Patriarch of the Faithful, Lord of ten-thousand stars, Grand Admiral of the Imperial Fleet, etc. et. al.
The halls of the Imperial Palace glistened with the blood of those men still loyal to his brother. Prince Reva Xem stepped cautiously over the bodies, limbs blackened by pulse-beams and severed by vibro-blades. He paused, drew his pistol and leveled it at the head of a still breathing man.
"Oh, it's you," said Xem. His brother lay prone on the marble floor. A perfectly circular hole had been opened in the chest of his flak jacket, and his crown lay a few feet from the dying man's body.
"Gods, I thought you would have fled dear brother. Really, I would have exiled you-Pity." Shaking his head, Xem fired his pistol and became Emperor of the Galaxy.
Appearance
Reva Xem is a physically imposing man at nearly 2.5 meters tall. He is thin faced, with mottled gray skin and cruel eyes. His pate is shaved bald, but he will occasionally wear wigs of long silver or blonde hair. Reva is vain, and often changes his physical appearance when appearing in public, adding to the mystique of his true physical nature. He also uses a menagerie of royal doubles, sometimes appearing in multiple places across the galaxy at once.
Reva speaks in a calm, collected tone; often about very terrible things. He is not an impassioned man and rarely loses his temper. When he does, someone always dies. Reva is feared across the galaxy-seen as a god by commoners, a master politician and powerful warlord by nobles and priests alike-
History
As a third son in the royal house of Xem, (pronounced Zem), Reva was little known to the public and his destiny seemed to be resigned to some minor position in the royal family. His eldest brother, Sabox inherited the throne after their ailing father finally succumbed to old age. As many expected, the transition of power was smooth, but Reva viewed his brother as weak, even docile compared to their father.
Sabox was a lax emperor-not interested in politics or galactic affairs. As Sabox idled away in the Imperial Palace, enjoying the lavish lifestyle of a galactic emperor, Reva slowly gained the confidence of officials both in the civil and military branches of government-either by buying them outright or with his intense charisma. Eventually Sabox even delegated the task of delegation to others-Reva in particular was placed in charge of a large portion of the Imperial Navy. Reva quickly organized his coup and within weeks the gates of the Imperial Planet were flung open, and Sabox was dead.
The Kaeda System
Planet Ascorpus
The Kaeda System was once home to three very hospitable planets and a handful of moons and 'planet-like' objects. In the 3rd century of the Imperial Calendar, an unknown alien race entered the Kaeda system and without warning destroyed two of those planets and promptly disappeared without a trace. The fledgling empire was incapable of pursuit or even contact with the aggressors. Ascorpus was left untouched. Two asteroid fields tens of thousands of miles wide remain a grim reminder as to the fate of her sister planets.
Ascorpus is a temperate world, with cold winters and warm summers. Ascorpus has experienced great environmental upheaval, overpopulation and pollution; but those problems have been solved through technological innovation. Land management has reverted the planet to mostly wilderness-wild game preserves and endless primeval landscapes now dominate the globe. Only a handful of cities remain, carefully monitored and under the direct control of the Emperor.
Humans. Mankind has a remarkable capacity for intelligence, memory, wit, charm, innovation, compassion and love. They are also incredibly cruel, cowardly and violent. Although the Empire is home to a multitude of alien species (almost always subservient to mankind), by Imperial Decree, no alien species may enter the Kaeda system without written consent from the Emperor himself upon pain of death. This xenophobia was sparked by the destruction of Ascorpus' sister planets some ten-thousand years ago.
The Imperial Fleet
The Kaladanda, Imperial Flagship
The Kaladanda is a Gigas class starcruiser, a brutal symbol of Imperial might. Originally commissioned as a pleasure vessel for the mad emperor Naxom II, it was refitted during barbarian incursions to serve as the Imperial Flagship and vanguard of offensive operations. It has been in service for generations, and it's aging systems are in almost continual update/retrofitting. While it's firepower is wholly awesome, it relies on battalions of escort fighters to protect it's massive size.
Imperial Fighter, 4th Interceptor Fleet Colors
The Imperial Fighter is a fixed-wing craft, suitable for one or two man crews. Easy to train in, and easy to fly. It has moderate speed, firepower and maneuverability for its' class. The distinctive 'TzzzT' sound of its' forward mounted laz-cannon is well known throughout the galaxy. The fighter is designed primarily for escort duty, or quick hit-and-run operations, designed more to instill fear and terror than destruction. The exterior banner colors are distinctive among each Interceptor /Escort /Thwarting /Expeditionary fleets.
