated in The Phantom Menace, in my opinion.[/note]The Sabres are the elite of the Imperium. The are negotiator and ambassadors in situations where an Imperial spokeman with full autonomy and authority to make decisions that the Imperium with abide by is required. Failing this, they are deadly warriors. They are used equally as diplomats and assassins and when one is present, all matters taken most seriously. Some specialize in one role or the other but all serve loyally and act in the best interest of the Imperium whenever called upon.
Sabre
45 points
Advantages : Signature Gear (Sabre's Power Sword) [3]; Smooth Operator 1 [15]; Social Regard (Respected) 3 [15]
Skills : Force Sword DX+3 [12]
Sabre Assassin
12 points
Skills : Force Sword DX+6 [12]
Sabre Diplomat
45 points
Advantages : Smooth Operator 4 [45]
Sabre Power Sword
When inactive, a power sword functions as a thrusting bastard sword (Low-Tech page 66) with the monowire (Ultra-Tech page 163) upgrade. The blade is gold in color but very durable. When activated, a power sword functions as a force sword (Ultra-Tech page 166.) The energy that surrounds the blade is an even more vibrant gold color than the physical blade itself. This weapon uses the Force Sword Skill.
While not actually required to use them in combat, all Sabres train in the use of the ceremonial weapon of the Imperium: the power sword. These swords, wielded by all Sabres at all times, have golden blade, just as the ones used in the symbol of the Imperium. What makes these weapons unique is that they have golden non-energy blades that are always present, even when the energy sword is not activated. When activated, this blade is sheathed in energy and acts as any force sword normally would. This large sword is normally worn on a Sabre's back.[/ic]
[ic=Forbidden Worlds]
Worlds classified as 'forbidden' by the Imperium are usually blockaded. Usually these are the planets that the Imperium was never able to properly take control of but are not really any sort of threat and are not deemed worth of a purge. There are any number of reasons that a world could become forbidden. One primary reason is that a unified religion in place on the world that was unable to be modified to suit the needs of the Imperium, or in some cases even shows some signs of possible validity. If a low tech and therefore low threat planet has priests that pray to their gods for power and can then throw balls of fire at invaders, the Imperium usually decides it is best to simply cut that world off from the rest of the galaxy and pretend it doesn't exist. In most cases, they actually don't officially exist. Unless they can't be hidden (such as a world along a major trade route), anyone investigating the area of a forbidden world will usually just be killed.
Another reason a world could be classified as forbidden and blockaded is that it is on the waiting list for a proper purge. A purge, after all, requires a large amount of firepower and manpower. Gathering the force to do this takes time and coordination. At any given time, there are often more important things for the Imperiums forces to deal with than a world that can't be taken but still poses no immediate threat.[/ic]
[ic=Roh]
Roh is the galaxy where the Imperium began. As a general rule, the most technologically advanced planets are found here. This galaxy as a whole is by far the most loyal to the Imperium and the most indoctrinated to its ways. Legitimate practice of the official religion is not uncommon.
[ic=Forbidden World : Chara]
Imperial Designation : RO Alpha Alpha Epsilon Beta; One-Ninety-Forty; Forbidden Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1 atmosphere
Atmospheric Content : 77% Nitrogen, 22% Oxygen, 1% other
Gravity : 1 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 55% liquid water (70% salt water)
The last charted world in the galaxy of Roh that holds the classification of forbidden is known as Chara. This world is hundreds of centuries behind the Imperium in terms of technological advancement. To most of the outside universe, the inhabitants are considered little more than barbarians. However, they are very similar in appearance to the race of the royal family. The resemblance is so strong that the more vocal and powerful members of the Imperium's religion have begged and demanded that the world not be purged.
Some people on this world are able to call upon strange powers with no scientific explanation. A popular theory is that they are somehow linked to over development of some part of the brain but few except that as an explanation when they have literal balls of fire thrown at them. The inhabitants of this world call their powers magik (which is a strangely common name for such abilities throughout the three galaxies) and attribute them to their ancestors. This attribution, of course, only makes the devout of the official religion more certain that these people are in some way connected to the royal family, despite the fact that the current royal family has no such powers (though stories from hundreds of thousands of years ago suggest that they once did).
All attempts to civilize this world have failed. Every few decades another attempt is made, either by the government or sponsored by the high clerics of the official religion. These attempts always lead to the deaths of all involved, some on the ground and the others in the royal palace's execution arena for their foolishness.
