Motivations for colonization

jedion357's picture
jedion357
February 12, 2011 - 6:17pm
What are the motivations that move people to launch a colony expedition?
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!
Comments:

Ellzii's picture
Ellzii
February 13, 2011 - 11:16am
A place to resettle criminals, or people the goverment finds difficult [Australia for example]

Conversion of the "heathens" [Jesuit Missions into the America's]

Trade [The hunt for a western passage to India]

Land including Resources (Mineral, Agricultural) for the parent (Corporation, Goverment, Religious Institution) [England and Spains colonies in the "New World"]

Pride/National Identity (Look what we can do) [The space race for colonization of the moon]

Escape from persecution be it religious or govermental [Several "compounds" within the United States and abroad]

Usually it is a combination of factors which launch a colonization expedition. With several parties with their own agendas helping to make the attempt. While there is usually a prime mover who brings the money to the table, you also have to have colonists who are ready to leave civilization. Be it for new adventures or just to get away from something.

-LZ

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
February 14, 2011 - 6:54am
Add one more;
  • Forced to re-locate (Such as the yazirian migration)

jedion357's picture
jedion357
February 15, 2011 - 9:34pm
in games terms having several different agendas on a expedition is good for drama and conflict

cast the PCs as the security detachment on an expedition to planet x
among the colonist are uppity rich who think they are entitalled to run the show

missionaries from a slightly overbearing religious organization (aka jessuit like)

New Way Amish, using technology (a space ship) to escape technology in order to live a more pure life on a wild frontier.

Scores of people just looking for a new start-families



Criminals who will have their sentences commuted by providing a labor pool for a period of indentured servatude

ousted political leader- disgrace or something or a deposed dictator.

Corporate employees

etc.

Game starts with arrival in system. Problems begin to happen. from the environment and from withing the diverse group. PCs must handle it.


I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
February 16, 2011 - 9:13pm
jedion,
I think this section is ready to be turned into a structured Document.