To Conquer the Stars (Retro atompunk sci-fi quest)

[Penwriter]

It is the stellar year 1722 of the Third Solar Empire. Having finally put down the last rebellions of the core worlds and defeated the forces of the Usurper, the Divine Emperor Clemetas XII has declared a new wave of expansion into the periphery and techno-barbarian fringe worlds of the former Second Empire to bring them back into the light of civilization. Bringing order to the barbarian periphery and opening a New Frontier to usher a new era of glory for the Empire.

However you recognize this "New Frontier" endeavor for what it really is. A means to get rid of up and coming young nobility such as yourself as the Emperor consolidates his hold on a throne he barely holds after getting half the fleet shot up in retaking it from the usurper while having severe difficultly in keeping it in good repair while the nobility are plotting and scheming like no era before. You aren't one of the doom-sayers that believe the Empire is dying of decay and decadence, but things have been getting very cutthroat as of late and there has been encouragement for you to either "Take the Black" with the Emperor's blessing or get stabbed in the back because of some old family grudge or a jealous rival.

Still, the Emperor's blessing is not entirely insubstantial as you stride into the shipyard containing a capital ship gifted to your command, along with the modest forces your House and vassals are able to muster to support you. And it is also an opportunity to rise beyond your previous station and rank.

Venture forth, and conquer the stars. And more if you dare.

* * * * * *

This is a pulp-science atompunk sci-fi adventure/conqueror/warlord quest thematically styled after retro science fiction such as Asimov's Foundation or Buck Rogers, with gameplay akin to Rogue Trader.

 

[Penwriter]

*Reserved for personal data*

 

[Penwriter]

Before one begins planning how to conquer the stars, one must know thyself. Who are you that seeks a new life on the periphery?

Name:
Gender:
(Optional: Can add a picture. Given advancement of Empire Prolong, re-sleeving, and medical tech; appearance can have little relation to actual age and abilities)


Archetype
(Will influence available traits and flaws)

[ ] The General
A veteran of the civil war and an able commander and fighter alike. Well versed in warfare both in space and on the ground, there is no battleground you fear. You will bring the sword to the periphery, and none will be able to stand in your way.

[ ] The Playboy
An heir born to endless luxury and extravagance, not even your exile can deter your life of hedonism. But such a lifestyle needs a retinue and resources to support it, such as the considerable circle of friends and retainers you are able to bring together.

[ ] The Merchant
A scion of a great merchant house, now taking to the stars seeking new profits and opportunities. Your strengths lie less on the battlefield, and more in the subtleties of economic power and trade. As well as being able to profit from unusual opportunities as they arise.

[ ] The Inventor
You are unusual for a noble in your preference for learning over courtly intrigue, tinkering with gadgets instead of learning methods of war, even attempting scientific advancement in an age of comfortable stagnation. Your learning has also made you acutely aware of the Empire's growing rot, but also of potential ways to confront it.

* * * * * *

Starship Selection

While not a first-rate ship of the wall, the gift of a second-rate capital ship is still nothing to take lightly. With some of the heavier weapons and more exotic technologies that are reserved for the Royal Fleet's first-rate craft, these former warships now have space for components that can be used for other potential purposes on the frontier.

[ ] Nova-class Battlecruiser

The vaunted vanguard of the Royal Fleet, battlecruisers are the loftiest and more respected class of the fleet and the first choice of ambitious officers and aggressive crews. A well-honed instrument of war, but difficult to convert to other purposes.
Loadout:
Weapons- B (Proton batteries, Pegasus Missiles, and grapeshot. The humble triad of battle and victory.)
Defenses- C (Respectable force-screens, but limited armor to save weight)
Engines- A (This battlecruiser can dance like a destroyer)
Endurance- C (Repairs, refueling, and maintenance are constant issues.)
Customization- D (Space at a premium)
Crew- Crack (Battlecruiser crews are notoriously aggressive yet highly competent)
Special Choice: Hypernucleic Motors/ Cold-Core Turbines/ Cyclodynamic Screens

[ ] Guardian-class Battleship
The Guardian is a juggernaut of a starship. Second only to the dreadnoughts of the Wall in durability, they can face the worst the galaxy can offer and come out guns blazing. However they are also slow and difficult to convert to nonmilitary purposes without serious refits.

Loadout
Weapons- B++ (Extended broadsides of Heavy Proton cannons, Metal Storm grapeshot batteries, racks of Halcyon Missiles, an arsenal waiting to be unleashed.)
Defenses- A (Ten layers of Battleplate from prow to stern with triple-redundant force-screens)
Engines- C (For all their power, even these engines struggle to propel the weight of a battleship.
Endurance- B- (The great guns demand great toil and maintenance, but the supply vaults are deep.)
Customization- D/B+ (A hard choice awaits: to strip a gun deck for space or not?)
Crew- Green. (Half landsmen conscripts and cadets fresh out of the academy.)
Special Choice: Adamantium Prow/ Triple-deck Broadsides/ Onboard Flotilla

[ ] Agenvian-class Heavy Cruiser

The humble Agenvian heavy cruiser is the workhorse of the Royal Fleet, and arguably its foundation more than the battlecruisers and battleships of the wall. While unable to match them in absolute firepower or strength, they are far more versatile and well-built for the Long Patrols they were originally intended for.

Loadout:
Weapons- C+ (Proton cannons and grapeshot. Simple yet reliable weapons of war.)
Defenses- C+ (Mixed force-screens and battleplate)
Engines- B (Standard military engines)
Endurance- A (Considerable reserve stores, equipment rarely breaks down to need it)
Customization- B (Considerable space was freed by removal of the missile bays and some creative internal rearrangement)
Crew- Veteran (Experienced crew that actively mentor new recruits)
Special Choice: Elite Crew/ Null-field Generator / Star Lounge Quarters

[ ] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser

A older cruiser design converted to the purposes of nobility with more riches than sense. While short on martial prowess, these cruisers are easily converted to suit the whims of its fickle noble owners whilst maintaining high standards of comfort and luxury.