[ic=Charan][note]I put this world here to allow for more traditional magic in the core galaxy of the Imperium. It also has a bit of a mysterious history and a possible connection to the royal family. I'm sure plenty of interesting stories could come from this, for characters or adventures. I don't know that I'll be using it but it's here now.[/note]
9 points
The people of Chara are can be easily recognized by most. They appear very similar to royals, though their hair naturally takes on a reddish tint. Anyone sensitive to magic can also tell that they have some ability, even if it has never been developed or learned. It is very rare for a Charan to ever end up away from Chara, though a few have been taken by scientists of the Imperium for study over the centuries.
Charans naturally have the ability to manipulate and even create fire. This is usually described as a magical ability simply because there is no known explanation for it. It is not impossible for Charans to learn other forms of magic, if they can find someone to teach them. Most will not openly do this as they do not want to do anything to make the Imperium view them as a great enough threat to warrant a purge.
Advantages : Appearance (Very Beautiful) [16]; Magery 0 (Fire College Only) [3]
Disadvantages : Social Stigma (Charan) [-10][/ic][/ic]
[ic=Insectoids](http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/8037/district%209%20aliens%203.jpg)
50 points
Insectoids have been encountered on many different worlds across Roh. Many attribute the success of the Imperium to the use of insectoids as a cheap labor force. On every one of them they have carved massive hives into the land itself and caused nearly all other life forms to go extinct. They are just intelligent enough to cultivate some local plant life and keep some animals as cattle. When resources run particularly low, instectoids will cannibalize the weakest members of their hive for sustenance. They are always physically strong.
Insectoids have four legs and two arms. When they lose a limb, they are able to regrow it. They have claws that are designed for tunneling and are no more or less useful for defense than human hands are. They have two eyes that see perfectly in the dark but do not properly differentiate colors, even in light. While it is not fully understood how they do it, insectoids form a mental bond with all members of their local hive and they are able to communicate simple things through it. Only leaders among hives are able to fully use this mental ability to detect others or issue instructions.
[note]Insectoids pretty much serve as a slave race. That alone comes with all manner of potential depth for the setting. Do with it what you will. The image I used is concept art for the aliens that were in District 9 (awful movie) but only from the chest up because, if you look at the template, you'll see that insectoids have four legs.[/note]
Throughout the Imperium, insectoids are used as miner and are always considered expendable. Though it is difficult to get them to follow instructions, some methods have been developed to teach them what is expected of them. They will usually comply with no serious objection so long as they are supplied with the things that they need to survive in return.
Racial Template
Attributes : ST +4 [40]; IQ -2 [-40]; HT +2 [20]
Advantages : Ambidexterity [5]; Dark Vision [25]; Extra Legs (4 Legs) [5]; Filter Lungs [5]; Less Sleep (5) [10]; Mindlink (100-999 people) [30]; Regrowth [40]
Disadvantages : Bad Smell [-10]; Bestial [-10]; Colorblindness [-10]; Hidebound [-5]; Low TL (-9) [-45]; Short Lifespan (-1) [-10]
Lens : Hive Foreman
+119 points
Attributes : IQ +1 [20]
Secondary Attributes : Will +1 [5]
Advantages : Detect (insectoids) (Common) (Precise) [40]; Psi Static (Resistible) [15]; Telecommunication (Telesend) (Broadcast; Racial) [39]
Hive World : Hive Alpha Two-One
Imperial Designation : RO Alpha Epsilon Beta Beta; Nine-Twenty-Fifty (original), Hive Alpha Two-One (current); Hive Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.22 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 82% Nitrogen, 13% Oxygen, 5% other
Gravity : 1.75 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 32% liquid water (90% salt water)
The world now known as Hive Alpha Two-One was one of the first hive worlds discovered during early interplanetary expansion by the Imperium. While it was determined that human life would be possible, it would be too difficult to be worthwhile. This world, like most other hive worlds, has been left to the insectoids. It was here that the Imperium first began gathering insectoids for labor elsewhere.
Hive World : Hive Alpha Nine-Seventeen
Imperial Designation : RO Beta Alpha Omega Omega; Nineteen-Nineteen-Seventy (original), Hive Alpha Nine-Seventeen; Hive Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.35 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 85% Nitrogen, 14% Oxygen, 1% other
Gravity : 2.375 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 22% liquid water (87% salt water)gravity, it has also provided some of the strongest labor insectoids ever known. It is currently the primary world for gathering insectoids for labor, despite the planets general hostility toward human life.