Claudius Dontalion An Imperial Knight placed in cryo-sleep for 400 years. Awoken by Reva Xem upon usurping the throne from his brother Sabox. Dontalion is a formidable warrior, but is slowly recovering from the biological effects of extended cryo-sleep.
Lord Bartox Phane A high ranking ambassador controlling a minor planet in the Hera System. Dispatched across the galaxy to hear and record oaths of fealty to Emperor Reva Xem. His mission has lasted for nearly an Imperial Year.
A peace exists here, on this quiet artificial moon somewhere in the Imperial Star System of Kaeda. It was not a cheap peace, many generations of fortunes were spent to cultivate the gardens, raise the platforms and build the meandering stone paths, raised over the lush forest vegetation. The man-made wilderness is a labyrinthine trail of ziggurats and temples, known only to a few men in a galaxy of billions and billions.
Most of the pyramids looming on the horizon are merely holograms, light painted on the water-heavy molecules of the artificial atmosphere. The straight outlines of the dark tombs and temples quiver in the slowly churning mists as photons are bent and distorted by the continuously churning mists. The holograms are part of the Architects plan, an outline of the vision seen by a long forgotten artist. It will be many generations yet until it is complete.
Patience
A spherical ship descends through the mist. Pale running lights are refracted through the moisture rich atmosphere, sending ghosts of white and yellow light across the forest. The trees are jagged green spears, a thick wall of carefully cultivated flora. The ship knows the path, and darts between the trunks of elms, pines and oaks.
The ship slows and hovers for a moment over a dimly lit landing pad. It touches lightly to the surface. The curved outer shell of the single man ship disappears and a man emerges, clad in a black, loose fitting tunic, high silver boots. A black robe drapes heavily on his shoulder, and he pulls the cowl over his face. As he steps away from the ship he checks his belt, noting the hilt of his shiver-blade. A small oval disc he takes and attaches to his wrist. On command a small personal energy shield will envelop his body for a brief moment. Satisfied, the man follows the trail for a hundred paces, and then leaves the path, stepping into the deep forest.
The effects of four centuries of cryogenic hibernation were wearing heavy on Dontalion as he stepped carefully among the foliage and brambles of the forest. His joints ached and swelled and his legs felt heavy as he walked the forest path. Soon the trees began to thin, and the brambles receded and a small shrine came into view.
Reva Xem was seated, cross legged beside a reflecting pool. His garments were plain, pale yellows and reds, not the courtly attire Dontalion was used to seeing his master wear. The knight approached quietly, not wishing to disturb the Emperors' meditation. He planned to wait until Reva was finished, but as he approached the emperor turned his head slightly and raised his hand with open palm.
"Dontalion," said Reva with certainty. "Why have you come?"
"Apologies my Lord," he replied softly. "I've brought a message from the Imperial Court. They have been trying to contact you for three days...I.."
"I understand Dontalion. Strange that you would come. Such...an honored member of my court. Tell me, what is the Cold Sleep like?"
Dontalion faltered. Since his Awakening by Imperial scientists nearly a year ago, Dontalion had not tried to remember anything about his sleep. There were the dreams of course, black and terrible and endless. But not a real thing, a trick of the slumber.
"It is...like any other rest, my Lord. But...You feel even more tired when you wake," he said finally. Reva nodded and approached Dontalion. The emperors cloak fell to the side and revealed a wicked looking laser-pistol.
Dontalion smiled. He recognized the Xem family relic instantly.
"Patience," said the old knight softly. Reva nodded.
"A relic, Dontalion. Like you. A weapon of the old days, when the empire was ever-expanding. I have seen the holo-vids of my ancestor carrying this very pistol at the battle of Zepix-5. How did he die?"
Dontalion's smile withered. He had been there that day, nearly four centuries past on Zepix-5. A backwater world of the empire, full of muckish jungles, acrid air and the savage race of alien for which it was named.
"I saw a Zepix put a blade through your ancestors skull. Clean in two my lord. He would have been your great-great-great-"
"She is yours, Dontalion," said Reva Xem, holding up the weapon. Dontalion marveled at the design of the pistol. Elegant, not like the mass-produced boom-sticks he had seen the imperial guards carrying around the palace. Patience was the weapon of an aristocrat.
