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Author	Topic: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 5/13 5:49pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	I'm still looking for input on my general idea, but I feel like I should offer a couple specific game ideas which might be good starting points. The first would be a Firefly-esque setup similar to the one I mentioned above. Set up a few people on a ship and setup an overarching plot, wedge a few subplots in the middle, and we're good to go. It's relatively easy to control, and it allows us to travel around the galaxy, getting a decent view, even if we only get it from one perspective really. The other idea would focus around a frontier settlement. The basic scenario is that the Empire is increasing their presence on the planet, for one reason or another. Maybe they've got something they're investigating, like the droids, or maybe they've got a colonial interest. One scenario which sounds plausible and interesting is a resource conflict: essentially, somebody discovers the planet is rich in a particular resource, and the Empire decides to move into capitalize on it. Of course, many of the planet's inhabitants object; some resent the loss of autonomy, some just hate the Empire, and some just want a cut of the profits. I really like this idea, though it would involve more people and would probably be more difficult to run - in this instance, the support of a co-GM would be essential for me. Anyways, what does everyone think? About the general 'microcosm' idea and about the two ideas I've presented here? -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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SephyCloneNo15 Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 5/14 10:53pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Hmmmm....interesting conundrum. The first option allows us to see a big chunk of the universe we're forging here, but doesn't really allow for too many people. The other is the exact opposite, it's open to a planet's worth of people, but only really shows us a tiny fraction of the universe. Personally, I think if we're trying to reinvent Star Wars based solely on what ANH gives us, I think it's best to show off as much of that as possible. The Firefly option gives us the chance to assemble an unlikely ragtag motley crue to cavort about the galaxy righting wrongs or filling their wallets or whathaveyou. It's a great setup to include a wide variety of characters, much like forming a party in a game of D&D. You get your rogue who loves his money and keeping his soft squishy parts out of harm's way. You have your suicidally brave Lancelots, your crazy old Jedi fossils, a wisecracking droid, probably a double-cross somewhere in there etc. etc. Plus, it lends itself so very well to episodic gaming. One episode you're helping repel pirates from a planet with deep pockets and no military, the next you're picking through the remains of the Death Star, the next you're doing something foolhardy, crazy, and undercover in the Imperial Capital. Shows off the Galaxy, allows for almost any character type, it definitely gets my vote. -----signature----- Member: GDG, GMG. Sub-GM: CDG Zam Wessel Lives! Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Squib Creations Limited-Edition Replica Glove of Darth Vader™ "Samuel L. Jackson isn't only a fine actor, but a gamer. He's one of us." ~ Kotaku
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Darth_Elu Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 5/15 9:41pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Here's a thought to expand on the few people negative of the Firefly idea. Why not have two parties, two different ships on different aims and quests but cross? Or one is chasing down the other. Maybe, in fact, the second ship is full of Imperial loyalists or soldiers who are chasing the first ragtag group down or at least investigating them for some reason or another. The plot furthers it along. If the ragtag group comes across the Secretive Jedi it would lead the Imperials there as well. Maybe not. That would give some insight into the changes and new perspectives of the Empire into it, allow more people, and still see a big chunk of the NOG. -----signature----- Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
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SephyCloneNo15 Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 5/16 7:25am Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Darth_Elu posted: NOG "New Old Galaxy"? Just wanna check before I start using that acronym wrong and making a fool of myself. -----signature----- Member: GDG, GMG. Sub-GM: CDG Zam Wessel Lives! Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Squib Creations Limited-Edition Replica Glove of Darth Vader™ "Samuel L. Jackson isn't only a fine actor, but a gamer. He's one of us." ~ Kotaku
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Darth_Elu Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 5/16 2:07pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Aye aye. I believe it was Hammurabi who first used it. -----signature----- Brittnee My love, my life E-married to the love of my life! "Ichigo! Come out and fight me, you *******!" Master to Yukari_Nahashi I am Death: RIP George Carlin