[/ic]
[ic=Gnomes](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jj9y7lDF9zw/RldRhVDbYDI/AAAAAAAAAFE/dxIpGkbAnZg/s200/tinker+gnome.jpg)
While they hold that their formal name is Gnomaraamtingtolosian, most people of Gnomaraamtingtalo willingly settle for the shortened version of 'gnome'. These people are generally considered to be a single species, though there is a clearly defined division of two races. The first are to be formally called Oopti-Gnomaraamtingtolosians but in non-formal circumstances 'upper gnome', 'high gnome','oopti', 'tall gnome', 'proper gnome', or simply 'gnome' are all commonly used terms. Less polite terms often used for them include 'insane' or 'annoying' from other races or 'smarties' from the other half of their own species. The second race is formally known as Dimlo-Gnomaraamtingtolosians with commonly accepted substitutes being 'low gnome', 'dimlo', 'demignome', or 'short gnome', with a small few taking offense to the first of these. Less polite terms for these people are 'dim gnomes', 'dummies', or with some regularity 'little bastards'.
Naturally, gnomes are herbivores, which is an unusual trait among the intelligent races. Before first contact with the Imperium, gnomes tended to what some call the 'great garden' which covered nearly all land on their planet. Such a garden no longer exists and today all food produced on Gnomaraam is produced on much smaller, though more efficient and technologically advanced, farms. Despite their herbivorous nature, gnome have always been able to digest meat, though doing so once caused great difficulty and even pain. Because of the way the species quickly adapts, however, today no gnomes remain that have any difficulty whatsoever with the digestion of meat. Still, few gnomes choose to eat meat. A favorite food among gnomes is mixed nuts.
[note]Yes, as a matter of fact all gnomes do have big balls.[/note]
A notable characteristic of gnomes is their unique reproductive cycle. Females are able to produce offspring at any time after reaching maturity. Males, on the other hand, do not continually regenerate their sperm as humans do. Instead, their bodies only produce sperm once every 10 to 15 years, during which time they feel an incredibly strong biological compulsion to reproduce. The compulsion is so strong that some gnomes claim to lose control of themselves during this time. Those frequently denied the opportunity to reproduce sometimes turn to rape. The most common slang terms for this period simply 'producing' or 'making', though sometimes 'burning' or 'in heat' are considered acceptable. Sperm not used during this time is then stored in one of several compartments in the gnome's unusually large testicles. While male gnomes are capable of reaching a state of sexual arousal and even of reproduction outside of this period, they do so only by choice and with some effort so it is not common. Because sperm is only produced during these brief times, it is possible for a gnome to run out (or 'go dry') during the time in between. A typical gnome pregnancy produces only a single child. Males and females do not pair for any duration of time. After a child is conceived the male usually loses interest and leaves the female to raise the child. Though many races look down on such behavior, many gnome women say that raising a child is difficult and stressful enough and prefer that the fathers do not stay for extended periods of time as they can be even more difficult than their young offspring. It has been observed that gnome offspring often display physical and mental characteristics similar to their parents at the time of conception. This adaptation aids in rapid evolution of the gnome race.
Gnomes (that is, Oopti-Gnomaraamtingtolosians) can reach up heights of up to four and a half feet tall. Their skin is tough, sometimes described as leathery, and is usually a light tan or brown hue. The exact skin tone a gnome displays seems to depend more upon parentage than any other factor and can change gradually over time. The change is caused by minor aspects of the individual's diet. In general, the more moderate the color the healthier the gnome while darker and lighter shades are more common among those who consume too much or two little of certain nutrients. Hair coloration could be explained exactly the same way, though different nutrients impact the color of hair than of skin. The especially vain can use this knowledge to alter their appearance in precisely the way they want. Fashions come and go quickly among gnomes but short beards and mustaches are usually common with males and longer hair with females. Demignomes can be described the same way with the exception of being, on average, a foot shorter. Also, demignome fashions tend to follow just behind those of gnomes.
General behaviors, which seem to be somehow related to genetics, are what differ most between the two gnome races. Ooptis are thinkers, inventors, and tinkerers. They are renowned for their creativity and ingenuity. However, they more often than not have trouble staying focused. Most of these gnomes start and abandon at least twice as many projects as they ever finish. They tend to be easily distracted and can be quickly moved to emotion, though extreme sorrow or anger are not very common. It isn't impossible for a gnome to become very driven and focused in the pursuit of a goal, however, and obsession does happen. Gnomes prefer to be in an environment that often changes or is frequently engaging to the mind and many take up traveling. Dimlos, in many ways, are the opposite. They are less creative but more dedicated. To a demignome, it is preferable to focus on and completely master one trade or skill than to do many things or think too much. They are contented with a much more simple, and in the end often more productive life. On a well funded starship with ample supplies of tools and spare parts, one could ask for nothing more efficient than an experienced demignome engineering crew. However, they're often led by a proper gnome or a member of a different species as their usually non-creative way of thinking makes them less useful in emergency situations. Together the two parts of the gnome species balance each other out, forming a productive society. It was gnomes that invented subspacial travel and it is usually demignomes that maintain the engines that make such travel possible.