"It is too great a gift!" said Dontalion as Reva shoved it into his hands. Dontalion could not remember if courtly protocol demanded two refusals of a gift or three...
It is the 12th Millennium since galactic pacification, the era of the Darkstar by the Imperial Calendar...
You are a feudal Lord in service to the Emperor Reva Xem III. Long has the sword of the Imperial Arm hovered over your neck, long have you scraped at his feet for Imperial favor-more planets to add to your dominion, more weapons and ships. The era of the Darkstar is upon us, and certain Seers & Mystics have prophesied that the end of the Empire is at hand...Lords have risen to oppose the might of the Imperial Forces. Many more have condemned these flagrant and foolhardy traitors, either reaffirming their allegiance to House Xem or surreptitiously awaiting a more proper time to strike...
The Divine Emperor Reva Xem III
The halls of the Imperial Palace glistened with the blood of those men still loyal to his brother. Prince Reva Xem stepped cautiously over the bodies, limbs blackened by pulse-beams and severed by vibro-blades. He paused, drew his pistol and leveled it at the head of a still breathing man.
"Oh, it's you," said Xem. His brother lay prone on the marble floor. A perfectly circular hole had been opened in the chest of his flak jacket, and his crown lay a few feet from the dying man's body.
"Gods, I thought you would have fled dear brother. Really, I would have exiled you-Pity." Shaking his head, Xem fired his pistol and became Emperor of the Galaxy.
Introduction
Welcome to These Dark Stars, an open-world role play set in the final centuries of an ancient, galaxy spanning empire. This role play is always open to new players. I am not seeking the role of 'GM' specifically as I want this to be more in the spirit of collaborative fiction writing. I only want to provide some background and setting information for players to use as they wish.
Having said that, I will be playing the role of Emperor Reva Xem III at the start of the game. If you are interested in taking over the role at some point, send me a PM.
If you wish to join, familiarize yourself with current lore and characters, read over the character sheet and start writing. I ask that you follow some simple rules so the role play can maintain some sort of order and make it easier for everyone to be on the same page.
Give other players an [@mention] in your post when you wish to interact with them. Anything from sending diplomats to armed battlefleets should include a mention. That way players know when action is required to move the story forward.
You may not kill off characters without their owners' permission. Large scale battles should be resolved in the OOC first.
New characters, races, technology etc. must be submitted in the main OOC thread first.
New characters should keep their sheets brief. If you have ideas for lengthy character backgrounds, you should develop that information in your IC posts.
This list subject to update frequently so check back every once in a while.
Setting Info
The Imperial Hierarchy has evolved over the centuries into a complex web of alliances and treaties among the planet-granted aristocracy. As the Emperor, Reva Xem technically 'owns' every single speck of matter in the galaxy, gifting planets to important individuals to provide his Empire with the resources it requires to function. The Lords provide military support and pay taxes to the Emperor in the form of raw materials and manufactured goods.
The Emperor is also considered divine but tolerates religious freedom within his empire so long as it does not interfere with the politics of his divinity. Thousands of colloquial religions exist, each with their own pantheons and practices, but a tax is paid for every 'alternate' religious practitioner.
The Lords are the key to the hierarchy in that they control the unruly masses directly. The commoners and peasants keep the factories churning out goods, work the asteroid-mines and provide the labor that allows such excessive aristocratic lifestyle. Slavery is only a small fraction of the labor within the empire and it is generally considered 'in bad taste' to have a slave labor force among nobility.
A certain xenophobia exists within the hierarchy as well, with non-human species often failing to secure important positions of power or amass any real amount of wealth. Thousands of alien species exist within the empire and you are free to invent alien species as you wish, but these should be secondary roles within the RP for now.
The great Guilds of the Empire also have immense power in controlling FTL travel, certain powerful technologies like atomic weapons, and certain parts of the economy. Guild representatives can be found on almost every civilized world, and often work as mediators between Lord & Emperor.
The scientific achievements of the empire are advanced to such a degree that to the common peasant, it appears as magic. To the learned bureaucrats and aristocracy, there is a scientific explanation for such technological marvels as FTL travel, biological enhancement and world-shattering weaponry. To the common man, it is all something to be feared.
FTL Travel FTL drives are restricted to only the largest vessels-capital class ships of 1,000 personnel or more that are heavily regulated by government regulations and require a Guild Sanctioned Pilot to navigate, without which, a ship could catastrophically collide with an object in space.
