Discuss The Discarded: A Sci-Fi RPG Concept

[Gavin]

[SIZE="1"]I've been toying with the idea of writing a few new RPGs for a while, and this is the one I believe has the greatest chance of success given the trend of RPGs on OB over the last while of being original concepts so I'm going to give a brief outline of the plot and if it's met with interest I'll finish it and posted the completed product over my Christmas holidays.

The concept behind The Discarded is that in the early part of the 21st century the planet Earth is rendered uninhabitable following a battle between two opposing extra-terrestial groups in our solar system. One side, the effective UN of the galaxy moves to save our "primitive race" from extinction by transporting inhabitants off the planet.

Unfortunately they cannot accomodate all seven billion humans, limiting their rescue effort to approximately half a million people. Judgement on who is saved is based on their "genetic worth" for future generations as well as some of the more obvious factors like high intelligence and athletic ability...as you can imagine very few of Earth's politicians were chosen to be saved.

The survivors are moved to what is regarded as a "small" refugee star-station to continue their existence as a planet is sought for them to move to more permanently. However as is the case with human history and disasters, the plight of the human race in the galactic community moves out of galactic focus and they're effectively left to fend for ourselves.

The plot would take place about three or four generations after the destruction of Earth as humanity continues to etch out a living on "The Ark", the station which they've continued to live on for the last hundred years. As suggested from the title humanity have been discarded by the galactic community for the most part and forced to find our own way in the galaxy. the big plot will revolve around the search for and (possibly) the discovery of a new home world.

Characters would be descendants from the original survivors, obviously they know only of Earth what's been passed down in stories and saved media but anything is considered to be better than The Ark (a term used sarcastically). Most humans have adapted and become comfortable with alien technology although being able to afford top-of-the-line tech is very rare and most simply make do with repairing and upgrading old technologies and equipment.

As a society humans are very far from the Utopia figured to occur after our venture into deep space. Govenment is still democratic although voter apathy based on the state of constant degredation of The Ark and lack of upgrade and repair for the most part is reaching peak degrees. Education is basic and mostly technically-oriented effectively trying to raise children to the point where they can go find work. Old religions are practically non-existent with the vast majority being actively cynical about the concept.

Crime rates are high to the point where police forces don't even address minor crimes. Genetic engineering and cybernetic augmentation are available but relatively uncommon due to the expense involved, genetic engineering, in particular eugenics became a fad after the desutrction of Earth in order to "give future generations the best possible chances to rebuild society". Unforunately a lack of familiarity with the human genome on behalf of ET doctors as well as human lack of skill in genetic resequencing lead to deaths and mutations.

Economically humanity exists fulfilling a variety of low-level or low/medium skill jobs such as mining and transport. Few humans actually live in alien society preferring to call The Ark home, though some of those in the few human merhcant fleets live oboard their own ships permanently.

So thoughts/questions ? As I said this is just a very rough draft and some things may change with time. [/SIZE]

[Nessaja]

This sounds like a great plan for an RP. I'll definitely be looking out for it when it's more than just a rough draft.

My only questions are, what does the ark look like? Also, what are these two alien races like?

No suggestions yet, but if I think of any I'll let you know.

[Rachmaninoff]

[quote name='Gavin][SIZE="1"']...as you can imagine very few of Earth's politicians were chosen to be saved. [/SIZE][/quote]Best part of the whole idea. =P Though I'm sure by then they have new politicians. Pity. Anyway, other than to say it looks interesting, I don't have any suggestions to add to what you've posted. I am curious to see more once you have it ready to post.