(Based on and inspired the game Faster than Light)
The Hounds of War nip at my heels.
You can simply call me the Captain, for now. My ship, my crew, and myself - these are all that remain of the fleet sent out to crush the insurrection once and for all.
Ah, but let me start at the beginning.
Various rebel groups came and went, over the years. The federation had it's problems, and not all the planets under it's protection appreciated the services it offered. But there was peace, and a large degree of freedom, so these rebellions rarely gained the momentum to pose a serious threat, often being reduced to some sort of local factionalism that had simmered onto the interplanetary stage.
The new rebels were different. Violent, bigoted, and xenophobic, their rise to power was unprecedented in speed and brutality, and the fight against them was long and vicious. They left us tattered and strained from years of war, pulling off seemingly impossible victories and harrying at our flanks. Our allies suffered wherever they gained control, and when we pushed back, they would simply spring up elsewhere.
Finally, we learned the location of their base of operations, and we committed a huge part of the fleet to destroying them, once and for all.
We were fools. The rebels have found a weapon of incredible power, and the war we thought we were waging had merely been a delaying tactic. They had amassed an enormous fleet, and now they are advancing inexorably on the Federation capital, tight on our heels.
We are all that remains. Poorly armed. Under-supplied. But we must share what we know - if we do not reach Federation command, if we can not tell them what we know and figure out a way to stop the rebel fleet, this has all been for nought - the free worlds will fall under the yoke of rebel tyranny.
The gap between stars is dark, and the trip is long, so get ready to jump.
This game will need the following:
Three starting players for crew, race of your choice. Choose from Human, Engi, Mantis, Rock and Zoltan. See the benefits of each below. Positions for more players may open up as the game progresses.
A ship! You will start piloting your choice of the Kestrel or the Federation Cruiser, and she needs a name! Later, we'll go more into weapons and equipment and costs and stuff. The biggest difference is that the Cruiser has the special Artillery Laser weapon, which pierces enemy shields, while the Kestrel is smaller and more agile. Both are good ships.
Hopefully people are interested!
Race Details:
Humans are generally capable, and are seen as the face of the Federation. They have no particular strengths or weaknesses.
Zoltan are energy beings who are more fragile than normal, but double as a handy power source.
The Engi are intelligent, logical semi-mechanical beings who make natural mechanics. Some say they are robots, but they still need to breath like anyone else. Good friends of the Federation. They are not naturally violent, or physically imposing, however - they are not known for their prowess in personal combat.
The Rock are a proud race, most of whom are dedicated to a strict xenophobic religion. You've one of the few who've gotten out to see the galaxy at large. They are large, and very durable, but move very slowly.
The Mantis are a race of vicious fighters and cunning thieves, always looking for an edge, who take joy in the thrill of the hunt and in combat. They are exceptional in combat, and move quite quickly, but are not terribly good with machines.