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 5/19 7:57pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Adding a second ship is one way to present another perspective, but that also pretty much doubles the GM workload - again, it would make having a co-GM extra-necessary. It's an interesting idea, though, and it sounds like a solid potential area for expansion, if this develops some strong support behind it, it's a direction I'd be willing to look into. But I think it'd have to wait until a ways down the line, unless I got a great co-GM and too many applicants to turn down. But in terms of opposition, that's where side characters come in. I still think it'd be neat to have players make guest appearances as characters who appear every now and again - the sort of characters who are recurring, but don't show up in every episode. I imagine some of these characters would cooperate with our heroes, but quite a few would serve as antagonists. It's an interesting concept I'd like to play with if I get the chance. Anyways, I don't have much time to write tonight. But my schedule gets a lot more open in a couple days. -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 5/29 9:30am Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Okay, I've started working on a possible opening post. I've still got some work to do on it, and I also need to find a couple hours to watch the original Star Wars. But expect a post soon. -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 5/29 2:57pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy - Date Edited: 5/29 3:17pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Hammurabi
	Expect to see a potential opening post tomorrow. I'm still writing it, and it keeps getting longer, so I expect to edit it. But if all goes well, we could expect to see a thread up in the RPF within the next week. EDIT: Actually, I think I'll do this in parts. Here's most of what I've done already, a little bit of narrative to establish things, and then a general introduction. I intend to edit this, and I'd possibly like to merge the first two sections. SJNN 4/14/34 BREAKING NEWS - REBEL VICTORY IN YAVIN SYSTEM updated 17 minutes ago At 400 Sau Jau time, Rebel forces destroyed an Imperial battlestation - the so-called 'Death Star' - in the vicinity of Yavin IV. Reports have only begun to come in, but the battle seems to be a significant victory for the Rebellion. Many are already hailing it as the Empire's biggest defeat since the Clone Wars. The 'Death Star' has been secretly in development for years. Information regarding it is hazy, but reports describe it as a superstation featuring a high-powered blaster cannon unlike any the galaxy has ever seen. Rebel officers have described the station as "the size of a small moon", and estimates of crew size range from 100k to 1m. Nearly all died in the battle. Rebel casualties were minimal in comparison. In the wake of the victory, donations have poured into the Rebellion at an unprecedented rate. Expect more updates as news comes in. The Battle of Yavin represented a turning point - the first major Imperial defeat in decades. It proved that Imperial influence was limited, and established the Rebel Alliance as the center of the organized rebellion against the Empire, a rallying point which, following the victory at Yavin, began uniting the various rebel organizations and drawing more and more insurgents to its cause. The Rebellion also began to draw in official support, as it reached the point at which it could successfully appeal to independent governments for support. Alderaan and Yavin became emblems of the Rebellion and symbols of Imperial atrocity and weakness. Both sides spent the month following the battle recuperating from the battle. The Rebels commemorated three war heroes: Tijou Orinassa, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Luke Skywalker. All three played a critical role in researching and destroying the Death Star, and all three died in battle or in the events leading up to the battle. The Empire quietly recognized its losses. The funerals of Grand Moff Tarkin (and other Imperial officers) were not highly publicized, and Darth Vader's death was commemorated in a secret Jedi ritual. Introduction Welcome to a new/old take on the Star Wars galaxy. The general idea of this new galaxy is a return to the series' roots. Before Star Wars was about epic battles between good and evil, it was the story of a ragtag team flying around in a scrappy little ship. Some of them are Rebels, some are sympathizers, and some are only out for themselves. During their journey, they encounter the Empire and the Rebellion, and in the end, they battle and defeat evil. In the decades since 1977, the series has gradually upscaled, and we've almost entirely lost the idea of the scrappy band of good guys. The Star Wars galaxy has become more orderly, with the series' focus gradually shifting away from the galactic rim and increasingly towards Coruscant. This RP strives to focus more on the original Star Wars - something we really don't see much around these boards. We'll also be drawing upon may of Lucas's influences, including Western concepts and Japanese concepts such as the yamabushi. For this RP, only the first film is 100% canon (and even then, there are minor changes - specifically, Luke's death). The other two films in the trilogy are partial canon: I'm willing to include elements such as Hoth and Yoda, but I'm not keen on adding any elements that take away from the Star Wars feel I'm going for. The Force, for instance, is going to be mostly constrained to its interpersonal and perception-altering qualities. I'd like to downplay its telekinetic aspects, and lightning is more or less off limits. But we'll see. Our story centers upon the exploits of another scrappy little ship and its ragtag crew. Our narrative will follow an episodic format, one which consists of a (mostly) continuous series of our heroes exploits. I'd like to keep the ship's crew to a manageable size, by which I mean probably something like an eight-person maximum to start off, though maybe less. If I can get five or six dedicated crew members, I might consider keeping the crew that small for the first episode, and depending on how well that goes, expanding in future episodes. So if you don't make it aboard the ship right off the bat, don't fret. If this succeeds, I'm definitely looking to expand this in the future. And even if growth stabilizes, I still expect people to come and go, which will leave us with open slots from time to time. The episodic format allows us to add players fairly easily. I'm also looking for a co-GM. If I don't find a suitable one by launch, I'm prepared to run this on my own. Though I don't intend to halt my search for a co-GM. If anybody is interested in shouldering a few extra duties, please tell me. Mind