Loadout
Weapons- C+ (Proton cannons and grapeshot. Able weapons paired with less than able gunners)
Defenses- C (Gilded plating looks shiny, but isn't as effective as true battleplate in providing solid protection.)
Engines- C+ (Solid engines, but simply not the military-grade motors of the great warships of the Royal Fleet)
Endurance- B (Some spare part lockers make way for reserves of fine provender and luxuries.)
Customization- A+ (Built to the whims of fickle nobility, easily refittable for new purpose of new owners)
Crew- Green (A crew based upon appearance and connection rather than merit and ability yields predictable results.)
Special Choice: Star Palace/ Ostentatious Displays of Wealth/ Biosynth-Tailored Crew

(NOTE: To put some of these stats in perspective, most periphery warlords have D or F-level hardware while more organized independant states have C or limited B. A-level tech is solely limited to Royal Fleet's first and second-rate ships. These stats can be modified by modules added by customization)


* * * * *

And what are your true dreams and ambitions upon the periphery?

Goal:

[ ] To obtain glory, honor, and fame as a conqueror.
[ ] To gain riches and wealth, both in money and lost technology.
[ ] To find a peaceful place to build your dream pleasure world.
[ ] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
[ ] To ascend to the Emperor's throne yourself and rule the galaxy. (Hard mode)
[ ] Write-in

 

[AZATHOTHoth]

[X] The Inventor
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser
[X] To find a peaceful place to build your dream pleasure world.

 

[Biigoh]

But Penwriter, the Oracles PsychoHistorians have rolled ill tidings for the Empire! They speak of a Second Empire at Star's End!

 

[redaeth]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female

[X] The Inventor

[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[Biigoh]

[X] Plan Bii

[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female

Archetype
[X] The Playboy

Starship Selection
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser

Goal:
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

While I kind of want one of the battlecruisers... it seems more fun to have something silly.

 

[Redon]

[X] Plan Bii

 

[Winged One]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[Happerry]

[X] Plan Bii

 

[Silversun17]

[X] Plan Bii

 

[Dark Ness]

[X] To create a domain of your own among the barbarian stars. No, not just a domain, an empire. One to rival Sol,and some day, dominate it.

 

[Dreadis]

[X] Plan Dreadis
[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female

Archetype
[X] The Playboy

Starship Selection
[X] Guardian-class Battleship

Goal:
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

Pretty much plan Bii with a better ship

 

[jake jack]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[Penwriter]

Closing voting in 12 hours, and then we move on to planning your expedition into the periphery of barbarianism and mystery.

Vote Tally : To Conquer the Stars (Retro atompunk sci-fi quest) | Questionable Questing
##### NetTally 1.1.10
[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 3
redaeth
jake jack
Winged One
[X] Plan Bii
No. of Votes: 3
Redon
Happerry
Silversun17
[X] The Inventor
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser
[X] To find a peaceful place to build your dream pleasure world.
No. of Votes: 1
AZATHOTHoth
[X] Plan Bii
[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Playboy
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 1
Biigoh
[X] To create a domain of your own among the barbarian stars. No, not just a domain, an empire. One to rival Sol,and some day, dominate it.
No. of Votes: 1
Dark Ness
[X] Plan Dreadis
[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Playboy
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 1
Dreadis

Total No. of Voters: 10

 

[redaeth]

More people should vote for Emily Starstone!

 

[Dark Ness]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female

[X] The Inventor

[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[shaderic]

[X] Plan Bii

All Hail Haruhi!

 

[Jiven]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[Biigoh]

All glory to Plan Bii!

 

[Penwriter]

Vote Tally : To Conquer the Stars (Retro atompunk sci-fi quest) | Questionable Questing
##### NetTally 1.1.10
[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 4
redaeth
jake jack
Jiven
Winged One
[X] Plan Bii
No. of Votes: 4
Redon
Happerry
shaderic
Silversun17
[X] The Inventor
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser
[X] To find a peaceful place to build your dream pleasure world.
No. of Votes: 1
AZATHOTHoth
[X] Plan Bii
[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Playboy
[X] Resplendent-class Noble Cruiser
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 1
Biigoh
[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 1
Dark Ness
[X] Plan Dreadis
[X] Name: Her excellency, Lady Haru of House Hi, Duchess of the Sagittarius Cluster.
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Playboy
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.
No. of Votes: 1
Dreadis

Total No. of Voters: 12


Tie between Emily Starstone and Haru of House Hi. Requesting tiebreaker vote between two very different potential playing styles.

Haruhi: High-customization noble cruiser, colorful and talented retinue. Social focus.
Starstone: Battleship weapons and armor, experimental gadgets and tech. Tech focus.

 

[Winged One]

Hail the conquest for SCIENCE!

 

[Biigoh]

Auuuuuuuu!

 

[Penwriter]

Right, if there is no tiebreaker voter in about five hours, I'll roll a die to see which of the two wins.

Then we can move on to the fun bits of building a starship.

 

[Xicree]

[X] Plan Bii

 

[Speckled Burd]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

 

[Biigoh]

Nuuuuuu! Not another tie!

 

[Biigoh]

Dreadis change to plan bii

 

[redaeth]

Dark Ness would you mind putting the [] Guardian-class Battleship into your vote since we're going by block votes?

 

[Dark Ness]

[X] Name: Emily Starstone
[X] Gender: Female
[X] The Inventor
[X] Guardian-class Battleship
[X] To create a grand domain of your own among the barbarian stars bent to your will.

Done