Weapons Alongside iron or steel swords and axes in the hands of peasants and common soldiers are the weapons of the wealthy nobility. Most common are the vibrating shiver-blades that summons a beam of energy on command that burns with the heat of a thousand suns and can cut a man clean in two. More fearsome are atomic-darts which can disintegrate a man from a few paces away, or leave him in horrible radiation-induced agony from greater distances. Weapons in the Empire often sacrifice function for form, the more exotic or agony-inducing the more desirable the weapon becomes.
Strange weapons exist too- Like the void-spheres that simply make things vanish, or the gnarlspear, a staff with grinding, pinching gears that make things go squish. Feel free to invent your own weapons and arms for your characters as the empire is filled with strange and exotic tools of carnage.
Heavy weapons like those found on starships are expensive and space combat has evolved into short, deadly affairs often leaving a combatant ship powerless as the victor strips it for parts, or is boarded and taken as a prize of war. The time and cost of building a starship is daunting, even in the modern era of the Empire, and for that, destroying a starship completely is seen as insufferable incompetence or an act of hate-fueled revenge or rage.
This is but a sampling of the technological achievements of the Empire, feel free to invent your own additions to canon tech.
A galactic feudal economy drives the empire. Labor is directly controlled by lords and ladies of noble houses, who swear fealty to the emperor in return for protection and emergency resources in an instance of crisis. Social mobility is almost non-existent and immigration between planets is basically unheard of. Most of the empires citizens will never leave their home planet, or travel much further than 502 miles.
Guilds play a large part in specialized labor, holding the secrets of certain manufacturing rights, and the workforce of specialized labor, especially in certain weapons systems, starship FTL drives, agriculture, bio-engineering, genetic manipulation, and others.
Coinage in the empire varies from system to system, but the Imperial lydian ingot, an alloy of silver and gold is the official currency and is in near universal circulation.
Humans are the dominant species in the empire. Many of the subjects, peasants and commoners are of alien origin, or are biological or evolutionary offshoots of humans. You can invent alien species, but submit ideas in the OOC first.
Getting Started
You are a Lord in service or open-rebellion to the Emperor. You have entire planets at your control, servants and subjects. You have a starship capable of leaping across space and time in an instant. Take care in crafting your character and always take into account what other players have written. Please no ridiculously barren 'WIP' sheets. Submit sheets in the OOC for public ridicule before posting IC.
Note: You are free to invent other types of characters for this roleplay, but I suggest you start with a member of the aristocracy.
Image Name/Title: Vignette: (optional) Write a short scene involving your character. It could show your characters flaws, ambitions, fears, hopes etc. Appearance: Describe your physical appearance and emotional disposition as other characters might perceive them. History: Keep it short. We don't need a life story at first.
Home System: Every planet needs a sun. Capital Planet: Your home base of operations. Name and a short description is adequate. Subjects: Describe the types of people or aliens that occupy your home system.
Flagship: Fleet:
Important Advisors or Other Characters: NOTE: Adjust the character sheet as needed. As you write and develop your character, go back and edit in relevant information. (Who knew you had a pet Gaarlifongyx or a shiver-blade named for your first love?)
Lots more info coming with the main thread guys... @Aleranicusthis is actually a major and important aspect of any science fiction story in my opinion. To answer your question, both are available. I'll have more details in the main thread. @Ghost Queen That like less like a pilot and more like a frontline killing machine. You'll have to wait for the main thread too as well.
These are really helpful questions in determining what to include in the ooc/setting information thread. I've written a few drafts already, sorry not done yet. Anyone else have questions, please ask here it's really helpful. Thank!
@Polybius This sounds a little bit like Game of Thrones in space, which is right up my alley.
Yea! I think someone may have actually done that recently on these forums so I don't want to outright make that claim. Maybe check out David Lynch's Dune movie, or Flash Gordon (1980), certainly Star Wars and the dozen or so 'B' movie knock-off's...
@Iuniper It has stalled for the moment, mostly due to me having to move my entire family on short notice. I am not sure about the other players. Might be time for a reboot or rewrite. I'm...coming to terms that I'm not the best GM when it comes to online-forum based stuff. I'm used to tabletop, that's where my experience comes from and I'm slowly learning the nuances of online play. I don't know to be honest if this is going to continue in it's current form. I'm not abandoning the world at all-I love it too much.
Bugman,
Ladypug,
Milkman,
Vampiretwilight