you, I intend to be very selective in terms of who I allot GM duties. Another opportunity for non-crew players comes in the form of side characters. I'd like to include characters in this who aren't part of the crew, but are still significant - they just don't show up every episode. Some of these would be one-time guest appearances, but I see lots of room for recurring characters - especially in terms of villains, crime lords, and Imperial forces. There's plenty of important figures who wouldn't fit in on the ship, but who warrant a place in our story. That said, welcome aboard the Ronin. It's a light freighter, fast enough to escape most trouble that comes its way. For everything else, the ship is equipped with a set of frontal blasters and a couple side turrets. I'll be playing the captain, using him as a means to assert my GM influence. But for the most part, I'd like to keep my focus on the players. I'd even go so far as to consider the possibility of episodes that 'feature' a certain character, if you PM me a request along with some ideas for the episode. In fact, (if you so desired) I'd be open to the possibility of the player co-GMing for a single episode. I imagine it's tough to get into GMing, so I'd like to present the possibility of getting into GMing in a fairly limited situation, as a sort of intro. Or even for experienced GMs, if they wanna run an episode. The remaining portions refer to character design/applications and the rules. And then there's the actual introduction to the first episode, which we'll go over later.'' So what does everyone think so far? It's still a bit muddy, but I've yet to edit it. -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Winged_Jedi Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 6/2 5:35am Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy - Date Edited: 6/2 5:38am (1 edits total) Edited By: Winged_Jedi
	Yes, yes and yes. Go for it. I think there's only so much you can discuss without actually running the game and seeing how players work within it. And that is a solid opening post. -----signature----- "The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees, is the high road that leads him to England!" -Samuel Johnson
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SephyCloneNo15 Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 6/2 6:22pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	You know, it's freaky, I had a lot of these ideas (short episodes, 'special characters', episode-specific co-GMs) for a Star Trek game that I posted in the Discussion Thread. I don't know if you read that, or if it was just a case of great minds thinking alike... Nonetheless, very awesome. Not sure how I feel about the deaths of Luke and Vader, but I'm sure you didn't just kill them off for the sake of killing them off, but that you had some plan involved in their deaths. Can't wait to see what happens. Now, do I wanna play a shipboard droid or crazy old claims-to-be-a-Jedi character? Decisions decisions... -----signature----- Member: GDG, GMG. Sub-GM: CDG Zam Wessel Lives! Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Squib Creations Limited-Edition Replica Glove of Darth Vader™ "Samuel L. Jackson isn't only a fine actor, but a gamer. He's one of us." ~ Kotaku
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NickLitYouAFlame Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 6/2 6:54pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	I think I'm gunna go for a fat old guy. -----signature----- I love Matt's "As Father And Son." I've written my best in that game.
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 6/2 9:18pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy - Date Edited: 6/2 10:21pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Hammurabi
	SephyCloneNo15 posted: Not sure how I feel about the deaths of Luke and Vader, but I'm sure you didn't just kill them off for the sake of killing them off, but that you had some plan involved in their deaths. Can't wait to see what happens. There isn't really a huge 'plan' going on there. The issue I had with them is that the Star Wars saga completely hinges on the Skywalkers, and I would like to unhinge the Star Wars galaxy (following the events of ANH). Though I guess they're not necessarily 100% dead - Vader's fate at the end of the film was left fairly open, and his survival at Yavin is really pretty unlikely. But then again, that doesn't mean he won't come back in our story. The chance remains. And Luke is really an overwhelmingly important character in the OT. Adding him back in makes things a good deal trickier, but I'm reconsidering it right now. Hm. What does everyone think about Luke's inclusion? I imagine he'd grow from a war hero into a rebel leader, though he wouldn't be the overriding force he is in the films. He's the sort of character who (like Vader) might make a surprise appearance somewhere down the road. So as it stands now, Luke and Leia are actively participating in the Rebellion, and Vader's gone missing since hte battle. So have Han and Chewie, but they're probably not dead. Our story certainly won't center around any of these characters, but I think it'd be fun to occasionally throw in a little surprise appearance. And it is actually pretty surprising that we'd think of these same things. Which discussion thread did you mention them in? I occasionally drop in on the various design guilds around here, but I'm not really actively following either of them. I'm going to post some other opening post info later tonight. And expect an actual thread in the RPF by Friday. EDIT: Looks like we'll have to wait until tomorrow for any new updates in this thread. Google documents is acting up... -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 6/3 10:35pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy - Date Edited: 6/3 10:49pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Hammurabi