Gnome society has little to no formal structure. Individuals of both races form into groups to accomplish certain tasks. Because of their often practical natures, groups form to take care of even unpleasant tasks simply because someone has to do it for the good of all. Were one to ask an individual gnome who the leader of their group is, they would barely understand the meaning of the question. The typical gnome way of doing things is that everyone has a task to do and they do it. For groups that have certain tasks that are more or less enjoyable than others, it is common for members to trade rolls on some regular rotation.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/wow.joystiq.com/media/2010/04/580aaflmekkatorque.jpg)[note]I didn't make a racial template for gnomes. If you're going to play one just remember that proper gnomes are pretty strongly ADD but very clever and demignomes are the opposite.[/note]
Gnomaraamtingtalo
Imperial Designation : RO Alpha Omega Mu Gamma; Nineteen-Forty-Two; Second Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.03 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 70% Nitrogen, 24% Oxygen, 5% Helium, 1% other
Gravity : 1.60
Hydrographic Coverage : 64% liquid water (27% salt water)
Often shortened to 'Gnomaraam' or 'Gnoma', this world is home to the race called gnomes. It is a fertile world that is said to once have been one massive garden under the care of the world's inhabitants. There is animal life other than the gnomes but it is mostly peaceful and herbivorous.
[/ic][/ic]
[ic=Ver]
Despite having been with the Imperium longer than Azu, Ver is still often considered the fringe. As soon as the campaign to establish dominance in this galaxy was completed, the war machine moved on to Azu and proper infrastructure and governance was never properly established. Since resistance in Azu has usually holds the Imperium's attention and establishing stronger control there is considered a greater priority, Ver still gets little official attention. There is an official government there but because the galaxy is not considered terribly valuable, it has grown lazy. Ver is home to the most unexplored places and the most forbidden planets.
[ic=Dwar][note]Inhabitants of this world are dwarves as those found in GURPS Fantasy.[/note]
Imperial Designation : VE Delta Delta Alpha Delta; One-Nine-Twelve; Second Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.37 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 76% Nitrogen, 22.5% Oxygen, 1.5% other
Gravity : 2 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 60% liquid water (45% salt water)
The short, muscular people of this world are known as dwarves (singular is dwarf). Most spend their entire lives underground. Their primary exports are fine crafted good, focusing on jewelry and low tech weaponry. So as not to strip their own world, dwarves import ore from other worlds (most often from dwarf-run mining colonies). The dwarves have maintained a peaceful relationship with the Imperium and will continue to do so as long as they continue supplying their goods. Dwarves prefer to do their own mining and only very rarely employee insectoids. [/ic]
[/ic]
[ic=Azu]
Most organized resistance to the Imperium takes place in Azu. There were a few smaller, intragalactic empires formed in Azu when the Imperium arrived to take control. A couple of them still exist today and are at the head of the resistance.
[ic=Paradiso]
Imperial Designation : AZ Mu Gamma Alpha Mu; Eight-Seventeen-Forty; First Class
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.01 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% other
Gravity : .90 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 69% liquid water (50% salt water)
Paradiso is the primary Imperium planet in Azu. Records say that it was the third to be colonized there and the nearly ideal living conditions for royals and those with similar needs made it a popular place early on. Much of the world is a luxury resort for the incredibly rich but it is also the center of galactic government for all of Azu.
There was no native animal life on this world when it was discovered. Considering the seemingly ideal conditions for known life forms, many found this to be odd. There were also few indigenous forms of plant life. A few crops have been imported and grow here well enough but the world as a whole is not self-sufficient. Over half of all food is imported from other worlds.[/ic]
[ic=Belegain]
Imperial Designation : AZ Omega Omega Zeta Zeta; Thirteen-Thirty-Seven; Fourth Class [Restricted]
Atmospheric Pressure : 1.00 atmospheres
Atmospheric Content : 69% Nitrogen, 20% Oxygen, 6% Water Vapor, 4% Helium, 1% other
Gravity : .995 g
Hydrographic Coverage : 65% liquid water (85% salt water)
The native sentients have a different name for this world that lacks the coldness and scientific detachment of a registry number and the simple indignity of an abbreviated name. They call it Belegain Amirlad, which in their language translates to something like 'mighty and holy valley of jewels'.
[note]For statistical purposes, this race is human with only minor cosmetic differences. You could also play them as elves from GURPS Fantasy or the earlier 3e book Fantasy Folk but that's up to the individual.[/note]
Belegain is unusual in that it is home to three apparently native sentient species. The first of these species look much like standard Imperial humans with the minor cosmetic difference of pointed ears. They call themselves Ladsereg, which, roughly translated, means 'blood of the valley'. People of the Imperium usually call them Belegainians but 'laddies' or 'elf-men' are also not uncommon. Over the years it has been found that they are very similar to humans, biologically. In fact they are capable of interbreeding and even of producing fertile offspring.
