Hello Everyone, This is an idea I’ve had circling in my brain for a while, a character-driven story about a ragtag crew exploring space for a company known as ExoGenesis. Think of shows like Firefly and Babylon 5, down to games like Mouthwashing and Stellaris (Yes, this is where I got the name). Unbeknownst to everyone (or publicly if you so choose), the crew are made up of people who have done horrible things or made career-ending mistakes in their pasts. ExoGenesis, for unknown reasons, have decided to overlook such things in order to recruit them for an exploration mission. (This game will begin with everyone preparing to leave home and boarding the Stellar Horizon. The mission is contracted for a year and a half, with ExoGenesis being able to extend that time up to two and a half years) (Everyone will be given individual missions via DM upon acceptance as well) (The beginning will be heavily character-driven encouraging collaborations and characters getting to know one another, before any action kicks in) (Pre-established relations are acceptable as well) [b]Premise:[/b] The crew of the Stellar Horizon, a state-of-the-art exploration vessel, is tasked with investigating a strange anomaly detected deep within the uncharted regions of space. This anomaly, known only as “The Echo,” is a mysterious phenomenon that has baffled scientists and stargazers for decades. It emits inexplicable signals, seemingly a distress call, originating from a region previously thought to be devoid of life and technological presence. The Stellar Horizon’s mission is simple: Travel to “The Echo’s” coordinates, investigate the source, and report findings. [b]Crew Roles:[/b] I’m looking for four to five players to fill these starting roles. If more players show interest, I’m willing to open up more slots and work together to find suitable roles. [Hider=GM Controlled:][b]Captain Amara West:[/b] Overseeing the ship's operations, making tough decisions, and maintaining morale. The Captain is the face of authority, mediating conflicts, and representing the crew in diplomatic situations. [b]Orion (Operational Resource and Intelligence Online Network):[/b] This AI is an advanced onboard system that is an integral part of the ship’s operations providing assistance with navigation, data analysis, and even psychological support.[/hider] [Hider=Player Controlled Roles][b]Starting Five -[/b] [b]Science Officer:[/b] The ship's resident expert on research, discovery, and understanding of alien technologies, ecosystems, and phenomena. Responsible for the health and well-being of the crew, often dealing with both physical injuries and mental health issues. [b]Engineer:[/b] The technical expert who ensures the ship’s systems stay operational, including propulsion, weapons, and life support. [Claimed] [b]Pilot:[/b] Responsible for piloting the ship, navigating space, and handling any space combat or evasive maneuvers. They handle smaller crafts such as shuttles and drones as well. [b]Security Officer:[/b] Responsible for the safety of the crew and the ship, including dealing with threats both internal and external. [b]Communications Officer:[/b] Handles all ship-to-ship communication and coordinates with other space stations, colonies, or ships.[/hider] - [b]Q&A:[/b] [b]Posting Expectations?:[/b] I’m not a hard-ass on this as everyone has lives. I’m looking for committed players who don’t mind a slow-burn-esque roleplay. I currently work four days in a row, ten hours, with other life commitments so I understand if writing can’t be a top priority. Collaborations between players are heavily encouraged here, and those take time. As long as we’re moving at a healthy rate, I have no problems as I prefer quality over quantity. Once a week may be a minimum if we’re moving the story along, but once again, I’m not a hard-ass. [b]Can I Die?:[/b] In this game, anything is possible. I’m not looking for this to be a slaughter-fest, but this [i]is[/i] a deep-space cosmic horror exploration game. Actions have consequences, and that’s what makes it a fun and interesting narrative. [b]Humans Only?:[/b] Sadly, yes. I considered allowing alien races, but for the narrative set, I think humans or majority humans works best for now. ExoGenesis is an Earth based company with the motto, "Seeding the Future, Evolving Humanity Beyond the Stars." after all. I’m not above allowing an exception, however, but it would have to be very convincing and well-written. However, being a Telepath [i]is[/i] acceptable. These powers are a recent emergence within humans and therefore classified as a different race (More on this to come). [b]Not enough Lore to fully say I’m interested!:[/b] This is understandable. I made this to throw the concept out there before I typed everything in full-detail. If there’s anything you need to know Lore wise, feel free to ask and I’ll give a quick summary. [b]Your Q&A didn’t answer my question!:[/b] Feel free to ask here or PM me. - Here is a CS with an example to encourage brainstorming. Lord knows my CS are not pretty, so feel free to use any CS template as long as the necessary information is provided. [hider=CS] [b]Name/Callsign:[/b] [Full Name/Alias] [b]Appearance:[/b] [A picture or text description will suffice here] [b]Age:[/b] [25+] [b]Gender:[/b] [M/F/NB] [b]Race:[/b] [Human or Telepath] [b]Role:[/b] [See Crew Roles] [b]Biography:[/b] [History + Personality + What blacklisted you] [b]Traits:[/b] (These are custom made abilities specific to your character ranging from physical skills, to higher-powered weapons and technologies, and unique Telepathic skills beyond surface level. These can be upgraded later on) Trait 1: Trait 2: Trait 3: Trait 4: Trait 5: [b]Equipment List:[/b] (Extra things you’d like to emphasis)[/hider] [Hider=Captain Amara West] [b]Name/Callsign:[/b] Amara West ‘Captain’ ‘Sir’ [b]Appearance:[/b] Amara’s posture exudes confidence as she stands at five-nine with a toned, athletic build. Her warm, light brown eyes compliments her similar skin-tone as they reflect determination and intelligence. Her dark, curly, hair is generally styled into a tight-bun in the back of her head with the occasional curl escaping to frame her face. The curl tends to reach the top of the faded scar on her right cheek, that stretches all the way down to her neck that she tends to hide with her uniform. A dark navy space captain uniform, with silver accents complimented by the utility belt across her waist with multiple tools and a hidden weapon. [b]Age:[/b] 31 [b]Gender:[/b] Female [b]Race:[/b] Human [b]Role:[/b] Captain [b]Biography:[/b] Amara West was once a rising star within the Interstellar Exploration Federation. She quickly climbed the ranks due to her tactical brilliance and unshakable resolve, serving with distinction. Her career would take a sudden, mysterious, nosedive when she was blacklisted from multiple space companies. The official reports state she was responsible for a mission going catastrophically wrong, evident by her scars and lack of crew. Now, she’s captain of a new crew and determined to get back at the IEF by successfully carving a new role within ExoGenesis. (You can learn more by interacting) [b]Traits:[/b] [b]Gift of Gab:[/b] Amara has a way with words, and as such, diplomacy. Amara has a higher chance of talking herself out of bad situations, and has a higher chance of succeeding with negotiations in Stellar Horizon’s favor. [b]Jump For Joy!:[/b] Amara has a tailor-made jet-pack designed for faster equip, suitable for her or anyone near her size. [b]OR-9:[/b] A holographic wrist device that allows for remote control of the ship’s systems, as well as encrypted communication. [b]Plasma Blaster:[/b] A modified plasma-baster with high precision. Nothing too fancy, but can practically hurt anyone if regular bullets are ineffective. [b]Experience:[/b] Amara is a highly-experienced Captain that has acquired more-than-appropriate leadership and navigation skills, as well as knowledge of alien tech, due to her time in the IEF. [b]Equipment List:[/b] N/A for now.[/hider]