2028One year per day
"For tens of thousands of years, the human race - the only sentient life we know of in the Universe - has been confined to just a tiny, wet rock orbiting a typical yellow dwarf star. It had been that way for ages, and many thought it would stay that way. But in 1957, something extraordinary happened. For the first time, mankind launched an object of their own making into orbit around Earth. Twelve years later, the first man landed on another celestial body. And we've been exploring the Solar System every since. In fact, just five years ago, New Horizons took our first detailed photographs of Pluto. Despite this progress, however, we're still practically confined to Earth. That's going to change, and you're going to be the ones who make that change. Because, ladies and gentlemen, space is the future. Let's make it reality."
Those are the words heard by NASA scientists as they listen to their director's pep talk. But make no mistake - these words are not unique, and all around the globe, similar agencies are making similar speeches towards similar scientists. Humanity - that's you - is about to reach for new horizons among the Solar System. The question is - will you cooperate with each other, or fight amongst yourselv- oh, what was that?
*mumbling* Alright, sorry. Apparently I've just gotten word that I'm being too poetic and I need to cut the chase or they'll find a new narrator.
So here's the deal. You pick a nation to lead through the near future (approximately until 2080). You're also going to want a space program, because in case you haven't noticed, we're kind of out of room here on Earth, and conquering land from other nations will
not sit well with the United Nations. Unfortunately, space is expensive, so unless you can print money, I'd- oh wait, you can print money, can't you? Oh, nevermind, point is, you're going to want allies so that you can share the bill. In fact, the more the merrier! Next, you're going to need technology. Depending on your nation, you'll receive research points every year, which you can spend on
technologies. You can check on your points and owned techs anytime in
this spreadsheet. After that, it's up to you. Space privateers? No problem - the UN won't know! Space mining? Definitely! Space cities? Well, actually, that might have to wait a few decades. Have fun!
Oh, and a note about designing rockets. There's this thing called the rocket equation, and it's exponential with respect to how much velocity you want stored in the rocket (known as delta-V), which means that if you want to go really far with some mass, you have to bring a LOT of fuel. Because that fuel required fuel to move. And so does THAT fuel. Et cetera. NASA even has a name for that effect - the tyranny of the rocket equation. So make sure you upgrade things to be more efficient, okay? Also, there are maneuvers called gravity assists (or slingshot maneuvers) that allow you to hitch free velocity off of planets, and they're very necessary early-game. Unfortunately, slingshots between planets are only available on certain years (this has yet to be generated, but expect it soon). Be smart with your mission planning, and ask if you have any questions.
Map
Nations
Nation ranks are visible as outlines on the Earth map.
Rank V:
Hyper Power (None at the moment)
Rank IV:
Super Power (United States)
Rank III:
Great Power (China, Russia, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan)
Rank II:
Middle Power (see map)
Rank I:
Small Power (all others)
United StatesRank: IV - Super Power
Player: Maxwell
Organizations: NATO, Five Eyes
Agency: NASA
RussiaRank: III - Great Power
Player: Mr. Hurricane
Organizations: CSTO, SCO
Agency: RFSA
FranceRank: III - Great Power
Player: Gojira
Organizations: EU, NATO
Agency: ESA
United KingdomRank: III - Great Power
Player: Tudoreleu
Organizations: NATO, Commonwealth, Five Eyes
Agency: ESA
GermanyRank: III - Great Power
Player: Ragequit
Organizations: EU, NATO
Agency: ESA
JapanRank: III - Great Power
Player: Nonnel
Organizations: (none)
Agency: JAXA
Saudi ArabiaRank: II - Middle Power
Player: CypherX
Organizations: Arab League
Agency: RSSP
AustraliaRank: II - Middle Power
Player: Steve Jenkins
Organizations: Commonwealth, PIF, Five Eyes
Agency: ANZAC
Rules
- Don't be a richard. This includes being an starfish, being a douchebag, and even being a cunt!
- Don't be an idiot. This includes being a dumbass and means you should use common sense.
- Do not RP for other nations. For example, never say you attacked a space station and captured it, only that you tried to.
- RP reasonably. There is a tech tree in place so tech shouldn't be too big of an issue, though.
- I, as the OP, have the final say in all matters.
- Covert actions can be taken via PM. I would highly prefer you not use Steam for this purpose, as Steam history is not permanent.
- I would greatly appreciate it if player-to-player communication, if it's part of this RP, be relayed to me too (add me in the to: field of the PM.) It's not required, but certain game events will be easier to create if I know what's going on!
- On the matter of technology: tech points CAN be saved up and spent whenever. There's no need to research technology every day. Each technology costs 100 points, unless you have a discount or if you are ahead of time. The cost goes up by 20% for every year ahead of time, and techs cannot be taken more than 5 years in advance. Points can be donated within space agencies
- On the matter of ideology and internal politics: I won't be managing this at all unless it gets too out of hand or if I feel something needs to happen. Just be reasonable, like always.
- On the matter of alliances and other organizations: feel free to create your own! The alliance leader will automatically be the highest-ranked nation, or if multiple nations share the highest rank, leadership will be shared. Space agencies are special organizations that allow technology sharing - if you're part of the ESA and decide to research "Chemical Rocketry II," the tech will be granted to all of the ESA (unless you say otherwise).
- On the matter of war: full-scale land warfare, especially to conquer territory, will be disallowed. Military interventions and coups are on a case-by-case basis (PM me).
- Anyone may join by simply announcing that they are playing as a country. No need for an application or anything like that, though if you're a known problem I might deny you playership. As such, pick a nation that you can handle according to your experience and real life obligations. Creating a post for your nation is not obligatory, but it is definitely encouraged.
- Have fun!