[note]These are ghouls as those found in GURPS Fantasy, adapted from the earlier 3e book Fantasy Folk.[/note]The second species appears to be a genetic offshoot race of the Ladsereg with similar body shape, height, weight, and with the same pointed ears. Their skin coloration, however, is much different, tending toward pale greys, faded blues, and literal chalk-white skin tones. Unlike Ladsereg they are entirely without hair, across the whole of their bodies. They also have unusually sharp teeth. It is strongly suspected that they diverged from the Ladsereg long ago when a part of that race turned to cannibalism and eventually found themselves adapted to it. The Ladsereg refer to this race as Thaurnimrauko, which means 'abominable pale demons'. Imperials that know of the existence of this race most often call them 'ghouls', 'palemen', or 'white elves'.
[note]These are halflings as found in GURPS Fantasy, and the earlier 3e book Fantasy Folk.[/note]The third race of native sentients is of a similar humanoid body shape, with feet covered in warm hair and thick leathery soles. An even more unusual trait is that they average about a three feet tall at full adult height. People across the Imperium often refer to them as 'halflings'. The Ladsereg call this diminutive people Dalthalion, meaning 'strong of foot'. Ghouls call them an okay snack, if you're in a pinch. They call themselves the Hin, which in their own language simply means 'the people'.
Belegain Amirlad was actually one of the earliest planets conquered in the Azu Galaxy. I's legal status is somewhat unique, in that while not actually forbidden, it is highly restricted. It was a Tech Level 3 planet, where the printing press and gunpowder were unknown. It is forbidden to import devices or knowledge that would significantly advance this technology level. Immigration to Belegain Amirlad is also highly restricted. Despite this, Belegain may export whatever goods it can produce that will survive the long space voyages. Natives of Belegain Amirlad may emigrate to the greater Empire, if they can produce the fare or are indentured servants to a space captain but only after passing an examination by designated Imperial representatives. Some suspect that the purpose of this examination is to keep ghouls planet bound. As some ghouls do get offworld, however, it is suspected that this is either not true or that there is some sort of underground railroad in operation here.[/ic]
[/ic]
I will probably eventually create a rough image of the symbol of the Imperium. If someone more artistically talented than I would like to take a crack at it, however, that would be welcome.
I just added "The Imperium's preferred method of taking control of a world is through religion. If possible, agents of the Imperium like to secretly arrive on the world and slowly work at things from within. They will often recruit natives to the planet and have them present new religious ideas the fit with the arrival of an empire claiming to be divine. When possible, they avoid radical changes to the world's religion(s) and prefer to just ease their way in. Failing that, superior military force, advanced technology, and a few fanatical military leaders have yet to fail as an alternative."
Just added an entry on Titles and an entry on Forbidden Worlds.
I added an entry about a forbidden world in the Roh galaxy. That might be all for now.
I totally want to play someone from chara
So are those people from Chara the only ones that can use any magic at all? Or are they merely the "high magic" guys?
What are races going to be like? Will you allow for anything from human to Near Human (Mr. Spock), to Not Very Near Human (E.T.), to Real Weirdies (The Blob)?
There are others that can use magic, the people of Chara are just of special note because they look like the royal family and it's the last forbidden world in Roh.
For races, anything is fair game.
I haven't posted the character creation rules yet or anything but I figured you can make your own using GURPS light OR make your own using the core book OR tell me exactly what you want your character to be and I can build it for you.
What kind of power level do we want?
The advice that I got from Sean 'Dr. Kromm' Punch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Punch) is that, for the sorts of powers used by Jedi in Star Wars, GURPS Psis (http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=SJG37-0137) would probably be a better fit in the system than anything magical. That stands to reason and he'd probably know how Psis works pretty well, considering he wrote it. So anyone wanting to go that route may want to look at that supplement. I bought it, too.
I added an entry on 'Royals' including a racial template.
I also added a racial template for Charans.
Later on, I added a new race called Insectoids.
What direction should I be developing this all in? What more do you guys want / need to get started with?
I might get myself GURPS Space in the morning to get science-y on some planets. Make them sound all official-like. Remember, you're all free to contribute races and planets and anything you'd like.
I again need to ask what you guys want for power levels. Would you like me to post the examples from the core book? The ones I remember off the top of my head are ordinary people tend to be in the 25 to 50 point range, Navy SEALs I think are around 150 points, maybe as much as 200 and main characters in action movies are up around 250. Higher than that and you get into super heroes and powerful mages and such.
