 November 3, 2007 - 4:50pm | This is a developing situation in my Lost Worlds, New Frontiers campaign. A huge passenger liner with 2000+ passengers and crew has misjumped into an unknown star system. They don't know it yet, but they are stuck here and will eventually use up the life support on their ship if they don't quickly colonize a habitable planet in this system. Assuming a mixture of races, social classes, professions and backgrounds, how quickly could they decide on some form of emergency goverment and what forms might it take? The liner is owned and crewed by PGC, but the captain and most of the senior officers are MIA for the moment (they abandoned ship). The passengers will soon find out what happened and are not likely to continue with PGC management. Some passengers are VIPs and have high ranking positions (government, corporate, etc) back on their homeworlds or great wealth that they no longer have access to. What factions or disputes might arise? I have my own plans for a development in stages, starting with emergency meetings and maybe a little rioting...leading up to improvised government of a colony. |
 November 3, 2007 - 5:12pm | Question 1.: What will be the PCs involvement in the decision for the new colony? Question 1.:If the crew abandonded ship - where did they go? Will the colony meet up with them again? I think I will answer based on Question 1. /me is the newest Player of Lost Worlds!  |
November 3, 2007 - 5:41pm | The PCs can become as involved as they wish, or TRY stay away from the politics as they see fit. They will get mixed up in it to some degree. If anyone has good ideas, I can stick them in my game as window dressing or extra events. |
 November 3, 2007 - 11:54pm | Well in a situation like that - any VIP's will undoubtedly want to run the show. Factions could arise over chosen leadership styles. For example: one guy might be a general for some military. He'll take on the burden of leadership as a matter of duty. Another guy might be a bigwig corporate exec. He might take on the leadership mantle out of megalomania. Or maybe swap those two to avoid cliche... power-mad general and sense-of-duty exec. The factions don't necessarily have to end up in armed conflict, but it might make good role-playing opportunities for players who want to make everyone cooperate better. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
 November 4, 2007 - 3:36am | It's simple, really. Like Napolean, let the shortest guy rule.
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 November 4, 2007 - 7:03am | I think that most probably the tech oriented people are going to be the first to figure out the problem and think alternatives. Then, as they beging working the alternatives they become short term de facto leaders, just because they seem to knowwhat to do. After things settle down, other leaders might arise. |
 November 4, 2007 - 9:32am | The different factions could try to win over as many techs as posible in order to control the life support and other vital technologys. Teh Tech types could even decide to become a major player by cutting off power or water to some sections in ordr to gain power. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
November 4, 2007 - 10:28am | I'd say the remaining crew have access and control of all the resources. They are also the only organized group. A leader will emerge. Make him despotic and watch the sparks fly. |
November 4, 2007 - 1:08pm | It's simple, really. Like Napolean, let the shortest guy rule.
I'm in the know! ...but why would anyone in this situation be thinking of currency? Survival is paramount.
I'd say the remaining crew have access and control of all the
resources. They are also the only organized group. A leader will
emerge. Make him despotic and watch the sparks fly. nobody trusts the crew and may even hunt them down. I have a feeling the abandoned crew will show up later in the adventure. I think that most probably the tech oriented people are going to be the
first to figure out the problem and think alternatives. Then, as they
beging working the alternatives they become short term de facto
leaders, just because they seem to know what to do. After things settle
down, other leaders might arise. I agree this is the most likely course...and ample time for some awersome PC playing in a new role...Policticality. |
November 4, 2007 - 7:39pm | I'm in the know! ...but why would anyone in this situation be thinking of currency?  I can see some panic stricken executive have a nervous breakdown, and partially recover, but become very focused on cash resources and really push the issue. Or even go bit more off the deep end. "Yes I will start your fire, but you will have to give me one half your rock lizard." And then the attorneys get involved and determine that 15 minutes of labor is worth 1/3 of a rock lizard. But then mention that their negotiation skills are worth 2 rock lizards or 1 fully prepared and cooked lizard. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
November 4, 2007 - 8:02pm | I'm in the know! ...but why would anyone in this situation be thinking of currency? I can see some panic stricken executive have a nervous breakdown, and partially recover, but become very focused on cash resources and really push the issue. Or even go bit more off the deep end. "Yes I will start your fire, but you will have to give me one half your rock lizard." And then the attorneys get involved and determine that 15 minutes of labor is worth 1/3 of a rock lizard. But then mention that their negotiation skills are worth 2 rock lizards or 1 fully prepared and cooked lizard. On a more realistic note, I'd say use Lost and Battlestar Galactica as good examples of the politics of survival. Those show all the concerns and leadership maneuvers that take place. First thing is housing, food, and warmth. Leaders become known right away. Among the leaders a power struggle develops. Some come to respect each other, others to despise each other. In the end, it's whoever everyone trusts most to protect the group. It's possible at this point that two factions may develop. Then it becomes a matter of whether one of the chosen leaders will choose to submit to the other or if both want the lead. If both want the lead, then you end up with two despots (which leads to continual wars both between the tribes and within the tribes themselves, through assassinations and mutinies, and they may eventually resolve their differences and rejoin when two benevolent leaders get in control). If one leader submits, then if the second turns into a despot, the first one can rise up against the second with the support of just about everyone but the second one's diehard supporters who are then either killed or exiled with the second leader. Now a benevelant leader is in the lead. No one will be concerned with barter in the first few months or years, but eventually a custom of trade will develop, and from there a monetary system. Law is only developed upon necessity. As personal disputes arise, they would rely upon the leader to resolve their dispute. The leader's core supporters act as security and police, meading out punishment where necessary. How they mead out the punishment will depend on what type of person the leader is (despot or wise). Differences in rule will be the primary variable in such a campaign. A despot will jealously horde the provisions while demanding special privileges with it, while a wise ruler will seek to share equally and as liberally as conservation will allow. That's all for now. |