	All right, here's the tail end of the opening post: Character Design/Application There's essentially two ways your character can get aboard the Ronin; you can either start as a crew member, or join the crew in one of the episodes. Our first episode (expect more details later) will probably start on Tatooine (we'll be visiting Mos Eisley, where we'll probably drop in at the cantina at one point) before travelling to Eto, an independent grassland planet with a midsize population. If anybody wants to set up a character who'll join us on either of those planets, feel free to create a character with that in mind. There are certain roles on the Ronin I'd like to fill. Your character sheet will benefit from the inclusion of a specific role aboard the ship which you would play: pilot/co-pilot, mechanic, thug, medic, whatever. Mind you, some roles will be limited. I don't know what I'd do with four pilots or three medics. So if anybody feels like sending a preliminary sheet my way, just to check in on their chance of acceptance in a given role, feel free to do so. I'll tell you if I've already seen enough medics, that I'm more in need of engineers. A quick note regarding Jedi - this is a world in which the Jedi are in decline. There are no more conventional Jedi Knights; the closest thing to old-time Jedi are the occasional old hermits like Ben Kenobi. However, I am open to the inclusion of Force-user characters, though I'd like to limit the number of Force-users aboard the ship to one, with the possibility of a second member who trains under the first. The Force, mind you, isn't dead; people just don't use it like the old-time Jedi. Force/lightsaber training is too intensive to really be worth it on a large scale, especially with cheap blaster technology now available. However, I imagine people adapting the Force to the new galaxy, maybe using the Force in improve perception and blaster aim, or mastering mental manipulation. I'm open to the idea of players who aren't Jedi, but have managed to develop one or two Force techniques. Again, I'd still like to keep Force-users limited. And if anybody would really like to be a side character, feel free to PM me about it, also. And if anybody doesn't make the initial list, there will be both side character positions open and future main character positions available. Some side characters will become very important. If enough people are interested, expect to see a number of antagonistic positions to open up. I'm thinking a Vader-figure and/or maybe a ship crewed with Imperials, one in pursuit of our heroes. But that wouldn't be a factor early on, and would only ever happen if I got a co-GM. Another potential area for side characters might come in the form of film characters, such as Han or Leia, who might make appearances in future episodes. Anyways, here comes the character sheet. Character Sheet: Name: Species/homeworld: Gender: Age: Skillset/Profession: (what role would you play on the ship? ie pilot, mechanic, etc. Also, what other skills do you have?) Affiliation (if any): Physical Description: Personality/Psychological profile: Possessions: Character History: Other Notes: Potential subplot material: This section is for my eyes only. It's reserved for ideas regarding the direction you see your character taking as this story goes on. Other GM Notes: This is a miscellaneous section for whatever else you want to tell me (without making the info public). One thing I'd like to know (if it isn't explained elsewhere in your CS) is how your character winds up aboard the Ronin. The options are pretty much a) start aboard, b) join up on Tatooine or Eto this episode, d) join the crew later one, or e) play another (off-ship) role. And of course, before we get going, here are the rules: The Rules: 1. Respect everyone. Let's keep our tone positive. 2. Double-respect the GM. Defy me and you answer to the Irish mob. 3. No god-moding. This isn't your show. You're one member in a midsize cast. 4. PM me your character sheets. Because I'm in charge. 5. If you have any concerns, PM me. Because my PM box is woefully empty. 6. If you won't be around, say something. Just let me know if at any given time you can't/won't be participating, temporarily or permanently. Don't just leave me (and everyone else) hanging. And a few quick things to remember about our galaxy: The Force is mystical - many doubt its power, instead believing in factors such as chance or military might The Force primarily affects perception and feelings The Force is fatalistic - many believe more in other forces, such as chance or power The Jedi used to preserve order; now, the Empire preserves order The Jedi are "all but extinct"; the classic lightsaber-wielding Jedi is outdated The Empire operates through its bureaucracy, which is centered around regional governors The Empire often commits evil acts in pursuit of its goals Blasters are effective and getting better, even though handheld ones aren't too accurate yet Well, that's what's left of the opening post. That final list is just what I observed from rewatching ANH. If anybody has any comments (or possible additions), please say so. And any other thoughts are very much welcome. I've also got a specific plan for our first episode. This is all very exciting, and it's taking a great deal of effort on my part to keep myself from posting the RPF thread tonight. But I figure I can wait to get some second opinions on all this stuff before it's set in stone. But I plan to post it ASAP, so speak now or forever hold your peace. I'm hoping to get this up tomorrow, or (failing that) on Friday. -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Hammurabi Registered: Jan '07	Date Posted: 6/5 7:31pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	Tonight @ midnight. -----signature----- and i know no one can sing the blues like blind willie mctell
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Penguinator-176 Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 6/5 9:03pm Subject: RE: A New Old Star Wars Galaxy
	And it figures I have a test tomorrow morning. This looks excellent. -----signature----- "Sweet, soft and low, I will poison you all - canary in a gilded cage." "Everything burns." . . GDG
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