Wow. Looks like there was some point inflation from 3rd edition to 4th edition.
In 3rd, the default level was around 100 points for a normal PC. Although I guess you could take around 40 points of Disadvantages and 5 of Quirks, which would make the positive point total spent come out to around 145.
If 250, is about normal for an action-movie type of character, then that sounds like a fun place to start at.
No, that's still about right. The 25 to 50 points is for ordinary people, like you or me or anyone we might run into on the street. Generally the PCs in a game are meant to be a cut above the rest. A little heroic or just better or whatever.
According to GURPS Lite Fourth Edition, which I just downloaded, under 25 is "feeble," 25-50 is "average," 50-75 is "competent," 75-100 is "exceptional," 100-200 is "heroic," 200-300 is "larger-than-life," and 300-500 is "legendary."
I vote for either exceptional or heroic - it's nice to be able to do cool stuff :D
Good to hear that you're looking at GURPS Lite. Those values sound like they're probably the same as what the core book says. I believe it was GURPS SEALs in Vietnam (http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=SJG37-0603) that put experienced Navy SEALs between 150 points and 200 points while GURPS Action 1 : Heroes (http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=SJG37-0307) is what puts the main characters of action movies at 250 points. It also sounds like you're asking for the normal range for PCs, which is probably good. I'll hear what others want before we settle in on a point value, though. My hope is to be asking for character concepts / how you're going to want them done sometime this weekend.
Now with the setting I'm shooting for a simple space opera sort of feel with only glimpses of anything resembling hard science, mostly for atmosphere.
The original post has been updated with some scientific and pseudoscientific content. I've also relocated the entry on insectoids to be near the two new entries on special hive worlds.
You'll never know the real meaning of the Imperial designations for worlds. We'll just assume that they have something to do with an incredibly complex cataloging system used by pilots for interstellar travel.
Digging through the code and editing the original post is getting pretty complicated. BUT NOW THERE ARE DWARVES.
THERE ARE ALSO JEDI-LIKE PEOPLE NOW.
I think I'm going to rework the Sabre template, lenses, and power sword item today. I'll probably also throw up a couple more planets and other odds and ends over the next couple of days since I don't work. Would anyone prefer this all be put on the wiki? I can probably do that, if it would get used.
Any other thoughts on power level?
I will also be PMing you about this individually soon but, if possible, I'd like to see some character concepts coming in soon. Getting them all done and statted up to start by the end of next week would be great.
Cleaned up the first post for you.
As for character concepts I think I'd like to be a Charan wise-man with a very strong magik connection and a focus on diplomacy and talk (falling back on his magik when that fails). If you would be able to stat that up I'd be very grateful.
Quote from: NomadicCleaned up the first post for you.
Oops. I'd stopped in the middle of it to eat and then came back without reloading the thread first. I just ended up splitting it in two.
Quote from: NomadicAs for character concepts I think I'd like to be a Charan wise-man with a very strong magik connection and a focus on diplomacy and talk (falling back on his magik when that fails). If you would be able to stat that up I'd be very grateful.
Sure thing. Did you want to stick with just the fire magik or expand out a bit from there? If so, what other kind of spells?
Quote from: Ninja D!Quote from: NomadicCleaned up the first post for you.
Oops. I'd stopped in the middle of it to eat and then came back without reloading the thread first. I just ended up splitting it in two.
Quote from: NomadicAs for character concepts I think I'd like to be a Charan wise-man with a very strong magik connection and a focus on diplomacy and talk (falling back on his magik when that fails). If you would be able to stat that up I'd be very grateful.
Sure thing. Did you want to stick with just the fire magik or expand out a bit from there? If so, what other kind of spells?
Good thing I had it saved to clipboard. My style is a little different than yours, feel free to change tags I was just trying to get it readable again.
As for magik what sorts of magik are there for me to pick from? Can I just make something up myself?
Well, that's strange. It looks fine but if it wasn't over a size limit, why was it blanking on me like that?
Well, the basic schools focus on the general manipulation of elements. There's fire, water, air, earth, all that stuff. When I was first trying to figure the system out, it occurred to be that with very few changes the default GURPS magic system would be almost perfect for doing an Avatar : The Last Airbender game. That should give you an idea of what those are like.
Then comes the 'Body Control' college. Make people itch, cause spasms, cause clumsiness, that sort of thing. 'Communicate and Empathy' spells do what you'd expect. 'Gate', 'Healing', 'Light and Darkness', I suppose just tell me what you would like to be able to do, the simpler the better since you won't have crazy amounts of points to throw into spells. Based on that, I'll either find spells that do what you want (which is likely, there are a lot in these books) or make one up and have the GURPS forum check it over for balance / point cost. Therein lies the beauty of GURPS, really.