 November 12, 2007 - 8:57am | Might doesn't make right......but it might.....the trappings of ordered society will be ok at first, but after the problem is found, panic and gang mentality will eventually set in. If there is an outlaw/oppurtunist type, that could be a problem. If a few thugs start intimidating people who will stop them....wouldn't it be fun if a prisoner transport were tagging along on this in the the cargo hold or other area....kind of Riddick/pitch black style....most passengers would be unarmed...maybe PC's and the bad guy are the only armed ones after he overpowers the guards...or maybe he isn't such a bad guy after all..... Mess with the fish....you get the bone!!! |
 November 12, 2007 - 4:27pm | Overall, I would think that 2000+ people would insist on some rudimentary form of democracy. Of course, despots could emerge... Who got the guns? As Mao said, power flows from the barrel of a gun. There should be a strong technocratic element. Then you would also have the Howell's, ala Gilligan's Island, promising mad Creds to those that give them preferential treatment upon eventual rescue. I would think such a group would divide along those lines - strong men with guns, rich but largely useless (in this situation) people, people with key skills, and whining masses insisting on "fairness". You might also have the ship's Captain and crew insisting on some power because of their position. Especially if they get to the Weapons Locker first. It's pretty much a mess. But that's the fun, isn't it? |
November 12, 2007 - 7:25pm | strong men with guns, rich but largely useless people, people with key skills, and whining masses insisting on "fairness". There's something eerily familiar about that statement...LOL Being a player in the aforementioned game, we have already interacted with the Mr. Howell of the game, who has already begun monetary promises. Zagon will be keeping a watchful eye on that one later... |
November 12, 2007 - 11:49pm | strong men with guns, rich but largely useless people, people with key skills, and whining masses insisting on "fairness". There's something eerily familiar about that statement...LOL Being a player in the aforementioned game, we have already interacted with the Mr. Howell of the game, who has already begun monetary promises. Zagon will be keeping a watchful eye on that one later... |
November 13, 2007 - 12:19am | No need to defend...I probably should have stressed the last part was the eerily familiar statement (re: whining masses insisting on "fairness".) |
October 9, 2008 - 12:48pm | Would anyone be interested in getting this game going again? |
 October 9, 2008 - 1:05pm | Sure. Ad Astra Per Ardua! My blog - Expanding Frontier Webmaster - The Star Frontiers Network & this site Founding Editor - The Frontier Explorer Magazine Managing Editor - The Star Frontiersman Magazine |
October 9, 2008 - 4:12pm | Rocket scientists are always welcome. |
October 9, 2008 - 4:57pm | "Gizmo" Sharpe reporting for duty.  Or should I say "re-reporting for duy"  Ad Astra Per Ardua! My blog - Expanding Frontier Webmaster - The Star Frontiers Network & this site Founding Editor - The Frontier Explorer Magazine Managing Editor - The Star Frontiersman Magazine |
October 9, 2008 - 6:04pm | One of my all time most favorite play-by-post is Lost Worlds, New Frontiers! LET's DO IT! |
October 10, 2008 - 5:27am | Rocket scientists are always welcome. AS A MATTER OF FACT, Rocket scientists are always welcome. Beowulf and Trel - one of you change your avatar! I thought Trel was talking to himself. LOL |
October 10, 2008 - 5:42pm | TerlObar, w00t and elpotof...three players is enough. TerlObar and w00t already have characters, so elpotof could make one over the weekend if he has the time. Just use the other characters (already on the SF.org forums under Lost Worlds, New Frontiers) as a reference. |
October 10, 2008 - 6:08pm | Here is where we are playing at: http://starfrontiers.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=55 MAKE SURE you "Show all topics" or it will look like an empty forum. :-) Submitted By: Anonymous on October 11, 2008
Billow
 Basic InformationRace: YazirianGender: MaleAge: 26yearsHandedness: RightHeight: 2.3Weight: 85Ability ScoresSTR/STA: 45/45DEX/RS: 55/55INT/LOG: 60/60PER/LDR: 45/45Initiative Modifier: +6Punching Score: +3Ranged Weapons: 28%Melee Weapons: 27%MovementWalking: 10 m/turn Running: 30 m/turn Hourly: 4 kph Racial AbilitiesBattle Rage:25%. Night Vision: But -15 to all actions in full light. Gliding: Can glide 1m forward for each 1m dropped. SkillsPrimary Skill Area: BiosocialBeam Weapons: Level 1Environmental: Level 2Medical: Level 1BackgroundBillow is currently working as a PGC security guard on the Pan-Galactic, the largest space liner in the Frontier. EquipmentEquipment:
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October 11, 2008 - 4:38am | Zagon Fash reporting for duty... |
October 13, 2008 - 3:40pm | Elpotof will get 31 xp to spend on his character just like everyone else. Characters can start as PGC security guards and be issued the following items for free: |
 October 13, 2008 - 4:00pm | Quick Q, can I generate a Weren (from SF7) as a character? |
October 13, 2008 - 4:29pm | I'd prefer sticking with the original four races (or maybe even a rim race), since I haven't worked new ones like the weren into my campaign background. |
 October 14, 2008 - 2:39pm | Beowulf, he could play a Yazirian from Morgaine's World, explaining the high strength, though if he is native to Morgaine's, his wingflaps would be vestiges at best(since Yazzies can glide in 1.2g) "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
October 15, 2008 - 8:37am | Here's my character: Nobim. I like the idea suggested by Will (thank you), but need to refer to the article (not really appropriate at work) to update. I'll flesh him out more tonight.
Melee Weapons:30% |