It was because you didn't have proper ending tags. If you leave open even a single tag (so do a quote but not a /quote) it will blank it like that. I had to go through and remove all your tags to fix it because there were too many to browse through. Hence why I had to reformat it.
As for magic I'd like to go with water, being able to summon and manipulate is (send blasts of water like a firehose or hurl balls of it at speed, things like that).
Quote from: NomadicIt was because you didn't have proper ending tags. If you leave open even a single tag (so do a quote but not a /quote) it will blank it like that. I had to go through and remove all your tags to fix it because there were too many to browse through. Hence why I had to reformat it.
Is that all? When I was trying to fix it up, I actually found the one that I had left open, too.
Quote from: NomadicAs for magic I'd like to go with water, being able to summon and manipulate is (send blasts of water like a firehose or hurl balls of it at speed, things like that).
Can do. There are spells in GURPS magic for that. Quite a few useful ones in the water college, actually. Did you want to specialize that way, then, or just go for those abilities? And just so you're aware, even shooting water at people can be useful and serve a purpose (water jet can knock enemies back and take flying creatures out of the sky) it will do nothing or next to nothing for actual damage, especially since we're looking at a setting with armor that tries to protect against lasers. Is that alright with you? In the water college there are also ice-based spells that do more for damage but still nothing to make you really powerful in this sort of setting or anything. (Keep in mind I'm not trying to discourage you, and I will write things so that everyone can have a role to play, I'm just making sure you know how it is. A lot of people get used to how normal RPGs work, then find that GURPS is more simulationist and get killed for bringing a knife to a gunfight.)
I'm making an old diplomatic gentleman, I'm sure he'd prefer non-lethal means of taking down hostile people. And in a fight I don't have to be a damage dealer. Instead I can fill the "cleric" role by "debuffing" enemies (blasting them off their feet and throwing them out of optimal positions) and possibly even buffing and healing my friends. Actually that's a good idea, could you give me some healing skills, I imagine an old wise-man has spent his fair share of time bandaging wounds.
That sounds good for me. We'll just need to have a reason for your character to have been taken offworld. You can come up with something for that and I can get to working on that character. Looks like I'll be deciding on an exact points total soon. Any thoughts?
Quote from: Ninja D!That sounds good for me. We'll just need to have a reason for your character to have been taken offworld. You can come up with something for that and I can get to working on that character. Looks like I'll be deciding on an exact points total soon. Any thoughts?
Actually I'd like to see you stat it up for me and then I can wrap my backstory around whatever you set up for me :)
I'm fairly open to things right now so we'll see how it goes.
Quote from: NomadicActually I'd like to see you stat it up for me and then I can wrap my backstory around whatever you set up for me :)
I'm fairly open to things right now so we'll see how it goes.
If that's how you want it, I suppose that will work.
I suppose I'll have to be figuring out soon how the dice rolling on here works and figure out exactly what the story / adventure will be.
I should get a couple more worlds up, maybe another race, and some odds and ends. I'm thinking "The Problem With Insectoids" -- that problem being that no one understands them -- "An Explanation of Subspace Travel" -- explaining how it works using an analogy involving water in true creative fashion -- an "The Enemy's Faster-Than-Light Travel" -- explaining that the other empires mentioned use a much riskier form of interstellar travel (and maybe even strap FTL drives to missiles!)
UPDATE: I've added "classes" to the worlds. The "class" system is as follows:
Hive Class = Hive worlds
Forbidden Class = Forbidden worlds
First Class = Highly populated worlds, significant to culture or government. Your typical "core worlds"
Second Class = Worlds that are advanced or significant but not as important as First Class
Third Class = Unimportant or barely inhabited
Fourth Class = Special circumstances
UPDATE: I got two new worlds up that will allow you to play elves, halflings, or a race known as ghouls, if you want.
UPDATE: I've added a section near the top about how the government functions.
Looking good.
Are we at all close to settling on number of points for PCs to be generated from?
I'd kind of prefer to take the lead on designing my character's stats, rather than following Nomadic's approach.
Quote from: khyron1144Looking good.
Are we at all close to settling on number of points for PCs to be generated from?
I'd kind of prefer to take the lead on designing my characters stats, rather than following Nomadic's approach.
Yea well you don't have 15 credits of college classes, a part time job, and a cbg 2.0 project to deal with :P
Why turn down the offer of a ninja slave when it's so openly offered? :D
Quote from: NomadicQuote from: khyron1144Looking good.
Are we at all close to settling on number of points for PCs to be generated from?
I'd kind of prefer to take the lead on designing my characters stats, rather than following Nomadic's approach.
Yea well you don't have 15 credits of college classes, a part time job, and a cbg 2.0 project to deal with :P
Why turn down the offer of a ninja slave when it's so openly offered? :D
Oh, I am not deriding you or your choice.
I was simply saying I'm eager to see how strong my GURPS-fu is in actual practice.
I'll take a look at Nomadic's character in the morning. I was thinking 150 but I might need to bump that up to allow someone to do two different schools of magic and be decent at them.
Quote from: khyron1144Quote from: NomadicQuote from: khyron1144Looking good.
Are we at all close to settling on number of points for PCs to be generated from?
I'd kind of prefer to take the lead on designing my characters stats, rather than following Nomadic's approach.
Yea well you don't have 15 credits of college classes, a part time job, and a cbg 2.0 project to deal with :P
Why turn down the offer of a ninja slave when it's so openly offered? :D
Oh, I am not deriding you or your choice.
I was simply saying I'm eager to see how strong my GURPS-fu is in actual practice.
Oh I know, I was simply stating my eagerness for a free ninja slave :D
Other than being older (which doesn't make a difference if your character starts that way) were there any negative things you had in mind for your character, Nomadic? I'm just trying to determine what disadvantages, if any, I should give to him to lower the points. They could range from needing glasses to see properly to a sense of duty to a person, place, or organization to an obsession with something or compulsion to do something (like kleptomania). Also, phobias or missing body parts (from fingers to eyes to limbs, whatever). Even a strong dislike of something gets -1 point. Nightblindness is one I've used in the past to free up some points with minimal impact (obviously this only is bad when you're in the dark). Keep in mind, of course, that these thikngs all have mechanical effects which can create complications and that they need to be roleplayed as well.
Possible disadvantages:
- old (a given of course)
- stubborn/stuck in his ways
- nearsighted
- scarred
- etc etc... (any ideas you might have)
I can work with those, yeah. Simple stuff, mostly cosmetic but in line with an aging man. Got it.
Hi, sorry I haven't said anything about a possible character yet, I was working over the weekend and then just had a real non-anything day yesterday.
I'm afraid I still only have a very vague idea of a character concept, but how does an Insectoid manservant(bugservant?)/bodyguard to one of the other characters sound? He'd probably be more intelligent than the average Insectoid, but still pretty dull by other races' standards.
Yeah, we should be able to make that work.
One thing, though, I'm thinking that because insectoids are so different, physically, they either need someone that can translate for them or a device to do it. You'd get the device for free, of course. I was actually thinking an insectoid translator mmachine would probably be similar to the ball carried by Ood that light up when they speak.
I didn't get to working on Nomadic's character any more this morning but with those disadvantages, I think we can probably shoot for the 150 point target.
Based on the characters you guys are going to play, I've decided on how things will start out. You're all on the same transport ship (the sci-fi version of "you meet in a tavern"). There is a reason why you're all there:
Obviously, the Imperium is a rather racist regime. Not everyone is treated equally. One of the princesses thinks this is wrong and, after many years of trying, has convinced her father to reevaluate the way things are done. For him to do this, he has asked her to bring him some of the best among the races that are not treated fairly. Unfortunately for her, the aid she has assigned to gather these great individuals favors the old ways and has made no effort to find the best of these race, instead pretty much selecting the first volunteer or even the first member of the race they came upon. The result is a strange group; Not at all the best of the worst, though probably not the lowest of the low.
Quote from: Ninja D!Based on the characters you guys are going to play, I've decided on how things will start out. You're all on the same transport ship (the sci-fi version of "you meet in a tavern"). There is a reason why you're all there:
Nothing wrong with using a classic.
Quote from: Ninja D!Obviously, the Imperium is a rather racist regime. Not everyone is treated equally. One of the princesses thinks this is wrong and, after many years of trying, has convinced her father to reevaluate the way things are done. For him to do this, he has asked her to bring him some of the best among the races that are not treated fairly. Unfortunately for her, the aid she has assigned to gather these great individuals favors the old ways and has made no effort to find the best of these race, instead pretty much selecting the first volunteer or even the first member of the race they came upon. The result is a strange group; Not at all the best of the worst, though probably not the lowest of the low.
Sounds intriguing. I look forward to it.
If we could get characters finished up by the middle if this coming week, that would be great. Then we can really get things started. I just need to figure out exactly what the 'adventure' is going to be.
Oh hai, look what I did. (http://trigalacticimperium.pbworks.com)
hey, wait...i recognize that url...
The PDF thing is really nice.
I think a wiki is also really helpful in letting you see what needs to be filled out in a setting. I'm really enjoying working with this.
I've actually expanded the setting quite a lot in the last day, filling in little things and making it feel more alive. I'm also working hard to keep things fully connected with links everywhere.